bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size metrics, longevity, and growth rates in Umbellula encrinus (Cnidaria: Pennatulacea) from the eastern Canadian Arctic.
Authors: de Moura Neves Bárbara , Edinger Evan , Hayes Vonda Wareham , Devine Brynn , Wheeland Laura , Layne Graham
Published: July 2018

Umbellula encrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a deep-water sea pen commonly found in the eastern Canadian Arctic. It can reach heights of >2 m, and it has often been caught as fishing bycatch. Here, we characterized abundance/density, size metrics, longevity, and growth rates of U. encrinus colonies from Baffin Bay (between Greenland and Canada). No prevalent size classes were identified at most locations, except for Jones Sound and Cape Dyer, where small-size colonies dominated. Average number of growth rings in the internal skeleton (axis) of the examined colonies ranged between 2 and 68, with a maximum of 75. A bomb-14C analysis yielded 14C curves comparable with those of other deep-water octocorals with annual ring formation. A trace element analysis of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, and Na/Ca yielded values oscillating along the axis radius, with the number of peaks and growth rings being comparable. Growth rates averaged 0.067 ± 0.015 mm year−1 (radial extension) and 4.5 ± 1.2 cm year−1 (linear extension), considering rings to be formed annually. Relationships between radial growth rates, depth, and surface salinity were weak but statistically significant. Umbellula encrinus is a long-lived species, vulnerable to various types of fishing gear, with a skeleton that stores biological and environmental information.
Reconstructing oedometric compression curves for selecting design parameters
Authors: Carneiro Raphael Felipe , Gerscovich Denise Maria Soares , Danziger Bernadete Ragoni
Published: July 2018

The mineral structure of soft clays is extremely fragile. Sampling operations and laboratory handling cause unavoidable disturbance. Undisturbed sampling is a theoretical concept because the stress release imposes disturbance. Consolidation tests on disturbed samples provide one-dimensional (1D)-compression curves very different from field response, which leads to inaccurate settlement estimates. Among the approaches for curve reconstruction, Schmertmann’s method is probably the most commonly adopted in engineering practice. However, it presents difficulties in determining preconsolidation stress. The paper primarily addresses Schmertmann’s and Nagaraj et al.’s propositions and discusses their advantages and shortcomings. A new approach for reconstructing the 1D-compression curve is proposed with the main objective being its independence of the interpretation of the experimental results. The validity was examined by comparing the reconstructed curves with those obtained by other methods. Experimental results on high- and low-quality specimens have been analyzed as well. The results revealed that the reconstructed curves for the cases analyzed are almost unique and independent of specimen quality. The proposed method allows both graphical and analytical implementation and the reconstructed curves are unaffected by experimental curve interpretation.
Preliminary investigations into the synthesis and antimicrobial activities of boron-containing capsaicinoids
Authors: Ramsaywack Sharwatie , Bos Allyson , Vogels Christopher M. , Gray Christopher A. , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: July 2018

This preliminary study reports on the synthesis of two new boron-capsaicin derivatives containing either a short or long chain aliphatic tail group using an iridium catalyzed hydroboration reaction with pinacolborane. The boronate ester groups reside on the terminal position of the tail group and are necessary for the bioactivity of these compounds. Indeed, both compounds showed considerable activity against two Gram-positive bacteria, including Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Vancomycin is considered the last resort medication for the treatment of septicemia, and new antibacterial agents that can treat sepsis are of paramount importance. The more lipophilic boron compound with the longer aliphatic chain also showed antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Road users’ behavior and safety analysis of pedestrian–bike shared space: case study of Robson Street in Vancouver
Authors: Essa Mohamed , Hussein Mohamed , Sayed Tarek
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the behavior and safety of road users at the pedestrian–bike shared space of Robson Street in Vancouver. The analysis was conducted using video data, collected during the summer of 2016. Automated video analysis techniques were used to detect different road users and extract their trajectories from video scenes. The extracted trajectories were used to evaluate the speed distributions of different categories of road users, and analyze the interactions (conflicts) between pedestrians and bikes to assess their safety. As well, the paper investigates the effect of introducing a bike dismount sign at both ends of the shared space on both the percentage of cyclists’ compliance with the sign and the frequency of pedestrian–bike interactions. Finally, the relationship between the speed of both pedestrians and bikes and the density of the shared space was investigated to develop speed–density relationships in this shared space environment.
Integrated predictive artificial neural network fatigue endurance limit model for asphalt concrete pavements
Authors: Isied Mayzan M. , Souliman Mena I.
Published: July 2018

Asphalt endurance limit is a strain value if experienced by asphalt pavement layer, no accumulated damage will occur and is directly related to asphalt healing. Therefore, if the pavement experiences this value of strain, or lower, no fatigue damage would accumulate within that pavement section. Beam fatigue test data conducted under the NCHRP Project 9-44A were extracted and utilized to create an artificial neural network predictive model (ANN) to determine the endurance limit strain values for conventional asphalt concrete pavements. The developed ANN model architecture as well as how to utilize it to predict the endurance limit were demonstrated and discussed in detail. Also, a stand-alone equation that is capable in the prediction of the endurance limit strain value, separate from the ANN model environment, was derived utilizing the eclectic extraction approach. The model training and validation data included 934 beam fatigue laboratory data points, as extracted from NCHRP Project 9-44A report. The developed model was able to determine the endurance limit strain value as a function of the stiffness ratio, number of cycles to failure, initial stiffness and rest period, and had a reasonable coefficient of determination (R2) value, which indicates the reliability of both the developed ANN model and the stand-alone equation. Furthermore, a correlation between the endurance limit strain values, as predicted utilizing the generated regression model under the NCHRP project 944-A, and the endurance limit strain values predicted utilizing the stand-alone ANN derived equation was found with a high R2 value.
Lane-based signal optimization with left turn prohibition in urban road networks
Authors: Tang Qinrui , Liu Huijun , Friedrich Bernhard
Published: July 2018

Left turns may generate efficiency problems, which can be solved by appropriately prohibiting left turns. The goal of this paper is to propose a method for purpose of minimizing total travel times in urban road networks by prohibiting left turns. With left turn prohibition, the signal timing plan is optimized with the lane-based method because the method can adequately handle both signal timing optimization and lane assignment. The total travel time is calculated with link flows and link travel time being estimated with signal settings. As illustrated by numerical examples, prohibiting left turns reduces the total travel time of car traffic in road networks. As the left turn prohibition results can handle the randomness in the network, these results provide potential implications for congestion management.
A transformative approach to ageing fish otoliths using Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy: a case study of eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus)
Authors: Helser Thomas E. , Benson Irina , Erickson Jason , Healy Jordan , Kastelle Craig , Short Jonathan A.
Published: July 2018

We investigated the use of Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIRS), which is a method of measuring light absorbance signatures, to derive ages from eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) otoliths. This approach is based on a predictive model between near infrared spectra in the otolith and fish age, which is calibrated and validated. The advantage of FT-NIRS over traditional methods is the speed and repeatability with which age estimates are generated. The application of FT-NIRS to walleye pollock otoliths yielded r2 values between 0.91 and 0.95 for the calibration models and good validation performance (between 0.82 and 0.93). This approach can be expected to predict fish age within ±1.0 year of age 67% of the time. When comparing approaches, the FT-NIRS had as good or slightly better precision (75% agreement) than the traditional ageing (66% agreement) and showed little or no bias at age before 12 years of age. Once the predictive FT-NIR model is calibrated and validated, age estimates using FT-NIRS can be done at 10 times the rate compared to traditional methods.
Model-based local thresholding for canopy hemispherical photography
Authors: Díaz Gastón Mauro , Lencinas José Daniel
Published: July 2018

Canopy hemispherical photography (HP) is widely used to estimate forest structural variables. To achieve good results with HP, a classification algorithm is needed to produce binary images to accurately estimate the gap fraction. Our aim was to develop a local thresholding method for binarizing carefully acquired hemispherical photographs. The method was implemented in the R package “caiman”. Working with photographs of artificial structures and using a linear model, our method turns the cumbersome problem of finding the optimal threshold value into a simpler one, which is estimating the digital number (DN) of the sky. Using hemispherical photographs of a deciduous forest, we compared our method with several standard and state-of-the-art binarization techniques. Our method was as accurate as the best-tested binarization techniques, regardless of the exposure, as long as it was between 0 and 2 stops over the open sky auto-exposure. Moreover, our method did not require knowing the exact relative exposure. Intending to balance accuracy and practicality, we mapped the sky DN using the values extracted from gaps. However, we discussed whether a more accurate but less practical way to map sky DN could provide, along with our method, a new benchmark.
Stand dynamics and the mountain pine beetle — 30 years of forest change in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Axelson Jodi N. , Hawkes Brad C. , van Akker Lara , Alfaro René I.
Published: July 2018

The mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) is a native bark beetle and a major disturbance agent in western North American forests. In the 1970s and 1980s, a MPB outbreak occurred in Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP) in southwestern Alberta. The MPB outbreak resulted in variable levels of mortality of mature lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson), reducing density, volume, and basal area of overstory trees. By 2010, lodgepole pine was proportionally no longer the dominant overstory species, with increases in non-pine conifer and broadleaf species. The MPB susceptibility index decreased in most stands over time, especially in stands with the highest MPB-caused mortality. Downed woody material was characterized by fine and coarse fuel mass and volume, which both increased from 2002 to 2010, and the abundance of coarse fuels was highest in 2010, nearly 30 years after peak MPB activity. Density of understory saplings and small regeneration increased from 2002 to 2010 and was dominated by non-pine conifer and broadleaf species; lodgepole pine was nearly absent. Hierarchical clustering using 2010 MPB susceptibility and composition data characterized biological legacies remaining after the MPB outbreak. These legacies suggest multiple successional trajectories in WLNP dominated by species other than lodgepole pine. The MPB outbreak resulted in greater heterogeneity in composition and structure and suggests that stands have been resilient to this disturbance.
Effect of copper sulfate on Bdellovibrio growth and bacteriolytic activity towards gibel carp-pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Cao Haipeng , Yang Yibin , Lu Liqun , Yang Xianle , Ai Xiaohui
Published: July 2018

The use of bdellovibrios has been regarded as an alternative to control multidrug-resistant pathogens and fish bacteriosis. However, scarce information is available on the potential of bdellovibrios in the presence of copper sulfate, which is an algicide widely used to treat cyanobacterial blooms in aquaculture. In the present study, the effects of copper sulfate at sublethal and lethal levels (0.1 and 1.0 mg·L−1) on Bdellovibrio sp. strain BDF-H16 were evaluated. The growth of Bdellovibrio sp. strain BDF-H16 was significantly promoted by both concentrations of copper sulfate, but less so by the lethal concentration. The bacteriolysis of gibel carp-pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila by Bdellovibrio sp. strain BDF-H16 was also stimulated by copper sulfate in both solid and liquid media. However, Bdellovibrio sp. strain BDF-H16 with 0.1 mg·L−1 copper sulfate clearly inhibited infection of gibel carps by A. hydrophila better than Bdellovibrio sp. strain BDF-H16 with 1.0 mg·L−1 copper sulfate did.
On steady two-dimensional Carreau nanofluid flow in the presence of infinite shear rate viscosity
Authors: Khan Masood , Sardar Humara
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the steady two-dimensional Carreau nanofluid flow over a stretching surface with infinite shear rate viscosity. The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis under the influence of convectively heated surface are analyzed. Using suitable transformations, nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations and solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method coupled with the shooting technique. The effects of various physical parameters like local Weissenberg number (We), thermophoresis parameter (Nt), Brownian motion parameter (Nb), Prandtl number (Pr), Lewis number (Le), viscosity ratio parameter (β*), and Biot number (γ*) on the temperature and nanoparticle concentration distributions are displayed graphically and discussed quantitatively. Generally, our results reveal that temperature and nanoparticle concentration distributions are marginally influenced by the viscosity ratio parameter. Further, it is noted that augmented values of viscosity ratio parameter thin the boundary layer thickness in shear thinning fluid and the reverse is true for shear thickening fluid.
Magnetic interference testing method for an electric fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
Authors: Tuck L. , Samson C. , Laliberté J. , Wells M. , Bélanger F.
Published: July 2018

One of the barriers preventing unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) from having a larger presence in the geophysical magnetic surveying industry is the magnetic interference generated by the UAS and its impact on the quality of the recorded data. Detailed characterization of interference effects is therefore needed before remedial solutions can be proposed. A method for characterizing magnetic interference is demonstrated for a 21 kg, 3.7 m wingspan, 6 kW electric fixed-wing UAS purposely built for magnetic surveying. It involves mapping the spatial variations of the total magnetic intensity resulting from the interference sources on the UAS. Dynamic tests showed that the motor should be engaged and the aircraft control surfaces levelled prior to mapping. Experimental results reveal that the two strongest sources of magnetic interference are the cables connecting the motor to the batteries, and the servos. Combining three factors to assess the level of magnetic interference — the total magnetic intensity, 4th difference and vertical magnetic gradient — an index overlay shows that the magnetic sensor(s) should be located at least 50 cm away from the wingtips or tail to ensure an interference level of <2 nT, a 4th difference of <0.05 nT, and a gradient of <10 nT/m.
Vibration stability analysis of dual motor harmonic synchronous excitation nonlinear vibration conveyer
Authors: Li Xiaohao , Sun Yuanyuan , Shen Tao
Published: July 2018

To enhance the stability of a harmonic vibration synchronous conveyer, this paper establishes a nonlinear dynamical model for this kind of vibration machine, and the effects and compensation function on the stability produced by the nonlinearity of a master vibration spring have been analyzed. A small parameter perturbation method has been used to analyze the effects of a nonlinear force on the conveyer when a fluctuating impact was loaded onto the machine. The reaction between motion stability of the vibration conveyer and the synchronization of the two motors was also investigated. The results of experiments and practical applications demonstrated the correctness of the motion stability analysis of this nonlinear vibration conveyer and its application validity. In conclusion, significant reference values for design, dynamic analysis, testing, and application of the nonlinear vibration conveyer, with harmonic synchronous vibration, actuated by two motors have been achieved.
An acoustic metasurface with simultaneous phase modulation and energy attenuation
Authors: Cheng Baozhu , Hou Hong , Gao Nansha
Published: July 2018

We introduced a rigid structure into the acoustic metasurface design, the proposed labyrinth structure is based on the equivalent medium theory and different media are replaced by curly labyrinth. Layered media theory and equivalent medium theory are combined to design the arbitrary acoustic metasurface structure. An acoustic metasurface studied in this paper realized simultaneous phase modulation and energy attenuation in the air, the effective phase modulation range covered from 30[Formula: see text] to 90[Formula: see text] and the energy attenuation is over 40%. According to layered media theory which could modulate the acoustic wave direction, the metasurface with same function can also be applied to underwater case. Corresponding simulation results are calculated by FEA. Finally, by introducing the curly labyrinth theory, the underwater acoustic metasurface with simultaneous phase modulation and energy attenuation is designed and verified. This paper has potential applications in rigid underwater acoustic metasurface designs with low frequency, adjustable direction and sound energy attenuation.
Darboux transformation and new soliton solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg–de Vries and Maxwell–Bloch equations
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhou Run , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Chai Yu-Zhen
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we focus on the (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg–de Vries and Maxwell–Bloch (CMKdV-MB) equations. According to the relevant Lax pair, the n-fold Darboux transformation (DT) is constructed. In addition, via the DT and symbolic computation, two different kinds of soliton solutions are derived from trivial seed solutions. Meanwhile, the dynamic features of soliton solutions are graphically analyzed.
Multi-Level Downsampling of Graph Signals via Improved Maximum Spanning Trees
Authors: Zheng Xianwei , Tang Yuan Yan , Zhou Jiantao , Pan Jianjia , Yang Shouzhi , Li Youfa , Wang Patrick S. P.
Published: July 2018

Graph signal processing (GSP) is an emerging field in the signal processing community. Novel GSP-based transforms, such as graph Fourier transform and graph wavelet filter banks, have been successfully utilized in image processing and pattern recognition. As a rapidly developing research area, graph signal processing aims to extend classical signal processing techniques to signals with irregular underlying structures. One of the hot topics in GSP is to develop multi-scale transforms such that novel GSP-based techniques can be applied in image processing or other related areas. For designing graph signal multi-scale frameworks, downsampling operations that ensuring multi-level downsampling should be specifically constructed. Among the existing downsampling methods in graph signal processing, the state-of-the-art method was constructed based on the maximum spanning tree (MST). However, when using this method for multi-level downsampling of graph signals defined on unweighted densely connected graphs, such as social network data, the sampling rates are not close to [Formula: see text]. This phenomenon is summarized as a new problem and called downsampling unbalance problem in this paper. Due to the unbalance, MST-based downsampling method cannot be applied to construct graph signal multi-scale transforms. In this paper, we propose a novel and efficient method to detect and reduce the downsampling unbalance generated by the MST-based method. For any given graph signal, we apply the graph density to construct a measurement of the downsampling unbalance generated by the MST-based method. If a graph signal has large unbalance possibility, the multi-level downsampling is conducted after the MST is improved. The experimental results on synthetic and real-world social network data show that downsampling unbalance can be efficiently detected and then reduced by our method.
University Knowledge Management: Proposal for Broaden Integrative Perspective
Authors: Ayodele Freida Ozavize , Yao Liu , Haron Hasnah Binti
Published: July 2018

The study gives an overview and critique and identifies literature on university knowledge management (KM) research to ascertain gaps for further investigation. A systematic search of articles about university KM research in the Web of Science and Scopus was scrutinised using pre-defined criteria. After screening, 46 articles that met the selection criteria were reviewed. Findings revealed that the academic aspects are over-explored with some KM themes, whereas the non-academic university KM is under-explored. Moreover, the reviewed literature showed that the university KM cut across significant countries of the world with a large concentration of the research articles in USA, UK, and Malaysia. The study proffered ways of advancing university KM research agenda in the future by considering the under-explored contexts for more meaningful contributions to KM practice and theory development.
THE EFFECTS OF INNOVATION IMPLEMENTATION AND SPEED TO MARKET ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEAM SENSE-MAKING, TRUST, AND NPD SUCCESS
Authors: AMAYA ADRIANA ANDREA , LIAO YING-KAI , CHANG SIXTO
Published: July 2018

New product development (NPD) has long been regarded as an important issue for the success of business operations. One of the key determinants of NPD is innovation, which is highly related to innovation implementation. Both innovation implementation and NPD success require team sensemaking and trust. The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents of innovation implementation and its mediating role through which it influences NPD success. A causal model was developed to examine relevant variables for innovation implementation on NPD success. A survey was conducted using the responses from 286 NPD team leaders in the Taiwanese high-tech industry. The results indicated that team sensemaking and trust can influence innovation implementation, which further promotes NPD success. The influences of team sensemaking capability and trust on NPD success can be mediated through the mediating role that innovation implementation plays. This report sheds light on the relevance of innovation implementation in a NPD context.
Mo, Sn and W patterns in topsoils of the Campania Region, Italy
Authors: Rezza Carmela , Petrik Attila , Albanese Stefano , Lima Annamaria , Minolfi Giulia , De Vivo Benedetto
Published: July 2018

This study shows the statistical and spatial distribution of Mo, Sn and W in topsoils of the Campania Region. Topsoil samples were collected based on a 16-km
2
and a 3.8-km
2
cell-sampling grid in the suburban and urban areas, respectively. Samples were analysed for Mo, Sn and W concentrations by ICP-MS after an aqua regia digestion. Multifractal methods and RGB (Red, Green, Blue) composite maps of untransformed and centred log-ratio (clr) transformed datasets have been used to recognize spatial patterns of the three elements. Continuous low-value zones were revealed in topsoils over siliciclastic rocks where rivers might have redistributed sediments with low concentrations. A molybdenum anomaly south of Mt Cervati can be related to lacustrine argillaceous sediments containing sulphide minerals. Tin hot spots and anomaly zones were revealed along the Volturno River and urban areas. Tungsten is the element out of the three which is best related to the presence of volcanic rocks belonging to the Neapolitan Potassic Province.
Seasonal and spatial distribution of mercury in stream sediments from Almadén mining district
Authors: Garcia-Ordiales Efrén , Higueras Pablo , Esbrí Jose M. , Roqueñí Nieves , Loredo Jorge
Published: July 2018

The spatial and temporal distributions of Hg in different fractions of sediment samples from the Valdeazogues River (Almadén) were investigated. Almadén is widely known as the world's largest Hg mining district. A total of nine sites during six time periods were monitored using a BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) sequential extraction procedure. The results showed that Hg is mainly present as residual cinnabar but there is another important organic fraction in which Hg is primarily incorporated. Higher proportions of Hg in the residual fraction were found in wet seasons, while the opposite is true in the organic fraction. The exchangeable/carbonate and Fe-Mn oxide phases are the minor Hg fractions, and they were found less susceptible to seasonal changes. The potential risk for the aquatic medium was evaluated based on the proportions of non-residual (exchangeable/carbonate + Fe-Mn oxides + organic) fractions. The high proportions of Hg potentially (bio)available, together with the Hg total concentrations, indicated an important risk, especially in areas close to the mines. Although the risk is important in all seasons, it is particularly noticeable during dry periods due to the increase in the organic fraction, which may favor potential transference from the sediments to the environment due to the physic-chemical river conditions.
Congenital Rhabdomyosarcoma Presenting as a Neck Mass at Birth
Authors: Waldman Leah E. , Williamson Alex K. , Amodio John B. , Collins Lee
Published: July 2018

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the soft tissues which preferentially affects the pediatric population. Neonatal rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, and much of the published literature concerning this entity consists of isolated case reports and small case series. Recent work involving the classification of rhabdomyosarcoma has helped to delineate prognostic information based on gene rearrangements. Here, we present a case of congenital rhabdomyosarcoma seen in utero which manifested as a neck mass at birth and was found to harbor a favorable gene fusion.
Quantitative Analysis of Damping Enhancement and Piezoelectric Effect Mechanism of CNTs/PMN/EP Composites
Authors: Pan Shiyue , Li Meijuan , Chen Fei , Huang Zhixiong , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: July 2018

New types of piezoelectric damping materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/lead magnesium niobate (PMN)/epoxy (EP) resin, are developed. The tan δ area (TA) analysis method is selected to evaluate the damping properties which obviously clarifies the effect of maximum loss factor (tan δ) and effective temperature range on damping properties. Furthermore, the dominant factor of damping enhancement is quantitatively analyzed via the value of TA. Compared with PMN, the interfacial friction of CNTs acts as the dominant factor for the content less than 0.6 wt.%. The maximum damping percentage of CNTs reaches 29.14%. CNTs form loop circuits gradually with the content of CNTs increasing, and electrical energy generated via piezoelectric effect of PMN is efficiently dissipated through the conductive network. Thus, PMN becomes the dominant factor as the content of CNTs exceeds 0.8 wt.%, and the damping percentage reaches 47.43% at the content of CNTs of 1.0 wt.%.
The Association of Simultaneous Increase in Interleukin-6, C Reactive Protein, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Serum Levels with Increasing Stages of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rasic Ismar , Rebic Velma , Rasic Azra , Aksamija Goran , Radovic Svjetlana
Published: July 2018

Background. Tumor development and growth are driven in many cases by inflammatory cells, which can produce cytokines and other factors that can stimulate the development of the malignant process. The aim of this study was to evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), serum levels in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and their association with the stage of CRC. Methods. IL-6, MMP-9, and CRP serum levels were measured in 75 patients with CRC just before surgical treatment, as well as in 20 healthy individuals as controls. Surgically obtained tissue material was subjected to pathological analysis. Results. Significant increase in CRP and IL-6 serum concentration is associated with increasing stage of CRC (p <0.05), where MMP-9 serum level was significantly higher in stages III and IV compared to the stage II CRC. Significant correlation was found between IL-6 and MMP-9 serum levels (rho=0.478; p <0.001) as well as between IL-6 and CRP serum levels (rho=0.720; p <0.001) and between MMP-9 and CRP serum levels (rho=0.379; p <0.001). Serum levels of MMP-9 and CRP have been shown to be independent predictors of the CRC stage. Conclusion. Combined quantification of IL-6, MMP-9, and CRP serum levels seems to be a reliable index of inflammation-related processes during colorectal carcinogenesis.
Predicting the Remaining Useful Life of an Aircraft Engine Using a Stacked Sparse Autoencoder with Multilayer Self‐Learning
Authors: Ma Jian , Su Hua , Zhao Wan-lin , Liu Bin
Published: July 2018

Because they are key components of aircraft, improving the safety, reliability and economy of engines is crucial. To ensure flight safety and reduce the cost of maintenance during aircraft engine operation, a prognostics and health management system that focuses on fault diagnosis, health assessment, and life prediction is introduced to solve the problems. Predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) is the most important information for making decisions about aircraft engine operation and maintenance, and it relies largely on the selection of performance degradation features. The choice of such features is highly significant, but there are some weaknesses in the current algorithm for RUL prediction, notably, the inability to obtain tendencies from the data. Especially with aircraft engines, extracting useful degradation features from multisensor data with complex correlations is a key technical problem that has hindered the implementation of degradation assessment. To solve these problems, deep learning has been proposed in recent years to exploit multiple layers of nonlinear information processing for unsupervised self‐learning of features. This paper presents a deep learning approach to predict the RUL of an aircraft engine based on a stacked sparse autoencoder and logistic regression. The stacked sparse autoencoder is used to automatically extract performance degradation features from multiple sensors on the aircraft engine and to fuse multiple features through multilayer self‐learning. Logistic regression is used to predict the remaining useful life. However, the hyperparameters of the deep learning, which significantly impact the feature extraction and prediction performance, are determined based on expert experience in most cases. The grid search method is introduced in this paper to optimize the hyperparameters of the proposed aircraft engine RUL prediction model. An application of this method of predicting the RUL of an aircraft engine with a benchmark dataset is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Therapeutic Effects of Systemic Administration of the Novel RANKL-Modified Peptide, MHP1, for Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Shimamura Munehisa , Nakagami Hironori , Shimizu Hideo , Wakayama Kouji , Kawano Tomohiro , Ikeda Yuka , Hayashi Hiroki , Yoshida Shota , Mochizuki Hideki , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: July 2018

Microglial healing peptide 1, “MHP1”, is a newly developed synthetic peptide composed of the DE and a part of the EF loop of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-кB (NFκB) ligand (RANKL). Our previous report demonstrated that MHP1 significantly inhibits Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2- and 4-induced inflammation in microglia/macrophages through RANK signaling without osteoclast activation. However, its inhibitory effects on ischemic stroke when administered intravenously have not been clarified. First, we examined whether MHP1 could penetrate the brain parenchyma. Intravenous injection of FITC-conjugated MHP1 demonstrated that MHP1 could cross the blood-brain-barrier in peri-infarct regions, but not in intact regions. Because MHP1 in the parenchyma was reduced at 60 minutes after injection, we speculated that continuous injection was necessary to achieve the therapeutic effects. To check the possible deactivation of MHP1 by continuous injection, the anti-inflammatory effects were checked in MG6 cells after incubation in 37°C for 24 hours. Although the inhibitory effects for IL6 and TNFα were reduced compared to nonincubated MHP1, its anti-inflammatory efficacy remained, indicating that continuous administration with pump was possible. The single and successive continuous administration of MHP1 starting from 4 or 6 hours after cerebral ischemia successfully reduced infarct volume and prevented the exacerbation of neurological deficits with reduced activation of microglia/macrophages and inflammatory cytokines. Different from recombinant RANKL, MHP1 did not activate osteoclasts in the paralytic arm. Although further modification of MHP1 is necessary for stabilization, the MHP1 could be a novel agent for the treatment ischemic stroke.
Schwannoma of the Posterior Tibial Nerve Presenting as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report with Emphasis on the Role of Microscope during Surgery
Authors: Rajasekaran Raja Bhaskara , Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran
Published: July 2018

Schwannoma is a benign, noninvasive tumour of the peripheral nerve sheath with rare occurrence in the extremities. We present a case of a schwannoma in the posterior tibial nerve which presented with symptoms suggestive of tarsal tunnel syndrome. The patient was managed with surgical excision of the tumour under microscope, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. Such a presentation is rare, and our case report adds light regarding the management of such cases.
A Binary Cuckoo Search Big Data Algorithm Applied to Large‐Scale Crew Scheduling Problems
Authors: García José , Altimiras Francisco , Peña Alvaro , Astorga Gino , Peredo Oscar
Published: July 2018

The progress of metaheuristic techniques, big data, and the Internet of things generates opportunities to performance improvements in complex industrial systems. This article explores the application of Big Data techniques in the implementation of metaheuristic algorithms with the purpose of applying it to decision‐making in industrial processes. This exploration intends to evaluate the quality of the results and convergence times of the algorithm under different conditions in the number of solutions and the processing capacity. Under what conditions can we obtain acceptable results in an adequate number of iterations? In this article, we propose a cuckoo search binary algorithm using the MapReduce programming paradigm implemented in the Apache Spark tool. The algorithm is applied to different instances of the crew scheduling problem. The experiments show that the conditions for obtaining suitable results and iterations are specific to each problem and are not always satisfactory.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans Relapsing Peritonitis and Streptococcus suis Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Donderski Rafał , Grajewska Magdalena , Mikucka Agnieszka , Sulikowska Beata , Gospodarek-Komkowska Eugenia , Manitius Jacek
Published: July 2018

Peritonitis is considered to be the most common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). It is usually caused by Gram positive Staphylococcus epidermidis. Achromobacter xylosoxidans (A. xylosoxidans) and Streptococcus suis (S. suis) are rare pathogens, but there is emerging evidence that they may be also responsible for PD related peritonitis. We described 2 cases of rare peritonitis treated in our center. In our opinion this is the first described case of PD related peritonitis caused by Streptococcus suis.
Presupposition Failure and Intended Pronominal Reference: Person Is Not So Different from Gender After All
Authors: Charnavel Isabelle
Published: July 2018

This article aims to show that (one of) the main argument(s) against the presuppositional account of person is not compelling if one makes appropriate assumptions about how the context fixes the assignment. It has been argued that unlike gender features, person features of free pronouns cannot yield presupposition failure (instead, can yield only falsity) when they are not verified by the referent. The argument is flawed, however, because the way the referent is assigned is not made clear. If it is assumed to be the individual that the audience can recognize as the referent intended by the speaker, the argument is reversed.
Evolution of the Freshwater Coastal Current at the Southern Tip of Greenland
Authors: Lin Peigen , Pickart Robert S. , Torres Daniel J. , Pacini Astrid
Published: July 2018

Shipboard hydrographic and velocity measurements collected in summer 2014 are used to study the evolution of the freshwater coastal current in southern Greenland as it encounters Cape Farewell. The velocity structure reveals that the coastal current maintains its identity as it flows around the cape and bifurcates such that most of the flow is diverted to the outer west Greenland shelf, while a small portion remains on the inner shelf. Taking into account this inner branch, the volume transport of the coastal current is conserved, but the freshwater transport decreases on the west side of Cape Farewell. A significant amount of freshwater appears to be transported off the shelf where the outer branch flows adjacent to the shelfbreak circulation. It is argued that the offshore transposition of the coastal current is caused by the flow following the isobaths as they bend offshore because of the widening of the shelf on the west side of Cape Farewell. An analysis of the potential vorticity shows that the subsequent seaward flux of freshwater can be enhanced by instabilities of the current. This set of circumstances provides a pathway for the freshest water originating from the Arctic, as well as runoff from the Greenland ice sheet, to be fluxed into the interior Labrador Sea where it could influence convection in the basin.
Factors Influencing (Mal)adaptive Responses to Natural Disasters: The Case of Hurricane Matthew
Authors: Wong-Parodi Gabrielle , Feygina Irina
Published: July 2018

Climate-related disasters are on the rise, with a 44% increase between 1994 and 2013, and the population at risk is ever growing. The need to help people protect their well-being, families, and homes is of utmost importance. We surveyed individuals impacted by Hurricane Matthew in real time in October 2016 to explore the role of mental health, self-efficacy, social support, and evacuation and attitudinal factors on disaster response. We asked, “How much do 1) evacuation-relevant factors (reported evacuation zone, awareness of risk, and source of warning); 2) attitudes (climate- and environment-related perceptions and intentions); and 3) psychosocial factors (mental health, self-efficacy, and social support) contribute to engagement in protective behaviors (evacuation and preparation)?” We found 1) greater immediate exposure to risk increases protective behaviors; 2) climate and environmental concern increase preparation, but not evacuation; and 3) people with greater mental health and self-efficacy respond in ways commensurate with risk, taking protective actions if they live within a reported evacuation zone and not if they are not at risk, while those with lower mental health and self-efficacy do not respond in line with risks. These findings paint a complex picture of disaster response and suggest that preparedness efforts need to go beyond simple policy prescriptions (e.g., mandated evacuations) or improved messaging toward a focus on developing comprehensive programs that build human capital and provide people with psychological and social resources in advance of, during, and after an extreme weather event.
Method for measurement of serum copper, zinc and selenium using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on the PICOFOX analyser: Validation and comparison with atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Jeffery Jinny , Frank Amy R , Hockridge Stephanie , Stosnach Hagen , Costelloe Seán J
Published: July 2018

Background

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence is a comparably new method for the measurement of trace elements in biological samples.

Methods

Results obtained by total reflection X-ray fluorescence were compared to atomic absorption spectroscopy for Cu and Zn and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Cu, Zn and Se in patient serum. The total reflection X-ray fluorescence assay was characterized for accuracy; recovery; intra- and inter-assay imprecision (using patients’ samples, external quality assurance and quality control materials); limit of blank; limit of detection; linearity; interference and stability of prepared samples.

Results

Minimal sample preparation is required for total reflection X-ray fluorescence and simultaneous multi-elemental analysis is possible in clinical samples. There was a small positive bias for Cu and Zn measurements using total reflection X-ray fluorescence compared to atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and a significant negative bias for Se measurements by total reflection X-ray fluorescence relative to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Recovery, imprecision and linearity were acceptable. The limit of detection was shown to be 1.2  μmol/L for serum Cu, 1.8  μmol/L for serum Zn and 0.2  μmol/L for serum Se.

Conclusions

Measurement of Cu and Zn in serum samples using total reflection X-ray fluorescence would be a viable alternative to atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The volatility of some Se compounds results in lower Se results being reported using total reflection X-ray fluorescence and further work would be necessary to identify whether total reflection X-ray fluorescence has an acceptable clinical sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of Se deficiency. Measurement of copper, zinc and selenium on whole blood samples is possible using total reflection X-ray fluorescence which may provide a more accurate assessment of trace element deficiency for patients with an acute phase response.
On-Road Evaluation of In-vehicle Interface Characteristics and Their Effects on Performance of Visual Detection on the Road and Manual Entry
Authors: Suh Youngbo , Ferris Thomas K.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This study investigated the impact of in-vehicle interface characteristics on drivers’ multitasking performance measures relating to visual attention management, concerning the distraction potential of in-vehicle touchscreens.

Background:

Compared with physical controls providing drivers with naturalistic nonvisual cues, in-vehicle touchscreen interaction relies on vision to a greater extent, leading to more time with eyes off the road and concerns for safety. Little is known from existing research about the extent to which synthetic feedback of in-vehicle touchscreens support visual attention of multitasking drivers, while automakers are increasingly incorporating nondriving functions into in-vehicle touchscreens.

Method:

Twenty-nine participants drove an instrumented vehicle on a closed course and acknowledged visual probes obscured on the roadside, while performing a manual data entry task with input interfaces mounted on the center console. The interfaces differed by interface type, key feedback modality, and key size; the configuration of interface characteristics was the within-subject variable. The collected data include performance measures concerning visual detection and touchscreen interaction, in addition to perceived workload.

Results:

The addition of nonvisual feedback to touchscreen interaction significantly improved accuracy and promptness of visual detection. No significant difference was found between different sizes of touchscreen keys when synthetic nonvisual feedback was available. Given multisensory feedback, no measure showed a difference between touchscreen conditions and a physical keypad.

Conclusion:

The provision of synthetic nonvisual feedback to touchscreen interaction can support visual attention and enhance multitasking performance in driving.

Application:

This study can inform in-vehicle interface designers and policy makers concerned with distracted driving and safety.
Book Review: Nasir Tyabji, Forging Capitalism in Nehru’s India: Neocolonialism and the State, c. 1940–1970
Authors: Raianu Mircea
Published: July 2018

Nasir Tyabji, Forging Capitalism in Nehru’s India: Neocolonialism and the State, c. 1940–1970, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2015, 172 pp.
Book Review: Tirthankar Roy and Anand V. Swamy, Law and the Economy in Colonial India
Authors: Mathew Johan
Published: July 2018

Tirthankar Roy and Anand V. Swamy, Law and the Economy in Colonial India, Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2016, 256 pp.
Calculation method of a random beard fibrogram based on the derived Kubelka–Munk theory
Authors: Wu Meiqin , Jin Jingye , Zhang Jin , Wang Fumei
Published: July 2018

The random beard image method is a newly developed fiber length measurement method with the advantages of speed, reliability and low cost. This paper proposed the methods of acquiring an accurate and stable fibrogram from the transmission image with the random beard image method based on the derived Kubelka–Munk theory. In the dual-beard preparation process, the optical properties of the short fiber region in the beard were changed by the napping effect. To solve this problem, an imitating experiment with five types of wool fibers was designed to obtain the optical coefficient of the maximum value of the fibrograms of 1.03. To eliminate the random error of the sample, the symmetry principle was adopted to determine the start line of the dual-fibrogram, and the weighted smoothing average fibrogram from two dual-beards is used as the final fibrogram. In addition, upon testing 20 types of wool fiber samples by the random beard image method and the international standard instrument Almeter100, the waviness coefficient of 1.10 was determined. A Z-test and Bland–Altman plot were also applied to verify the accuracy and repeatability of the random beard image method. The results show that under the significance level α = 0.05, the accuracy and the repeatability of the two methods are at the same level. This method sets the foundation for measuring the fiber length distribution parameters, especially the short fiber content.