bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluate the geological structure, petroleum potential by interpretation the 2D seismic data of Phu Quoc basin
Authors: Binh Binh Nguyen , Nguyen Kha Xuan , Ngo San Thuong , Truong Thanh Quoc , Thai Ngoc Ba , Nguyen Huy Xuan , Tran Xuan Van
Published: September 2018

So far, the understanding of Pre-Tertiary formations in the Phu Quoc basin is eliminated due to lack of drilling and the absence of outcrops except on Phu Quoc Island and some other isles. By analogue with stratigraphic information from surrounding areas, seismic horizons may be correlated with known-age strata. Strata of pre-Cambrian and Early Paleozoic ages have not been discovered yet in SW Viet Nam but by analogue may consist of metamorphosed rocks such as chloritized phylite, sericite schist, and quartzite sandwiched with ultra basic rocks. Therefore, PetroVietnam assigned PVEP to perform acquisition of 2D seismic on the area of blocks 41- 44 in order to get additional data for more precise evaluation of the petroleum potential and defining the exploration strategy in the Phu Quoc area.Based on seismic data interpretation in block 42 of Phu Quoc Basin, the Isodepth maps were constructed by approach of conversingtime to depth from isochrone maps. The results of interpretation allowed to identify many seismic closures particularly on the isodepth map of the Brown section, but these closures are located deeply above 5000m, which reliability is fair and economic effect is weak. Hence, the Brown horizon did not considered as structures identified on and concentrate to describe those determined in the Orange and Purple horizons. Result of interpretation indicated 8 closures, which could be identified in the Orange and Purple horizons
CFD researched on rice husk gasification in a pilot fixed bed up-draft system
Authors: Le Phung Thi Kim , Tran Viet Tan , Nguyen Thien Luu Minh , Pham Viet Vuong , Nguyen Truc Thanh , Le Kien Anh , Pham Nghiep Quoc , Le Duyen Khac
Published: September 2018

Finding alternative energy sources for fossil fuels was a global matter of concern, especially in developing countries. Rice husk, an abundant biomass in Viet Nam, was used to partially replace fossil fuels by gasification process. The study was conducted on the pilot plant fixed bed up-draft gasifier with two kind of gasification agents, pure air and air-steam mixture. Mathematical modeling and computer simulations were also used to describe and optimize the gasification processes. Mathematical modeling was based on Computational Fluid Dynamics method and simulation was carried by using Ansys Fluent software. Changes in outlet composition of syngas components (CO, CO2, CH4, H2O, H2) and temperature of process, in relation with ratio of steam in gasification agents, were presented. Obtained results indicated concentration of CH4, H2 in outlet was increased significantly when using air-steam gasification agents than pure air. The discrepancies among the gasification agents were determined to improve the actual process.
Effect of hydrothermal treatment temperature on morphology of obtained calcium silicate from rice husk ash
Authors: Pham Kien Trung , Tran Nguyen Pham Quang , Nguyen Thang Hoc
Published: September 2018

This research report on the effect of hydrothermal treatment temperature on morphology of obtained calcium silicate from Vietnam Rice Husk Ash (VRHA). VRHA is collected at the Mekong Delta River, burn to obtain the active silica which can be used for further step. The obtained silica is hydrothermal treated in the present of Ca-source so that the Ca/Si molar ratio of 1.0 for different treatment temperature such as 110, 130, 150 and 180oC. XRD and SEM of samples before and after hydrothermal treatment confirm the present of nano-Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) such as Tobermorite and Xonotlite. These CSH can be used as inorganic light weight thermal insulator application. The obtained calcium silicate after hydrothermal treatment at high temperature have leave-like crystal, and these crystal interlock together.
Microwave-assisted extraction of Taxol and 10-Deacetyl baccatin III from the leaves and branches of red pine (Taxus wallichiana Zucc.)
Authors: Le Phung Thi Kim , Vu Quan Thi Hong , Nguyen Tuyet Thi Ngoc , Tran Khoa Anh , Le Kien Anh
Published: September 2018

Taxol has been by far the most well-known worldwide as an effective anticancer natural drug. With the great treatment abilities at low concentration, Taxol is a considerable interest of many scientists in various fields. The commercial products of Taxol can be isolated directly from Taxus species or can be synthesized from 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB III) or baccatin III (BC III), which are known as precursors of Taxol, by using semisynthetic methods. In this study, the extraction of Taxol and 10-DAB III from the leaves and branches of red pine cultivated in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam was carried out. Some traditional methods such as Soxhlet, maceration as well as the modern methods such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) were used to extract and evaluate the extraction efficiency. The concentration of 10-DAB III experienced at over 90% as compared to maceration and the amount of Taxol accounted for approximately 80% of Soxhlet. MAE was thus more suitable for recovering both Taxol and 10-DAB III than the others because of its short time and less solvent consumption. Besides, four parameters including solvent nature (MeOH and EtOH), extraction time, material/solvent ratio (1:10, 1:15, 1:20 and 1:25) and microwave power (40W, 240W and 440W) were investigated the effects of these elements on the content of 10-DAB III and Taxol. The results illustrated that the optimal conditions providing 95.85% 10-DAB III were as follows: 240W, 1:15 ratio and 20 minutes for extraction. To get the highest amount of Taxol (79.83%), extraction was subjected at these conditions concluding 40W, 1:25 ratio and 20 minutes. Diaion, NP-silicagel were used to enrich taxol and 10-DAB III from methanol extract and chloroform extract, respectively. The highest concentration of Taxol and 10-DAB III constituted at 0.64% and 19.76% with NP-silicagel (PE: aceton, 7:3).
Noncatalytic biodiesel synthesis from rubber seed oil via supercritical methanol and ethanol
Authors: Tran Viet Tan , Le Phung Thi Kim , Pham Anh Tuan , Tran Khoa Anh
Published: September 2018

This paper reports the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) by the transesterification reaction of rubber seed oil (RSO) in supercritical methanol and ethanol without using any catalyst. Experiment were carried out in a batch reactor, and reactions were studied at 260, 280, 300 and 320 oC at a pressure of 8.1-19 MPa with various mole ratios of ethanol – to - methanol from 0 to 100%. The extent of the reaction was explored using a convertibility parameter, which corresponds to the maximum ester content attainable from the feedstock. The highest FAME and FAEE contents achieved were 91.8 % and 86.4%, respectively. Results show that transesterification of RSO in methanol was more efficient than that in ethanol; the temperature had the strongest influence.
Photocatalytic activities of sulfur doped SrTiO3 under simulated solar irradiation
Authors: Le Khanh Hong , Pham Oanh Le Kieu , Tran Thong Thy , Le Vien Minh
Published: September 2018

S-doped SrTiO3 was synthesized by the solid state reaction method between S and SrTiO3 power under the N2 flow. The effect of temperature, calcination time and S-content on the formation and photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 were investigated. The morphology and properties of obtained powders were characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, UV-VIS, SEM, BET. The photocatalytic activities of S-doped SrTiO3 was also investigated through the decomposition of methylene blue. As a result, the 10 %S-doped SrTiO3 contributed to the decrease of band gap energy to 2.73 eV and enhanced the photocatalytic activity for methylene blue degradation of 74.5 % after 180 min irradiation.
MENCIPTAKAN PEMBELAJARAN MENYENANGKAN MELALUI OPTIMALISASI JEDA STRATEGIS DENGAN KARIKATUR HUMOR DALAM BELAJAR MATEMATIKA
Authors: , ST., M.Pd Darmansyah
Published: September 2018

Rendahnya motivasi belajar, kurang kreatif, cepat bosan, sering jenuh, tegang saat mengikuti pelajaran, meningkatnya jumlah siswa keluar kelas, tingginya persentase siswa yang tidak menyelesaikan pekerjaan rumah merupakan persoalan pelik yang sering muncul dalam pembelajaran Matematika di SMAN 7 Padang. Hal ini selain disebabkan karakteristik Matematika yang abstrak, berhirarkhi dan sulit dipahami, juga akibat strategi mengajar yang diterapkan guru cenderung monoton, kurang menyenangkan dan membosankan bagi siswa, sehingga pembelajaran menjadi tidak efektif dan berdampak rendahnya capaian hasil belajar. Penelitian tindakan kelas yang menerapkan strategi pembelajaran menyenangkan melalui optimalisasi jeda strategis menggunakan karikatur humor ini merupakan upaya untuk mengatasi sebagian masalah tersebut. Prosedur penelitian adalah dengan memberikan istirahat sejenak yang disebut jeda strategis selama 2-3 menit setiap periode waktu 30 menit pembelajaran. Saat jeda strategis berlangsung, guru menyisipkan gambar karikatur humor menggunakan trasparansi, sehingga dapat memancing siswa ketawa. Karikatur humor yang digunakan sebagai instrumen
Qualitative analysis of water supply of the city of Kyiv.
Authors: Vasilenko Lesya , Zhukova Olena , Bereznitska Julia
Published: September 2018

Today, a very urgent task is to analyze the water supply and quality of drinking water in Ukraine, the development of new normative documents, the improvement of existing water treatment technologies with the approximation of the standards of European countries.We based on the example of Kyiv conducted a preliminary analysis of the quality of water used for centralized water supply. The paper summarizes real hydrological information on surface water supply sources over a five-year period (the Kyiv Reservoir and the Desna River), data on the qualitative assessment of surface waters (ecological index, water pollution index), cause-and-effect relationships of environmental equilibrium, primary sources of pollution and pollutants, an analysis of the dynamics of water pollution, as well as the characteristics and volumes of discharges of pollutants Dnieper and Desnyanskaya water stations.
Effect of Harvest Timing and Soil Moisture Content on Compaction, Growth and Harvest Yield in a Miscanthus Cropping System
Authors: O’Flynn Michael G. , Finnan John M. , Curley Edna M. , McDonnell Kevin P.
Published: September 2018

Harvesting Miscanthus × giganteus (J.M. Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) after shoot emergence is known to reduce yields in subsequent seasons. This research was conducted in Miscanthus to assess the effects on crop response and soil compaction of annually repeated traffic, applied both before new growth in the rhizomes (early harvest) and after shoot emergence (late harvest), at two different soil moisture contents. While an annual early harvest, yields more than a late harvest, because damage to new shoots is avoided, soil compaction may be increased following repeated harvests. Five treatments were tested: (a) An untrafficked control, (b) early-traffic on soil with typical soil moisture content (SMC) (early-normal), (c) early-traffic on soil with elevated SMC (early-elevated), (d) late-traffic on soil with typical SMC (late-normal) and (e) late-traffic on soil with elevated SMC (late-wet). The experiment was conducted on a Gleysol in Co. Dublin, Ireland during 2010 and 2011. Crop response effects were assessed by measuring stem numbers, stem height, trafficked zone biomass yield (November) and overall stem yield (January). Compaction effects were assessed by measuring penetration resistance, bulk density and water infiltration rate. Trafficked zone biomass yield in the early-dry and early-wet treatments was, respectively, 18% and 23% lower than in the control, but was, respectively, 39% and 31% higher than in the late-dry treatment. Overall, stem yield was significantly lower in the late-normal and late-wet treatments (10.4 and 10.1 tdm ha−1 respectively) when compared with the control (12.4 tdm ha−1), but no significant difference was recorded in overall stem yield between both early-traffic treatments and the control. Penetration resistance values were significantly higher in all trafficked treatments when compared with the control at depths of 0.15 m (≥54–61%) and 0.30 m (≥27–57%) and were significantly higher in 2011 when compared with 2010 at depths of 0.15 and 0.30 m. Baler system traffic in Miscanthus significantly reduced yields and significantly increased compaction annually. Miscanthus harvested early, on a dry soil, yielded 1.1 tdm ha−1 more than when harvested late on a dry soil. The yield advantage increased to 1.3 tdm ha−1 when early harvesting on a soil with 40–43% moisture content was compared with late harvesting on a wetter soil (51–52% moisture content). In this study, the magnitude of yield losses from compaction or other causes in early harvests was substantially lower than the yield losses, which resulted from shoot damage in late harvests. It is likely in similar climates that the results of this study would also apply to other perennial crops growing in similar soil types.
Embryonal Tumors of the Central Nervous System in Children: The Era of Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Kram David E. , Henderson Jacob J. , Baig Muhammad , Chakraborty Diya , Gardner Morgan A. , Biswas Subhasree , Khatua Soumen
Published: September 2018

Embryonal tumors (ET) of the central nervous system (CNS) in children encompass a wide clinical spectrum of aggressive malignancies. Until recently, the overlapping morphological features of these lesions posed a diagnostic challenge and undermined discovery of optimal treatment strategies. However, with the advances in genomic technology and the outpouring of biological data over the last decade, clear insights into the molecular heterogeneity of these tumors are now well delineated. The major subtypes of ETs of the CNS in children include medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), and embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR), which are now biologically and clinically characterized as different entities. These important developments have paved the way for treatments guided by risk stratification as well as novel targeted therapies in efforts to improve survival and reduce treatment burden.
Application of a CFD Validated Model to Plan Fan Heater Position within Flour Mills during a Heat Treatment for Insect Pest Control
Authors: Valenti Francesca , Tomasello Nicoletta , Lanteri Paolo , Porto Simona M. C.
Published: September 2018

The development of environmentally-friendly methods as alternatives to chemical fumigation for controlling insect pests has attracted public attention. Among these methods, heat treatment is based on the use of fan heaters that are positioned by operators who typically establish their number and position within buildings to be treated. The aim of this research was to improve heat treatment effectiveness by applying a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for planning fan heater positions within the building environment. Based on a CFD model, which was built and validated according to experimental data acquired during heat treatment of a flour mill, simulations were carried out by changing the position and/or rotation of fan heaters with the aim of enhancing temperature distribution inside the building. The results showed that in some simulations the percentage of internal wall surfaces having a temperature value lower than that required for heat treatment efficacy was considerably reduced, by up to 56.7%. Therefore, the CFD approach proposed in this study could be used as a decision support system for improving heat treatment efficacy.
Review of Push-Out and Shear Response of Hybrid Steel-Trussed Concrete Beams
Authors: Colajanni Piero , Mendola Lidia La , Monaco Alessia
Published: September 2018

The hybrid steel trussed concrete beams examined in the present study are comprised of two principal components, i.e., a steel joist with inclined rebars, realized in industry, which is welded to a smooth steel plate and then embedded within the concrete cast in situ. The paper presents first the state of the art on laboratory tests and analytical modeling of the steel-to-concrete stress transfer mechanism investigated by push-out tests. Next, the most relevant scientific contributions currently available in the technical literature regarding experimental investigation on actual shear behavior are summarized and discussed. Lastly codes and analytical models are reviewed.
Anti-Aging Properties of Plant Stem Cell Extracts
Authors: Miastkowska Małgorzata , Sikora Elżbieta
Published: September 2018

Skin aging is a complex process which involves all the layers of the epidermis and dermis. In order to slow skin aging, methods are researched which would strengthen and protect skin stem cells. Science is in search of the right method to stimulate the proliferation of epidermal stem cells. Plant stem cells show outstanding anti-aging properties, as they can, among other activities, stimulate fibroblasts to synthesise collagen, which, in turn, stimulates skin regeneration. One of the most important agents which give anti-aging properties to plant stem cell extracts is kinetin (6-furfuryladenine). This compound belongs to a cytokine group and is considered to be a strong antioxidant which protects protein and nucleic acids from oxidation and glycoxidation processes. It enables cells to remove the excess of free radicals to protect them from oxidative stress.
Interference Induced Enhancement of Magneto-Optical Effect in Pt/TbCo Hetero-Structured Films
Authors: Iemoto Syougo , Sumi Satoshi , Van Thach Pham , Awano Hiroyuki , Hayashi Masamitsu
Published: September 2018

Magnetic films with a heavy metal layer show strong interfacial interaction of spin-orbit. Spin-orbit interaction is one of the key technologies for spintronics. In this paper, we measured magneto-optical Kerr spectra of Pt/TbCo hetero-structure films on a thermally oxidized silicon substrate (0.3 mm); A: Pt (3 nm)/TbCo (6 nm)/Pt (3 nm), B: Si3N4 (10 nm)/TbCo (6 nm)/Pt (3 nm), and C: Pt (3 nm)/TbCo (6 nm)/Si3N4 (10 nm). Magneto-optical Kerr spectra of each sample were measured with a wavelength range of 300–700 nm, and were compared to the simulated spectra using the effective refractive index method. In the sample A, which has a symmetric structure, the simulated spectra are consistent with the measured ones. On the other hand, in the samples B and C, with an asymmetric structure, there are some differences between the simulated spectra and the measured ones in a lower photon energy region. This may be caused by interfacial effects of the spin-orbit interaction.
Ventilative Cooling in a School Building: Evaluation of the Measured Performances
Authors: Breesch Hilde , Merema Bart , Versele Alexis
Published: September 2018

The test lecture rooms on Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) Ghent Technology Campus (Belgium) are a demonstration case of Annex 62: Ventilative Cooling of the International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities programme (IEA EBC). The building is cooled by natural night ventilation and indirect evaporative cooling (IEC). Thermal comfort and the performances of ventilative cooling are evaluated. Long-term measurements of internal temperatures, occupancy, opening of windows and IEC were carried out in the cooling season of 2017. The airflow rates through the windows in cross- and single-sided ventilation mode were measured by both tracer gas concentration decay and air velocity measurements. In addition, the air flow pattern is visualized by measuring air temperatures in the room. The results show that good thermal summer comfort was measured except during heat waves and/or periods with high occupancy. Both nighttime ventilation and IEC operate very well. IEC can lower the supply temperature by day significantly compared to the outdoor temperature. The Air Changes Rates (ACR) of the night ventilation greatly depends on wind direction and velocity. The air temperature profile showed that the air is cooled down in the whole lecture but more in the upper zone. The extensive data monitoring system was important to detect malfunctions and to optimize the whole building performance.
Systematic Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Carditis and High-Degree Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Yeung Cynthia , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: September 2018

Lyme carditis (LC) is a manifestation of the early disseminated stage of Lyme disease and often presents as high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. High-degree AV block in LC can be treated with antibiotics, usually resolving with a highly favorable prognosis, thus preventing the unnecessary implantation of permanent pacemakers. We present a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of LC that implements the Suspicious Index in Lyme Carditis (SILC) risk stratification score.
Roadmap for the Nomination of Reconstructed Cultural Properties for Inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Authors: Khalaf Roha W.
Published: September 2018

Guidance on reconstruction is being prepared to implement recent decisions of the World Heritage (WH) Committee. Special attention is given to reconstruction post-inscription within the framework of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of destroyed cultural WH properties. However, guidance must also cover reconstruction pre-inscription because destroyed properties on the Tentative Lists of States Parties may be reconstructed and nominated for inscription on the WH List in the future. This article shifts the attention towards the latter. It revisits the pillars of OUV and elucidates the relation between key concepts to develop a roadmap for new nominations in line with the WH Convention and the growing understanding of heritage as dynamic process in scholarly literature. It explains that States Parties must provide a statement of cultural significance (SCS) to meet the qualifying condition of continuity, and a heritage impact report (HIR) to meet the qualifying conditions of compatibility and distinction. Cultural criteria (i)–(vi) form a reminder list rather than a selection list in the roadmap. The SCS and HIR are, instead, the criteria on the basis of which reconstructed cultural properties may be inscribed. Moreover, authenticity and integrity are rendered redundant by the three qualifying conditions. As a result, this article makes a timely, original, academic and operational contribution to the ongoing preparation of guidance at the international level.
Design and Development of a 3D Digital Cadastre Visualization Prototype
Authors: Shojaei Davood , Olfat Hamed , Rajabifard Abbas , Briffa Mark
Published: September 2018

The massive property development of high-rises and complex structures above and below the ground surface in cities indicates the lack of land and high demand to use spaces. However, the existing land and property administration systems are mainly two dimensional and not capable of efficiently managing these complex spaces. As ownership rights on plans are recorded in paper or PDF, understanding these rights and making effective decisions and analyses can be difficult without having experience in the art of reading and interpreting plan information. This paper attempts to address these issues by presenting a prototype for visualizing three-dimensional land and property information. The aim of this prototype is to illustrate and communicate the requirements and benefits of a 3D digital cadastre platform. The prototype is a web-based application and includes functionality to display both legal and physical data, interact with 3D models, display administrative data, identify objects and search objects, visualize cross-sections, and undertake measurements in 3D. For this prototype, a multi-story building was selected as a case study and its 3D model was imported into the prototype to display ownership rights. The prototype was then evaluated by various stakeholders and their feedback was considered for future enhancement.
Development of an ANFIS Model for the Optimization of a Queuing System in Warehouses
Authors: Stojčić Mirko , Pamučar Dragan , Mahmutagić Eldina , Stević Željko
Published: September 2018

Queuing systems (QS) represent everyday life in all business and economic systems. On the one hand, and there is a tendency for their time and cost optimization, but on the other hand, they have not been sufficiently explored. This especially applies to logistics systems, where a large number of transportation and storage units appear. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to develop an ANFIS (Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system) model in a warehouse system with two servers for defining QS optimization parameters. The research was conducted in a company for the manufacturing of brown paper located in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which represents a significant share of the total export production of the country. In this paper, the optimization criterion is the time spent in the system, which is important both from the aspect of all customers of the system, and from that of the owner of the company. The time criterion directly affects the efficiency of the system, but also the overall costs that this system causes. The developed ANFIS model was compared with a mathematical model through a sensitivity analysis. The mathematical model showed outstanding results, which justifies its development and application.
Quenching Circuit and SPAD Integrated in CMOS 65 nm with 7.8 ps FWHM Single Photon Timing Resolution
Authors: Nolet Frédéric , Parent Samuel , Roy Nicolas , Mercier Marc-Olivier , Charlebois Serge A. , Fontaine Réjean , Pratte Jean-Francois
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a new quenching circuit (QC) and single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) implemented in TSMC CMOS 65 nm technology. The QC was optimized for single photon timing resolution (SPTR) with a view to an implementation in a 3D digital SiPM. The presented QC has a timing jitter of 4 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the SPAD and QC has a 7.8 ps FWHM SPTR. The QC adjustable threshold allows timing resolution optimization as well as SPAD excess voltage and rise time characterization. The adjustable threshold, hold-off and recharge are essential to optimize the performances of each SPAD. This paper also provides a better understanding of the different contributions to the SPTR. A study of the contribution of the SPAD excess voltage variation combined to the QC time propagation delay variation is presented. The proposed SPAD and QC eliminates the SPAD excess voltage contribution to the SPTR for excess voltage higher than 1 V due to its fixed time propagation delay.
Defective Vagal Innervation in Murine Tbx1 Mutant Hearts
Authors: Calmont Amélie , Anderson Naomi , Suntharalingham Jenifer P. , Ang Richard , Tinker Andrew , Scambler Peter J.
Published: September 2018

Haploinsufficiency of the T-box transcription factor TBX1 is responsible for many features of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Tbx1 is expressed dynamically in the pharyngeal apparatus during mouse development and Tbx1 homozygous mutants display numerous severe defects including abnormal cranial ganglion formation and neural crest cell defects. These abnormalities prompted us to investigate whether parasympathetic (vagal) innervation of the heart was affected in Tbx1 mutant embryos. In this report, we used an allelic series of Tbx1 mouse mutants, embryo tissue explants and cardiac electrophysiology to characterise, in detail, the function of Tbx1 in vagal innervation of the heart. We found that total nerve branch length was significantly reduced in Tbx1+/− and Tbx1neo2/− mutant hearts expressing 50% and 15% levels of Tbx1. We also found that neural crest cells migrated normally to the heart of Tbx1+/−, but not in Tbx1neo2 mutant embryos. In addition, we showed that cranial ganglia IXth and Xth were fused in Tbx1neo2/− but neuronal differentiation appeared intact. Finally, we used telemetry to monitor heart response to carbachol, a cholinergic receptor agonist, and found that heart rate recovered more quickly in Tbx1+/− animals versus controls. We speculate that this condition of decreased parasympathetic drive could result in a pro-arrhythmic substrate in some 22q11.2DS patients.
Optimal Control and Computational Method for the Resolution of Isoperimetric Problem in a Discrete-Time SIRS System
Authors: El Kihal Fadwa , Abouelkheir Imane , Rachik Mostafa , Elmouki Ilias
Published: September 2018

We consider a discrete-time susceptible-infected-removed-susceptible “again” (SIRS) epidemic model, and we introduce an optimal control function to seek the best control policy for preventing the spread of an infection to the susceptible population. In addition, we define a new compartment, which models the dynamics of the number of controlled individuals and who are supposed not to be able to reach a long-term immunity due to the limited effect of control. Furthermore, we treat the resolution of this optimal control problem when there is a restriction on the number of susceptible people who have been controlled along the time of the control strategy. Further, we provide sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of the sought optimal control, whose characterization is also given in accordance with an isoperimetric constraint. Finally, we present the numerical results obtained, using a computational method, which combines the secant method with discrete progressive-regressive schemes for the resolution of the discrete two-point boundary value problem.
Characterization of the Microstructure Evolution of Ni-Based Superalloy at Liquidus Temperature by Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Gao Zhongtang , Tan Jinqiang , Guo Wei , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhang Wu
Published: September 2018

The effect of isothermal treatment temperatures and isothermal treatment time on the microstructure was studied. The results showed that the globular and equiaxed grains with the average grain size of 60 μm and the shape factor of circle of 0.95 can be obtained when the melt of Ni-Cr-W superalloy was subjected to the heat treatment of 10 min at 1400 °C. The quenching results showed the volume fraction of the eutectic phase was the largest and the volume fraction of primary γ phase was the smallest after the isothermal treatment of 1400 °C. The optimal melt treatment temperature and time were 1400 °C and 10 min, respectively. Moreover, the effect of electromagnetic field on the solidification was also investigated. It was demonstrated that applying electromagnetic field was beneficial to the uniform temperature, solute field and the high density of the secondary nuclei, which contributed to grain refinement.
Effect of Bonding Temperature on Crack Occurrences in Al2O3/SS 430 Joints Using Cu-Based Brazing Alloys
Authors: Heo Hoejun , Kim Gyulin , Park Yoon-Cheol , Jung Keeyoung , Kang Chung-Yun
Published: September 2018

The effect of bonding temperature on crack occurrences in α-Al2O3/SS 430 joints using Cu-based brazing alloys was investigated with emphasis on the microstructural characterization, hardness, and analytical residual stresses of the joints. The brazing was conducted using Cu-7Al-xTi and Cu-7Al-xZr (x = 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5) alloys at 1000 °C and 1080 °C leading to solid–liquid and liquid-state bonding, respectively. Cracks occurred in the joints brazed at 1080 °C irrespective of the alloys, while crack-free joints were obtained at 1000 °C for joints with only Cu-7Al-xZr alloys. Increases in the bonding temperature or utilization of Cu-7Al-xTi alloys led to a formation of brittle Fe-containing intermetallic or Fe-Cr phases in the brazed seams due to the dissolution of Fe from SS 430, which deteriorated the mechanical properties of the brazed seam. Maximum residual stresses of the real brazed joint were obtained by combining the calculated yield strength and measured hardness of the brazed seams. Eventually, when the hardness of the brazed seam was less than 107 Hv, the yield strength was 124 MPa or less and the maximum residual stress generated in the joint corresponded to 624 MPa or less, leading to a crack-free joint.
Effect of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans on Humic-Acid Passivation Layer on Pyrite Surface
Authors: Yang Hongying , Luo Wenjie , Gao Ying
Published: September 2018

The effect of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans on the humic-acid passivation layer on pyrite surfaces was studied by atomic-force microscopy, leaching experiments, and adsorption experiments. Atomic-force-microscopy results showed that humic-acid was adsorbed onto the pyrite surface. The bacteria grew and reproduced on the humic-acid layer. Leaching experiments showed that the humic-acid passivation layer prevented the oxidation of pyrite by Fe3+ under aseptic conditions. Bacteria destroyed the humic-acid layer, promoted pyrite oxidation, and increased the oxidation of pyrite from 1.64% to 67.9%. Bacterial adsorption experiments showed that the humic-acid passivation layer decreased the speed of bacterial adsorption on the pyrite surface but had no effect on the number of bacteria adsorbed on the pyrite surface. The maximum number of bacteria adsorbed by pyrite with and without the humic-acid layer was 4.17 × 1010 cells∙mL−1 and 4.4 × 1010 cells∙mL−1, respectively. Extracellular polymeric stratum layer of bacteria cultured at different concentrations of humic-acid was extracted and analyzed. This layer could destroy the humic-acid layer and promote pyrite oxidation.
Comparison of Antioxidant Activities of Different Grape Varieties
Authors: Liu Qing , Tang Guo-Yi , Zhao Cai-Ning , Feng Xiao-Ling , Xu Xiao-Yu , Cao Shi-Yu , Meng Xiao , Li Sha , Gan Ren-You , Li Hua-Bin
Published: September 2018

Grapes are widely consumed in the world, and different grape varieties could exhibit distinctly different antioxidant activities. In this study, the free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities of lipophilic, hydrophilic, and insoluble-bound fractions from 30 grape varieties were evaluated by ferric-reducing antioxidant powers (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities (TEAC), total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The results indicated that the 30 grape varieties exhibited diverse FRAP values (1.289–11.767 μmol Fe(II)/g FW), TEAC values (0.339–4.839 μmol Trolox/g FW), TPC values (0.294–1.407 mg GAE/g FW) and TFC values (0.082–0.132 mg QE/g FW). Several grapes, such as Pearl Black Grape (Xinjiang), Summer Black Grape (Shaanxi), Pearl Green Grape (Xinjiang), Seedless Green Grape (Xinjiang), and Seedless Red Grape (Yunnan), exhibited strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities, which could be consumed as good sources of natural antioxidants to prevent several diseases induced by oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Furthermore, several antioxidants were identified and quantified, including caffeic acid, catechin gallate, epicatechin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and rutin, which could contribute to the antioxidant activities of grapes.
KMUP-1, a GPCR Modulator, Attenuates Triglyceride Accumulation Involved MAPKs/Akt/PPARγ and PKA/PKG/HSL Signaling in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Liu Chung-Pin , Chau Pei-Chun , Chang Chain-Ting , An Li-Mei , Yeh Jwu-Lai , Chen Ing-Jun , Wu Bin-Nan
Published: September 2018

Xanthine-based KMUP-1 was shown to inhibit phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and modulate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to lower hyperlipidemia and body weight. This study further investigated whether KMUP-1 affects adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. KMUP-1 (1–40 µM) concentration-dependently attenuated Oil Red O (ORO) staining and decreased triglyceride (TG) accumulation, indicating adipogenesis inhibition in 3T3-L1 cells. In contrast, the β-agonist ractopamine increased ORO staining and TG accumulation and adipogenesis. KMUP-1 (1–40 µM) also reduced MAPKs/Akt/PPARγ expression, PPARγ1/PPARγ2 mRNA, and p-ERK immunoreactivity at the adipogenesis stage, but enhanced hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) immunoreactivity at the lipolysis stage. Addition of protein kinase A (PKA) or protein kinase G (PKG) antagonist (KT5720 or KT5728) to adipocytes did not affect HSL immunoreactivity. However, KMUP-1 did increase HSL immunoreactivity and the effect was reduced by PKA or PKG antagonist. Simvastatin, theophylline, caffeine, and sildenafil, like KMUP-1, also enhanced HSL immunoreactivity. Phosphorylated HSL (p-HSL) was enhanced by KMUP-1, indicating increased lipolysis in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Decreases of MAPKs/Akt/PPARγ during adipogenesis contributed to inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, and increases of PKA/PKG at lipolysis contributed to HSL activation and TG hydrolysis. Taken together, the data suggest that KMUP-1 can inhibit hyperadiposity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Inferring microRNA-Environmental Factor Interactions Based on Multiple Biological Information Fusion
Authors: Luo Haiqiong , Lan Wei , Chen Qingfeng , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Zhixian , Yue Xiaofeng , Zhu Lingzhi
Published: September 2018

Accumulated studies have shown that environmental factors (EFs) can regulate the expression of microRNA (miRNA) which is closely associated with several diseases. Therefore, identifying miRNA-EF associations can facilitate the study of diseases. Recently, several computational methods have been proposed to explore miRNA-EF interactions. In this paper, a novel computational method, MEI-BRWMLL, is proposed to uncover the relationship between miRNA and EF. The similarities of miRNA-miRNA are calculated by using miRNA sequence, miRNA-EF interaction, and the similarities of EF-EF are calculated based on the anatomical therapeutic chemical information, chemical structure and miRNA-EF interaction. The similarity network fusion is used to fuse the similarity between miRNA and the similarity between EF, respectively. Further, the multiple-label learning and bi-random walk are employed to identify the association between miRNA and EF. The experimental results show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Geographic Variation in the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Phenolic Compounds from Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal) Iljinskaja Leaves
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Pei , Zhou Mingming , Wang Tongli , Fang Shengzuo , Shang Xulan , Fu Xiangxiang
Published: September 2018

Cyclocarya paliurus has been widely used as an ingredient in functional foods in China. However, the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds and the effect of the plant origin remain unclear. The present study evaluated the geographical variation of this plant in term of its phenolic composition and antioxidant activities based on leaf materials collected from five regions. high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that there are three major components, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, and their contents varied significantly among sampling locations. The investigated phenolic compounds showed substantial antioxidant activities, both in vitro and in vivo, with the highest capacity observed from Wufeng and Jinzhongshan. Correlation analysis revealed that quercetin and kaempferol glycosides might be responsible for the antioxidant activities. Our results indicate the importance of geographic origin, with sunny hours and temperature as the main drivers affecting the accumulation of C. paliurus phenolics and their antioxidant properties.
Enhancing Trust in Autonomous Vehicles through Intelligent User Interfaces That Mimic Human Behavior
Authors: Ruijten Peter A. M. , Terken Jacques M. B. , Chandramouli Sanjeev N.
Published: September 2018

Autonomous vehicles use sensors and artificial intelligence to drive themselves. Surveys indicate that people are fascinated by the idea of autonomous driving, but are hesitant to relinquish control of the vehicle. Lack of trust seems to be the core reason for these concerns. In order to address this, an intelligent agent approach was implemented, as it has been argued that human traits increase trust in interfaces. Where other approaches mainly use anthropomorphism to shape appearances, the current approach uses anthropomorphism to shape the interaction, applying Gricean maxims (i.e., guidelines for effective conversation). The contribution of this approach was tested in a simulator that employed both a graphical and a conversational user interface, which were rated on likability, perceived intelligence, trust, and anthropomorphism. Results show that the conversational interface was trusted, liked, and anthropomorphized more, and was perceived as more intelligent, than the graphical user interface. Additionally, an interface that was portrayed as more confident in making decisions scored higher on all four constructs than one that was portrayed as having low confidence. These results together indicate that equipping autonomous vehicles with interfaces that mimic human behavior may help increasing people’s trust in, and, consequently, their acceptance of them.
In-Line UV-Vis Spectroscopy as a Fast-Working Process Analytical Technology (PAT) during Early Phase Product Development Using Hot Melt Extrusion (HME)
Authors: Schlindwein Walkiria , Bezerra Mariana , Almeida Juan , Berghaus Andreas , Owen Martin , Muirhead Gordon
Published: September 2018

This paper displays the potential of an in-line PAT system for early phase product development during pharmaceutical continuous manufacturing following a Quality by Design (QbD) framework. Hot melt extrusion (HME) is used as continuous manufacturing process and UV–Vis spectroscopy as an in-line monitoring system. A sequential design of experiments (DoE) (screening, optimisation and verification) was used to gain process understanding for the manufacture of piroxicam (PRX)/Kollidon® VA64 amorphous solid dispersions. The influence of die temperature, screw speed, solid feed rate and PRX concentration on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) absorbance and lightness of color (L*) of the extrudates was investigated using multivariate tools. Statistical analysis results show interaction effects between concentration and temperature on absorbance and L* values. Solid feed rate has a significant effect on absorbance only and screw speed showed least impact on both responses for the screening design. The optimum HME process conditions were confirmed by 4 independent studies to be 20% w/w of PRX, temperature 140 °C, screw speed 200 rpm and feed rate 6 g/min. The in-line UV-Vis system was used to assess the solubility of PRX in Kollidon® VA64 by measuring absorbance and L* values from 230 to 700 nm. Oversaturation was observed for PRX concentrations higher than 20% w/w. Oversaturation can be readily identified as it causes scattering in the visible range. This is observed by a shift of the baseline in the visible part of the spectrum. Extrudate samples were analyzed for degradation using off-line High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) standard methods. Results from off-line experiments using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are also presented.
Phytotoxicity of Essential Oils on Selected Weeds: Potential Hazard on Food Crops
Authors: Ibáñez María Dolores , Blázquez María Amparo
Published: September 2018

The chemical composition of winter savory, peppermint, and anise essential oils, and in vitro and in vivo phytotoxic activity against weeds (Portulaca oleracea, Lolium multiflorum, and Echinochloa crus-galli) and food crops (maize, rice, and tomato), have been studied. Sixty-four compounds accounting for between 97.67–99.66% of the total essential oils were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. Winter savory with carvacrol (43.34%) and thymol (23.20%) as the main compounds produced a total inhibitory effect against the seed germination of tested weed. Menthol (48.23%), menthone (23.33%), and iso-menthone (16.33%) from peppermint only showed total seed germination inhibition on L. multiflorum, whereas no significant effects were observed with trans-anethole (99.46%) from anise at all concentrations (0.125–1 µL/mL). Low doses of peppermint essential oil could be used as a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals to control L. multiflorum. The results corroborate that in vivo assays with a commercial emulsifiable concentrate need higher doses of the essential oils to reproduce previous in vitro trials. The higher in vivo phytotoxicity of winter savory essential oil constitutes an eco-friendly and less pernicious alternative to weed control. It is possible to achieve a greater in vivo phytotoxicity if less active essential oil like peppermint is included with other active excipients.
In the Search for Sustainable Processing in Compounds Containing Recycled Natural Rubber: The Role of the Reversion Process
Authors: De Sousa Fabiula Danielli Bastos , Zanchet Aline
Published: September 2018

The production of consumption goods made of elastomers is increasing day by day, producing large amounts of vulcanized/cured residues which constitute a serious socio-environmental problem. An option for companies that produce elastomeric residues is their incorporation in the formulations, by producing polymeric blends with ground waste elastomers. Therefore, this work aims to prepare polymeric blends composed of raw natural rubber (NR)/ground waste NR in different concentrations. The influence of vulcanization reversion as result of additional heating during compression molding on the mechanical properties of the blends was analyzed, and the relationship among vulcanization characteristics, dynamic-mechanical, morphology and mechanical properties of blends was also determined.
Effects of the Age Process on Aggregate Discounted Claims
Authors: Léveillé Ghislain , Mitric Ilie-Radu , Côté Victor
Published: September 2018

In this document, we examine the effects of the age process on aggregate discounted claims by studying the conditional raw and joint moments, the moment generating function and the distribution function of the increments of compound renewal sums with discounted claims, taking into account the past experience of an insurance portfolio.
Development of an Open Metadata Schema for Clinical Pathway (openCP) in China
Authors: Zhu Yanxin , Geng Yibing , Xu Wei
Published: September 2018

Background: By the end of the first quarter of 2017, 1212 standard Clinical Pathways (CPs) had been developed and implemented in China since 2009, however, Chinese standard CPs are still paper-based CPs.

Objectives: To optimize the data structure and content of Chinese standard CPs based on Chinese health standards by two-level modeling approach and archetype method, and develop an Open Metadata Schema for Clinical Pathway (openCP) in China.

Methods: We chose 43 diseases covering 7 departments of internal medicine as samples and source materials including Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Hematology, and we followed 4 steps to develop openCP: identify reference model of openCP; develop archetype models; standardize archetype terms and metadata; and evaluate its functionality.

Results: We have built hierarchical reference model and archetypes of openCP, created and standardized archetype terms and metadata, and evaluate the functionality of openCP. The qualitative comments from 5 doctors were inspiring.

Discussion and Conclusions: Medical staff may easily build localized CPs in openCP which can be integrated into EHR systems and shared among different hospitals and clinics.