bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
«Все в мире – кружащийся танец…» (Стихия танца как мифопоэтический топос Серебряного века)
Authors: Herasymova Hanna
Published: February 2019

В статье рассмотрены некоторые проявления танца как важнейшей составляющей культурного ландшафта эпохи Серебряного века, обозначены характерные мотивы, осмыслены обстоятельства и специфику процессов, сопутствующих его бытованию в культурной традиции данного времени.
Альтова мініатюра у творчості Ребекки Кларк
Authors: Horodetskyi Anton
Published: February 2019

Мета роботи. Визначення особливостей індивідуального стилю англійської композиторки ХХ ст. Р. Кларк крізь призму її альтових мініатюр. Методологія дослідження включає в себе застосування аналізу, синтезу, індукції, дедукції та аналогії. Наукова новизна роботи полягає в тому, що твори композиторки у жанрі альтової мініатюри на сьогоднішній день є зовсім не дослідженими у вітчизняному та малодослідженими у світовому музикознавстві. Висновки. Дане дослідження може сприяти більш активному залученню творів Р. Кларк до концертного репертуару, стати імпульсом для подальших досліджень у галузі інструментальної мініатюри ХХ – початку ХХІ ст.
Den viktiga klassrumsdialogen
Authors: Forslund Karin
Published: February 2019

När elever gör grupparbeten diskuterar de främst hur arbetet i gruppen ska genomföras i stället för att diskutera uppgiften. Läraren kunde emellertid stödja elevernas diskussioner genom att ställa elaborerande frågor. Det framkommer i en nyligen genomförd studie om grupparbete.
Förskoleföräldrars tankar om utvecklingssamtal
Authors: Vladavic Alma , Simonsson Maria , Marie Markström Ann-Marie
Published: February 2019

Hur upplever föräldrar utvecklingssamtal i förskolan? I denna artikel presenteras några resultat från ett större forskningsprojekt om utvecklingssamtal i förskolan. I intervjuer uttrycker föräldrar att de anser utvecklingssamtalen som meningsfulla på olika sätt. De kan säkerställa en känsla av tillit och trygghet med professionella pedagoger som i föräldrarnas ögon tycks framstå som ”barnexperter”. Vidare kan utvecklingssamtalen bidra till att bekräfta föräldrarnas egen bild av barnet och sitt föräldraskap.
Morphological and Biochemical Responses of Glycine max (L.) Merr. to the Use of Seaweed Extract
Authors: Kocira Sławomir , Szparaga Agnieszka , Kuboń Maciej , Czerwińska Ewa , Piskier Tomasz
Published: February 2019

Currently, modern agriculture aims to improve the quantity and quality of crop yield, while minimizing the negative impact of treatments on the natural environment. One of the methods to increase plant yield and quality, especially after the occurrence of both abiotic or biotic stress factors, is the application of biostimulants. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on plant growth, and the yield, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties of soybean seeds. A field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2014–2016). Soybean seeds of Atlanta cultivar were sown in the third 10-day period of April. Ecklonia maxima extract was applied in the form of single or double, spraying in the concentrations of 0.7% and 1.0%. Determinations were conducted for: biometric traits, seed yield, seed number, thousand seeds weight, contents of lipids, and proteins in seeds. Further analyses included the contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and reducing power. The number of seaweed extract applications and its concentration modified biometric traits, yield, and quality of crop, while also also altering the nutraceutical and antioxidative potential of soybean. The application of this preparation improved the growth and yield of soybean without any negative effect on the nutritive value of seeds.
Description and Preliminary Simulations with the Italian Vineyard Integrated Numerical Model for Estimating Physiological Values (IVINE)
Authors: Andreoli Valentina , Cassardo Claudio , La Iacona Tiziana , Spanna Federico
Published: February 2019

The numerical crop growth model Italian Vineyard Integrated Numerical model for Estimating physiological values (IVINE) was developed in order to evaluate environmental forcing effects on vine growth. The IVINE model simulates vine growth processes with parameterizations, allowing the understanding of plant conditions at a vineyard scale. It requires a set of meteorology data and soil water status as boundary conditions. The primary model outputs are main phenological stages, leaf development, yield, and sugar concentration. The model requires setting some variety information depending on the cultivar: At present, IVINE is optimized for Vitis vinifera L. Nebbiolo, a variety grown mostly in the Piedmont region (northwestern Italy). In order to evaluate the model accuracy, IVINE was validated using experimental observations gathered in Piedmontese vineyards, showing performances similar or slightly better than those of other widely used crop models. The results of a sensitivity analysis performed to highlight the effects of the variations of air temperature and soil water potential input variables on IVINE outputs showed that most phenological stages anticipated with increasing temperatures, while berry sugar content saturated at about 25.5 °Bx. Long-term (60 years, in the period 1950–2009) simulations performed over a Piedmontese subregion showed statistically significant variations of most IVINE output variables, with larger time trend slopes referring to the most recent 30-year period (1980–2009), thus confirming that ongoing climate change started influencing Piedmontese vineyards in 1980.
Energy Evaluation of Triggering Soil Liquefaction Based on the Response Surface Method
Authors: Pirhadi Nima , Tang Xiaowei , Yang Qing
Published: February 2019

Liquefaction is one of the most destructive phenomena caused by earthquakes, and it has been studied regarding the issues of risk assessment and hazard analysis. The strain energy approach is a common method to evaluate liquefaction triggering. In this study, the response surface method (RSM) is applied as a novel way to develop six new strain energy models in order to estimate the capacity energy required for triggering liquefaction (W), based on laboratory test results collected from the literature. Three well-known design of experiments (DOEs) are used to build these models and evaluate their influence on the developed equations. Furthermore, two groups of artificial neural network (ANN) and RSM models are derived to investigate the complicated influence of fine content (FC). The first group of models is based on a database without limitation on the range of input parameters, and the second group is based on a database with FC lower than the critical value of 28%. The capability and accuracy of the six presented models are compared with four existing models in the literature by using additional new laboratory test results (i.e., 20 samples). The results indicate the superior performance of the presented RSM models and particularly the second group of the models based on a limited value of FC.
Temperature Drift Compensation for High-G MEMS Accelerometer Based on RBF NN Improved Method
Authors: Zhu Min , Pang Lixin , Xiao Zhijun , Shen Chong , Cao Huiliang , Shi Yunbo , Liu Jun
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the method for compensating the temperature drift of high-G MEMS accelerometer (HGMA) is proposed, including radial basis function neural network (RBF NN), RBF NN based on genetic algorithm (GA), RBF NN based on GA with Kalman filter (KF), and the RBF NN + GA + KF method compensated by the temperature drift model. First, this paper introduces an HGMA structure working principle, conducts a finite element analysis, and produces the results. The simulation results show that the HGMA working mode is the 1st order mode, and its resonant frequency is 408 kHz. The 2nd order mode resonant frequency is 667 kHz, and the gap with the first mode is 260 kHz, indicating that the coupling movement between the two modes is tiny, so the HGMA has good linearity. Then, a temperature experiment is performed to obtain the output value of HGMA. The output values of HGMA are analyzed and optimized by using the algorithms proposed in this paper. The processing results show that the RBF NN + GA + KF method compensated by the temperature drift model achieves the best denoing consequent. The processing results show that the temperature drift of the HGMA is effectively compensated. The final results show that acceleration random walking improved from 17130 g/h/Hz0.5 to 765.3 g/h/Hz0.5, and bias stability improved from 4720 g/h to 57.27 g/h, respectively. The results show that after using the RBF NN + GA + KF method, combined with the temperature drift model, the temperature drift trend and noise characteristics of HGMA are well optimized.
Sorption of Eu (III) onto Nano-Sized H-Titanates of Different Structures
Authors: Petrov Vladimir G. , Chen Zhong , Romanchuk Anna Yu. , Demina Valeria O. , Tang Yuxin , Kalmykov Stepan N.
Published: February 2019

Hydrogen titanates (H-titanates) of different nanostructures (nanotubes, nanowires, nanosheets) have been synthesized by hydrothermal methods. The europium (III) sorption from aqueous solutions onto nano-sized H-titanates was studied as a function of contact time, pH values, and initial Eu (III) concentration in batch experiments. Reversibility of adsorption of europium has been investigated as well. Nano-sized H-titanates can be used for tri-valent f-elements removal in polluted water treatment due to fast and efficient sorption of Eu (III).
Characterization of Volume Gratings Based on Distributed Dielectric Constant Model Using Mueller Matrix Ellipsometry
Authors: Jiang Hao , Ma Zhao , Gu Honggang , Chen Xiuguo , Liu Shiyuan
Published: February 2019

Volume grating is a key optical component due to its comprehensive applications. Other than the common grating structures, volume grating is essentially a predesigned refractive index distribution recorded in materials, which raises the challenges of metrology. Although we have demonstrated the potential application of ellipsometry for volume grating characterization, it has been limited due to the absence of general forward model reflecting the refractive index distribution. Herein, we introduced a distributed dielectric constant based rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) model to interpret the interaction between the incident light and volume grating, with which the Mueller matrix can be calculated. Combining with a regression analysis with the objective to match the measured Mueller matrices with minimum mean square error (MSE), the parameters of the dielectric constant distribution function can be determined. The proposed method has been demonstrated using a series of simulations of measuring the volume gratings with different dielectric constant distribution functions. Further demonstration has been carried out by experimental measurements on volume holographic gratings recorded in the composite of polymer and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles. By directly fitting the spatiotemporal concentration of the nanoparticles, the diffusion coefficient has been further evaluated, which is consistent to the result reported in our previous investigations.
A Robust Multi-Watermarking Algorithm for Medical Images Based on DTCWT-DCT and Henon Map
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Jingbing , Ma Jixin , Sadiq Naveed , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Ai Yang
Published: February 2019

To resolve the contradiction between existing watermarking methods—which are not compatible with the watermark’s ability to resist geometric attacks—and robustness, a robust multi-watermarking algorithm suitable for medical images is proposed. First, the visual feature vector of the medical image was obtained by dual-tree complex wavelet transform and discrete cosine transform (DTCWT-DCT) to perform multi-watermark embedding and extraction. Then, the multi-watermark was preprocessed using the henon map chaotic encryption technology to strengthen the security of watermark information, and combined with the concept of zero watermark to make the watermark able to resist both conventional and geometric attacks. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively extract watermark information; it implements zero watermarking and blind extraction. Compared with existing watermark technology, it has good performance in terms of its robustness and resistance to geometric attacks and conventional attacks, especially in geometric attacks.
Reservoir Computing Based Echo State Networks for Ventricular Heart Beat Classification
Authors: Mastoi Qurat-ul-ain , Wah Teh Ying , Gopal Raj Ram
Published: February 2019

The abnormal conduction of cardiac activity in the lower chamber of the heart (ventricular) can cause cardiac diseases and sometimes leads to sudden death. In this paper, the author proposed the Reservoir Computing (RC) based Echo State Networks (ESNs) for ventricular heartbeat classification based on a single Electrocardiogram (ECG) lead. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards were used to preprocesses the standardized diagnostic tool (ECG signals) based on the interpatient scheme. Despite the extensive efforts and notable experiments that have been done on machine learning techniques for heartbeat classification, ESNs are yet to be considered for heartbeat classification as a is fast, scalable, and reliable approach for real-time scenarios. Our proposed method was especially designed for Medical Internet of Things (MIoT) devices, for instance wearable wireless devices for ECG monitoring or ventricular heart beat detection systems and so on. The experiments were conducted on two public datasets, namely AHA and MIT-BIH-SVDM. The performance of the proposed model was evaluated using the MIT-BIH-AR dataset and it achieved remarkable results. The positive predictive value and sensitivity are 98.98% and 98.98%, respectively for the modified lead II (MLII) and 98.96% and 97.95 for the V1 lead, respectively. However, the experimental results of the state-of-the-art approaches, namely the patient-adaptable method, improved generalization, and the multiview learning approach obtained 92.8%, 87.0%, and 98.0% positive predictive values, respectively. These obtained results of the existing studies exemplify that the performance of this method achieved higher accuracy. We believe that the improved classification accuracy opens up the possibility for implementation of this methodology in Medical Internet of Things (MIoT) devices in order to bring improvements in e-health systems.
In-Situ Monitoring and Analysis of the Pitting Corrosion of Carbon Steel by Acoustic Emission
Authors: Tang Junlei , Li Junyang , Wang Hu , Wang Yingying , Chen Geng
Published: February 2019

The acoustic emission (AE) technique was applied to monitor the pitting corrosion of carbon steel in NaHCO3 + NaCl solutions. The open circuit potential (OCP) measurement and corrosion morphology in-situ capturing using an optical microscope were conducted during AE monitoring. The corrosion micromorphology was characterized with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The propagation behavior and AE features of natural pitting on carbon steel were investigated. After completion of the signal processing, including pre-treatment, shape preserving interpolation, and denoising, for raw AE waveforms, three types of AE signals were classified in the correlation diagrams of the new waveform parameters. Finally, a 2D pattern recognition method was established to calculate the similarity of different continuous AE graphics, which is quite effective to distinguish the localized corrosion from uniform corrosion.
CT Conversion Workflow for Intraoperative Usage of Bony Models: From DICOM Data to 3D Printed Models
Authors: Osti Francesco , Santi Gian Maria , Neri Marco , Liverani Alfredo , Frizziero Leonardo , Stilli Stefano , Maredi Elena , Zarantonello Paola , Gallone Giovanni , Stallone Stefano , Trisolino Giovanni
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the application of a low-cost 3D printing technology in pre-operative planning and intra-operative decision-making. Starting from Computed Tomography (CT) scans, we were able to reconstruct a 3D model of the area of interest with a very simple and rapid workflow, using open-source software and an entry level 3D printer. The use of High Temperature Poly-Lactic Acid (HTPLA) by ProtoPasta allowed fabricating sterilizable models, which could be used within the surgical field. We believe that our method is an appealing alternative to high-end commercial products, being superior for cost and speed of production. It could be advantageous especially for small and less affluent hospitals that could produce customized sterilizable tools with little investment and high versatility.
Assimilation of Data Derived from Optimal-Member Products of TREPS for Convection-Permitting TC Forecasting over Southern China
Authors: Zhang Xubin , Chen Meiling
Published: February 2019

To improve the landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) forecasting, the pseudo inner-core observations derived from the optimal-member forecast (OPT) and its probability-matched mean (OPTPM) of a mesoscale ensemble prediction system, namely TREPS, were assimilated in a partial-cycle data assimilation (DA) system based on the three-dimensional variational method. The impact of assimilating the derived data on the 12-h TC forecasting was evaluated over 17 TCs making landfall on Southern China during 2014–2016, based on the convection-permitting Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES) model with the horizontal resolution of 0.03°. The positive impacts of assimilating the OPT-derived data were found in predicting some variables, such as the TC intensity, lighter rainfall, and stronger surface wind, with statistically significant impacts at partial lead times. Compared with assimilation of the OPT-derived data, assimilation of the OPTPM-derived data generally brought improvements in the forecasts of TC track, intensity, lighter rainfall, and weaker surface wind. When the data with higher accuracy was assimilated, the positive impacts of assimilating the OPTPM-derived data on the forecasts of heavier rainfall and stronger surface wind were more evident. The improved representation of initial TC circulation due to assimilating the derived data improved the TC forecasting, which was intuitively illustrated in the case study of Mujigae.
Chrysophanol: A Natural Anthraquinone with Multifaceted Biotherapeutic Potential
Authors: Prateeksha  , Yusuf Mohd Aslam , Singh Brahma N. , Sudheer Surya , Kharwar Ravindra N. , Siddiqui Saba , Abdel-Azeem Ahmed M. , Fernandes Fraceto Leonardo , Dashora Kavya , Gupta Vijai K.
Published: February 2019

Chrysophanol is a unique anthraquinone having broad-spectrum therapeutic potential along with ecological importance. It is the first polyketide that has been reported to be biosynthesized in an organism-specific manner. The traditional Chinese and Korean medicinal systems provide evidence of the beneficial effects of chrysophanol on human health. The global distribution of chrysophanol encountered in two domains of life (bacteria and eukaryota) has motivated researchers to critically evaluate the properties of this compound. A plethora of literature is available on the pharmacological properties of chrysophanol, which include anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and antimicrobial activities. However, the pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies on chrysophanol demand further investigations for it to be used as a drug. This is the first comprehensive review on the natural sources, biosynthetic pathways, and pharmacology of chrysophanol. Here we reviewed recent advancements made on the pharmacokinetics of the chrysophanol. Additionally, we have highlighted the knowledge gaps of its mechanism of action against diseases and toxicity aspects.
Toward Highly Efficient Cancer Imaging and Therapy Using the Environment-Friendly Chitosan Nanoparticles and NIR Laser
Authors: Abuelmakarem Hala S. , Sliem Mahmoud A. , El-Azab Jala , Farghaly Moustafa M. A. , Ahmed Wafaa A.
Published: February 2019

Chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (C-TPP NPs) were synthesized to investigate their cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells (Caco2 cells) in the absence and the presence of a near-infrared (NIR) laser to evaluate their influence in cancer detection using the NIR laser and to evaluate the NIR laser on cancer treatment. The synthesized NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), and transmission electronic microscope (TEM). The cytotoxicity was analyzed by the MTT test and the cell viability was assessed using the Trypan blue method. C-TPP NPs showed increased cytotoxicity and decreased cell viability against Caco2 cells. Upon laser exposure only, the cell viability decreased. The C-TPP NPs appeared to have a shining light on the cancerous cells which were photographed under the inverted microscope.
Using Eye Tracking to Explore Facebook Use and Associations with Facebook Addiction, Mental Well-being, and Personality
Authors: Hussain Zaheer , Simonovic Boban , Stupple Edward J. N. , Austin Maggie
Published: February 2019

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become ubiquitous in our everyday lives, and for all its communicative benefits, excessive SNS use has been associated with a range of negative health implications. In the present study, the authors use eye-tracking methodology to explore the relationship between individual differences in personality, mental well-being, SNS usage, and the focus of Facebook users’ visual attention. Participants (n = 69, mean age = 23.09, SD = 7.54) completed questionnaire measures for personality and to examine changes in depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem. They then engaged in a Facebook session while their eye movements and fixations were recorded. These fixations were coded as being directed to social and update areas of interest (AOI) of the Facebook interface. An exploratory analysis of personality factors revealed a negative correlation between openness to experience and inspection times for the updates AOI and an unexpected negative relationship between extraversion and inspection times for social AOI. There were correlations between changes in depression score and inspection of updates AOI, with reduced depression scores associated with increased inspection of updates. Finally, self-reported duration of participants’ typical Facebook sessions did not correlate with eye-tracking measures but were associated with increased Facebook addiction scores and greater increases in depression scores. These initial findings indicate that there are differences in the outcomes of interacting with Facebook which can vary based on Facebook addiction, personality variables, and the Facebook features that individuals interact with.
Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for e-Procurement Adoption in the Nigerian Construction Industry
Authors: Afolabi Adedeji , Ibem Eziyi , Aduwo Egidario , Tunji-Olayeni Patience , Oluwunmi Olufunke
Published: February 2019

Previous research works on the integration of e-Procurement technologies in the construction process in Nigeria showed that it has been slow and low. However, there are few empirical studies on the duration for which it has permeated the construction industry, the actual proponents and the metrics that can engender successful integration of e-Procurement technologies, applications, and tools in the construction procurement process, especially in a developing country like Nigeria. The study was aimed at evaluating the critical success factors (CSFs) for e-Procurement adoption in the Nigerian construction industry. The study was carried out in the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a survey research design. Construction stakeholders were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. A total of 1092 questionnaires were retrieved in this study, but the data of 759 actual users of e-Procurement systems were analyzed in this study using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis (PCA). An assessment of the duration users have been participating in the e-Procurement environment revealed that most Quantity Surveyors have been exposed to the use of e-Procurement technologies for over 10 years. A large proportion of the construction stakeholders picked up the use of the technology within the last 5 years. Further analysis showed that contracting firms have the largest participation in the use of e-Procurement systems. The study also revealed that construction stakeholders perceived the availability of reliable, affordable, and fast Internet services as the most critical success factor for the adoption of e-Procurement technologies. The critical success factors (CSFs) were further classified into management support for physical infrastructure, and human factors and characteristics of the technology. The study showed that these critical success factors (CSFs) are crucial for the adoption of e-Procurement systems in the Nigerian construction industry. The study recommended that there is still a need for increased awareness of the e-Procurement tools and technologies and the benefits that are accrued from their use among public sector construction participants. This will in turn influence the provision of the required information and communication technology (ICT) physical infrastructure and formulation of appropriate policies and standards for successful e-Procurement integration in the Nigerian construction industry.
Combined Magnesia, Ceria and Nickel catalyst supported over γ-Alumina Doped with Titania for Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Sadeq Al-Fatesh Ahmed , Olajide Kasim Samsudeen , Aidid Ibrahim Ahmed , Hamza Fakeeha Anis , Elhag Abasaeed Ahmed , Alrasheed Rasheed , Ashamari Rawan , Bagabas Abdulaziz
Published: February 2019

This study investigated dry reforming of methane (DRM) over combined catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 support doped with 3.0 wt. % TiO2. Physicochemical properties of all catalysts were determined by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction/oxidation/desorption/pulse hydrogen chemisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Addition of CeO2 and MgO to Ni strengthened the interaction between the Ni and the support. The catalytic activity results indicate that the addition of CeO2 and MgO to Ni did not reduce carbon deposition, but improved the activity of the catalysts. Temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) revealed the formation of carbon that is mainly amorphous and small amount of graphite. The highest CH4 and CO2 conversion was found for the catalyst composed of 5.0 wt. % NiO-10.0 wt. % CeO2/3.0 wt. %TiO2-γ-Al2O3 (Ti-CAT-II), resulting in H2/CO mole ratio close to unity. The optimum reaction conditions in terms of reactant conversion and H2/CO mole ratio were achieved by varying space velocity and CO2/CH4 mole ratio.
RHOG Activates RAC1 through CDC42 Leading to Tube Formation in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: El Atat Oula , Fakih Amira , El-Sibai Mirvat
Published: February 2019

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer cell malignancy. The role of the RHO family GTPase RHOG in angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells has recently been elucidated. However, the regulation of RHOG during this process, as well as its cross-talk with other RHO GTPases, have yet to be fully examined. In this study, we found that siRNA-mediated depletion of RHOG strongly inhibits tube formation in vascular endothelial cells (ECV cells), an effect reversed by transfecting dominant active constructs of CDC42 or RAC1 in the RHOG-depleted cells. We also found CDC42 to be upstream from RAC1 in these cells. Inhibiting either Phosphatidyl inositol (3) kinase (PI3K) with Wortmannin or the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular-regulated kinase (MAPK ERK) with U0126 leads to the inhibition of tube formation. While knocking down either RHO, GTPase did not affect p-AKT levels, and p-ERK decreased in response to the knocking down of RHOG, CDC42 or RAC1. Recovering active RHO GTPases in U0126-treated cells also did not reverse the inhibition of tube formation, placing ERK downstream from PI3K-RHOG-CDC42-RAC1 in vascular endothelial cells. Finally, RHOA and the Rho activated protein kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 positively regulated tube formation independently of ERK, while RHOC seemed to inhibit the process. Collectively, our data confirmed the essential role of RHOG in angiogenesis, shedding light on a potential new therapeutic target for cancer malignancy and metastasis.
Decidua Basalis Mesenchymal Stem Cells Favor Inflammatory M1 Macrophage Differentiation In Vitro
Authors: Abumaree Mohamed H. , Al Harthy Seham , Al Subayyil Abdullah M. , Alshabibi Manal A. , Abomaray Fawaz M. , Khatlani Tanvier , Kalionis Bill , El- Muzaini Mohammed F. , Al Jumah Mohammed A. , Jawdat Dunia , Alawad Abdullah O. , AlAskar Ahmed S.
Published: February 2019

Placental mesenchymal stem cells from maternal decidua basalis tissue (DBMSCs) are promising cells for tissue repair because of their multilineage differentiation and ability to protect endothelial cells from injury. Here, we examined DBMSC interaction with macrophages and whether this interaction could modulate the characteristics and functions of these macrophages. We induced monocytes to differentiate into M1-like macrophages in the presence of DBMSCs. DBMSC effects on differentiation were evaluated using microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA. DBMSC effects on M1-like macrophage induction of T cell function were also examined. The culture of DBMSCs with monocytes did not inhibit monocyte differentiation into M1-like inflammatory macrophages. This was confirmed by the morphological appearance of M1-like macrophages, increased expression of inflammatory molecules, and reduced expression of anti-inflammatory molecules. In addition, DBMSCs did not interfere with M1-like macrophage phagocytic activity; rather, they induced stimulatory effects of M1-like macrophages on CD4+ T cell proliferation and subsequent secretion of inflammatory molecules by T cells. We showed that DBMSCs enhanced the differentiation of M1-like inflammatory macrophages, which function as antitumor cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that DBMSCs are inflammatory cells that could be useful in cancer treatment via the enhancement of M1- like macrophages.
The Role of Osteopontin as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Castello Luigi Mario , Baldrighi Marco , Molinari Luca , Salmi Livia , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Vaschetto Rosanna , Zunino Greta , Quaglia Marco , Bellan Mattia , Gavelli Francesco , Navalesi Paolo , Avanzi Gian Carlo , Chiocchetti Annalisa
Published: February 2019

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host-response to infections. Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein involved in the inflammatory response. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance in sepsis of a single OPN determination in the Emergency Department (ED). We conducted a single-centre prospective observational study in an Italian ED where we enrolled 102 consecutive patients presenting with suspected infection and qSOFA ≥ 2. OPN plasma concentration was found to be an independent predictor of sepsis (OR = 1.020, 95% CI 1.002–1.039, p = 0.031) and the diagnostic receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878. OPN levels were positively correlated to plasma creatinine (r = 0.401 with p = 0.0001), but this relation was not explained by the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), since no difference was found in OPN concentration between AKI and non-AKI patients. The analysis of 30-days mortality showed no significant difference in OPN levels between alive and dead patients (p = 0.482). In conclusion, a single determination of OPN concentration helped to identify patients with sepsis in the ED, but it was not able to predict poor prognosis in our cohort of patients.
Roughness Effect in Micropitting and Rolling Contact Fatigue of Silicon Nitride
Authors: Mosleh Mohsen , Bradshaw Keron K. , Smith Sonya T. , Belk John H. , Shirvani Khosro A.
Published: February 2019

An experimental analysis of the role of surface roughness parameters on micropitting and the succeeding rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of silicon nitride against AISI 52100 steel under lubricated conditions was performed. In accelerated fatigue tests using a four-ball tester, the arithmetic mean, root mean square, and peak-to-valley roughnesses of silicon nitride surfaces varied, while the roughness of the steel surface was unchanged. The correlation between the fatigue life and roughness parameters for silicon nitride was obtained. The peak-to-valley roughness was the roughness parameter that dominantly affected the RCF life of silicon nitride. The micropitting of surfaces leading to fatigue intensified as the roughness was increased. Extensive micropitting was observed on the rolling track beyond the trailing edge of the spall region in the circumferential direction.
Design of Polarization Splitter via Liquid and Ti Infiltrated Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Xu Qiang , Luo Wanli , Li Kang , Copner Nigel , Lin Shebao
Published: February 2019

We propose a new polarization splitter (PS) based on Ti and liquid infiltrated photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with high birefringence. Impacts of parameters such as shape and size of the air holes in the cladding and filling material are investigated by using a vector beam propagation method. The results indicate that the PS offers an ultra-short length of 83.9 μm, a high extinction ratio of −44.05 dB, and a coupling loss of 0.0068 dB and at 1.55 μm. Moreover, an extinction ratio higher than −10 dB is achieved a bandwidth of 32.1 nm.
Ontogenetic Habitat Usage of Juvenile Carnivorous Fish Among Seagrass-Coral Mosaic Habitats
Authors: Lee Chen-Lu , Wen Colin K.C. , Huang Yen-Hsun , Chung Chia-Yun , Lin Hsing-Juh
Published: February 2019

Seagrass beds and coral reefs are both considered critical habitats for reef fishes, and in tropical coastal regions, they often grow together to form “mosaic” habitats. Although reef fishes clearly inhabit such structurally complex environments, there is little known about their habitat usage in seagrass-coral mosaic habitats. The goal of this study was to examine potential factors that drive habitat usage pattern by juvenile reef fishes. We quantified (1) prey availability, (2) potential competitors, and 3) predators across a gradient of mosaic habitats (n = 4 habitat types) for four dominant carnivorous fishes (lethrinids and lutjanids) in the main recruitment season at Dongsha Island, South China Sea. We found that the coral-dominated habitats had not only a higher availability of large crustacean prey but also a higher abundance of competitors and predators of juvenile fishes. Food availability was the most important factor underlying the habitat usage pattern by lethrinids and lutjanids through ontogeny. The predation pressure exhibited a strong impact on small juvenile lethrinids but not on larger juveniles and lutjanids. The four juvenile fishes showed distinct habitat usage patterns through ontogeny. Collectively, mosaic habitats in the back reef system may be linked to key ontogenetic shifts in the early life histories of reef fishes between seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Inhibitory Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Echinococcus granulosus Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Zhao Yumin , Gui Weifeng , Zhang Yishu , Mo Gang , Li Dayu , Chong Shigui
Published: February 2019

Background: Heavy ion radiation has more advantages than traditional radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer, mainly because of its superior biological effects. However, there is currently no reliable evidence that heavy ion radiation can induce cell death in hydatid cysts at the cellular and molecular level. In addition, we believe heavy ion therapy could be a potential alternative approach for the treatment of hydatid cysts. Methodology/Principal Finding: The hydatid cysts and protoscolices were obtained from an experimentally infected KunMing mice. LD50 was used to evaluate the death of the protoscolex. The cellular and ultrastructure of the parasites were observed under light and electron microscopes, the damage and copy numbers of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were decided by QPCR. The apoptosis was evaluated by the expression and activity of caspase3. Dose-dependent ionizing radiation induced damage to the initial mtDNA. Echinococcosis cyst after ionizing radiation showed sparse cytoplasm, disorganized and clumped organelles, huge vacuoles, and villus deletions. The kinetic of DNA repair activity after X-ray irradiation was faster than those after carbon-ion irradiation. High doses of carbon ion radiation caused irreversible attenuation of mitochondrial DNA. Cysts showed obvious reduction in size after radiation. Carbon ion radiation was more effective than X-ray radiation in inhibiting hydatid cysts. Conclusions: These studies provide evidence that heavy-ion radiation can cause the extinction of hydatid cysts in vitro. The carbon-ion radiation is more advantageous than X-ray radiation in suppress hydatid cyst.
Entropy Generation and Heat Transfer Performance in Microchannel Cooling
Authors: Kurnia Jundika C. , Lim Desmond C. , Chen Lianjun , Jiang Lishuai , Sasmito Agus P.
Published: February 2019

Owing to its relatively high heat transfer performance and simple configurations, liquid cooling remains the preferred choice for electronic cooling and other applications. In this cooling approach, channel design plays an important role in dictating the cooling performance of the heat sink. Most cooling channel studies evaluate the performance in view of the first thermodynamics aspect. This study is conducted to investigate flow behaviour and heat transfer performance of an incompressible fluid in a cooling channel with oblique fins with regards to first law and second law of thermodynamics. The effect of oblique fin angle and inlet Reynolds number are investigated. In addition, the performance of the cooling channels for different heat fluxes is evaluated. The results indicate that the oblique fin channel with 20° angle yields the highest figure of merit, especially at higher Re (250–1000). The entropy generation is found to be lowest for an oblique fin channel with 90° angle, which is about twice than that of a conventional parallel channel. Increasing Re decreases the entropy generation, while increasing heat flux increases the entropy generation.
From Spin Glasses to Negative-Weight Percolation
Authors: Hartmann Alexander K. , Melchert Oliver , Norrenbrock Christoph
Published: February 2019

Spin glasses are prototypical random systems modelling magnetic alloys. One important way to investigate spin glass models is to study domain walls. For two dimensions, this can be algorithmically understood as the calculation of a shortest path, which allows for negative distances or weights. This led to the creation of the negative weight percolation (NWP) model, which is presented here along with all necessary basics from spin glasses, graph theory and corresponding algorithms. The algorithmic approach involves a mapping to the classical matching problem for graphs. In addition, a summary of results is given, which were obtained during the past decade. This includes the study of percolation transitions in dimension from d = 2 up to and beyond the upper critical dimension d u = 6 , also for random graphs. It is shown that NWP is in a different universality class than standard percolation. Furthermore, the question of whether NWP exhibits properties of Stochastic–Loewner Evolution is addressed and recent results for directed NWP are presented.
Pansharpening with a Gradient Domain GIF Based on NSST
Authors: Jiao Jiao , Wu Lingda
Published: February 2019

In order to improve the fusion quality of multispectral (MS) and panchromatic (PAN) images, a pansharpening method with a gradient domain guided image filter (GIF) that is based on non-subsampled shearlet transform (NSST) is proposed. First, multi-scale decomposition of MS and PAN images is performed by NSST. Second, different fusion rules are designed for high- and low-frequency coefficients. A fusion rule that is based on morphological filter-based intensity modulation (MFIM) technology is proposed for the low-frequency coefficients, and the edge refinement is carried out based on a gradient domain GIF to obtain the fused low-frequency coefficients. For the high-frequency coefficients, a fusion rule based on an improved pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) is adopted. The gradient domain GIF optimizes the firing map of the PCNN model, and then the fusion decision map is calculated to guide the fusion of the high-frequency coefficients. Finally, the fused high- and low-frequency coefficients are reconstructed with inverse NSST to obtain the fusion image. The proposed method was tested using the WorldView-2 and QuickBird data sets; the subjective visual effects and objective evaluation demonstrate that the proposed method is superior to the state-of-the-art pansharpening methods, and it can efficiently improve the spatial quality and spectral maintenance.
Online Tuning of a PID Controller with a Fuzzy Reinforcement Learning MAS for Flow Rate Control of a Desalination Unit
Authors: Kofinas Panagiotis , Dounis Anastasios I.
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a hybrid Zeigler-Nichols (Z-N) fuzzy reinforcement learning MAS (Multi-Agent System) approach for online tuning of a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller in order to control the flow rate of a desalination unit. The PID gains are set by the Z-N method and then are adapted online through the fuzzy Q-learning MAS. The fuzzy Q-learning is introduced in each agent in order to confront with the continuous state-action space. The global state of the MAS is defined by the value of the error and the derivative of error. The MAS consists of three agents and the output signal of each agent defines the percentage change of each gain. The increment or the reduction of each gain can be in the range of 0% to 100% of its initial value. The simulation results highlight the performance of the suggested hybrid control strategy through comparison with the conventional PID controller tuned by Z-N.
Application of Borehole Thermal Energy Storage in Waste Heat Recovery from Diesel Generators in Remote Cold Climate Locations
Authors: Ghoreishi-Madiseh Seyed Ali , Fahrettin Kuyuk Ali , Rodrigues de Brito Marco Antonio , Baidya Durjoy , Torabigoodarzi Zahra , Safari Amir
Published: February 2019

Remote communities that have limited or no access to the power grid commonly employ diesel generators for communal electricity provision. Nearly 65% of the overall thermal energy input of diesel generators is wasted through exhaust and other mechanical components such as water-jackets, intercoolers, aftercoolers, and friction. If recovered, this waste heat could help address the energy demands of such communities. A viable solution would be to recover this heat and use it for direct heating applications, as conversion to mechanical power comes with significant efficiency losses. Despite a few examples of waste heat recovery from water-jackets during winter, this valuable thermal energy is often discarded into the atmosphere during the summer season. However, seasonal thermal energy storage techniques can mitigate this issue with reliable performance. Storing the recovered heat from diesel generators during low heat demand periods and reusing it when the demand peaks can be a promising alternative. At this point, seasonal thermal storage in shallow geothermal reserves can be an economically feasible method. This paper proposes the novel concept of coupling the heat recovery unit of diesel generators to a borehole seasonal thermal storage system to store discarded heat during summer and provide upgraded heat when required during the winter season on a cold, remote Canadian community. The performance of the proposed ground-coupled thermal storage system is investigated by developing a Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer model.
The Effect of Active Material, Conductive Additives, and Binder in a Cathode Composite Electrode on Battery Performance
Authors: Lee Yoon Koo
Published: February 2019

The current study investigated the effects of active material, conductive additives, and binder in a composite electrode on battery performance. In addition, the parameters related to cell performance as well as side reactions were integrated in an electrochemical model. In order to predict the cell performance, key parameters including manganese dissolution, electronic conductivity, and resistance were first measured through experiments. Experimental results determined that a higher ratio of polymer binder to conductive additives increased the interfacial resistance, and a higher ratio of conductive additives to polymer binder in the electrode resulted in an increase in dissolved transition metal ions from the LiMn2O4 composite electrode. By performing a degradation simulation with these parameters, battery capacity was predicted with various fractions of constituents in the composite electrode. The present study shows that by using this integrated prediction method, the optimal ratio of constituents for a particular cathode composite electrode can be specified that will maximize battery performance.
Minimum Viable Products for Internet of Things Applications: Common Pitfalls and Practices
Authors: Nguyen-Duc Anh , Khalid Khan , Shahid Bajwa Sohaib , Lønnestad Tor
Published: February 2019

Internet of Things applications are not only the new opportunity for digital businesses but also a major driving force for the modification and creation of software systems in all industries and businesses. Compared to other types of software-intensive products, the development of Internet of Things applications lacks a systematic approach and guidelines. This paper aims at understanding the common practices and challenges among start-up companies who are developing Internet of Things products. A qualitative research is conducted with data from twelve semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis reveals common types of Minimum Viable Products, prototyping techniques and production concerns among early stage hardware start-ups. We found that hardware start-ups go through an incremental prototyping process toward production. The progress associates with the transition from speed-focus to quality-focus. Hardware start-ups heavily rely on third-party vendors in term of development speed and final product quality. We identified 24 challenges related to management, requirement, design, implementation and testing. Internet of Things entrepreneurs should be aware of relevant pitfalls and managing both internal and external risks.
Hollow-Core Fiber Technology: The Rising of “Gas Photonics”
Authors: Debord Benoît , Amrani Foued , Vincetti Luca , Gérôme Frédéric , Benabid Fetah
Published: February 2019

Since their inception, about 20 years ago, hollow-core photonic crystal fiber and its gas-filled form are now establishing themselves both as a platform in advancing our knowledge on how light is confined and guided in microstructured dielectric optical waveguides, and a remarkable enabler in a large and diverse range of fields. The latter spans from nonlinear and coherent optics, atom optics and laser metrology, quantum information to high optical field physics and plasma physics. Here, we give a historical account of the major seminal works, we review the physics principles underlying the different optical guidance mechanisms that have emerged and how they have been used as design tools to set the current state-of-the-art in the transmission performance of such fibers. In a second part of this review, we give a nonexhaustive, yet representative, list of the different applications where gas-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fiber played a transformative role, and how the achieved results are leading to the emergence of a new field, which could be coined “Gas photonics”. We particularly stress on the synergetic interplay between glass, gas, and light in founding this new fiber science and technology.