bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Relationship between Financial Wealth, Housing Wealth, and Consumption: A Panel Analysis for the U.S.
Authors: Kontana Dimitra , Siokis Fotios
Published: November 2018

Based on the seminal paper of Case, Quigley, and Shiller (2013), we investigated the effects of financial and housing wealth on consumption. Using quarterly data from 1975 to 2016 for all states of the U.S. economy, and a different methodology in measuring wealth, we report relatively greater financial effects than housing effects on consumption. Specifically, in our basic utilized model, the calculated elasticity for financial wealth was 0.060, while for housing it was 0.045. The results were not in agreement with the ones obtained by Case, Quigley, and Shiller. In an attempt to investigate this disparity, we proceeded by incorporating the introduction of the Tax Reform Act in 1986, which increased incentives for owner-occupied housing investments. Finally, due to distributional factors at work, and taking into account the pronounced uneven distribution of wealth, we investigated the effects of wealth for eight states that included the metropolitan areas comprising the well-known Case–Shiller 10 City Composite Index. Now the housing effect on consumption was much stronger and larger than the financial effect. Additionally, we forecasted the consumption changes at the time of high rise and large drops in house prices for these states. Forecasts showed a recession from the fall of Lehman Brothers until the fourth quarter of 2011. These forecasts were not verified. Probably, the new techniques used by policies played an important role. We also found that extreme behaviors cannot be predicted.
Networking of Multi-Robot Systems: Architectures and Requirements
Authors: Jawhar Imad , Mohamed Nader , Wu Jie , Al-Jaroodi Jameela
Published: November 2018

A large number of advancements have taken place in microprocessor-based systems leading to significantly more processing, memory, storage, sensing, actuating, recognition, controlling and communication capabilities. Robotics is one of the areas that have benefited a lot from these advancements. Many important and useful applications for single-robot and multi-robot systems (MRS) have emerged. Such applications include search and rescue, detection of forest fires, mining, construction, disaster management, and many more. MRS systems greatly enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of today’s robots. They extend the robotic system capabilities by increasing the ability to perform more complex tasks and allow performance of inherently distributed ones. In addition, they increase parallelism, enhance robustness, and improve system reliability. However, to perform their tasks in an effective manner, communication between the individual robots becomes an essential component. In this paper, we discuss the various types and architectures of MRS systems and focus on the networking issues, and services that are required to enable MRS systems to be more efficient in performing their roles in their respective applications. We also identify the similarities and differences between mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and MRS systems, analyze robot-to-robot (R2R) and robot-to-infrastructure (R2I) communication links, and identify the protocols that can be used at the various levels in the MRS hierarchy.
Mineralogical Characterization and Dissolution Experiments in Gamble’s Solution of Tremolitic Amphibole from Passo di Caldenno (Sondrio, Italy)
Authors: Vigliaturo Ruggero , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Choi Jessica K. , Marengo Alessandra , Lucci Federico , O'Shea Michael J. , Pérez-Rodríguez Ileana , Gieré Reto
Published: November 2018

In nature, asbestos is often associated with minerals and other non-asbestiform morphologies thought to be harmless, but not much is known about the potential toxic effects of these phases. Therefore, the characterization of natural assemblages should not be limited to asbestos fibers only. This paper combines a multi-analytical characterization of asbestos from Valmalenco (Italy) with data from dissolution experiments conducted in a simulated interstitial lung fluid (Gamble’s solution), and a detailed dimensional study that compares the particle population before and after this interaction. The sample is identified as a tremolitic amphibole, exhibiting a predominance of fiber and prismatic habits at lower magnification, but a bladed habit at higher magnification. The results show that at different magnification, the dimensional and habit distributions are notably different. After the dissolution experiments, the sample showed rounded edges and pyramid-shaped dissolution pits. Chemical analyses suggested that a nearly stoichiometric logarithmic loss of Si and Mg occurred associated with a relatively intense release of Ca in the first 24 h, whereas Fe was probably redeposited on the fiber surfaces. A rearrangement of the more frequent habits and dimensions was recorded after the dissolution experiment, with a peculiar increase of the proportion of elongated mineral particles.
Mepazine Inhibits RANK-Induced Osteoclastogenesis Independent of Its MALT1 Inhibitory Function
Authors: Meloni Laura , Verstrepen Lynn , Kreike Marja , Staal Jens , Driege Yasmine , Afonina Inna S. , Beyaert Rudi
Published: November 2018

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) is an intracellular cysteine protease (paracaspase) that plays an integral role in innate and adaptive immunity. The phenothiazine mepazine has been shown to inhibit the proteolytic activity of MALT1 and is frequently used to study its biological role. MALT1 has recently been suggested as a therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we analyzed the effect of mepazine on the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B (RANK)-induced osteoclastogenesis. The treatment of mouse bone marrow precursor cells with mepazine strongly inhibited the RANK ligand (RANKL)-induced formation of osteoclasts, as well as the expression of several osteoclast markers, such as TRAP, cathepsin K, and calcitonin. However, RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis equally well in bone marrow cells derived from wild-type and Malt1 knock-out mice. Furthermore, the protective effect of mepazine was not affected by MALT1 deficiency. Additionally, the absence of MALT1 did not affect RANK-induced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) activation. Overall, these studies demonstrate that MALT1 is not essential for RANK-induced osteoclastogenesis, and implicate a MALT1-independent mechanism of action of mepazine that should be taken into account in future studies using this compound.
Selection of Specific Peptides for Coccidioides spp. Obtained from Antigenic Fractions through SDS-PAGE and Western Blot Methods by the Recognition of Sera from Patients with Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Duarte Escalante Esperanza , Frías De León María Guadalupe , Martínez García Luz Gisela , Herrera Jorge , Acosta Altamirano Gustavo , Cabello Carlos , Palma Gabriel , Reyes Montes María del Rocío
Published: November 2018

Antigenic fractions of 100, 50, 37, and 28 kDa obtained through the SDS-PAGE method that were more frequently recognized by anti-Coccidioides antibodies in the sera of coccidioidomycosis patients were selected using western blotting. Subsequently, these bands were sequenced, and the obtained proteins were analysed by BLAST to choose peptides specific for Coccidioides spp. from among the shared aligned sequences of related fungi. A peptide specific for C. immitis was selected from the “GPI anchored serine-threonine rich protein OS C. immitis”, while from the “uncharacterized protein of C. immitis”, we selected a peptide for C. immitis and C. posadasii. These proteins arose from the 100 kDa antigenic fraction. From the protein “fatty acid amide hydrolase 1 of C. posadasii” that was identified from the 50 kDa antigenic fraction, a peptide was selected that recognized C. immitis and C. posadasii. In addition, the analysis of all the peptides (353) of each of the assembled proteins showed that only 35 had 100% identity with proteins of C. immitis and C. posadasii, one had 100% identity with only C. immitis, and one had 100% identity with only C. posadasii. These peptides can be used as diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and antifungals.
Terpenoids from Weedy Ricefield Flatsedge (Cyperus iria L.) Are Developmentally Regulated and Stress-Induced, and have Antifungal Properties
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Ownley Bonnie H. , Chen Feng
Published: November 2018

Ricefield flatsedge (Cyperus iria L.), a troublesome weed in rice production, actively adapts to ecological niches. In this study, terpenoids were identified as the dominant compounds from organic extracts of C. iria leaves. To understand the role of terpenoid production in plant development and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, the dynamics of terpenoid production at different developmental stages, and the regulation of these compounds by stresses were determined. Terpenoid production exhibited temporal and spatial specificity. During vegetative growth, the total concentration of sesquiterpenoids increased and reached a maximum at 70 d after germination, and then decreased until the emergence of inflorescence. Monoterpenoids were only detected from leaves 90 d after germination. During reproductive growth, the total concentration of sesquiterpenoids increased dramatically and mainly accumulated in inflorescences, indicating that the sesquiterpenoids were primarily produced in newly formed and actively growing tissues. The total amount of monoterpenoids, mostly accumulated in flowers, increased until 130 d after germination. Furthermore, accumulation of sesquiterpenoids in leaves was promoted significantly by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and drought treatment. Infestation by beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua, BAW) promoted the emission of total sesquiterpenoids significantly and induced the production of more monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids specifically. Furthermore, volatiles from C. iria leaves had an anti-fungal effect on Fusarium graminearum. The implications of our findings on the biosynthetic pathways leading to the production of sesquiterpenoids in C. iria as well as their potential as fungicides are discussed.
A Charge-Transfer Salt Based on Ferrocene/Ferrocenium Pairs and Keggin-Type Polyoxometalates
Authors: Artetxe Beñat , Iturrospe Amaia , Vitoria Pablo , Ruiz-Bilbao Estibaliz , S. Garitaonandia José , Gutiérrez-Zorrilla Juan M.
Published: November 2018

A new hybrid inorganic-organometallic salt has been obtained from the reaction of the Keggin-type silicotungstate anion with ferrocene in a water/methanol mixture as a result of the partial oxidation of ferrocene molecules to ferrocenium cations. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the presence of four ferrocenium (FeIII) cations and one ferrocene (FeII) molecule per plenary Keggin anion in the crystal structure of [FeIII (Cp)2]4[SiW12O40]·[FeII(Cp)2]·2CH3OH (1). Compound 1 thus constitutes the first example in the literature in which ferrocenium and ferrocene species coexist in the structure of a polyoxometalate-based salt. The two crystallographically independent ferrocenium species in the asymmetric unit of 1 exhibit different configurations: One displays an eclipsed conformation with ideal D5h symmetry, whereas the conformation in the other one is staggered D5d. The crystal packing of 1 can be best described as an organometallic sub-lattice of ferrocenium and ferrocene species linked by a network of π-π interactions that generates rectangular cavities of about 14 × 10 Å in which strings of Keggin anions and methanol molecules are hosted, further connected to each other via weak OPOM···CMeOH-OMeOH···OPOM type hydrogen bonds. The charge-transfer nature of the salt has been studied by solid-state diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy and the presence of magnetically isolated FeIII/FeII centres has been confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy. A topological study carried out on all of the pristine ferrocenyl species deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) has allowed two main conclusions to be drawn: (1) these species tend to adopt extreme conformations (either eclipsed or staggered) with less than a 15% of examples showing intermediate states and (2) the oxidation state of the iron centres can be unequivocally assigned on the basis of a close inspection of the Fe···Cp distances, which allows ferrocene neutral molecules and ferrocenium cations to be easily distinguished.
Alteration of Intestinal Flora Stimulates Pulmonary microRNAs to Interfere with Host Antiviral Immunity in Influenza
Authors: Pang Peng , Yu Bin , Shi Yucong , Deng Li , Xu Huachong , Wu Sizhi , Chen Xiaoyin
Published: November 2018

The intestinal flora may be an important and modifiable factor that contributes to the immune response in influenza. To investigate the effect of intestinal flora alteration induced by antibiotic interference on microRNA (miRNA) communication in antiviral immunity, BALB/c mice received two weeks of antibiotic treatment before infection with the influenza A virus. The changes in intestinal flora and pulmonary flora were detected and analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. The amplification of the influenza virus in the lungs was measured by RT-PCR. The involvement of pulmonary miRNA was explored using miRNA microarray analysis. The results showed that the antibiotics destroyed the symbiotic relationship of the intestinal flora, resulting in a reduction in bacterial diversity, but they did not affect the pulmonary flora. The alteration of intestinal flora affected the expression of pulmonary miRNAs and resulted in an enhancement of pulmonary influenza virus amplification. The conclusion is that alteration of intestinal flora induced by antibiotic interference affected the expression of pulmonary miRNAs to interfere with host antiviral immunity, of which miR-146b and miR-29c might be good resources of resistance to influenza under antibiotic abuse.
Effect of Photodynamic Antibacterial Chemotherapy Combined with Antibiotics on Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Ilizirov Yana , Formanovsky Andrei , Mikhura Irina , Paitan Yossi , Nakonechny Faina , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: November 2018

The well-known and rapidly growing phenomenon of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is caused by uncontrolled, excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. One of alternatives to antibiotics is Photodynamic Antibacterial Chemotherapy (PACT). In the present study, the effect of PACT using a photosensitizer Rose Bengal alone and in combination with antibiotics including methicillin and derivatives of sulfanilamide synthesized by us was tested against antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates of Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic-sensitive and resistant strains of P. aeruginosa were eradicated by Rose Bengal under illumination and by sulfanilamide but were not inhibited by new sulfanilamide derivatives. No increase in sensitivity of P. aeruginosa cells to sulfanilamide was observed upon a combination of Rose Bengal and sulfanilamide under illumination. All tested S. aureus strains (MSSA and MRSA) were effectively inhibited by PACT. When treated with sub-MIC concentrations of Rose Bengal under illumination, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of methicillin decreased significantly for MSSA and MRSA strains. In some cases, antibiotic sensitivity of resistant strains can be restored by combining antibiotics with PACT.
GC-MS Characterization of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Stinky Tofu Brine by Optimization of Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Conditions
Authors: Tang Hui , Ma Jin-Kui , Chen Lin , Jiang Li-Wen , Xie Jing , Li Pao , He Jing
Published: November 2018

This study optimized the headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) conditions for the analysis of the volatile flavor compounds of Chinese south stinky tofu brine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The optimum HS-SPME conditions established were as follows: polar column CD-WAX, white 85 μm polyella extractor, extraction temperature 60 °C, equilibrium time 20 min, extraction time 40 min. Under these conditions, a total of 63 volatile flavor compounds in five stinky tofu brines were identified. The offensive odor of the stinky tofu may be derived from some of the volatile flavor compounds such as phenol, p-cresol, 3-methylindole, indole, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, n-butyric acid and 3-methylbutanoic acid. The volatile flavor substances data was examined by principal component analysis (PCA) to visualize the response patterns in the feature space of principal components (PC). PCA analysis results revealed that the Chengshifu brine (STB1) and Baise jingdian brine (STB4) are similar in PC 1, 2, and 3, and the two brines have a similar flavor. Results also indicate that the Huogongdian brine (STB2) and Wangcheng brine (STB3) can be grouped in the same class as they are similar in PC 3. However, PC 1, 2, and 3 of the Luojia brine (STB5) and other brands of brine are different as is the flavor.
A Trajectory-Based Method to Explore Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Vázquez Saulo A. , Otero Xose L. , Martinez-Nunez Emilio
Published: November 2018

The tsscds method, recently developed in our group, discovers chemical reaction mechanisms with minimal human intervention. It employs accelerated molecular dynamics, spectral graph theory, statistical rate theory and stochastic simulations to uncover chemical reaction paths and to solve the kinetics at the experimental conditions. In the present review, its application to solve mechanistic/kinetics problems in different research areas will be presented. Examples will be given of reactions involved in photodissociation dynamics, mass spectrometry, combustion chemistry and organometallic catalysis. Some planned improvements will also be described.
Enhancements of Cancer Cell Damage Efficiencies in Photothermal and Photodynamic Processes through Cell Perforation and Preheating with Surface Plasmon Resonance of Gold Nanoring
Authors: Hsiao Jen-Hung , He Yulu , Yu Jian-He , Tseng Po-Hao , Hua Wei-Hsiang , Low Meng Chun , Tsai Yu-Hsuan , Cai Cheng-Jin , Hsieh Cheng-Che , Kiang Yean-Woei , Yang Chih-Chung , Zhang Zhengxi
Published: November 2018

The methods of cell perforation and preheating are used for increasing cell uptake efficiencies of gold nanorings (NRIs), which have the localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength around 1064 nm, and photosensitizer, AlPcS, and hence enhancing the cell damage efficiency through the photothermal (PT) and photodynamic (PD) effects. The perforation and preheating effects are generated by illuminating a defocused 1064-nm femtosecond (fs) laser and a defocused 1064-nm continuous (cw) laser, respectively. Cell damage is produced by illuminating cell samples with a focused 1064-nm cw laser through the PT effect, a focused 1064-nm fs laser through both PT and PD effects, and a focused 660-nm cw laser through the PD effect. Under various conditions with and without cell wash before laser illumination, through either perforation or preheating process, cell uptake and hence cell damage efficiencies can be enhanced. Under our experimental conditions, perforation can be more effective at enhancing cell uptake and damage when compared with preheating.
Selection, Characterization, and Application of ssDNA Aptamer against Furaneol
Authors: Komarova Natalia , Andrianova Mariia , Glukhov Sergey , Kuznetsov Alexander
Published: November 2018

Furaneol is an aroma compound which occurs naturally in foods and is used as an artificial flavor. Detection of furaneol is required in food science and food processing industry. Capture- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) protocol was applied for the isolation of an aptamer binding to furaneol, a small volatile organic substance contributing to the flavor of various products. Thirteen cycles of selection were performed. The resulting DNA pool was cloned, using blunt-end cloning, and ninety-six plasmids were sequenced and analyzed. Eight oligonucleotides were selected as aptamer candidates and screened for the ability to bind to furaneol, using three different methods—magnetic-beads associated elution assay, SYBR Green I assay, and exonuclease protection assay. One of the candidates was further characterized as an aptamer. The apparent equilibrium constant was determined to be (1.1 ± 0.4) µM, by the fluorescent method. The reported aptamer was applied for development of the ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET)-based biosensor, for the analysis of furaneol, in the concentration range of 0.1–10 µM.
Synthesis, In Vitro Biological Evaluation, and Oxidative Transformation of New Flavonol Derivatives: The Possible Role of the Phenyl-N,N-Dimethylamino Group
Authors: Szabados-Furjesi Peter , Pajtas David , Barta Aliz , Csepanyi Evelin , Kiss-Szikszai Attila , Tosaki Arpad , Bak Istvan
Published: November 2018

Six new flavonols (6a–f) were synthesized with Claisen–Schmidt and Suzuki reactions and they were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. In order to evaluate their antioxidant activities, their oxygen radical absorption capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were measured, along with their free radical scavenging activity against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradicals. In addition, their cytotoxicity on H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells was also assessed by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Compounds bearing the phenyl-N,N-dimethylamino group (6a, 6c, and 6e) exhibited promising antioxidant potency and did not have any cytotoxic effect. After a consideration of these data, the oxidative transformation of the 6c compound was investigated in vitro with a chemical Fenton reaction and the identification of the formed oxidation products was performed by mass spectrometry. Two potential metabolites were detected. Based on these results, compound 6c can be a model compound for future developments. Overall, this work has proved the involvement of the phenyl-N,N-dimethylamino group in the antioxidant activity of flavonols.
Metabolomic Analysis of Pollen Grains with Different Germination Abilities from Two Clones of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook)
Authors: Fragallah Seif Aldin Dawina Abdallah , Wang Pei , Li Nuo , Chen Yu , Lin Sizu
Published: November 2018

Pollen grains produce certain metabolites, which can improve or inhibit germination and tube growth. Metabolomic analysis of germinating and growing Chinese fir pollen has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse metabolites changes, content and expression in the germinating pollen of Chinese fir. To understand the metabolic differences, two clones from Chinese fir were selected. Metabolomics analyses were performed on three stages (1-, 24- and 48-h) during in vitro pollen germination. The metabolites profiles at different time points were analyzed by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that 171 peaks were screened; the corresponding differential metabolites of 121 peaks were classified into nine types of substances. The expression of metabolites showed significant differences across and between clones, and the variation was evident at all germination stages. The expression was obvious at the early stage of germination, which differed clearly from that of the late stage after pollen tube growth. Moreover, the metabolites were mainly enriched in 14 metabolic pathways. Pollen germination and tube growth and metabolites expressions changed per incubation time. Since this work is preliminary, we suggest further investigations to understand the relationship between the differential metabolites and pollen development, and factors affecting pollen germination process.
Chemical Structures of Lignans and Neolignans Isolated from Lauraceae
Authors: Li Ya , Xie Shuhan , Ying Jinchuan , Wei Wenjun , Gao Kun
Published: November 2018

Lauraceae is a good source of lignans and neolignans, which are the most chemotaxonomic characteristics of many species of the family. This review describes 270 naturally occurring lignans and neolignans isolated from Lauraceae.
Determining the Degree of [001] Preferred Growth of Ni(OH)2 Nanoplates
Authors: Li Taotao , Dang Ning , Zhang Wanggang , Liang Wei , Yang Fuqian
Published: November 2018

Determining the degree of preferred growth of low-dimensional materials is of practical importance for the improvement of the synthesis methods and applications of low-dimensional materials. In this work, three different methods are used to analyze the degree of preferred growth of the Ni(OH)2 nanoplates synthesized without the use of a complex anion. The results suggest that the preferred growth degree of the Ni(OH)2 nanoplates calculated by the March parameter and the expression given by Zolotoyabko, which are based on the analysis and texture refinement of the X-ray diffraction pattern, are in good accordance with the results measured by SEM and TEM imaging. The method using the shape function of crystallites is not suitable for the determination of the preferred growth degree of the Ni(OH)2 nanoplates. The method using the March parameter and the expression given by Zolotoyabko can be extended to the analysis of block materials.
An Implantable Sensorized Lead for Continuous Monitoring of Cardiac Apex Rotation
Authors: Marcelli Emanuela , Cercenelli Laura
Published: November 2018

Changes in the pattern or amplitude of cardiac rotation have been associated with important cardiovascular diseases, including Heart Failure (HF) which is one of the major health problems worldwide. Recent advances in echocardiographic techniques have allowed for non-invasive quantification of cardiac rotation; however, these examinations do not address the continuous monitoring of patient status. We have presented a newly developed implantable, transvenous lead with a tri-axis (3D) MEMS gyroscope incorporated near its tip to measure cardiac apex rotation in the three-dimensional space. We have named it CardioMon for its intended use for cardiac monitoring. If compared with currently proposed implantable systems for HF monitoring based on the use of pressure sensors that can have reliability issues, an implantable motion sensor like a gyroscope holds the premise for more reliable long term monitoring. The first prototypal assembly of the CardioMon lead has been tested to assess the reliability of the 3D gyroscope readings. In vitro results showed that the novel sensorized CardioMon lead was accurate and reliable in detecting angular velocities within the range of cardiac twisting velocities. Animal experiments will be planned to further evaluate the CardioMon lead in in vivo environments and to investigate possible endocardial implantation sites.
Observable Degree Analysis for Multi-Sensor Fusion System
Authors: Hu Zhentao , Chen Tianxiang , Ge Quanbo , Wang Hebin
Published: November 2018

Multi-sensor fusion system has many advantages, such as reduce error and improve filtering accuracy. The observability of the system state is an important index to test the convergence accuracy and speed of the designed Kalman filter. In this paper, we evaluate different multi-sensor fusion systems from the perspective of observability. To adjust and optimize the filter performance before filtering, in this paper, we derive the expression form of estimation error covariance of three different fusion methods and discussed both observable degree of fusion center and local filter of fusion step. Based on the ODAEPM, we obtained their discriminant matrix of observable degree and the relationship among different fusion methods is given by mathematical proof. To confirm mathematical conclusion, the simulation analysis is done for multi-sensor CV model. The result demonstrates our theory and verifies the advantage of information fusion system.
Dynamic Outlier Detection in the Calibration by Comparison Method Applied to Strain Gauge Weight Sensors
Authors: Walendziuk Wojciech
Published: November 2018

The present work proposes a robust method of analyzing sets of data series shifted in time in respect to each other utilizing the process of dynamic calibration by comparison. Usually the Pearson’s correlation analysis coefficient is applied for this purpose. However, in some cases the method does not bring satisfactory results, as it can be seen in the results of the research conducted for the purpose of this paper. The Dynamic Time Warping method may be the solution to this problem, as it appears to be more efficient while comparing the shapes of calibration characteristics done with the use of the Pearson’s method. The presented method may also be applied to eliminate dynamic outliers collected in the process of recurrence examination or the analysis of strain gauge weight sensors hysteresis. This fact also makes the method a good tool for eliminating improper data series which might appear in the calibration process due to, e.g., malfunctioning devices installed in the calibration stand. The article presents an example of using the proposed method in eliminating improper dynamic characteristics obtained in a simulated calibration stand. Moreover, a comparative analysis performed on the simulation data is also presented in the article, as well as the result of the laboratory experiment.
Trends in the Use of Plant Non-Starch Polysaccharides within Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals: Beneficial Effects on Regulation and Wellbeing of the Intestinal Tract
Authors: Cruz-Rubio José Manuel , Loeppert Renate , Viernstein Helmut , Praznik Werner
Published: November 2018

As the demand for healthy products targeted to prevent or ameliorate bowel disease and digestive disorders of the intestinal tract is increasing, this review describes non-starch polysaccharides, such as β-glucan, arabinoxylan, galactomannan, fructan, and heteropolysaccarides from mucilages, as useful sources for adequate and tailor-made products aimed for regulation of the colon and wellbeing effects on the gut microbiota. Their monosaccharide composition, structure, molecular dimensions, physicochemical characteristics and growth stimulation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the gut microbiota is reported. Arabinoxylan from wheat and rye grains is discussed as an ingredient for gluten and lectin-free bread and baked goods. Galactomannans from legumes and their partially hydrolysed products are presented as sources for specific healthy products against bowel disease and digestive discomfort. Commercial fructan products obtained from inulin, fructan of agave, and fructooligosaccharides are discussed in detail as a selective substrate for fermentation by health-promoting bacteria in the colon, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Structurally different heteropolysaccharides from mucilages of traditional medicinal plants, such as seeds from psyllium, flax, chan, chia, and basil or cladodes from Opuntia spp., are discussed as useful sources of dietary fibre, with prebiotic characteristics and digestive regulation in the intestinal tract as well.
Structure de LiGaTiO4, nouveau type d'ordre dans les spinelles
Authors: Lewy-Bertaut Erwin Félix , Patrat Gaëtan
Published: November 2018

Le composé LiGaTiO₄ s'ordonne dans le groupe 1mma-(D²⁸₂₄) avec les paramètres a = a₀√2 ; b = 3 a₀√2 ; c = a₀ où a₀ est le paramètre de la maille cubique du spinelle désordonné ; a₀ = 8,29 Å. La distribution des cations est décrite par la formule (Ga₂:Li) [(Ti₃Ga) : Li2]O₁₂ où le symbole : indique un ordre (2:1) des cations sur les sites tétraédriques (A) et octaédriques [B],
Structure cristalline du nitrate de bismuth hydraté
Authors: Herpin Paulette , Sudarsanan Kesavan
Published: November 2018

Le nitrate de bismuth hydraté à 5H₂O cristallise dans le système triclinique, son groupe spatial est P[-1]. L'atome de bismuth est entouré de trois molécules H₂O et de six atomes d'oxygène appartenant aux radicaux NO₃⁻. Les deux autres molécules d'eau relient les ions complexes. [Bi(H₂O)₃(NO₃)₃].
Évolution continue d'un massif granitique et succession minérale : le massif des Colettes (Échassières, Allier). Première partie : granites et micaschistes
Authors: Rosen Andrée de
Published: November 2018

Les relations (forme des bordures, métamorphisme) du massif avec les micaschistes sont tout d'abord étudiées, puis le granite des Colettes et ses pegmatites banales, enfin, le granite de Beauvoir et ses pegmatites sodo˗lithiques. La présence de minéraux hydrothermaux dans les chambres pegmatitiques et de minéraux tardimagmatiques primaires dans le granite de Beauvoir (topaze, cassitérite, apatite, montebrasite, etc.) résultent d'une séparation incomplète des solutions résiduelles, ceci serait l'indice d'une mise en place à faible profondeur du massif granitique.

Les filons, minéralisations et altérations seront traitées dans une seconde publication.
Étude pétrographique d'une série calcaréo˗dolomitique de la région des Causses
Authors: Maurel Pierre
Published: November 2018

Détermination de la composition minéralogique de 29 roches carbonatées d'âge différent.

Dosages chimiques de la calcite et de la dolomite, détermination des minéraux argileux et dosage du quartz. Les roches les plus pures sont localisées au sommet de la série stratigraphique. Dans la fraction argileuse l'illite est le minéral dominant.

Abondance et répartition de : P, Mn, Fe, Li, Ba, Sr. Les teneurs sont généralement très faibles. La répartition de ces éléments n'obéit pas à des règles cristallochimiques simples et paraît plutôt liée aux minéraux non carbonatés.
Structures cristallines des composés intermétalliques T2CO7 et TCO3 (T = Terre Rare ou Yttrium)
Authors: Lewy-Bertaut Erwin Félix , Lemaire R. , Schweizer Jacques
Published: November 2018

Les structures des composés T₂Co₇ et TCo₃ (T étant un élément terre rare ou l'Yttrium), cristallisant dans le groupe rhomboédrique R[-3]m, sont établies aux rayons X. Elles sont étroitement liées à la structure de TCo₅. Le composé TCo₄ signalé par divers auteurs n'existe pas, il s'agit en fait d'un mélange de TCo₅ et de T₂Co₇. Les paramètres cristallins des différents composés isotypes ont été mesurés.
Millennials' Perceptions of Social Interactions, Memorability, and Satisfaction Onboard Cruise Ships
Authors: Rodden Shelby , Hritz Nancy
Published: November 2018

This study examined millennial's social interactions and their memorability that occur onboard cruise ships and analyzed how they may affect satisfaction with their experience. Social interactions are important as they can assist cruise lines into creating memorable experiences that
lead to future intentions to cruise again. Descriptive and regression analysis show that positive social interactions are important for overall satisfaction. Moreover, social interactions with crew were rated as more important for mentally stimulating social interactions and influencing choices
of activities. However, social interactions were more memorable with other passengers. Practical applications for the cruise lines and directions for future research are discussed.
ARE HOUSING PRICE CYCLES ASYMMETRIC? EVIDENCE FROM THE US STATES AND METROPOLITAN AREAS
Authors: André Christophe , Gupta Rangan , Mwamba John W. Muteba
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates asymmetry in US housing price cycles at the state and metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, using the Triples test (Randles, Flinger, Policello, & Wolfe, 1980) and the Entropy test of Racine and Maasoumi (2007). Several reasons may account for asymmetry in housing prices, including non-linearity in their determinants and in behavioural responses, in particular linked to equity constraints and loss aversion. However, few studies have formally tested the symmetry of housing price cycles. We find that housing prices are asymmetric in the vast majority of cases. Taking into account the results of the two tests, deepness asymmetry, which represents differences in the magnitude of upswings and downturns, is found in 39 out of the 51 states (including the District of Columbia) and 238 out of the 381 MSAs. Steepness asymmetry, which measures differences in the speed of price changes during upswings and downturns, is found in 40 states and 257 MSAs. These results imply that linear models are in most cases insufficient to capture housing price dynamics.
The NANOGrav 11-year Data Set: Pulse Profile Variability
Authors: Brook P. R. , Karastergiou A. , McLaughlin M. A. , Lam M. T. , Arzoumanian Z. , Chatterjee S. , Cordes J. M. , Crowter K. , DeCesar M. , Demorest P. B. , Dolch T. , Ellis J. A. , Ferdman R. D. , Ferrara E. , Fonseca E. , Gentile P. A. , Jones G. , Jones M. L. , Lazio T. J. W. , Levin L. , Lorimer D. R. , Lynch R. S. , Ng C. , Nice D. J. , Pennucci T. T. , Ransom S. M. , Ray P. S. , Spiewak R. , Stairs I. H. , Stinebring D. R. , Stovall K. , Swiggum J. K. , Zhu W. W.
Published: November 2018

Access to 50 years of data has led to the discovery of pulsar emission and rotation variability on timescales of months and years. Most of this long-term variability has been seen in long-period pulsars, with relatively little focus on recycled millisecond pulsars. We have analyzed a 38-pulsar subset of the 45 millisecond pulsars in the NANOGrav 11-year data set, in order to review their pulse profile stability. The most variability, on any timescale, is seen in PSRs J1713+0747, B1937+21, and J2145−0750. The strongest evidence for long-timescale pulse profile changes is seen in PSRs B1937+21 and J1643−1224. We have focused our analyses on these four pulsars in an attempt to elucidate the causes of their profile variability. Effects of scintillation seem to be responsible for the profile modifications of PSR J2145−0750. We see evidence that imperfect polarization calibration contributes to the profile variability of PSRs J1713+0747 and B1937+21, along with radio frequency interference around 2 GHz, but find that propagation effects also have an influence. The changes seen in PSR J1643−1224 have been reported previously, yet elude explanation beyond their astrophysical nature. Regardless of cause, unmodeled pulse profile changes are detrimental to the accuracy of pulsar timing and must be incorporated into the timing models where possible.
Taxonomic revision of the assassin-fly genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae)
Authors: Markee Amanda , Dikow Torsten
Published: November 2018

The genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Diptera: Asilidae: Brachyrhopalinae) is revised. Currently, three species are known from Namibia and western South Africa, i.e. Microphontesmegoura Londt, 1994 from north-western South Africa, Microphontessafra Londt, 1994 from Namibia and Microphonteswhittingtoni Londt, 1994 from western South Africa. Four new species, Microphontesericfisherisp. n. from the Little Karoo of South Africa, Microphontesgaiophanessp. n. from the Namib desert of Namibia and Microphontesjasonlondtisp. n. and Microphonteskryphiossp. n. from western South Africa, are described. Distribution, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal incidence are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs and identification keys are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support future studies of the included taxa. An unusual flight pattern of male Microphontesgaiophanessp. n. is discussed. A unique morphological feature on tergite 8 of Microphontes females, termed postero-paramedian T8 pores, is described, illustrated and discussed.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Carbray Julie A.
Published: November 2018

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neuro-developmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impairs functioning of the child/adolescent. Although ADHD is the most commonly seen psychiatric disorder in childhood and adolescence, diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents in the United States has grown over the past 20 years, with prevalence rates increasing from 6.1% to 10.2% from 1997 to 2016. The current article describes the epidemiology of ADHD, factors that contribute to successful treatment, and recommendations to improve nursing practice. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(12), 7–10.]
Engaging Integrated Health Teams to Decrease the Risk of Controlled Substance Use for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Geis Alice
Published: November 2018

The United States is facing an opioid epidemic that is virulent in its lethality and includes morbidity and mortality related to prescription opioids. Overuse of another class of drugs— benzodiazepines—has received less media attention, but also poses the threat of tolerance, dependence, and death, especially in combination with opioids or alcohol. These negative outcomes are not distributed evenly over the population but are especially prevalent in vulnerable populations. One such vulnerable population comprises individuals with serious mental illness. Professionals who serve this population are challenged by an often-fragmented health care system to collaborate with patients and other professionals to reduce risks and improve outcomes. This article examines strategies for addressing risks associated with the use of benzodiazepines and opioids in this population within the context of an integrated interprofessional team. Recommendations include (a) building consensus on the team, (b) providing education for all stakeholders, and (c) enhancing care coordination and patient access to effective treatments. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(12), 11–15.]
Terapias avanzadas en enfermedades raras
Authors: Fillat Cristina , Del Río Marcela , Martínez-Santamaría Lucía , Bueren Juan A.
Published: November 2018

Las terapias avanzadas comprenden un grupo de medicamentos biológicos basados en la terapia génica, la terapia celular y la ingeniería de tejidos. En este artículo se presentan algunos conceptos básicos, se describen las estrategias más prometedoras y se detallan los resultados de diferentes ensayos clínicos para un grupo significativo de enfermedades, especialmente las enfermedades hereditarias monogénicas. Se hace un mayor hincapié en la terapia génica ex vivo en enfermedades del sistema hematopoyético, al ser el grupo de enfermedades pioneras que además han orientado la investigación en el campo. Destacamos también algunos ejemplos de éxito de terapia génica in vivo y señalamos la contribución de la terapia celular y de la ingeniería de tejidos al grupo de enfermedades raras de la piel. Pretendemos con ello dar una visión de la situación de las terapias avanzadas en enfermedades raras y señalamos algunas de las vías de futuro orientadas al desarrollo de tratamientos más eficaces y seguros.
Un nuevo sentido del lugar. Las narraciones del sur y la geopolítica en el proceso de renovación de la ficción televisiva española de género criminal
Authors: Cascajosa Virino Concepción
Published: November 2018

El artículo analiza la ficción seriada producida en España tras la reciente crisis económica desde el punto de vista de la introducción de localizaciones diferentes a la ciudad de Madrid y su relación con temáticas tales como el terrorismo, la inmigración y el tráfico de drogas. El estudio se fundamenta en aportaciones teóricas relacionadas con la representación espacial en el audiovisual, así como en el interés creciente en aplicar conceptos procedentes de la geopolítica al análisis de la ficción televisiva. Los estudios de caso son tres series de ficción criminal recientes: El Príncipe (Telecinco: 2014-2016), Mar de plástico (Antena 3: 2015-2016) y Perdóname, Señor (Telecinco: 2017). Estas tres series han sido ejemplo de un proceso de renovación de la ficción española en términos de producción, narrativa, temáticas y estética con el fin de diferenciarse y encontrar un lugar en los mercados internacionales.
Business Process Re-Engineering
Authors: Sungau Joseph
Published: November 2018

In today's business environment, business competition has increased due to market needs and advancement in technologies. This forces organizational managers and consultants to identify techniques that enable organizations to cope with an ever-changing business environment. In their efforts, many organizational performance improving techniques have been discovered. Among the techniques discovered, business process re-engineering is the technique reported to improve business processes for enhanced organizational performance. Therefore, this chapter explains what business process re-engineering is and presents modeling methods for business process re-engineering.
Enhanced Requirement Traceability Link Using Developer's Updated Activity
Authors: Pandian Raviraj , Anandha Kumar D.
Published: November 2018

In the software development cycle, the requirement traceability link is one of the important factors. Information retrieval techniques typically produce links with low precision and/or recall because, due to their very nature, they depend on the textual similarity between requirements and source code. The developers may not evolve requirements in synchronization with source code. But, they frequently update other sources of information including CVS/SVN repositories, bug-tracking systems, mailing lists, forums, and blogs. These sources of information will be used to build improved requirement traceability-recovery approaches. After the source code was developed, the developer compiles the source code and commits the source code into versions. Then admin needs to compare the templates and versions based on similarity measurement. Based on textual comparison, the similarity is calculated. The admin can do the same process for the forum requirements.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Accomplishment of Operational Plans of the Organization and Context-Free Grammar Operational Planning Language
Authors: Pougatchev Valeri
Published: November 2018

The innovative and effective solutions for the strategic and operational planning management of organizations are discussed. The author reviews current and past challenges of the strategic and operational planning and describes two novel solutions with practical implementation for improving these processes. The first one is a numerical indicator V-index that represents the level of accomplishment of operational plans of the entire organization, its units, and members of staff. The V-index serves operational plans with hierarchical and non-hierarchical structures. The second solution is a novel context-free grammar operational planning language for a formal definition of the planning process. All examples and case-study presentation are based on fragments of the faculty/departments/programs of some fictional educational institution (university).
A Cognitive Information Retrieval Using POP Inference Engine Approaches
Authors: Kalra Parul , Mehrotra Deepti , Wahid Abdul
Published: November 2018

The focus of this chapter is to design a cognitive information retrieval (CIR) framework using inference engine (IE). IE permits one to analyze the central concepts of information retrieval: information, information needs, and relevance. The aim is to propose an inference engine in which adequate user preferences are considered. As the cognitive inference engine (CIE) approach is involved, the complex inquiries are required to return more important outcomes as opposed to customary database questions which get irrelevant and unsolicited responses or results. The chapter highlights the framework of a cognitive rule-based engine in which preference queries are dealt with while keeping in mind the intention of the user, their performance, and optimization.