bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Destruxin B Suppresses Drug-Resistant Colon Tumorigenesis and Stemness Is Associated with the Upregulation of miR-214 and Downregulation of mTOR/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Wu Szu-Yuan , Huang Yan-Jiun , Tzeng Yew-Min , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Hsiao Michael , Wu Alexander T.H. , Huang Tse-Hung
Published: September 2018

Background: Drug resistance represents a major challenge for treating patients with colon cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-associated signaling promotes colon tumorigenesis and cancer stemness. Therefore, the identification of agents, which can disrupt cancer stemness signaling, may provide improved therapeutic efficacy. Methods: Mimicking the tumor microenvironment, we treated colon cancer cells with exogenous IGF1. The increased stemness of IGF1-cultured cells was determined by ALDH1 activity, side-population, tumor sphere formation assays. Destruxin B (DB) was evaluated for its anti-tumorigenic and stemness properties using cellular viability, colony-formation tests. The mimic and inhibitor of miR-214 were used to treat colon cancer cells to show its functional association to DB treatment. In vivo mouse models were used to evaluate DB’s ability to suppress colon tumor-initiating ability and growth inhibitory function. Results: IGF1-cultured colon cancer cells showed a significant increase in 5-FU resistance and enhanced stemness properties, including an increased percentage of ALDH1+, side-population cells, tumor sphere generation in vitro, and increased tumor initiation in vivo. In support, using public databases showed that increased IGF1 expression was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with colon cancer. DB, a hexadepsipeptide mycotoxin, was able to suppress colon tumorigenic phenotypes, including colony and sphere formation. The sequential treatment of DB, followed by 5-FU, synergistically inhibited the viability of colon cancer cells. In vivo studies showed that DB suppressed the tumorigenesis by 5-FU resistant colon cells, and in a greater degree when combined with 5-FU. Mechanistically, DB treatment was associated with decreased the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and β-catenin expression and an increased miR-214 level. Conclusion: We provided evidence of DB as a potential therapeutic agent for overcoming 5-FU resistance induced by IGF1, and suppressing cancer stem-like properties in association with miR-214 regulation. Further investigation is warranted for its translation to clinical application.
OcUGT1-Catalyzed Glucosylation of Sulfuretin Yields Ten Glucosides
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Xu Yan-Li , Yang Yan , Kong Jian-Qiang
Published: September 2018

Sulfuretin glucosides are important sources of innovative drugs. However, few glucosides of sulfuretin have been observed in nature. Therefore, it is urgent to diversify sulfuretin glycosides. Herein, glycosyltransferase (GT)-catalyzed glycodiversification of sulfuretin was achieved. Specifically, a flavonoid GT designated as OcUGT1 was used as a biocatalyst for the glucosylation of sulfuretin with UDP-Glc. The OcUGT1-assisted glucosylation of sulfuretin yielded ten glycosylated products, including three monoglucosides, five diglucosides and two triglucosides. The three monoglucosides were thus identified to be sulfuretin 3′-, 4′- and 6-glucoside according to HR-ESI-TOFMS data and their coelution with respective standards. A major diglucoside was assigned as sulfuretin 4′,6-diglucoside by HR-ESI-TOFMS in conjunction with NMR analysis. The exact structure of the other four diglucosides was not well characterized due to their trace amount. However, they were reasonably inferred as sulfuretin 3′,6-diglucoside, sulfuretin 3′,4′-diglucoside and two disaccharide glucosides. In addition, the structural identification of the remaining two triglucosides was not performed because of their small amount. However, one of the triglucosides was deduced to be sulfuretin 3′,4′,6-triglucoside based on the catalytic behavior of OcUGT1. Of the ten sulfuretin glucosides, at least six were new compounds. This is the first time to obtain monoglucosides, diglucosides and triglucosides of sulfuretin simultaneously by a single glycosyltransferase.
Seasonal Use of Railways by Wildlife
Authors: Popp Jesse N. , Hamr Josef
Published: September 2018

Despite the rapid advancements in the field of road ecology, very little research has been done in railway ecology. Basic research, such as railway use by wildlife, is relatively undocumented, albeit very important in understanding the potential negative and positive effects of railways on wildlife and ecosystems. We provide one of the first studies documenting wildlife railway use using motion-triggered cameras along a 20 km stretch of railway in Ontario. Our objectives were to develop a much-needed baseline understanding of railway use by endemic wildlife species, investigate differences in frequency of use among species, compare diurnal versus nocturnal use, and determine if railway use by wildlife was uniform or spatially varied. We found a significant proportion of medium-to-large resident mammalian fauna and several avian species non-uniformly using the studied railway. Some species used the railway as a travel corridor, while others appeared to use it incidentally. Diel and seasonal patterns of use were apparent for many species. Our findings emphasize the importance of species-specific investigations of railway ecology. The collection of baseline information on railway use by wildlife is critical in view of the dearth of available data, and we highly encourage further research in all aspects of wildlife–railway ecology.
Study on Bifurcation and Dual Solutions in Natural Convection in a Horizontal Annulus with Rotating Inner Cylinder Using Thermal Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Wei Yikun , Wang Zhengdao , Qian Yuehong , Guo Wenjing
Published: September 2018

A numerical investigation has been carried out to understand the mechanism of the rotation effect on bifurcation and dual solutions in natural convection within a horizontal annulus. A thermal immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method was used to resolve the annular flow domain covered by a Cartesian mesh. The Rayleigh number based on the gap width is fixed at 104. The rotation effect on the natural convection is analyzed by streamlines, isotherms, phase portrait and bifurcation diagram. Our results manifest the existence of three convection patterns in a horizontal annulus with rotating inner cylinder which affect the heat transfer in different ways, and the linear speed ( U i * ) determines the proportion of each convection. Comparison of average Nusselt number versus linear speed for the inner cylinder indicates the existence of the three different mechanisms which drive the convection in a rotation system. The convection pattern caused by rotation reduces the heat transfer efficiency. Our results in phase portraits also reveal the differences among different convection patterns.
Research Frontier in Chaos Theory and Complex Networks
Authors: Chen Guanrong , Danca Marius-F. , Yang Xiaosong , Martinez Genaro J. , Yu Hai
Published: September 2018

In recent years, as natural and social sciences are rapidly evolving, classical chaos theoryand modern complex networks studies are gradually interacting each other with a great joineddevelopment [...]
Experimental Methodology and Thermal Loss Tests on Small Size Absorber Tubes for Solar Applications
Authors: Pierucci Giacomo , Hosouli Sahand , Salvestroni Michele , Messeri Matteo , Fagioli Federico , Taddei Francesco , De Lucia Maurizio
Published: September 2018

Since thermal energy for residential applications is a relevant part of the entire energy demand, solar technologies could play an important role in decreasing fossil fuel consumption. A novel small parabolic trough collector matched with a storage system is developed to satisfy heating and required hot water demand for a single house. A new receiver concept is designed and a prototype is realized using two coaxial tubes (three spattered layers). A covering glass with vacuum inside completes the high tech design. Because of numerous innovations including the small size, a specific off-Sun measurement procedure is set up with the aim of evaluating the real thermal loss and direct heating of the absorber by Joule effect. A novel test procedure is proposed for the one-end absorber. The receiver performance results are reported under vacuum conditions and with air at ambient pressure.
A Novel Robust Methodology Based Salp Swarm Algorithm for Allocation and Capacity of Renewable Distributed Generators on Distribution Grids
Authors: Tolba Mohamed , Rezk Hegazy , Diab Ahmed A. Zaki , Al-Dhaifallah Mujahed
Published: September 2018

A novel methodology based on the recent metaheuristic optimization algorithm Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) for locating and optimal sizing of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) and shunt capacitor banks (SCBs) on radial distribution networks (RDNs) is proposed. A multi-objective function index (MOFI) approach is used for assuring the power quality (PQ) through enhancing the voltage level in addition to minimizing the power losses of the system and the whole operating cost of the grid. The proposed methodology is tested via 33-Bus standard radial distribution networks at different scenarios to prove their validity and performance. The obtained results are compared with the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), and the hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Gravitational Search Algorithm (PSOGSA). The SSA optimizer proved its superiority with high attitude and accuracy for solving the problems of RDGs’ and SCBs’ locations and capacities simultaneously. An Egyptian practical case study at different load levels via different scenarios including the control operation within 24 h is considered.
Is Resistance to Mountain Pine Beetle Associated with Genetic Resistance to White Pine Blister Rust in Limber Pine?
Authors: Holtz Christine T. , Schoettle Anna W.
Published: September 2018

Limber pine (Pinus flexilis James) co-evolved with the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins; MPB) and is now also challenged by the non-native pathogen Cronartium ribicola (J.C. Fisch.) that causes the lethal disease white pine blister rust (WPBR). Previous research suggests that trees infected with WPBR can be preferred hosts for MPB. Using resin duct traits associated with MPB resistance, we tested for a relationship between resistance to MPB and WPBR in limber pine, in the absence of either biological agent. These analyses will help evaluate if MPB historically may have contributed to natural selection for WPBR resistance in advance of WPBR invasion, and could help explain the unusually high frequency of the dominant Cr4 allele for complete resistance to WPBR in limber pine populations of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Resin duct production, density and relative duct area did not differ between healthy trees previously inferred to carry the dominant Cr4 allele and trees that lack it at 22 sites, though some duct traits varied with elevation. MPB resistance does not appear to have played an evolutionary role in contributing to the high frequency of Cr4 in naïve populations, however, MPB may affect the future evolution of resistance to WPBR in the pines where the two pests coincide and WPBR will affect forest recovery after MPB epidemics. MPB-WPBR interactions in a changing climate will affect the future trajectory of limber pine.
Wineinformatics: A Quantitative Analysis of Wine Reviewers
Authors: Chen Bernard , Velchev Valentin , Palmer James , Atkison Travis
Published: September 2018

Data Science is a successful study that incorporates varying techniques and theories from distinct fields including Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Business and domain knowledge. Among all components in data science, domain knowledge is the key to create high quality data products by data scientists. Wineinformatics is a new data science application that uses wine as the domain knowledge and incorporates data science and wine related datasets, including physicochemical laboratory data and wine reviews. This paper produces a brand-new dataset that contains more than 100,000 wine reviews made available by the Computational Wine Wheel. This dataset is then used to quantitatively evaluate the consistency of the Wine Spectator and all of its major reviewers through both white-box and black-box classification algorithms. Wine Spectator reviewers receive more than 87% accuracy when evaluated with the SVM method. This result supports Wine Spectator’s prestigious standing in the wine industry.
New Challenges: Developing Gendered and Equitable Responses to Involuntary Exposures to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Cannabis Vaping
Authors: Hemsing Natalie , Greaves Lorraine
Published: September 2018

Recreational cannabis use is in the process of being legalized in Canada, and new products and devices for both nicotine and cannabis vaping are being introduced. Yet, research on the harms of involuntary exposure to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs) and cannabis vaping is in its infancy, and there is a lack of investigation on sex-specific health effects and gendered patterns of exposure and use. We argue that responses to ENDS and cannabis vaping exposures should align with policy and progress on restricting exposure to tobacco secondhand smoke (SHS). Furthermore, we argue that sex, gender, and equity considerations should be integrated in both research and policy to benefit all Canadians.
Distribution and Driving Factors of Forest Swamp Conversions in a Cold Temperate Region
Authors: Zhao Dandan , He Hong S. , Wang Wen J. , Liu Jiping , Du Haibo , Wu Miaomiao , Tan Xinyuan
Published: September 2018

Forest swamps are widely distributed in cold temperate regions, with important landscape and ecological functions. They are prone to conversion caused by complex factors. Forest swamp conversions involve forest swamping, meadow swamping, water body swamping, and conversion to farmland. An understanding of the landscape characteristics and primary environmental factors driving forest swamp conversions is imperative for exploring the mechanism of forest swamp conversions. We investigated the landscape characteristics of forest swamp conversions and quantified the relative importance of environmental factors driving these conversions for the period from 1990 to 2015 in the Great Xing’an Mountains of China. We found that forest swamping displayed high patch numbers (34,916) and density (8.51/100 ha), commonly occurring at the edge of large areas of forests. Meadow swamping was localized with low patch numbers (3613) and density (0.88/100 ha) due to lack of water recharge from ground water. Water body swamping had complex shapes (perimeter area ratio mean = 348.32) because of water table fluctuations and helophyte growth during this conversion process. Conversions to farmland presented fairly regular (perimeter area ratio mean = 289.91) and aggregated (aggregation index = 67.82) characteristics affected by agricultural irrigation and management. We found that climatic and geomorphic factors were relatively important compared to topographic factors for forest swamp conversions. Negative geomorphic conditions provided the waterlogging environment as a precondition of swamp formation. Sufficient precipitation was an important source of water recharge due to the existence of permafrost regions and long-term low temperature reduced the evaporation of swamps water and the decomposition rate of organisms. These wet and cold climatic conditions promoted forest swamp development in cold temperate regions. Humans exerted a relatively important role in forest swamping and conversions to farmland. Fire disturbance and logging accelerated the conversion from forest to swamp. This study provides scientific information necessary for the management and conservation of forest swamp resources in cold temperate regions.
Determinants of Self-Rated Health Perception in a Sample of a Physically Active Population: PLENUFAR VI Study
Authors: Sayón-Orea Carmen , Santiago Susana , Bes-Rastrollo Maira , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Pastor Maria R. , Moreno-Aliaga Maria J. , Tur Josep A. , Garcia Aquilino , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of self-rated health (SRH) perception in Spanish adults. This cross-sectional study including data from 11,342 participants from the Spanish PLENUFAR VI study. SRH status was grouped in two categories (‘good’/‘poor’) and the associations of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet adequacy and chronic disease with SRH were assessed. After adjusting for relevant confounders, the risk ratios (RR) and (95% confidence intervals) for poor SRH were 1.05 (1.03–1.07) for each hour of increment of sitting, 1.56 (1.30–1.88) for short (≥5 h vs. 7–8 h) sleep duration, 0.63 (0.55–0.72) for vigorous (vs. light) physical activity, 0.61 (0.50–0.74) for adequate (vs. non-adequate) diet. Activities like jogging [RR for each unit of increment in the METs-h/day = 0.87 (0.82–0.92)], gymnastics [0.87 (0.81–0.93)], biking [0.91 (0.85–0.98)], and track and field [0.94 (0.89–0.98)], were associated with better health perception. Normally weight participants with any chronic disease had lower probability to report poor SRH than overweight/obese participants with any chronic disease. Frequent consumption of bread (>2 servings/day) was associated with a lower adjusted mean of health perception scale, while higher consumption of vegetables and fruit or fish were associated with higher values, concerning good SRH. We can conclude that normal-weight participants even suffering a chronic disease had lower probability to report poor health perception than participants with overweight/obesity and a chronic disease especially for hypertension and diabetes. Activities like jogging, gymnastics, biking, and track and field, and a higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish, were associated with better health rated perception.
The Health Literacy of U.S. Immigrant Adolescents: A Neglected Research Priority in a Changing World
Authors: Santos Maricel G. , Gorukanti Anu L. , Jurkunas Lina M. , Handley Margaret A.
Published: September 2018

Immigrant adolescents are the fastest-growing sector among U.S. youth, but they receive little attention in health literacy research. Immigrant adolescents are a diverse population tasked with mastering new literacies while also navigating new social systems. Many immigrant adolescents serve as important linguistic and cultural resources in their families and local communities, and yet their contributions (and struggles) as new navigators of our health care system remain invisible. In this commentary article, we argue that health literacy researchers need to devote more attention to immigrant adolescents and the pathways by which they learn new language and literacy skills while also developing their own health habits and behaviors. We contend that the study of immigrant adolescents provides a critical window into health literacy as a socially and historically situated practice, specifically how immigrant adolescents’ transnational experiences shape their learning of new health literacy practices. With a coordinated interdisciplinary research agenda on immigrant adolescents, the health literacy field will expand its empirical base for what becoming “health literate” looks like in today’s globalizing world.
Does Credit Composition have Asymmetric Effects on Income Inequality? New Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Seven Ünal , Kilinc Dilara , Coskun Yener
Published: September 2018

This paper studied the effects of credit to private non-financial sectors on income inequality. In particular, we focused on the distinction between household and firm credits, and investigated whether these two types of credit had adverse effects on income inequality. Employing cross-section augmented cointegrating regressions and using balanced panel data for 30 developed and developing countries over the period from 1995 to 2013, we showed that firm credit reduced income inequality, whereas there was no significant impact of household credit on income inequality. We concluded that it was not the size of the private credit but its composition which mattered in reducing income inequality, due to the asymmetric effects of different types of credit.
Regulation of Chemerin and CMKLR1 Expression by Nutritional Status, Postnatal Development, and Gender
Authors: Sanchez-Rebordelo Estrella , Cunarro Juan , Perez-Sieira Sonia , Seoane Luisa , Diéguez Carlos , Nogueiras Ruben , Tovar Sulay
Published: September 2018

Chemerin (also known as tazarotene-induced gene 2 and retinoic acid receptor responder 2) has been identified as an adipokine that exerts effects on many biological processes, including adipogenesis, angiogenesis, inflammation, immune responses, and food intake. This variety of effects has led to its implication in obesity and co-morbidities including diabetes and a risk of cardiovascular disease. The biological effects are mostly mediated by a so-called G protein-coupled receptor, chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1). Given the association of chemerin with obesity and related diseases, we decided to study in detail the regulation of chemerin and CMKLR1 expression in white adipose tissue (WAT). Specifically, we focused on their expression levels in physiological and pathophysiological settings involved in energy balance: e.g., fasting, postnatal development, and gender. We used Sprague Dawley rats with different nutritional statuses, levels of hormonal deficiency, and states of development as well as ob/ob (leptin-deficient) mice. We analysed the protein expression of both the ligand and receptor (chemerin and CMKLR1) in gonadal WAT by western blotting. We found that chemerin and CMKLR1 protein levels were regulated in WAT by different conditions associated with metabolic changes such as nutritional status, sex steroids, pregnancy, and food composition. Our data indicate that regulation of the expression of this new adipokine and its receptor by nutritional status and gonadal hormones may be a part of the adaptive mechanisms related to altered fat mass and its metabolic complications.
Tribocorrosion Response of Surface-Modified Ti in a 0.9% NaCl Solution
Authors: Bailey Richard
Published: September 2018

Titanium use is limited due to its poor tribological properties, and thermal oxidation (TO) and pack carburisation with limited oxygen diffusion (PCOD) are just two of the surface treatments that can be used to enhance the surface properties of Ti. In this study, commercially pure titanium was surface modified using thermal oxidation (TO) and pack carburisation with limited oxygen diffusion (PCOD). Samples were tribological tested in a 0.9% NaCl solution under a contact load of 20 N to investigate the mechanical and electrochemical response of the surface treatments. The tests conducted show that a clear benefit can be obtained in terms of the overall material loss rate using both TO and PCOD. The TO and PCOD treatments generate very different surface structures: TO produces a rutile TiO2 surface film and the PCOD treatment produces a TiC network structure. Both treatments improve the load bearing capacity with the assistance of an oxygen diffusion zone (ODZ). When subjected to sliding contact in a 0.9% NaCl solution, the results show the PCOD-Ti produced the best overall results, with a material loss rate 7.5 times lower than untreated Ti and 2.4 times lower than TO-Ti. The improved wear rate of the PCOD-Ti is attributed to the TiC network structure. The TO-Ti suffers from rapid film failure and high friction. The reduced material loss rate (MLR) of the TO-Ti is attributed to the hard wearing ODZ.
ZnO Nanoparticles Anchored on a N-Doped Graphene-Coated Separator for High Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Suyu , Gao Fan , Ma Ruina , Du An , Tan Taizhe , Du Miao , Zhao Xue , Fan Yongzhe , Wen Ming
Published: September 2018

Fabrication of a nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO)/nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG) composite using a novel and facile in situ sol-gel technique is demonstrated in this study. A two-dimensional nanostructured morphology with uniform ZnO nanoparticles (average diameter of 10 ± 4 nm) anchored on NDG nanosheets was observed via electron microscopy. The polar heteroatoms on the graphene sheets provided abundant sites for polysulfide absorption. More importantly, the strong chemical interaction between ZnO and polysulfides efficiently hindered the transport of polysulfides. Consequently, the lithium/sulfur (Li/S) battery with the ZnO/NDG composite-coated separator exhibited enhanced performance in terms of discharge capacity and cycling stability compared to the cell with a conventional separator. With the modified separator, the Li/S battery achieved a discharge capacity of 942 mAh·g−1 after the first cycle and exhibited a capacity retention of 90.02% after the 200th charge/discharge test at 0.1 C. These results indicate that suppression of the shuttling of polysulfides efficiently improves the performance of the Li/S battery.
Association between Serum Phospholipid Fatty Acid Levels and Adiposity among Lebanese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yammine Sahar G. , Naja Farah , Tamim Hani , Nasrallah Mona , Biessy Carine , Aglago Elom K. , Matta Michèle , Romieu Isabelle , Gunter Marc J. , Nasreddine Lara , Chajès Véronique
Published: September 2018

There have been increases in the incidence of obesity in Lebanon over the past few decades. Fatty acid intake and metabolism have been postulated to influence obesity, but few epidemiological studies have been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum fatty acid levels and indicators of obesity in a cross-sectional study nested within a cohort of 501 Lebanese adults residing in Greater Beirut. A total of 395 available serum samples (129 men, 266 women) were profiled for phospholipid fatty acid composition. Spearman correlation coefficients adjusted for relevant confounders and corrected for multiple testing were calculated between serum fatty acids, desaturation indices, and indicators of adiposity (body mass index (BMI) and waist). BMI was significantly positively correlated with saturated fatty acids in men (r = 0.40, p < 0.0001, q < 0.0001) and women (r = 0.33, p < 0.0001, q < 0.0001). BMI was significantly positively correlated with monounsaturated fatty acid palmitoleic acid in women (r = 0.15, p = 0.01, q = 0.03). This study suggests that high blood levels of some saturated fatty acids and the monounsaturated fatty acid palmitoleic acid, likely derived from both dietary intakes of saturated fatty acids and endogenous lipogenesis, may have been associated with adiposity in the Lebanese population. The causality of these associations needs to be explored in experimental settings.
Association of Dietary Fatty Acids with Blood Lipids is Modified by Physical Activity in Adolescents: Results from the GINIplus and LISA Birth Cohort Studies
Authors: Harris Carla P. , Von Berg Andrea , Berdel Dietrich , Bauer Carl-Peter , Schikowski Tamara , Koletzko Sibylle , Heinrich Joachim , Schulz Holger , Standl Marie
Published: September 2018

The role of consuming different types of fatty acids (FA) at the expense of carbohydrates (CHO), on the blood lipid profile of adolescents is largely unknown, as is the modulating effect of different levels of physical activity (PA). Children from the GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts, with complete data on dietary FA (assessed by food-frequency questionnaires), objectively-measured PA (assessed by accelerometers) and blood lipids (lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) at age 15 years, were included (N = 837). Sex-stratified associations between dietary FA and blood lipids were assessed by linear regression in substitution models which represented isocaloric replacements of CHO with saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) or n-6 PUFA. To assess the interactions with PA, analyses were then performed stratified by tertiles of different PA levels (sedentary, lifestyle, moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA)). Both sexes presented a significant inverse association between MUFA and triglycerides, and females a direct association between n-3 PUFA and high-density lipoprotein. Stratifying by PA tertiles, associations were mainly restricted to participants with the lowest levels of lifestyle PA, or the highest time spent sedentary. The effects of dietary FA on the lipid profile vary in an activity-specific manner, emphasizing possible synergistic roles of diet and PA.
Feasibility Study of Advanced Neural Networks Applied to sEMG-Based Force Estimation
Authors: Xu Lingfeng , Chen Xiang , Cao Shuai , Zhang Xu , Chen Xun
Published: September 2018

To find out the feasibility of different neural networks in sEMG-based force estimation, in this paper, three types of networks, namely convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM) network and their combination (C-LSTM) were applied to predict muscle force generated in static isometric elbow flexion across three different circumstances (multi-subject, subject-dependent and subject-independent). Eight healthy men were recruited for the experiments, and the results demonstrated that all the three models were applicable for force estimation, and LSTM and C-LSTM achieved better performances. Even under subject-independent situation, they maintained mean RMSE% of as low as 9.07 ± 1.29 and 8.67 ± 1.14. CNN turned out to be a worse choice, yielding a mean RMSE% of 12.13 ± 1.98. To our knowledge, this work was the first to employ CNN, LSTM and C-LSTM in sEMG-based force estimation, and the results not only prove the strength of the proposed networks, but also pointed out a potential way of achieving high accuracy in real-time, subject-independent force estimation.
ʻĀina Momona, Honua Au Loli—Productive Lands, Changing World: Using the Hawaiian Footprint to Inform Biocultural Restoration and Future Sustainability in Hawai‘i
Authors: Gon Samuel , Tom Stephanie , Woodside Ulalia
Published: September 2018

Pre-Western-contact Hawai‘i stands as a quintessential example of a large human population that practiced intensive agriculture, yet minimally affected native habitats that comprised the foundation of its vitality. An explicit geospatial footprint of human-transformed areas across the pre-contact Hawaiian archipelago comprised less than 15% of total land area, yet provided 100% of human needs, supporting a thriving Polynesian society. A post-contact history of disruption of traditional land use and its supplanting by Western land tenure and agriculture culminated in a landscape less than 250 years later in which over 50% of native habitats have been lost, while self-sufficiency has plummeted to 15% or less. Recapturing the ‘āina momona (productive lands) of ancient times through biocultural restoration can be accomplished through study of pre-contact agriculture, assessment of biological and ecological changes on Hawaiian social-ecological systems, and conscious planned efforts to increase self-sufficiency and reduce importation. Impediments include the current tourism-based economy, competition from habitat-modifying introduced species, a suite of agricultural pests severely limiting traditional agriculture, and climate changes rendering some pre-contact agricultural centers suboptimal. Modified methods will be required to counteract these limitations, enhance biosecurity, and diversify agriculture, without further degrading native habitats, and recapture a reciprocal Hawaiian human-nature relationship.
Deep Learning-Based Multinational Banknote Fitness Classification with a Combination of Visible-Light Reflection and Infrared-Light Transmission Images
Authors: Pham Tuyen Danh , Nguyen Dat Tien , Kang Jin Kyu , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: September 2018

The fitness classification of a banknote is important as it assesses the quality of banknotes in automated banknote sorting facilities, such as counting or automated teller machines. The popular approaches are primarily based on image processing, with banknote images acquired by various sensors. However, most of these methods assume that the currency type, denomination, and exposed direction of the banknote are known. In other words, not only is a pre-classification of the type of input banknote required, but in some cases, the type of currency is required to be manually selected. To address this problem, we propose a multinational banknote fitness-classification method that simultaneously determines the fitness level of a banknote from multiple countries. This is achieved without the pre-classification of input direction and denomination of the banknote, using visible-light reflection and infrared-light transmission images of banknotes, and a convolutional neural network. The experimental results on the combined banknote image database consisting of the Indian rupee and Korean won with three fitness levels, and the United States dollar with two fitness levels, show that the proposed method achieves better accuracy than other fitness classification methods.
Twin Peaks: A Possible Signal in the Production of Resonances beyond Special Relativity
Authors: Albalate Germán , Carmona José Manuel , Cortés José Luis , Relancio José Javier
Published: September 2018

It is usually expected that quantum gravity corrections will modify somehow the symmetries of special relativity. In this paper, we point out that the possibility of very low-energy (with respect to the Planck energy) modifications to special relativity in the framework of a deformed relativistic theory is not ruled out, and that, depending on the value of that scale, such a possibility could be tested in accelerator physics. In particular, we take a simple example of a relativistic kinematics beyond special relativity from the literature, and obtain a remarkable effect: two correlated peaks (twin peaks) associated with a single resonance. We analyze this phenomenology in detail, use present experimental data to put constraints of the order of TeV on the scale of corrections to special relativity, and note that such an effect might be observable in a future very high-energy proton collider.
C-Type Lectin-20 Interacts with ALP1 Receptor to Reduce Cry Toxicity in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Batool Khadija , Alam Intikhab , Zhao Guohui , Wang Junxiang , Xu Jin , Yu Xiaoqiang , Huang Enjiong , Guan Xiong , Zhang Lingling
Published: September 2018

Aedes aegypti is a crucial vector for human diseases, such as yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Today, a major challenge throughout the globe is the insufficient availability of antiviral drugs and vaccines against arboviruses, and toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are still used as biological agents for mosquito control. The use of Cry toxins to kill insects mainly depends on the interaction between Cry toxins and important toxin receptors, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In this study, we investigated the function of A. aegypti C-type lectin-20 (CTL-20) in the tolerance of Cry toxins. We showed that recombinant CTL-20 protein interacted with both Cry11Aa and ALP1 by the Far-Western blot and ELISA methods, and CTL-20 bound to A. aegypti larval brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). Binding affinity of CTL-20 to ALP1 was higher than that of Cry11Aa to ALP1. Furthermore, the survival rate of A. aegypti larvae fed with Cry11Aa toxin mixed with recombinant CTL-20 fusion protein was significantly increased compared with that of the control larvae fed with Cry11Aa mixed with thioredoxin. Our novel results suggest that midgut proteins like CTLs may interfere with interactions between Cry toxins and toxin receptors by binding to both Cry toxins and receptors to alter Cry toxicity.
OPTIMAL TRADING STRATEGY DURING BULL AND BEAR MARKETS FOR HONG KONG-LISTED STOCKS
Authors: Hui Eddie C. M. , Kevin Chan Ka Kwan
Published: September 2018

The “buy-and-hold” strategy based on the EMH was believed by many people to be optimal for a long time. However, there has been more criticism on the EMH since the global financial crisis in 2008. Hence many people attempt to find a trading strategy to beat “buy-and-hold”. Moreover, the financial market fluctuates a lot. Sometimes it is in a bull market, but it may be in a bear market during other periods of time, so the optimal strategy during different periods of time may vary and hence switching of strategies may be necessary. In this study, we apply Hui and Chan (2018)’s generalized time-dependent strategy on 12 Hong Kong listed stocks during the whole period of observation and two sub-periods. The results show that when the sub-period December 31, 2004–December 31, 2008 is chosen, the strategy outperforms “buy-and-hold” by the largest extent. This reflects that the strategy is most effective during adverse market conditions. This study can help investors to apply appropriate trading strategies to earn more profits, and help property practitioners to improve their strategic property management to increase the value of their portfolio.
A NEW MODEL TO IMPROVE SERVICE QUALITY IN THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: Chiang Ting-Yi , Perng Yeng-Horng
Published: September 2018

The categories and quality attributes of property services valued by customers in Taiwan are discussed in this paper. We proposed a hybrid model that combines SERVQUAL, the Kano model, and the Refined Kano model in order to examine a sample of three hundred customers. The results show that the new model analysis validated the effectiveness of the proposed approach while maintaining classification power at par with the Kano questionnaire; a lower turnover rate of service staff (X14) shall be considered the quality attribute of Potential (P), inferring that a lower dismissal rate of service staff allows the management to reduce oft-incurred training expenditures and maintain the company’s competitiveness. Indeed, a more consumer-oriented point of view and differentiated service strategies may effectively resolve the cognitive gap (and eventually the overall gap) between property service staff and customers. Consequently, property services providers would do well either to collaborate with research institutions or to carry out periodic surveys using questionnaires to improve the quality of their services.
Distance, Energy, and Variability of Quasar Outflows: Two HST/COS Epochs of LBQS 1206+1052∗
Authors: Miller Timothy R. , Arav Nahum , Xu Xinfeng , Kriss Gerard A. , Plesha Rachel J. , Benn Chris , Liu Guilin
Published: September 2018

We analyze new HST/COS spectra for two quasar absorption outflows seen in the quasi-stellar object LBQS 1206+1052. These data cover, for the first time, absorption troughs from S iv, Si ii, and P v. From the ratio of the S iv* to S iv column densities, we measure the electron number density of the higher-velocity (−1400 km s−1, v1400) outflow to be

cm−3 and constrain the lower-velocity (−730 km s−1, v700) outflow to log(n

e
) > 5.3 cm−3. The n

e
associated with the higher-velocity outflow is an order of magnitude larger than reported in prior work. We find that the previous measurement was unreliable since it was based on density-sensitive absorption troughs that were likely saturated. Using photoionization models, we determine the best χ
2-minimization fit for the ionization parameter and hydrogen column density of the higher-velocity outflow: log(

and log(

cm−2, respectively. We calculate from U
H and n

e
a distance of

pc from the central source to the outflow. Using an SED attenuated by the v700 outflow yields a two-phase photoionization solution for the v1400 outflow, separated by a

. Otherwise, the resultant distance, mass flux, and kinetic luminosity are similar to the unattenuated case. However, the attenuated analysis has significant uncertainties due to a lack of constraints on the v700 outflow in 2017.
The Umbra–Penumbra Area Ratio of Sunspots During the Maunder Minimum
Authors: Carrasco V. M. S. , García-Romero J. M. , Vaquero J. M. , Rodríguez P. G. , Foukal P. , Gallego M. C. , Lefèvre L.
Published: September 2018

The Maunder Minimum (MM) was a prolonged period of low solar activity that occurred between 1645 and 1715. The true level of solar activity corresponding to this epoch is still a matter of debate. In order to compare solar activity during the MM with that of other epochs, we have evaluated the umbra–penumbra area ratio (U/P hereafter) during the MM. Thus, we have analyzed 196 sunspot drawings, including 48 different sunspots observed during the period 1660–1709. The mode value of the ratio obtained from the occurrence frequency distribution lies between 0.15 and 0.25. Furthermore, the median and mean values are equal to 0.24 ± 0.07 and 0.27 ± 0.08 with a sigma clipping, respectively. These results are consistent with recent research using more modern data. Higher U/P values mean faster sunspot decay rates. From our results, the absence of sunspots during the MM could not be explained by changes in the U/P since the values of the ratio obtained in this work are similar to values found for other epochs.
Stochastic Chemical Evolution of Galactic Subhalos and the Origin of r-process Elements
Authors: Ojima Takuya , Ishimaru Yuhri , Wanajo Shinya , Prantzos Nikos , François Patrik
Published: September 2018

Mergers of compact binaries (of a neutron star and another neutron star or a black hole, NSMs) are suggested to be the promising astrophysical site of the r-process. While the average coalescence timescale of NSMs appears to be

, most of previous chemical evolution models indicate that the observed early appearance and large dispersion of

in Galactic halo stars at

favors shorter coalescence times of 1–10 Myr. We argue that this is not the case for the models assuming the formation of the Galactic halo from clustering of subhalos with different star formation histories as suggested by Ishimaru et al. We present a stochastic chemical evolution model of the subhalos, in which the site of the r-process is assumed to be mainly NSMs with a coalescence timescale of

. In view of the scarcity of NSMs, their occurrence in each subhalo is computed with a Monte Carlo method. Our results show that the less massive subhalos evolve at lower metallicities and generate highly r-process-enhanced stars. An assembly of these subhalos leaves behind the large star-to-star scatters of

in the Galactic halo as observed. However, the observed scatters of [Sr/Ba] at low metallicities indicate the presence of an additional site that partially contributes to the enrichment of light neutron-capture elements such as Sr. The high enhancements of

at low metallicities found in our low-mass subhalo models also qualitatively reproduce the abundance signatures of the stars in the recently discovered ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Reticulum II. Therefore, our results suggest NSMs as the dominant sources of r-process elements in the Galactic halo.
Exploring Fundamentally Three-dimensional Phenomena in High-fidelity Simulations of Core-collapse Supernovae
Authors: O’Connor Evan P. , Couch Sean M.
Published: September 2018

The details of the physical mechanism that drives core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) remain uncertain. While there is an emerging consensus on the qualitative outcome of detailed CCSN mechanism simulations in 2D, only recently have high-fidelity 3D simulations become possible. Here we present the results of an extensive set of 3D CCSN simulations using high-fidelity multidimensional neutrino transport, high-resolution hydrodynamics, and approximate general relativistic gravity. We employ a state-of-the-art 20 M
☉ progenitor generated using Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics, and the SFHo equation of state. While none of our 3D CCSN simulations explode within ∼500 ms after core bounce, we find that the presence of large-scale aspherical motion in the Si and O shells aid shock expansion and bring the models closer to the threshold of explosion. We also find some dependence on resolution and geometry (octant versus full 4π). As has been noted in other recent works, we find that the post-shock turbulence plays an important role in determining the overall dynamical evolution of our simulations. We find a strong standing accretion shock instability (SASI) that develops at late times. The SASI produces transient shock expansions, but these do not result in any explosions. We also report that for a subset of our simulations, we find conclusive evidence for the lepton-number emission self-sustained asymmetry, which until now has not been confirmed by independent simulation codes. Both the progenitor asphericities and the SASI-induced transient shock expansion phases generate transient gravitational waves and neutrino signal modulations via perturbations of the protoneutron star by turbulent motions.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Efficiency of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Single-Center Experience
Authors: Mehinovic Lejla , Islamagic Erna , Husic-Selimovic Azra , Kurtovic-Kozaric Amina , Vukobrat-Bijedic Zora , Suljevic Damir
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: AFP serum levels are considered as diagnostic and specific for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC).
AIM: This study aimed to examine the diagnostic value of AFP in the distinguishing of patients with HCC from patients with LC, and to analyse the potential correlation between AFP levels and liver disease stages.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with LC and fifty patients with HCC were included in this study. The majority of the patients were males, while the HBV aetiology was dominant.
RESULTS: Significant differences between LC and HCC patients were detected for AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin, AFP and AP. Patients with HCC had higher AFP values compared to LC. There was no significant correlation between the size of the tumour lesion and serum AFP levels. A positive correlation between AFP concentration and GGT activity was determined, as was the negative correlation between AFP and age of the subjects. The AFP value of 23.34 ng/m showed high sensitivity (84%) and specificity (82%).
CONCLUSION: The size of the surface below the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.877 (0.80-0.95), which makes AFP a good biomarker and this diagnostic test is sufficient to separate patients with HCC and LC.
A Series of Patients with Kaposi Sarcoma (Mediterranean/Classical Type): Case Presentations and Short Update on Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Temelkova Ivanka , Tronnier Michael , Terziev Ivan , Wollina Uwe , Lozev Ilia , Goldust Mohamad , Tchernev Georgi
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: Kaposi’s sarcoma was first described in 1872 by Moritz Kaposi. To date, it is considered a malignant disease is originating from the endothelial cells of the lymphatic vessels believed to be infected with HHV-8. The current classification defines four major epidemiological forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma: classical, endemic, AIDS-associated, and iatrogenic.
CASE REPORT: A 90-year-old male is presented with multiple plaques- and tumour-shaped brown-violet formations located on an erythematous-livid base in the area of both feet and both shanks. Two samples were taken from the lesions on the skin of the shanks, with histopathological examination and the subsequent immunohistochemistry showing Kaposi’s sarcoma.
CONCLUSIONS: Kaposi sarcoma is a disease that causes difficulties both in diagnostic and therapeutic respect. The only sure way to determine the correct diagnosis is immunohistochemical staining with the anti-HHV8 antibody. Despite the wide range of systematic and local treatment options, there is still no unified algorithm and a unified strategy for the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma.