bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy Detection by Using Scalogram Based Convolutional Neural Network from EEG Signals
Authors: Türk Ömer , Özerdem Mehmet Siraç
Published: May 2019

The studies implemented with Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are progressing very rapidly and brain computer interfaces (BCI) and disease determinations are carried out at certain success rates thanks to new methods developed in this field. The effective use of these signals, especially in disease detection, is very important in terms of both time and cost. Currently, in general, EEG studies are used in addition to conventional methods as well as deep learning networks that have recently achieved great success. The most important reason for this is that in conventional methods, increasing classification accuracy is based on too many human efforts as EEG is being processed, obtaining the features is the most important step. This stage is based on both the time-consuming and the investigation of many feature methods. Therefore, there is a need for methods that do not require human effort in this area and can learn the features themselves. Based on that, two-dimensional (2D) frequency-time scalograms were obtained in this study by applying Continuous Wavelet Transform to EEG records containing five different classes. Convolutional Neural Network structure was used to learn the properties of these scalogram images and the classification performance of the structure was compared with the studies in the literature. In order to compare the performance of the proposed method, the data set of the University of Bonn was used. The data set consists of five EEG records containing healthy and epilepsy disease which are labeled as A, B, C, D, and E. In the study, A-E and B-E data sets were classified as 99.50%, A-D and B-D data sets were classified as 100% in binary classifications, A-D-E data sets were 99.00% in triple classification, A-C-D-E data sets were 90.50%, B-C-D-E data sets were 91.50% in quaternary classification, and A-B-C-D-E data sets were in the fifth class classification with an accuracy of 93.60%.
A Novel lnc-RNA, Named lnc-ORA, Is Identified by RNA-Seq Analysis, and Its Knockdown Inhibits Adipogenesis by Regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cai Rui , Tang Guorong , Zhang Que , Yong Wenlong , Zhang Wanrong , Xiao Junying , Wei Changsheng , He Chun , Yang Gongshe , Pang Weijun
Published: May 2019

Obesity is closely associated with numerous adipogenic regulatory factors, including coding and non-coding genes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a major role in adipogenesis. However, differential expression profiles of lncRNAs in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) between wild-type (WT) and ob/ob mice, as well as their roles in adipogenesis, are not well understood. Here, a total of 2809 lncRNAs were detected in the iWAT of WT and ob/ob mice by RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq), including 248 novel lncRNAs. Of them, 46 lncRNAs were expressed differentially in WT and ob/ob mice and were enriched in adipogenesis signaling pathways as determined by KEGG enrichment analysis, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways. Furthermore, we focused on one novel lncRNA, which we named lnc-ORA (obesity-related lncRNA), which had a seven-fold higher expression in ob/ob mice than in WT mice. Knockdown of lnc-ORA inhibited preadipocyte proliferation by decreasing the mRNA and protein expression levels of cell cycle markers. Interestingly, lnc-ORA knockdown inhibited adipocyte differentiation by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In summary, these findings contribute to a better understanding of adipogenesis in relation to lncRNAs and provide novel potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Transcriptional Regulation of Selenoprotein F by Heat Shock Factor 1 during Selenium Supplementation and Stress Response
Authors: Ren Bingyu , Huang Yanmei , Zou Chen , Wu Yingying , Huang Yuru , Ni Jiazuan , Tian Jing
Published: May 2019

Changes of Selenoprotein F (SELENOF) protein levels have been reported during selenium supplementation, stressful, and pathological conditions. However, the mechanisms of how these external factors regulate SELENOF gene expression are largely unknown. In this study, HEK293T cells were chosen as an in vitro model. The 5′-flanking regions of SELENOF were analyzed for promoter features. Dual-Glo Luciferase assays were used to detect promoter activities. Putative binding sites of Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1) were predicted in silico and the associations were further proved by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Selenate and tunicamycin (Tm) treatment were used to induce SELENOF up-regulation. The fold changes in SELENOF expression and other relative proteins were analyzed by Q-PCR and western blot. Our results showed that selenate and Tm treatment up-regulated SELENOF at mRNA and protein levels. SELENOF 5′-flanking regions from −818 to −248 were identified as core positive regulatory element regions. Four putative HSF1 binding sites were predicted in regions from −1430 to −248, and six out of seven primers detected positive results in ChIP assay. HSF1 over-expression and heat shock activation increased the promoter activities, and mRNA and protein levels of SELENOF. Over-expression and knockdown of HSF1 showed transcriptional regulation effects on SELENOF during selenate and Tm treatment. In conclusion, HSF1 was discovered as one of the transcription factors that were associated with SELENOF 5′-flanking regions and mediated the up-regulation of SELENOF during selenate and Tm treatment. Our work has provided experimental data for the molecular mechanism of SELENOF gene regulation, as well as uncovered the involvement of HSF1 in selenotranscriptomic for the first time.
An In Vitro System for Evaluating Molecular Targeted Drugs Using Lung Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids
Authors: Takahashi Nobuhiko , Hoshi Hirotaka , Higa Arisa , Hiyama Gen , Tamura Hirosumi , Ogawa Mayu , Takagi Kosuke , Goda Kazuhito , Okabe Naoyuki , Muto Satoshi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Shimomura Kenju , Watanabe Shinya , Takagi Motoki
Published: May 2019

Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs) represent a promising preclinical cancer model that better replicates disease, compared with traditional cell culture models. We have established PDOs from various human tumors to accurately and efficiently recapitulate the tissue architecture and function. Molecular targeted therapies with remarkable efficacy are currently in use against various tumors. Thus, there is a need for in vitro functional-potency assays that can be used to test the efficacy of molecular targeted drugs and model complex interactions between immune cells and tumor cells to evaluate the potential for cancer immunotherapy. This study represents an in vitro evaluation of different classes of molecular targeted drugs, including small-molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and an antibody-drug conjugate, using lung PDOs. We evaluated epidermal growth factor receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitors using a suitable high-throughput assay system. Next, the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody was evaluated to visualize the interactions of immune cells with PDOs during ADCC responses. Moreover, an evaluation system was developed for the immune checkpoint inhibitors, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, using PDOs. Our results demonstrate that the in vitro assay systems using PDOs were suitable for evaluating molecular targeted drugs under conditions that better reflect pathological conditions.
Magnetron Sputtering for ZnO:Ga Scintillation Film Production and Its Application Research Status in Nuclear Detection
Authors: Wen Xin , Zhang Qingmin , Shao Zhuang
Published: May 2019

As a wide band-gap and direct transition semiconductor material, ZnO has good scintillation performance and strong radiation resistance, but it also has a serious self-absorption phenomenon that affects its light output. After being doped with Ga, it can be used for the scintillator of ultra-fast scintillating detectors to detect X-ray, gamma, neutron, and charged particles with extremely fast response and high light output. Firstly, the basic properties, defects, and scintillation mechanism of ZnO crystals are introduced. Thereafter, magnetron sputtering, one of the most attractive production methods for producing ZnO:Ga film, is introduced including the principle of magnetron sputtering and its technical parameters’ influence on the performance of ZnO:Ga. Finally, ZnO:Ga film’s application research status is presented as a scintillation material in the field of radiation detection, and it is concluded that some problems need to be urgently solved for its wider application.
A Review of the Impacts of Roads on Wildlife in Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Dean W. Richard J. , Seymour Colleen L. , Joseph Grant S. , Foord Stefan H.
Published: May 2019

Roads now penetrate even the most remote parts of much of the world, but the majority of research on the effects of roads on biota has been in less remote temperate environments. The impacts of roads in semi-arid and arid areas may differ from these results in a number of ways. Here, we review the research on the impacts of roads on biodiversity patterns and ecological and evolutionary processes in semi-arid regions. The most obvious effect of roads is mortality or injury through collision. A diversity of scavengers are killed whilst feeding on roadkill, a source of easily accessed food. Noise pollution from roads and traffic interferes with vocal communication by animals, and birds and frogs living along noisy roads compensate for traffic noise by increasing the amplitude or pitch of their calls. Artificial light along roads impacts certain species’ ability to navigate, as well as attracting invertebrates. Animals are in turn attracted to invertebrates at streetlights, and vulnerable to becoming roadkill themselves. Genetics research across taxa confirms a loss of genetic diversity in small populations isolated by roads, but the long-term impact on the fitness of affected populations through a reduction in genetic diversity is not yet clear. Roads may rapidly cause genetic effects, raising conservation concerns about rare and threatened species. We assess mitigation measures and collate methods to identify the impact of roads on wildlife populations and their associated ecosystems, with a particular focus on recent advances.
Social Media Monitoring: An Innovative Intelligent Approach
Authors: Perakakis Emmanouil , Mastorakis George , Kopanakis Ioannis
Published: May 2019

Digital marketers have a range of tools at their disposal for understanding customers and prospects on social media. These tools allow for better social media monitoring and analysis through the provision of vital insights. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to such analysis enables for marketing tasks automation, accuracy improvement and human efforts reduction. In this respect, this paper proposes an AI-powered social media monitoring platform, which has been designed with an innovative approach, towards enabling digital marketers to better understand customers with intelligent insights in a manner like never before. The proposed platform helps by analyzing insights for effective online reputation management and competitors monitoring. In addition, this paper elaborates on contributions in respect to social media monitoring issues, mentions analysis uncovering knowledge, smarter insights and personalized advice to help in improving brands web and social presence, negative and positive conversations, competitors analysis ensuring brands are on top of the marketing game and social media strategy improvement.
Educational Stakeholders’ Independent Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Adaptive Learning System Using Bayesian Network Predictive Simulations
Authors: HOW Meng-Leong , HUNG Wei Loong David
Published: May 2019

Artificial intelligence-enabled adaptive learning systems (AI-ALS) are increasingly being deployed in education to enhance the learning needs of students. However, educational stakeholders are required by policy-makers to conduct an independent evaluation of the AI-ALS using a small sample size in a pilot study, before that AI-ALS can be approved for large-scale deployment. Beyond simply believing in the information provided by the AI-ALS supplier, there arises a need for educational stakeholders to independently understand the motif of the pedagogical characteristics that underlie the AI-ALS. Laudable efforts were made by researchers to engender frameworks for the evaluation of AI-ALS. Nevertheless, those highly technical techniques often require advanced mathematical knowledge or computer programming skills. There remains a dearth in the extant literature for a more intuitive way for educational stakeholders—rather than computer scientists—to carry out the independent evaluation of an AI-ALS to understand how it could provide opportunities to educe the problem-solving abilities of the students so that they can successfully learn the subject matter. This paper proffers an approach for educational stakeholders to employ Bayesian networks to simulate predictive hypothetical scenarios with controllable parameters to better inform them about the suitability of the AI-ALS for the students.
Bistatic-ISAR Linear Geometry Distortion Alleviation of Space Targets
Authors: Shi Lin , Guo Baofeng , Han Ning , Ma Juntao , Zhu Xiaoxiu , Shang Chaoxuan
Published: May 2019

The linear geometry distortion caused by time variant bistatic angles induces the sheared shape of the bistatic inverse synthetic aperture radar (bistatic-ISAR) image. A linear geometry distortion alleviation algorithm for space targets in bistatic-ISAR systems is presented by exploiting prior information. First, we analyze formation mathematics of linear geometry distortions in the Range Doppler (RD) domain. Second, we estimate coefficients of first-order polynomial of bistatic angles by least square error (LSE) method through exploiting the imaging geometry and orbital information of space targets. Third, we compensate the linear spatial-variant terms to restore the linear geometry distortions. Consequently, the restored bistatic-ISAR image with real shape is obtained. Simulated results of the ideal point scatterers dataset and electromagnetic numerical dataset verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Modelling a Switching Process of IGBTs with Influence of Temperature Taken into Account
Authors: Górecki Paweł , Górecki Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

In this article the problem of modelling a switching process of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) in the SPICE software is considered. The new form of the considered transistor model is presented. The model includes controlled voltage and current sources, resistors and voltage sources. In the model, influence of temperature on dc and dynamic characteristics of the IGBT is taken into account. A detailed description of the dynamic part of this model is included in the article and some results of experimental verification are shown. Verification is performed for a transistor IRG4PC40UD by International Rectifier. The presented results of computations and measurements show clearly influence of temperature on on-time and off-time, and additionally switching energy losses are observed. Moreover, the results of investigations performed with the use of the new model are compared to the results of computations performed with classical models of the considered device given in the literature. It is proved that the new model makes it possible to obtain a better match to the results of measurements than the considered models described in the literature.
A Robust Control Scheme for Renewable-Based Distributed Generators Using Artificial Hydrocarbon Networks
Authors: Rosales Antonio , Ponce Pedro , Ponce Hiram , Molina Arturo
Published: May 2019

Distributed generators (DGs) based on renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar panels, and storage systems, are key in transforming the current electric grid into a green and sustainable network. These DGs are called inverter-interfaced systems because they are integrated into the grid through power converters. However, inverter-interfaced systems lack inertia, deteriorating the stability of the grid as frequency and voltage oscillations emerge. Additionally, when DGs are connected to the grid, its robustness against unbalanced conditions must to be ensured. This paper presents a robust control scheme for power regulation in DGs, which includes inertia and operates under unbalanced conditions. The proposed scheme integrates a robust control algorithm to ensured power regulation, despite unbalanced voltages. The control algorithm is an artificial hydrocarbon network controller, which is a chemically-inspired technique, based on carbon networks, that provides stability, robustness, and accuracy. The robustness and stability of the proposed control scheme are tested using Lyapunov techniques. Simulation, considering one- and three-phase voltage sags, is executed to validate the performance of the control scheme.
Impact of a Periodic Power Source on a RES Microgrid
Authors: Angelopoulos Angelos , Ktena Aphrodite , Manasis Christos , Voliotis Stamatis
Published: May 2019

The aim of this article is to highlight the impact of a periodic power source, such as a tidal turbine, on the operation and sizing of an autonomous hybrid microgrid with photovoltaic panels and storage. The technique of hill climbing (repeated local search) is used to find the optimum combination of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and storage units with respect to the required capital cost for various load curves and weather conditions. To model the operation of the microgrid devices, analytical and phenomenological models, have been used, which take into account the specifications of actual commercial devices. Six different case studies are presented, with and without a tidal generator, which are based on six different sets of electrical consumption data corresponding to the Euripus campus of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in Psachna, Evia, Greece, and respective meteorological and tidal current data from the region. The results show that tidal energy may be used in a RES microgrid, where applicable, to satisfy the base load requirements, leading to a reduction in installed capacities of intermittent RES and storage, accompanied with cost reduction, especially in cases where a high load factor is observed or may be achieved, through demand response mechanisms. Such a hybrid microgrid configuration may be appropriate for regions where low velocity tidal and marine currents exist along with substantial solar and/or wind energy potential, such as the Mediterranean coast line and islands.
A Network Method for Identifying the Root Cause of High-Speed Rail Faults Based on Text Data
Authors: Yang Liu , Li Keping , Zhao Dan , Gu Shuang , Yan Dongyang
Published: May 2019

Root cause identification is an important task in providing prompt assistance for diagnosis, security monitoring and guidance for specific routine maintenance measures in the field of railway transportation. However, most of the methods addressing rail faults are based on state detection, which involves structured data. Manual cause identification from railway equipment maintenance and management text records is undoubtedly a time-consuming and laborious task. To quickly obtain the root cause text from unstructured data, this paper proposes an approach for root cause factor identification by using a root cause identification-new word sentence (RCI-NWS) keyword extraction method. The experimental results demonstrate that the extraction of railway fault text data can be performed using the keyword extraction method and the highest values are obtained using RCI-NWS.
Multi-Domain Modelling of LEDs for Supporting Virtual Prototyping of Luminaires
Authors: Poppe András , Farkas Gábor , Gaál Lajos , Hantos Gusztáv , Hegedüs János , Rencz Márta
Published: May 2019

This paper presents our approaches to chip level multi-domain LED (light emitting diode) modelling, targeting luminaire design in the Industry 4.0 era, to support virtual prototyping of LED luminaires through luminaire level multi-domain simulations. The primary goal of such virtual prototypes is to predict the light output characteristics of LED luminaires under different operating conditions. The key component in such digital twins of a luminaire is an appropriate multi-domain model for packaged LED devices that captures the electrical, thermal, and light output characteristics and their mutual dependence simultaneously and consistently. We developed two such models with this goal in mind that are presented in detail in this paper. The first model is a semi analytical, quasi black-box model that can be implemented on the basis of the built-in diode models of spice-like circuit simulators and a few added controlled sources. Our second presented model is derived from the physics of the operation of today’s power LEDs realized with multiple quantum well heterojunction structures. Both models have been implemented in the form of visual basic macros as well as circuit models suitable for usual spice circuit simulators. The primary test bench for the two circuit models was an LTspice simulation environment. Then, to support the design of different demonstrator luminaires of the Delphi4LED project, a spreadsheet application was developed, which ensured seamless integration of the two models with additional models representing the LED chips’ thermal environment in a luminaire. The usability of our proposed models is demonstrated by real design case studies during which simulated light output characteristics (such as hot lumens) were confirmed by luminaire level physical tests.
Supervisory Control for Wireless Networked Power Converters in Residential Applications
Authors: Islam S. M. Rakiul , Park Sung-Yeul , Zheng Shaobo , Han Song , Park Sung-Min
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a methodology to design and utilize a supervisory controller for networked power converters in residential applications. Wireless networks have been interfaced to multiple power factor correction (PFC) converters which are proposed to support reactive power. Unregulated reactive power support from PFC converters could cause reactive power deficiency and instability. Therefore, a supervisory controller is necessary to govern the operation of PFC converters. WiFi and WirelessHART networks have been used to implement the supervisory controller. Different nodes of the power network are connected by wireless communication links to the supervisory controller. Asynchronous communication links latency and uncertain states affect the control and response of the PFC converters. To overcome these issues, the supervisory controller design method has been proposed based on the system identification and the Ziegler-Nichols rule. The proposed supervisory controller has been validated by using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test bed. The HIL testbed consisted of an OP4510 simulator, a server computer, Texas Instrument-Digital Signal Controllers (TI-DSCs), WiFi and WirelessHART modules. Experimental results show that the proposed supervisory controller can help to support and govern reactive power flow in a residential power network. The proposed method of controller design will be useful for different small-scale power and wireless network integration.
A Comparative Study of S-S and LCCL-S Compensation Topologies in Inductive Power Transfer Systems for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chen Yafei , Zhang Hailong , Park Sung-Jun , Kim Dong-Hee
Published: May 2019

In inductive power transfer (IPT) systems, series–series (S-S) and double capacitances and inductances–series (LCCL-S) compensation topologies are widely utilized. In this study, the basic characteristics of S-S and LCCL-S are analyzed and compared in the tuning state. In addition, considering the universality of detuning, and because the two topologies have the same secondary structures, the voltage and current stress on components, input impedances, voltage gains, and output powers of S-S and LCCL-S are mainly analyzed and compared in the detuning state, which is caused by variations in the secondary compensation capacitance. To compare the efficiency of the two topologies and verify the comparative analysis, comparative experiments based on a 2.4-kW IPT experimental prototype are conducted. The comparative result shows that the S-S compensation topology is more sensitive to load variations and less sensitive to secondary compensation capacitance variations than LCCL-S. Both in the tuning and detuning states, the efficiency of the S-S topology is higher in high-power electric vehicle (EV) applications, and the efficiency of LCCL-S is higher in low-power.
Review, Comparison, and Proposal for PWM Converters Integrating Differential Power Processing Converter for Small Exploration Rovers
Authors: Uno Masatoshi , Shinohara Toshiki , Saito Yota , Kukita Akio
Published: May 2019

Partial shading often appears on photovoltaic (PV) strings installed in small space probes, such as moon exploration rovers, due to their body structures, reducing the power yield of PV strings. Such partial shading issues can be precluded by differential power processing (DPP) converters. However, in addition to a main dc-dc converter, a DPP converter is required, increasing the system complexity and cost. In this paper, several kinds of integrated pulse width modulation (PWM) converters that can reduce the system complexity thanks to the integration are reviewed and are quantitatively compared in terms of the switch and magnetic component counts, and voltage conversion ratio. Based on the comparison and consideration from the perspectives of reliability, circuit volume, and voltage conversion requirement, a single-switch single-magnetic integrated PWM converter with a resonant voltage multiplier (RVM) was selected as the best suitable topology for small exploration rovers. Furthermore, the improved version with a non-resonant voltage multiplier (NRVM) was also proposed to achieve further circuit miniaturization and improved reliability. The experimental verification tests using the proposed integrated PWM converter were performed emulating a partial-shading condition. The maximum power yield from the PV modules was improved by 11.1% thanks to the DPP function of the proposed integrated converter.
Characterization of Serpentines from Different Regions by Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, BET Specific Surface Area and Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy
Authors: Rivero Crespo Miguel A. , Pereira Gómez Dolores , Villa García María V. , Gallardo Amores José M. , Sánchez Escribano Vicente
Published: May 2019

Serpentinite powdered samples from four different regions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), SBET and porosity measurements, UV-Vis and Infrared Spectroscopy of the skeletal region and surface OH groups. SEM micrographs of the samples showed a prismatic morphology when the lizardite was the predominant phase, while if antigorite phase prevailed, the particles had a globular morphology. The few fibrous-shaped particles, only observed by SEM and weakly detected by XRD on MO-9C and MO13 samples, were characteristic of the chrysotile phase. All diffraction XRD patterns showed characteristic peaks of antigorite and lizardite serpentine phases, with crystallite sizes in the range 310–250 Å and with different degrees and types of carbonation processes, one derived from the transformation of the serpentine, generating dolomite, and another by direct precipitation of calcite. The SBET reached values between 38–24 m2∙g−1 for the samples less crystalline, in agreement with the XRD patterns, while those with a higher degree of crystallinity gave values close to 8–9 m2∙g−1. In the UV region all electronic spectra were dominated by the absorption edge due to O2− → Si4+ charge transfer transition, with Si4+ in tetrahedral coordination, corresponding to a band gap energy of ca 4.7 eV. In the visible region, 800–350 nm, the spectra of all samples, except Donai, presented at least two weak and broad absorptions centred in the range 650–800 and 550–360 nm, associated with the presence of Fe3+ ions from the oxidation of structural Fe2+ ions in the serpentinites ((MgxFe2+1−x)3Si2O5(OH)4). The relative intensity of the IR bands corresponding to the stretching modes of the OH’s groups indicated the prevalence of one of the two phases, antigorite or lizardite, in the serpentinites. We proposed that the different relative intensity of these bands could be considered as diagnostic to differentiate the predominance of these phases in serpentinites.
Unexpected Architectures. Restorations in Romagna Between the Two World Wars
Authors: Favaretto Giulia , Zampini Alessia
Published: May 2019

The research here presented is a critical appraisal of some restoration works carried out between the two World Wars in a particular geographic context, which is the Romagna district, in the Northeast of Italy. Starting from two case studies (the Casa del Fascio in Forlì and the Malatesta Library in Cesena) and thanks to the analysis of bibliographical sources, archival documents, and drawings, this research aims at understanding how broader and major theories about architectural restoration are articulated in peripheral background. What emerges are unexpected results: Late and deeply contextualized operations, strongly linked with the national panorama but at the same time chasing for the revival of their own history.
A Survey of Geospatial Semantic Web for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Nishanbaev Ikrom , Champion Erik , McMeekin David A.
Published: May 2019

The amount of digital cultural heritage data produced by cultural heritage institutions is growing rapidly. Digital cultural heritage repositories have therefore become an efficient and effective way to disseminate and exploit digital cultural heritage data. However, many digital cultural heritage repositories worldwide share technical challenges such as data integration and interoperability among national and regional digital cultural heritage repositories. The result is dispersed and poorly-linked cultured heritage data, backed by non-standardized search interfaces, which thwart users’ attempts to contextualize information from distributed repositories. A recently introduced geospatial semantic web is being adopted by a great many new and existing digital cultural heritage repositories to overcome these challenges. However, no one has yet conducted a conceptual survey of the geospatial semantic web concepts for a cultural heritage audience. A conceptual survey of these concepts pertinent to the cultural heritage field is, therefore, needed. Such a survey equips cultural heritage professionals and practitioners with an overview of all the necessary tools, and free and open source semantic web and geospatial semantic web platforms that can be used to implement geospatial semantic web-based cultural heritage repositories. Hence, this article surveys the state-of-the-art geospatial semantic web concepts, which are pertinent to the cultural heritage field. It then proposes a framework to turn geospatial cultural heritage data into machine-readable and processable resource description framework (RDF) data to use in the geospatial semantic web, with a case study to demonstrate its applicability. Furthermore, it outlines key free and open source semantic web and geospatial semantic platforms for cultural heritage institutions. In addition, it examines leading cultural heritage projects employing the geospatial semantic web. Finally, the article discusses attributes of the geospatial semantic web that require more attention, that can result in generating new ideas and research questions for both the geospatial semantic web and cultural heritage fields.
Challenges in Using IT Systems for Collaboration in Healthcare Services
Authors: Svensson Ann
Published: May 2019

Frail elderly people refer to multi-diseased and vulnerable patients in need of medication and healthcare. These patients require healthcare from several different healthcare organizations, including hospital care, primary care, and municipal care services. This situation is challenging the capacity of healthcare organizations to manage inter-professional collaboration for person-centered care. This paper aims to identify challenges associated with collaboration between different healthcare organizations, related to the use of IT systems in the daily work practice. The paper was based on a qualitative study, which included three focus group interviews, each lasting for two hours. Each focus group consisted of a hospital physician, a primary care physician, a hospital nurse, a primary care nurse, a municipal home care nurse or an assistant officer, a physical or occupational therapist, and a family member representative. The interviews were analyzed with thematic analysis. Challenges identified in the study include insufficient information exchange, inconsistencies in communication, differences in the use of IT systems, and deficient coordination. The work processes that aim to promote collaboration between different healthcare organizations need to be better organized, and the use of IT systems needs to be better aligned.
Graphene Optical Biosensors
Authors: Li Zongwen , Zhang Wenfei , Xing Fei
Published: May 2019

Graphene shows great potential in biosensing owing to its extraordinary optical, electrical and physical properties. In particular, graphene possesses unique optical properties, such as broadband and tunable absorption, and strong polarization-dependent effects. This lays a foundation for building graphene-based optical sensors. This paper selectively reviews recent advances in graphene-based optical sensors and biosensors. Graphene-based optical biosensors can be used for single cell detection, cell line, and anticancer drug detection, protein and antigen–antibody detection. These new high-performance graphene-based optical sensors are able to detect surface structural changes and biomolecular interactions. In all these cases, the optical biosensors perform well with ultra-fast detection, high sensitivities, unmarked, and are able to respond in real time. The future of the field of graphene applications is also discussed.
The Blood Pressure Pendulum following Spinal Cord Injury: Implications for Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Sachdeva Rahul , Nightingale Tom E. , Krassioukov Andrei V.
Published: May 2019

Cognitive impairment following spinal cord injury (SCI) has received considerable attention in recent years. Among the various systemic effects of SCI that contribute towards cognitive decline in this population, cardiovascular dysfunction is arguably one of the most significant. The majority of individuals with a cervical or upper-thoracic SCI commonly experience conditions called orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysreflexia, which are characterized by dangerous fluctuations in systemic blood pressure (BP). Herein, we review the potential impact of extreme BP lability on vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in individuals with SCI. Albeit preliminary in the SCI population, there is convincing evidence that chronic hypotension and hypertension in able-bodied individuals results in devastating impairments in cerebrovascular health, leading to VCI. We discuss the pertinent literature, and while drawing mechanistic comparisons between able-bodied cohorts and individuals with SCI, we emphasize the need for additional research to elucidate the mechanisms of cognitive impairment specific to the SCI population. Lastly, we highlight the current and potential future therapies to manage and treat BP instability, thereby possibly mitigating VCI in the SCI population.
Sexually Dimorphic Effect of Genistein on Hypothalamic Neuronal Differentiation in Vitro
Authors: Marraudino Marilena , Farinetti Alice , Arevalo Maria-Angeles , Gotti Stefano , Panzica GianCarlo , Garcia-Segura Luis-Miguel
Published: May 2019

Developmental actions of estradiol in the hypothalamus are well characterized. This hormone generates sex differences in the development of hypothalamic neuronal circuits controlling neuroendocrine events, feeding, growth, reproduction and behavior. In vitro, estradiol promotes sexually dimorphic effects on hypothalamic neuritogenesis. Previous studies have shown that developmental actions of the phytoestrogen genistein result in permanent sexually dimorphic effects in some behaviors and neural circuits in vivo. In the present study, we have explored if genistein, like estradiol, affects neuritogenesis in primary hypothalamic neurons and investigated the estrogen receptors implicated in this action. Hypothalamic neuronal cultures, obtained from male or female embryonic day 14 (E14) CD1 mice, were treated with genistein (0.1 µM, 0.5 µM or 1 µM) or vehicle. Under basal conditions, female neurons had longer primary neurites, higher number of secondary neurites and higher neuritic arborization compared to male neurons. The treatment with genistein increased neuritic arborization and the number of primary neurites and decreased the number of secondary neurites in female neurons, but not in male neurons. In contrast, genistein resulted in a significant increase in primary neuritic length in male neurons, but not in female neurons. The use of selective estrogen receptor antagonists suggests that estrogen receptor α, estrogen receptor β and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptors are involved in the neuritogenic action of genistein. In summary, these findings indicate that genistein exerts sexually dimorphic actions on the development of hypothalamic neurons, altering the normal pattern of sex differences in neuritogenesis.
Genome Editing in Cowpea Vigna unguiculata Using CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Ji Jie , Zhang Chunyang , Sun Zhongfeng , Wang Longlong , Duanmu Deqiang , Fan Qiuling
Published: May 2019

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is widely cultivated across the world. Due to its symbiotic nitrogen fixation capability and many agronomically important traits, such as tolerance to low rainfall and low fertilization requirements, as well as its high nutrition and health benefits, cowpea is an important legume crop, especially in many semi-arid countries. However, research in Vigna unguiculata is dramatically hampered by the lack of mutant resources and efficient tools for gene inactivation in vivo. In this study, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). We applied the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology to efficiently disrupt the representative symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) gene in Vigna unguiculata. Our customized guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting symbiosis receptor-like kinase (SYMRK) achieved ~67% mutagenic efficiency in hairy-root-transformed plants, and nodule formation was completely blocked in the mutants with both alleles disrupted. Various types of mutations were observed near the PAM region of the respective gRNA. These results demonstrate the applicability of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in Vigna unguiculata, and therefore should significantly stimulate functional genomics analyses of many important agronomical traits in this unique crop legume.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Leaf Sheath Maturation in Maize
Authors: Dong Lei , Qin Lei , Dai Xiuru , Ding Zehong , Bi Ran , Liu Peng , Chen Yanhui , Brutnell Thomas P. , Wang Xianglan , Li Pinghua
Published: May 2019

The morphological development of the leaf greatly influences plant architecture and crop yields. The maize leaf is composed of a leaf blade, ligule and sheath. Although extensive transcriptional profiling of the tissues along the longitudinal axis of the developing maize leaf blade has been conducted, little is known about the transcriptional dynamics in sheath tissues, which play important roles in supporting the leaf blade. Using a comprehensive transcriptome dataset, we demonstrated that the leaf sheath transcriptome dynamically changes during maturation, with the construction of basic cellular structures at the earliest stages of sheath maturation with a transition to cell wall biosynthesis and modifications. The transcriptome again changes with photosynthesis and lignin biosynthesis at the last stage of sheath tissue maturation. The different tissues of the maize leaf are highly specialized in their biological functions and we identified 15 genes expressed at significantly higher levels in the leaf sheath compared with their expression in the leaf blade, including the BOP2 homologs GRMZM2G026556 and GRMZM2G022606, DOGT1 (GRMZM2G403740) and transcription factors from the B3 domain, C2H2 zinc finger and homeobox gene families, implicating these genes in sheath maturation and organ specialization.
Effects of Intracerebroventricular and Intra-Arcuate Nucleus Injection of Ghrelin on Pain Behavioral Responses and Met-Enkephalin and β-Endorphin Concentrations in the Periaqueductal Gray Area in Rats
Authors: Pirzadeh Samaneh , Sajedianfard Javad , Aloisi Anna Maria , Ashrafi Mahboobeh
Published: May 2019

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for orphan growth hormone secretagogue receptors. Ghrelin receptors have been found in central nervous system (CNS) areas responsible for pain modulation and transmission. This study investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intra-arcuate nucleus (ARC) injection of ghrelin on pain behavioral responses and levels of β-endorphin (β-EP) and met-enkephalin (MENK) in the periaqueductal gray area (PAG) during the formalin test in rats. Thirty-five male rats were studied in five groups. Ghrelin was injected into the left lateral ventricle (ICV, 5 µL) or into the ARC (1 µL). After 15 min, formalin (2.5%) was subcutaneously injected into the left hind paw. Behavioral nociceptive scores were recorded for 60 min. MENK and β-EP were collected by microdialysis in the PAG and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ICV and ARC injection of ghrelin significantly reduced pain in all phases of the formalin test (p < 0.001). Dialysate concentrations of MENK and β-EP in the PAG increased in all the phases (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the present study shows that the ARC nucleus and the endogenous opioid system are involved in ghrelin-induced pain modulation.
Gap Junction Channels of Innexins and Connexins: Relations and Computational Perspectives
Authors: Sánchez Alejandro , Castro Carlos , Flores Dora-Luz , Gutiérrez Everardo , Baldi Pierre
Published: May 2019

Gap junction (GJ) channels in invertebrates have been used to understand cell-to-cell communication in vertebrates. GJs are a common form of intercellular communication channels which connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Dysregulation and structural alteration of the gap junction-mediated communication have been proven to be associated with a myriad of symptoms and tissue-specific pathologies. Animal models relying on the invertebrate nervous system have exposed a relationship between GJs and the formation of electrical synapses during embryogenesis and adulthood. The modulation of GJs as a therapeutic and clinical tool may eventually provide an alternative for treating tissue formation-related diseases and cell propagation. This review concerns the similarities between Hirudo medicinalis innexins and human connexins from nucleotide and protein sequence level perspectives. It also sets forth evidence of computational techniques applied to the study of proteins, sequences, and molecular dynamics. Furthermore, we propose machine learning techniques as a method that could be used to study protein structure, gap junction inhibition, metabolism, and drug development.
Novel Diamide-Based Benzenesulfonamides as Selective Carbonic Anhydrase IX Inhibitors Endowed with Antitumor Activity: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Insights
Authors: Abdelrahman Mohamed A. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Nocentini Alessio , Bua Silvia , Al-Rashood Sara T. , Hassan Ghada S. , Bonardi Alessandro , Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Alkahtani Hamad M. , Alharbi Amal , Gratteri Paola , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: May 2019

In this work, we present the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel series of diamide-based benzenesulfonamides 5a–h as inhibitors of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms hCA I, II, IX and XII. The target tumor-associated isoforms hCA IX and XII were undeniably the most affected ones (KIs: 8.3–123.3 and 9.8–134.5 nM, respectively). Notably, diamides 5a and 5h stood out as a single-digit nanomolar hCA IX inhibitors (KIs = 8.8 and 8.3 nM). The SAR outcomes highlighted that bioisosteric replacement of the benzylidene moiety, compounds 5a–g, with the hetero 2-furylidene moiety, compound 5h, achieved the best IX/I and IX/II selectivity herein reported with SIs of 985 and 13.8, respectively. Molecular docking simulations of the prepared diamides within CA IX active site revealed the ability of 5h to establish an additional H-bond between the heterocyclic oxygen and HE/Gln67. Moreover, benzenesulfonamides 5a, 5b and 5h were evaluated for their antitumor activity against renal cancer UO-31 cell line. Compound 5h was the most potent derivative with about 1.5-fold more enhanced activity (IC50 = 4.89 ± 0.22 μM) than the reference drug Staurosporine (IC50 = 7.25 ± 0.43 μM). Moreover, 5a and 5h were able to induce apoptosis in UO-31 cells as evidenced by the significant increase in the percent of annexinV-FITC positive apoptotic cells by 22.5- and 26.5-folds, respectively.
A Novel Adaptive LMS Algorithm with Genetic Search Capabilities for System Identification of Adaptive FIR and IIR Filters
Authors: Humaidi Amjad J. , Kasim Ibraheem Ibraheem , Ajel Ahmed R.
Published: May 2019

In this paper we introduce a novel adaptation algorithm for adaptive filtering of FIR and IIR digital filters within the context of system identification. The standard LMS algorithm is hybridized with GA (Genetic Algorithm) to obtain a new integrated learning algorithm, namely, LMS-GA. The main aim of the proposed learning tool is to evade local minima, a common problem in standard LMS algorithm and its variants and approaching the global minimum by calculating the optimum parameters of the weights vector when just estimated data are accessible. In the proposed LMS-GA technique, first, it works as the standard LMS algorithm and calculates the optimum filter coefficients that minimize the mean square error, once the standard LMS algorithm gets stuck in local minimum, the LMS-GA switches to GA to update the filter coefficients and explore new region in the search space by applying the cross-over and mutation operators. The proposed LMS-GA is tested under different conditions of the input signal like input signals with colored characteristics, i.e., correlated input signals and investigated on FIR adaptive filter using the power spectral density of the input signal and the Fourier-transform of the input’s correlation matrix. Demonstrations via simulations on system identification of IIR and FIR adaptive digital filters revealed the effectiveness of the proposed LMS-GA under input signals with different characteristics.
The Role of Surface Plasmon Resonance of Gold Nanoparticles for the Enhancement of Second Harmonic Generation of Nonlinear Chromophores
Authors: Bisht Anu Singh , Hoang-Thi Khuyen , Ledoux-Rak Isabelle , Remita Hynd , Dumur Frédéric , Guerlin Audrey , Dumas Eddy , Mayer Cédric R.
Published: May 2019

A significant enhancement of the second harmonic generation (SHG) from second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) dyes in solution has been evidenced when these dyes were grafted onto the surface of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), as compared to their NLO response without AuNPs. The length, as well as the nature of the spacers between the gold particle and the chromophore, is shown to play an important role, a benzene linker being more favorable to AuNP-4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) interactions, as illustrated by a higher exaltation of the NLO response for DAST molecules linked to AuNP via a phenyl ring as compared to their equivalent with a CH2–CH2 link.