bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy Conditions Involved in the Nonlinear Coupled Constitutive Method for Solving Continuum and Rarefied Gas Flows
Authors: Tang Ke , Xiao Hong
Published: December 2017

The numerical study of continuum-rarefied gas flows is of considerable interest because it can provide fundamental knowledge regarding flow physics. Recently, the nonlinear coupled constitutive method (NCCM) has been derived from the Boltzmann equation and implemented to investigate continuum-rarefied gas flows. In this study, we first report the important and detailed issues in the use of the H theorem and positive entropy generation in the NCCM. Importantly, the unified nonlinear dissipation model and its relationships to the Rayleigh–Onsager function were demonstrated in the treatment of the collision term of the Boltzmann equation. In addition, we compare the Grad moment method, the Burnett equation, and the NCCM. Next, differences between the NCCM equations and the Navier–Stokes equations are explained in detail. For validation, numerical studies of rarefied and continuum gas flows were conducted. These studies include rarefied and/or continuum gas flows around a two-dimensional (2D) cavity, a 2D airfoil, a 2D cylinder, and a three-dimensional space shuttle. It was observed that the present results of the NCCM are in good agreement with those of the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method in rarefied cases and are in good agreement with those of the Navier–Stokes equations in continuum cases. Finally, this study can be regarded as a theoretical basis of the NCCM for the development of a unified framework for solving continuum-rarefied gas flows.
Utilization of Microalgal Biofractions for Bioethanol, Higher Alcohols, and Biodiesel Production: A Review
Authors: El-Dalatony Marwa , Salama El-Sayed , Kurade Mayur , Hassan Sedky , Oh Sang-Eun , Kim Sunjoon , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: December 2017

Biomass is a crucial energy resource used for the generation of electricity and transportation fuels. Microalgae exhibit a high content of biocomponents which makes them a potential feedstock for the generation of ecofriendly biofuels. Biofuels derived from microalgae are suitable carbon-neutral replacements for petroleum. Fermentation is the major process for metabolic conversion of microalgal biocompounds into biofuels such as bioethanol and higher alcohols. In this review, we explored the use of all three major biocomponents of microalgal biomass including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids for maximum biofuel generation. Application of several pretreatment methods for enhancement the bioavailability of substrates (simple sugar, amino acid, and fatty acid) was discussed. This review goes one step further to discuss how to direct these biocomponents for the generation of various biofuels (bioethanol, higher alcohol, and biodiesel) through fermentation and transesterification processes. Such an approach would result in the maximum utilization of biomasses for economically feasible biofuel production.
Bioethanol Production from Cachaza as Hydrogen Feedstock: Effect of Ammonium Sulfate during Fermentation
Authors: Sanchez Nestor , Ruiz Ruth , Infante Nicolas , Cobo Martha
Published: December 2017

Cachaza is a type of non-centrifugal sugarcane press-mud that, if it is not employed efficiently, generates water pollution, soil eutrophication, and the spread of possible pathogens. This biomass can be fermented to produce bioethanol. Our intention is to obtain bioethanol that can be catalytically reformed to produce hydrogen (H2) for further use in fuel cells for electricity production. However, some impurities could negatively affect the catalyst performance during the bioethanol reforming process. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the fermentation of Cachaza using ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) loadings and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to produce the highest ethanol concentration with the minimum amount of impurities in anticipation of facilitating further bioethanol purification and reforming for H2 production. The results showed that ethanol production from Cachaza fermentation was about 50 g·L−1 and the (NH4)2SO4 addition did not affect its production. However, it significantly reduced the production of branched alcohols. When a 160 mg·L−1 (NH4)2SO4 was added to the fermentation culture, 2-methyl-1-propanol was reduced by 41% and 3-methyl-1-butanol was reduced by 6%, probably due to the repression of the catabolic nitrogen mechanism. Conversely, 1-propanol doubled its concentration likely due to the higher threonine synthesis promoted by the reducing sugar presence. Afterwards, we employed the modified Gompertz model to fit the ethanol, 2M1P, 3M1B, and 1-propanol production, which provided acceptable fits (R2 > 0.881) for the tested compounds during Cachaza fermentation. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of the modelling of aliphatic production during fermentation; this model will be employed to calculate yields with further scaling and for life cycle assessment.
Reducing WCET Overestimations by Correcting Errors in Loop Bound Constraints
Authors: Meng Fanqi , Su Xiaohong
Published: December 2017

In order to reduce overestimations of worst-case execution time (WCET), in this article, we firstly report a kind of specific WCET overestimation caused by non-orthogonal nested loops. Then, we propose a novel correction approach which has three basic steps. The first step is to locate the worst-case execution path (WCEP) in the control flow graph and then map it onto source code. The second step is to identify non-orthogonal nested loops from the WCEP by means of an abstract syntax tree. The last step is to recursively calculate the WCET errors caused by the loose loop bound constraints, and then subtract the total errors from the overestimations. The novelty lies in the fact that the WCET correction is only conducted on the non-branching part of WCEP, thus avoiding potential safety risks caused by possible WCEP switches. Experimental results show that our approach reduces the specific WCET overestimation by an average of more than 82%, and 100% of corrected WCET is no less than the actual WCET. Thus, our approach is not only effective but also safe. It will help developers to design energy-efficient and safe real-time systems.
Mortality and Recovery of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) in Response to Winter Temperatures and Predictions for the Future
Authors: McAvoy Thomas. , Régnière Jacques , St-Amant Rémi , Schneeberger Noel , Salom Scott
Published: December 2017

Eastern (Tsuga canadensis) and Carolina hemlocks (T. caroliniana) of eastern North America have been attacked by the non-native hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) (HWA) since the first half of the 20th century. Unlike most insects, HWA develops through one generation from fall to late winter, exposing this insect to the lethal effects of winter temperatures. The mortality inflicted by winter temperatures on HWA determines the surviving population density as well as its ability to spread to uninfested areas. With the ongoing changes in climate, knowledge of this species’ ability to survive and spread in the future can help land managers prepare for its management. This study began during the winter of 2014 and ended in the spring of 2017. During this period, winter mortality of HWA was recorded at 100 sites from Maine to Georgia (n = 209). Changes in population density from the sistens to the succeeding progrediens generation were recorded at 24 sites (n = 35). Models were developed to predict HWA mortality using the lowest minimum temperature prior to the mortality assessment date, the number of days with mean temperature <−1 °C, and the mean daily temperature of the three days preceding that minimum. Models were also developed to predict population density changes from the overwintering sistens generation to the following progrediens generation. Future projections under climate change showed increases in winter survival and population growth rates over time. Especially towards the northeastern edge of T. canadensis’ distribution as minimum temperatures are predicted to increase at a greater rate. This will result in an increase in density throughout its current distribution and expansion northward causing an increase in its impact on eastern Tsuga spp.
Differential Expression of Serum MicroRNAs Supports CD4+ T Cell Differentiation into Th2/Th17 Cells in Severe Equine Asthma
Authors: Pacholewska Alicja , Kraft Matthias , Gerber Vincent , Jagannathan Vidhya
Published: December 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and may be exported from cells via exosomes or in partnership with RNA-binding proteins. MiRNAs in body fluids can act in a hormone-like manner and play important roles in disease initiation and progression. Hence, miRNAs are promising candidates as biomarkers. To identify serum miRNA biomarkers in the equine model of asthma we investigated small RNA derived from the serum of 34 control and 37 asthmatic horses. These samples were used for next generation sequencing, novel miRNA identification and differential miRNA expression analysis. We identified 11 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs between case and control horses: eca-miR-128, eca-miR-744, eca-miR-197, eca-miR-103, eca-miR-107a, eca-miR-30d, eca-miR-140-3p, eca-miR-7, eca-miR-361-3p, eca-miR-148b-3p and eca-miR-215. Pathway enrichment using experimentally validated target genes of the human homologous miRNAs showed a significant enrichment in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (key player in airway remodeling in asthma) and the phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate (PIP3) signaling pathway (modulator of CD4+ T cell maturation and function). Downregulated miR-128 and miR-744 supports a Th2/Th17 type immune response in severe equine asthma.
Do Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics Influence Perceived Air Quality?
Authors: Deguen Séverine , Padilla Manon , Padilla Cindy , Kihal-Talantikite Wahida
Published: December 2017

Background: Despite improvements, air pollution still remains a major public health issue. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the adverse health effects of air pollution exposure based on modeled measures, but only a few have considered the health impact of perceived air quality. Improving our knowledge of individual perceptions is crucial to defining targeted actions and promoting appropriate intervention measures. Our objective is to investigate the relationship between subjective and objective measures of air pollution and to focus on how individual characteristics combined with the neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation index, measured at a fine spatial scale, may or may not alter this relationship. Materials and Methods: The subjective measures of air quality reported by a sample of Lyon residents were collected via an individual questionnaire. The objective measures of air pollution were modeled by the local air quality monitoring network of the Rhône-Alpes region at census block level. We used a socioeconomic deprivation index to capture the different socioeconomic dimensions at census block level. The statistical analysis was structured in two steps: (1) identification of individual determinants of the subjective measures of air quality using multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical clustering; (2) identification of individual and contextual characteristics that may alter the relationship between the objective and subjective measures of air pollution. Results: Among the youngest and the middle aged population (ages 30 to 59), consistent results between level of satisfaction, perceived air quality and objective measures of air pollution were found whatever the individual characteristics of the population. It is less clear among the oldest population: globally no significant difference between the NO2 concentrations and the level of satisfaction was observed. Conclusions: We found a significant relationship between the subjective and objective measures of air pollution in many population sub-groups with different combinations of individual characteristics. The relationship is less clear among the oldest population, which confirms previous findings. Our finding highlights that age combined with low level of education and unemployment, or women or health problems as well as the neighborhood deprivation index influence the level of air quality satisfaction.
Analysis and Prediction of Exon Skipping Events from RNA-Seq with Sequence Information Using Rotation Forest
Authors: Du Xiuquan , Hu Changlin , Yao Yu , Sun Shiwei , Zhang Yanping
Published: December 2017

In bioinformatics, exon skipping (ES) event prediction is an essential part of alternative splicing (AS) event analysis. Although many methods have been developed to predict ES events, a solution has yet to be found. In this study, given the limitations of machine learning algorithms with RNA-Seq data or genome sequences, a new feature, called RS (RNA-seq and sequence) features, was constructed. These features include RNA-Seq features derived from the RNA-Seq data and sequence features derived from genome sequences. We propose a novel Rotation Forest classifier to predict ES events with the RS features (RotaF-RSES). To validate the efficacy of RotaF-RSES, a dataset from two human tissues was used, and RotaF-RSES achieved an accuracy of 98.4%, a specificity of 99.2%, a sensitivity of 94.1%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 98.6%. When compared to the other available methods, the results indicate that RotaF-RSES is efficient and can predict ES events with RS features.
The Venom of the Spine-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis curtus): Proteome, Toxin Diversity and Intraspecific Variation
Authors: Neale Vanessa , Sotillo Javier , Seymour Jamie E. , Wilson David
Published: December 2017

The spine-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis curtus) is known to cause human deaths, yet its venom composition has not yet been proteomically characterised. An in-depth proteomic analysis was performed on H. curtus venom from two different seasons, January and June, corresponding to adults and subadults, respectively. Venoms from adult and subadult H. curtus individuals were compared using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) to detect intraspecific variation, and the molecular weight data obtained with ESI-MS were used to assess toxin diversity. RP-HPLC and LC-ESI-MS/MS were used to characterise the venom proteome and estimate the relative abundances of protein families present. The most abundant protein family in January and June venoms is phospholipase A2 (PLA2: January 66.7%; June 54.5%), followed by three-finger toxins (3FTx: January 30.4%; June 40.4%) and a minor component of cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP: January 2.5%; June 5%). Trace amounts of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP), C-type lectins and housekeeping and regulatory proteins were also found. Although the complexity of the venom is low by number of families present, each family contained a more diverse set of isoforms than previously reported, a finding that may have implications for the development of next-generation sea snake antivenoms. Intraspecific variability was shown to be minor with one obvious exception of a 14,157-Da protein that was present in some January (adult) venoms, but not at all in June (subadult) venoms. There is also a greater abundance of short-chain neurotoxins in June (subadult) venom compared with January (adult) venom. These differences potentially indicate the presence of seasonal, ontogenetic or sexual variation in H. curtus venom.
The Role of Hedgehog Signalling in the Formation of the Ventricular Septum
Authors: Wiegering Antonia , Rüther Ulrich , Gerhardt Christoph
Published: December 2017

An incomplete septation of the ventricles in the vertebrate heart that disturbes the strict separation between the contents of the two ventricles is termed a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Together with bicuspid aortic valves, it is the most frequent congenital heart disease in humans. Until now, life-threatening VSDs are usually treated surgically. To avoid surgery and to develop an alternative therapy (e.g., a small molecule therapy), it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ventricular septum (VS) development. Consequently, various studies focus on the investigation of signalling pathways, which play essential roles in the formation of the VS. In the past decade, several reports found evidence for an involvement of Hedgehog (HH) signalling in VS development. In this review article, we will summarise the current knowledge about the association between HH signalling and VS formation and discuss the use of such knowledge to design treatment strategies against the development of VSDs.
Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Bioimaging
Authors: Braeken Yasmine , Cheruku Srujan , Ethirajan Anitha , Maes Wouter
Published: December 2017

During the last decade, conjugated polymers have emerged as an interesting class of fluorescence imaging probes since they generally show high fluorescence brightness, high photostability, fast emission rates, non-blinking behavior and low cytotoxicity. The main concern related to most conjugated polymers is their lack of hydrophilicity and thereby poor bio-availability. This can, however, be overcome by the formulation of conjugated polymer nanoparticles in aqueous medium. This review provides an overview of the different techniques employed for the preparation of conjugated polymer nanoparticles, together with methods to improve their photoluminescence quantum yields. For selective targeting of specific cells, dedicated surface functionalization protocols have been developed, using different functional groups for ligand immobilization. Finally, conjugated polymer nanoparticles have recently also been employed for theranostic applications, wherein the particles are simultaneously used as fluorescent probes and carriers for anti-tumor drugs.
Diffusion-Driven Charge Transport in Light Emitting Devices
Authors: Kim Iurii , Kivisaari Pyry , Oksanen Jani , Suihkonen Sami
Published: December 2017

Almost all modern inorganic light-emitting diode (LED) designs are based on double heterojunctions (DHJs) whose structure and current injection principle have remained essentially unchanged for decades. Although highly efficient devices based on the DHJ design have been developed and commercialized for energy-efficient general lighting, the conventional DHJ design requires burying the active region (AR) inside a pn-junction. This has hindered the development of emitters utilizing nanostructured ARs located close to device surfaces such as nanowires or surface quantum wells. Modern DHJ III-N LEDs also exhibit resistive losses that arise from the DHJ device geometry. The recently introduced diffusion-driven charge transport (DDCT) emitter design offers a novel way to transport charge carriers to unconventionally placed ARs. In a DDCT device, the AR is located apart from the pn-junction and the charge carriers are injected into the AR by bipolar diffusion. This device design allows the integration of surface ARs to semiconductor LEDs and offers a promising method to reduce resistive losses in high power devices. In this work, we present a review of the recent progress in gallium nitride (GaN) based DDCT devices, and an outlook of potential DDCT has for opto- and microelectronics.
Electromagnetic Forming Rules of a Stiffened Panel with Grid Ribs
Authors: Tan Jinqiang , Zhan Mei , Gao Pengfei , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2017

Electromagnetic forming (EMF), a technology with advantages of contact-free force and high energy density, generally aims at forming parts by using a fixed coil and one-time discharge. In this study, multi-stage EMF is introduced to form a panel with stiffened grid ribs. The forming rules of the stiffened panel is revealed via analyzing the distribution and evolution of the simulated stress and strain in the ribs and web, where the grid-rib panels were decomposed as the flat panel and two panels with uni-directional ribs (ribs only in X direction or Y direction). It is shown that the forming depth is mainly attributed to the forces on the web, although electromagnetic force is applied on both the ribs and the web, especially, large force on the ribs. The ribs are subjected to uniaxial stress parallel to their directions, and the web is subjected to plane stress in the deformation region. Furthermore, the change of the uniaxial stress characteristic in the X-direction ribs is influenced by the electromagnetic force, reverse bend and inertial effect. The plastic deformation mainly occurs in the Y-direction ribs of the deformation region under a three-direction strain state.
In Vivo Dual-Modality Fluorescence and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Lymph Node Mapping with Good Biocompatibility Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhan Yonghua , Zhan Wenhua , Li Hanrui , Xu Xinyi , Cao Xu , Zhu Shouping , Liang Jimin , Chen Xueli
Published: December 2017

Multifunctional manganese oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with impressive enhanced T1 contrast ability show great promise in biomedical diagnosis. Herein, we developed a dual-modality imaging agent system based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated manganese oxide NPs conjugated with organic dye (Cy7.5), which functions as a fluorescence imaging (FI) agent as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging agent. The formed Mn3O4@PEG-Cy7.5 NPs with the size of ~10 nm exhibit good colloidal stability in different physiological media. Serial FI and MRI studies that non-invasively assessed the bio-distribution pattern and the feasibility for in vivo dual-modality imaging-guided lymph node mapping have been investigated. In addition, histological and biochemical analyses exhibited low toxicity even at a dose of 20 mg/kg in vivo. Since Mn3O4@PEG-Cy7.5 NPs exhibited desirable properties as imaging agents and good biocompatibility, this work offers a robust, safe, and accurate diagnostic platform based on manganese oxide NPs for tumor metastasis diagnosis.
Facile Chemical Access to Biologically Active Norcantharidin Derivatives from Biomass
Authors: Galkin Konstantin I. , Kucherov Fedor A. , Markov Oleg N. , Egorova Ksenia S. , Posvyatenko Alexandra V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: December 2017

Reductive amination of 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) was used to implement the transition from bio-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to pharmaceuticals. The synthesized bis(aminomethyl)furans were utilized as building blocks for the construction of new derivatives with structural cores of naturally occurring biologically active compounds. Using the one-pot procedure, which included the Diels–Alder reaction followed by hydrogenation of the double bond, bio-derived analogues of the anticancer drug norcantharidin were obtained. The cyclization process was diastereoselective, and resulted in the formation of tricyclic products with the endo configuration. Analysis of cytotoxycity for the resulting tricyclic amine-containing compounds showed an increase of anticancer activity as compared with the unsubstituted norcantharimide.
Involvement of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases and Sulfotransferases in the Excretion and Tissue Distribution of Resveratrol in Mice
Authors: Böhmdorfer Michaela , Szakmary Akos , Schiestl Robert , Vaquero Javier , Riha Juliane , Brenner Stefan , Thalhammer Theresia , Szekeres Thomas , Jäger Walter
Published: December 2017

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound with various pharmacological activities. It is unknown whether the expression of metabolizing enzymes correlates with resveratrol levels in organs and tissues. Therefore, we investigated the metabolism and tissue distribution of resveratrol in mice and assessed its association with the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugt) and sulfotransferase (Sult) genes. Plasma, urine, feces, and various organs were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography at up to 8 h after intragastric resveratrol administration. The metabolism of resveratrol was pronounced, leading to the formation of resveratrol glucuronides and sulfates. Concentrations of resveratrol and its metabolites were high in the gastrointestinal organs, urine, and feces, but low in the liver and kidneys. In lung, heart, thymus, and brain tissues, parent resveratrol levels exceeded the sulfate and glucuronide concentrations. The formation of resveratrol conjugates correlated with the expression of certain Ugt and Sult genes. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed high mRNA expression of Ugt1a1 and Ugt1a6a in the liver, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon, leading to high concentrations of resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide in these organs. Strong correlations of resveratrol-3-O-sulfate and resveratrol-3-O-4′-O-disulfate formation with Sult1a1 mRNA expression were also observed, particularly in the liver and colon. In summary, our data revealed organ-specific expression of Sults and Ugts in mice that strongly affects resveratrol concentrations; this may also be predictive in humans following oral uptake of dietary resveratrol.
Live Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Does Not Enhance Epithelial Barrier Integrity in an Apical Anaerobic Co-Culture Model of the Large Intestine
Authors: Maier Eva , Anderson Rachel , Roy Nicole
Published: December 2017

Appropriate intestinal barrier maturation during infancy largely depends on colonization with commensal bacteria. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is an abundant obligate anaerobe that colonizes during weaning and is thought to maintain colonic health throughout life. We previously showed that F. prausnitzii induced Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) activation, which is linked to enhanced tight junction formation. Therefore, we hypothesized that F. prausnitzii enhances barrier integrity, an important factor in appropriate intestinal barrier maturation. In order to test metabolically active bacteria, we used a novel apical anaerobic co-culture system that allows the survival of both obligate anaerobic bacteria and oxygen-requiring intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). The first aim was to optimize the culture medium to enable growth and active metabolism of F. prausnitzii while maintaining the viability and barrier integrity, as measured by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), of the Caco-2 cells. This was achieved by supplementing the apical cell culture medium with bacterial culture medium. The second aim was to test the effect of F. prausnitzii on TEER across Caco-2 cell layers. Live F. prausnitzii did not improve TEER, which indicates that its benefits are not via altering tight junction integrity. The optimization of the novel dual-environment co-culturing system performed in this research will enable the investigation of new probiotics originating from indigenous beneficial bacteria.
Biodegradable Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration Combined with Drug-Delivery Systems in Osteomyelitis Therapy
Authors: Dorati Rossella , DeTrizio Antonella , Modena Tiziana , Conti Bice , Benazzo Francesco , Gastaldi Giulia , Genta Ida
Published: December 2017

A great deal of research is ongoing in the area of tissue engineering (TE) for bone regeneration. A possible improvement in restoring damaged tissues involves the loading of drugs such as proteins, genes, growth factors, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs into scaffolds for tissue regeneration. This mini-review is focused on the combination of the local delivery of antibiotic agents with bone regenerative therapy for the treatment of a severe bone infection such as osteomyelitis. The review includes a brief explanation of scaffolds for bone regeneration including scaffolds characteristics and types, a focus on severe bone infections (especially osteomyelitis and its treatment), and a literature review of local antibiotic delivery by the combination of scaffolds and drug-delivery systems. Some examples related to published studies on gentamicin sulfate-loaded drug-delivery systems combined with scaffolds are discussed, and future perspectives are highlighted.
Estimation of Wheat LAI at Middle to High Levels Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Narrowband Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Ni , Liu Yong , Cheng Tao , Tian Yongchao , Chen Qi , Zhu Yan
Published: December 2017

Leaf area index (LAI) is a significant biophysical variable in the models of hydrology, climatology and crop growth. Rapid monitoring of LAI is critical in modern precision agriculture. Remote sensing (RS) on satellite, aerial and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has become a popular technique in monitoring crop LAI. Among them, UAVs are highly attractive to researchers and agriculturists. However, some of the UAVs vegetation index (VI)—derived LAI models have relatively low accuracy because of the limited number of multispectral bands, especially as they tend to saturate at the middle to high LAI levels, which are the LAI levels of high-yielding wheat crops in China. This study aims to effectively estimate wheat LAI with UAVs narrowband multispectral image (400–800 nm spectral regions, 10 cm resolution) under varying growth conditions during five critical growth stages, and to provide the potential technical support for optimizing the nitrogen fertilization. Results demonstrated that the newly developed LAI model with modified triangular vegetation index (MTVI2) has better accuracy with higher coefficient of determination (Rc2 = 0.79, Rv2 = 0.80) and lower relative root mean squared error (RRMSE = 24%), and higher sensitivity under various LAI values (from 2 to 7), which will broaden the applied range of the new LAI model. Furthermore, this LAI model displayed stable performance under different sub-categories of growth stages, varieties, and eco-sites. In conclusion, this study could provide effective technical support to precisely monitor the crop growth with UAVs in various crop yield levels, which should prove helpful in family farm for the modern agriculture.
On-Line Corrosion Monitoring of Plate Structures Based on Guided Wave Tomography Using Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Rao Jing , Ratassepp Madis , Lisevych Danylo , Hamzah Caffoor Mahadhir , Fan Zheng
Published: December 2017

Corrosion is a major safety and economic concern to various industries. In this paper, a novel ultrasonic guided wave tomography (GWT) system based on self-designed piezoelectric sensors is presented for on-line corrosion monitoring of large plate-like structures. Accurate thickness reconstruction of corrosion damages is achieved by using the dispersive regimes of selected guided waves and a reconstruction algorithm based on full waveform inversion (FWI). The system makes use of an array of miniaturised piezoelectric transducers that are capable of exciting and receiving highly dispersive A0 Lamb wave mode at low frequencies. The scattering from transducer array has been found to have a small effect on the thickness reconstruction. The efficiency and the accuracy of the new system have been demonstrated through continuous forced corrosion experiments. The FWI reconstructed thicknesses show good agreement with analytical predictions obtained by Faraday’s law and laser measurements, and more importantly, the thickness images closely resemble the actual corrosion sites.
The Anomalous Influence of Spectral Resolution on Pulsed THz Time Domain Spectroscopy under Real Conditions
Authors: Trofimov Vyacheslav , Varentsova Svetlana
Published: December 2017

We have studied the spectral resolution influence on the accuracy of the substance detection and identification at using a broadband THz pulse measured under real conditions (at a distance of more than 3 m from a THz emitter in ambient air with a relative humidity of about 50%). We show that increasing spectral resolution leads to manifestation of small-scale perturbations (random fluctuations) in the signal spectrum caused by the influence of the environment or the sample structure. Decreasing the spectral resolution allows us to exclude from consideration this small-scale modulation of the signal as well as to detect the water vapor absorption frequencies. This fact is important in practice because it allows us to increase the signal processing rate. In order to increase the detection reliability, it is advisable to decrease the spectral resolution up to values of not more than 40% of the corresponding spectral line bandwidth. The method of spectral dynamics analysis together with the integral correlation criteria is used for the substance detection and identification. Neutral substances such as chocolate and cookies are used as the samples in the physical experiment.
Vibration Sensor Monitoring of Nickel-Titanium Alloy Turning for Machinability Evaluation
Authors: Segreto Tiziana , Caggiano Alessandra , Karam Sara , Teti Roberto
Published: December 2017

Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) alloys are very difficult-to-machine materials causing notable manufacturing problems due to their unique mechanical properties, including superelasticity, high ductility, and severe strain-hardening. In this framework, the aim of this paper is to assess the machinability of Ni-Ti alloys with reference to turning processes in order to realize a reliable and robust in-process identification of machinability conditions. An on-line sensor monitoring procedure based on the acquisition of vibration signals was implemented during the experimental turning tests. The detected vibration sensorial data were processed through an advanced signal processing method in time-frequency domain based on wavelet packet transform (WPT). The extracted sensorial features were used to construct WPT pattern feature vectors to send as input to suitably configured neural networks (NNs) for cognitive pattern recognition in order to evaluate the correlation between input sensorial information and output machinability conditions.
Development and Verification of a Novel Robot-Integrated Fringe Projection 3D Scanning System for Large-Scale Metrology
Authors: Du Hui , Chen Xiaobo , Xi Juntong , Yu Chengyi , Zhao Bao
Published: December 2017

Large-scale surfaces are prevalent in advanced manufacturing industries, and 3D profilometry of these surfaces plays a pivotal role for quality control. This paper proposes a novel and flexible large-scale 3D scanning system assembled by combining a robot, a binocular structured light scanner and a laser tracker. The measurement principle and system construction of the integrated system are introduced. A mathematical model is established for the global data fusion. Subsequently, a robust method is introduced for the establishment of the end coordinate system. As for hand-eye calibration, the calibration ball is observed by the scanner and the laser tracker simultaneously. With this data, the hand-eye relationship is solved, and then an algorithm is built to get the transformation matrix between the end coordinate system and the world coordinate system. A validation experiment is designed to verify the proposed algorithms. Firstly, a hand-eye calibration experiment is implemented and the computation of the transformation matrix is done. Then a car body rear is measured 22 times in order to verify the global data fusion algorithm. The 3D shape of the rear is reconstructed successfully. To evaluate the precision of the proposed method, a metric tool is built and the results are presented.
Real-Time Monitoring in Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Using Wrist-Worn Heart Rate Devices
Authors: Medina Quero Javier , Fernández Olmo María Rosa , Peláez Aguilera María Dolores , Espinilla Estévez Macarena
Published: December 2017

Cardiac rehabilitation is a key program which significantly reduces the mortality in at-risk patients with ischemic heart disease; however, there is a lack of accessibility to these programs in health centers. To resolve this issue, home-based programs for cardiac rehabilitation have arisen as a potential solution. In this work, we present an approach based on a new generation of wrist-worn devices which have improved the quality of heart rate sensors and applications. Real-time monitoring of rehabilitation sessions based on high-quality clinical guidelines is embedded in a wearable application. For this, a fuzzy temporal linguistic approach models the clinical protocol. An evaluation based on cases is developed by a cardiac rehabilitation team.
Knotoids, Braidoids and Applications
Authors: Gügümcü Neslihan , Lambropoulou Sofia
Published: December 2017

This paper is an introduction to the theory of braidoids. Braidoids are geometric objects analogous to classical braids, forming a counterpart theory to the theory of knotoids. We introduce these objects and their topological equivalences, and we conclude with a potential application to the study of proteins.
A Deeper Examination of Thorellius atrox Scorpion Venom Components with Omic Technologies
Authors: Romero-Gutierrez Teresa , Peguero-Sanchez Esteban , Cevallos Miguel , Batista Cesar , Ortiz Ernesto , Possani Lourival
Published: December 2017

This communication reports a further examination of venom gland transcripts and venom composition of the Mexican scorpion Thorellius atrox using RNA-seq and tandem mass spectrometry. The RNA-seq, which was performed with the Illumina protocol, yielded more than 20,000 assembled transcripts. Following a database search and annotation strategy, 160 transcripts were identified, potentially coding for venom components. A novel sequence was identified that potentially codes for a peptide with similarity to spider ω-agatoxins, which act on voltage-gated calcium channels, not known before to exist in scorpion venoms. Analogous transcripts were found in other scorpion species. They could represent members of a new scorpion toxin family, here named omegascorpins. The mass fingerprint by LC-MS identified 135 individual venom components, five of which matched with the theoretical masses of putative peptides translated from the transcriptome. The LC-MS/MS de novo sequencing allowed to reconstruct and identify 42 proteins encoded by assembled transcripts, thus validating the transcriptome analysis. Earlier studies conducted with this scorpion venom permitted the identification of only twenty putative venom components. The present work performed with more powerful and modern omic technologies demonstrates the capacity of accomplishing a deeper characterization of scorpion venom components and the identification of novel molecules with potential applications in biomedicine and the study of ion channel physiology.
Improving the Care and Treatment of Monkeypox Patients in Low-Resource Settings: Applying Evidence from Contemporary Biomedical and Smallpox Biodefense Research
Authors: Reynolds Mary , McCollum Andrea , Nguete Beatrice , Shongo Lushima Robert , Petersen Brett
Published: December 2017

Monkeypox is a smallpox-like illness that can be accompanied by a range of significant medical complications. To date there are no standard or optimized guidelines for the clinical management of monkeypox (MPX) patients, particularly in low-resource settings. Consequently, patients can experience protracted illness and poor outcomes. Improving care necessitates developing a better understanding of the range of clinical manifestations—including complications and sequelae—as well as of features of illness that may be predictive of illness severity and poor outcomes. Experimental and natural infection of non-human primates with monkeypox virus can inform the approach to improving patient care, and may suggest options for pharmaceutical intervention. These studies have traditionally been performed to address the threat of smallpox bioterrorism and were designed with the intent of using MPX as a disease surrogate for smallpox. In many cases this necessitated employing high-dose, inhalational or intravenous challenge to recapitulate the severe manifestations of illness seen with smallpox. Overall, these data—and data from biomedical research involving burns, superficial wounds, herpes, eczema vaccinatum, and so forth—suggest that MPX patients could benefit from clinical support to mitigate the consequences of compromised skin and mucosa. This should include prevention and treatment of secondary bacterial infections (and other complications), ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, and protecting vulnerable anatomical locations such as the eyes and genitals. A standard of care that considers these factors should be developed and assessed in different settings, using clinical metrics specific for MPX alongside consideration of antiviral therapies.
Normalization of Elevated Tumor Marker CA27-29 After Bilateral Lung Transplantation in a Patient With Breast Cancer and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Copur Mehmet Sitki , Wurdeman Julie Marie , Nelson Debra , Ramaekers Ryan , Gauchan Dron , Crockett David
Published: December 2017

Solid tumors involving glandular organs express mucin glycoprotein that is eventually shed into the circulation. As a result, these proteins can easily be measured in the serum and be used as potential tumor markers. The most commonly used tumor markers for breast cancer are CA27-29
and CA15-3, which both measure the glycoprotein product of the mucin-1 (MUC1) gene. CA27-29 has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for monitoring disease activity in breast cancer patients. Most oncology clinical practice guidelines do not recommend the use of tumor markers
for routine surveillance of early stage disease but recognize their utility in the metastatic setting. We present a patient with stage IIIA breast cancer and preexisting hypersensitivity pneumonitis who was found to have an elevated serum tumor marker CA27-29. After successful curative intent
treatment of her early stage breast cancer, she developed gradual and progressive worsening of her lung disease with eventual development of severe pulmonary fibrosis requiring bilateral lung transplantation. As part of the pretransplant evaluation, she was found to have an elevation of serum
tumor marker CA27-29. While the diagnostic evaluation, including imaging studies, was negative for the presence of recurrent disease, the serial serum tumor marker CA27-29 levels remained persistently elevated. The decision was made for her to undergo bilateral lung transplantation. Shortly
after surgery, her CA27-29 tumor marker level returned to normal range, and it has continued to remain in the normal range with no evidence of breast cancer recurrence.
Spin–Orbit Misalignment and Precession in the Kepler-13Ab Planetary System
Authors: Herman Miranda K. , de Mooij Ernst J. W. , Huang Chelsea X. , Jayawardhana Ray
Published: December 2017

Gravity darkening induced by rapid stellar rotation provides us with a unique opportunity to characterize the spin–orbit misalignment of a planetary system through analysis of its photometric transit. We use the gravity-darkened transit modeling code simuTrans to reproduce the transit light curve of Kepler-13Ab by separately analyzing phase-folded transits for 12 short-cadence Kepler quarters. We verify the temporal change in impact parameter indicative of spin–orbit precession identified by Szabó et al. and Masuda, reporting a rate of change

day−1. We further investigate the effect of light dilution on the fitted impact parameter and find that less than 1% of additional light is sufficient to explain the seasonal variation seen in the Kepler quarter data. We then extend our precession analysis to the phase curve data from which we report a rate of change

day−1. This value is consistent with that of the transit data at a lower significance and provides the first evidence of spin–orbit precession based solely on the temporal variation of the secondary eclipse.
Gemini Spectra of Star Clusters in the Spiral Galaxy M101
Authors: Simanton-Coogan Lesley A. , Chandar Rupali , Miller Bryan , Whitmore Bradley C.
Published: December 2017

We present low resolution, visible light spectra of 41 star clusters in the spiral galaxy M101, taken with the Gemini/GMOS instrument. We measure Lick indices for each cluster and compare with BaSTI models to estimate their ages and metallicities. We also measure the line-of-sight velocities. We find that 25 of the clusters are fairly young massive clusters (YMCs) with ages of hundreds of millions of years, and 16 appear to be older, globular clusters (GCs). There are at least four GCs with best-fit ages of ≈1–3 Gyr and eight with best-fit ages of ≈5–10 Gyr. The mean metallicity of the YMCs is [Fe/H] ≈ −0.1 and for the GCs is [Fe/H] ≈ −0.9. We find a near-continuous spread in both age and metallicity for our sample, which may indicate that M101 had a more-or-less continuous history of cluster and star formation. From the kinematics, we find that the YMCs rotate with the H i gas fairly well, while the GCs do not. We cannot definitively say whether the GCs sampled here lie in an inner halo, thick disk, or bulge/psuedobulge component, although given the very small bulge in M101, the last seems unlikely. The kinematics and ages of the YMCs suggest that M101 may have undergone heating of its disk or possibly a continuous merger/accretion history for the galaxy.
Correlated Signatures of Gravitational-wave and Neutrino Emission in Three-dimensional General-relativistic Core-collapse Supernova Simulations
Authors: Kuroda Takami , Kotake Kei , Hayama Kazuhiro , Takiwaki Tomoya
Published: December 2017

We present results from general-relativistic (GR) three-dimensional (3D) core-collapse simulations with approximate neutrino transport for three nonrotating progenitors (11.2, 15, and 40 M
⊙) using different nuclear equations of state (EOSs). We find that the combination of progenitor’s higher compactness at bounce and the use of softer EOS leads to stronger activity of the standing accretion shock instability (SASI). We confirm previous predications that the SASI produces characteristic time modulations both in neutrino and gravitational-wave (GW) signals. By performing a correlation analysis of the SASI-modulated neutrino and GW signals, we find that the correlation becomes highest when we take into account the time-delay effect due to the advection of material from the neutrino sphere to the proto-neutron star core surface. Our results suggest that the correlation of the neutrino and GW signals, if detected, would provide a new signature of the vigorous SASI activity in the supernova core, which can be hardly seen if neutrino-convection dominates over the SASI.
Atomic Data on Inelastic Processes in Calcium–Hydrogen Collisions
Authors: Belyaev A. K. , Voronov Y. V. , Yakovleva S. A. , Mitrushchenkov A. , Guitou M. , Feautrier N.
Published: December 2017

Inelastic cross sections and rate coefficients in Ca + H and Ca+ + H− collisions for all transitions between the 17 lowest covalent states plus one ionic molecular state are calculated based on the most recent ab initio adiabatic potentials for the 11 lowest molecular states, as well as on the model asymptotic potentials for higher-lying states, including the ground ionic molecular state. Nuclear dynamics is treated by the probability-current method and the multichannel formulas for the collision energy range 0.01–100 eV. The rates are computed for mutual neutralization, ion-pair formation, and (de-)excitation processes for the temperature range T = 1000–10,000 K. The calculations single out the partial processes with large and moderate rate coefficients. The largest rates correspond to the mutual neutralization into the

,

,

, and

final states; at T = 6000 K the largest value is 5.50 × 10−8 cm3 s−1 for

. Among the (de-)excitation processes, the largest rate coefficient corresponds to the

transition; at T = 6000 K, the largest rate has the value of 8.46 × 10−9 cm3 s−1.