bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linearization of the Kingman Coalescent
Authors: Slade Paul
Published: May 2018

Kingman’s coalescent process is a mathematical model of genealogy in which only pairwise common ancestry may occur. Inter-arrival times between successive coalescence events have a negative exponential distribution whose rate equals the combinatorial term ( n 2 ) where n denotes the number of lineages present in the genealogy. These two standard constraints of Kingman’s coalescent, obtained in the limit of a large population size, approximate the exact ancestral process of Wright-Fisher or Moran models under appropriate parameterization. Calculation of coalescence event probabilities with higher accuracy quantifies the dependence of sample and population sizes that adhere to Kingman’s coalescent process. The convention that probabilities of leading order N − 2 are negligible provided n ≪ N is examined at key stages of the mathematical derivation. Empirically, expected genealogical parity of the single-pair restricted Wright-Fisher haploid model exceeds 99% where n ≤ 1 2 N 3 ; similarly, per expected interval where n ≤ 1 2 N / 6 . The fractional cubic root criterion is practicable, since although it corresponds to perfect parity and to an extent confounds identifiability it also accords with manageable conditional probabilities of multi-coalescence.
Characterization of Rhamnolipids Produced by an Arctic Marine Bacterium from the Pseudomonas fluorescence Group
Authors: Kristoffersen Venke , Rämä Teppo , Isaksson Johan , Andersen Jeanette , Gerwick William , Hansen Espen
Published: May 2018

The marine environment is a rich source of biodiversity, including microorganisms that have proven to be prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. Arctic seas are less explored than warmer, more accessible areas, providing a promising starting point to search for novel bioactive compounds. In the present work, an Arctic marine Pseudomonas sp. belonging to the Pseudomonas (P.) fluorescence group was cultivated in four different media in an attempt to activate biosynthetic pathways leading to the production of antibacterial and anticancer compounds. Culture extracts were pre-fractionated and screened for antibacterial and anticancer activities. One fraction from three of the four growth conditions showed inhibitory activity towards bacteria and cancer cells. The active fractions were dereplicated using molecular networking based on MS/MS fragmentation data, indicating the presence of a cluster of related rhamnolipids. Six compounds were isolated using HPLC and mass-guided fractionation, and by interpreting data from NMR and high-resolution MS/MS analysis; the structures of the compounds were determined to be five mono-rhamnolipids and the lipid moiety of one of the rhamnolipids. Molecular networking proved to be a valuable tool for dereplication of these related compounds, and for the first time, five mono-rhamnolipids from a bacterium within the P. fluorescence group were characterized, including one new mono-rhamnolipid.
How Hydrogen Dielectric Strength Forces the Work Voltage in the Electric Discharge Machining
Authors: Almacinha José , Lopes António , Rosa Pedro , Marafona José
Published: May 2018

An electro-thermal model based on the Joule heating effect is proposed to simulate a single discharge in an electric discharge machining process. Normally, the dielectric strength of the hydrocarbons oil is approximately 20 MV/m, but it varies with both the thickness of the film and its decomposition. After the breakdown, the hydrocarbon oil has an average dielectric strength value of 2 MV/m. This value is close to the dielectric strength of the hydrogen, which is the main gas that results from the hydrocarbon oil decomposition, at temperatures between 6000 K and 9000 K. Therefore, the electric discharge occurs in a hydrogen atmosphere that imposes both the discharge gap and the work voltage. A 200 V voltage is associated to a 100 μm discharge gap, leading to a 20 V work voltage. Therefore, the 3 V work voltage control corresponds to approximately 15 μm. In other words, the increase of the discharge gap originates other discharge during the discharge pulse. The work voltage control, together with the multiple discharge method, is taken into account. The 100 μm discharge gap corresponds to the higher value of the transitory discharge gap that over evaluates the material removal and the tool wear rates. The results of the numerical simulations are validated with experimental data.
Comparison of the Conventional and Electroenhanced Direct-Immersion Solid-Phase Microextraction for Sampling of Nicotine in Biological Fluids of the Human Body
Authors: Abdolhosseini Sana , Ghiasvand Ali , Heidari Nahid
Published: May 2018

A stainless steel fiber was made porous and adhesive by platinization and then coated by nanostructured polypyrrole (PPy), using an appropriate electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. The morphological surface structure and functional groups of the PPy-coated fiber were studied using SEM (Scanning electron microscope) instrument. The prepared fiber was used for comparison of direct immersion (DI) and electroenhanced direct immersion solid-phase microextraction (EE-DI-SPME) of nicotine in human plasma and urine samples followed by gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) determination. The effects of the influential experimental parameters on the efficiency of the DI-SPME and EE-DI-SPME methods, including the pH and ionic strength of the sample solution, applied Direct current (DC) voltage, extraction temperature and time and stirring rate, were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curves for the DI-SPME-GC-FID and EE-DI-SPME-GC-FID methods were linear over the ranges of 0.1–10.0 μg mL−1 and 0.001–10.0 μg mL−1, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 6) were found to be 6.1% and 4.6% for the DI and EE strategies, respectively. The LODs (limit of detection) of the DI-SPME-GC-FID and EE-DI-SPME-GC-FID methods were found to be 10 and 0.3 ng mL−1, respectively. The relative recovery values (for the analysis of 1 µg mL−1 nicotine) were found to be 91–110% for EE-DI-SPME and 75–105% for DI-SPME. The enrichment factors for DI-SPME and EE-DI-SPME sampling were obtained as 38,734 and 50,597, respectively. The results indicated that EE-SPME was more efficient for quantitation of nicotine in biological fluids. The developed procedure was successfully carried out for the extraction and measurement of nicotine in real plasma and urine samples.
Identification of Nutritional Components in Black Sesame Determined by Widely Targeted Metabolomics and Traditional Chinese Medicines
Authors: Wang Dandan , Zhang Liangxiao , Huang Xiaorong , Wang Xiao , Yang Ruinan , Mao Jin , Wang Xuefang , Wang Xiupin , Zhang Qi , Li Peiwu
Published: May 2018

Chemical composition of secondary metabolites is of great importance for quality control of agricultural products. Black sesame seeds are significantly more expensive than white sesame seeds, because it is thought that black sesame seeds are more beneficial to human health than white sesame seeds. However, the differences in nutrient composition between black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds are still unknown. The current study examined the levels of different metabolites in black and white sesame seeds via the use of a novel metabolomics strategy. Using widely targeted metabolomics data, we obtained the structure and content of 557 metabolites, out of which 217 metabolites were identified, and discovered 30 metabolic pathways activated by the secondary metabolites in both black and white sesame seeds. Our results demonstrated that the main pathways that were differentially activated included: phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism. More importantly, the biomarkers that were significantly different between black seeds and white sesame seeds are highly related to the functions recorded in traditional Chinese medicine. The results of this study may serve as a new theoretical reference for breeding experts to promote the genetic improvement of sesame seeds, and therefore the cultivation of higher quality sesame varieties.
Interactive Tools for the Preservation, Dissemination and Study of Silk Heritage—An Introduction to the SILKNOW Project
Authors: Portalés Cristina , Sebastián Jorge , Alba Ester , Sevilla Javier , Gaitán Mar , Ruiz Paz , Fernández Marcos
Published: May 2018

Silk was a major factor for progress in Europe, mostly along the Western Silk Road’s network of production and market centers. The silk trade also allowed for the exchange of ideas and innovations, having impacts at economic, technical, functional, cultural and symbolic levels. However, silk has today become a seriously endangered heritage. Although many European specialized museums are devoted to its preservation, they usually lack the size and resources to take advantage of state-of-the-art digital technologies. The aim of this paper is twofold; firstly, we introduce SILKNOW, an interdisciplinary project that has been recently funded by the H2020 Programme of the European Union in order to preserve and promote the heritage of silk textiles; secondly, we introduce a set of interactive tools related to the project.
Comparison of the Incorporation of DHA in Circulatory and Neural Tissue When Provided as Triacylglycerol (TAG), Monoacylglycerol (MAG) or Phospholipids (PL) Provides New Insight into Fatty Acid Bioavailability
Authors: Destaillats Frédéric , Oliveira Manuel , Bastic Schmid Viktoria , Masserey-Elmelegy Isabelle , Giuffrida Francesca , Thakkar Sagar , Dupuis Lénaïck , Gosoniu Maria , Cruz-Hernandez Cristina
Published: May 2018

Phospholipids (PL) or partial acylglycerols such as sn-1(3)-monoacylglycerol (MAG) are potent dietary carriers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and have been reported to provide superior bioavailability when compared to conventional triacylglycerol (TAG). The main objective of the present study was to compare the incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plasma, erythrocytes, retina and brain tissues in adult rats when provided as PL (PL-DHA) and MAG (MAG-DHA). Conventional dietary DHA oil containing TAG (TAG-DHA) as well as control chow diet were used to evaluate the potency of the two alternative DHA carriers over a 60-day feeding period. Fatty acid profiles were determined in erythrocytes and plasma lipids at time 0, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 49 days of the experimental period and in retina, cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus at 60 days. The assessment of the longitudinal evolution of DHA in erythrocyte and plasma lipids suggest that PL-DHA and MAG-DHA are efficient carriers of dietary DHA when compared to conventional DHA oil (TAG-DHA). Under these experimental conditions, both PL-DHA and MAG-DHA led to higher incorporations of DHA erythrocytes lipids compared to TAG-DHA group. After 60 days of supplementation, statistically significant increase in DHA level incorporated in neural tissues analyzed were observed in the DHA groups compared with the control. The mechanism explaining hypothetically the difference observed in circulatory lipids is discussed.
Iron Status and Gestational Diabetes—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kataria Yachana , Wu Yanxin , Horskjær Peter , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas , Ellervik Christina
Published: May 2018

A meta-analysis of the association of iron overload with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may inform the health debate. We performed a meta-analysis investigating the association of iron biomarkers and dietary iron exposure with GDM. We identified 33 eligible studies (N = 44,110) published in 2001–2017. The standardized mean differences (SMD) in women who had GDM compared to pregnant women without were 0.25 µg/dL (95% CI: 0.001–0.50) for iron, 1.54 ng/mL (0.56–2.53) for ferritin, 1.05% (0.02 to 2.08) for transferrin saturation, and 0.81 g/dL (0.40–1.22) for hemoglobin. Adjusted odds ratio for GDM were 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20–2.08) for ferritin, 1.30 (1.01–1.67) for hemoglobin, and 1.48 (1.29–1.69) for dietary heme intake. We did not find any differences in TIBC or transferrin concentration in women with and without GDM. We also did not find any association of increased transferrin receptor or increased intake of total dietary iron, non-heme iron or supplemental iron, with increased odds ratios for GDM. Considerable heterogeneity was present among the studies (0–99%), but no evidence of publication bias. Accumulating evidence suggests that circulating and dietary iron biomarkers among pregnant women are associated with GDM, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity of analyses. Randomized trials investigating the benefits of iron reduction in women at high risk for GDM are warranted.
Progressive Relaxation Behavior and Relaxation Dynamics of sPS Gels upon Controlled Heating
Authors: Zhao Yanzhi , Zhou Juying , Lan Yanjiao , Li Pengfei , Du Fangkai , Lei Fuhou , Li Hao , Huang Qin
Published: May 2018

Progressive relaxation behavior of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) chains in sPS gel was detected in the course of melting via the application of intrinsic fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy techniques. The melting process included a dissociative process of the network at lower temperature and a relaxation process from helix to worm-like chains at higher temperature. The dynamics of structural relaxation behavior was discovered by intrinsic fluorescence technique, and an abrupt bend emerged at 58 °C on the Arrhenius plot. At temperatures lower than 58 °C, only the dissociation of the helical structure existed and the rate of relaxation from helix to worm-like conformation was negligible. At temperatures higher than 58 °C, the transition from helical chain to worm-like chain was the rate-determining step. The intrinsic fluorescence technique demonstrated its practicability in detecting kinetic processes of sPS/chloroform gel in the course of melting.
The Spectrum of Mechanism-Oriented Models and Methods for Explanations of Biological Phenomena
Authors: Hunt C. , Erdemir Ahmet , Lytton William , Mac Gabhann Feilim , Sander Edward , Transtrum Mark , Mulugeta Lealem
Published: May 2018

Developing and improving mechanism-oriented computational models to better explain biological phenomena is a dynamic and expanding frontier. As the complexity of targeted phenomena has increased, so too has the diversity in methods and terminologies, often at the expense of clarity, which can make reproduction challenging, even problematic. To encourage improved semantic and methodological clarity, we describe the spectrum of Mechanism-oriented Models being used to develop explanations of biological phenomena. We cluster explanations of phenomena into three broad groups. We then expand them into seven workflow-related model types having distinguishable features. We name each type and illustrate with examples drawn from the literature. These model types may contribute to the foundation of an ontology of mechanism-based biomedical simulation research. We show that the different model types manifest and exert their scientific usefulness by enhancing and extending different forms and degrees of explanation. The process starts with knowledge about the phenomenon and continues with explanatory and mathematical descriptions. Those descriptions are transformed into software and used to perform experimental explorations by running and examining simulation output. The credibility of inferences is thus linked to having easy access to the scientific and technical provenance from each workflow stage.
Materials and Life Science with Quantum Beams at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex
Authors: Liss Klaus-Dieter
Published: May 2018

The Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF) is the major neutron and muon quantum beam facility in the eastern part of the world [...]
Skateboards as a Sustainable Recyclable Material
Authors: Willard Dylan , Loferski Joseph
Published: May 2018

The exact number of skateboards manufactured every year is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the millions. Most skateboard decks are made from a high grade of maple (Acer spp.) veneer plywood and typically last only a few months before they break or deteriorate beyond use. Millions of used skateboard decks are discarded annually, ending up in landfills when, instead, they could be recycled into new products. But beyond artistic or aesthetic purposes, material properties of the used skateboard decks are unknown. The objective of this paper is to investigate the material properties of wooden composite panels created by reengineering the skateboard deck material. These aesthetically pleasing wooden panels may be a sustainable recycled product. This paper presents a method of analyzing material properties and structural aspects of used skateboard deck material. Tests were developed to measure the stiffness and strength in bending, moisture content, specific gravity, moisture durability, and species identification. The results show that this process of reengineering skateboard decks makes for a strong wood product and may be useful to those interested in developing new products from recycled materials.
GPS-Derived Fault Coupling of the Longmenshan Fault Associated with the 2008 Mw Wenchuan 7.9 Earthquake and Its Tectonic Implications
Authors: Li Yanchuan , Zhang Guohong , Shan Xinjian , Liu Yunhua , Wu Yanqiang , Liang Hongbao , Qu Chunyan , Song Xiaogang
Published: May 2018

Investigating relationships between temporally- and spatially-related continental earthquakes is important for a better understanding of the crustal deformation, the mechanism of earthquake nucleation and occurrence, and the triggering effect between earthquakes. Here we utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) velocities before and after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake to invert the fault coupling of the Longmenshan Fault (LMSF) and investigate the impact of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake on the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake. The results indicate that, before the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, fault segments were strongly coupled and locked at a depth of ~18 km along the central and northern LMSF. The seismic gap between the two earthquake rupture zones was only locked at a depth < 5 km. The southern LMSF was coupled at a depth of ~10 km. However, regions around the hypocenter of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake were not coupled, with an average coupling coefficient ~0.3. After the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, the central and northern LMSF, including part of the seismic gap, were decoupled, with an average coupling coefficient smaller than 0.2. The southern LMSF, however, was coupled to ~20 km depth. Regions around the hypocenter of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake were also coupled. Moreover, by interpreting changes of the GPS velocities before and after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, we find that the upper crust of the eastern Tibet (i.e., the Bayan Har block), which was driven by the postseismic relaxation of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, thrust at an accelerating pace to the Sichuan block and result in enhanced compression and shear stress on the LMSF. Consequently, downdip coupling of the fault, together with the rapid accumulation of the elastic strain, lead to the occurrence of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake. Finally, the quantity analysis on the seismic moment accumulated and released along the southern LMSF show that the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake should be defined as a “delayed” aftershock of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. The seismic risk is low along the seismic gap, but high on the unruptured southwesternmost area of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake.
Meteo-Marine Parameters from Sentinel-1 SAR Imagery: Towards Near Real-Time Services for the Baltic Sea
Authors: Rikka Sander , Pleskachevsky Andrey , Jacobsen Sven , Alari Victor , Uiboupin Rivo
Published: May 2018

A method for estimating meteo-marine parameters from satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, intended for near-real-time (NRT) service over the Baltic Sea, is presented and validated. Total significant wave height data are retrieved with an empirical function CWAVE_S1-IW, which combines spectral analysis of Sentinel-1A/B Interferometric Wide swath (IW) subscenes with wind data derived with common C-Band Geophysical Model Functions (GMFs). In total, 15 Sentinel-1A/B scenes (116 acquisitions) over the Baltic Sea were processed for comparison with off-shore sea state measurements (52 collocations) and coastal wind measurements (357 colocations). Sentinel-1 wave height was spatially compared with WAM wave model results (Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). The comparison of SAR-derived wave heights shows good agreement with measured wave heights correlation r of 0.88 and with WAM model (r = 0.85). The wind speed estimated from SAR images yields good agreement with in situ data (r = 0.91). The study demonstrates that the wave retrievals from Sentinel-1 IW data provide valuable information for operational and statistical monitoring of wave conditions in the Baltic Sea. The data is valuable for model validation and interpretation in regions where, and during periods when, in situ measurements are missing. The Sentinel-1 A/B wave retrievals provide more detailed information about spatial variability of the wave field in the coastal zone compared to in situ measurements, altimetry wave products and model forecast. Thus, SAR data enables estimation of storm locations and areal coverage. Methods shown in the study are implemented in NRT service in German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) ground station Neustrelitz.
m-Health: Lessons Learned by m-Experiences
Authors: Bravo José , Hervás Ramón , Fontecha Jesús , González Iván
Published: May 2018

m-Health is an emerging area that is transforming how people take part in the control of their wellness condition. This vision is changing traditional health processes by discharging hospitals from the care of people. Important advantages of continuous monitoring can be reached but, in order to transform this vision into a reality, some factors need to be addressed. m-Health applications should be shared by patients and hospital staff to perform proper supervised health monitoring. Furthermore, the uses of smartphones for health purposes should be transformed to achieve the objectives of this vision. In this work, we analyze the m-Health features and lessons learned by the experiences of systems developed by MAmI Research Lab. We have focused on three main aspects: m-interaction, use of frameworks, and physical activity recognition. For the analysis of the previous aspects, we have developed some approaches to: (1) efficiently manage patient medical records for nursing and healthcare environments by introducing the NFC technology; (2) a framework to monitor vital signs, obesity and overweight levels, rehabilitation and frailty aspects by means of accelerometer-enabled smartphones and, finally; (3) a solution to analyze daily gait activity in the elderly, carrying a single inertial wearable close to the first thoracic vertebra.
Optimal Resource Allocation for NOMA-TDMA Scheme with α-Fairness in Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Sun Yanjing , Guo Yiyu , Li Song , Wu Dapeng , Wang Bin
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a joint non-orthogonal multiple access and time division multiple access (NOMA-TDMA) scheme is proposed in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which allowed multiple sensors to transmit in the same time-frequency resource block using NOMA. The user scheduling, time slot allocation, and power control are jointly optimized in order to maximize the system α -fair utility under transmit power constraint and minimum rate constraint. The optimization problem is nonconvex because of the fractional objective function and the nonconvex constraints. To deal with the original problem, we firstly convert the objective function in the optimization problem into a difference of two convex functions (D.C.) form, and then propose a NOMA-TDMA-DC algorithm to exploit the global optimum. Numerical results show that the NOMA-TDMA scheme significantly outperforms the traditional orthogonal multiple access scheme in terms of both spectral efficiency and user fairness.
Effects of Consumer Demand, Product Lifetime, and Substitution Ratio on Perishable Inventory Management
Authors: Duong Linh , Wood Lincoln , Wang William
Published: May 2018

With the intensification of global population, food security is a big concern. Food waste stems from inappropriate inventory management. Companies offer a wide range of products to capture more sales, yet this increases inventories and complicates inventory management. Management challenges are worsened by three factors: uncertain consumer demand, product lifetimes, and consumer substitution among the product range. This research aims to understand the effects of these factors on inventory performance. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to weight the importance of each of the non-financial performance measures from the simulation results and data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to rank and evaluate the scenarios. Then, the most favorable scenario or replenishment policy, which had the lowest DEA efficiency score, was chosen. The results show that when the substitution ratio is greater, its interaction with consumer demand and product lifetime has mostly a small- or medium-sized effect on retailers’ performance, in contrast to relatively larger effects on the supplier. These findings show that suppliers’ performance is affected largely by the existence of the bullwhip effect in the model. Recommendations are provided for managers who are facing uncertainties of consumer demand, substitution, and product lifetime.
Assessing the Ability of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program to Reliably Determine the Environmental Performance of Products
Authors: Bach Vanessa , Minkov Nikolay , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: May 2018

Concepts and tools supporting the design of environmentally friendly products (including materials, goods or services) have increased over the last years. The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program (C2CP) is one of these approaches. In this work, the ability of C2CP to reliably determine the environmental performance of products was analyzed through the application of a criteria-based assessment scheme. Additionally, to compare C2CP with three other already established tools (life cycle assessment, product environmental footprint and material flow analysis), the same criteria-based scheme was applied. Results show that C2CP is not scientifically reliable enough to assure that certified products actually have a good environmental performance. The most relevant shortcoming of C2CP relates to its limited assessment scope, due to the fact that neither the entire life cycle of the product nor all relevant environmental impacts are covered. Based on already established tools and their practical implementation recommendations for increasing the reliability of C2CP are provided.
“Parknerships” for Sustainable Relevance: Perspectives from the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Perry Elizabeth , Kiewra Lydia , Brooks Meghan , Xiao Xiao , Manning Robert
Published: May 2018

“Parknerships” (park partnerships) are an innovative means of enhancing people’s connections with conserved spaces and stories, drawing on the combined strengths of multiple organizations. As a specific type of collaboration, a parknership is focused among parks-related organizations sharing common goals of building positive experiences for individuals, the community, and the environment. The need for parknerships is heightened in complex settings like urban areas, and with national organizations concerned with local relevance, such as the National Park Service (NPS). Although parknerships have emerged as a crucial mode of local connection and are increasingly highlighted in park guidance, scant information exists on what mechanisms contribute to their long-term, multi-effort success. We seek to address this by investigating what elements contribute to a sustainable and successful parknership. To frame this inquiry, we drew from the concept of relevance and framework of collective impact. Using semi-structured interviews (n = 14) with NPS and partners in the San Francisco Bay Area (an urban area with rich cultural diversity and long environmental history), we elicited understanding of sustainable parknerships. Participants emphasized the importance of the parknerships’ context, process, and goal. Consideration of these intersectional themes may be critical to sustainable, relevance-related collaborations among parknerships.
Sampling Based Histogram PCA and Its Mapreduce Parallel Implementation on Multicore
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Huiwen , Wang Siyang , Diday Edwin , Emilion Richard
Published: May 2018

In existing principle component analysis (PCA) methods for histogram-valued symbolic data, projection results are approximated based on Moore’s algebra and fail to reflect the data’s true structure, mainly because there is no precise, unified calculation method for the linear combination of histogram data. In this paper, we propose a new PCA method for histogram data that distinguishes itself from various well-established methods in that it can project observations onto the space spanned by principal components more accurately and rapidly by sampling through a MapReduce framework. The new histogram PCA method is implemented under the same assumption of “orthogonal dimensions for every observation” with the existing literatures. To project observations, the method first samples from the original histogram variables to acquire single-valued data, on which linear combination operations can be performed. Then, the projection of observations can be given by linear combination of loading vectors and single-valued samples, which is close to accurate projection results. Finally, the projection is summarized to histogram data. These procedures involve complex algorithms and large-scale data, which makes the new method time-consuming. To speed it up, we undertake a parallel implementation of the new method in a multicore MapReduce framework. A simulation study and an empirical study confirm that the new method is effective and time-saving.
Task Engagement as Personalization Feedback for Socially-Assistive Robots and Cognitive Training
Authors: Tsiakas Konstantinos , Abujelala Maher , Makedon Fillia
Published: May 2018

Socially-Assistive Robotics (SAR) has been extensively used for a variety of applications, including educational assistants, exercise coaches and training task instructors. The main goal of such systems is to provide a personalized and tailored session that matches user abilities and needs. While objective measures (e.g., task performance) can be used to adjust task parameters (e.g., task difficulty), towards personalization, it is essential that such systems also monitor task engagement to personalize their training strategies and maximize the effects of the training session. We propose an Interactive Reinforcement Learning (IRL) framework that combines explicit feedback (task performance) with implicit human-generated feedback (task engagement) to achieve efficient personalization. We illustrate the framework with a cognitive training task, describing our data-driven methodology (data collection and analysis, user simulation) towards designing our proposed real-time system. Our data analysis and the reinforcement learning experiments on real user data indicate that the integration of task engagement as human-generated feedback in the RL mechanism can facilitate robot personalization, towards a real-time personalized robot-assisted training system.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Boulardii Reduces the Deoxynivalenol-Induced Alteration of the Intestinal Transcriptome
Authors: Alassane-Kpembi Imourana , Pinton Philippe , Hupé Jean-François , Neves Manon , Lippi Yannick , Combes Sylvie , Castex Mathieu , Oswald Isabelle
Published: May 2018

Type B trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most frequently occurring food contaminants. By inducing trans-activation of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the stability of their mRNA, trichothecene can impair intestinal health. Several yeast products, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have the potential for improving the enteric health of piglets, but little is known about the mechanisms by which the administration of yeast counteracts the DON-induced intestinal alterations. Using a pig jejunum explant model, a whole-transcriptome analysis was performed to decipher the early response of the small intestine to the deleterious effects of DON after administration of S. cerevisiae boulardii strain CNCM I-1079. Compared to the control condition, no differentially expressed gene (DE) was observed after treatment by yeast only. By contrast, 3619 probes—corresponding to 2771 genes—were differentially expressed following exposure to DON, and 32 signaling pathways were identified from the IPA software functional analysis of the set of DE genes. When the intestinal explants were treated with S. cerevisiae boulardii prior to DON exposure, the number of DE genes decreased by half (1718 probes corresponding to 1384 genes). Prototypical inflammation signaling pathways triggered by DON, including NF-κB and p38 MAPK, were reversed, although the yeast demonstrated limited efficacy toward some other pathways. S. cerevisiae boulardii also restored the lipid metabolism signaling pathway, and reversed the down-regulation of the antioxidant action of vitamin C signaling pathway. The latter effect could reduce the burden of DON-induced oxidative stress. Altogether, the results show that S. cerevisiae boulardii reduces the DON-induced alteration of intestinal transcriptome, and point to new mechanisms for the healing of tissue injury by yeast.
Molecular Mechanisms of Apoptosis in HepaRG Cell Line Induced by Polyphyllin VI via the Fas Death Pathway and Mitochondrial-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Liu Yi , Dong Xiaoxv , Wang Wenping , You Longtai , Yin Xingbin , Yang Chunjing , Sai Na , Leng Xin , Ni Jian
Published: May 2018

Polyphyllin VI, which is an active saponin, is mainly isolated from traditional medicinal plant Paris polyphylla, which causes liver damage in rats. In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential cytotoxicity of polyphyllin VI on the growth of HepaRG cells and to determine the molecular mechanism. The results revealed that polyphyllin VI changed cell morphology and induced apoptosis in HepaRG cells. Flow cytometric assay displayed that polyphyllin VI promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and induced S phase cell cycle arrest by decreasing the expression of cyclin A2 and CDK2, while significantly increasing the expression of p21 protein. Polyphyllin VI induced the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and activated Fas, caspase-3, -8, -9, and PARP proteins. Pretreatment with NAC and Z-VAD-FMK (ROS scavenger and caspase inhibitor, respectively) on HepaRG cells increased the percentage of viable cells, which indicated that polyphyllin VI induced cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway by the generation of ROS and Fas death-dependent pathway. All of the effects are in dose- and time-dependent manners. Taken together, these findings emphasize the necessity of risk assessment to polyphyllin VI and offer an insight into polyphyllin VI-induced apoptosis of HepaRG cells.
Analyzing the Role of Shallow Groundwater Systems in the Water Use of Different Land-Use Types in Arid Irrigated Regions
Authors: Ren Dongyang , Xu Xu , Huang Quanzhong , Huo Zailin , Xiong Yunwu , Huang Guanhua
Published: May 2018

Clarifying the role of shallow groundwater systems in eco-hydrological processes is of great significance to agricultural production and ecological sustainability. In this paper, a lumped water balance model was proposed for the GSPAC (groundwater-soil-plant-atmosphere-continuum) system for different land use types under arid, shallow water table conditions. Model application was conducted in an irrigation district (Jiyuan) located in the upper Yellow River basin. A 13-year (2001–2013) water balance calculation was carried out to quantify the water budgets of different land use types. The effects of shallow groundwater on water and salt exchanges among different land use patterns were analyzed. Results indicated the shallow groundwater systems played a significant role in water storage and supply, water and salt redistribution, and the salt accumulation and drainage in Jiyuan. About 36% of the total applied water was first stored in a shallow groundwater system, and then redistributed. After redistribution, 63% of the total diverted water was consumed by cropland evapotranspiration (ET), 20% by natural land ET; the rest was discharged through drainage or groundwater exploitation. Finally, 67% of the introduced salt accumulated in natural land, while the rest was drained away, which helped maintain the productivity of the croplands. Overall, our results have quantitatively revealed the multifaceted roles of shallow groundwater systems, and also suggested the key management concepts for sustaining agroecosystems in arid irrigated areas.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Free-Surface Flows in a Corrugated Pipe
Authors: Calomino Francesco , Alfonsi Giancarlo , Gaudio Roberto , D’Ippolito Antonino , Lauria Agostino , Tafarojnoruz Ali , Artese Serena
Published: May 2018

A new discharge computational model is proposed on the basis of the integration of the velocity profile across the flow cross-section in an internally corrugated pipe flowing partially full. The model takes into account the velocity profiles in the pressurised pipe to predict the flow rate under free-surface flow conditions. The model was evaluated through new laboratory experiments as well as a literature datasets. The results show that flow depth and pipe slope may affect the model accuracy; nevertheless, a prediction error smaller than 20% is expected from the model. Experimental results reveal the influence of the pipe slope and flow depth on the friction factor and the stage-discharge curves: the friction factor may increase with pipe slope, while it reduces as flow depth increases. Hence, a notable change of pipe slope may lead to the variation of the stage-discharge curve. A part of this study deals with numerical simulation of the velocity profiles and the stage-discharge curves. Using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, numerical solutions were obtained to simulate four experimental tests, obtaining enough accurate results as to velocity profiles and water depths. The results of the simulated flow velocity were used to estimate the flow discharge, confirming the potential of numerical techniques for the prediction of stage-discharge curves.
Design Parameters Calculation of a Novel Driveline for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Santiago J. , Oliveira J. , Lundin J. , Abrahamsson J. , Larsson A. , Bernhoff H.
Published: May 2018

A driveline for electric vehicles is presented. The propulsion system is operated at a higher voltage than the primary energy source. The batteries selected as the primary energy source deliver power to the vehicle through a motor-generator wounded with two electrically isolated sets of windings, named Two Voltage Level Machine (TVLM). The dynamic behaviour of a vehicle operating according to a standard drive cycle is studied. Parameters of the driveline such as power rates and size of the flywheel are obtained by optimization. A description of the performance of a TVLM is also presented through its equivalent circuit and the control of the machine. Special attention to the system losses is presented. A scale prototype has been constructed and tested under a drive cycle, demonstrating the system performance of the system.
EP Tender: Enabling to Drive 98% Electric, at the Same TCO and Convenience as 100% ICE
Authors: Segard Jean-Baptiste
Published: May 2018

Are electric vehicles capable of long distance trips? Yes, but with major sacrifice: either recharge several times en route, with a trip which takes about twice the time of an ICE vehicle, or make a significant capital investment in a large battery and vehicle. Not surprisingly both options are a major hindrance to wide EV dissemination. Developing range extending services for Electric vehicles via energy modules is an attractive option. It resolves the above conundrum by providing peak range at a marginal cost which is commensurate to the marginal usage: peak range is required only 2% of the time! [1] [2]
Degradation Mechanism Detection for NMC Batteries based on Incremental Capacity Curves
Authors: Berecibar M. , Dubarry M. , Omar N. , Villarreal I. , Van Mierlo J.
Published: May 2018

Path dependence degradation detection is getting lot of attention due to high demand of long lasting batteries for applications with sporadic usage such as electric vehicles. In this regard, this work presents a study of the degradation mechanism of NMC/Graphite cells cycled under different depth of discharges. Analysis will be based on the study of incremental capacity curves. The trends observed on experimental curves will be compared to simulations in order to exemplify the differences and highlight the path dependence of the degradation.
Assessment of the Li-air Battery Technology for Automotive Applications through the Development of a Multi-Electrode Solid-State Prototype
Authors: Laforgue A. , Toupin M. , Mokrini A. , Gauthier M. , Bock C. , Ionescu M. , Luan B. , Yuan X.Z. , Qu W. , Huot J.Y.
Published: May 2018

This report highlights the results of a project carried out at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), with the overall objective to address the major issues of the Li-air battery technology and assemble a multi-electrode pilot-scale prototype. Several innovative ideas and technologies were investigated along the core concept of a polymer-based solid-state technology. The assessment of the Li-air technology is discussed through the results of the project as well as other sources, especially concerning its readiness and perspectives for automotive applications.
Real-Time Estimator Li-ion Cells Internal Resistance for Electric Vehicle Application
Authors: Tessier Alexandre , Dubois Maxime , Trovão João
Published: May 2018

Battery Management Systems (BMS) were introduced into Li-ion battery packs to serve several purposes, among which assertion of the small variations of the cells state of charge and increase of their life cycle. This paper offers a complete real-time working model for the on-line measurement of the cells internal resistance, which requires very low computation time and enough precision for electric vehicle applications. Some electric models used for the determination electrical parameters have a huge complexity and are not implementable in automotive processing units. Among many solutions, the proposed approach uses cell modeled as a source-resistance with low complexity, without loss measurement precision, or increase the computation capabilities.
Development of New Motor for Compact-Class Hybrid Vehicles
Authors: Sano Shinya , Yashiro Takahisa , Takizawa Keiji , Mizutani Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2018

To exceed the top-level fuel efficiency of the 2009 Prius, a new motor was developed for installation in compact class hybrid vehicles including the new Prius. For the stator, segment coil stator with distributed winding was developed and achieved weight reduction and copper loss reduction. As for the rotor, highspeed, low-loss rotor was developed and achieved size reduction and volume of magnet used was reduced. Also, the motor cooling system was newly designed to improve the motor cooling performance. This paper describes the features of the new motor for the compact class hybrid vehicles including the new Prius.
An Overview of the Hybrid and Electric Systems R&D at the U.S.–DOE (FY 2015–2016)
Authors: Boyd Steven , Howell David
Published: May 2018

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through its Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), often in close partnership with industry, has supported the development/deployment of cleaner, more efficient automotive technologies with electric drive systems. This paper provides an overview of efforts to promote market adoption of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. and the associated VTO R&D and Deployment initiatives for accelerating this adoption. It also highlights the many significant research breakthroughs resulting from R&D in the hybrid vehicle systems areas of research (with particular emphasis on advanced electric drive technologies) funded directly by or in collaboration with VTO.
Driving-Scenario Oriented Optimal Design of an Axial- Flux Permanent-Magnet Motor for an Electric Vehicle
Authors: Shih Guan-Yu , Yang Yee-Pien
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a driving-scenario oriented optimal design of an axial-flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) motor for an electric vehicle. The target torque and speed (TN) curve is defined as three operation zones— constant torque, maximum direct current, and maximum voltage—based on the driving scenario. The AFPM motor is designed to minimize energy consumption based on the motor weight and the frequent operating points of a driving cycle. The final result shows that the electric vehicle driven by the proposed AFPM motor consumes about 15% less energy than motors designed using traditional methods.
Health service use by same-sex attracted Australian women for alcohol and mental health issues: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McNair Ruth , Pennay Amy , Hughes Tonda L , Love Scarlet , Valpied Jodie , Lubman Dan I
Published: May 2018

Background

Same-sex attracted women (SSAW) have higher rates of alcohol and mental health problems than heterosexual women, but utilisation of and satisfaction with treatment is limited.

Aim

This study investigated the influences on health service use for alcohol and mental health problems among SSAW.

Design & setting

The Gelberg-Andersen behavioural model of health service utilisation was used to generate outcome variables.

Method

A convenience sample of 521 community-connected Australian SSAW completed an online survey. Health service use according to sexual identity was compared using χ2 analysis. Binary logistic regression examined associations between the independent variables with treatment utilisation.

Results

Reports of alcohol treatment were very low. Only 41.1% of participants with service need had utilised mental health and alcohol treatment. Bisexual women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.76) and those with ‘other’ identities (AOR = 2.38) were more likely to use services than lesbian women. Enablers to service use were having a regular GP (AOR = 3.02); disclosure of sexuality to the GP (AOR = 2.42); lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community-connectedness (AOR = 1.11); and intimate partner violence ([IPV] AOR = 2.51). Social support was associated with a reduction in treatment use (AOR = 0.97). Significant access barriers included not feeling ready for help, and previous negative experiences related to sexual identity.

Conclusion

Disclosing sexual identity to a regular, trusted GP correlated with improved utilisation of alcohol and mental health treatment for SSAW. The benefits of seeking help for alcohol use, and of accessing LGBT-inclusive GPs to do so, should be promoted to SSAW.