bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Liver Tumor Cell Metastasis by Partially Acetylated Chitosan Oligosaccharide on A Tumor-Vessel Microsystem
Authors: Jing Bolin , Cheng Gong , Li Jianjun , Wang Zhuo A. , Du Yuguang
Published: July 2019

Chitooligosaccharides (COS), the only cationic oligosaccharide in nature, have been demonstrated to have anti-tumor activity. However, the inhibitory effects of COS on different stages of tumor metastasis are still unknown, and it is not clear what stage(s) of tumor metastasis COS targeted. To study the inhibitory effects of a new partially acetylated chitooligosaccharide (paCOS) with fraction of acetylation (FA) 0.46 on each phase of liver cancer cell metastasis, a dynamic tumor-vessel microsystem undergoing physiological flow was leveraged. paCOS (FA = 0.46) significantly inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells through vascular absorption on the chip, and inhibited migration of HepG2 cells by inhibiting the formation of pseudopod in liver tumor cells. It was also found that paCOS at 10 μg/mL had a stronger inhibitory effect on liver tumor cells invading blood vessels than that of paCOS at 100 μg/mL, and paCOS at 100 μg/mL, which had a significant destructive effect on tumor vascular growth and barrier function. Moreover, paCOS reduced the number of liver tumor cells adhering onto the surface of HUVECs layer after 3 h of treatment. Therefore, the results revealed that paCOS had considerable potential as drugs for anti-tumor metastasis.
Comparison of the Dislocation Structure of a CrMnN and a CrNi Austenite after Cyclic Deformation
Authors: Fluch Rainer , Kapp Marianne , Spiradek-Hahn Krystina , Brabetz Manfred , Holzer Heinz , Pippan Reinhard
Published: July 2019

In the literature, the effects of nitrogen on the strength of austenitic stainless steels as well as on cold deformation are well documented. However, the effect of N on fatigue behaviour is still an open issue, especially when comparing the two alloying concepts for austenitic stainless steels—CrNi and CrMnN—where the microstructures show a different evolution during cyclic deformation. In the present investigation, a representative sample of each alloying concept has been tested in a resonant testing machine at ambient temperature and under stress control single step tests with a stress ratio of 0.05. The following comparative analysis of the microstructures showed a preferred formation of cellular dislocation substructures in the case of the CrNi alloy and distinct planar dislocation glide in the CrMnN steel, also called high nitrogen steel (HNS). The discussion of these findings deals with potential explanations for the dislocation glide mechanism, the role of N on this phenomenon, and the consequences on fatigue behaviour.
The Actuation Mechanism of 3D Printed Flexure-Based Robotic Microtweezers
Authors: Almeida Alexander , Andrews George , Jaiswal Devina , Hoshino Kazunori
Published: July 2019

We report on the design and the modeling of a three-dimensional (3D) printed flexure-based actuation mechanism for robotic microtweezers, the main body of which is a single piece of nylon. Our design aims to fill a void in sample manipulation between two classes of widely used instruments: nano-scale and macro-scale robotic manipulators. The key component is a uniquely designed cam flexure system, which linearly translates the bending of a piezoelectric bimorph actuator into angular displacement. The 3D printing made it possible to realize the fabrication of the cam with a specifically calculated curve, which would otherwise be costly using conventional milling techniques. We first characterized 3D printed nylon by studying sets of simple cantilevers, which provided fundamental characteristics that could be used for further designs. The finite element method analysis based on the obtained material data matched well with the experimental data. The tweezers showed angular displacement from 0° to 10° linearly to the deflection of the piezo actuator (0–1.74 mm) with the linearity error of 0.1°. Resonant frequency of the system with/without working tweezer tips was discovered as 101 Hz and 127 Hz, respectively. Our design provides simple and low-cost construction of a versatile manipulator system for samples in the micro/meso-scale (0.1–1 mm).
Metabolic Profiling and Cold-Starvation Stress Response of Oxygen-Tolerant Lactobacillus gasseri Strains Cultured in Batch Bioreactor
Authors: Maresca Diamante , De Filippis Francesca , Robertiello Alessandro , Mauriello Gianluigi
Published: July 2019

Phenotypic and genotypic evidence indicates that many LAB strains can grow in presence of oxygen and can shift from fermentative to aerobic and/or respiratory metabolism. The aerobic and respiratory growth of several LAB species have been studied, allowing the selection of strains showing improved biomass production, long-term survival, and resistance under oxygen and stress conditions. The aim of this work was to observe the adaptation of two Lactobacillus gasseri strains, described in a previous work, to aerobic (air injection) and respiratory (air injection plus hemin and menaquionone) conditions obtained in a batch bioreactor. One strain showed the higher biomass production and oxygen consumption as well as the lower acidification in respiratory condition. Instead, the other one grew better in aerobic condition, even though the higher resistance to cold-starvation stress was registered in respiratory condition. In silico analysis revealed notable differences between AL3 and AL5 genomes and that of the type strain. This work contributes to understanding the adaptation response of lactobacilli to aerobic and respiratory metabolism. We demonstrated that the supposed activation of respiratory metabolism may provide several modifications to cell physiology. These features may be relevant in some technological and health-promoting applications, including starter and probiotic formulations.
Honey Supplementation and Exercise: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hills Samuel P. , Mitchell Peter , Wells Christine , Russell Mark
Published: July 2019

Honey is a natural substance formed primarily of carbohydrates (~80%) which also contains a number of other compounds purported to confer health benefits when consumed. Due to its carbohydrate composition (low glycaemic index, mostly fructose and glucose), honey may theoretically exert positive effects when consumed before, during or after exercise. This review therefore appraised research examining the effects of honey consumption in combination with exercise in humans. Online database (PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus) searches were performed, yielding 273 results. Following duplicate removal and application of exclusion criteria, nine articles were reviewed. Large methodological differences existed in terms of exercise stimulus, population, and the nutritional interventions examined. All nine studies reported biochemical variables, with four examining the effects of honey on exercise performance, whilst five described perceptual responses. Acute supplementation around a single exercise session appeared to elicit similar performance, perceptual, and immunological responses compared with other carbohydrate sources, although some performance benefit has been observed relative to carbohydrate-free comparators. When consumed over a number of weeks, honey may dampen immunological perturbations arising from exercise and possibly improve markers of bone formation. More well-controlled research is required to better understand the role for honey in a food-first approach to exercise nutrition.
Associations of Erythrocyte Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids with Inflammation and Quality of Life in Post-Menopausal Women with Obesity Completing a Pilot Dietary Intervention
Authors: Johnson Kylie M. , Weinhold Kellie R. , Andridge Rebecca , Arnold Kristen , Chu Panchita P. , Orchard Tonya S.
Published: July 2019

Study objectives were to determine if erythrocyte omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) increased in women participating in a dietary intervention that reduced inflammation and body weight and examine PUFA associations with markers of inflammation and quality of life (QOL). An experimental pre-post test, single group design was used. Fifteen post-menopausal women with obesity were enrolled in a 12-week pilot intervention focusing on lowering added sugars and increasing fiber and fish rich in n-3 PUFAs. Measurements included fasting blood samples, anthropometric, lifestyle and dietary data collected at baseline, end of intervention (Week 12) and follow-up (Week 24). Primary outcomes were change in erythrocyte PUFAs and associations between erythrocyte PUFAs, QOL (Short Form 12), and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α-receptor 2, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP)). Fourteen women completed all intervention visits. Mean erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) increased at Week 12 and Week 24 (p < 0.001 for both), while eicosapentaenoic acid increased at Week 24 (p < 0.01). After adjustment for percent weight change, week 12 QOL related to physical function was significantly associated with erythrocyte linoleic acid (p < 0.05) and trended toward significant association with EPA (p = 0.051); week 24 CRP was directly associated with erythrocyte AA (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte n-3 PUFAs were not associated with inflammation.
Bacteriophages in Natural and Artificial Environments
Authors: Batinovic Steven , Wassef Flavia , Knowler Sarah A. , Rice Daniel T.F. , Stanton Cassandra R. , Rose Jayson , Tucci Joseph , Nittami Tadashi , Vinh Antony , Drummond Grant R. , Sobey Christopher G. , Chan Hiu Tat , Seviour Robert J. , Petrovski Steve , Franks Ashley E.
Published: July 2019

Bacteriophages (phages) are biological entities that have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. They have been reported as the most abundant biological entities on the planet and their ability to impact the composition of bacterial communities is of great interest. In this review, we aim to explore where phages exist in natural and artificial environments and how they impact communities. The natural environment in this review will focus on the human body, soils, and the marine environment. In these naturally occurring environments there is an abundance of phages suggesting a role in the maintenance of bacterial community homeostasis. The artificial environment focuses on wastewater treatment plants, industrial processes, followed by pharmaceutical formulations. As in natural environments, the existence of bacteria in manmade wastewater treatment plants and industrial processes inevitably attracts phages. The presence of phages in these environments can inhibit the bacteria required for efficient water treatment or food production. Alternatively, they can have a positive impact by eliminating recalcitrant organisms. Finally, we conclude by describing how phages can be manipulated or formulated into pharmaceutical products in the laboratory for use in natural or artificial environments.
Artificial Pain May Induce Empathy, Morality, and Ethics in the Conscious Mind of Robots
Authors: Asada Minoru
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a working hypothesis is proposed that a nervous system for pain sensation is a key component for shaping the conscious minds of robots (artificial systems). In this article, this hypothesis is argued from several viewpoints towards its verification. A developmental process of empathy, morality, and ethics based on the mirror neuron system (MNS) that promotes the emergence of the concept of self (and others) scaffolds the emergence of artificial minds. Firstly, an outline of the ideological background on issues of the mind in a broad sense is shown, followed by the limitation of the current progress of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on deep learning. Next, artificial pain is introduced, along with its architectures in the early stage of self-inflicted experiences of pain, and later, in the sharing stage of the pain between self and others. Then, cognitive developmental robotics (CDR) is revisited for two important concepts—physical embodiment and social interaction, both of which help to shape conscious minds. Following the working hypothesis, existing studies of CDR are briefly introduced and missing issues are indicated. Finally, the issue of how robots (artificial systems) could be moral agents is addressed.
Phenotypic and Genetic Variation of an Interspecific Centaurium Hybrid (Gentianaceae) and Its Parental Species
Authors: Banjanac Tijana , Đurović Sanja , Jelić Mihailo , Dragićević Milan , Mišić Danijela , Skorić Marijana , Nestorović Živković Jasmina , Šiler Branislav
Published: July 2019

Interspecific hybridization is one of the major actuators of evolutionary changes in plants. As the result of allopolyploid hybridization, offspring may gain different ploidy levels in comparison to parental species, which can provide them instant reproductive isolation. Two tetraploid sister species, Centaurium erythraea and C. littorale, readily cross-fertilize, resulting in hybrids of various ploidy. In northern Serbia, two stable populations of a hexaploid taxon C. pannonicum have been documented. It has been proposed previously that this taxon emerged after an interspecific hybridization event between two tetraploid sister-species: C. erythraea and C. littorale subsp. compressum. The existing populations of the hybridogenic taxon, as well as neighboring populations of the two parental taxa were here characterized by both morphometrics and molecular markers (EST-SSR and trnL-F). Three leaf and two flower characteristics were found to be informative in delimitation of the parental taxa and in their discernment from hybrid individuals, the latter having intermediate values. Eight microsatellite markers were found to have good ability to distinguish studied taxa, placing C. pannonicum in closer relationship with C. erythraea. Conversely, trnL-F plastid marker nominated C. littorale subsp. compressum to be the donor of the C. pannonicum plastid DNA. Reproductive isolation of the hexaploid hybrid individuals from the parental species should be examined as the next logical step in describing the new species.
Proton Conductivity through Polybenzimidazole Composite Membranes Containing Silica Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Escorihuela Jorge , García-Bernabé Abel , Montero Alvaro , Andrio Andreu , Sahuquillo Óscar , Gimenez Enrique , Compañ Vicente
Published: July 2019

The quest for sustainable and more efficient energy-converting devices has been the focus of researchers′ efforts in the past decades. In this study, SiO2 nanofiber mats were fabricated through an electrospinning process and later functionalized using silane chemistry to introduce different polar groups −OH (neutral), −SO3H (acidic) and −NH2 (basic). The modified nanofiber mats were embedded in PBI to fabricate mixed matrix membranes. The incorporation of these nanofiber mats in the PBI matrix showed an improvement in the chemical and thermal stability of the composite membranes. Proton conduction measurements show that PBI composite membranes containing nanofiber mats with basic groups showed higher proton conductivities, reaching values as high as 4 mS·cm−1 at 200 °C.
A Flexible Indeterminate Theory of Religion: Thinking through Chinese Religious Phenomena
Authors: Woo Tak-ling Terry
Published: July 2019

This essay explores a few of the reasons for the failure of Western theories to capture Chinese religious experiences. It will include Durkheim’s insight that “The sacred … is society in disguised form” and variants of secularization theories in contrast to Confucian ones, especially Xunzi’s theory about ritual, read as representative of religion. This article will examine the impossibility of asserting a straightforward claim, without exception, that could capture the three thousand years of historical and contemporary diversity manifested by the three institutional religions (Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism), the continuous formation of popular religious movements, ever developing sectarian groups, and pan-Chinese quasi-religious practices like ancestor veneration, divination, healing practices and the like. The study will start by looking at variable categories used in the study of different religions, the similarities in assumptions among the three institutional religions such as the “good” and self-cultivation, and the central place of secularization theory in the contemporary study of Chinese religions. A theoretical orientation of both flexibility and indeterminacy is suggested based on indigenous ideas.
Quantile Regression with Telematics Information to Assess the Risk of Driving above the Posted Speed Limit
Authors: Pérez-Marín Ana M. , Guillen Montserrat , Alcañiz Manuela , Bermúdez Lluís
Published: July 2019

We analyzed real telematics information for a sample of drivers with usage-based insurance policies. We examined the statistical distribution of distance driven above the posted speed limit—which presents a strong positive asymmetry—using quantile regression models. We found that, at different percentile levels, the distance driven at speeds above the posted limit depends on total distance driven and, more generally, on factors such as the percentage of urban and nighttime driving and on the driver’s gender. However, the impact of these covariates differs according to the percentile level. We stress the importance of understanding telematics information, which should not be limited to simply characterizing average drivers, but can be useful for signaling dangerous driving by predicting quantiles associated with specific driver characteristics. We conclude that the risk of driving for long distances above the speed limit is heterogeneous and, moreover, we show that prevention campaigns should target primarily male non-urban drivers, especially if they present a high percentage of nighttime driving.
Regional Vicarious Calibration of the SWIR-Based Atmospheric Correction Approach for MODIS-Aqua Measurements of Highly Turbid Inland Water
Authors: Li Junsheng , Yin Ziyao , Lu Zhaoyi , Ye Yuntao , Zhang Fangfang , Shen Qian , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2019

Water color remote sensing requires accurate atmospheric correction but this remains a significant challenge in highly turbid waters. In this respect, the shortwave infrared (SWIR) band-based atmospheric correction approach has proven advantageous when applied to the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Aqua satellite. However, even so, uncertainties affect its accuracy. We performed a regional vicarious calibration of the MODIS-Aqua SWIR (1240, 2130)-based atmospheric correction using in situ water surface reflectance data measured during different seasons in Lake Taihu, a highly turbid lake. We then verified the accuracy of the (1240, 2130)-based atmospheric correction approach using these results; good results were obtained for the remote sensing reflectance retrievals at the 555, 645, and 859 nm, with average relative errors of 15%, 14%, and 22%, respectively, and no significant bias. Comparisons with the (1240, 2130)-based iterative approach and (1640, 2130)-based approach showed that the vicarious calibrated (1240, 2130)-based approach has the best accuracy and robustness. Thus, it is applicable to the highly turbid Lake Taihu. It may also be applicable to other highly turbid inland waters with similar optical and aerosol optical properties above water, but such applications will require further validation.
Extended Pseudo Invariant Calibration Sites (EPICS) for the Cross-Calibration of Optical Satellite Sensors
Authors: Shrestha Mahesh , Hasan Md. Nahid , Leigh Larry , Helder Dennis
Published: July 2019

An increasing number of Earth-observing satellite sensors are being launched to meet the insatiable demand for timely and accurate data to aid the understanding of the Earth’s complex systems and to monitor significant changes to them. To make full use of the data from these sensors, it is mandatory to bring them to a common radiometric scale through a cross-calibration approach. Commonly, cross-calibration data were acquired from selected pseudo-invariant calibration sites (PICS), located primarily throughout the Saharan desert in North Africa, determined to be temporally, spatially, and spectrally stable. The major limitation to this approach is that long periods of time are required to assemble sufficiently sampled cloud-free cross-calibration datasets. Recently, Shrestha et al. identified extended, cluster-based sites potentially suitable for PICS-based cross-calibration and estimated representative hyperspectral profiles for them. This work investigates the performance of extended pseudo-invariant calibration sites (EPICS) in cross-calibration for one of Shrestha’s clusters, Cluster 13, by comparing its results to those obtained from a traditional PICS-based cross-calibration. The use of EPICS clusters can significantly increase the number of cross-calibration opportunities within a much shorter time period. The cross-calibration gain ratio estimated using a cluster-based approach had a similar accuracy to the cross-calibration gain derived from region of interest (ROI)-based approaches. The cluster-based cross-calibration gain ratio is consistent within approximately 2% of the ROI-based cross-calibration gain ratio for all bands except for the coastal and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) 2 bands. These results show that image data from any region within Cluster 13 can be used for sensor cross-calibration.
A Simple All-Optical Water Level Monitoring System Based on Wavelength Division Multiplexing with an Arrayed Waveguide Grating
Authors: Lee Hoon-Keun , Choo Jaeyul , Shin Gangsig
Published: July 2019

We propose and demonstrate a simple water level monitoring system based on the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) for the spent fuel pool (SFP) at a nuclear power plant. The basic principle is based on the measurement of the optical power spectra by the Fresnel reflection according to the change of the refractive index at the end facet of the optical fiber tip (OFT). An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is employed to achieve multi-channel sensing capability with a C-band broadband light source (BLS) based on amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). The feasibility of the proposed scheme is investigated with a simulation and experimentation. We also investigate the limiting factor for remote transmission. The system performance is degraded by the Rayleigh backscattering of the BLS light, but it can be operated over long distances within 10 km with 5 dB of difference peak power margin.
Compressed Sensing Radar Imaging: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Advances
Authors: Yang Jungang , Jin Tian , Xiao Chao , Huang Xiaotao
Published: July 2019

In recent years, sparsity-driven regularization and compressed sensing (CS)-based radar imaging methods have attracted significant attention. This paper provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of this area. In addition, we will describe both sparsity-driven regularization and CS-based radar imaging methods, along with other approaches in a unified mathematical framework. This will provide readers with a systematic overview of radar imaging theories and methods from a clear mathematical viewpoint. The methods presented in this paper include the minimum variance unbiased estimation, least squares (LS) estimation, Bayesian maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation, matched filtering, regularization, and CS reconstruction. The characteristics of these methods and their connections are also analyzed. Sparsity-driven regularization and CS based radar imaging methods represent an active research area; there are still many unsolved or open problems, such as the sampling scheme, computational complexity, sparse representation, influence of clutter, and model error compensation. We will summarize the challenges as well as recent advances related to these issues.
A Low-Delay Lightweight Recurrent Neural Network (LLRNN) for Rotating Machinery Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Wenkai , Guo Ping , Ye Lian
Published: July 2019

Fault diagnosis is critical to ensuring the safety and reliable operation of rotating machinery systems. Long short-term memory networks (LSTM) have received a great deal of attention in this field. Most of the LSTM-based fault diagnosis methods have too many parameters and calculation, resulting in large memory occupancy and high calculation delay. Thus, this paper proposes a low-delay lightweight recurrent neural network (LLRNN) model for mechanical fault diagnosis, based on a special LSTM cell structure with a forget gate. The input vibration signal is segmented into several shorter sub-signals in order to shorten the length of the time sequence. Then, these sub-signals are sent into the network directly and converted into the final diagnostic results without any manual participation. Compared with some existing methods, our experiments illustrate that the proposed method has less memory space occupancy and lower computational delay while maintaining the same level of accuracy.
Covariance-Based Estimation for Clustered Sensor Networks Subject to Random Deception Attacks
Authors: Caballero-Águila Raquel , Hermoso-Carazo Aurora , Linares-Pérez Josefa
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a cluster-based approach is used to address the distributed fusion estimation problem (filtering and fixed-point smoothing) for discrete-time stochastic signals in the presence of random deception attacks. At each sampling time, measured outputs of the signal are provided by a networked system, whose sensors are grouped into clusters. Each cluster is connected to a local processor which gathers the measured outputs of its sensors and, in turn, the local processors of all clusters are connected with a global fusion center. The proposed cluster-based fusion estimation structure involves two stages. First, every single sensor in a cluster transmits its observations to the corresponding local processor, where least-squares local estimators are designed by an innovation approach. During this transmission, deception attacks to the sensor measurements may be randomly launched by an adversary, with known probabilities of success that may be different at each sensor. In the second stage, the local estimators are sent to the fusion center, where they are combined to generate the proposed fusion estimators. The covariance-based design of the distributed fusion filtering and fixed-point smoothing algorithms does not require full knowledge of the signal evolution model, but only the first and second order moments of the processes involved in the observation model. Simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results and analyze the effect of the attack success probability on the estimation performance.
Exotic or Home? Tourists’ Perception of Guest Houses, Guest Houses Loyalty, and Destination Loyalty in Remote Tourist Destinations
Authors: Shi Tiantian (Tiana) , He Biao , Li Jun (Justin)
Published: July 2019

Guest houses offer an environmentally sustainable way to travel. The guest house serves not only to accommodate but also attract tourists to experience local culture when they visit remote destinations. This study was designed to explore how tourists’ multiple perceptions of guest houses in remote destinations affect their behavioral intention toward guest houses and destinations. Results demonstrated that both tourists’ perception of exotic local culture and sense of home had a significant positive effect on tourists’ loyalty to guest houses in remote destinations. In addition, tourists with high cultural distance staying in guest houses perceived a higher level of exotic local culture but lower level of sense of home compared with those with lower cultural distance. Managerial implications, limitations, and recommendations for future studies are also provided.
Efficient Energy Management in a Microgrid with Intermittent Renewable Energy and Storage Sources
Authors: Ramli Makbul A.M. , Bouchekara H.R.E.H. , Alghamdi Abdulsalam S.
Published: July 2019

Substituting a single large power grid into various manageable microgrids is the emerging form for maintaining power systems. A microgrid is usually comprised of small units of renewable energy sources, battery storage, combined heat and power (CHP) plants and most importantly, an energy management system (EMS). An EMS is responsible for the core functioning of a microgrid, which includes establishing continuous and reliable communication among all distributed generation (DG) units and ensuring well-coordinated activities. This research focuses on improving the performance of EMS. The problem at hand is the optimal scheduling of the generation units and battery storage in a microgrid. Therefore, EMS should ensure that the power is shared among different sources following an imposed scenario to meet the load requirements, while the operational costs of the microgrid are kept as low as possible. This problem is formulated as an optimization problem. To solve this problem, this research proposes an enhanced version of the most valuable player algorithm (MVPA) which is a new metaheuristic optimization algorithm, inspired by actual sporting events. The obtained results are compared with numerous well-known optimization algorithms to validate the efficiency of the proposed EMS.
Efficient Hierarchical Identity-Based Encryption System for Internet of Things Infrastructure
Authors: Guo Lifeng , Wang Jing , Yau Wei-Chuen
Published: July 2019

Security is a main concern for the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure as large volumes of data are collected and processed in the systems. Due to the limited resources of interconnected sensors and devices in the IoT systems, efficiency is one of the key considerations when deploying security solutions (e.g., symmetric/asymmetric encryption, authentication, etc.) in IoT. In this paper, we present an efficient Hierarchical Identity-Based Encryption (HIBE) system with short parameters for protecting data confidentiality in distributed IoT infrastructure. Our proposed HIBE system has the public parameters, private key, and ciphertext, each consisting of a constant number of group elements. We prove the full security of the HIBE system in the standard model using the dual system encryption technique. We also implement the proposed scheme and compare the performance with the original Lewko–Waters HIBE. To the best of our knowledge, our construction is the first HIBE system that achieves both full security in the standard model and short parameters in terms of the public parameters, private key, and ciphertext.
Development and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies to Botulinum Neurotoxin Type E
Authors: Bever Candace S. , Scotcher Miles , Cheng Luisa W. , Hnasko Robert M. , Stanker Larry H.
Published: July 2019

Botulism is a devastating disease caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) secreted primarily by Clostridium botulinum. Mouse bioassays without co-inoculation with antibodies are the standard method for the detection of BoNTs, but are not capable of distinguishing between the different serotypes (A–G). Most foodborne intoxications are caused by serotypes BoNT/A and BoNT/B. BoNT/E outbreaks are most often observed in northern coastal regions and are associated with eating contaminated marine animals and other fishery products. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed for the detection of BoNT/E3. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated against BoNT/E3 by immunizing with recombinant peptide fragments of the light and heavy chains of BoNT/E3. In all, 12 mAbs where characterized for binding to both the recombinant peptides and holotoxin, as well as their performance in Western blots and sandwich ELISAs. The most sensitive sandwich assay, using different mAbs for capture and detection, exhibited a limit of detection of 0.2 ng/ml in standard buffer matrix and 10 ng/mL in fish product matrices. By employing two different mAbs for capture and detection, a more standardized sandwich assay was constructed. Development of sensitive and selective mAbs to BoNT/E would help in the initial screening of potential food contamination, speeding diagnosis and reducing use of laboratory animals.
Liquid–Liquid Continuous Extraction and Fractional Distillation for the Removal of Organic Compounds from the Wastewater of the Oil Industry
Authors: Vegas Mendoza Sonia Milena , Avella Moreno Eliseo , Guerrero Fajardo Carlos Alberto , Fierro Medina Ricardo
Published: July 2019

This is the first study to carry out a laboratory-scale assay to assess the potentiality of continuous liquid–liquid extraction with dichloromethane (CLLEDCM) and high-power fractional distillation (HPFD) as a treatment to decontaminate the wastewater generated by the petroleum industry (WW). The analytical parameters of treated wastewater (TWW) evidenced a remarkable quality improvement compared to the original WW. CLLEDCM–HPFD yielded 92.4%–98.5% of the WW mass as more environmentally friendly water. Compared to the original values determined in the WW, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) decreased by 95.0%–100.0%, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) decreased by 90.5%–99.9%. Taking into account the yield of the treated water, the amount of pollutant removed, and the risks of each process, the order of the potentiality of these treatments, from highest to lowest, was HPFD > CLLEDCM–HPFD > CLLEDCM. CLLEDCM treatment alone produced TWW with poorer quality, and the CLLEDCM–HPFD sequence involved the greatest consumption of time and energy (0.390–0.905 kWh/kg). CLLEDCM-only was the least effective treatment because the TWW obtained failed to comply with the regulations of oil-producing countries.
‘Social Control’ and the Politics of Public Participation in Water Remunicipalization, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Razavi Nasya S.
Published: July 2019

During the Water War in 2000, residents of Cochabamba, Bolivia, famously mobilized against water privatization and gained back public control of the city’s water utility. Nearly two decades later, the water movement’s vision of democratic water provision under the participatory management of ‘social control’ remains largely unfulfilled. This paper points to the difficulties in rebuilding a strong public water service in Cochabamba, focusing on the different—and often incompatible—understandings and interpretations of public participation. Addressing the concept’s malleability to a spectrum of ideologies, this paper builds a typology of different kinds of participation according to their intentionality, outcomes, tools, and practices. Applying this framework to the water politics in Bolivia serves to untangle competing perspectives of participation, uncover whose interests are served, and which groups are included or excluded from access to water and decision-making. This analysis reveals how transformative participation has failed to take hold within the municipal service provider in Cochabamba.
Déterminisme climatique des années de croissance extrême chez le chêne sessile dans la moitié nord de la France
Authors: Merian Pierre , Bontemps Jean-Daniel , Bergès Laurent , Lebourgeois François
Published: July 2019

The growth response of sessile oak to extreme climatic years has been investigated from 1914 to 1993 using extreme years growth, i.e. pointer years. 31 mature and pure stands were cored in northern France (720 trees), under varied climates, from oceanic to semi-continental conditions. The analysis has highlighted similarities in growth characteristics throughout the study area : abrupt growth changes depend mainly on summer temperatures and precipitations (from May to July), narrow rings generally correlate with warm and dry climate (1921, 1976, 1989). Narrow rings also occur with strong winter frosts (1956).

Pointer years analysis has allowed to define 2 main regions in northern France, with specific responses to extreme climatic events : plots in north-western France (from Brittany to Champagne) under oceanic climate, with a decennial pointer years frequency around 0,2 strongly correlated with summer De Martonne Index, and plots in north-east France (Lorraine, Alsace, Franche-Comté) under semi-continental climate, with higher frequency (around 0,3), depending on both summer and winter conditions.
Dynamique intra-annuelle de la formation du bois de trois espèces de conifères (Épicéa commun, Pin sylvestre et Sapin pectiné) dans les Vosges
Authors: Cuny Henri , Rathgeber Cyrille , Fournier Meriem
Published: July 2019

La dynamique intra-annuelle de la formation du bois a été suivie pour trois espèces de conifères (Epicéa commun, Pin sylvestre et Sapin pectiné) dans les Vosges du nord au cours de l'année 2008. Pour cela, des petits échantillons de bois ont été prélevés hebdomadairement sur le tronc de 5 arbres par espèce. A partir des échantillons collectés, des coupes anatomiques ont été réalisées. En microscopie optique, quatre zones cellulaires peuvent être distinguées sur les coupes : les zones (1) cambiale, (2) d'expansion, (3) d'épaississement et lignification et (4) des trachéides matures. Les comptages cellulaires dans chacune des zones pour chaque date de prélèvement ont permis l'élaboration du calendrier de la formation du bois pour les trois espèces. La phénologie foliaire a également été observée hebdomadairement. L'initiation de l'activité cambiale et de la xylogenèse s'est faite fin avril pour les pins et les sapins, début mai pour les épicéas. Pour les trois espèces, elle succédait de quelques jours à la reprise de l'activité des méristèmes apicaux, en accord avec la théorie d'une régulation hormonale de l'initiation de l'activité cambiale. La cessation des divisions cellulaires dans la zone cambiale s 'est produite entre fin août et mi-septembre en fonction de l'espèce, alors que la fin de l'activité des méristèmes apicaux est survenue entre mi-juin et début juillet pour les trois espèces. La longue durée entre ces deux phénomènes suggère que la fin de l'activité cambiale n'est pas soumise à un contrôle hormonal par les méristèmes apicaux. En raison d'initiations plus tardives et de fins plus précoces, l 'activité cambiale et les phases de la xylogenèse ont été plus courtes chez les épicéas. La poursuite des analyses le long d'un gradient altitudinal pour plusieurs années nous permettra de mieux comprendre l 'influence des facteurs climatiques sur la formation du bois et sur le comportement des espèces étudiées.
Apport de la dendrogéomorphologie pour la reconstruction spatio-temporelle des avalanches. L'exemple du dépôt avalancheux Pierres Jean Jeanne (Massif de l'Oisans, France)
Authors: Corona Christophe , Rovéra Georges , Lopez Saez Jérôme , Stoffel Markus , Perfettini Pascal
Published: July 2019

Les avalanches constituent l'un des principaux aléas naturels pour les hommes et les activités humaines dans les pays alpins. La prédétermination de l'aléa avalancheux, en termes de probabilité d'occurrence et d'intensité, s'appuie sur des chroniques d'événements passés, souvent lacunaires et imprécises sur le plan spatial. La communication présente les principaux apports de la dendrogéomorphologie pour la détermination de la période de retour et la spatialisation de l 'aléa. L 'étude a été réalisée sur le dépôt boisé Pierres Jean Jeanne (Massif de l' Oisans, France). Un total de 232 mélèzes (Larix decidua Mill.) endommagés par les avalanches ont été échantillonnés et 901 perturbations de croissance ont été identifiées. Vingt événements avalancheux de forte intensité ont pu être reconstitués entre 1919 et 1994. La période de retour de l'aléa avalancheux a ainsi été évaluée en moyenne à 3 ans. La distance d'arrêt semble avoir peu variée au cours du temps mais l'extension latérale est très hétérogène et les zones situées en dehors de l'emprise de la carte de localisation des phénomènes avalancheux sont fréquemment atteintes. Sur le plan temporel, la distribution décennale des événements avalancheux apparaît relativement homogène avec cependant des lacunes entre 1951-1961 et depuis 1994.
Le couvert forestier, marqueur spatio temporel de l'activité d'un glissement de terrain
Authors: Lopez Saez Jérôme , Astrade Laurent , Corona Christophe , Stoffel Markus , Berger Frédéric , Schoeneich Philippe
Published: July 2019

Trees produce reaction wood when they are exposed to geomorphological and hydrolocical processes like snow avalanches, floods or landslides that lead to changes of the tree position, of the growth conditions or to direct mechanical damage. This wood has a different cell structure that is clearly visible when extracted from a tree. In this way trees record, from a certain threshold of intensity, duration or recurrence, geomorphological and hydrological processes that lead to disturbances in their environment. Consequently the identification of zones of reaction wood in tree stems can be used to identify previous disturbance and to reconstruct the triggering events in time, space and intensity. In this study we reconstructed the activity of four landslides in the Southern French Alps by using the forest cover on the landslide body as a silent witness of the past. We assessed the growth disturbances related to landslide activity of 75 damaged Pinus uncinata trees. In total we identified 139 growth disturbances that indicate 6 different periods of landslide activity between 1947 and 2004 although only one event was clearly identified by historical records. Besides, this study shows that dendrogeomorphical methods are innovative techniques offering perspectives for a better understanding of natural hazards.
Dendrochronologie en ripisylve. Des cernes aux changements hydromorphologiques dans les systèmes fluviaux
Authors: Astrade Laurent , Dufour Simon
Published: July 2019

Les végétaux riverains et les peuplements alluviaux sont des indicateurs de l'état des conditions locales et de la dynamique passée des cours d'eau. La reconnaissance des réponses des arbres aux perturbations hydrologiques (crue, inondation, abaissement de nappe, ...) et morphologiques (érosion, sédimentation, ...), des forêts de versants jusqu 'aux arbres de la ripisylve, et leur datation à partir des cernes permettent de reconstituer la chronologie, l'intensité et la répartition spatiale des événements et des changements passés. L 'objectif de cette contribution est de montrer les différentes applications de la dendrochronologie (dendrohydrologie et dendrogéomorphologie) dans l'étude des systèmes fluviaux et lacustre pour la reconstitution à haute résolution des événements extrêmes et des évolutions hydromorphologiques à long terme.
Dendrochronologie des charpentes et plafonds peints médiévaux en région méditerranéenne
Authors: Guibal Frédéric , Bouticourt É.
Published: July 2019

Carpentry and ceilings of the French Mediterranean region have only recently interested specialists. Yet, associating of building archaeology and dendrochronology to studies of carpentry and ceilings of the French Mediterranean region makes it possible to answer on one hand to chronological questions, on the other hand to questions concerning timber selection and wood supply. A study carried out on 16 buildings evidences the originality of the Mediterranean carpentry and reveals a very large utilisation of fir timber and, to a lesser extent, larch timber. This study helps building up a new fir master chronology spanning the XI -XV c. period.
L'apport des séries dendrochronologiques françaises au prolongement de la chronologie européenne absolue et à la calibration du radiocarbone
Authors: Miramont Cécile , Guibal Frédéric , Félix Kaiser Klaus , Kromer Bernd , Sgier Mario , Sivan Olivier , Friedrich Michael , Talamo Sahra
Published: July 2019

Absolutely dated tree ring chronologies have been used to establish a high precision radiocarbon data set. That serves as a backbone for the absolute calibration of the radiocarbon time-scale back to 12594 cal BP (Schaub et al., 2008 a). Lateglacial floating tree ring chronologies exist but a gap still remains between them and the absolute European chronology. The challenge is to link absolute and Lateglacial chronologies, overcoming uncertainties due to changes in the reservoir age of marine data used for the radiocarbon calibration before the onset of the Holocene. In this paper (1) we will give the actual 'state of the art 'of existing absolutely dated tree-ring chronology and floating tree-ring chronologies of the LateGlacial and (2) we will present potential revealed by floating chronologies (Pinus silvestris,) from Southern French Alps. The French Lateglacial floating chronologies are dated to Bôlling-Allerôd and to onset of Younger Dryas. By means of wiggle-matching method, these new tree-ring based I4C records bridge the gap between European tree-ring based radiocarbon dating series.
L'utilisation de la résistographie en dendrogéomorphologie. Retour d'expériences
Authors: Lopez Saez Jérôme , Corona Christophe , Berger Frédéric , Stoffel Markus
Published: July 2019

The resistograph device measures the drill resistance of a fine needle as it penetrates wood. It wa investigated for rapid assessment of relative wood density of particular tree-rings used in dendrogeomorphology. Ring width and resistographic measurements were performed on 15 disc stems (cross sections) of Larix decidua from an avalanche talus. 11 stems showed visible signs of past avalanches impacts ; 4, no obvious avalanche damage. Resistographic profiles were processed to determine width and density parameters of 613 tree rings. The data set, simplified using a Principal Component Analysis, highlights the abnormal density of reaction wood, compression wood and overgrowing callous tissue. The simplified assessment grid coming from PCA provides pro¬ bability benchmarks to identify disturbances in a densitometric signal. The combined use of grid and resistograph offer prospects for spatialization and cartography of avalanches hazards.
Dendrochronologie et dendroclimatologie du chêne en France. Questions posées par le transfert de données de bois historiques vers la dendroclimatologie
Authors: Lambert Georges , Bernard Vincent , Dupouey Jean-Luc , Fraiture Pascale , Gassmann Patrick , Girardclos Olivier , Lebourgeois François , Ledigol Yannick , Perrault Christophe , Tegel Willy
Published: July 2019

The dating process needs a set of historical, archaeological and mathematical postulations. The accepted error must be adapted to the aim : the way the dates will be used by other specialists, a date being either an accessory in a large speech or an essential node in a demonstration. The error effect is different in a local analyse, i.e. about a building, and in a research concerning thousands of wood pieces of a large area, which in it is necessary to know better the nature of the error. In the aim to rebuild the climate of the last millenary from trees of Northern France and low lands near the frontiers (ESCARSEL program), we are proposing a way to sort dendrochronological results coming from archaeology and history respecting the way they were build.