bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Pillar Size on the Electrochemical Performance of Laser-Induced Silicon Micropillars as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Xueyuan , Tachikawa Naoki , Katayama Yasushi , Li Lin , Yan Jiwang
Published: September 2019

Silicon micropillars with tunable sizes are successfully fabricated on copper foils by using nanosecond-pulsed laser irradiation and then used as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The size of the silicon micropillars is manipulated by using different slurry layer thicknesses ranging from a few microns to tens of microns. The effects of the pillar size on electrochemical properties are thoroughly investigated. The smaller the pillars, the better the electrochemical performance. A capacity of 1647 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C current rate is achieved in the anode with the smallest pillars, with 1215, 892, and 582 mAh g−1 at 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 C, respectively. Although a significant difference in discharge capacity is observed in the early period of cycling among micropillars of different sizes, this discrepancy becomes smaller as a function of the cycle number. Morphological studies reveal that the expansion of micropillars occurred during long-term cycling, which finally led to the formation of island-like structures. Also, the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase film obstructs Li+ diffusion into Si for lithiation, resulting in capacity decay. This study demonstrates the importance of minimizing the pillar size and optimizing the pillar density during anode fabrication.
Congestion Evaluation of Pedestrians in Metro Stations Based on Normal-Cloud Theory
Authors: Zhou Jibiao , Wu Yao , Mao Xinhua , Guo Shun , Zhang Minjie
Published: September 2019

This study aims at evaluating the congestion level of pedestrians in metro stations. Twelve hours (4 h × three facilities) of video data were collected in the channel, stairway, and platform in a metro station in the city of Ningbo, China. The indicator of GPC (grade of pedestrian crowd) was proposed to quantify the congestion level of pedestrians. Four levels of congestion (level I, level II, level III, and level IV) were determined based on the GPC. A normal-cloud (NC) model was proposed and calibrated for the evaluation of three facilities including channel, stairway, and platform. The evaluation results showed that the GPC of L1-L2 and L2-L1 in channel are level II and level I, respectively. The GPC of upward and downward of stairway are level III and level I. The GPC of platform is level IV. Crowd management countermeasures were proposed for the management of pedestrians in metro station.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Electron Scattering for Ultrafast Dynamics of Atoms and Molecules
Authors: Kanya Reika , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: September 2019

The recent progress in experimental studies of laser-assisted electron scattering (LAES) induced by ultrashort intense laser fields is reviewed. After a brief survey of the theoretical backgrounds of the LAES process and earlier LAES experiments started in the 1970s, new concepts of optical gating and optical streaking for the LAES processes, which can be realized by LAES experiments using ultrashort intense laser pulses, are discussed. A new experimental setup designed for measurements of LAES induced by ultrashort intense laser fields is described. The experimental results of the energy spectra, angular distributions, and laser polarization dependence of the LAES signals are presented with the results of the numerical simulations. A light-dressing effect that appeared in the recorded LAES signals is also shown with the results of the numerical calculations. In addition, as applications of the LAES process, laser-assisted electron diffraction and THz-wave-assisted electron diffraction, both of which have been developed for the determination of instantaneous geometrical structure of molecules, are introduced.
β-Carotene: A Natural Compound Improves Cognitive Impairment and Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hira Sundas , Saleem Uzma , Anwar Fareeha , Sohail Muhammad Farhan , Raza Zohaib , Ahmad Bashir
Published: September 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a cascade of changes in cognitive, behavioral, and social activities. Several areas of the brain are involved in the regulation of memory. Of most importance are the amygdala and hippocampus. Antioxidant therapy is used for the palliative treatment of different degenerative diseases like diabetes, cirrhosis, and Parkinson’s, etc. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of exogenous antioxidants, in particular, β carotene (1.02 and 2.05 mg/kg) against intracerebroventricular injected streptozotocin-induced memory impairment in mice. Streptozotocin (3 mg/kg, i.c.v) was administered in two separate doses (on 1st and 3rd days of treatment) for neurodegeneration. Fifty Albino mice (male) were selected in the protocol, and they were classified into five groups (Group I—control, Group II—disease, Group III—standard, Group IV–V—β-carotene-treated) to investigate the cognitive enhancement effect of selected antioxidants. The cognitive performance was observed following the elevated plus-maze, passive avoidance, and open field paradigms. Acetylcholine esterase, β-amyloid protein, and biochemical markers of oxidative stress such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were analyzed in brain homogenates. In silico activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was determined by the molecular modeling of β-carotene. β-carotene at a dose of 2.05 mg/kg was found to attenuate the deleterious effects of streptozotocin-induced behavioral and biochemical impairments, including the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. The in silico studies confirmed the binding capacity of β-carotene with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The administration of β-carotene attenuated streptozotocin-induced cognitive deficit via its anti-oxidative effects, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, and the reduction of amyloid β-protein fragments. These results suggest that β-carotene could be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Possible Uses of Plants of the Genus Asphodelus in Oral Medicine
Authors: Dioguardi Mario , Campanella Pierpaolo , Cocco Armando , Arena Claudia , Malagnino Giancarlo , Sovereto Diego , Aiuto Riccardo , Laino Luigi , Laneve Enrica , Dioguardi Antonio , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

Among the many plants used in traditional medicine we have the plants of the genus Asphodelus, which are present in the Mediterranean area in North Africa and South East Asia, and have been used by indigenous peoples until recently for various pathologies, including: Psoriasis, alopecia areata, acne, burns, nephrolithiasis, toothache, and local inflammation. The scientific literature over the last five years has investigated the various effects of the metabolites extracted from plants of the genus Asphodelus, paying attention to the diuretic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and it also has begun to investigate the antitumor properties on tumor cell lines. Studies have been identified through bibliographic research on electronic databases. A total of 574 records were identified on the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. After having proceeded to the screening of the articles with the application of the eligibility criteria (all the articles pertaining to the issue Asphodelus), we arrived at a number of 163 articles, and then after the elimination of overlaps, to 82 articles. There are 11 articles which investigate the possible uses of plants of the genus Asphodelus in oral medicine. In oral medicine, the possible uses investigated by the scientific literature are for the treatment of neoplastic (melanoma and oral cancer), viral (herpetic viruses), and microbial diseases (candida, bacteriosis, leishmaniasis), and in the affection of the skin.
Served Well? A Pilot Field Study on the Effects of Conveying Self-Control Strategies on Volleyball Service Performance
Authors: Bieleke Maik , Kriech Claudio , Wolff Wanja
Published: September 2019

Volleyball serves constitute an important example for a self-controlled sequence of actions in sports that is difficult to improve. It is therefore paramount to investigate whether and how conveying self-control strategies to athletes affects their service performance. To address this question, we conducted a pilot field study with sixty-two players from four Swiss volleyball schools. They performed a warm-up and subsequently a first series of 15 serves. Objective service performance was measured in terms of errors, velocity, and precision. Afterwards, players formulated either individual goals (goal condition) or plans (plan condition) based on their coaches’ correction instructions. In a second series of 15 serves objective performance was worse in some respects compared to the first series (i.e., more errors in the plan condition, reduced precision in both conditions). Mixed-effects analyses of performance development across conditions in the second series showed initially reduced but steadily recouping precision and velocity, while the number of errors stayed constant. In contrast to the objective performance, coaches evaluated their players’ service performance during the second series of serves as substantially better than during the first series. Taken together, the results of this pilot field study suggest that conveying either goals or plans as self-control strategies may involve initial adjustment costs followed by a subsequent recovery period.
Targeting DNA Replication Stress and DNA Double-Strand Break Repair for Optimizing SCLC Treatment
Authors: Bian Xing , Lin Wenchu
Published: September 2019

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), accounting for about 15% of all cases of lung cancer worldwide, is the most lethal form of lung cancer. Despite an initially high response rate of SCLC to standard treatment, almost all patients are invariably relapsed within one year. Effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes. Replication stress is a hallmark of SCLC due to several intrinsic factors. As a consequence, constitutive activation of the replication stress response (RSR) pathway and DNA damage repair system is involved in counteracting this genotoxic stress. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of such RSR and DNA damage repair pathways will be likely to kill SCLC cells preferentially and may be exploited in improving chemotherapeutic efficiency through interfering with DNA replication to exert their functions. Here, we summarize potentially valuable targets involved in the RSR and DNA damage repair pathways, rationales for targeting them in SCLC treatment and ongoing clinical trials, as well as possible predictive biomarkers for patient selection in the management of SCLC.
Biodiesel Production by Esterification Reaction on K+ Modified MgAl-Hydrotalcites Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Chen-Yang , Shao Wen-Li , Zhou Wei-Xia , Liu Yang , Han Yuan-Yuan , Zheng Yi , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: September 2019

K+ modified hydrotalcites and its activity as a solid base catalyst for ultrasonic wave- assisted biodiesel conversion was investigated. The solid alkaline catalysts of the MgAl-hydrotalcites (HT) was prepared by co-precipitation and modified with K+ by impregnation. The influence of K+ incorporation on the performance of Mg-Al hydrotalcites catalysts was investigated by SmartLab X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), infrared spectrum (IR), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), CO2 temperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm (BET). The research discovered that K+ modified of double layered structure of MgAl-hydrotalcite resulted in a significant increase in catalytic activity in transesterification of rapeseed oil. It exhibited high catalytic activity that achieved a biodiesel yield of 99% when the reaction was conducted with 2 wt% catalysts, K+/HT load ratio of 6.25%, a methanol/rapeseed oil molar ratio of 12:1, and reaction at 60 °C over 1 h. The result showed that the K+ modified HT as a transesterification catalyst had the potency for biodiesel conversion. In addition, under the above reaction conditions, the biodiesel yield was up to 99.9% in only five minutes with ultrasonic aid.
SBA-15 as a Support for Effective Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Balcar Hynek , Čejka Jiří
Published: September 2019

Olefin metathesis is the catalytic transformation of olefinic substrates, finding a wide range of applications in organic synthesis. The mesoporous molecular sieve Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) has proven to be an excellent support for metathesis catalysts thanks to its regular mesoporous structure, high BET area, and large pore volume. A survey of catalysts consisting of (i) molybdenum and tungsten oxides on SBA-15, and (ii) molybdenum and ruthenium organometallic complexes (Schrock and Grubbs-type carbenes) on SBA-15 is provided together with their characterization and catalytic performance in various metathesis reactions. The comparison with catalysts based on other supports demonstrates the high quality of the mesoporous molecular sieve SBA-15 as an advanced catalyst support.
Automated Counting of Cancer Cells by Ensembling Deep Features
Authors: Liu Qian , Junker Anna , Murakami Kazuhiro , Hu Pingzhao
Published: September 2019

High-content and high-throughput digital microscopes have generated large image sets in biological experiments and clinical practice. Automatic image analysis techniques, such as cell counting, are in high demand. Here, cell counting was treated as a regression problem using image features (phenotypes) extracted by deep learning models. Three deep convolutional neural network models were developed to regress image features to their cell counts in an end-to-end way. Theoretically, ensembling imaging phenotypes should have better representative ability than a single type of imaging phenotype. We implemented this idea by integrating two types of imaging phenotypes (dot density map and foreground mask) extracted by two autoencoders and regressing the ensembled imaging phenotypes to cell counts afterwards. Two publicly available datasets with synthetic microscopic images were used to train and test the proposed models. Root mean square error, mean absolute error, mean absolute percent error, and Pearson correlation were applied to evaluate the models’ performance. The well-trained models were also applied to predict the cancer cell counts of real microscopic images acquired in a biological experiment to evaluate the roles of two colorectal-cancer-related genes. The proposed model by ensembling deep imaging features showed better performance in terms of smaller errors and larger correlations than those based on a single type of imaging feature. Overall, all models’ predictions showed a high correlation with the true cell counts. The ensembling-based model integrated high-level imaging phenotypes to improve the estimation of cell counts from high-content and high-throughput microscopic images.
Desulphurisation of Biogas: A Systematic Qualitative and Economic-Based Quantitative Review of Alternative Strategies
Authors: Okoro Oseweuba Valentine , Sun Zhifa
Published: September 2019

The desulphurisation of biogas for hydrogen sulphide (H2S) removal constitutes a significant challenge in the area of biogas research. This is because the retention of H2S in biogas presents negative consequences on human health and equipment durability. The negative impacts are reflective of the potentially fatal and corrosive consequences reported when biogas containing H2S is inhaled and employed as a boiler biofuel, respectively. Recognising the importance of producing H2S-free biogas, this paper explores the current state of research in the area of desulphurisation of biogas. In the present paper, physical–chemical, biological, in-situ, and post-biogas desulphurisation strategies were extensively reviewed as the basis for providing a qualitative comparison of the strategies. Additionally, a review of the costing data combined with an analysis of the inherent data uncertainties due underlying estimation assumptions have also been undertaken to provide a basis for quantitative comparison of the desulphurisation strategies. It is anticipated that the combination of the qualitative and quantitative comparison approaches employed in assessing the desulphurisation strategies reviewed in the present paper will aid in future decisions involving the selection of the preferred biogas desulphurisation strategy to satisfy specific economic and performance-related targets.
Effect of Wet Expansion Behavior on Polyimide Membrane Diffractive Lens
Authors: Gao Guohan , Mao Danbo , Fan Bin , Guan Chunlin
Published: September 2019

Optical polyimide (PI) membrane is a potential substrate to fabricate a diffractive primary lens in large aperture space-borne telescope. In this paper, we investigated the wet expansion behavior of PI via a strain gauge method and measured the coefficient of wet expansion (CWE) of PI membrane supported by different fixtures. The CWE of silica-fixed, ring-fixed, and free state PI membrane were near zero, 5 ppm/%, and 10 ppm/% respectively. It is found that Fresnel zone lens (FZL), based on PI membrane with lower CWE, achieve a better imaging quality with smaller wave-front errors. The underlying mechanisms and methods to improve imaging quality of ring-fixed FZL are discussed. This work provides direction in fabricating a flexible membrane diffractive lens with applicable imaging quality.
Preparation and Formula Analysis of Anti-Biofouling Titania–Polyurea Spray Coating with Nano/Micro-Structure
Authors: Li Yuanzhe , Luo Boyang , Guet Claude , Narasimalu Srikanth , Dong Zhili
Published: September 2019

This paper proposes the preparation and formula analysis of anti-biofouling Titania–polyurea (TiO2–SPUA) spray coating, which uses nano-scale antibacterial and photocatalytic agents, titanium dioxide, to construct regularly hydrophobic surface texture on the polyurea coating system. Through formulating analysis of anti-biofouling performance, it is found the causal factors include antibacterial TiO2, surface wettability and morphology in order of their importance. The most optimized formula group is able to obtain uniform surface textures, high contact angle (91.5°), low surface energy (32.5 mJ/m2), and strong hardness (74 A). Moreover, this newly fabricated coating can effectively prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa and biofilm from enriching on the surface, and there is no toxins release from the coating itself, which makes it eco-friendly, even after long-time exposure. These studies provide insights to the relative importance of physiochemical properties of Titania–polyurea spray coatings for further use in marine, as well as bio medical engineering.
Phototoxicity Evaluation of Hair Cleansing Conditioners
Authors: Towle Kevin M. , Fung Ernest S. , Monnot Andrew D.
Published: September 2019

Photoactivation of cosmetic products and/or their ingredients may be associated with adverse skin reactions. Concerns have been raised regarding potential adverse health effects associated with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean (WCD) hair-cleansing conditioners, including alleged symptoms of redness, burning sensation, and irritation. The objective of this study was to use a validated phototoxicity test to evaluate the phototoxic potential of WCD hair-cleansing conditioners, and to demonstrate this assay’s applicability to personal care and cosmetic products. Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells were exposed to the test articles for one hour. Following the incubation, one set of treated 3T3 cells were irradiated with 5 J/cm2 Solar Simulated Light (SSL), while a duplicate set of treated 3T3 cells were kept in the dark. After UV irradiation, cell viability was determined by neutral red uptake. The difference in cell viability between the SSL exposed and non-exposed 3T3 cells were used to determine the phototoxic potential of the test articles. Under the conditions tested, WCD hair-cleansing conditioners were not phototoxic, while the positive control was significantly phototoxic. Taken together, these results demonstrate that that the use of WCD hair-cleansing conditioners would not be expected to cause phototoxicity in consumers.
Analysis of Glulisine Crystallisation Utilising Phase Diagrams and Nucleants
Authors: Li Yanmin , Govada Lata , Solomon Hodaya , Gillis Richard , Adams Gary , Chayen Naomi
Published: September 2019

Glulisine is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved insulin analogue, used for controlling hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is fast acting which better approximates physiological insulin secretion, improving patient outcome. Crystallisation of Glulisine was analysed by its crystallisation phase diagram and nucleation-inducing materials. Both the hanging drop vapour diffusion and microbatch-under-oil methods were used and compared. We have shown that the same protein can have different solubility behaviours depending on the nature of the salt in the precipitating agent. In the case of Glulisine with magnesium formate, lowering the precipitant concentration drove the system further into supersaturation resulting in the formation of crystals and precipitation. This was the opposite effect to the usual scenario where raising the precipitant concentration leads to supersaturation. Glulisine with sodium potassium tartrate tetrahydrate (NaKT) followed the expected trend of forming crystals or precipitate at higher concentrations and clear drops at lower concentrations of the precipitant. The outcomes of crystallisation using the different crystallisation methods is also described. Glulisine was successfully crystallised and the crystals diffracted up to a resolution limit of 1.4 Å.
Remineralization of Demineralized Enamel and Dentine Using 3 Dentifrices—An InVitro Study
Authors: Talwar Manjit , Borzabadi-Farahani Ali , Lynch Edward , Borsboom Peter , Ruben Jan
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To monitor the electrical resistance of artificially demineralized enamel and root dentine after exposure to different fluoridated dentifrices and, using transversal microradiography, to quantify remineralization. Materials and methods: This in-vitro blind investigation used 20 extracted teeth (four groups of five each). Each group was exposed to one test dentifrice [Colgate PreviDent (5000 ppm F), Colgate Winterfresh gel (1100 ppm F), Fluocaril Bi-Fluoré (2500 ppm F) and placebo (without fluoride)] three times daily for three minutes for 4 weeks. In between exposure to the test dentifrices, teeth were stored in a saliva storage solution. An Electrical Caries Monitor measured the electrical resistance at baseline and during the four-week test period at weekly intervals. The measurements were log transformed and Duncan’s multiple range test applied. Remineralization was quantified using transversal microradiography. Results: Log mean (SD) electronic carries monitor (ECM) measurements in enamel at baseline and after 4 weeks of exposure to the test dentifrices were 4.07(1.53) and 3.87(0.90) (Placebo-Fluocaril), 4.11(1.86) and 4.64(1.43) (Colgate Winterfresh gel), 4.81(0.9) and 4.21(1.20) (Fluocaril Bi-Fluoré), and 4.60(0.88) and 3.76(0.9) (Colgate PreviDent). Corresponding measurements in dentine were 2.13(0.89) and 3.06(0.87) (Placebo-Fluocaril), 1.87(0.63) and 2.88(1.32) (Colgate Winterfresh gel), 2.47(1.20) and 1.65(0.60) (Fluocaril), and 2.16(0.00), and 2.34(1.07) for Colgate PreviDent. Lesion depth (µm) after microradiography in enamel was 100.1 (Placebo), 50.6 (Colgate Winterfresh gel), and 110.2 (Fluocaril, and 97.1 (Colgate PreviDent), and corresponding values in dentine were 169.7, 154.8, 183.7, and 153.5. The correlation of ECM and microradiographic parameters was negative (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure of artificially demineralized enamel and root dentine to fluoridated dentifrices and saliva storage solution resulted in remineralization as follows: Colgate Winterfresh > Colgate PreviDent > Placebo-Fluocaril > Fluocaril Bi-Fluoré. Remineralization in teeth of the Placebo dentifrice group may be attributed to the presence of calcium and phosphate ions in the saliva storage solution.
Water Contaminated by Industrial Textile Dye: Study on Decolorization Process
Authors: De Luca Pierantonio , Foglia Paola , Siciliano Carlo , Nagy Jànos B. , Macario Anastasia
Published: September 2019

This work aims to investigate possible interferences due to the presence of sodium carbonate on the photodegradation of the reactive Black 5 azoic dye, both in systems containing only titanium oxide and those containing titanium oxide and hydrogen peroxide. The role of hydrogen peroxide is explicitly treated. Sodium carbonate, in fact, is often present in the wastewater of textile industries as it is used in the fiber dyeing phases. The use of TiO2 nanoparticles is emphasized, and the possible danger is underlined. Each system was subjected to ultraviolet irradiation (UV) by varying the exposure time. After the photodegrading tests, the resulting solutions were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometry and High-Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to measure the residual concentrations of dye. The dye degradation curves and reaction rates for different UV exposure times were obtained and discussed as a function of the used additives. All the data are repeated three times, and they differ only by a maximum of 5%. The results indicated a reduction of about 50% of the initial concentration of Reactive Black 5 after 30 min under optimal experimental conditions. The NMR analysis indicated the formation of a series of aromatic structures that were generated by the UV-induced photochemical fragmentation of the original molecule.
Centralization of the Global REDD+ Financial Network and Implications under the New Climate Regime
Authors: Kim Do-hun , Kim Dong-hwan , Lee Dong-Ho , Park Sunjoo , Kim Seong-il
Published: September 2019

With the institutionalization of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+), the global REDD+ financial network has been formed to support the implementation of REDD+ in developing countries. Although the rapid expansion of the network made it decentralized, it is still a highly centralized network in terms of the distribution of financial resources, revolving around only a few major actors. While the source of financing was diversified due to an increase in influential donors, the majority of financing still came from a few constant major donors, and a few constant major developing countries received most of the financial support. Although increases in donor numbers and the amount of finance received can provide more chances to support developing countries, it may cause inefficiency due to overlaps and duplications. Also, over-centralization of financial resources can be ineffective in terms of achieving maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and can broaden gaps between developing countries’ ability to cope with climate change and deforestation. Lack of coordination among donors and the differing capacity of developing countries may have caused centralization of financial resources in the global REDD+ financial network. To minimize this problem, a comprehensive monitoring system and platforms for information sharing are needed.
Nutrient Allocation to Different Compartments of Age-Sequence Larch Plantations in China
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Chen Dongsheng , Sun Xiaomei
Published: September 2019

Increased demand for forest-derived biomass has led to more intensive harvesting practices. However, the export of large nutrient quantities with the harvested biomass may lead to the depletion of soil nutrients. Therefore, improved knowledge concerning macronutrient allocation (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) to different components in forests along age sequences is crucial for their sustainable management. In this study, we quantified nutrient allocation to different ecosystem components, including trees, understorey, forest floor, and different soil depths within a chronosequence (6-, 15-, 23-, and 35-year-old) of larch plantations in China. We then assessed the danger of significant nutrient losses from whole tree harvesting (WTH). Nutrient amounts in trees increased with stand age due to an increase in biomass. Stems accounted for 59%–72% of tree biomass and contained 40%–50% of total tree nutrients in the 15- to 35-year-old stands. The forest floor’s nutrient quantities increased from the 6- to 23-year-old stands and then decreased in the 35-year-old plantations. Conversely, most soil indicators initially declined from 15- to 23-year-old stands and then increased in the 35-year-old stand. The total nutrient stocks were greatest in the soil (0–40 cm), which accounted for about 93%–99% of total nutrients in the larch ecosystem. These data indicate that WTH causes nutrient losses about 2.0–2.5 times higher than stem-only harvesting, when thinning 15- or clear-cut harvesting 23- and 35-year-old stands. However, nutrient losses by WTH have little effect on the soil nutrient pools. Prolonging the crop cycle of larch plantations may be beneficial to improve nutrient return through litterfall and allow available soil nutrients to recover.
Modeling the Excess Velocity of Low-Viscous Taylor Droplets in Square Microchannels
Authors: Helmers Thorben , Kemper Philip , Thöming Jorg , Mießner Ulrich
Published: September 2019

Microscopic multiphase flows have gained broad interest due to their capability to transfer processes into new operational windows and achieving significant process intensification. However, the hydrodynamic behavior of Taylor droplets is not yet entirely understood. In this work, we introduce a model to determine the excess velocity of Taylor droplets in square microchannels. This velocity difference between the droplet and the total superficial velocity of the flow has a direct influence on the droplet residence time and is linked to the pressure drop. Since the droplet does not occupy the entire channel cross-section, it enables the continuous phase to bypass the droplet through the corners. A consideration of the continuity equation generally relates the excess velocity to the mean flow velocity. We base the quantification of the bypass flow on a correlation for the droplet cap deformation from its static shape. The cap deformation reveals the forces of the flowing liquids exerted onto the interface and allows estimating the local driving pressure gradient for the bypass flow. The characterizing parameters are identified as the bypass length, the wall film thickness, the viscosity ratio between both phases and the C a number. The proposed model is adapted with a stochastic, metaheuristic optimization approach based on genetic algorithms. In addition, our model was successfully verified with high-speed camera measurements and published empirical data.
Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina) Supplementation on Laying Hens’ Performance: Eggs Physical, Chemical, and Sensorial Qualities
Authors: Omri Besma , Amraoui Marwen , Tarek Arbi , Lucarini Massimo , Durazzo Alessandra , Cicero Nicola , Santini Antonello , Kamoun Mounir
Published: September 2019

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of spirulina on laying hens’ performances: Eggs’ physical, chemical, and sensorial qualities. A total of 45 Lohman White hens, 44 weeks of age, were randomized into 3 groups of 15 birds. Hens were given 120 g/d of a basal diet containing 0% (control), 1.5%, and 2.5% of spirulina for 6 weeks. Albumen height and consequently Haugh unit were significantly affected by dietary supplementation of spirulina (p < 0.05) and by weeks on diet (p < 0.05). This supplement did not affect (p > 0.05) egg yolk weight or height. However, spirulina increased egg yolk redness (a*) from 1.33 (C) to 12.67 (D1) and 16.19 (D2) and reduced (p < 0.05) the yellowness (b*) parameter from 62.1(C) to 58.17 (D1) and 55.87 (D2). Egg yolks from hens fed spirulina were darker, more red, and less yellow in color than egg yolks from hens fed the control-diet (p < 0.0001). However, spirulina did not affect (p > 0.05) egg yolks’ total cholesterol concentration. In conclusion, a significant enhancement of egg yolk color was found in response to spirulina supplementation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the impact of spirulina on egg yolks’ fatty acids profile.
Computational Behavioral Models for Public Goods Games on Social Networks
Authors: Tomassini Marco , Antonioni Alberto
Published: September 2019

Cooperation is a fundamental aspect of well-organized societies and public good games are a useful metaphor for modeling cooperative behavior in the presence of strong incentives to free ride. Usually, social agents interact to play a public good game through network structures. Here, we use social network structures and computational agent rules inspired by recent experimental work in order to develop models of agent behavior playing public goods games. The results of our numerical simulations based on a couple of simple models show that agents behave in a manner qualitatively similar to what has been observed experimentally. Computational models such as those presented here are very useful to interpret observed behavior and to enhance computationally the limited variation that is possible in the experimental domain. By assuming a priori reasonable individual behaviors, the easiness of running simulations could also facilitate exploration prior to any experimental work in order to vary and estimate a number of key parameters that would be very difficult, if not impossible, to change during the actual experiment.
Comprehensive Survey of Area-Wide Agricultural Pesticide Use in Southern United States Row Crops and Potential Impact on Honey Bee Colonies
Authors: Zawislak Jon , Adamczyk John , Johnson Donald R. , Lorenz Gus , Black Joe , Hornsby Quinton , Stewart Scott D. , Joshi Neelendra
Published: September 2019

Honey bees forage across a large area, continually scouting the local landscape for ephemeral food resources. Beekeepers often rely on flowering plants in and around irrigated farmland to maintain their colonies during dry seasons, despite the potential risk of pesticide exposure. Recent declines in pollinator abundance and diversity have focused attention on the role of pesticides and their effects on honey bee health. This investigation examined two types of landscapes within a two-mile (3.2 km) radius of honey bee colonies: an intensive agricultural setting and a rural setting without intensive agriculture. More than 10,000 acres of agricultural land was surveyed to quantify the area of cultivated crops and the area treated with pesticides, including seed treatments and foliar applications of insecticides. Samples of honey, bee bread (stored pollen), beeswax, and adult bees were collected from hives in both landscape types and screened for pesticide residues to determine if foraging bees were transporting pesticides to hives. Some samples of bee bread and honey did contain pesticide residues, but these were below known lethal dose (LD50) levels for honey bees. Beeswax samples contained the highest levels of contamination, but most were still relatively low. Samples were screened for 174 common agricultural pesticides and metabolites, but only 26 compounds were detected during the two-year study. These included one defoliant, one insect growth regulator, five herbicides, six fungicides, six insecticides never used in beekeeping, and five insecticides/miticides and their metabolites, which are used in beekeeping and for various other agricultural purposes, as well as two miticides exclusively used by beekeepers to control Varroa destructor. Bee colonies foraging in agricultural landscapes are potentially exposed to numerous pesticide applications. While the residues detected in this study did not pose an acute lethal risk to adult honey bees, this study did not measure sublethal effects on bee colony health or performance, which merit further investigation.
Blood Pressure Non-Dipping and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Tadic Marijana , Sala Carla , Gherbesi Elisa , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

Aim: We examined the reduced blood pressure (BP) nocturnal fall in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by a meta-analysis including studies that provided data on prevalence rates of non-dipping (ND) pattern during 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Design: The PubMed, OVID-MEDLINE, and Cochrane CENTRAL literature databases were searched for appropriate articles without temporal restriction up to April 2019 through focused and sensitive search methods. Studies were identified by crossing the search terms as follows: “obstructive sleep apnea”, “sleep quality”, “non dipping”, “reduced nocturnal BP fall”, “circadian BP variation”, “night-time BP”, and “ambulatory blood pressure monitoring”. Results: Meta-analysis included 1562 patients with OSA from different clinical settings and 957 non-OSA controls from 14 studies. ND pattern prevalence in patients with OSA widely varied among studies (36.0–90.0%). This was also the case for non-OSA controls (33.0% to 69.0%). Overall, the ND pattern, assessed as an event rate in the pooled OSA population, was 59.1% (confidence interval (CI): 52.0–65.0%). Meta-analysis of the seven studies comparing the prevalence of ND pattern in participants with OSA and controls showed that OSA entails a significantly increased risk of ND (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, CI: 1.07–1.89, p < 0.01). After the exclusion of patients with mild OSA, OR increased to 1.67 (CI: 1.21–2.28, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis, extending previous information on the relationship between OSA and impaired BP dipping, based on single studies, suggests that this condition increases by approximately 1.5 times the likelihood of ND, which is a pattern associated with a greater cardiovascular risk than normal BP dipping.
Getting Histoplasmosis on the Map of International Recommendations for Patients with Advanced HIV Disease
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Kwizera Richard , Denning David W.
Published: September 2019

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, caused by H. capsulatum, is a life-threatening illness and is an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection. It is neglected, worryingly under-diagnosed, and often misdiagnosed as cancer or tuberculosis with fatal consequences. Globally, over 100,000 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis have been estimated. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that disseminated histoplasmosis is a significant cause of mortality in AIDS patients. Through the rigorous efforts of the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) and partners, in 2019, the Histoplasma antigen test was included on the 2nd Edition of the WHO List of Essential Diagnostics. The drugs used in the treatment of histoplasmosis (amphotericin B and itraconazole) are on the WHO Essential Medicine List. The Manaus Declaration on histoplasmosis in the Americas and the Caribbean, where histoplasmosis kills more people with HIV than tuberculosis, advocates for universal access to rapid testing for histoplasmosis and availability of essential drugs for the treatment of histoplasmosis in every country by 2025. Hyperendemic areas are present in the Americas, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In conclusion, histoplasmosis remains an important clinical and public health problem. To reduce HIV-associated mortality, disseminated histoplasmosis must be addressed through advocacy, increased awareness, and universal access to essential diagnostics and antifungal agents.
The Vulnerability of Microbial Ecosystems in a Changing Climate: Potential Impact in Shark Bay
Authors: Reinold Max , Wong Hon Lun , MacLeod Fraser I. , Meltzer Julia , Thompson April , Burns Brendan P.
Published: September 2019

The potential impact of climate change on eukaryotes, including humans, has been relatively well described. In contrast, the contribution and susceptibility of microorganisms to a changing climate have, until recently, received relatively less attention. In this review, the importance of microorganisms in the climate change discourse is highlighted. Microorganisms are responsible for approximately half of all primary production on earth, support all forms of macroscopic life whether directly or indirectly, and often persist in “extreme” environments where most other life are excluded. In short, microorganisms are the life support system of the biosphere and therefore must be included in decision making regarding climate change. Any effects climate change will have on microorganisms will inevitably impact higher eukaryotes and the activity of microbial communities in turn can contribute to or alleviate the severity of the changing climate. It is of vital importance that unique, fragile, microbial ecosystems are a focus of research efforts so that their resilience to extreme weather events and climate change are thoroughly understood and that conservation efforts can be implemented as a response. One such ecosystem under threat are the evolutionarily significant microbial mats and stromatolites, such as those present in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Climate change models have suggested the duration and severity of extreme weather events in this region will increase, along with rising temperatures, sea levels, and ocean acidification. These changes could upset the delicate balance that fosters the development of microbial mats and stromatolites in Shark Bay. Thus, the challenges facing Shark Bay microbial communities will be presented here as a specific case study.
Construction of Complex Structures Containing Micro-Pits and Nano-Pits on the Surface of Titanium for Cytocompatibility Improvement
Authors: Wang Guisen , Wan Yi , Liu Zhanqiang
Published: September 2019

The surface topography of medical implants plays an important role in the regulation of cellular responses. Microstructure and nanostructure surfaces have been proved to enhance cell spreading and proliferation with respect to smooth surfaces. In this study, we fabricated a new structure including micro-pits and nano-pits on the surface of titanium via sandblasting, acid etching and chemical oxidation to investigate the influence of composite structures on cell behavior. Meanwhile, the surface properties and corrosion resistance of treated samples were also tested. The micro/nanostructured titanium surface comprising of micro-pits and nano-pits presented enhanced roughness and hydrophilicity. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the titanium substrate with micro-pits and nano-pits was significantly improved compared to that of polished titanium. More importantly, the micro/nanostructured titanium surface proved a good interfacial environment to promote osteoblast functions such as cell adhesion and spreading. Taken together, these results showed that the construction of micro/nanostructure on the titanium surface is an effective modification strategy to improve osteoblast cell responses.
Performance of PATC-PDMDAAC Composite Coagulants in Low-Temperature and Low-Turbidity Water Treatment
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liao Lina , Zhu Guocheng
Published: September 2019

A novel composite was synthesized by using flocculant polyaluminum titanium silicate chloride (PATC) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) monomers to treat low-temperature and low-turbidity water. The structure and physicochemical properties of PATC-PDMDAAC were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersion spectrum (SEM-EDS). The compound flocculant produced new functional groups exhibiting great thermal stability, and the complex chemical reaction between the two monomers generated new substances with reticular structures. Coagulation performance results showed that the PATC-PDMDAAC had an organic and inorganic ratio of 0.15 and exhibited excellent removal efficiency at pH 9.0, dosage of 1.80 mg/L, sedimentation time of 40 min, and a stirring speed of 110 r/min. The optimal treatment efficiency reduced the turbidity to 0.56 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit). The removal rates of TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and UV254 (Ultraviolet 254) were 62.18% (from 7.23 mg/L to 2.734 mg/L) and 99.99% (from 10 mg/L to 0.001 mg/L). The 3D fluorescence, zeta potential and kinetic analysis in the flocculation process indicated that coagulant electroneutralization and adsorption bridge in a slightly alkaline environment played a dominant role, and a sufficient and effective collision occurred between the coagulant and particulate matter under the optimal dosage. Lastly, PATC-PDMDAAC has more advantage than conventional flocculants in the treatment of low-temperature and low-turbidity water in the Xiangjiang River.
Vibration Characteristics Analysis of Moderately Thick Laminated Composite Plates with Arbitrary Boundary Conditions
Authors: Xue Zechang , Li Qiuhong , Huang Wenhao , Guo Yongxin , Wang Jiufa
Published: September 2019

In this study, an improved Fourier series method is presented for the vibration modeling and analysis of moderately thick laminated composite plates with arbitrary boundary conditions, in which the vibration displacements are sought as the linear combination of a double Fourier cosine series and auxiliary series functions. The vibration model was established using the Hamilton energy principle. To study the vibration characteristics of laminated composite plates more comprehensively, firstly, the accuracy of the current results were validated via comparison with previous results and finite element method data. A parametric study was conducted on the effects of several key parameters, such as the h/b ratio, orientation and number of layers. In this section, both solutions are applicable to various combinations of boundary constraints, including classical boundary conditions and elastic-supported boundary conditions. Secondly, in order to identify the action position of vibration and the transmission of vibration energy, the response analysis of laminated plates was studied, and the power flow field for laminated plates was analyzed. Finally, a modal test was introduced to further verify the accuracy of the method in this paper.
Design and Verification of Cyber-Physical Systems Specified by Petri Nets—A Case Study of a Direct Matrix Converter
Authors: Wisniewski Remigiusz , Bazydło Grzegorz , Szcześniak Paweł , Grobelna Iwona , Wojnakowski Marcin
Published: September 2019

The paper proposes a novel design technique of cyber-physical systems (CPSs). The system is specified by a Petri net, and further modelled in a hardware description language (HDL) towards final implementation in a programmable device. Contrary to the traditional design methods, the proposed solution is highly focused on the verification aspects. The system is checked three times before the final implementation in hardware. Initially, the Petri-net based specification is formally verified by the application of the model-checking technique. Secondly, software verification of the modelled system is performed. Finally, the hardware verification of the already implemented system is executed. The proposed method is explained by an example of a direct matrix converter (MC) with transistor commutation and space vector modulation (SVM). The main benefits, as well as the limitations, of the proposed solution are discussed and analysed.