bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explosion Behaviour of 30% Hydrogen/70% Methane-Blended Fuels in a Weak Turbulent Environment
Authors: Li Fu-Sheng , Li Guo-Xiu , Sun Zuo-Yu
Published: July 2017

In the present investigation the explosion characteristics of 30% H2/70% CH4-blended fuels have been experimentally studied in different turbulent environments. Some important indicators about the explosion characteristics, including maximum explosion pressure (pmax), explosion duration (tc), maximum rate of pressure rise ((dp/dt)max), deflagration index (KG), and fast burn period (tb) have been studied. Furthermore, the influences of turbulent intensity associated with the equivalence ratio on explosion characteristics have been compressively analysed. The results indicated that, with the increase of turbulent intensity (u’rms), the value of pmax will be correspondingly raised while the equivalent ratio (φ) corresponding to the peak value of pmax gradually changes from stoichiometric to 1.2. Based upon the value of pmax in laminar condition, the growth extent of pmax monotonically rises to u’rms, but under a same u’rms the growth extent of pmax first declines and then rises with the increase of φ in the rage of 0.6 to 1.2. Under a laminar environment, the peak value of (dp/dt)max is attained at φ = 1.0; although such a conclusion is maintained in the studied range of turbulent intensity, the difference on the value of (dp/dt)max between φ = 1.0 and φ = 1.2 is obviously reduced with the increase of u’rms. Meanwhile, from the variation of KG, it could be found that turbulence can raise the hazardous potential of disaster. With the increase of u’rms, both the values of tc and tb reduce, the quota of tb in the explosion performs a similar regulation, but the detailed variation extent is also controlled by u’rms.
Fractional Definite Integral
Authors: Ortigueira Manuel , Machado José
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes the definition of fractional definite integral and analyses the corresponding fundamental theorem of fractional calculus. In this context, we studied the relevant properties of the fractional derivatives that lead to such a definition. Finally, integrals on R2 R 2 and R3 R 3 are also proposed.
An Improved Hybrid Method for Enhanced Road Feature Selection in Map Generalization
Authors: Zhang Jianchen , Wang Yanhui , Zhao Wenji
Published: July 2017

Road selection is a critical component of road network generalization that directly affects its accuracy. However, most conventional selection methods are based solely on either a linear or an areal representation mode, often resulting in low selection accuracy and biased structural selection. In this paper we propose an improved hybrid method combining the linear and areal representation modes to increase the accuracy of road selection. The proposed method offers two primary advantages. First, it improves the stroke generation algorithm in a linear representation mode by using an ordinary least square (OLS) model to consider overall information for the roads to be connected. Second, by taking advantage of the areal representation mode, the proposed method partitions road networks and calculates road density based on weighted Voronoi diagrams. Roads were selected using stroke importance and a density threshold. Finally, experiments were conducted comparing the proposed technique with conventional single representation methods. Results demonstrate the increased stroke generation accuracy and improved road selection achieved by this method.
The Nucleolus: In Genome Maintenance and Repair
Authors: Tsekrekou Maria , Stratigi Kalliopi , Chatzinikolaou Georgia
Published: July 2017

The nucleolus is the subnuclear membrane-less organelle where rRNA is transcribed and processed and ribosomal assembly occurs. During the last 20 years, however, the nucleolus has emerged as a multifunctional organelle, regulating processes that go well beyond its traditional role. Moreover, the unique organization of rDNA in tandem arrays and its unusually high transcription rates make it prone to unscheduled DNA recombination events and frequent RNA:DNA hybrids leading to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). If not properly repaired, rDNA damage may contribute to premature disease onset and aging. Deregulation of ribosomal synthesis at any level from transcription and processing to ribosomal subunit assembly elicits a stress response and is also associated with disease onset. Here, we discuss how genome integrity is maintained within nucleoli and how such structures are functionally linked to nuclear DNA damage response and repair giving an emphasis on the newly emerging roles of the nucleolus in mammalian physiology and disease.
Endocannabinod Signal Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Correlation Link between Inflammatory State and Neuro-Immune Alterations
Authors: Brigida Anna , Schultz Stephen , Cascone Mariana , Antonucci Nicola , Siniscalco Dario
Published: July 2017

Several studies highlight a key involvement of endocannabinoid (EC) system in autism pathophysiology. The EC system is a complex network of lipid signaling pathways comprised of arachidonic acid-derived compounds (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), their G-protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2) and the associated enzymes. In addition to autism, the EC system is also involved in several other psychiatric disorders (i.e., anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia). This system is a key regulator of metabolic and cellular pathways involved in autism, such as food intake, energy metabolism and immune system control. Early studies in autism animal models have demonstrated alterations in the brain’s EC system. Autism is also characterized by immune system dysregulation. This alteration includes differential monocyte and macrophage responses, and abnormal cytokine and T cell levels. EC system dysfunction in a monocyte and macrophagic cellular model of autism has been demonstrated by showing that the mRNA and protein for CB2 receptor and EC enzymes were significantly dysregulated, further indicating the involvement of the EC system in autism-associated immunological disruptions. Taken together, these new findings offer a novel perspective in autism research and indicate that the EC system could represent a novel target option for autism pharmacotherapy.
Biodiversity of Pigmented Fungi Isolated from Marine Environment in La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean: New Resources for Colored Metabolites
Authors: Fouillaud Mireille , Venkatachalam Mekala , Llorente Melissa , Magalon Helene , Cuet Pascale , Dufossé Laurent
Published: July 2017

Marine ecosystems cover about 70% of the planet surface and are still an underexploited source of useful metabolites. Among microbes, filamentous fungi are captivating organisms used for the production of many chemical classes of secondary metabolites bound to be used in various fields of industrial application. The present study was focused on the collection, isolation, screening and genotyping of pigmented filamentous fungi isolated from tropical marine environments around La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean. About 150 micromycetes were revived and isolated from 14 marine samples (sediments, living corals, coral rubble, sea water and hard substrates) collected in four different locations. Forty-two colored fungal isolates belonging to 16 families, 25 genera and 31 species were further studied depending on their ability to produce pigments and thus subjected to molecular identification. From gene sequence analysis, the most frequently identified colored fungi belong to the widespread Penicillium, Talaromyces and Aspergillus genera in the family Trichocomaceae (11 species), then followed by the family Hypocreaceae (three species). This study demonstrates that marine biotopes in La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean, from coral reefs to underwater slopes of this volcanic island, shelter numerous species of micromycetes, from common or uncommon genera. This unstudied biodiversity comes along with the ability for some fungal marine inhabitants, to produce a range of pigments and hues.
Introduction to MAchine Learning & Knowledge Extraction (MAKE)
Authors: Holzinger Andreas
Published: July 2017

The grand goal of Machine Learning is to develop software which can learn from previous experience—similar to how we humans do. Ultimately, to reach a level of usable intelligence, we need (1) to learn from prior data, (2) to extract knowledge, (3) to generalize—i.e., guessing where probability function mass/density concentrates, (4) to fight the curse of dimensionality, and (5) to disentangle underlying explanatory factors of the data—i.e., to make sense of the data in the context of an application domain. To address these challenges and to ensure successful machine learning applications in various domains an integrated machine learning approach is important. This requires a concerted international effort without boundaries, supporting collaborative, cross-domain, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work of experts from seven sections, ranging from data pre-processing to data visualization, i.e., to map results found in arbitrarily high dimensional spaces into the lower dimensions to make it accessible, usable and useful to the end user. An integrated machine learning approach needs also to consider issues of privacy, data protection, safety, security, user acceptance and social implications. This paper is the inaugural introduction to the new journal of MAchine Learning & Knowledge Extraction (MAKE). The goal is to provide an incomplete, personally biased, but consistent introduction into the concepts of MAKE and a brief overview of some selected topics to stimulate future research in the international research community.
Essential Oil from Piper aduncum: Chemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Assessment, and Literature Review
Authors: Monzote Lianet , Scull Ramón , Cos Paul , Setzer William
Published: July 2017

Background: The challenge in antimicrobial chemotherapy is to find safe and selective agents with potency that will not be compromised by previously developed resistance. Terrestrial plants could provide new leads to antibacterial, antifungal, or antiprotozoal activity. Methods: The essential oil (EO) of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) from Cuba was analyzed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A cluster analysis of P. aduncum EO compositions reported in the literature was carried out. The EO was screened against a panel of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasitic protozoa) as well as for cytotoxicity against human cells. In addition, a review of scientific literature and a bibliometric study was also conducted. Results: A total of 90 compounds were identified in the EO, of which camphor (17.1%), viridiflorol (14.5%), and piperitone (23.7%) were the main components. The cluster analysis revealed at least nine different chemotypes. The EO did not show notable activity against bacteria or fungi, but was active against parasitic protozoa. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate P. aduncum from Cuba is a unique chemotype, support the importance of P. aduncum EOs as medicines, and demonstrate the promise of Cuban P. aduncum EO as a chemotherapeutic agent against parasitic protozoal infections.
Investigation of Dendrite Coarsening in Complex Shaped Lamellar Graphite Iron Castings
Authors: Svidró Péter , Diószegi Attila , Pour Mohsen , Jönsson Pär
Published: July 2017

Shrinkage porosity and metal expansion penetration are two casting defects that appear frequently during the production of complex-shaped lamellar graphite iron components. These casting defects are formed during the solidification and usually form in the part of the casting which solidifies last. The position of the area that solidifies last is dependent on the thermal conditions. Test castings with thermal conditions like those existing in a complex-shaped casting were successfully applied to provoke a shrinkage porosity defect and a metal expansion penetration defect. The investigation of the primary dendrite morphology in the defected positions indicates a maximum intradendritic space, where the shrinkage porosity and metal expansion penetration defects appear. Moving away from the defect formation area, the intradendritic space decreases. A comparison of the intradendritic space with the simulated local solidification times indicates a strong relationship, which can be explained by the dynamic coarsening process. More specifically, long local solidification times facilitates the formation of a locally coarsened austenite morphology. This, in turn, enables the formation of a shrinkage porosity or a metal expansion penetration.
A Novel Model of Aggregate Gradation for Autoclaved Bricks from Tailings
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhao Yunliang , Wang Wei , Yi Hao , Li Hongqiang , Zhang Qiwu , Song Shaoxian
Published: July 2017

Mining tailings as a raw material for preparing autoclaved bricks have attracted much attention. The tailings subjected to milling always have the characteristic of fine granularity. However, the proportion of the fine aggregates in autoclaved bricks was very low using the current gradation formula, which impeded the utilization of the tailings. In this work, a novel model of aggregate gradation for autoclaved bricks from tailings has been presented, which was established through the following steps: (1) 91 groups of autoclaved bricks with different aggregate gradations were prepared, with the proportion of the fine aggregates (−0.15 mm) in the range of 40% to 100%; and (2) the particle size distributions of the finest and coarsest aggregates in the high-strength region were fitted to establish the model. The proportion of the fine aggregates calculated by the model could increase significantly compared with that using the current formula. To verify the novel model, autoclaved bricks from iron ore tailings were prepared using the model, with their mechanical and freezing resistance properties meeting the requirement of the highest-strength level. It was observed by SEM that the autoclaved bricks had compact structures with a few small pores owing to the reasonable aggregate gradation.
Distribution, Enrichment and Modes of Occurrence of Arsenic in Chinese Coals
Authors: Guo Jiangfeng , Yao Duoxi , Chen Ping , Chen Jian , Shi Fengjun
Published: July 2017

Arsenic is one of the toxic trace elements in coals, which is harmful to both the ecological environment and human health. Based on published literature and the data obtained by our research group, a total of 5314 As concentrations of Chinese coals were analyzed. The arithmetic mean of arsenic content in Chinese coals is 6.97 mg/kg. Choosing the percentage of provincial coal resources in national coal resources as the weighting factor, the weighted average of arsenic content in Chinese coals is 5.33 mg/kg. The content of arsenic in Chinese coals increases from the north to the south. High arsenic content in coal primarily occurs in southwestern Yunnan and certain coalfields in the Guizhou Province. Additionally, arsenic is enriched in the coals from some regions, i.e., the western Yunnan, Guangxi, Tibet, southwestern Liaoning, Jilin, and Henan. The arsenic content in coals of different coal-forming periods shows an overall regularity: Paleogene and Neogene > Late Triassic > Late Permian > Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous > Early and Middle Jurassic > Late Carboniferous and Early Permian. The modes of occurrence of arsenic in coals include sulfide-association, organic-association, arsenate-association, silicate-association, and soluble- and exchangeable-association. Generally, arsenic in Chinese coals exists predominantly in arsenic-bearing pyrite. Meanwhile, the organic arsenic content is relatively high in coal samples with a lower (<5.5 mg/kg) arsenic content and a low or medium ash yield (<30%).
Polyurethane Foams for Thermal Insulation Uses Produced from Castor Oil and Crude Glycerol Biopolyols
Authors: Carriço Camila , Fraga Thaís , Carvalho Vagner , Pasa Vânya
Published: July 2017

Rigid polyurethane foams were synthesized using a renewable polyol from the simple physical mixture of castor oil and crude glycerol. The effect of the catalyst (DBTDL) content and blowing agents in the foams’ properties were evaluated. The use of physical blowing agents (cyclopentane and n-pentane) allowed foams with smaller cells to be obtained in comparison with the foams produced with a chemical blowing agent (water). The increase of the water content caused a decrease in density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus, which indicates that the increment of CO2 production contributes to the formation of larger cells. Higher amounts of catalyst in the foam formulations caused a slight density decrease and a small increase of thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus values. These green foams presented properties that indicate a great potential to be used as thermal insulation: density (23–41 kg·m−3), thermal conductivity (0.0128–0.0207 W·m−1·K−1), compressive strength (45–188 kPa), and Young’s modulus (3–28 kPa). These biofoams are also environmentally friendly polymers and can aggregate revenue to the biodiesel industry, contributing to a reduction in fuel prices.
Synthesis and Evaluation of N-(3-Trifluoroacetyl-indol-7-yl) Acetamides for Potential In Vitro Antiplasmodial Properties
Authors: Mphahlele Malose , Mmonwa Mmakwena , Choong Yee
Published: July 2017

A series of novel N-((2,5-diaryl-3-trifluoroacetyl)-1H-indol-7-yl)acetamides has been prepared via a successive and one-pot reaction sequence involving initial trifluoroacetic acid-mediated Beckmann rearrangement of the oximes derived from the 1-(2,5-diaryl-1H-indol-7-yl)ethanones, followed by trifluoroacetylation of the incipient N-(2,5-diaryl-1H-indol-7-yl)-acetamides with trifluoroacetic anhydride. The prepared compounds were evaluated for potential in vitro antiplasmodial properties. Preliminary results from antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum revealed that a combination of 2-(4-flurophenyl)- and 5-(4-fluorophenyl) or 2-(4-flurophenyl)- and 4-fluorostyryl groups in compounds 3(a,f) and 4(a,g), for example, is required for biological activity for both series of compounds. Their possible mode of action against the plasmodial parasite is explained theoretically through molecular docking of the most active compounds against the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH). These compounds were docked at the entrance of NAD+ in pLDH presumably hindering entry of lactate to cause the observed inhibition effect of pLDH. The four compounds were found to exhibit low toxicity against monkey kidney Vero cells at the highest concentrations tested.
Sites for Dynamic Protein-Carbohydrate Interactions of O- and C-Linked Mannosides on the E. coli FimH Adhesin
Authors: Touaibia Mohamed , Krammer Eva-Maria , Shiao Tze , Yamakawa Nao , Wang Qingan , Glinschert Anja , Papadopoulos Alex , Mousavifar Leila , Maes Emmanuel , Oscarson Stefan , Vergoten Gerard , Lensink Marc , Roy René , Bouckaert Julie
Published: July 2017

Antagonists of the Escherichia coli type-1 fimbrial adhesin FimH are recognized as attractive alternatives for antibiotic therapies and prophylaxes against acute and recurrent bacterial infections. In this study α-d-mannopyranosides O- or C-linked with an alkyl, alkene, alkyne, thioalkyl, amide, or sulfonamide were investigated to fit a hydrophobic substituent with up to two aryl groups within the tyrosine gate emerging from the mannose-binding pocket of FimH. The results were summarized into a set of structure-activity relationships to be used in FimH-targeted inhibitor design: alkene linkers gave an improved affinity and inhibitory potential, because of their relative flexibility combined with a favourable interaction with isoleucine-52 located in the middle of the tyrosine gate. Of particular interest is a C-linked mannoside, alkene-linked to an ortho-substituted biphenyl that has an affinity similar to its O-mannosidic analog but superior to its para-substituted analog. Docking of its high-resolution NMR solution structure to the FimH adhesin indicated that its ultimate, ortho-placed phenyl ring is able to interact with isoleucine-13, located in the clamp loop that undergoes conformational changes under shear force exerted on the bacteria. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that a subpopulation of the C-mannoside conformers is able to interact in this secondary binding site of FimH.
L1210 Cells Overexpressing ABCB1 Drug Transporters Are Resistant to Inhibitors of the N- and O-glycosylation of Proteins
Authors: Pavlikova Lucia , Seres Mario , Hano Milan , Bohacova Viera , Sevcikova Ivana , Kyca Tomas , Breier Albert , Sulova Zdena
Published: July 2017

Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, drug transporter) in neoplastic cells is the most frequently observed molecular cause of multidrug resistance. Here, we show that the overexpression of P-gp in L1210 cells leads to resistance to tunicamycin and benzyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-d-galactopyranoside (GalNAc-α-O-benzyl). Tunicamycin induces both glycosylation depression and ubiquitination improvement of P-gp. However, the latter is not associated with large increases in molecular mass as evidence for polyubiquitination. Therefore, P-gp continues in maturation to an active membrane efflux pump rather than proteasomal degradation. P-gp-positive L1210 cells contain a higher quantity of ubiquitin associated with cell surface proteins than their P-gp-negative counterparts. Thus, P-gp-positive cells use ubiquitin signaling for correct protein folding to a higher extent than P-gp-negative cells. Elevation of protein ubiquitination after tunicamycin treatment in these cells leads to protein folding rather than protein degradation, resulting at least in the partial lack of cell sensitivity to tunicamycin in L1210 cells after P-gp expression. In contrast to tunicamycin, to understand why P-gp-positive cells are resistant to GalNAc-α-O-benzyl, further research is needed.
Effects of Aged Garlic Extract on Cholinergic, Glutamatergic and GABAergic Systems with Regard to Cognitive Impairment in Aβ-Induced Rats
Authors: Thorajak Piyaporn , Pannangrong Wanassanun , Welbat Jariya Umka , Chaijaroonkhanarak Wunnee , Sripanidkulchai Kittisak , Sripanidkulchai Bungorn
Published: July 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been linked to the degeneration of central cholinergic and glutamatergic transmission, which correlates with progressive memory loss and the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). It has been claimed that aged garlic extract (AGE) has a beneficial effect in preventing neurodegeneration in AD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of AGE on Aβ-induced cognitive dysfunction with a biochemical basis in the cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic systems in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered three doses of AGE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) daily for 65 days. At day 56, they were injected with 1 μL of aggregated Aβ (1–42) into each lateral ventricle, bilaterally. After six days of Aβ injection, the rats’ working and reference memory was tested using a radial arm maze. The rats were then euthanized to investigate any changes to the cholinergic neurons, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and 2 proteins (VGLUT1 and VGLUT2), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) in the hippocampus. The results showed that AGE significantly improved the working memory and tended to improve the reference memory in cognitively-impaired rats. In addition, AGE significantly ameliorated the loss of cholinergic neurons and increased the VGLUT1 and GAD levels in the hippocampus of rat brains with Aβ-induced toxicity. In contrast, the VGLUT2 protein levels did not change in any of the treated groups. We concluded that AGE was able to attenuate the impairment of working memory via the modification of cholinergic neurons, VGLUT1, and GAD in the hippocampus of Aβ-induced rats.
Egg Consumption and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults: Results from the Health Examinees Study
Authors: Shin Sangah , Lee Hwi-Won , Kim Claire , Lim Jiyeon , Lee Jong-koo , Lee Sang-Ah , Kang Daehee
Published: July 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of metabolic alterations such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemias, elevated fasting glucose, and hypertension. Studies on the association between egg consumption and MetS are limited and inconsistent. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to examine the association of egg consumption with MetS among Korean adults aged 40–69 years. A total of 130,420 subjects (43,682 men and 86,738 women) from the Health Examinees Study were selected for the final analysis. Egg consumption was estimated using a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the association of egg consumption with MetS via odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for potential variables. Among 130,420 subjects, 34,039 (26.1%) people had MetS. Consumption of more than 7 eggs/week was associated with a lower odds of MetS risk compared to those who consumed less than one egg/week in women (OR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.70–0.84, p trend < 0.0001). Higher egg consumption was inversely associated with the MetS components: elevated waist circumference (OR: 0.80, 0.75–0.86), elevated triglyceride (OR: 0.78, 0.72–0.85), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR: 0.82, 0.77–0.88), elevated blood pressure (OR: 0.86, 0.80–0.92), and elevated fasting glucose (OR: 0.94, 0.83–0.99) in women; reduced HDL-C (OR: 0.89, 0.80–1.00) in men. Our results suggest that higher egg consumption may be associated with a reduction in the odds for MetS and all five metabolic components in women, and the risk of reduced HDL-C in men.
Anti-Obesity Effect of the Above-Ground Part of Valeriana dageletiana Nakai ex F. Maek Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6N Mice
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Hwang Seung , Kim Ju , Lim Soon
Published: July 2017

Valeriana dageletiana Nakai ex F. Maek (VD) has been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of restlessness and sleeping disorders. However, it is still unclear whether obesity in mice can be altered by diet supplementation with VD. In this study, we first investigated the influences of VD on the accumulation of lipid content in 3T3-L1 cells; and the results showed that the above-ground VD extracts (VDAE) suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Thus, the effects of VDAE on preventing obesity were then studied in the C57BL/6N mice for 10 weeks (n = 6): normal-fat diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with 1% (10 g/kg) Garcinia combogia extract (positive control), and HFD supplemented with 1% (10 g/kg) VDAE. The results showed that VDAE reduced food efficiency ratio, body weight, epididymal adipose and hepatic tissue weight, hepatic lipid metabolites, and triacylglycerol and cholesterol serum levels compared to the high-fat diet group. Moreover, VD significantly inhibited the expression of adipogenic genes, such as PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and aP2, and lipogenic genes, such as SREBP-1c, FAS, SCD-1, and CD36, in epididymal adipose tissue and hepatic tissue. These findings indicate anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic effects of VDAE and suggest that it could be a potent functional food ingredient for the prevention of high-fat diet-induced obesity.
Improve Performance of Soy Flour-Based Adhesive with a Lignin-Based Resin
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Zhu Yuding , Yu Youming , Song Jiangang
Published: July 2017

A lignin-based resin (LB) was used to improve the performance of soy flour-based adhesives. Soy flour (SF), polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE), and LB were used to develop a plywood adhesive. The solid content and viscosity of the adhesive, the functional groups, the thermo-stability, and the crystallinity of the cured adhesives were characterized, and the performance of the resultant adhesive was evaluated by fabricating three-ply plywood. Results showed that the LB and PAE mixture used to modify the SF adhesive improved both dry and wet bond strength by 66.3% and 184.2%, respectively. Therefore, the PAE improved the wet bond strength, and the LB improved the dry bond strength. The improvement was attributed to: (1) the reaction of LB/PAE with the functions of the soy protein to form a cross-linking network; (2) a polycondensation reaction between the LB molecules improved the crosslinking density of the adhesive to form an interpenetration structure with cross-linked proteins; and (3) the easy penetration of the LB into the wood surface that enhanced interlocking between the wood and adhesive. Furthermore, the denser structure created by the LB and the PAE mixture improved thermal stability and decreased the crystallinity of the cured adhesive. The use of the LB and the PAE mixture increased the solid content by 35.5%, while still making its viscosity acceptable for industrial applications.
Reduction of Dust Emission by Monodisperse System Technology for Ammonium Nitrate Manufacturing
Authors: Skydanenko Maksym , Sklabinskyi Vsevolod , Saleh Saad , Barghi Shahzad
Published: July 2017

Prilling is a common process in the fertilizer industry, where the fertilizer melt is converted to droplets that fall, cool down and solidify in a countercurrent flow of air in a prilling tower. A vibratory granulator was used to investigate liquid jet breakup into droplets. The breakup of liquid jets subjected to a forced perturbation was investigated in the Rayleigh regime, where a mechanical vibration was applied in order to achieve the production of monodispersed particles. Images of the jet trajectory, breakup, and the formed drops were captured using a high-speed camera. A mathematical model for the liquid outflow conditions based on a transient two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equation was developed and solved analytically, and the correlations between the process parameters of the vibrator and the jet pressure that characterize their disintegration mode were identified. The theoretical predications obtained from the correlations showed a good agreement with the experimental results. Results of the experiments were used to specify the values of the process parameters of the vibration system, and to test them in the production environment in a mode of monodispersed jet disintegration. The vibration frequency was found to have a profound effect on the production of monodispersed particles. The results of experiments in a commercially-sized plant showed that the granulator design based on this study provided prills with a narrower size range compared to the conventional granulators, which resulted in a substantial reduction in dust emission.
Road Segmentation of Remotely-Sensed Images Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks with Landscape Metrics and Conditional Random Fields
Authors: Panboonyuen Teerapong , Jitkajornwanich Kulsawasd , Lawawirojwong Siam , Srestasathiern Panu , Vateekul Peerapon
Published: July 2017

Object segmentation of remotely-sensed aerial (or very-high resolution, VHS) images and satellite (or high-resolution, HR) images, has been applied to many application domains, especially in road extraction in which the segmented objects are served as a mandatory layer in geospatial databases. Several attempts at applying the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to extract roads from remote sensing images have been made; however, the accuracy is still limited. In this paper, we present an enhanced DCNN framework specifically tailored for road extraction of remote sensing images by applying landscape metrics (LMs) and conditional random fields (CRFs). To improve the DCNN, a modern activation function called the exponential linear unit (ELU), is employed in our network, resulting in a higher number of, and yet more accurate, extracted roads. To further reduce falsely classified road objects, a solution based on an adoption of LMs is proposed. Finally, to sharpen the extracted roads, a CRF method is added to our framework. The experiments were conducted on Massachusetts road aerial imagery as well as the Thailand Earth Observation System (THEOS) satellite imagery data sets. The results showed that our proposed framework outperformed Segnet, a state-of-the-art object segmentation technique, on any kinds of remote sensing imagery, in most of the cases in terms of precision, recall, and F 1 .
Rapid Detection of Ascorbic Acid Based on a Dual-Electrode Sensor System Using a Powder Microelectrode Embedded with Carboxyl Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: He Bao-Shan , Zhang Jun-Xia
Published: July 2017

In this paper, carboxyl groups were introduced by liquid oxidation methods onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to improve the MWCNTs’ electrocatalytic properties. A platinum wire microelectrode (ME) was corroded using aqua regia and subsequently embedded with MWCNTs to achieve more active sites, producing a so-called powder microelectrode (PME). Compared with conventional MEs, the PME has a larger specific surface area and more active sites. When PME was used to detect ascorbic acid (AA), the AA oxidation potential shifted negatively and current peak was visibly increased. The calibration curve obtained for AA was in a range of 5.00 × 10−6~9.50 × 10−4 mol·L−1: Ipa(μA) = 3.259 × 10−2 + 1.801 × 102 C (mol·L−1) under the optimum testing conditions. Moreover, the detection and quantitation limits were confirmed at 4.89 × 10−7 mol·L−1 and 1.63 × 10−7 mol·L−1, respectively. When the fabricated PME was practically applied to detect AA, it was shown a recovery rate of 94~107% with relative standard deviation (RSD) <5%. The proposed strategy thus offers a promising, rapid, selective and low-cost approach to effective analysis of AA.
A Product Line Analysis for Eco-Designed Fashion Products: Evidence from an Outdoor Sportswear Brand
Authors: Wang Luo , Shen Bin
Published: July 2017

With the increasing awareness of sustainability, eco-design has been an important trend in the fashion industry. Many fashion brands such as Nike, Adidas, and The North Face have developed sustainable fashion by incorporating eco-design elements. Eco-design is an important part of sustainable supply chains. In this paper, we conducted a product line analysis of eco-designed products from a famous outdoor sportswear brand, Patagonia. We collected Patagonia’s 2017 Spring Season product line data and analyzed the data through descriptive analysis, factor analysis and correlation analysis. We found that Patagonia mainly uses organic, recycled, and traceable materials in their eco-product line development. We identified that the usage of eco-materials may significantly affect the number of color choices and product weight as well as gender difference, pattern design, product fit and online reviewers’ opinions at Patagonia. We argued that Patagonia should focus on functionality more than aesthetics in eco-design. We discussed how sustainable fashion firms should manage eco-design in the supply chain.
One-pot synthesis of block-copolyrotaxanes through controlled rotaxa-polymerization
Authors: Hilschmann Jessica , Wenz Gerhard , Kali Gergely
Published: July 2017

The aqueous reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of isoprene and bulky comonomers, an acrylate and an acrylamide in the presence of methylated β-cyclodextrin was employed for the first time to synthesize block-copolyrotaxanes. RAFT polymerizations started from a symmetrical bifunctional trithiocarbonate and gave rise to triblock-copolymers where the outer polyacrylate/polyacrylamide blocks act as stoppers for the cyclodextrin rings threaded onto the inner polyisoprene block. Statistical copolyrotaxanes were synthesized by RAFT polymerization as well. RAFT polymerization conditions allow control of the composition as well as the sequence of the constituents of the polymer backbone which further effects the CD content and the aqueous solubility of the polyrotaxane.
CREATIVITY AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES IN EUROPE AND BEYOND
Authors: Nikiforova Basia
Published: July 2017

"Editorial. Creativity and Creative Industries in Europe and Beyond" Creativity Studies, 10(1), pp. 1–2
The Green Bank Ammonia Survey: First Results of NH3 Mapping of the Gould Belt
Authors: Friesen Rachel K. , Pineda Jaime E. ,   (co-PIs), Rosolowsky Erik , Alves Felipe , Chacón-Tanarro Ana , Chen Hope How-Huan , Chen Michael Chun-Yuan , Di Francesco James , Keown Jared , Kirk Helen , Punanova Anna , Seo Youngmin , Shirley Yancy , Ginsburg Adam , Hall Christine , Offner Stella S. R. , Singh Ayushi , Arce Héctor G. , Caselli Paola , Goodman Alyssa A. , Martin Peter G. , Matzner Christopher , Myers Philip C. , Redaelli Elena ,   (The GAS Collaboration)
Published: July 2017

We present an overview of the first data release (DR1) and first-look science from the Green Bank Ammonia Survey (GAS). GAS is a Large Program at the Green Bank Telescope to map all Gould Belt star-forming regions with

mag visible from the northern hemisphere in emission from NH3 and other key molecular tracers. This first release includes the data for four regions in the Gould Belt clouds: B18 in Taurus, NGC 1333 in Perseus, L1688 in Ophiuchus, and Orion A North in Orion. We compare the NH3 emission to dust continuum emission from Herschel and find that the two tracers correspond closely. We find that NH3 is present in over 60% of the lines of sight with

mag in three of the four DR1 regions, in agreement with expectations from previous observations. The sole exception is B18, where NH3 is detected toward ∼40% of the lines of sight with

mag. Moreover, we find that the NH3 emission is generally extended beyond the typical 0.1 pc length scales of dense cores. We produce maps of the gas kinematics, temperature, and NH3 column densities through forward modeling of the hyperfine structure of the NH3 (1, 1) and (2, 2) lines. We show that the NH3 velocity dispersion,

, and gas kinetic temperature, T
K, vary systematically between the regions included in this release, with an increase in both the mean value and the spread of

and T
K with increasing star formation activity. The data presented in this paper are publicly available (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataverse/GAS_DR1).
Discovery of Molecular and Atomic Clouds Associated with the Magellanic Superbubble 30 Doradus C
Authors: Sano H. , Yamane Y. , Voisin F. , Fujii K. , Yoshiike S. , Inaba T. , Tsuge K. , Babazaki Y. , Mitsuishi I. , Yang R. , Aharonian F. , Rowell G. , Filipović M. D. , Mizuno N. , Tachihara K. , Kawamura A. , Onishi T. , Fukui Y.
Published: July 2017

We analyzed the 2.6 mm CO and 21 cm H i lines toward the Magellanic superbubble 30 Doradus C, in order to reveal the associated molecular and atomic gas. We uncovered five molecular clouds in a velocity range from 251 to 276 km s−1 toward the western shell. The non-thermal X-rays are clearly enhanced around the molecular clouds on a parsec scale, suggesting possible evidence for magnetic field amplification via shock–cloud interaction. The thermal X-rays are brighter in the eastern shell, where there are no dense molecular or atomic clouds, opposite to the western shell. The TeV γ-ray distribution may spatially match the total interstellar proton column density as well as the non-thermal X-rays. If the hadronic γ-ray is dominant, the total energy of the cosmic-ray protons is at least

erg with the estimated mean interstellar proton density ∼60 cm−3. In addition, the γ-ray flux associated with the molecular cloud (e.g., MC3) could be detected and resolved by the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). This should permit CTA to probe the diffusion of cosmic-rays into the associated dense ISM.
The 9577 and 9632 Å Diffuse Interstellar Bands:
as Carrier
Authors: Walker G. A. H. , Campbell E. K. , Maier J. P. , Bohlender D.
Published: July 2017

Galazutdinov et al. (2017) recently claimed that the relative strengths of the 9577 and 9632 Å diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are too poorly correlated to be caused by a single source, the

ion. Their conclusion is based on theoretical modeling of contaminating stellar Mg ii lines at 9631.9 and 9632.4 Å and UVES spectra. This contradicts their earlier result and those of several others that the two DIBs are closely correlated and, within the errors and effects of stellar blends, exhibit an intensity ratio consistent with that found in the 6 K laboratory spectrum of

. We consider the use of close spectral standards to be superior to model atmosphere calculations in correcting for contamination by the Mg ii lines. We have examined some of the same UVES spectra and demonstrate that a lack of suitably observed telluric standards makes it impossible to adequately correct for telluric water vapor contamination, leading to unreliable continuum levels. The possible effects of higher temperatures, in the 30–100 K range, on the

electronic absorption band profiles, and their relative intensities, are also considered.
Seeing Oneself in the Face of the Other: The Value and Challenge of Human Connectedness for Older Adults
Authors: Dinkins Christine Sorrell
Published: July 2017

Connection with others is an essential part of our being as humans. Daily interactions provide chances to laugh, argue, empathize, and love. A lack of human connectedness can lead to loneliness, isolation, and deterioration of physical health. Older adults may encounter challenges in maintaining the connections they used to have or in forming new connections. Moreover, human connectedness is sometimes taken for granted and can slip away gradually, unnoticed at first; thus, older adults may find themselves disconnected and experiencing feelings of loneliness without being aware of the steps that brought them to that state. Nurses and other health professionals must be aware of this potential for disconnectedness so that they can offer support for making and sustaining connections and intentionally connect with a client as a whole person. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55
(7), 13–17.]
Positive Mental Health and Prevalence of Psychological Ill-Being in University Nursing Professors in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Hurtado-Pardos Barbara , Moreno-Arroyo Carmen , Casas Irma , Lluch-Canut Teresa , Lleixà-Fortuño Mar , Farrés-Tarafa Mariona , Roldán-Merino Juan
Published: July 2017

The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence of psychological ill-being among university nursing professors in Spain and determine their grade of positive mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to December 2013 with a sample of 263 university nursing professors. Sociodemographic and occupational variables, as well as variables related to daily habits and lifestyle, were collected. Psychological ill-being was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and positive mental health was evaluated with the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ). Prevalence of psychological ill-being (GHQ-12 score >2) among the sample was 27% (range = 21.8% to 32.6%), with a higher prevalence in teachers from first and second cycles (Bachelor's degree and Master's degree, respectively) and a lower prevalence in those having very satisfactory social relationships. Significant differences were found in relation to consumption of tranquilizer drugs and Bach flower remedies. PMHQ scores were lower among teachers with a GHQ-12 score >2. Participants presented a good level of positive mental health. Preventive policies should be applied with the aim of reducing psychological ill-being among professors and potentiating positive mental health. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55
(7), 38–48.]
L’idée de l’Europe, lectures bulgares
Authors: Krasteva Anna
Published: July 2017

The author sketches a panorama of the ways in which the European idea has affected the definition of Bulgarian identity since the 19th century Bulgarian renaissance. How did the shift occur from an identity caught up in the conflict between western and eastern otherness, to an identity at once embedded in and peripheral to the European framework ? Although these two competing identities are no longer experienced as a dilemma, they turn into a paradox. While the European identity may well be easily accepted, it has very little influence on the way in which Bulgarian identity is conceived. The question underpinning the current diversity of discourse and perceptions regarding identity remains an open one : “Must one be less Bulgarian to be more European, or should one be more of a Bulgarian to become a worthy partner within the European dialogue ?”
Les découpages territoriaux : problèmes épistémologiques et méthodologiques
Authors: Terrier Christophe
Published: July 2017

Christophe Terrier draws on his long experience as a renowned statistician to reflect on the issues posed by the drawing of territorial boundaries and their actual implementation. From this experience, he provides a reflection on the significance of official territorial boundaries, distinguishing between boundaries based on wealth, knowledge and power. He offers a sophisticated and nuanced analysis of the complex ambiguities in the intermeshed scientific and political concerns when it comes to the drawing of territorial boundaries.
Compositions et décompositions identitaires : la Belgique
Authors: Vandermotten Christian
Published: July 2017

The political evolution of Belgium is that of a state born in the heart of northwestern Europe in the 19th century. At one time the leader in the industrial revolution on the European continent, Belgium was a constitutional model for bourgeois parliamentary government, which contributed to the building of a Belgian national identity. This identity was in turn based on an ad-hoc historiography, which was subsequently and increasingly challenged as a result of the 20th century transformations of the economic space. The shift of economic expansion from Wallonia to Flanders reinforced the strength of the Flemish nationalist movement, whose roots were latent in Flanders’s rural, catholic and impoverished past, and which were supported by the Flemings’ linguistic identity.The challenge to the legitimacy of the Belgian nationality gained momentum over the following decades, leading to the transformation of Belgium into a federal state. This could very well prove to have been a step towards a loose confederation, if not the dissolution of Belgium into a Europe of regions. This very complicated federalisation of the state operates according to two different decision-making logics. On the Flemish side there is a fusion of territorial and personal functions. In the Walloon region the distinction between territorial and personal functions is preserved. Brussels, which is at the heart of the competition between the two communities, has the most complicated status.
Culturele voorzieningen en stadsontwikkeling: het centrum voor hedendaagse kunst WIELS als voorbode van de veranderingslogica’s van een volkswijk?
Authors: Debersaques Simon
Published: July 2017

De opening van het eerste Brusselse centrum voor hedendaagse kunst in 2007 in het lager gelegen deel van de gemeente Vorst, dat zich kenmerkt door een industrieel stadsweefsel en sociaal-economische onzekerheid, lijkt voor deze wijk het begin van een nieuw tijdperk ingeluid te hebben. WIELS omschrijft zichzelf als “een internationaal laboratorium voor de creatie en de verspreiding van hedendaagse kunst”. Aan de hand van een typologie op basis van de internationale literatuur heeft deze studie als doel de logica’s achter de vestiging van deze culturele instelling te toetsen aan de sociaal-ruimtelijke veranderingen die zich voordoen in de wijk sinds het centrum zich er kwam vestigen. In dit artikel trachten we dus te begrijpen aan welke soort(en) van stadsontwikkeling door middel van cultuur WIELS bijdraagt. Hoewel WIELS zich aanvankelijk midden in een spanning tussen vastgoedrente en openstelling tot de wijk bevond, is uit de gekruiste toepassing van verschillende kwalitatieve methodes gebleken dat we het centrum onder invloed van enkele tastbare, discursieve elementen vandaag de dag zouden kunnen beschouwen als een van de componenten voor de vorming van een nieuwe creatieve grootstedelijke centraliteit.