bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptif Range-Constrained Otsu Untuk Pemilihan Threshold Secara Otomatis Pada Histogram Citra Dengan Variansi Kelas Yang Tidak Seimbang
Authors: Fajarianto Gama Wisnu , Abror Ahmad Hifdhul , Hayatin Nur
Published: August 2017

Abstrak

Image Thresholding merupakan proses segmentasi untuk pemisahkan foreground dan background pada citra dengan cara membagi histogram citra menjadi dua kelas. Beberapa metode thresholding seperti Otsu dan Range-constrained Otsu menggunakan nilai variansi dari histogram untuk mendapatkan titik threshold, namun ketika menangani citra yang memiliki nilai variansi kelas foreground dan background tidak seimbang titik threshold yang dihasilkan kurang tepat. Paper ini mengusulkan metode Adaptif Range-constrained Otsu untuk mengatasi permasalahan variansi kelas yang tidak seimbang dengan cara

mencari kelas yang memiliki nilai variansi lebih besar, untuk mendapatkan titik threshold yang lebih tepat. Pengujian menggunakan 22 NDT image dengan evaluasi misclassification error rate dan metode perankingan menunjukkan metode ini menghasilkan rerata ME 0.1153. Sedangkan Otsu sebesar 0.1746. Nilai rerata ranking 3.55, selisih 0.05 dibanding Kittler III. Hasil ini menunjukkan metode yang diusulkan kompetitif, terutama untuk segmentasi citra yang memiliki variansi kelas tidak sama.

Kata kunci: segmentasi, thresholding, histogram, Otsu, Range-constrained.

Abstract

Image thresholding is segmentation process for separating foreground and background of an image by dividing image histogram into two classes. Several thresholding methods like Otsu and Rangeconstrained Otsu using the variance value of the histogram to get the threshold point, but when handling images that have unbalance class variance of the foreground and background produce less accurate threshold point. This paper proposes a method Adaptive Range-constrained Otsu to solve unbalance class variance problem by finding a class that has greater variance value to obtain more accurate threshold point. NDT testing using 22 images with misclassification error rate evaluation and ranking methods shows that this method results ME average of 0.1153, while Otsu method results 0.1746. The

rankings mean value is 3.55, which has the difference of 0.05 when compared with Kittler III. These results show that the proposed method is competitive, especially for image segmentation with different class variance.

Key word: segmentasi, thresholding, histogram, Otsu, Range-constrained.
30 Years of Component Metallography in the DGM Materialography Technical Committee
Authors: Dieser K.
Published: August 2017

Ambulant metallography enables microstructure determinations and surface examinations of large components without the need to take samples, thus avoiding destructive or expensive repairs. Its benefits are the universal usability, quick availability of results and economic efficiency. For 30 years now, the component metallography working group of the German Society for Materials (DGM) runs an annual vocational training where theoretical and practical metallographic working techniques are presented.
Influence of Melt Compounding on Blast Furnace Slag Filled PP Compounds: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mostafa A. , Pacher G. , Lucyshyn T. , Holzer C. , Krischey E. , Flachberger H. , Fritz B. , Laske S.
Published: August 2017

In the current study, an assessment of the melt-compounding approach upon the behavior of blast furnace slag (BFS) filled polypropylene (PP) is reported. Two melt-compounding technologies are compared in terms of thermodynamic considerations as well as final behavior of the produced compounds. For this comparison, three PP-BFS formulations are introduced, where non-treated BFS is melt-mixed with PP via (1) internal lab mixer (IM) and (2) co-rotating twin-screw compounder (TSC). PP-BFS compounds from both processes are formed into plates via compression molding, characterized and tested for rheological, thermal and mechanical behavior. Processing parameters were evaluated for both processes such as specific shear work, residence time and shear rates. In addition, the rheological, thermal and mechanical behavior of comparable compounds are evaluated. The calculated specific shear work values for IM and TSC are 0.15 and 0.1 kW · h · kg−1. Calculated residence time for TSC is 55 s. Regarding the rheological behavior, it was found that melt mixing via both technologies did not show major differences in complex viscosity or storage- and loss moduli values. DSC findings show that crystallization and melting temperatures of IM- and TSC formulations are comparable. Decreased strain values are noticed for TSC compounds, while tensile modulus is found to be independent of process variation.
Optimization of Parameters for Electrospinning of Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers by the Taguchi Method
Authors: Celep G. K. , Dincer K.
Published: August 2017

This study empirically examined the influences of electrospinning process factors (applied voltage, feed rate of the polymer solution and tip-to-collector distance) and the polymer solution concentration on the diameters of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. To examine this, the polymer solution concentration, applied voltage, feed rate of the polymer solution and tip-to-collector distance were specified as parameters with four levels. In order to optimize these parameters, Taguchi's L16 orthogonal design (4 parameters, 4 levels) was applied to the experiential design. In order to describe the optimum production conditions for electrospun PAN nanofibers, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio was used, which was calculated from the diameters of electrospun PAN nanofibers using the “smaller-the-better” approach. By using the S/N ratio response results, the most influential parameter determining the nanofiber diameter was identified as the polymer solution concentration. The nanofiber diameter at the optimum conditions was 163.6 nm. In addition, homogeneous nanofibers with no observed beads were obtained by means of the newly designed adjustable rotary plate collector. In conclusion, the Taguchi technique was seen to be an efficient technique to optimise the crucial electrospinning process factors used in nanofiber production.
Synthesis of a Conducting Nanocomposite by Intercalative Copolymerisation of Furan and Aniline in Montmorillonite
Authors: Saiah O. , Hachemaoui A. , Yahiaoui A.
Published: August 2017

Herein, we describe the synthesis of polyfuran, polyaniline, and their copolymer nanocomposites by in-situ oxidative polymerisation of corresponding monomers in the presence of montmorillonite, using ammonium persulfate as an oxidant. The obtained nanocomposites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and UV-vis spectroscopy.
RETRACTED: HOXC10 Promotes the Metastasis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma and Indicates Poor Survival Outcome
Authors: Tang Xiao-Lei , Ding Bang-Xian , Hua Ying , Chen Hao , Wu Tao , Chen Zhang-Quan , Yuan Chun-Hui
Published: August 2017

Background: As master regulator of embryonic morphogenesis, homeodomain-containing gene 10 (HOXC10) has been found to promote progression of human cancers and indicates poor survival outcome. However, the role of HOXC10 in lung adenocarcinoma still unclear.

Methods: HOXC10 expression was evaluated in 63 primary lung adenocarcinoma tissues from our local hospital, and further systematically confirmed in lung cancer tissues from six GEO datasets (GSE19188, GSE31210, GSE10072, GSE7670, GSE32863, GSE30219), and Kaplan-Meier plotter database. The role of HOXC10 in lung cancer metastasis was further validated by cellular and molecular studies.

Results: The expression of HOXC10 was significantly increased in human lung adenocarcinoma samples from Wuhu No.2 People's Hospital, about 4.219 times compared with normal tissues, and significantly correlated with TNM stage, lymph node, and distal metastasis. Upregulation of HOXC10 indicated a poor overall/relapse free survival of lung cancer patients from Wuhu No.2 People's Hospital, GEO datasets, and Kaplan-Meier plotter database, especially in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Knockdown or ectopic expression assays confirmed that HOXC10 enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K, regulated the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers: MMP2/9, VCAM-1, vimentin and E-cadherin. Cellular study further confirmed that HOXC10 was required for migration, invasion and adhesion of lung cancer cells.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that HOXC10 plays a pivotal role in the metastasis of human lung cancer and highlight its usefulness as a potential prognostic marker or therapeutic target in human lung adenocarcinoma.
On the Existence of Solutions of Nonlinear Fredholm Integral Equations from Kantorovich’s Technique
Authors: Ezquerro José , Hernández-Verón Miguel
Published: August 2017

The well-known Kantorovich technique based on majorizing sequences is used to analyse the convergence of Newton’s method when it is used to solve nonlinear Fredholm integral equations. In addition, we obtain information about the domains of existence and uniqueness of a solution for these equations. Finally, we illustrate the above with two particular Fredholm integral equations.
Traditional Cheese Production and an EU Labeling Scheme: The Alpine Cheese Producers’ Opinion
Authors: Bonadonna Alessandro , Peira Giovanni , Giachino Chiara , Molinaro Luana
Published: August 2017

In 2012, the European Union introduced two optional quality terms (OQT) as new tools for the enhancement of food products. Two years later, the requirements for the use of the OQT “mountain product” were defined to enhance agricultural production in harsh environments, such as mountain areas. This new tool aimed at promoting local development, maintaining the economic activities in mountain areas and redistributing wealth. The present research aims at understanding if farmers perceived this tool as useful and evaluates their level of awareness. To this aim, a sample of 68 traditional cheese producers from the North West Alpine Arch was interviewed. The results show that some cheese producers have a positive attitude towards the concepts set out in the OQT “mountain product” and consider it a useful tool to promote and enhance their products. Some critical elements are also discussed.
Disentangling the Effects of Tillage Timing and Weather on Weed Community Assembly
Authors: Cordeau Stéphane , Smith Richard , Gallandt Eric , Brown Bryan , Salon Paul , DiTommaso Antonio , Ryan Matthew
Published: August 2017

The effect of tillage timing on weed community assembly was assessed at four locations in the Northeastern United States by tilling the soil every two weeks from April to September and quantifying the emerged weed community six weeks after each tillage event. Variance partitioning analysis was used to test the relative importance of tillage timing and weather on weed community assembly (106 weed species). At a regional scale, site (75.5% of the explained inertia)—and to a lesser extent, timing—of tillage (18.3%), along with weather (18.1%), shaped weed communities. At a local scale, the timing of tillage explained approximately 50% of the weed community variability. The effect of tillage timing, after partitioning out the effect of weather variables, remained significant at all locations. Weather conditions, mainly growing degree days, but also precipitation occurring before tillage, were important factors and could improve our ability to predict the impact of tillage timing on weed community assemblages. Our findings illustrate the role of disturbance timing on weed communities, and can be used to improve the timing of weed control practices and to maximize their efficacy.
Welfare Status of Working Horses and Owners′ Perceptions of Their Animals
Authors: Luna Daniela , Vásquez Rodrigo , Rojas Manuel , Tadich Tamara
Published: August 2017

Appropriate interventions to improve working equine welfare should be proposed according to scientific evidence that arises from different geo-cultural contexts. This study aims to assess and compare the welfare status of working horses in two administrative regions of Chile and to determine how owners perceive their horses. Horses’ welfare status was assessed through direct indicators (direct observation and clinical examination) and indirect indicators (an interview with the owner). Owners′ perceptions of their horses were determined through a discourse analysis of their statements. In total, 100 horses and 100 owners were assessed. Results showed a low prevalence of health problems and negative behavior responses among horses in the two regions evaluated. Significant associations were found between inadequate body condition and the absence of deworming, and between hoof abnormalities and a low frequency of shoeing. Between regions, significant differences were found in the presence of lesions and the person responsible for horseshoeing. In regards to the owners′ appreciations, two differing perceptions of working horses were found: a predominantly affective perception and a perception of the animal as a working instrument. Although the instrumental perception was more frequent in the Araucania region, the affective perception was widely shared by both owner populations. The results reveal a good welfare status in working horses and suggest that both affective and instrumental perceptions of these animals can coexist.
Enhancement of Sea Wave Potential Energy with Under-Sea Periodic Structures: A Simulation and Laboratory Study
Authors: Chiu Shuo-Feng , Wang Jyun-Jie , Wang Ssu-Che , Chao Sheng
Published: August 2017

This paper is devoted to a theoretical investigation on the wave amplitude enhancement of surface sea water waves with under-sea periodic arrays of cylinders. A two-dimensional shallow water wave equation is derived and solved by using the plane-wave expansion method. The lattice types studied here include triangular, square and hexagonal lattices. These under-sea structures alter the sea bottom topography and induce constructive interference on the surface water waves. Given that the wave potential energy is dependent on the square of the wave amplitude, this mechanism can thus be used to increase the potential energy. It is shown that the enhancement factor depends on two geometric parameters and the maximum wave amplitude can be found by adjusting the two geometric parameters. Among the lattice types, the triangular and square lattice structures can induce more wave amplitude enhancement (and thus potential energy) than the hexagonal structures. Guided by numerical simulations, we have performed a reduced-scale water tank experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed idea. Preliminary experimental results show promising evidence of the predicted wave amplitude enhancement, suggesting perspective real-scale nearshore deployment and test.
Trending Longitudinal Agreement between Parent and Child Perceptions of Quality of Life for Pediatric Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Weaver Meaghann , Darnall Cheryl , Bace Sue , Vail Catherine , MacFadyen Andrew , Wichman Christopher
Published: August 2017

Pediatric palliative care studies often rely on proxy-reported instead of direct child-reported quality of life metrics. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate quality of life for pediatric patients receiving palliative care consultations and to compare patient-reported quality of life with parent perception of the child’s quality of life across wellness domains. The 23-item PedsQL™ V4.0 Measurement Model was utilized for ten child and parent dyads at time of initial palliative care consultation, Month 6, and Month 12 to assess for physical, emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions of quality of life as reported independently by the child and by the parent for the child. Findings were analyzed using Bland–Altman plots to compare observed differences to limits of agreement. This study revealed overall consistency between parent- and child-reported quality of life across domains. Physical health was noted to be in closest agreement. At the time of initial palliative care consult, children collectively scored their social quality of life higher than parental perception of the child’s social quality of life; whereas, emotional and cognitive quality of life domains were scored lower by children than by the parental report. At the one year survey time point, the physical, emotional, and social domains trended toward more positive patient perception than proxy perception with congruence between quality of life scores for the cognitive domain. Findings reveal the importance of eliciting a child report in addition to a parent report when measuring and longitudinally trending perceptions on quality of life.
Parameterization of Coarse-Grained Molecular Interactions through Potential of Mean Force Calculations and Cluster Expansion Techniques
Authors: Tsourtis Anastasios , Harmandaris Vagelis , Tsagkarogiannis Dimitrios
Published: August 2017

We present a systematic coarse-graining (CG) strategy for many particle molecular systems based on cluster expansion techniques. We construct a hierarchy of coarse-grained Hamiltonians with interaction potentials consisting of two, three and higher body interactions. In this way, the suggested model becomes computationally tractable, since no information from long n-body (bulk) simulations is required in order to develop it, while retaining the fluctuations at the coarse-grained level. The accuracy of the derived cluster expansion based on interatomic potentials is examined over a range of various temperatures and densities and compared to direct computation of the pair potential of mean force. The comparison of the coarse-grained simulations is done on the basis of the structural properties, against detailed all-atom data. On the other hand, by construction, the approximate coarse-grained models retain, in principle, the thermodynamic properties of the atomistic model without the need for any further parameter fitting. We give specific examples for methane and ethane molecules in which the coarse-grained variable is the centre of mass of the molecule. We investigate different temperature (T) and density ( ρ ) regimes, and we examine differences between the methane and ethane systems. Results show that the cluster expansion formalism can be used in order to provide accurate effective pair and three-body CG potentials at high T and low ρ regimes. In the liquid regime, the three-body effective CG potentials give a small improvement over the typical pair CG ones; however, in order to get significantly better results, one needs to consider even higher order terms.
LPI Optimization Framework for Radar Network Based on Minimum Mean-Square Error Estimation
Authors: She Ji , Zhou Jianjiang , Wang Fei , Li Hailin
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a novel low probability of intercept (LPI) optimization framework in radar network by minimizing the Schleher intercept factor based on minimum mean-square error (MMSE) estimation. MMSE of the estimate of the target scatterer matrix is presented as a metric for the ability to estimate the target scattering characteristic. The LPI optimization problem, which is developed on the basis of a predetermined MMSE threshold, has two variables, including transmitted power and target assignment index. We separated power allocation from target assignment through two sub-problems. First, the optimum power allocation is obtained for each target assignment scheme. Second, target assignment schemes are selected based on the results of power allocation. The main problem of this paper can be considered in the point of views based on two cases, including single radar assigned to each target and two radars assigned to each target. According to simulation results, the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the total Schleher intercept factor of a radar network, which can make a great contribution to improve the LPI performance of a radar network.
Coupled DM Heating in SCDEW Cosmologies
Authors: Bonometto Silvio , Mainini Roberto
Published: August 2017

Strongly-Coupled Dark Energy plus Warm dark matter (SCDEW) cosmologies admit the stationary presence of ∼1% of coupled-DM and DE, since inflationary reheating. Coupled-DM fluctuations therefore grow up to non-linearity even in the early radiative expansion. Such early non-linear stages are modelized here through the evolution of a top-hat density enhancement, reaching an early virial balance when the coupled-DM density contrast is just 25–26, and the DM density enhancement is ∼10 % of the total density. During the time needed to settle in virial equilibrium, the virial balance conditions, however, continue to modify, so that “virialized” lumps undergo a complete evaporation. Here, we outline that DM particles processed by overdensities preserve a fraction of their virial momentum. Although fully non-relativistic, the resulting velocities (moderately) affect the fluctuation dynamics over greater scales, entering the horizon later on.
Self-Organized Supercriticality and Oscillations in Networks of Stochastic Spiking Neurons
Authors: Costa Ariadne , Brochini Ludmila , Kinouchi Osame
Published: August 2017

Networks of stochastic spiking neurons are interesting models in the area of theoretical neuroscience, presenting both continuous and discontinuous phase transitions. Here, we study fully-connected networks analytically, numerically and by computational simulations. The neurons have dynamic gains that enable the network to converge to a stationary slightly supercritical state (self-organized supercriticality (SOSC)) in the presence of the continuous transition. We show that SOSC, which presents power laws for neuronal avalanches plus some large events, is robust as a function of the main parameter of the neuronal gain dynamics. We discuss the possible applications of the idea of SOSC to biological phenomena like epilepsy and Dragon-king avalanches. We also find that neuronal gains can produce collective oscillations that coexist with neuronal avalanches.
Planck-Scale Soccer-Ball Problem: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Authors: Amelino-Camelia Giovanni
Published: August 2017

Over the last decade, it has been found that nonlinear laws of composition of momenta are predicted by some alternative approaches to “real” 4D quantum gravity, and by all formulations of dimensionally-reduced (3D) quantum gravity coupled to matter. The possible relevance for rather different quantum-gravity models has motivated several studies, but this interest is being tempered by concerns that a nonlinear law of addition of momenta might inevitably produce a pathological description of the total momentum of a macroscopic body. I here show that such concerns are unjustified, finding that they are rooted in failure to appreciate the differences between two roles for laws composition of momentum in physics. Previous results relied exclusively on the role of a law of momentum composition in the description of spacetime locality. However, the notion of total momentum of a multi-particle system is not a manifestation of locality, but rather reflects translational invariance. By working within an illustrative example of quantum spacetime, I show explicitly that spacetime locality is indeed reflected in a nonlinear law of composition of momenta, but translational invariance still results in an undeformed linear law of addition of momenta building up the total momentum of a multi-particle system.
Editorial for Special Issue “New Challenges in Asian Capital Markets”
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Takagaki Katsuhiko
Published: August 2017

We are pleased to announce the Special Issue on the New Challenges in Asian Capital Markets in the International Journal of Financial Studies. The focus of papers in this Special Issue is on the future challenges and/or future developments Asian Finance. In addition, one article provides a review of the literature on certain issues in relevance to the banking and capital markets in Asia. This Guest Editor’s note synthesizes the contributing authors’ propositions and findings regarding these challenges and developments and hopes that opens new venues for future research directions.
Do Multiwell Plate High Throughput Assays Measure Loss of Cell Viability Following Exposure to Genotoxic Agents?
Authors: Mirzayans Razmik , Andrais Bonnie , Murray David
Published: August 2017

Cell-based assays in multiwell plates are widely used for radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity assessment with different mammalian cell types. Despite their relative ease of performance, such assays lack specificity as they do not distinguish between the cytostatic (reversible/sustained growth arrest) and cytotoxic (loss of viability) effects of genotoxic agents. We recently reported studies with solid tumor-derived cell lines demonstrating that radiosensitivity as measured by multiwell plate colorimetric (e.g., XTT) and fluorimetric (e.g., CellTiter-Blue) assays reflects growth arrest but not loss of viability. Herein we report similar observations with cancer cell lines expressing wild-type p53 (A549 lung carcinoma) or mutant p53 (MDA–MB-231 breast carcinoma) after treatment with the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. Importantly, we show that treatment of cancer cells with concentrations of cisplatin that result in 50% effect (i.e., IC50) in multiwell plate assays trigger the emergence of growth arrested cells that exhibit highly enlarged morphology, remain viable and adherent to the culture dish, and metabolize the tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to its formazan derivative. The emergence of markedly enlarged viable cells complicates the interpretation of chemosensitivity data obtained with multiwell plate high throughput assays. Relying solely on IC50 values could be misleading.
Sympathetic Overactivity in Chronic Kidney Disease: Consequences and Mechanisms
Authors: Kaur Jasdeep , Young Benjamin , Fadel Paul
Published: August 2017

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide, with more than 26 million people suffering from CKD in the United States alone. More patients with CKD die of cardiovascular complications than progress to dialysis. Over 80% of CKD patients have hypertension, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Another common, perhaps underappreciated, feature of CKD is an overactive sympathetic nervous system. This elevation in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) not only contributes to hypertension but also plays a detrimental role in the progression of CKD independent of any increase in blood pressure. Indeed, high SNA is associated with poor prognosis and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of its effect on blood pressure. This brief review will discuss some of the consequences of sympathetic overactivity and highlight some of the potential pathways contributing to chronically elevated SNA in CKD. Mechanisms leading to chronic sympathoexcitation in CKD are complex, multifactorial and to date, not completely understood. Identification of the mechanisms and/or signals leading to sympathetic overactivity in CKD are crucial for development of effective therapeutic targets to reduce the increased cardiovascular risk in this patient group.
Chemical Modifications of Nucleic Acid Aptamers for Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: Ni Shuaijian , Yao Houzong , Wang Lili , Lu Jun , Jiang Feng , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: August 2017

Nucleic acid aptamers have minimal immunogenicity, high chemical synthesis production, low cost and high chemical stability when compared with antibodies. However, the susceptibility to nuclease degradation, rapid excretion through renal filtration and insufficient binding affinity hindered their development as drug candidates for therapeutic applications. In this review, we will discuss methods to conquer these challenges and highlight recent developments of chemical modifications and technological advances that may enable early aptamers to be translated into clinical therapeutics.
Mechanosensitive miRNAs and Bone Formation
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Zhang Yan , Liang Chao , Chen Lei , Zhang Ge , Qian Airong
Published: August 2017

Mechanical stimuli are required for the maintenance of skeletal integrity and bone mass. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that multiple regulators (e.g., hormone, cytoskeleton proteins and signaling pathways) are involved in the mechanical stimuli modulating the activities of osteogenic cells and the process of bone formation. Significantly, recent studies have showed that several microRNAs (miRNAs) were sensitive to various mechanical stimuli and played a crucial role in osteogenic differentiation and bone formation. However, the functional roles and further mechanisms of mechanosensitive miRNAs in bone formation are not yet completely understood. This review highlights the roles of mechanosensitive miRNAs in osteogenic differentiation and bone formation and underlines their potential therapeutic application for bone loss induced by the altering of mechanical stimuli.
Intramitochondrial Ascorbic Acid Enhances the Formation of Mitochondrial Superoxide Induced by Peroxynitrite via a Ca2+-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Guidarelli Andrea , Cerioni Liana , Fiorani Mara , Cantoni Orazio
Published: August 2017

Exposure of U937 cells to peroxynitrite promotes mitochondrial superoxide formation via a mechanism dependent on both inhibition of complex III and increased mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation. Otherwise inactive concentrations of the oxidant produced the same maximal effects in the presence of either complex III inhibitors or agents mobilizing Ca2+ from the ryanodine receptor and enforcing its mitochondrial accumulation. l-Ascorbic acid (AA) produced similar enhancing effects in terms of superoxide formation, DNA strand scission and cytotoxicity. However, AA failed to enhance the intra-mitochondrial concentration of Ca2+ and the effects observed in cells supplemented with peroxinitrite, while insensitive to manipulations preventing the mobilization of Ca2+, or the mitochondrial accumulation of the cation, were also detected in human monocytes and macrophages, which do not express the ryanodine receptor. In all these cell types, mitochondrial permeability transition-dependent toxicity was detected in cells exposed to AA/peroxynitrite and, based on the above criteria, these responses also appeared Ca2+-independent. The enhancing effects of AA are therefore similar to those mediated by bona fide complex III inhibitors, although the vitamin failed to directly inhibit complex III, and in fact enhanced its sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of peroxynitrite.
Planning of Vehicle Routing with Backup Provisioning Using Wireless Sensor Technologies
Authors: Correia Noélia , Carvalho Nuno , Schütz Gabriela
Published: August 2017

Wireless sensor technologies can be used by intelligent transportation systems to provide innovative services that lead to improvements in road safety and congestion, increasing end-user satisfaction. In this article, we address vehicle routing with backup provisioning, where the possibility of reacting to overloading/overcrowding of vehicles at certain stops is considered. This is based on the availability of vehicle load information, which can be captured using wireless sensor technologies. After discussing the infrastructure and monitoring tool, the problem is mathematically formalized, and a heuristic algorithm using local search procedures is proposed. Results show that planning routes with backup provisioning can allow fast response to overcrowding while reducing costs. Therefore, sustainable urban mobility, with efficient use of resources, can be provided while increasing the quality of service perceived by users.
Analyzing the Relationship between Human Behavior and Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Lin Beiyu , Huangfu Yibo , Lima Nathan , Jobson Bertram , Kirk Max , O’Keeffe Patrick , Pressley Shelley , Walden Von , Lamb Brian , Cook Diane
Published: August 2017

In the coming decades, as we experience global population growth and global aging issues, there will be corresponding concerns about the quality of the air we experience inside and outside buildings. Because we can anticipate that there will be behavioral changes that accompany population growth and aging, we examine the relationship between home occupant behavior and indoor air quality. To do this, we collect both sensor-based behavior data and chemical indoor air quality measurements in smart home environments. We introduce a novel machine learning-based approach to quantify the correlation between smart home features and chemical measurements of air quality, and evaluate the approach using two smart homes. The findings may help us understand the types of behavior that measurably impact indoor air quality. This information could help us plan for the future by developing an automated building system that would be used as part of a smart city.
Outdoor Performance Analysis of a Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Collector with Jet Impingement and Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC)
Authors: Jaaz Ahed , Hasan Husam , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Kadhum Abdul , Gaaz Tayser , Al-Amiery Ahmed
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses the effect of jet impingement of water on a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector and compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) on electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency and power production of a PVT system. A prototype of a PVT solar water collector installed with a jet impingement and CPC has been designed, fabricated and experimentally investigated. The efficiency of the system can be improved by using jet impingement of water to decrease the temperature of the solar cells. The electrical efficiency and power output are directly correlated with the mass flow rate. The results show that electrical efficiency was improved by 7% when using CPC and jet impingement cooling in a PVT solar collector at 1:00 p.m. (solar irradiance of 1050 W/m2 and an ambient temperature of 33.5 °C). It can also be seen that the power output improved by 36% when using jet impingement cooling with CPC, and 20% without CPC in the photovoltaic (PV) module at 1:30 p.m. The short-circuit current ISC of the PV module experienced an improvement of ~28% when using jet impingement cooling with CPC, and 11.7% without CPC. The output of the PV module was enhanced by 31% when using jet impingement cooling with CPC, and 16% without CPC.
Influence of Silica Fume Addition in the Long-Term Performance of Sustainable Cement Grouts for Micropiles Exposed to a Sulphate Aggressive Medium
Authors: Ortega José , Esteban María , Rodríguez Raúl , Pastor José , Ibanco Francisco , Sánchez Isidro , Climent Miguel
Published: August 2017

At present, sustainability is of major importance in the cement industry, and the use of additions such as silica fume as clinker replacement contributes towards that goal. Special foundations, and particularly micropiles, are one of the most suitable areas for the use of sustainable cements. The aim of this research is to analyse the effects in the very long-term (for 600 days) produced by sulphate attack in the microstructure of grouts for micropiles in which OPC (ordinary Portland cement) has been replaced by 5% and 10% silica fume. This line of study is building on a previous work, where these effects were studied in slag and fly ash grouts. Grouts made using a commercial sulphate-resisting Portland cement were also studied. The non-destructive impedance spectroscopy technique, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and Wenner resistivity testing were used. Mass variation and the compressive strength have also been analysed. Apparently, impedance spectroscopy is the most suitable technique for studying sulphate attack development. According to the results obtained, grouts for micropiles with a content of silica fume up to 10% and exposed to an aggressive sulphate medium, have a similar or even better behaviour in the very long-term, compared to grouts prepared using sulphate-resisting Portland cement.
Mechanical Contact Characteristics of PC3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells on Complex-Shaped Silicon Micropillars
Authors: Seo Brandon , Jahed Zeinab , Coggan Jennifer , Chau Yeung , Rogowski Jacob , Gu Frank , Wen Weijia , Mofrad Mohammad , Tsui Ting
Published: August 2017

In this study we investigated the contact characteristics of human prostate cancer cells (PC3) on silicon micropillar arrays with complex shapes by using high-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy techniques. These arrays consist of micropillars that are of various cross-sectional geometries which produce different deformation profiles in adherent cells. Fluorescence micrographs reveal that some DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole)-stained nuclei from cells attached to the pillars develop nanometer scale slits and contain low concentrations of DNA. The lengths of these slits, and their frequency of occurrence, were characterized for various cross-sectional geometries. These DNA-depleted features are only observed in locations below the pillar’s top surfaces. Results produced in this study indicate that surface topography can induce unique nanometer scale features in the PC3 cell.
Seismic and Restoration Assessment of Monumental Masonry Structures
Authors: Asteris Panagiotis G. , Douvika Maria G. , Apostolopoulou Maria , Moropoulou Antonia
Published: August 2017

Masonry structures are complex systems that require detailed knowledge and information regarding their response under seismic excitations. Appropriate modelling of a masonry structure is a prerequisite for a reliable earthquake-resistant design and/or assessment. However, modelling a real structure with a robust quantitative (mathematical) representation is a very difficult, complex and computationally-demanding task. The paper herein presents a new stochastic computational framework for earthquake-resistant design of masonry structural systems. The proposed framework is based on the probabilistic behavior of crucial parameters, such as material strength and seismic characteristics, and utilizes fragility analysis based on different failure criteria for the masonry material. The application of the proposed methodology is illustrated in the case of a historical and monumental masonry structure, namely the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the Kaisariani Monastery, a byzantine church that was built in Athens, Greece, at the end of the 11th to the beginning of the 12th century. Useful conclusions are drawn regarding the effectiveness of the intervention techniques used for the reduction of the vulnerability of the case-study structure, by means of comparison of the results obtained.
Strepchazolins A and B: Two New Alkaloids from a Marine Streptomyces chartreusis NA02069
Authors: Yang Cheng-Long , Wang Yi-Shuang , Liu Cheng-Li , Zeng Ying-Jie , Cheng Ping , Jiao Rui-Hua , Bao Shi-Xiang , Huang Hui-Qin , Tan Ren-Xiang , Ge Hui-Ming
Published: August 2017

Two new alkaloids, strepchazolins A (1) and B (2), together with a previously reported compound, streptazolin (3), were isolated from a marine actinomycete, Streptomyces chartreusis NA02069, collected in the Coast of Hainan Island, China. The structures of new compounds were determined by extensive NMR, mass spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analysis, as well as modified Mosher’s method. Compound 1 showed weak anti-Bacillus subtilis activity with the MIC value of 64.0 μM, and weak inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro with IC50 value of 50.6 μM, while its diastereoisomer, Compound 2, is almost inactive.
Assessment of Sub-Micron Particles by Exploiting Charge Differences with Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Romero-Creel Maria , Goodrich Eric , Polniak Danielle , Lapizco-Encinas Blanca
Published: August 2017

The analysis, separation, and enrichment of submicron particles are critical steps in many applications, ranging from bio-sensing to disease diagnostics. Microfluidic electrokinetic techniques, such as dielectrophoresis (DEP) have proved to be excellent platforms for assessment of submicron particles. DEP is the motion of polarizable particles under the presence of a non-uniform electric field. In this work, the polarization and dielectrophoretic behavior of polystyrene particles with diameters ranging for 100 nm to 1 μm were studied employing microchannels for insulator based DEP (iDEP) and low frequency (<1000 Hz) AC and DC electric potentials. In particular, the effects of particle surface charge, in terms of magnitude and type of functionalization, were examined. It was found that the magnitude of particle surface charge has a significant impact on the polarization and dielectrophoretic response of the particles, allowing for successful particle assessment. Traditionally, charge differences are exploited employing electrophoretic techniques and particle separation is achieved by differential migration. The present study demonstrates that differences in the particle’s surface charge can also be exploited by means of iDEP; and that distinct types of nanoparticles can be identified by their polarization and dielectrophoretic behavior. These findings open the possibility for iDEP to be employed as a technique for the analysis of submicron biological particles, where subtle differences in surface charge could allow for rapid particle identification and separation.
Flotation Behaviors of Perovskite, Titanaugite, and Magnesium Aluminate Spinel Using Octyl Hydroxamic Acid as the Collector
Authors: Wang Weiqing , Zhu Yangge , Zhang Shiqiu , Deng Jie , Huang Yang , Yan Wu
Published: August 2017

The flotation behaviors of perovskite, titanaugite, and magnesium aluminate spinel (MA-spinel), using octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) as the collector, were investigated using microflotation experiments, zeta-potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, and flotation experiments on artificially mixed minerals. The microflotation experiments show that the floatability of perovskite is clearly better than titanaugite and MA-spinel at around pH 5.5, while titanaugite possesses certain floatability at pH 6.0–6.5, and MA-spinel displays good floatability at pH > 8.0. The results of the FT-IR and XPS analyses show that OHA mainly interacts with Ti, resulting in perovskite flotation, and that the Al on titanaugite, as well as the Mg and Al on the MA-spinel surface, chemically react with OHA under acidic conditions. However, OHA mainly reacts with the Ti and Ca on the perovskite surface, Ca and Mg on the titanaugite surface, and Mg and Al on the MA-spinel surface under alkaline conditions. The results of the artificially mixed mineral flotation experiment show that the concentrate of TiO2 grade increased from 19.73% to 30.18% at pH 5.4, which indicates that a weakly acidic solution is the appropriate condition for the flotation separation of perovskite from titanaugite and MA-spinel. The results of the modified slag flotation experiments show that the TiO2 grade of concentrate increased from 18.13% to 23.88% at pH 5.4, through the open circuit test of “one roughing and one cleaning”. OHA displays selectivity toward perovskite in the modified slag flotation, but the consumption of H2SO4 is very high. The CaSO4 precipitate covered on the mineral surfaces results in poor TiO2 grade and recovery.
New Insights in the Design of Bioactive Peptides and Chelating Agents for Imaging and Therapy in Oncology
Authors: Tornesello Anna , Buonaguro Luigi , Tornesello Maria , Buonaguro Franco
Published: August 2017

Many synthetic peptides have been developed for diagnosis and therapy of human cancers based on their ability to target specific receptors on cancer cell surface or to penetrate the cell membrane. Chemical modifications of amino acid chains have significantly improved the biological activity, the stability and efficacy of peptide analogues currently employed as anticancer drugs or as molecular imaging tracers. The stability of somatostatin, integrins and bombesin analogues in the human body have been significantly increased by cyclization and/or insertion of non-natural amino acids in the peptide sequences. Moreover, the overall pharmacokinetic properties of such analogues and others (including cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and neurotensin analogues) have been improved by PEGylation and glycosylation. Furthermore, conjugation of those peptide analogues to new linkers and bifunctional chelators (such as AAZTA, TETA, TRAP, NOPO etc.), produced radiolabeled moieties with increased half life and higher binding affinity to the cognate receptors. This review describes the most important and recent chemical modifications introduced in the amino acid sequences as well as linkers and new bifunctional chelators which have significantly improved the specificity and sensitivity of peptides used in oncologic diagnosis and therapy.
Recent Advances in the Inhibition of p38 MAPK as a Potential Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lee Jong Kil , Kim Nam-Jung
Published: August 2017

P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a crucial target for chronic inflammatory diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, as well as neurodegeneration, and there is no known cure. Recent studies on the underlying biology of AD in cellular and animal models have indicated that p38 MAPK is capable of orchestrating diverse events related to AD, such as tau phosphorylation, neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Thus, the inhibition of p38 MAPK is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the targeting of p38 MAPK as a potential strategy for the treatment of AD and envision possibilities of p38 MAPK inhibitors as a fundamental therapeutics for AD.
Novel Methylselenoesters as Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Díaz-Argelich Nuria , Encío Ignacio , Plano Daniel , Fernandes Aristi P. , Palop Juan Antonio , Sanmartín Carmen
Published: August 2017

Selenium (Se) compounds are potential therapeutic agents in cancer. Importantly, the biological effects of Se compounds are exerted by their metabolites, with methylselenol (CH3SeH) being one of the key executors. In this study, we developed a new series of methylselenoesters with different scaffolds aiming to modulate the release of CH3SeH. The fifteen compounds follow Lipinski’s Rule of Five and with exception of compounds 1 and 14, present better drug-likeness values than the positive control methylseleninic acid. The compounds were evaluated to determine their radical scavenging activity. Compound 11 reduced both DPPH and ABTS radicals. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in a panel of five cancer cell lines (prostate, colon and lung carcinoma, mammary adenocarcinoma and chronic myelogenous leukemia) and two non-malignant (lung and mammary epithelial) cell lines. Ten compounds had GI50 values below 10 μM at 72 h in four cancer cell lines. Compounds 5 and 15 were chosen for further characterization of their mechanism of action in the mammary adenocarcinoma cell line due to their similarity with methylseleninic acid. Both compounds induced G2/M arrest whereas cell death was partially executed by caspases. The reduction and metabolism were also investigated, and both compounds were shown to be substrates for redox active enzyme thioredoxin reductase.