bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sanggenon C Stimulates Osteoblastic Proliferation and Differentiation, Inhibits Osteoclastic Resorption, and Ameliorates Prednisone-Induced Osteoporosis in Zebrafish Model
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Feng Tingting , Guo Donggui , Zhang Min , Chen Lin , Zhou Ying
Published: September 2018

Sanggenon C (SC), which is a natural flavonoid found in the stem bark of Cortex Mori, has been discovered to have the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. However, its effect in osteoporosis has not yet been reported. In this research, the effect of SC on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated by using the MTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the mRNA expression of Runx2, Collagen I, OPG, and RANKL were examined. TRAP-positive cell counting and bone resorption pits were adopted to observe the effect of SC on the formation and function of osteoclasts. Next, the mRNA level of TRAP, CTSK, NFATc1, and TRAF6 of osteoclasts were measured by real-time qPCR. In addition, the anti-osteoporosis activity of SC in vivo was evaluated in the zebrafish model. Our study indicated that SC exhibited a significant stimulatory effect on MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation at 1 to 10 μM and caused an increase in ALP activity at 0.3 to 10 μM. It could upregulate the expression of Runx2, Collagen I, and increases the OPG/RANKL ratio. Furthermore, SC was found to inhibit the formation and function of osteoclasts, which is demonstrated by a lower number of TRAP-positive multinuclear cells and a fewer area of bone resorption pits compared to the control group. TRAP, CTSK, and NFATc1 were downregulated in 0.3 to 10 μM SC treated groups. In addition, 3 to 10 μM SC also inhibited the expression of TRAF6 mRNA. When prednisone-induced zebrafish was treated with 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 μM SC, higher mineralization of vertebrate column was discovered in a dose-dependent pattern, which suggests that SC could reverse the bone loss of zebrafish caused by prednisone. In summary, these findings indicated that SC has the potential to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
Theoretical Insights into the Electron Capture Behavior of H2SO4···N2O Complex: A DFT and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Wang Wei-Hua , Feng Wen-Ling , Wang Wen-Liang , Li Ping
Published: September 2018

Both sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) play a central role in the atmospheric chemistry in regulating the global environment and climate changes. In this study, the interaction behavior between H2SO4 and N2O before and after electron capture has been explored using the density functional theory (DFT) method as well as molecular dynamics simulation. The intermolecular interactions have been characterized by atoms in molecules (AIM), natural bond orbital (NBO), and reduced density gradient (RDG) analyses, respectively. It was found that H2SO4 and N2O can form two transient molecular complexes via intermolecular H-bonds within a certain timescale. However, two molecular complexes can be transformed into OH radical, N2, and HSO4− species upon electron capture, providing an alternative formation source of OH radical in the atmosphere. Expectedly, the present findings not only can provide new insights into the transformation behavior of H2SO4 and N2O, but also can enable us to better understand the potential role of the free electron in driving the proceeding of the relevant reactions in the atmosphere.
Targeted Genomic Screen Reveals Focal Long Non-Coding RNA Copy Number Alterations in Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Volders Pieter-Jan , Lefever Steve , Baute Shalina , Nuytens Justine , Vanderheyden Katrien , Menten Björn , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo
Published: September 2018

The landscape of somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs) affecting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human cancers remains largely unexplored. While the majority of lncRNAs remain to be functionally characterized, several have been implicated in cancer development and metastasis. Considering the plethora of lncRNAs genes that have been currently reported, it is conceivable that many more lncRNAs might function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. We devised a strategy to detect focal lncRNA SCNAs using a custom DNA microarray platform probing 10,519 lncRNA genes. By screening a panel of 80 cancer cell lines, we detected numerous focal aberrations targeting one or multiple lncRNAs without affecting neighboring protein-coding genes. These focal aberrations are highly suggestive for a tumor suppressive or oncogenic role of the targeted lncRNA gene. Although functional validation remains an essential step in the further characterization of the involved candidate cancer lncRNAs, our results provide a direct way of prioritizing candidate lncRNAs that are involved in cancer pathogenesis.
Astaxanthin Prevents Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Modulating Mouse Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liu Huilin , Liu Meihong , Fu Xueqi , Zhang Ziqi , Zhu Lingyu , Zheng Xin , Liu Jingsheng
Published: September 2018

The development and progression of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is influenced by the intestinal microbiota. Astaxanthin, a type of oxygenated carotenoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been proven to relieve liver injury. However, the relationship between the gut microbiota regulation effect of astaxanthin and AFLD improvement remains unclear. The effects of astaxanthin on the AFLD phenotype, overall structure, and composition of gut microbiota were assessed in ethanol-fed C57BL/6J mice. The results showed that astaxanthin treatment significantly relieves inflammation and decreases excessive lipid accumulation and serum markers of liver injury. Furthermore, astaxanthin was shown to significantly decrease species from the phyla Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and the genera Butyricimonas, Bilophila, and Parabacteroides, as well as increase species from Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia compared with the Et (ethanol)group. Thirteen phylotypes related to inflammation as well as correlated with metabolic parameters were significantly altered by ethanol, and then notably reversed by astaxanthin. Additionally, astaxanthin altered 18 and 128 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways involved in lipid metabolism and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism at levels 2 and 3, respectively. These findings suggest that Aakkermansia may be a potential target for the astaxanthin-induced alleviation of AFLD and may be a potential treatment for bacterial disorders induced by AFLD.
The Low Velocity Impact Response of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Polymer Composites
Authors: Li Hao , Liu Jingbiao , Wang Zhenqing , Yu Zhengwei , Liu Yanfei , Sun Min
Published: September 2018

Polymer composites are sensitive to impact loading due to their low impact resistance. Shape memory alloy (SMA) wires have been used to improve the impact resistance of the polymer composite materials because of their unique superelasticity performance. In this study, a new SMA hybrid basalt fiber-reinforced polymer composite embedded with two perpendicular layers of superelastic SMA wires is designed and the low-velocity impact behavior is experimental investigated. For contrast, the conventional polymer composite without SMA wires is also tested as the reference laminate. The tests are carried out at three different impact energy levels (30, 60 and 90 J). Moreover, to find out indications for manufacturing of SMA hybrid composites with high impact resistance, four different SMA wires embedded modes are investigated. Visual inspection and scanning electron microscope methods are adopted to identify the damage modes of the impacted samples. Results show that the impact resistance of the hybrid laminates is improved due to the hybridization of SMA wires. The most effective impact resistance of the SMA hybrid composites can be obtained by incorporating the SMA wires with one layer between the front two plies and another layer between the bottom two plies into the composite structure.
The Role of Rare Earth Lanthanum Oxide in Polymeric Matrix Brake Composites to Replace Copper
Authors: Zheng Kaikui , Gao Chenghui , He Fushan , Lin Youxi
Published: September 2018

The main focus of current research in polymeric matrix brake composites is on searching out a replacement for copper, which has been recently proved to be a hazard to human health and the environment. In this paper, rare earth lanthanum oxide was explored for the replacement of copper in composites. The mechanism of the role of lanthanum oxide in brake composites to replace copper was analyzed. Four series of polymeric matrix brake composites with various amounts of copper (15, 10, 5 and 0 wt %) and rare earth lanthanum oxide (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt %) were developed, in which the copper was gradually replaced by lanthanum oxide in the formula. These series were characterized in terms of physical, thermo-physical and mechanical properties. The results show that lanthanum oxide can be successfully used as a replacement for copper in brake composites. Brake composites with 15 wt % lanthanum oxide that are copper-free are considered optimal, where tribo-properties are considered best. Compared with the addition of copper in brake composites, lanthanum oxide is more conducive to the formation of compacted friction films and transfer films, which is beneficial to the tribological properties of the brake composites. The addition of La2O3 to the brake composites can cause the reaction between La2O3 and Al2O3 to form LaAlO3, and the reaction between Al2O3 and BaSO4 can produce Ba18Al12O36 and Al2SO4 during the friction and wear processes, which can effectively improve the tribological properties of the brake composites at elevated temperature. This research was contributive to the copper-free, metal-free and eco-friendly brake composites.
Basic Dye Removal with Sorption onto Low-Cost Natural Textile Fibers
Authors: Kyzas George Z. , Christodoulou Evi , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: September 2018

Over the last several years, the trend of researchers has been to use some very low-cost materials as adsorbents. For this purpose, some already commercially used bast fibers were selected as potential adsorbent materials to remove basic dye from synthetic effluents. The adsorption of basic yellow 37 dye was studied using three different bast fibers under the names of flax, ramie, and kenaf. Their morphological structure was examined using several techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystallinity, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as those characterizations being a useful tool to propose a mechanism of the whole adsorption process. The adsorption evaluation was achieved by studying at first the pH (12) and temperature effects (25–55 °C). Two isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were also applied to the experimental equilibrium data revealing the superiority of ramie fibers (327, 435, and 460 mg·g−1 (25 °C) for kenaf, flax, and ramie, respectively). The crucial adsorbent’s dosage was found to be 0.1 g per litre for all fibers, while the completed desorption study (eluant’s pH and reuse cycles) also confirmed the strong potential of these kinds of fibers as adsorbents. The latter may be attributed to the cellulosic content.
General Quantile Time Series Regressions for Applications in Population Demographics
Authors: Peters Gareth W.
Published: September 2018

The paper addresses three objectives: the first is a presentation and overview of some important developments in quantile times series approaches relevant to demographic applications—secondly, development of a general framework to represent quantile regression models in a unifying manner, which can further enhance practical extensions and assist in formation of connections between existing models for practitioners. In this regard, the core theme of the paper is to provide perspectives to a general audience of core components that go into construction of a quantile time series model. The third objective is to compare and discuss the application of the different quantile time series models on several sets of interesting demographic and mortality related time series data sets. This has relevance to life insurance analysis and the resulting exploration undertaken includes applications in mortality, fertility, births and morbidity data for several countries, with a more detailed analysis of regional data in England, Wales and Scotland.
Optimum Technology Product Life Cycle Technology Innovation Investment-Using Compound Binomial Options
Authors: Ko Chuan-Chuan , Lin Tyrone T. , Zeng Fu-Min , Liu Chien-Yu
Published: September 2018

The study considers the product life cycle in the stages of technological innovation, and focuses on how to evaluate the optimal investment strategy and the project value. It applies different product stages (three stages including production innovation, manufacture innovation, and business innovation) factors to different risks to build a technology innovation strategy model. This study of option premiums aims for the best strategy timing for each innovation stage. It shows that the variation of business cycle will affect the purchasing power under the uncertainty of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In application, the compound binomial options for the manufacture innovation will only be considered after the execution of the production innovation, whereas the operation innovation will only be considered after the execution of the manufacture innovation. Thus, this paper constructs the dynamic investment sequential decision model, assesses the feasibility of an investment strategy, and makes a decision on the appropriate project value and option premiums for each stage under the possible change of GDP. Numerically, the result shows the equity value of the investment is greater than 0. Therefore, this paper recommends the case firm to invest in its innovation project known as one-time passwords. Sensitivity analysis shows when the risk-adjusted discounted rate r increases, the risk of the investment market increases accordingly, hence the equity value must also be higher in order to attract the case firm’s investment interest. Also, the average GDP growth rate u sensitivity analysis results in different phenomena. The equity value gradually decreases when the average GDP growth rate rises. When the average GDP growth rate u rises to a certain extent, however, its equity value is gradually growing. The study investigates the product life cycle innovation investment topic by using the compound binomial options method and therefore provide a more flexible strategy decision compared with other trend forecast criteria.
A Quantum-Type Approach to Non-Life Insurance Risk Modelling
Authors: Lefèvre Claude , Loisel Stéphane , Tamturk Muhsin , Utev Sergey
Published: September 2018

A quantum mechanics approach is proposed to model non-life insurance risks and to compute the future reserve amounts and the ruin probabilities. The claim data, historical or simulated, are treated as coming from quantum observables and analyzed with traditional machine learning tools. They can then be used to forecast the evolution of the reserves of an insurance company. The following methodology relies on the Dirac matrix formalism and the Feynman path-integral method.
Pipeline Inspection Gauge’s Velocity Simulation Based on Pressure Differential Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: De Araújo Renan Pires , De Freitas Victor Carvalho Galvão , De Lima Gustavo Fernandes , Salazar Andrés Ortiz , Neto Adrião Duarte Dória , Maitelli André Laurindo
Published: September 2018

Industrial pipelines must be inspected to detect typical failures, such as obstructions and deformations, during their lifetime. In the petroleum industry, the most used non-destructive technique to inspect buried pipelines is pigging. This technique consists of launching a Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) inside the pipeline, which is driven by the pressure differential produced by fluid flow. The purpose of this work is to study the application of artificial neural networks to calculate the PIG’s velocity based on the pressure differential. We launch a prototype PIG inside a testing pipeline, where this PIG gathers velocity data from an odometer-based system, while a supervisory system gathers pressure data from the testing pipeline. Then we train a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and a Nonlinear Autoregressive Network with eXogenous Inputs (NARX) network with the gathered data to predict velocity. The results suggest it is possible to use a neural network to model the PIG’s velocity from pressure differential measurements. Our method is a new approach to the typical speed measurements based only on odometer, since the odometer is prone to fail and present poor results under some circumstances. Moreover, it can be used to provide redundancy, improving reliability of data obtained during the test.
Comparative Study of Square and Circular Loop Frequency Selective Surfaces for Millimeter-Wave Imaging Diagnostics Systems
Authors: Mohyuddin Wahab , Kim Dong Hwi , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: September 2018

A design method of large-sized square-loop and circular-loop frequency selective surface (FSS) filters for protection of mm-wave imagining receivers is presented. Due to fine cell structure requirements, the performance of the FSS structures at mm-wave frequencies can be significantly affected by fabrication tolerances, especially involved with large-size panel fabrication. Through a comprehensive parametric variation study on the performance of square-loop and circular-loop FSS structures, it is found that the circular-loop FSS structure performs much less sensitively to the fabrication tolerances, thereby producing better and consistent performances with given design values. As a design example, square-loop and circular-loop notch filters resonating at 105 GHz were designed and the performances were evaluated with multiple prototypes. The resonant frequencies of the implemented circular-loop FSS filters deviated by only about 0.5 GHz from the accurate designed value, which can be easily adjusted in the design process. The implemented square-loop and circular loop FSS filters provided low-loss in the pass-band and high rejection of 23 dB at the resonant frequency with good oblique angle performance.
A Novel Method for Designing General Window Functions with Flexible Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Sun Yinghao , Liu Quanhua , Cai Jinjian , Long Teng
Published: September 2018

In the field of sensor signal processing, windows are time-/frequency-domain weighting functions that are widely applied to reduce the well-known Gibbs oscillations. Conventional methods generally control the spectral characteristics of windows by adjusting several of the parameters of closed-form expressions. Designers must make trade-offs among the mainlobe width (MW), the peak sidelobe level (PSL), and sometimes the sidelobe fall-off rate (SLFOR) of windows by carefully adjusting these parameters. Generally, not all sidelobes need to be suppressed in specified applications. In this paper, a novel method, i.e., the inverse of the shaped output using the cyclic algorithm (ISO-CA), for designing window functions with flexible spectral characteristics is proposed. Simulations are conducted to test the effectiveness, flexibility and versatility of the method. Some experiments based on real measured data are also presented to demonstrate the practicability. The results show that the window functions generated using the cyclic algorithm (CA) yield better performance overall than the windows of conventional methods, achieving a narrower MW, a lower PSL, and a controllable SLFOR. In addition, steerable sidelobes over specified regions can be acquired both easily and flexibly while maintaining the original properties of the initial window as much as possible.
Human Motion Recognition by Textile Sensors Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Vu Chi Cuong , Kim Jooyong
Published: September 2018

Wearable sensors for human physiological monitoring have attracted tremendous interest from researchers in recent years. However, most of the research involved simple trials without any significant analytical algorithms. This study provides a way of recognizing human motion by combining textile stretch sensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and spandex fabric (PET/SP) and machine learning algorithms in a realistic application. In the study, the performance of the system will be evaluated by identification rate and accuracy of the motion standardized. This research aims to provide a realistic motion sensing wearable product without unnecessary heavy and uncomfortable electronic devices.
When Hazing is Not Hazing: Media Portrayal of Hazing: Developing A Typology. Introducing the TAIR Model
Authors: Mathers Scott Alden , Chavez Jackie
Published: September 2018

The present article is a preliminary study using textual analysis of 35 news articles regarding media portrayals of hazing. In an effort to better understand how the media defines and portrays hazing explanations and the types of injuries victims sustain, we introduce the TAIR Model. Results indicate that the TAIR model provides hazing motivations as being the result of tradition, acceptance, initiation, or ritual and that victims of hazing often sustain physical, psychological, and sexual harm. Furthermore, many “hazing acts” are really crimes that happen to be perpetrated by members of sports teams rather than a sports hazing event. The impact of this analysis suggests that due to media portrayals of hazing, the ways in which we think and speak about hazing, as well as the subsequent “solutions”, are counterproductive and distort our understandings of the causes of “hazing”.
An Analysis of the Skill Shortage Problems in Indian IT Companies
Authors: Paul Suchandra
Published: September 2018

Skill shortage is a crucial social issue which needs to be analyzed thoroughly in any organization. In this paper, the problems related to the skill shortage are analyzed and possible solutions are provided to deal with the problem of skill shortages effectively. This paper will facilitate in helping the organization to find the right talent for the organization thus removing or decreasing the problem of skill shortages. The paper begins with the importance of skills shortage from a theoretical point of view. The problems associated are highlighted and analyzed. The factors which are an integral part of skill shortages are elaborated. Also, an in-depth analysis is carried out by considering the organizations, Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys as a case study. In the final section, various solutions and approaches are laid down to tackle the problems incorporated with skill shortages.
Sustainable Energy Development under Climate Change
Authors: Kung Chih-Chun , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: September 2018

The world faces unprecedented threats from climate change and increasing variability, which severely impacts human society and the natural environment. To reduce future climate change and ensure our economies can grow in a sustainable way, sustainable energy development is considered to be an effective approach. In this context, sustainable energy development involves augmenting our energy supplies and managing demands in a fashion that societal energy needs are met with a minimal effect on greenhouse gas emissions and a nominal resultant contribution to future climate change. In this Special Issue, research papers focus on the role of sustainable energy development (while addressing important dimensions of sustainability), which mandates an inter-disciplinary perspective in all articles. We collected 11 such papers that have analyzed a broad array of topics related to bioenergy, wind power, industrial innovation, and climate change mitigation. These papers show the varied application of renewable energy and climate change energy responses, while providing meaningful decision-making information and policy implications.
Changes in Soil Properties and Productivity under Different Tillage Practices and Wheat Genotypes: A Short-Term Study in Iran
Authors: Khorami Shokoofeh Sarikhani , Kazemeini Seyed Abdolreza , Afzalinia Sadegh , Gathala Mahesh Kumar
Published: September 2018

Natural resources are the most limiting factors for sustainable agriculture in Iran. Traditional practices are intensive tillage that leads to a negative impact on crop productivity and soil properties. Conservation agriculture including tillage reductions, better agronomy, and improved varieties, showed encouraging results. The goal of this study was to test combined effect of tillage practices and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes on soil properties as well as crop and water productivity. The experiment was conducted at Zarghan, Fars, Iran during 2014–2016. Experimental treatments were three-tillage practices—conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no tillage (NT)—and four wheat genotypes were randomized in the main and subplots, respectively using split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed NT had higher soil bulk density at surface soil, thereby lower cumulative water infiltration. The lowest soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were obtained under CT that led to the highest C:N ratio. Reduced tillage produced higher wheat yield and maize (Zea mays L.) biomass. Maximum irrigation water was applied under CT, which leads lower water productivity. The findings are based on short-term results, but it is important to evaluate medium- and long-term effects on soil properties, crop yields and water use in future.
Consumer Preference for Eco-Labeled Seafood in Korea
Authors: Kim Bong-Tae , Lee Min-Kyu
Published: September 2018

In Korea, fishery managers, eco-labeled program operators, and the government need detailed information regarding individual-level preferences for eco-labeled seafood. This study aims to identify the determinants of consumer preference for such seafood. Specifically, an ordered probit model is estimated by using micro-survey data obtained from interviews of 2773 randomly selected Korean households. Overall, the estimation results reveal that the chosen model is appropriate to analyze consumer preference for eco-labeled seafood. The coefficients of consumption frequency, the importance of price, the confirmation of origin, residential area, and household income are statistically meaningful. If consumers consider price an important factor, their consumption of eco-labeled seafood may decrease. Moreover, consumers with interest in the origin of seafood are more likely to accept eco-labeled seafood. To increase the consumption of eco-labeled seafood, it is recommended to develop products designed specifically for segmented markets and promote functional features. The findings can provide a valuable guideline to marketing managers and policy makers for designing effective strategies regarding eco-labeled seafood.
Assessing Impacts of Climate Variability and Reforestation Activities on Water Resources in the Headwaters of the Segura River Basin (SE Spain)
Authors: Senent-Aparicio Javier , Liu Sitian , Pérez-Sánchez Julio , López-Ballesteros Adrián , Jimeno-Sáez Patricia
Published: September 2018

Climate change and the land-use and land-cover changes (LULC) resulting from anthropic activity are important factors in the degradation of an ecosystem and in the availability of a basin’s water resources. To know how these activities affect the quantity of the water resources of basins, such as the Segura River Basin, is of vital importance. In this work, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used for the study of the abovementioned impacts. The model was validated by obtaining a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.88 and a percent bias (PBIAS) of 17.23%, indicating that SWAT accurately replicated monthly streamflow. Next, land-use maps for the years of 1956 and 2007 were used to establish a series of scenarios that allowed us to evaluate the effects of these activities on both joint and individual water resources. A reforestation plan applied in the basin during the 1970s caused that the forest area had almost doubled, whereas the agricultural areas and shrubland had been reduced by one-third. These modifications, together with the effect of climate change, have led to a decrease of 26.3% in the quantity of generated water resources, not only due to climate change but also due to the increase in forest area.
How Is Australia Adapting to Climate Change Based on a Systematic Review?
Authors: Pearce Tristan , Rodríguez Evelyn , Fawcett David , Ford James
Published: September 2018

We develop and apply a systematic literature review methodology to identify and characterize the ways in which the peer-reviewed literature depicts how climate change adaptation is occurring in Australia. We reviewed the peer-reviewed, English-language literature between January 2005 and January 2018 for examples of documented human adaptation initiatives in Australia. Our results challenge previous assumptions that adaptation actions are not happening in Australia and describes adaptation processes that are underway. For the most part, actions can be described as preliminary or groundwork, with a particular focus on documenting stakeholder perspectives on climate change and attitudes towards adaptation, and modelling or scenario planning in the coastal zone, agriculture, and health sectors. Where concrete adaptations are reported, they are usually in the agricultural sector and are most common in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia’s food basket. The findings of the review advance our understanding of adaptation to climate change as a process and the need to consider different stages in the process when tracking adaptation.
Change of Blink Rate in Viewing Virtual Reality with HMD
Authors: Kim Jungho , Sunil Kumar Yadav , Yoo Jisang , Kwon Soonchul
Published: September 2018

The eye blink rate, a major human physiological response, directly affects ocular diseases, such as keratitis and dry eye syndrome. It has been shown that the eye blink rate in normal eyes has a certain frequency for individuals, from 6–30 times/min. It was suggested in a previous study that the eye blink rate can be decreased during the viewing of high-intensity and realistic content. Therefore, in this paper, we examine the change of the eye blink rate during the HMD (head-mounted display) viewing of VR (virtual reality) contents; accordingly, we propose an algorithm to measure the eye blink rate as well as compare and analyze this rate in three different environments (natural, monitor, and HMD). We confirmed that IPD (interpupillary distance) and phoria affected the eye blink rate in each environment. In this experiment, 21 subjects (28.38 ± 6.87 years) were selected, and a paired t-test was performed for changes in the eye blink rate over 1 min for each environment. The IPD and phoria effects on the eye blink rate were confirmed using the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. In this experiment, the eye blink rate was decreased in the monitor and HMD environments compared with the natural environment, while that in the HMD environment was decreased compared with the monitor environment. The results of the correlation analysis of far IPD and the eye blink rate show no statistical significance or correlation. The correlation analysis of near IPD and the eye blink rate showed a strong positive correlation of the eye blink rate in the monitor environment. The correlation analysis of distance phoria and the eye blink rate showed a strong negative correlation of the eye blink rate in the HMD environment. The correlation analysis of near-field phoria and the eye blink rate showed a strong negative correlation of the eye blink rate in the HMD environment. It is expected that the results of this study will be used as a VR-viewing recommendation.
Dietary Deoxynivalenol (DON) May Impair the Epithelial Barrier and Modulate the Cytokine Signaling in the Intestine of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Moldal Torfinn , Bernhoft Aksel , Rosenlund Grethe , Kaldhusdal Magne , Koppang Erling Olaf
Published: September 2018

Impaired growth, immunity, and intestinal barrier in mammals, poultry, and carp have been attributed to the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). The increased use of plant ingredients in aquaculture feed implies a risk for contamination with mycotoxins. The effects of dietary DON were explored in 12-month-old Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (start weight of 58 g) that were offered a standard feed with non-detectable levels of mycotoxins (control group) or 5.5 mg DON/kg feed (DON group). Each group comprised two tanks with 25 fish per tank. Five fish from each tank were sampled eight weeks after the start of the feeding trial, when mean weights for the control and DON groups were 123.2 g and 80.2 g, respectively. The relative expression of markers for three tight junction proteins (claudin 25b, occludin, and tricellulin) were lower, whereas the relative expression of a marker for proliferating cell nuclear antigen was higher in both the mid-intestine and the distal intestine in fish fed DON compared with fish from the control group. The relative expression of markers for two suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS1 and SOCS2) were higher in the distal intestine in fish fed DON. There was no indication of inflammation attributed to the feed in any intestinal segments. Our findings suggest that dietary DON impaired the intestinal integrity, while an inflammatory response appeared to be mitigated by suppressors of cytokine signaling. A dysfunctional intestinal barrier may have contributed to the impaired production performance observed in the DON group.
Identification of Novel Subcellular Localization and Trafficking of HIV-1 Nef Variants from Reference Strains G (F1.93.HH8793) and H (BE.93.VI997)
Authors: Van Nynatten Logan R. , Johnson Aaron L. , Dirk Brennan S. , Pawlak Emily N. , Jacob Rajesh Abraham , Haeryfar S. M. Mansour , Dikeakos Jimmy D.
Published: September 2018

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein Nef, plays an essential role in disease progression and pathogenesis via hijacking the host cellular membrane-trafficking machinery. Interestingly, HIV-1 group-M subtypes display differences in the rate of disease progression. However, few reports investigated how the cellular behaviors and activities of Nef isolates from reference strains may differ between HIV-1 group-M subtypes. Here, we characterize how differing cellular distributions of Nef proteins across group-M subtypes may impact protein function using immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis. We demonstrate that Nef variants isolated from HIV-1 group-M subtypes display differences in expression, with low expressing Nef proteins from reference strains of subtypes G (F1.93.HH8793) and H (BE.93.VI997) also displaying decreased functionality. Additionally, we demonstrate variations in the subcellular distribution and localization of these Nef proteins. Nef from subtype G (F1.93.HH8793) and H (BE.93.VI997) reference strains also failed to colocalize with the trans-Golgi network, and were not differentially localized to cellular markers of multivesicular bodies or lysosomes. Strikingly, our results demonstrate that HIV-1 Nef proteins from reference strains G (F1.93.HH8793) and H (BE.93.VI997) highly colocalize with labeled mitochondrial compartments.
Degenerate PCR Primers to Reveal the Diversity of Giant Viruses in Coastal Waters
Authors: Li Yanze , Hingamp Pascal , Watai Hiroyasu , Endo Hisashi , Yoshida Takashi , Ogata Hiroyuki
Published: September 2018

“Megaviridae” is a proposed family of giant viruses infecting unicellular eukaryotes. These viruses are ubiquitous in the sea and have impact on marine microbial community structure and dynamics through their lytic infection cycle. However, their diversity and biogeography have been poorly characterized due to the scarce detection of Megaviridae sequences in metagenomes, as well as the limitation of reference sequences used to design specific primers for this viral group. Here, we propose a set of 82 degenerated primers (referred to as MEGAPRIMER), targeting DNA polymerase genes (polBs) of Megaviridae. MEGAPRIMER was designed based on 921 Megaviridae polBs from sequenced genomes and metagenomes. By applying this primer set to environmental DNA meta-barcoding of a coastal seawater sample, we report 5595 non-singleton operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of Megaviridae at 97% nucleotide sequence identity. The majority of the OTUs were found to form diverse clades, which were phylogenetically distantly related to known viruses such as Mimivirus. The Megaviridae OTUs detected in this study outnumber the giant virus OTUs identified in previous individual studies by more than an order of magnitude. Hence, MEGAPRIMER represents a useful tool to study the diversity of Megaviridae at the population level in natural environments.
Evaluation of the Non-Darcy Effect of Water Inrush from Karst Collapse Columns by Means of a Nonlinear Flow Model
Authors: Xue Yi , Teng Teng , Zhu Lin , He Mingming , Ren Jie , Dong Xun , Liu Fei
Published: September 2018

Karst collapse columns (KCCs) are naturally formed geological structures that are widely observed in North China. Given their influence on normal mining operations and the progress of mining work, collapse columns pose a hidden danger in coal mining under the influence of manual mining. By communicating often with the aquifer, the water inrush from KCCs poses a serious threat to construction projects. This paper adopts three flow field models, namely, Darcy aquifer laminar flow, Forchheimer flow, and Navier–Stokes turbulent flow, based on the changes in the water inrush flow pattern in the aquifer and laneway, and uses COMSOL Multiphysics software to produce the numerical solutions of these models. As the water inrush flow velocity increases, the Forchheimer flow shows the effect of additional force (inertial resistance) on flow in KCCs, in addition to the effect of viscous resistance. After the joint action of viscous resistance and inertial resistance, the inertial resistance ultimately dominates and gradually changes the water inrush from the KCCs to fluid seepage. Forchheimer flow can comprehensively reflect the nonlinear flow process in the broken rock mass of KCCs, demonstrate the dynamic process from the Darcy aquifer to the final tunnel turbulence layer, and quantitatively show the changes in the flow patterns of the water inrush from KCCs.
Potential Impacts of Induced Bank Filtration on Surface Water Quality: A Conceptual Framework for Future Research
Authors: Gillefalk Mikael , Massmann Gudrun , Nützmann Gunnar , Hilt Sabine
Published: September 2018

Studies on induced bank filtration (IBF), a cost-effective and reliable drinking water production method, usually focus on processes affecting the target drinking water quality. We aim to expand this view by assessing potential impacts of IBF on surface water quality. We suggest that IBF can directly and indirectly affect several physical, chemical and biological processes in both the sediment and open water column, eventually leading to positive or negative changes in source water quality. Direct effects of IBF comprise water level fluctuations, changes in water level and retention time, and in organic content and redox conditions in littoral sediments. Indirect effects are mainly triggered by interrupting groundwater discharge into the surface water body. The latter may result in increased seasonal temperature variations in sediment and water and reduced discharge of solutes transported by groundwater such as nutrients and carbon dioxide. These changes can have cascading effects on various water quality, e.g., by facilitating toxic phytoplankton blooms. We propose investigating these potential effects of IBF in future field and laboratory studies to allow for more detailed insights into these yet unknown effects and their magnitude in order to assure a sustainable application of this valuable technique in the future.
Mathematical Modeling of Ice Dynamics as a Decision Support Tool in River Engineering
Authors: Kolerski Tomasz
Published: September 2018

The prediction of winter flooding is a complicated task since it is affected by many meteorological and hydraulic factors. Typically, information on river ice conditions is based on historical observations, which are usually incomplete. Recently, data have been supplemented by information extracted from satellite images. All the above mentioned factors provide a good background of the characteristics of ice processes, but are not sufficient for a detailed analysis of river ice, which is highly dynamic and has a local extent. The main aim of this paper is to show the possibility of the prediction of ice jams in a river using a mathematical model. The case of the Odra River was used here. Within the Lower and Middle Odra River, the most significant flood risk, in winter conditions, is posed by ice jams created when movable ice is stopped by existing obstacles such as shallow areas in the riverbed, the narrowing of the riverbed, and other obstacles caused as a result of sudden changes of the river current, backwater from sea waters, and north winds, which contribute to the creation of ice jams. This in turn causes the damming of water and flooding of adjacent areas. The DynaRICE model was implemented at two locations along the Odra River, previously selected as ice-prone areas. Also, a thermal simulation of ice cover formation on Lake Dąbie was shown with variable discharge. The results of numerical simulations showed a high risk of ice jamming on the Odra River, created within one day of ice moving downstream. The prediction of the place and timing, as well as the extent, of the ice jam is impossible without the application of a robust mathematical model.
A Hooked-Collar for Bridge Piers Protection: Flow Fields and Scour
Authors: Chen Su-Chin , Tfwala Samkele , Wu Tsung-Yuan , Chan Hsun-Chuan , Chou Hsien-Ter
Published: September 2018

A new type of collar, the hooked-collar, was studied through experiments and numerical methods. Tests were conducted using a hooked collar of a width of 1.25b and a height of 0.25b, where b is the bridge-pier width. The hooked-collar efficiency was evaluated by testing different hooked-collar placements within the bridge-pier, which were compared to the bridge-pier without any collar. A double hooked-collar configuration, one placed at the bed level and the other buried 0.25b, was the most efficient at reducing the scour hole. In other cases, a hooked-collar positioned 0.25b above the bed slightly reduced the scour hole and had similar scour patterns when compared to the pier without the hooked-collar. The flow fields along the vertical symmetrical plane in the experiments are also presented. Laboratory experiments and numerical tests show that maximal downflow is highly reduced along with a corresponding decrease in horseshoe vortex strength for the experiments with the hooked-collar, compared to cases without the hooked-collar. The flow fields reveal that the maximum turbulent kinetic energy decreases with the installation of the hooked-collar.
High-temperature magnetism and microstructure of a semiconducting ferromagnetic (GaSb)1−x(MnSb)x alloy
Authors: Oveshnikov Leonid N , Nekhaeva Elena I , Kochura Alexey V , Davydov Alexander B , Shakhov Mikhail A , Marenkin Sergey F , Novodvorskii Oleg A , Kuzmenko Alexander P , Vasiliev Alexander L , Aronzon Boris A , Lahderanta Erkki
Published: September 2018

We have studied the properties of relatively thick (about 120 nm) magnetic composite films grown by pulsed laser deposition using the eutectic compound (GaSb)0.59(MnSb)0.41 as target for sputtering. For the studied films we have observed ferromagnetism and an anomalous Hall effect above room temperature, confirming the presence of spin-polarized carriers. Electron microscopy, atomic and magnetic force microscopy results suggest that the films under study have a homogenous columnar structure in the bulk while MnSb inclusions accumulate near the surface. This is in good agreement with the high mobility values of charge carriers. Based on our data we conclude that the magnetic and magnetotransport properties of the films at room temperature are defined by the MnSb inclusions.
Nucleoside macrocycles formed by intramolecular click reaction: efficient cyclization of pyrimidine nucleosides decorated with 5'-azido residues and 5-octadiynyl side chains
Authors: Liu Jiang , Leonard Peter , Müller Sebastian L , Daniliuc Constantin , Seela Frank
Published: September 2018

Copper(I)-promoted "click" cyclization in the presence of TBTA afforded nucleoside macrocycles in very high yields (≈70%) without using protecting groups. To this end, dU and dC derivatives functionalized at the 5-position of the nucleobase with octadiynyl side chains and with azido groups at the 5’-position of the sugar moieties were synthesized. The macrocycles display freely accessible Watson–Crick recognition sites. The conformation of the 16-membered macrocycle was deduced from X-ray analysis and 1H,1H-NMR coupling constants. The sugar conformation (N vs S) was different in solution as compared to the solid state.
Identification and Mapping of Late Blight Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci in Tomato Accession PI 163245
Authors: Ohlson Erik W. , Ashrafi Hamid , Foolad Majid R.
Published: September 2018

Late blight (LB), caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and potato (S. tuberosum L.) worldwide. The importance of LB on tomato has increased due to the occurrence of aggressive and fungicide‐resistant clonal lineages of P. infestans. Consequently, identification and characterization of new sources of genetic resistance to LB has become a priority in tomato breeding. Previously, we reported accession PI 163245 as a promising source of highly heritable LB resistance for tomato breeding. The purpose of this study was to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with LB resistance in this accession using a trait‐based marker analysis (a.k.a. selective genotyping). An F2 mapping population (n = 560) derived from a cross between a LB‐susceptible tomato breeding line (Fla. 8059) and PI 163245 was screened for LB resistance, and the most resistant (n = 39) and susceptible (n = 35) individuals were selected for genotyping. Sequencing and comparison of the reduced representation libraries (RRLs) derived from genomic DNA of the two parents resulted in the identification of 33,541 putative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, of which, 233 genome‐wide markers were used to genotype the 74 selected F2 individuals. The marker analysis resulted in the identification of four LB resistance QTLs conferred by PI 163245, located on chromosomes 2, 3, 10, and 11. Research is underway to develop near‐isogenic lines (NILs) for fine mapping the QTLs and develop tomato breeding lines with LB resistance introduced from PI 163245.