bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nghiên cứu mối quan hệ giữa mức độ cam kết của chủ đầu tư, nhà thầu và tư vấn giám sát tới tiến độ dự án xây dựng tại Việt Nam
Authors: Hải Nguyễn Lương
Published: July 2018

Các cam kết của các bên tham gia trong quá trình thực thi dự án đóng vai trò quan trọng đến sự thành công của dự án. Bài báo nhằm làm rõ mối quan hệ thông qua mức độ ảnh hưởng của các cam kết của các bên tham gia dự án tới tiến độ dự án thực hiện. Kết quả nghiên cứu đã chỉ ra rằng, các cam kết của nhà thầu trong quá trình thực thi dự án liên quan đến tiến độ và cam kết trách nhiệm của đơn vị tư vấn giám sát có ảnh hưởng rất có ý nghĩa thống kê đến tiến độ dự án. Kết quả nghiên cứu một mặt cung cấp các thông tin khoa học cho công tác quản lý dự án trong việc đề xuất các giải pháp nhằm cải thiện chất lượng dự án xây dựng, mặt khác góp phần làm rõ cơ sở khoa học về quản lý dự án trong phạm vi cam kết thực thi của các bên tham gia dự án.

Từ khoá: chất lượng dự án; cam kết; quản lý dự án; tiến độ dự án.
Synthesis of 2-Selanylidene-1,9A-Dihydro-2H-Pyrido[1,2-A]Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Shahroudi Mina , Zhiani Rahele
Published: July 2018

The reactive intermediate produced in the reaction between pyridines and acetylenic esters was trapped by aryl isoselenocyanates to afford 2-selanylidene-1,9a-dihydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives in good yields.
Fatty Acid Patterns Detected By Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry in Canine Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma From Dogs of Different Breeds
Authors: D’Hue Cedric A. , Dhawan Deepika , Peat Tyler , Ramos-Vara José , Jarmusch Alan , Knapp Deborah W. , Cooks R. Graham
Published: July 2018

Background:

In early work ambient ionization mass spectrometry (MS) revealed lipid patterns distinguishing muscle invasive bladder cancer (invasive urothelial carcinoma, InvUC) from normal urothelium. A new ambient ionization MS approach, touch spray MS (TS-MS) can rapidly generate mass spectra in real time, potentially in a point-of-care setting. A tissue sample removed from a patient is touched by a probe, and mass spectra generated within seconds.

Objective:

To validate TS-MS methods using specimens from naturally-occurring InvUC in dogs where the cancer closely mimics the human condition, and to demonstrate proof-of-concept that TS-MS can elucidate lipid patterns distinguishing InvUC from normal urothelium.

Methods:

Samples of normal urothelium and InvUC from dogs of several breeds were analyzed by TS-MS with correlative histopathology across each sample. Results were compared to those obtained with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS), a more traditional method. Data were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis.

Results:

Lipid patterns identified by TS-MS, as well as by DESI-MS, differed between InvUC and normal urothelium with m/z 281.5 (oleic acid) and m/z 563.5 (oleic acid dimer) substantially contributing to the differences. Using histologic diagnosis as the gold standard, TS-MS had a global prediction rate of 93%.

Conclusions:

TS-MS can be used to identify lipid patterns that differentiate canine InvUC from normal urothelium. Optimization of TS-MS could lead to a point-of-care approach to distinguish cancer from normal in ex vivo tissues in real time, and to define biochemical processes leading to cancer development and progression.
Immunology, Immunotherapy, and Translating Basic Science into the Clinic for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ingersoll Molly A. , Li Xue , Inman Brant A. , Greiner John W. , Black Peter C. , Adam Rosalyn M.
Published: July 2018

The Fourth Annual Albert Institute Bladder Cancer Care and Research Symposium was held from September 14th–16th in Houston, Texas. The symposium covered a range of topics relevant to bladder cancer, including basic science aspects of immunology and immunotherapy that inform clinical management; intravesical therapy for non-muscle invasive disease; understanding the nuances of carcinoma in situ; and optimizing patient care and outcomes following therapy. The moving landscape of bladder cancer from an industry perspective was also discussed.

In the following sections we discuss intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including the immune microenvironment and sex bias, in the context of bladder cancer; how these influence tumor development, progression, and treatment strategies; and how the interpretation of immune features in relation to molecular subtypes informs both treatment decisions and response. We conclude with a summary of key points that will need to be addressed to ensure best use of new knowledge in this area for improved clinical management of patients with bladder cancer.
Systematic Review: Depression and Anxiety Prevalence in Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Vartolomei Liliana , Ferro Matteo , Mirone Vincenzo , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin
Published: July 2018

Background:

Depression affects more than 300 million people of all ages worldwide. In patients with cancer the reported prevalence is up to 24%.

Objective:

To systematically review the literature to report the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with bladder cancer (BC).

Methods:

Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and The Cochrane Library were searched between January and March 2018 using the terms “bladder carcinoma OR bladder cancer AND depression OR anxiety”.

Results:

Thirteen studies encompassing 1659 patients with BC were included. Six studies assessed depression prior and after treatment at 1, 6 and 12 months. Three were conducted in the US, one each in Turkey, Sweden/Egypt and China. Four studies showed a reduction of depression after radical cystectomy (RC) at 1, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Contrary, two studies showed no significant difference in depression between baseline and follow-up. Four studies investigated anxiety; they reported a slight reduction in anxiety score compared to baseline. Seven additional studies reported the prevalence of depression and anxiety (five studies) among patients with BC at a specific time-point. Studies were conducted in Sweden (2), Italy, Greece, US, China and Spain. Pretreatment depression rates ranged from 5.7 to 23.1% and post-treatment from 4.7 to 78%. Post-treatment anxiety rates ranged from 12.5 to 71.3%.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of reported depression and anxiety among BC patients is high with large geographic heterogeneity. Gender and geriatric specific screening and management for anxiety and depression should be implemented to alleviate suffering.
Improvement of Main Cognitive Functions in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease after Treatment with Coconut Oil Enriched Mediterranean Diet: A Pilot Study
Authors: de la Rubia Ortí José Enrique , García-Pardo María Pilar , Drehmer Eraci , Sancho Cantus David , Julián Rochina Mariano , Aguilar Maria Asunción , Hu Yang Iván
Published: July 2018

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder (mainly in women), and new therapies are needed. In this way, ketone bodies are a direct source of cellular energy and can be obtained from coconut oil, postulating that coconut oil could be a new non-pharmacological alternative in AD patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to detect changes in the main cognitive functions of patients with AD after following a coconut oil enriched Mediterranean diet, and to determine whether there are differences in function of stage or sex.

Methods:

A prospective, longitudinal, qualitative, analytic, experimental study was carried out in 44 patients with AD, who were randomly divided into two homogenous groups of 22 patients each: an experimental group of patients who followed a coconut oil enriched Mediterranean diet for 21 days and a control group. In order to determine the cognitive changes after the intervention, we carried out the 7 Minute Screen, which analyses temporal orientation, visuospatial and visuoconstructive abilities, and semantic and episodic memory.

Results:

After intervention with coconut oil, improvements in episodic, temporal orientation, and semantic memory were observed, and it seems that the positive effect is more evident in women with mild-moderate state, although other improvements in males and severe state were also shown.

Conclusions:

The isocaloric coconut oil enriched Mediterranean diet seems to improve cognitive functions in patients with AD, with differences according to patient sex and degree of severity of the disease, although more studies in this line are needed.
Circulating miR-127-3p as a Potential Biomarker for Differential Diagnosis in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Piscopo Paola , Grasso Margherita , Puopolo Maria , D’Acunto Emanuela , Talarico Giuseppina , Crestini Alessio , Gasparini Marina , Campopiano Rosa , Gambardella Stefano , Castellano Anna Elisa , Bruno Giuseppe , Denti Michela A. , Confaloni Annamaria
Published: July 2018

Given the heterogeneous nature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), sensitive biomarkers are greatly needed for the accurate diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disorder. Circulating miRNAs have been reported as promising biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders and processes affecting the central nervous system, especially in aging. The objective of the study was to evaluate if some circulating miRNAs linked with apoptosis (miR-29b-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-107, miR-19b-3p, let-7b-5p, miR-26b-5p, and 127-3p) were able to distinguish between FTD patients and healthy controls. For this study, we enrolled 127 subjects, including 54 patients with FTD, 20 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and 53 healthy controls. The qRT-PCR analysis showed a downregulation of miR-127-3p in FTD compared to controls, while the levels of other miRNAs remained unchanged. Then, miR-127-3p expression was also analyzed in AD patients, finding a different expression between two patient groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve was then created for miR-127-3p to discriminate FTD versus AD (AUC: 0.8986), and versus healthy controls (AUC: 0.8057). In conclusion, miR-127-3p could help to diagnose FTD and to distinguish it from AD.
Assessing the Limitations and Biases in the Current Understanding of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Schwab Nicole , Hazrati Lili-Naz
Published: July 2018

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is considered to be a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Recently there has been a significant amount of media attention surrounding the commonness of CTE in professional athletes, particularly American football, based on several postmortem case series. However, despite the persuasive claims made by the media about CTE, research on the disease and the effects of mTBI in general remain in its infancy. Commonly cited case series studying CTE are limited by methodological biases, pathological inconsistencies, insufficient clinical data, and a reliance on inherently biased postmortem data. These case series do not allow for the collection of any epidemiological data and are not representative of the general population. The exaggerated assumptions and assertions taken from these studies run the risk of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy for individuals who believe they are at risk and have the potential to negatively influence sports-related policymaking. This review outlines the status and limitations of recent CTE case series and calls for future prospective, longitudinal studies to further characterize the pathological and clinical hallmarks of CTE.
Aging research using the common marmoset: Focus on aging interventions
Authors: Ross Corinna N. , Salmon Adam B.
Published: July 2018

Traditional animal models have been used to make seminal discoveries in biomedical research including a better understanding of the biology of the aging process. However, translation of these findings from laboratory to clinical populations has likely been hindered due to fundamental biological and physiological differences between common laboratory animals and humans. Non-human primates (NHP) may serve as an effective bridge towards translation, and short-lived NHP like the common marmoset offer many advantages as models for aging research. Here, we address these advantages and discuss what is currently understood about the changes in physiology and pathology that occur with age in the marmoset. In addition, we discuss how aging research might best utilize this model resource, and outline an ongoing study to address whether pharmaceutical intervention can slow aging in the marmoset. With this manuscript, we clarify how common marmosets might assist researchers in geroscience as a potential model for pre-clinical translation.
Investigating the interference pattern of dual tasks using serial decomposition
Authors: Kang Eun Kyoung , Shin Dabi , Yun Jeong-Yeon , Park Wanjoo , Park Hee-Won
Published: July 2018

Background:

Specific investigation of dual task-interference (DTI) may help researchers to develop the optimal training exercise for enhancing the performance of daily activities.

Objectives:

To reveal the DTI by comparing the performances between personalized single tasks (cognitive or motor task) and dual task with serial decomposition in normal healthy adults.

Methods:

After a preliminary period, healthy participants randomly ( n = 46) performed three computerized experiments of cognitive (CT), motor (MT) and dual tasks (DT). In CT, participants were required to release button 1 (BT1) as rapidly as possible when the font color of a word and its meaning were congruent (Go), and in MT, they had to release BT1 and then tap button 2 (BT2) 10 times as rapidly as possible if the symbol “○” was presented (Go). The DT consisted of a combination of CT and MT elements. The reaction time (RT) of correct releases (RTCR) of BT1 in all tasks was measured, as well as the button shifting time between releasing BT1 and pressing BT2, and the finger tapping rate in MT and DT. To obtain the DTI values, we calculated the RTCR ratio in CT and MT and divided the outcome by the RTCR of DT.

Results:

The ratio of RTCR in CT (% CT/DT, 78.6±13.0%) and MT (% MT/DT, 74.2±10.1%) were significantly lower than the ratio of RTCR in DT (% DT/DT, 100%). The button shifting time of MT was at 92.0±23.7% of baseline, and the finger tapping rate of MT was 106.1±19.1%, which was significantly higher than baseline.

Conclusions:

The % DT/DT is significantly higher than both % CT/DT and % MT/DT, which suggests that the cognitive load depends on the type of cognitive task that is being performed. Additionally, the significant increase of % DT/DT compared to % CT/DT indicated that there is a cognitive load prior to a motor task. The increased button shifting time and decreased tapping rate in DT may indicate that a residual cognitive load and a concurrent motor load were present.
Long Length Document Classification by Local Convolutional Feature Aggregation
Authors: Liu Liu , Liu Kaile , Cong Zhenghai , Zhao Jiali , Ji Yefei , He Jun
Published: July 2018

The exponential increase in online reviews and recommendations makes document classification and sentiment analysis a hot topic in academic and industrial research. Traditional deep learning based document classification methods require the use of full textual information to extract features. In this paper, in order to tackle long document, we proposed three methods that use local convolutional feature aggregation to implement document classification. The first proposed method randomly draws blocks of continuous words in the full document. Each block is then fed into the convolution neural network to extract features and then are concatenated together to output the classification probability through a classifier. The second model improves the first by capturing the contextual order information of the sampled blocks with a recurrent neural network. The third model is inspired by the recurrent attention model (RAM), in which a reinforcement learning module is introduced to act as a controller for selecting the next block position based on the recurrent state. Experiments on our collected four-class arXiv paper dataset show that the three proposed models all perform well, and the RAM model achieves the best test accuracy with the least information.
Image De-Quantization Using Plate Bending Model
Authors: Völgyes David , Martinsen Anne Catrine Trægde , Stray-Pedersen Arne , Waaler Dag , Pedersen Marius
Published: July 2018

Discretized image signals might have a lower dynamic range than the display. Because of this, false contours might appear when the image has the same pixel value for a larger region and the distance between pixel levels reaches the noticeable difference threshold. There have been several methods aimed at approximating the high bit depth of the original signal. Our method models a region with a bended plate model, which leads to the biharmonic equation. This method addresses several new aspects: the reconstruction of non-continuous regions when foreground objects split the area into separate regions; the incorporation of confidence about pixel levels, making the model tunable; and the method gives a physics-inspired way to handle local maximal/minimal regions. The solution of the biharmonic equation yields a smooth high-order signal approximation and handles the local maxima/minima problems.
Practical Applications of a Multisensor UAV Platform Based on Multispectral, Thermal and RGB High Resolution Images in Precision Viticulture
Authors: Matese Alessandro , Di Gennaro Salvatore Filippo
Published: July 2018

High spatial ground resolution and highly flexible and timely control due to reduced planning time are the strengths of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms for remote sensing applications. These characteristics make them ideal especially in the medium–small agricultural systems typical of many Italian viticulture areas of excellence. UAV can be equipped with a wide range of sensors useful for several applications. Numerous assessments have been made using several imaging sensors with different flight times. This paper describes the implementation of a multisensor UAV system capable of flying with three sensors simultaneously to perform different monitoring options. The intra-vineyard variability was assessed in terms of characterization of the state of vines vigor using a multispectral camera, leaf temperature with a thermal camera and an innovative approach of missing plants analysis with a high spatial resolution RGB camera. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values detected in different vigor blocks were compared with shoot weights, obtaining a good regression (R2 = 0.69). The crop water stress index (CWSI) map, produced after canopy pure pixel filtering, highlighted the homogeneous water stress areas. The performance index developed from RGB images shows that the method identified 80% of total missing plants. The applicability of a UAV platform to use RGB, multispectral and thermal sensors was tested for specific purposes in precision viticulture and was demonstrated to be a valuable tool for fast multipurpose monitoring in a vineyard.
Unraveling Field Crops Sensitivity to Heat Stress: Mechanisms, Approaches, and Future Prospects
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Li Jiajia , Wang Minghua , Shah Liaqat , Lu Shaoqi , Wang Xiaobo , Ma Chuanxi
Published: July 2018

The astonishing increase in temperature presents an alarming threat to crop production worldwide. As evident by huge yield decline in various crops, the escalating drastic impacts of heat stress (HS) are putting global food production as well as nutritional security at high risk. HS is a major abiotic stress that influences plant morphology, physiology, reproduction, and productivity worldwide. The physiological and molecular responses to HS are dynamic research areas, and molecular techniques are being adopted for producing heat tolerant crop plants. In this article, we reviewed recent findings, impacts, adoption, and tolerance at the cellular, organellar, and whole plant level and reported several approaches that are used to improve HS tolerance in crop plants. Omics approaches unravel various mechanisms underlying thermotolerance, which is imperative to understand the processes of molecular responses toward HS. Our review about physiological and molecular mechanisms may enlighten ways to develop thermo-tolerant cultivars and to produce crop plants that are agriculturally important in adverse climatic conditions.
Cognitive Components of Vocal Communication: A Case Study
Authors: Snowdon Charles T.
Published: July 2018

Communication among nonhuman animals is often presented as rigid and inflexible, reflecting emotional states rather than having any cognitive basis. Using the world’s smallest monkey, the pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea), with the smallest absolute brain size amongst simian primates as a case study, I review the role of cognition in the development and usage of vocalizations in pygmy marmosets and present new data on the instrumental use of babbling and of food associated vocalizations. Pygmy marmosets have several contact calls that differ in the psychoacoustic properties for sound localization as well as the distance at which they carry through the rainforest. Marmosets use these calls strategically based on distance from neighbors. Marmosets alter spectral and temporal aspects of call structure when exposed to new groups and when newly mated. They display population specific vocal dialects. Young pygmy marmosets engage in extensive babbling behavior rewarded by parents that helps the young develop adult vocal structures, but older monkeys also use babbling instrumentally in conflict situations. Specific food referential calls generally relate to food preferences, but food calls are suppressed in the presence of animate prey. Unmated animals systematically combine a long distance call with food calls as though advertising for mates. Taken together, these examples show that even small brained primates use their vocal signals flexibly and strategically in response to a variety of environmental and social conditions.
Antibiotic Targets in Gonococcal Cell Wall Metabolism
Authors: Pérez Medina Krizia M. , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: July 2018

The peptidoglycan cell wall that encloses the bacterial cell and provides structural support and protection is remodeled by multiple enzymes that synthesize and cleave the polymer during growth. This essential and dynamic structure has been targeted by multiple antibiotics to treat gonococcal infections. Up until now, antibiotics have been used against the biosynthetic machinery and the therapeutic potential of inhibiting enzymatic activities involved in peptidoglycan breakdown has not been explored. Given the major antibiotic resistance problems we currently face, it is crucial to identify other possible targets that are key to maintaining cell integrity and contribute to disease development. This article reviews peptidoglycan as an antibiotic target, how N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to currently available antibiotics, and the potential of continuing to target this essential structure to combat gonococcal infections by attacking alternative enzymatic activities involved in cell wall modification and metabolism.
Profiling of Omega-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Oxidized Products in Salmon after Different Cooking Methods
Authors: Leung Kin Sum , Galano Jean-Marie , Durand Thierry , Lee Jetty Chung-Yung
Published: July 2018

Consumption of food containing n-3 PUFAs, namely EPA and DHA, are known to benefit health and protect against chronic diseases. Both are richly found in marine-based food such as fatty fish and seafood that are commonly cooked prior to consumption. However, the elevated temperature during cooking potentially degrades the EPA and DHA through oxidation. To understand the changes during different cooking methods, lipid profiles of raw, boiled, pan-fried and baked salmon were determined by LC-MS/MS. Our results showed that pan-frying and baking elevated the concentration of peroxides in salmon, whereas only pan-frying increased the MDA concentration, indicating it to be the most severe procedure to cause oxidation among the cooking methods. Pan-frying augmented oxidized products of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs, while only those of n-3 PUFA were elevated in baked salmon. Notably, pan-frying and baking increased bioactive oxidized n-3 PUFA products, in particular F-4t-neuroprostanes derived from DHA. The results of this study provided a new insight into the application of heat and its effect on PUFAs and the release of its oxidized products in salmon.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: A Brief Review of Their Synthesis Methods and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Dhall Atul , Self William
Published: July 2018

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) exhibit antioxidant properties both in vitro and in vivo. This is due to the self-regeneration of their surface, which is based on redox-cycling between 3+ and 4+ states for cerium, in response to their immediate environment. Additionally, oxygen vacancies in the lattice structure allow for alternating between CeO2 and CeO2−x during redox reactions. Research to identify and characterize the biomedical applications of CeNPs has been heavily focused on investigating their use in treating diseases that are characterized by higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although the bio-mimetic activities of CeNPs have been extensively studied in vitro, in vivo interactions and associated protein corona formation are not well understood. This review describes: (1) the methods of synthesis for CeNPs, including the recent green synthesis methods that offer enhanced biocompatibility and a need for establishing a reference CeNP material for consistency across studies; (2) their enzyme-mimetic activities, with a focus on their antioxidant activities; and, (3) recent experimental evidence that demonstrates their ROS scavenging abilities and their potential use in personalized medicine.
Research on Power Demand Suppression Based on Charging Optimization and BESS Configuration for Fast-Charging Stations in Beijing
Authors: Yan Yian , Jiang Jiuchun , Zhang Weige , Huang Mei , Chen Qiang , Wang Huang
Published: July 2018

In order to reduce the recharging time of electric vehicles, the charging power and voltage are becoming higher, which has led to a huge distribution capacity demand and load fluctuation, especially in pure electric buses (PEBs) with large onboard batteries. Based on one actual direct current (DC) fast-charging station, a two-step strategy for the suppression of the peak charging power was developed in this paper, which combined charging optimization and a battery energy storage system (BESS) configuration. A novel charging strategy was proposed, with the PEBs fast-charging during operating hours and normal charging at night, based on a new charging topology. Then, a charging sequence optimization model was established, according to the operation characteristics analysis of the DC fast-charging station. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to optimize the charging sequence, which is disordered at present. Linear programming is used to configure the battery energy storage system in order to further decrease the peak charging power and satisfy the distribution capacity constraint. The two-step strategy was simulated by the dataset from the real station. The results show that the distribution capacity demand, charging load fluctuation, electricity cost, and size of the BESS were significantly decreased.
Silk Protein-Based Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Kwon Kwang-Jun , Seok Hyun
Published: July 2018

Silk derived from the silkworm is known for its excellent biological and mechanical properties. It has been used in various fields as a biomaterial, especially in bone tissue engineering scaffolding. Recently, silk protein-based biomaterial has been used as a barrier membrane scaffolding for guided bone regeneration (GBR). GBR promotes bone regeneration in bone defect areas using special barrier membranes. GBR membranes should have biocompatibility, biodegradability, cell occlusion, the mechanical properties of space-making, and easy clinical handling. Silk-based biomaterial has excellent biologic and mechanical properties that make it a good candidate to be used as GBR membranes. Recently, various forms of silk protein-based membranes have been introduced, demonstrating excellent bone regeneration ability, including osteogenic cell proliferation and osteogenic gene expression, and promoting new bone regeneration in vivo. In this article, we introduced the characteristics of silk protein as bone tissue engineering scaffolding and the recent application of such silk material as a GBR membrane. We also suggested future studies exploring additional uses of silk-based materials as GBR membranes.
Fluid Flow Characteristics and Weld Formation Quality in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of a Thick-Sheet Aluminum Alloy Structure by Varying Welding Position
Authors: Chang Baohua , Xiao Hong , Zeng Jinle , Yang Shuo , Du Dong , Song Jianling , Han Guoliang
Published: July 2018

This study aims to reveal the cause of different weld formation quality for varying welding position in the GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) of a thick-sheet aluminum alloy structure. The fluid flow characteristics of weld pools are investigated by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) modeling and high-speed imaging for the climbing and flat welding positions, which correspond to the start and finish ends of the welds of the structure, respectively. Results show that the directions of gravity relative to weld pools may notably affect the fluid flows in weld pools for different welding positions. For flat welding, gravity will accelerate the fluid flow in the direction of sheet thickness only and in turn result in a high velocity downwards, which implies a good penetrating capability. Welds of good formation with smooth surface and consistent width can be produced under flat welding position. In contrast, for climbing welding, gravity will act on the molten metal in both the direction of sheet thickness and the lateral direction of the weld pool. As a result, the velocity in sheet-thickness direction is decreased, which implies a decreased penetrating capability. Meanwhile, the velocity backwards is increased in the top portion of the weld pool, which makes the molten metal apt to flow out of the weld pool. Both the decreased penetrating capability and the accelerated molten metal outflow would render the climbing welding process unstable, and result in welds of poor formation with uneven weld surface and inconsistent weld width. Based on the study, possible methods are proposed that could be used to improve the weld formation quality when welding thick-sheet aluminum alloys structures using various welding positions.
An Effect of White Space on Traditional Chinese Text-Reading on Smartphones †
Authors: Huang Shih-Miao , Li Wu-Jeng , Tung Shu-Chu
Published: July 2018

The study explored the effects of white space on reading performance of Chinese essays on smartphones. The experiment was a 2(Line spacing) × 2(Paragraph spacing) × 3(Page spacing) Latin square design with two replicates. The Line spacing had two levels: two-font leading and three-font leading. The Paragraph spacing included two levels: one-leading space and two-leading space. The Page spacing included three levels: none spacing, one-third spacing, and one-half spacing. The objective performance measure was reading time; and subjective performance measures included ratings of ease, comfort, aesthetic appeal, and preference. Results of analysis of variance indicated that the main effects of Page spacing, Line spacing, and Paragraph spacing were significant on reading time. Additionally, Page spacing was also significant on ratings of ease, comfort, aesthetic appeal and preference; Line spacing was significant on comfort and aesthetic appeal. However, Paragraph spacing was not significant on ratings of effortlessness, comfort, aesthetic appeal, and preference.
Building Principles for Constructing a Mammalian Blastocyst Embryo
Authors: Pfeffer Peter L.
Published: July 2018

The self-organisation of a fertilised egg to form a blastocyst structure, which consists of three distinct cell lineages (trophoblast, epiblast and hypoblast) arranged around an off-centre cavity, is unique to mammals. While the starting point (the zygote) and endpoint (the blastocyst) are similar in all mammals, the intervening events have diverged. This review examines and compares the descriptive and functional data surrounding embryonic gene activation, symmetry-breaking, first and second lineage establishment, and fate commitment in a wide range of mammalian orders. The exquisite detail known from mouse embryogenesis, embryonic stem cell studies and the wealth of recent single cell transcriptomic experiments are used to highlight the building principles underlying early mammalian embryonic development.
GABA Levels in Left and Right Sensorimotor Cortex Correlate across Individuals
Authors: Puts Nicolaas A. J. , Heba Stefanie , Harris Ashley D. , Evans Christopher John , McGonigle David J. , Tegenthoff Martin , Schmidt-Wilcke Tobias , Edden Richard A. E.
Published: July 2018

Differences in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels measured with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy have been shown to correlate with behavioral performance over a number of tasks and cortical regions. These correlations appear to be regionally and functionally specific. In this study, we test the hypothesis that GABA levels will be correlated within individuals for functionally related regions—the left and right sensorimotor cortex. In addition, we investigate whether this is driven by bulk tissue composition. GABA measurements using edited MRS data were acquired from the left and right sensorimotor cortex in 24 participants. T1-weighted MR images were also acquired and segmented to determine the tissue composition of the voxel. GABA level is shown to correlate significantly between the left and right regions (r = 0.64, p < 0.03). Tissue composition is highly correlated between sides, but does not explain significant variance in the bilateral correlation. In conclusion, individual differences in GABA level, which have previously been described as functionally and regionally specific, are correlated between homologous sensorimotor regions. This correlation is not driven by bulk differences in voxel tissue composition.
Nucleobase and Nucleoside Analogues: Resistance and Re-Sensitisation at the Level of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Metabolism
Authors: Tsesmetzis Nikolaos , Paulin Cynthia B. J. , Rudd Sean G. , Herold Nikolas
Published: July 2018

Antimetabolites, in particular nucleobase and nucleoside analogues, are cytotoxic drugs that, starting from the small field of paediatric oncology, in combination with other chemotherapeutics, have revolutionised clinical oncology and transformed cancer into a curable disease. However, even though combination chemotherapy, together with radiation, surgery and immunotherapy, can nowadays cure almost all types of cancer, we still fail to achieve this for a substantial proportion of patients. The understanding of differences in metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tumour biology between patients that can be cured and patients that cannot, builds the scientific basis for rational therapy improvements. Here, we summarise current knowledge of how tumour-specific and patient-specific factors can dictate resistance to nucleobase/nucleoside analogues, and which strategies of re-sensitisation exist. We revisit well-established hurdles to treatment efficacy, like the blood-brain barrier and reduced deoxycytidine kinase activity, but will also discuss the role of novel resistance factors, such as SAMHD1. A comprehensive appreciation of the complex mechanisms that underpin the failure of chemotherapy will hopefully inform future strategies of personalised medicine.
Influence of Transition Metal on the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction over Nano-Molybdenum-Carbide Catalyst
Authors: Chen Meng , Ma Yufei , Zhou Yanqiang , Liu Changqing , Qin Yanlin , Fang Yanxiong , Guan Guoqing , Li Xiumin , Zhang Zhaoshun , Wang Tiejun
Published: July 2018

The highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) provides a promising way to solve energy and environment problems. In this work, various transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, and Pt) were selected to support on molybdenum carbides by a simple organic-inorganic precursor carburization process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results indicated that the β-Mo2C phase was formed in all metal-doped samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that the binding energy of Mo2+ species (Mo2C) shifted to a lower value after metal was doped on the molybdenum carbide surface. Comparing with pure β-Mo2C, the electrocatalytic activity for HER was improved by transition metal doping on the surface. Remarkably, the catalytic activity improvement was more obvious when Pt was doped on molybdenum carbide (2% Pt-Mo2C). The 2% Pt-Mo2C required a η10 of 79 mV, and outperformed that of pure β-Mo2C (η10 = 410 mV) and other transition metal doped molybdenum carbides, with a small Tafel slope (55 mV/dec) and a low onset overpotential (32 mV) in 0.5 M H2SO4. Also, the 2% Pt-Mo2C catalyst demonstrated a high stability for the HER in 0.5 M H2SO4. This work highlights a feasible strategy to explore efficient electrocatalysts with low cost via engineering on the composition and nanostructure.
Performance of Ethane Dehydrogenation over PtSn Loaded onto a Calcined Mg(Al)O LDH with Three Mg:Al Molar Ratios Using a Novel Method
Authors: Fang Shuqi , Bi Kang , Zhang Qiao , Chen Lingpeng , Sun Yongming , Huang Hongyu , Ma Longlong , Wang Chenguang
Published: July 2018

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is a layered solid containing positively charged layers with negatively charged anions as an interchangeable interlayer. In this research, Mg(Al)O supports were synthesized with three different Mg:Al molar ratios, and bimetallic PtSn catalysts were loaded onto the supports via the anion exchange method. The properties of ethane dehydrogenation of the PtSn/Mg(Al)O catalysts were investigated. The results show that the structure and properties of the PtSn/Mg(Al)O catalysts were influenced by the Mg:Al molar ratio of the hydrotalcites, which consequently influenced the ethane dehydrogenation performance. When the Mg:Al ratio was 5:1, the ethane dehydrogenation performance was optimal, relative to the Mg:Al ratios of 2:1 and 10:1.
The Life and Death of the Recent Global Surface Warming Hiatus Parsimoniously Explained
Authors: Rypdal Kristoffer
Published: July 2018

The main features of the instrumental global mean surface temperature (GMST) are reasonably well described by a simple linear response model driven by anthropogenic, volcanic and solar forcing. This model acts as a linear long-memory filter of the forcing signal. The physical interpretation of this filtering is the delayed response due to the thermal inertia of the ocean. This description is considerably more accurate if El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) are regarded as additional forcings of the global temperature and hence subject to the same filtering as the other forcing components. By considering these as predictors in a linear regression scheme, more than 92% of the variance in the instrumental GMST over the period 1870–2017 is explained by this model, in particular, all features of the 1998–2015 hiatus, including its death. While the more prominent pauses during 1870–1915 and 1940–1970 can be attributed to clustering in time of strong volcanic eruptions, the recent hiatus is an unremarkable phenomenon that is attributed to ENSO with a small contribution from solar activity.
Highly Uniform Large-Area (100 cm2) Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 Thin-Films Prepared by Single-Source Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Liang Guangxing , Lan Huabin , Fan Ping , Lan Chunfeng , Zheng Zhuanghao , Peng Huanxin , Luo Jingting
Published: July 2018

In this work, we report the reproducible preparation method of highly uniform large-area perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 thin films by scalable single-source thermal evaporation with the area of 100 cm2. The microstructural and optical properties of large-area CH3NH3PbI3 thin films were investigated. The dense, uniform, smooth, high crystallinity of large-area perovskite thin film was obtained. The element ratio of Pb/I was close to the ideal stoichiometric ratio of CH3NH3PbI3 thin film. These films show a favorable bandgap of 1.58 eV, long and balanced carrier-diffusion lengths. The CH3NH3PbI3 thin film perovskite solar cell shows a stable efficiency of 7.73% with almost no hysteresis, indicating a single-source thermal evaporation that is suitable for a large area perovskite solar cell.
On the Evaluation of the Spin Galvanic Effect in Lattice Models with Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupling
Authors: Seibold Götz , Caprara Sergio , Grilli Marco , Raimondi Roberto
Published: July 2018

The spin galvanic effect (SGE) describes the conversion of a non-equilibrium spin polarization into a charge current and has recently attracted renewed interest due to the large conversion efficiency observed in oxide interfaces. An important factor in the SGE theory is disorder which ensures the stationarity of the conversion. Through this paper, we propose a procedure for the evaluation of the SGE on disordered lattices which can also be readily implemented for multiband systems. We demonstrate the performance of the method for a single-band Rashba model and compare our results with those obtained within the self-consistent Born approximation for a continuum model.
Cytoprotection of Antioxidant Biocompounds from Grape Pomace: Further Exfoliant Phytoactive Ingredients for Cosmetic Products
Authors: F. Maluf Daniela , Gonçalves Melissa M. , D’Angelo Rebeca W. O. , Girassol Ana B. , Tulio Ana P. , Pupo Yasmine M. , Farago Paulo V.
Published: July 2018

The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy and the safety of grape pomace (Vitis labrusca L.) obtained from the winemaking process as an antioxidant raw material for cosmetic formulations. Grape pomace was dried and submitted to extraction with solvents. The extracts were filtered and freeze-dried. The extraction carried out with 75% acetone-water showed a better yield (1.9 g·g−1). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed the presence of ellagic acid as an active biocompound in the extracts. The Total phenolic content of freeze-dried extracts reached 69.83 ± 1.02 mg for 75% acetone-water system. Antioxidant activity determined by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method revealed there was no statistical difference between the extract (EC50 6.9 ± 0.21) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (EC50 7.6 ± 0.71). Results of cytotoxicity showed that extracts from grape pomace were safe, even at the highest concentration tested (200 mg·mL−1) against the 3T3 cell line. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that there were no morphological cell changes of cells treated. Cytoprotection of cells towards the oxidation promoted by the peroxide solution was observed in the lowest concentration tested (0.73 mg·mL−1). Grape pomace from the winemaking process revealed a significant antioxidant activity attributed to its biocompounds. The safety and efficacy of extracts of grape pomace as raw material for cosmetic formulations was proposed through cell culture assays.
Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Synergistic Effects of Ions and Winter Flounder Antifreeze Protein Adjacent to Ice-Solution Surfaces
Authors: Yasui Tatsuya , Kaijima Tadashi , Nishio Ken , Hagiwara Yoshimichi
Published: July 2018

The control of freezing saline water at the micrometer level has become very important in cryosurgery and cryopreservation of stem cells and foods. Adding antifreeze protein to saline water is a promising method for controlling the freezing because the protein produces a gap between the melting point and the freezing point. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of the solutes occurs in which the freezing point depression of a mixed solution is more noticeable than the sum of two freezing point depressions of single-solute solutions. However, the mechanism of this effect has not yet been clarified. Thus, we have carried out a molecular dynamics simulation on aqueous solutions of winter flounder antifreeze protein and sodium chloride or calcium chloride with an ice layer. The results show that the cations inhibit the hydrogen bond among water molecules not only in the salt solutions but also in the mixed solutions. This inhibition depends on the local number of ions and the valence of cations. The space for water molecules to form the hydrogen bonds becomes small in the case of the mixed solution of the protein and calcium chloride. These findings are consistent with the synergistic effect. In addition, it is found that the diffusion of ions near positively-charged residues is attenuated. This attenuation causes an increase in the possibility of water molecules staying near or inside the hydration shells of the ions. Furthermore, the first hydration shells of the cations become weak in the vicinity of the arginine, lysine and glutamic-acid residues. These factors can be considered to be possible mechanisms of the synergistic effect.
Design of an Electrically Tunable Micro-Lens Based on Graded Photonic Crystal
Authors: Qi YongLe , Sun XiaoHong , Wang Shuai , Li WenYang , Wang ZhongYong
Published: July 2018

A micro-lens with an adjustable focal length (FL) is designed by using Graded Photonic Crystal (GPC) structures and a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) material. The GPCs are formed by gradually changing the radius of the polymer rods in the Photonic Crystal (PC) with square lattices of polymer rods in the background of Liquid Crystals (LCs). The electrically tunable focusing characteristics of the micro-lens are investigated by loading a continuous voltage source to change the LC rotation angle. The sensitivity of the focal shift in terms of LCs tilting angle is 0.152 λ(nm/deg). Moreover, the effect of the defects and deviations on the focusing characteristics are also analyzed. This research is crucial for future applications of the proposed device in the integrated photonics and adaptive optics.
The Relative Effects of Local and Landscape Characteristics of Hedgerows on Bats
Authors: Lacoeuilhe Aurélie , Machon Nathalie , Julien Jean-François , Kerbiriou Christian
Published: July 2018

The role of hedgerows in maintaining biodiversity in areas of intensive agriculture is well known, particularly for bats. However, few studies have addressed the importance of the intrinsic characteristics of hedgerows for bats and disentangled the relative effects of local and landscape characteristics of hedgerows on bat activity. In an acoustic survey, we assessed bat activity by recording bat calls using detectors and manually verified all calls using spectrogram analysis. The parameters used to determine local hedgerow structures were the length of the line of trees, of shrub hedgerows, of wooded hedgerows without shrubs and of hedgerows including the three strata (tree, shrub and herb) at a local scale. We assessed the influence of hedgerow structure and on bat activity with an approach considering both species and community, comparing two different scales, the local and the landscape. We highlighted the importance of hedgerow characteristics for bats on both the local and landscape scales even though responses differ between species and spatial scales. We found that the presence of trees in hedgerows exerts a generally positive influence on bat activity and that hedgerows with the three strata had lower bat activity than hedgerows with trees. In our study, some bats seemed to prefer agricultural landscapes dominated by wooded hedgerows and, on the local scale, hedgerows that include trees with little diversified among strata, except for gleaning species. Our study shows that in terms of hedgerow management, conservation efforts must be designed and undertaken on both the local and landscape scales.