bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological Anti-Wear and Extreme-Pressure Performance of Multifunctional Metal and Nonmetal Doped C-based Nanodots
Authors: Tomala Agnieszka Maria , Bhooshan Kumar Vijay , Porat Ze’ev , Michalczewski Remigiusz , Gedanken Aharon
Published: April 2019

Carbon nanodots (CDs) are extensively explored due to their low toxicity, excellent water solubility and biocompatibility. Particularly, fluorescent CDs have received ever-increasing attention. Nevertheless, only a few works have been published on measuring the tribological properties of doped CDs, especially Ga doped CDs (Ga@CDs) and nitrogen doped CDs (N@CDs), and comparing their tribological properties with those of pristine CDs. In this work we describe a simple one-pot synthesis of CDs and doped CDs, and examine their tribological properties as potential lubricants. It is suggested that doping of CDs with various elements can give them desired properties for anti-wear and extreme-pressure performances.
Scale Effect on Impact Performance of Unidirectional Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite Laminates
Authors: Shen Yiou , Jiang Bing , Li Yan
Published: April 2019

As a result of the increasing use of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites in engineering fields, the investigation of scale effect on impact performance for this kind of composite is essential for large scale structure design. The effects of scaling on the impact response of simply supported unidirectional GFRP were investigated through drop weight impact (DWI) tests in this study. Impact tests were undertaken over a wide range of energies to generate damages between barely visible and initiated penetration on four scale size GFRP laminates. The main impact responses including impact force, contact duration, displacement, energy absorption and damage area of scaled specimens were normalized to compare with the full-size specimen. It was found that the impact response of large sample with elastic deformation and small area of delamination can be predicted accurately according to a geometrical similar scaling law. Scale effect was found in the damage threshold force and absorbed energy of the laminates when significant internal damage occurs due to the microstructural effect becoming important in resisting impact force and absorbing impact energy. Moreover, the energy partition and effective stiffness were calculated according to the energy balance model to reveal the contribution of different modes of deformations on energy absorption for the GFRP laminates.
Bilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy Due to Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Buljan Krunoslav , Šarić Gordan , Czersky Hafner Dennis , Perković Romana
Published: April 2019

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a relatively rare condition. We present a case of an acute aseptic thrombosis of the sagittal, transverse and sigmoid sinus in a puerperium patient with protein S deficiency. The specifics of the case include high intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by sinus thrombosis with typical symptomatology and bilateral papilloedema, which also manifested in transient bilateral abducens nerve palsy and, consequently, bilateral horizontal diplopia. The recovery of the cranial nerve function occurred 3 to 4 weeks after it was initially reported. Prompt and adequate anticoagulant therapy contributed to the almost complete recanalization of the dural venous sinus thrombosis and a positive outcome of the disease.
Determination of Johnson–Cook Constitutive Parameters for Cutting Simulations
Authors: Storchak Michael , Rupp Philipp , Möhring Hans-Christian , Stehle Thomas
Published: April 2019

The Johnson–Cook constitutive equation is very widely used for simulating cutting processes. Different methods are applied for establishing parameters of the constitutive equation. Based on the methods analysed in this study, two algorithms were worked out to determine the constitutive parameters for the prevailing conditions during cutting processes. In the first algorithm, all constitutive parameters were established simultaneously with standardized test methods. In the second algorithm, the constitutive parameters were established separately in accordance with the cutting conditions prevailing in machining processes. The developed methodology was verified with AISI 1045 heat-treatable steel and Ti10V2Fe3Al (Ti-1023) titanium alloy. The two materials were examined in standardized tensile and compression tests with varying strain rates and temperatures. In addition, the kinetic characteristics of the orthogonal cutting process were established. Based on the results obtained by experiment and the algorithms developed, the constitutive parameters for the cutting conditions were calculated. The parameters were used to determine the material model for simulating the orthogonal cutting process. The algorithms developed were verified by comparing the simulated and experimentally determined kinetic cutting characteristics, which confirmed their good quality.
Defining Cell Cluster Size by Dielectrophoretic Capture at an Array of Wireless Electrodes of Several Distinct Lengths
Authors: Banovetz Joseph T. , Li Min , Pagariya Darshna , Kim Sungu , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Anand Robbyn K.
Published: April 2019

Clusters of biological cells play an important role in normal and disease states, such as in the release of insulin from pancreatic islets and in the enhanced spread of cancer by clusters of circulating tumor cells. We report a method to pattern cells into clusters having sizes correlated to the dimensions of each electrode in an array of wireless bipolar electrodes (BPEs). The cells are captured by dielectrophoresis (DEP), which confers selectivity, and patterns cells without the need for physical barriers or adhesive interactions that can alter cell function. Our findings demonstrate that this approach readily achieves fine control of cell cluster size over a broader range set by other experimental parameters. These parameters include the magnitude of the voltage applied externally to drive capture at the BPE array, the rate of fluid flow, and the time allowed for DEP-based cell capture. Therefore, the reported method is anticipated to allow the influence of cluster size on cell function to be more fully investigated.
2-Step Drop Impact Analysis of a Miniature Mobile Haptic Actuator Considering High Strain Rate and Damping Effects
Authors: Choi Byungjoo , Choi Hyunjun , Kang You-sung , Jeon Yongho , Lee Moon Gu
Published: April 2019

In recent times, the haptic actuators have been providing users with tactile feedback via vibration for a realistic experience. The vibration spring must be designed thin and small to use a haptic actuator in a smart device. Therefore, considerable interests have been exhibited with respect to the impact characteristics of these springs. However, these springs have been difficult to analyze due to their small size. In this study, drop impact experiments and analyses were performed to examine the damages of the mechanical spring in a miniature haptic actuator. Finally, an analytical model with high strain rate and damping effects was constructed to analyze the impact characteristics.
Gypenoside LXXV Promotes Cutaneous Wound Healing In Vivo by Enhancing Connective Tissue Growth Factor Levels Via the Glucocorticoid Receptor Pathway
Authors: Park Sungjoo , Ko Eunsu , Lee Jun Hyoung , Song Yoseb , Cui Chang-Hao , Hou Jingang , Jeon Byeong Min , Kim Hun Sik , Kim Sun Chang
Published: April 2019

Cutaneous wound healing is a well-orchestrated event in which many types of cells and growth factors are involved in restoring the barrier function of skin. In order to identify whether ginsenosides, the main active components of Panax ginseng, promote wound healing, the proliferation and migration activities of 15 different ginsenosides were tested by MTT assay and scratched wound closure assay. Among ginsenosides, gypenoside LXXV (G75) showed the most potent wound healing effects. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of G75 on wound healing in vivo and characterize associated molecular changes. G75 significantly increased proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and promoted wound closure in an excision wound mouse model compared with madecassoside (MA), which has been used to treat wounds. Additionally, RNA sequencing data revealed G75-mediated significant upregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which is known to be produced via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) pathway. Consistently, the increase in production of CTGF was confirmed by western blot and ELISA. In addition, GR-competitive binding assay and GR translocation assay results demonstrated that G75 can be bound to GR and translocated into the nucleus. These results demonstrated that G75 is a newly identified effective component in wound healing.
Analysis of Gaseous By-Products of CF3I and CF3I-CO2 after High Voltage Arcing Using a GCMS
Authors: Widger Phillip , Haddad Abderrahmane (Manu)
Published: April 2019

Increasing demand for an alternative insulation medium to sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) has led to the investigation of new environmentally friendly insulation gases which could be used in high voltage equipment on the electrical power network. One such alternative, which is currently being explored by researchers, is Trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) which could potentially be used in a gas mixture with carbon dioxide (CO2) as an insulation medium. In this paper an analysis of gaseous by-products detected as a result of high voltage breakdown through pure CF3I and a CF3I-CO2 gas mixture across a sphere-sphere electrode arrangement is given. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS) is used to identify the gaseous by-products produced as a result of high voltage arcing which causes the gas between the electrodes to dissociate. Analysing these gas by-products helps to identify the long-term behaviour of the gas mixture in high voltage equipment.
Complex Tannins Isolated from Jelly Fig Achenes Affect Pectin Gelation through Non-Specific Inhibitory Effect on Pectin Methylesterase
Authors: Wang Shang-Ta , Feng You-Jiang , Lai Ying-Jang , Su Nan-Wei
Published: April 2019

Jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) is used to prepare drinks and desserts in Asia, owing to the gelling capability of its pectin via endogenous pectin methylesterase (PE) catalyzation. Meanwhile, substances with PE inhibitory activity (SPEI) in jelly fig achenes (JFA) residue were noticed to be able to impede the gelation. In this study, we characterized and isolated SPEI from JFA by a series of PE inhibition-guided isolations. Crude aqueous extract of JFA residue was mixed with acetone, and 90% acetone-soluble matter was further fractionated by Diaion HP-20 chromatography. The retained fraction with dominant PE inhibitory activity was collected from 100% methanol eluate. Results from high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and hydrolysis-induced chromogenic transition revealed the SPEI as complex tannins. Total tannins content was determined in each isolated fraction, and was closely related to PE inhibitory activity. In addition, SPEI in this study could inhibit activities of digestive enzymes in vitro and may, therefore, be assumed to act as non-specific protein binding agent.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction, Purification, Partial Characterization, and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides from Panax ginseng
Authors: Zhao Jing-Li , Zhang Meiping , Zhou Hong-Li
Published: April 2019

Polysaccharides are a main active substance in Panax ginseng; however, microwave-assisted extraction used to prepare P. ginseng polysaccharides (MPPG) has rarely been reported, and knowledge of the bactericidal activity of P. ginseng polysaccharides remains low. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the extraction of P. ginseng polysaccharides by using two methods—hot water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction—and compare their chemical composition and structure. In addition, their antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also determined. The data implied that P. ginseng polysaccharides extracted by microwave-assisted extraction possessed a higher extraction yield than hot water extraction (WPPG) under optimized conditions, and the actual yields were 41.6% ± 0.09% and 28.5% ± 1.62%, respectively. Moreover, the preliminary characterization of polysaccharides was identified after purification. The WPPG with the molecular weight (Mw) of 2.07 × 105 Da was composed of Man, Rib, Rha, GalA, Glu, Gal, and Arab, and the typical characteristics of polysaccharides were determined by IR spectra. Compared with WPPG, MPPG had a higher Mw, uronic acid content, and Glu content. More importantly, the antioxidant activity of MPPG was higher than WPPG, which was probably ascribed to its highly Mw and abundant uronic acid content. Besides, both of them exhibited high bactericidal activity. These results demonstrate that microwave-assisted extraction is an effective method for obtaining P. ginseng polysaccharides, and MPPG could be applied as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent.
Lanostane-Type Saponins from Vitaliana primuliflora
Authors: Włodarczyk Maciej , Szumny Antoni , Gleńsk Michał
Published: April 2019

The phytochemistry of the genera Androsace, Cortusa, Soldanella, and Vitaliana, belonging to the Primulaceae family is not well studied so far. Hence, in this paper, we present the results of UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of several primrose family members as well as isolation and structure determination of two new saponins from Vitaliana primuliflora subsp. praetutiana. These two nor-triterpenoid saponins were characterized as (23S)-17α,23-epoxy-29-hydroxy-3β-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-27-nor-lanost-8-en-25-one and (23S)-17α,23-epoxy-29-hydroxy-3β-[(O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-27-nor-lanost-8-en-25-one, respectively. Their structures were determined by high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1D-, and 2D-NMR) analyses. So far, the 27-nor-lanostane monodesmosides were rarely found in dicotyledon plants. Therefore their presence in Vitaliana and also in Androsace species belonging to the Aretia section is unique and reported here for the first time. Additionally, eleven other saponins were determined by HRMS and MS/MS spectra. The isolated lanostane saponins can be considered as chemotaxonomic markers of the family Primulaceae.
Soluble Heparin and Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans Interfere with Sonic Hedgehog Solubilization and Receptor Binding
Authors: Manikowski Dominique , Jakobs Petra , Jboor Hamodah , Grobe Kay
Published: April 2019

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling plays a tumor-promoting role in many epithelial cancers. Cancer cells produce soluble a Shh that signals to distant stromal cells that express the receptor Patched (Ptc). These receiving cells respond by producing other soluble factors that promote cancer cell growth, generating a positive feedback loop. To interfere with reinforced Shh signaling, we examined the potential of defined heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) polysaccharides to block Shh solubilization and Ptc receptor binding. We confirm in vitro and in vivo that proteolytic cleavage of the N-terminal Cardin–Weintraub (CW) amino acid motif is a prerequisite for Shh solubilization and function. Consistent with the established binding of soluble heparin or HS to the Shh CW target motif, both polysaccharides impaired proteolytic Shh processing and release from source cells. We also show that HS and heparin bind to, and block, another set of basic amino acids required for unimpaired Shh binding to Ptc receptors on receiving cells. Both modes of Shh activity downregulation depend more on HS size and overall charge than on specific HS sulfation modifications. We conclude that heparin oligosaccharide interference in the physiological roles of HS in Shh release and reception may be used to expand the field of investigation to pharmaceutical intervention of tumor-promoting Shh functions.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Trazodone and Its Derivatives as New 5-HT1A Ligands: Binding and Docking Studies
Authors: Jaśkowska Jolanta , Zaręba Przemysław , Śliwa Paweł , Pindelska Edyta , Satała Grzegorz , Majka Zbigniew
Published: April 2019

Trazodone, a well-known antidepressant drug widely used throughout the world, works as a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT2) and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Our research aimed to develop a new method for the synthesis of trazodone and its derivatives. In the known methods of the synthesis of trazodone and its derivatives, organic and toxic solvents are used, and the synthesis time varies from several to several dozen hours. Our research shows that trazodone and its derivatives can be successfully obtained in the presence of potassium carbonate as a reaction medium in the microwave field in a few minutes. As a result of the research work, 17 derivatives of trazodone were obtained, including compounds that exhibit the characteristics of 5-HT1A receptor ligands. Molecular modeling studies were performed to understand the differences in the activity toward 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors between ligand 10a (2-(6-(4-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)hexyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one) (5-HT1A Ki = 16 nM) and trazodone. The docking results indicate the lack of the binding of ligand 10a to 5-HT2AR, which is consistent with the in vitro studies. On the other hand, the docking results for the 5-HT1A receptor indicate two possible binding modes. Crystallographic studies support the hypothesis of an extended conformation.
Dietary Calcium Intake and Hypertension: Importance of Serum Concentrations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Nakamura Haruki , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Hara Akinori , Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Miyagi Sakae , Thi Thu Nguyen Thao , Suzuki Keita , Tao Yuichi , Sakamoto Yuriko , Shimizu Yukari , Yamamoto Norio , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: April 2019

The relationship among dietary calcium, hypertension and vitamin D status currently remains unclear. This population-based cross-sectional study examined the association between dietary calcium intake and hypertension and the influence of serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in Japanese subjects. A total of 619 subjects aged from 40 years were recruited. Dietary intake was measured using a validated brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as the use of antihypertensive medication or a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were used as the biomarker of vitamin D status. The prevalence of hypertension and low serum 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/mL) were 55 and 32%, respectively. Dietary calcium intake inversely correlated with hypertension in subjects with serum 25(OH)D levels higher than 20 ng/mL (OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.991, 0.999) but it was not significant in those with serum 25(OH)D levels of 20 ng/mL or lower. Furthermore, dietary vitamin D intake correlated with serum concentrations of 25(OH)D after adjustments for various confounding factors. The present results demonstrate that the regular consumption of calcium may contribute to the prevention and treatment of hypertension in subjects with a non-vitamin D deficiency and also that dietary vitamin D intake may effectively prevents this deficiency.
Changes in Pancreatic Fat Content Following Diet-Induced Weight Loss
Authors: Jiang Yixin , Spurny Manuela , Schübel Ruth , Nonnenmacher Tobias , Schlett Christopher L. , von Stackelberg Oyunbileg , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Kaaks Rudolf , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Kühn Tilman , Nattenmüller Johanna
Published: April 2019

Background: Obesity can lead to ectopic pancreatic fat accumulation and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. Smaller intervention trials have shown a decrease in pancreatic fat content (PFC) with weight loss, and we intended to investigate the effects of weight loss on PFC in a larger trial. Methods: Data from the HELENA-Trial, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) among 137 non-diabetic obese adults were used. The study cohort was classified into 4 quartiles based on weight change between baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention. Changes in PFC (baseline, 12 weeks and 50 weeks post-intervention) upon weight loss were analyzed by linear mixed models. Spearman’s coefficients were used to obtain correlations between anthropometric parameters, blood biochemical markers, and PFC. Results: At baseline, PFC only showed a significant correlation with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (r = 0.41). Relative changes in PFC were significantly (p = 0.01) greater in Q4 (−30.8 ± 5.7%) than in Q1 (1.3 ± 6.7%). These differences remained similar after one year. However, when adjusting the statistical analyses for changes in VAT, the differences in PFC between Q1 and Q4 were no longer statistically significant. Conclusion: Weight loss is associated with a decrease in PFC. However, the reduction of PFC is not independent from reductions in VAT. Unlike VAT, PFC was not associated with metabolic biomarkers.
A Meta-Analysis of Spearman’s Hypothesis Tested on Latin-American Hispanics, Including a New Way to Correct for Imperfectly Measuring the Construct of g
Authors: te Nijenhuis Jan , van den Hoek Michael , Dragt Joep
Published: April 2019

Spearman’s hypothesis states that the difference in intelligence between groups is a function of the g loadings of the subtests, where larger differences are found on tests with higher g loadings. This finding has consistently been supported on various groups. In this study we look at samples of Latin-American Hispanics in comparison to Whites. We carried out a meta-analysis based on 14 data points and a total of 16,813 Latin-American Hispanics, including a new way to correct for imperfectly measuring the construct of g. Spearman’s hypothesis was strongly supported with a mean r of 0.63. After correction for various statistical artifacts this value became rho = 0.91. Therefore, we conclude that Spearman’s hypothesis also holds true for White/Latin-American Hispanic differences.
Neural Network Approach to Forecast Hourly Intense Rainfall Using GNSS Precipitable Water Vapor and Meteorological Sensors
Authors: Benevides Pedro , Catalao Joao , Nico Giovanni
Published: April 2019

This work presents a methodology for the short-term forecast of intense rainfall based on a neural network and the integration of Global Navigation and Positioning System (GNSS) and meteorological data. Precipitable water vapor (PWV) derived from GNSS is combined with surface pressure, surface temperature and relative humidity obtained continuously from a ground-based meteorological station. Five years of GNSS data from one station in Lisbon, Portugal, are processed. Data for precipitation forecast are also collected from the meteorological station. Spaceborne Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) data of cloud top measurements are also gathered, providing collocated information on an hourly basis. In previous studies it was found that the time-varying PWV is correlated with rainfall and can be used to detected heavy rain. However, a significant number of false positives were found, meaning that the evolution of PWV does not contain enough information to infer future rain. In this work, a nonlinear autoregressive exogenous neural network model (NARX) is used to process the GNSS and meteorological data to forecast the hourly precipitation. The proposed methodology improves the detection of intense rainfall events and reduces the number of false positives, with a good classification score varying from 63% up to 72% and a false positive rate of 36% down to 21%, for the tested years in the dataset. A score of 64% for intense rain events classification with 22% false positive rate is obtained for the most recent years. The method also achieves an almost 100% hit rate for the rain vs no rain detection, with close to no false alarms.
Potential of High-Resolution Pléiades Imagery to Monitor Salt Marsh Evolution After Spartina Invasion
Authors: Proença Bárbara , Frappart Frédéric , Lubac Bertrand , Marieu Vincent , Ygorra Bertrand , Bombrun Lionel , Michalet Richard , Sottolichio Aldo
Published: April 2019

An early assessment of biological invasions is important for initiating conservation strategies. Instrumental progress in high spatial resolution (HSR) multispectral satellite sensors greatly facilitates ecosystems’ monitoring capability at an increasingly smaller scale. However, species detection is still challenging in environments characterized by a high variability of vegetation mixing along with other elements, such as water, sediment, and biofilm. In this study, we explore the potential of Pléiades HSR multispectral images to detect and monitor changes in the salt marshes of the Bay of Arcachon (SW France), after the invasion of Spartina anglica. Due to the small size of Spartina patches, the spatial and temporal monitoring of Spartina species focuses on the analysis of five multispectral images at a spatial resolution of 2 m, acquired at the study site between 2013 and 2017. To distinguish between the different types of vegetation, various techniques for land use classification were evaluated. A description and interpretation of the results are based on a set of ground truth data, including field reflectance, a drone flight, historical aerial photographs, GNSS and photographic surveys. A preliminary qualitative analysis of NDVI maps showed that a multi-temporal approach, taking into account a delayed development of species, could be successfully used to discriminate Spartina species (sp.). Then, supervised and unsupervised classifications, used for the identification of Spartina sp., were evaluated. The performance of the species identification was highly dependent on the degree of environmental noise present in the image, which is season-dependent. The accurate identification of the native Spartina was higher than 75%, a result strongly affected by intra-patch variability and, specifically, by the presence of areas with a low vegetation density. Further, for the invasive Spartina anglica, when using a supervised classifier, rather than an unsupervised one, the accuracy of the classification increases from 10% to 90%. However, both algorithms highly overestimate the areas assigned to this species. Finally, the results highlight that the identification of the invasive species is highly dependent both on the seasonal presence of itinerant biological features and the size of vegetation patches. Further, we believe that the results could be strongly improved by a coupled approach, which combines spectral and spatial information, i.e., pattern-recognition techniques.
Assessment Methodology of Practical Configuration Management (CM) for Sustainable Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs)
Authors: Kang Mi-Yeon , Jeong Yeheun , Jung Youngsoo
Published: April 2019

Since the Fukushima accident in 2011, nuclear safety has emerged as a very important political and social issue. Under this circumstance, the importance of configuration management (CM) is emphasized in order to ensure the reliability and safety of facility. However, configuration management (CM) is still in its conceptual stage in the nuclear industry due to the ambiguity of CM definitions, insufficiency of CM procedures, paucity of computerized systems and lack of CM professionals. In an attempt to address this issue, a previous study proposed a comprehensive CM framework for nuclear power plants (NPPs) by comparing CM concepts in seven different industries where the CM is actively utilized. In order to facilitate the practical implementation of the conceptual framework, this paper proposes an assessment methodology for prioritizing the importance of CM application areas based on the physical subjects of NPP structures, systems, components (SSCs). The proposed methodology is composed of an ‘extended CM framework’ with further details and ‘evaluation criteria’ based on CM functions. This study developed an SSCs list by analyzing Design Control Document (DCD) of Westinghouse AP1000 and also identified evaluation criteria through an extensive literature review. The concept of CM in this study encompasses the entire NPP project life-cycle in order to promote the practical CM application. The results of case-study performed in this paper would provide the SSCs priorities and guidelines for practical configuration management (CM) for sustainable NPP facilities.
Sustainable Conservation Tillage Improves Soil Nutrients and Reduces Nitrogen and Phosphorous Losses in Maize Farmland in Southern China
Authors: Issaka Fuseini , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Zhong-Qiu , Asenso Evans , Li Jiu-Hao , Li Yong-Tao , Wang Jin-Jin
Published: April 2019

Monitoring nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) losses on farmland is essential for the prevention of agricultural non-point source pollution (NPS). This study was conducted on typical dry farmland in southern China to determine the effect of conservation tillage and conventional tillage (CT) on soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient movement, as well as on N and P losses. Four conservation tillage techniques (i.e., no-tillage direct seeding (NTDS), no-tillage transplanting (NTTS), minimum tillage direct seeding (MTDS), and minimum tillage transplanting (MTTS)), as well as one CT technique, were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates each. The results suggest that MTDS and NTDS improved soil physical and chemical properties by ensuring adequate retention of these properties at the 0–20 cm soil depth. Low levels of N and P losses in runoff and drainage water were recorded under NTTS and NTDS compared to CT. Our results, therefore, suggest that conservation tillage approaches, such as MTDS and NTDS, are the most suitable tillage techniques for improving soil nutrients and reducing agricultural N and P losses while providing an eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practice.
Inflammatory and Humoral Immune Response during Ebola Virus Infection in Survivor and Fatal Cases Occurred in Sierra Leone during the 2014–2016 Outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Colavita Francesca , Biava Mirella , Castilletti Concetta , Lanini Simone , Miccio Rossella , Portella Gina , Vairo Francesco , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Di Caro Antonino , Lalle Eleonora
Published: April 2019

Ebola virus (EBOV) infection is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response, a loss of lymphocytes and a general paralysis of the immune system, however pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. In a cohort of 23 fatal and 21 survivors of ebola virus disease (EVD) cases admitted to the Emergency Ebola-Treatment-Center in Goderich (Freetown, Sierra Leone) during the 2014 to 2016 EBOV epidemic in Western Africa, we analyzed the pathway-focused gene expression profile of secreted proteins involved in the immune response and the levels of specific anti-EBOV IgM and IgG from the time of admission till discharge or death. We observed a dysregulated inflammatory response in fatal patients as compared to survivors, mainly consisting of the upregulation of inflammatory mediators, whose extent directly correlated with viremia levels. The upregulation persisted and intensified during the late phase of infection. Relevant differences were also found in humoral immunity, as an earlier and more robust EBOV antibody response was observed in survivor patients.
Valuing Coastal Habitat–Fishery Linkages under Regulated Open Access
Authors: Barbier Edward B.
Published: April 2019

This paper explores how regulation of an open access fishery influences the value of a coastal habitat that serves as breeding and nursery grounds. A model of the fishery supported by a coastal wetland is developed, which includes a quota rule that restricts harvest to a fixed proportion of the current stock. The model is applied to mangrove-dependent shellfish and demersal fisheries in Thailand. The value of the welfare effects associated with a change in a supporting coastal habitat is influenced significantly by whether or not the regulatory quota can adjust in response to these changes. Welfare losses are considerably higher when the quota is fixed as opposed to when it can be adjusted. With the restriction in place, effort cannot change to offset the decline in biomass, and as a result, there is a much larger fall in harvest. In addition, the welfare losses are much larger for the shellfish compared to the demersal fisheries. The analysis illustrates that imposing a regulatory rule on an open access fishery has important implications for valuing any linkage between coastal breeding and nursery habitat and a near-shore fishery.
Non-Parametric Regression Analysis of Diuron and Gabapentin Degradation in Lake Constance Water by Ozonation and Their Toxicity Assessment
Authors: Goswami Anuradha , Jiang Jia-Qian , Petri Michael
Published: April 2019

Ozone possesses high selectivity in the oxidation of organic pollutants. It actively reacts with electron donating participants which contain π bonds and non-protonated amines groups. The removal efficiency of organic pollutants hugely depends upon the pollutants’ initial concentration and amount of ozone supplied. This study was conducted at Zweckverband Bodensee-Wasserversorgung (Lake Constance Water Supply), Germany. The prime objective of the research was to observe the performance of diuron and gabapentin ozonation for low ozone doses, therefore meeting the real application requirements of the water treatment plant. Thereby, 1 mg·L−1 of the given organic pollutants was chosen for the treatment. The ozone with a dosage of ≈0.68–1.01 mg·L−1 was generated and homogeneously mixed into Lake Constance water in a semi-batch reactor system. The adequate aliquots of diuron/gabapentin were spiked into the homogenous matrix to acquire the desired initial concentration. The effect of ozone dose and reaction time on the degradation of diuron and gabapentin was investigated. Low ozone doses were sufficient for the complete degradation of diuron and gabapentin, although satisfactory total organic carbon (TOC) reduction was not achieved. Nonetheless, the toxicity from ozone treated effluents can be avoided by adjusting treatment conditions. Due to that degradation data obtained did not follow normalization, the non-parametric (non-normalised) data were analysed with a generalised linear regression model for Gaussian and Poisson distribution. Statistical analysis showed that the ozonation treatment of diuron/gabapentin followed the Gaussian model distribution and the degradation data obtained was proven significant using the Kruskal–Wallis test.
The Impact of Different Incentive Policies on Hybrid Electric Vehicle Demand and Price: An International Comparison
Authors: Whitehead Jake , Washington Simon P. , Franklin Joel P.
Published: April 2019

Significant efforts to incentivize the uptake of energy efficient vehicles (EEVs) are evident across the globe. Given EEV markets are dynamic, and consumer demand may fluctuate in response to incentives, this may also lead to other market forces influencing prices. An analysis of EEV incentives, therefore, must account for the possible endogeneity between demand and pricing. Here we estimate the effects of different types of incentives on the demand and price premiums of a specific group of EEVs: plug-in and conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). For the first time we dis-entangle the endogeneity between HEV demand and price, using error components three-stage least squares (EC3SLS) regression, and establish that increased HEV price premiums lead to reduced demand. In turn, we also establish that increased HEV demand leads to lower price premiums. Additionally, we find that one-off subsidies are associated with higher consumer demand, however, unlike other types of incentives, are also associated with higher HEV price premiums. This finding suggests that HEV manufacturers and/or dealers are absorbing a significant monetary benefit from one-off subsidies, raising a question regarding the appropriateness of HEV subsidies, particularly in non-HEV manufacturing nations. We also find that higher fuel prices are associated with higher HEV demand and price premiums.
Categorías infografía/texto icónico en la formación universitaria
Authors: López Collazo Zeidy Sandra , Reine Herrera Yaumary , Rubio Bárcenes Alexis
Published: April 2019

Las actuales transformaciones en el modelo de formación universitaria, signado por el vertiginoso desarrollo científico–tecnológico en la sociedad de la información y el conocimiento, exige a la educación superior, y en particular a las carreras pedagógicas, formar estudiantes autónomos que innoven ante las necesidades cambiantes de la sociedad, acorde con las exigencias que demanda la calidad de la educación y el contexto contemporáneo. En este empeño se materializa en el diseño curricular del plan de estudio E de las diferentes carreras, la inserción en el currículo de la asignatura Informática y la continuidad del trabajo con aquellas relacionadas con la enseñanza de la lengua materna. En el presente artículo mediante la aplicación de métodos del nivel teórico, se ofrece un marco teórico conceptual sobre la disyuntiva existente entre las categorías infografía/texto icónico, a las cuales se les ofrece un tratamiento de manera fragmentada en las asignaturas referidas. Además, se ofrecen pautas para asegurar que el sistema de conocimientos presentado a partir de las diferentes asignaturas, tenga la consistencia y las relaciones desde la epistemología y no desde una simple comprensión de la temática de un contenido determinado en aras de lograr la calidad de la formación integral del profesional a que se aspira.
The Motif of Motion in ‘Ulysses’, ‘Lolita’ and ‘On The Road’
Authors: Sumonja Sandra
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Developments and Theoretical Approaches on Public Diplomacy
Authors: Brovina Ngadhnjim
Published: April 2019

Seems that had never been agreed upon definition of the term: public diplomacy. This lack of consensus about the definition may prove to be a good thing because, it encourages researchers to explore this area further, and remains to be seen in the future that maybe we will have an accurate and precise term about public diplomacy.

Public diplomacy is seen as an evolving field, a multi-disciplinary field with its theoretical, conceptual and methodological links in some of disciplines such as international relations, media studies, public relations, etc..

When we talk about functions, history and trends of development of public diplomacy, normally is more easily, because we can find more literature, although most of it is in English and just a few in the  Albanian language.

The general approach of my research has to do with recognition of some of the theoretical aspects and some of the practices of influence and domination of public diplomacy, concretized with concrete examples.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL POETRIES OF EMILY DICKINSON AND MIGJENI
Authors: Gurra Hyreme , Berisha Vjolica
Published: April 2019

This paper draws a comparison between two selected poets, Emily Dickinson and Milosh Gjergj Nikolla which were not separated from each other by a century but belonged to different gender groups and lived in different continents. In this paper we are going to analyse both of these poets’ major works and also we are going to emphasize what two poets have in common and what differs them. Inspired by the conditions and circumtancies of their nations, social theme was the main theme which left its impact on all their thinking and gave its tint to the majority of their poems. Not many poets or writers of that time were able to reflect on what concerned people, in this artistic and brave way as they did. They raised their voice against many issues and revealed this on their innovative and original creations. Both of them encouraged humans to indulge in a healthy level of doubt and scepticism, but not to the point of nihilistic despair. They searched for hope within another source – the human body comprising of a pure soul, which itself according to them, always contains a spark of divinity.
New Near-infrared Imaging and Spectroscopy of NGC 2071-IR
Authors: Walther D. M. , Geballe T. R.
Published: April 2019

We present high-resolution images of NGC 2071-IR in the J, H, and K bands and in the emission at 2.12 μm of the v = 1–0 S(1) line of molecular hydrogen. We also present moderate-resolution K-band spectra of two young stellar objects, IRS 1 and IRS 3, within NGC 2071-IR, that are candidate sources of one or more of the outflows observed in the region. Two of the eight originally identified infrared point sources in NGC 2071-IR are binaries, and we identify two new sources, one coincident with the radio source Very Large Array-1 and highly reddened. The H2 Q(3)/S(1) line intensity ratios at IRS 1 and IRS 3 yield high and very high extinctions, respectively, to them, as is implied by their near-infrared colors and K-band continuum slopes. The spectra also reveal the presence of hot, dense circumstellar molecular gas in each, suggesting that both are strong candidates for having energetic molecular outflows. We agree with a previous suggestion that IRS 1 is the likely source of an east–west-oriented outflow and conclude that this outflow is probably largely out of the plane of the sky. We also conclude that if IRS 3 is the source of the large-scale northeast–southwest outflow, as has been previously suggested, its jet/wind must precess in order to explain the angular width of that outflow. We discuss the nature of the point sources and their possible contributions, if any, to the complex morphology of the H2 line emission.
VLA Observations of Single Pulses from the Galactic Center Magnetar
Authors: Wharton R. S. , Chatterjee S. , Cordes J. M. , Bower G. C. , Butler B. J. , Deller A. T. , Demorest P. , Lazio T. J. W. , Ransom S. M.
Published: April 2019

We present results of a 7–12 GHz phased-array study of the Galactic center magnetar J1745−2900 with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). Using data from two 6.5 hr observations from 2014 September, we find that the average profile is comprised of several distinct components at these epochs and is stable over ∼day timescales and ∼GHz frequencies. Comparison with additional phased VLA data at 8.7 GHz shows significant profile changes on longer timescales. The average profile at 7–12 GHz is dominated by the jitter of relatively narrow pulses. The pulses in each of the four main profile components seen in 2014 September are uncorrelated in phase and amplitude, though there is a small but significant correlation in the occurrence of pulses in two of the profile components. Using the brightest pulses, we measure the dispersion and scattering parameters of J1745−2900. A joint fit of 38 pulses gives a 10 GHz pulse-broadening time of

and a dispersion measure of

. Both of these results are consistent with previous measurements, which suggests that the scattering and dispersion measure of J1745−2900 may be stable on timescales of several years.
Synthetic Spectra of Pair-instability Supernovae in 3D
Authors: Chatzopoulos E. , Gilmer Matthew S. , Wollaeger Ryan T. , Fröhlich Carla , Even Wesley P.
Published: April 2019

Pair-instability supernovae (PISNe) may signal the deaths of extremely massive stars in the local Universe or massive primordial stars after the end of the Cosmic Dark Ages. Hydrodynamic simulations of these explosions, performed in 1D, 2D, and 3D geometry, have revealed the strong dependence of mixing in the PISN ejecta on dimensionality. This chemical rearrangement is mainly driven by Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities that start to grow shortly after the collapse of the carbon–oxygen core. We investigate the effects of such mixing on the spectroscopic evolution of PISNe by post-processing explosion profiles with the radiation diffusion-equilibrium code SNEC and the implicit Monte Carlo–discrete diffusion Monte Carlo radiation transport code SuperNu. The first 3D radiation transport calculation of a PISN explosion is presented, yielding viewing-angle-dependent synthetic spectra and light curves. We find that while 2D and 3D mixing does not significantly affect the light curves of PISNe, their spectroscopic and color evolution are impacted. Strong features of intermediate-mass elements dominated by silicon, magnesium, and oxygen appear at different phases and reach different intensities depending on the extent of mixing in the silicon/oxygen interface of the PISN ejecta. On the other hand, we do not find a significant dependence of PISN light curves and spectra on viewing angle. Our results showcase the capabilities of SuperNu to handle 3D radiation transport and highlight the importance of modeling time series of spectra in identifying PISNe with future missions.
The Type II-plateau Supernova 2017eaw in NGC 6946 and Its Red Supergiant Progenitor
Authors: Van Dyk Schuyler D. , Zheng WeiKang , Maund Justyn R. , Brink Thomas G. , Srinivasan Sundar , Andrews Jennifer E. , Smith Nathan , Leonard Douglas C. , Morozova Viktoriya , Filippenko Alexei V. , Conner Brody , Milisavljevic Dan , de Jaeger Thomas , Long Knox S. , Isaacson Howard , Crossfield Ian J. M. , Kosiarek Molly R. , Howard Andrew W. , Fox Ori D. , Kelly Patrick L. , Piro Anthony L. , Littlefair Stuart P. , Dhillon Vik S. , Wilson Richard , Butterley Timothy , Yunus Sameen , Channa Sanyum , Jeffers Benjamin T. , Falcon Edward , Ross Timothy W. , Hestenes Julia C. , Stegman Samantha M. , Zhang Keto , Kumar Sahana
Published: April 2019

We present extensive optical photometric and spectroscopic observations, from 4 to 482 days after explosion, of the Type II-plateau (II-P) supernova (SN) 2017eaw in NGC 6946. SN 2017eaw is a normal SN II-P intermediate in properties between, for example, SN 1999em and SN 2012aw and the more luminous SN 2004et, also in NGC 6946. We have determined that the extinction to SN 2017eaw is primarily due to the Galactic foreground and that the SN site metallicity is likely subsolar. We have also independently confirmed a tip-of-the-red-giant-branch (TRGB) distance to NGC 6946 of 7.73 ± 0.78 Mpc. The distances to the SN that we have also estimated via both the standardized candle method and expanding photosphere method corroborate the TRGB distance. We confirm the SN progenitor identity in pre-explosion archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Spitzer Space Telescope images, via imaging of the SN through our HST Target of Opportunity program. Detailed modeling of the progenitor’s spectral energy distribution indicates that the star was a dusty, luminous red supergiant consistent with an initial mass of ∼15 M
⊙.