bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Opportunities for Synthetic Biology in Agriculture
Authors: Goold Hugh Douglas , Wright Philip , Hailstones Deborah
Published: July 2018

Rapid expansion in the emerging field of synthetic biology has to date mainly focused on the microbial sciences and human health. However, the zeitgeist is that synthetic biology will also shortly deliver major outcomes for agriculture. The primary industries of agriculture, fisheries and forestry, face significant and global challenges; addressing them will be assisted by the sector’s strong history of early adoption of transformative innovation, such as the genetic technologies that underlie synthetic biology. The implementation of synthetic biology within agriculture may, however, be hampered given the industry is dominated by higher plants and mammals, where large and often polyploid genomes and the lack of adequate tools challenge the ability to deliver outcomes in the short term. However, synthetic biology is a rapidly growing field, new techniques in genome design and synthesis, and more efficient molecular tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 may harbor opportunities more broadly than the development of new cultivars and breeds. In particular, the ability to use synthetic biology to engineer biosensors, synthetic speciation, microbial metabolic engineering, mammalian multiplexed CRISPR, novel anti microbials, and projects such as Yeast 2.0 all have significant potential to deliver transformative changes to agriculture in the short, medium and longer term. Specifically, synthetic biology promises to deliver benefits that increase productivity and sustainability across primary industries, underpinning the industry’s prosperity in the face of global challenges.
Epistatic Interactions in NS5A of Hepatitis C Virus Suggest Drug Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Knops Elena , Sierra Saleta , Kalaghatgi Prabhav , Heger Eva , Kaiser Rolf , Kalinina Olga V.
Published: July 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes a major health burden and can be effectively treated by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The non-structural protein 5A (NS5A), which plays a role in the viral genome replication, is one of the DAAs’ targets. Resistance-associated viruses (RAVs) harbouring NS5A resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) have been described at baseline and after therapy failure. A mutation from glutamine to arginine at position 30 (Q30R) is a characteristic RAM for the HCV sub/genotype (GT) 1a, but arginine corresponds to the wild type in the GT-1b; still, GT-1b strains are susceptible to NS5A-inhibitors. In this study, we show that GT-1b strains with R30Q often display other specific NS5A substitutions, particularly in positions 24 and 34. We demonstrate that in GT-1b secondary substitutions usually happen after initial R30Q development in the phylogeny, and that the chemical properties of the corresponding amino acids serve to restore the positive charge in this region, acting as compensatory mutations. These findings may have implications for RAVs treatment.
Is There a Relationship between Lead Exposure and Aggressive Behavior in Shooters?
Authors: Naicker Nisha , De Jager Pieter , Naidoo Shan , Mathee Angela
Published: July 2018

Lead exposure has been associated with psycho-neurological disorders. Elevated blood lead levels have been found in shooters. This study assesses the association between the blood lead levels of shooters and their levels of aggression. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Gauteng, South Africa. Participants were recruited from four randomly selected shooting ranges with three randomly selected archery ranges used as a comparison group. A total of 118 (87 shooters and 31 archers) participants were included in the analysis. Aggressiveness was measured using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Shooters had significantly higher blood lead levels (BLL) compared to archers with 79.8% of shooters versus 22.6% of archers found to have a BLL ≥ 5 μg/dL (p < 0.001). Aggression scores were significantly higher in shooters (p < 0.05) except for verbal aggression. In the bivariate and regression analyses, shooters with BLLs ≥ 10 μg/dL were significantly associated with the hostility sub-scale (p = 0.03, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.103–7.261). Shooters have a significantly higher BLL and aggressiveness compared to archers. However, elevated blood lead levels were significantly associated with hostility only. Interventions need to be put in place to prevent continued exposure and routine screening of populations at risk should be implemented.
Risk Factor for Incident Functional Disability and the Effect of a Preventive Exercise Program: A 4-Year Prospective Cohort Study of Older Survivors from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster
Authors: Kuroda Yujiro , Iwasa Hajime , Orui Masatsugu , Moriyama Nobuaki , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Yashiro Chikako , Matsuda Kumiko , Yasumura Seiji
Published: July 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the risk factors for incident functional disability among long-term evacuees of Iitate village after Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster (GEJE). We also investigated the effectiveness of exercise classes as an intervention measure in this situation. Methods: 1159 subjects (75.2 ± 5.8 years, 57.5% female) were included at baseline, and followed-up for four years. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of incident functional disability according to the presence of risk factors evaluated by the municipality’s self-assessment Basic Checklist (BCL). Evacuees from Iitate who participated in the exercise classes and those who did not were matched using the propensity scores, which were then used to obtain the HR of incident functional disability. Results: New functional disability occurred in 280 (24.2%) participants during the follow-up. Participants who scored negative for the “Physical function” domain in the BCL had a HR of 2.04 (95% CI: 1.54–2.69) for incident functional disability when compared to those who scored positive for this domain. Similarly, the HR for “Cognitive function” was 1.37 (CI: 1.06–1.77), and 1.60 (CI: 1.24–2.08) for “Depression”. Using a Cox proportional hazard regression model, both the group with low-participation in the exercise program and the group with high-participation in the exercise program had a significantly lower rate of incident functional disability compared to those who did not participate at all (HR = 0.27, CI: 0.16–0.46; HR = 0.30, CI: 0.12–0.74, respectively). Conclusions: Pre-disaster BCL domains were useful to identify individuals at risk of functional disability after a major socio-technical disaster. Therefore, this instrument can be used to identify at-risk older adults who would benefit from early exercise programs to prevent incident functional disability.
Effect of Endoplasmic Reticular Stress on Free Hemoglobin Metabolism and Liver Injury
Authors: Tseng Sung-Hui , Chang Ting-Yun , Shih Chun-Kuang , Hsieh Rong-Hong , Chen Chia-Wen , Chen Yi-Chun , Lin Mei-Hsiang , Chang Jung-Su
Published: July 2018

Elevated soluble (s) CD163 and free hemoglobin (Hb) levels predict fatty liver progression; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying Hb metabolism and liver injury remain undefined. We investigated the effects of endoplasmic reticular (ER) stress on red blood cell (RBC) rheology and free Hb recycling pathways. ER stress was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by an intraperitoneal injection of tunicamycin (TM) (50, 100, and 200 μg/100 g body weight (BW)) or an intravenous injection of Hb (5 mg/100 g BW). A TM injection increased sCD163 levels, attenuated free Hb uptake, and maintained RBC aggregability. An Hb injection increased serum LVV-hemorphin-7 and total bilirubin levels, but this effect was suppressed by TM. A Western blot analysis showed that ER stress suppressed Hb degradation in the liver through downregulation of globin degradation proteins cathepsin D and glyoxalase-1, as well as heme degradation protein heme oxyganase-1 and keap-1 expression. An ER stress activator also increased the translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to nuclei. In conclusion, ER stress triggers ineffective Hb metabolism via altering globin and heme iron degradation pathways. Inability to recycle and metabolize free Hb may underlie the association between iron dysfunction and liver injury.
Roles of Oral Infections in the Pathomechanism of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Aarabi Ghazal , Heydecke Guido , Seedorf Udo
Published: July 2018

Oral infections occur frequently in humans and often lead to chronic inflammations affecting the teeth (i.e., caries), the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth (i.e., gingivitis and endodontic lesions), and the tooth-supporting structures (i.e., periodontitis). At least four basic pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed that involve oral inflammations in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: (1) low level bacteremia by which oral bacteria enter the blood stream and invade the arterial wall; (2) systemic inflammation induced by inflammatory mediators released from the sites of the oral inflammation into the blood stream; (3) autoimmunity to host proteins caused by the host immune response to specific components of oral pathogens; (4) pro-atherogenic effects resulting from specific bacterial toxins that are produced by oral pathogenic bacteria. In this narrative review, we summarize published experimental evidence related to these four mechanisms and discuss their impact on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Elasto-Plastic Mechanical Properties and Failure Mechanism of Innovative Ti-(SiCf/Al3Ti) Laminated Composites for Sphere-Plane Contact at the Early Stage of Penetration Process
Authors: Liu Jingchuan , Zhang Lan , Jiang Fengchun , Zhang Mengqi , Wang Liquan , Yun Feihong
Published: July 2018

A novel silicon carbide (SiC) continuous ceramic fiber-reinforced (CCFR) Ti/Al3Ti Metal-Intermetallic-Laminate (MIL) composite was fabricated. A high-efficiency semi-analytical model was proposed based on the numerical equivalent inclusion method (NEIM) for analyzing the small-strain elasto-plastic contact in the early stage of the penetration process. The microstructure and interface features were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quasi-static compression tests were performed to determine the contact response and validate the proposed model. A group of in-depth parametric studies were carried out to quantify the influence of the microstructure. The comparison between results under the sphere-plane and plane-plane contact load indicates that, under the first sphere-plane, the compressive strength and failure strain are both lower and the SiC reinforcement effect on strength is very clear while the effect on ductility is not clear. The maximum plastic strain concentration (MPSC) in the Al3Ti layer is closest to the upper boundary of the central SiC fiber and then extends along the depth direction as the load increases, which are also the locations where cracks may initiate and extend. Moreover, the CCFR-MIL composite shows better mechanical properties when the center distance between adjacent SiC fibers is four times the fiber diameter and the volume fraction of Ti is 40%.
Polyketides and Alkaloids from the Marine-Derived Fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii F31-1 and the Antiviral Activity of Scequinadoline A against Dengue Virus
Authors: Wu Dong-Lan , Li Hou-Jin , Smith Duncan R. , Jaratsittisin Janejira , Xia-Ke-Er Xia-Fu-Kai-Ti , Ma Wen-Zhe , Guo Yong-Wei , Dong Jun , Shen Juan , Yang De-Po , Lan Wen-Jian
Published: July 2018

In our continuous chemical investigation on the marine-derived fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii F31-1, two new polyketides dichocetides B-C (1, 2), two new alkaloids dichotomocejs E-F (3, 4), and three known fumiquinozalines: scequinadoline A (5), quinadoline A (6), and scequinadoline E (7) were discovered from the culture broth and the mycelium in the culture medium, by the addition of l-tryptophan and l-phenylalanine. Their chemical structures were established by one dimensional (1D), two dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) data. Among them, scequinadoline A (5) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against dengue virus serotype 2 production by standard plaque assay, equivalent to the positive control andrographlide. Scequinadoline A (5) possesses the potential for further development as a dengue virus inhibitor.
Renowned scientist, pedagogue, and physician Dedicated to the memory of the 110th anniversary of Bronius Sidaravičius’s birth
Authors: Laurynaitytė Gryta , Lignugarienė Asta , Valiukevičienė Skaidra
Published: July 2018

This year we celebrate the 110th anniversary of Bronius Sidaravičius’s (1897–1969) birth. He was a renowned Lithuanian dermato-venereologist, professor, head of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases at Vytautas Magnus University (1935–1946, 1956–1969), the founder and the chair of the Lithuanian Society of Dermato-venereologists, coeditor of the prewar journal “Medicina.” He is an author of more than 100 articles and the very first course book on dermato-venereology in Lithuanian. He completed a part of his medical studies at universities in Germany. In Vienna University (1930), B. Sidaravičius performed clinical and experimental studies on the passive transmission of skin allergy, which had a major impact on the diagnostics of allergic skin diseases and specific desensibilization. He published the results of his study in the foreign literature and in the doctoral dissertation “Skin allergy and its treatment” in 1931. Thanks to the efforts of B. Sidaravičius and his colleagues, a progressive Law on Control and Prevention of Venereal Diseases was enacted in Lithuania. According to this Law, examinations and treatment of venereal diseases became compulsory and free of charge at state- or municipality-financed venereal outpatient units. This article was prepared on the basis of primary sources: protocols of the Council (the Faculty of Medicine, the University of Lithuania; since 1930 – Vytautas Magnus University) kept at the Museum of the History of Lithuania Medicine and Pharmacy as well as documents preserved at the Lithuanian State Archives and also scientific journals and periodicals both in Lithuanian and foreign languages.
Importance of repeat laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy for detection of prostate cancer in high-risk patients
Authors: Vaičiūnas Kęstutis , Auškalnis Stasys , Matjošaitis Aivaras , Mickevičius Antanas , Mickevičius Ramūnas , Trumbeckas Darius , Jievaltas Mindaugas
Published: July 2018

Our purpose was to evaluate the relevance of repeat laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy for detection of prostate cancer in high-risk patients. Material and methods. Our study included 195 men at high risk for prostate cancer (elevated prostatespecific antigen level and/or abnormal prostate detected by digital rectal examination). We consulted the patients in outpatient department of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital during 2003–2007. We performed transrectal ultrasound-guided laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy in every patient. For the patients with benign histological findings and increased risk of prostate cancer, laterally directed sextant biopsies were repeated. Results. Prostate cancer was detected in 30.3% of patients (59/195) on the first prostate biopsy, in 13.1% (11/84) on the second prostate biopsy, in 10.3% (4/39) on the third, and in 7.7% (1/13) on the forth biopsy. After all biopsies, prostate cancer was detected in 38.5% (75/195) of patients, and it differed significantly from the percentage of prostate cancer cases detected on the first biopsy (30.3%, P=0.04). We detected 78.7% (59/75) of all prostate cancer cases by the first laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy. The rest 21.3% (16/75) of cases we detected by repeat biopsies. The second laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy revealed additional 14.6% (n=11) of prostate cancer cases and increased the detection of prostate cancer to 93.3% (70/75). At the time of the first prostate biopsy, prostate cancer was diagnosed most frequently when patients had both risk factors: elevated prostate-specific antigen level and abnormal digital prostate examination; prostate cancer was diagnosed in 45.3% of these patients. The odds ratio to detect prostate cancer by the first biopsy in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen level and abnormal digital prostate examination was 3.7, and odds ratio to detect prostate cancer by repeat biopsies was 4.7. Conclusions. Repeat ultrasound-guided laterally directed sextant prostate biopsies reveal more cases of prostate cancer as compared to the first prostate biopsy. The majority of prostate cancer cases (93.3%) are detected by the first and second laterally directed sextant prostate biopsies. After the first negative prostate biopsy, we recommend to repeat prostate biopsy in high-risk patients.
The role of D-dimer in the diagnosis of strangulated small-bowel obstruction
Authors: Boguševičius Algirdas , Grinkevičius Arūnas , Maleckas Almantas , Pundzius Juozas
Published: July 2018

Background. Various diagnostic utilities have been used in the diagnosis of strangulated obstruction. Despite this, there is no simple and reliable marker for it, and diagnosis in most cases is based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations. The purpose of the present study was to assess D-dimer value in the diagnosis of strangulated obstruction. Methods. A prospective study of 53 patients with small-bowel obstruction was conducted. Strangulated obstruction was present in 15 (28.3%) patients. Eight (53%) had intestinal necrosis, while 7 (47%) reversible ischemia. The blood samples were taken and analyzed with NycoCard Reader method with monoclonal antibodies specific for D-dimer neoantigens. Results. In the presence of intestinal necrosis, there was a higher D-dimer level found than in the cases with reversible ischemia or simple small-bowel obstruction, although this difference did not reach statistically significant level. The D-dimer test had a sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 68%, positive predictive value of 43%, and negative predictive value of 81% in diagnosing strangulated obstruction. Conclusion. In present series, D-dimer test was neither sensitive nor specific in diagnosing strangulation.
Impact of a long-term complex rehabilitation on chronic fatigue and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Vasiliauskas Donatas , Kavoliūnienė Aušra , Jasiukevičienė Lina , Grižas Vytautas , Statkevičienė Audronė , Leimonienė Lina , Tumynienė Vida , Kubilius Raimondas
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a long-term rehabilitation on chronic fatigue and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure. Material and methods. One hundred seventy patients with class III–IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure were examined. The study population was divided into two groups: long-term rehabilitation group and control group. They underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test and completed questionnaires on chronic fatigue (MFI- 20L, DUFS, and DEFS). Measurements were repeated 3 and 6 months after long-term complex rehabilitation. Results. According to the data of MFI-20L, DUFS, and DEFS questionnaires, 170 patients (100%) with class III–IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure complained of fatigue. Overall daily fatigue was 56.8±28.5 points on a 100-point scale, and after 6-month rehabilitation, this parameter was statistically significantly reduced on all scales (P<0.05). Physical fatigue and self-care improved in controls. Cardiopulmonary exercise test showed that parameters of hyperventilation, ventilatory equivalents, and pCO2 were significantly improved in rehabilitation group after 6 months as compared to baseline data (P<0.05), but not in the control group. Conclusion. Patients with class III–IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure experience chronic fatigue, which reduces their motivation and self-care abilities. Long-term complex rehabilitation programs improve all parameters of chronic fatigue, respiratory efficiency, and prognostic indicator of chronic heart failure – ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide.
Aspects of xerostomia prevalence and treatment among rheumatic inpatients
Authors: Guobis Žygimantas , Basevičienė Nomeda , Paipalienė Pajauta , Niedzelskienė Irena , Januševičiūtė Giedrė
Published: July 2018

Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of xerostomia among inpatients with rheumatic disorders at the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine (HKUM) and its association with age, sex, and xerophthalmia. Determining adequate treatment for xerostomia was also important, because untreated xerostomia may become aggravated and thus significantly impair patient’s quality of life. Material and methods. The authors designed a special questionnaire for conducting all studyrelated enquiries. Patients for this study were selected according to their case records ranging from 1998 to 2004. In total, there were 483 cases chosen based on prevalent rheumatic diseases, which were most conducive to xerostomia. Results. The results showed no significant evidence that the prevalence of xerostomia increased with age. Also, women were more susceptible to rheumatic diseases than men (W:M = 10:1) and are more likely to be affected by xerostomia and xerophthalmia (W:M = 2.5:1). A significant correlation was found between xerostomia and xerophthalmia. Only 17.7% of xerostomia-positive patients were treated for xerostomia, in comparison with xerophthalmia-positive patients who were treated for xerophthalmia in 84.8% of cases. It was shown that the modalities of treatment administered for xerostomia were neither sufficient nor up-to-date according to current recommendations found in medical literature. Conclusions. Xerostomia is closely correlated with xerophthalmia in rheumatic diseases. Xerostomia is more prevalent in older segments of population, especially in women, but we failed to prove statistical significance of older age in prevalence of sicca symptoms. Treatment administered to rheumatic patients for xerostomia in the HKUM is neither sufficient nor adequate.
Acute toxicity of ibogaine and noribogaine
Authors: Kubilienė Asta , Marksienė Rūta , Kazlauskas Saulius , Sadauskienė Ilona , Ražukas Almantas , Ivanov Leonid
Published: July 2018

Objective. To evaluate acute toxic effect of ibogaine and noribogaine on the survival of mice and determine median lethal doses of the substances mentioned. Material and methods. White laboratory mice were used for the experiments. Ibogaine and noribogaine were administered intragastrically to mice via a stomach tube. Control animals received the same volume of saline. The median lethal dose was calculated with the help of a standard formula. Results. To determine the median lethal dose of ibogaine, the doses of 100, 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg were administered intragastrically to mice. The survival time of mice after the drug administration was recorded, as well as the number of survived mice in each group. Upon administration of ibogaine at a dose of 500 mg/kg, all mice in this dose group died. Three out of four mice died in the group, which received 300 mg/kg of ibogaine. No mouse deaths were observed in the group, which received 100 mg/kg of ibogaine. The determined LD50 value of ibogaine equals to 263 mg/kg of body mass. In order to determine the median lethal dose of noribogaine, the doses of 300, 500, 700, and 900 mg/kg were administered to mice intragastrically. Noribogaine given at a dose of 500 mg/kg had no impact on the mouse survival. The increase of noribogaine dose to 700 mg/kg of mouse body mass led to the death of three out of four mice in the group. Upon administration of noribogaine at a dose of 900 mg/kg, all mice in this group died. The LD50 value of noribogaine in mice determined on the basis of the number of dead mice and the size of the doses used equals to 630 mg/kg of mouse body mass. The behavior of mice was observed upon administration of ibogaine or noribogaine. Low doses of ibogaine and noribogaine had no impact on the mouse behavior. External effects (convulsions, nervous behaviour, limb paralysis) were observed only when substances were administrated at higher doses. Conclusions. It has been determined that the median lethal dose of ibogaine and noribogaine equals to 263 mg and 630 mg/kg of mouse body mass, respectively. The toxicity of ibogaine is 2.4 times higher than that of noribogaine.
The Influence of Microstructural Heterogeneity on Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Joints of T6-Treated Al-Zn-Mg Alloy 7A52
Authors: Jia Yang , Qin Yonggui , Ou Yiwen , Wang Kehong , Liu Jizi
Published: July 2018

A high strength Al-Zn-Mg alloy 7A52 with T6 treatment was successfully friction stir welded. The grain structure, dislocations and precipitates in typical regions of the weld joint, including the weld nugget zone (WNZ), thermos-mechanically affected zones (TMAZ) and heat affected zones (HAZ) were investigated to understand the mechanical properties of each zone and the weld joint. In WNZ, a relatively higher density of dislocations is observed on the advancing side, caused by vacancy collapse induced by severe plastic deformation during stirring. However, in the center and on the retreating side, the dislocation density is very low. The strength of the WNZ is influenced by grain refinement, solution strengthening, or natural ageing hardening. In TMAZs, different mechanical properties on each side are due to different grain structures and precipitates introduced by the asymmetrical thermo-mechanical cycle. In HAZs, the mechanical properties are a strong function of the ratio of η′ to η phase. Compared to the micro-tensile results, premature failure of the weld joint occurs in HAZs on the advancing side, resulting from stress concentration near the area with the lowest hardness.
Professor Barry V.L. Potter: Winner of the 2018 Tu Youyou Award in Honor of the Co-Recipient of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Her Discoveries Concerning a Novel Therapy against Malaria
Authors: McPhee Derek J.
Published: July 2018

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Deformation Behavior of Foam Laser Targets Fabricated by Two-Photon Polymerization
Authors: Liu Ying , Campbell John H. , Stein Ori , Jiang Lijia , Hund Jared , Lu Yongfeng
Published: July 2018

Two-photon polymerization (2PP), which is a three-dimensional micro/nano-scale additive manufacturing process, is used to fabricate component for small custom experimental packages (“targets”) to support laser-driven, high-energy-density physics research. Of particular interest is the use of 2PP to deterministically print millimeter-scale, low-density, and low atomic number (CHO) polymer matrices (“foams”). Deformation during development and drying of the foam structures remains a challenge when using certain commercial acrylic photo-resins. Acrylic resins were chosen in order to meet the low atomic number requirement for the foam; that requirement precludes the use of low-shrinkage organic/inorganic hybrid resins. Here, we compare the use of acrylic resins IP-S and IP-Dip. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy are used to quantify the extent of the polymerization during 2PP vs. UV curing. The mechanical strength of beam and foam structures is examined, particularly the degree of deformation that occurs during the development and drying processes. The magnitude of the shrinkage is quantified, and finite element analysis is used in order to simulate the resulting deformation. Capillary drying forces during development are shown to be small and are likely below the elastic limit of the foam log-pile structures. In contrast, the substantial shrinkage in IP-Dip (~5–10%) causes large shear stresses and associated plastic deformation, particularly near constrained boundaries and locations with sharp density transitions. Use of IP-S with an improved writing procedure results in a marked reduction in deformation with a minor loss of resolution.
Environmentally-Friendly Green Approach for the Production of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Anti-Fungal, Ovicidal, and Larvicidal Properties
Authors: Al-Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Valan Arasu Mariadhas
Published: July 2018

Green synthesis of nanoparticles can be an important alternative compared to conventional physio-chemical synthesis. We utilized Scadoxus multiflorus leaf powder aqueous extract as a capping and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of pure zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Further, the synthesized ZnO NPs were subjected to various characterization techniques. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed an irregular spherical shape, with an average particle size of 31 ± 2 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO NPs were tested against Aedes aegypti larvae and eggs, giving significant LC50 value of 34.04 ppm. Ovicidal activity resulted in a higher percentage mortality rate of 96.4 ± 0.24 at 120 ppm with LC50 value of 32.73 ppm. Anti-fungal studies were also conducted for ZnO NPs against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, which demonstrated a higher inhibition rate for Aspergillus flavus compared to Aspergillus niger.
Recent Progress of Residual Stress Distribution and Structural Evolution in Materials and Components by Neutron Diffraction Measurement at RSND
Authors: Mo Fangjie , Sun Guangai , Li Jian , Zhang Changsheng , Wang Hong , Chen Ying , Liu Zhao , Yang Zukun , Li Hongjia , Yang Zhaolong , Pang Beibei , Huang Yalin , Tian Yi , Gong Jian , Chen Bo , Peng Shuming
Published: July 2018

Neutron diffraction is an effective and nondestructive method to investigate inner structure and stress distribution inside bulk materials and components. Compared with X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction allows a relatively high penetration depth and covers a larger gauge volume, enabling it to measure the lattice structure and three-dimensional (3D) distribution of residual stress deep inside thick sample materials. This paper presents the recent development of a Residual Stress Neutron Diffractometer (RSND) at the Key Laboratory for Neutron Physics of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry, Mianyang, China. By integrating multiple instruments such as a loading frame, Kappa goniometer, and coupling system, the RSND was constructed as a suitable platform for various neutron diffraction experiments, including residual stress measurement, in situ observation, and texture analysis. Neutron diffraction measurement can be used to study various materials such as steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys, as well as various components such as turbine discs and welding parts. An evaluation method for both polycrystalline and monocrystalline materials was developed, and this method was found to have the capability of solving an agelong technical challenge in characterizing monocrystalline materials. Furthermore, by introducing a texture and thermomechanical coupling system, it is now possible to make effective in situ observations of the structural evolution in single crystal materials under high-temperature tensile conditions.
Detecting Vegetation Change in Response to Confining Elephants in Forests Using MODIS Time-Series and BFAST
Authors: Morrison Jacqueline , Higginbottom Thomas P. , Symeonakis Elias , Jones Martin J. , Omengo Fred , Walker Susan L. , Cain Bradley
Published: July 2018

Afromontane forests are biodiversity hotspots and provide essential ecosystem services. However, they are under pressure as a result of an expanding human population and the impact of climate change. In many instances electric fencing has become a necessary management strategy to protect forest integrity and reduce human-wildlife conflict. The impact of confining hitherto migratory elephant populations within forests remains unknown, and monitoring largely inaccessible areas is challenging. We explore the application of remote sensing to monitor the impact of confinement, employing the Breaks For Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) time-series decomposition method over a 15-year period on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) (MOD13Q1) datasets for two Kenyan forests. Results indicated that BFAST was able to identify disturbances from anthropogenic, fire and elephant damage. Sequential monitoring enabled the detection of gradual changes in the forest canopy, with degradation and regeneration being observed in both sites. Annual rates of forest loss in both areas were significantly lower than reported in other studies on Afromontane forests, suggesting that installing fences has reduced land-use conversion from human-related disturbances. Negative changes in EVI were predominantly gradual degradation rather than large-scale, abrupt clearings of the forest. Results presented here demonstrate that BFAST can be used to monitor biotic and abiotic drivers of change in Afromontane forests.
Airborne LiDAR Remote Sensing for Individual Tree Forest Inventory Using Trunk Detection-Aided Mean Shift Clustering Techniques
Authors: Chen Wei , Hu Xingbo , Chen Wen , Hong Yifeng , Yang Minhua
Published: July 2018

Airborne LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) remote sensing for individual tree-level forest inventory necessitates proper extraction of individual trees and accurate measurement of tree structural parameters. Due to the inadequate tree finding capability offered by LiDAR technology and the complex patterns of forest canopies, significant omission and commission errors occur frequently in the segmentation results. Aimed at error reduction and accuracy refinement, this paper presents a novel adaptive mean shift-based clustering scheme aided by a tree trunk detection technique to segment individual trees and estimate tree structural parameters based solely on the airborne LiDAR data. Tree trunks are detected by analyzing points’ vertical histogram to detach all potential crown points and then clustering the separated trunk points according to their horizontal mutual distances. The detected trunk information is used to adaptively calibrate the kernel bandwidth of the mean shift procedure in the fine segmentation stage by applying an original 2D (two-dimensional) estimation of individual crown diameters. Trunk detection results and LiDAR point clusters generated by the adaptive mean shift procedures serve as mutual references for final detection of individual trees. Experimental results show that a combination of adaptive mean shift clustering and detected tree trunk can provide a significant performance improvement in individual tree-level forest measurement. Compared with conventional clustering techniques, the trunk detection-aided mean shift clustering approach can detect 91.1% of the trees (“recall”) with a higher tree positioning accuracy (the mean positioning error is reduced by 33%) in a multi-layered coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest in South China, and 93.5% of the identified trees are correct (“precision”). The tree detection brings the estimation of structural parameters for individual trees up to an accuracy level: −2.2% mean relative error and 5.8% relative RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) for tree height and 0.6% mean relative error and 21.9% relative RMSE for crown diameter, respectively.
Multitemporal Cloud Masking in the Google Earth Engine
Authors: Mateo-García Gonzalo , Gómez-Chova Luis , Amorós-López Julia , Muñoz-Marí Jordi , Camps-Valls Gustau
Published: July 2018

The exploitation of Earth observation satellite images acquired by optical instruments requires an automatic and accurate cloud detection. Multitemporal approaches to cloud detection are usually more powerful than their single scene counterparts since the presence of clouds varies greatly from one acquisition to another whereas surface can be assumed stationary in a broad sense. However, two practical limitations usually hamper their operational use: the access to the complete satellite image archive and the required computational power. This work presents a cloud detection and removal methodology implemented in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform in order to meet these requirements. The proposed methodology is tested for the Landsat-8 mission over a large collection of manually labeled cloud masks from the Biome dataset. The quantitative results show state-of-the-art performance compared with mono-temporal standard approaches, such as FMask and ACCA algorithms, yielding improvements between 4–5% in classification accuracy and 3–10% in commission errors. The algorithm implementation within the Google Earth Engine and the generated cloud masks for all test images are released for interested readers.
Application of a Continuous Terrestrial Photogrammetric Measurement System for Plot Monitoring in the Beijing Songshan National Nature Reserve
Authors: Qiu Zixuan , Feng Zhongke , Jiang Junzhiwei , Lin Yicheng , Xue Shaolong
Published: July 2018

Monitoring sample areas is the basis of ecological management. Songshan National Nature Reserve is one of the most important components of the ecosystem of the central metropolitan area of Beijing, and has fallen behind in its monitoring technology and methods. So, updating the existing equipment and technology is necessary. The current system suffers from high equipment costs and is not convenient to carry, so the work efficiency is low. Furthermore, the data cannot be visualized in three dimensions (3D), and complex terrain conditions cannot be measured. Therefore, this study researched and developed a continuous terrestrial photogrammetric measurement system that is theoretically based on the principles of photogrammetry, image processing technology, and dendrometry. The system applies a self-developed personal digital assistant (PDA) photogrammetry-based dendrometer and software to continuously evaluate stand sampling areas. Through experimental verification, the relative root mean square error (RMSE) of the trunk diameter measurements was found to be 5.59%, and the relative RMSE of hypsometrical measurements was 3.93%, which are both higher than the accuracy required for traditional forestry surveys. Furthermore, the advantages of this system include its low cost, lightweight equipment, easy operation, high measurement efficiency, 3D visualization, and applicability under complex terrain conditions. Since it is highly accurate and efficient, the continuous terrestrial photogrammetric system can be easily applied to monitor stand sampling areas in Songshan National Nature Reserve. In addition, it can be applied to second-class forest surveys in China, thus guaranteeing the monitoring of big data for the ecological environment of China.
Thermal Imaging Metrology with a Smartphone Sensor
Authors: Stanger Leigh Russell , Wilkes Thomas Charles , Boone Nicholas Andrew , McGonigle Andrew John Samuel , Willmott Jon Raffe
Published: July 2018

Thermal imaging cameras are expensive, particularly those designed for measuring high temperature objects with low measurement uncertainty. A wide range of research and industrial applications would benefit from lower cost temperature imaging sensors with improved metrology. To address this problem, we present the first ever quantification methodology for the temperature measurement performance of an ultra-low cost thermal imaging system based on a smartphone sensor. The camera was formed from a back illuminated silicon Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, developed for the smartphone camera market. It was packaged for use with a Raspberry Pi computer. We designed and fitted a custom-made triplet lens assembly. The system performance was characterised with a range of state-of-the-art techniques and metrics: establishing a temperature resolution of below 10 °C in the range 600–1000 °C. Furthermore, the scene dependent aspects of combined uncertainty were considered. The minimum angular subtense for which an accurate thermal measurement could be made was determined to be 1.35°, which corresponds to a 23 mm bar at a distance of 1 m, or 45:1 field-of-view in radiation thermometer nomenclature.
UV-Vis Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Assessing the Color Index of Transformer Insulating Oil
Authors: Leong Yang Sing , Ker Pin Jern , Jamaludin M. Z. , M. Nomanbhay Saifuddin , Ismail Aiman , Abdullah Fairuz , Looe Hui Mun , Lo Chin Kim
Published: July 2018

Monitoring the condition of transformer oil is considered to be one of the preventive maintenance measures and it is very critical in ensuring the safety as well as optimal performance of the equipment. Various oil properties and contents in oil can be monitored such as acidity, furanic compounds and color. The current method is used to determine the color index (CI) of transformer oil produces an error of 0.5 in measurement, has high risk of human handling error, additional expense such as sampling and transportations, and limited samples can be measured per day due to safety and health reasons. Therefore, this work proposes the determination of CI of transformer oil using ultraviolet-to-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Results show a good correlation between the CI of transformer oil and the absorbance spectral responses of oils from 300 nm to 700 nm. Modeled equations were developed to relate the CI of the oil with the cutoff wavelength and absorbance, and with the area under the curve from 360 nm to 600 nm. These equations were verified with another set of oil samples. The equation that describes the relationship between cutoff wavelength, absorbance and CI of the oil shows higher accuracy with root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.1961.
Indoor Motion Detection Using Wi-Fi Channel State Information in Flat Floor Environments Versus in Staircase Environments
Authors: Dong Zehua , Li Fangmin , Ying Julang , Pahlavan Kaveh
Published: July 2018

Recently, Wi-Fi channel state information (CSI) motion detection systems have been widely researched for applications in human health care and security in flat floor environments. However, these systems disregard the indoor context, which is often complex and consists of unique features, such as staircases. Motion detection on a staircase is also meaningful and important for various applications, such as fall detection and intruder detection. In this paper, we present the difference in CSI motion detection in flat floor and staircase environments through analysing the radio propagation model and experiments in real settings. For comparison in the two environments, an indoor CSI motion detection system is proposed with several novel methods including correlation-based fusion, moving variance segmentation (MVS), Doppler spread spectrum to improve the system performance, and a correlation check to reduce the implementation cost. Compared with existing systems, our system is validated to have a better performance in both flat floor and staircase environments, and further utilized to verify the superior CSI motion detection performance in staircase environments versus flat floor environments.
Location Recommendation of Digital Signage Based on Multi-Source Information Fusion
Authors: Xie Xiaolan , Zhang Xun , Fu Jingying , Jiang Dong , Yu Chongchong , Jin Min
Published: July 2018

With the increasing amount of digital signage and the complexity of digital signage services, the problem of introducing precise location recommendation methods for digital signage should be solved by digital signage enterprises. This research aims to provide a sustainable location recommendation model that integrates the spatial characteristics of geographic locations and multi-source feature data to recommend locations for digital signage. We used the outdoor commercial digital signage within the Sixth Ring Road area in Beijing as an example and combined it with economic census, population census, average house prices, social network check-in data, and the centrality of traffic networks that have an impact on the sustainable development of the regional economy as research data. The result shows that the proposed method has higher precision and recall in location recommendation, which indicates that this method has a better recommendation effect. It can further improve the recommendation quality and the deployment of digital signage. By this method, we can optimize resource allocation and make the economics and resources sustainable. The digital signage recommendation results of the Beijing City Sixth Ring Road indicated that the areas suitable for digital signage were primarily distributed in Wangfujing, Financial Street, Beijing West Railway Station, and tourist attractions in the northwest direction of the Fifth Ring Road. The research of this paper not only provides a reference for the integration of geographical features and their related elements data in a location recommendation algorithm but also effectively improves the science of digital signage layout, prompting advertising efforts to advance precision, personalization, low carbonization, and sustainable development.
Detection of Odorant Molecules in the Gaseous Phase Using α-, β-, and γ-Cyclodextrin Films on a Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Sasaki Kai , Furusawa Hiroyuki , Nagamine Kuniaki , Tokito Shizuo
Published: July 2018

There is an interest in sensors for the detection of odorant molecules in the gaseous phase, especially those related to the fragrance of fruits, because odorant sensing is useful for on-site quality control of agricultural products. Previously, gas-chromatographic methods requiring bench-top devices were used for odorant-molecule detection. Herein, we report an odorant sensor based on cyclodextrins (CDs) as a stable odorant receptor, using a highly mass-sensitive and quantitative 27-MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device, which has the advantage of possible incorporation into portable devices. When ethyl butyrate (a model odorant molecule for fruit fragrances) was flowed onto a QCM plate modified with α-, β-, or γ-CD network films, a decrease in frequency was observed (corresponding to an increase in mass), owing to the capture of odorant molecules by CD molecules. The CD films were capable of capturing and releasing odorant molecules, depending on the type of CD (α-, β-, or γ-CD). Thus, these sensors are reusable for odorant-molecule sensing, and are applicable to pattern recognition of odorant molecules. Thus, sensors based on CD films combined with a QCM handheld device could be applied to monitoring the condition of fruits.
Protective Cancer Vaccine Using Genetically Modified Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Xiong Xiaofang , Das Jugal Kishor , Song Jianyong , Ni Bing , Ren Xingcong , Yang Jin-Ming , Song Jianxun
Published: July 2018

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) yield both the myeloid and lymphoid lineages of blood cells and can be reprogrammed into tumor antigen (Ag)-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to prevent tumor growth. However, the optimal approach for differentiating tumor Ag-specific CTLs from HSCs, such as HSC-CTLs, remains elusive. In the current study, we showed that a combination of genetic modification of HSCs and in vivo T cell development facilitates the generation of Ag-specific CTLs that suppressed tumor growth. Murine HSCs, which were genetically modified with chicken ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cell receptor, were adoptively transferred into recipient mice. In the following week, mice were administered with intraperitoneal injections of an agonist α-Notch 2 antibody and cytokines (rFlt3L and rIL-7) three times. After another two weeks, mice received a subcutaneous inoculation of B16-OVA melanoma cells that express OVA as a surrogate tumor Ag, before the anti-tumor activity of HSC-derived T cells was assessed. OVA-specific CTLs developed in vivo and greatly responded to OVA Ag stimulation ex vivo. In addition, mice receiving genetically modified HSCs and in vivo priming established anti-tumor immunity, resulting in the suppression of tumor growth. These results reported in this present study provide an alternative strategy to develop protective cancer vaccines by using genetically modified HSCs.