bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outer Membrane Protein of Gut Commensal Microorganism Induces Autoantibody Production and Extra-Intestinal Gland Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Yanagisawa Naoko , Ueshiba Hidehiro , Abe Yoshihiro , Kato Hidehito , Higuchi Tomoaki , Yagi Junji
Published: October 2018

Gut commensal microorganisms have been linked with chronic inflammation at the extra-intestinal niche of the body. The object of the study was to investigate on the chronic effects of a gut commensal Escherichia coli on extra-intestinal glands. The presence of autoimmune response was diagnosed by autoantibody levels and histological methods. Repeated injection of E. coli induced mononuclear cell inflammation in the Harderian and submandibular salivary glands of female C57BL/6 mice. Inflammation was reproduced by adoptive transfer of splenocytes to immune-deficient Rag2 knockout mice and CD4+ T cells to mature T cell-deficient TCRβ-TCRδ knockout mice. MALDI TOF mass spectrometry of the protein to which sera of E. coli-treated mice reacted was determined as the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of E. coli. Multiple genera of the Enterobacteriaceae possessed OmpA with high amino-acid sequence similarities. Repeated injection of recombinant OmpA reproduced mononuclear cell inflammation of the Harderian and salivary glands in mice and elevation of autoantibodies against Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigens SSA/Ro and SSB/La. The results indicated the possibility of chronic stimuli from commensal bacteria-originated components as a pathogenic factor to elicit extra-intestinal autoimmunity.
Non-Invasive Detection of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer EMMPRIN, a New Therapeutic Target against Atherosclerosis, Inhibited by Endothelial Nitric Oxide
Authors: Ramirez-Carracedo Rafael , Tesoro Laura , Hernandez Ignacio , Diez-Mata Javier , Filice Marco , Toro Rocío , Rodriguez-Piñero Manuel , Zamorano Jose Luis , Saura Marta , Zaragoza Carlos
Published: October 2018

Lack of endothelial nitric oxide causes endothelial dysfunction and circulating monocyte infiltration, contributing to systemic atheroma plaque formation in arterial territories. Among the different inflammatory products, macrophage-derived foam cells and smooth muscle cells synthesize matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), playing a pivotal role in early plaque formation and enlargement. We found increased levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in human endarterectomies with advanced atherosclerosis, together with significant amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) metalloproteinase inducer EMMPRIN. To test whether the absence of NO may aggravate atherosclerosis through EMMPRIN activation, double NOS3/apoE knockout (KO) mice expressed high levels of EMMPRIN in carotid plaques, suggesting that targeting extracellular matrix degradation may represent a new mechanism by which endothelial NO prevents atherosclerosis. Based on our previous experience, by using gadolinium-enriched paramagnetic fluorescence micellar nanoparticles conjugated with AP9 (NAP9), an EMMPRIN-specific binding peptide, magnetic resonance sequences allowed non-invasive visualization of carotid EMMPRIN in NOS3/apoE over apoE control mice, in which atheroma plaques were significantly reduced. Taken together, these results point to EMMPRIN as a new therapeutic target of NO-mediated protection against atherosclerosis, and NAP9 as a non-invasive molecular tool to target atherosclerosis.
Translational Research Opportunities Regarding Homologous Recombination in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Romeo Margarita , Pardo Juan Carlos , Martínez-Cardús Anna , Martínez-Balibrea Eva , Quiroga Vanesa , Martínez-Román Sergio , Solé Francesc , Margelí Mireia , Mesía Ricard
Published: October 2018

Homologous recombination (HR) is a DNA repair pathway that is deficient in 50% of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOC). Deficient HR (DHR) constitutes a therapeutic opportunity for these patients, thanks to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi; olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib are already commercialized). Although initially, PARPi were developed for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, robust clinical data have shown their benefit in a broader population without DHR. This breakthrough in daily practice has raised several questions that necessitate further research: How can populations that will most benefit from PARPi be selected? At which stage of ovarian cancer should PARPi be used? Which strategies are reasonable to overcome PARPi resistance? In this paper, we present a summary of the literature and discuss the present clinical research involving PARPi (after reviewing ClinicalTrials.gov) from a translational perspective. Research into the functional biomarkers of DHR and clinical trials testing PARPi benefits as first-line setting or rechallenge are currently ongoing. Additionally, in the clinical setting, only secondary restoring mutations of BRCA1/2 have been identified as events inducing resistance to PARPi. The clinical frequency of this and other mechanisms that have been described in preclinics is unknown. It is of great importance to study mechanisms of resistance to PARPi to guide the clinical development of drug combinations.
Magnetic Transitions in the Co-Modified Mn2Sb System
Authors: Wilden Johanna S. , Hoser Andreas , Chikovani Mamuka , Perßon Jörg , Voigt Jörg , Friese Karen , Grzechnik Andrzej
Published: October 2018

Mn2Sb is ferrimagnetic below its Curie temperature (TC) and passes through a spin flip transition with decreasing temperature. The Co substitution induces an additional first-order phase transition from the ferrimagnetic (FRI) to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) state. This phase transition is connected to a sizable magnetocaloric effect (MCE). To understand the underlying mechanisms, the temperature dependence of structural and magnetic changes was analyzed. At the same time, the influence of the Co substitution was explored. Three Mn2−xCoxSb (x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) compounds were synthesized by cold crucible induction melting. Neutron powder diffraction was performed to determine the magnetic structures and to obtain the individual magnetic moments on both symmetrically independent Mn sites. In combination with the temperature-dependent magnetization measurements, the magnetic phase transition temperatures were identified. In the low-temperature range, additional antiferromagnetic peaks were detected, which could be indexed with a propagation vector of (0 0 ½). In Mn1.9Co0.1Sb at 50 K and in Mn1.8Co0.2Sb at 200 K, a co-existence of the FRI and the AFM state was observed. The pure AFM state only occurs in Mn1.8Co0.2Sb at 50 K.
Time-Resolved Tomographic Quantification of the Microstructural Evolution of Ice Cream
Authors: Mo Jingyi , Guo Enyu , McCartney D. Graham , Eastwood David S. , Bent Julian , Van Dalen Gerard , Schuetz Peter , Rockett Peter , Lee Peter D.
Published: October 2018

Ice cream is a complex multi-phase colloidal soft-solid and its three-dimensional microstructure plays a critical role in determining the oral sensory experience or mouthfeel. Using in-line phase contrast synchrotron X-ray tomography, we capture the rapid evolution of the ice cream microstructure during heat shock conditions in situ and operando, on a time scale of minutes. The further evolution of the ice cream microstructure during storage and abuse was captured using ex situ tomography on a time scale of days. The morphology of the ice crystals and unfrozen matrix during these thermal cycles was quantified as an indicator for the texture and oral sensory perception. Our results reveal that the coarsening is due to both Ostwald ripening and physical agglomeration, enhancing our understanding of the microstructural evolution of ice cream during both manufacturing and storage. The microstructural evolution of this complex material was quantified, providing new insights into the behavior of soft-solids and semi-solids, including many foodstuffs, and invaluable data to both inform and validate models of their processing.
Influence Analysis and Optimization for Aggregate Morphological Characteristics on High- and Low-Temperature Viscoelasticity of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Cheng Yongchun , Wang Wensheng , Tao Jinglin , Xu Meng , Xu Xiaoli , Ma Guirong , Wang Shurong
Published: October 2018

Aggregate is an indispensable raw material for asphalt pavement construction. This study evaluates the influences of aggregate morphological characteristics on the high- and low-temperature viscoelasticity of asphalt mixtures. Based on simplex lattice mixture design (SLD), asphalt mix samples were designed and prepared with the same gradation but three different types of aggregates. Subsequently, three morphological characteristics of aggregate (roundness, perimeter index, and erosion-dilation area ratio) are presented to characterize fine and coarse aggregates. Then based on Burgers viscoelastic model, uniaxial compression static creep test was carried out to analyze the high-temperature viscoelastic properties for asphalt mortar and mixture. Meanwhile fitting Prony series models have been utilized to represent relaxation modulus conversed from creep compliance and the low-temperature relaxation characteristics can be also discussed. The experimental results indicated that morphological characteristics of aggregate, especially fine aggregates, are strongly correlated with the viscoelastic parameters of asphalt mixtures. However, the complex morphological characteristics of aggregates have opposite influences on the high- and low-temperature viscoelastic parameters. Therefore, when considering both high- and low-temperature viscoelastic properties, the aggregate proportion was optimized for the appropriate morphological characteristics, which will provide a reference for asphalt mixture design.
Dual Toroidal Dipole Resonance Metamaterials under a Terahertz Domain
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wang Song , Li Quan , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhu Jianyu
Published: October 2018

We proposed and fabricated a flexible, planar, U-shape-modified structure metamaterial (MM) that was composed of two metallic pattern layers separated by a polyimide layer, where each metallic pattern layer consists of two U-shaped split ring resonators (USRRs). The coupling effect between the two USRRs in the same metallic layer was vital to the formation of dual toroidal dipole (TD) resonances. The measured and simulated results showed that both low quality factor (Q) (~1.82) and high Q (~10.31) TD resonances were acquired synchronously at two different frequencies in the MMs by adjusting the distance between the two coplanar USRRs. With the interaction of the USRRs, the energy levels of the USRRs were split into inductance-capacitance (LC)-induced TD resonance at low frequency and dipole-induced TD resonance at high frequency. Thus, the electric multipole interaction played an important role in determining the energy level of the TD resonance. The better strength of the high frequency TD resonance can be confined to an electromagnetic field inside a smaller circular region, and thus, a higher Q was obtained. In order to investigate the TD mechanism more in depth, the power of the electric dipole, magnetic dipole, electric circular dipole, and TD were quantitatively calculated. Dual TD MMs on a freestanding substrate will have potential applications in functional terahertz devices for practical applications.
Dust Loading Performance of a Novel Submicro-Fiber Composite Filter Medium for Engine
Authors: Long Jin , Tang Min , Sun Zhaoxia , Liang Yun , Hu Jian
Published: October 2018

Airborne dust can cause engine wear and contribute to engine gas emission. This study developed a novel submicro-fiber filter medium to provide protection to engines against dust. The wet-laid submicro-fiber medium was prepared by a dual-layer paper machine, and its dust loading performance was compared with other filter media during laboratory and field tests. During the laboratory tests, the dust holding capacity of the wet-laid submicro-fiber medium was 48% and 10% higher than that of the standard heavy-duty medium and electrospun submicro-fiber medium, respectively. During the field tests, the pressure drop of the wet-laid submicro-fiber filter was 45% lower than that of the standard heavy-duty filter after 10,000 km of operation. It was found that there were two crucial ways to design a better filter medium for protection against dust. Firstly, the surface loading rather than the depth loading was preferred for dust filtration. The submicro-fiber layer kept large amounts of dust particles from penetrating into the depth of filter medium. Secondly, particles were captured preferably by fibers rather than pores. The unique fibrous structure of the wet-laid submicro-fiber medium made more particle deposition take place on fibers via interception and inertial impaction.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Dual-Mode Chemo-Sonodynamic Therapy by Low-Energy Ultrasound
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Jiao Yajing , Shao Yiran
Published: October 2018

Low-energy ultrasound (LEUS), exhibiting obvious advantages as a safe therapeutic strategy, would be promising for cancer therapy. We had synthesized a LEUS-responsive targeted drug delivery system based on functional mesoporous silica nanoparticle for cancer therapy. Paclitaxel (PTX) was loaded in mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a hydrophobic internal channel, and folic acid (FA) functionalized β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) was capped on the surface of the nanoparticles (DESN), which acted as a cancer-targeting moiety and solubilizer. The existence of a hydrophobic internal channel in the DESN was beneficial to the storage of hydrophobic PTX, along with the enhancement of the cavitation effect produced by mild low-energy ultrasound (LEUS, ≤1.0 W/cm2, 1 MHz). The DESN showed significantly enhanced cavitation effect, selective targeting, and achieved a rapid drug release under mild LEUS. To investigate the in vivo antitumor efficacy of the DESN upon LEUS irradiation, we established a 4T1 mammary tumor model. The DESN were confirmed to be of great biodegradability/biocompatibility. The tumor growth was significantly inhibited when the mice were treated with DESN (10 mg/kg) + LEUS with the relative tumor volume reduced to 4.72 ± 0.70 compared with the control group (V/V0 = 17.12 ± 2.75). The DESN with LEUS represented excellent inhibiting effect on tumor cell in vivo. This work demonstrated that DESN mediating dual mode chemo-sonodynamic therapy could be triggered by extracorporeal remote control, may suggest a promising clinical application in cancer therapy.
Tunable Coupled-Resonator-Induced Transparency in a Photonic Crystal System Based on a Multilayer-Insulator Graphene Stack
Authors: Liu Hanqing , Tan Jianfeng , Liu Peiguo , Bian Li-an , Zha Song
Published: October 2018

We achieve the effective modulation of coupled-resonator-induced transparency (CRIT) in a photonic crystal system which consists of photonic crystal waveguide (PCW), defect cavities, and a multilayer graphene-insulator stack (MGIS). Simulation results show that the wavelength of transparency window can be effectively tuned through varying the chemical potential of graphene in MGIS. The peak value of the CRIT effect is closely related to the structural parameters of our proposed system. Tunable Multipeak CRIT is also realized in the four-resonator-coupled photonic crystal system by modulating the chemical potentials of MGISs in different cavity units. This system paves a novel way toward multichannel-selective filters, optical sensors, and nonlinear devices.
Target Fusion Detection of LiDAR and Camera Based on the Improved YOLO Algorithm
Authors: Han Jian , Liao Yaping , Zhang Junyou , Wang Shufeng , Li Sixian
Published: October 2018

Target detection plays a key role in the safe driving of autonomous vehicles. At present, most studies use single sensor to collect obstacle information, but single sensor cannot deal with the complex urban road environment, and the rate of missed detection is high. Therefore, this paper presents a detection fusion system with integrating LiDAR and color camera. Based on the original You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm, the second detection scheme is proposed to improve the YOLO algorithm for dim targets such as non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians. Many image samples are used to train the YOLO algorithm to obtain the relevant parameters and establish the target detection model. Then, the decision level fusion of sensors is introduced to fuse the color image and the depth image to improve the accuracy of the target detection. Finally, the test samples are used to verify the decision level fusion. The results show that the improved YOLO algorithm and decision level fusion have high accuracy of target detection, can meet the need of real-time, and can reduce the rate of missed detection of dim targets such as non-motor vehicles and pedestrians. Thus, the method in this paper, under the premise of considering accuracy and real-time, has better performance and larger application prospect.
A Trace C2H2 Sensor Based on an Absorption Spectrum Technique Using a Mid-Infrared Interband Cascade Laser
Authors: Mu Ye , Hu Tianli , Gong He , Ni Ruiwen , Li Shijun
Published: October 2018

In this study, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) combined with wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) was used to develop a trace C2H2 sensor based on the principle of gas absorption spectroscopy. The core of this sensor is an interband cascade laser that releases wavelength locks to the best absorption line of C2H2 at 3305 cm−1 (3026 nm) using a driving current and a working temperature control. As the detected result was influenced by 1/f noise caused by the laser or external environmental factors, the TDLAS-WMS technology was used to suppress the 1/f noise effectively, to obtain a better minimum detection limit (MDL) performance. The experimental results using C2H2 gas with five different concentrations show a good linear relationship between the peak value of the second harmonic signal and the gas concentration, with a linearity of 0.9987 and detection accuracy of 0.4%. In total, 1 ppmv of C2H2 gas sample was used for a 2 h observation experiment. The data show that the MDL is low as 1 ppbv at an integration time of 63 s. In addition, the sensor can be realized by changing the wavelength of the laser to detect a variety of gases, which shows the flexibility and practicability of the proposed sensor.
Effects of Postharvest Time, Heat Treatment, pH and Filtration on the Limonin Content in Newhall Navel Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) Juice
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yang Zhiqiang , Liang Yan , Zhang Linyan , Ling Wei , Guo Can , Liang Guangling , Luo Guotian , Ye Qin , Zhong Balian
Published: October 2018

Delayed bitterness causes severe economic loss in citrus juice industry worldwide, which is mostly due to the formation of limonoid compounds, especially limonin, in juice. In this study, effects of postharvest time of fruits, heat treatment, pH and filtration of juice on limonin content in Newhall navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) juice were investigated. Our research indicated for the first time that: (1) limonin content in juice would gradually increase to a maximal level and then remained almost constant thereafter as storage time going on, whereas the maximum constant value (MCV) of limonin content in juice significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with the increment of postharvest time of fruits being juiced; (2) heat treatment and acidification of juice only speeded up the formation of limonin to the maximal level while without changing the MCV of limonin content; (3) the juice after filtration exhibited much lower MCV of limonin content compared with the unfiltered one. These experimental observations might not only provide useful information for the development of new debitterness method for navel orange juice, but also strongly support the acid-promoted delayed bitterness mechanism, suggesting the formation of delayed bitterness might primary due to the acid-promoted rather than the enzyme-catalyzed lactonization of limonoate A-ring lactone (LARL) to produce limonin in juice of navel orange.
Evaluation of Alkaloids Isolated from Ruta graveolens as Photosynthesis Inhibitors
Authors: Sampaio Olívia Moreira , Vieira Lucas Campos Curcino , Bellete Barbara Sayuri , King-Diaz Beatriz , Lotina-Hennsen Blas , Da Silva Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes , Veiga Thiago André Moura
Published: October 2018

Eight alkaloids (1–8) were isolated from Ruta graveolens, and their herbicide activities were evaluated through in vitro, semivivo, and in vivo assays. The most relevant results were observed for Compounds 5 and 6–8 at 150 μM, which decreased dry biomass by 20% and 23%, respectively. These are significant results since they presented similar values with the positive control, commercial herbicide 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU). Based on the performed assays, Compound 5 (graveoline) is classified as an electron-transport inhibitor during the light phase of photosynthesis, as well as a plant-growth regulator. On the other hand, Compounds 6–8 inhibited electron and energy transfers, and are also plant-growth inhibitors. These phytotoxic behaviors based on acridone and quinolone alkaloids may serve as a valuable tool in the further development of a new class of herbicides since natural products represent an interesting alternative to replace commercial herbicides, potentially due their low toxicity.
Cationic Cyclopentadienyliron Complex as a Novel and Successful Nucleating Agent on the Crystallization Behavior of the Biodegradable PHB Polymer
Authors: El-Taweel Safaa H. , Al-Ahmadi Arwa O. , Alhaddad Omaima , Okasha Rawda M.
Published: October 2018

Cationic cyclopentadienyliron (CpFe+) is one of the most fruitful organometallic moieties that has been utilized to mediate the facile synthesis of a massive number of macromolecules. However, the ability of this compound to function as a nucleating agent to improve other macromolecule properties has not been explored. This report scrutinizes the influence of the cationic complex as a novel nucleating agent on the spherulitic morphology, crystal structure, and isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization behavior of the Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) bacterial origin. The incorporation of the CpFe+ into the PHB materials caused a significant increase in its spherulitic numbers with a remarkable reduction in the spherulitic sizes. Unlike other nucleating agents, the SEM imageries exhibited a good dispersion without forming agglomerates of the CpFe+ moieties in the PHB matrix. Moreover, according to the FTIR analysis, the cationic organoiron complex has a strong interaction with the PHB polymeric chains via the coordination with its ester carbonyl. Yet, the XRD results revealed that this incorporation had no significant effect on the PHB crystalline structure. Though the CpFe+ had no effect on the polymer’s crystal structure, it accelerated outstandingly the melt crystallization of the PHB. Meanwhile, the crystallization half-times (t0.5) of the PHB decreased dramatically with the addition of the CpFe+. The isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization processes were successfully described using the Avrami model and a modified Avrami model, as well as a combination of the Avrami and Ozawa methods. Finally, the effective activation energy of the PHB/CpFe+ nanocomposites was much lower than those of their pure counterparts, which supported the heterogeneous nucleation mechanism with the organometallic moieties, indicating that the CpFe+ is a superior nucleating agent for this class of polymer.
Using Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Method for the Height of F2 Peak Forecasting from Ionosonde Measurements in the Australian Region
Authors: Hu Andong , Zhang Kefei
Published: October 2018

The height of F2 peak (hmF2) is an essential ionospheric parameter and its variations can reflect both the earth magnetic and solar activities. Therefore, reliable prediction of hmF2 is important for the study of space, such as solar wind and extreme weather events. However, most current models are unable to forecast the variation of the ionosphere effectively since real-time measurements are required as model inputs. In this study, a new Australian regional hmF2 forecast model was developed by using ionosonde measurements and the bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (bi-LSTM) method. The hmF2 value in the next hour can be predicted using the data from the past five hours at the same location. The inputs chosen from a location of interest include month of the year, local time (LT), K p , F 10 . 7 and hmF2 as an independent variable vector. The independent variable vectors in the immediate past five hours are considered as an independent variable set, which is used as an input of the new Australian regional hmF2 forecast model developed for the prediction of hmF2 in the hour to come. The performance of the new model developed is evaluated by comparing with those from other popular models, such as the AMTB, Shubin, ANN and LSTM models. Results showed that: (1) the new model can substantially outperform all the other four models. (2) Compared to the LSTM model, the new model is proven to be more robust and rapidly convergent. The mew model also outperforms that of the ANN model by around 30%. (3) the minimum sample number for the bi-LSTM method (i.e., 2000) to converge is about 50% less than that is required for the LSTM method (i.e., 3000). (4) Compared to the Shubin model, the bi-LSTM method can effectively forecast the hmF2 values up to 5 h. This research is a first attempt at using the deep learning-based method for the application of the ionospheric prediction.
A Room-Temperature CNT/Fe3O4 Based Passive Wireless Gas Sensor
Authors: Guo Tao , Zhou Tianhao , Tan Qiulin , Guo Qianqian , Lu Fengxiang , Xiong Jijun
Published: October 2018

A carbon nanotube/Fe3O4 thin film-based wireless passive gas sensor with better performance is proposed. The sensitive test mechanism of LC (Inductance and capacitance resonant) wireless sensors is analyzed and the reason for choosing Fe3O4 as a gas sensing material is explained. The design and fabrication process of the sensor and the testing method are introduced. Experimental results reveal that the proposed carbon nanotube (CNT)/Fe3O4 based sensor performs well on sensing ammonia (NH3) at room temperature. The sensor exhibits not only an excellent response, good selectivity, and fast response and recovery times at room temperature, but is also characterized by good repeatability and low cost. The results for the wireless gas sensor’s performance for different NH3 gas concentrations are presented. The developed device is promising for the establishment of wireless gas sensors in harsh environments.
Non-Linear Cellular Dielectrophoretic Behavior Characterization Using Dielectrophoretic Tweezers-Based Force Spectroscopy inside a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Choi Seungyeop , Ko Kwanhwi , Lim Jongwon , Kim Sung Hoon , Woo Sung-Hun , Kim Yoon Suk , Key Jaehong , Lee Sei Young , Park In Su , Lee Sang Woo
Published: October 2018

Characterization of cellular dielectrophoretic (DEP) behaviors, when cells are exposed to an alternating current (AC) electric field of varying frequency, is fundamentally important to many applications using dielectrophoresis. However, to date, that characterization has been performed with monotonically increasing or decreasing frequency, not with successive increases and decreases, even though cells might behave differently with those frequency modulations due to the nonlinear cellular electrodynamic responses reported in previous works. In this report, we present a method to trace the behaviors of numerous cells simultaneously at the single-cell level in a simple, robust manner using dielectrophoretic tweezers-based force spectroscopy. Using this method, the behaviors of more than 150 cells were traced in a single environment at the same time, while a modulated DEP force acted upon them, resulting in characterization of nonlinear DEP cellular behaviors and generation of different cross-over frequencies in living cells by modulating the DEP force. This study demonstrated that living cells can have non-linear di-polarized responses depending on the modulation direction of the applied frequency as well as providing a simple and reliable platform from which to measure a cellular cross-over frequency and characterize its nonlinear property.
Trends and Advances in the Characterization of Gas Sensing Materials Based on Semiconducting Oxides
Authors: Degler David
Published: October 2018

The understanding of the fundamental properties and processes of chemoresistive gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxides is driven by the available characterization techniques and sophisticated approaches used to identify structure-function-relationships. This article summarizes trends and advances in the characterization of gas sensing materials based on semiconducting metal oxides, giving a unique overview of the state of the art methodology used in this field. The focus is set on spectroscopic techniques, but the presented concepts apply to other characterization methods, such as electronic, imaging or diffraction-based techniques. The presented concepts are relevant for academic research as well as for improving R&D approaches in industry.
Terahertz Imaging of Thin Film Layers with Matched Field Processing
Authors: Schecklman Scott , Zurk Lisa M.
Published: October 2018

Terahertz (THz) time of flight (TOF) tomography systems offer a new measurement modality for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of the subsurface layers of protective coatings and/or laminated composite materials for industrial, security and biomedical applications. However, for thin film samples, the time-of-flight within a layer is less than the duration of the THz pulse and consequently there is insufficient range resolution for NDE of the sample under test. In this paper, matched field processing (MFP) techniques are applied to thickness estimation in THz TOF tomography applications, and these methods are demonstrated by using measured THz spectra to estimate the the thicknesses of a thin air gap and its depth below the surface. MFP methods have been developed over several decades in the underwater acoustics community for model-based inversion of geo-acoustic parameters. It is expected that this research will provide an important link for THz researchers to access and apply the robust methods available in the MFP literature.
Gait Study of Parkinson’s Disease Subjects Using Haptic Cues with A Motorized Walker
Authors: Zhang Minhua , Artan N. Sertac , Gu Huanying , Dong Ziqian , Burina Ganatra Lyudmila , Shermon Suzanna , Rabin Ely
Published: October 2018

Gait abnormalities are one of the distinguishing symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) that contribute to fall risk. Our study compares the gait parameters of people with PD when they walk through a predefined course under different haptic speed cue conditions (1) without assistance, (2) pushing a conventional rolling walker, and (3) holding onto a self-navigating motorized walker under different speed cues. Six people with PD were recruited at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine to participate in this study. Spatial posture and gait data of the test subjects were collected via a VICON motion capture system. We developed a framework to process and extract gait features and applied statistical analysis on these features to examine the significance of the findings. The results showed that the motorized walker providing a robust haptic cue significantly improved gait symmetry of PD subjects. Specifically, the asymmetry index of the gait cycle time was reduced from 6.7% when walking without assistance to 0.56% and below when using a walker. Furthermore, the double support time of a gait cycle was reduced by 4.88% compared to walking without assistance.
Iterative High-Accuracy Parameter Estimation of Uncooperative OFDM-LFM Radar Signals Based on FrFT and Fractional Autocorrelation Interpolation
Authors: Liu Yifei , Zhao Yuan , Zhu Jun , Xiong Ying , Tang Bin
Published: October 2018

To improve the parameter estimation performance of uncooperative Orthogonal Frequency Division Multi- (OFDM) Linear Frequency Modulation (LFM) radar signals, this paper proposes an iterative high-accuracy method, which is based on Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) and Fractional Autocorrelation (FA) interpolation. Two iterative estimators for rotation angle and center frequencies are derived from the analytical formulations of the OFDM-LFM signal. Both estimators are designed by measuring the residual terms between the quasi peak and the real peak in the fractional spectrum, which were obtained from the finite sampling data. Successful elimination of spectral leakage caused by multiple components of the OFDM-LFM signal is also proposed by a sequential removal of the strong coefficient in the fractional spectrum through an iterative process. The method flow is given and its superior performance is demonstrated by the simulation results.
Isothiochromenothiazoles—A Class of Fused Thiazolidinone Derivatives with Established Anticancer Activity That Inhibits Growth of Trypanosoma brucei brucei
Authors: Kryshchyshyn Anna , Kaminskyy Danylo , Nektegayev Igor , Grellier Philippe , Lesyk Roman
Published: October 2018

Recently, thiazolidinone derivatives have been widely studied as antiparasitic agents. Previous investigations showed that fused 4-thiazolidinone derivatives (especially thiopyranothiazoles) retain pharmacological activity of their synthetic precursors—simple 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones. A series of isothiochromeno[4a,4-d][1,3] thiazoles was investigated in an in vitro assay towards bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. All compounds inhibited parasite growth at concentrations in the micromolar range. The established low acute toxicity of this class of compounds along with a good trypanocidal profile indicates that isothiochromenothiazole derivatives may be promising for designing new antitrypanosomal drugs.
Research on Catastrophic Pillar Instability in Room and Pillar Gypsum Mining
Authors: Zhou Yuejin , Li Meng , Xu Xiaoding , Li Xiaotong , Ma Yongdong , Ma Zhanguo
Published: October 2018

Gypsum mines in China are mostly exploited through room and pillar mining. Due to backward mining technology and a long history of mining, a great number of pillars were left in gypsum mines. Many serious work safety accidents occurred as the result of goaf instability in history, which posed severe threats to the security of people’s lives and property. Based on the characteristics of surrounding rock damage, this research improved the constitutive equation of gypsum rock mass damage by establishing a damage evolution model and introducing a shape parameter. Meanwhile, the cusp catastrophe equation was deduced based on the catastrophe theory and the constitutive equation of gypsum rock mass damage, thus summarizing the criteria for pillar instability; the pillar safety factor was obtained by means of the interrelation between pillar load and pillar strength. Based on the criteria for pillar instability and the pillar safety factor obtained, the necessary and sufficient conditions for pillar stability were concluded. These conclusions are of significance in that they provide theoretic reference for the treatment of gypsum goaf, as well as for further mining.
Integrated Understanding of Big Data, Big Data Analysis, and Business Intelligence: A Case Study of Logistics
Authors: Jin Dong-Hui , Kim Hyun-Jung
Published: October 2018

Efficient decision making based on business intelligence (BI) is essential to ensure competitiveness for sustainable growth. The rapid development of information and communication technology has made collection and analysis of big data essential, resulting in a considerable increase in academic studies on big data and big data analysis (BDA). However, many of these studies are not linked to BI, as companies do not understand and utilize the concepts in an integrated way. Therefore, the purpose of this study is twofold. First, we review the literature on BI, big data, and BDA to show that they are not separate methods but an integrated decision support system. Second, we explore how businesses use big data and BDA practically in conjunction with BI through a case study of sorting and logistics processing of a typical courier enterprise. We focus on the company’s cost efficiency as regards to data collection, data analysis/simulation, and the results from actual application. Our findings may enable companies to achieve management efficiency by utilizing big data through efficient BI without investing in additional infrastructure. It could also give them indirect experience, thereby reducing trial and error in order to maintain or increase competitiveness.
Spatial Pattern Evolution and Optimization of Urban System in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China, Based on DMSP-OLS Night Light Data
Authors: Zhong Yang , Lin Aiwen , Zhou Zhigao , Chen Feiyan
Published: October 2018

It is of great significance to research the spatial pattern of the urban system of the Yangtze River economic belt to analyze the characteristics and laws of the spatial structure of the Yangtze River economic belt and to promote the optimal development of the urban system of the Yangtze River economic zone. In this paper, the time data of the Yangtze River economic zone are corrected using Landsat satellite data and the clustering analysis method. The threshold of the urban built area is obtained by comparing the auxiliary data with other auxiliary data. Based on this threshold, a total of eight typical landscape pattern indicators—including the total area of the landscape, the total patch number, and the aggregation index—are used, and then FRAG-STATS 4.2 software is used to analyze the spatial pattern of urban development in the Yangtze River economic zone from 1992 to 2013. The results show the following: (1) During the period from 1992 to 2013, the urbanization of the Yangtze River economic zone expanded rapidly; the area of urban built-up area increased by a factor of 9.68, the number of patches increased by a factor of 2.39, and the patch density increased greatly, indicating that the Yangtze River economic zone, with an increasing number of towns and urban areas, continues to expand. (2) The complexity of the landscape patch shape gradually increased, the small and medium-sized cities continued to grow, more small towns emerged, and the total length of the border and the average density had average annual growth rates of 21.56% and 21.58%; the degree of aggregation and the mutual influence are increasing. (3) The maximum plaque index and the aggregation index show an overall declining trend. However, there are some fluctuations and disorder in the process of evolution, such as the total area of the landscape, the total patch number and the total patch density, which reflects that the Yangtze River economic zone is in the process of urbanization and has irregular and disordered characteristics.
On the Existence of the Solutions of a Fredholm Integral Equation with a Modified Argument in Hölder Spaces
Authors: Temizer Ersoy Merve , Furkan Hasan
Published: October 2018

This article concerns the entity of solutions of a quadratic integral equation of the Fredholm type with an altered argument, x ( t ) = p ( t ) + x ( t ) ∫ 0 1 k ( t , τ ) ( T x ) ( τ ) d τ , where p , k are given functions, T is the given operator satisfying conditions specified later and x is an unknown function. Through the classical Schauder fixed point theorem and a new conclusion about the relative compactness in Hölder spaces, we obtain the existence of solutions under certain assumptions. Our work is more general than the previous works in the Conclusion section. At the end, we introduce several tangible examples where our entity result can be adopted.
Water Protection Zoning as an Instrument of Preservation for Lake Baikal
Authors: Bychkov Igor V. , Gagarinova Olga V. , Orlova Irina I. , Bogdanov Victor N.
Published: October 2018

The article is dedicated to the justification and practical implementation of a nature protection-based methodological approach to define the boundaries of the Lake Baikal protection zone and form proposals related to the harmonization of instruments of environmentally responsible development of the territory, which has the status of a World Heritage site as it contains 20% of the world’s fresh water supply. An analysis of the contemporary conditions of Lake Baikal and its surrounding landscapes show environmental degradation of the area. The most important aspects in solving the existing problem may be the construction of a science-based definition of the Lake Baikal water protection zone and compliance with the universal global values related to the requirements of ecological threat prevention. The main landscape-hydrological design principles for the water protection zone are studied in this article. A method for the functional water protection zoning of urban territories is also given. This has been implemented in Baikalsk town, which is located on the Baikal shore and is considered to be one of the most environmentally damaged territories. Proposals include recommendations on the harmonization of the landscape-hydrological principles of territory assessment and methods for target landscape planning; the setting of various restrictions within the boundaries of existing industrial and settlement zones; the creation of an overall system of environmental health monitoring for Lake Baikal and its protection zones; and for ensuring interactions with the public.
The Impact of River Discharge and Water Temperature on Manganese Release from the Riverbed during Riverbank Filtration: A Case Study from Dresden, Germany
Authors: Paufler Sebastian , Grischek Thomas , Benso Marcos Roberto , Seidel Nadine , Fischer Thomas
Published: October 2018

The climate-related variables, river discharge, and water temperature, are the main factors controlling the quality of the bank filtrate by affecting infiltration rates, travel times, and redox conditions. The impact of temperature and discharge on manganese release from a riverbed were assessed by water quality data from a monitoring transect at a riverbank filtration site in Dresden-Tolkewitz. Column experiments with riverbed material were used to assess the Mn release for four temperature and three discharge conditions, represented by varying infiltration rates. The observed Mn release was modeled as kinetic reactions via Monod-type rate formulations in PHREEQC. The temperature had a bigger impact than the infiltration rates on the Mn release. Infiltration rates of <0.3 m3/(m2·d) required temperatures >20 °C to trigger the Mn release. With increasing temperatures, the infiltration rates became less important. The modeled consumption rates of dissolved oxygen are in agreement with results from other bank filtration sites and are potentially suited for the further application of the given conditions. The determined Mn reduction rate constants were appropriate to simulate Mn release from the riverbed sediments but seemed not to be suited for simulations in which Mn reduction is likely to occur within the aquifer. Sequential extractions revealed a decrease of easily reducible Mn up to 25%, which was found to reflect the natural stratification within the riverbed, rather than a depletion of the Mn reservoir.
Um estudo sobre as condições estruturais e materiais dos laboratórios didáticos de ciências das escolas públicas de Dourados/MS
Authors: Pereira Ademir de Souza , Mandacari Crislaine
Published: October 2018

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma pesquisa que visou investigar a situação dos laboratórios de ciências e química na cidade de Dourados/MS, em cinco escolas públicas da rede estadual, a partir da compreensão dos professores de química que atuam nesse espaço. A temática é encarada como um tema latente na área de ensino de ciências, pois tais espaços pedagógicos não podem cair em desuso por quaisquer que sejam as dificuldades enfrentadas. Como resultado foi possível considerar que as atividades experimentais são pouco utilizadas devidos a diversos fatores, tais como a falta de professor ou técnico lotado no laboratório, descarte de resíduos, compra de materiais, reagentes, equipamentos e condições para confecção de materiais alternativos. Além disso, é necessário a realização de mais pesquisas com este enfoque na área de educação em ciências.
Refletindo sobre o ensino de ciências com professores dos anos iniciais por meio de uma sequência de ensino investigativo
Authors: Rodrigues Cristiane Santi Chaves , Rodrigues Maria Aparecida
Published: October 2018

Diversas pesquisas têm evidenciado a importância de se inserir o ensino de ciências (EC) desde os primeiros anos de escolarização. Neste contexto, estudos também apontam que a aprendizagem de temas científicos se torna mais eficaz quando a abordagem se dá de forma investigativa. Neste artigo, discutimos parte dos resultados de uma pesquisa de mestrado. O estudo tem como objetivo investigar a contribuição de um curso de extensão sobre ensino de ciências por investigação para professores dos anos iniciais. Para a presente pesquisa, adotamos uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando como instrumento de coleta de dados uma Sequência de Ensino Investigativo (SEI) com o tema órgãos dos sentidos. Participaram do curso, promovido pela Universidade Estadual de Maringá, seis professores, os quais desenvolveram uma série de atividades, como respostas a questionários e discussões sobre ensino por investigação por meio de textos e atividades práticas. Várias dessas atividades práticas faziam parte da SEI, que possibilitou intensas discussões com os professores participantes. Como atividade final do curso, os professores, em duplas ou individualmente, elaboraram uma sequência de aulas sobre um tema de ciências de sua escolha, procurando contemplar o ensino por investigação (EI). Os dados registrados por meio de gravação em áudio foram analisados de acordo com os pressupostos da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Os resultados revelaram que as atividades desenvolvidas no contexto do curso de extensão propiciaram a reflexão dos professores sobre a própria prática pedagógica e a inserção do EI no desenvolvimento de temas de ciências nos anos iniciais.