bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of HIFU Propagation in a Dispersive Medium via Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov Model Combined with a Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Liu Shilei , Yang Yanye , Li Chenghai , Guo Xiasheng , Tu Juan , Zhang Dong
Published: April 2018

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been proven to be promising in non-invasive therapies, in which precise prediction of the focused ultrasound field is crucial for its accurate and safe application. Although the Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov (KZK) equation has been widely used in the calculation of the nonlinear acoustic field of HIFU, some deviations still exist when it comes to dispersive medium. This problem also exists as an obstacle to the Westervelt model and the Spherical Beam Equation. Considering that the KZK equation is the most prevalent model in HIFU applications due to its accurate and simple simulation algorithms, there is an urgent need to improve its performance in dispersive medium. In this work, a modified KZK (mKZK) equation derived from a fractional order derivative is proposed to calculate the nonlinear acoustic field in a dispersive medium. By correcting the power index in the attenuation term, this model is capable of providing improved prediction accuracy, especially in the axial position of the focal area. Simulation results using the obtained model were further compared with the experimental results from a gel phantom. Good agreements were found, indicating the applicability of the proposed model. The findings of this work will be helpful in making more accurate treatment plans for HIFU therapies, as well as facilitating the application of ultrasound in acoustic hyperthermia therapy.
Multi-Azimuth Failure Mechanisms in Phosphor-Coated White LEDs by Current Aging Stresses
Authors: Peng Zhangbao , Guo Ziquan , Wu Tingzhu , Zhuang Peng , Ye Zhicheng , Shi Yuan , Shih Tien-Mo , Lu Yijun , Kuo Hao-Chung , Chen Zhong
Published: April 2018

We have experimentally analyzed multi-azimuth degradation mechanisms that govern failures of commercially-available high-power (1 Watt) phosphor-coated white (hppc-W) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) covered with peanut-shaped lenses under three current-stress aging (CSA) conditions. Comprehensive analyses focus on photometric, chromatic, electrical, thermal and packaging characteristics. At the packaging level, (a) the decrease of the phosphor-conversion efficiency; (b) the yellow-browning of the optical lens; and (c) the darkening of the silver-coated reflective layer deposited with extraneous chemical elements (e.g., C, O, Si, Mg, and Cu, respectively) contribute collectively to the integral degradation of the optical power. By contrast, Ohmic contacts, thermal properties, and angles of maximum intensity remain unchanged after 3840 h aging in three cases. Particularly at the chip level, the formation of point defects increases the number of non-radiative recombination centers, and thus decreases the optical power during aging stages. Nevertheless, in view of the change of the ideality factor, the Mg dopant activation and the annealing effect facilitate the increase of the optical power in two specific aging stages (192 h~384 h and 768 h~1536 h). This work offers a systematic guidance for the development of reliable LED-based light sources in general-lighting areas.
Development of a High-Pressure Pneumatic On/Off Valve with High Transient Performances Direct-Driven by Voice Coil Motor
Authors: Nie Songlin , Liu Xiangyang , Yin Fanglong , Ji Hui , Zhang Jingxiu
Published: April 2018

The high-speed pneumatic on/off valve is one of the critical components in pneumatic systems, which has been widely investigated in the last decades. In this research, a new voice coil motor direct drive high-speed pneumatic on/off valve (VCM-DHPV) is proposed, and the mathematical model of VCM-DHPV, which consists of the fluid subsystem and electro-mechanical subsystem, is established. In addition, the key structural parameters of VCM-DHPV are optimized through the simulation analysis to improve its dynamic performance. The experiment results show that the developed VCM-DHPV has a good sealing performance by adopting the face-seal type in the valve port, and a large flow rate up to 5500 L/min, and its opening response time is 8.2 ms under the gas supply pressure of 8 MPa and exiting voltage of 240 V. With the supply pressure and the exciting voltage rising, the opening response time of VCM-DHPV is gradually increasing, and the variation tendency of the spool displacement curves is in accordance with the simulation results. This research will have significantly effects on raising the performance of the high-speed pneumatic on/off valve and the development of pneumatic precision motion control.
Hazard Quotients, Hazard Indexes, and Cancer Risks of Toxic Metals in PM10 during Firework Displays
Authors: Pongpiachan Siwatt , Iijima Akihiro , Cao Junji
Published: April 2018

Bonfire night is a worldwide phenomenon given to numerous annual celebrations characterised by bonfires and fireworks. Since Thailand has no national ambient air quality standards for metal particulates, it is important to investigate the impacts of particulate injections on elevations of air pollutants and the ecological health impacts resulting from firework displays. In this investigation, Pb and Ba were considered potential firework tracers because their concentrations were significantly higher during the episode, and lower than/comparable with minimum detection limits during other periods, indicating that their elevated concentrations were principally due to pyrotechnic displays. Pb/Ca, Pb/Al, Pb/Mg, and Pb/Cu can be used to pin-point emissions from firework displays. Air mass backward trajectories (72 h) from the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model indicated that areas east and north-east of the study site were the main sources of the airborne particles. Although the combined risk associated with levels of Pb, Cr, Co., Ni, Zn, As, Cd, V, and Mn was far below the standards mentioned in international guidelines, the lifetime cancer risks associated with As and Cr levels exceeded US-EPA guidelines, and may expose inhabitants of surrounding areas of Bangkok to an elevated cancer risk.
Public Health Care Financing and the Costs of Cancer Care: A Cross-National Analysis
Authors: Voda Ana , Bostan Ionel
Published: April 2018

Expenditure and financing aspects in the healthcare system in general, and in cancer care in particular, are subjects of increasing concern to the medical community. Nowadays, it is imperative for the healthcare system to respond to the challenge of universal access to quality healthcare, by measuring the financial resources within the healthcare sector. The purpose of this review is to highlight the major gaps in the healthcare expenditures for all types of care, as well as on cancer and anti-cancer drugs across 28 European Union member states. The indicators taken into account are divided into two major groups: (1) healthcare expenditures for all types of care, and (2) healthcare expenditures on cancer and anti-cancer drugs. The programs used for our analysis are SPSS Statistics V20.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and Stat World Explorer. The overall picture confirms that there are considerable disparities between the 28 countries in relation to their expenditures on health. The trend in public expenditures for all types of care, compared to the share of healthcare expenditures as a percentage of the GDP, shows the increase of health expenses between 2010 and 2014, but a lower rise compared to the total GDP increase. Healthcare expenditure on cancer (%THE) is rather low, despite the high cost associated with anti-cancer drugs. New treatments and drugs development will be increasingly difficult to achieve if the share devoted to cancer does not increase, and the lack of funds may act as a barrier in receiving high-quality care.
The Effects of Coordinated Molecules of Two Gly-Schiff Base Copper Complexes on Their Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance
Authors: Ma Zhe , Chu Ya , Fu Chonggang , Du Hongmei , Huang Xianqiang , Zhao Jinsheng
Published: April 2018

In this study, two simple Schiff base copper complexes [Cu(H2O)2(HL)]·2H2O (Complex 1) (H3L = 2-OH-4-(OH)-C6H2CH=NCH2CO2H) and [Cu(py)2(HL)] (Complex 2) (Py = pyridine) were initially achieved and authenticated by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses (SXRD), powder X-ray diffraction analyses (PXRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The SXRD reveals that the Cu2+ center in Complex 1 exhibited a distorted square pyramidal geometry, which is constructed based on phenolate oxygen, water molecules, carboxylate oxygen, and imine nitrogen from a deprotonated H3L ligand in an NO4 fashion. The Cu2+ atom in Complex 2 had distorted square pyramidal geometry, and was coordinated with two pyridine molecules and one Gly-Schiff base ligand, exhibiting an N3O2 binding set. Additionally, the free water molecules in Complex 1 linked independent copper complexes by intermolecular hydrogen bond to form a 2D framework. However, the one-dimensional chain supramolecular structure of Complex 2 was formed by the intermolecular O–H…O hydrogen bonds. The oxygen reduction performance of the two complexes was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the rotating disk electrode (RDE) method. Both complexes could catalyze the conversion of oxygen to water through a predominant four-electron pathway, and the Cu–NxOy moieties might be the functional moieties for the catalytic activity. The catalytic pathways and underlying mechanisms are also discussed in detail, from which the structure–activity relationship of the complexes was obtained.
Admissible Consensus for Descriptor Multi-Agent Systems with Exogenous Disturbances
Authors: Zhang Xuxi , Wang Siqi
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we study the admissible consensus for descriptor multi-agent systems (MASs) with exogenous disturbances that are generated by some linear systems. The topology among agents is represented by a directed graph. For solving the admissible consensus problem, the exogenous disturbance observer and distributed control protocol are proposed. With the help of the graph theory and the generalized Riccati equation, some conditions for admissible consensus of descriptor MASs with exogenous disturbances are obtained. Finally, we provide a numerical simulation to effectively illustrate the results we have reached before.
Exact Expressions of Spin-Spin Correlation Functions of the Two-Dimensional Rectangular Ising Model on a Finite Lattice
Authors: Mei Tao
Published: April 2018

We employ the spinor analysis method to evaluate exact expressions of spin-spin correlation functions of the two-dimensional rectangular Ising model on a finite lattice, special process enables us to actually carry out the calculation process. We first present some exact expressions of correlation functions of the model with periodic-periodic boundary conditions on a finite lattice. The corresponding forms in the thermodynamic limit are presented, which show the short-range order. Then, we present the exact expression of the correlation function of the two farthest pair of spins in a column of the model with periodic-free boundary conditions on a finite lattice. Again, the corresponding form in the thermodynamic limit is discussed, from which the long-range order clearly emerges as the temperature decreases.
Photovoltaic-STATCOM with Low Voltage Ride through Strategy and Power Quality Enhancement in a Grid Integrated Wind-PV System
Authors: Popavath Lakshman , Kaliannan Palanisamy
Published: April 2018

The traditional configurations of power systems are changing due to the greater penetration of renewable energy sources (solar and wind), resulting in reliability issues. At present, the most severe power quality problems in distribution systems are current harmonics, reactive power demands, and the islanding of renewables caused by severe voltage variations (voltage sag and swell). Current harmonics and voltage sag strongly affect the performance of renewable-based power systems. Various conventional methods (passive filters, capacitor bank, and UPS) are not able to mitigate harmonics and voltage sag completely. Based on several studies, custom power devices can mitigate harmonics completely and slightly mitigate voltage sags with reactive power supplies. To ensure the generating units remain grid-connected during voltage sags and to improve system operation during abnormal conditions, efficient and reliable utilization of PV solar farm inverter as STATCOMs is needed. This paper elaborates the dynamic performance of a VSC-based PV-STATCOM for power quality enhancement in a grid integrated system and low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. LVRT requirements suggest that the injection of real and reactive power supports grid voltage during abnormal grid conditions. The proposed strategy was demonstrated with MATLAB simulations.
A Comprehensive Overview of CO2 Flow Behaviour in Deep Coal Seams
Authors: Perera Mandadige
Published: April 2018

Although enhanced coal bed methane recovery (ECBM) and CO2 sequestration are effective approaches for achieving lower and safer CO2 levels in the atmosphere, the effectiveness of CO2 storage is greatly influenced by the flow ability of the injected CO2 through the coal seam. A precious understanding of CO2 flow behaviour is necessary due to various complexities generated in coal seams upon CO2 injection. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the CO2 flow behaviour in deep coal seams, specifically addressing the permeability alterations associated with different in situ conditions. The low permeability nature of natural coal seams has a significant impact on the CO2 sequestration process. One of the major causative factors for this low permeability nature is the high effective stresses applying on them, which reduces the pore space available for fluid movement with giving negative impact on the flow capability. Further, deep coal seams are often water saturated where, the moisture behave as barriers for fluid movement and thus reduce the seam permeability. Although the high temperatures existing at deep seams cause thermal expansion in the coal matrix, reducing their permeability, extremely high temperatures may create thermal cracks, resulting permeability enhancements. Deep coal seams preferable for CO2 sequestration generally are high-rank coal, as they have been subjected to greater pressure and temperature variations over a long period of time, which confirm the low permeability nature of such seams. The resulting extremely low CO2 permeability nature creates serious issues in large-scale CO2 sequestration/ECBM projects, as critically high injection pressures are required to achieve sufficient CO2 injection into the coal seam. The situation becomes worse when CO2 is injected into such coal seams, because CO2 movement in the coal seam creates a significant influence on the natural permeability of the seams through CO2 adsorption-induced swelling and hydrocarbon mobilisation. With regard to the temperature, the combined effects of the generation of thermal cracks, thermal expansion, adsorption behaviour alterations and the associated phase transition must be considered before coming to a final conclusion. A reduction in coal’s CO2 permeability with increasing CO2 pressure may occur due to swelling and slip-flow effects, both of which are influenced by the phase transition in CO2 from sub- to super-critical in deep seams. To date, many models have been proposed to simulate CO2 movement in coal considering various factors, including porosity, effective stress, and swelling/shrinkage. These models have been extremely useful to predict CO2 injectability into coal seams prior to field projects and have therefore assisted in implementing number of successful CO2 sequestration/ECBM projects.
Transformation towards a Renewable Energy System in Brazil and Mexico—Technological and Structural Options for Latin America
Authors: Simon Sonja , Naegler Tobias , Gils Hans
Published: April 2018

Newly industrialized countries face major challenges to comply with the Paris Treaty targets as economic growth and prosperity lead to increasing energy demand. Our paper analyses technological and structural options in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energies for a massive reduction of energy-related CO2 emissions in Latin America. Brazil and Mexico share similar growth prospects but differ significantly with respect to renewable energy potentials. We identify, how this leads to different transformation pathways. By applying an energy system balancing model we develop normative energy system transformation scenarios across the heating, power, and mobility sectors, including their potential interactions. The normative scenarios rely on three basic strategies for both countries: (1) strong exploitation of efficiency potentials; (2) tapping the renewable energy potentials; and (3) sector coupling and electrification of heat supply and transport. Despite economic growth, significant CO2 emission reductions could be achieved in Brazil from 440 Gt/a (2.2 t/cap) in 2012 to 0.4 Gt (2 kg/cap) in 2050 and in Mexico from 400 Gt/a (3.3 t/cap) to 80 Gt (0.5 t/cap). Our study shows the gap between existing policy and scenarios and our strategies, which provide an economically feasible way to comply with the Paris treaty targets.
HIL Co-Simulation of Finite Set-Model Predictive Control Using FPGA for a Three-Phase VSI System
Authors: Singh Vijay , Tripathi Ravi , Hanamoto Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2018

The conversion and control for the utilization of power generated from energy sources can be performed using a power electronic converter system. The voltage source inverter (VSI) is one of the commonly used converter topologies, being controlled by a switching control algorithm for power conversion. Finite set-model predictive control (FS-MPC) is a modern switching control algorithm and has received significant attention due to its predictive nature. In this paper, the implementation of FS-MPC is presented for the load-side current control of a three-phase VSI system using an integrated platform of MATLAB/Simulink and Xilinx system generator (XSG). The XSG provides the functionality of digital design and intuitive implementation of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) controlled systems. The additional functionality of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) co-simulation using FPGA is used for the testing and validation of controller performance. The controller performance is validated through three platforms: MATLAB/Simulink, XSG and HIL co-simulation using ZedBoard Zynq evaluation and development FPGA kit.
Proposals for Enhancing Frequency Control in Weak and Isolated Power Systems: Application to the Wind-Diesel Power System of San Cristobal Island-Ecuador
Authors: Ochoa Danny , Martinez Sergio
Published: April 2018

Wind-diesel hybridization has been emerging as common practice for electricity generation in many isolated power systems due to its reliability and its contribution in mitigating environmental issues. However, the weakness of these kind of power systems (due to their small inertia) makes the frequency regulation difficult, particularly under high wind conditions, since part of the synchronous generation has to be set offline for ensuring a suitable tracking of the power demand. This reduces the power system’s ability to absorb wind power variations, leading to pronounced grid frequency fluctuations under normal operating conditions. This paper proposes some corrective actions aimed at enhancing the frequency control capability in weak and isolated power systems: a procedure for evaluating the system stability margin intended for readjusting the diesel-generator control gains, a new wind power curtailment strategy, and an inertial control algorithm implemented in the wind turbines. These proposals are tested in the San Cristobal (Galapagos Islands-Ecuador) hybrid wind-diesel power system, in which many power outages caused by frequency relays tripping were reported during the windiest season. The proposals benefits have been tested in a simulation environment by considering actual operating conditions based on measurement data recorded at the island.
A High-Efficiency Charging Service System for Plug-in Electric Vehicles Considering the Capacity Constraint of the Distribution Network
Authors: Ye Rui , Huang Xueliang , Zhang Ziqi , Chen Zhong , Duan Ran
Published: April 2018

It takes electric vehicles (EVs) a long time to charge, which is bound to influence the charging experience of vehicle owners. At the same time, large-scale charging behavior also brings about large load pressure on, and elevates the overload risk of, the power distribution network. To solve these problems, we proposed a high-efficiency charging service system based on charging reservation and charging pile binding services. The system can shorten the average charging time of EVs and improve the average immediate utilization rate of new energy sources at charging stations (CSs). In addition, the system also guarantees that the EVs are charged within the allowable range of the capacity of the distribution network and avoids overloading of the distribution network caused by the charging of EVs. The key support for the utility of the system is rooted in the three-level CS selection model and the CS energy control algorithm (CSECA) proposed in the research. Finally, the proposed model and algorithm were verified to be valid through numerous simulation experiments.
Phytochemical Properties and Nutrigenomic Implications of Yacon as a Potential Source of Prebiotic: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Cao Yang , Ma Zheng , Zhang Hongxia , Jin Yifan , Zhang Yihe , Hayford Frank
Published: April 2018

The human gut is densely populated with diverse microbial communities that are essential to health. Prebiotics and fiber have been shown to possess the ability to modulate the gut microbiota. One of the plants being considered as a potential source of prebiotic is yacon. Yacon is an underutilized plant consumed as a traditional root-based fruit in South America. Yacon mainly contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin. Therefore, it has bifidogenic benefits for gut health, because FOS are not easily broken down by digestive enzymes. Bioactive chemical compounds and extracts isolated from yacon have been studied for their various nutrigenomic properties, including as a prebiotic for intestinal health and their antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. This article reviewed scientific studies regarding the bioactive chemical compounds and nutrigenomic properties of extracts and isolated compounds from yacon. These findings may help in further research to investigate yacon-based nutritional products. Yacon can be considered a potential prebiotic source and a novel functional food. However, more detailed epidemiological, animal, and human clinical studies, particularly mechanism-based and phytopharmacological studies, are lacking for the development of evidence-based functional food products.
Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Kernels: A Novel Nutrition Source
Authors: Akter Saleha , Netzel Michael , Fletcher Mary , Tinggi Ujang , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: April 2018

Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is a native Australian fruit. Industrial processing of T. ferdinandiana fruits into puree generates seeds as a by-product, which are generally discarded. The aim of our present study was to process the seed to separate the kernel and determine its nutritional composition. The proximate, mineral and fatty acid compositions were analysed in this study. Kernels are composed of 35% fat, while proteins account for 32% dry weight (DW). The energy content and fiber were 2065 KJ/100 g and 21.2% DW, respectively. Furthermore, the study showed that kernels were a very rich source of minerals and trace elements, such as potassium (6693 mg/kg), calcium (5385 mg/kg), iron (61 mg/kg) and zinc (60 mg/kg) DW, and had low levels of heavy metals. The fatty acid composition of the kernels consisted of omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (50.2%), monounsaturated oleic acid (29.3%) and two saturated fatty acids namely palmitic acid (12.0%) and stearic acid (7.2%). The results indicate that T. ferdinandiana kernels have the potential to be utilized as a novel protein source for dietary purposes and non-conventional supply of linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids.
Identifying Patients with Atrioventricular Septal Defect in Down Syndrome Populations by Using Self-Normalizing Neural Networks and Feature Selection
Authors: Pan Xiaoyong , Hu Xiaohua , Zhang Yu , Feng Kaiyan , Wang Shao , Chen Lei , Huang Tao , Cai Yu
Published: April 2018

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a clinically significant subtype of congenital heart disease (CHD) that severely influences the health of babies during birth and is associated with Down syndrome (DS). Thus, exploring the differences in functional genes in DS samples with and without AVSD is a critical way to investigate the complex association between AVSD and DS. In this study, we present a computational method to distinguish DS patients with AVSD from those without AVSD using the newly proposed self-normalizing neural network (SNN). First, each patient was encoded by using the copy number of probes on chromosome 21. The encoded features were ranked by the reliable Monte Carlo feature selection (MCFS) method to obtain a ranked feature list. Based on this feature list, we used a two-stage incremental feature selection to construct two series of feature subsets and applied SNNs to build classifiers to identify optimal features. Results show that 2737 optimal features were obtained, and the corresponding optimal SNN classifier constructed on optimal features yielded a Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) value of 0.748. For comparison, random forest was also used to build classifiers and uncover optimal features. This method received an optimal MCC value of 0.582 when top 132 features were utilized. Finally, we analyzed some key features derived from the optimal features in SNNs found in literature support to further reveal their essential roles.
Effects of Rural Medical Insurance on Chronically Ill Patients’ Choice of the Same Hospital Again in Rural Northern China
Authors: Jiang Ke , You Daming , Li Zhendong , Wei Wei , Mainstone Mitchell
Published: April 2018

The emergence of rural health insurance plays a crucial role in alleviating the pressure on rural medical expenditure. Under the current medical system in northern China, rural medical insurance may reduce the free referral of patients with chronic diseases among hospitals. This study was carried out based on the results of an investigation of rural chronically-ill patients in eight county hospitals in northern China, as well as through the comparison and analysis of patients with chronic diseases, considering whether they were with or without rural health insurance. The main results showed that both age (χ2 = 22.9, p < 0.000) and income level (χ2 = 18.5, p < 0.000) had considerable impact on the rural peoples’ willingness to buy health insurance. Meanwhile, both the quality of the hospital’s treatment (B = 0.555, p < 0.000), and service quality (B = 0.168, p < 0.000) had a significant positive correlation with the likelihood of a given patient choosing the same hospital on the next visit, but the medical costs had a significant negative correlation (B = −0.137, p < 0.000). Eventually, it was found that the provision of rural health insurance had weakened the three relationships upon which the aforementioned correlations were based.
Effect of Climate and Land Use on the Spatio-Temporal Variability of Tick-Borne Bacteria in Europe
Authors: Rosà Roberto , Andreo Veronica , Tagliapietra Valentina , Baráková Ivana , Arnoldi Daniele , Hauffe Heidi , Manica Mattia , Rosso Fausta , Blaňarová Lucia , Bona Martin , Derdáková Marketa , Hamšíková Zuzana , Kazimírová Maria , Kraljik Jasna , Kocianová Elena , Mahríková Lenka , Minichová Lenka , Mošanský Ladislav , Slovák Mirko , Stanko Michal , Špitalská Eva , Ducheyne Els , Neteler Markus , Hubálek Zdenek , Rudolf Ivo , Venclikova Kristyna , Silaghi Cornelia , Overzier Evelyn , Farkas Robert , Földvári Gábor , Hornok Sándor , Takács Nóra , Rizzoli Annapaola
Published: April 2018

The incidence of tick-borne diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. has been rising in Europe in recent decades. Early pre-assessment of acarological hazard still represents a complex challenge. The aim of this study was to model Ixodes ricinus questing nymph density and its infection rate with B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in five European countries (Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary) in various land cover types differing in use and anthropisation (agricultural, urban and natural) with climatic and environmental factors (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and precipitation). We show that the relative abundance of questing nymphs was significantly associated with climatic conditions, such as higher values of NDVI recorded in the sampling period, while no differences were observed among land use categories. However, the density of infected nymphs (DIN) also depended on the pathogen considered and land use. These results contribute to a better understanding of the variation in acarological hazard for Ixodes ricinus transmitted pathogens in Central Europe and provide the basis for more focused ecological studies aimed at assessing the effect of land use in different sites on tick–host pathogens interaction.
Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Problems in Office-Like Environments: Role of Occupational Health Services
Authors: Carrer Paolo , Wolkoff Peder
Published: April 2018

There is an increasing concern about indoor air quality (IAQ) and its impact on health, comfort, and work-performance in office-like environments and their workers, which account for most of the labor force. The Scientific Committee on Indoor Air Quality and Health of the ICOH (Int. Comm. Occup. Health) has discussed the assessment and management of IAQ problems and proposed a stepwise approach to be conducted by a multidisciplinary team. It is recommended to integrate the building assessment, inspection by walk-through of the office workplace, questionnaire survey, and environmental measurements, in that order. The survey should cover perceived IAQ, symptoms, and psychosocial working aspects. The outcome can be used for mapping the IAQ and to prioritize the order in which problems should be dealt with. Individual health surveillance in relation to IAQ is proposed only when periodical health surveillance is already performed for other risks (e.g., video display units) or when specific clinical examination of workers is required due to the occurrence of diseases that may be linked to IAQ (e.g., Legionnaire’s disease), recurrent inflammation, infections of eyes, respiratory airway effects, and sensorial disturbances. Environmental and personal risk factors should also be compiled and assessed. Workplace health promotion should include programs for smoking cessation and stress and IAQ management.
Pathobiologic Roles of Epstein–Barr Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs in Human Lymphomas
Authors: Navari Mohsen , Etebari Maryam , Ibrahimi Mostafa , Leoncini Lorenzo , Piccaluga Pier
Published: April 2018

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human γ-herpesvirus implicated in several human malignancies, including a wide range of lymphomas. Several molecules encoded by EBV in its latent state are believed to be related to EBV-induced lymphomagenesis, among which microRNAs—small RNAs with a posttranscriptional regulating role—are of great importance. The genome of EBV encodes 44 mature microRNAs belonging to two different classes, including BamHI-A rightward transcript (BART) and Bam HI fragment H rightward open reading frame 1 (BHRF1), with different expression levels in different EBV latency types. These microRNAs might contribute to the pathogenetic effects exerted by EBV through targeting self mRNAs and host mRNAs and interfering with several important cellular mechanisms such as immunosurveillance, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In addition, EBV microRNAs can regulate the surrounding microenvironment of the infected cells through exosomal transportation. Moreover, these small molecules could be potentially used as molecular markers. In this review, we try to present an updated and extensive view of the role of EBV-encoded miRNAs in human lymphomas.
Current Approaches Including Novel Nano/Microtechniques to Reduce Silicone Implant-Induced Contracture with Adverse Immune Responses
Authors: Kang Shin , Sutthiwanjampa Chanutchamon , Heo Chan , Kim Woo , Lee Soo-Hong , Park Hansoo
Published: April 2018

Capsular contracture, which is the pathologic development of fibrous capsules around implants, is a major complication of reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgeries. Capsular contracture can cause implant failure with breast hardening, deformity, and severe pain. The exact mechanisms underlying this complication remain unclear. In addition, anaplastic large cell lymphoma is now widely recognized as a very rare disease associated with breast implants. Foreign body reactions are an inevitable common denominator of capsular contracture. A number of studies have focused on the associated immune responses and their regulation. The present article provides an overview of the currently available techniques, including novel nano/microtechniques, to reduce silicone implant-induced contracture and associated foreign body responses.
Development and Characterization of Novel Genic-SSR Markers in Apple-Juniper Rust Pathogen Gymnosporangium yamadae (Pucciniales: Pucciniaceae) Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Tao Si-Qi , Cao Bin , Tian Cheng-Ming , Liang Ying-Mei
Published: April 2018

The Apple-Juniper rust, Gymnosporangium yamadae, is an economically important pathogen of apples and junipers in Asia. The absence of markers has hampered the study of the genetic diversity of this widespread pathogen. In our study, we developed twenty-two novel microsatellite markers for G. yamadae from randomly sequenced regions of the transcriptome, using next-generation sequencing methods. These polymorphic markers were also tested on 96 G. yamadae individuals from two geographical populations. The allele numbers ranged from 2 to 9 with an average value of 6 per locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.099 to 0.782 with an average value of 0.48. Furthermore, the observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.683 and 0.04 to 0.820, respectively. These novel developed microsatellites provide abundant molecular markers for investigating the genetic structure and genetic diversity of G. yamadae, which will help us to better understand disease epidemics and the origin and migration routes of the Apple-Juniper rust pathogen. Further studies will also be completed to dissect how human activities influence the formation of current population structures. Furthermore, these SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers can also be used as tools to identify virulence by mapping the whole genomes of different virulent populations. These markers will, thus, assist the development of effective risk-assessment models and management systems for the Apple-Juniper rust pathogen.
Nanocoatings for Chronic Wound Repair—Modulation of Microbial Colonization and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Mihai Mara Mădălina , Preda Mădălina , Lungu Iulia , Gestal Monica Cartelle , Popa Mircea Ioan , Holban Alina Maria
Published: April 2018

Wound healing involves a complex interaction between immunity and other natural host processes, and to succeed it requires a well-defined cascade of events. Chronic wound infections can be mono- or polymicrobial but their major characteristic is their ability to develop a biofilm. A biofilm reduces the effectiveness of treatment and increases resistance. A biofilm is an ecosystem on its own, enabling the bacteria and the host to establish different social interactions, such as competition or cooperation. With an increasing incidence of chronic wounds and, implicitly, of chronic biofilm infections, there is a need for alternative therapeutic agents. Nanotechnology shows promising openings, either by the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles or their function as drug carriers. Nanoparticles and nanostructured coatings can be active at low concentrations toward a large variety of infectious agents; thus, they are unlikely to elicit emergence of resistance. Nanoparticles might contribute to the modulation of microbial colonization and biofilm formation in wounds. This comprehensive review comprises the pathogenesis of chronic wounds, the role of chronic wound colonization and infection in the healing process, the conventional and alternative topical therapeutic approaches designed to combat infection and stimulate healing, as well as revolutionizing therapies such as nanotechnology-based wound healing approaches.
Establishing a Split Luciferase Assay for Proteinkinase G (PKG) Interaction Studies
Authors: Schramm Andrea , Mueller-Thuemen Philip , Littmann Timo , Harloff Manuela , Ozawa Takeaki , Schlossmann Jens
Published: April 2018

Nitric oxide (NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-regulated cellular mechanisms are involved in a variety of (patho-) physiological processes. One of the main effector molecules in this system, proteinkinase G (PKG), serves as a molecular switch by phosphorylating different target proteins and thereby turning them on or off. To date, only a few interaction partners of PKG have been described although the identification of protein–protein interactions (PPI) is indispensable for the understanding of cellular processes and diseases. Conventionally used methods to detect PPIs exhibit several disadvantages, e.g., co-immunoprecipitations, which depend on suitable high-affinity antibodies. Therefore, we established a cell-based protein-fragment complementation assay (PCA) for the identification of PKG target proteins. Here, a reporter protein (click beetle luciferase) is split into two fragments and fused to two different possible interaction partners. If interaction occurs, the reporter protein is functionally complemented and the catalyzed reaction can then be quantitatively measured. By using this technique, we confirmed the regulator of G-Protein signaling 2 (RGS2) as an interaction partner of PKGIα (a PKG-isoform) following stimulation with 8-Br-cGMP and 8-pCPT-cGMP. Hence, our results support the conclusion that the established approach could serve as a novel tool for the rapid, easy and cost-efficient detection of novel PKG target proteins.
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Wireless Energy Harvesting for Future Wireless Communications”
Authors: Sharma Shree , Jayakody Dushantha
Published: April 2018

n/a
Exploring the Use of 3D Scanning to Determine Whole-Body Volume While Wearing a Triathlon Wetsuit
Authors: Barker Leland , Mendoza Diego , Mercer John
Published: April 2018

Background: Commercial 3 Dimension (3D) scanners are relatively new to anthropometry. The purpose of this study was to explore ability of using a 3D imaging instrument to measure body volume with and without wearing a wetsuit. Three experiments were conducted to achieve this purpose: (1) to determine if the 3D imaging instrument could accurately measure volume of static objects; (2) to determine the resolution of accuracy of measuring volume of static objects; and (3) to compare whole-body volume of wearing a wetsuit using 3D imaging as well as another body volume measure (air displacement technique). Methods: Three experiments were performed: (1) measurement of volume of a mannequin head and a box using a 3D scanner, water displacement (for mannequin head), and dimension measurements (for box) techniques for determining volume, (2) volume measurements of 1, 2, and 3 layers of neoprene to assess the resolution capabilities of the 3D scanner, and (3) body volume with and without wearing a wetsuit using a 3D scanner and BodPod (air displacement instrument). Results: (1) Mannequin head volume using the 3D scanner was 1.46% greater than a water displacement technique; the box volume from scanning was significantly greater than volume calculated by measuring dimensions of a box. (2) The volume of a single layer of neoprene was 25.3% less with scanning than the criterion; the volume of two layers was 27.2% less than the criterion; the volume of three layers was not significantly different from the criterion. (3) Body volume was not influenced by the interaction of wetsuit and device; body volume was on average 5% greater with wetsuit than without regardless of instrument. Conclusions: We demonstrated that body volume as measured by a 3D scanner increased when a wetsuit was worn.
Deployment and Maintenance of Wave Energy Converters at the Lysekil Research Site: A Comparative Study on the Use of Divers and Remotely-Operated Vehicles
Authors: Rémouit Flore , Chatzigiannakou Maria-Angeliki , Bender Anke , Temiz Irina , Sundberg Jan , Engström Jens
Published: April 2018

Ocean renewable technologies have been rapidly developing over the past years. However, current high installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning costs are hindering these offshore technologies to reach a commercialization stage. In this paper we focus on the use of divers and remotely-operated vehicles during the installation and monitoring phase of wave energy converters. Methods and results are based on the wave energy converter system developed by Uppsala University, and our experience in offshore deployments obtained during the past eleven years. The complexity of underwater operations, carried out by either divers or remotely-operated vehicles, is emphasized. Three methods for the deployment of wave energy converters are economically and technically analyzed and compared: one using divers alone, a fully-automated approach using remotely-operated vehicles, and an intermediate approach, involving both divers and underwater vehicles. The monitoring of wave energy converters by robots is also studied, both in terms of costs and technical challenges. The results show that choosing an autonomous deployment method is more advantageous than a diver-assisted method in terms of operational time, but that numerous factors prevent the wide application of robotized operations. Technical solutions are presented to enable the use of remotely-operated vehicles instead of divers in ocean renewable technology operations. Economically, it is more efficient to use divers than autonomous vehicles for the deployment of six or fewer wave energy converters. From seven devices, remotely-operated vehicles become advantageous.
Fault-Tolerant Control for ROVs Using Control Reallocation and Power Isolation
Authors: Capocci Romano , Omerdic Edin , Dooly Gerard , Toal Daniel
Published: April 2018

This paper describes a novel thruster fault-tolerant control system (FTC) for open-frame remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The proposed FTC consists of two subsystems: a model-free thruster fault detection and isolation subsystem (FDI) and a fault accommodation subsystem (FA). The FDI subsystem employs fault detection units (FDUs), associated with each thruster, to monitor their state. The robust, reliable and adaptive FDUs use a model-free pattern recognition neural network (PRNN) to detect internal and external faulty states of the thrusters in real time. The FA subsystem combines information provided by the FDI subsystem with predefined, user-configurable actions to accommodate partial and total faults and to perform an appropriate control reallocation. Software-level actions include penalisation of faulty thrusters in solution of control allocation problem and reallocation of control energy among the operable thrusters. Hardware-level actions include power isolation of faulty thrusters (total faults only) such that the entire ROV power system is not compromised. The proposed FTC system is implemented as a LabVIEW virtual instrument (VI) and evaluated in virtual (simulated) and real-world environments. The proposed FTC module can be used for open frame ROVs with up to 12 thrusters: eight horizontal thrusters configured in two horizontal layers of four thrusters each, and four vertical thrusters configured in one vertical layer. Results from both environments show that the ROV control system, enhanced with the FDI and FA subsystems, is capable of maintaining full 6 DOF control of the ROV in the presence of up to 6 simultaneous total faults in the thrusters. With the FDI and FA subsystems in place the control energy distribution of the healthy thrusters is optimised so that the ROV can still operate in difficult conditions under fault scenarios.
Preface: Special Issue on Wildland Fires
Authors: Smith Alistair , Lutz James , Hoffman Chad , Williamson Grant , Hudak Andrew
Published: April 2018

Wildland fires are a critical Earth-system process that impacts human populations in each settled continent[...]
Importance of Emulsification in Calibrating Infrared Spectroscopes for Analyzing Water Contamination in Used or In-Service Engine Oil
Authors: Holland Torrey , Abdul-Munaim Ali , Watson Dennis , Sivakumar Poopalasingam
Published: April 2018

Using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy we investigated the water content of SAE 15W–40 diesel engine lubricating oil at various levels of contamination to establish instrument calibration standards for measuring water contamination in used or in-service engine oil by the standards of ASTM International. Since some known additives in consumer grade engine oil possess slightly hydrophilic properties, this experiment avoided changing the sample matrix with supplemental additives, such as adding surfactants, to achieve homogeneity of the original sample. The impact of sampling time after contamination on the spectral absorption signature was examined in an attempt to improve the accuracy of water contamination quantification and determine if water-soluble potassium bromide (KBr) windows were suitable for analyzing water in oil emulsions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) modeling and limit of detection calculations were used to predict the ability to discriminate contamination levels over time. Our results revealed that the amount of water concentration in engine oil could be misinterpreted depending on the timing of the FT-IR measurement of the calibration standard after initial water contamination. Also, KBr windows are not sufficiently etched due to the limited window interaction with water molecules within micelles of emulsions to alter FT-IR spectral signatures.
Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite, β-Tricalcium Phosphate and Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Particles to Act as Local Delivery Carriers of Curcumin: Loading, Release and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Xidaki Despoina , Agrafioti Panagiota , Diomatari Dimitra , Kaminari Archontia , Tsalavoutas-Psarras Eleftherios , Alexiou Polyxeni , Psycharis Vasilios , Tsilibary Effie , Silvestros Spyridon , Sagnou Marina
Published: April 2018

The successful synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA), β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and two biphasic mixtures (BCPs) of the two was performed by means of wet precipitation. The resulting crystals were characterized and the BCP composition was analyzed and identified as 13% HA—87% TCP and 41% HA—59% TCP. All samples were treated with curcumin solutions, and the degree of curcumin loading and release was found to be proportional to the TCP content of the ceramic. No further cytotoxicity was observed upon MG-63 treatment with the curcumin-loaded ceramics. Finally, the alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells was found to increase with increasing content of TCP, which provides an encouraging proof of concept for the use of curcumin-loaded synthetic biomaterials in bone remodeling.