bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuevos registros de distribución de Gambusia rhizophorae (Teleostei: Poeciliidae) en el archipiélago cubano
Authors: Rodríguez Silva Rodet
Published: May 2019

El complejo de especies Gambusia punctata está representado en Cuba por dos especies: G. punctata Poey, 1854, endémica de Cuba y G. rhizophorae Rivas, 1969, la que ha sido reportada en los cayos de Florida, en el sur Estados Unidos, y la costa norte del occidente de Cuba. En el presente trabajo se reportan nuevos sitios de distribución de G. rhizophorae a lo largo del archipiélago cubano, tanto en la costa norte como en la costa sur. Se dan a conocer, además, los valores de salinidad de los cuerpos de agua donde habita la especie.
Serie de casos: Tumores del Golfo de la yugular.
Authors: Velasco Altamirano Hugo , Vivar Bimos Diego , Rosales Felipe , Silva Acosta Favio
Published: May 2019

Introducción: Los tumores del foramen yugular son lesiones de la base del cráneo poco frecuentes, que presentan dificultades tanto para el diagnóstico como para el manejo. El objetivo del presente reporte es presentar una serie de casos y el manejo que se dio a estos pacientes. Métodos: El presente estudio descriptivo incluye pacientes con tumores del foramen yugular manejados quirúrgicamente desde el 2002 hasta 2006 en el Hospital Oncológico “Solón Espinosa Ayala”, donde se revisó la técnica quirúrgica y el pronóstico. Los tumores fueron abordados por un mismo equipo multidisciplinario, neurocirujano, cirujano otorrinolaringólogo y radio-oncólogo. Resultados: Se presentan 10 casos. El nervio facial fue reconstruido con injertos del nervio auricular mayor o con anastomosis en cinco casos. Los paragangliomasfueron las lesiones más frecuentes seguidas por Schwannomas y meningiomas. La escisión completa fue posible en 8 casos de tumores benignos y en 4 paragangliomas. Los nervios craneales bajos fueron los más frecuentemente comprometidos con lesiones transitorias en cuatro pacientes. Y la función del nervio facial se recobró espontáneamente en 3 casos. Dos casos desarrollaron fístula de líquido céfalo raquídeo. Un paciente falleció después de la cirugía. Conclusión: Los paragangliomas con extensión intracraneal deben ser radicalmente resecados a través de abordajes multidisciplinarios con preservación de los nervios. La embolización preoperatoria debería considerarse. La extubación precoz, traqueotomía en casos seleccionados y temprana rehabilitación son muy importantes en el manejo postoperatorio.
Dignificando el Final de la Vida en Cuidados Intensivos.
Authors: Alberto Computaro Luis , Muchico Miguel  A. , Angarola Jose , Sarasino Adrian , Raimondi Nestor , Baccaro Fernando , Magnante Dinah , Previgliano Ignacio
Published: May 2019

Con frecuencia, cuando una persona se enferma, comienza un complicado proceso de consultas médicas, utilización de sofisticados medios auxiliares de diagnóstico, e instauración de tratamientos cada vez más complejos y costosos. Cuando, en vez de curar la enfermedad progresa; el enfermo se ve abrumado por la aplicación de nuevas exploraciones altamente tecnificadas que persiguen alcanzar un diagnóstico más preciso de la enfermedad a fin de instaurar medidas terapéuticas más agresivas. Como es de esperar, en muchos casos la enfermedad sigue su curso y llega un momento en el que tanto el paciente como sus allegados y el equipo médico se preguntan hasta qué punto es razonable continuar. Esta encrucijada es el punto de decisión de aceptar el final de la vida como evento natural. Pero en muchos casos se percibe como un fracaso, y no como la historia natural de los procesos graves
Variability of Alternaria Leaf Spot Resistance in Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Accessions Grown in a Humid Tropical Region
Authors: Viriyasuthee Wanalai , Saksirirat Weerasak , Saepaisan Suwita , Gleason Mark L. , Jogloy Sanun
Published: May 2019

Alternaria leaf spot is an emerging disease of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) in tropical regions. The lack of known resistant germplasm sources is an important constraint to development of Jerusalem artichoke varieties with resistance to Alternaria leaf spot. The objectives of this study were to identify variability of Jerusalem artichoke genotypes for resistance to Alternaria leaf spot under field conditions and to investigate the relationships among resistance characters, yield, and yield components for selection of resistant varieties. Ninety six accessions of Jerusalem artichoke were evaluated in replicated trials under field conditions in early rainy and late rainy seasons in Khon Kaen, Thailand during 2014. Parameters evaluated included disease incidence, disease score, disease severity index, area under disease progress curve of disease incidence, area under disease progress curve of disease severity index, number of tubers/plants, tuber size, and fresh tuber yield. The genotypes HEL 335, HEL 256, HEL 317, HEL 308, and JA 86 were identified as sources of leaf spot resistance in both seasons. These genotypes can be used as sources of leaf spot resistance for Jerusalem artichoke breeding programs. HEL 293 and HEL 246 showed susceptibility to leaf spot disease in both seasons and should be used as standard susceptible checks.
Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR), Plasmid Profiles, and DNA Polymorphisms among Vibrio vulnificus Isolates
Authors: M. Kurdi Al-Dulaimi Mohammed , Abd. Mutalib Sahilah , Abd. Ghani Maaruf , Mohd. Zaini Nurul Aqilah , Ariffin Ahmad Azuhairi
Published: May 2019

Sixty strains (n = 60) of Vibrio vulnificus were examined for their multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, plasmid profiles, and DNA polymorphisms. Thirty-seven strains (n = 37) were isolated from cockles (Anadara granosa) in Malaysia, while 23 (n = 23) isolates were isolated from clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) in Qatar. All isolates were resistant to two or more of the antibiotics tested, with the most common resistances were demonstrated towards penicillin (93%), ampicillin (70%), cephalothin (65%), clindamycin (66%), vancomycin (64%), and erythromycin (51%). The antibiotic that experienced the least resistance was kanamycin (6%), and all isolates were susceptible to cefoperazone, streptomycin, and tetracycline. The MAR index for the V. vulnificus isolated from Malaysia and Qatar, possessed similar values which ranged from 0.2 to 0.7, respectively. Plasmid analysis demonstrated that 65% of V. vulnificus strains harbored plasmids, while 35% were not. Nineteen (P1–P19) plasmids profiles were observed. No specific cluster or group was observed although they were isolated from different sample sources and locations by phylogenetic analysis using GelCompar II software at an 80% similarity level. Results demonstrated the high MAR index and genomic heterogeneity of V. vulnificus, which are of great concern to the human health of those who have consumed cockles and clams from the study area.
A Novel Calibration Algorithm for Cable-Driven Parallel Robots with Application to Rehabilitation
Authors: Yuan Han , You Xianghui , Zhang Yongqing , Zhang Wenjing , Xu Wenfu
Published: May 2019

Cable-driven parallel robots are suitable candidates for rehabilitation due to their intrinsic flexibility and adaptability, especially considering the safety of human–robot interaction. However, there are still some challenges to apply cable-driven parallel robots to rehabilitation, one of which is the geometric calibration. This paper proposes a new automatic calibration method that is applicable for cable-driven parallel rehabilitation robots. The key point of this method is to establish the mapping between the unknown parameters to be calibrated and the parameters that could be measured by the inner sensors and then use least squares algorithm to find the solutions. Specifically, the unknown parameters herein are the coordinates of the attachment points, and the measured parameters are the lengths of the redundant cables. Simulations are performed on a 3-DOF parallel robot driven by four cables for validation. Results show that the proposed calibration method could precisely find the real coordinate values of the attachment points, with errors less than 10 − 12 mm. Trajectory simulations also indicate that the positioning accuracy of the cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) could be greatly improved after calibration using the proposed method.
Acoustofluidic Micromixing Enabled Hybrid Integrated Colorimetric Sensing, for Rapid Point-of-Care Measurement of Salivary Potassium
Authors: Surendran Vikram , Chiulli Thomas , Manoharan Swetha , Knisley Stephen , Packirisamy Muthukumaran , Chandrasekaran Arvind
Published: May 2019

The integration of microfluidics with advanced biosensor technologies offers tremendous advantages such as smaller sample volume requirement and precise handling of samples and reagents, for developing affordable point-of-care testing methodologies that could be used in hospitals for monitoring patients. However, the success and popularity of point-of-care diagnosis lies with the generation of instantaneous and reliable results through in situ tests conducted in a painless, non-invasive manner. This work presents the development of a simple, hybrid integrated optical microfluidic biosensor for rapid detection of analytes in test samples. The proposed biosensor works on the principle of colorimetric optical absorption, wherein samples mixed with suitable chromogenic substrates induce a color change dependent upon the analyte concentration that could then be detected by the absorbance of light in its path length. This optical detection scheme has been hybrid integrated with an acoustofluidic micromixing unit to enable uniform mixing of fluids within the device. As a proof-of-concept, we have demonstrated the real-time application of our biosensor format for the detection of potassium in whole saliva samples. The results show that our lab-on-a-chip technology could provide a useful strategy in biomedical diagnoses for rapid analyte detection towards clinical point-of-care testing applications.
Cellular Changes in Injured Rat Spinal Cord Following Electrical Brainstem Stimulation
Authors: Jermakowicz Walter J. , Sloley Stephanie S. , Dan Lia , Vitores Alberto , Carballosa-Gautam Melissa M. , Hentall Ian D.
Published: May 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of disability and pain, but little progress has been made in its clinical management. Low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFS) of various anti-nociceptive targets improves outcomes after SCI, including motor recovery and mechanical allodynia. However, the mechanisms of these beneficial effects are incompletely delineated and probably multiple. Our aim was to explore near-term effects of LFS in the hindbrain’s nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) on cellular proliferation in a rat SCI model. Starting 24 h after incomplete contusional SCI at C5, intermittent LFS at 8 Hz was delivered wirelessly to NRM. Controls were given inactive stimulators. At 48 h, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered and, at 72 h, spinal cords were extracted and immunostained for various immune and neuroglial progenitor markers and BrdU at the level of the lesion and proximally and distally. LFS altered cell marker counts predominantly at the dorsal injury site. BrdU cell counts were decreased. Individually and in combination with BrdU, there were reductions in CD68 (monocytes) and Sox2 (immature neural precursors) and increases in Blbp (radial glia) expression. CD68-positive cells showed increased co-staining with iNOS. No differences in the expression of GFAP (glia) and NG2 (oligodendrocytes) or in GFAP cell morphology were found. In conclusion, our work shows that LFS of NRM in subacute SCI influences the proliferation of cell types implicated in inflammation and repair, thus providing mechanistic insight into deep brain stimulation as a neuromodulatory treatment for this devastating pathology.
Base Metal Catalysts for Deoxygenative Reduction of Amides to Amines
Authors: Khalimon Andrey , Gudun Kristina , Hayrapetyan Davit
Published: May 2019

The development of efficient methodologies for production of amines attracts significant attention from synthetic chemists, because amines serve as essential building blocks in the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals, natural products, and agrochemicals. In this regard, deoxygenative reduction of amides to amines by means of transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, and hydroboration reactions represents an attractive alternative to conventional wasteful techniques based on stoichiometric reductions of the corresponding amides and imines, and reductive amination of aldehydes with metal hydride reagents. The relatively low electrophilicity of the amide carbonyl group makes this transformation more challenging compared to reduction of other carbonyl compounds, and the majority of the reported catalytic systems employ precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium. Despite the application of more abundant and environmentally benign base metal (Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) complexes for deoxygenative reduction of amides have been developed to a lesser extent, such catalytic systems are of great importance. This review is focused on the current achievements in the base-metal-catalyzed deoxygenative hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, and hydroboration of amides to amines. Special attention is paid to the design of base metal catalysts and the mechanisms of such catalytic transformations.
5′,8-Cyclopurine Lesions in DNA Damage: Chemical, Analytical, Biological, and Diagnostic Significance
Authors: Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Ferreri Carla , Geacintov Nicholas E. , Krokidis Marios G. , Liu Yuan , Masi Annalisa , Shafirovich Vladimir , Terzidis Michael A. , Tsegay Pawlos S.
Published: May 2019

Purine 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxynucleosides (cPu) are tandem-type lesions observed among the DNA purine modifications and identified in mammalian cellular DNA in vivo. These lesions can be present in two diasteroisomeric forms, 5′R and 5′S, for each 2′-deoxyadenosine and 2′-deoxyguanosine moiety. They are generated exclusively by hydroxyl radical attack to 2′-deoxyribose units generating C5′ radicals, followed by cyclization with the C8 position of the purine base. This review describes the main recent achievements in the preparation of the cPu molecular library for analytical and DNA synthesis applications for the studies of the enzymatic recognition and repair mechanisms, their impact on transcription and genetic instability, quantitative determination of the levels of lesions in various types of cells and animal model systems, and relationships between the levels of lesions and human health, disease, and aging, as well as the defining of the detection limits and quantification protocols.
Novel Preparation of Noncovalent Modified GO Using RAFT Polymerization to Reinforce the Performance of Waterborne Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Liu Baolei , Wang Mingqian , Liang Ying , Zhang Zhicheng , Ren Guohong , Liu Yajun , Wu Shishan , Shen Jian
Published: May 2019

This work launches the first-ever report on the fabrication of waterborne epoxy-graphene oxide (GO) coatings (WEGC) using a block polymer as a dispersant of GO, wherein the block polymer was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of acrylic acid and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate A number of analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and salt spray tests, were utilized to explore the morphology and performance of the WEGC. It was confirmed that POEGMA950-b-PAA attached to the GO nanosheets, increasing the integral space of the sheets. Modified GO (MGO) layers were well-dispersed in the epoxy matrix through the formation of a GO-dispersant-epoxy ternary molecular structure. Furthermore, the presence of MGO substantially influenced the thermal properties, mechanical properties, and anticorrosion performance of the WEGC. TGA, salt spray tests, and pull-off testsshowed that 0.5 wt.% MGO content achieved the greatest improvement in the evaluated properties.
Nickel Film Deposition with Varying RF Power for the Reduction of Contact Resistance in NiSi
Authors: Eadi Sunil Babu , Song Hyeong-Sub , Song Hyun-Dong , Oh Jungwoo , Lee Hi-Deok
Published: May 2019

In this study, the effect of radio frequency (RF) power on nickel (Ni) film deposition was studied to investigate the applications of lowering the contact resistance in the NiSi/Si junction. The RF powers of 100, 150, and 200 W were used for the deposition of the Ni film on an n/p silicon substrate. RMS roughnesses of 1.354, 1.174 and 1.338 nm were obtained at 100, 150, and 200 W, respectively. A circular transmission line model (CTLM) pattern was used to obtain the contact resistance for three different RF-power-deposited films. The lowest contact resistivity of 5.84 × 10−5 Ω-cm2 was obtained for the NiSi/n-Si substrate for Ni film deposited at 150 W RF power.
Variational Principle of Least Psychomotor Action: Modelling Effects on Action from Disturbances in Psychomotor Work Involving Human, Cyborg, and Robot Workers
Authors: Fox Stephen , Kotelba Adrian
Published: May 2019

Optimal psychomotor work can be expressed in terms of the principle of least psychomotor action (PLPA). Modelling psychomotor action encompasses modelling workers, work, and interactions between them that involve different types of situated entropy. Modelling of psychomotor workers encompasses three types of workers: human, cyborg, and robot. The type of worker and the type of work interact to affect positioning actions, performing actions, and perfecting actions undertaken in psychomotor tasks. There are often disturbances in psychomotor work, for example due to weather conditions, which have a determining influence on what work can be undertaken with least psychomotor action by different types of workers. In this paper, findings are reported from a study focused on the modelling disturbances in psychomotor work. Five contributions are provided. First, a heuristic framework for modelling disturbances and their effects is provided. In addition to PLPA and situated entropy, this framework encompasses Markov processes, the theory of perturbations, and calculus of variations. Second, formulae and ratios are provided for heuristic modelling of effects on internal action (Sint) from disturbances to psychomotor work. Third, formulae and ratios are provided for heuristic modelling of effects on external action (Se). Fourth, examples are provided of heuristic modelling of disturbances in psychomotor work. Fifth, formulae and examples show how task complexity can be modelled heuristically in terms of microstates across the cyber domain and the physical domain of cyber-physical systems. Overall, the study reported in this paper addresses variational aspects of PLPA.
EEG Characterization of the Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum by Means of Multiscale Entropies
Authors: Maturana-Candelas Aarón , Gómez Carlos , Poza Jesús , Pinto Nadia , Hornero Roberto
Published: May 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with high prevalence, known for its highly disabling symptoms. The aim of this study was to characterize the alterations in the irregularity and the complexity of the brain activity along the AD continuum. Both irregularity and complexity can be studied applying entropy-based measures throughout multiple temporal scales. In this regard, multiscale sample entropy (MSE) and refined multiscale spectral entropy (rMSSE) were calculated from electroencephalographic (EEG) data. Five minutes of resting-state EEG activity were recorded from 51 healthy controls, 51 mild cognitive impaired (MCI) subjects, 51 mild AD patients (ADMIL), 50 moderate AD patients (ADMOD), and 50 severe AD patients (ADSEV). Our results show statistically significant differences (p-values < 0.05, FDR-corrected Kruskal–Wallis test) between the five groups at each temporal scale. Additionally, average slope values and areas under MSE and rMSSE curves revealed significant changes in complexity mainly for controls vs. MCI, MCI vs. ADMIL and ADMOD vs. ADSEV comparisons (p-values < 0.05, FDR-corrected Mann–Whitney U-test). These findings indicate that MSE and rMSSE reflect the neuronal disturbances associated with the development of dementia, and may contribute to the development of new tools to track the AD progression.
Milk Protein Fractionation by Means of Spiral-Wound Microfiltration Membranes: Effect of the Pressure Adjustment Mode and Temperature on Flux and Protein Permeation
Authors: Hartinger Martin , Heidebrecht Hans-Jürgen , Schiffer Simon , Dumpler Joseph , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: May 2019

Protein fractionation by means of microfiltration (MF) is significantly affected by fouling, especially when spiral-wound membranes (SWMs) are used. We investigated the influence of the mode of transmembrane pressure (ΔpTM) increase to target level and the deposit layer pressure history on the filtration performance during skim milk MF at temperatures of 10 °C and 50 °C. Two filtration protocols were established: No. 1: ΔpTM was set directly to various target values. No. 2: Starting from a low ΔpTM, we increased and subsequently decreased ΔpTM stepwise. The comparison of both protocols tested the effect of the mode of ΔpTM increase to target level. The latter protocol alone tested the effect of the deposit layer history with regard to the ΔpTM. As expected, flux and protein permeation were both found to be functions of the ΔpTM. Further, both measures were independent of the filtration protocol as long as ΔpTM was held at a constant level or, as part of protocol No. 2, ΔpTM was increased. Thus, we can state that the mode of ΔpTM increase to target level does not affect filtration performance in SWM. We found that after completion of a full cycle of stepping ΔpTM up from 0.5 bar to 3.0 bar and back down, flux and deposit layer resistance were not affected by the deposit layer history at 10 °C, but they were at 50 °C. Protein permeation, however, was lower for both 10 °C and 50 °C, when the ΔpTM cycle was completed. The processing history had a significant impact on filtration performance due to remaining structural compression effects in the deposited layer, which occur most notably at higher temperatures. Furthermore, temperatures of 50 °C lead to deposit layer aging, which is probably due to an enhanced crosslinking of particles in the deposit layer. Apart from that, we could show that fouling resistance does not directly correlate with protein permeation during skim milk MF using SWM.
Thyroid Hormones and Spermatozoa: In Vitro Effects on Sperm Mitochondria, Viability and DNA Integrity
Authors: Condorelli Rosita A. , La Vignera Sandro , Mongioì Laura M. , Alamo Angela , Giacone Filippo , Cannarella Rossella , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study wasto assess the in vitro effects of levothyroxine (LT4) on conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters and its implications on fertility. Patients with male idiopathic infertility were enrolled and subjected to examination of the seminal fluid and capacitation according to the WHO 2010 criteria and flow cytometric sperm analysis for the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters. LT4 significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), decreased the percentage of spermatozoa with low MMP and increased sperm motility already at a concentration of 0.9 pmol L−1. Therefore, LT4 significantly reduced sperm necrosis and lipid peroxidation ameliorating chromatin compactness. These effects of LT4 were evident at a concentration of 2.9 pmol L−1, close to the physiological free-thyroxine (FT4) concentrations in the seminal fluid of euthyroid subjects. We showed a beneficial role of thyroid hormones on sperm mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and DNA integrity. The results of this in vitro study could have a clinical application in patients with idiopathic infertility, clarifying the role of thyroid function on male fertility.
Relational Model of Accidents and Vessel Traffic Using AIS Data and GIS: A Case Study of the Western Port of Shenzhen City
Authors: Li Mengxia , Mou Junmin , Liu Rongfang (Rachel) , Chen Pengfei , Dong Zhuojian , He Yixiong
Published: May 2019

Following the growth in global trade activities, vessel traffic has increased dramatically in some busy waterways and ports. However, such increments have made it more complex to manage the regional vessel traffic, which can increase the risk of an accident in the area. To model and analyze the relationship between vessel traffic and maritime traffic, this paper proposes a gridded geography information system (GIS)-based relation analysis model using the historical automatic identification system (AIS) data and accident records over a 10-year-span. Firstly, the extent of the hazards posed by a maritime accident in terms of hull loss, fatality, and direct economic loss is quantified using set pair analysis. Consequently, the hazardous degree posed by an accident is obtained. The relative consequence of the regional hazard (RCORH) is then estimated by summing up all the relative hazardous degrees of accidents that have occurred in a certain gridded area. Secondly, the vessel traffic in the gridded areas is analyzed using characteristics such as speed, heading variance, and traffic volume as indicators. Based on the analysis of both the maritime traffic accidents and the vessel traffic, the spatial relationships are analyzed with an overlay between the RCORH and vessel traffic data of each grid, as well as a regression analysis. In a case study of the Western port of Shenzhen City, China, the methodology proves to be effective for vessel traffic management and traffic engineering design.
Growth Aspects and Biochemical Composition of Synechococcus sp. MK568070 Cultured in Oil Refinery Wastewater
Authors: Blažina Maria , Haberle Ines , Hrustić Enis , Budiša Andrea , Petrić Ines , Konjević Lucija , Šilović Tina , Djakovac Tamara , Geček Sunčana
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to explore the possibility of bioremediation of oil refinery wastewaters by the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. MK568070, isolated from the Adriatic Sea. The potential of biomass and lipid production was explored upon cultivation on oil refinery wastewater with excess CO2 after the removal of nutrients. The strain grew well in a wide range of salinities and ammonium concentrations, and was further tested on the wastewater from local oil refinery plant of various N-composition. Growth experiment under optimized conditions was used to analyze the lipid, carbohydrate and protein dynamics. The biomass yield was highly dependent on nutrient source and concentration, salinity and CO2 addition. Highest biomass yield was 767 mg/L of dry weight. Towards the end of the experiment the decline in carbohydrate to 18.9% is visible, whereas at the same point lipids, in particular saturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), started to accumulate within the cells. The content of lipids at the end of the experiment was 21.4%, with the unsaturation index 0.45 providing good biofuel feedstock characteristics. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis demonstrated a high degree of lipid accumulation in respect to proteins, along with the structural changes and biomass accumulation. In addition, the N-removal from the wastewater was >99% efficient. The potential of lipid accumulation, due to the functional photosynthesis even at the minimal cell quota of nutrients, is critical for the usage of excess industrial CO2 and its industrial transformation to biodiesel. These findings enable further considerations of Synechococcus sp. (MK568070) for the industrial scale biomass production and wastewater remediation.
A Numerical Approximation Method for the Inverse Problem of the Three-Dimensional Laplace Equation
Authors: He Shangqin , Feng Xiufang
Published: May 2019

In this article, an inverse problem with regards to the Laplace equation with non-homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a three-dimensional case is investigated. To deal with this problem, a regularization method (mollification method) with the bivariate de la Vallée Poussin kernel is proposed. Stable estimates are obtained under a priori bound assumptions and an appropriate choice of the regularization parameter. The error estimates indicate that the solution of the approximation continuously depends on the noisy data. Two experiments are presented, in order to validate the proposed method in terms of accuracy, convergence, stability, and efficiency.
Impact of Fractional Calculus on Correlation Coefficient between Available Potassium and Spectrum Data in Ground Hyperspectral and Landsat 8 Image
Authors: Fu Chengbiao , Gan Shu , Yuan Xiping , Xiong Heigang , Tian Anhong
Published: May 2019

As the level of potassium can interfere with the normal circulation process of biosphere materials, the available potassium is an important index to measure the ability of soil to supply potassium to crops. There are rarely studies on the inversion of available potassium content using ground hyperspectral remote sensing and Landsat 8 multispectral satellite data. Pretreatment of saline soil field hyperspectral data based on fractional differential has rarely been reported, and the corresponding relationship between spectrum and available potassium content has not yet been reported. Because traditional integer-order differential preprocessing methods ignore important spectral information at fractional-order, it is easy to reduce the accuracy of inversion model. This paper explores spectral preprocessing effect based on Grünwald–Letnikov fractional differential (order interval is 0.2) between zero-order and second-order. Field spectra of saline soil were collected in Fukang City of Xinjiang. The maximum absolute of correlation coefficient between ground hyperspectral reflectance and available potassium content for five mathematical transformations appears in the fractional-order. We also studied the tendency of correlation coefficient under different fractional-order based on seven bands corresponding to the Landsat 8 image. We found that fractional derivative can significantly improve the correlation, and the maximum absolute of correlation coefficient under five spectral transformations is in Band 2, which is 0.715766 for the band at 467 nm. This study deeply mined the potential information of spectra and made up for the gap of fractional differential for field hyperspectral data, providing a new perspective for field hyperspectral technology to monitor the content of soil available potassium.
CuAAC-Based Assembly and Characterization of a New Molecular Dyad for Single Material Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Labrunie Antoine , Lebailly Teddy , Habibi Amir Hossein , Dalinot Clément , Jiang Yue , Dabos-Seignon Sylvie , Roncali Jean , Blanchard Philippe , Cabanetos Clément
Published: May 2019

The synthesis and characterization of a new molecular dyad consisting of a benzodithiophene-based push-pull linked to a fullerene derivative through the use of the well-known Copper Azide-Alkyne Huisgen Cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction is reported herein. Once fully characterized at the molecular level, single component organic solar cells were fabricated to demonstrate photon-to-electron conversion, and therefore the design principle.
Fatigue Life Improvement of the High Strength Steel Welded Joints by Ultrasonic Impact Peening
Authors: Lago Ján , Trško Libor , Jambor Michal , Nový František , Bokůvka Otakar , Mičian Miloš , Pastorek Filip
Published: May 2019

Ultrasonic impact peening was applied on welded joints manufactured from Strenx 700 MC high strength low alloy steel with the aim to improve the fatigue properties. Three different surface treatment parameters were tested, which resulted in transformation of the near-surface tensile residual stresses in the weld metal and heat affected zone to compressive residual stress field, while maximal values from −400 MPa up to −800 MPa were reached. The highest fatigue life improvement was reached by the double peening with the 85 N contact force, where the fatigue limit for N = 108 cycles increased from 370 MPa to 410 MPa.
Encapsulation of Thermo-Sensitive Lauric Acid in Silica Shell: A Green Derivate for Chemo-Thermal Therapy in Breast Cancer Cell
Authors: De Matteis Valeria , Cascione Mariafrancesca , De Giorgi Maria Luisa , Leporatti Stefano , Rinaldi Rosaria
Published: May 2019

Lauric acid is a green derivate that is abundant in some seeds such as coconut oil where it represents the most relevant fatty acid. Some studies have emphasized its anticancer effect due to apoptosis induction. In addition, the lauric acid is a Phase Change Material having a melting temperature of about 43.2 °C: this property makes it a powerful tool in cancer treatment by hyperthermal stress, generally induced at 43 °C. However, the direct use of lauric acid can have some controversial effects, and it can undergo degradation phenomena in the extracellular environment. For this reason, we have encapsulated lauric acid in a silica shell with a one-step and reproducible synthetic route in order to obtain a monodispersed SiO2@LA NPs with a good encapsulation efficiency. We have used these NPs to expose breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) at different concentrations in combination with hyperthermal treatment. Uptake, viability, oxidative stress induction, caspases levels, and morphometric parameters were analyzed. These nanovectors showed double action in anticancer treatments thanks to the synergic effect of temperature and lauric acid activity.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry of Desoxo-Narchinol a and Its Pharmacokinetics and Oral Bioavailability in Rats and Mice
Authors: Thapa Subindra Kazi , Upadhyay Mahesh , Kim Tae Hwan , Shin Soyoung , Park Sung-Joo , Shin Beom Soo
Published: May 2019

Desoxo-narchinol A is one of the major active constituents from Nardostachys jatamansi, which has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant activity. A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of desoxo-narchinol A in two different biological matrices, i.e., rat plasma and mouse plasma, using sildenafil as an internal standard (IS). The method involved simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile and the analyte was separated by gradient elution using 100% acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water as a mobile phase. The MS detection was performed with a turbo electrospray in positive ion mode. The lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/mL in both rat and mouse plasma. Intra- and inter-day accuracies were in the ranges of 97.23–104.54% in the rat plasma and 95.90–110.11% in the mouse plasma. The precisions were within 8.65% and 6.46% in the rat and mouse plasma, respectively. The method was applied to examine the pharmacokinetics of desoxo-narchinol A, and the oral bioavailability of desoxo-narchinol A was 18.1% in rats and 28.4% in mice. The present results may be useful for further preclinical and clinical studies of desoxo-narchinol A.
MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging Linked with Top-Down Proteomics as a Tool to Study the Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Berghmans Eline , Van Raemdonck Geert , Schildermans Karin , Willems Hanny , Boonen Kurt , Maes Evelyne , Mertens Inge , Pauwels Patrick , Baggerman Geert
Published: May 2019

Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is generally linked with a poor prognosis and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Since only a minority of the patients respond well to chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies, immunotherapy might be a valid alternative in the lung cancer treatment field, as immunotherapy attempts to strengthen the body’s own immune response to recognize and eliminate malignant tumor cells. However, positive response patterns to immunotherapy remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate how immune-related factors could be visualized from single NSCLC tissue sections (Biobank@UZA) while retaining their spatial information by using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), in order to unravel the molecular profile of NSCLC patients. In this way, different regions in lung cancerous tissues could be discriminated based on the molecular composition. In addition, we linked visualization (MALDI MSI) and identification (based on liquid chromatography higher resolution mass spectrometry) of the molecules of interest for the correct biological interpretation of the observed molecular differences within the area in which these molecules are detected. This is of major importance to fully understand the underlying molecular profile of the NSCLC tumor microenvironment.
Development of Effective Lipase-Hybrid Nanoflowers Enriched with Carbon and Magnetic Nanomaterials for Biocatalytic Transformations
Authors: Fotiadou Renia , Patila Michaela , Hammami Mohamed Amen , Enotiadis Apostolos , Moschovas Dimitrios , Tsirka Kyriaki , Spyrou Konstantinos , Giannelis Emmanuel P. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Paipetis Alkiviadis , Gournis Dimitrios , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: May 2019

In the present study, hybrid nanoflowers (HNFs) based on copper (II) or manganese (II) ions were prepared by a simple method and used as nanosupports for the development of effective nanobiocatalysts through the immobilization of lipase B from Pseudozyma antarctica. The hybrid nanobiocatalysts were characterized by various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of the addition of carbon-based nanomaterials, namely graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, as well as magnetic nanoparticles such as maghemite, on the structure, catalytic activity, and operational stability of the hybrid nanobiocatalysts was also investigated. In all cases, the addition of nanomaterials during the preparation of HNFs increased the catalytic activity and the operational stability of the immobilized biocatalyst. Lipase-based magnetic nanoflowers were effectively applied for the synthesis of tyrosol esters in non-aqueous media, such as organic solvents, ionic liquids, and environmental friendly deep eutectic solvents. In such media, the immobilized lipase preserved almost 100% of its initial activity after eight successive catalytic cycles, indicating that these hybrid magnetic nanoflowers can be applied for the development of efficient nanobiocatalytic systems.
Indoor Localization within Multi-Story Buildings Using MAC and RSSI Fingerprint Vectors
Authors: Han Litao , Jiang Li , Kong Qiaoli , Wang Ji , Zhang Aiguo , Song Shiming
Published: May 2019

For existing wireless network devices and smart phones to achieve available positioning accuracy easily, fingerprint localization is widely used in indoor positioning, which depends on the differences of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) in different places. Currently, most researchers pay more attention to the improvement of online positioning algorithms using RSSI values, while few focus on the MAC (media access control) addresses received from the WLAN. Accordingly, we attempt to integrate MAC addresses and RSSI values simultaneously in order to realize indoor localization within multi-story buildings. A novel approach to indoor positioning within multi-story buildings is presented in this article, which includes two steps: firstly, to identify the floor using the difference of received MAC addresses in different floors; secondly, to implement further localization on the same floor. Meanwhile, clustering operation using MAC addresses as the clustering index is introduced in the online positioning phase to improve the efficiency and accuracy of indoor positioning. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can achieve not only the precise location with the horizontal accuracy of 1.8 meters, but also the floor where the receiver is located within multi-story buildings.
Phase Diagram-Based Sensing with Adaptive Waveform Design and Recurrent States Quantification for the Instantaneous Frequency Law Tracking
Authors: Digulescu Angela , Ioana Cornel , Serbanescu Alexandru
Published: May 2019

Monitoring highly dynamic environments is a difficult task when the changes within the systems require high speed monitoring systems. An active sensing system has to solve the problem of overlapped responses coming from different parts of the surveyed environment. Thus, the need of a new representation space which separates the overlapped responses, is mandatory. This paper describes two new concepts for high speed active sensing systems. On the emitter side, we propose a phase-space-based waveform design that presents a unique shape in the phase space, which can be easily converted into a real signal. We call it phase space lobe. The instantaneous frequency (IF) law of the emitted signal is found inside the time series. The main advantage of this new concept is its capability to generate several distinct signals, non-orthogonal in the time/frequency domain but orthogonal within the representation space, namely the phase diagram. On the receiver side, the IF law information is estimated in the phase diagram representation domain by quantifying the recurrent states of the system. This waveform design technique gives the possibility to develop the high speed sensing methods, adapted for monitoring complex dynamic phenomena In our paper, as an applicative context, we consider the problem of estimating the time of flight in an dynamic acoustic environment. In this context, we show through experimental trials that our approach provides three times more accurate estimation of time of flight than spectrogram based technique. This very good accuracy comes from the capability of our approach to generate separable IF law components as well as from the quantification in phase diagram, both of them being the key element of our approach for high speed sensing.
Clinical Applicability of a Textile 1-Lead ECG Device for Overnight Monitoring
Authors: Fontana Piero , Martins Neusa R. Adão , Camenzind Martin , Rossi René M. , Baty Florent , Boesch Maximilian , Schoch Otto D. , Brutsche Martin H. , Annaheim Simon
Published: May 2019

Even for 1-lead electrocardiography (ECG), single-use gel conductive electrodes are employed in a clinical setting. However, gel electrodes show limited applicability for long-term monitoring due to skin irritation and detachment. In the present study, we investigated the validity of a textile ECG-belt suitable for long-term measurements in clinical use. In order to assess the signal quality and validity of the ECG-belt during sleep, 242 patients (186 males and 56 females, age 52 (interquartile range 42–60) years, body mass index 29 (interquartile range 26–33) kg·m−2) with suspected sleep apnoea underwent overnight polysomnography including standard 1-lead ECG recording. The single intervals between R-peaks (RR-intervals) were calculated from the ECG-signals. We found a mean difference for average RR-intervals of −2.9 ms, a standard error of estimate of 0.39%, as well as a Pearson r of 0.91. Furthermore, we found that the validity of the ECG-belt decreases when lying on the side, which was potentially due to the fitting of the belt. In conclusion, the validity of RR-interval measurements using the ECG-belt is high and it may be further improved for future applications by optimizing wear fitting.
Determinants of Safety Climate in the Professional Logging Industry
Authors: Lagerstrom Elise , Magzamen Sheryl , Kines Pete , Brazile William , Rosecrance John
Published: May 2019

Work involving forest logging is considered one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. In the intermountain region of Montana and Idaho in the United States, the extreme terrain, remote location and severe weather conditions escalate risk. Although safety has improved through the development of mechanized equipment, logging tasks continue to be very hazardous. Thus, as with leading companies in other occupational sectors, logging enterprises are beginning to consider safety climate as a useful measure in their safety systems. The purpose of this study was to quantify safety climate within the logging industry of Montana, USA and to identify specific determinants of safety climate. A demographic, musculoskeletal symptom (MSS), and safety climate survey (NOSACQ-50) was administered to 743 professional loggers. Analyses were conducted to determine the association between demographic characteristics, MSS, workplace variables and the scores on five safety climate dimensions (management safety priority and ability, workers’ safety commitment, workers’ safety priority and risk non-acceptance, peer safety communication, learning and trust in safety ability, and workers’ trust in efficacy of safety systems). Variables identified as predictors of safety climate included logging system type, supervisory status, age, years of experience and reported MSS. As safety climate is a leading indicator of workplace safety, if work groups with the lowest safety climate scores can be identified, they could receive targeted safety intervention programs or resources; thereby directing resources to the groups who need it the most, without relying on lagging indicators such as injury and fatality rates.
Digital Mapping of Soil Classes Using Ensemble of Models in Isfahan Region, Iran
Authors: Taghizadeh-Mehrjardi Ruhollah , Minasny Budiman , Toomanian Norair , Zeraatpisheh Mojtaba , Amirian-Chakan Alireza , Triantafilis John
Published: May 2019

Digital soil maps can be used to depict the ability of soil to fulfill certain functions. Digital maps offer reliable information that can be used in spatial planning programs. Several broad types of data mining approaches through Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) have been tested. The usual approach is to select a model that produces the best validation statistics. However, instead of choosing the best model, it is possible to combine all models realizing their strengths and weaknesses. We applied seven different techniques for the prediction of soil classes based on 194 sites located in Isfahan region. The mapping exercise aims to produce a soil class map that can be used for better understanding and management of soil resources. The models used in this study include Multinomial Logistic Regression (MnLR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Bayesian Networks (BN), and Sparse Multinomial Logistic Regression (SMnLR). Two ensemble models based on majority votes (Ensemble.1) and MnLR (Ensemble.2) were implemented for integrating the optimal aspects of the individual techniques. The overall accuracy (OA), Cohen's kappa coefficient index (κ) and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated based on 10-fold-cross validation with 100 repeats at four soil taxonomic levels. The Ensemble.2 model was able to achieve larger OA, κ coefficient and AUC compared to the best performing individual model (i.e., RF). Results of the ensemble model showed a decreasing trend in OA from Order (0.90) to Subgroup (0.53). This was also the case for the κ statistic, which was the largest for the Order (0.66) and smallest for the Subgroup (0.43). Same decrease was observed for AUC from Order (0.81) to Subgroup (0.67). The improvement in κ was substantial (43 to 60%) at all soil taxonomic levels, except the Order level. We conclude that the application of the ensemble model using the MnLR was optimal, as it provided a highly accurate prediction for all soil taxonomic levels over and above the individual models. It also used information from all models, and thus this method can be recommended for improved soil class modelling. Soil maps created by this DSM approach showed soils that are prone to degradation and need to be carefully managed and conserved to avoid further land degradation.