bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Graph Theoretic Approach to Optimal Firefighting in Oil Terminals
Authors: Khakzad Nima
Published: November 2018

Effective firefighting of major fires in fuel storage plants can effectively prevent or delay fire spread (domino effect) and eventually extinguish the fire. If the number of firefighting crew and equipment is sufficient, firefighting will include the suppression of all the burning units and cooling of all the exposed units. However, when available resources are not adequate, fire brigades would need to optimally allocate their resources by answering the question “which burning units to suppress first and which exposed units to cool first?” until more resources become available from nearby industrial plants or residential communities. The present study is an attempt to answer the foregoing question by developing a graph theoretic methodology. It has been demonstrated that suppression and cooling of units with the highest out-closeness index will result in an optimum firefighting strategy. A comparison between the outcomes of the graph theoretic approach and an approach based on influence diagram has shown the efficiency of the graph approach.
Internet of Things Platform for Energy Management in Multi-Microgrid System to Improve Neutral Current Compensation
Authors: Moghimi Mojtaba , Liu Jiannan , Jamborsalamati Pouya , Rafi Fida , Rahman Shihanur , Hossain Jahangir , Stegen Sascha , Lu Junwei
Published: November 2018

In this paper, an Internet of Things (IoT) platform is proposed for Multi-Microgrid (MMG) system to improve unbalance compensation functionality employing three-phase four-leg (3P-4L) voltage source inverters (VSIs). The two level communication system connects the MMG system, implemented in Power System Computer Aided Design (PSCAD), to the cloud server. The local communication level utilizes Modbus Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is used as the protocol for global communication level. A communication operation algorithm is developed to manage the communication operation under various communication failure scenarios. To test the communication system, it is implemented on an experimental testbed to investigate its functionality for MMG neutral current compensation (NCC). To compensate the neutral current in MMG, a dynamic NCC algorithm is proposed, which enables the MGs to further improve the NCC by sharing their data using the IoT platform. The performance of the control and communication system using dynamic NCC is compared with the fixed capacity NCC for unbalance compensation under different communication failure conditions. The impact of the communication system performance on the NCC sharing is the focus of this research. The results show that the proposed system provides better neutral current compensation and phase balancing in case of MMG operation by sharing the data effectively even if the communication system is failing partially.
Transitions in Tobacco Product Use by U.S. Adults between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015: Findings from the PATH Study Wave 1 and Wave 2
Authors: Kasza Karin A. , Borek Nicolette , Conway Kevin P. , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Stanton Cassandra A. , Sharma Eva , Fong Geoffrey T. , Abrams David B. , Coleman Blair , Schneller Liane M. , Lambert Elizabeth Y. , Pearson Jennifer L. , Bansal-Travers Maansi , Murphy Iilun , Cheng Yu-Ching , Donaldson Elisabeth A. , Feirman Shari P. , Gravely Shannon , Elton-Marshall Tara , Trinidad Dennis R. , Gundersen Daniel A. , Niaura Raymond S. , Cummings K. Michael , Compton Wilson M. , Hyland Andrew J.
Published: November 2018

In 2013–2014, nearly 28% of adults in the United States (U.S.) were current tobacco users with cigarettes the most common product used and with nearly 40% of tobacco users using two or more tobacco products. We describe overall change in prevalence of tobacco product use and within-person transitions in tobacco product use in the U.S. between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 for young adults (18–24 years) and older adults (25+ years). Data from Wave 1 (W1, 2013–2014) and Wave 2 (W2, 2014–2015) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study were analyzed (N = 34,235). Tobacco product types were categorized into: (1) combustible (cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah), (2) noncombustible (smokeless tobacco, snus pouches, dissolvable tobacco), and (3) electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Transitions for individual combustible-product types, and for single- and multiple-product use, were also considered. Overall prevalence of current tobacco use decreased from 27.6% to 26.3%. Among W1 non-tobacco users, 88.7% of young adults and 95.8% of older adults were non-tobacco users at W2. Among W1 tobacco users, 71.7% of young adults transitioned, with 20.7% discontinuing use completely, and 45.9% of older adults transitioned, with 12.5% discontinuing use completely. Continuing with/transitioning toward combustible product(s), particularly cigarettes, was more common than continuing with/transitioning toward ENDS. Tobacco use behaviors were less stable among young adults than older adults, likely reflecting greater product experimentation among young adults. Relative stability of cigarette use compared to other tobacco products (except older adult noncombustible use) demonstrates high abuse liability for cigarettes.
Visitors’ Perceived Place Value and the Willingness to Pay in an Urban Lake Park
Authors: Park Chanyul , Song Hwasung
Published: November 2018

As highly developed nature, an urban lake park will be a place required to integrate various functions such as health promotion, recreation, and cultural exchange by focusing on ecological aspects. We applied latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify latent classes based on visitors’ perceived place value, and to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) by these classifications. Park visitors were classified according to place value into three groups: Local Seekers (LS), Ecology Seekers (ES), and Recreation Seekers (RS). To compare the WTP of the three groups and examine differences in attributes between the groups, we used a choice experiment (CE). The results from the CE revealed that the WTP for attributes was ranked in the order of basic infrastructure, advanced services, and ecological activities. These differences in the WTP of visitors in an urban lake park may be useful for park management, such as providing strategies for zoning and ecotourism, which is specialized by visitor type.
Effects of a Pasty Bone Cement Containing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Functionalized Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Particles on Metaphyseal Healing in a New Murine Osteoporotic Fracture Model
Authors: Kauschke Vivien , Schneider Maike , Jauch Annika , Schumacher Matthias , Kampschulte Marian , Rohnke Marcus , Henss Anja , Bamberg Coralie , Trinkaus Katja , Gelinsky Michael , Heiss Christian , Lips Katrin Susanne
Published: November 2018

The development of new and better implant materials adapted to osteoporotic bone is still urgently required. Therefore, osteoporotic muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (M3 mAChR) knockout (KO) and corresponding wild type (WT) mice underwent osteotomy in the distal femoral metaphysis. Fracture gaps were filled with a pasty α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP)-based hydroxyapatite (HA)-forming bone cement containing mesoporous bioactive CaP-SiO2 glass particles (cement/MBG composite) with or without Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and healing was analyzed after 35 days. Histologically, bone formation was significantly increased in WT mice that received the BDNF-functionalized cement/MBG composite compared to control WT mice without BDNF. Cement/MBG composite without BDNF increased bone formation in M3 mAChR KO mice compared to equally treated WT mice. Mass spectrometric imaging showed that the BDNF-functionalized cement/MBG composite implanted in M3 mAChR KO mice was infiltrated by newly formed tissue. Leukocyte numbers were significantly lower in M3 mAChR KO mice treated with BDNF-functionalized cement/MBG composite compared to controls without BDNF. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were significantly lower in M3 mAChR KO mice that received the cement/MBG composite without BDNF when compared to WT mice treated the same. Whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations in callus were significantly increased in M3 mAChR KO mice, ALP activity was significantly higher in WT mice. Due to a stronger effect of BDNF in non osteoporotic mice, higher BDNF concentrations might be needed for osteoporotic fracture healing. Nevertheless, the BDNF-functionalized cement/MBG composite promoted fracture healing in non osteoporotic bone.
OsYSL13 Is Involved in Iron Distribution in Rice
Authors: Zhang Chang , Shinwari Kamran Iqbal , Luo Le , Zheng Luqing
Published: November 2018

The uptake and transport of iron (Fe) in plants are both important for plant growth and human health. However, little is known about the mechanism of Fe transport in plants, especially for crops. In the present study, the function of yellow stripe-like 13 (YSL13) in rice was analyzed. OsYSL13 was highly expressed in leaves, especially in leaf blades, whereas its expression was induced by Fe deficiency both in roots and shoots. Furthermore, the expression level of OsYSL13 was higher in older leaves than that in younger leaves. OsYSL13 was located in the plasma membrane. Metal measurement revealed that Fe concentrations were lower in the youngest leaf and higher in the older leaves of the osysl13 mutant under both Fe sufficiency and deficiency conditions, compared with the wild type and two complementation lines. Moreover, the Fe concentrations in the brown rice and seeds of the osysl13 mutant were also reduced. Opposite results were found in OsYSL13 overexpression lines. These results suggest that OsYSL13 is involved in Fe distribution in rice.
Repression of Transcriptional Activity of Forkhead Box O1 by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Cho Hyun Min , Seok Young Mi , Lee Hae Ahm , Song Minji , Kim InKyeom
Published: November 2018

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease manifested by hyperglycemia. It is essential to effectively control hyperglycemia to prevent complications of T2DM. Here, we hypothesize that repression of transcriptional activity of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) via histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) ameliorates hyperglycemia in T2DM rats. Methods: Male Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats aged 14 weeks were administered sodium valproate (VPA, 0.71% w/v) dissolved in water for 20 weeks. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and luciferase assay were performed for elucidation of transcriptional regulation through acetylation of FoxO1 by HDACi. Results: VPA attenuated blood glucose levels in accordance with a decrease in the expression of gluconeogenic genes in hyperglycemic OLETF rats. It has been shown that HDAC class I-specific and HDAC class IIa-specific inhibitors, as well as pan-HDAC inhibitors decrease FoxO1 enrichment at the cis-element of target gene promoters. Mutations in FoxO1 prevent its acetylation, thereby increasing its transcriptional activity. HDAC3 and HDAC4 interact with FoxO1, and knockdown of HDAC3, HDAC4, or their combination increases FoxO1 acetylation, thereby decreasing the expression of gluconeogenic genes. Conclusions: These results indicate that HDACi attenuates the transcriptional activity of FoxO1 by impeding deacetylation, thereby ameliorating hyperglycemia in T2DM rats.
Preoperative Albuminuria and Intraoperative Chloride Load: Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury Following Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Marouli Diamantina , Stylianou Kostas , Papadakis Eleftherios , Kroustalakis Nikolaos , Kolyvaki Stavroula , Papadopoulos Georgios , Ioannou Christos , Papaioannou Alexandra , Daphnis Eugene , Georgopoulos Dimitris , Askitopoulou Helen
Published: November 2018

Background: Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While several pre- and intra-operative risk factors for AKI have been recognized in cardiac surgery patients, relatively few data are available regarding the incidence and risk factors for perioperative AKI in other surgical operations. The aim of the present study was to determine the risk factors for perioperative AKI in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery in a tertiary care center. Postoperative AKI was diagnosed according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria within 48 h after surgery. Patients with chronic kidney disease stage IV or V were excluded. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between perioperative factors and the risk of developing postoperative AKI. Results: Eleven out of 61 patients developed postoperative AKI. Four intra-operative variables were identified as predictors of AKI: intra-operative blood loss (p = 0.002), transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (p = 0.004) and red blood cells (p = 0.038), as well as high chloride load (p = 0.033, cut-off value > 500 mEq). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an independent association between AKI development and preoperative albuminuria, defined as a urinary Albumin to Creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg·g−1 (OR = 6.88, 95% CI: 1.43–33.04, p = 0.016) as well as perioperative chloride load > 500 mEq (OR = 6.87, 95% CI: 1.46–32.4, p = 0.015). Conclusion: Preoperative albuminuria, as well as a high intraoperative chloride load, were identified as predictors of postoperative AKI in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
Development of an Improved Carotenoid Extraction Method to Characterize the Carotenoid Composition under Oxidative Stress and Cold Temperature in the Rock Inhabiting Fungus Knufia petricola A95
Authors: Flieger Kerstin , Knabe Nicole , Toepel Jörg
Published: November 2018

Black yeasts are a highly specified group of fungi, which are characterized by a high resistance against stress factors. There are several factors enabling the cells to survive harsh environmental conditions. One aspect is the pigmentation, the melanin black yeasts often display a highly diverse carotenoid spectrum. Determination and characterization of carotenoids depend on an efficient extraction and separation, especially for black yeast, which is characterized by thick cell walls. Therefore, specific protocols are needed to ensure reliable analyses regarding stress responses in these fungi. Here we present both. First, we present a method to extract and analyze carotenoids and secondly we present the unusual carotenoid composition of the black yeast Knufia petricola A95. Mechanical treatment combined with an acetonitrile extraction gave us very good extraction rates with a high reproducibility. The presented extraction and elution protocol separates the main carotenoids (7) in K. petricola A95 and can be extended for the detection of additional carotenoids in other species. K. petricola A95 displays an unusual carotenoid composition, with mainly didehydrolycopene, torulene, and lycopene. The pigment composition varied in dependency to oxidative stress but remained relatively constant if the cells were cultivated under low temperature. Future experiments have to be carried out to determine if didehydrolycopene functions as a protective agent itself or if it serves as a precursor for antioxidative pigments like torulene and torularhodin, which could be produced after induction under stress conditions. Black yeasts are a promising source for carotenoid production and other substances. To unravel the potential of these fungi, new methods and studies are needed. The established protocol allows the determination of carotenoid composition in black yeasts.
Imaging the Polymorphic Transformation in a Single Cu6Sn5 Grain in a Solder Joint
Authors: Somidin Flora , Maeno Hiroshi , Tran Xuan Quy , D. McDonald Stuart , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Matsumura Syo , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: November 2018

In-situ observations of the polymorphic transformation in a single targeted Cu6Sn5 grain constrained between Sn-0.7 wt % Cu solder and Cu-Cu3Sn phases and the associated structural evolution during a solid-state thermal cycle were achieved via a high-voltage transmission electron microscope (HV-TEM) technique. Here, we show that the monoclinic η′-Cu6Sn5 superlattice reflections appear in the hexagonal η-Cu6Sn5 diffraction pattern upon cooling to isothermal 140 °C from 210 °C. The in-situ real space imaging shows that the η′-Cu6Sn5 contrast pattern is initiated at the grain boundary. This method demonstrates a new approach for further understanding the polymorphic transformation behavior on a real solder joint.
Spray Deposition of Ag Nanowire–Graphene Oxide Hybrid Electrodes for Flexible Polymer–Dispersed Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Choi Yumi , Kim Chang Su , Jo Sungjin
Published: November 2018

We investigated the effect of different spray-coating parameters on the electro-optical properties of Ag nanowires (NWs). Highly transparent and conductive Ag NW–graphene oxide (GO) hybrid electrodes were fabricated by using the spray-coating technique. The Ag NW percolation network was modified with GO and this led to a reduced sheet resistance of the Ag NW–GO electrode as the result of a decrease in the inter-nanowire contact resistance. Although electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of the Ag NW electrodes have a trade-off relationship, Ag NW–GO hybrid electrodes exhibited significantly improved sheet resistance and slightly decreased transmittance compared to Ag NW electrodes. Ag NW–GO hybrid electrodes were integrated into smart windows based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) for the first time. Experimental results showed that the electro-optical properties of the PDLCs based on Ag NW–GO electrodes were superior when compared to those of PDLCs based on only Ag NW electrodes. This study revealed that the hybrid Ag NW–GO electrode is a promising material for manufacturing the large-area flexible indium tin oxide (ITO)-free PDLCs.
An Algorithm for Generating Invisible Data Poisoning Using Adversarial Noise That Breaks Image Classification Deep Learning
Authors: CHAN-HON-TONG Adrien
Published: November 2018

Today, the main two security issues for deep learning are data poisoning and adversarial examples. Data poisoning consists of perverting a learning system by manipulating a small subset of the training data, while adversarial examples entail bypassing the system at testing time with low-amplitude manipulation of the testing sample. Unfortunately, data poisoning that is invisible to human eyes can be generated by adding adversarial noise to the training data. The main contribution of this paper includes a successful implementation of such invisible data poisoning using image classification datasets for a deep learning pipeline. This implementation leads to significant classification accuracy gaps.
Memory Efficient Method for Electromagnetic Multi-Region Models Using Scattering Matrices
Authors: Custers C. H. H. M. , Jansen J. W. , Lomonova E. A.
Published: November 2018

This paper describes the scattering matrix approach to obtain the solution to electromagnetic field quantities in harmonic multi-layer models. Using this approach, the boundary conditions are solved in such way that the maximum size of any matrix used during the computations is independent of the number of regions defined in the problem. As a result, the method is more memory efficient than classical methods used to solve the boundary conditions. Because electromagnetic sources can be located inside the regions of a configuration, the scattering matrix formulation is developed to incorporate these sources into the solving process. The method is applied to a 3D electromagnetic configuration for verification.
20-Nor-Isopimarane Epimers Produced by Aspergillus wentii SD-310, a Fungal Strain Obtained from Deep Sea Sediment
Authors: Li Xiao-Dong , Li Xin , Li Xiao-Ming , Xu Gang-Ming , Liu Yang , Wang Bin-Gui
Published: November 2018

Four new uncommon 20-nor-isopimarane diterpenoid epimers, aspewentins I−L (1–4), together with a new methylated derivative of 3, aspewentin M (5), were isolated from the deep sea sediment-derived fungus Aspergillus wentii SD-310. The very similar structures of these epimers made the separation and purification procedures difficult. The structures of compounds 1–5 were illustrated based on spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1–5 were unambiguously determined by the combination of NOESY, time-dependent density functional (TDDFT)-ECD calculations, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. These metabolites represented the rare examples of 20-nor-isopimarane analogues possessing a cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one moiety. These compounds were tested for antimicrobial activities against human and aquatic pathogenic bacteria, as well as plant-pathogenic fungi. While compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibitory activities against zoonotic pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio harveyi, and V. parahaemolyticus, compound 5 showed potent activity against the plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum.
Design of Azomethine Diols for Efficient Self-Healing of Strong Polyurethane Elastomers
Authors: Lee Dae-Woo , Kim Han-Na , Lee Dai-Soo
Published: November 2018

Azomethine diols (AMDs) were synthesized by condensation between a terephthalic aldehyde, polyether diamine, and ethanol amine. The synthesized AMDs were employed to introduce azomethine groups into the backbones of polyurethane elastomers (PUEs). Different AMDs were designed to control the concentration and distribution of azomethine groups in PUEs. In this study, we explored the intrinsic self-healing of AMD-based PUEs by azomethine metathesis. Particularly, the effects of the concentration and distribution of the azomethine groups on the AMD-based PUEs were considered. Consequently, as the azomethine group concentration increased and the distribution became denser, the self-healing properties improved. With AMD3-40, the self-healing efficiency reached 86% at 130 °C after 30 min. This represents a 150% improvement over the control PUE. Additionally, as the AMD content increased, the mechanical properties improved. With AMD3-40, the tensile strength reached 50 MPa. Therefore, we concluded that the self-healing and mechanical properties of PUEs can potentially be tailored for applications by adjusting the concentration and design of AMD structure for PUEs.
Rapid Determination of Cadmium Contamination in Lettuce Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Shen Tingting , Kong Wenwen , Liu Fei , Chen Zhenghui , Yao Jingdong , Wang Wei , Peng Jiyu , Chen Huizhe , He Yong
Published: November 2018

Quick access to cadmium (Cd) contamination in lettuce is important to supervise the leafy vegetable growth environment and market. This study aims to apply laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology for fast determination of Cd content and diagnosis of the Cd contamination degree in lettuce. Emission lines Cd II 214.44 nm, Cd II 226.50 nm, and Cd I 228.80 nm were selected to establish the univariate analysis model. Multivariate analysis including partial least squares (PLS) regression, was used to establish Cd content calibration models, and PLS model based on 22 variables selected by genetic algorithm (GA) obtained the best performance with correlation coefficient in the prediction set Rp2 = 0.9716, limit of detection (LOD) = 1.7 mg/kg. K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and random forest (RF) were used to analyze Cd contamination degree, and RF model obtained the correct classification rate of 100% in prediction set. The preliminary results indicate LIBS coupled with chemometrics could be used as a fast, efficient and low-cost method to assess Cd contamination in the vegetable industry.
Multifunctional Platform Based on Electroactive Polymers and Silica Nanoparticles for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Ribeiro Sylvie , Ribeiro Tânia , Ribeiro Clarisse , Correia Daniela M. , Farinha José P. Sequeira , Gomes Andreia Castro , Baleizão Carlos , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu
Published: November 2018

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites processed with different morphologies, such as porous and non-porous films and fibres, have been prepared with silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) of varying diameter (17, 100, 160 and 300 nm), which in turn have encapsulated perylenediimide (PDI), a fluorescent molecule. The structural, morphological, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with SiNP filler concentration up to 16 wt %, were evaluated. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation studies were performed. All SiNPs are negatively charged independently of the pH and more stable from pH 5 upwards. The introduction of SiNPs within the polymer matrix increases the contact angle independently of the nanoparticle diameter. Moreover, the smallest ones (17 nm) also improve the PVDF Young’s modulus. The filler diameter, physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix were not significantly affected. Finally, the SiNPs’ inclusion does not induce cytotoxicity in murine myoblasts (C2C12) after 72 h of contact and proliferation studies reveal that the prepared composites represent a suitable platform for tissue engineering applications, as they allow us to combine the biocompatibility and piezoelectricity of the polymer with the possible functionalization and drug encapsulation and release of the SiNP.
Increased Plasma Levels of Gut-Derived Phenolics Linked to Walking and Running Following Two Weeks of Flavonoid Supplementation
Authors: Nieman David C. , Kay Colin D. , Rathore Atul S. , Grace Mary H. , Strauch Renee C. , Stephan Ella H. , Sakaguchi Camila A. , Lila Mary Ann
Published: November 2018

Using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, this investigation determined if the combination of two weeks of flavonoid supplementation (329 mg/day, quercetin, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols mixture) and a 45-minute walking bout (62.2 ± 0.9% VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption rate)) enhanced the translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation in a group of walkers (n = 77). The walkers (flavonoid, placebo groups) were randomized to either sit or walk briskly on treadmills for 45 min (thus, four groups: placebo–sit, placebo–walk, flavonoid–sit, flavonoid–walk). A comparator group of runners (n = 19) ingested a double flavonoid dose for two weeks (658 mg/day) and ran for 2.5 h (69.2 ± 1.2% VO2max). Four blood samples were collected (pre- and post-supplementation, immediately post- and 24 h post-exercise/rest). Of the 76 metabolites detected in this targeted analysis, 15 increased after the 2.5 h run, and when grouped were also elevated post-exercise (versus placebo–sit) for the placebo– and flavonoid–walking groups (p < 0.05). A secondary analysis showed that pre-study plasma concentrations of gut-derived phenolics in the runners were 40% higher compared to walkers (p = 0.031). These data indicate that acute exercise bouts (brisk walking, intensive running) are linked to an increased translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation, an effect that is amplified when combined with a two-week period of increased flavonoid intake or chronic training as a runner.
Ursolic Acid Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Insulin Resistance by Modulating the Circadian Rhythm Pathway in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Kwon Eun-Young , Shin Su-Kyung , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: November 2018

The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effects of long-term supplementation with dietary ursolic acid (UR) on obesity and associated comorbidities by analyzing transcriptional and metabolic responses, focusing on the role of UR in the modulation of the circadian rhythm pathway in particular. C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed a normal diet, high-fat diet, or high-fat + 0.05% (w/w) UR diet for 16 weeks. Oligonucleotide microarray profiling revealed that UR is an effective regulator of the liver transcriptome, and canonical pathways associated with the “circadian rhythm” and “extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interactions” were effectively regulated by UR in the liver. UR altered the expression of various clock and clock-controlled genes (CCGs), which may be linked to the improvement of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis via lipid metabolism control and detoxification enhancement. UR reduced excessive reactive oxygen species production, adipokine/cytokine dysregulation, and ECM accumulation in the liver, which also contributed to improve hepatic lipotoxicity and fibrosis. Moreover, UR improved pancreatic islet dysfunction, and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby reducing obesity-associated insulin resistance. Therapeutic approaches targeting hepatic circadian clock and CCGs using UR may ameliorate the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity and associated complications such as hepatic fibrosis.
Online Moisture Measurement of Bio Fuel at a Paper Mill Employing a Microwave Resonator
Authors: Olkkonen Martta-Kaisa
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates online moisture measurement of biofuel employing a strip line cavity resonator at approximately 366 MHz, attached above and below the conveyor belt. An existing sensor design is modified for the factory assembly, and the correct operation has been tested prior to this paper with a small number of measurement points and collected reference samples (n = 67). The purpose is now to concentrate on the accuracy of the measurement and increase the number of measurement points (n = 367). The measurements were made in 5 different lots, and the thickness and moisture properties of the biomaterial mat were varied between minimum and maximum levels by adjusting the settings of the belt filter press that presses pulp slush into a mat. In order to further reduce inaccuracy, at the maximum one standard deviation was allowed from the average height of the equivalent water layer for each dataset, and consequently the number of samples was reduced to 235. A linear fit and a parabola fit were determined for thickness of the equivalent water layer vs. the relative resonant frequency shift: R2 = 0.82 and R2 = 0.78.
Web-Based System for the Remote Monitoring and Management of Precision Irrigation: A Case Study in an Arid Region of Argentina
Authors: Capraro Flavio , Tosetti Santiago , Rossomando Francisco , Mut Vicente , Vita Serman Facundo
Published: November 2018

This article presents a description of the design, development, and implementation of web-based software and dedicated hardware which allows for the remote monitoring and control of a drip irrigation system. The hardware consists of in-field stations which are strategically distributed in the field and equipped with different sensors and communication devices; a weather station and drip irrigation system complete the setup. The web-based software makes it possible to remotely access and process the information gathered by all the stations and the irrigation controller. The proposed system was implemented in a young olive orchard, located in the province of San Juan, an arid region of Argentina. The system was installed and evaluated during the seasons 2014–2015 and 2015–2016. Four regulated irrigation strategies were proposed in the olive orchard to test its behavior. In this pilot experiment, the precision irrigation system was a useful tool for precisely managing the irrigation process, applying only the required amount of water (precise irrigation). Regulated deficit irrigation experiments, on the other hand, have demonstrated the sensitivity of olives to water restriction. The precision irrigation system made it possible to control soil moisture levels, avoiding water stress in the control treatment.
THz Sensing With Anomalous Extraordinary Optical Transmission Hole Arrays
Authors: Jáuregui-López Irati , Rodriguez-Ulibarri Pablo , Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Nikolaev Nazar A. , Beruete Miguel
Published: November 2018

Subwavelength hole array (HA) metasurfaces support the so-called extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) resonance that has already been exploited for sensing. In this work, we demonstrate the superior performance of a different resonant regime of HA metasurfaces called anomalous EOT, by doing a thorough numerical and experimental study of its ability in thin-film label-free sensing applications in the terahertz (THz) band. A comprehensive analysis using both the regular and anomalous EOT resonances is done by depositing thin layers of dielectric analyte slabs of different thicknesses on the structures in different scenarios. We carry out a detailed comparison and demonstrate that the best sensing performance is achieved when the structure operates in the anomalous EOT resonance and the analyte is deposited on the non-patterned side of the metasurface, improving by a factor between 2 and 3 the results of the EOT resonance in any of the considered scenarios. This can be explained by the comparatively narrower linewidth of the anomalous EOT resonance. The results presented expand the reach of subwavelength HAs for sensing applications by considering the anomalous EOT regime that is usually overlooked in the literature.
A Portable, Wireless Photoplethysomography Sensor for Assessing Health of Arteriovenous Fistula Using Class-Weighted Support Vector Machine
Authors: Chao Paul C.-P. , Chiang Pei-Yu , Kao Yung-Hua , Tu Tse-Yi , Yang Chih-Yu , Tarng Der-Cherng , Wey Chin-Long
Published: November 2018

A portable, wireless photoplethysomography (PPG) sensor for assessing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) by using class-weighted support vector machines (SVM) was presented in this study. Nowadays, in hospital, AVF are assessed by ultrasound Doppler machines, which are bulky, expensive, complicated-to-operate, and time-consuming. In this study, new PPG sensors were proposed and developed successfully to provide portable and inexpensive solutions for AVF assessments. To develop the sensor, at first, by combining the dimensionless number analysis and the optical Beer Lambert’s law, five input features were derived for the SVM classifier. In the next step, to increase the signal-noise ratio (SNR) of PPG signals, the front-end readout circuitries were designed to fully use the dynamic range of analog-digital converter (ADC) by controlling the circuitries gain and the light intensity of light emitted diode (LED). Digital signal processing algorithms were proposed next to check and fix signal anomalies. Finally, the class-weighted SVM classifiers employed five different kernel functions to assess AVF quality. The assessment results were provided to doctors for diagonosis and detemining ensuing proper treatments. The experimental results showed that the proposed PPG sensors successfully achieved an accuracy of 89.11% in assessing health of AVF and with a type II error of only 9.59%.
Optimization of Gas Sensors Based on Advanced Nanomaterials through Split-Plot Designs and GLMMs
Authors: Berni Rossella , Bertocci Francesco
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with the planning and modeling of a split-plot experiment to improve novel gas sensing materials based on Perovskite, a nano-structured, semi-conductor material that is sensitive to changes in the concentration of hazardous gas in the ambient air. The study addresses both applied and theoretical issues. More precisely, it focuses on (i) the detection of harmful gases, e.g., NO 2 and CO, which have a great impact on industrial applications as well as a significantly harmful impact on human health; (ii) the planning and modeling of a split-plot design for the two target gases by applying a dual-response modeling approach in which two models, e.g., location and dispersion models, are estimated; and (iii) a robust process optimization conducted in the final modeling step for each target gas and for each gas sensing material, conditioned to the minimization of the working temperature. The dual-response modeling allows us to achieve satisfactory estimates for the process variables and, at the same time, good diagnostic valuations. Optimal solutions are obtained for each gas sensing material while also improving the results achieved from previous studies.
Frequency Dependence of Receiving Sensitivity of Ultrasonic Transducers and Acoustic Emission Sensors
Authors: Ono Kanji
Published: November 2018

Receiving displacement sensitivities (Rx) of ultrasonic transducers and acoustic emission (AE) sensors are evaluated using sinewave packet excitation method and compared to the corresponding data from pulse excitation method with a particular emphasis on low frequency behavior below 20 kHz, down to 10 Hz. Both methods rely on the determination of transmitter displacement characteristics using a laser interferometric method. Results obtained by two calibration methods are in good agreement, with average spectral differences below 1 dB, indicating that the two calibration methods yield identical receiving sensitivities. At low test frequencies, effects of attenuation increase substantially due to increasing sensor impedance and Rx requires correction in order to evaluate the inherent sensitivity of a sensor, or open-circuit sensitivity. This can differ by more than 20 dB from results that used common preamplifiers with ~10 kΩ input impedance, leading to apparent velocity response below 100 kHz for typical AE sensors. Damped broadband sensors and ultrasonic transducers exhibit inherent velocity response (Type 1) below their main resonance frequency. In sensors with under-damped resonance, a steep sensitivity decrease occurs showing frequency dependence of f2~f5 (Type 2), while mass-loaded sensors exhibit flat displacement response (Type 0). Such behaviors originate from sensor characteristics that can best be described by the damped harmonic oscillator model. This model accounts for the three typical behaviors. At low frequencies, typically below 1 kHz, receiving sensitivity exhibits another Type 0 behavior of frequency independent Rx. Seven of 12 sensors showed this flat region, while three more appear to approach the Type 0 region. This appears to originate from the quasi-static piezoelectric response of a sensing element. In using impulse method, a minimum pulse duration is necessary to obtain spectral fidelity at low frequencies and an approximate rule is given. Various factors for sensitivity improvement are also discussed.
A Scoping Review on Digital English and Education 4.0 for Industry 4.0
Authors: Hariharasudan A. , Kot Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Industry 4.0 is a current trend of automation and digitalization of industries. The impacts and importance of Industry 4.0 are reflected in all aspects of our lives. The purpose of this article is to analyze the literatures based on a scoping review method. A lack of digital culture, training, knowledge, and language are also challenges faced by Industry 4.0 while implementing its operations. Digital English and Education 4.0 are also employee competencies of Industry 4.0. The authors have reviewed the literature related to Digital English, Education 4.0, and Industry 4.0 from various resources. Astonishingly, the results show that the studies conducted in these areas are so specific focusing only one of the above-mentioned areas; no research article was identified that detailed the interconnections among these areas. From the scoping review, the study has identified the gaps in the literature. Thus, the study concludes that filling up the gaps and conducting research in these areas are useful to sort out a few of the challenges of Industry 4.0 and it recommends that in future, researchers conduct studies based on the interconnections of Digital English and Education 4.0 for Industry 4.0.
Deoxynivalenol Affects Cell Metabolism and Increases Protein Biosynthesis in Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells (IPEC-J2): DON Increases Protein Biosynthesis
Authors: Nossol Constanze , Landgraf Peter , Kahlert Stefan , Oster Michael , Isermann Berend , Dieterich Daniela C. , Wimmers Klaus , Dänicke Sven , Rothkötter Hermann-Josef
Published: November 2018

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a toxin found in cereals as well as in processed products such as pasta, and causes substantial economic losses for stock breeding as it induces vomiting, reduced feeding, and reduced growth rates in piglets. Oxidative phosphorylation, TCA-cycle, transcription, and translation have been hypothesized to be leading pathways that are affected by DON. We used an application of high and low glucose to examine oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic glycolysis. A change in the metabolic status of IPEC-J2 was observed and confirmed by microarray data. Measurements of oxygen consumption resulted in a significant reduction, if DON attacks from the basolateral. Furthermore, we found a dose-dependent effect with a significant reduction at 2000 ng/mL. In addition, SLC7A11 and PHB, the genes with the highest regulation in our microarray analyses under low glucose supply, were investigated and showed a variable regulation on protein level. Lactate production and glucose consumption was investigated to examine the impact of DON on anaerobic glycolysis and we observed a significant increase in 2000 blhigh and a decrease in 2000 aphigh. Interestingly, both groups as well as 200 blhigh showed a significant higher de novo protein synthesis when compared to the control. These results indicate the direct or indirect impact of DON on metabolic pathways in IPEC-J2.
Spacetime Continuity and Quantum Information Loss
Authors: Good Michael R. R.
Published: November 2018

Continuity across the shock wave of two regions in the metric during the formation of a black hole can be relaxed in order to achieve information preservation. A Planck scale sized spacetime discontinuity leads to unitarity (a constant asymptotic entanglement entropy) by restricting the origin of coordinates (moving mirror) to be timelike. Moreover, thermal equilibration occurs and total evaporation energy emitted is finite.
Unique Projects of a Universal ‘Public Park Making’ Trend Viewed on the Example of Four Global Cities
Authors: Shafray Ekaterina
Published: November 2018

From a social perspective, successful cities compete with other cities and with each other for residents, resources, and economic power. The important characteristic of that is the number of outdoor social activities (events, festivals, forums, etc.) held in cities that are included in several cities’ evaluation indexes. Attempting to analyze the urban environment features that foster a productive ground for social activities, this paper correlates the number of social activities with the recent ‘public park-making’ urban regeneration trend. It considers four unique project case studies in New York, Tokyo, Seoul, and Moscow in the 2016–2018 years, with outstanding and ambitious designs selected to represent the trend. This paper analyzes the global ‘public park making’ trend for city’s urban regeneration with different scales of project interventions viewed through qualitative case studies. This paper puts forward a question of global features of a public park and continues the discussion on keeping a balance between local architecture and the global public park making trend, as well as public facilities and profit, and a role of nature as a universal remedy and tool in reshaping the image of cities.
Inter- and Intra-Host Nucleotide Variations in Hepatitis A Virus in Culture and Clinical Samples Detected by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Mammel Mark , Whitehouse Chris A. , Ngo Diana , Kulka Michael
Published: November 2018

The accurate virus detection, strain discrimination, and source attribution of contaminated food items remains a persistent challenge because of the high mutation rates anticipated to occur in foodborne RNA viruses, such as hepatitis A virus (HAV). This has led to predictions of the existence of more than one sequence variant between the hosts (inter-host) or within an individual host (intra-host). However, there have been no reports of intra-host variants from an infected single individual, and little is known about the accuracy of the single nucleotide variations (SNVs) calling with various methods. In this study, the presence and identity of viral SNVs, either between HAV clinical specimens or among a series of samples derived from HAV clone1-infected FRhK4 cells, were determined following analyses of nucleotide sequences generated using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and pyrosequencing methods. The results demonstrate the co-existence of inter- and intra-host variants both in the clinical specimens and the cultured samples. The discovery and confirmation of multi-viral RNAs in an infected individual is dependent on the strain discrimination at the SNV level, and critical for successful outbreak traceback and source attribution investigations. The detection of SNVs in a time series of HAV infected FRhK4 cells improved our understanding on the mutation dynamics determined probably by different selective pressures. Additionally, it demonstrated that NGS could potentially provide a valuable investigative approach toward SNV detection and identification for other RNA viruses.
Assessing Potential Climate Change Impacts on Irrigation Requirements of Major Crops in the Brazos Headwaters Basin, Texas
Authors: Awal Ripendra , Fares Ali , Bayabil Haimanote
Published: November 2018

In order for the agricultural sector to be sustainable, farming practices and management strategies need to be informed by site-specific information regarding potential climate change impacts on irrigation requirements and water budget components of different crops. Such information would allow managers and producers to select cropping systems that ensure efficient use of water resources and crop productivity. The major challenge in understanding the link between cropping systems and climate change is the uncertainty of how the climate would change in the future and lack of understanding how different crops would respond to those changes. This study analyzed the potential impact of climate change on irrigation requirements of four major crops (cotton, corn, sorghum, and winter wheat) in the Brazos Headwaters Basin, Texas. The irrigation requirement of crops was calculated for the baseline period (1980–2010) and three projected periods: 2020s (2011–2030), 2055s (2046–2065), and 2090s (2080–2099). Daily climate predictions from 15 general circulation models (GCMs) under three greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios (B1, A1B, and A2) were generated for three future periods using the Long Ashton Research Station–Weather Generator (LARS-WG) statistical downscaling model. Grid-based (55 grids at ~38 km resolution) irrigation water requirements (IRRs) and other water budget components of each crop were calculated using the Irrigation Management System (IManSys) model. Future period projection results show that evapotranspiration (ET) and IRR will increase for all crops, while precipitation is projected to decrease compared with the baseline period. On average, precipitation meets only 25–32% of the ET demand, depending on crop type. In general, projections from almost all GCMs show an increase in IRR for all crops for the three future periods under the three GHG emission scenarios. Irrigation requirement prediction uncertainty between GCMs was consistently greater in July and August for corn, cotton, and sorghum regardless of period and emission scenario. However, for winter wheat, greater uncertainties between GCMs were observed during April and May. Irrigation requirements show significant variations across spatial locations. There was no consistent spatial trend in changes of IRR for the four crops. A unit change in precipitation is projected to affect IRR differently depending on the crop type.