bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Reconstruction of Plant/Tree Canopy Using Monocular and Binocular Vision
Authors: Ni Zhijiang , Burks Thomas , Lee Won
Published: September 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of a tree canopy is an important step in order to measure canopy geometry, such as height, width, volume, and leaf cover area. In this research, binocular stereo vision was used to recover the 3D information of the canopy. Multiple images were taken from different views around the target. The Structure-from-motion (SfM) method was employed to recover the camera calibration matrix for each image, and the corresponding 3D coordinates of the feature points were calculated and used to recover the camera calibration matrix. Through this method, a sparse projective reconstruction of the target was realized. Subsequently, a ball pivoting algorithm was used to do surface modeling to realize dense reconstruction. Finally, this dense reconstruction was transformed to metric reconstruction through ground truth points which were obtained from camera calibration of binocular stereo cameras. Four experiments were completed, one for a known geometric box, and the other three were: a croton plant with big leaves and salient features, a jalapeno pepper plant with median leaves, and a lemon tree with small leaves. A whole-view reconstruction of each target was realized. The comparison of the reconstructed box’s size with the real box’s size shows that the 3D reconstruction is in metric reconstruction.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Colloidal Nanocrystal Assemblies of ZnFe2O4 and Their Application in Water Treatment
Authors: Guo Peizhi , Lv Meng , Han Guangting , Wen Changna , Wang Qianbin , Li Hongliang , Zhao Xiusong
Published: September 2016

Hierarchical colloidal nanocrystal assemblies (CNAs) of ZnFe2O4 have been synthesized controllably by a solvothermal method. Hollow ZnFe2O4 spheres can be formed with the volume ratios of ethylene glycol to ethanol of 1:4 in the starting systems, while solid ZnFe2O4 CNAs are obtained by adjusting the volume proportion of ethylene glycol to ethanol from 1:2 to 2:1. Magnetometric measurement data showed that the ZnFe2O4 CNAs obtained with the volume ratios of 1:2 and 1:1 exhibited weak ferromagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization values of 60.4 and 60.3 emu·g−1, respectively. However, hollow spheres showed a saturation magnetization value of 52.0 emu·g−1, but the highest coercivity among all the samples. It was found that hollow spheres displayed the best ability to adsorb Congo red dye among all the CNAs. The formation mechanisms of ZnFe2O4 CNAs, as well as the relationship between their structure, crystallite size, and properties were discussed based on the experimental results.
Study on the Thermal Conductivity Characteristics of Graphene Prepared by the Planetary Ball Mill
Authors: Kim Gwi-Nam , Kim Ji-Hye , Kim Bo-Sung , Jeong Hyo-Min , Huh Sun-Chul
Published: September 2016

This study was designed to examine the physical disintegration of graphene (GN), an excellent heat conductor, by using the planetary ball mill, a simple and convenient means to produce particles arbitrarily. The conditions for the disintegration of GN were distinguished by the rotation of the planetary ball mill (200 rpm, 400 rpm, and 600 rpm) and by the duration of its operation (30 min, 60 min, and 90 min), respectively. From the results, we saw that, when experimental conditions are 200 rpm with 60 min, the particle size was the smallest (at 328 nm) and the results of thermal conductivity were the highest. In the absorbance results, GN was well dispersed because the value of its absorbance is high.
Fault Reactivation Can Generate Hydraulic Short Circuits in Underground Coal Gasification—New Insights from Regional-Scale Thermo-Mechanical 3D Modeling
Authors: Otto Christopher , Kempka Thomas , Kapusta Krzysztof , Stańczyk Krzysztof
Published: September 2016

Underground coal gasification (UCG) has the potential to increase worldwide coal reserves by utilization of coal deposits not mineable by conventional methods. This involves combusting coal in situ to produce a synthesis gas, applicable for electricity generation and chemical feedstock production. Three-dimensional (3D) thermo-mechanical models already significantly contribute to UCG design by process optimization and mitigation of the environmental footprint. We developed the first 3D UCG model based on real structural geological data to investigate the impacts of using isothermal and non-isothermal simulations, two different pillar widths and four varying regional stress regimes on the spatial changes in temperature and permeability, ground surface subsidence and fault reactivation. Our simulation results demonstrate that non-isothermal processes have to be considered in these assessments due to thermally-induced stresses. Furthermore, we demonstrate that permeability increase is limited to the close reactor vicinity, although the presence of previously undetected faults can introduce formation of hydraulic short circuits between single UCG channels over large distances. This requires particular consideration of potentially present sub-seismic faults in the exploration and site selection stages, since the required pillar widths may be easily underestimated in presence of faults with different orientations with respect to the regional stress regime.
Mining Chromatographic Enantioseparation Data Using Matched Molecular Pair Analysis
Authors: Sheridan Robert , Piras Patrick , Sherer Edward , Roussel Christian , Pirkle William , Welch Christopher
Published: September 2016

We apply matched molecular pair (MMP) analysis to data from ChirBase, which contains literature reports of chromatographic enantioseparations. For the 19 chiral stationary phases we examined, we were able to identify 289 sets of pairs where there is a statistically significant and consistent difference in enantioseparation due to a small chemical change. In many cases these changes highlight enantioselectivity differences between pairs or small families of closely related molecules that have for many years been used to probe the mechanisms of chromatographic chiral recognition; for example, the comparison of N-H vs. N-Me analytes to determine the criticality of an N-H hydrogen bond in chiral molecular recognition. In other cases, statistically significant MMPs surfaced by the analysis are less familiar or somewhat puzzling, sparking a need to generate and test hypotheses to more fully understand. Consequently, mining of appropriate datasets using MMP analysis provides an important new approach for studying and understanding the process of chromatographic enantioseparation.
Beneficial Effects of Tea and the Green Tea Catechin Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Obesity
Authors: Suzuki Takuji , Pervin Monira , Goto Shingo , Isemura Mamoru , Nakamura Yoriyuki
Published: September 2016

Green tea has been shown to have beneficial effects against cancer, obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections, and dental caries. The catechin (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has shown the highest biological activity among green tea catechins (GTCs) in most of the studies. While several epidemiological studies have shown the beneficial effects of tea and GTCs on obesity, some studies have failed to do this. In addition, a large number of interventional clinical studies have shown these favorable effects, and cellular and animal experiments have supported those findings, and revealed the underlying anti-obesity mechanisms. One of the mechanisms is enhanced cellular production of reactive oxygen species, which is mediated through the pro-oxidant action of EGCG, leading to the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which suppresses gene and protein expression of enzymes and transcription factors involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis, and stimulates those involved in lipolysis. Recently, scientific evidence supporting the beneficial anti-obesity effects of green tea and GTCs has been increasing. However, future investigations are still required to clarify the reasons for the inconsistent results reported in the human studies; to achieve this, careful adjustment of confounding factors will be required.
Towards Bio-Inspired Chromatic Behaviours in Surveillance Robots
Authors: Karutaa Gnaniar Sampath , Elara Mohan Rajesh , Martinez-Garcia Edgar , Ambrosio Lazaro Roberto
Published: September 2016

The field of Robotics is ever growing at the same time as posing enormous challenges. Numerous works has been done in biologically inspired robotics emulating models, systems and elements of nature for the purpose of solving traditional robotics problems. Chromatic behaviours are abundant in nature across a variety of living species to achieve camouflage, signaling, and temperature regulation. The ability of these creatures to successfully blend in with their environment and communicate by changing their colour is the fundamental inspiration for our research work. In this paper, we present dwarf chameleon inspired chromatic behaviour in the context of an autonomous surveillance robot, “PACHONDHI”. In our experiments, we successfully validated the ability of the robot to autonomously change its colour in relation to the terrain that it is traversing for maximizing detectability to friendly security agents and minimizing exposure to hostile agents, as well as to communicate with fellow cooperating robots.
Atmospheric Measurements by Ultra-Light SpEctrometer (AMULSE) Dedicated to Vertical Profile in Situ Measurements of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Under Weather Balloons: Instrumental Development and Field Application
Authors: Joly Lilian , Maamary Rabih , Decarpenterie Thomas , Cousin Julien , Dumelié Nicolas , Chauvin Nicolas , Legain Dominique , Tzanos Diane , Durry Georges
Published: September 2016

The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere plays an important role in the radiative effects in the Earth’s climate system. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the number of atmospheric observations in order to quantify the natural sinks and emission sources. We report in this paper the development of a new compact lightweight spectrometer (1.8 kg) called AMULSE based on near infrared laser technology at 2.04 µm coupled to a 6-m open-path multipass cell. The measurements were made using the Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy (WMS) technique and the spectrometer is hence dedicated to in situ measuring the vertical profiles of the CO2 at high precision levels (σAllan = 0.96 ppm in 1 s integration time (1σ)) and with high temporal/spatial resolution (1 Hz/5 m) using meteorological balloons. The instrument is compact, robust, cost-effective, fully autonomous, has low-power consumption, a non-intrusive probe and is plug & play. It was first calibrated and validated in the laboratory and then used for 17 successful flights up to 10 km altitude in the region Champagne—Ardenne, France in 2014. A rate of 100% of instrument recovery was validated due to the pre-localization prediction of the Météo—France based on the flight simulation software.
Arbitrarily Accessible 3D Microfluidic Device for Combinatorial High-Throughput Drug Screening
Authors: Chen Zhuofa , Li Weizhi , Choi Gihoon , Yang Xiaonan , Miao Jun , Cui Liwang , Guan Weihua
Published: September 2016

Microfluidics-based drug-screening systems have enabled efficient and high-throughput drug screening, but their routine uses in ordinary labs are limited due to the complexity involved in device fabrication and system setup. In this work, we report an easy-to-use and low-cost arbitrarily accessible 3D microfluidic device that can be easily adopted by various labs to perform combinatorial assays for high-throughput drug screening. The device is capable of precisely performing automatic and simultaneous reagent loading and aliquoting tasks and performing multistep assays with arbitrary sequences. The device is not intended to compete with other microfluidic technologies regarding ultra-low reaction volume. Instead, its freedom from tubing or pumping systems and easy operation makes it an ideal platform for routine high-throughput drug screening outside traditional microfluidic labs. The functionality and quantitative reliability of the 3D microfluidic device were demonstrated with a histone acetyltransferase-based drug-screening assay using the recombinant Plasmodium falciparum GCN5 enzyme, benchmarked with a traditional microtiter plate-based method. This arbitrarily accessible, multistep capable, low-cost, and easy-to-use device can be widely adopted in various combinatorial assays beyond high-throughput drug screening.
Vehicle Maneuver Detection with Accelerometer-Based Classification
Authors: Cervantes-Villanueva Javier , Carrillo-Zapata Daniel , Terroso-Saenz Fernando , Valdes-Vela Mercedes , Skarmeta Antonio
Published: September 2016

In the mobile computing era, smartphones have become instrumental tools to develop innovative mobile context-aware systems. In that sense, their usage in the vehicular domain eases the development of novel and personal transportation solutions. In this frame, the present work introduces an innovative mechanism to perceive the current kinematic state of a vehicle on the basis of the accelerometer data from a smartphone mounted in the vehicle. Unlike previous proposals, the introduced architecture targets the computational limitations of such devices to carry out the detection process following an incremental approach. For its realization, we have evaluated different classification algorithms to act as agents within the architecture. Finally, our approach has been tested with a real-world dataset collected by means of the ad hoc mobile application developed.
Sociological and Biological Insights on How to Prevent the Reduction in Cognitive Activity that Stems from Robots Assuming Workloads in Human–Robot Cooperation
Authors: Compagna Diego , Weidemann Alexandra , Marquardt Manuela , Graf Philipp
Published: September 2016

The reduction of cognitive tasks brought about by new developments in service-robots’ collaboration with humans in working environments has given rise to new challenges as to how to address safety issues. This paper presents insights from biology, cognitive/neural sciences and sociology that can conquer these new challenges. The main focus lies in sociological variables that ensure safe human–robot interaction in working environments rather than addressing biological ones (avoiding bodily harm) or purely cognitive ones (avoiding any signals that are outside the human’s sensory comfort zones). We will present an approach on how to integrate behavioral patterns into the robotic system in order to prevent the problem of reduced cognition in relation to essential features, which are necessary for carrying out this pattern in the context of a human–robot interaction with non-humanoid robots (which is the most typical design of robots used in work environments).
Smartphone User Identity Verification Using Gait Characteristics
Authors: Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis , Venčkauskas Algimantas , Woźniak Marcin
Published: September 2016

Smartphone-based biometrics offers a wide range of possible solutions, which could be used to authenticate users and thus to provide an extra level of security and theft prevention. We propose a method for positive identification of smartphone user’s identity using user’s gait characteristics captured by embedded smartphone sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers). The method is based on the application of the Random Projections method for feature dimensionality reduction to just two dimensions. Then, a probability distribution function (PDF) of derived features is calculated, which is compared against known user PDF. The Jaccard distance is used to evaluate distance between two distributions, and the decision is taken based on thresholding. The results for subject recognition are at an acceptable level: we have achieved a grand mean Equal Error Rate (ERR) for subject identification of 5.7% (using the USC-HAD dataset). Our findings represent a step towards improving the performance of gait-based user identity verification technologies.
Association of Long-Term Pesticide Exposure and Biologic Parameters in Female Farm Workers in Tanzania: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Manyilizu Wilbert , Mdegela Robinson , Kazwala Rudovick , Nonga Hezron , Muller Mette , Lie Elisabeth , Skjerve Eystein , Lyche Jan
Published: September 2016

The study aimed to assess the association of long-term pesticide exposure (≥5 years) with hematological, serum biochemical parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity in farm workers. These pesticides included organophosphorus pesticides, carbamates, pyrethroids, dithiocarbamates, and other pesticides such as endosulfan. Applying a cross-sectional study design, 69 females from a pesticide-exposed farm population and 30 females from a district not using pesticides (reference group) were studied. The mean red cell corpuscular volume and hematocrit values were significantly lower (74.7 ± 9.1 fl; 95% CI 72.5–76.9 and 32.0% ± 4.6%; 95% CI 30.9–33.1, respectively) in the exposed compared to the reference group, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets were significantly higher (37.4 ± 3.8 g/dL; 95% CI 36.5–38.3 and 374.1 ± 95.3/L; 95% CI 351.2–396.9, respectively) in the exposed compared to the reference group. Mean serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (20.7 ± 8.9 U/L; 95% CI 18.5–22.9) and creatinine (83.9 ± 6.6 μmol/L; 95% CI 82.3–85.5) were significantly higher in the exposed compared to the reference group. A higher mean esterase activity (AChE 0.6 ± 0.2 mM/min/mg protein; 95% CI 0.56–0.7; BChE 0.9 ± 0.4 mM/min/mg protein; 95% CI 0.9–1.1) was noted in the exposed group. Regression models suggest that occupational exposure (p < 0.001) could be a predictor of esterase (AChE and BChE) activity and biochemical changes (β = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.5; β = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, respectively). Long-term pesticide exposure affects the hemato-biochemical and esterase responses, establishing the need for further studies.
Enhanced Replication of Hepatitis E Virus Strain 47832c in an A549-Derived Subclonal Cell Line
Authors: Schemmerer Mathias , Apelt Silke , Trojnar Eva , Ulrich Rainer , Wenzel Jürgen , Johne Reimar
Published: September 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a human pathogen with increasing importance. The lack of efficient cell culture systems hampers systematic studies on its replication cycle, virus neutralization and inactivation. Here, several cell lines were inoculated with the HEV genotype 3c strain 47832c, previously isolated from a chronically infected transplant patient. At 14 days after inoculation the highest HEV genome copy numbers were found in A549 cells, followed by PLC/PRF/5 cells, whereas HepG2/C3A, Huh-7 Lunet BLR and MRC-5 cells only weakly supported virus replication. Inoculation of A549-derived subclone cell lines resulted in most cases in reduced HEV replication. However, the subclone A549/D3 was susceptible to lower virus concentrations and resulted in higher virus yields as compared to parental A549 cells. Transcriptome analysis indicated a downregulation of genes for carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAM) 5 and 6, and an upregulation of the syndecan 2 (SDC2) gene in A549/D3 cells compared to A549 cells. However, treatment of A549/D3 cells or A549 cells with CEACAM- or syndecan 2-specific antisera did not influence HEV replication. The results show that cells supporting more efficient HEV replication can be selected from the A549 cell line. The specific mechanisms responsible for the enhanced replication remain unknown.
Presence of Cx43 in extracellular vesicles reduces the cardiotoxicity of the anti‐tumour therapeutic approach with doxorubicin
Authors: Martins‐Marques Tania , Pinho Maria Joao , Zuzarte Monica , Oliveira Carla , Pereira Paulo , Sluijter Joost P. G. , Gomes Celia , Girao Henrique
Published: September 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are major conveyors of biological information, mediating local and systemic cell‐to‐cell communication under physiological and pathological conditions. These endogenous vesicles have been recognized as prominent drug delivery vehicles of several therapeutic cargoes, including doxorubicin (dox), presenting major advantages over the classical approaches. Although dox is one of the most effective anti‐tumour agents in the clinical practice, its use is very often hindered by its consequent dramatic cardiotoxicity. Despite significant advances witnessed in the past few years, more comprehensive studies, supporting the therapeutic efficacy of EVs, with decreased side effects, are still scarce. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) in mediating the release of EV content into tumour cells. Moreover, we investigated whether Cx43 improves the efficiency of dox‐based anti‐tumour treatment, with a concomitant decrease of cardiotoxicity. In the present report, we demonstrate that the presence of Cx43 in EVs increases the release of luciferin from EVs into tumour cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, using cell‐based approaches and a subcutaneous mouse tumour model, we show that the anti‐tumour effect of dox incorporated into EVs is similar to the administration of the free drug, regardless the presence of Cx43. Strikingly, we demonstrate that the presence of Cx43 in dox‐loaded EVs reduces the cardiotoxicity of the drug. Altogether, these results bring new insights into the concrete potential of EVs as therapeutic vehicles and open new avenues toward the development of strategies that help to reduce unwanted side effects.
Detection of obstructive uropathy and assessment of differential renal function using two functional magnetic resonance urography tools
Authors: Steffen Ingo G. , Neumann Grit , Apostolova Ivayla , Ruf Juri , Rißmann Anke , Wiemann Dagobert , Liehr Uwe-Bernd , Schostak Martin , Amthauer Holger , Furth Christian , Genseke Philipp , Rogasch Julian M. M.
Published: September 2016

Aim: After detection of obstructive uropathy (OU), the indication for or against surgery is primarily based on the differential renal function (DRF). This is to compare functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) with dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) to assess OU and DRF in infants and children. Patients, methods: Retrospective analysis in 30 patients (female: 16; male: 14; median age: 5.5 years [0.2-16.5]), divided into subgroup A (age: 0-2 years; n = 16) and B (> 2-17 years; n = 14). fMRU was assessed by measuring renal transit time (RTT) and volumetric DRF with CHOP fMRU tool (CT) and ImageJ MRU plug-in (IJ). OU detection by fMRU was compared with DRS (standard of reference) using areas under the curves (AUC) in ROC analyses. Concordant DRF was assumed if absolute deviation between fMRU and DRS was < 5 %. Results: DRS confirmed fixed OU in 4/31 kidneys (12.9 %) in subgroup A. AUC of CT was 0.94 compared with 0.93 by IJ. Subgroup B showed fixed OU in 1/21 kidneys (4.8 %) with AUCs of 0.98 each. RTT measured neither by CT nor by IJ in confirmed fixed OU was < 1200 s – resulting in negative predictive values of 1.0 each. In subgroup A, DRF was concordant in 81.3 % of the kidneys for CT and DRS compared with 75.0 % for IJ and DRS. In subgroup B, CT and DRS were concordant in 91.7 %, and IJ and DRS in 45.8 % of the kidneys. Conclusion: fMRU accurately excluded fixed OU in infants and children, independent from the software used for quantification. However, assessment of DRF with fMRU deviated from DRS especially in infants who may profit most from early intervention. Thus, fMRU cannot fully replace DRS as primary functional examination. If, for clinical reasons, fMRU is performed in first place and it cannot exclude fixed OU, it should be followed by DRS for validation and DRF quantification.
Secondary Release of Exosomes from Astrocytes Contributes to the Increase in Neural Plasticity and Improvement of Functional Recovery after Stroke in Rats Treated with Exosomes Harvested from MicroRNA 133b-Overexpressing Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Xin Hongqi , Wang Fengjie , Li Yanfeng , Lu Qing-E , Cheung Wing Lee , Zhang Yi , Zhang Zheng Gang , Chopp Michael
Published: September 2016

We previously demonstrated that multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that overexpress microRNA 133b (miR-133b) significantly improve functional recovery in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) compared with naive MSCs and that exosomes generated from naive MSCs mediate the therapeutic benefits of MSC therapy for stroke. Here we investigated whether exosomes isolated from miR-133b-overexpressing MSCs (Ex-miR-133b+) exert amplified therapeutic effects. Rats subjected to 2 h of MCAO were intra-arterially injected with Ex-miR-133b+, exosomes from MSCs infected by blank vector (Ex-Con), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and were sacrificed 28 days after MCAO. Compared with the PBS treatment, both exosome treatment groups exhibited significant improvement of functional recovery. Ex-miR-133b+ treatment significantly increased functional improvement and neurite remodeling/brain plasticity in the ischemic boundary area compared with the Ex-Con treatment. Treatment with Ex-miR-133b+ also significantly increased brain exosome content compared with Ex-Con treatment. To elucidate mechanisms underlying the enhanced therapeutic effects of Ex-miR-133b+, astrocytes cultured under oxygen- and glucose-deprived (OGD) conditions were incubated with exosomes harvested from naive MSCs (Ex-Naive), miR-133b downregulated MSCs (Ex-miR-133b−), and Ex-miR-133b+. Compared with the Ex-Naive treatment, Ex-miR-133b+ significantly increased exosomes released by OGD astrocytes, whereas Ex-miR-133b− significantly decreased the release. Also, exosomes harvested from OGD astrocytes treated with Ex-miR-133b+ significantly increased neurite branching and elongation of cultured cortical embryonic rat neurons compared with the exosomes from OGD astrocytes subjected to Ex-Con. Our data suggest that exosomes harvested from miR-133b-overexpressing MSCs improve neural plasticity and functional recovery after stroke with a contribution from a stimulated secondary release of neurite-promoting exosomes from astrocytes.
Influence of Different Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids on the In Vitro Activity of Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Ertapenem, Meropenem and Tobramycin against Escherichia Coli
Authors: Kussmann Manuel , Schuster Linda , Wrenger Sarah , Pichler Petra , Reznicek Gottfried , Burgmann Heinz , Poeppl Wolfgang , Zeitlinger Markus , Wiesholzer Martin
Published: September 2016

Background

Peritonitis is a major problem among patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). The influence of diverse PD fluids on the activity of frequently used antibiotics has been insufficiently investigated. Thus, the present study set out to investigate the impact of different PD fluids on the activity of cefepime, ciprofloxacin, ertapenem, meropenem, and tobramycin against Escherichia coli.

Methods

Time-kill curves in 4 different PD fluids (Dianeal PDG4, Extraneal, Nutrineal PD4 and Physioneal 40, all Baxter Healthcare Corp., Deerfield, IL, USA) were performed over 24 hours with 4 different concentrations (1 x minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC], 4 x MIC, 8 x MIC, 30 x MIC) of each antibiotic evaluated and without antibiotics as control. Cation-adjusted Mueller Hinton broth (CA-MHB) was used as comparator solution.

Results

In all PD fluids investigated, bacterial growth and antimicrobial activity of all antibiotics tested was significantly reduced compared with the CA-MHB comparator solution. Except at high concentrations of 30 x MIC, cefepime, ertapenem and meropenem demonstrated a strongly reduced activity in all PD fluids investigated. Ciprofloxacin and tobramycin were highly active and bactericidal in all PD fluids and demonstrated dose-dependent activity.

Conclusion

The antimicrobial activity of cefepime, ertapenem and meropenem is limited or even nullified in certain PD fluids in vitro, whereas ciprofloxacin and tobramycin show excellent activity. The choice of PD fluids can impact the activity of antimicrobial agents and might influence microbiological outcome. Further studies are required to verify the clinical relevance of our findings.
Patients’ Perspectives on the Prevention and Treatment of Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Semi-Structured Interview Study
Authors: Campbell Denise J. , Craig Jonathan C. , Mudge David W. , Brown Fiona G. , Wong Germaine , Tong Allison
Published: September 2016

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recommended for adults with residual kidney function and without significant comorbidities. However, peritonitis is a serious and common complication that is associated with hospitalization, pain, catheter loss, and death. This study aims to describe the beliefs, needs, and experiences of PD patients about peritonitis, to inform the training, support, and care of these patients.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 patients from 3 renal units in Australia who had previous or current experience of PD. The interviews were conducted between November 2014 and November 2015. Transcripts were analyzed thematically.

Results

We identified 4 themes: constant vigilance for prevention (conscious of vulnerability, sharing responsibility with family, demanding attention to detail, ambiguity of detecting infection, ineradicable inhabitation, jeopardizing PD success); invading harm (life-threatening, wreaking internal damage, debilitating pain, losing control and dignity); incapacitating lifestyle interference (financial strain, isolation and separation, exacerbating burden on family); and exasperation with hospitalization (dread of hospital admission, exposure to infection, gruelling follow-up schedule, exposure to harm).

Conclusions

Patients perceived that peritonitis could threaten their health, treatment modality, and lifestyle, which motivated vigilance and attention to hygiene. They felt a loss of control due to debilitating symptoms including pain and having to be hospitalized, and they were uncertain about how to monitor for signs of peritonitis. Providing patients with education about the causes and signs of peritonitis and addressing their concerns about lifestyle impact, financial impact, hospitalization, and peritonitis-related anxieties may improve treatment satisfaction and outcomes for patients requiring PD.
The Effect of Learning Modality and Auditory Feedback on Word Memory: Cochlear-Implanted versus Normal-Hearing Adults
Authors: Taitelbaum-Swead Riki , Icht Michal , Mama Yaniv
Published: September 2016

Background:In recent years, the effect of cognitive abilities on the achievements of cochlear implant (CI) users has been evaluated. Some studies have suggested that gaps between CI users and normal-hearing (NH) peers in cognitive tasks are modality specific, and occur only in
auditory tasks.Purpose:The present study focused on the effect of learning modality (auditory, visual) and auditory feedback on word memory in young adults who were prelingually deafened and received CIs before the age of 5 yr, and their NH peers.Research Design:A production
effect (PE) paradigm was used, in which participants learned familiar study words by vocal production (saying aloud) or by no-production (silent reading or listening). Words were presented (1) in the visual modality (written) and (2) in the auditory modality (heard). CI users performed the
visual condition twice—once with the implant ON and once with it OFF. All conditions were followed by free recall tests.Study Sample:Twelve young adults, long-term CI users, implanted between ages 1.7 and 4.5 yr, and who showed ≥50% in monosyllabic consonant-vowel-consonant
open-set test with their implants were enrolled. A group of 14 age-matched NH young adults served as the comparison group.Data Collection and Analysis:For each condition, we calculated the proportion of study words recalled. Mixed-measures analysis of variances were carried out with
group (NH, CI) as a between-subjects variable, and learning condition (aloud or silent reading) as a within-subject variable. Following this, paired sample t tests were used to evaluate the PE size (differences between aloud and silent words) and overall recall ratios (aloud and silent
words combined) in each of the learning conditions.Results:With visual word presentation, young adults with CIs (regardless of implant status CI-ON or CI-OFF), showed comparable memory performance (and a similar PE) to NH peers. However, with auditory presentation, young adults with
CIs showed poorer memory for nonproduced words (hence a larger PE) relative to their NH peers.Conclusions:The results support the construct that young adults with CIs will benefit more from learning via the visual modality (reading), rather than the auditory modality (listening). Importantly,
vocal production can largely improve auditory word memory, especially for the CI group.
Genome‐Wide Association Mapping Reveals Novel QTL for Seedling Leaf Rust Resistance in a Worldwide Collection of Winter Wheat
Authors: Li Genqiao , Xu Xiangyang , Bai Guihua , Carver Brett F. , Hunger Robert , Bonman J. Michael , Kolmer James , Dong Hongxu
Published: September 2016

Leaf rust of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major disease that causes significant yield losses worldwide. The short‐lived nature of leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes necessitates a continuous search for novel sources of resistance. We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on a panel of 1596 wheat accessions. The panel was evaluated for leaf rust reaction by testing with a bulk of Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt) isolates collected from multiple fields of Oklahoma in 2013 and two predominant races in the fields of Oklahoma in 2015. The panel was genotyped with a set of 5011 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 14 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for leaf rust resistance were identified at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.01 using the mixed linear model (MLM). Of these, eight QTL reside in the vicinity of known genes or QTL, and more studies are needed to determine their relationship with known loci. QLr.stars‐7AL1 is a new QTL to bread wheat but is close to a locus previously identified in durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. The other five QTL, including QLr.stars‐1BL3, QLr.stars‐1DC1, QLr.stars‐2BL1, QLr.stars‐5BL1, and QLr.stars‐7AS1, are likely novel loci for leaf rust resistance. The uneven distribution of the 14 QTL in the six subpopulations of the panel suggests that wheat breeders can enhance leaf rust resistance by selectively introgressing some of these QTL into their breeding materials. In addition, another 31 QTL were significantly associated with leaf rust resistance at a FDR of 0.05.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION FOR RANDOM AEROELASTIC RESPONSES USING INVERSE FOURIER TRANSFORM
Authors: UEDA Tetsuhiko , SAITOH Kenichi
Published: September 2016

This paper reports a new simulation technique for an aeroelastic system which responds to random external forces. Since the aeroelastic system including the effects of unsteady aerodynamics is ordinarily described in the frequency domain, the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) can be utilized to simulate its random response. The response caused by the external random noise is calculated through a transfer function first in the frequency domain and then converted to the time domain. The objective of the present study is to provide mathematical time history data for evaluating the various estimation methods of the flutter boundary from subcritical responses in flight and/or wind tunnel testing. An example application to the method of flutter prediction is shown. The technique can also be used to evaluate the effects of the active control device coping with atmospheric turbulence.
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING OF ROTATING BLADES ON HELICOPTERS
Authors: MIRONOV Aleksey , DORONKIN Pavel , PRIKLONSKY Aleksander
Published: September 2016

The paper discusses the structural health monitoring of rotating blades on helicopters (RBH) based on the application of Modal Analysis. The study discussed in this paper includes the experimental validation of state-of-the-art techniques for the on-line measurement of dynamic signals of helicopter rotating units, optimization of the sensor type for rotating unit measurement, analysis of the practical applicability of modal analysis techniques for condition-based monitoring of rotating structures and estimation of the efficiency of the experimental system for the identification of practical damages of blades. The research was conducted using helicopter blade models operating within an experimental test bench. The capabilities of diagnostic technique application to main rotor gears and bearings are also presented. Conclusions are made about the successful analysis of the operational modal analysis technique applicability for the structural health monitoring of a rotating blade, and its effectiveness for damage identification. Two strategies of the RBH repair – with a continuously condition-based monitoring with the proposed technology and one without such monitoring, were discussed. The Markov chain reliability models for each strategy were analyzed and the reliability improvement factor for the proposed monitoring technology in comparison with a traditional one was evaluated. It is shown that the reliability improvement factor is more effective for the proposed method as compared to the traditional one.
A GAP WITH A DEFICIT OF LARGE GRAINS IN THE PROTOPLANETARY DISK AROUND TW Hya
Authors: Tsukagoshi Takashi , Nomura Hideko , Muto Takayuki , Kawabe Ryohei , Ishimoto Daiki , Kanagawa Kazuhiro D. , Okuzumi Satoshi , Ida Shigeru , Walsh Catherine , Millar T. J.
Published: September 2016

We report ∼3 au resolution imaging observations of the protoplanetary disk around TW Hya at 145 and 233 GHz with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Our observations revealed two deep gaps (∼25%–50%) at 22 and 37 au and shallower gaps (a few percent) at 6, 28, and 44 au, as recently reported by Andrews et al. The central hole with a radius of ∼3 au was also marginally resolved. The most remarkable finding is that the spectral index

between bands 4 and 6 peaks at the 22 au gap. The derived power-law index of the dust opacity

is ∼1.7 at the 22 au gap and decreases toward the disk center to ∼0. The most prominent gap at 22 au could be caused by the gravitational interaction between the disk and an unseen planet with a mass of ≲1.5 M
Neptune, although other origins may be possible. The planet-induced gap is supported by the fact that

is enhanced at the 22 au gap, indicating a deficit of ∼millimeter-sized grains within the gap due to dust filtration by a planet.
The different effects of probiotics treatment on Salmonella-induced interleukin-8 response in intestinal epithelia cells via PI3K/Akt and NOD2 expression
Authors: Huang F.-C. , Huang S.-C.
Published: September 2016

Salmonella spp. remains a major public health problem for the whole world. Intestinal epithelial cells serve as an essential component of the innate mucosal immune system to defend against Salmonella infection. A substantial amount of evidence has accumulated that probiotics can regulate interleukin 8 (IL-8) involved in innate immunity. However, the exact effect of probiotics on epithelial IL-8 response to Salmonella infection is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the action of probiotics on Salmonella-infected Caco-2 cells and its novel mechanisms. Two probiotic strains were examined for Salmonella-induced IL-8 responses and regulating proteins using Caco-2 cell cultures. We demonstrated probiotic, either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DSM10140, administered before Salmonella infection conferred significantly suppressive effect on Salmonella-induced IL-8 responses in Caco-2 cells, either in secreted protein or mRNA, via the PI3K/Akt signal pathway while probiotic administered after infection enhanced Salmonella-induced IL-8 responses via nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-containing protein 2 expression in membrane. These findings suggest that the different regulation of probiotics on Salmonella-induced IL-8 responses in Caco-2 cells according to the administered timing supports a rationale for the therapeutic use of probiotics in the treatment of Salmonella colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. This can explain the reported controversial effect of probiotics on these diseases.
An investigation into the daily level of voluntary activity of stabled riding school horses
Authors: Brown H. , Marlin D. , Harris P.
Published: September 2016

The importance of correct feeding practice has been highlighted by the increasing prevalence of obesity in horses. Human research has suggested that voluntary activity (VA) levels may influence digestible energy (DE) requirements, accounting for 15-50% of human daily energy expenditure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of non-structured exercise differed between stabled horses with similar bodyweight (BW) and similar structured workloads, but with different estimated DE intakes to maintain their BW. Twelve mature horses were selected based on their estimated DE intake and BW, and were paired according to their BW, breed, estimated DE intake, and structured exercise. Within each pair, one horse (L) was fed a relatively lower estimated DE intake than the other horse (H) to maintain a similar, constant BW and performing similar levels of structured exercise. Estimated DE intake was therefore significantly (P<0.01) different between Group L and Group H. Each pair was observed for 72 h during which structured exercise and non-structured exercise were measured. Heart rate was used as a measure of workload during the structured exercise. Two RT3 accelerometers, located on a roller (RT3-R) and head collar (RT3-H), were used to measure VA levels when stabled in addition to visual observations using focal sampling between 07:00 and 18:00 h. RT3-R and RT3-H activity levels were not significantly (P>0.05) different between individual horses. Median activity counts were significantly (P≤0.001) higher during the day time (06:30-18:29 h) compared to the night time (18:30-06:29 h). However, measured activity using RT3 accelerometers did not show a significant difference between horses in Group L and Group H (P>0.05). It was therefore concluded, that differences in VA levels during stabling could not explain the difference in estimated DE requirements between horses with a similar BW and workload.
Innovation in tourism companies, where are they and where are they going? An approach to the state of knowledge
Authors: Delgado Cruz Alejandro , Vargas Martínez Elva Esther , Montes Hincapié Juan Manuel , Rodríguez Torres Federico
Published: September 2016

Purpose: This paper makes a literature review in order to analyze the current state of innovation in tourism companies and know the future research lines on the subject.Design/methodology: The study chose a content analysis, which purpose was to examine the scientific journal articles about tourism, business management and economic-administrative studies, considering ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, EBSCOHost and REDALYC databases. The procedure involves filtering papers based on criteria of relevance as addressing the issue and current facts (texts inscribed in the period 2008-2015). As a result 78 publications based on bibliographic content matrices were analyzed and classified according to their thematic profile. Moreover, a search for bases outside the above data was done, in order to know the situation of tourism companies in the Mexican context.Findings: The review shows that papers are concentrated in six broad categories: a) organizational innovation, b) innovation strategies, c) innovation in products and processes, d) technological innovation, e) knowledge management in innovation and f) innovation models. Most studies are given in the context of hotels and restaurants; showing that innovation in tourism companies is an emerging theme study that will strengthen the development and competitiveness of the sector itself.Originality/value: It represents an innovative contribution by providing information on how it has been addressed the issue of innovation in the context of tourism companies -restaurants and hotels-, besides provides an overview of research conducted in Mexico on the topic, being of interest to the companies and academic community.
Industry 4.0 implies lean manufacturing: Research activities in industry 4.0 function as enablers for lean manufacturing
Authors: Sanders Adam , Elangeswaran Chola , Wulfsberg Jens
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Lean Manufacturing is widely regarded as a potential methodology to improve productivity and decrease costs in manufacturing organisations. The success of lean manufacturing demands consistent and conscious efforts from the organisation, and has to overcome several hindrances. Industry 4.0 makes a factory smart by applying advanced information and communication systems and future-oriented technologies. This paper analyses the incompletely perceived link between Industry 4.0 and lean manufacturing, and investigates whether Industry 4.0 is capable of implementing lean. Executing Industry 4.0 is a cost-intensive operation, and is met with reluctance from several manufacturers. This research also provides an important insight into manufacturers’ dilemma as to whether they can commit into Industry 4.0, considering the investment required and unperceived benefits.Design/methodology/approach: Lean manufacturing is first defined and different dimensions of lean are presented. Then Industry 4.0 is defined followed by representing its current status in Germany. The barriers for implementation of lean are analysed from the perspective of integration of resources. Literatures associated with Industry 4.0 are studied and suitable solution principles are identified to solve the abovementioned barriers of implementing lean.Findings: It is identified that researches and publications in the field of Industry 4.0 held answers to overcome the barriers of implementation of lean manufacturing. These potential solution principles prove the hypothesis that Industry 4.0 is indeed capable of implementing lean. It uncovers the fact that committing into Industry 4.0 makes a factory lean besides being smart.Originality/value: Individual researches have been done in various technologies allied with Industry 4.0, but the potential to execute lean manufacturing was not completely perceived. This paper bridges the gap between these two realms, and identifies exactly which aspects of Industry 4.0 contribute towards respective dimensions of lean manufacturing.