bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards best-practice management of mistletoes in horticulture
Authors: Watson David M. , Cook Melinda , Fadini Rodrigo F.
Published: March 2020

Mistletoe is increasingly being reported as a horticultural pest, infecting many species grown commercially for fruit, nuts, and other food products. Unlike mistletoe impacts on forestry, the published research on mistletoe in horticulture is scant, with management guidelines reliant on anecdotes, un-replicated trials on unrelated species, and often in different countries and growing systems. We have integrated the existing work to summarize information on the most effective control strategies for mistletoe in horticulture, and call attention to the paucity of empirical research. Despite grower interest in growth regulators and herbicides, limited trials suggest chemical treatment of mistletoe is ineffective, consistent with findings from forestry and ornamental trees. Although labour-intensive, ongoing mechanical removal is the most effective strategy to minimize mistletoe impacts but, without information available on effects of mistletoe infection on yield or tree mortality, cost-effectiveness calculations are not possible. Given the range of herbivores that consume mistletoe tissues, biological control may be useful, both to prevent initial infection and also reduce impacts on infected hosts in commercial plantations. To catalyse more research on mistletoes in horticulture, we articulate six priorities for further work, emphasizing the utility of tree crops as model systems to address questions regarding mistletoe ecology and host-parasite dynamics more broadly.
Corn microbial diversity and its relationship to yield
Authors: Ali Shimaila , Saldias Soledad , Weerasuriya Nimalka , Delaney Kristen , Kandasamy Saveetha , Lazarovits George
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to identify possible relationships between corn (Zea mays L.) productivity and its endosphere microbial community. Any insights would be used to develop testable hypotheses at the farm level. Sap was collected from 14 fields in 2014 and 10 fields in 2017, with a yield range of 10.1 to 21.7 tonnes per hectare (t/ha). The microbial sap communities were analyzed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) and identified using an internal pure culture reference database and BLAST. This technique is rapid and inexpensive and is suitable for use at the grower level. Diversity, richness, and normalized abundances of each bacterial population in corn sap samples were evaluated to link the microbiome of a specific field to its yield. A negative trend was observed (r = –0.60), with higher-yielding fields having lower terminal restriction fragment (TRF) richness. A partial least square regression analysis of TRF intensity and binary data from 2014 identified 10 TRFs (bacterial genera) that positively, or negatively, correlated with corn yields, when either absent or present at certain levels or ratios. Using these observations, a model was developed that accommodated criteria for each of the 10 microbes and assigned a score for each field out of 10. Data collected in 2014 showed that sites with higher model scores were highly correlated with larger yields (r = 0.83). This correlation was also seen when the 2017 data set was used (r = 0.87). We were able to conclude that a positive significant effect was seen with the model score and yield (adjusted R2 = 0.67, F[1,22] = 46.7, p < 0.001) when combining 2014 and 2017 data. The results of this study are being expanded to identify the key microbes in the corn sap community that potentially impact corn yield, regardless of corn variety, geographic factors, or edaphic factors.
Olfactory epithelium ontogenesis and function in postembryonic North American Bullfrog (Rana(Lithobates)catesbeiana) tadpoles
Authors: Heerema J.L. , Bogart S.J. , Helbing C.C. , Pyle G.G.
Published: March 2020

During metamorphosis, the olfactory system remodelling in anuran tadpoles — to transition from detecting waterborne odorants to volatile odorants as frogs — is extensive. How the olfactory system transitions from the larval to frog form is poorly understood, particularly in species that become (semi-)terrestrial. We investigated the ontogeny and function of the olfactory epithelium of North American Bullfrog (Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana Shaw, 1802) tadpoles at various stages of postembryonic development. Changes in sensory components observable at the epithelial surface were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Functionality of the developing epithelium was tested using a neurophysiological technique (electro-olfactography (EOG)), and behaviourally, using a choice maze to assess tadpole response to olfactory stimuli (algae extract, amino acids). The youngest (premetamorphic) tadpoles responded behaviourally to an amino acid mixture despite having underdeveloped olfactory structures (cilia, olfactory knobs) and no EOG response. The consistent appearance of olfactory structures in older (prometamorphic) tadpoles coincided with reliably obtaining EOG responses to olfactory stimuli. However, as tadpoles aged further, and despite indistinguishable differences in sensory components, behavioural- and EOG-based olfactory responses were drastically reduced, most strongly near metamorphic climax. This work demonstrates a more complex relationship between structure and function of the olfactory system during tadpole life history than originally thought.
On the generalized spinor classification: beyond the Lounesto’s classification
Authors: Villalobos C. H. Coronado , Rogerio R. J. Bueno , Aguirre A. R. , Beghetto D.
Published: March 2020

In this paper we advance into a generalized spinor classification, based on the so-called Lounesto’s classification. The program developed here is based on an existing freedom on the spinorial dual structures definition, which, in certain simple physical and mathematical limit, allows us to recover the usual Lounesto’s classification. The protocol to be accomplished here gives full consideration in the understanding of the underlying mathematical structure, in order to satisfy the quadratic algebraic relations known as Fierz–Pauli–Kofink identities, and also to provide physical observables. As we will see, such identities impose restrictions on the number of possible spinorial classes allowed in the classification. We also expose a subsidiary mathematical device—a slight modification on the Clifford algebra basis—which ensures real spinorial densities and holds the Fierz–Pauli–Kofink quadratic relations.
Friction behaviors of staple carbon fiber composites
Authors: Cheng Yi-Ching , Wu Chang-Mou , Lin Po-Chun , Lai Wen-You , Chen Po-Hsun , Way Tzong-Der
Published: March 2020

This study aims to examine the frictional behavior of staple carbon fiber composites (sCFCs). The staple carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites were prepared by film stacking for two different impregnation levels. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strengths and moduli and static/dynamic friction coefficient (COF) were determined. The COF and temperature as a function of wearing cycles for sCFCs subjected to different applied pressures were also determined by a disk-on-disk sliding wear test machine. The less impregnated sample exhibited superior tribological performance owing to its rough surface and low frictional heat generation.
Influence of energy losses on charge distribution of fast ions passing through solid matter
Authors: Belkova Yu. A. , Novikov N. V. , Teplova Ya. A.
Published: March 2020

The charge distribution of fast multicharged ions passing through a matter is studied taking ion energy losses into account. Within the framework of the proposed method, we show that the changes in the charge exchange cross-sections, caused by the decreasing of ion energy, affect the process of the formation of the equilibrium ion charge distribution. The target thickness, required for obtaining the equilibrium ion charge distribution, reaches the maximum value for ions without electrons and hydrogen-like ions. The equilibrium target thickness increases with increasing in ion nuclear charge and energy and for fast heavy ions becomes comparable with their range.
Structural and mechanical properties of tantalum thin films ected by nitrogen ion implantation
Authors: Ramezani A. H. , Hoseinzadeh S. , Ebrahiminejad Zh.
Published: March 2020

Tantalum bulk were implanted with nitrogen ions at different dose of [Formula: see text] ions/cm2 to [Formula: see text] ions/cm2 and at a energy 30 keV. The implanted samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), microhardness testing, friction coefficient measurements and wear mechanism study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were used to analyze the friction of samples. The XRD results confirmed that the increasing dose affects the formation of the TaN phase. Based on AFM images, the morphology and surface roughness change proportionally to grain size after implantation. It was found that hardness increases as energy increases. From the friction coefficient measurement, this coefficient decreases as energy increases. For the un-implanted sample, the wear mechanism has abrasion, and with increasing the energy, it shifts to being flake and sticky.
Equilibrium Points and Basins of Convergence in the Triangular Restricted Four-Body Problem with a Radiating Body
Authors: Osorio-Vargas J. E. , González Guillermo A. , Dubeibe F. L.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we extend the basic equilateral four-body problem by introducing the effect of radiation pressure, Poynting–Robertson drag, and solar wind drag. In our setup, three primaries lie at the vertices of an equilateral triangle and move in circular orbits around their common center of mass. Here, one of the primaries is a radiating body and the fourth body (whose mass is negligible) does not affect the motion of the primaries. We show that the existence and the number of equilibrium points of the problem depend on the mass parameters and radiation factor. Consequently, the allowed regions of motion, the regions of the basins of convergence for the equilibrium points, and the basin entropy will also depend on these parameters. The present dynamical model is analyzed for three combinations of mass for the primaries: equal masses, two equal masses, different masses. As the main results, we find that in all cases the libration points are unstable if the radiation factor is larger than 0.01 and hence able to destroy the stability of the libration points in the restricted four-body problem composed by the Sun, Jupiter, Trojan asteroid and a test (dust) particle. Also, we conclude that the number of fixed points decreases with the increase of the radiation factor.
Vibrational Resonance in a Fractional Order Quintic Oscillator System with Time Delay Feedback
Authors: Guo Wen , Ning Lijuan
Published: March 2020

Vibrational resonance is studied in a fractional order quintic oscillator system with delayed feedback. By utilizing the perturbation theory, the theoretical approximate expression of the response amplitude at low-frequency is obtained. In the presence of fractional order and time delay, resonance phenomena are studied in the single-well, double-well and triple-well potentials, respectively. Meanwhile, the good agreement between theoretical prediction and numerical simulation verifies the validity of theoretical analysis. It is found that by altering the fractional order derivative, the occurrence of new resonances is more frequent. As delay increases, the bifurcation point and the equilibrium point change periodically. In addition, fractional order, time delay feedback and high-frequency force amplitude can be appropriately selected to achieve the goal of maximizing the output in different systems. In particular, an intersection that affects the triple-well potential bifurcation point was found.
Preparation of Atorvastatin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations
Authors: Lavanya V. , Rajeswari P. , Vidyavathi M. , Sureshkumar R. V.
Published: March 2020

This study is aimed at the preparation and evaluation of atorvastatin (AN)-loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles to achieve improved bioavailability of atorvastatin as its bioavailability is very poor. Chitosan is a popular choice in the application as a drug delivery carrier due to its biocompatibility, chemical versatility, aqueous solubility and low cost. Hence, a total of nine formulations (AN1–AN9) were prepared to study the effects of CS:tripolyphosphate (TPP) ratio and the amount of drug. The best formulation was selected by calculating the overall desirability (OD) factor. Among all, AN9 was found to possess the maximum percentage yield, loading efficiency and percentage (%) drug release compared to other formulations due to the incorporation of more amount of polymer compared to other formulations. SEM microphotographs and zeta-sizer reports indicated that atorvastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were in the nanometric range and were spherical, discrete and uniform in size. The selected polymer chitosan was found to possess good compatibility with atorvastatin, without any mutual interaction, based on the results of DSC and FTIR analyses. The nanoparticles were found to have good flow properties. The in vivo results proved that the best formulation has shown significant difference in the reduction of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and no significant change in high density lipids (HDL) cholesterol levels in blood when compared with the marketed formulation. Better regenerative changes were observed during histopathological evaluation of liver in a group treated with atorvastatin nanoparticles than those of other groups, that confirmed the improved hypolipidemic action. Thus, from all the above observations, it was concluded that AN9 formulation has shown the highest in vitro drug release and loading efficiency than other formulations, which might be due to increased entrapment of drug and the surface area through decreased particle size which further confirmed the improved in vitro bioavailability and in vivo performance than those of marketed atorvastatin tablet. This study strongly suggests the use of chitosan nanoparticles as drug delivery system to improve the bioavailability of atorvastatin.
Phase Field Modeling of Brittle Fracture Based on the Cell-Based Smooth FEM by Considering Spectral Decomposition
Authors: Peng Fan , Huang Wei , Ma Y. E. , Zhang Z. Q. , Zhang Yao
Published: March 2020

The spectral decomposition of the strain tensor is an essential technique to deal with the fracture problems via phase field method, and some incorrect results may be obtained without it. A novel phase field model for brittle fracture is developed based on cell-based smooth finite element (CS-FEM) and the spectral decomposition is taken into account. In order to describe the nonlinearity behaviors which contain the varied stress and elastic constitutive response caused by spectral decomposition. A second-order stress tensor and a fourth-order constitutive tensor based on decomposition of strain tensor are derived. A fundamental framework of CS-FEM is established to solve the phase field fracture problems, implemented by user-defined element (UEL) subroutine of ABAQUS software. The proposed model is validated by a typical Mode II crack, and the results show that the derived tensors are effective. Phase field parameter, CS-FEM parameter and mesh inhomogeneity are investigated to provide some useful suggestion for further development. Some classical numerical examples are solved by using the present model. The studies demonstrate that the proposed method can successfully overcome mesh distortion; the number of smooth cell does not show influences on the accuracy. Moreover, some results show that this method has the advantage over the standard FEM in convergence and computing efficiency.
Swarm and Multi-agent Time-based A* Path Planning for Lighter-Than-Air Systems
Authors: Gibson Jason , Schuler Tristan , McGuire Loy , Lofaro Daniel M. , Sofge Donald
Published: March 2020

This work develops and implements a multi-agent time-based path-planning method using A*. The purpose of this work is to create methods in which multi-agent systems can coordinate actions and complete them at the same time. We utilized A* with constraints defined by a dynamic model of each agent. The model for each agent is updated during each time step and the resulting control is determined. This results in a translational path that each of the agents is physically capable of completing in synchrony. The resulting path is given to the agents as a sequence of waypoints. Periodic updates of the path are calculated, utilizing real-world position and velocity information, as the agents complete the task to account for external disturbances. Our methodology is tested in a dynamic simulation environment as well as on real-world lighter-than-air robotic agents.
Underwater Noise Simulation of Impact Pile Driving for Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan
Authors: Fang Yin-Ying , Sung Ping-Jung , Hu Wei-Chun , Chen Chi-Fang
Published: March 2020

The radiated acoustic waves from impact pile driving produce high noise level into the water which may cause damage to marine mammals living close to the offshore construction location. In this paper, a linear, axisymmetric finite element (FE) model is applied to predict pile driving noise in the water. Measurement from bottom-mounted hydrophone deployed at a site 230 m from the source is used to validate the model results. The comparisons between model results and measurement, such as structure modal analysis, sound exposure level at different pile penetration and unweighted one-third octave band level, are presented and show useful predictions of noise level from the model. Furthermore, a time domain case is demonstrated to show Mach wave associated with the radial deformation of the pile and supersonic speed. Finally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression are made after verifying the model prediction. The ANOVA results identifies some significant parameters on pile driving noise and the empirical equation from linear regression represents the noise level from pile driving impact at close range. These are possible metrics on offshore wind farm environment assessment in Taiwan.
Geochemistry of major, trace and rare earth elements in coals from the Tazareh mine, eastern Alborz coalfield, NE Iran
Authors: Tatar Afieh , Alipour-Asll Masood
Published: March 2020

The Tazareh mine in the eastern Alborz coalfield is one of the most important coal-producing areas in Iran and contains medium volatile (19.1–31.5%), low sulfur (0.015–0.491%) and variable ash yield (3–31.5%) bituminous coal. In this research, a total of 21 samples were collected from the Tazareh coal layers, footwall and hanging wall. The concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and other elements were determined by inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Additionally, traditional features of coal and host rocks were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and petrographic methods. The concentration coefficient (CC) of Tazareh coal samples show that Sc (
CC
 = 2.71), Be (
CC 
= 2.68) and Ni (
CC
 = 2.30) are slightly enriched, Li, Cr, Pb, Sb, V, Cs, As, Co, Cu, Nb, Y, Rb, Tl, REE, Zr, Zn, Ta and Th (0.5 < 
CC
 < 2) are normal, and concentrations of remaining trace elements are lower than the average world hard coals. The NASC-normalized REEs pattern and (La/Yb)

n

, (La/Sm)

n

, (Gd/Yb)

n

, and (La/Lu)

n

ratios in the Tazareh coal confirm that the LREEs are enriched relative to HREEs, and comparatively, the degree of LREE enrichment of coal is lower than that of coal-bearing shale and argillaceous shale. Coal-bearing strata were deposited under oxic conditions in a warm-humid climate. The average content of REE + Y in Tazareh coal (58 ppm) is lower than world coals (83 ppm), while Sc is enriched.
Upper Ordovician planktic and benthic graptolites and a possible hydroid from the Tafilalt Biota, southeastern Morocco
Authors: Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos , Muir Lucy A. , Mitchell Charles E.
Published: March 2020

Upper Ordovician planktic and benthic graptolites are generally rare in North Africa. Four localities in southern Morocco have yielded graptolitic material from the top of the First Bani Group and the Lower Ktaoua, Upper Tiouririne and Upper Ktaoua formations, the lithostratigraphic units that contain the Tafilalt Biota. Three species of planktic graptolite (in the genera
Climacograptus
,
Diplograptus
? and
Neodiplograptus
), six species of benthic graptolite (in the genera
Dendrograptus
,
Callograptus
,
Ptilograptus
and ‘
Dictyonema
’) and one probable hydroid (
Webbyites
? sp.) are described from these sites. Two species are new: ‘
Dictyonema
’
khadijae
sp. nov. and ‘
Dictyonema
’
villasi
sp. nov. Another probable hydroid, a
Plumalina
-like form from the Lower Ordovician Fezouata Formation, is also illustrated. Some of the Tafilalt graptolites are similar to Bohemian species, indicating faunal links between the regions during the Late Ordovician. The graptolite dating of some isolated localities helps to evaluate the chronostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic assignment of those outcrops, implying an earlier appearance of the ‘
Dendrocystites
fauna’ (echinoderm-dominated:
c.
Sandbian 2–Katian 1) and a late placement for the ‘
Declivolithus
fauna’ (trilobite-dominated:
c.
Katian 2).
The modern geological survey: a model for research, innovation, synthesis. A USGS perspective
Authors: Kimball Suzette , Goldhaber M. , Baron J. , Labson V.
Published: March 2020

Geological surveys have long filled the role of providing Earth system science data and knowledge. These functions are increasingly complicated by accelerating environmental and societal change. Here we describe the US Geological Survey (USGS) response to these evolving conditions. Underpinning the USGS approach is the recognition that many of the issues facing the USA and the world involve interaction among geological, hydrological and biological processes, and how these interactions in turn affect society. Therefore, a goal of USGS planning is fostering interdisciplinary science. This focus is occurring in part through implementation of the recommendations of strategic planning teams. The USGS has also put in place groups building a broad information technology infrastructure as well as identifying and disseminating new Earth science research tools. In addition, the USGS has established an analysis and synthesis centre that brings together groups of scientists who address interdisciplinary Earth system science issues. The goal is for these building blocks to evolve towards a comprehensive USGS data and knowledge platform – EarthMAP (Earth Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection). We also recognize that the modern geological survey must be a member of a community of geological surveys contributing data to a global database of three-dimensional biogeophysical observations and interpretations.
Prospects for Engineering Biophysical CO2Concentrating Mechanisms into Land Plants to Enhance Yields
Authors: Hennacy Jessica H. , Jonikas Martin C.
Published: March 2020

Although cyanobacteria and algae represent a small fraction of the biomass of all primary producers, their photosynthetic activity accounts for roughly half of the daily CO2fixation that occurs on Earth. These microorganisms are able to accomplish this feat by enhancing the activity of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco using biophysical CO2concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). Biophysical CCMs operate by concentrating bicarbonate and converting it into CO2in a compartment that houses Rubisco (in contrast with other CCMs that concentrate CO2via an organic intermediate, such as malate in the case of C4CCMs). This activity provides Rubisco with a high concentration of its substrate, thereby increasing its reaction rate. The genetic engineering of a biophysical CCM into land plants is being pursued as a strategy to increase crop yields. This review focuses on the progress toward understanding the molecular components of cyanobacterial and algal CCMs, as well as recent advances toward engineering these components into land plants.
Unconventional Catalytic Approaches to Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Barboun Patrick M. , Hicks Jason C.
Published: March 2020

Ammonia is a critically important industrial chemical and is largely responsible for sustaining the growing global population. To provide ammonia to underdeveloped regions and/or regions far from industrial production hubs, modular systems have been targeted and often involve unconventional production methodologies. These novel approaches for ammonia production can tap renewable resources at smaller scales located at the point of use, while decreasing the CO2 footprint. Plasma-assisted catalysis and electrochemical ammonia synthesis have promise owing to their atmospheric pressure and low-temperature operation conditions and the ability to construct units at scales desired for modularization. Fundamental and applied studies are underway to assess these processes, although many unknowns remain. In this review, we discuss recent developments and opportunities for unconventional ammonia synthesis with a focus on plasma-stimulated systems.
Models of Technology Transfer for Genome-Editing Technologies
Authors: Graff Gregory D. , Sherkow Jacob S.
Published: March 2020

Many of the fundamental inventions of genome editing, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR, were first made at universities and patented to encourage commercial development. This gave rise to a diversity of technology transfer models but also conflicts among them. Against a broader historical and policy backdrop of university patenting and special challenges concerning research tools, we review the patent estates of genome editing and the diversity of technology transfer models employed to commercialize them, including deposit in the public domain, open access contracts, material transfer agreements, nonexclusive and exclusive licenses, surrogate licenses, and aggregated licenses. Advantages are found in this diversity, allowing experimentation and competition that we characterize as a federalism model of technology transfer. A notable feature of genome editing has been the rise and success of third-party licensing intermediaries. At the same time, the rapid pace of development of genome-editing technology is likely to erode the importance of patent estates and licensing regimes and may mitigate the effect of overly broad patents, giving rise to new substitutes to effectuate commercialization.
On the Recent Trends in Expansive Soil Stabilization Using Calcium‐Based Stabilizer Materials (CSMs): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Jalal Fazal E. , Xu Yongfu , Jamhiri Babak , Memon Shazim Ali
Published: March 2020

Calcium‐based stabilizer materials (CSMs) exhibit pozzolanic properties which improve the properties of clayey soils by hydration, cation exchange, flocculation, pozzolanic reaction, and carbonation. In this comprehensive review, comprising over past three decades from 1990 to 2019, a mechanistic literature of expansive soil stabilization by incorporating CSMs is presented by reviewing 183 published research articles. The advantages and disadvantages of CSMs as the ground stabilizing agent are succinctly presented, and the major outcomes of physicochemical effects on soil properties are discussed in detail. After blending with CSM, the main and interaction effects on soil properties with focus on chemical processes such as X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction analyses, and microstructure interaction by using scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis have been reviewed in light of findings of past researchers. This work will help geotechnical engineers to opt for suitable CSM in the field of geoenvironmental engineering in committing to sustainable construction of civil engineering structures over expansive soils.
ARRONAX Cyclotron: Setting up of In‐House Hospital Radiopharmacy
Authors: Vidal Aurelien , Bourdeau Cécile , Frindel Mathieu , Garcia Tracy , Haddad Ferid , Faivre-Chauvet Alain , Bourgeois Mickaël
Published: March 2020

Whilst radiopharmaceuticals have an important role to play in both imaging and treatment of patients, most notably cancer patients, nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy are currently facing challenges to create innovative new drugs. Traditional radiopharmaceutical manufacture can be considered as either a routine hospital production or a large‐scale industrial production. The gap between these two practices has meant that there is an inability to supply innovative radiopharmaceuticals for use at the local level for mono‐ or multicentric clinical trials with satisfactory quality and safety specifications. This article highlights the regulatory requirements in aseptic pharmaceutical processing and in nuclear medicine to be able to locally produce radiopharmaceuticals. We validate the proof‐of‐concept for an “in‐house” hospital‐based radiopharmacy including an on‐site cyclotron, that can fulfill the conflicting requirements between radiation safety and aseptic processing. The ARRONAX in‐house radiopharmacy is currently able to provide sterile and pyrogenic‐free injectable radiopharmaceutical compounds for both industrial and institutional clinical trials.
Computationally Efficient Compressed Sensing-Based Method via FG Nyström in Bistatic MIMO Radar with Array Gain-Phase Error Effect
Authors: Hu Jurong , Baidoo Evans , Zhan Lei , Tian Ying
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a robust angle estimator for uncorrelated targets that employs a compressed sense (CS) scheme following a fast greedy (FG) computation is proposed to achieve improved computational efficiency and performance for the bistatic MIMO radar with unknown gain-phase errors. The algorithm initially avoids the wholly computation of the received signal by compiling a lower approximation through a greedy Nyström approach. Then, the approximated signal is transformed into a sparse signal representation where the sparsity of the target is exploited in the spatial domain. Finally, a CS method, Simultaneous Orthogonal Matching Pursuit with an inherent gradient descent method, is utilized to reconstruct the signal and estimate the angles and the unknown gain-phase errors. The proposed algorithm, aside achieving closed-form resolution for automatically paired angle estimation, offers attractive computational competitiveness, specifically in large array scenarios. Additionally, the analyses of the computational complexity and the Cramér–Rao bounds for angle estimation are derived theoretically. Numerical experiments demonstrate the improvement and effectiveness of the proposed method against existing methods.
Seismic Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Frame Joints in Coastal Atmosphere
Authors: Cao Chen , Zheng Shan-suo , Hu Wei-bing , Dong Li-guo , Liu Xiao-rui
Published: March 2020

The study aims to research the influence of salt fog corrosion cycles on seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame beam‐column joints in coastal atmosphere. Based on low cyclic loading tests of six RC frame beam‐column joint specimens, this study analyses the failure patterns, hysteresis loops, load carrying capacity, displacement, backbone curves, and energy dissipation capacity of corrosion‐damaged RC frame beam‐column joints. The effect of salt fog corrosion cycles and axial compression ratios are tested repeatedly. The results show that with the same level of axial compression of the frame joint specimens, as the increase of salt fog cycles, the strength, ductility, energy dissipation, bearing capacity, and deformation capacity of joints degenerated to different degrees． When the corrosion level is the same, the stiffness degradation appeared to be more apparent as the increase of axial compression ratio. Then, the behavior degeneration rule of the RC frame beam‐column joints is analyzed and formed according to the results of the test; the degeneration restoring force models of corroded RC frame beam‐column joints is formed and verified based on Clough’s three‐line degenerate restoring force model and the introduction to cyclic degeneration index. The results show that the restoring force model can better describe the hysteresis characteristics of the beam‐column joints of corroded RC frames. The research is a theoretical reference for the seismic analysis of the RC frame structure affected by coastal atmospheric environment.
Holder's Inequality ρ–Mean Continuity for Existence and Uniqueness Solution of Fractional Multi-Integrodifferential Delay System
Authors: Hasan Sameer Qasim
Published: March 2020

We herein present the detailed results for the existence and uniqueness of mild solution for multifractional order impulsive integrodifferential control equations with a nonlocal condition involving several types of semigroups of bounded linear operators, which were established on probability density functions related with the fractional differential equation. Additionally, we present the necessary and sufficient conditions to investigate Schauder’s fixed point theorem with Holder’s inequality ρ–mean continuity and infinite delay parameter to guarantee the uniqueness of a fixed point.
Thrust Ripple Force Minimization and Efficiency Analysis of Electromagnetic Actuator on Active Suspension
Authors: Farong Kou , Yangkang Li , Chen Chen , Feng Hong
Published: March 2020

A novel electromagnetic actuator for active suspension is designed on an in-wheel motor electric vehicle in this paper. Aiming at reducing thrust ripple force and improving stability of the actuator, a method of calculating the optimum slot width and optimizing edge radian of end tooth is proposed. Firstly, a finite element model (FEM) of the actuator is modeled, and the correctness of FEM is verified through comparisons of simulation results and analytical ones, including counterelectromotive force of coil winding and force characteristic test of the actuator. Based on the FEM, the influence of slot width on electromagnetic thrust and total harmonic distortion (THD) is analyzed, and the slot width is improved. The side effect of the actuator is considered. By improving the edge radian, the fluctuation of the cogging force and thrust ripple is reduced. In addition, output efficiency and energy feed efficiency of the actuator after reducing thrust ripple are studied. The results show the minimum THD is 4.2%, which is obtained at the slot width 4.3 mm, and thrust ripple is 36.5 N. When the edge radian is 60°, the thrust ripple decreases to only 15.7 N, which is reduced by 57.0%. The maximum output efficiency and energy feedback efficiency of the actuator are 87.5% and 27.1%, respectively. Finally, according to actuator characteristic tests of two working modes, it is concluded that the maximum energy feedback efficiency is 25.6%. The input current and current frequency should be gradually increased with the increase of suspension speed under active mode, and the maximum output efficiency is 80.2%. The test results are basically consistent with the FEM analysis values, which verify the correctness of the FEM analysis.
Effect of Dry‐Wet Cycling on the Mechanical Properties of High‐Water Materials
Authors: Zhou X. L. , Liu C. W. , Liu Y. , Wang C. , Ma Y. J.
Published: March 2020

As a new grouting reinforcement material, high‐water materials (HWMs) are being increasingly applied in different fields. This means that the environment in which these HWMs are employed are varied and increasingly complex. The dehydrating and saturation cycle of HWM caused by changes in the environment is referred to as the dry‐wet cycle. To explore the influence of the dry‐wet cycle on the mechanical properties of HWMs, uniaxial compression tests were performed on specimens with different water‐to‐cement ratios under different dry‐wet cycles. The degradation rate of the peak stress and elastic modulus increased with an increase in the water‐to‐cement ratio. The failure mode of specimens changed from splitting failure to shear‐splitting failure during the dry‐wet cycle. The results of scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction showed that an HWM with a low water‐to‐cement ratio is relatively dense; therefore, the carbonization process is slow during dehydration. Raw materials were present after hydration and hardening reaction. Thus, the strength recovery ability is strong in materials with a low water‐to‐cement ratio during the saturation process. Finally, the experimental results can provide guidance for selecting materials with different water‐to‐cement ratios and control measures for dry‐wet cycle can be determined according to different engineering environments.
The Reorganization of Insular Subregions in Individuals with Below-Level Neuropathic Pain following Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Li Xuejing , Wang Ling , Chen Qian , Hu Yongsheng , Du Jubao , Chen Xin , Zheng Weimin , Lu Jie , Chen Nan
Published: March 2020

Objective. To investigate the reorganization of insular subregions in individuals suffering from neuropathic pain (NP) after incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) and further to disclose the underlying mechanism of NP. Method. The 3D high-resolution T1-weighted structural images and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) of all individuals were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI system. A comparative analysis of structure and function connectivity (FC) with insular subareas as seeds in 10 ISCI individuals with below-level NP (ISCI-P), 11 ISCI individuals without NP (ISCI-N), and 25 healthy controls (HCs) was conducted. Associations between the structural and functional alteration of insula subregions and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were analyzed using the Pearson correlation in SPSS 20. Results. Compared with ISCI-N patients, when the left posterior insula as the seed, ISCI-P showed increased FC in right cerebellum VIIb and cerebellum VIII, Brodmann 37 (BA 37). When the left ventral anterior insula as the seed, ISCI-P indicated enhanced FC in right BA18 compared with ISCI-N patients. These increased FCs positively correlated with VAS scores. Relative to HCs, ISCI-P presented increased FC in the left hippocampus when the left dorsal anterior insula was determined as the seed. There was no statistical difference in the volume of insula subregions among the three groups. Conclusion. Our study indicated that distinctive patterns of FC in each subregion of insula suggest that the insular subareas participate in the NP processing through different FC following ISCI. Further, insula subregions could serve as a therapeutic target for NP following ISCI.
Double-Criteria Active Learning for Multiclass Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: She Qingshan , Chen Kang , Luo Zhizeng , Nguyen Thinh , Potter Thomas , Zhang Yingchun
Published: March 2020

Recent technological advances have enabled researchers to collect large amounts of electroencephalography (EEG) signals in labeled and unlabeled datasets. It is expensive and time consuming to collect labeled EEG data for use in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, however. In this paper, a novel active learning method is proposed to minimize the amount of labeled, subject-specific EEG data required for effective classifier training, by combining measures of uncertainty and representativeness within an extreme learning machine (ELM). Following this approach, an ELM classifier was first used to select a relatively large batch of unlabeled examples, whose uncertainty was measured through the best-versus-second-best (BvSB) strategy. The diversity of each sample was then measured between the limited labeled training data and previously selected unlabeled samples, and similarity is measured among the previously selected samples. Finally, a tradeoff parameter is introduced to control the balance between informative and representative samples, and these samples are then used to construct a powerful ELM classifier. Extensive experiments were conducted using benchmark and multiclass motor imagery EEG datasets to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the performance of the new algorithm exceeds or matches those of several state-of-the-art active learning algorithms. It is thereby shown that the proposed method improves classifier performance and reduces the need for training samples in BCI applications.
Association between P2RY12 Gene Polymorphisms and IVIG Resistance in Kawasaki Patients
Authors: Wang Zhouping , Xu Yufen , Zhou Huazhong , Wang Yanfei , Li Wei , Lu Zhaoliang , Jiang Zhiyong , Gu Xueping , Zheng Hao , Zeng Lanlan , Huang Ping , Zhang Li , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: March 2020

Children with Kawasaki disease (KD) resistant to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have a higher incidence of coronary artery lesions (CAL). Despite the association between Purinergic receptor P2Y12 (P2RY12) polymorphism, KD genetic susceptibility, and CAL complications being proved, few studies have assessed the relationship between P2RY12 polymorphisms and IVIG resistance in patients with KD. We recruited 148 KD patients with IVIG resistance and 611 with IVIG sensitivity and selected five P2RY12 polymorphisms: rs9859538, rs1491974, rs7637803, rs6809699, and rs2046934. A significant difference in the genotype distributions between patients was only observed for the rs6809699 A > C polymorphism (AC vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27–0.84, P=0.011; AC/CC vs. AA: adjusted OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.27–0.83, P=0.0084). After adjusting for age and gender, the carriers of the rs6809699 C allele had OR of 0.44 to 0.49 for IVIG sensitivity (AC vs. AA: adjusted OR = 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27–0.84, P=0.011; AC/CC vs. AA: adjusted OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.27–0.83, P=0.0084) compared to the carriers of a rs6809699 AA genotype, suggesting the protective effect of this SNP against IVIG resistance. Moreover, individuals with all five protective polymorphisms experienced a significantly decreased IVIG resistance compared to that of individuals with up to three protective polymorphisms (adjusted OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.13–0.57, P=0.0006). Our results suggest that the P2RY12 rs6809699 polymorphism could be used as a biomarker to predict IVIG resistance in KD patients.
Experimental and Numerical Vibration Analysis of Hydraulic Pipeline System under Multiexcitations
Authors: Gao Peixin , Qu Hongquan , Zhang Yuanlin , Yu Tao , Zhai Jingyu
Published: March 2020

Pipeline systems in aircraft are subjected to both hydraulic pump pressure fluctuations and base excitation from the engine. This can cause fatigue failures due to excessive vibrations. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the vibration behavior of the pipeline system under multiexcitations. In this paper, experiments have been conducted to describe the hydraulic pipeline systems, in which fluid pressure excitation in pipeline is driven by the throttle valve, and the base excitation is produced by the shaker driven by a vibration controller. An improved model which includes fluid motion and base excitation is proposed. A numerical MOC-FEM approach which combined the coupling method of characteristics (MOC) and finite element method (FEM) is proposed to solve the equations. The results show that the current MOC-FEM method could predict the vibration characteristics of the pipeline with sufficient accuracy. Moreover, the pipeline under multiexcitations could produce an interesting beat phenomenon, and this dangerous phenomenon is investigated for its consequences from engineering point of view.
Sinapic Acid Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Acute Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity via the NF‐κB‐Mediated Pathway
Authors: Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Ansari Mushtaq Ahmad , Raish Mohammad , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Ahad Abdul , Al-Jenoobi Fahad I. , Haq Nazrul , Khan Mohd Rashid , Ahmad Ajaz
Published: March 2020

In the present study, we explored SA’s activity against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity and revealed its underlying mechanisms. Male Wistar rats (weight, 190‐210g; n = 6) were randomly divided into four groups: group I, normal control; group II, DOX 15 mg/kg via intraperitoneal (ip) route; group III, administered DOX+SA 20 mg/kg; and group IV, administered DOX+captopril (CAP 30 mg/kg). SA and CAP were administered orally for seven days, and DOX (15 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally an hour before SA treatment on the fifth day. Forty‐eight hours after DOX administration, animals were anesthetized and sacrificed for molecular and histology experiments. SA significantly mitigated the myocardial effects of DOX, and following daily administration, it reduced serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme‐MB to near normal values. Levels of oxidative stress markers, glutathione‐peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, in the cardiac tissue were significantly increased, whereas malondialdehyde levels decreased after SA treatment in DOX‐administered rats. Furthermore, DOX caused an inflammatory reaction by elevating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and endothelin‐ (ET‐) 1, as well as nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) expression. Daily administration of SA significantly repressed TNF‐α, IL‐1β, ET‐1, and NF‐κB levels. caspase‐3 and Bax expression, bcl‐2‐like protein and caspase‐3 activities and levels. Overall, we found that SA could inhibit DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic damage.
Preventive Effect of Bifidobacterium Supplementation on Neonatal Cholestasis in Preterm Neonates with Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Wu Gaohong , Chen Xiaoqian , Cui Ningxun , He Yunxia , Fan Jiaying , Yan Dongya , Zhu Xueping , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: March 2020

Background. Cholestasis is a common but serious clinical condition in preterm neonates. The current management for preterm neonatal cholestasis has limitations. The aim of this study was to determine effects of Bifidobacterium supplementation on the prevention and alleviation of cholestasis in preterm infants with very low birth weight. Methods. Preterm neonates with very low birth weight were enrolled in the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between December 2012 and December 2017. The patients were randomly assigned into Bifidobacterium and control groups, and effects of Bifidobacterium supplementation on the outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics in the two groups. Notably, the proportion of cases with neonatal cholestasis was significantly lower, with fewer neonatal cholestasis-associated complications in the Bifidobacterium group compared with the control group (6% versus 22%, P<0.01). Furthermore, the Bifidobacterium group exhibited less severe cholestasis and better improvement of the liver function than the control group as evidenced by the biochemical tests (P<0.05). Finally, comparison of the other outcomes revealed that significant shorter duration of hospitalization (14.45±2.13 versus 16.12±2.22 days, P<0.01), fewer days to reach the full enteral feeding (9.2±2.11 versus 12±5.67 days, P<0.01), shorter duration of meconium passage (5.0±3.6 versus 6.6±3.38 days, P<0.05), lower proportion of cases on fasting and duration of fasting (0.8% versus 5.6%, P<0.05 and 3.0±1.6 versus 5.6±2.38 days, P<0.01, respectively), and shorter duration of weight gain to normal (4.77±2.49 versus 6.87±2.71 days, P<0.01) in the Bifidobacterium group versus the control group. Conclusions. Bifidobacterium supplementation has significantly preventive and other beneficial effects on the management of cholestasis in preterm infants with very low birth weight. Its long-term safety and effectiveness will need further investigation. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR1900022296).