bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Strain-Driven Nucleation and Extension of Deformed Grain: Phase Field Crystal and Continuum Modeling
Authors: Kong Ling-yi , Gao Ying-jun , Deng Qian-qian , Luo Zhi-rong , Lu Yu-jiang
Published: September 2018

The phase-field-crystal (PFC) method is used to investigate migration of grain boundary dislocation and dynamic of strain-driven nucleation and growth of deformed grain in two dimensions. The simulated results show that the deformed grain nucleates through forming a gap with higher strain energy between the two sub-grain boundaries (SGB) which is split from grain boundary (GB) under applied biaxial strain, and results in the formation of high-density ensembles of cooperative dislocation movement (CDM) that is capable of plastic flow localization (deformed band), which is related to the change of the crystal lattice orientation due to instability of the orientation. The deformed grain stores the strain energy through collective climbing of the dislocation, as well as changing the orientation of the original grain. The deformed grain growth (DGG) is such that the higher strain energy region extends to the lower strain energy region, and its area increase is proportional to the time square. The rule of the time square of the DGG can also be deduced by establishing the dynamic equation of the dislocation of the strain-driven SGB. The copper metal is taken as an example of the calculation, and the obtained result is a good agreement with that of the experiment.
Further Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Conducting Rubber Composites Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Nitrile Rubber by Solvent Treatment
Authors: Keinänen Pasi , Das Amit , Vuorinen Jyrki
Published: September 2018

Post-treatment removal of dispersion agents from carbon nanotube/rubber composites can greatly enhance the mechanical properties by increasing the filler–matrix interaction. In this study, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were dispersed in water by sonication and nonionic surfactant, octyl-phenol-ethoxylate was used as a dispersion agent. The dispersed MWNTs were incorporated in thermo-reactive acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex and nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting. As a post-treatment, the surfactant was removed with acetone and films were dried in air. Dispersion quality of the colloid before casting was determined, and mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the composites before and after the acetone post-treatment were studied. It was found that removal of dispersion agent increased the storage modulus of films between 160–300% in all samples. Relative enhancement was greater in samples with better dispersion quality, whereas thermal conductivity changed more in samples with smaller dispersion quality values. Electrical properties were not notably affected.
Highly Efficient and Low-Temperature Preparation of Plate-Like ZrB2-SiC Powders by a Molten-Salt and Microwave-Modified Boro/Carbothermal Reduction Method
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Liang Feng , Liu Jianghao , Zhang Jun , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Shaowei
Published: September 2018

To address the various shortcomings of a high material cost, energy-intensive temperature conditions and ultra-low efficiency of the conventional boro/carbothermal reduction method for the industrial preparation of ZrB2-SiC powders, a novel molten-salt and microwave-modified boro/carbothermal reduction method (MSM-BCTR) was developed to synthesize ZrB2-SiC powders. As a result, phase pure ZrB2-SiC powders can be obtained by firing low-cost zircon (ZrSiO4), amorphous carbon (C), and boron carbide (B4C) at a reduced temperature of 1200 °C for only 20 min. Such processing conditions are remarkably milder than not only that required for conventional boro/carbothermal reduction method to prepare phase pure ZrB2 or ZrB2-SiC powders (firing temperature of above 1500 °C and dwelling time of at least several hours), but also that even with costly active metals (e.g., Mg and Al). More importantly, the as-obtained ZrB2 particles had a single crystalline nature and well-defined plate-like morphology, which is believed to be favorable for enhancing the mechanical properties, especially toughness of their bulk counterpart. The achievement of a highly-efficient preparation of such high-quality ZrB2-SiC powders at a reduced temperature should be mainly attributed to the specific molten-salt and microwave-modified boro/carbothermal reduction method.
Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of Gel Polymer Electrolyte with Hybrid Copolymer of Organic Palygorskite and Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Tian Lanlan , Xiong Lian , Chen Xuefang , Guo Haijun , Zhang Hairong , Chen Xinde
Published: September 2018

Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is widely considered as a promising safe lithium-ion battery material compared to conventional organic liquid electrolyte, which is linked to a greater risk of corrosive liquid leakage, spontaneous combustion, and explosion. GPE contains polymers, lithium salts, and liquid electrolyte, and inorganic nanoparticles are often used as fillers to improve electrochemical performance. However, such composite polymer electrolytes are usually prepared by means of blending, which can impact on the compatibility between the polymer and filler. In this study, the hybrid copolymer poly (organic palygorskite-co-methyl methacrylate) (poly(OPal-MMA)) is synthesized using organic palygorskite (OPal) and MMA as raw materials. The poly(OPal-MMA) gel electrolyte exhibits an ionic conductivity of 2.94 × 10−3 S/cm at 30 °C. The Li/poly(OPal-MMA) electrolyte/LiFePO4 cell shows a wide electrochemical window (approximately 4.7 V), high discharge capacity (146.36 mAh/g), and a low capacity-decay rate (0.02%/cycle).
Marine Peroxy Sesquiterpenoids Induce Apoptosis by Modulation of Nrf2-ARE Signaling in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Taira Junsei , Miyazato Haruna , Ueda Katsuhiro
Published: September 2018

Our current study demonstrated that the marine peroxy sesquiterpenoids isolated from the Okinawan soft coral Sinularia sp. have an antitumor activity in human colon cancer cell (HCT) 116 colon cancer cells with their induction of apoptosis due to H2O2 production derived from the compounds. This study clarified that peroxy sesquiterpenoids (1 and 2) inhibited anti-apoptosis proteins, such as B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) and phosphoAkt (pAkt). In addition, the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2), and phosphoNrf2 (pNrf2) proteins related to the cell survival regulation signal of Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) were also suppressed in the presence of these compounds. While the cells treated with the compounds and trolox as an antioxidant expressed the inhibited proteins, such as HO-1, Nrf2, and Bcl-xL, it was suggested that the H2O2 involving free radical reactions derived from the molecule would be a trigger of apoptosis with the modulation of Nrf2-ARE signaling in the cells.
Overview on the Application of Modern Methods for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Marine Macroalgae
Authors: Cikoš Ana-Marija , Jokić Stela , Šubarić Drago , Jerković Igor
Published: September 2018

Marine macroalgae represent a rich source of bioactive compounds that can be implemented in various food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products for health improvement. It has been proven that these bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and ω-3 fatty acids possess bioactivity. For the extraction of these compounds, modern methods (Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE)) have been used due to their advantages over the conventional methods. The process parameters of each method must be optimized for obtaining the extracts with the targeted bioactive compounds. In distinction from the existing reviews, the present review provides novelty with respect to: (a) presenting systematically the selected process parameters of SFE (temperature, time, pressure, use of co-solvents), SWE (temperature, time, pressure, solid-solvent ratio), UAE (temperature, time, frequency, power, solid-solvent ratio), and MAE (temperature, time, frequency, power, solvent type) applied for the extractions of marine macroalgae; (b) reporting the major groups or individual compounds extracted with their biological activities (if determined); and, (c) updating available references.
Thermal Processing of Jarosite Leach Residue for a Safe Disposable Slag and Valuable Metals Recovery
Authors: Rämä Minna , Nurmi Samu , Jokilaakso Ari , Klemettinen Lassi , Taskinen Pekka , Salminen Justin
Published: September 2018

In electrolytic production of zinc, the iron levels in the solutions are controlled by precipitation of jarosite or goethite. These precipitates also co-precipitate unrecovered valuable metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag) as well as elements of concern (As, Cd, Hg). After stabilization, the residues are traditionally landfilled. This work investigates pyrometallurgical treatment of jarosite residue to convert the material into reusable clean slag and to recover the valuable metals within the residue. The pyrometallurgical treatment is divided into two functional steps. First, the material is melted in an oxidizing atmosphere, after which the oxide melt is reduced to produce an inert, clean slag. Then, a liquid metal or speiss phase collects the valuable metals, such as silver. The aim was to examine the optimal process conditions for reaching the target values for remaining metals in the slag; Pb < 0.03 wt %, Zn < 1 wt %. As a conclusion, the limiting factor in sulfur, lead, and zinc removal is the contact between the oxidizing or reducing gas and the molten sample. The mass transfer and volatile metals removal were significantly improved with a gas lance installation. The improved gas-liquid interaction enabled the first steps of gas flow rate optimization and ensured the sufficiently low end-concentrations of the aforementioned elements.
Microstructural Analysis and Tribology Behavior of a Medium-Mn Steel with Mo
Authors: Del Río López Benito , García Diez Ana , Mier Buenhombre José Luís , Camba Fabal Carolina , Filgueira Vizoso Almudena
Published: September 2018

This paper presents an alternative to the materials traditionally used in the manufacture of coal mills for coating wedges. For this purpose, we designed and tested ten new austenitic steels with medium manganese content. The thermal structural stability and hardness were evaluated after different heat treatments. The steels were subjected to hyperquenching and tempering between 100 and 900 °C. A metallographic analysis of each sample was then performed to determine their thermal stability, and the Brinell hardness was measured. Later, wedges of two alternatives and reference-material alloys were manufactured and installed in three types of mills. Their mass loss was determined after 25 months and at an intermediate time during that period. One steel was selected as an alternative material.
Metabolomics of Two Pecan Varieties Provides Insights into Scab Resistance
Authors: Lei Zhentian , Kranawetter Clayton , Sumner Barbara W. , Huhman David , Wherritt Daniel J. , Thomas Andrew L. , Rohla Charles , Sumner Lloyd W.
Published: September 2018

UHPLC-MS-based non-targeted metabolomics was used to investigate the biochemical basis of pecan scab resistance. Two contrasting pecan varieties, Kanza (scab-resistant) and Pawnee (scab-susceptible), were profiled and the metabolomics data analyzed using multivariate statistics. Significant qualitative and quantitative metabolic differences were observed between the two varieties. Both varieties were found to have some unique metabolites. Metabolites that were only present or more abundant in Kanza relative to Pawnee could potentially contribute to the scab resistance in Kanza. Some of these metabolites were putatively identified as quercetin derivatives using tandem mass spectrometry. This suggests that quercetin derivatives could be important to pecan scab resistance.
A 0.35-μm CMOS-MEMS Oscillator for High-Resolution Distributed Mass Detection
Authors: Perelló-Roig Rafel , Verd Jaume , Barceló Joan , Bota Sebastià , Segura Jaume
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and electrical characterization of an electrostatically actuated and capacitive sensed 2-MHz plate resonator structure that exhibits a predicted mass sensitivity of ~250 pg·cm−2·Hz−1. The resonator is embedded in a fully on-chip Pierce oscillator scheme, thus obtaining a quasi-digital output sensor with a short-term frequency stability of 1.2 Hz (0.63 ppm) in air conditions, corresponding to an equivalent mass noise floor as low as 300 pg·cm−2. The monolithic CMOS-MEMS sensor device is fabricated using a commercial 0.35-μm 2-poly-4-metal complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, thus featuring low cost, batch production, fast turnaround time, and an easy platform for prototyping distributed mass sensors with unprecedented mass resolution for this kind of devices.
Characterization of the Neuroinflammatory Response to Thiol-ene Shape Memory Polymer Coated Intracortical Microelectrodes
Authors: Shoffstall Andrew J. , Ecker Melanie , Danda Vindhya , Joshi-Imre Alexandra , Stiller Allison , Yu Marina , Paiz Jennifer E. , Mancuso Elizabeth , Bedell Hillary W. , Voit Walter E. , Pancrazio Joseph J. , Capadona Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2018

Thiol-ene based shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been developed for use as intracortical microelectrode substrates. The unique chemistry provides precise control over the mechanical and thermal glass-transition properties. As a result, SMP substrates are stiff at room temperature, allowing for insertion into the brain without buckling and subsequently soften in response to body temperatures, reducing the mechanical mismatch between device and tissue. Since the surface chemistry of the materials can contribute significantly to the ultimate biocompatibility, as a first step in the characterization of our SMPs, we sought to isolate the biological response to the implanted material surface without regards to the softening mechanics. To accomplish this, we tightly controlled for bulk stiffness by comparing bare silicon ‘dummy’ devices to thickness-matched silicon devices dip-coated with SMP. The neuroinflammatory response was evaluated after devices were implanted in the rat cortex for 2 or 16 weeks. We observed no differences in the markers tested at either time point, except that astrocytic scarring was significantly reduced for the dip-coated implants at 16 weeks. The surface properties of non-softening thiol-ene SMP substrates appeared to be equally-tolerated and just as suitable as silicon for neural implant substrates for applications such as intracortical microelectrodes, laying the groundwork for future softer devices to improve upon the prototype device performance presented here.
Petrogenesis of Heavy Rare Earth Element Enriched Rhyolite: Source and Magmatic Evolution of the Round Top Laccolith, Trans-Pecos, Texas
Authors: Elliott Brent A.
Published: September 2018

The Round Top rhyolite located in Trans-Pecos Texas is enriched in Be, F, Li, Nb, Rb, Sn, Th, U, Y, Zr, and rare earth elements (REEs). REE-bearing minerals are mainly ubiquitous nano-scale accessory phases throughout the groundmass, incorporated in synchysite-group minerals, xenotime-(Y), Y- and Ce-rich fluorite, and zircon. The rhyolite is peraluminous, high-silica, alkaline (not peralkaline), with elevated heavy rare earth element concentrations and anonymously negative Eu values. Pervasive spongy groundmass and recrystallization textures are consistent with the elevated and remobilized Zr, Th, and Y + HREE (heavy rare earth element) concentrations and a high field strength element (HFSE) soluble, sub-alkalic, F-rich, magmatic system. REE-bearing minerals are present as late-magmatic, interstitial phases and attributed with closed-system, post-magmatic, hydrothermal alteration. Petrogenetic modeling provides scenarios that explain the geochemical evolution and REE complexing behavior in evolved rhyolite magmas, and determines possible source compositions and evolution. Trace element models suggest a system typical of having extensive magmatic differentiation. The resulting rhyolite magma is indicative of a silica-rich magmatic system enriched in H2O, Li, and/or F that could be considered transitional between pure silicate melt and hydrothermal fluid, where fluorine-ligand complexing was prevalent through late magmatic cooling and crystallization processes. Thorough differentiation and high fluorine activity contributed to the late stage crystallization of REE-bearing minerals in the Round Top rhyolite.
Efficient Suzuki–Miyaura C-C Cross-Couplings Induced by Novel Heterodinuclear Pd-bpydc-Ln Scaffolds
Authors: Ding Fu , Li Yanli , Yan Pingxuan , Deng Yan , Wang Dongping , Zhang Yajing , Dragutan Ileana , Dragutan Valerian , Wang Kangjun
Published: September 2018

An easy access to a series of previously unreported heterodinuclear Pd-Ln compounds, Pd-bpydc-La, Pd-bpydc-Ce and Pd-bpydc-Nd (bpydc = 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate) has been developed. The Pd-Ln hybrid networks were effectively applied as catalysts in Suzuki–Miyaura C-C cross-coupling reactions of 4-bromoanisole and 4-bromobenzonitrile with phenylboronic acid, under mild conditions. A systematic investigation revealed Pd-bpydc-Nd as the most active catalyst. In all cases, reaction yields varied with the base, catalyst loading and substantially augmented with temperature (from 30 to 60 °C). Substituent effects were operative when changing from 4-bromoanisole to 4-bromobenzonitrile. The key role played by the lanthanides, aromatic substrate and base, in modulating the Pd-catalytic cycle has been highlighted. Importantly, the new catalysts proved to be stable in air and vs. functionalities and are quite efficient in Suzuki–Miyaura carbon-carbon bond formation conducted in protic solvents.
Thermochemical Measurements of Alkali Cation Association to Hexatantalate
Authors: Sures Dylan J. , Nagabhushana G. P. , Navrotsky Alexandra , Nyman May
Published: September 2018

Ion association is an important process in aqueous dissolution, precipitation, and crystallization of ionic inorganic, organic, and biological materials. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are good model compounds for understanding the complex relationships between lattice energy, ion-pairing in solution, and salt solubility. Here we perform calorimetric measurements to elucidate trends in cluster stability, lattice energy, and ion-pairing behavior studies of simple hexatantalate salts in neat water, parent hydroxide solutions, and molybdate melts, extending previous studies on the isostructural hexaniobates. High temperature calorimetry of alkali salts of hexatantalate reveals that the enthalpies of formation from oxides of the K, Rb, and Cs salts are more similar to each other than they are for their niobate analogues and that the tantalate cluster is energetically less stable than hexaniobate. Aqueous dissolution calorimetry reveals that the cesium salt of hexatantalate has a similar concentration dependence on its dissolution enthalpy to that of hexaniobate. However, unlike rubidium hexaniobate, rubidium hexatantalate also exhibits increased concentration dependence, indicating that hextantalate can undergo increased ion-pairing with alkali salts other than cesium, despite the dilute environments studied. Dissolution enthalpies of POM salts in the parent alkali hydroxides shows that protonation of clusters stabilizes lattices even more than the strongly associating heavy alkali cations do. Additionally, neither weak nor strong lattice ion associations necessarily correlates with respectively high or low aqueous solubility. These studies illuminate the importance of considering ion-pairing among the interrelated processes in the aqueous dissolution of ionic salts that can be extended to serving as a model of cation association to metal oxide surfaces.
A Pilot Study for the Detection of Cyclic Prolyl-Hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) in Human Blood after Ingestion of Collagen Hydrolysate
Authors: Shigemura Yasutaka , Iwasaki Yu , Tateno Mana , Suzuki Asahi , Kurokawa Mihoko , Sato Yoshio , Sato Kenji
Published: September 2018

Levels of short linear hydroxyproline (Hyp)-containing peptides, such as prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp), increase in human blood after the ingestion of collagen hydrolysate, which has been associated with beneficial effects for human skin and joints. The present study demonstrates the presence of a novel food-derived collagen peptide, cyclic Pro-Hyp, in human blood after the ingestion of collagen hydrolysate. The cyclic Pro-Hyp levels in plasma samples were estimated by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Cyclic Pro-Hyp levels significantly increased in the plasma after ingestion of collagen hydrolysate, reaching a maximum level after 2 h and then decreasing. The maximum level of cyclic Pro-Hyp in plasma ranged from 0.1413 to 0.3443 nmol/mL, representing approximately 5% of linear Pro-Hyp in plasma after ingestion of collagen hydrolysate. Addition of cyclic Pro-Hyp in medium at 7 nmol/mL significantly enhanced the growth rate of mouse skin fibroblasts on collagen gel more extensively compared to linear Pro-Hyp.
Food Byproducts as Sustainable Ingredients for Innovative and Healthy Dairy Foods
Authors: Iriondo-DeHond Maite , Miguel Eugenio , Del Castillo María Dolores
Published: September 2018

The valorization of food wastes and byproducts has become a major subject of research to improve the sustainability of the food chain. This narrative review provides an overview of the current trends in the use of food byproducts in the development of dairy foods. We revised the latest data on food loss generation, the group of byproducts most used as ingredients in dairy product development, and their function within the food matrix. We also address the challenges associated with the sensory properties of the new products including ingredients obtained from byproducts, and consumers’ attitudes towards these sustainable novel dairy foods. Overall, 50 studies supported the tremendous potential of the application of food byproducts (mainly those from plant-origin) in dairy foods as ingredients. There are promising results for their utilization as food additives for technological purposes, and as sources of bioactive compounds to enhance the health-promoting properties of dairy products. However, food technologists, nutritionists and sensory scientists should work together to face the challenge of improving the palatability and consumer acceptance of these novel and sustainable dairy foods.
Association between Fasting Glucose Concentration, Lipid Profile and 25(OH)D Status in Children Aged 9–11
Authors: Szternel Lukasz , Krintus Magdalena , Bergmann Katarzyna , Derezinski Tadeusz , Sypniewska Grazyna
Published: September 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between vitamin D status and the prevalence of dyslipidemia and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in children. Methods and Summary: 284 children (150 boys and 134 girls) aged 9–11 were included in the study. Children with deficient 25(OH)D (25-hydroxycholecalciferol) levels ≤20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) were characterized by a more frequent occurrence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (Odd ratios (OR) = 1.966, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.055–3.663; p = 0.033) when compared to children with 25(OH)D >20 ng/mL. Serum 25(OH)D with concentration lower by 1 ng/mL (2.5 nmol/L) was linked to higher fasting glucose (by 0.25 mg/dL, 0.013 mmol/L; p = 0.017), higher total cholesterol (TC) by almost 1 mg/dL (0.96 mg/dL, 0.25 mmol/L; p = 0.006) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (by 0.57 mg/dL, 0.015 mmol/L; p < 0.001). Conclusion: 25(OH)D deficiency may negatively affect fasting glucose and total cholesterol concentration in children aged 9–11. Vitamin D-deficient children are twice as likely to develop prediabetes as reflected by impaired fasting glucose when compared to those with a 25(OH)D level above 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L).
Intestinal Phosphorus Absorption in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stremke Elizabeth R. , Hill Gallant Kathleen M.
Published: September 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of adults worldwide. Dysregulation of phosphorus homeostasis which occurs in CKD leads to development of CKD-Mineral Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. Phosphorus is regulated by multiple hormones (parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihyxdroxyvitamin D (1,25D), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)) and tissues (kidney, intestine, parathyroid glands, and bone) to maintain homeostasis. In health, the kidneys are the major site of regulation for phosphorus homeostasis. However, as kidney function declines, the ability of the kidneys to adequately excrete phosphorus is reduced. The hormonal changes that occur with CKD would suggest that the intestine should compensate for impaired renal phosphorus excretion by reducing fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption. However, limited studies in CKD animal models and patients with CKD suggest that there may be a break in this homeostatic response where the intestine fails to compensate. As many existing therapies for phosphate management in CKD are aimed at reducing absolute intestinal phosphorus absorption, better understanding of the factors that influence fractional and absolute absorption, the mechanism by which intestinal phosphate absorption occurs, and how CKD modifies these is a much-needed area of study.
Bee Collected Pollen with Enhanced Health Benefits, Produced by Fermentation with a Kombucha Consortium
Authors: Uțoiu Elena , Matei Florentina , Toma Agnes , Diguță Camelia , Ștefan Laura , Mănoiu Sorin , Vrăjmașu Virgil , Moraru Ionuț , Oancea Anca , Israel-Roming Florentina , Cornea Călina , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana , Moraru Angela , Oancea Florin
Published: September 2018

The bioavailability of pollen bioactive compounds for humans is limited. In this study, our aim was to enhance the health-related benefits of pollen by fermentation with a Kombucha/SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts) consortium. We performed the fermentation of pollen suspended from the beginning with SCOBY on sweetened green tea or on Kombucha vinegar, by adding pollen after 20 days of Kombucha fermentation. We analyzed: formation of bioactive compounds (anti-oxidant polyphenols, soluble silicon, hydroxy-acids, short chain fatty acids—SCFA); parameters related to Kombucha fermentation (dynamics of lactic acid bacteria—LAB, formation of organic acids, soluble sugar evolution on Kombucha vinegar); the influence of Kombucha fermentation on pollen morphology and ultrastructure; in vitro cytotoxic and antitumoral effects of the Kombucha fermented pollen. The pollen addition increases LAB proportion in the total number of SCOBY microbial strains. SEM images highlight the adhesion of the SCOBY bacteria to pollen. Ultrastructural analysis reveals the release of the pollen content. The content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, soluble silicon species and SCFA) is higher in the fermented pollen and the product shows a moderate antitumoral effect on Caco-2 cells. The health benefits of pollen are enhanced by fermentation with a Kombucha consortium.
Light-Induced Actuation of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Filled with Graphene Oxide Grafted with Poly(2-(trimethylsilyloxy)ethyl Methacrylate)
Authors: Osicka Josef , Mrlik Miroslav , Ilčíková Markéta , Munster Lukas , Bazant Pavel , Špitalský Zdenko , Mosnáček Jaroslav
Published: September 2018

This study serves to combine two approaches into one single step, to achieve a significant improvement of the light-induced actuation capabilities. Graphene oxide (GO) is an inert material, from the electrical and thermal conductivity point of view, and is incompatible with the usually-used poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix. During surface-modification by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, the GO was transformed into a conducting and compatible material with the PDMS showing enormous light-induced actuation capability. The GO surface-modification with poly(2-(trimethylsilyloxy)ethyl methacrylate) (PHEMATMS) chains was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, with an on-line monitoring of gasses using FTIR. The improved compatibility was elucidated using contact angle and dielectric properties measurements. The PHEMATMS shell was investigated using gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. The improved electric conductivity was measured using the four-point probe method and by Raman spectroscopy. The very important mechanical properties were elucidated using dynamic mechanical analysis, and with the help of thermo-mechanic analysis for the light-induced actuation. The excellent actuation capabilities observed, with changes in the length of around 0.8% at 10% pre-strain, are very promising from the point of view of applications.
Machine Learning-Based Slum Mapping in Support of Slum Upgrading Programs: The Case of Bandung City, Indonesia
Authors: Leonita Gina , Kuffer Monika , Sliuzas Richard , Persello Claudio
Published: September 2018

The survey-based slum mapping (SBSM) program conducted by the Indonesian government to reach the national target of “cities without slums” by 2019 shows mapping inconsistencies due to several reasons, e.g., the dependency on the surveyor’s experiences and the complexity of the slum indicators set. By relying on such inconsistent maps, it will be difficult to monitor the national slum upgrading program’s progress. Remote sensing imagery combined with machine learning algorithms could support the reduction of these inconsistencies. This study evaluates the performance of two machine learning algorithms, i.e., support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), for slum mapping in support of the slum mapping campaign in Bandung, Indonesia. Recognizing the complexity in differentiating slum and formal areas in Indonesia, the study used a combination of spectral, contextual, and morphological features. In addition, sequential feature selection (SFS) combined with the Hilbert–Schmidt independence criterion (HSIC) was used to select significant features for classifying slums. Overall, the highest accuracy (88.5%) was achieved by the SVM with SFS using contextual, morphological, and spectral features, which is higher than the estimated accuracy of the SBSM. To evaluate the potential of machine learning-based slum mapping (MLBSM) in support of slum upgrading programs, interviews were conducted with several local and national stakeholders. Results show that local acceptance for a remote sensing-based slum mapping approach varies among stakeholder groups. Therefore, a locally adapted framework is required to combine ground surveys with robust and consistent machine learning methods, for being able to deal with big data, and to allow the rapid extraction of consistent information on the dynamics of slums at a large scale.
Weed Mapping with UAS Imagery and a Bag of Visual Words Based Image Classifier
Authors: Pflanz Michael , Nordmeyer Henning , Schirrmann Michael
Published: September 2018

Weed detection with aerial images is a great challenge to generate field maps for site-specific plant protection application. The requirements might be met with low altitude flights of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), to provide adequate ground resolutions for differentiating even single weeds accurately. The following study proposed and tested an image classifier based on a Bag of Visual Words (BoVW) framework for mapping weed species, using a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) with a commercial camera on board, at low flying altitudes. The image classifier was trained with support vector machines after building a visual dictionary of local features from many collected UAS images. A window-based processing of the models was used for mapping the weed occurrences in the UAS imagery. The UAS flight campaign was carried out over a weed infested wheat field, and images were acquired between a 1 and 6 m flight altitude. From the UAS images, 25,452 weed plants were annotated on species level, along with wheat and soil as background classes for training and validation of the models. The results showed that the BoVW model allowed the discrimination of single plants with high accuracy for Matricaria recutita L. (88.60%), Papaver rhoeas L. (89.08%), Viola arvensis M. (87.93%), and winter wheat (94.09%), within the generated maps. Regarding site specific weed control, the classified UAS images would enable the selection of the right herbicide based on the distribution of the predicted weed species.
Mobile Laser Scanned Point-Clouds for Road Object Detection and Extraction: A Review
Authors: Ma Lingfei , Li Ying , Li Jonathan , Wang Cheng , Wang Ruisheng , Chapman Michael A.
Published: September 2018

The mobile laser scanning (MLS) technique has attracted considerable attention for providing high-density, high-accuracy, unstructured, three-dimensional (3D) geo-referenced point-cloud coverage of the road environment. Recently, there has been an increasing number of applications of MLS in the detection and extraction of urban objects. This paper presents a systematic review of existing MLS related literature. This paper consists of three parts. Part 1 presents a brief overview of the state-of-the-art commercial MLS systems. Part 2 provides a detailed analysis of on-road and off-road information inventory methods, including the detection and extraction of on-road objects (e.g., road surface, road markings, driving lines, and road crack) and off-road objects (e.g., pole-like objects and power lines). Part 3 presents a refined integrated analysis of challenges and future trends. Our review shows that MLS technology is well proven in urban object detection and extraction, since the improvement of hardware and software accelerate the efficiency and accuracy of data collection and processing. When compared to other review papers focusing on MLS applications, we review the state-of-the-art road object detection and extraction methods using MLS data and discuss their performance and applicability. The main contribution of this review demonstrates that the MLS systems are suitable for supporting road asset inventory, ITS-related applications, high-definition maps, and other highly accurate localization services.
Remote Detection of the Fluorescence Spectrum of Natural Pollens Floating in the Atmosphere Using a Laser-Induced-Fluorescence Spectrum (LIFS) Lidar
Authors: Saito Yasunori , Ichihara Kentaro , Morishita Kenzo , Uchiyama Kentaro , Kobayashi Fumitoshi , Tomida Takayuki
Published: September 2018

A mobile laser-induced fluorescence spectrum (LIFS) lidar was developed for monitoring pollens floating in the atmosphere. The fluorescence spectrum of pollens excited at 355 nm was measured with a fluorescence spectrometer and the results suggested that in general they had peaks at around 460 nm and the ranges were 400–600 nm. A fluorescence spectrum database of 25 different pollens was made with the 355 nm excitation. Based on these results, we developed a LIFS lidar that had features in pollen species identification and daytime operation. The former was achieved by the database and the latter was possible by introducing a synchronous-delay detection to a gated CCD spectrometer in an operation time of 200 ns. Fluorescence detection of pollens floating in the atmosphere was performed using the LIFS lidar in a field where cedars grow in the spring and ragweed in the autumn. The LIFS lidar system successfully detected fluorescence spectrums of the pollens at a distance of approximately 20 m away. We discussed the performance of the LIFS lidar by estimating the number of cedar pollens using a lidar equation, introducing a fluorescence cross section of cedar pollens and a sensitivity of the CCD spectrometer that was measured by ourselves.
Field Distortion and Optimization of a Vapor Cell in Rydberg Atom-Based Radio-Frequency Electric Field Measurement
Authors: Song Zhenfei , Zhang Wanfeng , Wu Qi , Mu Huihui , Liu Xiaochi , Zhang Linjie , Qu Jifeng
Published: September 2018

Highly excited Rydberg atoms in a room-temperature vapor cell are promising for developing a radio-frequency (RF) electric field (E-field) sensor and relevant measurement standards with high accuracy and sensitivity. The all-optical sensing approach is based on electromagnetically-induced transparency and Autler-Townes splitting induced by the RF E-field. Systematic investigation of measurement uncertainty is of great importance for developing a national measurement standard. The presence of a dielectric vapor cell containing alkali atoms changes the magnitude, polarization, and spatial distribution of the incident RF field. In this paper, the field distortion of rubidium vapor cells is investigated, in terms of both field strength distortion and depolarization. Full-wave numerical simulation and analysis are employed to determine general optimization solutions for minimizing such distortion and validated by measuring the E-field vector distribution inside different vapor cells. This work can improve the accuracy of atom-based RF E-field measurements and contributes to the development of related RF quantum sensors.
Double Notched Long-Period Fiber Grating Characterization for CO2 Gas Sensing Applications †
Authors: Hsu Hsiang-Chang , Hsieh Tso-Sheng , Huang Tzu-Hsuan , Tsai Liren , Chiang Chia-Chin
Published: September 2018

In this study, we applied a double-sided inductively coupled plasma (ICP) process to nanostructure long-period fiber grating (LPFG) in order to fabricate a double-notched LPFG (DNLPFG) sensor with a double-sided surface corrugated periodic grating. Using the sol-gel method, we also added thymol blue and ZnO to form a gas sensing layer, thus producing a DNLPFG CO2 gas sensor. The resulting sensor is the first double-sided etching sensor used to measure CO2. The experimental results showed that as the CO2 concentration increased, the transmission loss increased, and that the smaller the fiber diameter, the greater the sensitivity and the greater the change in transmission loss. When the diameter of the fiber was 32 μm (and the period was 570 μm) and the perfusion rate of CO2 gas was 15%, the maximum loss variation of up to 3.881 dB was achieved, while the sensitivity was 0.2146 dB/% and the linearity was 0.992. These results demonstrate that the DNLPG CO2 gas sensor is highly sensitive.
A Secure Multi-Tier Mobile Edge Computing Model for Data Processing Offloading Based on Degree of Trust
Authors: Mora-Gimeno Francisco José , Mora-Mora Higinio , Marcos-Jorquera Diego , Volckaert Bruno
Published: September 2018

Current mobile devices need to run applications with high computational demands and critical response times. The mobile edge computing (MEC) paradigm was developed to improve the performance of these devices. This new computation architecture allows for the mobile devices to execute applications on fog nodes at the network edge; this process is called data processing offloading. This article presents a security model for the externalization of application execution in multi-tier MEC environments. The principal novelty of this study is that the model is able to modify the required security level in each tier of the distributed architecture as a function of the degree of trust associated with that tier. The basic idea is that a higher degree of trust requires a lower level of security, and vice versa. A formal framework is introduced that represents the general environment of application execution in distributed MEC architectures. An architecture is proposed that allows for deployment of the model in production environments and is implemented for evaluation purposes. The results show that the security model can be applied in multi-tier MEC architectures and that the model produces a minimal overhead, especially for computationally intensive applications.
A Non-Linear Filtering Algorithm Based on Alpha-Divergence Minimization
Authors: Luo Yarong , Guo Chi , Zheng Jiansheng , You Shengyong
Published: September 2018

A non-linear filtering algorithm based on the alpha-divergence is proposed, which uses the exponential family distribution to approximate the actual state distribution and the alpha-divergence to measure the approximation degree between the two distributions; thus, it provides more choices for similarity measurement by adjusting the value of α during the updating process of the equation of state and the measurement equation in the non-linear dynamic systems. Firstly, an α -mixed probability density function that satisfies the normalization condition is defined, and the properties of the mean and variance are analyzed when the probability density functions p ( x ) and q ( x ) are one-dimensional normal distributions. Secondly, the sufficient condition of the alpha-divergence taking the minimum value is proven, that is when α ≥ 1 , the natural statistical vector’s expectations of the exponential family distribution are equal to the natural statistical vector’s expectations of the α -mixed probability state density function. Finally, the conclusion is applied to non-linear filtering, and the non-linear filtering algorithm based on alpha-divergence minimization is proposed, providing more non-linear processing strategies for non-linear filtering. Furthermore, the algorithm’s validity is verified by the experimental results, and a better filtering effect is achieved for non-linear filtering by adjusting the value of α .
A Practical Data-Gathering Algorithm for Lossy Wireless Sensor Networks Employing Distributed Data Storage and Compressive Sensing
Authors: Zhang Ce , Li Ou , Liu Guangyi , Li Mingxuan
Published: September 2018

Reliability and energy efficiency are two key considerations when designing a compressive sensing (CS)-based data-gathering scheme. Most researchers assume there is no packets loss, thus, they focus only on reducing the energy consumption in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) while setting reliability concerns aside. To balance the performance–energy trade-off in lossy WSNs, a distributed data storage (DDS) and gathering scheme based on CS (CS-DDSG) is introduced, which combines CS and DDS. CS-DDSG utilizes broadcast properties to resist the impact of packet loss rates. Neighboring nodes receive packets with process constraints imposed to decrease the volume of both transmissions and receptions. The mobile sink randomly queries nodes and constructs a measurement matrix based on received data with the purpose of avoiding measuring the lossy nodes. Additionally, we demonstrate how this measurement matrix satisfies the restricted isometry property. To analyze the efficiency of the proposed scheme, an expression that reflects the total number of transmissions and receptions is formulated via random geometric graph theory. Simulation results indicate that our scheme achieves high precision for unreliable links and reduces the number of transmissions, receptions and fusions. Thus, our proposed CS-DDSG approach effectively balances energy consumption and reconstruction accuracy.
Responsible Decision making for Sustainable Motivation
Authors: Blašková Martina , Figurska Irena , Adamoniene Ruta , Poláčková Kristína , Blaško Rudolf
Published: September 2018

This article examines motivation and the quality of decision making’s effect on motivation as important preconditions for organizational sustainability. The article is focused on an examination of the content and intensity of perceived motivation, and the forms of decisions that were made while motivating people. Motivation (from a theoretical and empirical point of view) is related to crucial processes of human potential development and motivation. The analysis, synthesis and generalization of knowledge related to sustainability, motivation and decision making in human potential motivation are presented in the theoretical part of the article. The empirical part presents the results of sociological questionnaire, focusing on the area of decision making in motivation that was carried out on sample of respondents in the Slovak Republic (n = 500), Poland (n = 390) and Lithuania (n = 226). The results confirm a strong correlation between the level of the motivation and the quality of key processes of development of human potential (leadership, appraisal, communication, and the creation of an atmosphere of trust). In all examined countries and processes, the calculated values of the chi-square test were significantly higher than the table value (level of significance = 0.05). The section describing the results contains a proposed content-componential model of decision making in affecting and building sustainable motivation.
Clustering Neutrosophic Data Sets and Neutrosophic Valued Metric Spaces
Authors: Taş Ferhat , Topal Selçuk , Smarandache Florentin
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we define the neutrosophic valued (and generalized or G) metric spaces for the first time. Besides, we newly determine a mathematical model for clustering the neutrosophic big data sets using G-metric. Furthermore, relative weighted neutrosophic-valued distance and weighted cohesion measure, is defined for neutrosophic big data set. We offer a very practical method for data analysis of neutrosophic big data although neutrosophic data type (neutrosophic big data) are in massive and detailed form when compared with other data types.
Mouse Gamma Herpesvirus MHV-68 Induces Severe Gastrointestinal (GI) Dilatation in Interferon Gamma Receptor-Deficient Mice (IFNγR−/−) That Is Blocked by Interleukin-10
Authors: Chen Hao , Bartee Mee Yong , Yaron Jordan R. , Liu Liying , Zhang Liqiang , Zheng Donghang , Hogue Ian B. , Bullard Whitney L. , Tibbetts Scott , Lucas Alexandra R.
Published: September 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Clostridium difficile infection cause gastrointestinal (GI) distension and, in severe cases, toxic megacolon with risk of perforation and death. Herpesviruses have been linked to severe GI dilatation. MHV-68 is a model for human gamma herpesvirus infection inducing GI dilatation in interleukin-10 (IL-10)-deficient mice but is benign in wildtype mice. MHV-68 also causes lethal vasculitis and pulmonary hemorrhage in interferon gamma receptor-deficient (IFNγR−/−) mice, but GI dilatation has not been reported. In prior work the Myxomavirus-derived anti-inflammatory serpin, Serp-1, improved survival, reducing vasculitis and pulmonary hemorrhage in MHV-68-infected IFNγR−/− mice with significantly increased IL-10. IL-10 has been investigated as treatment for GI dilatation with variable efficacy. We report here that MHV-68 infection produces severe GI dilatation with inflammation and gut wall degradation in 28% of INFγR-/- mice. Macrophage invasion and smooth muscle degradation were accompanied by decreased concentrations of T helper (Th2), B, monocyte, and dendritic cells. Plasma and spleen IL-10 were significantly reduced in mice with GI dilatation, while interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and INFγ increased. Treatment of gamma herpesvirus-infected mice with exogenous IL-10 prevents severe GI inflammation and dilatation, suggesting benefit for herpesvirus-induced dilatation.