bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monumental and decorative art of the second half of the 20th century in specialized literature
Authors: Hryhorov V.
Published: April 2019

The article deals with a number of issues highlighted in the research of monumental painting during the 1960–2000s, and follows the development of art studies literature during the specified period. Ukrainian monumental painting during the second half of the 20th century evolved rather unequally, which affecte the art criticism reflections. In the 1960's and 80's the active and dynamic development of monumental art took place. Research in this area also reached the peak of its popularity. For example, the article of I. Pronina contains a review of publications from 1973–1974, and the author brought the statistics indicating more than 200 works. (180) Since the mid-1960's, academics have been increasingly focusing on monumental art. The attitude to monumental painting in the art history literature of the 1960's is ambiguous. However, most researchers are still critical of post-war practice and consider monumental works of the late 1950`s and 1960`s as a step forward. The distinctive differences between the 1960's and 1970's – 1980's lie in various attitudes towards themes and scenes of the monumental painting. In the 1960's the monumentality was associated with the laconic content, using a set of all understandable associative attributes. The expansion of the range of themes in monumental painting in the professional literature occured in the 1970's. Since the research problem stands at the crossroads of various branches of art, important scientific advancements were reflected in such prominent professional publications as: "Architecture of the USSR", "Decorative art of the USSR" and "Fine Arts". In the 1970's the publishing house "Soviet artist" released a series of articles compilations called "Soviet monumental art." The state of monumentalism significantly changes in 1990's as there was a significant decline in the activity of this artistic direction. At this time the monumental painting fell into the field of wide-scale artistic studies. In the professional literature of the last decade the scope of art study themes has changed to a certain extent as the art historians more often address the issues previously tabooed in Soviet times, and some of them partially or fully relate to the monumental painting. To such themes belong the Sixties and Boichukizm. Today the problem of the preservation of Soviet monumental works sharply appears. Many authors turn to the theme of monumental art in order to attract the attention of society to the rapid destruction of mosaics and wall murals, and to prove their value for Ukrainian fine arts.
Image Error Concealment Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Huang Rong , Han Fang , Wang Zhijie
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel spatial image error concealment (EC) method based on deep neural network. Considering that the natural images have local correlation and non-local self-similarity, we use the local information to predict the missing pixels and the non-local information to correct the predictions. The deep neural network we utilize can be divided into two parts: the prediction part and the auto-encoder (AE) part. The first part utilizes the local correlation among pixels to predict the missing ones. The second part extracts image features, which are used to collect similar samples from the whole image. In addition, a novel adaptive scan order based on the joint credibility of the support area and reconstruction is also proposed to alleviate the error propagation problem. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reconstruct corrupted images effectively and outperform the compared state-of-the-art methods in terms of objective and perceptual metrics.
The Optimization Algorithm of the Forced Current Cathodic Protection Base on Simulated Annealing
Authors: Song Chunfeng , Wang Mei , Qin Xuebin , Wang Pai , Liu Bao
Published: April 2019

The grounding grid of a substation is important for the safety of substation equipment. Especially to address the difficulty of parameter design in the auxiliary anode system of a grounding grid, an algorithm is proposed that is an optimization algorithm for the auxiliary anode system of a grounding grid based on improved simulated annealing. The mathematical model of the auxiliary anode system is inferred from the mathematical model of cathodic protection. On that basis, the parameters of the finite element model are optimized with the improved simulated annealing algorithm, thereby the auxiliary anode system of a grounding grid with optimized parameters is structured. Then the algorithm is proven as valid through experiments. The precision of the optimized parameters is improved by about 1.55% with respect to the Variable Metric Method and the Genetic Algorithm, so it can provide a basis for parameter design in the auxiliary anode system of a grounding grid.
Forecasting Economy-Related Data Utilizing Weight-Constrained Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Livieris Ioannis E.
Published: April 2019

During the last few decades, machine learning has constituted a significant tool in extracting useful knowledge from economic data for assisting decision-making. In this work, we evaluate the performance of weight-constrained recurrent neural networks in forecasting economic classification problems. These networks are efficiently trained with a recently-proposed training algorithm, which has two major advantages. Firstly, it exploits the numerical efficiency and very low memory requirements of the limited memory BFGS matrices; secondly, it utilizes a gradient-projection strategy for handling the bounds on the weights. The reported numerical experiments present the classification accuracy of the proposed model, providing empirical evidence that the application of the bounds on the weights of the recurrent neural network provides more stable and reliable learning.
Planting Date Effects on Cotton Lint Yield and Fiber Quality in the U.S. Southern High Plains
Authors: Mauget Steven , Ulloa Mauricio , Dever Jane
Published: April 2019

Cotton planting date effects in the U.S. Southern High Plains (SHP) were evaluated based on 11 years of May-planted and June-planted irrigated variety trials. Multiple cultivars planted in each year’s trial allowed for the calculation of 153 yield effects and 162 effects in 5 fiber quality parameters. Yield and quality effects were considered in the context of related changes in total growing season degree days (GDDS) and total cool hours (CHRS) during a boll formation period 80 to 110 days after planting. May planting increased GDDS and significantly increased yields in 8 of 10 years that comparisons could be made. Micronaire and fiber elongation were the most sensitive quality parameters to planting date. June planting resulted in increased CHRS every year and a significantly higher incidence of low micronaire in 7 of 11 years. In 7 of 11 years May planting significantly reduced fiber elongation relative to June planting. Analysis of SHP temperature data show that late-April to early-May planting dates may increase yield and micronaire by maximizing GDDS and minimizing CHRS. Although this practice may be optimal to the SHP environment it may also require high-vigor seed and pre-planting irrigation. Adapting genetics to an early planting strategy might include selecting for improved seed vigor and cold germination with acceptable yield and fiber quality traits.
Association of Physiological Responses and Root Distribution Patterns of Ratooning Ability and Yield of the Second Ratoon Cane in Sugarcane Elite Clones
Authors: Chumphu Saranya , Jongrungklang Nuntawoot , Songsri Patcharin
Published: April 2019

Poor ratooning ability for sugarcane can limit crop productivity and profitability of sugarcane growers. The objective of this study was to determine the association of physiological responses and root distribution patterns on the yield of the second ratoon cane, and the relationships between these traits. Seventeen sugarcane genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The second ratoon crop was evaluated for germination percentage, cane yield, Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA), and stomatal conductance. Root length density (RLD) was evaluated through the auger method. The root samples were divided into upper and lower soil layers in order to study root distribution patterns. Sugarcane genotypes were significantly different for RLD, germination percentage, and cane yield. Root distribution patterns were classified into three groups based on the RLD. High RLD between plants in the upper soil layers at 90 days after harvest (DAH) was positively correlated with high germination, whereas high RLD between rows in the lower soil layers at 90 and 270 DAH was associated with high cane yield. RWC at 90 DAH and stomatal conductance at 180 DAH were closely related to germination percentage, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence and stomatal conductance at 180 DAH were closely related to cane yield.
Comparison between Chemical Fertilization and Integrated Nutrient Management: Yield, Quality, N, and P Contents in Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. Cultivars
Authors: Leoni Beniamino , Loconsole Danilo , Cristiano Giuseppe , De Lucia Barbara
Published: April 2019

To assess the effects of a new integrated nutrient management protocol on yield and cut stem quality, root morphology, N accumulation, nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE), and P content in tissue, a biennial (2011 and 2012) chrysanthemum cut flower cultivation was carried out. In both years, two nutrition management (CNM: conventional NM and INM: integrated NM) treatments and two Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura cultivar (“White CV1” and “Yellow CV2”) treatments were compared. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. CNM was fertilized using a recommended dose fertilization of mineral NPK; INM treatment was fertilized using a half dose (50%) of CNM plus a combined usage of N organic fertilizer, seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum), and microrganism consortium (Glomus sp. and Bacillus sp.). Yield at harvest (+19%), number of leaves (+33%), leaf area (+46%), number of flower heads (+27%), and total aboveground dry weight (+40%) were significantly increased by the INM application compared to the control. In terms of the root system, the increase was evident in terms of length (+174%), volume (+167%), projected area (+166%), and surface area (+165%), tips (+175%), forks (+285%), and crossings (+464%). The greatest N accumulation, in both years, was registered by INM treatment at harvest: +94% in 2011 and +55% in 2012. Differences in the NM were evident in the NUE, which was highest in CNM (on average 162) compared to INM (on average 142). In both years the P content in above-ground chrysanthemum tissues was in the order of head > leaves > stems, which was maintained in both INM and CNM treatments. A higher yield (138 stems m−2) was obtained in “CV2 Yellow” compared to “CV1 White” (120 stems m−2). Based on our findings, applying INM to chrysanthemum improves yield, cut flower quality, and plant nutrient uptake, in an agro–environmentally sustainable way. A basic economic analysis on fertilizers, cost gross production, and takings difference obtained, was carried out.
Digestibility of Insect Meals for Nile Tilapia Fingerlings
Authors: Fontes Táfanie Valácio , de Oliveira Kátia Rodrigues Batista de , Gomes Almeida Izabella Luiza , Maria Orlando Tamira Maria , Rodrigues Paulo Borges , Costa Diego Vicente da , Rosa Priscila Vieira e
Published: April 2019

Insects are a valuable source of nutrients for fish, but little is known about their nutritional value for Nile tilapia fingerlings. To evaluate the nutritional value and energy apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of five insects for Nile Tilapia male fingerlings, 900 fish were distributed in 18 fiberglass conic tanks, in a completely randomized design, with six dietary treatments (control, Nauphoeta cinerea meal (NCM) (Blattodea), Zophobas morio larvae meal (ZMM) (Coleptera), Gromphadorhina portentosa meal (GPM) (Blattodea), Gryllus assimilis meal (GAM) (Orthoptera) and Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TMM) (Coleptera)) and three replicates (tanks), each containing 50 fish. The control diet had no insect meal included and the other five treatments comprised 80% commercial diet and 20% test ingredient with 0.1% chromic oxide as an inert marker. TMM presented a higher ADC for dry matter, protein, corrected protein and chitin than to other treatments (p < 0.01). GPM presented the highest ADC for lipids (p < 0.01). In general, the TMM presented better ADC of nutrients and energy and all the insect meals evaluated are potential feed for Nile tilapia fingerlings.
Evaluation of the Dietary Supplementation of a Formulation Containing Ascorbic Acid and a Solid Dispersion of Curcumin with Boric Acid against Salmonella Enteritidis and Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Solís-Cruz Bruno , Patrin Pontin Karine , Latorre Juan D. , Baxter Mikayla F. A. , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Merino-Guzman Ruben , Méndez-Albores Abraham , Hargis Billy M. , Lopez-Arellano Raquel , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo
Published: April 2019

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the prophylactic or therapeutic administration of a 0.1% mixture containing ascorbic acid and a solid dispersion of curcumin with polyvinylpyrrolidone and boric acid (AA-CUR/PVP-BA) against Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) in broiler chickens. A third experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of the dietary administration of 0.1% AA-CUR/PVP-BA in a necrotic enteritis (NE) model in broiler chickens. The prophylactic administration of 0.1% AA-CUR/PVP-BA significantly decreased S. Enteritidis colonization in cecal tonsils (CT) when compared to the positive control group (PC, p < 0.05). The therapeutic administration of 0.1% AA-CUR/PVP-BA significantly reduced the concentration of S. Enteritidis by 2.05 and 2.71 log in crop and CT, respectively, when compared with the PC on day 10 post-S. Enteritidis challenge. Furthermore, the serum FITC-d concentration and total intestinal IgA levels were also significantly lower in chickens that received 0.1% AA-CUR/PVP-BA. Contrary, the PC group showed significantly higher total intestinal IgA levels compared to the negative control or AA-CUR/PVP-BA groups in the NE model. However, 0.1% AA-CUR/PVP-BA showed a better effect in reducing the concentration of S. Enteritidis when compared to the NE model. Further studies with higher concentration of AA-CUR/PVP-BA into the feed to extend these preliminary results are currently being evaluated.
Feasibility Study: Improving Floor Cleanliness by Using a Robot Scraper in Group-Housed Pregnant Sows and Their Reactions on the New Device
Authors: Ebertz Peter , Krommweh Manuel Stephan , Büscher Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Successful pig farming needs the best conditions of cleanliness in the housings. The present study examined for the first time whether a robot scraper usually applied in dairy farming is usable in sow housings for cleaning the slatted floors and improving hygiene and thus animal welfare. For evaluating the suitability of the robot scraper with regard to the cleaning performance (polluted surface area and occluded slots), the whole housing area was divided into score-squares, which were individually scored at defined intervals. Selected excrement quantities removed by the robot were weighed. In order to assess the animals’ interactions with the robot scraper, their behaviour towards the device was observed. Although the faeces of pigs had a firmer consistency than bovine excrement, excrement quantities of up to 1.4 kg m−2 were almost completely removed. Even 6 h after the cleaning its effect was still visible. Dry-cleaning led faster to nonslip surfaces for the sows than wet-cleaning. Within half an hour of observation, up to 8.2 of 120 sows were occupied with the robot scraper, but without harming it. The use of robot scrapers in pig housings is recommended, although slight technical modifications should be made to the robot scraper.
A Measurement System for Quasi-Spectral Determination of Absorption and Scattering Parameters of Veterinary Tissue Phantoms
Authors: Listewnik Paulina , Wąsowicz Michał , Kosowska Monika , Mazikowski Adam
Published: April 2019

This paper describes the construction of a system for the quasi-spectral determination of absorption and scattering parameters of animal tissue phantoms. Several tissue phantoms, including one reference and two modified for examination, were prepared from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The phantoms were measured using a system based on an integrating sphere and the light sources of wavelengths commonly used for the treatment of various diseases in veterinary medicine, including 635 nm (red), 532 nm (green) and 447 nm (blue). The obtained results are consistent with data provided in reference sources and can also be approximated for the entire spectral range of visible radiation (380–780 nm). The developed system is suitable for further measurements of phantoms, which can be adapted to imitate different tissues.
Smart Meter Gateways: Options for a BSI-Compliant Integration of Energy Management Systems
Authors: Förderer Kevin , Lösch Manuel , Növer Ralf , Ronczka Marilen , Schmeck Hartmut
Published: April 2019

The introduction of Smart Meter Gateways (SMGWs) to buildings and households creates new opportunities and challenges for energy management systems. While SMGWs provide interfaces for accessing recorded information and enable communication to external parties, they also restrict data access to protect the privacy of inhabitants and facility owners. This paper presents an analysis of options for integrating automated (Building) Energy Management Systems (EMSs) into the smart meter architecture based on the technical guidelines for SMGWs by the German Federal Office for Information Security (“Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik”, BSI). It shows that there are multiple ways for integrating automated EMSs into the German smart metering architecture, although each option comes with its own advantages and restrictions. By providing a detailed discussion of trade-offs, this paper supports EMS designers that will be confronted with differing freedoms and limitations depending on the integration option.
Evaluation of Weighting Average Functions as a Simplification of the Radiative Transfer Simulation in Vertically Inhomogeneous Eutrophic Waters
Authors: Xue Kun , Ma Ronghua
Published: April 2019

Current water color remote sensing algorithms typically do not consider the vertical variations of phytoplankton. Ecolight with a radiative transfer program was used to simulate the underwater light field of vertical inhomogeneous waters based on the optical properties of a eutrophic lake (i.e., Lake Chaohu, China). Results showed that the vertical distribution of chlorophyll-a (Chla(z)) can considerably affect spectrum shape and magnitude of apparent optical properties (AOPs), including subsurface remote sensing reflectance in water (rrs(λ, z)) and the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kx(λ, z)). The vertical variations of Chla(z) changed the spectrum shapes of rrs(λ, z) at the green and red wavelengths with a maximum value at approximately 590 nm, and changed the Kx(λ, z) from blue to red wavelength range with no obvious spectral variation. The difference between rrs(λ, z) at depth z m and its asymptotic value (Δrrs(λ, z)) could reach to ~78% in highly stratified waters. Diffuse attenuation coefficient of downwelling plane irradiance (Kd(λ, z)) had larger vertical variations, especially near water surface, in highly stratified waters. Three weighting average functions performed well in less stratified waters, and the weighting average function proposed by Zaneveld et al., (2005) performed best in highly stratified waters. The total contribution of the first three layers to rrs(λ, 0−) was approximately 90%, but the contribution of each layer in the water column to rrs(λ, 0−) varied with wavelength, vertical distribution of Chla(z) profiles, concentration of suspended particulate inorganic matter (SPIM), and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). A simple stratified remote sensing reflectance model considering the vertical distribution of phytoplankton was built based on the contribution of each layer to rrs(λ, 0−).
Operation Characteristics and Transient Simulation of an ICE-ORC Combined System
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Enhua , Meng Fanxiao , Zhang Fujun , Zhao Changlu , Zhang Hongguang , Zhao Rui
Published: April 2019

Currently, internal combustion engines (ICEs) are still the main power for transportation. Energy conservation and emission reduction for ICEs have become the driving force of the industrial R&D in recent years. Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is a feasible technology to recover the waste heat of an ICE so that the energy efficiency can be enhanced apparently. However, there are still many obstacles needed to be overcome for the application of an ORC together with an ICE. When a vehicle is driving, the operation conditions of the ICE vary in a large range. The operation of the ORC needs to be regulated accordingly to achieve maximum efficiency. In this study, the operation characteristics of an ICE-ORC combined system is investigated and the transient performance is analyzed. First, an integrated simulation model of the ICE and the ORC was built in GT-POWER software. A 5 kW single-screw expander was employed for the ORC system. The working characteristics of the ORC system were evaluated under various working conditions of the ICE. The matching principles of the ORC with the ICE were discussed and the optimal operation conditions of the ORC over the entire engine’s working range were obtained. Subsequently, a feedforward control strategy for the ORC system was designed in MATLAB/SIMULINK. Finally, the entire model was simulated under a transient driving cycle of a vehicle. The results indicate that the pump speed and the expander speed are two important parameters and must be adjusted according to the engine’s working condition. The speed of the single-screw expander maintains in the low-speed region and the pump speed is tuned to achieve a high evaporation pressure and a proper superheat degree of the working fluid at the inlet of the expander. Thus, the net power output can be maximized. The designed feedforward control strategy can adjust the working condition of the ORC automatically to match with the working condition of the ICE. The ORC operates intermittently and an impulse power is output under the urban driving conditions. However, the working time of the ORC is increased significantly and the power output is relatively higher under the highway conditions.
Effects of Velocity Profiles on Measuring Accuracy of Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Authors: Zhang Hui , Guo Chuwen , Lin Jie
Published: April 2019

Ultrasonic wave carries the information for flowing velocity when it is propagating in flowing fluids. Flowrate can be obtained by measuring the propagation time of ultrasonic wave. The principle of transit-time ultrasonic flowmeters used today was based on that the velocity is uniform along the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave. However, it is well known that the velocity profiles in a pipe are not uniform both in laminar flow and turbulent flow. Emphasis on the effects of velocity profiles across the pipe on the propagation time of ultrasonic wave, theoretical flowrate correction factors considering the real velocity profile were proposed for laminar and turbulent flow to obtain higher accuracy. Experiment data of ultrasonic flowmeter and weighting method are compared to verify the proposed theoretical correction factors. The average relative error of proposed correction factor is determined to be 0.976% for laminar flow and 0.25% for turbulent flow.
Smart Model to Distinguish Crohn’s Disease from Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kasperczuk Anna , Daniluk Jaroslaw , Dardzinska Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a term referring to chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal disease. It includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is undeniable that presenting features may be unclear and do not enable differentiation between disease types. Therefore, additional information, obtained during the analysis, can definitely provide a potential way to differentiate between UC and CD. For that reason, finding the optimal logistic model for further analysis of collected medical data, is a main factor determining the further precisely defined decision class for each examined patient. In our study, 152 patients with CD or UC were included. The collected data concerned not only biochemical parameters of blood but also very subjective information, such as data from interviews. The built-in logistics model with very high precision was able to assign patients to the appropriate group (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.74, AUC = 0.93). This model indicates factors differentiating between CD and UC and indicated odds ratios calculated for significantly different variables in these two groups. All obtained parameters of the model were checked for statistically significant. The constructed model was able to be distinguish between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Experimental Verification of Methods for Converting Acceleration Data in High-Rise Buildings into Displacement Data by Shaking Table Test
Authors: Han Heuisoo , Park Mincheol , Park Sangki , Kim Juhyong , Baek Yong
Published: April 2019

When diagnosing damage to high-rise buildings during earthquakes, it is necessary to measure the displacement of each story. However, with respect to accuracy and cost, it is most reasonable to convert acceleration into displacement. In this study, shake table testing was carried out to verify the conversion methods, converting the acceleration data measured in a high-rise building into velocity and displacement. In the shaking table test, the displacement of a 10-story model building under strong motion was measured using high-speed imaging devices. High-speed images were taken at 1000 frames per second, reflecting the dynamic behavior of the model building. Then, this displacement was compared with the displacement obtained by processing the acceleration data. This study applied three methods for correcting and converting acceleration into velocity and displacement. Method 1 used the transfer function, H 2 ( ω ) , which reflects the dynamic characteristics of the system. The displacements converted by this method showed the lowest accuracy, because the transfer function depends on the dynamic characteristics of the structure. Method 2 used the cosine Fourier transform for baseline correction, and the discrete input data are calculated as the sum of the cosine functions. Method 3 used the least-squares fitting in the first step to remove the linear drift in the acceleration and applied the high-pass Butterworth filter. The displacements converted by Method 2 were the most reliable, and were close to the displacements measured in the shaking table test. However, the response of high-rise buildings is affected by low- and high-frequency noise. It is necessary to further investigate the limitations and applicability of the conversion methods for providing reliable displacement of the building.
Nitrogen Oxide Removal by Coal-Based Activated Carbon for a Marine Diesel Engine
Authors: Wang Zongyu , Kuang Hailang , Zhang Jifeng , Chu Lilin , Ji Yulong
Published: April 2019

Vanadium-based catalysts are mainly used for marine diesel exhaust denitration. However, their poor catalytic ability at low temperature and poor sulfur tolerance, as well as high toxicity and cost, are big turnoffs. AC (Activated carbon) exhibits good adsorption capacity and catalytic ability in denitration because of its high specific surface area and chemical activity. In this paper, coal-based AC was used for simulating diesel exhaust denitration in different conditions. The results show that the NO removal ability of AC is poor in an NO/N2 system. The NO2 removal ability is excellent in an NO2/N2 system, where NO is desorbed. The NOx removal efficiency is 95% when the temperature is higher than 200 °C in an NO2/NH3/N2 system. When the temperature is lower than 100 °C, AC can catalytically oxidize NO to NO2 in an NO2/O2/N2 system. The near-stable catalytic efficiencies of AC for a slow SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reaction, a standard SCR reaction, and a fast SCR reaction at 300 °C are 12.1%, 31.6%, and 70.8%, respectively. When ships use a high-sulfur fuel, AC can be used after wet scrubber desulfurization to catalytically oxidize NO to NO2 at a low temperature. When ships use a low-sulfur fuel, AC can be used as a denitration catalyst at high temperatures.
Evaluation of the Undrained Shear Strength in Preconsolidated Cohesive Soils Based on the Seismic Dilatometer Test
Authors: Galas Paweł , Lechowicz Zbigniew , Sulewska Maria Jolanta
Published: April 2019

The undrained shear strength in cohesive soils can be evaluated based on measurements obtained from the standard dilatometer test (DMT) using single- and multi-factor empirical relationships. However, the empirical relationships presented in the literature may sometimes show relatively high values of the maximum relative error. The add-on seismic module to the seismic dilatometer test (SDMT) extends parameters measurable in a standard dilatometer test by the shear wave velocity Vs as an independent variable. Therefore, a method for evaluating the undrained shear strength in cohesive soils based on data obtained from the seismic dilatometer test is presented in this study. In the method proposed, the two-factor empirical relationship for evaluating the normalized undrained shear strength τfu/σ’v is used based on independent variables: The normalized difference between the corrected second pressure reading and the corrected first pressure reading (p1 − po)/σ’v and the normalized shear wave velocity Vs/100. The proposed two-factor empirical relationship provides a more reliable evaluation of the undrained shear strength in the tested Pleistocene and Pliocene clays in comparison to the empirical relationships presented in the literature, with a maximum relative error max RE at about ±20% and the mean relative error RE at about 8%.
Research on Classification of Tibetan Medical Syndrome in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Zhu Xiaolan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuan , Wang Lu , Wang Shiying , Liu Ping
Published: April 2019

Classification association rules that integrate association rules with classification are playing an important role in data mining. However, the time cost on constructing the classification model, and predicting new instances, will be long, due to the large number of rules generated during the mining of association rules, which also will result in the large system consumption. Therefore, this paper proposed a classification model based on atomic classification association rules, and applied it to construct the classification model of a Tibetan medical syndrome for the common plateau disease called Chronic Atrophic Gastritis. Firstly, introduce the idea of “relative support”, and use the constraint-based Apriori algorithm to mine the strong atomic classification association rules between symptoms and syndrome, and the knowledge base of Tibetan medical clinics will be constructed. Secondly, build the classification model of the Tibetan medical syndrome after pruning and prioritizing rules, and the idea of “partial classification” and “first easy to post difficult” strategy are introduced to realize the prediction of this Tibetan medical syndrome. Finally, validate the effectiveness of the classification model, and compare with the CBA algorithm and four traditional classification algorithms. The experimental results showed that the proposed method can realize the construction and classification of the classification model of the Tibetan medical syndrome in a shorter time, with fewer but more understandable rules, while ensuring a higher accuracy with 92.8%.
Vehicle Ammonia Emissions Measured in An Urban Environment in Sydney, Australia, Using Open Path Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy
Authors: Phillips Frances A. , Naylor Travis , Forehead Hugh , Griffith David W. T. , Kirkwood John , Paton-Walsh Clare
Published: April 2019

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a major health risk in urban settings. Ammonia (NH3) from vehicle exhaust is an under-recognised ingredient in the formation of inorganic PM and there remains a shortage of data to properly quantify the role of NH3 from vehicles in PM formation. An Open-path Fourier transform infra-red (OP-FTIR) spectrometer measured atmospheric NH3, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) at high temporal resolution (5 min) in Western Sydney over 11 months. The oxides of nitrogen (NO2 and NO; NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) were measured at an adjacent air quality monitoring station. NH3 levels were maxima in the morning and evening coincident with peak traffic. During peak traffic NH3:CO ratio ranged from 0.018 to 0.022 ppbv:ppbv. Results were compared with the Greater Metropolitan Region 2008 (GMR2008) emissions inventory. Measured NH3:CO was higher during peak traffic times than the GMR2008 emissions estimates, indicating an underestimation of vehicle NH3 emissions in the inventory. Measurements also indicated the urban atmosphere was NH3 rich for the formation of ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) particulate was SO2 limited while the formation of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) was NH3 limited. Any reduction in NOx emissions with improved catalytic converter efficiency will be accompanied by an increase in NH3 production and potentially with an increase in NH4NO3 particulate.
Combined Impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation on the Northern Winter Stratosphere
Authors: Rao Jian , Ren Rongcai , Xia Xin , Shi Chunhua , Guo Dong
Published: April 2019

Using reanalysis and the sea surface temperature (SST) analysis, the combined impact of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on the northern winter stratosphere is investigated. The warm and weak stratospheric polar vortex response to El Niño simply appears during positive PDO, whereas the cold and strong stratospheric polar vortex response to La Niña is preferable during negative PDO in the reanalysis. Two mechanisms may account for the enhanced stratospheric response when ENSO and PDO are in phase. First, the asymmetries of the intensity and frequency between El Niño and La Niña can be identified for the two PDO phases. Second, the extratropical SST anomalies in the North Pacific may also play a role in the varying extratropical response to ENSO. The North Pacific SST anomalies related to PDO superimpose ENSO SST anomalies when they are in phase but undermine them when they are out of phase. The superimposed North Pacific SST anomalies help to increase SST meridional gradient anomalies between tropical and extratropics, as well as to lock the local height response to ENSO. Therefore, the passages for the upward propagation of waves from the troposphere is more unimpeded when positive PDO is configured with El Niño, and vice versa when negative PDO is configured with La Niña.
A Study of Objective Prediction for Summer Precipitation Patterns Over Eastern China Based on a Multinomial Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Gao Lihao , Wei Fengying , Yan Zhongwei , Ma Jin , Xia Jiangjiang
Published: April 2019

The prediction of summer precipitation patterns (PPs) over eastern China is an important and topical issue in China. Predictors that are selected based on historical information may not be suitable for the future due to non-stationary relationships between summer precipitations and corresponding predictors, and might induce the instability of prediction models, especially in cases with few predictors. This study aims to investigate how to learn as much information as possible from various and numerous predictors reflecting different climate conditions. An objective prediction method based on the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model is proposed to facilitate the study. The predictors are objectively selected from a machine learning perspective. The effectiveness of the objective prediction model is assessed by considering the influence of collinearity and number of predictors. The prediction accuracy is found to be comparable to traditionally estimated predictability, ranging between 0.6 and 0.7. The objective prediction model is capable of learning the intrinsic structure of the predictors, and is significantly superior to the prediction model with randomly-selected predictors and the single best predictor. A robust prediction can be generally obtained by learning information from plenty of predictors, although the most effective model may be constructed with fewer predictors through proper methods of predictor selection. In addition, the effectiveness of objective prediction is found to generally improve as observation increases, highlighting its potential for improvement during application as time passes.
Evaluation of JAXA Himawari-8-AHI Level-3 Aerosol Products over Eastern China
Authors: Li Ding , Qin Kai , Wu Lixin , Xu Jian , Letu Husi , Zou Bin , He Qin , Li Yifei
Published: April 2019

A novel geostationary satellite, the H8/AHI (Himawari-8/Advanced Himawari Imager), greatly improved the scan times per day covering East Asia, and the operational products have been stably provided for a period of time. Currently, atmospheric aerosol pollution is a major concern in China. H8/AHI aerosol products with a high temporal resolution are helpful for real-time monitoring of subtle aerosol variation. However, the H8/AHI aerosol optical thickness (AOT) product has been updated three times since its launch, and the evaluation of this dataset is currently rare. In order to validate its accuracy, this study compared the H8/AHI Level-3 (L3) hourly AOT products of all versions with measurements obtained from eleven sunphotometer sites located in eastern China from 2015 to 2018. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6 AOT products from the same period were also used for inter-comparison. Although the H8/AHI AOT retrievals in version 010 show a moderate agreement with ground-based observations (correlation coefficient (R): 0.66–0.85), and the time series analysis shows that it can effectively monitor hourly variation, it suffers from an obvious underestimation of 0.3 compared to ground-based and MODIS observations. After the retrieval algorithm updated the predefined aerosol model, the overall underestimation of AHI AOTs was solved (version 010 slope: 0.43–0.62, version 030 slope: 0.75–1.02), and the AOTs in version 030 show a high agreement with observations from ten sites (R: 0.73–0.91). In addition, the surface reflectance dataset derived from the minimum reflectivity model in version 010 is inaccurate in parts of eastern China, for both “bright” and “dark” land surfaces, which leads to the overestimation of the AOT values under low aerosol loads at the Beijing and Xianghe sites. After the update of the surface dataset in version 030, this phenomenon was alleviated, resulting in no significant difference in scatterplots under different surface conditions. The AOTs of H8/AHI version 030 show a significant improvement compared to the previous two versions, but the spatial distribution of AHI is still different from MODIS AOT products due to the differences in sensors and algorithms. Therefore, although the evaluation in this study demonstrates the effectiveness of H8/AHI AOT products for aerosol monitoring at fine temporal resolutions, the performance of H8/AHI AOT products needs further study by considering more conditions.
Parallel Emergence of a Compartmentalized Striatum with the Phylogenetic Development of the Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Hamasaki Tadashi , Goto Satoshi
Published: April 2019

The intricate neuronal architecture of the striatum plays a pivotal role in the functioning of the basal ganglia circuits involved in the control of various aspects of motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Unlike the cerebral cortex, which has a laminar structure, the striatum is primarily composed of two functional subdivisions (i.e., the striosome and matrix compartments) arranged in a mosaic fashion. This review addresses whether striatal compartmentalization is present in non-mammalian vertebrates, in which simple cognitive and behavioral functions are executed by primitive sensori-motor systems. Studies show that neuronal subpopulations that share neurochemical and connective properties with striosomal and matrix neurons are present in the striata of not only anamniotes (fishes and amphibians), but also amniotes (reptiles and birds). However, these neurons do not form clearly segregated compartments in these vertebrates, suggesting that such compartmentalization is unique to mammals. In the ontogeny of the mammalian forebrain, the later-born matrix neurons disperse the early-born striosome neurons into clusters to form the compartments in tandem with the development of striatal afferents from the cortex. We propose that striatal compartmentalization in mammals emerged in parallel with the evolution of the cortex and possibly enhanced complex processing of sensory information and behavioral flexibility phylogenetically.
Music Training Positively Influences the Preattentive Perception of Voice Onset Time in Children with Dyslexia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Frey Aline , François Clément , Chobert Julie , Velay Jean-Luc , Habib Michel , Besson Mireille
Published: April 2019

Previous results showed a positive influence of music training on linguistic abilities at both attentive and preattentive levels. Here, we investigate whether six months of active music training is more efficient than painting training to improve the preattentive processing of phonological parameters based on durations that are often impaired in children with developmental dyslexia (DD). Results were also compared to a control group of Typically Developing (TD) children matched on reading age. We used a Test–Training–Retest procedure and analysed the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) and the N1 and N250 components of the Event-Related Potentials to syllables that differed in Voice Onset Time (VOT), vowel duration, and vowel frequency. Results were clear-cut in showing a normalization of the preattentive processing of VOT in children with DD after music training but not after painting training. They also revealed increased N250 amplitude to duration deviant stimuli in children with DD after music but not painting training, and no training effect on the preattentive processing of frequency. These findings are discussed in view of recent theories of dyslexia pointing to deficits in processing the temporal structure of speech. They clearly encourage the use of active music training for the rehabilitation of children with language impairments.
Orthotopic Patient-Derived Xenografts of Gastric Cancer to Decipher Drugs Effects on Cancer Stem Cells and Metastatic Dissemination
Authors: Giraud Julie , Bouriez Damien , Seeneevassen Lornella , Rousseau Benoit , Sifré Elodie , Giese Alban , Mégraud Francis , Lehours Philippe , Dubus Pierre , Gronnier Caroline , Varon Christine
Published: April 2019

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are at the origin of tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and the formation of metastases. However, there is a lack of mouse models enabling the study of the metastatic process in gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). The aims of this study were to develop original mouse models of patient-derived primary GC orthotopic xenografts (PDOX) allowing the development of distant metastases as preclinical models to study the anti-metastatic efficiency of drugs such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor Buparlisib (BKM120). Luciferase-encoding cells generated from primary GC were injected into the stomach wall of immunocompromised mice; gastric tumor and metastases development were followed by bioluminescence imaging. The anti-CSC properties of BKM120 were evaluated on the GC cells’ phenotype (CD44 expression) and tumorigenic properties in vitro and in vivo on BKM120-treated mice. After eight weeks, PDOX mice formed tumors in the stomach as well as distant metastases, that were enriched in CSC, in the liver, the lung, and the peritoneal cavity. BKM120 treatment significantly inhibited the CSC properties in vitro and reduced the number of distant metastases in mice. These new preclinical models offer the opportunity to study the anti-metastatic efficiency of new CSC-based therapeutic strategies.
Expression Profiling of Calcium Channels and Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Sajida , Dakik Hassan , Vandier Christophe , Chautard Romain , Paintaud Gilles , Mazurier Frédéric , Lecomte Thierry , Guéguinou Maxime , Raoul William
Published: April 2019

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly devastating cancer. Ca2+-dependent channels are now considered key regulators of tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of non-voltage gated Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-dependent potassium channels (KCa) with CRC using the transcriptional profile of their genes. Methods: We selected a total of 35 genes covering KCa channels KCNN1–4, KCNMA1 and their subunits KCNMB1–4, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium sensors STIM1 and STIM2, Ca2+ channels ORAI1–3 and the family of cation channels TRP (TRPC1–7, TRPA1, TRPV1/2,4–6 and TRPM1–8). We analyzed their expression in two public CRC datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE39582. Results: KCNN4 and TRPM2 were induced while KCNMA1 and TRPM6 were downregulated in tumor tissues comparing to normal tissues. In proximal tumors, STIM2 and KCNN2 were upregulated while ORAI2 and TRPM6 were downregulated. ORAI1 decreased in lymph node metastatic tumors. TRPC1 and ORAI3 predicted poor prognosis in CRC patients. Moreover, we found that ORAI3/ORAI1 ratio is increased in CRC progression and predicted poor prognosis. Conclusions: KCa and Ca2+ channels could be important contributors to CRC initiation and progression. Our results provide new insights on KCa and Ca2+ channels remodeling in CRC.
Wild-Type IDH Enzymes as Actionable Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Bergaggio Elisa , Piva Roberto
Published: April 2019

Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs) are enzymes that catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate, producing α-ketoglutarate (αKG) and CO2. The discovery of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in several malignancies has brought to the approval of drugs targeting IDH1/2 mutants in cancers. Here, we summarized findings addressing the impact of IDH mutants in rare pathologies and focused on the relevance of non-mutated IDH enzymes in tumors. Several pieces of evidence suggest that the enzymatic inhibition of IDHs may have therapeutic potentials also in wild-type IDH cancers. Moreover, IDHs inhibition could enhance the efficacy of canonical cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. However, further studies are required to elucidate whether IDH proteins are diagnostic/prognostic markers, instrumental for tumor initiation and maintenance, and could be exploited as targets for anticancer therapy. The development of wild-type IDH inhibitors is expected to improve our understanding of a potential non-oncogenic addition to IDH1/2 activities and to fully address their applicability in combination with other therapies.