bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating PM10 Concentration from Drilling Operations in Open-Pit Mines Using an Assembly of SVR and PSO
Authors: Bui Xuan-Nam , Lee Chang , Nguyen Hoang , Bui Hoang-Bac , Long Nguyen , Le Qui-Thao , Nguyen Van-Duc , Nguyen Ngoc-Bich , Moayedi Hossein
Published: July 2019

Dust is one of the components causing heavy environmental pollution in open-pit mines, especially PM10. Some pathologies related to the lung, respiratory system, and occupational diseases have been identified due to the effects of PM10 in open-pit mines. Therefore, the prediction and control of PM10 concentration in the production process are necessary for environmental and health protection. In this study, PM10 concentration from drilling operations in the Coc Sau open-pit coal mine (Vietnam) was investigated and considered through a database including 245 datasets collected. A novel hybrid artificial intelligence model was developed based on support vector regression (SVR) and a swarm optimization algorithm (i.e., particle swarm optimization (PSO)), namely PSO-SVR, for estimating PM10 concentration from drilling operations at the mine. Polynomial (P), radial basis function (RBF), and linear (L) kernel functions were considered and applied to the development of the PSO-SVR models in the present study, abbreviated as PSO-SVR-P, PSO-SVR-RBF, and PSO-SVR-L. Also, three benchmark artificial intelligence techniques, such as k-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), and classification and regression trees (CART), were applied and developed for estimating PM10 concentration and then compared with the PSO-SVR models. Root-mean-squared error (RMSE) and determination coefficient (R2) were used as the statistical criteria for evaluating the performance of the developed models. The results exhibited that the PSO algorithm had an essential role in the optimization of the hyper-parameters of the SVR models. The PSO-SVR models (i.e., PSO-SVR-L, PSO-SVR-P, and PSO-SVR-RBF) had higher performance levels than the other models (i.e., RF, CART, and KNN) with an RMSE of 0.040, 0.042, and 0.043; and R2 of 0.954, 0.948, and 0.946; for the PSO-SVR-L, PSO-SVR-P, and PSO-SVR-RBF models, respectively. Of these PSO-SVR models, the PSO-SVR-L model was the most dominant model with an RMSE of 0.040 and R2 of 0.954. The remaining three benchmark models (i.e., RF, CART, and KNN) yielded a more unsatisfactory performance with an RMSE of 0.060, 0.052, and 0.067; and R2 of 0.894, 0.924, and 0.867, for the RF, CART, and KNN models, respectively. Furthermore, the findings of this study demonstrated that the density of rock mass, moisture content, and the penetration rate of the drill were essential parameters on the PM10 concentration caused by drilling operations in open-pit mines.
Chronotype and Social Jetlag: A (Self-) Critical Review
Authors: Roenneberg Till , Pilz Luísa K. , Zerbini Giulia , Winnebeck Eva C.
Published: July 2019

The Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ) has now been available for more than 15 years and its original publication has been cited 1240 times (Google Scholar, May 2019). Additionally, its online version, which was available until July 2017, produced almost 300,000 entries from all over the world (MCTQ database). The MCTQ has gone through several versions, has been translated into 13 languages, and has been validated against other more objective measures of daily timing in several independent studies. Besides being used as a method to correlate circadian features of human biology with other factors—ranging from health issues to geographical factors—the MCTQ gave rise to the quantification of old wisdoms, like “teenagers are late”, and has produced new concepts, like social jetlag. Some like the MCTQ’s simplicity and some view it critically. Therefore, it is time to present a self-critical view on the MCTQ, to address some misunderstandings, and give some definitions of the MCTQ-derived chronotype and the concept of social jetlag.
High-Throughput Screening of Chlorella Vulgaris Growth Kinetics inside a Droplet-Based Microfluidic Device under Irradiance and Nitrate Stress Conditions
Authors: Saad Marwa Gamal , Dosoky Noura Sayed , Khan Muhammad Shuja , Zoromba Mohamed Shafick , Mekki Laila , El-Bana Magdy , Nobles David , Shafik Hesham Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly renewable fuel that can be derived from microalgae. Maximization of biomass and lipid productivities are considered the main challenges for algal biodiesel production. Since conventional batch cultures are time-, space-, and reagent-consuming with many restrictions to apply many replicates, microfluidic technology has recently emerged as an alternative low-cost and efficient technology with high throughput repeatability and reproducibility. Different applications of microfluidic devices in algal biotechnology have been reported, including cell identification, sorting, trapping, and metabolic screening. In this work, Chlorella vulgaris was investigated by encapsulating in a simple droplet-based micro-array device at different light intensities of 20, 80, and 200 µmol/m2/s combined with different nitrate concentrations of 17.6, 8.8, and 4.4 mM. The growth results for C. vulgaris within microfluidic device were compared to the conventional batch culture method. In addition, the effect of combined stress of deficiencies in irradiance and nitrogen availability were studied to illustrate their impact on the metabolic profiling of microalgae. The results showed that the most optimum favorable culturing conditions for Chlorella vulgaris growth within the microfluidic channels were 17.6 mM and 80 µmol/m2/s.
Similar Population of CD133+ and DDX4+ VSEL-Like Stem Cells Sorted from Human Embryonic Stem Cell, Ovarian, and Ovarian Cancer Ascites Cell Cultures: The Real Embryonic Stem Cells?
Authors: Virant-Klun Irma , Skerl Petra , Novakovic Srdjan , Vrtacnik-Bokal Eda , Smrkolj Spela
Published: July 2019

A population of small stem cells with diameters of up to 5 μm resembling very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) were sorted from human embryonic stem cell (hESC) cultures using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) based on the expression of a stem-cell-related marker prominin-1 (CD133). These VSEL-like stem cells had nuclei that almost filled the whole cell volume and expressed stem-cell-related markers (CD133, SSEA-4) and markers of germinal lineage (DDX4/VASA, PRDM14). They were comparable to similar populations of small stem cells sorted from cell cultures of normal ovaries and were the predominant cells in ascites of recurrent ovarian cancer. The sorted populations of CD133+ VSEL-like stem cells were quiescent in vitro, except for ascites, and were highly activated after exposure to valproic acid and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), indicating a new tool to study these cells in vitro. These VSEL-like stem cells spontaneously formed clusters resembling tumour-like structures or grew into larger, oocyte-like cells and were differentiated in vitro into adipogenic, osteogenic and neural lineages after sorting. We propose the population of VSEL-like stem cells from hESC cultures as potential original embryonic stem cells, which are present in the human embryo, persist in adult human ovaries from the embryonic period of life and are involved in cancer manifestation.
Detection Papers with Chromogenic Chemosensors for Direct Visual Detection and Distinction of Liquid Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Pitschmann Vladimír , Matějovský Lukáš , Lunerová Kamila , Dymák Michal , Urban Martin , Králík Lukáš
Published: July 2019

This work provides a summary of our results in the area of the experimental development of detection paper for the detection of liquid phase chemical warfare agents (drops, aerosol), the presence of which is demonstrated by the development of characteristic coloring visible to the naked eye. The basis of the detection paper is a cellulose carrier saturated with the dithienobenzotropone monomer (RM1a)–chromogenic chemosensor sensitive to nerve agents of the G type, blister agent lewisite, or choking agent diphosgene. We achieve a higher coloring brilliance and the limit certain interferences by using this chemosensor in the mix of the o-phenylendiamine-pyronine (PY-OPD). We prove that the addition of the Bromocresol Green pH indicator even enables detection of nerve agents of the V type, or, nitrogen mustards, while keeping a high stability of the detection paper and its functions for other chemical warfare agents. We resolve the resistance against the undesirable influence of water by providing a hydrophobic treatment of the carrier surface.
How Does Light Regulate Mood and Behavioral State?
Authors: Milosavljevic Nina
Published: July 2019

The idea that light affects mood and behavioral state is not new. However, not much is known about the particular mechanisms and circuits involved. To fully understand these, we need to know what properties of light are important for mediating changes in mood as well as what photoreceptors and pathways are responsible. Increasing evidence from both human and animal studies imply that a specialized class of retinal ganglion cells, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), plays an important role in the light-regulated effects on mood and behavioral state, which is in line with their well-established roles in other non-visual responses (pupillary light reflex and circadian photoentrainment). This paper reviews our current understanding on the mechanisms and paths by which the light information modulates behavioral state and mood.
Q Dependence of Magnetic Resonance Mode on FeTe0.5Se0.5 Studied by Inelastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Ishikado Motoyuki , Kodama Katsuaki , Kajimoto Ryoichi , Nakamura Mitsutaka , Inamura Yasuhiro , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Ji Sungdae , Arai Masatoshi , Shamoto Shin-ichi
Published: July 2019

Inelastic neutron scattering measurements have been performed on a superconducting single crystal FeTe 0.5 Se 0.5 to examine the Q -dependent enhancement of the dynamical structure factor, S ( Q , E ) , from Q = (0, 0) to ( π , π ), including ( π , 0) in the superconducting state. In most of iron-based superconductors, S ( Q , E ) is enhanced at Q = ( π , 0), where the “magnetic resonance mode” is commonly observed in the unfolded Brillouin zone. Constant-E cuts of S ( Q , E ) suggest that the enhancement is not uniform in the magnetic excitation, and limited around Q = ( π , 0). This result is consistent with the theoretical simulation of the magnetic resonance mode due to the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer coherence factor with the sign-reversing order parameter of s ± wave.
Optical Transport Properties of Graphene Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Mid-Infrared Band
Authors: Wang Yindi , Liu Hongxia , Wang Shulong , Cai Ming , Ma Lan
Published: July 2019

The excellent transmission characteristics of graphene surface plasmon polaritons in mid-infrared band were analyzed and verified effectively through theoretical derivation and soft simulation in this paper. Meanwhile, a sandwich waveguide structure of dielectric–graphene–substrate–dielectric based on graphene surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) was presented. Simulation results indicate that graphene SPPs show unique properties in the mid-infrared region including ultra-compact mode confinement and dynamic tunability, which allow these SPPs to overcome the defects of metal SPPs and traditional silicon-based optoelectronic devices. Thus, they can be used to manufacture subwavelength devices. The work in this paper lays a theoretical foundation for the application of graphene SPPs in the mid-infrared region.
Information Geometry of Spatially Periodic Stochastic Systems
Authors: Hollerbach Rainer , Kim Eun-jin
Published: July 2019

We explore the effect of different spatially periodic, deterministic forces on the information geometry of stochastic processes. The three forces considered are f 0 = sin ( π x ) / π and f ± = sin ( π x ) / π ± sin ( 2 π x ) / 2 π , with f - chosen to be particularly flat (locally cubic) at the equilibrium point x = 0 , and f + particularly flat at the unstable fixed point x = 1 . We numerically solve the Fokker–Planck equation with an initial condition consisting of a periodically repeated Gaussian peak centred at x = μ , with μ in the range [ 0 , 1 ] . The strength D of the stochastic noise is in the range 10 - 4 – 10 - 6 . We study the details of how these initial conditions evolve toward the final equilibrium solutions and elucidate the important consequences of the interplay between an initial PDF and a force. For initial positions close to the equilibrium point x = 0 , the peaks largely maintain their shape while moving. In contrast, for initial positions sufficiently close to the unstable point x = 1 , there is a tendency for the peak to slump in place and broaden considerably before reconstituting itself at the equilibrium point. A consequence of this is that the information length L ∞ , the total number of statistically distinguishable states that the system evolves through, is smaller for initial positions closer to the unstable point than for more intermediate values. We find that L ∞ as a function of initial position μ is qualitatively similar to the force, including the differences between f 0 = sin ( π x ) / π and f ± = sin ( π x ) / π ± sin ( 2 π x ) / 2 π , illustrating the value of information length as a useful diagnostic of the underlying force in the system.
An Entropy Regularization k-Means Algorithm with a New Measure of between-Cluster Distance in Subspace Clustering
Authors: Xiong Liyan , Wang Cheng , Huang Xiaohui , Zeng Hui
Published: July 2019

Although within-cluster information is commonly used in most clustering approaches, other important information such as between-cluster information is rarely considered in some cases. Hence, in this study, we propose a new novel measure of between-cluster distance in subspace, which is to maximize the distance between the center of a cluster and the points that do not belong to this cluster. Based on this idea, we firstly design an optimization objective function integrating the between-cluster distance and entropy regularization in this paper. Then, updating rules are given by theoretical analysis. In the following, the properties of our proposed algorithm are investigated, and the performance is evaluated experimentally using two synthetic and seven real-life datasets. Finally, the experimental studies demonstrate that the results of the proposed algorithm (ERKM) outperform most existing state-of-the-art k-means-type clustering algorithms in most cases.
Quantifying the Multiscale Predictability of Financial Time Series by an Information-Theoretic Approach
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Liang Chenxu , Zhang Na , Shang Pengjian
Published: July 2019

Making predictions on the dynamics of time series of a system is a very interesting topic. A fundamental prerequisite of this work is to evaluate the predictability of the system over a wide range of time. In this paper, we propose an information-theoretic tool, multiscale entropy difference (MED), to evaluate the predictability of nonlinear financial time series on multiple time scales. We discuss the predictability of the isolated system and open systems, respectively. Evidence from the analysis of the logistic map, Hénon map, and the Lorenz system manifests that the MED method is accurate, robust, and has a wide range of applications. We apply the new method to five-minute high-frequency data and the daily data of Chinese stock markets. Results show that the logarithmic change of stock price (logarithmic return) has a lower possibility of being predicted than the volatility. The logarithmic change of trading volume contributes significantly to the prediction of the logarithmic change of stock price on multiple time scales. The daily data are found to have a larger possibility of being predicted than the five-minute high-frequency data. This indicates that the arbitrage opportunity exists in the Chinese stock markets, which thus cannot be approximated by the effective market hypothesis (EMH).
Bioeconomy: Markets, Implications, and Investment Opportunities
Authors: Kircher Manfred
Published: July 2019

In order to achieve the objectives of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the conversion of our economy, which is still dominated by fossil carbon, to the bioeconomy model must be completed by 2050. This requires a shift from oil, gas and coal to agricultural, forestry and marine raw materials and will affect the global processing chains for energy, fuels and chemicals. However, the land required for the production of raw materials is competing with the production of food and animal feed. In addition, future land use must better take into account planetary boundaries and the preservation of ecosystem services. In order to achieve economic, ecological and societal sustainability, the necessary measures must therefore be geared towards the UN’s sustainability goals. Against this background, the future bioeconomy will have to concentrate on the food, chemical and heavy fuel sectors. Important sub-areas are alternative animal protein for nutrition, feedstock efficiency in the processing of bio-based raw materials, and the expansion of the raw materials spectrum. This requires enormous investment in industrial facilities, the integration of newly emerging value chains and the necessary infrastructure. The annual global investment requirements for renewable energy, bio-based chemicals and fuels, and ecosystem services is estimated at USD 1–2 trillion over the next three decades, equivalent to about 1.3–2.6% of global GDP. This article discusses the implications and guard rails of the bioeconomy model, as well as capital needs and possible sources.
The Novel Rotor Flux Estimation Scheme Based on the Induction Motor Mathematical Model Including Rotor Deep-Bar Effect
Authors: Utrata Grzegorz , Rolek Jaroslaw , Kaplon Andrzej
Published: July 2019

During torque transients, rotor electromagnetic parameters of an induction motor (IM) vary due to the rotor deep-bar effect. The accurate representation of rotor electromagnetic parameter variability by an adopted IM mathematical model is crucial for a precise estimation of the rotor flux space vector. An imprecise estimation of the rotor flux phase angle leads to incorrect decoupling of electromagnetic torque control and rotor flux amplitude regulation which in turn, causes deterioration in field-oriented control of IM drives. Variability of rotor electromagnetic parameters resulting from the rotor deep-bar effect can be modeled by the IM mathematical model with rotor multi-loop representation. This paper presents a study leading to define the unique rotor flux space vector on the basis of the IM mathematical model with rotor two-terminal network representation. The novel rotor flux estimation scheme was validated with the laboratory test bench employing the IM of type Sg 132S-4 with two variants of rotor construction: a squirrel-cage rotor and a solid rotor manufactured from magnetic material S235JR. The accuracy verification of the rotor flux estimation was performed in a slip frequency range corresponding to the IM load adjustment range up to 1.30 of the stator rated current. This study proved the correct operation of the developed rotor flux estimation scheme and its robustness against electromagnetic parameter variability resulting from the rotor deep-bar effect in the considered slip frequency range.
Failure Rates of Offshore Wind Transmission Systems
Authors: Warnock John , McMillan David , Pilgrim James , Shenton Sally
Published: July 2019

In the offshore wind industry, failures are often costlier than those experienced onshore. Through examination of the literature, it is clear that failures occurring in offshore transmission systems are not well documented. As a result of this, many developers and other parties involved in the planning processes associated with offshore wind farms will defer back to existing reliability metrics in the public domain. This article presents a review of European offshore wind farm transmission failures based on fusing information from multiple public domain sources. The results highlight both the spread of the reliability performance of these assets and the reliability performance over time. The results also reinforce the industry view that installation practices could lead to low reliability in the initial years of operation, resulting in increased repair costs and decreased revenue for wind farm owners and operators. The information collated in the review is also compared to metrics from across the literature to evaluate the difference in forecasted failure rates to those experienced within the industry. In general, it is found that the experienced failure rates are subject to a much higher spread in practice than those published until now.
Effect of Clay Content on the Mechanical Properties of Hydrate-Bearing Sediments during Hydrate Production via Depressurization
Authors: Li Dongliang , Wang Zhe , Liang Deqing , Wu Xiaoping
Published: July 2019

The effects of sediments with different clay contents on the mechanical properties of hydrate deposits were studied using a high-pressure, low-temperature triaxial apparatus with in-situ synthesis, as well as the mechanical properties of self-developed hydrate sediments. Through multi-stage loading, triaxial compression tests were conducted by adding quartz sand with different clay contents as the sediment skeleton, and the stress–strain relationship of the shearing process and the strength of sediments with different clay contents were determined. Volumetric changes were also observed during shearing. The results show that the strength of hydrate sediments decreases with the increasing clay content of sediments; in the processes of depressurization and shearing, the hydrate samples exhibited obvious shear shrinkage, regardless of the sediment particle size.
Implementation of IEC 61400-27-1 Type 3 Model: Performance Analysis under Different Modeling Approaches
Authors: Villena-Ruiz Raquel , Lorenzo-Bonache Alberto , Honrubia-Escribano Andrés , Jiménez-Buendía Francisco , Gómez-Lázaro Emilio
Published: July 2019

Forecasts for 2023 position wind energy as the third-largest renewable energy source in the world. This rapid growth brings with it the need to conduct transient stability studies to plan network operation activities and analyze the integration of wind power into the grid, where generic wind turbine models have emerged as the optimal solution. In this study, the generic Type 3 wind turbine model developed by Standard IEC 61400-27-1 was submitted to two voltage dips and implemented in two simulation tools: MATLAB/Simulink and DIgSILENT-PowerFactory. Since the Standard states that the responses of the models are independent of the software used, the active and reactive power results of both responses were compared following the IEC validation guidelines, finding, nevertheless, slight differences dependent on the specific features of each simulation software. The behavior of the generic models was assessed, and their responses were also compared with field measurements of an actual wind turbine in operation. Validation errors calculated were comprehensively analyzed, and the differences in the implementation processes of both software tools are highlighted. The outcomes obtained help to further establish the limitations of the generic wind turbine models, thus achieving a more widespread use of Standard IEC 61400-27-1.
Three-Dimensional Interaction of Viscous Fingering and Gravitational Segregation in Porous Media
Authors: Suekane Tetsuya , Koe Tomotaka , Barbancho Pablo Marin
Published: July 2019

Viscous fingering is fluid dynamics instability induced on the displacement front when a less viscous fluid (LVF) displaces a more viscous fluid (MVF), thereby reducing the displacement efficiency. The displacement of a denser fluid by a less dense fluid produces a gravitational tongue. This gravitational segregation also reduces the displacement efficiency. In this study, the three-dimensional structure of the fingering pattern at the viscous fingering to gravitational segregation boundary was examined using X-ray microtomography on a packed bed of particles. At low gravity numbers, viscous fingering resembled that without gravity characterized by nonlinear interaction including tip-splitting, shielding, and coalescence. At intermediate gravity numbers, viscous fingering is associated with the gravitational tongue due to segregation. At high gravity numbers, a clear gravitational tongue penetrates from the inlet to the outlet. Consequently, the concentration near the injection point decreases and exhibits a flat profile in the flow direction. The displacement efficiency decreases with increasing gravity number, with the highest value achieved without gravity but depends on many factors, including the viscosity ratio and Péclet number.
Stability of Anthocyanins, Phenolics and Color of Tart Cherry Jams
Authors: Vukoja Josipa , Pichler Anita , Kopjar Mirela
Published: July 2019

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of a set storage period on the phenolics, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, color, and texture of three types of jams made from tart cherry. The prepared samples of tart cherry jams were: (1) regular jam; (2) extra jam; and (3) light jam. The samples were stored at room temperature for eight months. Results of the investigated parameters after storage were compared with the results after sample preparations, and between the different jam samples. The light jam had the highest phenolic content and anthocyanin content (3.34 g/kg and 985.52 mg/kg). Consequently, the light jam had the highest antioxidant activity determined by ABTS (2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) method. After storage, the highest retention of the phenolics had regular jam and extra jam (85%), while the lowest retention (74%) were found in the light jam. Anthocyanin stability was the highest in the regular jam, then the extra jam (15%), and then the light jam, with retention of 22%, 15%, and 12%, respectively. Color parameters and textural parameters also depended on jam type, as well as on storage conditions. Since the investigated types of jams differed in content of fruit and water, these are the most important factors that cause the change in the retention of phenolics and anthocyanins, as well as a change in color and textural parameters.
Exploration of Filled-In Julia Sets Arising from Centered Polygonal Lacunary Functions
Authors: Mork L.K. , Vogt Trenton , Sullivan Keith , Rutherford Drew , Ulness Darin J.
Published: July 2019

Centered polygonal lacunary functions are a particular type of lacunary function that exhibit properties which set them apart from other lacunary functions. Primarily, centered polygonal lacunary functions have true rotational symmetry. This rotational symmetry is visually seen in the corresponding Julia and Mandelbrot sets. The features and characteristics of these related Julia and Mandelbrot sets are discussed and the parameter space, made with a phase rotation and offset shift, is intricately explored. Also studied in this work is the iterative dynamical map, its characteristics and its fixed points.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Metacaspase Gene Family in Gossypium Species
Authors: Fan Senmiao , Liu Aiying , Zhang Zhen , Zou Xianyan , Jiang Xiao , Huang Jinyong , Fan Liqiang , Zhang Zhibin , Deng Xiaoying , Ge Qun , Gong Wankui , Li Junwen , Gong Juwu , Shi Yuzhen , Lei Kang , Zhang Shuya , Jia Tingting , Zhang Lipeng , Yuan Youlu , Shang Haihong
Published: July 2019

Metacaspases (MCs) are cysteine proteases that are important for programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. In this study, we identified 89 MC genes in the genomes of four Gossypium species (Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium arboreum), and classified them as type-I or type-II genes. All of the type-I and type-II MC genes contain a sequence encoding the peptidase C14 domain. During developmentally regulated PCD, type-II MC genes may play an important role related to fiber elongation, while type-I genes may affect the thickening of the secondary wall. Additionally, 13 genes were observed to be differentially expressed between two cotton lines with differing fiber strengths, and four genes (GhMC02, GhMC04, GhMC07, and GhMC08) were predominantly expressed in cotton fibers at 5–30 days post-anthesis (DPA). During environmentally induced PCD, the expression levels of four genes were affected in the root, stem, and leaf tissues within 6 h of an abiotic stress treatment. In general, the MC gene family affects the development of cotton fibers, including fiber elongation and fiber thickening while four prominent fiber- expressed genes were identified. The effects of the abiotic stress and hormone treatments imply that the cotton MC gene family may be important for fiber development. The data presented herein may form the foundation for future investigations of the MC gene family in Gossypium species.
HBIM Development of A Brazilian Modern Architecture Icon: Glass House by Lina Bo Bardi
Authors: Cuperschmid Ana Regina Mizrahy , Fabricio Márcio Minto , Franco Júlio César
Published: July 2019

Lina Bo Bardi’s Glass House (Casa de Vidro) is a National Historic Landmark designed and built in the late 1940s in São Paulo, Brazil. The house is one of the symbols of modern Brazilian mid-century architecture. It is a historiographical reference of the history of modern architecture in Brazil. This article reports the experience, outcomes, challenges, benefits, and limitations of the Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) process. The HBIM was developed for Lina’s Glass House considering the following steps: modeling planning; data acquisition; model elaboration; recording of pathologies and damage; data management; documentation process. The HBIM developed includes historical information and geometric data from direct measurements, laser scanning, photographic survey, and pathologies documentation. The model allows professionals responsible for architecture, conservation, and restoration to access integrated information on projects and the current condition of the buildings easily and quickly. Good precision was achieved for important building elements, contributing to maintenance and restoration actions. This experience allowed the development of an integrated workflow of activities for collecting, processing, recording, and managing information that may serve as a baseline for future projects for the documentation of modernist buildings.
Patient Education and Continuing Medical Education to Promote Shared Decision-Making. A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wagner Anke , Radionova Natalia , Rieger Monika A. , Siegel Achim
Published: July 2019

Background: Over recent years, the use of decision aids to promote shared decision-making have been examined. Studies on patient education and on continuing medical education for physicians are less common. This review analyzes intervention and evaluation studies on patient education and continuing medical education which aim to enhance shared decision-making. The following study parameters are of interest: Study designs, objectives, numbers of participants in the education courses, interventions, primary results, and quality of the studies. Methods: We systematically searched for suitable studies in two databases (Pubmed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) from the beginning of April through to mid-June 2016. Results: 16 studies from a total of 462 hits were included: Three studies on patient education and 13 studies on continuing medical education for physicians. Overall, the study parameters were heterogeneous. Major differences were found between the courses; how the courses were conducted, their length, and participants. Conclusions: The differences found in the studies made it difficult to compare the interventions and the results. There is a need for studies that systematically evaluate and further develop interventions in this area to promote shared decision-making.
Sense of Coherence and Connectedness to Nature as Predictors of Motivation for Practicing Karate
Authors: Lipowski Mariusz , Krokosz Daniel , Łada Ariadna , Sližik Miroslav , Pasek Marcin
Published: July 2019

Background: Physical activity yields exceptionally positive results when it takes place out in the open air, in contact with nature. Both contact with nature and practicing sport constitute a certain kind of philosophy of life and living by its rules plays a vital role in positive mental health―understood as maintaining a high sense of coherence. Martial arts are examples of sports that are rooted in a philosophy. The goal of this study was to explore the links between a sense of coherence and connectedness to nature in the context of motivations for practicing karate. Methods: A total of 127 practitioners of karate were examined using the Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives (IPAO), the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire, and the Connectedness to Nature Scale. Results: The most important objective for women training karate was a fit, shapely body, and for men the most important objective was physical fitness. Connectedness to nature had the strongest positive relationship with the measure of physical fitness (in both genders). A sense of comprehensibility increased men’s motivational conflict, whereas, in women, this IPAO dimension was positively related to feeling emotionally connected to the natural world. Connectedness to nature was related to motivational conflict positively in women and negatively in men. Feeling emotionally connected to the natural world correlated with a sense of comprehensibility, a sense of manageability, and a sense of meaningfulness. Sense of comprehensibility and sense of meaningfulness tended to increase with age. Conclusions: Understanding both the natural environment and the utility of setting sport-related goals led to increasing one’s efforts on the way to both successes and defeats, and, most of all, overcoming one’s weaknesses.
Immunological Factors Associated with Adult Asthma in the Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Badr R. , Koshak Emad A. , Omer Fakhreldin M. , Awadalla Nabil J. , Mahfouz Ahmed A. , Ageely Hussein M.
Published: July 2019

Background: The prevalence of asthma is on the rise in Saudi Arabia. Data regarding the immunological profile of asthma in adults in the Aseer region, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, have not been well studied. Objectives: Our aim was to study the immunological factors associated with sensitization to asthma among adults in the Aseer region. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a nested case control design in a 1:1 ratio was conducted on a sample of adults attending primary health care centers in the Aseer region. The study used a validated Arabic version of the International study of asthma and allergies in childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The presence of wheezing in the past 12 months was used as a proxy for bronchial asthma. Matched age and sex controls were selected. Both groups were tested for complete blood count (CBC), total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count including eosinophils, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurement, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and cytokine levels. Results: The present study included 110 cases and 157 age- and sex-matched controls. Rye wheat was found to be a significant outdoor sensitizing agent ((odds ratio) OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 1.06–25.69). Indoors, house dust mites Dermatophagoides petronyssinus (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.04–3.99) and Dermatophagoides farinae (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.09–5.75) were significant. Higher total IgE (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.10–3.06) and eosinophil levels (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.14–7.15) were significantly associated with adult bronchial asthma in Aseer. On the other hand, the role of cytokines was not significant. Conclusions: In the present study, certain environmental agents were found to be important with regards to sensitization to bronchial asthma in adults. Knowledge about these sensitization agents should be disseminated to health providers and treating physicians in order to enhance preventive environmental control measures and asthma management. Asthma-treating physicians in the region should be alerted to the use of targeted biological therapies in selected asthmatics with difficult-to-control courses.
The 1,3,5-Triazine Derivatives as Innovative Chemical Family of 5-HT6 Serotonin Receptor Agents with Therapeutic Perspectives for Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Latacz Gniewomir , Lubelska Annamaria , Jastrzębska-Więsek Magdalena , Partyka Anna , Marć Małgorzata Anna , Satała Grzegorz , Wilczyńska Daria , Kotańska Magdalena , Więcek Małgorzata , Kamińska Katarzyna , Wesołowska Anna , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Handzlik Jadwiga
Published: July 2019

Among serotonin receptors, the 5-HT6 subtype is the most controversial and the least known in the field of molecular mechanisms. The 5-HT6R ligands can be pivotal for innovative treatment of cognitive impairment, but none has reached pharmacological market, predominantly, due to insufficient “druglikeness” properties. Recently, 1,3,5-triazine-piperazine derivatives were identified as a new chemical family of potent 5-HT6R ligands. For the most active triazine 5-HT6R agents found (1–4), a wider binding profile and comprehensive in vitro evaluation of their drug-like parameters as well as behavioral studies and an influence on body mass in vivo were investigated within this work. Results indicated the most promising pharmacological/druglikeness profiles for 4-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (3) and 4-((2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy)methyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (4), which displayed a significant procognitive action and specific anxiolytic-like effects in the behavioral tests in vivo together with satisfied pharmaceutical and safety profiles in vitro. The thymol derivative (4) seems to be of higher importance as a new lead candidate, due to the innovative, non-indole and non-sulfone structure with the best 5-HT6R binding properties.
Simple Preparation of LaPO4:Ce, Tb Phosphors by an Ionic-Liquid-Driven Supported Liquid Membrane System
Authors: Li Jianguo , Dong Hongying , Yang Fan , Sun Liangcheng , Zhao Zhigang , Bai Ruixi , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2019

In this work, LaPO4:Ce, Tb phosphors were prepared by firing a LaPO4:Ce, Tb precipitate using an ionic-liquid-driven supported liquid membrane system. The entire system consisted of three parts: a mixed rare earth ion supply phase, a phosphate supply phase, and an ionic-liquid-driven supporting liquid membrane phase. This method showed the advantages of a high flux, high efficiency, and more controllable reaction process. The release rate of PO43− from the liquid film under different types of ionic liquid, the ratio of the rare earth ions in the precursor mixture, and the structure, morphology, and photoluminescence properties of LaPO4:Ce, Tb were investigated by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence emission spectra methods. The results showed that a pure phase of lanthanum orthophosphate with a monoclinic structure can be formed. Due to differences in the anions in the rare earth supply phase, the prepared phosphors showed micro-spherical (when using rare earth sulfate as the raw material) and nanoscale stone-shape (when using rare earth nitrate as the raw material) morphologies. Moreover, the phosphors prepared by this method had good luminescent properties, reaching a maximum emission intensity under 277 nm excitation with a predominant green emission at 543 nm which corresponded to the 5D4-7F5 transition of Tb3+.
Cross-Cell-Type Prediction of TF-Binding Site by Integrating Convolutional Neural Network and Adversarial Network
Authors: Lan Gongqiang , Zhou Jiyun , Xu Ruifeng , Lu Qin , Wang Hongpeng
Published: July 2019

Transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) play an important role in gene expression regulation. Many computational methods for TFBS prediction need sufficient labeled data. However, many transcription factors (TFs) lack labeled data in cell types. We propose a novel method, referred to as DANN_TF, for TFBS prediction. DANN_TF consists of a feature extractor, a label predictor, and a domain classifier. The feature extractor and the domain classifier constitute an Adversarial Network, which ensures that learned features are common features across different cell types. DANN_TF is evaluated on five TFs in five cell types with a total of 25 cell-type TF pairs and compared to a baseline method which does not use Adversarial Network. For both data augmentation and cross-cell-type prediction, DANN_TF performs better than the baseline method on most cell-type TF pairs. DANN_TF is further evaluated by an additional 13 TFs in the five cell types with a total of 65 cell-type TF pairs. Results show that DANN_TF achieves significantly higher AUC than the baseline method on 96.9% pairs of the 65 cell-type TF pairs. This is a strong indication that DANN_TF can indeed learn common features for cross-cell-type TFBS prediction.
Chemotactic Ligands that Activate G-Protein-Coupled Formylpeptide Receptors
Authors: Krepel Stacey A , Wang Ji Ming
Published: July 2019

Leukocyte infiltration is a hallmark of inflammatory responses. This process depends on the bacterial and host tissue-derived chemotactic factors interacting with G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptors (GPCRs) expressed on the cell surface. Formylpeptide receptors (FPRs in human and Fprs in mice) belong to the family of chemoattractant GPCRs that are critical mediators of myeloid cell trafficking in microbial infection, inflammation, immune responses and cancer progression. Both murine Fprs and human FPRs participate in many patho-physiological processes due to their expression on a variety of cell types in addition to myeloid cells. FPR contribution to numerous pathologies is in part due to its capacity to interact with a plethora of structurally diverse chemotactic ligands. One of the murine Fpr members, Fpr2, and its endogenous agonist peptide, Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), control normal mouse colon epithelial growth, repair and protection against inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. Recent developments in FPR (Fpr) and ligand studies have greatly expanded the scope of these receptors and ligands in host homeostasis and disease conditions, therefore helping to establish these molecules as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Targeting Tyrosine Kinases in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Why, Who and How?
Authors: Fernandez Solène , Desplat Vanessa , Villacreces Arnaud , Guitart Amélie V. , Milpied Noël , Pigneux Arnaud , Vigon Isabelle , Pasquet Jean-Max , Dumas Pierre-Yves
Published: July 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a myeloid malignancy carrying a heterogeneous molecular panel of mutations participating in the blockade of differentiation and the increased proliferation of myeloid hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The historical “3 + 7” treatment (cytarabine and daunorubicin) is currently challenged by new therapeutic strategies, including drugs depending on the molecular landscape of AML. This panel of mutations makes it possible to combine some of these new treatments with conventional chemotherapy. For example, the FLT3 receptor is overexpressed or mutated in 80% or 30% of AML, respectively. Such anomalies have led to the development of targeted therapies using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this review, we document the history of TKI targeting, FLT3 and several other tyrosine kinases involved in dysregulated signaling pathways.
Genetically Engineered-MSC Therapies for Non-unions, Delayed Unions and Critical-size Bone Defects
Authors: Freitas Jaime , Santos Susana Gomes , Gonçalves Raquel Madeira , Teixeira José Henrique , Barbosa Mário Adolfo , Almeida Maria Inês
Published: July 2019

The normal bone regeneration process is a complex and coordinated series of events involving different cell types and molecules. However, this process is impaired in critical-size/large bone defects, with non-unions or delayed unions remaining a major clinical problem. Novel strategies are needed to aid the current therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are able to promote bone regeneration. Their beneficial effects can be improved by modulating the expression levels of specific genes with the purpose of stimulating MSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation or their immunomodulatory capacity. In this context, the genetic engineering of MSCs is expected to further enhance their pro-regenerative properties and accelerate bone healing. Herein, we review the most promising molecular candidates (protein-coding and non-coding transcripts) and discuss the different methodologies to engineer and deliver MSCs, mainly focusing on in vivo animal studies. Considering the potential of the MSC secretome for bone repair, this topic has also been addressed. Furthermore, the promising results of clinical studies using MSC for bone regeneration are discussed. Finally, we debate the advantages and limitations of using MSCs, or genetically-engineered MSCs, and their potential as promoters of bone fracture regeneration/repair.
Lipid Saturation and the Rheology of Human Tear Lipids
Authors: Georgiev Georgi As. , Borchman Douglas , Eftimov Petar , Yokoi Norihiko
Published: July 2019

Elevated levels of acyl chain saturation of meibomian lipids are associated with enhanced tear film (TF) stability in infants to shortened TF breakup time with meibomian gland dysfunction. Thus, the effect of saturation on the surface properties of human TF lipids (TFLs) using a Langmuir surface balance and Brewster angle microscopy was studied. Lipid phase transitions were measured using infrared spectroscopy. The raise in the % of saturation resulted in thicker, and more elastic films at π = 12 mN/m, with the effects being proportional to the saturation level. At the same time, at lower (≤10 mN/m) π, the raise in saturation resulted in an altered spreading and modified structure of TFL layers. The strong impact of saturation on TFL surface properties correlated with a saturation induced increase of the TFL acyl chain order, phase transition temperature, and lipid–lipid interactions. The native TFL order and πmax were significantly greater, compared with native meibum collected from the same individual. Aggregation of lipids on the tear surface due to saturation was not as significant as it was for meibum. Although the surface pressure/area isotherms for TFL were similar for meibum, differences in rheology and phase transition parameters warrant the study of both.
Concise Review of Nickel Human Health Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
Authors: Buxton Samuel , Garman Emily , Heim Katherine E. , Lyons-Darden Tara , Schlekat Christian E. , Taylor Michael D. , Oller Adriana R.
Published: July 2019

Nickel (Ni) metal and Ni compounds are widely used in applications like stainless steel, alloys, and batteries. Nickel is a naturally occurring element in water, soil, air, and living organisms, and is essential to microorganisms and plants. Thus, human and environmental nickel exposures are ubiquitous. Production and use of nickel and its compounds can, however, result in additional exposures to humans and the environment. Notable human health toxicity effects identified from human and/or animal studies include respiratory cancer, non-cancer toxicity effects following inhalation, dermatitis, and reproductive effects. These effects have thresholds, with indirect genotoxic and epigenetic events underlying the threshold mode of action for nickel carcinogenicity. Differences in human toxicity potencies/potentials of different nickel chemical forms are correlated with the bioavailability of the Ni2+ ion at target sites. Likewise, Ni2+ has been demonstrated to be the toxic chemical species in the environment, and models have been developed that account for the influence of abiotic factors on the bioavailability and toxicity of Ni2+ in different habitats. Emerging issues regarding the toxicity of nickel nanoforms and metal mixtures are briefly discussed. This review is unique in its covering of both human and environmental nickel toxicity data.