bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Perspective to Probabilistic Modeling: Boltzmann Machines versus Born Machines
Authors: Cheng Song , Chen Jing , Wang Lei
Published: August 2018

We compare and contrast the statistical physics and quantum physics inspired approaches for unsupervised generative modeling of classical data. The two approaches represent probabilities of observed data using energy-based models and quantum states, respectively. Classical and quantum information patterns of the target datasets therefore provide principled guidelines for structural design and learning in these two approaches. Taking the Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM) as an example, we analyze the information theoretical bounds of the two approaches. We also estimate the classical mutual information of the standard MNIST datasets and the quantum Rényi entropy of corresponding Matrix Product States (MPS) representations. Both information measures are much smaller compared to their theoretical upper bound and exhibit similar patterns, which imply a common inductive bias of low information complexity. By comparing the performance of RBM with various architectures on the standard MNIST datasets, we found that the RBM with local sparse connection exhibit high learning efficiency, which supports the application of tensor network states in machine learning problems.
Temperature and Velocity Effects on Mass and Momentum Transport in Spacer-Filled Channels for Reverse Electrodialysis: A Numerical Study
Authors: Jalili Zohreh , Pharoah Jon G. , Stokke Burheim Odne , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne
Published: August 2018

Concentration polarization is one of the main challenges of membrane-based processes such as power generation by reverse electrodialysis. Spacers in the compartments can enhance mass transfer by reducing concentration polarization. Active spacers increase the available membrane surface area, thus avoiding the shadow effect introduced by inactive spacers. Optimizing the spacer-filled channels is crucial for improving mass transfer while maintaining reasonable pressure losses. The main objective of this work was to develop a numerical model based upon the Navier–Stokes and Nernst–Planck equations in OpenFOAM, for detailed investigation of mass transfer efficiency and pressure drop. The model is utilized in different spacer-filled geometries for varying Reynolds numbers, spacer conductivity and fluid temperature. Triangular corrugations are found to be the optimum geometry, particularly at low flow velocities. Cylindrical corrugations are better at high flow velocities due to lower pressure drop. Enhanced mass transfer and lower pressure drop by elevating temperature is demonstrated.
A Framework for Green Remodeling Enabling Energy Efficiency and Healthy Living for the Elderly
Authors: Park Sung , Kim Mi
Published: August 2018

This study proposes a framework for green remodeling for the elderly that emphasizes the role of designers and the notion of aging in place. Energy efficiency is critical for older persons because many of them spend more time at home and are less likely to heat and cool their homes appropriately. Improving the energy performance of the elderly’s housing by green remodeling could promote energy efficiency and healthy living for the elderly. Based on remodeling components derived from related work, key factors to be considered regarding the remodeling for the elderly were investigated. A framework for green remodeling enabling energy efficiency was developed for home upgrades for the elderly. Identifying the area of application and critical components for energy efficiency helps improve the energy performance for the elderly. This study is significant because it considers the elderly’s characteristics and experiences in the development of a sustainable remodeling process rather than new-building construction.
Evaluation of SF6 Leakage from Gas Insulated Equipment on Electricity Networks in Great Britain
Authors: Widger Phillip , Haddad Abderrahmane
Published: August 2018

This paper examines the data collected from the power industry over the last six years of actual reported emissions of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and the potential impact. The SF6 emissions have been collated from the 14 different regions in England, Scotland, and Wales (Great Britain) from the six distribution network operators. The emissions of SF6 due to the transmission network of Great Britain have also been collated from the three different transmission network operators. By collecting this SF6 emissions data from the power industry, in both the distribution and transmission networks, an overall view of the scale of SF6 emissions in Great Britain can be evaluated. Data from the power industry also shows the inventory of SF6 power equipment in use over the last six years in Great Britain and shows the calculated percentage leakage rate of all of this equipment. In this paper, these figures, as reported by the electrical power industry to the UK government, have been used to estimate the likely inventory of SF6 equipment in England, Scotland, and Wales by 2050 and the future emissions of SF6 that could be leaked into the atmosphere by this equipment.
Comparison of the Location and Rating of Energy Storage for Renewables Integration in Residential Low Voltage Networks with Overvoltage Constraints
Authors: Crossland Andrew F. , Jones Darren , Wade Neal S. , Walker Sara L.
Published: August 2018

Expansion of photovoltaic (PV) generation is increasing the challenge for network operators to keep voltages within operational limits. Voltage rise occurs in low voltage (LV) networks when distributed generators export, particularly at times of low demand. However, there is little work quantifying the scale of voltage issues and subsequently potential solutions across large numbers of real networks. In this paper, a method is presented to analyse a large quantity of geographically and topographically varying distribution networks. The impact of PV on voltages in 9163 real LV distribution networks is then quantified. One potential mitigation measure is increased network demand to reduce voltages. In this work, location algorithms are used to identify where increased demand, through energy storage, has the greatest effect on overvoltage. The study explores the impact on overvoltage of two modes of storage installation reflecting differing routes to adoption: purchase of storage by homeowners and purchase by network operators. These scenarios are compared with traditional re-conductoring in the 9163 networks. It is shown that to avoid violation of absolute voltage limits, storage should be installed at strategically important locations. Storage in homes reduces overvoltage, offering clear benefits to the network operator, but very wide deployment is required to completely remove the need for reinforcement.
RETRACTED: Production of Hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming Coupled with Catalytic Combustion in Integrated Microchannel Reactors
Authors: Chen Junjie , Liu Baofang , Gao Xuhui , Xu Deguang
Published: August 2018

This paper addresses the issues related to the rapid production of hydrogen from methane steam reforming by means of process intensification. Methane steam reforming coupled with catalytic combustion in thermally integrated microchannel reactors for the production of hydrogen was investigated numerically. The effect of the catalyst, flow arrangement, and reactor dimension was assessed to optimize the design of the system. The thermal interaction between reforming and combustion was investigated for the purpose of the rapid production of hydrogen. The importance of thermal management was discussed in detail, and a theoretical analysis was made on the transport phenomena during each of the reforming and combustion processes. The results indicated that the design of a thermally integrated system operated at millisecond contact times is feasible. The design benefits from the miniaturization of the reactors, but the improvement in catalyst performance is also required to ensure the rapid production of hydrogen, especially for the reforming process. The efficiency of heat exchange can be greatly improved by decreasing the gap distance. The flow rates should be well designed on both sides of the reactor to meet the requirements of both materials and combustion stability. The flow arrangement plays a vital role in the operation of the thermally integrated reactor, and the design in a parallel-flow heat exchanger is preferred to optimize the distribution of energy in the system. The catalyst loading is an important design parameter to optimize reactor performance and must be carefully designed. Finally, engineering maps were constructed to design thermally integrated devices with desired power, and operating windows were also determined.
Dynamic DC-link Voltage Adjustment for Electric Vehicles Considering the Cross Saturation Effects
Authors: Li Huimin , Huang Shoudao , Luo Derong , Gao Jian , Fan Peng
Published: August 2018

The demands of remarkable reliability and high power density of traction systems are becoming more and more rigorous. The conflicting requirements imposed on the control strategy are higher accuracy and higher efficiency over the whole speed range. However, parameter variations caused by the cross coupling and magnetic saturation effect (omitted from the cross saturation effects in the following) are usually neglected in conventional control strategies, which could reduce the control precision. In order to fully consider the influence of parameter changes on the motor control and derive an approach that could realize the maximum efficiency during the whole speed range, this paper proposes a dynamic DC-link voltage adjustment strategy considering the cross coupling and magnetic saturation effects. The strategy can be categorized into three parts. Firstly, the torque request is transformed to the optimal current reference signal. Secondly, the differences between the setpoint and the real-time feedback signals of torque and voltage can be applied in the linearized function in the did,q coordinate. The solution guides the current vector into the optimal direction under the current and voltage limits to ensure the safety and reliability of the motor. Finally, last, the bus voltage can be modified according to the asked terminal voltage. A 10 kW prototype which instrumented a bidirectional DC-DC converter to regulating the bus voltage has been studied. The simulation and experiment results verify that the proposed control strategy can reduce the inverter losses in low speed region by offering the low bus voltage and track the actual maximum torque control trace more accurately, meanwhile, the flux weakening region can be delayed in high speed region by applying a high bus voltage. It helps the motor realize the high utilization rate of the DC-link voltage and guarantees the system reliability and robustness.
Effects of Leaf Age and Exogenous Hormones on Callus Initiation, Rooting Formation, Bud Germination, and Plantlet Formation in Chinese Fir Leaf Cuttings
Authors: Zhou Lili , Li Shubin , Huang Peng , Lin Sizu , Addo-Danso Shalom Daniel , Ma Zhihui , Ding Guochang
Published: August 2018

To guide the cultivation of superior Chinese fir plantlets, we designed an L16(4)4 orthogonal experiment to determine how leaf age and exogenous hormones influence key growth processes in leaf cuttings. Hormone concentration and treatment duration significantly affected leaf cuttings in all three age categories; 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and treatment time exerted the strongest effects on callus initiation rates. Additionally, NAA had the largest effect on the rooting rate across all cuttings, and all three hormones significantly influenced the bud germination rate. Based on our experimental results, expected optimal treatments for callus initiation were 10 mg∙L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 10 min, 30 mg∙L−1 NAA for 15 min, and 10 mg∙L−1 NAA plus 30 mg∙L−1 IBA for 10 min. For the rooting rate, the expected optimal treatment was 50 mg∙L−1 NAA and 40 mg∙L−1 IBA for 5–20 min. Finally, for bud germination, optimal treatments were 20 min of immersion in water, 30 mg∙L−1 6-BA plus 50 mg∙L−1 NAA for 15 min, and 30 mg∙L−1 6-BA for 5 min. Plantlet formation only occurred in the <one-year-old leaves, and at very low rates (maximum 5.8%); this outcome is likely attributable to the mother plant’s relatively old age (five years). Plantlet formation from cuttings is dependent on ensuring the rooting rate after callus initiation. Therefore, to promote rooting rates and bud germination, we recommend leaving more xylem at the base of leaf cuttings.
Using Historical Precipitation Patterns to Forecast Daily Extremes of Rainfall for the Coming Decades in Naples (Italy)
Authors: Diodato Nazzareno , Bellocchi Gianni
Published: August 2018

The coasts of the Italian peninsula have been recently affected by frequent damaging hydrological events driven by intense rainfall and deluges. The internal climatic mechanisms driving rainfall variability that generate these hydrological events in the Mediterranean are not fully understood. We investigated the simulation skill of a soft-computing approach to forecast extreme rainfalls in Naples (Italy). An annual series of daily maximum rainfall spanning the period between 1866 and 2016 was used for the design of ensemble projections in order to understand and quantify the uncertainty associated with interannual to interdecadal predictability. A predictable structure was first provided, and then elaborated by exponential smoothing for the purposes of training, validation, and forecast. For the time horizon between 2017 and 2066, the projections indicate a weak increase of daily maximum rainfalls, followed by almost the same pace as it was in the previous three decades, presenting remarkable wavelike variations with durations of more than one year. The forecasted pattern is coupled with variations attributed to internal climate modes, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO).
How Can Climate Change Affect the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites in Panama?
Authors: Ciantelli Chiara , Palazzi Elisa , Von Hardenberg Jost , Vaccaro Carmela , Tittarelli Francesca , Bonazza Alessandra
Published: August 2018

This work investigates the impact of long-term climate change on heritage sites in Latin America, focusing on two important sites in the Panamanian isthmus included in the World Heritage List: the monumental site of Panamá Viejo (16th century) and the Fortresses of Portobelo and San Lorenzo (17th to 18th centuries). First of all, in order to support the conservation and valorisation of these sites, a characterisation of the main construction materials utilized in the building masonries was performed together with an analysis of the meteoclimatic conditions in their vicinity as provided by monitoring stations recording near-surface air temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall amounts. Secondly, the same climate variables were analysed in the historical and future simulations of a state-of-the-art global climate model, EC-Earth, run at high horizontal resolution, and then used with damage functions to make projections of deterioration phenomena on the Panamanian heritage sites. In particular, we performed an evaluation of the possible surface recession, biomass accumulation, and deterioration due to salt crystallisation cycles on these sites in the future (by midcentury, 2039–2068) compared to the recent past (1979–2008), considering a future scenario of high greenhouse gas emissions.
Ensemble Radar-Based Rainfall Forecasts for Urban Hydrological Applications
Authors: Codo Mayra , Rico-Ramirez Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

Radar rainfall forecasting is of major importance to predict flows in the sewer system to enhance early flood warning systems in urban areas. In this context, reducing radar rainfall estimation uncertainties can improve rainfall forecasts. This study utilises an ensemble generator that assesses radar rainfall uncertainties based on historical rain gauge data as ground truth. The ensemble generator is used to produce probabilistic radar rainfall forecasts (radar ensembles). The radar rainfall forecast ensembles are compared against a stochastic ensemble generator. The rainfall forecasts are used to predict sewer flows in a small urban area in the north of England using an Infoworks CS model. Uncertainties in radar rainfall forecasts are assessed using relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the results showed that the radar ensembles overperform the stochastic ensemble generator in the first hour of the forecasts. The forecast predictability is however rapidly lost after 30 min lead-time. This implies that knowledge of the statistical properties of the radar rainfall errors can help to produce more meaningful radar rainfall forecast ensembles.
Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Team Model of Care: A Clinical Overview
Authors: Flood Kellie L. , Booth Katrina , Vickers Jasmine , Simmons Emily , James David H. , Biswal Shari , Deaver Jill , White Marjorie Lee , Bowman Ella H.
Published: August 2018

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Reports of To Err is Human and Crossing the Quality Chasm have called for more interprofessional and coordinated hospital care. For over 20 years, Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Units and models of care that disseminate ACE principles have demonstrated outcomes in-line with the IOM goals. The objective of this overview is to provide a concise summary of studies that describe outcomes of ACE models of care published in 1995 or later. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion. Of these, 19 studies were from ACE Units and three were evaluations of ACE Services, or teams that cared for patients on more than one hospital unit. Outcomes from these studies included increased adherence to evidence-based geriatric care processes, improved patient functional status at time of hospital discharge, and reductions in length of stay and costs in patients admitted to ACE models compared to usual care. These outcomes represent value-based care. As interprofessional team models are adopted, training in successful team functioning will also be needed.
Veteran Treatments: PTSD Interventions
Authors: Koven Steven G.
Published: August 2018

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has resulted in high social costs in terms of the lingering inability of veterans to adapt to societal norms. These costs accrue to individual veterans, their families, friends, and others. In addition, society suffers from the lost productivity of veterans. There is a need to pay greater attention to the extant literature regarding the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of various interventions. This study reviews the most relevant research regarding PTSD, veterans, interventions, treatment, counseling, job training and medication. Increasing awareness of the existing state of knowledge can lead to better targeting of resources and better health outcomes.
Coffee Drinking and Associated Factors in an Elderly Population in Spain
Authors: Torres-Collado Laura , García-de la Hera Manuela , Navarrete-Muñoz Eva Maria , Compañ-Gabucio Laura Maria , Gonzalez-Palacios Sandra , Vioque Jesús
Published: August 2018

Coffee consumption is highly prevalent worldwide, and many studies have reported positive and inverse associations of coffee with many diseases. However, factors associated with coffee consumption remain poorly characterized in some populations, such as the elderly. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with total, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption in an elderly population in Spain. Data were analyzed from 903 participants, aged 65 years and above, from two population-based studies carried out in the Valencia region in Spain (Valencia Nutritional Survey (VNS) and European Eye Study (EUREYE-Study). Total, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption was assessed through two specific questions using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Information on personal characteristics, anthropometry and lifestyles was collected in personal interviews. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted relative risk ratios (RRR) and confidence intervals (95% CI). The prevalence of total, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption was 70%, 38% and 32%, respectively. The consumption of caffeinated coffee was positively associated with: Educational level, RRR = 1.63 (1.09–2.44); body mass index (≥30), RRR = 2.03 (1.05–3.95); tobacco smoking, RRR = 1.96 (1.13–3.39); alcohol intake [≥12 g/day category intake vs. no-alcohol intake, RRR = 6.25 (3.56–10.95)]; and energy intake (p < 0.05). Consumption of caffeinated coffee was negatively associated with: Age (≥75 years), RRR = 0.64 (0.43–0.94); and pre-existing hypertension, RRR = 0.67 (0.45–0.98). The consumption of decaffeinated coffee was positively associated with: Alcohol intake, RRR = 2.63 (1.19–4.64); pre-existing diabetes, RRR = 1.67 (1.06–2.62); and energy intake (p < 0.01). The consumption of coffee is high among elderly people in Spain. It is a novelty in this study with elderly population that tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking were the two main factors associated with higher coffee consumption. Self-reported hypertension was associated with a lower consumption of caffeinated coffee, and pre-existing diabetes was associated with a higher consumption of decaffeinated coffee. These associations should be taken into account when the health effects of coffee consumption are investigated.
An Assessment of Current and Past Concentrations of Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water throughout France
Authors: Corso Magali , Galey Catherine , Seux René , Beaudeau Pascal
Published: August 2018

In France, 95% of people are supplied with chlorinated tap water. Due to the presence of natural organic matter that reacts with chlorine, the concentrations of chlorination by-products (CBPs) are much higher in chlorinated water produced from surface water than from groundwater. Surface water supplies 33% of the French population. Until the 1980s, almost all surface water utilities pre-chlorinated water at the intake. Pre-chlorination was then gradually banned from 1980 to 2000. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are the only regulated CBP in France. Since 2003, THMs have been monitored at the outlet of all utilities. This study assessed current (2005–2011) and past (1960–2000) exposure of the French population to THMs. We developed an original method to model THM concentrations between 1960 and 2000 according to current concentrations of THMs, concentration of total organic carbon in raw and finished water, and the evolution of water treatments from 1960 onward. Current and past mean exposure of the French population to THMs was estimated at 11.7 µg·L−1 and 17.3 µg·L−1, respectively. In the past, approximately 10% of the French population was exposed to concentrations >50 µg·L−1 vs. 1% currently. Large variations in exposure were observed among France’s 100 administrative districts, mainly depending on the water origin (i.e., surface vs. ground), ranging between 0.2 and 122.1 µg·L−1 versus between 1.8 and 38.6 µg·L−1 currently.
Weather and Health Symptoms
Authors: Lee Mihye , Ohde Sachiko , Urayama Kevin Y. , Takahashi Osamu , Fukui Tsuguya
Published: August 2018

Weather affects the daily lives of individuals. However, its health effects have not been fully elucidated. It may lead to physical symptoms and/or influence mental health. Thus, we evaluated the association between weather parameters and various ailments. We used daily reports on health symptoms from 4548 individuals followed for one month in October of 2013, randomly sampled from the entirety of Japan. Weather variables from the monitoring station located closest to the participants were used as weather exposure. Logistic mixed effects model with a random intercept for each individual was applied to evaluate the effect of temperature and humidity on physical symptoms. Stratified analyses were conducted to compare weather effects by sex and age group. The lag day effects were also assessed. Joint pain was associated with higher temperature (1.87%, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.59) and humidity (1.38%, 95% CI = 0.78 to 2.00). Headaches was increased by 0.56% (95% CI = −0.55 to 1.77) per 1 °C increase in the maximum temperature and by 1.35% per 1 °C increase in dew point. Weather was associated with various physical symptoms. Women seem to be more sensitive to weather conditions in association with physical symptoms, especially higher humidity and lower temperature.
Health Risk Associated with Exposure to PM10 and Benzene in Three Italian Towns
Authors: De Donno Antonella , De Giorgi Mattia , Bagordo Francesco , Grassi Tiziana , Idolo Adele , Serio Francesca , Ceretti Elisabetta , Feretti Donatella , Villarini Milena , Moretti Massimo , Carducci Annalaura , Verani Marco , Bonetta Silvia , Pignata Cristina , Bonizzoni Silvia , Bonetti Alberto , Gelatti Umberto ,   On behalf of the MAPEC_LIFE Study Group
Published: August 2018

Air pollution in urban areas is a major concern as it negatively affects the health of a large number of people. The purpose of this study was to assess the inhalation health risk for exposure to PM10 and benzene of the populations living in three Italian cities. Data regarding PM10 and benzene daily measured by “traffic” stations and “background” stations in Torino, Perugia, and Lecce during 2014 and 2015 were compared to the limits indicated in the Directive 2008/50/EC. In addition, an inhalation risk analysis for exposure to benzene was performed for adults and children by applying the standard United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) methodology. The levels of PM10 detected in Torino exceeded the legal limits in both years with an increased mean concentration >10 µg/m3 comparing with background station. Benzene concentrations never exceeded the legislative target value. The increased cancer risk (ICR) for children exposed to benzene was greater than 1 × 10−6 only in the city of Torino, while for adults, the ICR was higher than 1 × 10−6 in all the cities. The results suggest the need for emission reduction policies to preserve human health from continuous and long exposure to air pollutants. A revision of legal limits would also be recommended.
Rebuilding the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem
Authors: Gagliardi Antonella , Totino Valentina , Cacciotti Fatima , Iebba Valerio , Neroni Bruna , Bonfiglio Giulia , Trancassini Maria , Passariello Claudio , Pantanella Fabrizio , Schippa Serena
Published: August 2018

A microbial ecosystem in which bacteria no longer live in a mutualistic association is called dysbiotic. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a condition related with the pathogenesis of intestinal illnesses (irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease) and extra-intestinal illnesses (obesity, metabolic disorder, cardiovascular syndrome, allergy, and asthma). Dysbiosis status has been related to various important pathologies, and many therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring the balance of the intestinal ecosystem have been implemented. These strategies include the administration of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics; phage therapy; fecal transplantation; bacterial consortium transplantation; and a still poorly investigated approach based on predatory bacteria. This review discusses the various aspects of these strategies to counteract intestinal dysbiosis.
Dissipation Dynamic and Final Residues of Oxadiargyl in Paddy Fields Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Modified QuEChERS Method
Authors: Deng Xile , Zhou Yong , Zheng Wenna , Bai Lianyang , Zhou Xiaomao
Published: August 2018

Oxadiargyl, which binds to the protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX to exhibit herbicide activity, is mainly used in the prevention of certain perennial broadleaved and grass weeds during the preemergence of rice in paddy fields. However, oxadiargyl affects the germination and seedling growth of rice, causing damage to the plant and reducing rice yield. Hence, monitoring fate and behaviour of oxadiargyl in rice paddy fields is of great significance. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was established in paddy water, paddy soil, rice straw, paddy hull, and brown rice. We validated this method for the first time in the analysis of the dissipation dynamic and residues of oxadiargyl over two years (2015–2016) at three sites in China. The average recoveries of oxadiargyl ranged from 76.0 to 98.8%, with relative standard deviations of 3.5–14.0%. The dissipation curves for paddy soil fit to a first-order kinetic equation, revealing that oxadiargyl degraded rapidly in paddy soil with half-lives (t1/2) of 4.5–7.6 days. The final oxadiargyl residues in all samples remained below the detection limit and the maximum residue limit in China (0.02 mg kg−1) and Japan (0.05 mg kg−1) during the harvesting dates and were not detected in rice straw.
Association of Self-Perceived Oral Health and Function with Clinically Determined Oral Health Status among Adults Aged 35–54 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Se-Yeon , Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Han-Na , Jun Eun-Joo , Lee Jung-Ha , Kim Ji-Soo , Kim Jin-Bom
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to analyse the association of self-perceived oral health status (OHS) and functions with clinical OHS in Korean adults aged 35–54 years. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study using data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2009). A total of 6605 subjects aged 35–54 years who completed the oral examination and questionnaires were included. An association of self-perceived OHS and functions with clinically determined OHS was confirmed by a complex-samples general linear model. Data on socioeconomic variables, i.e., household income and education level, self-perceived OHS and functions, such as chewing and speaking, were collected by trained interviewers. The clinical OHS was determined by trained dentists and included the number of untreated decayed teeth (DT); decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT); prosthetic and periodontal status. The combined score was estimated as the sum of self-perceived OHS and functions. Based on the estimation coefficient, the clinical variables that were most strongly associated with self-perceived OHS and functions were, in order, periodontal status, prosthetic status, DT, and DMFT. In addition, the combined score for self-perceived OHS and functions was associated with household income, education, and clinically determined OHS.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Polygalacturonase Genes in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Ke Xubo , Wang Huasen , Li Yang , Zhu Biao , Zang Yunxiang , He Yong , Cao Jiashu , Zhu Zhujun , Yu Youjian
Published: August 2018

Polygalacturonase (PG), a large hydrolase family in plants, is involved in pectin disassembly of the cell wall in plants. The present study aims to characterize PG genes and investigate their expression patterns in Solanum lycopersicum. We identified 54 PG genes in the tomato genome and compared their amino acid sequences with their Arabidopsis counterpart. Subsequently, we renamed these PG genes according to their Arabidopsis homologs. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis revealed that these tomato PG genes could be classified into seven clades, and within each clade the exon/intron structures were conserved. Expression profiles analysis through quantitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that most SlPGs had specific or high expression patterns in at least one organ, and particularly five PG genes (SlPG14, SlPG15, SlPG49, SlPG70, and SlPG71) associated with fruit development. Promoter analysis showed that more than three cis-elements associated with plant hormone response, environmental stress response or specific organ/tissue development exhibited in each SlPG promoter regions. In conclusion, our results may provide new insights for the further study of PG gene function during plant development.
Phenolic Compounds Isolated from Olive Oil as Nutraceutical Tools for the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Reboredo-Rodríguez Patricia , Varela-López Alfonso , Forbes-Hernández Tamara Y. , Gasparrini Massimiliano , Afrin Sadia , Cianciosi Danila , Zhang Jiaojiao , Manna Piera Pia , Bompadre Stefano , Quiles José L. , Battino Maurizio , Giampieri Francesca
Published: August 2018

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the largest contributor to worldwide morbidity and mortality. Among them, cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for a 47% of worldwide mortality. In general, preventive approaches modifying lifestyle are more cost-effective than treatments after disease onset. In this sense, a healthy diet could help a range of NCDs, such as cancer and CVDs. Traditional Mediterranean Diet (MD) is associated by the low-prevalence of certain types of cancers and CVDs, where olive oil plays an important role. In fact, different epidemiological studies suggest that olive oil consumption prevents some cancers, as well as coronary heart diseases and stroke incidence and mortality. Historically, the beneficial health effects of virgin olive oil (VOO) intake were first attributed to the high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids. Nowadays, many studies indicate that phenolic compounds contained in olive oil have positive effects on different biomarkers related to health. Among them, phenolic compounds would be partially responsible for health benefits. The present work aims to explore, in studies published during the last five years, the effects of the main phenolic compounds isolated from olive oil on different cancer or CVD aspects, in order to clarify which compounds have more potential to be used as nutraceuticals with preventive or even therapeutic properties.
Hydroxyl Radical-Suppressing Mechanism and Efficiency of Melanin-Mimetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Hayashi Koichiro , Tokuda Atsuto , Sakamoto Wataru
Published: August 2018

Harnessing melanins to scavenge free radicals in vivo may yield treatment methods for inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, elucidation of the mechanism underlying melanin-mediated suppression of free radicals, which is yet unclear, is warranted. Herein, we chemically synthesized melanin-mimetic nanoparticles (MeNPs) and investigated the mechanism underlying their use. MeNPs efficiently suppressed hydroxyl radicals by converting some MeNP hydroxyl groups to ketone groups. Furthermore, they suppressed hydroxyl radicals produced by lipopolysaccharide-treated Kupffer cells involved in hepatic cirrhosis pathogenesis, without causing significant cytotoxicity. The present results indicate the suitability of MeNPs to treat hepatic cirrhosis; however, further in vivo studies are warranted to determine their treatment efficacy.
Breaking Users’ Mobile Phone Number Based on Geographical Location: A Case Study with YY
Authors: Yue Hongzhou , Guo Huaping , Ma Xingpo
Published: August 2018

Geographical location and mobile phone numbers are important parts of user privacy and lots of studies have been working on the privacy leakage problems of these two aspects. However, no researchers have ever studied the security problems that can be caused by the interaction between them. We show a new form of network attack in this paper by making full use of the relationship between them; namely, we try to break a user’s mobile phone number with the aid of a user’s geographical location that has been broken. We study the phenomenon of exposing a user’s geographical location and parts of their phone number that exist in a series of popular software products, and the possibility of the user’s mobile phone number to be broken is discussed. We choose one of the software (the largest entertainment webcast platform in China—YY) as the research object. First, taking advantage of a series of security vulnerabilities that exist in YY, a user’s accurate geographical location is broken by the trilateration localization algorithm. Then, their mobile phone number attribution can be inferred according to their geographical location. Next, a mobile phone number test set is constructed according to the mobile phone segment allocation made by the three carriers (telecommunication operators) and the exposed parts of the user’s phone number. Finally, a brute-force method is used to break the user’s mobile phone number. The great effect of a user’s geographical location on breaking a mobile phone number is proved by experiments, and security precaution suggestions are given at the end of the paper.
Temporal and Atemporal Provider Network Analysis in a Breast Cancer Cohort from an Academic Medical Center (USA)
Authors: Steitz Bryan D. , Levy Mia A.
Published: August 2018

Social network analysis (SNA) is a quantitative approach to study relationships between individuals. Current SNA methods use static models of organizations, which simplify network dynamics. To better represent the dynamic nature of clinical care, we developed a temporal social network analysis model to better represent care temporality. We applied our model to appointment data from a single institution for early stage breast cancer patients. Our cohort of 4082 patients were treated by 2190 providers. Providers had 54,695 unique relationships when calculated using our temporal method, compared to 249,075 when calculated using the atemporal method. We found that traditional atemporal approaches to network modeling overestimate the number of provider-provider relationships and underestimate common network measures such as care density within a network. Social network analysis, when modeled accurately, is a powerful tool for organizational research within the healthcare domain.
Recognizing Obesity in Adult Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study Assessing Rates of Documentation and Prevalence of Obesity
Authors: Hossain Mohammad , Amin Ami , Paul Anju , Qaisar Huzaif , Akula Monika , Amirpour Alireza , Gor Shreya , Giglio Sofi , Cheng Jennifer , Mathew Roy , Vachharajani Tushar , Bakr Mohamed , Asif Arif
Published: August 2018

Background: While obesity is a chronic condition that predisposes patients to other more serious disorders, the prevalence and the documentation of obesity as diagnosis has not been extensively studied in hospitalized patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review to investigate the prevalence and documentation of obesity as a diagnosis among patients admitted to our medical center. Method: IRB approval was obtained for this retrospective study. Body mass index (BMI) as per CDC, admission and discharge diagnosis of obesity and common comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were recorded. The length of stay in the hospital was also calculated. We also investigated whether counselling was provided to the obese patients for weight loss. Results: A total of 540 consecutive patients were reviewed with a mean age was 66 ± 6 years. Out of 540 patients only 182 (34%) had normal weight, 188 (35%) of the patients were overweight and 170 (31%) patients were obese. Of the obese group, 55% were female and 45% were male.100 (59%) had class I obesity, 43 (25%) had class II obesity and 27 (16%) class III obesity. Of the obese patients 40/170 (23.5%) patients had obesity documented on the admission problem list and only 21 (12%) had obesity documented as a discharge diagnosis. Only 3 (2%) patients were given appropriate counseling and referral for obesity management during the hospitalization. Comorbidities and their prevalence included, hypertension (68%), diabetes mellitus (35%), hyperlipidemia (36%), coronary artery disease (18%), chronic kidney disease (17%), congestive heart failure (18%) and COPD (24%). The average length of stay in normal weight, overweight and obese patients was similar for all three groups (4.5 ± 0.5 days). Conclusion: A significant number of hospitalized patients were overweight and obese. An overwhelming percentage never had weight status documented. Hospitalization offers health care providers a window of opportunity to identify obesity, communicate risks, and initiate weight management interventions.
Manufacturing, Characterisation and Properties of Advanced Nanocomposites
Authors: Dong Yu , Pramanik Alokesh , Liu Dongyan , Umer Rehan
Published: August 2018

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Prediction of Young’s Modulus for Injection Molded Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Baird Donald G.
Published: August 2018

In this article, the elastic properties of long-fiber injection-molded thermoplastics (LFTs) are investigated by micro-mechanical approaches including the Halpin-Tsai (HT) model and the Mori-Tanaka model based on Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion (EMT). In the modeling, the elastic properties are calculated by the fiber content, fiber length, and fiber orientation. Several closure approximations for the fourth-order fiber orientation tensor are evaluated by comparing the as-calculated elastic stiffness with that from the original experimental fourth-order tensor. An empirical model was developed to correct the fibers’ aspect ratio in the computation for the actual as-formed LFTs with fiber bundles under high fiber content. After the correction, the analytical predictions had good agreement with the experimental stiffness values from tensile tests on the LFTs. Our analysis shows that it is essential to incorporate the effect of the presence of fiber bundles to accurately predict the composite properties. This work involved the use of experimental values of fiber orientation and serves as the basis for computing part stiffness as a function of mold filling conditions. The work also explains why the modulus tends to level off with fiber concentration.
Special Issue: Fungal Cell Wall
Authors: Beauvais Anne , Latgé Jean-Paul
Published: August 2018

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Phase Stability and Properties of Ti-Nb-Zr Thin Films and Their Dependence on Zr Addition
Authors: Yang Jeonghyeon , Baatarsukh Munkhbayar , Bae Joohyeon , Huh Sunchul , Jeong Hyomin , Choi Byeongkeun , Nam Taehyun , Noh Jungpil
Published: August 2018

Ternary Ti-Nb-Zr alloys were prepared by a magnetron sputtering method with porous structures observed in some of them. In bulk, in order to control the porous structure, a space holder (NH4HCO3) is used in the sintering method. However, in the present work, we show that the porous structure is also dependent on alloy composition. The results from Young’s modulus tests confirm that these alloys obey d-electrons alloy theory. However, the Young’s modulus of ternary thin films (≈80–95 GPa) is lower than that for binary alloys (≈108–123 GPa). The depth recovery ratio of ternary Ti-Nb-Zr thin films is also higher than that for binary β-Ti-(25.9–34.2)Nb thin film alloys.
Green’s Relations on a Semigroup of Transformations with Restricted Range that Preserves an Equivalence Relation and a Cross-Section
Authors: Pookpienlert Chollawat , Honyam Preeyanuch , Sanwong Jintana
Published: August 2018

Let T(X,Y) be the semigroup consisting of all total transformations from X into a fixed nonempty subset Y of X. For an equivalence relation ρ on X, let ρ^ be the restriction of ρ on Y, R a cross-section of Y/ρ^ and define T(X,Y,ρ,R) to be the set of all total transformations α from X into Y such that α preserves both ρ (if (a,b)∈ρ, then (aα,bα)∈ρ) and R (if r∈R, then rα∈R). T(X,Y,ρ,R) is then a subsemigroup of T(X,Y). In this paper, we give descriptions of Green’s relations on T(X,Y,ρ,R), and these results extend the results on T(X,Y) and T(X,ρ,R) when taking ρ to be the identity relation and Y=X, respectively.
Chemical Mutagenesis and Fluorescence-Based High-Throughput Screening for Enhanced Accumulation of Carotenoids in a Model Marine Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Yi Zhiqian , Su Yixi , Xu Maonian , Bergmann Andreas , Ingthorsson Saevar , Rolfsson Ottar , Salehi-Ashtiani Kourosh , Brynjolfsson Sigurdur , Fu Weiqi
Published: August 2018

Diatoms are a major group of unicellular algae that are rich in lipids and carotenoids. However, sustained research efforts are needed to improve the strain performance for high product yields towards commercialization. In this study, we generated a number of mutants of the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a cosmopolitan species that has also been found in Nordic region, using the chemical mutagens ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG). We found that both chlorophyll a and neutral lipids had a significant correlation with carotenoid content and these correlations were better during exponential growth than in the stationary growth phase. Then, we studied P. tricornutum common metabolic pathways and analyzed correlated enzymatic reactions between fucoxanthin synthesis and pigmentation or lipid metabolism through a genome-scale metabolic model. The integration of the computational results with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data revealed key compounds underlying the correlative metabolic pathways. Approximately 1000 strains were screened using fluorescence-based high-throughput method and five mutants selected had 33% or higher total carotenoids than the wild type, in which four strains remained stable in the long term and the top mutant exhibited an increase of 69.3% in fucoxanthin content compared to the wild type. The platform described in this study may be applied to the screening of other high performing diatom strains for industrial applications.
Degradation of Fucoxanthin to Elucidate the Relationship between the Fucoxanthin Molecular Structure and Its Antiproliferative Effect on Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Komba Shiro , Kotake-Nara Eiichi , Tsuzuki Wakako
Published: August 2018

Fucoxanthin has an antiproliferative effect on cancer cells, but its detailed structure–activity correlation has not yet been elucidated. To elucidate this correlation, fucoxanthin was degraded by ozonolysis. The degraded compounds of fucoxanthin obtained by ozonolysis were purified by HPLC and analyzed by NMR. The polyene chain of fucoxanthin was cleaved by ozonolysis, and the fucoxanthin was divided into two types of cyclohexyl derivatives, one with a β,γ-epoxy ketone group and the other with an allenic bond. In order to elucidate the structure–activity correlation, Caco-2 cells (human colorectal carcinoma) were treated with fucoxanthin degradation compounds. It was found that the entire structure of fucoxanthin is not essential for its antiproliferative effect and that even a partial structure exerts this effect.
Formation of Thin, Isoporous Block Copolymer Membranes by an Upscalable Profile Roller Coating Process—A Promising Way to Save Block Copolymer
Authors: Bucher Thomas , Filiz Volkan , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker
Published: August 2018

In this work we present a method to manufacture flat sheet membranes with a thin isoporous block copolymer (BCP) layer (thickness <3 µm) by profile roller coating (breadth: 30 cm) on top of a porous support membrane. Highly diluted BCP-solutions were used for this coating process. While we cast membranes with dimensions of 30 cm × 50 cm in this work, the procedure can easily be extended to endless dimensions in this roll to roll (R2R) process. The method offers the possibility to save >95% of BCP raw material compared to common doctor blade casting, by strongly decreasing the layer thickness to below 3 µm in combination with a highly open substructure. Additionally, we report a straightforward method to investigate the influence of the solvent evaporation time between coating and precipitation (phase inversion) on the membrane morphology using one sample only, which also ensures that all other influencing parameters remain constant.