bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postharvest Techniques to Prevent the Incidence of Botrytis Mold of ‘BRS Vitoria’ Seedless Grape under Cold Storage
Authors: Domingues Allan Ricardo , Roberto Sergio Ruffo , Ahmed Saeed , Shahab Muhammad , José Chaves Junior Osmar , Sumida Ciro Hideki , De Souza Reginaldo Teodoro
Published: August 2018

‘BRS Vitoria’ (Vitis spp.) is a novel hybrid seedless table grape recommended for cultivation in tropical and subtropical areas, especially for overseas export. The main postharvest disease of this cultivar is botrytis or gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), which occurs even under low temperatures in cold chambers. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) release pads have been used to control this disease under cold storage, but some grape cultivars are sensitive to certain levels of this compound. The objective of this work was to evaluate different types of SO2 generator pads in order to prevent the incidence of gray mold of ‘BRS Vitoria’ seedless grape, as well to avoid other grape injuries during cold storage. Grape bunches were harvested when fully ripened (16°Brix) from a commercial field trained on overhead trellis and located at Marialva, state of Parana (PR) (South Brazil). Grapes were packed into carton boxes and subjected to the following SO2 pad treatments (Uvasys®, Cape Town, South Africa) in a cold chamber (2 °C): (a) control; (b) SO2 slow release pad; (c) SO2 dual release pad; (d) SO2 dual release–fast reduced pad; (e) SO2 slow release pad with grapes inoculated with B. cinerea; (f) SO2 dual release pad with grapes inoculated with B. cinerea; and (g) SO2 dual release–fast reduced pad with grapes inoculated with B. cinerea. After a 50-day cold chamber period, the grape boxes were kept for 7 days at room temperature at 25 °C. A randomized design was used with seven treatments and four replications, with five bunches per plot. The incidence of gray mold on grapes was evaluated after the 50-day cold storage and after the 7-days-at-room-temperature periods, as well other grape physicochemical variables, such as shattered berries, stem browning, bunch mass, bunch mass loss, skin color, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and SS/TA. The dual release pads were more efficient in preventing the incidence of gray mold and mass loss in ‘BRS Vitoria’ seedless grapes than the slow release pads in both storage periods. The incidence of shattered berries was lower when any type SO2 pad was used during cold storage, and no effects were observed on stem browning, firmness, or berry skin color of ‘BRS Vitoria’ grapes.
From Office Environmental Stressors to Work Performance: The Role of Work Patterns
Authors: Soriano Aida , Kozusznik Malgorzata W. , Peiró Jose M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Different studies have shown a relationship between office environmental stressors and performance. However, studying environmental stress in the workplace requires analyzing more specific patterns to generate knowledge about the type of employees who are more or less vulnerable to environmental stressors. The present study analyzes the mediating role of health symptoms and negative emotions in the relationship between stressors and performance in different work patterns (task complexity and interactivity). Methods: There were 83 office workers (n = 603 time points) that took part in a diary study with multilevel design. Results: The appraisal of the environmental stressors is positively related to health-related symptoms, which in turn increase negative emotions, and then decrease the performance of workers who perform complex tasks and interact frequently with other people at work. This mediation is not significant when office workers do not interact frequently with other people at work and/or perform simple, rather than complex tasks. Conclusions: Work patterns play an important role when studying the mediating role of health-related symptoms and negative emotions in the relationship between the appraisal of environmental stressors and performance in office workers. In other words, employees in the ‘interactive and complex’ pattern are more vulnerable to the negative effects of office stressors on performance.
Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women Addicted to Alcohol
Authors: Jenczura Anna , Czajkowska Mariola , Skrzypulec-Frankel Agnieszka , Skrzypulec-Plinta Violetta , Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Alcoholism impairs female sexual functions (decreased sex drive, reduced vaginal fluid, difficulty to experience orgasm). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of perimenopausal period and sexual life of female alcoholics. Methods: 97 women at the age of 40–60 years were qualified with a diagnosed history of alcoholism (studied group). For the control group, 92 women at the age of 40–60 without a history of alcoholism were qualified. Questionnaires assessing female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index—FSFI), the severity of perimenopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale—MRS) and the degree of alcohol addiction (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test—MAST) were obtained from each participant. Main outcome measures: To assess the sexual function of perimenopausal women addicted to alcohol. Results: The studied and control groups were significantly different (p = 0.00) in terms of severity of menopausal symptoms (MRS). The research showed lower quality of sexual life (FSFI) of women from the studied group. Conclusions: Population of women with diagnosed alcohol dependence enter the menopausal stage at the similar age as the population of female non-drinkers. The time of alcohol abuse is an important factor having an impact on both the course of menopause and the dynamics of the perimenopause period, leading to symptom escalation. The population of female alcoholics shows a decrease in sexual activity and the prevalence of sexual disorders.
Media Health Literacy, eHealth Literacy, and the Role of the Social Environment in Context
Authors: Levin-Zamir Diane , Bertschi Isabella
Published: August 2018

Health literacy describes skills and competencies that enable people to gain access to, understand and apply health information to positively influence their own health and the health of those in their social environments. In an increasingly media saturated and digitized world, these skill sets are necessary for accessing and navigating sources of health information and tools, such as television, the Internet, and mobile apps. The concepts of Media Health Literacy (MHL) and eHealth Literacy (eHL) describe the specific competencies such tasks require. This article introduces the two concepts, and then reviews findings on the associations of MHL and eHL with several contextual variables in the social environment such as socio-demographics, social support, and system complexity, as a structural variable. As eHL and MHL are crucial for empowering people to actively engage in their own health, there is a growing body of literature reporting on the potential and the effectiveness of intervention initiatives to positively influence these competencies. From an ethical standpoint, equity is emphasized, stressing the importance of accessible media environments for all—including those at risk of exclusion from (digital) media sources. Alignment of micro and macro contextual spheres will ultimately facilitate both non-digital and digital media to effectively support and promote public health.
Prevalence and Correlates of Hypertension among Japanese Adults, 1975 to 2010
Authors: Otani Katharina , Haruyama Rei , Gilmour Stuart
Published: August 2018

We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension, its treatment, and control using individual-level data from 300,249 respondents aged 20 years and older from the Japanese National Health and Nutrition Survey for the period of 1975–2010. We applied multivariate random effects logistic regression to assess associations between the risk factors and the prevalence of hypertension, the proportion of uncontrolled hypertension, and the proportions of respondents seeking treatment and controlling hypertension. The trends in the effect of the birth cohort on uncontrolled hypertension were also examined. Having hypertension was associated with being male, older, obese, drinking alcohol, and working in the primary industry and a higher proportion of middle-aged men than women were found being obese and drinking alcohol. Seeking treatment was associated with being older, obese, drinking alcohol, working in a primary industry and exercising. Controlling hypertension was associated with being younger, underweight and exercising. The proportion of individuals with uncontrolled hypertension declined for cohorts born in later years with a steeper decline for women than men. Raising awareness in the hypertensive population, especially among men, could help further reduce the prevalence of hypertension in Japan.
Factors Associated with Continued Food Insecurity among Households Recovering from Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Clay Lauren A. , Papas Mia A. , Gill Kimberly B. , Abramson David M.
Published: August 2018

In 2010, 14.5% of US households experienced food insecurity, which adversely impacts health. Some groups are at increased risk for food insecurity, such as female-headed households, and those same groups are often also at increased risk for disaster exposure and the negative consequences that come with exposure. Little research has been done on food insecurity post-disaster. The present study investigates long-term food insecurity among households heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina. A sample of 683 households participating in the Gulf Coast Child and Family Health Study were examined using a generalized estimation model to determine protective and risk factors for food insecurity during long-term recovery. Higher income (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.77, 0.91), having a partner (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89, 0.97), or “other” race were found to be protective against food insecurity over a five-year period following disaster exposure. Low social support (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.08, 1.20), poor physical health (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03, 1.13) or mental health (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.09, 1.18), and female sex (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01, 1.10) were risk factors. Policies and programs that increase access to food supplies among high-risk groups are needed to reduce the negative health impacts of disasters.
Financial Innovation, Stock Market Development, and Economic Growth: An Application of ARDL Model
Authors: Qamruzzaman Md. , Wei Jianguo
Published: August 2018

This study aims to explore the relationship between economic growth, financial innovation, and stock market development of Bangladesh for the period 1980–2016. To investigate long-run cointegration, this study used the autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) bounds testing approach. In addition, the Granger-causality test is used to identify directional causality between research variables under the error correction term. Study findings from the ARDL bound testing approach confirm the existence of a long-run association between financial innovation, stock market development, and economic growth. Furthermore, the findings from the Granger-causality test support bidirectional causality between financial innovation, economic growth and stock market development, and economic growth both in the long run and short run. These findings support the theory that market-based financial development and financial innovation in the financial system can spur economic development.
Processing BIM and GIS Models in Practice: Experiences and Recommendations from a GeoBIM Project in The Netherlands
Authors: Arroyo Ohori Ken , Diakité Abdoulaye , Krijnen Thomas , Ledoux Hugo , Stoter Jantien
Published: August 2018

It is widely acknowledged that the integration of BIM and GIS data is a crucial step forward for future 3D city modelling, but most of the research conducted so far has covered only the high-level and semantic aspects of GIS-BIM integration. This paper presents the results of the GeoBIM project, which tackled three integration problems focussing instead on aspects involving geometry processing: (i) the automated processing of complex architectural IFC models; (ii) the integration of existing GIS subsoil data in BIM; and (iii) the georeferencing of BIM models for their use in GIS software. All the problems have been studied using real world models and existing datasets made and used by practitioners in The Netherlands. For each problem, this paper exposes in detail the issues faced, proposed solutions, and recommendations for a more successful integration.
CS Projects Involving Geoinformatics: A Survey of Implementation Approaches
Authors: Criscuolo Laura , Bordogna Gloria , Carrara Paola , Pepe Monica
Published: August 2018

In the last decade, citizen science (CS) has seen a renewed interest from both traditional science and the lay public as testified by a wide number of initiatives, projects, and dedicated technological applications. One of the main reasons for this renewed interest lies in the fact that the ways in which citizen science projects are designed and managed have been significantly improved by the recent advancements in information and communications technologies (ICT), especially in the field of geoinformatics. In this research work, we investigate currently active citizen science projects that involve geoinformation to understand how geoinformatics is actually employed. To achieve this, we define eight activities typically carried out during the implementation of a CS initiative as well as a series of approaches for each activity, in order to pinpoint distinct strategies within the different projects. To this end, a representative set of ongoing CS initiatives is selected and surveyed. The results show how CS projects address the various activities, and report which strategies and technologies from geoinformatics are massively or marginally used. The quantitative results are presented, supported by examples and descriptions. Finally, cues and critical issues coming from the research are discussed.
Multidimensional Arrays for Analysing Geoscientific Data
Authors: Lu Meng , Appel Marius , Pebesma Edzer
Published: August 2018

Geographic data is growing in size and variety, which calls for big data management tools and analysis methods. To efficiently integrate information from high dimensional data, this paper explicitly proposes array-based modeling. A large portion of Earth observations and model simulations are naturally arrays once digitalized. This paper discusses the challenges in using arrays such as the discretization of continuous spatiotemporal phenomena, irregular dimensions, regridding, high-dimensional data analysis, and large-scale data management. We define categories and applications of typical array operations, compare their implementation in open-source software, and demonstrate dimension reduction and array regridding in study cases using Landsat and MODIS imagery. It turns out that arrays are a convenient data structure for representing and analysing many spatiotemporal phenomena. Although the array model simplifies data organization, array properties like the meaning of grid cell values are rarely being made explicit in practice.
GmIDL2a and GmIDL4a, Encoding the Inflorescence Deficient in Abscission-Like Protein, Are Involved in Soybean Cell Wall Degradation during Lateral Root Emergence
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhang Chunyu , Fan Mingxia , Ma Wenjuan , Chen Meiming , Cai Fengchun , Liu Kuichen , Lin Feng
Published: August 2018

The number of lateral roots (LRs) of a plant determines the efficiency of water and nutrient uptake. Soybean is a typical taproot crop which is deficient in LRs. The number of LRs is therefore an important agronomic trait in soybean breeding. It is reported that the inflorescence deficient in abscission (IDA) protein plays an important role in the emergence of Arabidopsis LRs. Previously, the genes which encode IDA-like (IDL) proteins have been identified in the soybean genome. However, the functions of these genes in LR development are unknown. Therefore, it is of great value to investigate the function of IDL genes in soybean. In the present study, the functions of two root-specific expressed IDL genes, GmIDL2a and GmIDL4a, are investigated. The expressions of GmIDL2a and GmIDL4a, induced by auxin, are located in the overlaying tissue, where LRs are initiated. Overexpression of GmIDL2a and GmIDL4a increases the LR densities of the primary roots, but not in the elder root. Abnormal cell layer separation has also been observed in GmIDL2a- and GmIDL4a-overexpressing roots. These results suggest that the overlaying tissues of GmIDL2a- and GmIDL4a-overexpressing roots are looser and are suitable for the emergence of the LR primordium. Further investigation shows that the expression of some of the cell wall remodeling (CWR) genes, such as xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases, expansins, and polygalacturonases, are increased when GmIDL2a and GmIDL4a are overexpressed in hairy roots. Here, we conclude that GmIDL2a and GmIDL4a function in LR emergence through regulating soybean CWR gene expression.
Using Persistent Homology as a New Approach for Super-Resolution Localization Microscopy Data Analysis and Classification of γH2AX Foci/Clusters
Authors: Hofmann Andreas , Krufczik Matthias , Heermann Dieter W. , Hausmann Michael
Published: August 2018

DNA double strand breaks (DSB) are the most severe damages in chromatin induced by ionizing radiation. In response to such environmentally determined stress situations, cells have developed repair mechanisms. Although many investigations have contributed to a detailed understanding of repair processes, e.g., homologous recombination repair or non-homologous end-joining, the question is not sufficiently answered, how a cell decides to apply a certain repair process at a certain damage site, since all different repair pathways could simultaneously occur in the same cell nucleus. One of the first processes after DSB induction is phosphorylation of the histone variant H2AX to γH2AX in the given surroundings of the damaged locus. Since the spatial organization of chromatin is not random, it may be conclusive that the spatial organization of γH2AX foci is also not random, and rather, contributes to accessibility of special repair proteins to the damaged site, and thus, to the following repair pathway at this given site. The aim of this article is to demonstrate a new approach to analyze repair foci by their topology in order to obtain a cell independent method of categorization. During the last decade, novel super-resolution fluorescence light microscopic techniques have enabled new insights into genome structure and spatial organization on the nano-scale in the order of 10 nm. One of these techniques is single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) with which the spatial coordinates of single fluorescence molecules can precisely be determined and density and distance distributions can be calculated. This method is an appropriate tool to quantify complex changes of chromatin and to describe repair foci on the single molecule level. Based on the pointillist information obtained by SMLM from specifically labeled heterochromatin and γH2AX foci reflecting the chromatin morphology and repair foci topology, we have developed a new analytical methodology of foci or foci cluster characterization, respectively, by means of persistence homology. This method allows, for the first time, a cell independent comparison of two point distributions (here the point distributions of two γH2AX clusters) with each other of a selected ensample and to give a mathematical measure of their similarity. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, cells were irradiated by low LET (linear energy transfer) radiation with different doses and the heterochromatin and γH2AX foci were fluorescently labeled by antibodies for SMLM. By means of our new analysis method, we were able to show that the topology of clusters of γH2AX foci can be categorized depending on the distance to heterochromatin. This method opens up new possibilities to categorize spatial organization of point patterns by parameterization of topological similarity.
The Timing of Melatonin Administration Is Crucial for Its Antidepressant-Like Effect in Mice
Authors: Estrada-Reyes Rosa , Valdés-Tovar Marcela , Arrieta-Baez Daniel , Dorantes-Barrón Ana María , Quero-Chávez Daniel , Solís-Chagoyán Héctor , Argueta Jesús , Dubocovich Margarita L. , Benítez-King Gloria
Published: August 2018

Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland with a circadian rhythm in synchrony with the environmental light/dark cycle. A gradual increase in circulating levels of melatonin occur after lights off, reaching its maximum around the middle of the dark phase. Agonists of melatonin receptors have proved effectiveness as antidepressants in clinical trials. However, there is contradictory evidence about the potential antidepressant effect of melatonin itself. Herein we studied melatonin administration in mice at two zeitgeber times (ZT; ZT = 0 lights on; 12:12 L/D), one hour before the beginning (ZT11) and at the middle (ZT18) of the dark phase after either a single or a three-dose protocol. Behavioral despair was assessed through a forced-swimming test (FST) or a tail suspension test (TST), at ZT18.5. A single dose of 4 mg/kg melatonin at ZT11 was effective to reduce the immobility time in both tests. However, acute administration of melatonin at ZT18 was not effective in mice subjected to FST, and a higher dose (16 mg/kg) was required to reduce immobility time in the TST. A three-dose administration protocol of 16 mg/kg melatonin (ZT18, ZT11, and ZT18) significantly reduced immobility time in FST. Data indicate that the timely administration of melatonin could improve its antidepressant-like effect.
Onset and Progression of Human Osteoarthritis—Can Growth Factors, Inflammatory Cytokines, or Differential miRNA Expression Concomitantly Induce Proliferation, ECM Degradation, and Inflammation in Articular Cartilage?
Authors: Boehme Karen A. , Rolauffs Bernd
Published: August 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative whole joint disease, for which no preventative or therapeutic biological interventions are available. This is likely due to the fact that OA pathogenesis includes several signaling pathways, whose interactions remain unclear, especially at disease onset. Early OA is characterized by three key events: a rarely considered early phase of proliferation of cartilage-resident cells, in contrast to well-established increased synthesis, and degradation of extracellular matrix components and inflammation, associated with OA progression. We focused on the question, which of these key events are regulated by growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and/or miRNA abundance. Collectively, we elucidated a specific sequence of the OA key events that are described best as a very early phase of proliferation of human articular cartilage (AC) cells and concomitant anabolic/catabolic effects that are accompanied by incipient pro-inflammatory effects. Many of the reviewed factors appeared able to induce one or two key events. Only one factor, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), is capable of concomitantly inducing all key events. Moreover, AC cell proliferation cannot be induced and, in fact, is suppressed by inflammatory signaling, suggesting that inflammatory signaling cannot be the sole inductor of all early OA key events, especially at disease onset.
Amphiphilic DNA Organic Hybrids: Functional Materials in Nanoscience and Potential Application in Biomedicine
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Du Ting , Liang Feng , Liu Simin
Published: August 2018

Due to the addressability and programmability, DNA has been applied not merely in constructing static elegant nanostructures such as two dimensional and three dimensional DNA nanostructures but also in designing dynamic nanodevices. Moreover, DNA could combine with hydrophobic organic molecules to be a new amphiphilic building block and then self-assemble into nanomaterials. Of particular note, a recent state-of-the-art research has turned our attention to the amphiphilic DNA organic hybrids including small molecule modified DNA (lipid-DNA, fluorescent molecule-DNA, etc.), DNA block copolymers, and DNA-dendron hybrids. This review focuses mainly on the development of their self-assembly behavior and their potential application in nanomaterial and biomedicine. The potential challenges regarding of the amphiphilic DNA organic hybrids are also briefly discussed, aiming to advance their practical applications in nanoscience and biomedicine.
From the Clinical Problem to the Basic Research—Co-Culture Models of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Ehnert Sabrina , Rouß Marc , Häussling Victor , Aspera-Werz Romina H. , Chen Tao , Nussler Andreas K.
Published: August 2018

Bone tissue undergoes constant remodeling and healing when fracture happens, in order to ensure its structural integrity. In order to better understand open biological and clinical questions linked to various bone diseases, bone cell co-culture technology is believed to shed some light into the dark. Osteoblasts/osteocytes and osteoclasts dominate the metabolism of bone by a multitude of connections. Therefore, it is widely accepted that a constant improvement of co-culture models with both cell types cultured on a 3D scaffold, is aimed to mimic an in vivo environment as closely as possible. Although in recent years a considerable knowledge of bone co-culture models has been accumulated, there are still many open questions. We here try to summarize the actual knowledge and address open questions.
Surface Rust Detection Using Ultrasonic Waves in a Cylindrical Geometry by Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Tang Qixiang , Du Cong , Hu Jie , Wang Xingwei , Yu Tzuyang
Published: August 2018

Detection of early-stage corrosion on slender steel members is crucial for preventing buckling failures of steel structures. An active photoacoustic fiber optic sensor (FOS) system is reported herein for the early-stage steel corrosion detection of steel plates and rebars using surface ultrasonic waves. The objective of this study is to investigate a potential method for detecting surface corrosion/rust of steel rods using numerically simulated surface ultrasonic waves. The finite element method (FEM) was applied in the simulation of propagating ultrasonic waves on steel rod models. The pitch-catch mode of damage detection was adopted, in which one source (transmitter) and one sensor (receiver) were considered. In this research, radial displacements at the receiver were simulated and analyzed by short-time Fourier transform (STFT) for detecting, locating, and quantifying surface rust located between the transmitter and the receiver. From our time domain and frequency domain analyses, it was found that the presence, location, and dimensions (length, width, and depth) of surface rust can be estimated by ultrasonic wave propagation.
Changes in the Geographic Distribution of the Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana: Nymphalidae) under Forecasted Predictions of Climate Change
Authors: Wells Carrie N. , Tonkyn David
Published: August 2018

Climate change is predicted to alter the geographic distribution of a wide variety of taxa, including butterfly species. Research has focused primarily on high latitude species in North America, with no known studies examining responses of taxa in the southeastern United States. The Diana fritillary (Speyeria diana) has experienced a recent range retraction in that region, disappearing from lowland sites and now persisting in two phylogenetically distinct high elevation populations. These findings are consistent with the predicted effects of a warming climate on numerous taxa, including other butterfly species in North America and Europe. We used ecological niche modeling to predict future changes to the distribution of S. diana under several climate models. To evaluate how climate change might influence the geographic distribution of this butterfly, we developed ecological niche models using Maxent. We used two global circulation models, the community climate system model (CCSM) and the model for interdisciplinary research on climate (MIROC), under low and high emissions scenarios to predict the future distribution of S. diana. Models were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics area under curve (AUC) test and the true skill statistics (TSS) (mean AUC = 0.91 ± 0.0028 SE, TSS = 0.87 ± 0.0032 SE for representative concentration pathway (RCP) = 4.5; and mean AUC = 0.87 ± 0.0031 SE, TSS = 0.84 ± 0.0032 SE for RCP = 8.5), which both indicate that the models we produced were significantly better than random (0.5). The four modeled climate scenarios resulted in an average loss of 91% of suitable habitat for S. diana by 2050. Populations in the southern Appalachian Mountains were predicted to suffer the most severe fragmentation and reduction in suitable habitat, threatening an important source of genetic diversity for the species. The geographic and genetic isolation of populations in the west suggest that those populations are equally as vulnerable to decline in the future, warranting ongoing conservation of those populations as well. Our results suggest that the Diana fritillary is under threat of decline by 2050 across its entire distribution from climate change, and is likely to be negatively affected by other human-induced factors as well.
Where Are You Going, Nephrology? Considerations on Models of Care in an Evolving Discipline
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina , Breuer Conrad , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Testa Angelo , Jadeau Christelle , Brunori Giuliano
Published: August 2018

Nephrology is a complex discipline, including care of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplantation. While in Europe, about 1:10 individuals is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), 1:1000 lives thanks to dialysis or transplantation, whose costs are as high as 2% of all the health care budget. Nephrology has important links with surgery, bioethics, cardiovascular and internal medicine, and is, not surprisingly, in a delicate balance between specialization and comprehensiveness, development and consolidation, cost constraints, and competition with internal medicine and other specialties. This paper proposes an interpretation of the different systems of nephrology care summarising the present choices into three not mutually exclusive main models (“scientific”, “pragmatic”, “holistic”, or “comprehensive”), and hypothesizing an “ideal-utopic” prevention-based fourth one. The so-called scientific model is built around kidney transplantation and care of glomerulonephritis and immunologic diseases, which probably pose the most important challenges in our discipline, but do not mirror the most common clinical problems. Conversely, the pragmatic one is built around dialysis (the most expensive and frequent mode of renal replacement therapy) and pre-dialysis treatment, focusing attention on the most common diseases, the holistic, or comprehensive, model comprehends both, and is integrated by several subspecialties, such as interventional nephrology, obstetric nephrology, and the ideal-utopic one is based upon prevention, and early care of common diseases. Each model has strength and weakness, which are commented to enhance discussion on the crucial issue of the philosophy of care behind its practical organization. Increased reflection and research on models of nephrology care is urgently needed if we wish to rise to the challenge of providing earlier and better care for older and more complex kidney patients with acute and chronic kidney diseases, with reduced budgets.
Process-Induced Fiber Orientation in Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Mulholland Tom , Goris Sebastian , Boxleitner Jake , Osswald Tim A. , Rudolph Natalie
Published: August 2018

As the applications for additive manufacturing have continued to grow, so too has the range of available materials, with more functional or better performing materials constantly under development. This work characterizes a copper-filled polyamide 6 (PA6) thermoplastic composite designed to enhance the thermal conductivity of fused filament fabrication (FFF) parts, especially for heat transfer applications. The composite was mixed and extruded into filament using twin screw extrusion. Because the fiber orientation within the material governs the thermal conductivity of the material, the orientation was measured in the filament, through the nozzle, and in printed parts using micro-computed tomography. The thermal conductivity of the material was measured and achieved 4.95, 2.38, and 0.75 W/(m·K) at 70 °C in the inflow, crossflow, and thickness directions, respectively. The implications of this anisotropy are discussed using the example of an air-to-water crossflow heat exchanger. The lower conductivity in the crossflow direction reduces thermal performance due to the orientation in thin-walled parts.
Long-Term Monitoring of Crack Patterns in Historic Structures Using UAVs and Planar Markers: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Germanese Danila , Leone Giuseppe Riccardo , Moroni Davide , Pascali Maria Antonietta , Tampucci Marco
Published: August 2018

This paper describes how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) may support the long-term monitoring of crack patterns in the context of architectural heritage preservation. In detail, this work includes: (i) a state of the art about the most used techniques in ancient structural monitoring; (ii) the description of the implemented methods, taking into account the requirements and constraints of the case study; (iii) the results of the experimentation carried out in the lab; and (iv) conclusions and future works.
Use of an Occlusion Mask for Veiling Glare Removal in HDR Images
Authors: Cozzi Federico , Elia Carmine , Gerosa Giovanni , Rocchetta Filippo , Lanaro Matteo , Rizzi Alessandro
Published: August 2018

Optical systems in digital cameras present a limit during the acquisition of standard and High Dynamic Range Images (HDRI) due to the presence of veiling glare, an artifact caused by an unwanted spread of the source of light. In this paper, we analyze the state-of-the-art of veiling glare removal in HDRI, giving attention to the paper presented by Talvala. Then we describe an algorithm for veiling glare removal based on the same occlusion mask, to study the benefits provided by it in HDRI acquisition process. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency of the occlusion mask method in veiling glare removal without any post production estimation and subtraction.
Nonparametric Estimation of a Conditional Quantile Function in a Fixed Effects Panel Data Model
Authors: Yan Karen X. , Li Qi
Published: August 2018

This paper develops a nonparametric method to estimate a conditional quantile function for a panel data model with an additive individual fixed effects. The proposed method is easy to implement, it does not require numerical optimization and automatically ensures quantile monotonicity by construction. Monte Carlo simulations show that the proposed estimator performs well in finite samples.
Outage Analysis of Distributed Antenna Systems in a Composite Fading Channel with Correlated Shadowing
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Jung Haejoon
Published: August 2018

Distributed antenna systems (DASs) are known to be effective to enhance coverage, spectral efficiency, and reliability in mobile communication systems. Because multiple antennas are physically separated in space, DASs benefit from both micro- and macro-diversity, which makes DASs significantly more robust compared to conventional co-located antenna systems in fading channels. However, when multiple antennas are not dispersed enough, there exists a certain degree of correlation in large-scale fading (shadowing), which degrades the macro-diversity gain. In practice, various measurements indicate a high degree of correlation of shadowing in DASs. However, most of the previous studies on DASs have not considered the correlated shadowing and its corresponding performance loss. Motivated by this limitation, we analyze the impact of the correlated shadowing to better evaluate DAS-based schemes with dual diversity transmitters. Assuming that shadowing correlation is an exponentially decreasing function of the inter-element separation, we derive the outage probability of DAS in composite Rayleigh-lognormal shadowing channels. Also, we present numerical and simulation results, which indicate there exists an optimal inter-separation between antennas that minimizes the outage rate to balance a trade-off between macro-diversity and path loss.
Common Properties of Lubricants that Affect Vehicle Fuel Efficiency: A North American Historical Perspective
Authors: Devlin Mark T.
Published: August 2018

The development of advanced lubricants to improve vehicle fuel efficiency can appear to be as simple as lowering the viscosity and frictional properties of a fluid. However, applied research studies have shown that it is quite difficult to quantify the fuel efficiency properties of advanced lubricants in vehicles. A review of the historical research predominantly performed in North America in this area reveals that there are many factors to consider in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of advanced lubricants. First, the methodology used to measure vehicle fuel efficiency will impact the results since there are many factors not related to the lubricant which will influence vehicle fuel efficiency. Second, developing advanced fuel-efficient lubricants under well controlled conditions overlooks the issue that lubricant properties such as viscosity and friction affect the operating conditions encountered by the lubricant in the vehicle. Finally, the physical properties of lubricants that historically control fuel economy do not have the same effect on fuel efficiency in all vehicles. The proper vehicle or system level test needs to be selected to properly assess the benefits of new advanced lubricants.
Variations of the Elastic Properties of the CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy Deformed by Groove Cold Rolling
Authors: Lohmuller Paul , Peltier Laurent , Hazotte Alain , Zollinger Julien , Laheurte Pascal , Fleury Eric
Published: August 2018

The variations of the mechanical properties of the CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy (HEA) during groove cold rolling process were investigated with the aim of understanding their correlation relationships with the crystallographic texture. Our study revealed divergences in the variations of the microhardness and yield strength measured from samples deformed by groove cold rolling and conventional cold rolling processes. The crystallographic texture analyzed by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) revealed a hybrid texture between those obtained by conventional rolling and drawing processes. Though the groove cold rolling process induced a marked strengthening effect in the CoCrFeMnNi HEA, the mechanical properties were also characterized by an unusual decrease of the Young’s modulus as the applied groove cold rolled deformation increased up to about 0.5 before reaching a stabilized value. This decrease of the Young’s modulus was attributed to the increased density of mobile dislocations induced by work hardening during groove cold rolling processing.
Three-Dimensional Copper Foil-Powder Sintering Current Collector for a Silicon-Based Anode Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Long Jin , Liu Huilong , Xie Yingxi , Tang Weijin , Fu Ting , Tang Yong , Lu Longsheng , Ding Xinrui , Tang Xingxian
Published: August 2018

In this work, we propose a facile method for manufacturing a three-dimensional copper foil-powder sintering current collector (CFSCC) for a silicon-based anode lithium-ion battery. We found that the CFSCC is suitable as a silicon-based paste electrode, and the paste-like electrodes are commonly used in industrial production. Compared with flat current collectors, the CFSCC better constrained the silicon volume change during the charging-discharging process. The capacitance of electrodes with CFSCC remained as high as 92.2% of its second cycle after 40 cycles, whereas that of electrodes with a flat current collector only remained at 50%.
Enhanced Antibacterial Performance and Cytocompatibility of Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized by Cellulose Nanocrystal Grafted with Chito-Oligosaccharides
Authors: Ni Xiaohui , Wang Jinru , Yue Yiying , Cheng Wanli , Wang Dong , Han Guangping
Published: August 2018

The agglomeration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) results in poor antibacterial performance, and the accumulation of silver in the human body threatens human health. Preparing a matrix is a technique worth considering as it not only prevents the aggregation of AgNPs but also reduces deposition of AgNPs in the human body. In this paper, carboxy-cellulose nanocrystals (CCNC) were prepared by a simple one-step acid hydrolysis method. Chito-oligosaccharides (CSos) were grafted onto the surface of CCNC to form CSos-CCNC composite nanoparticles. CCNC and CSos-CCNC were used as stabilizers for deposing AgNPs and two types of complexes—AgNPs-CCNC and AgNPs-CSos-CCNC—were obtained, respectively. The influence of the two stabilizer matrices—CCNC and CSos-CCNC—on the morphology, thermal behavior, crystal structure, antibacterial activity, and cell compatibility of AgNPs-CCNC and AgNPs-CSos-CCNC were examined. The results showed that the AgNPs deposited on the CSos-CCNC surface had a smaller average diameter and a narrower particle size distribution compared with the ones deposited on CCNC. The thermal stability of AgNPs-CSos-CCNC was better than that of AgNPs-CCNC. AgNPs did not affect the crystalline structure of CCNC and CSos-CCNC. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs-CSos-CCNC was better than that of AgNPs-CCNC based on antibacterial studies using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs-CSos-CCNC was remarkably lower than that of AgNPs-CCNC.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Ti3O5Nanoparticles Formed in Melt and Their Effects on Ferritic Steel Microstructure
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Zhou Meng , Pang Xiaolu , Chen Xiaohua , Wang Zidong , Volinsky Alex A. , Tang Hao
Published: August 2018

Based on the Wagner’s formalism combined with mass conservation, a thermodynamic analysis method has been developed previously. This method enables the calculation of the equilibrium matrix composition, precipitate composition and precipitate total molar fraction for TixOy(s) in molten metal, which can be determined at any appropriate temperature. In this present study, the Ti3O5 phase precipitation and the quantitative relationship between the addition of Ti, O and Ti3O5 in the molten steel were studied using the thermodynamic model. Using the combined multipoint dispersion supply method, electromagnetic stirring and well-dispersed 5-nm Ti3O5 nanoparticles were fabricated in the ferrite matrix of the as-cast high-strength steel with 0.05 wt % Ti—0.002 wt % O. The as-cast microstructure was improved by the homogeneously dispersed Ti3O5 nanoparticles through heterogeneous nucleation and grain refinement.
Phase Formation of Mg-Zn-Gd Alloys on the Mg-rich Corner
Authors: Luo Lan , Liu Yong , Duan Meng
Published: August 2018

The phase constitutions of as-cast magnesium (Mg)-Zn-Gd alloys (Zn/Gd = 0.25~60, Zn 0~10 at.%, Gd 0~2 at.%, 48 samples) were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Mg-Zn-Gd phase diagram focused on the Mg-rich corner (with up to 20 at.% Zn, 10 at.% Gd) has been set up. Five regions can be classified as follows: (I) α-Mg+W-phase+(binary compounds), (II) α-Mg+W-phase+I-phase(+binary compounds), (III) α-Mg+I-phase(+binary compounds), (IV) α-Mg+binary compounds, and (V) α-Mg. The phase diagram has been verified by solidification behaviors observation using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Moreover, the structures of I-phase and W-phase in the alloy were explored in details. In terms of the Hume-Rothery rules, I-phase is confirmed as FK-type quasicrystalline with a chemical stoichiometry as Mg30±1Zn62Gd8±1 (at.%). The composition and lattice parameter a W-phase (fcc structure, m3¯m) are affected by the composition of Mg-Zn-Gd alloys, especially by the Zn/Gd ratio of alloys. This work would be instructive for the design of Mg-Zn-Gd alloys to obtain the phase components, and then selected the strengthening ways, which could adjust its mechanical properties.
The Effect of Prudence on the Optimal Allocation in Possibilistic and Mixed Models
Authors: Georgescu Irina
Published: August 2018

In this paper, several portfolio choice models are studied: a purely possibilistic model in which the return of the risky is a fuzzy number, and four models in which the background risk appears in addition to the investment risk. In these four models, risk is a bidimensional vector whose components are random variables or fuzzy numbers. Approximate formulas of the optimal allocation are obtained for all models, expressed in terms of some probabilistic or possibilistic moments, depending on the indicators of the investor preferences (risk aversion, prudence).
Rapid Modeling and Parameter Estimation of Partial Differential Algebraic Equations by a Functional Spreadsheet Paradigm
Authors: Ghaddar Chahid Kamel
Published: August 2018

We present a systematic spreadsheet method for modeling and optimizing general partial differential algebraic equations (PDAE). The method exploits a pure spreadsheet PDAE solver function design that encapsulates the Method of Lines and permits seamless integration with an Excel spreadsheet nonlinear programming solver. Two alternative least-square dynamical minimization schemes are devised and demonstrated on a complex parameterized PDAE system with discontinues properties and coupled time derivatives. Applying the method involves no more than defining a few formulas that closely parallel the original mathematical equations, without any programming skills. It offers a simpler alternative to more complex environments which require nontrivial programming skill and effort.
Secondary Metabolites and Biological Activity of Invasive Macroalgae of Southern Europe
Authors: Máximo Patrícia , Ferreira Luísa M. , Branco Paula , Lima Pedro , Lourenço Ana
Published: August 2018

In this review a brief description of the invasive phenomena associated with algae and its consequences on the ecosystem are presented. Three examples of invasive algae of Southern Europe, belonging to Rodophyta, Chlorophyta, and Phaeophyta, were selected, and a brief description of each genus is presented. A full description of their secondary metabolites and biological activity is given and a summary of the biological activity of extracts is also included. In Asparagopsis we encounter mainly halogenated compounds. From Caulerpa, several terpenoids and alkaloids were isolated, while in Sargassum, meroterpenoids prevail.