bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refined Ptychographic Reconstruction of Attosecond Pulses
Authors: Lucchini Matteo , Nisoli Mauro
Published: December 2018

Advanced applications of attosecond pulses require the implementation of experimental techniques for a complete and accurate characterization of the pulse temporal characteristics. The method of choice is the frequency resolved optical gating for the complete reconstruction of attosecond bursts (FROG-CRAB), which requires the development of suitable reconstruction algorithms. In the last few years, various numerical techniques have been proposed and implemented, characterized by different levels of accuracy, robustness, and computational load. Many of them are based on the central momentum approximation (CMA), which may pose severe limits in the reconstruction accuracy. Alternative techniques have been successfully developed, based on the implementation of reconstruction algorithms which do not rely on this approximation, such as the Volkov-transform generalized projection algorithm (VTGPA). The main drawback is a notable increase of the computational load. We propose a new method, called refined iterative ptychographic engine (rePIE), which combines the advantages of a robust algorithm based on CMA, characterized by a fast convergence, with the accuracy of advanced algorithms not based on such approximation. The main idea is to perform a first fast iterative ptychographic engine (ePIE) reconstruction and then refine the result with just a few iterations of the VTGPA in order to correct for the error introduced by the CMA. We analyse the accuracy of the novel reconstruction method by comparing the residual error (i.e., the difference between the reconstructed and the simulated original spectrograms) when VTGPA, ePIE, and rePIE reconstructions are employed. We show that the rePIE approach is particularly useful in the case of short attosecond pulses characterized by a broad spectrum in the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV)–extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) region.
Roberto Lugo: Critical Discussions of Hip-Hop, Ceramics, and Visual Culture
Authors: Kaplan Heather
Published: December 2018

This paper looks at the creative work of “ghetto potter” Roberto Lugo. Through the examination of his various forms of art-making, various discussions regarding the intersections of ceramics, hip-hop, and visual culture are explored. Through these intersections, issues related to access and equity are explored. This paper explores topics and issues important to visual culture and art education.
Toward a Weather-Based Forecasting System for Fire Blight and Downy Mildew
Authors: Firanj Sremac Ana , Lalić Branislava , Marčić Milena , Dekić Ljiljana
Published: December 2018

The aim of this research is to present a weather-based forecasting system for apple fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and downy mildew of grapevine (Plasmopara viticola) under Serbian agroecological conditions and test its efficacy. The weather-based forecasting system contains Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model outputs and a disease occurrence model. The weather forecast used is a product of the high-resolution forecast (HRES) atmospheric model by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). For disease modelling, we selected a biometeorological system for messages on the occurrence of diseases in fruits and vines (BAHUS) because it contains both diseases with well-known and tested algorithms. Several comparisons were made: (1) forecasted variables for the fifth day are compared against measurements from the agrometeorological network at seven locations for three months (March, April, and May) in the period 2012–2018 to determine forecast efficacy; (2) BAHUS runs driven with observed and forecast meteorology were compared to test the impact of forecasted meteorological data; and (3) BAHUS runs were compared with field disease observations to estimate system efficacy in plant disease forecasts. The BAHUS runs with forecasted and observed meteorology were in good agreement. The results obtained encourage further development, with the goal of fully utilizing this weather-based forecasting system.
Performance Evaluation of CCAM-CTM Regional Airshed Modelling for the New South Wales Greater Metropolitan Region
Authors: Chang Lisa T.-C. , Duc Hiep Nguyen , Scorgie Yvonne , Trieu Toan , Monk Khalia , Jiang Ningbo
Published: December 2018

A comprehensive evaluation of the performance of the coupled Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) and Chemical Transport Model (CTM) (CCAM-CTM) for the New South Wales Greater Metropolitan Region (NSW GMR) was conducted based on modelling results for two periods coinciding with measurement campaigns undertaken during the Sydney Particle Study (SPS), namely the summer in 2011 (SPS1) and the autumn in 2012 (SPS2). The model performance was evaluated for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) against air quality data from the NSW Government’s air quality monitoring network, and PM2.5 components were compared with speciated PM measurements from the Sydney Particle Study’s Westmead sampling site. The model tends to overpredict PM2.5 with normalised mean bias (NMB) less than 20%, however, moderate underpredictions of the daily peak are found on high PM2.5 days. The PM2.5 predictions at all sites comply with performance criteria for mean fractional bias (MFB) of ±60%, but only PM2.5 predictions at Earlwood further comply with the performance goal for MFB of ±30% during both periods. The model generally captures the diurnal variations in ozone with a slight underestimation. The model also tends to underpredict daily maximum hourly ozone. Ozone predictions across regions in SPS1, as well as in Sydney East, Sydney Northwest and Illawarra regions in SPS2 comply with the benchmark of MFB of ±15%, however, none of the regions comply with the benchmark for mean fractional error (MFE) of 35%. The model reproduces the diurnal variations and magnitudes of NO2 well, with a slightly underestimating tendency across the regions. The MFE and normalised mean error (NME) for NO2 predictions fall well within the ranges inferred from other studies. Model results are within a factor of two of measured averages for sulphate, nitrate, sodium and organic matter, with elemental carbon, chloride, magnesium and ammonium being underpredicted. The overall performance of CCAM-CTM modelling system for the NSW GMR is comparable to similar model predictions by other regional airshed models documented in the literature. The performance of the modelling system is found to be variable according to benchmark criteria and depend on the location of the sites, as well as the time of the year. The benchmarking of CCAM-CTM modelling system supports the application of this model for air quality impact assessment and policy scenario modelling to inform air quality management in NSW.
Improving Seasonal Prediction of East Asian Summer Rainfall Using NESM3.0: Preliminary Results
Authors: Yang Young-Min , Wang Bin , Li Juan
Published: December 2018

It has been an outstanding challenge for global climate models to simulate and predict East Asia summer monsoon (EASM) rainfall. This study evaluated the dynamical hindcast skills with the newly developed Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology Earth System Model version 3.0 (NESM3.0). To improve the poor prediction of an earlier version of NESM3.0, we modified convective parameterization schemes to suppress excessive deep convection and enhance insufficient shallow and stratiform clouds. The new version of NESM3.0 with modified parameterizations (MOD hereafter) yields improved rainfall prediction in the northern and southern China but not over the Yangtze River Valley. The improved prediction is primarily attributed to the improvements in the predicted climatological summer mean rainfall and circulations, Nino 3.4 SST anomaly, and the rainfall anomalies associated with the development and decay of El Nino events. However, the MOD still has biases in the predicted leading mode of interannual variability of precipitation. The leading mode captures the dry (wet) anomalies over the South China Sea (northern East Asia) but misplaces precipitation anomalies over the Yangtze River Valley. The model can capture the interannual variation of the circulation indices very well. The results here suggest that, over East Asia land regions, the skillful rainfall prediction relies on not only model’s capability in predicting better summer mean and ENSO teleconnection with EASM, but also accurate prediction of the leading modes of interannual variability.
Clinical Significance of Serum NEDD9 Levels in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Afsar Cigdem Usul , Karabulut Mehmet , Karabulut Senem , Tokgoz Ozal Safiye , Cikot Murat , Serilmez Murat , Tas Faruk
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy. Various diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers have been evaluated. This study was conducted to investigate the serum levels of neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9) in patients with PC and the relationship between tumor progression and known prognostic parameters. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were obtained on first admission before any treatment. Serum NEDD9 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the analysis. Results: In a three year period, 32 patients with a pathologically-confirmed diagnosis of PC were enrolled in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 61 years, range 38 to 84 years; the majority of the patients in the group were men (n = 20, 62.5%). The tumor was located in the head of pancreas in 21 (65.6%) patients. Forty-one percent of 17 metastatic patients who received palliative CTx (chemotherapy) were CTx-responsive. The baseline serum NEDD9 levels were significantly higher in patients with PA than in the control group (p = 0.03). Median OS of the whole group were 27 ± 7.3 weeks. Alcohol intake, performance status, and LDH levels were found to be significant prognostic factors (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, serum NEDD9 levels had no significantly effect on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.71 and p = 0.58, respectively). Conclusions: NEDD9 is identified as a secretory biomarker for PC but it has no prognostic role.
IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer Triggers a Change in Immune Response within Mouse Tumors
Authors: Shi Guilan , Edelblute Chelsea , Arpag Sezgi , Lundberg Cathryn , Heller Richard
Published: December 2018

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a relatively low survival rate. Immune-based therapies have shown promise in the treatment of melanoma, but overall complete response rates are still low. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of plasmid IL-12 (pIL-12) delivered by gene electrotransfer (GET) to be an effective immunotherapy for melanoma. However, events occurring in the tumor microenvironment following delivery have not been delineated. Therefore, utilizing a B16F10 mouse melanoma model, we evaluated changes in the tumor microenvironment following delivery of pIL-12 using different GET parameters or injection of plasmid alone. The results revealed a unique immune cell composition after intratumoral injection of pIL-12 GET. The number of immune memory cells was markedly increased in pIL-12 GET melanoma groups compared to control group. This was validated using flow cytometry to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as delineating immune cell content using immunohistochemistry. Significant differences in multiple cell types were observed, including CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells and myeloid cells, which were induced to mount a CD8+PD1− T cells immune response. Taken together, these findings suggest a basic understanding of the sequence of immune activity following pIL-12 GET and also illuminates that adjuvant immunotherapy can have a positive influence on the host immune response to cancer.
Venous Thromboembolism in Asian Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Following Palliative Chemotherapy: Low Incidence but a Negative Prognosticator for Those with Early Onset
Authors: Chen Jen-Shi , Hung Chia-Yen , Chang Hung , Liu Chien-Ting , Chen Yen-Yang , Lu Chang-Hsien , Chang Pei-Hung , Hung Yu-Shin , Chou Wen-Chi
Published: December 2018

Background: Few studies have reported the epidemiology and clinical outcome of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian patients with pancreatic cancer. This study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome of VTE in patients with pancreatic cancer following palliative chemotherapy. Methods: The medical records of 838 patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who underwent palliative chemotherapy between 2010 and 2016 at four institutes in Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics of all patients were analyzed to identify independent predictors of VTE and their effects on survival outcome. Results: During the median follow-up period of 7.7 months (range, 0.6–55.6), VTE occurred in 67 (8.0%) of the 838 patients. Leukocyte count > 11,000/μL and presence of liver metastases were the independent predictors of VTE. Patients with VTE did not show significantly poorer survival outcomes than those without VTE. However, early-onset VTE that occurred within 1.5 months after chemotherapy initiation was an independent negative prognosticator for overall survival. Conclusion: VTE incidence was found to be lower in Asian patients with pancreatic cancer than in their Western counterparts. Early-onset VTE, but not late-onset VTE, is a negative prognosticator for survival outcomes.
Copper(II) Complexes of Arylhydrazone of 1H-Indene-1,3(2H)-dione as Catalysts for the Oxidation of Cyclohexane in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Tiago Gonçalo A. O. , Ribeiro Ana P. C. , C. Guedes da Silva M. Fátima , Mahmudov Kamran T. , Branco Luís C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: December 2018

The copper(II) complexes [CuL(H2O)2]∙H2O (1) and [CuL(dea)] (2) [L = 2-(2-(1,3-dioxo-1H-inden-2(3H)-ylidene)hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonate, dea = diethanolamine] were applied as catalysts in the peroxidative (with tert-butyl-hydroperoxide or hydrogen peroxide) conversion of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, either in acetonitrile or in any of the ionic liquids [bmim][NTf2] and [hmim][NTf2] [bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, hmim = 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium, NTf2 = bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide]. Tert-butyl-hydroperoxide led to better product yields, as compared to H2O2, with a selectivity directed towards cyclohexanone. The ILs showed a better performance than the conventional solvent for the copper complex 1. No catalytic activity was observed for 2 in the presence of an IL.
Catalytic Processes from Biomass-Derived Hexoses and Pentoses: A Recent Literature Overview
Authors: Esteban Jesús , Yustos Pedro , Ladero Miguel
Published: December 2018

Biomass is a plentiful renewable source of energy, food, feed and chemicals. It fixes about 1–2% of the solar energy received by the Earth through photosynthesis in both terrestrial and aquatic plants like macro- and microalgae. As fossil resources deplete, biomass appears a good complement and eventually a good substitute feedstock, but still needs the development of relatively new catalytic processes. For this purpose, catalytic transformations, whether alone or combined with thermal ones and separation operations, have been under study in recent years. Catalytic biorefineries are based on dehydration-hydrations, hydrogenations, oxidations, epimerizations, isomerizations, aldol condensations and other reactions to obtain a plethora of chemicals, including alcohols, ketones, furans and acids, as well as materials such as polycarbonates. Nevertheless, there is still a need for higher selectivity, stability, and regenerability of catalysts and of process intensification by a wise combination of operations, either in-series or combined (one-pot), to reach economic feasibility. Here we present a literature survey of the latest developments for obtaining value-added products using hexoses and pentoses derived from lignocellulosic material, as well as algae as a source of carbohydrates for subsequent transformations.
Palladium Supported on Carbon Nanotubes as a High-Performance Catalyst for the Dehydrogenation of Dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole
Authors: Zhu Mengyan , Xu Lixin , Du Lin , An Yue , Wan Chao
Published: December 2018

Hydrogen storage in the form of liquid organic hydrides, especially N-ethylcarbazole, has been regarded as a promising technology for substituting traditional fossil fuels owing to its unique merits such as high volumetric, gravimetric hydrogen capacity and safe transportation. However, unsatisfactory dehydrogenation has impeded the widespread application of N-ethylcarbazole as ideal hydrogen storage materials in hydrogen energy. Therefore, designing catalysts with outstanding performance is of importance to address this problem. In the present work, for the first time, we have synthesized Pd nanoparticles immobilized on carbon nanotubes (Pd/CNTs) with different palladium loading through an alcohol reduction technique. A series of characterization technologies, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) were adopted to systematically explore the structure, composition, surface properties and morphology of the catalysts. The results reveal that the Pd NPs with a mean diameter of 2.6 ± 0.6 nm could be dispersed uniformly on the surface of CNTs. Furthermore, Pd/CNTs with different Pd contents were applied in the hydrogen release of dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole. Among all of the catalysts tested, 3.0 wt% Pd/CNTs exhibited excellent catalytic performance with the conversion of 99.6% producing 5.8 wt% hydrogen at 533 K, low activation energy of 43.8 ± 0.2 kJ/mol and a high recycling stability (>96.4% conversion at 5th reuse).
Effect of Additives on the Activity of Nickel–Tungsten Sulfide Hydroconversion Catalysts Prepared In Situ from Oil-Soluble Precursors
Authors: Kniazeva Mariia , Maximov Anton
Published: December 2018

The nickel–tungsten sulfide catalysts for the hydroconversion of hydrocarbons were prepared from oil-soluble nickel and tungsten precursor compounds in situ with the use of silica, alumina, titania, zeolite Y, and amorphous aluminosilicate as additives in a vacuum gas oil medium. It was found that the catalytic activity in hydrocracking depends on the concentration of acid sites in the resulting catalyst. With the use of oxide additives, the dispersion and the promoter ratio of the in situ formed sulfide particles increased in the order SiO2–Al2O3–TiO2. It was noted that the promoter ratio of sulfide particles obtained with the use of aluminosilicate additives depended on their porous structure peculiarities. The use of titanium dioxide as a catalytic system component made it possible to reach high activity in hydrocracking, hydrodearomatization, and hydrodesulfurization, which was comparable to that of a system based on zeolite Y, a highly acidic component.
Mn Modified Ni/Bentonite for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Jiang Yuexiu , Huang Tongxia , Dong Lihui , Su Tongming , Li Bin , Luo Xuan , Xie Xinling , Qin Zuzeng , Xu Cuixia , Ji Hongbing
Published: December 2018

To enhance the low-temperature catalytic activity and stability of Ni/bentonite catalyst, Ni-Mn/bentonite catalyst was prepared by introducing Mn into Ni/bentonite catalyst and was used for CO2 methanation. The results indicated that the addition of Mn enhanced the interaction between the NiO and the bentonite carrier, increased the dispersion of the active component Ni and decreased the grain size of the active component Ni, increased the specific surface area and pore volume of the Ni/bentonite catalyst, and decreased the average pore size, which suppressed the aggregation of Ni particles grown during the CO2 methanation process. At the same time, the Mn addition increased the amount of oxygen vacancies on the Ni/bentonite catalyst surface, which promoted the activation of CO2 in the methanation reaction, increasing the low-temperature activity and stability of the Ni/bentonite catalyst. Under the reaction condition of atmospheric pressure, 270 °C, V(H2):V(CO2) = 4, and feed gas space velocity of 3600 mL·gcat−1·h−1, the CO2 conversion on the Ni-Mn/bentonite catalyst with 2wt% Mn was 85.2%, and the selectivity of CH4 was 99.8%. On the other hand, when Mn was not added, the CO2 conversion reached 84.7% and the reaction temperature only raised to 300 °C. During a 150-h stability test, the CO2 conversion of Ni-2wt%Mn/bentonite catalyst decreased by 2.2%, while the CO2 conversion of the Ni/bentonite catalyst decreased by 6.4%.
Ag/Ag2O as a Co-Catalyst in TiO2 Photocatalysis: Effect of the Co-Catalyst/Photocatalyst Mass Ratio
Authors: Akel Soukaina , Dillert Ralf , Balayeva Narmina O. , Boughaled Redouan , Koch Julian , El Azzouzi Mohammed , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: December 2018

Mixtures and composites of Ag/Ag2O and TiO2 (P25) with varying mass ratios of Ag/Ag2O were prepared, employing two methods. Mechanical mixtures (TM) were obtained by the sonication of a suspension containing TiO2 and Ag/Ag2O. Composites (TC) were prepared by a precipitation method employing TiO2 and AgNO3. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of Ag(0) and Ag2O. The activity of the materials was determined employing methylene blue (MB) as the probe compound. Bleaching of MB was observed in the presence of all materials. The bleaching rate was found to increase with increasing amounts of TiO2 under UV/vis light. In contrast, the MB bleaching rate decreased with increasing TiO2 content upon visible light illumination. XRD and XPS data indicate that Ag2O acts as an electron acceptor in the light-induced reaction of MB and is transformed by reduction of Ag+, yielding Ag(0). As a second light-induced reaction, the evolution of molecular hydrogen from aqueous methanol was investigated. Significant H2 evolution rates were only determined in the presence of materials containing more than 50 mass% of TiO2. The experimental results suggest that Ag/Ag2O is not stable under the experimental conditions. Therefore, to address Ag/Ag2O as a (photo)catalytically active material does not seem appropriate.
Different Pathogen Defense Strategies in Arabidopsis: More than Pathogen Recognition
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhao Feng , Jiang Lihui , Chen Cun , Wu Lintao , Liu Zhibin
Published: December 2018

Plants constantly suffer from simultaneous infection by multiple pathogens, which can be divided into biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, and necrotrophic pathogens, according to their lifestyles. Many studies have contributed to improving our knowledge of how plants can defend against pathogens, involving different layers of defense mechanisms. In this sense, the review discusses: (1) the functions of PAMP (pathogen-associated molecular pattern)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), (2) evidence highlighting the functions of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET)-mediated signaling pathways downstream of PTI and ETI, and (3) other defense aspects, including many novel small molecules that are involved in defense and phenomena, including systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and priming. In particular, we mainly focus on SA and (JA)/ET-mediated signaling pathways. Interactions among them, including synergistic effects and antagonistic effects, are intensively explored. This might be critical to understanding dynamic disease regulation.
Modulation of Protein Synthesis by eIF2α Phosphorylation Protects Cell from Heat Stress-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Park Soyoung , Lim Yohan , Lee Duckgue , Elvira Rosalie , Lee Ji-Min , Lee Man Ryul , Han Jaeseok
Published: December 2018

Global warming poses a considerable threat to human health, necessitating a proper understanding of mechanisms underlying cell death in the pathogenesis of heat-related diseases. Although mechanisms governing cytoplasmic response to heat are well understood, processes regulating cellular response to disruption of proteostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) due to heat stress remain unclear. The current study reveals that hyperthermic conditions may lead to a disturbance of ER homeostasis, also known as ER stress. Subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) resulted in concomitant induction of cell death. Among the three UPR signaling pathways, the eIF2α phosphorylation pathway, and not the IRE1α/ATF6α pathways, is likely the main contributor to cell death under heat stress. Considering the role of eIF2α in translational control, we investigated the protective effect of translation rate on heat stress-mediated cell death. When protein synthesis was attenuated using cycloheximide or homoharringtonine, cell death due to heat stress was significantly reduced. In summation, we propose that transient modulation of protein synthesis by eIF2α phosphorylation has a pivotal role in protecting cells from heat stress-induced apoptosis. Therefore, pharmacological agents that promote eIF2α phosphorylation or reduce ER stress may contribute to the development of promising therapeutic approaches against heat-related diseases.
Alpha-Synuclein and Calpains Disrupt SNARE-Mediated Synaptic Vesicle Fusion During Manganese Exposure in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Wang Can , Ma Zhuo , Yan Dong-Ying , Liu Chang , Deng Yu , Liu Wei , Xu Zhao-Fa , Xu Bin
Published: December 2018

Synaptic vesicle fusion is mediated by an assembly of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), composed of syntaxin 1, soluble NSF-attachment protein (SNAP)-25, and synaptobrevin-2/VAMP-2. Previous studies have suggested that over-exposure to manganese (Mn) could disrupt synaptic vesicle fusion by influencing SNARE complex formation, both in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Here we employed calpeptin, an inhibitor of calpains, along with a lentivirus vector containing alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) shRNA, to examine whether specific SNAP-25 cleavage and the over-expression of α-Syn disturbed the formation of the SNARE complex in SH-SY5Y cells. After cells were treated with Mn for 24 h, fragments of SNAP-25-N-terminal protein began to appear; however, this effect was reduced in the group of cells which were pre-treated with calpeptin. FM1-43-labeled synaptic vesicle fusion decreased with Mn treatment, which was consistent with the formation of SNARE complexes. The interaction of VAMP-2 and α-Syn increased significantly in normal cells in response to 100 μM Mn treatment, but decreased in LV-α-Syn shRNA cells treated with 100 μM Mn; similar results were observed in terms of the formation of SNARE complexes and FM1-43-labeled synaptic vesicle fusion. Our data suggested that Mn treatment could increase [Ca2+]i, leading to abnormally excessive calpains activity, which disrupted the SNARE complex by cleaving SNAP-25. Our data also provided convincing evidence that Mn could induce the over-expression of α-Syn; when combined with VAMP-2, α-Syn prevented VAMP-2 from joining the SNARE complex cycle.
Transfer of Synthetic Human Chromosome into Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sinenko Sergey A. , Skvortsova Elena V. , Liskovykh Mikhail A. , Ponomartsev Sergey V. , Kuzmin Andrey A. , Khudiakov Aleksandr A. , Malashicheva Anna B. , Alenina Natalia , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay , Tomilin Alexey N.
Published: December 2018

AlphoidtetO-type human artificial chromosome (HAC) has been recently synthetized as a novel class of gene delivery vectors for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based tissue replacement therapeutic approach. This HAC vector was designed to deliver copies of genes into patients with genetic diseases caused by the loss of a particular gene function. The alphoidtetO-HAC vector has been successfully transferred into murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and maintained stably as an independent chromosome during the proliferation and differentiation of these cells. Human ESCs and iPSCs have significant differences in culturing conditions and pluripotency state in comparison with the murine naïve-type ESCs and iPSCs. To date, transferring alphoidtetO-HAC vector into human iPSCs (hiPSCs) remains a challenging task. In this study, we performed the microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT) of alphoidtetO-HAC expressing the green fluorescent protein into newly generated hiPSCs. We used a recently modified MMCT method that employs an envelope protein of amphotropic murine leukemia virus as a targeting cell fusion agent. Our data provide evidence that a totally artificial vector, alphoidtetO-HAC, can be transferred and maintained in human iPSCs as an independent autonomous chromosome without affecting pluripotent properties of the cells. These data also open new perspectives for implementing alphoidtetO-HAC as a gene therapy tool in future biomedical applications.
Influence of Water Molecules on the Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Cancer Biomarkers by Nanocomposite Quantum Resistive Vapor Sensors vQRS
Authors: Sachan Abhishek , Castro Mickaël , Choudhary Veena , Feller Jean-Francois
Published: December 2018

The anticipated diagnosis of various fatal diseases from the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) biomarkers of the volatolome is the object of very dynamic research. Nanocomposite-based quantum resistive vapor sensors (vQRS) exhibit strong advantages in the detection of biomarkers, as they can operate at room temperature with low consumption and sub ppm (part per million) sensitivity. However, to meet this application they need to detect some ppm or less amounts of biomarkers in patients’ breath, skin, or urine in complex blends of numerous VOC, most of the time hindered by a huge amount of water molecules. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the effects of moisture on the chemo-resistive sensing behavior of carbon nanotubes based vQRS. We show that in the presence of water molecules, the sensors cannot detect the right amount of VOC molecules present in their environment. These perturbations of the detection mechanism are found to depend on the chemical interactions between water and other VOC molecules, but also on their competitive absorption on sensors receptive sites, located at the nanojunctions of the conductive architecture. This complex phenomenon studied with down to 12.5 ppm of acetone, ethanol, butanone, toluene, and cyclohexane mixed with 100 ppm of water was worth to investigate in the prospect of future developments of devices analysing real breath samples in which water can reach a concentration of 6%.
Geographic Information and Communication Technologies for Supporting Smallholder Agriculture and Climate Resilience
Authors: Haworth Billy Tusker , Biggs Eloise , Duncan John , Wales Nathan , Boruff Bryan , Bruce Eleanor
Published: December 2018

Multiple factors constrain smallholder agriculture and farmers’ adaptive capacities under changing climates, including access to information to support context appropriate farm decision-making. Current approaches to geographic information dissemination to smallholders, such as the rural extension model, are limited, yet advancements in internet and communication technologies (ICTs) could help augment these processes through the provision of agricultural geographic information (AGI) directly to farmers. We analysed recent ICT initiatives for communicating climate and agriculture-related information to smallholders for improved livelihoods and climate change adaptation. Through the critical analysis of initiatives, we identified opportunities for the success of future AGI developments. We systematically examined 27 AGI initiatives reported in academic and grey literature (e.g., organisational databases). Important factors identified for the success of initiatives include affordability, language(s), community partnerships, user collaboration, high quality and locally-relevant information through low-tech platforms, organisational trust, clear business models, and adaptability. We propose initiatives should be better-targeted to deliver AGI to regions in most need of climate adaptation assistance, including SE Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Further assessment of the most effective technological approaches is needed. Initiatives should be independently assessed for evaluation of their uptake and success, and local communities should be better-incorporated into the development of AGI initiatives.
Relative Humidity Fiber Sensor Based on Multimode Interferometer Coated with Agarose-Gel
Authors: Novais Susana , Ferreira Marta S. , Pinto João L.
Published: December 2018

In this work, a relative humidity (RH) sensor based on a structure with multimode interference is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The multimode sensor is fabricated by fusion splicing a coreless fiber section to a single mode fiber. A hydrophilic agarose gel is coated on the coreless fiber, using the dip coating technique. By changing the surrounding RH, the refractive index of the coated agarose gel will change, causing a wavelength shift of the peak in the reflection spectra. For RH variations in the range between 60.0%RH and 98.5%RH, the sensor presents a maximum sensitivity of 44.2 pm/%RH, and taking in consideration the interrogation system, a resolution of 0.5%RH is acquired. This sensor has a great potential in real time RH monitoring and can be of interest for applications where a control of high levels of relative humidity is required.
Stress-Affected Lithiation Reactions in Elasto-Viscoplastic Si Particles with Hyperelastic Polymer Coatings: A Nonlinear Chemo-Mechanical Finite-Element Study
Authors: Lippmann Philip , Poluektov Michael , Figiel Łukasz
Published: December 2018

Stress-affected two-phase lithiation reactions in spherical elasto-viscoplastic Si particles for Li-ion batteries are studied here to determine the effects of a hyperelastic polymer coating on particle stresses, reaction front velocity, and degree of lithiation. The problem is modelled using finite-strain chemo-mechanical equations that couple stress, with Li-ion diffusion and reaction front velocity, and are solved using the finite-element (FE) approach, taking advantage of spherical symmetry of the problem. FE simulations and the sensitivity analysis reveal: (1) coating thickness is the most influential design parameter that affects the velocity of the reaction front, and (2) increasing values of the coating shear and bulk moduli, and the coating thickness reduce tensile circumferential stresses at the edge of the particle. The latter minimises the risk of particle cracking in the opening mode, but it can also accelerate the arrest of the reaction front, and thus reduce the particle lithiation degree in Li-ion battery anodes.
Wear and Corrosion Properties of Cold-Sprayed AISI 316L Coatings Treated by Combined Plasma Carburizing and Nitriding at Low Temperature
Authors: Adachi Shinichiro , Ueda Nobuhiro
Published: December 2018

Cold-sprayed AISI 316L stainless steel coatings are treated to form an austenite phase with excessive dissolved nitrogen (known as the S-phase) by plasma nitriding at temperatures below 450 °C. The S-phase is a hard and wear-resistant layer with high corrosion resistance. However, the S-phase layer formed after only nitriding is thin and the hardness abruptly decreases at a certain depth; it lacks mechanical reliability. We examined two types of combined low-temperature plasma treatment to enhance the mechanical reliability of the S-phase layer: (i) sequential and (ii) simultaneous. In the sequential plasma treatment, the carburizing step was followed by nitriding. In the simultaneous treatment, the nitriding and carburizing steps were conducted at the same time. Both combined plasma treatments succeeded in thickening the S-phase layers and changed the hardness depth profiles to decrease smoothly. In addition, anodic polarization measurements indicated that sequential treatment involving carburizing followed by nitriding for 2 h each resulted in high corrosion resistance.
Where Are the tpy Embraces in [Zn{4′-(EtO)2OPC6H4tpy}2][CF3SO3]2?
Authors: Zare Davood , Prescimone Alessandro , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the bromo- and phosphonate-ester-functionalized complexes [Zn(1)2][CF3SO3]2 and [Zn(2)2][CF3SO3]2 (1 = 4′-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, 2 = diethyl (4-([2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridin]-4′-yl)phenyl)phosphonate) are reported. The complexes have been characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry, IR and absorption spectroscopies, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The single-crystal structures of [Zn(1)2][CF3SO3]2.MeCN.1/2Et2O and [Zn(2)2][CF3SO3]2 have been determined and they confirm {Zn(tpy)2}2+ cores (tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine). Ongoing from X = Br to P(O)(OEt)2, the {Zn(4′-XC6H4tpy)2}2+ unit exhibits significant “bowing” of the backbone, which is associated with changes in packing interactions. The [Zn(1)2]2+ cations engage in head-to-tail 4′-Phtpy...4′-Phtpy embraces with efficient pyridine...phenylene π-stacking interactions. The [Zn(2)2]2+ cations pack with one of the two ligands involved in pyridine...pyridine π-stacking; steric hindrance between one C6H4PO(OEt)2 group and an adjacent pair of π-stacked pyridine rings results in distortion of backbone of the ligand. This report is the first crystallographic determination of a salt of a homoleptic [M{4′-(RO)2OPC6H4tpy}2]n+ cation.
Bearing Remaining Useful Life Prediction Based on Naive Bayes and Weibull Distributions
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Wu Lifeng , Wang Zhonghua , Guan Yong
Published: December 2018

Bearing plays an important role in mechanical equipment, and its remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is an important research topic of mechanical equipment. To accurately predict the RUL of bearing, this paper proposes a data-driven RUL prediction method. First, the statistical method is used to extract the features of the signal, and the root mean square (RMS) is regarded as the main performance degradation index. Second, the correlation coefficient is used to select the statistical characteristics that have high correlation with the RMS. Then, In order to avoid the fluctuation of the statistical feature, the improved Weibull distributions (WD) algorithm is used to fit the fluctuation feature of bearing at different recession stages, which is used as input of Naive Bayes (NB) training stage. During the testing stage, the true fluctuation feature of the bearings are used as the input of NB. After the NB testing, five classes are obtained: health states and four states for bearing degradation. Finally, the exponential smoothing algorithm is used to smooth the five classes, and to predict the RUL of bearing. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective for RUL prediction of bearing.
Age of Information in Wireless Powered Networks in Low SNR Region for Future 5G
Authors: Hu Huimin , Xiong Ke , Zhang Yu , Fan Pingyi , Liu Tong , Kang Shaoli
Published: December 2018

Wireless powered communication technology has a great potential to power low-power wireless sensor networks and Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time applications in future 5G networks, where age of information (AoI) plays a very important performance metric. This paper studies the system average AoI of a wireless powered network, where a wireless-powered user harvests energy from a wireless power source (WPS) and then transmits data packets to its access point (AP) by using the harvested energy. The user generates data packets with some probability and adopts the first-come-first-served (FCFS) service policy. For such a system, by using the queuing theory and the probability models, we derive a closed-form expression of the system average AoI. We also formulate an optimization problem to minimize the AoI by optimizing the data packet generating probability, and find its solution by simple calculation and search. Simulation results demonstrate the correctness of our obtained analytical results. It also shows that, when the total distance of the two hops is fixed, the system average AoI increases linearly with the increment of the distance of the first hop, and a smaller data packet generating probability should be selected to match a bigger first-hop distance for achieving a smaller system average AoI. Moreover, a smaller data packet size also contributes to a smaller system average AoI.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Using Parallel Autoencoding Diabolo Networks on Multi-Core and Many-Core Architectures
Authors: Torti Emanuele , Fontanella Alessandro , Plaza Antonio , Plaza Javier , Leporati Francesco
Published: December 2018

One of the most important tasks in hyperspectral imaging is the classification of the pixels in the scene in order to produce thematic maps. This problem can be typically solved through machine learning techniques. In particular, deep learning algorithms have emerged in recent years as a suitable methodology to classify hyperspectral data. Moreover, the high dimensionality of hyperspectral data, together with the increasing availability of unlabeled samples, makes deep learning an appealing approach to process and interpret those data. However, the limited number of labeled samples often complicates the exploitation of supervised techniques. Indeed, in order to guarantee a suitable precision, a large number of labeled samples is normally required. This hurdle can be overcome by resorting to unsupervised classification algorithms. In particular, autoencoders can be used to analyze a hyperspectral image using only unlabeled data. However, the high data dimensionality leads to prohibitive training times. In this regard, it is important to realize that the operations involved in autoencoders training are intrinsically parallel. Therefore, in this paper we present an approach that exploits multi-core and many-core devices in order to achieve efficient autoencoders training in hyperspectral imaging applications. Specifically, in this paper, we present new OpenMP and CUDA frameworks for autoencoder training. The obtained results show that the CUDA framework provides a speed-up of about two orders of magnitudes as compared to an optimized serial processing chain.
Analytical Approach in the Development of RF MEMS Switches
Authors: Lysenko Igor E. , Tkachenko Alexey V. , Sherova Elena V. , Nikitin Alexander V.
Published: December 2018

Currently, the technology of microelectromechanical systems is widely used in the development of high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency devices. The most important requirements for modern and advanced devices of the ultra-high-frequency range are the reduction of weight and size characteristics, power consumption with an increase in their functionality, operating frequency and level of integration. Radio frequency microelectromechanical switches are developed using the technology of the manufacture of CMOS-integrated circuits. Integrated radio frequency control circuits require low control voltages, the high ratio of losses to the isolation in the open and closed condition, high performance and reliability. This review is devoted to the analytical approach based on the knowledge of materials, basic performance indices and mechanisms of failure, which can be used in the development of radio-frequency microelectromechanical switches.
AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with PECVD SiNx, SiON, SiO2 as Gate Dielectric and Passivation Layer
Authors: Geng Kuiwei , Chen Ditao , Zhou Quanbin , Wang Hong
Published: December 2018

Three different insulator layers SiNx, SiON, and SiO2 were used as a gate dielectric and passivation layer in AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MIS-HEMT). The SiNx, SiON, and SiO2 were deposited by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. Great differences in the gate leakage current, breakdown voltage, interface traps, and current collapse were observed. The SiON MIS-HEMT exhibited the highest breakdown voltage and Ion/Ioff ratio. The SiNx MIS-HEMT performed well in current collapse but exhibited the highest gate leakage current density. The SiO2 MIS-HEMT possessed the lowest gate leakage current density but suffered from the early breakdown of the metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diode. As for interface traps, the SiNx MIS-HEMT has the largest shallow trap density and the lowest deep trap density. The SiO2 MIS-HEMT has the largest deep trap density. The factors causing current collapse were confirmed by Photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Based on the direct current (DC) characteristics, SiNx and SiON both have advantages and disadvantages.
Feasibility of a Stochastic Collaborative Beamforming for Long Range Communications in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Navarro-Camba Enrique A. , Felici-Castell Santiago , Segura-García Jaume , García-Pineda Miguel , Pérez-Solano Juan J.
Published: December 2018

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is a group of spatially dispersed autonomous sensor devices, named motes. These motes have a microcontroller, sensors, are powered by AA or AAA batteries, and mainly have the ability to communicate using the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The motes communicate between them inside the WSN exchanging packets using a multi-hop routing. They use a very low amount of power (below 100 mW). This limits the maximum communication distance between motes within the WSN. Usually, one mote acts as a gateway to other networks and this mote is also called sink or simply Base Station (BS), and the data collected by the sensors of each mote are sent to this mote. The maximum distance between the BS and the nearest mote is below 100 m because of the power limitations of the motes. If the WSN-BS distance is above this boundary, the communication will surely fail. We propose a new technique in order to achieve a long range communication from the WSN, for instance to communicate to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. Many proposals in the literature based on Collaborative Beamforming (CB), also known as Distributed or Cooperative Beamforming, for these long range communications are found, however the synchronization of clocks is an almost impossible task given the simplicity and cheapness of the architecture of the motes. To overcome this problem, we propose a new technique, named Stochastic Collaborative Beamforming (SCB), in which we take advantage of the synchronization errors of the clocks. In SCB, it is possible to obtain the adequate time delay that permits the interference or sufficient gain in the direction of the receiver. This gain is obtained from interfering independent signals coming from each mote of the WSN, using a repetition scheme. Although it does not get all the nominal gain that could be obtained in case of a perfect synchronization, it does get a sufficient gain to reach the BS with limited power consumption.