bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degeneracy in the robust expression of spectral selectivity, subthreshold oscillations, and intrinsic excitability of entorhinal stellate cells
Authors: Mittal Divyansh , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: May 2018

Biological heterogeneities are ubiquitous and play critical roles in the emergence of physiology at multiple scales. Although neurons in layer II (LII) of the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) express heterogeneities in channel properties, the impact of such heterogeneities on the robustness of their cellular-scale physiology has not been assessed. Here, we performed a 55-parameter stochastic search spanning nine voltage- or calcium-activated channels to assess the impact of channel heterogeneities on the concomitant emergence of 10 in vitro electrophysiological characteristics of LII stellate cells (SCs). We generated 150,000 models and found a heterogeneous subpopulation of 449 valid models to robustly match all electrophysiological signatures. We employed this heterogeneous population to demonstrate the emergence of cellular-scale degeneracy in SCs, whereby disparate parametric combinations expressing weak pairwise correlations resulted in similar models. We then assessed the impact of virtually knocking out each channel from all valid models and demonstrate that the mapping between channels and measurements was many-to-many, a critical requirement for the expression of degeneracy. Finally, we quantitatively predict that the spike-triggered average of SCs should be endowed with theta-frequency spectral selectivity and coincidence detection capabilities in the fast gamma-band. We postulate this fast gamma-band coincidence detection as an instance of cellular-scale-efficient coding, whereby SC response characteristics match the dominant oscillatory signals in LII MEC. The heterogeneous population of valid SC models built here unveils the robust emergence of cellular-scale physiology despite significant channel heterogeneities, and forms an efficacious substrate for evaluating the impact of biological heterogeneities on entorhinal network function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We assessed the impact of heterogeneities in channel properties on the robustness of cellular-scale physiology of medial entorhinal cortical stellate neurons. We demonstrate that neuronal models with disparate channel combinations were endowed with similar physiological characteristics, as a consequence of the many-to-many mapping between channel properties and the physiological characteristics that they modulate. We predict that the spike-triggered average of stellate cells should be endowed with theta-frequency spectral selectivity and fast gamma-band coincidence detection capabilities.
Regulation of dynamic postural control to attend manual steadiness constraints
Authors: Teixeira Luis Augusto , Coutinho Joane de Figueiredo Serpa , Coelho Daniel Boari
Published: May 2018

In daily living activities, performance of spatially accurate manual movements in upright stance depends on postural stability. In the present investigation, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the required manual steadiness (task constraint) on the regulation of dynamic postural control. A single group of young participants ( n = 20) were evaluated in the performance of a dual posturo-manual task of balancing on a platform oscillating in sinusoidal translations at 0.4-Hz (low) or 1-Hz (high) frequencies while stabilizing a cylinder on a handheld tray. Manual task constraint was manipulated by comparing the conditions of keeping the cylinder stationary on its flat or round side, corresponding to low and high manual task constraints, respectively. Results showed that in the low oscillation frequency the high manual task constraint led to lower oscillation amplitudes of the head, center of mass, and tray, in addition to higher relative phase values between ankle/hip-shoulder oscillatory rotations and between center of mass/center of pressure-feet oscillations as compared with values observed in the low manual task constraint. Further analyses showed that the high manual task constraint also affected variables related to both postural (increased amplitudes of center of pressure oscillation) and manual (increased amplitude of shoulder rotations) task components in the high oscillation frequency. These results suggest that control of a dynamic posturo-manual task is modulated in distinct parameters to attend the required manual steadiness in a complex and flexible way.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We evaluated dynamic postural control on a platform oscillating in sinusoidal translations at different frequencies while performing a manual task with low or high steadiness constraints. Results showed that high manual task constraint led to modulation of metric and coordination variables associated with greater postural stability. Our findings suggest that motor control is regulated in an integrative mode at the posturo-manual task level, with reciprocal interplay between the postural and manual components.
Impact of the Autonomic Nervous System on the Skeleton
Authors: Elefteriou Florent
Published: May 2018

It is from the discovery of leptin and the central nervous system as a regulator of bone remodeling that the presence of autonomic nerves within the skeleton transitioned from a mere histological observation to the mechanism whereby neurons of the central nervous system communicate with cells of the bone microenvironment and regulate bone homeostasis. This shift in paradigm sparked new preclinical and clinical investigations aimed at defining the contribution of sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory nerves to the process of bone development, bone mass accrual, bone remodeling, and cancer metastasis. The aim of this article is to review the data that led to the current understanding of the interactions between the autonomic and skeletal systems and to present a critical appraisal of the literature, bringing forth a schema that can put into physiological and clinical context the main genetic and pharmacological observations pointing to the existence of an autonomic control of skeletal homeostasis. The different types of nerves found in the skeleton, their functional interactions with bone cells, their impact on bone development, bone mass accrual and remodeling, and the possible clinical or pathophysiological relevance of these findings are discussed.
Myoediting: Toward Prevention of Muscular Dystrophy by Therapeutic Genome Editing
Authors: Zhang Yu , Long Chengzu , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N.
Published: May 2018

Muscular dystrophies represent a large group of genetic disorders that significantly impair quality of life and often progress to premature death. There is no effective treatment for these debilitating diseases. Most therapies, developed to date, focus on alleviating the symptoms or targeting the secondary effects, while the underlying gene mutation is still present in the human genome. The discovery and application of programmable nucleases for site-specific DNA double-stranded breaks provides a powerful tool for precise genome engineering. In particular, the CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized the genome editing field and is providing a new path for disease treatment by targeting the disease-causing genetic mutations. In this review, we provide a historical overview of genome-editing technologies, summarize the most recent advances, and discuss potential strategies and challenges for permanently correcting genetic mutations that cause muscular dystrophies.
How to Distinguish Patients with pSS among Individuals with Dryness without Invasive Diagnostic Studies
Authors: Sebastian Agata , Sebastian Maciej , Misterska-Skóra Maria , Woytala Patryk , Jakuszko Katarzyna , Wiland Piotr
Published: May 2018

In the course of pSS, inflammatory cell infiltration consists mainly of lymphocytes infiltrating exocrine glands, which leads to their impaired function. The characteristic feature is generalized dryness. The aim of this study was to attempt to answer the question whether it is possible to distinguish between patients with pSS and individuals with dryness caused by other pathologies without applying invasive studies. The study included 68 patients with pSS and 43 healthy controls with dryness. FS ≥ 1 was observed in 90% of patients with pSS (with or without dryness), and only in 23% of the control group (only with xerostomia). In the pSS group, anaemia (p=0.0085), lymphocytopenia (p=0.0006), elevated ERS (p=0.001), higher RF titer, and ANA antibodies were noted. Configuration of anti-SSA + SSB + Ro52 antibodies was characteristic for the pSS group. Considering the clinical symptoms, statistically significant differences were noted between pSS patients and the control group in frequency (p=0.02) and severity (p=0.042) of fatigue, lymphadenopathy, major salivary gland involvement, and photosensitivity to UV light. In conclusion, invasive methods are pivotal in pSS diagnosis in this salivary gland biopsy. Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in pSS patients and can be subjective distinguishing factor in the group of people with dryness.
Oxidative and Antioxidative Status of Children with Celiac Disease Treated with a Gluten Free‐Diet
Authors: Rowicka Grażyna , Czaja-Bulsa Grażyna , Chełchowska Magdalena , Riahi Agnieszka , Strucińska Małgorzata , Weker Halina , Ambroszkiewicz Jadwiga
Published: May 2018

Aims. Oxidative stress is a factor involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD), possibly affecting the course of the disease and celiac‐related complications. We assessed the intensity of oxidative processes and the efficiency of antioxidant defense in children with celiac disease. Methods. Group I (n = 32) consisted of children with CD treated with a gluten‐free diet, and group II (n = 24) consisted of healthy children on a traditional diet. Antioxidative and oxidative status was assessed by measurement of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) and on the basis of oxidative stress index (OSI). Results. There were no significant differences in serum TAC, TOC, ox‐LDL, and OSI between children with CD and healthy children. Cluster analysis showed that the group of children with CD is not homogeneous in terms of serum TAC and TOC levels. About 50% of these children had TAC levels < 1.3 mmol/L and TOC levels > 0.35 mmol/L. Conclusions. Strict adherence to a gluten‐free diet by children with CD seems to be important for maintaining oxidative‐antioxidant balance. However, further research is needed to identify factors potentially responsible for increased oxidative stress in some children with celiac disease despite adherence to a gluten‐free diet.
Numerical Simulations of Water Quality Measurement Model in an Opened-Closed Reservoir with Contaminant Removal Mechanism
Authors: Thongtha Kaboon , Kasemsuwan Jaipong
Published: May 2018

The mathematical simulation of water contaminant measurement is often used to assess the water quality. The monitoring point placement for water quality measurement in an opened-closed reservoir can give accurate or inaccurate assessment. In this research, the mathematical model of the approximated water quality in an opened-closed reservoir with removal mechanism system is proposed. The water quality model consists of the hydrodynamic model and the dispersion model. The hydrodynamic model is used to describe the water current in the opened-closed reservoir. The transient advection-diffusion equation with removal mechanism provides the water pollutant concentration. The water velocity from the hydrodynamic model is plugged into the dispersion model. The finite difference techniques are used to approximate the solution of the water quality model. The proposed numerical simulations give a suitable area of zonal removal mechanism placement. The proposed simulations also give the overall and specified approximated water quality for each point and time when the exit gate is opened on the different periods of time. In addition, the proposed techniques can give a suitable period of time to open the exit gate to achieve a good agreement water quality by using contaminant removal mechanism.
Methodology for Automatic Ontology Generation Using Database Schema Information
Authors: An JungHyen , Park Young B.
Published: May 2018

An ontology is a model language that supports the functions to integrate conceptually distributed domain knowledge and infer relationships among the concepts. Ontologies are developed based on the target domain knowledge. As a result, methodologies to automatically generate an ontology from metadata that characterize the domain knowledge are becoming important. However, existing methodologies to automatically generate an ontology using metadata are required to generate the domain metadata in a predetermined template, and it is difficult to manage data that are increased on the ontology itself when the domain OWL (Ontology Web Language) individuals are continuously increased. The database schema has a feature of domain knowledge and provides structural functions to efficiently process the knowledge-based data. In this paper, we propose a methodology to automatically generate ontologies and manage the OWL individual through an interaction of the database and the ontology. We describe the automatic ontology generation process with example schema and demonstrate the effectiveness of the automatically generated ontology by comparing it with existing ontologies using the ontology quality score.
XOR Logic Gate by Carbon/Metal Nanoinks Based on a Double-Stage Optical Kerr Gate Configuration
Authors: García-Merino J. A. , Feria-Reyes E. , Mercado-Zúñiga C. , Trejo-Valdez M. , Torres-San Miguel C. R. , Vargas-García J. R. , Torres-Torres C.
Published: May 2018

Two-input binary exclusive-or logic operations were presented by the assistance of multiwall carbon nanotubes in a double-stage optical Kerr gate scheme with two control beams. The samples were prepared by the aerosol pyrolysis method and decorated by platinum nanoparticles using a chemical vapor deposition technique. The nanostructures were suspended in ethanol to obtain carbon/metal nanoinks with different concentrations and then randomly distributed networks integrated in thin film form were fabricated. Polarization-selectable functions were obtained in the double-stage scheme by using nanosecond third-order nonlinear optical effects at 532 nm wavelength exhibited by the samples. Potential applications for ultrafast identification and encryption of nonlinear optical signals were discussed.
High-Grade Osteosarcoma of the Foot: Presentation, Treatment, Prognostic Factors, and Outcome of 23 Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group COSS Patients
Authors: Schuster Anne J. , Kager Leo , Reichardt Peter , Baumhoer Daniel , Csóka Monika , Hecker-Nolting Stefanie , Lang Susanna , Lorenzen Sylvie , Mayer-Steinacker Regine , von Kalle Thekla , Kevric Matthias , Werner Mathias , Windhager Reinhard , Wirth Thomas , Bielack Stefan S.
Published: May 2018

Osteosarcoma of the foot is a very rare presentation of a rare tumor entity. In a retrospective analysis, we investigated tumor- and treatment-related variables and outcome of patients registered in the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) database between January 1980 and April 2016 who suffered from primary high-grade osteosarcoma of the foot. Among the 23 eligible patients, median age was 32 years (range: 6–58 years), 10 were female, and 13 were male. The tarsus was the most commonly affected site (n=16). Three patients had primary metastases. All patients were operated: 5 underwent primary surgery and 18 received surgery following preoperative chemotherapy. In 21 of the 23 patients, complete surgical remission was achieved. In 4 of 17 patients, a poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was observed in the resected primary tumors. Median follow-up was 4.2 years (range: 0.4–18.5). At the last follow-up, 15 of the 23 patients were alive and 8 had died. Five-year overall and event-free survival estimates were 64% (standard error (SE) 12%) and 54% (SE 13%), which is similar to that observed for osteosarcoma in general. Event-free and overall survival correlated with primary metastatic status and completeness of surgery. Our findings show that high-grade osteosarcoma in the foot has a similar outcome as osteosarcoma of other sites.
Anaemia in Pregnancy: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Stephen Grace , Mgongo Melina , Hussein Hashim Tamara , Katanga Johnson , Stray-Pedersen Babill , Msuya Sia Emmanueli
Published: May 2018

Background and Objective. Anaemia in pregnancy is a public health problem in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and adverse perinatal outcomes of anaemia among pregnant women in Moshi Municipal, Northern Tanzania.Methods. This was a follow-up study conducted from October 2013 to June 2015. A total of 539 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Interviews were conducted followed by determination of haemoglobin level. Women were followed up at delivery and at 7 days and 28 days after delivery.Results. A total of 529 women were included in this analysis. Their mean age was 25.8 (SD 5.73). The prevalence of anaemia was 18.0% and 2% had severe anaemia. The clinic of recruitment and low education level of the women were the factors that were independently associated with anaemia during pregnancy. At delivery, there were 10 stillbirths, 16 low birth weight (LBW) newborns, and 2 preterm birth cases. No association was found between anaemia and LBW, preterm birth, or stillbirths.Conclusion. Anaemia in pregnancy was a mild public health problem in the study setting of Northern Tanzania.
The Role of Immune Defects and Colonization ofStaphylococcus aureusin the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Nowicka Danuta , Grywalska Ewelina
Published: May 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a condition with a complex and not fully understood etiology. In patients with AD, acute skin lesions are colonized by a greater number ofStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) bacteria than chronic lesions, clinically unchanged atopic skin, or the skin of healthy people. Mechanisms promoting skin colonization byS. aureusinclude complex interactions among several factors. Apart from increased adhesion ofS. aureusin atopic skin, defects of the innate immune response resulting in the lack of restriction of the growth of microorganisms also contribute to susceptibility to colonization by and infection withS. aureus. A deficiency in the endogenous antimicrobial peptides may be partly responsible for the susceptibility to colonization by and skin infection withS. aureusin patients with AD. Majority of isolatedS. aureusstains are able to produce exotoxins, which act as superantigens. Moreover, anti-S. aureus-specific IgE was identified and measured in patients with AD, revealing that its level corresponds to the severity of the disease. This review of the literature attempts to identify factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of AD-relatedS. aureusskin colonization. In the light of presented mechanisms, a reduction of colonization may become both causative and symptomatic treatment in AD.
Mean Platelet Volume and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Zhongwei , Chen Hongmei , Sun Mingzhong , Ju Huixiang
Published: May 2018

Aim. To evaluate the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library up to 4 September 2017. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect model. Results. Nineteen studies comprising 1361 GDM patients and 1911 normal pregnant women were included. MPV was increased in GDM patients when compared with healthy pregnant women (SMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.43–1.16; P<0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that such trend was consistent in the third-trimester (SMD: 1.35; 95% CI: 0.72–1.98), Turkish (SMD: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.43–1.19), and Italian (SMD: 2.78; 95% CI: 2.22–3.34) patients with GDM and the patients diagnosed based on Carpenter and Coustan criteria (SMD: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.42–1.65). Significantly higher MPV also were observed within cross-sectional studies (SMD: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.49–1.49). Remarkable between-study heterogeneity and potential publication bias were observed in this meta-analysis; however, sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were not unduly influenced by any single study. Conclusions. GDM patients are accompanied by increased MPV, strengthening the clinical evidence that MPV may be a predictive marker for GDM.
Dual-Focuses Metalens for Copolarized and Cross-Polarized Transmission Waves
Authors: Ji Ru , Chen Kejian , Ni Yujie , Hua Yanan , Long Kaiwen , Zhuang Songlin
Published: May 2018

Metasurfaces can reshape the wavefront in the desired manner by manipulating the phase profile and amplitude of the incident wave. In this paper, we demonstrate an ultrathin terahertz metalens based on our designed resonator structure, where the polarization state can be converted to the orthogonal direction and the parabolic phase profile is designed covering a 2π phase region. Many functional metalenses are also engineered to meet the demand of focusing, dual-polarization confocal, and dual focuses for orthogonal polarization in the frequency range from 0.65 to 0.8 THz. The presented metalenses can provide potential applications in terahertz communications and imaging systems.
Effects of Fatigue Based on Electroencephalography Signal during Laparoscopic Surgical Simulation
Authors: Ndaro Nyakuru Z. , Wang Shu-Yi
Published: May 2018

Background. Following recent advances in technology, there is a growing interest in studying fatigue based on electrophysiological signals as a means of monitoring brain activity. While some existing works relate fatigue to performance, others consider the two as independent entities. Therefore, we must explore this intricate issue, particularly in laparoscopic training, for the sake of patient safety. Objective. This paper explores and evaluates effects of fatigue on efficiency and accuracy based on laparoscopic surgical training using Electroencephalography (EEG) signal. Materials and Methods. 20 college students performed peg transfer task on laparoscopic simulator, with real-time recording of EEG signals for each subject. To monitor degree of fatigue, a real-time fatigue monitoring system based on fatigue analysis algorithm was designed through the use of EEG in alpha (α) and theta (θ) rhythms. We designed data acquisition and fatigue analysis modules based on MATLAB platform. BrainLink was used to record EEG signals and send them to personal computer wirelessly via Bluetooth. While artifacts from the captured EEG signals were removed using Blind Source Separation (BSS), α and θ rhythms were extracted using wavelet analysis. Fatigue was evaluated based on Regression Model and Mahalanobis Distance (DC), and its threshold was determined from the experimental results using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. Completion time and number of errors behaved like a decreasing function during the first few trials while increasing afterwards with the increasing of perceived fatigue level. The results indicate that learning curve of the subjects is increasing until 13th trials when they have attained maximum learning benefits and decreases afterwards due to fatigue. Conclusion. Regression analysis shows that there are significant learning and fatigue effects when peg transfer task in the training is repeated in a series of trials. However, for the training to be effective and efficient, there should be monitoring during the training to observe where in the learning curve a trainee gains maximum learning benefits. Furthermore, fatigue is a significant indicator of efficiency and accuracy in terms of completion time and errors, respectively.
Cervical Cancer Awareness among Women in Tanzania: An Analysis of Data from the 2011-12 Tanzania HIV and Malaria Indicators Survey
Authors: Moshi Fabiola V. , Vandervort Elisa B. , Kibusi Stephen M.
Published: May 2018

Background. Awareness about cervical cancer is a first step in the process of screening and early treatment. The purpose of this study was to provide better understanding of basic knowledge about cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. Method. Data were analyzed from the 2011-2012 Tanzania HIV and Malaria Indicators Survey (THMIS) and a sample of 5542 sexually active women from 15 to 49 years of age were included in the analysis. Results. Overall knowledge about cervical cancer was high among interviewed women. Only 30.9% of women had never heard about cervical cancer. The predictors of awareness were having secondary or more level of education (AOR = 3.257, 95% CI 2.328–4.557, p<0.001), residing in urban (AOR = 1.365, 95% CI 1.093–1.705, p<0.01), being affluent (AOR = 2.685, 95% CI 2.009–3.587, p<0.001), having one to four children (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.032–1.793), and age of 30–34 years (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI 2.353–4.220, p<0.001), 35–39 years (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.831–3.308, p<0.001), and 40–44 years (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI 2.497–4.784, p<0.001). Conclusion. While the cervical cancer landscape in Tanzania has evolved since this survey, coverage has not yet been achieved and access to cervical cancer prevention services for rural women and girls remains a concern. Women who were least likely to be aware of cervical cancer were rural women, less affluent women, those with limited education, and those with limited access to the formal economy. Arguably, these are the women who are most at risk for cervical cancer. To close this gap, Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to increase access to high-quality cervical cancer prevention services for all women at risk are commendable.
Seismic Response of Tunnel Lining for Shallow‐Bias Tunnel with a Small Clear Distance under Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Hui Yang , Xueliang Jiang , Pengyuan Lian
Published: May 2018

In order to study the internal force characteristics of shallow‐bias tunnel with a small clear distance in earthquake, a large‐scale shaking table slope model test was designed, and the geometric scale was 1 : 10. In the model test, the Wenchuan (WC) seismic wave was used as the excitation wave. Then, the three‐dimensional numerical model was established by using MIDAS‐NX, and the reliability of the numerical model was verified by comparing the acceleration of the test results. The axial force, bending moment, and shear force of the tunnel cross section and longitudinal direction were calculated by the numerical model under different excitation directions included the horizontal direction (X), the vertical direction (Z), and the horizontal and vertical direction (XZ). The results show the following. (1) The internal force of right arch foot of left hole and the left arch foot of right hole is larger than other part of the tunnels because the distance between the two tunnels is smaller and they interact with each other. (2) The loading direction of single direction loading method is different and the variation trend of tunnel force are different, so the loading direction of seismic wave has a significant influence on the seismic force response of the tunnel. (3) All of the internal force values of tunnel lining under the seismic wave action in bidirection are larger than those in single direction. The value is not a simple superposition of two directions and has some coupling effect. The influence of the vertical seismic wave cannot be ignored in dynamic response research. These results improve the understanding of the rock slope with small spacing tunnel under seismic action.
Immediate Uptake of Phonological Corrective Feedback in Language Learning and Retention
Authors: Naeimi Amin , Saeidi Mahnaz , Behnam Biook
Published: May 2018

As language learners’ phonological errors have attracted substantial attention, error treatment strategies have become an indispensable part of teachers’ repertoire. Research has found positive effects for corrective feedback on language learner uptake; however, the effect has not been proved to be sustained over time. This quasiexperimental study sought to explore whether uptake can reflect language learning and retention through measuring the effectiveness of three common types of oral corrective feedback on Iranian EFL learners’ phonological errors. Fifty-four male intermediate-level learners received a nine-session treatment in the form of recast, elicitation, and metalinguistic feedback during story retelling tasks. Results of comparing and correlating uptake with posttest scores revealed that while recast was found to be the most effective feedback in inducing correct uptake, it was metalinguistic feedback that proved to be the most conducive in learning and retention. Besides, there was no significant relationship between the learners’ scores in uptake and their learning and retention in any groups. This suggests that EFL learners’ immediate reactions to teachers’ input-providing or output-prompting correction could not be a reflection of language development, and more consistent and continuous long-term assessment of the success of corrective feedback has to be envisaged in language teaching methodologies.
Analysis of Fire Risk Associated with Photovoltaic Power Generation System
Authors: Zhao Guomin , Li Min , Jian Lv , He Zhicheng , Shuang Jin , Yuping Sun , Zhang Qingsong , Zhongxian Liu
Published: May 2018

Because of increasing energy consumption and severe air pollution in China, solar photovoltaic power generation plants are being deployed rapidly. Owing to various factors such as technology, construction, and imperfection of construction standards, solar photovoltaic systems have certain fire risks. This paper focuses on the fire risks of building‐integrated solar photovoltaic buildings, as well as temperature and heat flow density near a photovoltaic system in a fire. Based on FDS simulation results, the influence of different building fires on photovoltaic systems is analysed. It is found that the influence of fire on photovoltaic systems installed on a building with a flat roof is stronger than that on a system installed on a building with a sloping roof; the influence of fire on a photovoltaic system installed on a building with external wall thermal insulation is stronger than that on a system installed on a building without such insulation; and in the presence of a skylight, a photovoltaic system installed on a building with a sloping roof is more dangerous.
Nature of Radiative Recombination Processes in Layered Heterogeneous PbCdI2 Thick Films: Promising Scintillator Materials
Authors: Bukivskii Anatolii P. , Gnatenko Yuriy P. , Piryatinski Yuri P. , Fesych Igor V. , Lendel Vasyl V. , Tkach Vasyl M. , Bukivskij Petro M.
Published: May 2018

For the first time, PbCdI2 alloys in the form of thick films were prepared on a glass substrate using the conventional one-step chemical deposition method. The studies of the structural properties of these films showed that they have a very complex crystal structure, where PbI2 microcrystallites of micron and submicron sizes, as well as small nanoclusters (NCLs), are randomly formed in the CdI2 crystal matrix. It was found that the films show intense photo- and cathodoluminescence at room temperature. The temperature dependence of PL spectra of thick PbCdI2 films was studied. The nature of various radiative recombination processes in PbCdI2 films was established and it was shown that their PL spectra at room temperature are equally determined both by surface states in small PbI2 NCLs and by intrinsic defects in microcrystallites. The obtained PbCdI2 thick films can be considered as novel promising semiconductor materials for the development of effective inexpensive scintillator detectors for biomedical and industrial applications.
Mannose-Binding Lectin: A Potential Therapeutic Candidate against Candida Infection
Authors: Hammad Noha M. , El Badawy Nissreen E. , Ghramh Hamed A. , Al Kady Laila M.
Published: May 2018

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is one of the key players in the innate immune system. It has the ability to identify a broad range of pathogens based on recognition of carbohydrate repeats displayed on microbial surfaces. Since mannans make about 40% of the total polysaccharide content of cell wall of Candida species (spp.) and MBL is capable of high-affinity binding to the mannan fraction of their cell wall component, this study has investigated the direct influence of MBL on Candida in vitro. Candida (C.) albicans and C. glabrata were in vitro exposed to different doses of recombinant human MBL for various time points to assess MBL influence on the production of hyphae and on the yeast forms. Moreover, the direct effect of MBL on the growth of C. albicans was measured by a cell proliferation assay. MBL induced agglutination of yeast forms as well as hyphal forms of Candida spp. and significantly reduced proliferation of C. albicans in vitro. MBL can be used as a potential antifungal candidate against Candida infection.
Exploiting Partial Reconfiguration through PCIe for a Microphone Array Network Emulator
Authors: da Silva Bruno , Braeken An , Domínguez Federico , Touhafi Abdellah
Published: May 2018

The current Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology enables the deployment of relatively low-cost wireless sensor networks composed of MEMS microphone arrays for accurate sound source localization. However, the evaluation and the selection of the most accurate and power-efficient network’s topology are not trivial when considering dynamic MEMS microphone arrays. Although software simulators are usually considered, they consist of high-computational intensive tasks, which require hours to days to be completed. In this paper, we present an FPGA-based platform to emulate a network of microphone arrays. Our platform provides a controlled simulated acoustic environment, able to evaluate the impact of different network configurations such as the number of microphones per array, the network’s topology, or the used detection method. Data fusion techniques, combining the data collected by each node, are used in this platform. The platform is designed to exploit the FPGA’s partial reconfiguration feature to increase the flexibility of the network emulator as well as to increase performance thanks to the use of the PCI-express high-bandwidth interface. On the one hand, the network emulator presents a higher flexibility by partially reconfiguring the nodes’ architecture in runtime. On the other hand, a set of strategies and heuristics to properly use partial reconfiguration allows the acceleration of the emulation by exploiting the execution parallelism. Several experiments are presented to demonstrate some of the capabilities of our platform and the benefits of using partial reconfiguration.
Performance of Partial and Cavity Type Squealer Tip of a HP Turbine Blade in a Linear Cascade
Authors: Kavurmacioglu Levent , Maral Hidir , Senel Cem Berk , Camci Cengiz
Published: May 2018

Three-dimensional highly complex flow structure in tip gap between blade tip and casing leads to inefficient turbine performance due to aerothermal loss. Interaction between leakage vortex and secondary flow structures is the substantial source of that loss. Different types of squealer tip geometries were tried in the past, in order to improve turbine efficiency. The current research deals with comparison of partial and cavity type squealer tip concepts for higher aerothermal performance. Effects of squealer tip have been examined comprehensively for an unshrouded HP turbine blade tip geometry in a linear cascade. In the present paper, flow structure through the tip gap was comprehensively investigated by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods. Numerical calculations were obtained by solving three-dimensional, incompressible, steady, and turbulent form of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations using a general purpose and three-dimensional viscous flow solver. The two-equation turbulence model, shear stress transport (SST), has been used. The tip profile belonging to the Pennsylvania State University Axial Flow Turbine Research Facility (AFTRF) was used to create an extruded solid model of the axial turbine blade. For identifying optimal dimensions of squealer rim in terms of squealer height and squealer width, our previous studies about aerothermal investigation of cavity type squealer tip were utilized. In order to obtain the mesh, an effective parametric generation has been utilized using a multizone structured mesh. Numerical calculations indicate that partial and cavity squealer designs can be effective to reduce the aerodynamic loss and heat transfer to the blade tip. Future efforts will include novel squealer shapes for higher aerothermal performance.
A Geometric Method for Estimating the Nominal Cell Range in Cellular Networks
Authors: García A. J. , Buenestado V. , Toril M. , Luna-Ramírez S. , Ruiz J. M.
Published: May 2018

In cellular networks, cell range is a key parameter for network planning and optimization. With the advent of new radio access technologies, it is not easy to obtain a good estimate of the nominal cell range on a cell-by-cell basis due to the complexity of physical layout in a real network. In this work, a novel geometrical method for estimating the cell range based on Voronoi tessellation is presented. The inputs of the method are site locations, antenna azimuths, and antenna horizontal beamwidths. The method is tested with a real dataset taken from a live LTE network. During assessment, the proposed method is compared with traditional approaches of estimating cell range. Results show that the proposed method improves the accuracy of previous approaches, while still maintaining a low computational complexity.
Close-to-Convexity of Convolutions of Classes of Harmonic Functions
Authors: Garg Raj Kumar , Jahangiri Jay M.
Published: May 2018

For j=1,2 and for positive integers m and n, we consider classes of harmonic functions fj=hj+gj¯, where g1(z)=znh1(z) and g2′(z)=znh2′(z) or g1′(z)=znh1′(z) and g2′(z)=zmh2′(z), and we prove that their convolution f1⁎f2=h1⁎h2+g1⁎g2¯ is locally one-to-one, sense-preserving, and close-to-convex harmonic in z<1.
The Influence of Ground Fly Ash on Cement Hydration and Mechanical Property of Mortar
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Sun Jianwei , Yan Peiyu
Published: May 2018

In this study, the ground fly ash is made of ordinary grade I fly ash by grinding. Compared with grade I fly ash, the influence of ground fly ash on cement hydration and mechanical property of mortar was investigated. The results show that ground fly ash can improve the hydration of cement at all the ages compared with grade I fly ash, and not only does its pozzolanic reaction start earlier, but the reaction degree is higher and the speed is quicker. Before 3 days, the contribution of ground fly ash to the strength is mainly due to physical filling and microaggregate effect. After that, the contribution of pozzolanic effect to the strength becomes obvious and can significantly increase the compressive strength after 60 days and the flexural strength after 28 days. The ground fly ash is better than grade I fly ash to optimize the pore structure of hardened pastes. It can significantly reduce the number of harmful pores (>20 nm) and increase the number of harmless pores (<20 nm), which refines the pore structure and makes the structure denser.
Moringa oleiferaLam. and Its Potential Association with Aluminium Sulphate in the Process of Coagulation/Flocculation and Sedimentation of Surface Water
Authors: Cardoso Valverde Karina , Ferri Coldebella Priscila , Fernandes Silva Marcela , Nishi Letícia , Carvalho Bongiovani Milene , Bergamasco Rosângela
Published: May 2018

The present study aims to optimize the operational conditions in surface water coagulation/flocculation and sedimentation step, besides evaluating the association between seeds ofMoringa oleiferaLam. (M. oleifera) and the synthetic coagulant aluminium sulphate for surface water treatment. The assays were performed in Jar Test using surface water from Pirapó River basin, Maringá, PR. It was observed that the operational conditions affect the coagulation/flocculation and sedimentation process efficiency. Optimal operational conditions for coagulants association are as follows: rapid mixing velocity (RMV) of 105 rpm, rapid mixing times (RMT) of 1 min, slow mixing velocity (SMV) of 30 rpm, slow mixing times (SMT) of 15 min, and sedimentation time (ST) of 15 min; this enables an improvement in the process, contributing to a reduction in synthetic coagulant aluminium sulphate demand of up to 30%, combined with an increase inM. oleiferadosage, not affecting the coagulation/flocculation and sedimentation process efficiency, considering the water pH range between 7 and 9.
Beta-Arrestin 1 Mediates Liver Thyrotropin Regulation of Cholesterol Conversion Metabolism via the Akt-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Niu Shaona , Li Hui , Chen Wenbin , Zhao Jiajun , Gao Ling , Bo Tao
Published: May 2018

After activation, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are desensitized by β-arrestins (ARRBs). Moreover, ARRBs can initiate a second wave of signaling independent of G proteins. Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is one of the GPCR members. In our previous study, TSHR was identified in the liver; the major role of TSHR in cholesterol metabolism was illustrated, as TSH could regulate hepatic cholesterol metabolism via cAMP/PKA/CREB/HMGCR and SREBP2/HNF4α/CYP7A1 pathways. It has been reported that ARRB2 predominates over ARRB1 in TSHR internalization. However, the significance of ARRBs in TSH-initiated cholesterol metabolism has not been illustrated. In our study, the effects of ARRBs on TSH-regulated cholesterol metabolism are investigated. ARRB1/2 was genetically inactivated in C57BL/6 mice and HepG2 cell line, respectively. Cholesterol levels in arrestin-knockout mice and arrestin-knockdown cells were measured. Molecules participating in cholesterol metabolism were analyzed. It turned out that deficiencies in ARRB1 led to decreased cholesterol levels and decreased TSH-stimulated AKT phosphorylation. Subsequently, the inhibitory effect on CYP7A1 by SREBP2 was reduced due to lowered mature SREBP2 level. Other than the failures of TSH in ARRB-knockdown cells, the AKT activator SC79 could enhance AKT phosphorylation and mature SREBP2 level. Our results demonstrate that ARRBs, especially ARRB1, are involved in TSH-regulated cholesterol metabolism through the AKT pathway.
Transmission Dynamics of Bovine Anaplasmosis in a Cattle Herd
Authors: Zabel Taylor A. , Agusto Folashade B.
Published: May 2018

Bovine anaplasmosis is an infectious disease of cattle caused by the obligate intercellular bacterium, Anaplasma marginale, and it primarily occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In this study, an age-structured deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of bovine anaplasmosis was developed; the model incorporates symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle classes. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the parameters with the highest impact on the reproduction number. The dominant parameters were the bovine natural and disease-induced death rates, disease progression rate in adult cattle, the mechanical devices transmission probability and contact rates, the pathogen contamination, and decay rates on the mechanical devices. The result of the sensitivity analysis suggests that control strategies to effectively prevent/control the spread of bovine anaplasmosis should focus on these parameters according to their positive or negative effect as seen from the sensitivity index. Following the results of the sensitivity analysis, three control strategies were investigated, namely, bovine-culling, safety-control, and universal. In addition to these strategies, three effectiveness levels (low, medium, and high) were considered for each control strategy using the cumulative number of newly infected cases in both juvenile and adult cattle as measure function. The universal strategy (comprising both cattle-culling and safety-control strategies) is only marginally better at reducing the number of infected cattle compare to the safety-control strategy. This result suggests that efforts should be aimed at improving and maintaining good hygiene practices; furthermore, the added benefit of culling infected cows is only minimal and not cost-efficient.
Hom-Lie Triple System and Hom-Bol Algebra Structures on Hom-Maltsev and Right Hom-Alternative Algebras
Authors: Attan Sylvain , Issa A. Nourou
Published: May 2018

Every multiplicative Hom-Maltsev algebra has a natural multiplicative Hom-Lie triple system structure. Moreover, there is a natural Hom-Bol algebra structure on every multiplicative Hom-Maltsev algebra and on every multiplicative right (or left) Hom-alternative algebra.
Tumorigenic Cell Reprogramming and Cancer Plasticity: Interplay between Signaling, Microenvironment, and Epigenetics
Authors: Poli Vittoria , Fagnocchi Luca , Zippo Alessio
Published: May 2018

Accumulating evidences indicate that many tumors rely on subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) with the ability to propagate malignant clones indefinitely and to produce an overt cancer. Of importance, CSCs seem to be more resistant to the conventional cytotoxic treatments, driving tumor growth and contributing to relapse. CSCs can originate from normal committed cells which undergo tumor-reprogramming processes and reacquire a stem cell-like phenotype. Increasing evidences also show how tumor homeostasis and progression strongly rely on the capacity of nontumorigenic cancer cells to dedifferentiate to CSCs. Both tumor microenvironment and epigenetic reprogramming drive such dynamic mechanisms, favoring cancer cell plasticity and tumor heterogeneity. Here, we report new developments which led to an advancement in the CSC field, elucidating the concepts of cancer cell of origin and CSC plasticity in solid tumor initiation and maintenance. We further discuss the main signaling pathways which, under the influence of extrinsic environmental factors, play a critical role in the formation and maintenance of CSCs. Moreover, we propose a review of the main epigenetic mechanisms whose deregulation can favor the onset of CSC features both in tumor initiation and tumor maintenance. Finally, we provide an update of the main strategies that could be applied to target CSCs and cancer cell plasticity.
Effectiveness of Hydraulic and Hydrologic Parameters in Assessing Storm System Flooding
Authors: Nile Basim K.
Published: May 2018

Storm sewer systems face many challenges in urban areas, in particular those systems which are old and surpassing their design period. This study has used data from an urbanized, subcatchment covering 360 ha of dead run watershed in the Alkadeer district, Karbala, Iraq. Physically based models, Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis (ASSA) and multiple nonlinear regression (MNLR), were applied. Hydrology data from 1980 to 2013 were inputted and examined over three scenarios. The results indicated that significant increase in peak flooding was produced by an increase in discharge values which may occur through a higher rainfall intensity. The model was examined and new equations were developed that may help us to better understand the hydraulic and hydrologic simulations that are identified as having the potential to better protect the environment against sudden rainfall intensities. The ratio of area of subcatchment to cross‐sectional area of a pipe (Ac/Ap), the ratio of slope of subcatchment to slope of a pipe (Sc/Sp), and the ratio of velocity in subcatchment to velocity in a pipe (Vc/Vp) were the most sensitive parameters informing the ratio of runoff discharge of a subcatchment pipe discharge (Qc/Qp). This study suggests that a more effective management of the storm water system under critical circumstances could be achieved by limiting the above parameters and this increases the efficiency of storm water facilities.