bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio is Related to Disease Activity in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: D’Amico Emanuele , Zanghì Aurora , Romano Alessandra , Sciandra Mariangela , Palumbo Giuseppe Alberto Maria , Patti Francesco
Published: September 2019

Background: The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of peripheral blood has been investigated in relation to several autoimmune diseases. Limited studies have addressed the significance of the NLR in terms of being a marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: This is a retrospective study in relapsing–remitting MS patients (RRMS) admitted to the tertiary MS center of Catania, Italy during the period of 1 January to 31 December 2018. The aim of the present study was to investigate the significance of the NLR in reflecting the disease activity in a cohort of early diagnosed RRMS patients. Results: Among a total sample of 132 patients diagnosed with RRMS, 84 were enrolled in the present study. In the association analysis, a relation between the NLR value and disease activity at onset was found (V-Cramer 0.271, p = 0.013). In the logistic regression model, the variable NLR (p = 0.03 ExpB 3.5, CI 95% 1.089–11.4) was related to disease activity at onset. Conclusion: An elevated NLR is associated with disease activity at onset in RRMS patients. More large-scale studies with a longer follow-up are needed.
CPT1A Supports Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer in Androgen-Deprived Conditions
Authors: Joshi Molishree , Stoykova Gergana E. , Salzmann-Sullivan Maren , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Liebman Lauren N. , Deep Gagan , Schlaepfer Isabel R.
Published: September 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men, and the global burden of the disease is rising. The majority of PCa deaths are due to metastasis that are highly resistant to current hormonal treatments; this state is called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In this study, we focused on the role of the lipid catabolism enzyme CPT1A in supporting CRPC growth in an androgen-dependent manner. We found that androgen withdrawal promoted the growth of CPT1A over-expressing (OE) tumors while it decreased the growth of CPT1A under-expressing (KD) tumors, increasing their sensitivity to enzalutamide. Mechanistically, we found that CPT1A-OE cells burned more lipid and showed increased histone acetylation changes that were partially reversed with a p300 specific inhibitor. Conversely, CPT1A-KD cells showed less histone acetylation when grown in androgen-deprived conditions. Our results suggest that CPT1A supports CRPC by supplying acetyl groups for histone acetylation, promoting growth and antiandrogen resistance.
HiPIMS and DC Magnetron Sputter-Coated Silver Films for High-Temperature Durable Reflectors
Authors: Gledhill Sophie , Steyer Kevin , Weiss Charlotte , Hildebrandt Christina
Published: September 2019

High-temperature durable mirrors based on a protected silver sputter coating are attractive for secondary reflector applications in concentrated solar thermal power plants. In this paper, silver films are deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) and standard direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering, either as exposed discretely deposited films or in-sequence-deposited thin film systems, where the silver is protected and embedded between adhesion and barrier layers. The unprotected silver films and equivalent protected silver thin film systems are compared and characterized as deposited and after 400 °C oven temperature exposure. The reflectance is measured and grazing incident X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures were taken. The HiPIMS silver film, sputtered with a peak current of 200 A and an approximately equivalent average power density to the DC magnetron sputtered silver, exhibits higher reflectance (and conductivity). Increasing the power density further, yields silver films with lower reflectance, correlating to a reduced grain size. In the protected silver film system, the reflectance does not improve, due to the presence of a less reflective top adhesion layer. The protected film system, with the 200 A HiPIMS, is, however, more durable at 400 °C than the DC magnetron sputtered equivalent.
Characterization and Testing of a Novel Sprayable Crosslinked Edible Coating Based on Salmon Gelatin
Authors: Char Cielo , Padilla Cristina , Campos Vanessa , Pepczynska Marzena , Díaz-Calderón Paulo , Enrione Javier
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a sprayable edible coating using salmon gelatin (SG) and its stabilization by photopolymerization using riboflavin (Rf). Suspensions of SG with Rf at pH values of 5.0 and 8.5 were exposed for 2 min to visible light (VL) and ultraviolet (UV) light and further characterized to determine structural changes of the different gelatin formulations. Rheology analysis showed that at pH 5, the loss modulus (G″) was higher that the storage modulus (G’) for crosslinked samples (VL and UV light). However, at pH 8.5 G’ values increased over G″, showing a strong crosslinking effect. Interestingly both moduli did not intersect at any point and their maximum values did not change upon cooling with respect to the gelatin suspension without light exposure, demonstrating that triple helix formation was not affected by the reaction. In fact, neither the gelation temperature nor the enthalpy values were significantly affected. Viscosity measurements confirmed the hydrogel formation using VL, showing higher viscosity values after exposure at increasing temperatures. Transmittance (T%) measurements showed an increase in T% in the suspensions after VL exposure, with only a 10% decrease compared to SG without riboflavin. For validation, the coating was sprayed in fresh salmon fillets, showing a 37% delay in spoilage and reduced weight loss. Therefore, photopolymerization of low viscosity gelatins would allow to manage viscoelasticity of the biomaterial stabilizing it as coating and preventing the deterioration of salmon fillets.
Effect of Black Paste on the Property of Fluorine Resin/Aluminum Infrared Coating
Authors: Yan Xiaoxing
Published: September 2019

A fluorine resin/aluminum infrared coating was prepared with aluminum using black paste as filler and fluorine resin as binder. The effect of the black paste content on the performance of gloss, color difference, infrared emissivity, hardness, adhesion, impact resistance, roughness, optical testing, and corrosion resistance of the fluorine resin/aluminum infrared coating were examined. When the content of black paste was increased from 1.0% to 9.0%, the gloss of the coating surface decreased; the ΔE* value of the coating decreased; the infrared emissivity of the coating surface increased gradually; the hardness of the coating was 6H; the adhesion grade of the coating was 0; the infrared absorption peak increased gradually. When the content of black paste was 0%–3.0%, the impact resistance was more than 50 kg∙cm, and the impact resistance was higher. When the content of black paste was 0%–5.0%, the surface roughness of the coating was relatively low. When the content of black paste was 1.0%, the corrosion resistance of the coating was the best. The results showed that when the content of black paste was 1.0%, the performance of the whole fluorine resin coating was the best. Through the preparation and characterization of fluorine resin infrared low-emissivity coatings, the possibility of applying fluorine resin to infrared low-emissivity anticorrosive coatings was discussed, which laid a foundation for the subsequent engineering application of coatings.
Contemporary Apparatus for Single Crystals Growth of Oxide Compounds and Metals by Optical Floating Zone (FZ)
Authors: M. Balbashov Anatoly
Published: September 2019

A contemporary apparatus with radiation (light) heating for growth of single crystals of refractory oxides and metals is described. To reduce the dissociation or evaporation of the melt or crystal components, the growth process was carried out in oxygen or an alternative gas at pressures up to 100 bar. The annealing system applied directly in the growth process at 1650 °C under O2 pressure and at temperatures up to 2500 °C under protective gas flow, allows the obtaining of large and perfect single crystals. Many single crystals of oxide materials, including incongruently melting substances, such as Y3Fe5O12, Gd3Fe5O12, BaFe12O19, SrFe12O19, BaFe12-x AlxO19, and many others have been grown, and much more could be grown.
An Analysis of the Determinants of Household Consumption Expenditure and Poverty in India
Authors: Heshmati Almas , Maasoumi Esfandiar , Wan Guanghua
Published: September 2019

This article examines the determinants of household income among urban and rural areas in India and evaluates households’ performance with different characteristics in terms of poverty. It uses four rounds of data from the consumer expenditure survey (50th, 1993/1994; 55th, 1999/2000; 61st, 2004/2005; and 66th, 2009/2010) by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) in the empirical section. This study consists of two main parts. In the first, it looks at the impact of the characteristics of the head of the household (age, educational level, marital status, and gender) and household characteristics (main occupational type, household size, and social status) on monthly per capita expenditure through conditional mean least squares (LS) regressions and conditional quantile regressions. Households headed by those who are older, married, belonging to lower castes, and living in less-developed states are more likely to be in poverty. In the second part, the article explores stochastic dominance rankings relative to large classes of welfare functions/preferences between pairwise sub-groups identified by the survey year, gender, social status, and occupational type of the household heads. Our results show that ‘inferior groups’ such as ‘Backward classes’, agricultural labor in rural areas, and casual labor in urban areas are vulnerable and may be targeted for poverty alleviation strategies. The first part sheds light on key determinants of household expenditure, while the second provides a picture of poverty outcomes which helps identify potential target groups for poverty-alleviation strategies.
Fault Detection of a Flow Control Valve Using Vibration Analysis and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Venkata Santhosh Krishnan , Rao Swetha
Published: September 2019

A control valve plays a very significant role in the stable and efficient working of a control loop for any process. In a fluid flow process, the probability of failure of a control valve may increase for many reasons pertaining to a flow process such as high pressures at the inlet, different properties of the liquid flowing through the pipe, mechanical issue related to a control valve, ageing, etc. A method to detect faults in the valve can lead to better stability of the control loop. In the proposed work, a technique is developed to determine the fault in a pneumatic control valve by analyzing the vibration data at the outlet of the valve. The fault diagnosis of the valve is carried out by analyzing the change in vibration of the pipe due to the change in flow pattern induced by the control valve. The faults being considered are inflow and insufficient supply pressure faults. Vibration data obtained is processed using a signal processing technique like amplification, Fourier transform, etc. The support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is used to classify the vibration data into two classes, one normal and the other faulty. The designed algorithm is trained to identify faults and subjected to test with a practical setup; test results show an accuracy of 97%.
A Wideband Terahertz Transmissive Polarization Manipulator Based on Metasurfaces
Authors: Fahad Ayesha Kosar , Ruan CunJun , Chen Kanglong
Published: September 2019

Wideband and multifunction operation for THz polarization manipulating devices has been desired for a wide range of applications. In this paper, a novel wideband transmissive type polarization manipulator based on metasurfaces is proposed in the THz region. The designed metasurface acts as a multifunctional polarization manipulator, performing linear to circular polarization conversion (LCPC) for relative bandwidth 43.9% (0.94 THz to 1.47 THz) for incident x/y polarizations and a wideband bandpass filter with relative bandwidth 67% (0.713 THz to 1.4346 THz) for incident slant (xy) polarizations. Wideband LCPC operation is achieved using a unique diagonal symmetric structure based on a bilayered metasurface. In order to confirm the validation of proposed results, electromagnetic simulation was carried out in two industry-standard software packages, HFSS and CST, using frequency domain and time domain solvers, respectively. Close agreement between numerical results depicts the validity and reliability of the proposed design. Polarized wave trajectory, equivalent microscopic circuit, physical mechanisms, and impact of different geometrical parameters on the performance is investigated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first polarization manipulator based on bilayered metasurfaces. The same structure can be used as for LCPC and the transmit reject filter for THz wireless communication, including THz satellite communications, the future of communication. Moreover, they can be used in THz imaging and biomolecular control devices.
Scaling Approach for Estimating Stand Sapwood Area from Leaf Area Index in Five Boreal species
Authors: Quiñonez-Piñón M. Rebeca , Valeo Caterina
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a scaling approach for estimating sapwood area at the stand level using knowledge obtained for individual trees of five boreal species: Populus tremuloides (Michx.), Pinus contorta (Doug. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.), Pinus banksiana (Lamb.), Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP, and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss. Previously developed allometric models for sapwood depth and diameter at breast height for individual tree species were used to build stand level sapwood area estimates as well as stand level leaf area estimates, in pure and mixed vascular vegetation stands. A stand’s vegetation heterogeneity is considered in the scaling approach by proposing regression models for each species. The new combined scaling approach drew strong linear correlations at the stand scale between sapwood area and leaf area using observations taken in mixed stands of Southern Alberta, Canada. This last outcome suggests a good linear relationship between stand sapwood area and stand leaf area. The accuracy of the results was tested by observing each regression model’s adequacy and by estimating the error propagated through the whole scaling process.
No-Reference Depth Map Quality Evaluation Model Based on Depth Map Edge Confidence Measurement in Immersive Video Applications
Authors: Dogan Safak , Haddad Nasser , Ekmekcioglu Erhan , Kondoz Ahmet M.
Published: September 2019

When it comes to evaluating perceptual quality of digital media for overall quality of experience assessment in immersive video applications, typically two main approaches stand out: Subjective and objective quality evaluation. On one hand, subjective quality evaluation offers the best representation of perceived video quality assessed by the real viewers. On the other hand, it consumes a significant amount of time and effort, due to the involvement of real users with lengthy and laborious assessment procedures. Thus, it is essential that an objective quality evaluation model is developed. The speed-up advantage offered by an objective quality evaluation model, which can predict the quality of rendered virtual views based on the depth maps used in the rendering process, allows for faster quality assessments for immersive video applications. This is particularly important given the lack of a suitable reference or ground truth for comparing the available depth maps, especially when live content services are offered in those applications. This paper presents a no-reference depth map quality evaluation model based on a proposed depth map edge confidence measurement technique to assist with accurately estimating the quality of rendered (virtual) views in immersive multi-view video content. The model is applied for depth image-based rendering in multi-view video format, providing comparable evaluation results to those existing in the literature, and often exceeding their performance.
Chocolate Quality Assessment Based on Chemical Fingerprinting Using Near Infra-red and Machine Learning Modeling
Authors: Gunaratne Thejani M. , Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Gunaratne Nadeesha M. , Torrico Damir D. , Dunshea Frank R. , Fuentes Sigfredo
Published: September 2019

Chocolates are the most common confectionery and most popular dessert and snack across the globe. The quality of chocolate plays a major role in sensory evaluation. In this study, a rapid and non-destructive method was developed to predict the quality of chocolate based on physicochemical data, and sensory properties, using the five basic tastes. Data for physicochemical analysis (pH, Brix, viscosity, and color), and sensory properties (basic taste intensities) of chocolate were recorded. These data and results obtained from near-infrared spectroscopy were used to develop two machine learning models to predict the physicochemical parameters (Model 1) and sensory descriptors (Model 2) of chocolate. The results show that the models developed had high accuracy, with R = 0.99 for Model 1 and R = 0.93 for Model 2. The thus-developed models can be used as an alternative to consumer panels to determine the sensory properties of chocolate more accurately with lower cost using the chemical parameters.
The Concept of Geodetic Analyses of the Measurement Results Obtained by Hydrostatic Leveling
Authors: Kamiński Waldemar , Makowska Karolina
Published: September 2019

The article discusses the issue of hydrostatic leveling. Its application is presented in structural health monitoring systems in order to determine vertical displacements of controlled points. Moreover, the article includes a complete computation scheme that utilizes the estimation from observation differences, allowing the elimination of the influence of individual sensors’ systematic errors. The authors suggest two concepts of processing the measurement results depending on the sensors’ connection method. Additionally, the second concept is extended by the elements allowing the prediction of the displacements by means of Kalman filtering.
Surface-Rupturing Historical Earthquakes in Australia and Their Environmental Effects: New Insights from Re-Analyses of Observational Data
Authors: King Tamarah R. , Quigley Mark , Clark Dan
Published: September 2019

We digitize surface rupture maps and compile observational data from 67 publications on ten of eleven historical, surface-rupturing earthquakes in Australia in order to analyze the prevailing characteristics of surface ruptures and other environmental effects in this crystalline basement-dominated intraplate environment. The studied earthquakes occurred between 1968 and 2018, and range in moment magnitude (Mw) from 4.7 to 6.6. All earthquakes involved co-seismic reverse faulting (with varying amounts of strike-slip) on single or multiple (1–6) discrete faults of ≥ 1 km length that are distinguished by orientation and kinematic criteria. Nine of ten earthquakes have surface-rupturing fault orientations that align with prevailing linear anomalies in geophysical (gravity and magnetic) data and bedrock structure (foliations and/or quartz veins and/or intrusive boundaries and/or pre-existing faults), indicating strong control of inherited crustal structure on contemporary faulting. Rupture kinematics are consistent with horizontal shortening driven by regional trajectories of horizontal compressive stress. The lack of precision in seismological data prohibits the assessment of whether surface ruptures project to hypocentral locations via contiguous, planar principal slip zones or whether rupture segmentation occurs between seismogenic depths and the surface. Rupture centroids of 1–4 km in depth indicate predominantly shallow seismic moment release. No studied earthquakes have unambiguous geological evidence for preceding surface-rupturing earthquakes on the same faults and five earthquakes contain evidence of absence of preceding ruptures since the late Pleistocene, collectively highlighting the challenge of using mapped active faults to predict future seismic hazards. Estimated maximum fault slip rates are 0.2–9.1 m Myr−1 with at least one order of uncertainty. New estimates for rupture length, fault dip, and coseismic net slip can be used to improve future iterations of earthquake magnitude—source size—displacement scaling equations. Observed environmental effects include primary surface rupture, secondary fracture/cracks, fissures, rock falls, ground-water anomalies, vegetation damage, sand-blows/liquefaction, displaced rock fragments, and holes from collapsible soil failure, at maximum estimated epicentral distances ranging from 0 to ~250 km. ESI-07 intensity-scale estimates range by ± 3 classes in each earthquake, depending on the effect considered. Comparing Mw-ESI relationships across geologically diverse environments is a fruitful avenue for future research.
Emotional Effects of the Duration, Efficiency, and Subjective Quality of Sleep in Healthcare Personnel
Authors: Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Molero Jurado María del Mar , Simón Márquez María del Mar , Barragán Martín Ana Belén , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: September 2019

Considering that both sleep quality and duration are linked to psychological variables, this study analyzed the relationships between sleep components and emotional intelligence and the effects that sleep duration has on stress management and mood in a sample of nurses. The sample was made up of 1073 professionals. Data were collected by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory for Senior Citizens. The results showed that the components of sleep quality were negatively related to stress management and mood. Furthermore, nurses who had short sleep patterns also had low moods and high stress levels. This study emphasizes the importance of subjective sleep quality as a necessary resource for professionals to manage stressful situations and mood and improve their relations with their patients and with each other.
Bi-Directional Learning: Identifying Contaminants on the Yurok Indian Reservation
Authors: Middleton Beth Rose , Talaugon Sabine , Young Thomas M. , Wong Luann , Fluharty Suzanne , Reed Kaitlin , Cosby Christine , Myers Richard
Published: September 2019

The Yurok Tribe partnered with the University of California Davis (UC Davis) Superfund Research Program to identify and address contaminants in the Klamath watershed that may be impairing human and ecosystem health. We draw on a community-based participatory research approach that begins with community concerns, includes shared duties across the research process, and collaborative interpretation of results. A primary challenge facing University and Tribal researchers on this project is the complexity of the relationship(s) between the identity and concentrations of contaminants and the diversity of illnesses plaguing community members. The framework of bi-directional learning includes Yurok-led river sampling, Yurok traditional ecological knowledge, University lab analysis, and collaborative interpretation of results. Yurok staff and community members share their unique exposure pathways, their knowledge of the landscape, their past scientific studies, and the history of landscape management, and University researchers use both specific and broad scope chemical screening techniques to attempt to identify contaminants and their sources. Both university and tribal knowledge are crucial to understanding the relationship between human and environmental health. This paper examines University and Tribal researchers’ shared learning, progress, and challenges at the end of the second year of a five-year Superfund Research Program (SRP) grant to identify and remediate toxins in the lower Klamath River watershed. Our water quality research is framed within a larger question of how to best build university–Tribal collaboration to address contamination and associated human health impacts.
The Influence of Tobacco Use on Pulmonary Function in Elite Athletes
Authors: Đorđević Šaranović Slavica , Vićić Jelisaveta , Pešić Ika , Tomović Milena , Batinić Đorđe , Antić Milena , Tadic Marijana , Mazić Sanja
Published: September 2019

Objective: We sought to investigate the prevalence of smoking and lung function in the large cohort of elite athletes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 804 athletes competing at international level who were consecutively examined from January to December 2017. Elite athletes were classified in four groups of sport disciplines (skill, power, endurance and mixed): skill (n = 141), power (n = 107), endurance (n = 105) and mixed sport disciplines (n = 451). All participants underwent pre-participation screening, including spirometry. Results: Study included 745 (92.7%) non-smokers, 20 (2.5%) former smokers and 39 (4.8%) active smokers. The percentage of body fat was higher and the percentage of muscle was lower in active smokers than in non-smokers and former smokers. Active smokers were more prevalent among skill and mixed than in power and endurance sports. FEV1 and FVC, as well as FEV1/FVC ratio, were significantly lower in active smokers than in non-smokers. There was no significant difference in PEF assessed in absolute values and in percentages. Forced expiratory flows, evaluated at the usual intervals (25%, 50% and 75% of FVC), were significantly lower in active smokers than in non-smokers. FEV1 and MEF25 were the lowest among active smokers in the skill sport group, whereas FEV1/FVC, MEF50 and MEF25 were the lowest among active smokers in the power sport group. In mixed and endurance disciplines there was no difference in pulmonary function between non-smokers, former smokers and active smokers. Conclusions: Pulmonary function was reduced in active smokers and these differences were the most prominent in skill and power sports. The percentage of body fat was the highest and percentage of muscle was the lowest in active smokers.
Improved Cook-stoves and Environmental and Health Outcomes: Lessons from Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu , Nwajiuba Chinyere Augusta , Munonye Jane , Uwazie Uwazie Iyke , Uwajumogu Nkechinyere , Uwadoka Christian Obioma , Aligbe Jonathan Ogbeni
Published: September 2019

This paper studies a topic in the triangle of environment, development and health—the effectiveness of the improved cooking solution. While a range of improved cook-stoves (ICS) is available in the market, since decades with a number of new entrants from recent years, adoption is still low in many developing regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, also because stove performance is sometimes found to be deficient. However, in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, few improved cook-stove interventions are on-going. Incidentally, there is little evidence on the effect of improved cook-stoves on different components of health and environmental outcomes in rural Nigeria. This study, using cross-sectional data from Cross River State, the State with the largest forest area in the country, analyzed the impacts of locally designed improved cook-stoves on the environmental and health outcomes of rural women. A sample of four hundred (400) married women was drawn from eight rural communities with the highest concentration of improved cook-stove users. The woman in-charge of cooking in each household was the respondent. Also, in each household, the household head (if different from the primary cook) was interviewed. Using inverse propensity score weighting for data analysis, we found significant fuel and time savings from the adoption of the cook-stove. However, this study found no evidence of the reduction of indoor air pollution associated diseases given stove design and users’ behavior. This underscores the need to revisit the design of the stove and consider users’ cooking behavior in the design.
A High-performance Cross-platform Map Rendering Engine for Mobile Geographic Information System (GIS)
Authors: Li Shaojie , Wang Shaohua , Guan Yong , Xie Zhiyan , Huang Kejia , Wen Ming , Zhou Lixin
Published: September 2019

With the diversification of terminal equipment and operating systems, higher requirements are placed on the rendering performance of maps. The traditional map rendering engine relies on the corresponding operating system graphics library, and there are problems such as the inability to cross the operating system, low rendering performance, and inconsistent rendering style. With the development of hardware, graphics processing unit (GPU) appears in various platforms. How to use GPU hardware to improve map rendering performance has become a critical challenge. In order to address the above problems, this study proposes a cross-platform and high-performance map rendering (Graphics Library engine, GL engine), which uses mask drawing technology and texture dictionary text rendering technology. It can be used on different hardware platforms and different operating systems based on the OpenGL graphics library. The high-performance map rendering engine maintains a consistent map rendering style on different platforms. The results of the benchmark experiments show that the performance of GL engine is 1.75 times and 1.54 times better than the general map rendering engine in the iOS system and in the Android system, respectively, and the rendering performance for vector tiles is 11.89 times and 9.52 times better than rendering in the Mapbox in the iOS system and in the Android system, respectively.
Editorial for Special Issue “Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease and other Haemoglobinopathies”
Authors: Colombatti Raffaella , Cela Elena , Elion Jacques , Lobitz Stephan
Published: September 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the most common genetic disorders in the world, affecting over 300,000 newborns annually, with estimates for further increases to over 400,000 annual births within the next generation and with a wider geographical distribution of affected individuals due to global migration [...]
Development of a Smart Traceability System for the Rice Agroindustry Supply Chain in Indonesia
Authors: Purwandoko Pradeka Brilyan , Seminar Kudang Boro , Sutrisno  , Sugiyanta
Published: September 2019

Rice is an essential food commodity in national and food security in Indonesia with a complex supply chain network. Various risks related to food quality and food safety occurs along the supply chain. Therefore, a tool is needed to monitor the rice production process from upstream to downstream (land-to-table) by implementing a traceability system to promote food transparency. In this system, all actors must be responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of products through various handling processes carried out from cultivation to product distribution. This paper aimed to develop a smart IT (Information Technology)-based traceability system in the rice supply chain using the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The actors involved in the rice supply chain consist of farmers, processing industries, distributors, bulogs, and retailers. Furthermore, this paper discussed the system architecture and the development of traceability system design using a data flow diagram (DFD). The developed prototype system shows the functional requirements of the system and can be used by stakeholders to monitor the production process and assist the decision-making process.
Review of Laser Scanning Technologies and Their Applications for Road and Railway Infrastructure Monitoring
Authors: Soilán Mario , Sánchez-Rodríguez Ana , del Río-Barral Pablo , Perez-Collazo Carlos , Arias Pedro , Riveiro Belén
Published: September 2019

Improving the resilience of infrastructures is key to reduce their risk vulnerability and mitigate impact from hazards at different levels (e.g., from increasing extreme events, driven by climate change); or from human-made events such as: accidents, vandalism or terrorist actions. One of the most relevant aspects of resilience is preparation. This is directly related to: (i) the risk prediction capability; (ii) the infrastructure monitoring; and (iii) the systems contributing to anticipate, prevent and prepare the infrastructure for potential damage. This work focuses on those methods and technologies that contribute to more efficient and automated infrastructure monitoring. Therefore, a review that summarizes the state of the art of LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging)-based data processing is presented, giving a special emphasis to road and railway infrastructure. The most relevant applications related to monitoring and inventory transport infrastructures are discussed. Furthermore, different commercial LiDAR-based terrestrial systems are described and compared to offer a broad scope of the available sensors and tools to remote monitoring infrastructures based on terrestrial systems.
Structures and Properties of Dinitrosyl Iron and Cobalt Complexes Ligated by Bis(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane
Authors: Kurihara Haruka , Ohta Ayuri , Fujisawa Kiyoshi
Published: September 2019

Two dinitrosyl iron and cobalt complexes [Fe(NO)2(L1”)](BF4) and [Co(NO)2(L1”)](BF4) are synthesized and characterized, supported by a less hindered bidentate nitrogen ligand bis(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (denoted as L1”), are surprisingly stable under argon atmosphere. X-ray structural analysis shows a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Spectroscopic and structural parameters of the dinitrosyl iron and cobalt complexes are consistent with the previous reported {Fe(NO)2}9 and {Co(NO)2}10. Two N–O and M–N(O) stretching frequencies and their magnetic properties are also consistent with the above electronic structural assignments. We explored the dioxygen reactivities of the obtained dinitrosyl complexes. Moreover, the related [FeCl2(L1”)], [Co(NO3)2(L1”)], and [Co(NO2)2(L1”)] complexes are also characterized in detail.
Sex Pheromone Aerosol Devices for Mating Disruption: Challenges for a Brighter Future
Authors: Benelli Giovanni , Lucchi Andrea , Thomson Donald , Ioriatti Claudio
Published: September 2019

Pheromone-mediated mating disruption (MD) represents an important tool to manage insect pests in agriculture and forestry. MD relies on the release of synthetic sex pheromones from dispensers in crops, interfering with mate finding and reproduction of a pest through both competitive and non-competitive mechanisms. MD programs primarily rely upon “passive” dispensers, used at high densities per hectare (200–3000 units∙ha−1). In addition to the labor required for their application, another disadvantage of “passive” dispensers is the continuous release of pheromones, regardless of the time of day or the pest flight activity. Aerosol delivery systems can overcome the drawbacks of passive dispensers as they are applied at far lower density (2–5 units∙ha−1) and they can be programmed to release pheromones at selected time intervals when the target pest is active. However, the mode of action of aerosol dispensers is still not well understood and there are concerns of whether they are as effective as passive dispensers. This review focuses on the history of aerosol dispensers, mode of action, and effectiveness on various crops; deployment strategies; and the movement of pheromone once released. Limitations of aerosols and challenges for future research and commercial use are discussed.
Validating the Transformation of PROMIS-GH to EQ-5D in Adult Spine Patients
Authors: Panchagnula Shreyas , Sun Xin , Montejo Julio D. , Nouri Aria , Kolb Luis , Virojanapa Justin , Camara-Quintana Joaquin Q. , Sommaruga Samuel , Patel Kishan , Lakomkin Nikita , Abbed Khalid , Cheng Joseph S.
Published: September 2019

Spinal disorders and associated interventions are costly in the United States, putting them in the limelight of economic analyses. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health Survey (PROMIS-GHS) requires mapping to other surveys for economic investigation. Previous studies have proposed transformations of PROMIS-GHS to EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) health index scores. These models require validation in adult spine patients. In our study, PROMIS-GHS and EQ-5D were randomly administered to 121 adult spine patients. The actual health index scores were calculated from the EQ-5D instrument and estimated scores were calculated from the PROMIS-GHS responses with six models. Goodness-of-fit for each model was determined using the coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). Among the models, the model treating the eight PROMIS-GHS items as categorical variables (CATReg) was the optimal model with the highest R2 (0.59) and lowest MSE (0.02) and MAE (0.11) in our spine sample population. Subgroup analysis showed good predictions of the mean EQ-5D by gender, age groups, education levels, etc. The transformation from PROMIS-GHS to EQ-5D had a high accuracy of mean estimate on a group level, but not at the individual level.
Effects of Hip Structure Analysis Variables on Hip Fracture: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Ha Yong-Chan , Yoo Jun-Il , Yoo Jeongkyun , Park Ki Soo
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the hip structural analysis (HSA) levels of patients with those of a hip fracture group. All patients with an initial hip fracture who were older than or equal to 65 years old and admitted to our hospital between March 2018 and January 2019 were eligible for this study. During the study period, 134 hip fracture patients aged 65 years and older were admitted to the study institution, and a total of 51 hip fracture patients were ultimately assigned to the patient group. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and vitamin D were matched in the two groups (hip fracture (HF) group vs. non-hip fracture group) using propensity score matching (PSM) without any statistical differences. Following propensity score matching, 51 patients in the HF group and 51 patients in the non-HF group were included in the study, respectively. Hip axis length (p = 0.031), neck-shaft angle (p = 0.043), width of intertrochanter (p = 0.005), and femur shaft (p = 0.01) were found to be significantly higher in the HF group (107.31 (mean) ± 9.55 (standard deviation, SD), 131.11 ± 5.29, 5.57 ± 0.58, and 3.05 ± 0.23, respectively) than in the non-HF group (102.07 ± 14.15, 128.85 ± 5.81, 5.29 ± 0.38, and 2.92 ± 0.23, respectively). However, cross-sectional area (CSA) of femur neck (p = 0.005) and femur shaft (p = 0.01) as well as cortical thickness (CT) of femur neck (p = 0.031) and femur shaft (p = 0.031) were found to be significantly lower in the HF group (1.93 ± 0.44, 3.18 ± 0.83, 0.11 ± 0.02, and 0.38 ± 0.09, respectively) than in the non-HF group (2.12 ± 0.46, 3.57 ± 0.78, 0.13 ± 0.03, and 0.47 ± 0.11, respectively). The HSA showed excellent sensitivity (82.4% to 90.2%). HSA is an important factor in predicting the occurrence of hip fracture. Therefore, not only should bone mineral density (BMD) be considered clinically, but it is also important to look closely at HSA for risk of hip fracture.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Complications after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Observational Analysis of 2208 Patients at a Large Single Center
Authors: Yu Jihion , Park Jun-Young , Kim Doo-Hwan , Kim Sungwon , Hwang Jai-Hyun , Seo Hyungseok , Kim Young-Kug
Published: September 2019

Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of prostate cancer. RALP requires the patient to be placed in the steep Trendelenburg position, along with pneumoperitoneum, which may increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). This large single-center retrospective study evaluated the incidence and risk factors of PPCs in 2208 patients who underwent RALP between 2014 and 2017. Patients were divided into those with (PPC group) and without (non-PPC group) PPCs. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors of PPCs. PPCs occurred in 682 patients (30.9%). Risk factors of PPCs included age (odds ratio [OR], 1.023; p = 0.001), body mass index (OR, 1.061; p = 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (OR, 1.653; p = 0.008), and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application (OR, 0.283; p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications, rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and duration of ICU stay were significantly greater in the PPC group than in the non-PPC group. In conclusion, the incidence of PPCs in patients who underwent RALP under pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position was 30.9%. Factors associated with PPCs included older age, higher body mass index, hypoalbuminemia, and lack of PEEP.
Evaluation of Apelin and Apelin Receptor Level in the Primary Tumor and Serum of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Podgórska Marta , Diakowska Dorota , Pietraszek-Gremplewicz Katarzyna , Nienartowicz Miroslaw , Nowak Dorota
Published: September 2019

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest tumor, which has a positive correlation with obesity which led to increasing interest in the relationship between adipokines and cancer progression. Apelin is a secreted peptide involved in regulation of tumor progression and invasiveness. In this study, we examined apelin and apelin receptor expression level in colorectal cancer. Apelin, and its receptor mRNA, and protein expression levels were measured in tumor tissue of 56 surgically treated colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) patients. We also analyzed apelin and apelin receptor protein levels in sera of 56 CRC patients and 27 healthy controls. The mRNA and protein level of this peptide and its receptor was higher in tumors than that in control tissue. Serum levels of apelin and apelin receptor were increased in CRC patients in comparison to controls. The concentration of serum apelin level significantly increased in individuals with lymph node and distant metastasis. Obtained results suggest that apelin could be an important factor in progression of colorectal carcinoma.
Neurorehabilitation of Spatial Memory Using Virtual Environments: A Systematic Review
Authors: Montana Jessica Isbely , Tuena Cosimo , Serino Silvia , Cipresso Pietro , Riva Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technologies have become widely used in clinical settings because they offer impressive opportunities for neurorehabilitation of different cognitive deficits. Specifically, virtual environments (VEs) have ideal characteristics for navigational training aimed at rehabilitating spatial memory. A systematic search, following PRISMA guidelines, was carried out to explore the current scenario in neurorehabilitation of spatial memory using virtual reality. The literature on this topic was queried, 5048 papers were screened, and 16 studies were included, covering patients presenting different neuropsychological diseases. Our findings highlight the potential of the navigational task in virtual environments (VEs) for enhancing navigation and orientation abilities in patients with spatial memory disorders. The results are promising and suggest that VR training can facilitate neurorehabilitation, promoting brain plasticity processes. An overview of how VR-based training has been implemented is crucial for using these tools in clinical settings. Hence, in the current manuscript, we have critically debated the structure and the length of training protocols, as well as a different type of exploration through VR devices with different degrees of immersion. Furthermore, we analyzed and highlighted the crucial role played by the selection of the assessment tools.
Industrial Sprawl and Residential Housing: Exploring the Interplay between Local Development and Land-Use Change in the Valencian Community, Spain
Authors: Zambon Ilaria , Cerdà Artemi , Gambella Filippo , Egidi Gianluca , Salvati Luca
Published: September 2019

Urbanization in Mediterranean Europe has occurred in recent decades with expansion of residential, commercial and industrial settlements into rural landscapes outside the traditional metropolitan boundaries. Industrial expansion in peri-urban contexts was particularly intense in Southern Europe. Based on these premises, this work investigates residential and industrial settlement dynamics in the Valencian Community, Spain, between 2005 and 2015, with the aim to clarify the role of industrial expansion in total urban growth in a paradigmatic Mediterranean region. Since the early 1990s, the Valencian industrial sector developed in correspondence with already established industrial nodes, altering the surrounding rural landscape. Six variables (urban hierarchy, discontinuous settlements, pristine land under urban expansion, isolated industrial settlements, within- and out-of-plan industrial areas) were considered with the aim at exploring land-use change. Empirical results indicate a role of industrial development in pushing urban sprawl in coastal Valencia. A reflection on the distinctive evolution of residential and industrial settlements is essential for designing new planning measures for sustainable land management and containment of urban sprawl in Southern Europe. A comparative analysis of different alternatives of urban development based on quantitative assessment of land-use change provides guidelines for local development and ecological sustainability.
Twenty Years of “Lipid World”: A Fertile Partnership with David Deamer
Authors: Lancet Doron , Segrè Daniel , Kahana Amit
Published: September 2019

“The Lipid World” was published in 2001, stemming from a highly effective collaboration with David Deamer during a sabbatical year 20 years ago at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. The present review paper highlights the benefits of this scientific interaction and assesses the impact of the lipid world paper on the present understanding of the possible roles of amphiphiles and their assemblies in the origin of life. The lipid world is defined as a putative stage in the progression towards life’s origin, during which diverse amphiphiles or other spontaneously aggregating small molecules could have concurrently played multiple key roles, including compartment formation, the appearance of mutually catalytic networks, molecular information processing, and the rise of collective self-reproduction and compositional inheritance. This review brings back into a broader perspective some key points originally made in the lipid world paper, stressing the distinction between the widely accepted role of lipids in forming compartments and their expanded capacities as delineated above. In the light of recent advancements, we discussed the topical relevance of the lipid worldview as an alternative to broadly accepted scenarios, and the need for further experimental and computer-based validation of the feasibility and implications of the individual attributes of this point of view. Finally, we point to possible avenues for exploring transition paths from small molecule-based noncovalent structures to more complex biopolymer-containing proto-cellular systems.