bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics Studies to Assess Biological Functions of Vitamin E Nicotinate
Authors: Marcocci Lucia , Suzuki Yuichiro J.
Published: May 2019

Vitamin E nicotinate (tocopherol nicotinate, tocopheryl nicotinate; TN) is an ester of two vitamins, tocopherol (vitamin E) and niacin (vitamin B3), in which niacin is linked to the hydroxyl group of active vitamin E. This vitamin E ester can be chemically synthesized and is used for supplementation. However, whether TN is formed in the biological system was unclear. Our laboratory previously detected TN in rat heart tissues, and its level was 30-fold lower in a failing heart (Wang et al., PLoS ONE 2017, 12, e0176887). The rat diet used in these experiments contained vitamin E acetate (tocopherol acetate; TA) and niacin separately, but not in the form of TN. Since only TN, but not other forms of vitamin E, was decreased in heart failure, the TN structure may elicit biologic functions independent of serving as a source of active vitamin E antioxidant. To test this hypothesis, the present study performed metabolomics to compare effects of TN on cultured cells to those of TA plus niacin added separately (TA + N). Human vascular smooth muscle cells were treated with TN or with TA + N (100 μM) for 10 min. Metabolite profiles showed that TN and TA + N influenced the cells differentially. TN effectively upregulated various primary fatty acid amides including arachidonoylethanoamine (anandamide/virodhamine) and palmitamide. TN also activated mitogen-activated protein kinases. These results suggest a new biological function of TN to elicit cell signaling.
Optimized Process Parameters for a Reproducible Distribution of Relaxation Times Analysis of Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Hahn Markus , Schindler Stefan , Triebs Lisa-Charlotte , Danzer Michael A.
Published: May 2019

The distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis offers a model-free approach for a detailed investigation of electrochemical impedance spectra. Typically, the calculation of the distribution function is an ill-posed problem requiring regularization methods which are strongly parameter-dependent. Before statements on measurement data can be made, a process parameter study is crucial for analyzing the impact of the individual parameters on the distribution function. The optimal regularization parameter is determined together with the number of discrete time constants. Furthermore, the regularization term is investigated with respect to its mathematical background. It is revealed that the algorithm and its handling of constraints and the optimization function significantly determine the result of the DRT calculation. With optimized parameters, detailed information on the investigated system can be obtained. As an example of a complex impedance spectrum, a commercial Nickel–Manganese–Cobalt–Oxide (NMC) lithium-ion pouch cell is investigated. The DRT allows the investigation of the SOC dependency of the charge transfer reactions, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the solid state diffusion of both anode and cathode. For the quantification of the single polarization contributions, a peak analysis algorithm based on Gaussian distribution curves is presented and applied.
Cyclic Voltammetric and Quantum Chemical Studies of a Poly(methionine) Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Simultaneous Detection of Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Chandrashekar Bananakere Nanjegowda , Lv Weizhong , Kudur Jayaprakash Gururaj , Harrath Karim , Liu Louis W.Y. , Kumara Swamy Bahaddurghatta E.
Published: May 2019

Fabrication of biocompatible electrodes for the investigation of catecholamines is a known challenge. In this work, methionine was chosen as a modifier for fabrication of a biocompatible carbon paste electrode by electropolymerization, through cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical behavior of the poly(methionine) modified carbon paste electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry for simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in a phosphate-buffered solution at pH 7.0. In the absence of an amino acid methionine layer, the bare carbon paste electrode exhibits rather poor voltammetric signals in DA and UA in the binary mixture, with oxidation potentials of DA and UA overlapping with each other. The poly(methionine) modified carbon paste electrode exhibits good catalytic activity with noticeably different oxidation potentials of DA and UA. The experimental results closely agree with the theoretical prediction based on a Fukui function complementary to the simulated electrostatic potential maps.
Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Dysphagia Post Hormonal Therapy in a Breast Cancer Patient
Authors: El Mobadder Marwan , Farhat Fadi , Nammour Samir
Published: May 2019

Among the few supportive care measures available for the management of dysphagia, Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, defined as the therapeutic use of light, has shown significant promise. In this case report, effective management of chronic dysphagia post hormonal therapy in a breast cancer patient was made. Experts in the supportive care in cancer and PBM proposed and requested further investigations of the protocol used in this case report in the management of dysphagia. In this case report, the protocol of PBM was proposed by experts in supportive care in cancer. Functional outcome swallowing scale for staging oropharyngeal dysphagia was used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment in pre-operative, per and post-operative stage. This case reports that PBM is effective in the management of dysphagia, a side effect of hormonal therapy in a cancer patient.
Ranking DMUs by Combining Cross-Efficiency Scores Based on Shannon’s Entropy
Authors: Lee Yueh-Chiang
Published: May 2019

Cross-efficiency evaluation is an effective approach for ranking decision-making units (DMUs), and there exist different perspectives from different cross-efficiency evaluation models. However, efficiency ranking results derived from cross-efficiency models may not be the same, and these models may provide some precious information that we cannot ignore. In this case, it may not be easy for one to decide which method should be used in some underlying assumptions, and we need several cross-efficiency evaluation models to measure simultaneously the cross-efficiency scores of DMUs. Hence, combining different viewpoints for ranking DMUs is a possible way to apply cross-efficiency evaluation. Since Shannon’s entropy is an effective tool to measure uncertainty, in this study we adopt the idea of Shannon’s entropy to combine cross-efficiency scores, which are obtained from different evaluation models, for comparison of DMUs. An example of commercial banks in Taiwan is used to illustrate the idea proposed in this paper.
Causality between Terrorism and FDI in Tourism: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Nikšić Radić Maja , Dragičević Daniel , Barkiđija Sotošek Marina
Published: May 2019

The aim of this research was to examine the causal link between terrorism and FDI in tourism on the example of a panel of 50 countries for the period from 2000 to 2016. Other control variables were included in order to ensure the validity of the results—number of international tourist arrivals per capita, the KAOPEN index, the KOF Globalisation Index and GDP per capita. The main goal was to look at this issue from the perspective that terrorism does not affect FDI in tourism. The research employed the Granger causality test in a vector autoregressive model (VAR model), the analysis of variance decomposition and the impulse response function within the panel setting. Based on research results, it was found that terrorism does not Granger cause FDI in tourism. The results are in line with recent research related to the subject matter which indicated that the negative effect of terrorism on FDI in tourism was questionable.
Radial Imbibition in Paper under Temperature Differences
Authors: López-Villa Abel , Medina Abraham , Higuera F. J. , Mac Intyre Jonatan R. , Perazzo Carlos Alberto , Gomba Juan Manuel
Published: May 2019

Spontaneous radial imbibition into thin circular samples of porous material when they have been subjected to radial temperature differences was analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The use of the Darcy equation allowed us to take into account temperature variations in the dynamic viscosity and surface tension in order to find the one-dimensional equation for the imbibition fronts. Experiments using blotting paper showed a good fit between the experimental data and theoretical profiles through the estimation of a single parameter.
Optimization of Quality Properties of Gluten-Free Bread by a Mixture Design of Xanthan, Guar, and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Gums
Authors: Encina-Zelada Christian R. , Cadavez Vasco , Teixeira José A. , Gonzales-Barron Ursula
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate, by means of a D-optimal mixture design, the combined effects of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), xanthan (XG), and guar (GG) gums on physicochemical, rheological, and textural properties of gluten-free batter and bread. For each of the quality properties measured, a two-factor interaction model was fitted, and the significance of its terms was assessed by analysis of variance. Sticky batters were produced with a combination of high dose of GG (0.60%), high-intermediate dose of HPMC (3.36%), and low dose of XG (0.04%). Combinations of high XG dose (0.60%) and intermediate doses of HPMC (3.08%) and GG (0.32%) rendered GF breads of greater specific volume, while lower bread crust luminosity was obtained with combinations of high GG dose (0.60%), low XG dose (0.04%), and high-intermediate HPMC dose (3.36%). Combinations of high-intermediate HPMC dose (3.36%), high GG dose (0.60%), and low XG dose (0.04%) produced both softer crumbs and bread slices of more open visual texture. By using a desirability function that maximized specific volume while minimizing crust luminosity, crumb hardness, and mean cell density, the optimization of hydrocolloids mixture rendered a value of 0.54, for a combination of 0.24% XG, 0.60% GG, and 3.16% HPMC.
Segregation Behavior of Polysaccharide–Polysaccharide Mixtures—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zeeb Benjamin , Jost Theresa , McClements David Julian , Weiss Jochen
Published: May 2019

The segregative phase separation behavior of biopolymer mixtures composed entirely of polysaccharides was investigated. First, the electrical, optical, and rheological properties of alginate, modified beet pectin, and unmodified beet pectin solutions were characterized to determine their electrical charge, molecular weight, solubility, and flow behavior. Second, suitable conditions for inducing phase segregation in biopolymer mixtures were established by measuring biopolymer concentrations and segregation times. Third, alginate–beet pectin mixtures were blended at pH 7 to promote segregation and the partitioning of the biopolymers between the upper and lower phases was determined using UV–visible spectrophotometry, colorimetry, and calcium sensitivity measurements. The results revealed that phase separation depended on the overall biopolymer concentration and the degree of biopolymer hydrophobicity. A two-phase system could be formed when modified beet pectins (DE 68%) were used but not when unmodified ones (DE 53%) were used. Our measurements demonstrated that the phase separated systems consisted of a pectin-rich lower phase and an alginate-rich upper phase. These results suggest that novel structures may be formed by utilization of polysaccharide–polysaccharide phase separation. By controlling the product formulation and processing conditions it may therefore be possible to fabricate biopolymer particles with specific dimensions, shapes, and internal structures.
Modeling-Based Assessment of 3D Printing-Enabled Meniscus Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Zimeng , Wu Qian , Zeng Li , Wang Shiren
Published: May 2019

3D printing technology is able to produce personalized artificial substitutes for patients with damaged menisci. However, there is a lack of thorough understanding of 3D printing-enabled (3DP-enabled) meniscus transplantation and its long-term advantages over traditional transplantation. To help health care stakeholders and patients assess the value of 3DP-enabled meniscus transplantation, this study compares the long-term cost and risk of this new paradigm with traditional transplantation by simulation. Pathway models are developed to simulate patients’ treatment process during a 20-year period, and a Markov process is used to model the state transitions of patients after transplantation. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to show the effect of quality of 3D-printed meniscus on model outputs. The simulation results suggest that the performance of 3DP-enabled meniscus transplantation depends on quality of 3D-printed meniscus. The conclusion of this study is that 3DP-enabled meniscus transplantation has many advantages over traditional meniscus transplantation, including a minimal waiting time, perfect size and shape match, and potentially lower cost and risk in the long term.
Relative Salt Tolerance of Four Herbaceous Perennial Ornamentals
Authors: Hooks Triston , Niu Genhua
Published: May 2019

Salt tolerant ornamental plants can be irrigated with alternative water sources that are typically saline as a sustainable practice for urban landscaping, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the salt tolerance of many ornamentals is not known. An eight-week greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the relative salt tolerance of four perennial ornamentals, ‘Angelina’ (Sedum rupestre), ‘Autumn Joy’ (S. telephium), ‘Blue Spruce’ (S. reflexum), and ‘Blue Daze’ (Evolvulus glomeratus). The plants were grown in pots with potting mix substrate and irrigated with control or saline solutions. The electrical conductivities (EC) of the saline solutions were 5.0 and 10.0 mS/cm. Data collected included relative shoot, root, and total dry weight (DW), visual score, shoot tissue concentrations of Na+, Cl−, K+, and Ca2+, and the K+/Na+ ratio. There were significant differences in treatment and varieties for all response variables, and some interactions were also significant, indicating different responses to salinity for the four varieties. Shoot, root, and total DW decreased with increasing salinity for all varieties. Visual score was highest in Autumn Joy and Blue Spruce when treated with EC5 and EC10 and lowest in Angelina and Blue Daze, the latter of which showed symptoms of moderate foliar damage including leaf necrosis, or “burn”, due to salt stress. The concentrations of Na+ and Cl− in the shoot tissue increased with increasing salinity while K+ and Ca2+ and the K+/Na+ ratio tended to decrease. Of the four varieties of herbaceous perennial ornamentals evaluated in this study, Autumn Joy and Blue Spruce were considered the most relatively salt tolerant while Angelina and Blue Daze were least tolerant.
Impact of Anthropogenic Climate Change on United States Major Hurricane Landfall Frequency
Authors: Levin Emma L. , Murakami Hiroyuki
Published: May 2019

Although anthropogenic climate change has contributed to warmer ocean temperatures that are seemingly more favorable for Atlantic hurricane development, no major hurricanes made landfall in the United States between 2006 and 2016. The U.S., therefore, experienced a major hurricane landfall drought during those years. Using the high-resolution Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory 25 km grid High-Resolution Forecast-Oriented Low Ocean Resolution (HiFLOR) global climate model, the present study shows that increases in anthropogenic forcing, due to increases in greenhouse gasses, are associated with fewer long-duration major hurricane landfall droughts in the U.S., which implies an increase in major hurricane landfall frequency. We create six different fixed-distance ‘buffers’ that artificially circle the United States coastline in 100 km radial increments and can compensate for the bias in hurricane landfall calculations with six-hourly datasets. Major hurricane landfall frequencies are computed by applying the buffer zones to the six-hourly observed and simulated storm track datasets, which are then compared with the observed recorded major hurricane frequencies. We found that the major hurricane landfall frequencies generated with the 200 km buffer using the six-hourly observed best-track dataset are most correlated with the observed recorded major hurricane landfall frequencies. Using HiFLOR with an implemented buffer system, we found less frequent projections of long-duration major hurricane landfall drought events in controlled scenarios with greater anthropogenic global warming, which is independent on the radius of the coastal buffer. These results indicate an increase in U.S. major hurricane landfall frequencies with an increase in anthropogenic warming, which could pose a substantial threat to coastal communities in the U.S.
Storm Waves at the Shoreline: When and Where Are Infragravity Waves Important?
Authors: Billson Oliver , Russell Paul , Davidson Mark
Published: May 2019

Infragravity waves (frequency, f = 0.005–0.05 Hz) are known to dominate hydrodynamic and sediment transport processes close to the shoreline on low-sloping sandy beaches, especially when incident waves are large. However, in storm wave conditions, how their importance varies on different beach types, and with different mixes of swell and wind-waves is largely unknown. Here, a new dataset, comprising shoreline video observations from five contrasting sites (one low-sloping sandy beach, two steep gravel beaches, and two compound/mixed sand and gravel beaches), under storm wave conditions (deep water wave height, H0 up to 6.6 m, and peak period, Tp up to 18.2 s), was used to assess: how the importance and dominance of infragravity waves varies at the shoreline? In this previously unstudied combination of wave and morphological conditions, significant infragravity swash heights (Sig) at the shoreline in excess of 0.5 m were consistently observed on all five contrasting beaches. The largest infragravity swash heights were observed on a steep gravel beach, followed by the low-sloping sandy beach, and lowest on the compound/mixed sites. Due to contrasting short wave breaking and dissipation processes, infragravity frequencies were observed to be most dominant over gravity frequencies on the low-sloping sandy beach, occasionally dominant on the gravel beaches, and rarely dominant on the compound/mixed beaches. Existing empirical predictive relationships were shown to parameterize Sig skillfully on the sand and gravel beaches separately. Deep water wave power was found to accurately predict Sig on both the sand and gravel beaches, demonstrating that, under storm wave conditions, the wave heights and periods are the main drivers of infragravity oscillations at the shoreline, with the beach morphology playing a secondary role. The exception to this was the compound/mixed beach sites where shoreline infragravity energy remained low.
Candida/Staphylococcal Polymicrobial Intra-Abdominal Infection: Pathogenesis and Perspectives for a Novel Form of Trained Innate Immunity
Authors: Esher Shannon K. , Fidel Paul L. , Noverr Mairi C.
Published: May 2019

Polymicrobial sepsis is difficult to diagnose and treat and causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially when fungi are involved. In vitro, synergism between Candida albicans and various bacterial species has been described for many years. Our laboratory has developed a murine model of polymicrobial intra-abdominal infection with Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating that polymicrobial infections cause high levels of mortality, while monoinfections do not. By contrast, closely related Candida dubliniensis does not cause synergistic lethality and rather provides protection against lethal polymicrobial infection. This protection is thought to be driven by a novel form of trained innate immunity mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which we are proposing to call “trained tolerogenic immunity”. MDSC accumulation has been described in patients with sepsis, as well as in in vivo sepsis models. However, clinically, MDSCs are considered detrimental in sepsis, while their role in in vivo models differs depending on the sepsis model and timing. In this review, we will discuss the role of MDSCs in sepsis and infection and summarize our perspectives on their development and function in the spectrum of trained innate immune protection against fungal-bacterial sepsis.
Accurate and Efficient Explicit Approximations of the Colebrook Flow Friction Equation Based on the Wright ω-Function: Reply to Discussion
Authors: Brkić Dejan , Praks Pavel
Published: May 2019

This reply gives two corrections of typographical errors in respect to the commented article, and then provides few comments in respect to the discussion and one improved version of the approximation of the Colebrook equation for flow friction, based on the Wright ω-function. Finally, this reply gives an exact explicit version of the Colebrook equation expressed through the Wright ω-function, which does not introduce any additional errors in respect to the original equation. All mentioned approximations are computationally efficient and also very accurate. Results are verified using more than 2 million of Quasi Monte-Carlo samples.
Research on the Motion Error Analysis and Compensation Strategy of the Delta Robot
Authors: Shang Deyong , Li Yu , Liu Yue , Cui Shuanwei
Published: May 2019

The Delta robots are widely used in packaging, sorting, precision positioning, and other fields. Motion accuracy is an important indicator for evaluating robot performance. However, due to the existence of mechanism errors, the motion accuracy of the robot will be reduced. Therefore, how to reduce motion errors and improve accuracy are important issues for robots. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the motion error and propose an error compensation scheme to improve the motion accuracy of the robot. Firstly, the kinematic model of the robot is established by the D-H matrix transformation method. An error model considering dimension error, the error of revolute joint clearance, driving error, and the error of spherical joint clearance is established. Additionally, the influence of different errors on the motion accuracy is analyzed. Secondly, an error compensation strategy of controlling the driving angle is proposed. The analysis of error compensation is carried out by a numerical example. Comparing the results before and after compensation, it is known that the robot can move along the desired position, so the notion error of the robot is compensated, which proves that this method is effective for improving the motion accuracy of the robot.
Accelerated Degradation Model of Nonlinear Wiener Process Based on Fixed Time Index
Authors: Liu Hanzhong , Huang Jiacai , Guan Yuanhong , Sun Li
Published: May 2019

In the process of extrapolating a lifetime distribution function under normal storage conditions through nonlinear accelerated degradation data, time indexes under the normal storage conditions are usually set to the mean value of time indexes under various accelerated stresses. However, minor differences in time indexes may lead to great changes in the assessment results. For such a problem, an accelerated degradation model of a nonlinear Wiener process based on a fixed time index is established first and meanwhile, the impact of the measurement error is considered. Then, the probability density function is normalized, and multiple unknown parameters are estimated by using fminsearch function in MATLAB and multiple iterations. Finally, the model is validated by accelerated degradation test data of accelerometers and the O-type rubber sealing rings. The results show that there is a difference of 30,710 h for accelerometers between the mean time to failure under normal storage conditions obtained by the proposed method and the mean time to failure when the time indexes are the mean value of those under various accelerated stresses, and the main cause of the difference is compared and analyzed. A similar phenomenon is observed in the case study of O-type rubber sealing rings.
Regularization and Error Estimate for the Poisson Equation with Discrete Data
Authors: Triet Nguyen Anh , Phuong Nguyen Duc , Nguyen Van Thinh , Nguyen-Huu Can
Published: May 2019

In this work, we focus on the Cauchy problem for the Poisson equation in the two dimensional domain, where the initial data is disturbed by random noise. In general, the problem is severely ill-posed in the sense of Hadamard, i.e., the solution does not depend continuously on the data. To regularize the instable solution of the problem, we have applied a nonparametric regression associated with the truncation method. Eventually, a numerical example has been carried out, the result shows that our regularization method is converged; and the error has been enhanced once the number of observation points is increased.
An Efficient Analytical Technique, for The Solution of Fractional-Order Telegraph Equations
Authors: Khan Hassan , Shah Rasool , Kumam Poom , Baleanu Dumitru , Arif Muhammad
Published: May 2019

In the present article, fractional-order telegraph equations are solved by using the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method. The Caputo operator is used to define the fractional derivative. Series form solutions are obtained for fractional-order telegraph equations by using the proposed method. Some numerical examples are presented to understand the procedure of the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method. As the Laplace-Adomian decomposition procedure has shown the least volume of calculations and high rate of convergence compared to other analytical techniques, the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method is considered to be one of the best analytical techniques for solving fractional-order, non-linear partial differential equations—particularly the fractional-order telegraph equation.
Massive Axial and Appendicular Skeletal Deformities in Connection with Gorham-Stout Syndrome
Authors: Al Kaissi Ali , Bouchoucha Sami , Shboul Mohammad , Kenis Vladimir , Grill Franz , Ganger Rudolf , Kircher Susanne Gerit
Published: May 2019

Background: Etiological understanding is the corner stone in the management of skeletal deformities. Methods: Multi-centre study of patients with deformities in connection with diverse etiological backgrounds. We aimed to study four patients (one boy and three girls) with variable axial and appendicular deformities in connection with a vanishing bone disorder. Results: Axial deformities such as scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis, compressed fused vertebrae, appendicular fractures, dislocations, and vicious disorganization deformities of the joints were in connection with the vanishing bone disorder, namely Gorham-Stout syndrome. Conclusions: It is mandatory to establish proper clinical and radiological phenotypic characterization in children and adults presented with unusual skeletal deformities. Identifying the reason behind these deformities is the key factor to draw a comprehensive management plan.
Semi-Solid Processing of Alloys and Composites
Authors: Nafisi Shahrooz , Ghomashchi Reza
Published: May 2019

A quick look through the past two centuries tells us that we may be in our third industrial revolution [...]
Bioconversion of Flavonoid Glycosides from Hippophae rhamnoides Leaves into Flavonoid Aglycones by Eurotium amstelodami
Authors: Gu Qiuya , Duan Guoliang , Yu Xiaobin
Published: May 2019

The flowering process has been reported to play crucial roles in improving the flavor and efficacy of fermented tea. Hippophae rhamnoides leaves containing many beneficial ingredients are a suitable plant source for tea processing. In this study, we isolated a β-glucosidase-producing fungus Eurotium amstelodami BSX001 from the fermented tea and used Hippophae rhamnoides leaves (HRL) as a substrate to explore the detailed process of bioconversion of some important functional factors. The results show that the contents of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids increased significantly after seven days, especially flavonoid aglycones (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin). Such compounds greatly enhance the antioxidative activity of fermented products. Metabolic analysis of the standard compounds (rutin, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, quercetin, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol) further confirmed the effective biotransformation by E. amstelodami. Mechanisms of the bioconversion could be involved in deglycosylation, dihydroxylation, and O-methylation. Our findings expand the understanding of tea fermentation process and provide further guidance for the fermented tea industry.
Propionibacterium acnes and Acne Vulgaris: New Insights from the Integration of Population Genetic, Multi-Omic, Biochemical and Host-Microbe Studies
Authors: McLaughlin Joseph , Watterson Steven , Layton Alison M. , Bjourson Anthony J. , Barnard Emma , McDowell Andrew
Published: May 2019

The anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of the common skin disease acne vulgaris. Over the last 10 years our understanding of the taxonomic and intraspecies diversity of this bacterium has increased tremendously, and with it the realisation that particular strains are associated with skin health while others appear related to disease. This extensive review will cover our current knowledge regarding the association of P. acnes phylogroups, clonal complexes and sequence types with acne vulgaris based on multilocus sequence typing of isolates, and direct ribotyping of the P. acnes strain population in skin microbiome samples based on 16S rDNA metagenomic data. We will also consider how multi-omic and biochemical studies have facilitated our understanding of P. acnes pathogenicity and interactions with the host, thus providing insights into why certain lineages appear to have a heightened capacity to contribute to acne vulgaris development, while others are positively associated with skin health. We conclude with a discussion of new therapeutic strategies that are currently under investigation for acne vulgaris, including vaccination, and consider the potential of these treatments to also perturb beneficial lineages of P. acnes on the skin.
Mineralogical Sequence of Self-Healing Products in Cracked Marine Concrete
Authors: Danner Tobias , Hjorth Jakobsen Ulla , Geiker Mette Rica
Published: May 2019

Self-healing of cracked concrete beams after 25 years of marine exposure was investigated. The extent of self-healing and the chemical and mineralogical composition of the self-healing products were characterized, and mechanisms proposed. There was no effect of varying silica fume (4%, 12%) and fly ash content (0%, 20%) on the mineralogy and chemistry of the self-healing products and the extent of self-healing. Crack widths smaller than 0.2 mm appeared closed. With increasing crack depth, a sequence of changing mineralogy of self-healing products was found. In the outer part of the crack (0–5 mm depth from the exterior surface) only calcite was precipitated followed by brucite layers from 5–30 mm depth. The brucite was occasionally intermixed with calcite. At crack depths >30 mm only ettringite was observed. It is hypothesized that the mineralogical sequence observed with increasing crack depth occurs due to an increasing pH of the solution inside the crack with increased crack depth. Self-healing of cracks in marine exposed concrete is proposed to happen through precipitation of ions from seawater partly in reaction with ions from the cement paste in the outer part of the crack and through dissolution and reprecipitation of ettringite at larger crack depths.
Multi-Scale Modeling and Simulation of Thermoplastic Automated Tape Placement: Effects of Metallic Particles Reinforcement on Part Consolidation
Authors: Leon Angel , Perez Marta , Barasinski Anaïs , Abisset-Chavanne Emmanuelle , Defoort Brigitte , Chinesta Francisco
Published: May 2019

This paper concerns engineered composites integrating metallic particles to enhance thermal and electrical properties. However, these properties are strongly dependent on the forming process itself that determines the particle distribution and orientation. At the same time, the resulting enhanced thermal properties affect the reinforced resin viscosity whose flow is involved in the intimate contact evolution. Thus, a subtle and intricate coupling appears, and the process cannot be defined by ignoring it. In this paper, we analyze the effects of particle concentration and orientation on the process and processability. For this purpose, three main models are combined: (i) a multi-scale surface representation and its evolution, by using an appropriate numerical model; (ii) flow-induced orientation, and (iii) the impact of the orientation state on the homogenized thermal conductivity.
Effects of Photonic Band Structure and Unit Super-Cell Size in Graded Photonic Super-Crystal on Broadband Light Absorption in Silicon
Authors: Hassan Safaa , Alnasser Khadijah , Lowell David , Lin Yuankun
Published: May 2019

The newly discovered graded photonic super-crystal (GPSC) with a large size of unit cell can have novel optical properties that have not been explored. The unit super-cell in the GPSC can be designed to be large or small and thus the GPSC can have no photonic band gap or several gaps. The photonic band structures in Si GPSC can help predict the light absorption in Si. Photonic resonance modes help enhance the absorption of light in silicon; however, photonic band gaps decrease the absorption for light with a large incident angle. The Si device patterned in GPSC with a unit super-cell of 6a × 6a (a is a lattice constant in traditional photonic crystal) has a broadband high absorption with strong incident-angular dependence. The device with the unit super-cell of 12a × 12a has relatively low light absorption with weak incident-angle dependence. The Si GPSC with a unit super-cell of 8a × 8a combines both advantages of broadband high absorption and weak dependence of absorption on the incident angle.
On Molecular Descriptors of Face-Centered Cubic Lattice
Authors: Yang Hong , Rashid Muhammad Aamer , Ahmad Sarfraz , Khan Saima Sami , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran
Published: May 2019

Face-centered cubic lattice F C C ( n ) has received extensive consideration as of late, inferable from its recognized properties and non-poisonous nature, minimal effort, plenitude, and basic creation process. The graph of a face-centered cubic cross-section contains cube points and face centres. A topological index of a molecular graph G is a numeric amount identified with G, which depicts its topological properties. In this paper, using graph theory tools, we computed the molecular descriptors (topological indices)—to be specific, Zagreb-type indices, a forgotten index, a Balaban index, the fourth version of an atom–bond connectivity index, and the fifth version of a geometric arithmetic index for face-centered cubic lattice F C C ( n ) .
Viscous Hydrodynamic Description of the Pseudorapidity Density and Energy Density Estimation for Pb+Pb and Xe+Xe Collisions at the LHC
Authors: Gong Xiong-Tao , Jiang Ze-Fang , She Duan , Yang C. B.
Published: May 2019

Based on the analytical solution of accelerating relativistic viscous fluid hydrodynamics and Buda–Lund model, the pseudorapidity distributions of the most central Pb+Pb and Xe+Xe collisions are presented. Inspired by the CNC model, a modified energy density estimation formula is presented to investigate the dependence of the initial energy density estimation on the viscous effect. This new energy density estimation formula shows that the bulk energy is deposited to the neighboring fluid cells in the presence of the shear viscosity and bulk viscosity. In contrast to the well-known CNC energy density estimation formula, a 4.9% enhancement of the estimated energy density at the LHC kinematics is shown.
Multiverse—Too Much or Not Enough?
Authors: Heller Michael
Published: May 2019

The aim of this essay is to look at the idea of the multiverse—not so much from the standpoint of physics or cosmology, but rather from a philosophical perspective. The modern story of the multiverse began with Leibniz. Although he treated “other worlds” as mere possibilities, they played an important role in his logic. In a somewhat similar manner, the practice of cosmology presupposes a consideration of an infinite number of universes, each being represented by a solution to Einstein’s equations. This approach prepared the way to the consideration of “other universes” which actually exist, first as an auxiliary concept in discussing the so-called anthropic principle, and then as real universes, the existence of which were supposed to solve some cosmological conundrums. From the point of view of the philosophy of science, the question is: Could the explanatory power of a multiverse ideology compensate for the relaxation of empirical control over so many directly unobservable entities? It is no surprise that appealing to a possibly infinite number of “other universes” in order to explain some regularities in our world would seem “too much” for a self-disciplined philosopher. With no strict empirical control at our disposal, it is logic that must be our guide. Also, what if logic changes from one world to another in the multiverse? Such a possibility is suggested by the category theory. From this point of view, our present concepts of the multiverse are certainly “not enough”. Should this be read as a warning that the learned imagination can lead us too far into the realms of mere possibilities?
EVOLUTION OF NORMATIVE REGULATION OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Authors:   Ye. Lukianchykov; S. Petriaiev
Published: May 2019

The article analyzes the development of the regulatory framework of the institution of certification, starting with the Lithuanian charters to the present day. It is noted that at various historical stages, the definition of the content of the medical examination as a means of obtaining information about the crime and the person who committed it was approached in different ways, but it was always considered in connection with the examination. This emphasizes the affinity of the methods that were used during the examination and medical examination. The specificity of the examination was determined by the subject of inspection – the body of a living person. Sometimes examination was called inspection of objects and a corpse, and in some cases, the tasks of the examination included determining the state of the human body, its age, etc.

Analysis of the regulatory regulation of the examination at various stages shows that standards have always been provided to ensure the rights and interests of the person being examined. In the first place, this concerned the examination of persons of a different gender than the investigator, referred to persons who could carry it out, in order to protect the honor and dignity of the person being examined.

The article analyzes the legislation of different periods in the history of the USSR and some countries that emerged after its collapse in terms of the purpose of the medical examination. It is noted that the purpose of certification in the Code of Criminal Procedure of these states is not determined equally. In some, as in Ukraine, the goal is to establish on the human body traces of crime and special signs. In others, the objectives of the examination include the establishment of a state of intoxication or other properties that are relevant to the criminal case.

Article examines the issue of the possibility of compulsory examination of the person; the opinions of various groups of authors and their justification are given; Additional arguments are given about the necessity and possibility of compulsory examination of a suspect, victim, witness who refuse to voluntarily pass it, after using the available means and methods of persuasion.

Attention is drawn to the fact that the investigator or the prosecutor should not be deprived of the opportunity to establish the truth and protect the rights and interests of the victim of the crime, due to the fact that for some reason he does not want this.

Key words: examination, regulation, subject of examination, human properties.
CRIMINALISTICS CHARACTERISTICS OF ILLEGAL ENRICHMENT
Authors: Toporetska Z.
Published: May 2019

In the article based on the analysis of scientific literature on criminology, criminal process and taking into account the actual changes to Art. 368-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption” have analyzed the criminalistics significant indications of illegal enrichment.

The purpose of this article is to study within its scope the criminalistics significant indications of illegal enrichment.

The authors consider the criminalistics characteristics of the crime as a system containing a set of forensic significance features that are inherent in a particular type of crime. Like any systematic education, the forensic description of crimes consists of interconnected components – elements. The specified elements are not isolated, but connected with certain correlation links, determined by the sequential placement of elements in accordance with the sequence of deployment of criminal activity, starting from the position: 1) the identity of the offender acting in the direction 2) the choice of the object of the attack, 3) in in certain conditions, 4) by applying certain methods, 5) causing the corresponding effects in the form of a set of tracks and damage.

The article analyzes the following elements of the forensic character of illegal enrichment: the person of the offender, the subject of a direct criminal offense, the method of committing a crime, a trace pattern.

The indicated elements are linked by correlation bonds, which reflect the dynamic, “phase” nature, due to the sequential placement of elements in accordance with the sequence of deployment of criminal activity. Forensic characteristics of illegal enrichment help to distinguish this offense from other official and corruption crimes. Forensic characteristics of illegal enrichment facilitate the determination of a range of circumstances to be proved in a criminal proceeding for crimes of this kind and the planning of their investigation. At the same time, while investigating crimes of this kind, there are a number of problems that require further resolution, and therefore this issue requires a separate scientific study, which will be the subject of further research.

Key words: criminalistics, criminal process, forensic characteristic, illegal enrichment.
Perencanaan E-Procurement dalam Pengadaan Material Pesawat
Authors: Sari Dian Permata
Published: May 2019

With frequent delays in booking aircraft materials carried out in several countries, including: Germany, the United States and France which still use E-Mail in their orders. So the researcher built an E-procurement information system in saturating orders made like a simple tender system. The methodology used in building this E-Procurement information system uses the waterfall methodology as the engineering system stage, namely: Analysis, Designing, cooding, testing and implementation of the system. Whereas the model or tool used in this analytical designer is using UML (Unified Model Language), so the expectation of making this E-Procurement information system is to assist the procurement of aircraft materials in meeting the needs of the procurement of materials in warehouses with good material quality cheap and non-miss communication on orders.
Is it possible to predict food retail prices? Evidence from Lithuanian market
Authors: Volkov Artiom , Morkūnas Mangirdas , Skvarciany Viktorija
Published: May 2019

Purpose – the purpose of the article is to develop a model that could be used for estimating the level of the effect of the highlighted determinants on food retail prices.

Research methodology – the study is based on the obtained monthly data of food retail prices that covers the period from 2016 I m. to 2018 XII m. (36 observations). Multiple regression modelling is used in order to create a model of food retail prices.

Findings – the results provide evidence that the most influential determinants are the price of the alternative products and purchasing power. It also contributes to scholarly thinking, stating, that it is possible to predict the future retail price of a particular product.

Research limitations – the limitation of the current study is that the proposed econometric model is sufficient for the Lithuanian market and ought to be modified if used in other countries.

Practical implications – the development model allows to predict/forecast the food retail prices which are crucial for households budget planning.

Originality/Value – the current study examines the main determinant of retail food prices. It laid a background for future researches, based on examining possibilities to forecast food prices. The research results contribute to classic economic views about market imperfections influence onto supply-demand equilibrium and unproductiveness of consumer illicit market.
The internal university factors in determining the graduates’ performance in the labour market: evidence from Syrian universities
Authors: Salhani Alaa , Khnouf Victoria , Al-Zrair Rania , Dalati Serene
Published: May 2019

Purpose – this study aims to investigate internal university factors that affect graduates’ performance in the
Syrian labour market.
Research methodology – the applied methodology employes two questionnaire surveys distributed to a sample of graduates and sample of Work Organizations (WO) for the period from 2012 to 2017. The research uses descriptive and
analytical methodologies by applying binary logistic regression, linear regression, T-test and measuring some descriptive statistical indicators.
Findings – the research findings indicate that WO collaboration is the main determinant of performance that is measured
by two variables, the first one is being selected in a relevant job, and the second one is a performance at work. Moreover,
GPA, attendance, and study’s language are determinants in different levels but less than WO collaboration to the graduates’ performance.
Research limitations – further research could expand the sample and consider other factors like teaching staff and quality
standards in order to get more comprehensive results.
Practical implications – universities and business sector can benefit from this research by enhancing WO collaboration
as well as curriculums that need to be updated and suited with the need of business. Universities should also consider
English as the core language of courses.
Originality/Value – this is the first research in Syria that investigate the internal university factors, taking into consideration two different views of points, the graduates and business sector as well as using many different statistical methods