bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘AR11LE24’, a Soft Red Winter Wheat Adapted to the Mid‐South Region of the USA
Authors: Mason R. E. , Johnson J. W. , Mergoum M. , Miller R. G. , Moon D. E. , Carlin J. F. , Harrison S. A. , Babar M. A. , Murphy P. , Ibrahim A. M. H. , Sutton R. , Blount A. R.
Published: May 2018

‘AR11LE24’ (Reg. No. CV‐1142, PI 678970) is a soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) co‐developed by the University of Arkansas's Division of Agriculture and the University of Georgia and released in 2015 under the Southeastern University Grains (SunGrains) cooperative. AG South Genetics licensed AR11LE24 as ‘AGS 2055’ in 2016. AR11LE24 is a selection from the cross of two Georgia breeding lines (GA961591‐3E42 and GA96229‐3A41). The F1 plants were grown in the field in Plains, GA. The pedigree method of breeding was used to advance individual spike selections from the F2 to F5 generations to reach an adequate level of homozygosity. Subsequent generations of AR11LE24 were evaluated in Arkansas and in regional performance nurseries and official state trials from 2010 to 2015. AR11LE24 has shown excellent adaptation and strong performance in Arkansas, Texas, and the region, where it consistently outyielded commercially available wheat cultivars. From 2013 to 2015, AR11LE24 had a 2‐yr statewide mean yield in the Arkansas Wheat Cultivar Performance Test of 5246 kg ha−1. In the 2013–2014 Texas Uniform Variety Trial for soft wheat, AR11LE24 had a statewide yield of 5535 kg ha−1. It is resistant to stripe rust, leaf rust, and local races of stem rust and contains SBM1 for Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus resistance. It also shows moderate resistance to other economically important diseases and pests in the southeastern region of the United States.
Associated Disease Profiles among the Patients Presented with Focal Soft Tissue Rheumatism
Authors: Moonmoon Taslima Hoq , Ahmed Monjur , Parvin Sanjida , Banu Hashina Bilkish , Haque Md Ziaul , Khan Ehsanul Haque
Published: May 2018

Background: There are several diseases related with the patients suffering from focal soft tissue rheumatism.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to observe the associated diseases among the patients suffering from focal soft tissue rheumatism.Methodology: This descriptive type of cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2006 to August 2006 for a period of 6(six) months. The patients presented with focal soft tissue rheumatism were selected from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation who were referred from other outpatient department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and also from general practitioners outside the hospital. The different associated diseases were recorded during the data collection.Result: A total of 44 patients were recruited who were presented with different focal soft tissue rheumatism. The incidence of different soft tissue rheumatism cases were Tennis elbow 20(85.0%), De-Quervain`s disease 12(51.0%), Trigger fingers 8(34.0%) and Golfers elbow 4(17.0%). Diabetes mellitus was found in 8(18.0%) cases. Hypertension was detected in 10(23.0%) cases. Patients presented with hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found in 6(14.0%) cases. Peptic ulcer disease was found in 12(27.0%) cases. However, others diseases were found in 8(18.0%) cases.Conclusion: In conclusion diabetes mellitus, hypertension and peptic ulcer disease are the most common diseases found among the focal soft tissue rheumatism patients.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2018;5(1):19-22
Foliar spray of gibberellic acid influences morphological attributes and foliage yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Das Dhiman , Bhadra Asim Kumar , Moniruzzaman Mohd
Published: May 2018

A field experiment was conducted at the research field of Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from December 1, 2016 to January 11, 2017 to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on vegetative growth, morphological attributes and foliage (leaf) yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The experimental treatments consisted of eight different doses of GA3 viz., 0 (distilled water spray), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ppm. The variety Rosina (Pahuja Co., India) was used as planting material and different doses of GA3 were applied on the plants at 25 and 30 days after sowing. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. GA3 had significant effect on vegetative growth, morphology, foliage yield and yield contributing characters of coriander. Plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaf length, plant spread and single plant weight were found maximum from the application of GA3 at 20 ppm, which was closely followed by 25 ppm GA3. Application of GA3 at 20 ppm produced the highest weight of foliage m-2. A strong positive correlation of foliage yield was observed with plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaf length, plant spread, single plant weight and weight of foliage m-2. Application of GA3 at 20 ppm gave maximum foliage yield (9.34 t ha-1) which was followed by GA3 at 15 ppm (8.46 t ha-1) and 25 ppm (8.06 t ha-1), and the minimum foliage yield was recorded from control (distilled water spray) (4.90 t ha-1). Application of GA3 at 20 ppm increased foliage yield over control by 47.54 %. A quadratic relationship between applied GA3 concentration and foliage yield was found; the regression equation was y = 4.87 + 0.375x – 0.009x2 from which it came up to be optimum dose of GA3 as 20.83 ppm.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(1): 1-9, April 2018
Retrospective study of foot and mouth disease in cattle at Babugonj upazila of Barisal district
Authors: Mostary Sharmin , Hussain Khalid , Hasan Imam , Rume Farzana Islam
Published: May 2018

The present study was conducted in Babuganj Upazila Veterinary Hospital, Barisal during the period from September 2015 to August 2017 to observe the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). A total of 727 animals were examined during this period and 158 cases were found positive to FMD, so the proportionate prevalence of FMD was 21.73% (n=158) at Babugonj Upazila. The effect of age, sex, breed and season on the prevalence of the disease was discussed. The proportinate prevalence of FMD was highest in the month of December and January. The males (432 males, 109 affected, prevalence 25.23%) were more susceptible than females (295 female, 49 affected, prevalence 16.61%). The Older cattle (more than 4 years old) were more susceptible to FMD (29.88%) compared to adult (2 to 4 years; 19.53%) and younger (less than 2 years old; 8.62%). Moreover, FMD is more frequent among indigenous breeds (27.90%) than crossed breeds (13.91%). The findings from this study can be used as baseline epidemiological data for further research to understand the epidemiology of FMD in Barisal.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(1): 43-48, April 2018
Use of indigenous beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus spp.) as probiotics in shrimp (Penaeus monodon) aquaculture
Authors: Ahmmed Fatema , Ahmmed Mirja Kaizer , Shah Md Saifuddin , Banu Ghausiatur Reza
Published: May 2018

The present study was conducted to study in-vitro the antagonistic effect of Lactobacillus spp. against the pathogenic bacterial vibrio harveyi on shrimp. For this purpose, shrimp samples were collected from three different Ghers at Batiaghata upazilla, Khulna. Gills and intestines were taken out from the samples to identify the load of Lactobacillus spp. and Vibrio spp. The results revealed that the load of Lactobacillus spp. was found more than Vibrio spp. both in gills and intestines; the gills also contained higher load of Vibrio spp. than in the intestines. V. harveyi was separated from the isolated Vibrio spp. with different types of biochemical tests: Gram stain, Motility test, Indole test, VP test, MR test, Arginine dihydrolase, Salt tolerance test, growth at different temperature ranges and colony color on TCBS agar media. The isolated V. harveyi was subjected for in-vitro test. In in-vitro challenge test, the potential antagonistic effect of Lactobacillus spp. against V. harveyi was gradually obtained at 0, 4th, 8th, 12th hour of treatments. Interesting finding was that, with the time, the load of V. harveyi was reduced gradually and the lowest load was obtained after 12 hours of probiotic inoculation. The present study revealed an excellent in-vitro antagonistic probiotic effect of Lactobacillus spp. on V. harveyi. Therefore the result suggested that probiotic treatment might be an effective alternative to the use of antibiotics in treatments of bacterial diseases in shrimp aquaculture.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(1): 127-135, April 2018
Flowers in a Begging Bowl: Tagore, Eliot, and Bengali Modernism
Authors: Mohua Mafruha
Published: May 2018

In the mid-1920s Bengalis found themselves in an atmosphere of political upheavals, of communal and labour riots, and of dire poverty. Amidst this destructive environment a fervent group of young poets felt that the pressures of the modern age required a new poetics. Although anxieties stemming from economic instability and political turmoil contributed to this new poetics, this group of poets, who identified themselves as modernists, found in the poetry of Eliot a reality which seemed to them to be a true reflection of their world. This article looks at that pivotal moment in Bengali poetry when a new generation broke ranks with the establishment and forged a poetics that reflected a world different to the one that Tagore had earlier introduced to the rest of the world. The poets challenged Tagore's image of Bengal and created an altogether different image, one that had strong Elitoesque characteristics.
Optimal Control Algorithms and Their Analysis for Short-Term Scheduling in Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Sokolov Boris , Dolgui Alexandre , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: May 2018

Current literature presents optimal control computational algorithms with regard to state, control, and conjunctive variable spaces. This paper first analyses the advantages and limitations of different optimal control computational methods and algorithms which can be used for short-term scheduling. Second, it develops an optimal control computational algorithm that allows for the solution of short-term scheduling in an optimal manner. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the manufacturing system scheduling problem is presented. Results highlight computer experiments with a scheduling software prototype as well as potential future research avenues.
Interfacing Sail Modules for Use with “Space Tugs”
Authors: Dalla Vedova Florio , Morin Pierre , Roux Thibault , Brombin Roberta , Piccinini Alberto , Ramsden Nigel
Published: May 2018

The paper introduces and describes the recent and still ongoing development activities performed in Luxembourg for In-Orbit Attach Mechanisms for (Drag) Sails Modules to be operated from Space Tugs. After some preparatory work aiming at understanding the possible operational aspects and implications of mating interfaces between these space systems, three possible designs of In-Orbit Attach Mechanisms have been proposed and completed for their 3D (Metal and Plastic) Printing, a new manufacturing technology assessed within this project. The Plastic-printed prototype underwent a series of automated tests in which a robotic arm, equipped with an advanced force sensor, replicated four docking scenarii in ideal and degraded modes. The observation of the forces and torque behaviors at and after impact allowed one to characterize the typical patterns for the various contacts but also, to identify a type of potentially dramatic impact for the safety of the docking and its equipment: in the case of the off-axis approach, “point” contacts shall be avoided, as they instantaneously transfer the total kinetic energy in a small area that could break.
Time Dependence of Wetting Behavior Upon Applying Hierarchic Nano-Micro Periodic Surface Structures on Brass Using Ultra Short Laser Pulses
Authors: Rung Stefan , Schwarz Simon , Götzendorfer Babette , Esen Cemal , Hellmann Ralf
Published: May 2018

We present a comprehensive experimental study on laser-induced hierarchic nano-micro periodic surface structures on brass that influences wetting behavior. Using ultra short laser pulses with a wavelength of 1030 nm, large scaled areas completely covered by laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are generated with these areas being superimposed by ablation trenches and u-ripples. The influence of the incident laser fluence and pulse overlap on the apparent contact angle for coverage of the surface with distilled water with a surface tension of 74 mN/m are examined with its temporal evolution being observed over a period of two weeks. Our results show an initial drop in the apparent contact angle below the angle of an unstructured surface. Using atomic force microscopy, the roughness factor described by the Wenzel model is determined and compared to the roughness factor given by the apparent contact angle measurement. The ascertained difference in roughness cannot be entirely attributed to the topography of the laser-structured surface. We suggest that changes in the surface chemistry additionally alter the wetting behavior as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. On a time scale of days after laser irradiation, the apparent contact angle increases into the hydrophobic range. Both the absolute apparent contact angle and this temporal change reveal a pronounced dependence on the applied laser fluence and pulse overlap. In particular, increasing both, the fluence and the pulse overlap leads to smaller apparent contact angles directly after the irradiation and to higher apparent contact angles after an observation period of two weeks.
Vibrometry Assessment of the External Thermal Composite Insulation Systems Influence on the Façade Airborne Sound Insulation
Authors: Urbán Daniel , Roozen N.B. , Muellner Herbert , Zaťko Peter , Niemczanowski Alexander , Rychtáriková Monika , Glorieux Christ
Published: May 2018

This paper verifies the impact of the use of an external thermal composite system (ETICS) on air-borne sound insulation. For optimum accuracy over a wide frequency range, classical microphone based transmission measurements are combined with accelerometer based vibrometry measurements. Consistency is found between structural resonance frequencies and bending wave velocity dispersion curves determined by vibrometry on the one hand and spectral features of the sound reduction index, the ETICS mass-spring-mass resonance induced dip in the acoustic insulation spectrum, and the coincidence induced dip on the other hand. Scanning vibrometry proves to be an effective tool for structural assessment in the design phase of ETICS systems. The measured spectra are obtained with high resolution in wide frequency range, and yield sound insulation values are not affected by the room acoustic features of the laboratory transmission rooms. The complementarity between the microphone and accelerometer based results allows assessing the effect of ETICS on the sound insulation spectrum in an extended frequency range from 20 Hz to 10 kHz. The modified engineering ΔR prediction model for frequency range up to coincidence frequency of external plaster layer is recommended. Values for the sound reduction index obtained by a modified prediction method are consistent with the measured data.
Yukawa Potential, Panharmonic Measure and Brownian Motion
Authors: Rasila Antti , Sottinen Tommi
Published: May 2018

This paper continues our earlier investigation, where a walk-on-spheres (WOS) algorithm for Monte Carlo simulation of the solutions of the Yukawa and the Helmholtz partial differential equations (PDEs) was developed by using the Duffin correspondence. In this paper, we investigate the foundations behind the algorithm for the case of the Yukawa PDE. We study the panharmonic measure, which is a generalization of the harmonic measure for the Yukawa PDE. We show that there are natural stochastic definitions for the panharmonic measure in terms of the Brownian motion and that the harmonic and the panharmonic measures are all mutually equivalent. Furthermore, we calculate their Radon–Nikodym derivatives explicitly for some balls, which is a key result behind the WOS algorithm.
Phenolic Compounds in Fruit Beverages
Authors: Jordão António Manuel
Published: May 2018

In this current special issue, different aspects related to phenolic compounds in fruit beveragesare presented.[...]
Sediment Carbon Accumulation in Southern Latitude Saltmarsh Communities of Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Ellison Joanna C. , Beasy Kim M.
Published: May 2018

Carbon sequestration values of wetlands are greatest in their sediments. Northern hemisphere research dominates the earlier saltmarsh carbon sequestration literature, recently augmented by analyses across mainland Australia where species assemblages, catchment histories and environmental settings differ. No previous assessment has been made for Tasmania. Carbon stores and accumulation rates in saltmarsh sediments of the Rubicon estuary, Tasmania, were investigated. Carbon was determined from sediment cores by Elemental Analyser, combined with analysis of organic content and bulk density. Carbon accumulation was determined using short-term and long-term sediment accretion indicators. Results showed carbon densities to be lower than global averages, with variation found between carbon stores of native and introduced species zones. Cores from introduced Spartina anglica indicated a trend of higher sediment carbon percentages relative to cores from native saltmarsh Juncus kraussii and Sarcocornia quinqueflora, and in finer grain sizes. Sediment carbon stock of 30 cm depths was 49.5 Mg C ha−1 for native saltmarsh and 55.5 Mg C ha−1 for Spartina. Carbon percentages were low owing to high catchment inorganic sediment yields, however carbon accumulation rates were similar to global averages, particularly under Spartina. Covering 85% of saltmarsh area in the estuary, Spartina contributes the majority to carbon stores, potentially indicating a previously unrecognized value for this invasive species in Australia.
Porous (Swiss-Cheese) Graphite
Authors: Abrahamson Joseph P. , Rajagopalan Ramakrishnan , Vander Wal Randy L.
Published: May 2018

Porous graphite was prepared without the use of template by rapidly heating the carbonization products from mixtures of anthracene, fluorene, and pyrene with a CO2 laser. Rapid CO2 laser heating at a rate of 1.8 × 106 °C/s vaporizes out the fluorene-pyrene derived pitch while annealing the anthracene coke. The resulting structure is that of graphite with 100 nm spherical pores. The graphitizablity of the porous material is the same as pure anthracene coke. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the interfaces between graphitic layers and the pore walls are unimpeded. Traditional furnace annealing does not result in the porous structure as the heating rates are too slow to vaporize out the pitch, thereby illustrating the advantage of fast thermal processing. The resultant porous graphite was prelithiated and used as an anode in lithium ion capacitors. The porous graphite when lithiated had a specific capacity of 200 mAh/g at 100 mA/g. The assembled lithium ion capacitor demonstrated an energy density as high as 75 Wh/kg when cycled between 2.2 V and 4.2 V.
EBV Positive Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Exhibit Increased Anti-dUTPase Antibodies
Authors: Williams Marshall , Ariza Maria Eugenia
Published: May 2018

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a ubiquitous γ-herpesvirus, establishes a latent infection in more than 90% of the global adult population. EBV-associated malignancies have increased by 14.6% over the last 20 years, and account for approximately 1.5% of all cancers worldwide and 1.8% of all cancer deaths. However, the potential involvement/contribution of lytic proteins to the pathophysiology of EBV-associated cancers is not well understood. We have previously demonstrated that the EBV-deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) modulates innate and adaptive immune responses by engaging the Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2), which leads to the modulation of downstream genes involved in oncogenesis, chronic inflammation, and in effector T-cell function. Furthermore, examination of serum samples from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients revealed the presence of increased levels of anti-dUTPase antibodies in both cohorts compared to controls with the highest levels (3.67-fold increase) observed in DLBCL female cases and the lowest (2.12-fold increase) in DLBCL males. Using computer-generated algorithms, dUTPase amino acid sequence alignments, and functional studies of BLLF3 mutants, we identified a putative amino acid motif involved with TLR2 interaction. These findings suggest that the EBV-dUTPase: TLR2 interaction is a potential molecular target that could be used for developing novel therapeutics (small molecules/vaccines).
Intrinsic Catalytic Activity of Gold/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composites in Squaric Acid-Iron(II/III) System
Authors: Li Yanxia , Jiang Cheng , Lin Shengheng , Lai Jiajia , Zheng Liyun , Xu Pengjun
Published: May 2018

In this paper, gold/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Au/MWCNTs) composites were prepared via in situ reductions. The synthesized materials could effectively catalyze the system of square acid (SQA)-iron(II/III) to produce a significant color reaction. By designing the orthogonal test of three-factor and three-level, the three factors of sodium formate solution concentration, ultrasonic time and synthesis reaction time were optimized in the process of Au/MWCNTs preparation. Results showed that the Au/MWCNTs had the best catalytic activity under the conditions of sodium formate solution concentration of 400 mmol/L, ultrasonic for 30 min and reaction for 4 h. In a subsequent comparison with H2O2, it found that the catalytic performance of 1 mg of Au/MWCNTs composite was equivalent to that of H2O2 with the concentration of 0.28 mmol/L. It demonstrated that the prepared Au/MWCNTs composites had good catalytic activity, stable color and low background noise, indicating a good prospect in various fields including that of catalytic reaction, sensing analysis, and nanomaterials labeling.
One-Pot Synthesis of N,N′-dialkylureas via Carbonylation of Amines with CO2 Applying Y0.08Zr0.92O1.96 Mixed Oxide (YSZ-8) as a Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Sun Dalei , Xie Kaihong , Fang Yanxiong , Yang Xianghua
Published: May 2018

One-pot synthesis of N,N′-dialkylureas were successfully achieved from catalytic carbonylation of aliphatic primary amines with CO2 as the carbon source and Y0.08Zr0.92O1.96 mixed oxide (Yttria-stabilized zirconia, YSZ-8) as the heterogeneous catalyst. The yield of the target product was obtained up to 80.60% from a 48 h reaction with an aliphatic primary amine and 3.0 MPa CO2 in N-methyl-2-pirrolidinone at 160 °C. A multi-pronged mechanistic study was carried out where factors that might influence the reaction efficiency were studied, including catalyst structure, substrates basicity, CO2 pressure, solvent polarity and reaction time. The presence of oxygen vacancies in YSZ-8 was found to be essential for the carbonylation process by creating additional reduction potential for the activation of CO2 which would lead to the key intermediate species.
Effect of Al–Mg Alloy Infiltration on Mechanical and Electrical Properties for Carbon/Carbon Composites
Authors: Cui Lihui , Luo Ruiying , Cui Guangyuan
Published: May 2018

Under vacuum Al–Mg alloy, liquids were successfully infiltrated into carbon/carbon (C/C) composites at high temperatures. Then, the mechanical properties, the metallographics, the scanning electron microscope images, the transmission electron microscope images, the X-ray diffraction images, and the energy dispersive spectroscopy results of C/C–Al–Mg composites were analyzed. The result showed that the bending property of C/C–Al–Mg composites reached 183 MPa whereas that of C/C composites totaled 165 MPa. The compressive strength of C/C–Al–Mg measured 206 MPa whereas that of C/C composites amounted to 142 MPa. The flexural strength and compressive strengths of the steeped metal sliders measured 121 and 104 MPa, respectively. The alloy liquid infiltrated into the matrix by forming a “network conduction” structure which reduced the resistivity and improved the conductivity of the composites. The resistivity of C/C–Al–Mg totaled 1.63 µΩm whereas that of C/C was 3.56 μΩm. During infiltration, an excellent wettability was observed between Al and the carbon matrix due to the existence of Al4C3. The friction coefficients of C/C, the steeped metal slide, and C/Al–Mg were 0.152, 0.068, and 0.189, respectively. The properties of C/C–Al–Mg composites meet the performance requirements of locomotive pantograph sliders.
Comparison of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels to Simultaneously Obtained Right Heart Hemodynamics in Stable Outpatients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Helgeson Scott A. , Imam J. Saadi , Moss John E. , Hodge David O. , Burger Charles D.
Published: May 2018

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease that requires validated biomarkers of disease severity. While PAH is defined hemodynamically by right heart catheterization (RHC), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is recommended by guidelines to assess disease status. Retrospectively collected data in 138 group 1 PAH patients were examined for the correlation of BNP levels to simultaneously obtained right heart catheterization (RHC). Patients were mostly Caucasian women, with functional class III symptoms, mean BNP of 406 ± 443 pg/mL, and an average right atrial pressure (RAP) of 9.9 ± 5.7 mm Hg and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of 47.3 ± 14.7 mm Hg. Significant correlation was demonstrated between BNP and RAP (p = 0.021) and mPAP (p = 0.003). Additional correlation was seen with right heart size on echocardiography: right atrial (RAE; p = 0.04) and right ventricular enlargement (p = 0.03). An increased BNP level was an independent predictor of mortality (p < 0.0001), along with RAP (p = 0.039) and RAE (p = 0.018). Simultaneous collection of BNP at the time of RHC confirmed the correlation of BNP with right heart hemodynamics. The current results reinforce the use of BNP level as a continuous variable to assess disease severity in group 1 PAH.
Non-Gaussian Systems Control Performance Assessment Based on Rational Entropy
Authors: Zhou Jinglin , Jia Yiqing , Jiang Huixia , Fan Shuyi
Published: May 2018

Control loop Performance Assessment (CPA) plays an important role in system operations. Stochastic statistical CPA index, such as a minimum variance controller (MVC)-based CPA index, is one of the most widely used CPA indices. In this paper, a new minimum entropy controller (MEC)-based CPA method of linear non-Gaussian systems is proposed. In this method, probability density function (PDF) and rational entropy (RE) are respectively used to describe the characteristics and the uncertainty of random variables. To better estimate the performance benchmark, an improved EDA algorithm, which is used to estimate the system parameters and noise PDF, is given. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated through case studies on an ARMAX system.
Design Optimization of a Small-Scale Polygeneration Energy System in Different Climate Zones in Iran
Authors: Ghaem Sigarchian Sara , Malmquist Anders , Martin Viktoria
Published: May 2018

Design and performance of polygeneration energy systems are highly influenced by several variables, including the climate zone, which can affect the load profile as well as the availability of renewable energy sources. To investigate the effects, in this study, the design of a polygeneration system for identical residential buildings that are located in three different climate zones in Iran has been investigated. To perform the study, a model has previously developed by the author is used. The performance of the polygeneration system in terms of energy, economy and environment were compared to each other. The results show significant energetic and environmental benefits of the implementation of polygeneration systems in Iran, especially in the building that is located in a hot climate, with a high cooling demand and a low heating demand. Optimal polygeneration system for an identical building has achieved a 27% carbon dioxide emission reduction in the cold climate, while this value is around 41% in the hot climate. However, when considering the price of electricity and gas in the current energy market in Iran, none of the systems are feasible and financial support mechanisms or other incentives are required to promote the application of decentralized polygeneration energy systems.
Prevalence of Pathogens in Poultry Meat: A Meta-Analysis of European Published Surveys
Authors: Gonçalves-Tenório Andiara , Silva Beatriz , Rodrigues Vânia , Cadavez Vasco , Gonzales-Barron Ursula
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate and summarize the levels of incidence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat commercialized in Europe. After systematic review, incidence data and study characteristics were extracted from 78 studies conducted in 21 European countries. Pooled prevalence values from 203 extracted observations were estimated from random-effects meta-analysis models adjusted by pathogen, poultry type, sampling stage, cold preservation type, meat cutting type and packaging status. The results suggest that S. aureus is the main pathogen detected in poultry meat (38.5%; 95% CI: 25.4–53.4), followed by Campylobacter spp. (33.3%; 95% CI: 22.3–46.4%), while L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. present lower prevalence (19.3%; 95% CI: 14.4–25.3% and 7.10%; 95% CI: 4.60–10.8%, respectively). Despite the differences in prevalence, all pathogens were found in chicken and other poultry meats, at both end-processing step and retail level, in packed and unpacked products and in several meat cutting types. Prevalence data on cold preservation products also revealed that chilling and freezing can reduce the proliferation of pathogens but might not be able to inactivate them. The results of this meta-analysis highlight that further risk management strategies are needed to reduce pathogen incidence in poultry meat throughout the entire food chain across Europe, in particular for S. aureus and Campylobacter spp.
Correlation Analysis of Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation in a Region of Southern Italy
Authors: Ferrari Ennio , Coscarelli Roberto , Sirangelo Beniamino
Published: May 2018

The investigation of the statistical links between changes in temperature and rainfall, though not widely achieved in the past, is an interesting issue because their physical interdependence is difficult to point out. Aiming at detecting possible trends with a pooled approach, a correlative analysis of temperature and rainfall has been carried out by comparing changes in their standardized anomalies from two different 30-year time periods. The procedure has been applied to the time series of seasonal mean temperature and cumulative rainfall observed in four sites of the Calabria region (Southern Italy), with reference to the series which verify the normality hypothesis. Specifically, the displacements of the ellipses, representing the probability density functions of the bivariate normal distribution assumed for the climatic variables, have been quantified and tested for each season, passing from the first subperiod to the following one. The main results concern a decreasing trend of both the temperature and the rainfall anomalies, predominantly in the winter and autumn seasons.
Using the A/T/N Framework to Examine Driving in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Roe Catherine M. , Babulal Ganesh M. , Stout Sarah H. , Carr David B. , Williams Monique M. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Fagan Anne M. , Holtzman David M. , Ances Beau M. , Morris John C.
Published: May 2018

The A/T/N classification system is the foundation of the 2018 NIA-AA Research Framework and is intended to guide the Alzheimer disease (AD) research agenda for the next 5–10 years. Driving is a widespread functional activity that may be particularly useful in investigation of functional changes in pathological AD before onset of cognitive symptoms. We examined driving in preclinical AD using the A/T/N framework and found that the onset of driving difficulties is most associated with abnormality of both amyloid and tau pathology, rather than amyloid alone. These results have implications for participant selection into clinical trials and for the application time of interventions aimed at prolonging the time of safe driving among older adults with preclinical AD.
Genome-Wide Identification, Molecular Evolution, and Expression Profiling Analysis of Pectin Methylesterase Inhibitor Genes in Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Yu Hui , Xiong Xingpeng , Yue Xiaoyan , Yu Youjian , Huang Li , Cao Jiashu
Published: May 2018

Pectin methylesterase inhibitor genes (PMEIs) are a large multigene family and play crucial roles in cell wall modifications in plant growth and development. Here, a comprehensive analysis of the PMEI gene family in Brassica campestris, an important leaf vegetable, was performed. We identified 100 Brassica campestris PMEI genes (BcPMEIs), among which 96 BcPMEIs were unevenly distributed on 10 chromosomes and nine tandem arrays containing 20 BcPMEIs were found. We also detected 80 pairs of syntenic PMEI orthologs. These findings indicated that whole-genome triplication (WGT) and tandem duplication (TD) were the main mechanisms accounting for the current number of BcPMEIs. In evolution, BcPMEIs were retained preferentially and biasedly, consistent with the gene balance hypothesis and two-step theory, respectively. The molecular evolution analysis of BcPMEIs manifested that they evolved through purifying selection and the divergence time is in accordance with the WGT data of B. campestris. To obtain the functional information of BcPMEIs, the expression patterns in five tissues and the cis-elements distributed in promoter regions were investigated. This work can provide a better understanding of the molecular evolution and biological function of PMEIs in B. campestris.
Towards Aiding Decision-Making in Social Networks by Using Sentiment and Stress Combined Analysis
Authors: Aguado Guillem , Julian Vicente , Garcia-Fornes Ana
Published: May 2018

The present work is a study of the detection of negative emotional states that people have using social network sites (SNSs), and the effect that this negative state has on the repercussions of posted messages. We aim to discover in which grade a user having an affective state considered negative by an Analyzer can affect other users and generate bad repercussions. Those Analyzers that we propose are a Sentiment Analyzer, a Stress Analyzer and a novel combined Analyzer. We also want to discover what Analyzer is more suitable to predict a bad future situation, and in what context. We designed a Multi-Agent System (MAS) that uses different Analyzers to protect or advise users. This MAS uses the trained and tested Analyzers to predict future bad situations in social media, which could be triggered by the actions of a user that has an emotional state considered negative. We conducted an experimentation with different datasets of text messages from Twitter.com to examine the ability of the system to predict bad repercussions, by comparing the polarity, stress level or combined value classification of the messages that are replies to the ones of the messages that originated them.
Long-Term Statin Administration Does Not Affect Warfarin Time in Therapeutic Range in Australia or Singapore
Authors: Bernaitis Nijole , Ching Chi , Teo Siew , Badrick Tony , Davey Andrew , Crilly Julia , Anoopkumar-Dukie Shailendra
Published: May 2018

Background: Warfarin requires ongoing monitoring of the International Normalised Ratio (INR). This is because numerous factors influence the response, including drug interactions with commonly-prescribed medications, such as statins. The administration of statins with warfarin may change INR; however, there is limited information regarding the effects on warfarin control as measured by time in therapeutic range (TTR). Statins may also alter bleeds with warfarin, but there are conflicting reports demonstrating both increased and decreased bleeds, and limited data on diverse ethnic populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of statin administration on warfarin control and bleeds in patients in Australia and Singapore. Methods: Retrospective data were collected for patients on warfarin between January and June 2014 in Australia and Singapore. Patient data were used to calculate TTR and bleed events. Concurrent statin therapy was assessed and comparisons of TTR and bleed incidence were made across patient subgroups. Results: Warfarin control in Australia and Singapore was not significantly affected by statins, as measured by TTR (83% and 58%, respectively), frequency of testing, and warfarin doses. In Australia, statin use did not significantly affect bleeds, whilst in Singapore the bleed incidence was significantly lower for patients on statins. Conclusions: Chronic concurrent administration of statins with warfarin does not adversely affect warfarin TTR in Australia or Singapore. In Singapore, patients on statins, compared to no statins, had a lower bleed incidence and this requires further investigation, especially given the potential genetic influences of ethnicity on both statin and warfarin metabolism.
The Relationship between Sleep Problems, Neurobiological Alterations, Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Psychiatric Comorbidities
Authors: Mazzone Luigi , Postorino Valentina , Siracusano Martina , Riccioni Assia , Curatolo Paolo
Published: May 2018

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk for sleep disturbances, and studies indicate that between 50 and 80% of children with ASD experience sleep problems. These problems increase parental stress and adversely affect family quality of life. Studies have also suggested that sleep disturbances may increase behavioral problems in this clinical population. Although understanding the causes of sleep disorders in ASD is a clinical priority, the causal relationship between these two conditions remains unclear. Given the complex nature of ASD, the etiology of sleep problems in this clinical population is probably multi-factorial. In this overview, we discuss in detail three possible etiological explanations of sleep problems in ASD that can all contribute to the high rate of these symptoms in ASD. Specifically, we examine how neurobiological alterations, genetic mutations, and disrupted sleep architecture can cause sleep problems in individuals with ASD. We also discuss how sleep problems may be a direct result of core symptoms of ASD. Finally, a detailed examination of the relationship between sleep problems and associated clinical features and psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with ASD is described.
Improved Reconstruction Technique for Moiré Imaging Using an X-Ray Phase-Contrast Talbot–Lau Interferometer
Authors: Seifert Maria , Gallersdörfer Michael , Ludwig Veronika , Schuster Max , Horn Florian , Pelzer Georg , Rieger Jens , Michel Thilo , Anton Gisela
Published: May 2018

X-ray phase-contrast imaging is a promising method for medical imaging and non-destructive testing. Information about the attenuation, small-angle scattering and phase-shifting properties of an object can be gained simultaneously in three image modalities using a Talbot–Lau interferometer. This is a highly sensitive approach for retrieving this information. Nevertheless, until now, Talbot–Lau interferometry has been a time-consuming process due to image acquisition by phase-stepping procedures. Thus, methods to accelerate the image acquisition process in Talbot–Lau interferometry would be desirable. This is especially important for medical applications to avoid motion artifacts. In this work, the Talbot–Lau interferometry is combined with the moiré imaging approach. Firstly, the reconstruction algorithm of moiré imaging is improved compared to the standard reconstruction methods in moiré imaging that have been published until now. Thus, blurring artifacts resulting from the reconstruction in the frequency domain can be reduced. Secondly, the improved reconstruction algorithm allows for reducing artifacts in the reconstructed images resulting from inhomogeneities of the moiré pattern in large fields of view. Hence, the feasibility of differential phase-contrast imaging with regard to the integration into workflows in medical imaging and non-destructive testing is improved considerably. New fields of applications can be gained due to the accelerated imaging process—for example, live imaging in medical applications.
A Semi-Empirical Prediction Method for Broadband Hull-Pressure Fluctuations and Underwater Radiated Noise by Propeller Tip Vortex Cavitation †
Authors: Bosschers Johan
Published: May 2018

A semi-empirical method is presented that predicts broadband hull-pressure fluctuations and underwater radiated noise due to propeller tip vortex cavitation. The method uses a hump-shaped pattern for the spectrum and predicts the centre frequency and level of this hump. The principal parameter is the vortex cavity size, which is predicted by a combination of a boundary element method and a semi-empirical vortex model. It is shown that such a model is capable of representing the variation of cavity size with cavitation number well. Using a database of model- and full-scale measured hull-pressure data, an empirical formulation for the maximum level and centre frequency has been developed that is a function of, among other parameters, the cavity size. Acceptable results are obtained when comparing predicted and measured hull-pressure and radiated noise spectra for various cases. The comparison also shows differences that require adjustments of parameters that need to be further investigated.
Modeling Land Use and Land Cover Changes and Their Effects on Biodiversity in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Sharma Roshan , Nehren Udo , Rahman Syed Ajijur , Meyer Maximilian , Rimal Bhagawat , Aria Seta Gilang , Baral Himlal
Published: May 2018

Land use and land cover (LULC) change causes biodiversity decline through loss, alteration, and fragmentation of habitats. There are uncertainties on how LULC will change in the future and the effect of such change on biodiversity. In this paper we applied the Land Change Modeler (LCM) and Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) Scenario Generator tool to develop three spatially explicit LULC future scenarios from 2015 to 2030 in the Pulang Pisau district of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The district is experiencing a rapid loss of biodiversity as a result of unprecedented LULC changes. Further, we used the InVEST Habitat Quality model to map habitat quality as a proxy to biodiversity in each of the scenarios. We find habitat quality decline is largest in a scenario where past trends of LULC change continue, followed by a scenario with planned agricultural expansion. Alternately, a conservation-oriented scenario results in significant improvements in habitat quality for biodiversity. This information can support in developing appropriate land use policy for biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.
Safeness Index-Based Economic Model Predictive Control of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Wu Zhe , Durand Helen , Christofides Panagiotis D.
Published: May 2018

Process operational safety plays an important role in designing control systems for chemical processes. Motivated by this, in this work, we develop a process Safeness Index-based economic model predictive control system for a broad class of stochastic nonlinear systems with input constraints. A stochastic Lyapunov-based controller is first utilized to characterize a region of the state-space surrounding the origin, starting from which the origin is rendered asymptotically stable in probability. Using this stability region characterization and a process Safeness Index function that characterizes the region in state-space in which it is safe to operate the process, an economic model predictive control system is then developed using Lyapunov-based constraints to ensure economic optimality, as well as process operational safety and closed-loop stability in probability. A chemical process example is used to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Water-Soluble Fish Protein Intake Led to Lower Serum and Liver Cholesterol Concentrations in Obese Zucker fa/fa Rats
Authors: Drotningsvik Aslaug , Vikøren Linn Anja , Mjøs Svein Are , Oterhals Åge , Pampanin Daniela , Flesland Ola , Gudbrandsen Oddrun Anita
Published: May 2018

Proteins from different fish species and different raw materials such as fish fillets and by-products have shown promising cardioprotective effects in rodents and humans, including effects on cholesterol metabolism. Blue whiting is used mainly to produce fish meal for the feed industry and during this production, a water-soluble protein fraction, containing small peptides that are easily absorbed and may hold bioactive properties, is isolated. The effects of water-soluble fish protein on cholesterol metabolism were investigated in twelve male obese Zucker fa/fa rats. Rats were fed diets with water-soluble protein from blue whiting (BWW) as 1/3 of the total protein and the remaining 2/3 as casein (BWW group) or with casein as the sole protein source (control group). After 5 weeks intervention, the BWW group had lower serum total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations and lower cholesteryl ester concentration compared to controls. Hepatic concentrations of cholesterol, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and LDL receptors were also lower in the BWW group. The groups had a similar concentration of serum total bile acids and similar fecal excretions of cholesterol and bile acids. To conclude, the BWW diet led to lower concentrations of serum and liver cholesterol in obese Zucker fa/fa rats, probably due to lower hepatic cholesterol synthesis.