bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of visual and olfactory sensory cues by an apex predator in deciduous forests
Authors: Lawson Riley R. , Fogarty Dillon T. , Loss Scott R.
Published: January 2019

Predator–prey interactions influence behaviors and life-history evolution for both predator and prey species and also have implications for biodiversity conservation. A fundamental goal of ecology is to clarify mechanisms underlying predator–prey interactions and dynamics. To investigate the role of predator sensory mechanisms in predator–prey interactions, specifically in predator detection of prey, we experimentally evaluated importance of visual and olfactory cues for an apex predator, the coyote (Canis latrans Say, 1823). Unlike similar studies, we examined use of sensory cues in a field setting. We used trail cameras and four replicated treatments — visual only, olfactory only, visual and olfactory combined, and a control — to quantify coyote visitation rates in North American deciduous forests during fall 2016. Coyote visitation was greatest for olfactory-only and visual-only cues, followed by the combined olfactory–visual cue; all cues attracted more coyotes than the control (i.e., olfactory = visual > olfactory–visual > control). Our results suggest this apex predator uses both olfactory and visual cues while foraging for prey. These findings from a field study of free-roaming coyotes increase understanding of predator foraging behavior, predator–prey interactions, and sensory ecology. Our study also suggests future directions for field evaluations of the role of different sensory mechanisms in predator foraging and prey concealment behaviors.
Ultra-Wideband Bandpass Filter Based on a Multi-Stub Loaded Loop Resonator
Authors: Xie Xiaodong , Yang Zhizhan , Deng Mingxing
Published: January 2019

A multi-stub loaded loop resonator (MSLLR) is proposed in this paper, which exhibits five main resonant modes of interest. Then, an ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter is developed on it. Through direct source/load coupling, two transmission zeros can be created at both sides of the passband of the filter, which improves its frequency selectivity. The measured results of the fabricated filter show that its bandwidth can cover the UWB frequency range and the return loss in the passband is greater than 12.9[Formula: see text]dB. Frequency selectivity is improved due to two transmission zeros at both sides of the passband. Group delay variation is less than 0.48[Formula: see text]ns in the passband, which is relatively flat.
A Surface Potential-Based Model for Dual Gate Bilayer Graphene Field Effect Transistor Including the Capacitive Effects
Authors: Bardhan Sudipta , Sahoo Manodipan , Rahaman Hafizur
Published: January 2019

In this work, a surface potential modeling approach has been proposed to model dual gate, bilayer graphene field effect transistor. The equivalent capacitive network of GFET has been improved considering the quantum capacitance effect for each layer and interlayer capacitances. Surface potentials of both layers are determined analytically from equivalent capacitive network. The explicit expression of drain to source current is established from drift-diffusion transport mechanism using the surface potentials of the layers. The drain current characteristics and transfer characteristics of the developed model shows good agreement with the experimental results in literatures. The small signal parameters of intrinsic graphene transistor i.e., output conductance ([Formula: see text]), transconductance ([Formula: see text]), gate to drain capacitance ([Formula: see text]) and gate to source capacitance ([Formula: see text]) have been derived and finally, the cut-off frequency is determined for the developed model. The model is compared with reported experimental data using Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) metric and it shows less than [Formula: see text] NRMSE. A Verilog-A code has been developed for this model and a single ended frequency doubler has been designed in Cadence Design environment using this Verilog-A model.
Modeling and Verification of IEEE 802.11i Security Protocol in UPPAAL for Internet of Things
Authors: Lu Yuteng , Sun Meng
Published: January 2019

IEEE 802.11i is the IEEE standard that provides enhanced MAC security and has been widely used in wireless networks and Internet of Things. It improves IEEE 802.11 (1999) by providing a Robust Security Network (RSN) with two new protocols: the Four-Way Handshake and the Group Key Handshake. These protocols utilize the authentication services and port access control described in IEEE 802.1X to establish and change the appropriate cryptographic keys. In this paper, we carry out a formal modeling and verification approach based on timed automata for IEEE 802.11i protocol, using the UPPAAL model checker, to check correctness of the changes in IEEE 802.11i protocol and provide better security.
Formalization and Verification of the OpenFlow Bundle Mechanism Using CSP
Authors: Wang Huiwen , Zhu Huibiao , Xiao Lili , Fei Yuan
Published: January 2019

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging architecture of computer networking. OpenFlow is considered as the first and currently most popular standard southbound interface of SDN. It is a communication protocol which enables the SDN controller to directly interact with the forwarding plane, which makes the network more flexible and programmable. The promising and widespread use makes the reliability of OpenFlow important. The OpenFlow bundle mechanism is a new mechanism proposed by OpenFlow protocol to guarantee the completeness and consistency of the messages transmitted between SDN devices like switches and controllers. In this paper, we use Communication Sequential Processes (CSP) to formally model the OpenFlow bundle mechanism. By adopting the models into the model checker Process Analysis Toolkit (PAT), we verify the relevant properties of the mechanism, including deadlock freeness, parallelism, atomicity, order property and schedulability. Our formalization and verification show that the mechanism can satisfy these properties, from which we can conclude that the mechanism offers a better way to guarantee the completeness and consistency.
Gated Hierarchical LSTMs for Target-Based Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhang Xiaofang , Liang Bin , Zhou Qian , Xu Baowen
Published: January 2019

In the field of target-based sentiment analysis, the deep neural model combining attention mechanism is a remarkable success. In current research, it is commonly seen that attention mechanism is combined with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. However, such neural network-based architectures generally rely on complex computation and only focus on single target. In this paper, we propose a gated hierarchical LSTM (GH-LSTMs) model which combines regional LSTM and sentence-level LSTM via a gated operation for the task of target-based sentiment analysis. This approach can distinguish different polarities of sentiment of different targets in the same sentence through a regional LSTM. Furthermore, it is able to concentrate on the long-distance dependency of target in the whole sentence via a sentence-level LSTM. The final results of our experiments on multi-domain datasets of two languages from SemEval 2016 indicate that our approach yields better performance than Support Vector Machine (SVM) and several typical neural network models. A case study of some typical examples also makes a supplement to this conclusion.
Morita equivalence of factorizable semigroups
Authors: Laan Valdis , Reimaa Ülo
Published: January 2019

A semigroup is called factorizable if each of its elements can be written as a product. We study equivalences and adjunctions between various categories of acts over a fixed factorizable semigroup. We prove that two factorizable semigroups are Morita equivalent if and only if they are strongly Morita equivalent. We also show that Morita equivalence of finite factorizable semigroups is algorithmically decidable in finite time.
Pb-FREE SOLDERS: ESTIMATING OF SOME PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF TERNARY Cu-Ag-In SYSTEM
Authors: BELMOUJOUD SALMA , M’CHAAR RACHIDA , SABBAR ABDELAZIZ
Published: January 2019

The surface tension and viscosity in the liquid Cu-Ag-In ternary alloys have been estimated using Muggianu and Toop geometric models and Seetharaman–Sichen equations, respectively along a cross-section of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text], 1/1 and 2/1. The surface tension has also been estimated using Butler equation. In addition, the enthalpies of the same ternary alloys have been predicted at different temperatures along five cross-sections [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text], 1/2, 1/1, 2/1 and 3/1 using Kohler, Toop and Chou models. The geometric models are used in this work in order to verify their effectiveness since they are considered as the most widespread theoretical models used for metallic alloys. The estimated values obtained show that the surface tension decreases with increasing temperature for the all studied models and equations and increase with increasing copper-composition, except for few Cu-compositions where an opposite tendency is observed. It should be noted that the surface tension has a negative and positive temperature coefficient (d[Formula: see text]/d[Formula: see text]. The viscosity decreases with increasing temperature but increases with increasing copper-compositions. The calculated surface tension and enthalpy of mixing of the investigated system are compared with the reachable experimental data and a relatively excellent accord was obtained.
DIVERSITY MEASURES AND QUALITY OF BANKS’ BOARDS: THE ITALIAN CASE
Authors: LOCATELLI ROSSELLA , SCHENA CRISTIANA , TANDA ALESSANDRA , USELLI ANDREA
Published: January 2019

Most of the studies in corporate governance in banks and other types of firms investigate board diversity and quality separately, without considering the possible relationship between these two. To fill this gap, this study investigates through a new methodological approach the level of quality and diversity of the boards of a sample of Italian banks using a proprietary hand-collected database; in addition, it examines the relationship between diversity and quality of boards to verify whether more diversity consistently relates to higher quality, in accordance with the regulatory approach.

Evidence shows that especially small and mutual banks need to improve quality and diversity, as they probably suffer from their limited attractiveness to top profile directors. Moreover, on analyzing interrelations we find evidence of a positive association between board diversity and quality. In particular, financial skills and experience of directors improve the qualitative level of banking boards.
SRC
Authors: Lin Fandel , Hsieh Hsun-Ping
Published: January 2019

In this work, we propose a novel system, called Route Planning Maker (RPM) to help the government or transportation companies to design new route services in the city. The RPM system has a flexible user interface that allows users design the nearby areas of a new route and further deploying new stations. Moreover, based on user-designed arbitrary transportation routes and the expected locations of stations, the RPM system provides an intelligent function to infer passenger flows in certain time intervals so that the user can estimate the effectiveness of designed routes. To capture the spatial-temporal factors correlated with passenger flows, we propose to combine dynamic features such as human mobility, passenger volume of existing routes, and static features, including road network structure, point-of-interests (POI), station placement of existing routes and local population structure. Finally, to combine these features, we modified Deep Neural Network (DNN) for regression to derive the passenger flow for each given designated route. The experiments on the Tainan's bus-ticket data outperform baseline methods for 75%.
The seventh ACM SIGSPATIAL international workshop on analysis for big spatial data seattle, wa, USA - November 6, 2018
Authors: Chandola Varun , Vatsavai Ranga Raju
Published: January 2019

Big data is emerging as an important area of research for data researchers and scientists. This area has also seen significant interest from the industry and federal agencies alike, as evidenced by the recent White House initiative on "Big data research and development". Within the realm of big data, spatial and spatiotemporal data is one of fastest growing types of data. With advances in remote sensors, sensor networks, and the proliferation of location sensing devices in daily life activities and common business practices, the generation of disparate, dynamic, and geographically distributed spatiotemporal data has exploded in recent years. In addition, significant progress in ground, air- and space-borne sensor technologies has led to an unprecedented access to earth science data for scientists from different disciplines, interested in studying the complementary nature of different parameters. Today, analyzing this data poses a massive challenge to researchers.
2nd ACM SIGSPATIAL workshop on analytics for local events and news (LENS 2018) seattle, washington, USA - November 6, 2018
Authors: Magdy Amr , Zhou Xun , Zhao Liang , Huang Yan
Published: January 2019

The 2nd ACM SIGSPATIAL Workshop on Analytics for Local Events and News (LENS 2018) was held in conjunction with the 26th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM SIGSPATIAL 2018). The workshop is intended to bring together experts in the workshop scope to exchange ideas on opportunities, challenges and cutting-edge techniques for local events and news analytics. The workshop has attracted 8 submissions, including 7 regular full-length research papers and one short paper, accepted 5 submissions for publications; with 62.5% acceptance rate. The papers are reviewed by 13 program committee members, where each paper is assigned to three reviewers. Total 7 attendants registered for the workshop. The actual number of attendants along the day fluctuated from 8 to 12, with an average of 9 attendants maintained almost all the time. The workshop has achieved its goal with bringing up together experts and conducted a set of productive discussions and talks.
Targeted Double Negative Properties in Silver/Silica Random Metamaterials by Precise Control of Microstructures
Authors: Xie Peitao , Zhang Zidong , Wang Zhongyang , Sun Kai , Fan Runhua
Published: January 2019

The mechanism of negative permittivity/permeability is still unclear in the random metamaterials, where the precise control of microstructure and electromagnetic properties is also a challenge due to its random characteristic. Here silver was introduced into porous SiO2 microsphere matrix by a self-assemble and template method to construct the random metamaterials. The distribution of silver was restricted among the interstices of SiO2 microspheres, which lead to the precise regulation of electrical percolation (from hoping to Drude-type conductivity) with increasing silver content. Negative permittivity came from the plasma-like behavior of silver network, and its value and frequency dispersion were further adjusted by Lorentz-type dielectric response. During this process, the frequency of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) could be adjusted accordingly. Negative permeability was well explained by the magnetic response of eddy current in silver micronetwork. The calculation results indicated that negative permeability has a linear relation with ω0.5, showing a relaxation-type spectrum, different from the “magnetic plasma” of periodic metamaterials. Electromagnetic simulations demonstrated that negative permittivity materials and ENZ materials, with the advantage of enhanced absorption (40dB) and intelligent frequency selection even in a thin thickness (0.1 mm), could have potentials for electromagnetic attenuation and shielding. This work provides a clear physical image for the theoretical explanation of negative permittivity and negative permeability in random metamaterials, as well as a novel strategy to precisely control the microstructure of random metamaterials.
Scalp Pruritus: Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Rattanakaemakorn Ploysyne , Suchonwanit Poonkiat
Published: January 2019

Scalp pruritus is a frequent problem encountered in dermatological practice. This disorder is caused by various underlying diseases and is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Scalp pruritus may be localized to the scalp or extended to other body areas. It is sometimes not only associated with skin diseases or specific skin changes, but also associated with lesions secondary to rubbing or scratching. Moreover, scalp pruritus may be difficult to diagnose and manage and may have a great impact on the quality of life of patients. It can be classified as dermatologic, neuropathic, systemic, and psychogenic scalp pruritus based on the potential underlying disease. A thorough evaluation of patients presenting with scalp pruritus is important. Taking history and performing physical examination and further investigations are essential for diagnosis. Therapeutic strategy comprises removal of the aggravating factors and appropriate treatment of the underlying condition. All treatments should be performed considering an individual approach. This review article focuses on the understanding of the pathophysiology and the diagnostic and therapeutic management of scalp pruritus.
Towards Automated Real-Time Detection and Location of Large-Scale Landslides through Seismic Waveform Back Projection
Authors: Lee En-Jui , Liao Wu-Yu , Lin Guan-Wei , Chen Po , Mu Dawei , Lin Ching-Weei
Published: January 2019

Rainfall-triggered landslides are one of the most deadly natural hazards in many regions. Seismic recordings have been used to examine source mechanisms and to develop monitoring systems of landslides. We present a semiautomatic algorithm for detecting and locating landslide events using both broadband and short-period recordings and have successfully applied our system to landslides in Taiwan. Compared to local earthquake recordings, the recordings of landslides usually show longer durations and lack distinctivePandSwave arrivals; therefore, the back projection method is adopted for the landslide detection and location. To identify the potential landslide events, the seismic recordings are band-passed from 1 to 3 Hz and the spectrum pattern in the time-frequency domain is used to distinguish landslides from other types of seismic sources based upon carefully selected empirical criteria. Satellite images before and after the detected and located landslide events are used for final confirmation. Our landslide detection and spatial-temporal location system could potentially benefit the establishment of rainfall-triggered landslide forecast models and provide more reliable constraints for physics-based landslide modeling. The accumulating seismic recordings of landslide events could be used as a training dataset for machine learning techniques, which will allow us to fully automate our system in the near future.
Low-Complexity Texture Video Coding Based on Motion Homogeneity for 3D-HEVC
Authors: Zhang Qiuwen , Wei Shuaichao , Su Rijian
Published: January 2019

Three-dimensional extension of the high efficiency video coding (3D-HEVC) is an emerging international video compression standard for multiview video system applications. Similar to HEVC, a computationally expensive mode decision is performed using all depth levels and prediction modes to select the least rate-distortion (RD) cost for each coding unit (CU). In addition, new tools and intercomponent prediction techniques have been introduced to 3D-HEVC for improving the compression efficiency of the multiview texture videos. These techniques, despite achieving the highest texture video coding efficiency, involve extremely high-complex procedures, thus limiting 3D-HEVC encoders in practical applications. In this paper, a fast texture video coding method based on motion homogeneity is proposed to reduce 3D-HEVC computational complexity. Because the multiview texture videos instantly represent the same scene at the same time (considering that the optimal CU depth level and prediction modes are highly multiview content dependent), it is not efficient to use all depth levels and prediction modes in 3D-HEVC. The motion homogeneity model of a CU is first studied according to the motion vectors and prediction modes from the corresponding CUs. Based on this model, we present three efficient texture video coding approaches, such as the fast depth level range determination, early SKIP/Merge mode decision, and adaptive motion search range adjustment. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed overall method can save 56.6% encoding time with only trivial coding efficiency degradation.
Unveiling the Role of DNA Methylation in Kidney Transplantation: Novel Perspectives toward Biomarker Identification
Authors: Agodi Antonella , Barchitta Martina , Maugeri Andrea , Basile Guido , Zamboni Matilde , Bernardini Giulia , Corona Daniela , Veroux Massimiliano
Published: January 2019

The burden of chronic kidney disease is dramatically rising, making it a major public health concern worldwide. Kidney transplantation is now the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although kidney transplantation may improve survival and quality of life, its long-term results are hampered by immune- and/or non-immune-mediated complications. Thus, the identification of transplanted patients with a higher risk of posttransplant complications has become a big challenge for public health. However, current biomarkers of posttransplant complications have a poor predictive value, rising the need to explore novel approaches for the management of transplant patient. In this review we summarize the emerging literature about DNA methylation in kidney transplant complications, in order to highlight its perspectives toward biomarker identification. In the forthcoming future the monitoring of DNA methylation in kidney transplant patients could become a plausible strategy toward the prevention and/or treatment of kidney transplant complications.
Biomass and Volume Models Based on Stump Diameter for Assessing Degradation of Miombo Woodlands in Tanzania
Authors: Manyanda Bernardol John , Mugasha Wilson Ancelm , Nzunda Emannuel F. , Malimbwi Rogers Ernest
Published: January 2019

Models to estimate forest degradation in terms of removed volume and biomass from the extraction of wood fuel and logging using stump diameter (SD) are lacking. The common method of estimating removals is through estimating diameter at breast height (D) by applying equations relating measured D and SD. The estimated D is then used to estimate biomass and volume by means of allometric equations, which utilize D. Through this sequence of procedures, it is apparent that there is an accumulation of errors. This study developed equations for estimating volume, aboveground biomass (ABG), and belowground biomass (BGB) using SD in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania. Volume models were developed from 114 sample trees while AGB and BGB models were developed from 127 and 57 sample trees, respectively. Both site specific and regional models were developed. Over 70% of the variations in BGB, AGB, and volume were explained by SD. It was apparent that SD is inferior compared to measured D in explaining variation in volume and BGB but not AGB. However, the accuracy of BGB and volume estimates emanating directly from SD were far better than those obtained indirectly, i.e., volume or BGB estimates obtained from estimated D from SD, since the latter is affected by accumulation of regression equation errors. For improved accuracy of ABG, BGB, and volume estimates, we recommend the use of site specific models. However, for areas with no site specific models, application of regional models is recommended. The developed models will facilitate the addition of forest degradation as a REDD+ activity into the forthcoming FREL.
A Metaheuristic Algorithm to Transporter Scheduling for Assembly Blocks in a Shipyard considering Precedence and Cooperating Constraints
Authors: Tao Ning-Rong , Jiang Zu-Hua , Liu Jian-Feng , Xia Bei-Xin , Li Bai-He
Published: January 2019

Special vehicles named flat transporters are used to deliver heavy ship assembly blocks in shipyards. Because each movement of assembly blocks among workshops needs transporters and the transportations are time-consuming, the scheduling of transporters is important for maintaining the overall production schedule of assembly blocks. This paper considers an optimization transporter scheduling problem for assembly blocks. The objective is to minimize logistics time, which includes empty travel time of transporters and waiting time and delay time of block tasks. Considering time windows of ship blocks, carrying capacity of transporters, and precedence relationships of tasks, a mathematical model is proposed. A hybrid topological graph is used to denote precedence and cooperating relationships of tasks. A metaheuristic algorithm based on the hybrid topological graph and genetic algorithm and Tabu search is proposed. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing the algorithm to optimal result in small-sized instances and several strategies in large-sized instances. The results showed the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Buckling Analysis and Section Optimum for Square Thin‐Wall CFST Columns Sealed by Self‐Tapping Screws
Authors: Zhang He , Wu Kai , Xu Chao , Ren Lijian , Chen Feng
Published: January 2019

Two columns of thin‐walled concrete‐filled steel tubes (CFSTs), in which tube seams are connected by self‐tapping screws, are axial compression tested and FEM simulated; the influence of local buckling on the column compression bearing capacity is discussed. Failure modes of square thin‐wall CFST columns are, first, steel tube plate buckling and then the collapse of steel and concrete in some corner edge areas. Interaction between concrete and steel makes the column continue to withstand higher forces after buckling appears. A large deflection analysis for tube elastic buckling reflects that equivalent uniform stress of the steel plate in the buckling area can reach yield stress and that steel can supply enough designing stress. Aiming at failure modes of square thin‐walled CFST columns, a B‐type section is proposed as an improvement scheme. Comparing the analysis results, the B‐type section can address both the problems of corner collapse and steel plate buckling. This new type section can better make full use of the stress of the concrete material and the steel material; this type section can also increase the compression bearing capacity of the column.
A Group-Based Signal Timing Optimization Model Considering Safety for Signalized Intersections with Mixed Traffic Flows
Authors: Wang Fen , Tang Keshuang , Li Keping , Liu Zhigang , Zhu Lin
Published: January 2019

The conventional stage-based signal control approach with uniform phase structure has been dominantly applied at signalized intersections in China. However, this approach cannot efficiently handle mixed traffic flows with unbalanced volumes. Moreover, this signal control approach has resulted in many safety issues, such as traffic conflicts (a) between the right-turning motorized vehicles and the straight-through bicycles and (b) at the change of phases due to bicycles’ clearance failure. Hence, the objective of this paper is to propose a group-based signal optimization model that considers both safety and delay for the intersections with mixed traffic flows. In the proposed model, safety was evaluated based on the traffic conflicts during the inter-green period and was incorporated into the signal timing procedure. A probabilistic approach was developed to estimate the probability of occurrence of conflicts, with a novel safety indicator combining postencroachment time and kinetic energy for measuring conflict severity. The average delay per person, according to the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 method, was adopted in this paper. Then, the multiobjective optimization issue was formulated as a nonlinear program and solved by a Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm. A numerical study was performed to demonstrate the applicability and performance of the proposed model. Results indicated that the proposed model can provide an effective tool for researchers and practitioners to simultaneously optimize traffic safety and efficiency in signal planning. It may also overcome the disadvantages of most of the conventional models, which are incapable of quantifying safety in the optimization process.
Evaluation of the Osteogenic Potential of Different Scaffolds Embedded with Human Stem Cells Originated from Schneiderian Membrane: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Bou Assaf Rita , Fayyad-Kazan Mohammad , Al-Nemer Fatima , Makki Rawan , Fayyad-Kazan Hussein , Badran Bassam , Berbéri Antoine
Published: January 2019

Background. Novel treatments for bone defects, particularly in patients with poor regenerative capacity, are based on bone tissue engineering strategies which include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), bioactive factors, and convenient scaffold supports. Objective. In this study, we aimed at comparing the potential for different scaffolds to induce osteogenic differentiation of human maxillary Schneiderian sinus membrane- (hMSSM-) derived cells. Methods. hMSSM-derived cells were seeded on gelatin, collagen, or Hydroxyapatite β-Tricalcium phosphate-Fibrin (Haβ-TCP-Fibrin) scaffolds. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay. Alizarin red staining method, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis were performed to assess hMSSM-derived cells osteogenic differentiation. Results. Cell viability, calcium deposition, ALP activity, and osteoblastic markers transcription levels were most striking in gelatin scaffold-embedded hMSSM-derived cells. Conclusion. Our findings suggest a promising potential for gelatin-hMSSM-derived cell construct for treating bone defects.
iNKT Cell Activation Exacerbates the Development of Huntington’s Disease in R6/2 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Park Hyun Jung , Lee Sung Won , Im Wooseok , Kim Manho , Van Kaer Luc , Hong Seokmann
Published: January 2019

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder which is caused by a mutation of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Although the pathogenesis of HD has been associated with inflammatory responses, if and how the immune system contributes to the onset of HD is largely unknown. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a group of innate-like regulatory T lymphocytes that can rapidly produce various cytokines such as IFNγ and IL4 upon stimulation with the glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). By employing both R6/2 Tg mice (murine HD model) and Jα18 KO mice (deficient in iNKT cells), we investigated whether alterations of iNKT cells affect the development of HD in R6/2 Tg mice. We found that Jα18 KO R6/2 Tg mice showed disease progression comparable to R6/2 Tg mice, indicating that the absence of iNKT cells did not have any significant effects on HD development. However, repeated activation of iNKT cells with α-GalCer facilitated HD progression in R6/2 Tg mice, and this was associated with increased infiltration of iNKT cells in the brain. Taken together, our results demonstrate that repeated α-GalCer treatment of R6/2 Tg mice accelerates HD progression, suggesting that immune activation can affect the severity of HD pathogenesis.
Lead Induced Ototoxicity and Neurotoxicity in Adult Guinea Pig
Authors: Zhang Yanni , Jiang Qian , Xie Shaobing , Wu Xuewen , Zhou Jun , Sun Hong
Published: January 2019

Lead exposure causes or aggravates hearing damage to human or animal, but the detailed effects of lead exposure on auditory system including injury sites of the cochlea in mammal remain controversy. To investigate the effect of chronic lead exposure on auditory system, 40 adult guinea pigs with normal hearing were randomly divided into five groups. They were fed 2 mmol/L lead acetate in drinking water for 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days (n = 8), respectively. Lead concentrations in blood, cochlea, and brainstem were measured. Auditory function was measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). The morphology of cochlea and brainstem was observed, and expression of autophagy-related protein in brainstem was also assessed. The blood lead concentration reached a high level at the 15th day and kept stable, but the lead level in brainstem and cochlear tissue increased obviously at the 60th day and 90th day of lead exposure, respectively. There was no significant difference in the morphology of hair cells and stria vascularis (SV) among these five groups, but the number of spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) gradually decreased after 60 days. The differences of ABR thresholds and DPOAE amplitudes were not statistically significant among each group, but I wave latency, III latency, and I-III wave interval of ABR were delayed with the prolonging of time of lead exposure. The expressions of autophagy-related protein ATG5, ATG6, and LC3B in brainstem were increased after 30 days. These results suggest that the key target of lead toxicity was the auditory nerve conduction pathway including SGNs and brainstem, rather than cochlear hair cells and SV. Autophagy may play a very important role in lead toxicity to auditory nervous system.
Melittin Inhibition and Eradication Activity for Resistant Polymicrobial Biofilm Isolated from a Dairy Industry after Disinfection
Authors: Galdiero Emilia , Siciliano Antonietta , Gesuele Renato , Di Onofrio Valeria , Falanga Annarita , Maione Angela , Liguori Renato , Libralato Giovanni , Guida Marco
Published: January 2019

The emerging concern about the increase of antibiotic resistance and associated biofilm has encouraged scientists to look for alternative antibiotics such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study evaluated the ability of melittin to act as an antibacterial biofilm inhibitor and biofilm remover considering isolates from dairy industry. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs), and biofilm removal activities were studied in polymicrobial biofilms produced from isolates. MIC and MBC were set at 1–3 µg/mL and 25–50 µg/mL for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Results demonstrated a good MBIC reaching 85% inhibition ability and a good activity and better penetration in deeper layers against the mixed preformed biofilm, thereby increasing its activity against all isolates also at the lowest tested concentrations. Melittin showed interesting characteristics suggesting its potential to act as an antimicrobial agent for polymicrobial biofilm from dairy industry even in environmental isolates.
Explicit Solutions to Single Scattering of SH Waves with a Radially Gradient Interphase Layer
Authors: Bao Jiading , Zhang Jun , Zeng Longhai
Published: January 2019

In this work, analytical solutions to the single scattering of horizontally polarized shear waves (SH) by cylindrical fibers with two specific radially gradient interphase layers are presented. In the first case, the shear modulus μ(r) = e2βr and the square of wave number k2 is a linear function of 1/r; in the second case and k2 is a linear function of r2. As an example, we solve the single scattering of SH waves by a SiC fiber with the two interphase layers in an aluminum matrix. The calculated scattering cross sections are compared to values obtained by an approximate method (dividing the continuous varying layer into multiple homogeneous sublayers). The results indicate the current approach gives excellent performance.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps in Asian Patients Shows Mixed Inflammatory Patterns and Neutrophil-Related Disease Severity
Authors: Kim Dae Woo , Eun Kyoung Mi , Roh Eun Youn , Shin Sue , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: January 2019

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) shows heterogeneous immunologic features. Western studies revealed that CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) showed a predominantly type 1 immune response and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was characterized by type 2 immune response; however, the detailed immunologic profile of CRSsNP in Asian patients has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we investigated the inflammatory endotypes of CRSsNP in Asian patients. Patients with CRSsNP (N=57), patients with CRSwNP (N=13), and a control group (N=10), who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, were enrolled; uncinate process (UP) tissues were harvested from all patients. Homogenates were prepared from the UP of each group, and immunologic profiles were analyzed, including major cytokines (32 inflammatory mediators). When comparing the UPs between groups, CRSsNP patients showed higher levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), eosinophilic chemokines (CCL-11 and CCL-24), ECP, and total IgE expression than control subjects. In addition, several neutrophilic markers (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and MPO), IL-17A, IL-22, and TNF-α were dominant in CRSsNP patients. Among these inflammatory mediators, IL-17A showed higher expression levels in CRSsNP patients than in the control group and CRSwNP patients. However, IFN-γ expression was not significantly elevated in CRSsNP patients. The levels of neutrophil-associated cytokines were well correlated with each other; of which, CXCL2, IL-8, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels were significantly correlated with disease extent (r=0.338, r=0.317, and r=0.424, respectively). However, the levels of eosinophil-associated cytokines showed little correlation with each other and were not correlated with disease extent. Our study revealed that Asian CRSsNP patients showed a mixed (types 2 and 17) immune response, but neutrophil-related markers were dominant and associated with disease extent. Knowledge of this immunologic feature may help clinicians make better individual treatment decisions for Asian CRSsNP patients.
Isolation of Polygalacturonase-Producing Bacterial Strain from Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Obafemi Yemisi Dorcas , Ajayi Adesola Adetutu , Taiwo Olugbenga Samson , Olorunsola Shade John , Isibor Patrick Omoregie
Published: January 2019

Background. Polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15) enzyme aids in microbial spoilage of fruits and vegetables. It is very important to find economical ways to producing the enzyme so as to achieve maximum yield in industries due to its use at different areas of production process. Methods. Isolation of polygalacturonase-producing bacterial strain from tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) was studied. Polygalacturonase-producing bacterial strains were isolated and screened from tomatoes stored at normal laboratory temperature (25 ± 2°C). They were identified based on their morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. The enzyme produced was partially purified by the ammonium sulphate precipitation method. Molecular weights and optimum conditions for best enzyme activity were obtained by SDS PAGE technique. Results. Five bacterial isolates resulted after screening. Bacterial strain code B5 showed highest polygalacturonase activity. Optimum conditions for polygalacturonase PEC B5 were maintained at pH 4.5; temperature 35°C; substrate concentration 0.3 mg/ml, and best activity at less than 5 min of heating. The enzyme PEC B5 was found to weigh 65 kDa and 50 kDa for crude and partially purified aliquots, respectively. The result of 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed bacterial strain code B5 as Enterobacter tabaci NR146667 having 79% similarity with the NCBI GenBank. Conclusion. Microorganisms should be developed for large-scale production of enzymes in developing countries.
The Relevance of Assessing the Cell Proliferation Factor Ki-67 in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx
Authors: Vukelic J. , Dobrila-Dintinjana R. , Dekanic A. , Marijic B. , Cubranic A. , Braut T.
Published: January 2019

The aim of study was to investigate the expression of the proliferation factor Ki-67 and its relationship with histological grade, cancer stage, and treatment outcome in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Samples from 78 patients with laryngeal cancer were analysed retrospectively. Paraffin sections of tumors were immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67 expression. The patients were divided in two groups according to the proliferative factor values (a low Ki-67 index group - Ki-67≤34 and high Ki-67 index group-Ki-67 >34). Statistical analysis of the data shows significant correlation among histological tumor grade and the value of the Ki-67 proliferative index. There was no correlation between tumoral Ki-67 expression and diagnosis, stage of the disease, or treatment outcome. In conclusion, Ki-67 expression in laryngeal cancer is not the most reliable marker for making precise diagnosis and predicting the clinical course.
Efficient Lossless Compression Based Reversible Data Hiding Using Multilayered n-Bit Localization
Authors: Abbasi Rashid , Xu Lixiang , Amin Farhan , Luo Bin
Published: January 2019

We proposed an innovative reversible data hiding technique that is formulated on histogram shifting by using multilayer localized n-bit truncation image (LBPTI), namely, generated form 8-bit plane by means of efficient lossless compression. After selecting the reference point from the block, the neighbor topmost points are used to attain the data embedding without modifying the peak point; in addition, the key information regarding peak point is not mandatory in extraction end to extract the secret information. In order to make the embedded cover-image similar to the histogram of original cover-image, we exploited the localization with efficient lossless compression on lower block level to increase the embedding capacity while controlling extra bit to expand additional embedding capacity on optimum level besides sustaining the quality of cover-image.
Head to Knee: Cranial Neural Crest-Derived Cells as Promising Candidates for Human Cartilage Repair
Authors: Taïhi Ihsène , Nassif Ali , Isaac Juliane , Fournier Benjamin Philippe , Ferré François
Published: January 2019

A large array of therapeutic procedures is available to treat cartilage disorders caused by trauma or inflammatory disease. Most are invasive and may result in treatment failure or development of osteoarthritis due to extensive cartilage damage from repeated surgery. Despite encouraging results of early cell therapy trials that used chondrocytes collected during arthroscopic surgery, these approaches have serious disadvantages, including morbidity associated with cell harvesting and low predictive clinical outcomes. To overcome these limitations, adult stem cells derived from bone marrow and subsequently from other tissues are now considered as preferred sources of cells for cartilage regeneration. Moreover, with new evidence showing that the choice of cell source is one of the most important factors for successful cell therapy, there is growing interest in neural crest-derived cells in both the research and clinical communities. Neural crest-derived cells such as nasal chondrocytes and oral stem cells that exhibit chondrocyte-like properties seem particularly promising in cartilage repair. Here, we review the types of cells currently available for cartilage cell therapy, including articular chondrocytes and various mesenchymal stem cells, and then highlight recent developments in the use of neural crest-derived chondrocytes and oral stem cells for repair of cartilage lesions.
Channel Coding for Multi-Carrier Wireless Partial Duplex
Authors: Barzegar Hamid R. , Reggiani Luca
Published: January 2019

In order to leverage the spectrum resources, several forms of wireless duplex have been introduced and investigated in recent years. In Partial Duplex (PD) schemes, part of the band is transmitted in Full-Duplex (FD) and the rest in Half-Duplex (HD); therefore, some transmitted symbols will be characterized, at the receiver, by high SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and others by low SNR because of the residual self-interference (SI) in the FD part. Combining properly the patterns of these high and low SNR symbols affects the performance of the encoding schemes used in the system; in order to overcome this issue, different encoding and allocation schemes can be adopted for achieving a satisfactory solution. This paper investigates the performance of Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC), turbo, polar codes for wireless PD. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is an efficient multicarrier modulation technique, used in 4G and in the upcoming 5G, and it can be exploited for realizing a proper symbol allocation according to the SNR on each subcarrier. In this context, performance of LDPC, polar, and turbo codes derived from existing specifications has been studied when the system faces a mixture of high and low SNRs on the bits and hence on the symbols coming from the same codeword and this unbalanced SNR distribution is known a-priori at the transmitter, a condition associated with a scheme in which part of the symbols is subject to FD interference.
Different Responses to a High-Fat Diet in IL-6 Conditional Knockout Mice Driven by Constitutive GFAP-Cre and Synapsin 1-Cre Expression
Authors: Fernández-Gayol Olaya , Sanchis Paula , Aguilar Kevin , Navarro-Sempere Alicia , Comes Gemma , Molinero Amalia , Giralt Mercedes , Hidalgo Juan
Published: January 2019

Background/Aims: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a major cytokine controlling body weight and metabolism, at least in part through actions in the central nervous system (CNS) from local sources. Methods: We herewith report results obtained in conditional IL-6 KO mice for brain cells (Il6ΔGfap and Il6ΔSyn). Results: The reporter RiboTag mouse line demonstrated specific astrocytic expression of GFAP-dependent Cre in the hypothalamus but not in other brain areas, whereas that of synapsin 1-dependent Cre was specific for neurons. Feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) or a control diet showed that Il6ΔGfap and Il6ΔSyn mice were more prone and resistant, respectively, to HFD-induced obesity. Energy intake was not altered in HFD experiments, but it was reduced in Il6ΔSyn male mice following a 24-h fast. HFD increased circulating insulin, leptin, and cholesterol levels, decreased triglycerides, and caused impaired responses to the insulin and glucose tolerance tests. In Il6ΔGfap mice, the only significant difference observed was an increase in insulin levels of females, whereas in Il6ΔSyn mice the effects of HFD were decreased. Hypothalamic Agrp expression was significantly decreased by HFD, further decreased in Il6ΔGfap, and increased in Il6ΔSyn female mice. Hypothalamic Il-6 mRNA levels were not decreased in Il6ΔSyn mice and even increased in Il6ΔGfapmale mice. Microarray analysis of hypothalamic RNA showed that female Il6ΔGfap mice had increased interferon-related pathways and affected processes in behavior, modulation of chemical synaptic transmission, learning, and memory. Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that brain production of IL-6 regulates body weight in the context of caloric excess and that the cellular source is critical.
Têmpera, abstração e resistência em Alfredo Volpi
Authors: Pires Carlos
Published: January 2019

Este artigo assinala alguns traços centrais na transformação da pintura de Alfredo Volpi durante a década de 1940 para refletir sobre o papel da têmpera e as consequências que o pintor extraiu dessa técnica “primitiva”, que é uma espécie de simplificação da tinta, no diálogo que seu trabalho estabeleceu com a modernidade brasileira, a arte moderna e com o campo artístico da época.