bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal transition of hydrological processes in a slow‐moving landslide in a snowy region
Authors: Osawa Hikaru , Matsushi Yuki , Matsuura Sumio , Okamoto Takashi , Shibasaki Tatsuya , Hirashima Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

A comprehensive understanding of seasonal hydrological dynamics is required to describe the influence of pore‐water pressure on the stability of landslides in snowy regions. This study reports on the results of continuous meteorological and hydrological observations over 2 years on a landslide body comprising Neogene sedimentary rocks in northern Japan, where a thick (3–5 m) seasonal snowpack covers the land surface. Monitoring of the volumetric water content in shallow unsaturated zones (<0.8 m depth) and pore‐water pressure in saturated bedrock at depths of 2.0 and 5.2 m revealed clear seasonality in hydrological responses to rainfall and meltwater supply. During snow‐free periods, both the shallow soil moisture and deep pore‐water pressure responded rapidly to intense rainwater infiltration. In contrast, during snowmelt, the deep pore pressure fluctuated in accordance with the daily cycle of meltwater input, without notable changes in shallow moisture conditions. During occasional foehn events that cause intense snow melting in midwinter, meltwater flows preferentially through the layered snowpack, converging to produce a localized water supply at the ground surface. This episodically triggers a significant rise in pore‐water pressure. The seasonal differences in hydrological responses were characterized by a set of newly proposed indices for the magnitude and quickness of increases in the pressure head near the sliding surface. Under snow‐covered conditions, the magnitude of the pressure increase tends to be suppressed, probably owing to a reduction in infiltration caused by a seasonal decrease in the permeability of surface soils, and effective pore‐water drainage through the highly conductive colluvial layer. Deep groundwater flow within bedrock remained in a steady upwelling state, enhanced by increasing moisture in shallow soils under snow cover, reflecting the convergence of subsurface water from surrounding hillslopes.
Standing #WithRefugees: A Review of Supporting Refugee Children: Strategies for Educators
Authors: Montero M. Kristiina
Published: June 2018

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youths and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Revision as Dialogue: Exploring Question Posing in Writing Response
Authors: Pedersen Joelle
Published: June 2018

As a component of dialogic writing response, question posing is an essential strategy for crafting meaningful writing experiences. The author used qualitative content analysis to explore the question‐posing feedback provided by eight secondary English teacher candidates in response to literary essays by ninth graders. Findings indicate that despite a focus on dialogic writing processes in their Methods course, teacher candidates defaulted to skills‐based views of language use and policed student discourse in ways that aligned with the policy climate and their own experiences of schooling. Three different question types were identified: power‐concealing, power‐conserving, and power‐conferring. The author argues that the power‐conferring questions helped deepen students’ textual analysis and allowed for ownership over the writing process, resulting in meaningful revisions. The author concludes with an inquiry framework designed to help teachers interrogate how their assumptions about writing and students’ literate selves manifest in their writing feedback.
Detecting an induced subdivision of K4
Authors: Le Ngoc Khang
Published: June 2018

In this article, we propose a polynomial‐time algorithm to test whether a given graph contains a subdivision of K4 as an induced subgraph. This continues the study of detecting an induced subdivision of H for some fixed graph H, which is still far from being complete. Our result answers a question by Chudnovsky et al. and Lévêque et al.
Antimicrobial‐producing Pseudoalteromonas from the marine environment of Panama shows a high phylogenetic diversity and clonal structure
Authors: Atencio Librada A. , Dal Grande Francesco , Young Giannina Ow , Gavilán Ronnie , Guzmán Héctor M. , Schmitt Imke , Mejía Luis C. , Gutiérrez Marcelino
Published: June 2018

Pseudoalteromonas is a genus of marine bacteria often found in association with other organisms. Although several studies have examined Pseudoalteromonas diversity and their antimicrobial activity, its diversity in tropical environments is largely unexplored. We investigated the diversity of Pseudoalteromonas in marine environments of Panama using a multilocus phylogenetic approach. Furthermore we tested their antimicrobial capacity and evaluated the effect of recombination and mutation in shaping their phylogenetic relationships. The reconstruction of clonal relationships among 78 strains including 15 reference Pseudoalteromonas species revealed 43 clonal lineages, divided in pigmented and non‐pigmented strains. In total, 39 strains displayed moderate to high activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi. Linkage disequilibrium analyses showed that the Pseudoalteromonas strains of Panama have a highly clonal structure and that, although present, recombination is not frequent enough to break the association among alleles. This clonal structure is in contrast to the high rates of recombination generally reported for aquatic and marine bacteria. We propose that this structure is likely due to the symbiotic association with marine invertebrates of most strains analyzed. Our results also show that there are several putative new species of Pseudoalteromonas in Panama to be described.
Initial excited‐state structural dynamics of uridine from resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sasidharanpillai Swaroop , Dempster Steve P. , Loppnow Glen R.
Published: June 2018

The effect of the N1 ribose sugar on the initial excited‐state structural dynamics of uridine is explored with ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy. Excited‐state slopes and broadening parameters were obtained by simulating the resonance Raman excitation profiles and absorption spectrum using a self‐consistent, time‐dependent formalism. The initial excited‐state structural dynamics of uridine look similar to those of uracil, in terms of the distribution of percentage of reorganization energy along different modes, but there is an overall decrease in the excited‐state slopes along most of the modes in uridine compared with uracil. Only about 30% of the total initial reorganization energy in both uracil and uridine are oriented along the photochemically reactive coordinates. The results are also similar to those of thymine and thymidine, upon attachment of the sugar. These differences between thymine, thymidine, uracil and uridine are examined, and the possible effect on the resulting differences in photochemistry is discussed.
A practical guide for the use of indocyanine green and methylene blue in fluorescence‐guided abdominal surgery
Authors: van Manen Labrinus , Handgraaf Henricus J. M. , Diana Michele , Dijkstra Jouke , Ishizawa Takeaki , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Mieog Jan Sven David
Published: June 2018

Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is gaining clinical acceptance over the last years and has been used for detection of lymph nodes, several tumor types, vital structures and tissue perfusion. This review focuses on NIR fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green and methylene blue for different clinical applications in abdominal surgery with an emphasis on oncology, based on a systematic literature search. Furthermore, practical information on doses, injection times, and intraoperative use are provided.
Molecular fluorescence‐guided surgery of peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin: A narrative review
Authors: Hentzen Judith E.K.R. , de Jongh Steven J. , Hemmer Patrick H.J. , van der Plas Willemijn Y. , van Dam Gooitzen M. , Kruijff Schelto
Published: June 2018

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal origin may undergo cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a curative approach. One major prognostic factor that affects survival is completeness of cytoreduction. Molecular Fluorescence Guided Surgery (MFGS) is a novel intraoperative imaging technique that may improve tumor identification in the future, potentially preventing over‐ and under‐treatment in these patients. This narrative review outlines a chronological overview of MFGS development in patients with PC of colorectal origin.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the reaction of RO2 radicals with OH radicals: Dependence of the HO2 yield on the size of the alkyl group
Authors: Assaf Emmanuel , Schoemaecker Coralie , Vereecken Luc , Fittschen Christa
Published: June 2018

The HO2 yield in the reaction of peroxy radicals with OH radicals has been determined experimentally at 50 Torr helium by measuring simultaneously OH and HO2 concentration time profiles, following the photolysis of XeF2 in the presence of different hydrocarbons and O2. The following yields have been obtained:  = (0.90 ± 0.1),  = (0.75 ± 0.15),  = (0.41 ± 0.08), and  = (0.15 ± 0.03). The clear decrease in HO2 yield with increasing size of the alkyl moiety can be explained by an increased stabilization of the trioxide adduct, ROOOH. This has been confirmed by ab initio and Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus master equation calculations. Extrapolation of the experimental results to atmospheric conditions shows that the stabilized adduct, ROOOH, is the nearly exclusive product of the reaction between OH radicals and peroxy radicals containing more than three C‐atoms. The fate and possible impact of these species is completely unexplored so far.
Ecosystem scale nitrification and watershed support of tidal creek productivity revealed using whole system isotope tracer labeling
Authors: Duernberger Kimberley A. , Tobias Craig R. , Mallin Michael A.
Published: June 2018

Tidal creeks are common coastal features of low‐slope continental margins that connect nitrogen (N)‐replete watersheds to N‐limited coastal oceans. We conducted a 3‐week whole tidal creek 15
tracer labeling experiment to quantify creek‐scale
inputs and transformations and to evaluate ecosystem dependence on watershed
delivery. Isotopic 15N enrichments of creek
were hundreds to thousands of per mil depending on tidal stage and watershed discharge. We detected tracer movement into microalgae, macrophytes, zooplankton, epifauna, water column ammonium, and bulk sediments throughout the tidal prism. Tracer enrichment of dissolved N2 was detected along the study reach and permitted estimation of denitrification at the whole‐system scale. All data were used to build a
isotope budget to quantify whole system nitrification and to calibrate a first order biota tracer model that yielded species‐specific turnover times and estimates of how much N demand was ultimately derived from the labeled creek 15
. Combining results from the
isotope budget and the biota tracer model supported the following conclusions: (1) Under base flow conditions, the watershed flux of
was small compared to the amount of
produced within the creek via nitrification; (2) Approximately half of all
inputs to the creek were attenuated within the creek principally by biological assimilation prior to downstream transport; (3) Biological uptake reduced watershed derived
loads by ∼ 50%, but the majority of their N requirement was generated within the creek.
Hard thresholding pursuit with continuation for ℓ0‐regularized minimizations
Authors: Sun Tao , Jiang Hao , Cheng Lizhi
Published: June 2018

The ℓ0 regularization has found many applications in imaging science and machine learning research for its good performance. Although the nonconvex proximal splitting method provides a way to solve it, the algorithm performs quite slowly because of that the regularization parameter is always small in applications. In view of this, in this paper, we propose a hard thresholding pursuit algorithm with continuation for the ℓ0‐regularized problem. Such an algorithm has 2 steps in each iteration: in the first one, we choose a subspace by the proximal splitting; and then, we minimize the function over the subspace in the second one. We prove the convergence of this algorithm and apply it to the ℓ0‐regularized least‐squares problem. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of this algorithm.
Fermented Soybean Suppresses Visceral Fat Accumulation in Mice
Authors: Kushida Mamoru , Okouchi Ran , Iwagaki Yui , Asano Masaki , Du Ming Xuan , Yamamoto Kazushi , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2018

Scope

Mice are fed a soybean diet before or after fermentation in the present work to allow direct comparison of the antiobesity effect of fermentation.

Methods

C57BL6J mice were fed high‐fat diets containing boiled soybeans (prefermentation) or Natto (postfermentation) for 4 weeks. Prefermented cooked soybeans or Natto was added at levels of 2.5 and 5%, which are the amounts that can be ingested in a normal diet once and twice a day. In addition, mice gut microbiota from fecal samples were analyzed to explore the mechanisms of effects caused by fermentation.

Results

Natto intake significantly reduced visceral fat in a dose‐dependent manner, inhibited hypertrophy of adipocytes, improved carbohydrate metabolism, and reduced oxidative stress. These effects were seen in mice fed soybeans before fermentation, but were stronger in mice fed Natto. Therefore, soybean intake has beneficial effects and fermentation of soybeans enhances these effects. Natto was found to suppress fatty acid synthesis and promote fatty acid catabolism in the liver. These effects were also stronger with Natto compared with soybeans before fermentation. In addition, Natto had more potent beneficial effects on gut microbiota compared to soybeans.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Natto intake supports maintenance of health.
Two methods for reducing moving metal artifacts in cone‐beam CT
Authors: Hahn Andreas , Knaup Michael , Brehm Marcus , Sauppe Sebastian , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: June 2018

Purpose

In image‐guided radiation therapy, fiducial markers or clips are often used to determine the position of the tumor. These markers lead to streak artifacts in cone‐beam CT (CBCT) scans. Standard inpainting‐based metal artifact reduction (MAR) methods fail to remove these artifacts in cases of large motion. We propose two methods to effectively reduce artifacts caused by moving metal inserts.

Methods

The first method (MMAR) utilizes a coarse metal segmentation in the image domain and a refined segmentation in the rawdata domain. After an initial reconstruction, metal is segmented and forward projected giving a coarse metal mask in the rawdata domain. Inside the coarse mask, metal is segmented by utilizing a 2D Sobel filter. Metal is removed by linear interpolation in the refined metal mask. The second method (MoCoMAR) utilizes a motion compensation (MoCo) algorithm [Med Phys. 2013;40:101913] that provides us with a motion‐free volume (3D) or with a time series of motion‐free volumes (4D). We then apply the normalized metal artifact reduction (NMAR) [Med Phys. 2010;37:5482–5493] to these MoCo volumes. Both methods were applied to three CBCT data sets of patients with metal inserts in the thorax or abdomen region and a 4D thorax simulation. The results were compared to volumes corrected by a standard MAR1 [Radiology. 1987;164:576–577].

Results

MMAR and MoCoMAR were able to remove all artifacts caused by moving metal inserts for the patients and the simulation. Both new methods outperformed the standard MAR1, which was only able to remove artifacts caused by metal inserts with little or no motion.

Conclusions

In this work, two new methods to remove artifacts caused by moving metal inserts are introduced. Both methods showed good results for a simulation and three patients. While the first method (MMAR) works without any prior knowledge, the second method (MoCoMAR) requires a respiratory signal for the MoCo step and is computationally more demanding and gives no benefit over MMAR, unless MoCo images are desired.
A new amino silane coupling agent for old corrugated container fibers/high density polyethylene composites
Authors: Rashno Arash , Mohebi Damabi Roholah , Rezaee Niaraki Pouria , Ahmadi Shervin
Published: June 2018

The effects of a silane coupling agent such as (N‐(n‐butyl)−3‐aminopropyltrimethoxy silane) on old corrugated container (OCC) fibers, as a recyclable material, were studied on the ultimate strength of the prepared OCC fibers/high density polyethylene composites. Raw materials were mixed in a counter‐rotating twin‐screw extruder and injection molding machine was used to make samples. Various characterization methods, based on ASTM standard, were conducted to evaluate physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) and mechanical behavior (tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and elongation‐at‐break) of the composites. Also, the thermal properties of the specimens were recorded by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally the results of the treated samples were compared with the non‐treated and pure polymer specimens. The obtained results showed that increasing coupling agents by a maximum of 2 wt% enhanced mechanical behavior (including flexural and tensile strengths), thermal stability, and increased crystallinity of the composites. Moreover, water absorption and thickness swelling of composite materials declined. Morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy methods (SEM) indicated that fiber pull‐out decreased in treated samples and coupling agent facilitated strong adhesion in fiber/polymer interface. The highest flexural strength and modulus were obtained in composites with 2 wt% silane coupling agent and 30 wt% OCC fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2054–2064, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ceria doped mullite reinforced polybenzoxazine nanocomposites with improved UV‐shielding and thermo‐mechanical properties
Authors: Kumaresan Ilango , Pichaimani Prabunathan , Ellappan Satheeshkumar , Paramasivam Manohar
Published: June 2018

In this present work, the UV shielding behavior of various mol percent of Ce doped mullite samples (CM0–5) were studied. The UV shielding behavior of mullite increasing with respect to ceria and reaching 78% of shielding tendency at 300 nm for CM5was one of the fascinating outcomes of the study. Based on its exhibition of high shielding tendency, CM5was chosen and functionalized with Glycidyl terminated silane. Subsequently, the resultant functionalized ceria doped mullite (FCM) was reinforced with polybenzoxazine (PBZ) matrix in order to build up FCM/PBZ nanocomposites. A detailed study was also conducted on the level of influence FCM yields in impacting properties such as UV shielding and thermo‐mechanical nature of FCM/PBZ nanocomposites. Upon analysis, it was determined that the 1.5 wt% FCM reinforced PBZ nanocomposite delivered 89% and 78% shielding efficiency at 300 and 200 nm UV region, respectively. Furthermore studies indicated that it exhibited 34% improved char yield, enhanced tensile strength, that is, 24.81% and 162°C as its glass transition temperature in comparison with neat PBZ matrix and other FCM/PBZ nanocomposites. These results suggest that the Ce doped mullite with high UV shielding properties can be used as a reinforcement to increase the UV shielding tendency of polymeric material which is of industrial significance. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2073–2080, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Post‐polymerization modification by nitroxide radical coupling
Authors: Coiai Serena , Passaglia Elisa , Cicogna Francesca
Published: June 2018

Post‐polymerization modification is an attractive approach to extend applications and convert commodity plastics into products with new, desirable and tunable properties. Among the post‐polymerization modification methods, the nitroxide radical coupling (NRC) reaction has been shown to be a convenient and versatile way to graft specific functionalities onto polymer chains and to control the onset and yield of polymer crosslinking during peroxide‐initiated processes. The use of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and its derivatives as controllers of scorch in crosslinking and as functionalizers in functionalization reactions is thoroughly described. Examples are also given of graft polymerization from macroalkoxyamines generated by NRC and grafting of nitroxides by irradiation processes. In addition, in this review we attempt to demonstrate the broad applications of the NRC reaction in the preparation of polymers with a multitude of functionalities and elaborate architectures. The examples discussed here concern the use of atom transfer and single electron transfer NRC reactions to design a variety of polymers with asymmetrical structure and the use of the radical crossover reaction, based on the alkoxyamine dynamic covalent bond, to generate reversible polymer structures and switchable functional polymers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
To beat, or not to beat, that is question! The spectrum of ciliopathies
Authors: Kempeneers Céline , Chilvers Mark A.
Published: June 2018

Cilia are widely distributed throughout the human body, and have numerous roles in physiology, development, and disease. Ciliary ultrastructure is complex, consisting of nine parallel microtubules doublets, with or without motor dynein arms and a central pair of microtubules. Classification of cilia has evolved over time, and currently, four main classes are described: motile and non‐motile cilia with a “9 + 2” structure, and motile and non‐motile cilia with a “9 + 0” structure, which depend on the presence or absence of dynein arms and a central pair. Ciliopathies are inherited multisystem disorders of cilia, and may present with a varied spectrum of genotypes and phenotypes. Motor and sensory ciliopathies were historically considered as distinct dysfunctions of motile and non‐motile cilia, but recent data indicate that the classical features of motor and sensory cilia may overlap.
High prevalence of house dust mite sensitization in children with severe asthma living at high altitude in a tropical country
Authors: Duenas‐Meza Elida , Torres‐Duque Carlos A. , Correa‐Vera Eliana , Suárez Miguel , Vásquez Catalina , Jurado Jenny , del Socorro Medina María , Barón Oscar , Pareja‐Zabala María J. , Giraldo‐Cadavid Luis F.
Published: June 2018

Background

Some studies, mainly in Europe, have shown a low level of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergens at high altitude (HA). Differently, some others in tropical countries have shown a higher level. The aim of this study was to evaluate allergens sensitization, including HDM, in children with severe asthma (SA), residents at HA in a tropical middle‐income developing country.

Methods

Observational, analytical, cross‐sectional study in children aged 6‐15 years old with SA at HA (2640 m). Skin prick tests (SPT), serum IgE, exhaled fraction of nitric oxide (FENO), spirometry, and asthma questionnaire (ACT) were performed. Associations were explored by Pearson or Spearman coefficients.

Results

We included 61 children. Most patients were male (61.3%), median age: 10 years (Interquartile range [IQR]: 8‐12), median BMI: 17 kg/m2 (IQR: 16‐20); Median of positive SPT: 2 (IQR: 2‐3). At least one SPT was positive in 88.7% of patients and 87.9% were positive for at least one HDM. Serum IgE: 348 UI/mL (IQR: 154‐760) and FENO: 22 ppb (IQR: 9‐41). Prebronchodilator values were (% predicted): FVC: 109.7% (±15.5%), FEV1: 98.4% (±16.3); FEV1/FVC: 82% (±8%). SPT were inversely correlated with the FEV1/FVC (Rho: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.55 a −0.09; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

These children with SA living at HA in a tropical middle‐income developing country have a high prevalence of HDM sensitization. One explanation for this might be that tropical conditions, such as temperature and humidity, could modify the effect of the altitude on asthma.
Mathematical modeling of intracrine androgen metabolism in prostate cancer: Methodological aspects
Authors: Cook Sarah F. , Fiandalo Michael V. , Watt David S. , Wu Yue , Mohler James L. , Bies Robert R.
Published: June 2018

Background

Progression of castration‐recurrent/resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) relies in part on dihydrotestosterone derived from intratumoral androgen metabolism. Mathematical modeling provides a valuable tool for studies of androgen metabolism in CRPC. This modeling approach integrates existing knowledge about complex biologic systems and provides a means of interrogating the effects of various interventions. We sought to model a single reaction in the androgen biosynthesis network, namely the oxidation of androsterone (AND) to androstanedione (5α‐dione) by four 3α‐oxidoreductase enzymes, as an initial effort to establish the feasibility of our modeling approach.

Methods

Models were constructed for two cell culture systems, a non‐prostate cancer cell line (CV‐1) and a prostate cancer cell line (LAPC‐4), using the SimBiology app (version 5.3) in MATLAB (version 8.6). The models included components for substrate (AND), product (5α‐dione), each of the four enzymes, and each of the four enzyme‐substrate complexes. Each enzymatic reaction consisted of a reversible enzyme‐substrate binding step and an irreversible catalysis step. Rates of change for each component were described using ordinary differential equations.

Results

Mathematical models were developed with model parameter values derived from literature sources or from existing experimental data, which included gene expression measurements and substrate and product concentrations determined using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The models for both cell lines adequately described substrate and product concentrations observed after 12 h treatment with AND.

Conclusions

This modeling approach represents an adaptable, extensible and mechanistic framework that reflects androgen metabolism. The models can be expanded systematically to describe the complex androgen metabolic pathways important for study of novel therapies for CRPC.
Neurotensin, substance P, and insulin enhance cell migration
Authors: Mouritzen Michelle V. , Abourayale Sali , Ejaz Rooshanie , Ardon Christine B. , Carvalho Eugenia , Dalgaard Louise T. , Roursgaard Martin , Jenssen Håvard
Published: June 2018

Neurotensin, substance P, and insulin have been demonstrated to improve wound healing in vivo. However, the mechanism behind their effect is still not fully understood. This study investigates the effects leading to enhanced scratch closure by these peptides in vitro. The skin keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, was used to test scratch closure effects of the peptides and alterations of cytokine levels. HUVEC cells were used to test the angiogenic effect of the peptides. Furthermore, clinical isolates of Staphylococcus lugdunensis were used to examine the potential antimicrobial activity of each peptide. Our results demonstrate that neurotensin, substance P, and insulin had significant migratory effects in scratch assays were neurotensin had the lowest effect. Furthermore, we investigated use of the peptides in combination. When substance P was used in combination with neurotensin, the cell migratory capacity was decreased, and the peptides showed a negative correlation (r = −0.298, P < .001). Neurotensin and insulin significantly increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (P < .001) secreted from white blood cells, whereas substance P showed a tendency. Interestingly, neurotensin increased the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 significantly compared to substance P (P < .01). Additionally, the peptides decreased TNFα mRNA levels (P < .001) in HaCaT cells, whereas only neurotensin and insulin decreased IL‐8 mRNA (P < .001) but had no significant effect on IL‐6 mRNA levels. Surprisingly, substance P increased IL‐6 mRNA 9‐fold (P < .001). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the peptides increased angiogenesis in the HUVEC cells (P < .001). Finally, S. lugdunensis isolates were not susceptible to the peptides. We demonstrate that the peptides worked differently on HaCaT cells, but substance P acted differently than neurotensin on cytokine levels expression as well as on migration of HaCaT cells. On the contrary, neurotensin and insulin worked similarly. All of these aspects are crucial for proper wound healing, and the results suggest multiple mechanisms for wound‐healing properties of these peptides.
Origin of Pressure‐Induced Metallization in Cu3N: An X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Kuzmin Alexei , Anspoks Andris , Kalinko Aleksandr , Timoshenko Janis , Nataf Lucie , Baudelet François , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: June 2018

High‐pressure (0–26.7 GPa) Cu K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy is used to study possible structural modifications of anti‐perovskite‐type copper nitride (Cu3N) crystal lattice. The analysis of X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), based on theoretical full‐multiple‐scattering and single‐scattering approaches, respectively, suggests that at all pressures the local atomic structure of Cu3N remains close to that in cubic phase. Therefore, the transition to metal state above 5 GPa, observed previously using pressure‐dependent electrical resistance and optical absorption measurements, is explained by the band gap collapse due to a decrease of the unit cell volume. We found that the lattice parameter of Cu3N is reduced by ≈2% upon increasing pressure up to 26.7 GPa, and the structure is restored upon pressure release.
First‐Principles Calculations on the Group‐IIIA Elements X‐Doped (X = Ga, In, Tl) VO2
Authors: Ren Qinghua , Cai Ying , Wang Yuling , Gao Yanfeng
Published: June 2018

The optimized geometrical parameters, energy band structures, density of states, thermodynamic properties of the group‐IIIA elements X‐doped (X = Ga, In, Tl) VO2 have been studied using first‐principles calculations. The effect of the impurities on the phase transition temperature (Tc) is also investigated. The substitutional site of V atom and the octahedral interstitial site are considered as the doping positions. Our calculated results show that the hybridization between electronic orbitals of different atoms causes a decrease of Eg2 value by shifting the valence band toward the higher energy and the conduction band toward the lower energy when X is doped at the substitutional site of V atom (i.e., X@V). For the interstitial doped system (i.e., X@i), the Fermi level enters the conduction band to show the metallic property. The Tc of X‐doped (X = Ga, In, Tl) VO2 is reduced compared to that of pure VO2. Indium@V could be a promising element to reduce Tc of VO2 as a smart window material.
Band Gaps and Wavefunctions of Electrons Coupled to Pseudo Electromagnetic Waves in Rippled Graphene
Authors: Carrillo‐Bastos Ramon , Naumis Gerardo G.
Published: June 2018

The effects of a propagating sinusoidal out‐of‐plane flexural deformation in the electronic properties of a tense membrane of graphene are considered within a non‐perturbative approach, leading to an electron–ripple coupling. The deformation is taken into account by introducing its corresponding pseudo‐vector and pseudo‐scalar potentials in the Dirac equation. By using a transformation to the time‐cone of the strain wave, the Dirac equation is reduced to an ordinary second‐order differential Mathieu equation, i.e., to a parametric pendulum, giving a spectrum of bands and gaps determined by resonance conditions between the electron and the ripple wave‐vector (G), and their incidence angles. The location of the nth gap is thus determined by E ≈nvFħG, where vF is the Fermi velocity. Physically, gaps are produced by diffraction of electrons in phase with the wave. The propagation is mainly in the direction of the ripple. In the case of a pure pseudoelectric field and for energies lower than a certain threshold, we find a different kind of equation. Its analytical solutions are in excellent agreement with the numerical solutions. The wavefunctions can be expressed in terms of the Mathieu cosine and sine functions, and for the case of a pure pseudo‐electric potential, as a combination of Bessel functions.
Activity of preparations from Spilanthes oleracea, propolis, Nigella sativa, and black garlic on different microorganisms involved in oral diseases and on total human salivary bacteria: A pilot study
Authors: Vlachojannis Christian , Chrubasik‐Hausmann Sigrun , Hellwig Elmar , Vach Kirstin , Al‐Ahmad Ali
Published: June 2018

Due to continuous rise in antibiotic resistance, there is a need for alternative treatment options to reduce the levels of oral pathogens for the maintenance of oral as well as overall health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial potential of tinctures of Spilanthes oleracea and propolis, Nigella seed oil, and an ethanolic extract of black garlic on microorganisms involved in oral diseases. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration assay and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration assay were used in this study. Inhibition effects against total human salivary bacteria were also determined. Our results show that all of the preparations tested had potent antimicrobial activities. When measured 10 min after exposure, even low concentrations of the propolis tincture were found to have killed more than 99% of salivary bacteria, whereas Spilanthes tincture and black garlic extract killed more than 90% and Nigella seed oil more than 60% of the pathogens. This suggests that all preparations are promising candidates for the use in oral health care products and that all have the potential to control biofilm associated infections.
The generation of kinetic energy in tropical cyclones revisited
Authors: Smith Roger K. , Montgomery Michael T. , Kilroy Gerard
Published: June 2018

Many previous diagnoses of the global kinetic energy budget for a tropical cyclone have given prominence to the global integral of a pressure–work term in the generation of kinetic energy. However, in his erudite textbook Atmosphere–Ocean Dynamics, Adrian Gill derives a form of the kinetic energy equation in which there is no such explicit source term. In this article we revisit the interpretations of the generation of kinetic energy given previously in light of Gill's analysis and compare the various interpretations, which are non‐unique. Further, although global energetics provide a constraint on the flow evolution, in the context of the kinetic energy equation they conceal important aspects of energy generation and consumption, a finding which highlights the limitations of a global kinetic energy budget in revealing the underlying dynamics of tropical cyclones.
How far in advance can we predict changes in large‐scale flow leading to severe cold conditions over Europe?
Authors: Ferranti Laura , Magnusson Linus , Vitart Frédéric , Richardson David S.
Published: June 2018

The potential of early warning for severe cold conditions is explored using the Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) Prediction research project data archive. We explore the use of a two‐dimensional phase space based on the leading empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of mid‐tropospheric flow computed over the Euro‐Atlantic region in order to study the time evolution of flow patterns associated with high‐impact temperature anomalies. We find that the phase space is an effective tool for monitoring predictions of regime transitions at medium and extended ranges. We show that a number of S2S systems have some skill in the prediction of cold spells over Europe, even beyond the medium range. In particular, the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts) model represents well the observed preferential transition paths. We reveal that the impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) on the predictive skill of large‐scale flow over Europe is asymmetric. The impact of the MJO on the Brier skill scores and reliability is significantly positive for predictions of the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO): beyond week one, forecasts with the MJO in their initial state are significantly more reliable than forecasts with no MJO in their initial conditions. In contrast, the predictive skill for positive NAO shows little sensitivity to the MJO.
Evaluation of CHIRPS rainfall estimates over Iran
Authors: Saeidizand Rosa , Sabetghadam Samaneh , Tarnavsky Elena , Pierleoni Arnaldo
Published: June 2018

The Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) dataset, first released in 2014, is a high‐resolution blended rainfall product with quasi‐global coverage that has not previously been evaluated over Iran. Here, we assess the performance of the CHIRPS rainfall estimates against ground‐based rainfall observations across Iran over the time period 2005–2014 inclusive. Results show that performance of CHIRPS is best over areas and during months of predominantly convective precipitation, with the highest correlations in the southern coastal lowlands, which are characterized by heavy rains of convective origin. Correlations are stronger with variables such as altitude, particularly alongside coastal regions in the north and south, where surface water produces more moisture in the atmosphere. Results of pairwise comparison statistics and categorical skill scores reveal the influence of altitude and precipitation amount, while categorical skill metrics vary more with changes in precipitation amount than with latitudinal or longitudinal changes.
Improvements in Ku‐band scatterometer wind ambiguity removal using ASCAT‐based empirical background error correlations
Authors: Vogelzang Jur , Stoffelen Ad
Published: June 2018

Wind scatterometry is an established technique for accurately measuring wind vectors over the world's oceans. Inversion of the geophysical model function (GMF) in general leads to a number of ambiguous solutions, and thus an ambiguity removal procedure for selecting the best solution is required. In this study, Two‐Dimensional Variational Ambiguity Removal (2DVAR) is considered. 2DVAR produces an analysis of the ambiguous scatterometer wind solutions (observations, o) and collocated ECMWF forecasts (background, b), and then selects the ambiguity closest to the analysis. The properties of 2DVAR are determined by the observation and background error variances and by the background error correlations (BECs). Empirical BECs (EBECs) can be obtained from o − b correlations, and their application in 2DVAR is known to have a beneficial effect on ASCAT wind quality, notably in situations where there is a mismatch between the measured and forecasted position of mesoscale structures. In this study EBECs are applied to wind retrieval from Ku‐band scatterometer systems, in particular RapidScat on the International Space Station and OSCAT on OceanSat‐3. These systems have poor direction skill in the nadir part of the swath, which can be improved by letting 2DVAR take the full wind vector probability density function into account. It will be shown that for Ku‐band systems 2DVAR with EBECs yields a wind product that correlates better with buoys and has less quality control flagging than the default product. This is due to greater detail in the 2DVAR analysis. BECs are defined in the wind potential and stream function domain. While EBECs are much broader than the default Gaussian BECs used in 2DVAR, their effect on the analysis in the spatial wind domain is determined by their much narrower second derivatives, as demonstrated by a single‐observation analysis.
First Evidence of Electrode Reconstruction in Mesoporous NiO After Operation as Photocathode of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Sheehan Stephen , Dowling Denis P. , Gontrani Lorenzo , Dini Danilo
Published: June 2018

For the first time it is shown that the NiO films operating as photocathodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs), alter their X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern upon occurrence of the photoelectrochemical reaction of reduction. In particular, it has been observed that mesoporous NiO sensitized with Fast Green (FG) presents splitting and broadening of its characteristic XRD peaks after device operation in p‐type DSC (p‐DSC) and tandem DSC (t‐DSC). The nature of the changes in the diffraction pattern of NiO does not vary with the magnitude of the current passing through the p‐DSC and the t‐DSC with NiO photocathodes. Such a combination of facts would indicate that the photoelectrochemical process of holes photoinjection mediated by the sensitizer is responsible of the structural variations in NiO photocathode. At a microscopic level, we attributed such modifications to the reconstruction of the NiO electrode following the realization of the dye‐mediated process of electron transfer with lattice deformation possibly due to the inclusion of the chemisorbed sensitizer in the oxide structure. This observation opens up a completely new direction of research in the field of DSC and analogous devices as far as the analysis and the understanding of the interactions dye/semiconductor in the common operative conditions of a DSC are concerned.
SnO2: A Wonderful Electron Transport Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zhang Xingwang , You Jingbi
Published: June 2018

The highest power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells is beyond 22%. Charge transport layers are found to be critical for device performance and stability. A traditional electron transport layer (ETL), such as TiO2, is not very efficient for charge extraction at the interface, especially in planar structure. In addition, the devices using TiO2 suffer from serious degradation under ultraviolet illumination. SnO2 owns a better band alignment with the perovskite absorption layer and high electron mobility, which is helpful for electron extraction. In this Review, recent progresses in efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using SnO2 as ETL are summarized.
Experimental study on the seismic behavior of a shear wall with concrete‐filled steel tubular frames and a corrugated steel plate
Authors: Wang Yaohong , Gao Zeyu , Han Qing , Feng Lei , Su Hao , Zhao Nannan
Published: June 2018

Shear walls and core tubes in shear walls constitute the core anti‐earthquake vertical systems of high‐rise buildings. This paper proposes a new type of composite shear wall with concrete‐filled steel tubular frames and corrugated steel plates. The seismic behavior of the new shear wall is studied using a cyclic loading test and damage analysis. The failure mode, load‐carrying capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, hysteresis behavior, and energy dissipating capacity exhibited in the test are studied. The test results show that when the proposed wall is broken, the tension side of concrete‐filled steel tubes is torn. The concrete at the bottom of the wall is detached and peels off along the through cracks. The energy dissipation capacity of concrete walls is more fully utilized. The proposed wall exhibits excellent deformability, energy dissipation capacity, and the stiffness degradation was slower than that of other walls. The use of corrugated steel plate significantly improved the seismic performance while simultaneously increasing the ductility and reducing the damage. In addition, this paper modified the energy dissipation factor in the Park & Ang model based on the situation of the specimen and experiment. It can be used to evaluate the damage degree of this new type of shear wall.
Experimental and numerical study on vibration control effects of a compound mass damper
Authors: Lu Zheng , Liao Yuan , Zhou Ying
Published: June 2018

A compound mass damper (CMD) was put forwarded based on the joint vibration control effects of tuned liquid damper and colliding particles. A series of shaking table tests were designed in order to investigate the dynamic response of a single degree of freedom bent frame structure with or without the damper (CMD, tuned mass damper, and tuned liquid damper) under three different kinds of earthquake waves. It is shown that the vibration reduction performance of CMD is generally better than the traditional dampers no matter from peak response attenuation rate or root mean square response attenuation rate. The vibration reduction effect of traditional dampers is susceptible to the characteristics of earthquake waves, whereas CMD is effective in a broader frequency bands. Also, the vibration reduction effect of CMD is not sensitive to the amplitude of earthquake waves, which means the system has good robustness. In addition, CMD has the advantage of fast start‐up. The numerical simulation results of the CMD are obtained through certain simplifications, and are in good agreement with the experimental results, which further verifies the damping effect of the proposed damper and provides a simplified method for its engineering design.
Load Control at Users' Demand Side in Cyber‐Physical System for Balancing Variable Renewable Generation
Authors: Zeng Lukun , Sun Yi , Li Bin , Qi Bing
Published: June 2018

For the coordination of supply and demand under high penetration of variable renewable generation, a control strategy of aggregated electric water heater (EWH) loads is proposed in this paper to balance variable renewable generation from the perspective of a cyber‐physical system, considering that the internet technology and the next‐generation information technology are deeply integrated with the power system. This strategy adopts the thermostat setpoint control mode to control the ON/OFF state of a single EWH. A response status model is built to perceive the current responsive event type and the current responsive priority of the EWH. A closed‐loop control of aggregated EWHs for state awareness, real‐time analysis, scientific decision making, and precise execution is constructed between the cyber space and the physical space, based on automatic data flow. And the state awareness logic, the real‐time analysis logic, the scientific decision‐making logic, and the precise execution logic of the closed‐loop control are designed to realize the self‐organization, self‐decision, and self‐optimization of aggregated EWHs for balancing variable renewable generation. By comparing different cases, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control strategy. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Holistic Decision Support Environment for Web Accessibility
Authors: Mohamad Yehya , Velasco Carlos A. , Kaklanis Nikolaos , Tzovaras Dimitrios , Paternò Fabio
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the architecture of a decision support environment for large-scale assessment of compliance against web accessibility recommendations and legislations. The proposed decision support environment aims at integrating, extending and further enhancing existing web accessibility solutions making them customizable to the needs of different stakeholders, transferable to different sectors in web and mobile environments, in order to minimize costs and development time by also increasing scalability and improving their accessibility and usability.
An Evaluation of the Displaying Method on the Braille Learning System for the Sighted: For Understanding of the Mirror Image Relation
Authors: Hoshino Yuko , Motoki Akihiro
Published: June 2018

The present work evaluates the effectiveness of adding blank cells to the 3DCG display of braille characters in the braille learning system for sighted learners to understand the mirror image relation between the written and read characters. The results of tests indicate the effect of the addition of blank cells to the 3DCG display in advancing the understanding of the mirror image relation.
Gamification in Inclusive eLearning
Authors: Patzer Yasmin , Russler Nick , Pinkwart Niels
Published: June 2018

The usage of gamification elements in learning contexts is getting more and more attention, as it can help increase learners’ motivation. Nevertheless accessibility and inclusion are seldom considered yet. In this paper an inclusive gamification concept for an eLearning course is presented. The main target group are people with poor basic education in hospitality industry. The developed gamification concept has been tested in a first small pilot study.