bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between system design optimization strategies for more electric aircraft network
Authors: Hadbi Djamel , Retière Nicolas , Wurtz Frederic , Roboam Xavier , Sareni Bruno
Published: January 2017

The aircraft electric network is a complex system, consisting of many different elements integrated to form a unique entity, designed to perform a well-defined mission. In the current state, the network conceptual design is based on standards defined by the aircraft manufacturer. As a consequence, electric subsystem suppliers are doing local optimizations to fulfill these standards in a separated way through a ``mechanistic approach''. This results in a set of optimized subsystems which is not necessarily ``optimal'' with respect to the network level. To overcome this problem, we present a design approach called EPFM (Extended Pareto Front Method) based on separated subsystem optimizations which aims at finding an optimal configuration of the electrical network at the system level. The EPFM is discussed with regard to the computational cost and the collaboration requirements in the aeronautical industrial context and compared with the classical mechanistic approach.
Electromagnetic and thermal coupled analysis of can effect of a novel canned switched reluctance machine as a hydraulic pump drive
Authors: Yu Qiang , Wang Xuesong , Cheng Yuhu
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of a novel canned Switched Reluctance Machine(SRM) as a hydraulic pump drive. Due to considerable loss generated from the can shield in airgap, the characteristics are of fundamental differences from an ordinary machine. To identify the can effect, the magnetic field and heat transfer are respectively identified, followed by a coupled analysis due to high temperature rise on the can shield that significantly affects airgap flux. Specifically, improved thermal and electromagnetic models are respectively proposed to enhance calculation accuracy with small computation. Then, the coupling between airgap flux and temperature rise on the can shield is studied. The electromagnetic and thermal features are validated with measurements.
Nonlinear dynamic characteristics of MSMA gripper
Authors: Xu Jia , Kong Yingxiao , Zhu Zhiwen
Published: January 2017

A kind of magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) gripper is proposed in this paper, and its nonlinear dynamic response in bounded noise and harmonic magnetic fields is described. The traditional SMA gripper has slow response limited to the response characteristics of SMA. In this paper, MSMA film is applied in gripper to substitute the traditional SMA film to improve the response speed. Nonlinear differential items are introduced to interpret MSMA's hysteretic phenomena, and the nonlinear dynamic model of the MSMA gripper in bounded noise and harmonic magnetic fields is developed. The dynamic response of the system is obtained, and the bifurcation characteristics of the system are analyzed. The results of numerical simulation and experiments show that the stochastic noise intensity has important influence on the system's dynamical response, and the heteroclinic orbit occurs with the stochastic noise intensity variety. The results of this study are helpful for the application of MSMA gripper in engineering fields.
Objective evaluation of water-bed massage using heart rate sensor and accelerometer
Authors: Seki Akihito , Quan Changqin , Luo Zhiwei , Shimozono Tomoyuki , Miyata Kazuaki
Published: January 2017

In recent years, water massage bed for full body massage has been used in physiotherapy effectively. Compared with other physiotherapy equipment, water massage bed is particularly useful since it can directly massage the destined area on the subject, which leads to improvement in relieving muscle strain and provides a psychological relaxation. In this study, we use a heart rate sensor as well as an accelerometer and a laser range finder to measure and evaluate changes of relaxation in the human body before and during the massage. As a result, the water massage bed vibrations observed concentrated at 4Hz or less. We observed that subjective evaluation is strongly correlated to the heart rate based relaxation analysis and subjects' weight. In addition, the result of the subjective evaluation is influenced by the changes in autonomic nerve activity in the first 30 seconds of the massage.
Estimation method using genetic programming for location and depth on distributed tactile sensor
Authors: Sasai Shiho , Nakamoto Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Futoshi , Kojima Fumio
Published: January 2017

Tactile sensors are required in various areas such as robotics, human interfaces. Since sensing elements and wiring space are limited, it is important that a few sensing elements cover a large area. In this study, a tactile sensor which comprises of an elastic layer and a substrate layer is proposed. This sensor has some magnets and giant magnetoresistance effect elements (GMR elements) as sensor elements. The tactile sensor estimates a location and depth of a touch based on the output voltages of GMR elements. The estimate equation is determined by the genetic programming. The effectiveness of the tactile sensor is confirmed through laboratory experiments.
Torque characteristic of flux switching motor by winding function theory
Authors: Woo Kyung-Il , Park Han-Seok
Published: January 2017

In this paper, torque characteristic analysis of flux switching motor by using winding function theory is described. First of all, the torque characteristic of existed flux switching motor was analyzed by winding function theory. The optimized new flux switching motor which has redesigned rotor teeth was proposed to minimize the torque ripple by using the optimum design method, such as Kriging method based on latin hypercube sampling and genetic algorithm. The inverse air gap function of new flux switching motor was calculated by winding function theory and the torque characteristic of that was compared with that of finite element analysis. The revised flux switching motor and experimental systems were manufactured. The simulation results were compared with those of experiment. From the comparison it was shown that the analysis method of flux switching motor by winding function theory was validated.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Administrative Sciences in 2016
Authors:   Administrative Sciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Administrative Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Aerospace in 2016
Authors:   Aerospace Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Aerospace would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
Synthesis and Application of Novel Ruthenium Catalysts for High Temperature Alkene Metathesis
Authors: Tole Tegene , Du Toit Jean , Van Sittert Cornelia , Jordaan Johan , Vosloo Hermanus
Published: January 2017

Four pyridinyl alcohols and the corresponding hemilabile pyridinyl alcoholato ruthenium carbene complexes of the Grubbs second generation-type RuCl(H2IMes)(O^N)(=CHPh), where O^N = 1-(2′-pyridinyl)-1,1-diphenyl methanolato, 1-(2′-pyridinyl)-1-(2′-chlorophenyl),1-phenyl methanolato, 1-(2′-pyridinyl)-1-(4′-chlorophenyl),1-phenyl methanolato and 1-(2′-pyridinyl)-1-(2′-methoxyphenyl),1-phenyl methanolato, are synthesized in very good yields. At high temperatures, the precatalysts showed high stability, selectivity and activity in 1-octene metathesis compared to the Grubbs first and second generation precatalysts. The 2-/4-chloro- and 4-methoxy-substituted pyridinyl alcoholato ligand-containing ruthenium precatalysts showed high performance in the 1-octene metathesis reaction in the range 80–110 °C. The hemilabile 4-methoxy-substituted pyridinyl alcoholato ligand improved the catalyst stability, activity and selectivity for 1-octene metathesis significantly at 110 °C.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Computation in 2016
Authors:   Computation Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Computation would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
Thermochemical Storage of Middle Temperature Wasted Heat by Functionalized C/Mg(OH)2 Hybrid Materials
Authors: Mastronardo Emanuela , Kato Yukitaka , Bonaccorsi Lucio , Piperopoulos Elpida , Milone Candida
Published: January 2017

For the thermochemical performance implementation of Mg(OH)2 as a heat storage medium, several hybrid materials have been investigated. For this study, high-performance hybrid materials have been developed by exploiting the authors’ previous findings. Expanded graphite (EG)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-Mg(OH)2 hybrid materials have been prepared through Mg(OH)2 deposition-precipitation over functionalized, i.e., oxidized, or un-functionalized EG or CNTs. The heat storage performances of the carbon-based hybrid materials have been investigated through a laboratory-scale experimental simulation of the heat storage/release cycles, carried out by a thermogravimetric apparatus. This study offers a critical evaluation of the thermochemical performances of developed materials through their comparison in terms of heat storage and output capacities per mass and volume unit. It was demonstrated that both EG and CNTs improves the thermochemical performances of the storage medium in terms of reaction rate and conversion with respect to pure Mg(OH)2. With functionalized EG/CNTs-Mg(OH)2, (i) the potential heat storage and output capacities per mass unit of Mg(OH)2 have been completely exploited; and (ii) higher heat storage and output capacities per volume unit were obtained. That means, for technological applications, as smaller volume at equal stored/released heat.
Experimental Analysis and Full Prediction Model of a 5-DOF Motorized Spindle
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Zhu Huangqiu , Yang Hengkun , Chen Tao
Published: January 2017

The cost and power consumption of DC power amplifiers are much greater than that of AC power converters. Compared to a motorized spindle supported with DC magnetic bearings, a motorized spindle supported with AC magnetic bearings is inexpensive and more efficient. This paper studies a five-degrees-of-freedom (5-DOF) motorized spindle supported with AC hybrid magnetic bearings (HMBs). Most models of suspension forces, except a “switching model”, are quite accurate, but only in a particular operating area and not in regional coverage. If a “switching model” is applied to a 5-DOF motorized spindle, the real-time performance of the control system can be significantly decreased due to the large amount of data processing for both displacement and current. In order to solve this defect, experiments based on the “switching model” are performed, and the resulting data are analyzed. Using the data analysis results, a “full prediction model” based on the operating state is proposed to improve real-time performance and precision. Finally, comparative, verification and stiffness tests are conducted to verify the improvement of the proposed model. Results of the tests indicate that the rotor has excellent characteristics, such as good real-time performance, superior anti-interference performance with load and the accuracy of the model in full zone. The satisfactory experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the “full prediction model” applied to the control system under different operating stages. Therefore, the results of the experimental analysis and the proposed full prediction model can provide a control system of a 5-DOF motorized spindle with the most suitable mathematical models of the suspension force.
Detection of Internal Short Circuit in Lithium Ion Battery Using Model-Based Switching Model Method
Authors: Seo Minhwan , Goh Taedong , Park Minjun , Koo Gyogwon , Kim Sang
Published: January 2017

Early detection of an internal short circuit (ISCr) in a Li-ion battery can prevent it from undergoing thermal runaway, and thereby ensure battery safety. In this paper, a model-based switching model method (SMM) is proposed to detect the ISCr in the Li-ion battery. The SMM updates the model of the Li-ion battery with ISCr to improve the accuracy of ISCr resistance R I S C f estimates. The open circuit voltage (OCV) and the state of charge (SOC) are estimated by applying the equivalent circuit model, and by using the recursive least squares algorithm and the relation between OCV and SOC. As a fault index, the R I S C f is estimated from the estimated OCVs and SOCs to detect the ISCr, and used to update the model; this process yields accurate estimates of OCV and R I S C f . Then the next R I S C f is estimated and used to update the model iteratively. Simulation data from a MATLAB/Simulink model and experimental data verify that this algorithm shows high accuracy of R I S C f estimates to detect the ISCr, thereby helping the battery management system to fulfill early detection of the ISCr.
Translesion Synthesis: Insights into the Selection and Switching of DNA Polymerases
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Washington M.
Published: January 2017

DNA replication is constantly challenged by DNA lesions, noncanonical DNA structures and difficult-to-replicate DNA sequences. Two major strategies to rescue a stalled replication fork and to ensure continuous DNA synthesis are: (1) template switching and recombination-dependent DNA synthesis; and (2) translesion synthesis (TLS) using specialized DNA polymerases to perform nucleotide incorporation opposite DNA lesions. The former pathway is mainly error-free, and the latter is error-prone and a major source of mutagenesis. An accepted model of translesion synthesis involves DNA polymerase switching steps between a replicative DNA polymerase and one or more TLS DNA polymerases. The mechanisms that govern the selection and exchange of specialized DNA polymerases for a given DNA lesion are not well understood. In this review, recent studies concerning the mechanisms of selection and switching of DNA polymerases in eukaryotic systems are summarized.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Humanities in 2016
Authors:   Humanities Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Humanities would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Hydrology in 2016
Authors:   Hydrology Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Hydrology would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
Disability Weights for Chronic Mercury Intoxication Resulting from Gold Mining Activities: Results from an Online Pairwise Comparisons Survey
Authors: Steckling Nadine , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Winkelnkemper Julia , Fischer Florian , Ericson Bret , Krämer Alexander , Hornberg Claudia , Fuller Richard , Plass Dietrich , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan
Published: January 2017

In artisanal small-scale gold mining, mercury is used for gold-extraction, putting miners and nearby residents at risk of chronic metallic mercury vapor intoxication (CMMVI). Burden of disease (BoD) analyses allow the estimation of the public health relevance of CMMVI, but until now there have been no specific CMMVI disability weights (DWs). The objective is to derive DWs for moderate and severe CMMVI. Disease-specific and generic health state descriptions of 18 diseases were used in a pairwise comparison survey. Mercury and BoD experts were invited to participate in an online survey. Data were analyzed using probit regression. Local regression was used to make the DWs comparable to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Alternative survey (visual analogue scale) and data analyses approaches (linear interpolation) were evaluated in scenario analyses. A total of 105 participants completed the questionnaire. DWs for moderate and severe CMMVI were 0.368 (0.261–0.484) and 0.588 (0.193–0.907), respectively. Scenario analyses resulted in higher mean values. The results are limited by the sample size, group of interviewees, questionnaire extent, and lack of generally accepted health state descriptions. DWs were derived to improve the data basis of mercury-related BoD estimates, providing useful information for policy-making. Integration of the results into the GBD DWs enhances comparability.
Serum Polychlorinated Biphenyls Increase and Oxidative Stress Decreases with a Protein-Pacing Caloric Restriction Diet in Obese Men and Women
Authors: He Feng , Zuo Li , Ward Emery , Arciero Paul
Published: January 2017

The purposes were to compare the effects of a: (1) 12-week P-CR weight loss (WL) diet (Phase 1) between obese men and women and; (2) 52-week modified P-CR (mP-CR) vs. heart healthy (HH) weight maintenance (WM) diet (Phase 2) on serum PCBs and oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS; total antioxidant capacity, TAC) in 40 obese participants (men, n = 21; women, n = 19). Participants received dietary counseling and monitoring of compliance. PCBs, TBARS, and TAC were assessed at weeks −1 (CON), 12 (WL), and 64 (WM). Following WL (Week 12), concomitant with reductions in TBARS (0.24 ± 0.15 vs. 0.18 ± 0.11 µM; p < 0.01), PCB serum concentrations (86.7 ± 45.6 vs. 115.6 ± 65.9 ng/g lipid; p < 0.01) and TAC (18.9 ± 2.6 vs. 19.9 ± 2.3 nmol/mL; p < 0.02) were increased similarly in men and women. At the end of WM (Week 64), a significant effect of time × group interaction was observed for % change in PCB 170 and 187; whereby mP-CR values were higher compared to HH (PCB170: 19.31% ± 26.48% vs. −6.61% ± 28.88%, p = 0.02; PCB187: −3.04% ± 17.78% vs. −21.4% ± 27.31%, p = 0.04). PCB changes were positively correlated with TBARS levels (r > 0.42, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with body weight, fat mass, and abdominal fat (r < −0.46, p < 0.02). Our results support mobilization of stored PCBs as well as enhanced redox status following a 12-week P-CR WL diet. Additionally, a 52-week mP-CR WM diet demonstrated an advantage in preventing weight gain relapse accompanied by an increase in circulating PCBs compared to a traditional HH diet.
The Trend of Voluntary Warnings in Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Magazine Advertisements
Authors: Shang Ce , Chaloupka Frank
Published: January 2017

Some manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) voluntarily carried health warnings in their advertisements. This study examined these voluntary warnings in magazine ads and plotted their trends between 2012 and early 2015. ENDS magazine ads were obtained through Kantar media and warnings were collected from the Chicago Public Library or the Trinkets and Trash surveillance system. The prevalence of voluntary warnings, warnings with the specific capitalized word “WARNING”, and MarkTen warnings were examined after being weighted using factors related to exposure between January 2012 and March 2015. Five brands (MarkTen, NJOY, MISTIC, and some Blu) carried warnings during the study period. The prevalence of warnings post 2012 that contained a description of nicotine did not significantly increase until the launch of MarkTen, which also happened several months before April 2014 when the U.S. food and drug administration (FDA) published its proposed deeming rule. In addition, none of these warnings met the criteria required by the FDA in the final rules. Voluntary warnings, particularly MarkTen warnings, significantly increased in ENDS magazine ads between 2014 and 2015. It is important to monitor how ENDS manufacturers will comply with the FDA regulation related to warnings and how this regulation will ultimately impact ENDS risk perceptions and use.
Anti-Neuroblastoma Properties of a Recombinant Sunflower Lectin
Authors: Pinedo Marcela , Genoula Melanie , Silveyra María , De  Oliveira Carvalho André , Regente Mariana , Del Río Marianela , Ribeiro Soares Júlia , Moreira Gomes Valdirene , De La Canal Laura
Published: January 2017

According to their sugar recognition specificity, plant lectins are proposed as bioactive proteins with potential in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Helja is a mannose-specific jacalin-like lectin from sunflower which was shown to inhibit the growth of certain fungi. Here, we report its recombinant expression in a prokaryotic system and its activity in neurobalstoma cells. Helja coding sequence was fused to the pET-32 EK/LIC, the enterokinase/Ligation-independent cloning vector and a 35 kDa protein was obtained in Escherichia coli representing Helja coupled to thioredoxin (Trx). The identity of this protein was verified using anti-Helja antibodies. This chimera, named Trx-rHelja, was enriched in the soluble bacterial extracts and was purified using Ni+2-Sepharose and d-mannose-agarose chromatography. Trx-rHelja and the enterokinase-released recombinant Helja (rHelja) both displayed toxicity on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastomas. rHelja decreased the viability of these tumor cells by 75% according to the tetrazolium reduction assay, and microscopic analyses revealed that the cell morphology was disturbed. Thus, the stellate cells of the monolayer became spheroids and were isolated. Our results indicate that rHelja is a promising tool for the development of diagnostic or therapeutic methods for neuroblastoma cells, the most common solid tumors in childhood.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the Biological Activities of Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Abdal Dayem Ahmed , Hossain Mohammed , Lee Soo , Kim Kyeongseok , Saha Subbroto , Yang Gwang-Mo , Choi Hye , Cho Ssang-Goo
Published: January 2017

Nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique physical and chemical properties that make them appropriate for various applications. The structural alteration of metallic NPs leads to different biological functions, specifically resulting in different potentials for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The amount of ROS produced by metallic NPs correlates with particle size, shape, surface area, and chemistry. ROS possess multiple functions in cellular biology, with ROS generation a key factor in metallic NP-induced toxicity, as well as modulation of cellular signaling involved in cell death, proliferation, and differentiation. In this review, we briefly explained NP classes and their biomedical applications and describe the sources and roles of ROS in NP-related biological functions in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we also described the roles of metal NP-induced ROS generation in stem cell biology. Although the roles of ROS in metallic NP-related biological functions requires further investigation, modulation and characterization of metallic NP-induced ROS production are promising in the application of metallic NPs in the areas of regenerative medicine and medical devices.
Reply to “Comment on Neiser et al. Assessment of Dextran Antigenicity of Intravenous Iron Preparations with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 1185.”
Authors: Burckhardt Susanna
Published: January 2017

Thank you providing the opportunity to reply to the Comment on our recent paper.[...]
Diagnostic Value of Serum Angiogenesis Markers in Ovarian Cancer Using Multiplex Immunoassay
Authors: Horala Agnieszka , Swiatly Agata , Matysiak Jan , Banach Paulina , Nowak-Markwitz Ewa , Kokot Zenon
Published: January 2017

As cancer development involves pathological vessel formation, 16 angiogenesis markers were evaluated as potential ovarian cancer (OC) biomarkers. Blood samples collected from 172 patients were divided based on histopathological result: OC (n = 38), borderline ovarian tumours (n = 6), non-malignant ovarian tumours (n = 62), healthy controls (n = 50) and 16 patients were excluded. Sixteen angiogenesis markers were measured using BioPlex Pro Human Cancer Biomarker Panel 1 immunoassay. Additionally, concentrations of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) were measured in patients with adnexal masses using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. In the comparison between OC vs. non-OC, osteopontin achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 (sensitivity 69%, specificity 78%). Multimarker models based on four to six markers (basic fibroblast growth factor—FGF-basic, follistatin, hepatocyte growth factor—HGF, osteopontin, platelet-derived growth factor AB/BB—PDGF-AB/BB, leptin) demonstrated higher discriminatory ability (AUC 0.80–0.81) than a single marker (AUC 0.79). When comparing OC with benign ovarian tumours, six markers had statistically different expression (osteopontin, leptin, follistatin, PDGF-AB/BB, HGF, FGF-basic). Osteopontin was the best single angiogenesis marker (AUC 0.825, sensitivity 72%, specificity 82%). A three-marker panel consisting of osteopontin, CA125 and HE4 better discriminated the groups (AUC 0.958) than HE4 or CA125 alone (AUC 0.941 and 0.932, respectively). Osteopontin should be further investigated as a potential biomarker in OC screening and differential diagnosis of ovarian tumours. Adding osteopontin to a panel of already used biomarkers (CA125 and HE4) significantly improves differential diagnosis between malignant and benign ovarian tumours.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Inorganics in 2016
Authors:   Inorganics Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Inorganics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
Italian Society of Sports and Exercise Medicine Annual Conference Held in Brescia, Italy, 18–19th November 2016
Authors: Assanelli Deodato
Published: January 2017

The annual conference and scientiﬁc meeting of the Italian Society of Sports and Exercise Medicine took place in Brescia, Italy from 18th to 19th November, 2016.[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Life in 2016
Authors:   Life Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Life would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.
Additively Manufactured Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering and the Prediction of their Mechanical Behavior: A Review
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Yu , Fang Gang , Zhou Jie
Published: January 2017

Additive manufacturing (AM), nowadays commonly known as 3D printing, is a revolutionary materials processing technology, particularly suitable for the production of low-volume parts with high shape complexities and often with multiple functions. As such, it holds great promise for the fabrication of patient-specific implants. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in implementing AM in the bio-fabrication field. This paper presents an overview on the state-of-the-art AM technology for bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds, with a particular focus on the AM scaffolds made of metallic biomaterials. It starts with a brief description of architecture design strategies to meet the biological and mechanical property requirements of scaffolds. Then, it summarizes the working principles, advantages and limitations of each of AM methods suitable for creating porous structures and manufacturing scaffolds from powdered materials. It elaborates on the finite-element (FE) analysis applied to predict the mechanical behavior of AM scaffolds, as well as the effect of the architectural design of porous structure on its mechanical properties. The review ends up with the authors’ view on the current challenges and further research directions.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Machines in 2016
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Machines would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
The Al Effects of Co-Free and V-Containing High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Xia Songqin , Yang Xiao , Chen Mingbiao , Yang Tengfei , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2017

In this study, five-component high-entropy alloys (HEAs) AlxCrFeNiV (where x denotes the molar ratio, x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.5) were prepared using an arc-melting furnace. The effects of the addition of the Al on the crystal structures were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, two non-equiatomic ratio HEAs, AlxCrFeNiV (x = 0.3, and 0.5), were systematically studied through the use of various characterization methods in the as-cast state. The Al0.3CrFeNiV alloy displayed typical duplex body-centered cubic (BCC) structures, including disordered BCC (A2), and NiAl-type ordered BCC (B2) phases. Meanwhile, in regard to the Al0.5CrFeNiV alloy, this alloy was found to contain an unknown phase which was enriched in Cr and V, as well as the coherent A2/B2 phases. Both of these alloys displayed very high yield and fracture strengths. However, their compression fracture strains were approximately 10%. Also, the fracture surfaces showed mainly cleavage fracture modes.
Solvent-Free Patterning of Colloidal Quantum Dot Films Utilizing Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Keum Hohyun , Jiang Yiran , Park Jun , Flanagan Joseph , Shim Moonsub , Kim Seok
Published: January 2017

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with properties that can be tuned by size, shape, and composition are promising for the next generation of photonic and electronic devices. However, utilization of these materials in such devices is hindered by the limited compatibility of established semiconductor processing techniques. In this context, patterning of QD films formed from colloidal solutions is a critical challenge and alternative methods are currently being developed for the broader adoption of colloidal QDs in functional devices. Here, we present a solvent-free approach to patterning QD films by utilizing a shape memory polymer (SMP). The high pull-off force of the SMP below glass transition temperature (Tg) in conjunction with the conformal contact at elevated temperatures (above Tg) enables large-area, rate-independent, fine patterning while preserving desired properties of QDs.
Tamaractam, a New Bioactive Lactam from Tamarix ramosissima, Induces Apoptosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Yao Yao , Jiang Cheng-Shuai , Sun Na , Li Wei-Qi , Niu Yang , Han Huai-Qin , Miao Zhen-Hua , Zhao Xun-Xia , Zhao Jing , Li Juan
Published: January 2017

Chemical investigation of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb, a traditional herbal medicine used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in northwest China, led to the discovery of a new phenolic aromatic rings substituted lactam, tamaractam (1), together with the previously reported compounds cis-N-feruloyl-3-O-methyldopamine (2) and trans-N-feruloyl-3-O-methyldopamine (3). The structures of the compounds were determined by high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) and 1D and 2D-NMR experiments, as well as comparison with the literature data. The effects of the three compounds on the viability of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Pro-apoptosis effect of compound 1 in RA-FLS was further investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, activated caspase-3/7 level assessment using luminescence assay, and sub-G1 fraction measurement using flow cytometry. It was found that these three compounds displayed variable proliferation inhibitory activity in RA-FLS, and compound 1 exhibited the strongest effect. Compound 1 could remarkably induce cellular apoptosis of RA-FLS, increase activated caspase-3/7 levels, and significantly increase sub-G1 fraction in the cell cycle. The results suggested that compound 1 may inhibit the proliferation of RA-FLS through apoptosis-inducing effect, and these compounds may contribute to the anti-RA effect of T. ramosissima.
Atom-Economic Synthesis of 4-Pyrones from Diynones and Water
Authors: Xu Yan-Li , Teng Qing-Hu , Tong Wei , Wang Heng-Shan , Pan Ying-Ming , Ma Xian-Li
Published: January 2017

Transition-metal-free synthesis of 4-pyrones via TfOH-promoted nucleophilic addition/cyclization of diynones and water has been developed. This transformation is simple, atom economical and environmentally benign, providing rapid and efficient access to substituted 4-pyrones.
Coffee Intake Is Associated with a Lower Liver Stiffness in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B
Authors: Hodge Alexander , Lim Sarah , Goh Evan , Wong Ophelia , Marsh Philip , Knight Virginia , Sievert William , De Courten Barbora
Published: January 2017

There is emerging evidence for the positive effects or benefits of coffee in patients with liver disease. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to determine the effects of coffee intake on a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis: liver stiffness assessed by transient elastography (TE). We assessed coffee and tea intake and measured TE in 1018 patients with NAFLD, HCV, and HBV (155 with NAFLD, 378 with HCV and 485 with HBV). Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed taking into account potential confounders. Liver stiffness was higher in males compared to females (p < 0.05). Patients with HBV had lower liver stiffness than those with HCV and NAFLD. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, M or XL probe, and disease state (NAFLD, HCV, and HBV status), those who drank 2 or more cups of coffee per day had a lower liver stiffness (p = 0.044). Tea consumption had no effect (p = 0.9). Coffee consumption decreases liver stiffness, which may indicate less fibrosis and inflammation, independent of disease state. This study adds further evidence to the notion of coffee maybe beneficial in patients with liver disease.
Veterinary Compounding: Regulation, Challenges, and Resources
Authors: Davidson Gigi
Published: January 2017

The spectrum of therapeutic need in veterinary medicine is large, and the availability of approved drug products for all veterinary species and indications is relatively small. For this reason, extemporaneous preparation, or compounding, of drugs is commonly employed to provide veterinary medical therapies. The scope of veterinary compounding is broad and focused primarily on meeting the therapeutic needs of companion animals and not food-producing animals in order to avoid human exposure to drug residues. As beneficial as compounded medical therapies may be to animal patients, these therapies are not without risks, and serious adverse events may occur from poor quality compounds or excipients that are uniquely toxic when administered to a given species. Other challenges in extemporaneous compounding for animals include significant regulatory variation across the global veterinary community, a relative lack of validated compounding formulas for use in animals, and poor adherence by compounders to established compounding standards. The information presented in this article is intended to provide an overview of the current landscape of compounding for animals; a discussion on associated benefits, risks, and challenges; and resources to aid compounders in preparing animal compounds of the highest possible quality.
Confidence in Government and Attitudes toward Bribery: A Country-Cluster Analysis of Demographic and Religiosity Perspectives
Authors: Benk Serkan , Yüzbaşı Bahadır , McGee Robert
Published: January 2017

In this study, we try to classify the countries by the levels of confidence in government and attitudes toward accepting bribery by using the data of the sixth wave (2010–2014) of the World Values Survey (WVS). We are also interested in which demographic, attitudinal, and religiosity variables affect each class of countries. For these purposes cluster analysis, linear regression analysis, and ordered logistic regression analysis were used. The study found that countries could be grouped into two clusters which had varying levels of opposition to bribe taking and confidence in government. Another finding was that certain demographic, attitudinal, and religiosity variables that were significant in one cluster might not be significant in another cluster.
Visual Object Tracking Based on Cross-Modality Gaussian-Bernoulli Deep Boltzmann Machines with RGB-D Sensors
Authors: Jiang Mingxin , Pan Zhigeng , Tang Zhenzhou
Published: January 2017

Visual object tracking technology is one of the key issues in computer vision. In this paper, we propose a visual object tracking algorithm based on cross-modality featuredeep learning using Gaussian-Bernoulli deep Boltzmann machines (DBM) with RGB-D sensors. First, a cross-modality featurelearning network based on aGaussian-Bernoulli DBM is constructed, which can extract cross-modality features of the samples in RGB-D video data. Second, the cross-modality features of the samples are input into the logistic regression classifier, andthe observation likelihood model is established according to the confidence score of the classifier. Finally, the object tracking results over RGB-D data are obtained using aBayesian maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability estimation algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method has strong robustness to abnormal changes (e.g., occlusion, rotation, illumination change, etc.). The algorithm can steadily track multiple targets and has higher accuracy.
Dynamic Oil-in-Water Concentration Acquisition on a Pilot-Scaled Offshore Water-Oil Separation Facility
Authors: Durdevic Petar , Raju Chitra , Bram Mads , Hansen Dennis , Yang Zhenyu
Published: January 2017

This article is a feasibility study on using fluorescence-based oil-in-water (OiW) monitors for on-line dynamic efficiency measurement of a deoiling hydrocyclone. Dynamic measurements are crucial in the design and validation of dynamic models of the hydrocyclones, and to our knowledge, no dynamic OiW analysis of hydrocyclones has been carried out. Previous studies have extensively studied the steady state efficiency perspective of hydrocyclones, and have related them to different key parameters, such as the pressure drop ratio (PDR), inlet flow rate, and the flow-spilt. Through our study, we were able to measure the dynamics of the hydrocyclone’s efficiency ( ϵ ) response to step changes in the inlet flow rate with high accuracy. This is a breakthrough in the modelling, control, and monitoring of hydrocyclones.
Enriching Mental Health Mobile Assessment and Intervention with Situation Awareness
Authors: Soares Teles Ariel , Rocha Artur , José da Silva e Silva Francisco , Correia Lopes João , O’Sullivan Donal , Van de Ven Pepijn , Endler Markus
Published: January 2017

Current mobile devices allow the execution of sophisticated applications with the capacity for identifying the user situation, which can be helpful in treatments of mental disorders. In this paper, we present SituMan, a solution that provides situation awareness to MoodBuster, an ecological momentary assessment and intervention mobile application used to request self-assessments from patients in depression treatments. SituMan has a fuzzy inference engine to identify patient situations using context data gathered from the sensors embedded in mobile devices. Situations are specified jointly by the patient and mental health professional, and they can represent the patient’s daily routine (e.g., “studying”, “at work”, “working out”). MoodBuster requests mental status self-assessments from patients at adequate moments using situation awareness. In addition, SituMan saves and displays patient situations in a summary, delivering them for consultation by mental health professionals. A first experimental evaluation was performed to assess the user satisfaction with the approaches to define and identify situations. This experiment showed that SituMan was well evaluated in both criteria. A second experiment was performed to assess the accuracy of the fuzzy engine to infer situations. Results from the second experiment showed that the fuzzy inference engine has a good accuracy to identify situations.
The Antagonistic Effect of Mycotoxins Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Metabolic Profiling in Serum and Liver of Mice
Authors: Ji Jian , Zhu Pei , Cui Fangchao , Pi Fuwei , Zhang Yinzhi , Li Yun , Wang Jiasheng , Sun Xiulan
Published: January 2017

Metabolic profiling in liver and serum of mice was studied for the combined toxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), through gas chromatography mass spectrum. The spectrum of serum and liver sample of mice, treated with individual 2 mg/kg DON, 20 mg/kg ZEN, and the combined DON + ZEN with final concentration 2 mg/kg DON and 20 mg/kg ZEN for 21 days, were deconvoluted, aligned and identified with MS DIAL. The data matrix was processed with univariate analysis and multivariate analysis for selection of metabolites with variable importance for the projection (VIP) > 1, t-test p value < 0.05. The metabolic pathway analysis was performed with MetaMapp and drawn by CytoScape. Results show that the combined DON and ZEN treatment has an obvious “antagonistic effect” in serum and liver tissue metabolic profiling of mice. The blood biochemical indexes, like alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and albumin (ALB)/globulin (GLO), reveal a moderated trend in the combined DON + ZEN treatment group, which is consistent with histopathological examination. The metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the combined DON and ZEN treatment could down-regulate the valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and O-glycosyl compounds related glucose metabolism in liver tissue. The metabolic profiling in serum confirmed the finding that the combined DON and ZEN treatment has an “antagonistic effect” on liver metabolism of mice.
The New High Resolution Crystal Structure of NS2B-NS3 Protease of Zika Virus
Authors: Badshah Syed , Naeem Abdul , Mabkhot Yahia
Published: January 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) is the cause of a significant viral disease affecting humans, which has spread throughout many South American countries and has also become a threat to Southeastern Asia. This commentary discusses the article “Crystal structure of unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease from Zika virus” published recently in the journal Science by Zhang et al. of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. They resolved a 1.58 Å resolution structure of the NS2B-NS3 protease of ZIKV and demonstrated how peptide and non-peptide inhibitors interact with this structure, along with the different conformational states that were observed. This protease crystal structure offers new opportunities for the design and development of novel antiviral drugs used for the treatment and control of ZIKV.
Detection of Leptospiral DNA in the Urine of Donkeys on the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts
Authors: Grevemeyer Bernard , Vandenplas Michel , Beigel Brittney , Cho Ellen , Willingham Arve , Verma Ashutosh
Published: January 2017

Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes classified within the genus Leptospira. Leptospires live in the proximal renal tubules of reservoir or chronic carrier animals, and are shed in the urine. Naïve animals acquire infection either when they come in direct contact with a reservoir or infected animals or by exposure to environmental surface water or soil that is contaminated with their urine. In this study, urine samples from a herd of donkeys on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts were screened using a TaqMan-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting a pathogen-specific leptospiral gene, lipl32. Out of 124 clinically normal donkeys, 22 (18%) tested positive for leptospiral DNA in their urine. Water samples from two water troughs used by the donkeys were also tested, but were found to be free from leptospiral contamination. Detection of leptospiral DNA in the urine of clinically healthy donkeys may point to a role that these animals play in the maintenance of the bacteria on St. Kitts.
The Role of Transnational Municipal Networks in Transboundary Water Governance
Authors: Jetoo Savitri
Published: January 2017

The transboundary nature of stressors impacting shared water bodies has been traditionally recognized in agreements between nation states. Several developments have led to new layers of cross border environmental actors, including regional and city level interactions. This proliferation of non-state actors is witnessed in two large water bodies, the Baltic Sea and the North American Great Lakes. In both regions, transboundary water governance was led by nation states in agreements to improve heavily contaminated waters, the Helsinki Convention (1974) and the North American Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (1972), respectively. Whilst there has been much research on transnational regional networks, especially in Europe, there has been less theoretical work done on transnational municipal transboundary water networks due to the delay of recognition of the legitimacy of these local government actors. This paper aims to examine the role of the transnational municipal networks in transboundary water governance by looking at the case studies of the Union of Baltic cities in the Baltic Sea region and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative in the North American Great Lakes Basin. It does this by assessing the role of these transnational municipal networks in bridging water governance gaps in these regions.
PHOTOMETRIC SELECTION OF A MASSIVE GALAXY CATALOG WITH z ≥ 0.55
Authors: Núñez Carolina , Spergel David N. , Ho Shirley
Published: January 2017

We present the development of a photometrically selected massive galaxy catalog, targeting Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs) and massive blue galaxies at redshifts of

. Massive galaxy candidates are selected using infrared/optical color–color cuts, with optical data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and infrared data from “unWISE” forced photometry derived from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). The selection method is based on previously developed techniques to select LRGs with

, and is optimized using receiver operating characteristic curves. The catalog contains 16,191,145 objects, selected over the full SDSS DR10 footprint. The redshift distribution of the resulting catalog is estimated using spectroscopic redshifts from the DEEP2 Galaxy Redshift Survey and photometric redshifts from COSMOS. Restframe U − B colors from DEEP2 are used to estimate LRG selection efficiency. Using DEEP2, the resulting catalog has an average redshift of z = 0.65, with a standard deviation of

, and an average restframe of 

, with a standard deviation  of 

. Using COSMOS, the resulting catalog has an average redshift of z = 0.60, with a standard deviation of

. We estimate

of the catalog to be blue galaxies with

. An estimated

of selected objects are blue sources with redshift

. Stellar contamination is estimated to be 1.8%.
UKIRT MICROLENSING SURVEYS AS A PATHFINDER FOR WFIRST: THE DETECTION OF FIVE HIGHLY EXTINGUISHED LOW-
EVENTS
Authors: Shvartzvald Y. , Bryden G. , Gould A. , Henderson C. B. , Howell S. B. , Beichman C.
Published: January 2017

Optical microlensing surveys are restricted from detecting events near the Galactic plane and center, where the event rate is thought to be the highest due to the high optical extinction of these fields. In the near-infrared (NIR), however, the lower extinction leads to a corresponding increase in event detections and is a primary driver for the wavelength coverage of the WFIRST microlensing survey. During the 2015 and 2016 bulge observing seasons, we conducted NIR microlensing surveys with UKIRT in conjunction with and in support of the Spitzer and Kepler microlensing campaigns. Here, we report on five highly extinguished (

), low-Galactic latitude (

) microlensing events discovered from our 2016 survey. Four of them were monitored with an hourly cadence by optical surveys but were not reported as discoveries, likely due to the high extinction. Our UKIRT surveys and suggested future NIR surveys enable the first measurement of the microlensing event rate in the NIR. This wavelength regime overlaps with the bandpass of the filter in which the WFIRST microlensing survey will conduct its highest-cadence observations, making this event rate derivation critically important for optimizing its yield.