bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine Mapping Identifies SmFAS Encoding an Anthocyanidin Synthase as a Putative Candidate Gene for Flower Purple Color in Solanum melongena L.
Authors: Chen Mengqiang , Xu Mengyun , Xiao Yao , Cui Dandan , Qin Yongqiang , Wu Jiaqi , Wang Wenyi , Wang Guoping
Published: March 2018

Anthocyanins are the main pigments in flowers and fruits. These pigments are responsible for the red, red-purple, violet, and purple color in plants, and act as insect and animal attractants. In this study, phenotypic analysis of the purple flower color in eggplant indicated that the flower color is controlled by a single dominant gene, FAS. Using an F2 mapping population derived from a cross between purple-flowered ‘Blacknite’ and white-flowered ‘Small Round’, Flower Anthocyanidin Synthase (FAS) was fine mapped to an approximately 165.6-kb region between InDel marker Indel8-11 and Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences (CAPS) marker Efc8-32 on Chromosome 8. On the basis of bioinformatic analysis, 29 genes were subsequently located in the FAS target region, among which were two potential Anthocyanidin Synthase (ANS) gene candidates. Allelic sequence comparison results showed that one ANS gene (Sme2.5_01638.1_g00003.1) was conserved in promoter and coding sequences without any nucleotide change between parents, whereas four single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in another ANS gene (Sme2.5_01638.1_g00005.1). Crucially, a single base pair deletion at site 438 resulted in premature termination of FAS, leading to the loss of anthocyanin accumulation. In addition, FAS displayed strong expression in purple flowers compared with white flowers and other tissues. Collectively, our results indicate that Sme2.5_01638.1_g00005.1 is a good candidate gene for FAS, which controls anthocyanidin synthase in eggplant flowers. The present study provides information for further potential facilitate genetic engineering for improvement of anthocyanin levels in plants.
Virucidal or Not Virucidal? That Is the Question—Predictability of Ionic Liquid’s Virucidal Potential in Biological Test Systems
Authors: Sommer Julia , Fister Susanne , Gundolf Tobias , Bromberger Birgit , Mester Patrick-Julian , Witte Anna , Kalb Roland , Rossmanith Peter
Published: March 2018

For three decades now, ionic liquids (ILs), organic salts comprising only ions, have emerged as a new class of pharmaceuticals. Although recognition of the antimicrobial effects of ILs is growing rapidly, there is almost nothing known about their possible virucidal activities. This probably reflects the paucity of understanding virus inactivation. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis to determine the effect of specific structural motifs of ILs on three different biological test systems (viruses, bacteria and enzymes). Overall, the effects of 27 different ILs on two non-enveloped and one enveloped virus (P100, MS2 and Phi6), two Gram negative and one Gram positive bacteria (E. coli, P. syringae and L. monocytogenes) and one enzyme (Taq DNA polymerase) were investigated. Results show that while some ILs were virucidal, no clear structure activity relationships (SARs) could be identified for the non-enveloped viruses P100 and MS2. However, for the first time, a correlation has been demonstrated between the effects of ILs on enveloped viruses, bacteria and enzyme inhibition. These identified SARs serve as a sound starting point for further studies.
Suppression of Cell Growth, Migration and Drug Resistance by Ethanolic Extract of Antrodia cinnamomea in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells and C57BL/6J Allograft Tumor Model
Authors: Wu Chi-Han , Liu Fon-Chang , Pan Chun-Hsu , Lai Ming-Tsung , Lan Shou-Jen , Wu Chieh-Hsi , Sheu Ming-Jyh
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory activities of ethanolic extracts from Antrodia cinnamomea (EEAC) on lung cancer. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound-healing assay, Western blotting, and a murine tumor model were separately used to examine cell migration, protein expression, and tumor repression. Our results showed that EEAC induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase resulting decreased cell viability in A549 cells. Moreover, EEAC up-regulated the growth-suppressing proteins, adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p21 and p27, but down-regulated the growth-promoting proteins, protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian tarfet of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), retinoblastoma protein (Rb), cyclin E, and cyclin D1. EEAC also inhibited A549 cell migration and reduced expression of gelatinases. In addition, our data showed that tumor growth was suppressed after treatment with EEAC in a murine allograft tumor model. Some bioactive compounds from EEAC, such as cordycepin and zhankuic acid A, were demonstrated to reduce the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and cyclin D1 in A549 cells. Furthermore, EEAC enhanced chemosensitivity of A549 to paclitaxel by reducing the protein levels of caveolin-1. Our data suggests that EEAC has the potential to be an adjuvant medicine for the treatment of lung cancer.
Reaction of Non-Symmetric Schiff Base Metallo-Ligand Complexes Possessing an Oxime Function with Ln Ions
Authors: Costes Jean-Pierre , Dahan Françoise , Dupuis Arnaud , Shova Sergiu , Tojal Javier
Published: March 2018

The preparation of non-symmetric Schiff base ligands possessing one oxime function that is associated to a second function such as pyrrole or phenol function is first described. These ligands, which possess inner N4 or N3O coordination sites, allow formation of cationic or neutral non-symmetric CuII or NiII metallo-ligand complexes under their mono- or di-deprotonated forms. In presence of Lanthanide ions the neutral complexes do not coordinate to the LnIII ions, the oxygen atom of the oxime function being only hydrogen-bonded to a water molecule that is linked to the LnIII ion. This surprising behavior allows for the isolation of LnIII ions by non-interacting metal complexes. Reaction of cationic NiII complexes possessing a protonated oxime function with LnIII ions leads to the formation of original and dianionic (Gd(NO3)5)2− entities that are well separated from each other. This work highlights the preparation of well isolated mononuclear LnIII entities into a matrix of diamagnetic metal complexes. These new complexes complete our previous work dealing with the complexing ability of the oxime function toward Lanthanide ions. It could open the way to the synthesis of new entities with interesting properties, such as single-ion magnets for example.
Certain Algorithms for Modeling Uncertain Data Using Fuzzy Tensor Product Bézier Surfaces
Authors: Sarwar Musavarah , Akram Muhammad
Published: March 2018

Real data and measures are usually uncertain and cannot be satisfactorily described by accurate real numbers. The imprecision and vagueness should be modeled and represented in data using the concept of fuzzy numbers. Fuzzy splines are proposed as an integrated approach to uncertainty in mathematical interpolation models. In the context of surface modeling, fuzzy tensor product Bézier surfaces are suitable for representing and simplifying both crisp and imprecise surface data with fuzzy numbers. The framework of this research paper is concerned with various properties of fuzzy tensor product surface patches by means of fuzzy numbers including fuzzy parametric curves, affine invariance, fuzzy tangents, convex hull and fuzzy iso-parametric curves. The fuzzification and defuzzification processes are applied to obtain the crisp Beziér curves and surfaces from fuzzy data points. The degree elevation and de Casteljau’s algorithms for fuzzy Bézier curves and fuzzy tensor product Bézier surfaces are studied in detail with numerical examples.
Precipitation and Grain Size Effects on the Tensile Strain-Hardening Exponents of an API X80 Steel Pipe after High-Frequency Hot-Induction Bending
Authors: Silva Rafael , Pinto André , Kuznetsov Alexei , Bott Ivani
Published: March 2018

This study discusses the use of the Morrison model to estimate the strain-hardening exponent (n) in the presence of precipitation hardening for an API X80 steel pipe. As the grain size becomes larger, high values of n are expected according to the Morrison equation. However, the grain size alone is not sufficient to explain the changes of the strain-hardening exponent (n) after hot-induction bending. The vanadium in the ferritic solid solution has an important influence on the decrease of the precipitation hardening, and consequently on the increase of the values of n, despite the refinement of the grain size and high dislocation densities. Therefore, the effects of grain boundaries on the capability to uniformly distribute deformations within the plastic regime become negligible, which limits the application of the Morrison model to estimate the values of n.
Assessment of Steel Subjected to the Thermomechanical Control Process with Respect to Weldability
Authors: Górka Jacek
Published: March 2018

The study is concerned with the assessment of the weldability of steel S700MC subjected to the thermomechanical control process (TMCP) and precipitation hardening and characterised by a high yield point. Appropriate mechanical and plastic properties of steel S700MC were obtained using the thermomechanical control process through precipitation, solution, and strain hardening as well as by using grain-refinement-related processes. Constituents responsible for the hardening of steel S700MC include Ti, Nb, N, and C. The hardening is primarily affected by (Ti,Nb)(C,N)-type dispersive precipitates sized from several nanometres to between ten and twenty nanometres. The welding process considerably differs from TMCP conditions, leading to the reduction of plastic properties both in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and in the weld area. This study demonstrates that in cases of TMCP steels, where the effect of precipitation hardening is obtained through titanium and niobium hardening phases, the carbon equivalent and phase transformation γ–α cannot constitute the basis of weldability assessment. The properties of welded joints made from the above-named group of steels are primarily affected by the stability of hardening phases, changes in their dispersion, and ageing processes. The most inferior properties were identified in the high-temperature and coarse-grained HAZ area, where the nucleation of hardening phases in the matrix and their uncontrolled reprecipitation in the fine-dispersive form lead to a sharp decrease in toughness.
Design, Fabrication, and Performance Characterization of LTCC-Based Capacitive Accelerometers
Authors: Liu Huan , Fang Runiu , Miao Min , Zhang Yichuan , Yan Yingzhan , Tang Xiaoping , Lu Huixiang , Jin Yufeng
Published: March 2018

In this paper, two versions of capacitive accelerometers based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology are developed, different with respect to the detection technique, as well as the mechanical structure. Fabrication of the key structure, a heavy proof mass with thin beams embedded in a large cavity, which is extremely difficult for the conventional LTCC process, is successfully completed by the optimized process. The LC resonant accelerometer, using coupling resonance frequency sensing which is first applied to LTCC accelerometer and may facilitate application in harsh environments, demonstrates a sensitivity of 375 KHz/g over the full scale range 1 g, with nonlinearity less than 6%, and the telemetry distance is 5 mm. The differential capacitive accelerometer adopting differential capacitive sensing presents a larger full scale range 10 g and lower nonlinearity less than 1%, and the sensitivity is 30.27 mV/g.
A Novel High-Precision Digital Tunneling Magnetic Resistance-Type Sensor for the Nanosatellites’ Space Application
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Hu Jianping , Chen Weiping , Yin Liang , Liu Xiaowei
Published: March 2018

Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) magnetic sensors are widely used in the nanosatellites field. We proposed a novel high-precision miniaturized three-axis digital tunneling magnetic resistance-type (TMR) sensor. The design of the three-axis digital magnetic sensor includes a low-noise sensitive element and high-performance interface circuit. The TMR sensor element can achieve a background noise of 150 pT/Hz1/2 by the vertical modulation film at a modulation frequency of 5 kHz. The interface circuit is mainly composed of an analog front-end current feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA) with chopper structure and a fully differential 4th-order Sigma-Delta (ΣΔ) analog to digital converter (ADC). The low-frequency 1/f noise of the TMR magnetic sensor are reduced by the input-stage and system-stage chopper. The dynamic element matching (DEM) is applied to average out the mismatch between the input and feedback transconductor so as to improve the gain accuracy and gain drift. The digital output is achieved by a switched-capacitor ΣΔ ADC. The interface circuit is implemented by a 0.35 μm CMOS technology. The performance test of the TMR magnetic sensor system shows that: at a 5 V operating voltage, the sensor can achieve a power consumption of 120 mW, a full scale of ±1 Guass, a bias error of 0.01% full scale (FS), a nonlinearity of x-axis 0.13% FS, y-axis 0.11% FS, z-axis 0.15% FS and a noise density of x-axis 250 pT/Hz1/2 (at 1 Hz), y-axis 240 pT/Hz1/2 (at 1 Hz), z-axis 250 pT/Hz1/2 (at 1 Hz), respectively. This work has a less power consumption, a smaller size, and higher resolution than other miniaturized magnetometers by comparison.
Advances of Optofluidic Microcavities for Microlasers and Biosensors
Authors: Feng Zhiqing , Bai Lan
Published: March 2018

Optofluidic microcavities with high Q factor have made rapid progress in recent years by using various micro-structures. On one hand, they are applied to microfluidic lasers with low excitation thresholds. On the other hand, they inspire the innovation of new biosensing devices with excellent performance. In this article, the recent advances in the microlaser research and the biochemical sensing field will be reviewed. The former will be categorized based on the structures of optical resonant cavities such as the Fabry–Pérot cavity and whispering gallery mode, and the latter will be classified based on the working principles into active sensors and passive sensors. Moreover, the difficulty of single-chip integration and recent endeavors will be briefly discussed.
A Novel Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Pyridines by a One-Pot, Three-Component Tandem Reaction of Aldehydes, Malononitrile and N-Alkyl-2-cyanoacetamides under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Mekheimer Ramadan , Al-Sheikh Mariam , Medrasi Hanadi , Alsofyani Najla
Published: March 2018

A convenient, fast and environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of a new series of highly functionalized N-alkylated pyridines as privileged medicinal scaffolds was developed via a unique three-component reaction of easily available aromatic as well as heteroaromatic aldehydes, N-alkyl-2-cyanoacetamides and malononitrile in EtOH in the presence of K2CO3 as a base promoter under microwave irradiation. The presented tandem process is presumed to proceed via Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization, autoxidation and subsequent aromatization. Particularly valuable features of this protocol, including high product yields, mild conditions, atom-efficiency, simple execution, short reaction times and easy purification make it a highly efficient and promising synthetic strategy to prepare substituted pyridine nuclei. The proposed mechanism of this novel one-pot reaction and structure elucidation of the products are discussed.
The Application of Embelin for Cancer Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Ko Jeong-Hyeon , Lee Seok-Geun , Yang Woong , Um Jae-Young , Sethi Gautam , Mishra Srishti , Shanmugam Muthu , Ahn Kwang
Published: March 2018

Embelin is a naturally-occurring benzoquinone compound that has been shown to possess many biological properties relevant to human cancer prevention and treatment, and increasing evidence indicates that embelin may modulate various characteristic hallmarks of tumor cells. This review summarizes the information related to the various oncogenic pathways that mediate embelin-induced cell death in multiple cancer cells. The mechanisms of the action of embelin are numerous, and most of them induce apoptotic cell death that may be intrinsic or extrinsic, and modulate the NF-κB, p53, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3 signaling pathways. Embelin also induces autophagy in cancer cells; however, these autophagic cell-death mechanisms of embelin have been less reported than the apoptotic ones. Recently, several autophagy-inducing agents have been used in the treatment of different human cancers, although they require further exploration before being transferred from the bench to the clinic. Therefore, embelin could be used as a potential agent for cancer therapy.
Aqueous-Phase Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol over Re Promoted Ru Catalysts Encapuslated in Porous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Kuo-Tseng , Yen Ruey-Hsiang
Published: March 2018

Activity improvement of Ru-based catalysts is needed for efficient production of valuable chemicals from glycerol hydrogenolysis. In this work, a series of Re promoted Ru catalysts encapuslated in porous silica nanoparticles (denoted as Re-Ru@SiO2) were prepared by coating silica onto the surface of chemically reduced Ru-polyvinylpyrrolidone colloids, and were used to catalyze the conversion of glycerol to diols and alcohols in water. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) were used to characterize these nanoparticles. Effects of Ru/Si atomic ratio, Re addition, glycerol and catalyst concentrations, reaction time, temperature, and hydrogen pressure were investigated. Re addition retarded the reduction of ruthenium oxide, but increased the catalyst reactivity for glycerol hydrogenolysis. Due to its greater Ru content, Re-Ru@ SiO2 showed much better activity (reacted at much lower temperature) and more yields of 1,2-propanediol and overall liquid-phase products than Re-Ru/SiO2 (prepared by conventional impregnation method) reported before. The rate of glycerol disappearance exhibited first-order dependence on glycerol concentration and hydrogen pressure, with an activation energy of 107.8 kJ/mol. The rate constant increased linearly with increasing Ru/Si atomic ratio and catalyst amount. The yield of overall liquid-phase products correlated well with glycerol conversion.
Sucrosomial Iron Supplementation in Anemic Patients with Celiac Disease Not Tolerating Oral Ferrous Sulfate: A Prospective Study
Authors: Elli Luca , Ferretti Francesca , Branchi Federica , Tomba Carolina , Lombardo Vincenza , Scricciolo Alice , Doneda Luisa , Roncoroni Leda
Published: March 2018

Patients with celiac disease (CD) frequently suffer from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and may benefit from iron supplementation. However, intolerance to iron sulfate and duodenal atrophy could reduce the efficacy of this supplementation. This study evaluated the efficacy of a new sucrosomial iron formulation in patients with CD. Consecutive patients with CD and IDA were divided into two groups: patients with a known intolerance to iron sulfate were treated with sucrosomial iron (30 mg of iron/day), while those receiving iron supplementation for the first time were assigned to iron sulfate (105 mg of iron/day). Forty-three patients were enrolled (38 females, mean age 49 ± 9 years). After a follow-up of 90 days both groups showed an increase in Hb levels compared to baseline (+10.1% and +16.2% for sucrosomial and sulfate groups, respectively), and a significant improvement in all iron parameters, with no statistical difference between the two groups. Patients treated with sucrosomial iron reported a lower severity of abdominal symptoms, such as abdominal and epigastric pain, abdominal bloating, and constipation, and a higher increase in general well-being (+33% vs. +21%) compared to the iron sulfate group. Sucrosomial iron can be effective in providing iron supplementation in difficult-to-treat populations, such as patients with CD, IDA, and known intolerance to iron sulfate.
Estimation of Daily Average Downward Shortwave Radiation over Antarctica
Authors: Zhou Yingji , Yan Guangjian , Zhao Jing , Chu Qing , Liu Yanan , Yan Kai , Tong Yiyi , Mu Xihan , Xie Donghui , Zhang Wuming
Published: March 2018

Surface shortwave (SW) irradiation is the primary driving force of energy exchange in the atmosphere and land interface. The global climate is profoundly influenced by irradiation changes due to the special climatic condition in Antarctica. Remote-sensing retrieval can offer only the instantaneous values in an area, whilst daily cycle and average values are necessary for further studies and applications, including climate change, ecology, and land surface process. When considering the large values of and small diurnal changes of solar zenith angle and cloud coverage, we develop two methods for the temporal extension of remotely sensed downward SW irradiance over Antarctica. The first one is an improved sinusoidal method, and the second one is an interpolation method based on cloud fraction change. The instantaneous irradiance data and cloud products are used in both methods to extend the diurnal cycle, and obtain the daily average value. Data from South Pole and Georg von Neumayer stations are used to validate the estimated value. The coefficient of determination (R2) between the estimated daily averages and the measured values based on the first method is 0.93, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is 32.21 W/m2 (8.52%). As for the traditional sinusoidal method, the R2 and RMSE are 0.68 and 70.32 W/m2 (18.59%), respectively The R2 and RMSE of the second method are 0.96 and 25.27 W/m2 (6.98%), respectively. These values are better than those of the traditional linear interpolation (0.79 and 57.40 W/m2 (15.87%)).
Moving Object Localization Based on UHF RFID Phase and Laser Clustering
Authors: Fu Yulu , Wang Changlong , Liu Ran , Liang Gaoli , Zhang Hua , Ur Rehman Shafiq
Published: March 2018

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) offers a way to identify objects without any contact. However, positioning accuracy is limited since RFID neither provides distance nor bearing information about the tag. This paper proposes a new and innovative approach for the localization of moving object using a particle filter by incorporating RFID phase and laser-based clustering from 2d laser range data. First of all, we calculate phase-based velocity of the moving object based on RFID phase difference. Meanwhile, we separate laser range data into different clusters, and compute the distance-based velocity and moving direction of these clusters. We then compute and analyze the similarity between two velocities, and select K clusters having the best similarity score. We predict the particles according to the velocity and moving direction of laser clusters. Finally, we update the weights of the particles based on K clusters and achieve the localization of moving objects. The feasibility of this approach is validated on a Scitos G5 service robot and the results prove that we have successfully achieved a localization accuracy up to 0.25 m.
Detecting Sulfuric and Nitric Acid Rain Stresses on Quercus glauca through Hyperspectral Responses
Authors: Wang Shanqian , Zhang Xiuying , Ma Yuandan , Li Xinhui , Cheng Min , Zhang Xiaomin , Liu Lei
Published: March 2018

Acid rain, which has become one of the most severe global environmental issues, is detrimental to plant growth. However, effective methods for monitoring plant responses to acid rain stress are currently lacking. The hyperspectral technique provides a cost-effective and nondestructive way to diagnose acid rain stresses. Taking a widely distributed species (Quercus glauca) in Southern China as an example, this study aims to monitor the hyperspectral responses of Q. glauca to simulated sulfuric acid rain (SAR) and nitric acid rain (NAR). A total of 15 periods of leaf hyperspectral data under four pH levels of SAR and NAR were obtained during the experiment. The results showed that hyperspectral information could be used to distinguish plant responses under acid rain stress. An index (green peak area index, GPAI) was proposed to indicate acid rain stresses, based on the significantly variations in the region of 500–660 nm. Light acid rain (pH 4.5 SAR and NAR) promoted Q. glauca growth relative to the control groups (pH 5.6 SAR and NAR); moderate acid rain (pH 3.0 SAR) firstly promoted and then inhibited plant growth, while pH 3.0 NAR showed mild inhibitory effects during the experiment; and heavy acid rain (pH 2.0) significantly inhibited plant growth. Compared with NAR, SAR induced more serious damages to Q. glauca. These results could help monitor acid rain stress on plants on a regional scale using remote sensing techniques.
Topic Modeling The Red Pill
Authors: Mountford J.
Published: March 2018

The Men’s Rights Activism (MRA) movement and its sub-movement The Red Pill (TRP), has flourished online, offering support and advice to men who feel their masculinity is being challenged by societal shifts. Whilst some insightful studies have been carried out, the small samples analysed by researchers limits the scope of studies, which is small compared to the large amounts of data that TRP produces. By extracting a significant quantity of content from a prominent MRA website, ReturnOfKings.com (RoK), whose creator is one of the most prominent figures in the manosphere and who has been featured in multiple studies. Research already completed can be expanded upon with topic modelling and neural networked machine learning, computational analysis that is proposed to augment methodologies of open coding by automatically and unbiasedly analysing conceptual clusters. The successes and limitations of this computational methodology shed light on its further uses in sociological research and has answered the question: What can topic modeling demonstrate about the men’s rights activism movement’s prescriptive masculinity? This methodology not only proved that it could replicate the results of a previous study, but also delivered insights into an increasingly political focus within TRP, and deeper perspectives into the concepts identified within the movement.
Estimation of Leakage Ratio Using Principal Component Analysis and Artificial Neural Network in Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Jang Dongwoo , Park Hyoseon , Choi Gyewoon
Published: March 2018

Leaks in a water distribution network (WDS) constitute losses of water supply caused by pipeline failure, operational loss, and physical factors. This has raised the need for studies on the factors affecting the leakage ratio and estimation of leakage volume in a water supply system. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to estimate the volume of water leakage in a WDS. For the study, six main effective parameters were selected and standardized data obtained through the Z-score method. The PCA-ANN model was devised and the leakage ratio was estimated. An accuracy assessment was performed to compare the measured leakage ratio to that of the simulated model. The results showed that the PCA-ANN method was more accurate for estimating the leakage ratio than a single ANN simulation. In addition, the estimation results differed according to the number of neurons in the ANN model’s hidden layers. In this study, an ANN with multiple hidden layers was found to be the best method for estimating the leakage ratio with 12–12 neurons. This suggested approaches to improve the accuracy of leakage ratio estimation, as well as a scientific approach toward the sustainable management of water distribution systems.
Digital Transformation as an Enabler for Advanced Services in the Sanitation Sector
Authors: Saul Caroline , Gebauer Heiko
Published: March 2018

People in Base of the Pyramid markets still face difficulties when it comes to sanitation. Container-based Sanitation (CBS) services represent a promising advanced sanitation service. Despite the observed outcomes of CBS services, organizations face obstacles when providing these services. To overcome these obstacles, digital transformations of these services are being carried out. We rely on multiple case studies to understand these digital transformations. Our findings highlight (1) the challenges these case organizations faced before engaging in the digital transformation, (2) their individual digital transformation pathways, and (3) a general framework for digital transformations in BoP markets.
Training the CSR Sensitive Mind-Set: The Integration of CSR into the Training of Business Administration Professionals
Authors: Stonkutė Eglė , Vveinhardt Jolita , Sroka Włodzimierz
Published: March 2018

Current corporations are subject to stringent requirements in terms of sustainable development; however, a relevant problem is highlighted on the basis of the studies conducted. On the one hand, corporations experience greater or lesser pressure, while on the other hand, it must be admitted that the problem of demand for professionals, which is presupposed by the insufficient quality of training in higher education institutions, is important. This is somewhat strange given that the issues of business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability have attracted increased attention in management education in recent years, and a five-fold increase in the number of stand-alone ethics courses has been noted since 1988. This interaction could contribute to the development of CSR, however a certain dissonance of cooperation between higher education and business exists, as there is a lack of leadership in this area in the study programs of business administration approved by the states, as well as in higher education institutions. Given these facts, the goal of the paper is to analyze the Master of Business Administration programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia to offer direction to the challenge of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into management and training. The method of analysis of professional business and administration training program content in terms of the integration of CSR was used during the survey. Using panel data of 28 full-time MBA programs, our findings show that that the core parts of MBAs under analysis merely—and mostly indirectly—cover CSR issues through one core course on business ethics. However, the leading MBA programs are currently missing an opportunity by ignoring their responsibility to support the training of CSR-minded future business administration professionals. The results of our research may act as a guide to which areas should be modified and/or changed.
Study on the Delimitation of the Urban Development Boundary in a Special Economic Zone: A Case Study of the Central Urban Area of Doumen in Zhuhai, China
Authors: Zheng Biao , Liu Guangsheng , Wang Hongmei , Cheng Yingxuan , Lu Zongliang , Liu Huawei , Zhu Xuexin , Wang Miaomiao , Yi Lu
Published: March 2018

Since it implemented open-door policies, China has become the fastest growing economy in the world, and its urbanization level has steadily improved. Taking a special economic zone as the object of study, this paper delineates the urban development boundary of the Central Urban Area of Doumen. Using multiple models and methods, the urban development rigid and elastic boundaries are delineated separately, with the rigid boundary serving as the premise and foundation for delineating the elastic boundary. The results are as follows. First, the scale of the urban development rigid boundary is 79.60 km². Moreover, the scales of the urban development elastic boundaries in 2020 and 2026 are 24.51 km² and 28.53 km², respectively. Second, by delimiting the urban development elastic boundary, the compactness of urban land will be improved. Third, the urban development boundary of this paper is reasonable in theory. This paper suggests that the urban development boundary can curb urban sprawl and guide rational urban development, which is conducive to optimizing an urban spatial layout.
Dance Pose Identification from Motion Capture Data: A Comparison of Classifiers
Authors: Protopapadakis Eftychios , Voulodimos Athanasios , Doulamis Anastasios , Camarinopoulos Stephanos , Doulamis Nikolaos , Miaoulis Georgios
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we scrutinize the effectiveness of classification techniques in recognizing dance types based on motion-captured human skeleton data. In particular, the goal is to identify poses which are characteristic for each dance performed, based on information on body joints, acquired by a Kinect sensor. The datasets used include sequences from six folk dances and their variations. Multiple pose identification schemes are applied using temporal constraints, spatial information, and feature space distributions for the creation of an adequate training dataset. The obtained results are evaluated and discussed.
Promising Detoxification Strategies to Mitigate Mycotoxins in Food and Feed
Authors: Hassan Yousef , Zhou Ting
Published: March 2018

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites associated with adverse human health and animal productivity consequences.[...]
Non-Radial Oscillation Modes of Superfluid Neutron Stars Modeled with CompOSE
Authors: Jaikumar Prashanth , Klähn Thomas , Monroy Raphael
Published: March 2018

We compute the principal non-radial oscillation mode frequencies of Neutron Stars described with a Skyrme-like Equation of State (EoS), taking into account the possibility of neutron and proton superfluidity. Using the CompOSE database and interpolation routines to obtain the needed thermodynamic quantities, we solve the fluid oscillation equations numerically in the background of a fully relativistic star, and identify imprints of the superfluid state. Though these modes cannot be observed with current technology, increased sensitivity of future Gravitational-Wave Observatories could allow us to observe these oscillations and potentially constrain or refine models of dense matter relevant to the interior of neutron stars.
San Wu Huangqin Decoction, a Chinese Herbal Formula, Inhibits Influenza a/PR/8/34 (H1N1) Virus Infection In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Ma Qinhai , Yu Qingtian , Xing Xuefeng , Liu Sinian , Shi Chunyu , Luo Jiabo
Published: March 2018

The San Wu Huangqin Decoction (SWHD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat colds caused by exposure to wind-pathogen, hyperpyrexia, infectious diseases and cancer; moreover, it is used for detoxification. The individual herbs of SWHD, such as Sophora flavescens and Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibit a wide spectrum of antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer and other properties. The Chinese compound formula of SWHD is composed of S. flavescens, S. baicalensis and Rehmannia glutinosa. However, the effect of SWHD on the influenza virus (IFV) and its mechanism remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, whether SWHD could be used to treat influenza. Results showed that SWHD could effectively inhibit influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) virus at different stages of viral replication (confirmed through antiviral effect assay, penetration assay, attachment assay and internalization assay) in vitro. It could reduce the infection of the virus in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as confirmed by observing the cell cytopathic effect and calculating the cell viability (p < 0.05). SWHD demonstrated better antiviral activity than oseltamivir in the evaluation of antiviral prophylaxis on influenza (p < 0.05). The antiviral activity of SWHD may be related to its regulation ability on the immune system. Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay showed that the expression of the four target viral proteins of the IFV (namely, haemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix-2 (M2)) reduced significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, SWHD (23.40 and 11.70 g/kg) significantly alleviated the clinical signs, reduced the mortality and increased the survival time of infected mice (p < 0.05). The lung index, virus titres, pathological changes in lung tissues and the expression of key proteins of the IFV in mice also decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SWHD possessed anti-influenza activity. This work provided a new view of complementary therapy and drug discovery for clinical treatment.
Isolation of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis from Seronegative Cows is a Serious Impediment in Brucellosis Control
Authors: El-Diasty Mohamed , Wareth Gamal , Melzer Falk , Mustafa Shawky , Sprague Lisa , Neubauer Heinrich
Published: March 2018

Brucellosis is a zoonosis occurring worldwide, with economic and public health impacts. Its diagnosis remains a challenge in endemic countries and basically relies on serology. The present study was carried out on two dairy cattle farms allegedly free from brucellosis, but with sporadic cases of abortion. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Brucella (B.) spp. in uterine discharge of seronegative cows after abortion. In farm I, B. melitensis biovar (bv) 3 was cultured from two of five cows after abortion, while in farm II, B. abortus bv 1 was cultured from three of eleven cows after abortion. These cows had been intrauterinely infected but remained seronegative until abortion and seroconverted only thereafter. Shedding of brucellae in uterine discharge of culture positive/seronegative aborting cows is a serious problem resulting in maintenance and further spread of infection. Thus, serosurveys in endemic countries have to be accompanied by molecular detection and/or culture of aborted material to close the diagnostic window and to hinder uncontrolled spread.
A Descriptive Morphometric Approach of the Skull and Mandible of the Common Opossum (Didelphis Marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758) in the Caribbean and its Clinical Application during Regional Anaesthesia
Authors: Mohamed Reda
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric values of the skull and the mandible of the common opossum from the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. The skulls and mandibles were obtained from ten opossums captured for research purposes. The skulls and mandibles were prepared and cleaned using standard method. Some anatomical landmarks of the skulls and mandibles were identified and measured. The results were important for identification of the common opossum via comparison and discussion of our results with that of other marsupial species. Furthermore, the results had clinical importance with regard to regional nerve blocks of the infraorbital, inferior alveolar, and mental nerves for dental extraction and head surgery. This study concluded that by using the anatomical landmarks of the infraorbital and mental foramina it will be easier for the veterinarian surgeons during the application of local anesthetic agent for the infraorbital, inferior alveolar, and mental nerve blocks.
Un affranchi de la colonie à Narbonne : le quotidien municipal et l’accès au monde des affaires
Authors: Christol Michel
Published: March 2018

The second reading of an inscription from Narbonne (CIL, XII, 4983 = HGL,

XV, 668) highlights the existence of a freedman of the colony. His nomen is

Martius. The onomastic investigation is moving towards another inscription that could be attached to the epigraphic corpus of Narbonne (ILGN, 564) and to the personality of L(ucius) Satullus Martius, merchant of " wine from Béziers" known at Rome (CIL, XV, 4542), also a descendant of a freedman of this colony of Narbonne.
Les monnaies de l’oppidum de Montlaurès (Ve s. av. J.-C.-14 ap. J.-C.) : évolution et « romanisation » du faciès monétaire narbonnais
Authors: Paris Élodie
Published: March 2018

Montlaurès est un important oppidum du Languedoc occidental, occupé du VIe s. av. J. C. au milieu du Ier s. av. J.-C. Cet oppidum concentrait les richesses et avait un rôle de distributeur des marchandises venant de la Méditerranée à son territoire proche, le Narbonnais, et plus largement vers l’arrière-pays, par le biais de la vallée de l’Aude. Ce rôle commercial très affirmé a nécessité l’utilisation de monnaies comme moyen d’échanges avec les grands pôles économiques méditerranéens. L’objet de cette étude est de dresser un catalogue clair, le plus exhaustif possible, des monnaies rencontrées sur cet oppidum pendant le Deuxième Âge du fer et le début du haut Empire. Le faciès monétaire de cet habitat de hauteur sera comparé avec celui de Narbonne, agglomération de plaine, future colonie romaine. Par le biais de ces faciès, nous retracerons l’occupation du Narbonnais et les changements éventuels qui sont survenus durant cette période.
Un buste de Mercure sculpté en calcaire de La Couronne découvert à Toulon (Var)
Authors: Lemoine Yvon , Pedini Cecilia
Published: March 2018

Un buste de Mercure, variante provinciale de représentations hermaïques dérivées de modèles de tradition classique du Ve siècle av. J.-C., a été retrouvé anciennement dans la ville de Toulon (Var). Ce buste adossé en haut-relief du héraut des dieux porte les traditionnels attributs (caducée, pétase ailé, chlamyde agrafée) et peut être daté entre la fin des Antonins et l’époque sévérienne (fin IIe siècle ap. J.-C. / premier tiers IIIe siècle ap. J.-C.), période d’expansion de Telo Martius Portus.
La baie de Collioure à la fin de l’âge du Fer (fin IIIe-Ier s. av. n. è.)
Authors: Bénézet Jérôme , Savarese Laurent
Published: March 2018

For a long time, underwater archaeology in the Pyrénées-Orientales has focused on the Port-Vendres anchorage and its immediate surroundings, from the Cape Gros to the Cape Bear, and ignores archaeological finds from the Collioure Bay in the 80s and 90s, close to one of the most important second iron age settlement in Roussillon. A new study of the data from Collioure undewater excavations, unpublished, allows specifying the nature of these finds, their relationship to the terrestrial settlement and the rôle of the Collioure Bay in the regional maritim trade in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.
Un dépotoir des années 70-110 de n. è. au bord de la voie Domitienne et près de la porte d’Auguste (Nîmes, Gard)
Authors: Barberan Sébastien , Convertini Fabien , Delage Richard , Gafa Raffaella , Maufras Odile , Pellé Richard , Raux Stéphanie , Rodet-Belarbi Isabelle
Published: March 2018

L’étude pluridisciplinaire du dépotoir DEP4080 s’appuie sur un inventaire détaillé du matériel archéologique et croise les données obtenues dans chaque spécialité. Elle nous éclaire sur les modalités de constitution de cette décharge localisée au voisinage de la porte d’Auguste et au bord de la voie Domitienne. Son implantation dans un mausolée à l’abandon est relativement originale, sans être inédite à Nîmes. Les détritus accumulés à cet endroit entre 70 et 110 de n. è. sont principalement formés de vaisselle en verre ou en terre cuite, de restes de découpe de quartiers de viande ou de déchets alimentaires, mais également de carcasses de chiens. Ils sont associés à des emballages vidés de leur contenu, telles que des amphores à alun utilisées vraisemblablement dans les établissements artisanaux localisés à proximité du mausolée. La question se pose enfin, au regard du faible nombre de pièces métalliques ou de gravats, d’une gestion même minimaliste de cette décharge au cours de la période flavienne et dans les premières années du règne des Antonins.
L’alimentation carnée dans la cité gallo-romaine de Nemausus (France, Gard et Hérault, IIe s. av.-IIe s. ap. J.-C.) : approche territoriale des données archéozoologiques
Authors: Renaud Audrey
Published: March 2018

This article is a synthesis about zooarchaeological research led on the city of Nîmes. Under the Roman control, eastern Languedoc became an administrative and politic entity during the first century BC. In this transitional context, society was deeply influenced by the Roman socio-economic model. It is through mammals bones that meat diet topic is discussed to understand the new dynamics between the 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD. The results show that the new organisation changed the distribution systems, especially the butchering practices from the augustean period, while bringing to light two supplying dynamics : first within the framework of trade, and second within the framework of domestic activities.
Une inscription inédite de Fos-sur-Mer : la (vraisemblable) dédicace d’un nauclerus à la divinité tutélaire et au Génie de negotiantes subaediani
Authors: Courrier Cyril
Published: March 2018

This article is the publication of an inscribed altar or pedestal coming from the ancient port of Fos-sur-Mer. After its discovery, probably in the late 1970s, in the Saint-Gervais cove (either in the so-called “ necropolis” area, or in the space taken up by the dredging works for the marina), it had been left in the Notre-Dame chapel in Fos. Since then, it has oddly remained unpublished. Despite the considerable degradations of the text due to water and lithophaga, the analysis of the inscription has allowed us to reestablish the dedication of a gift to the tutelary deity and ( ?) to the Genius of the negotiantes subaediani by a person who should have worked as a nauclerus corporatus. In this respect, this inscription can be considered as exceptional : why, in Fos, in the territory of the ancient colony of Arles, has one expressed oneself as nauclerus and not as nauicularius ? Did the naucleri and the nauicularii belong to the same corpus ? Insofar as the trading milieu of ancient Arles is still poorly understood, another equally remarkable characteristic concerns the identity of the dedicatees : this inscription is the first mention of an association of negotiantes subaediani in Arles. This benefaction is interpreted as a gift that emphasized and reinforced business relationships between two complementary professions.
Une triade gallo-romaine figurée inédite à Nîmes : témoignage d’un culte chez des artisans
Authors: Bovagne Marilyne , Breuil Jean-Yves , Houix Bertrand , Pellé Richard , Chardenon Nathalie , Pascal Yoann
Published: March 2018

En 2007, un autel anépigraphe représentant une triade de divinités a été mis au jour à Nîmes lors de la fouille du Parking Jean-Jaurès qui a révélé tout un quartier de la ville du haut Empire. L’autel sculpté aux alentours du changement d’ère figure une triade de divinités d’origine romaine et indigène, dont l’association sur un même relief est inédite en Gaule. L’autel est issu du comblement d’un puits situé dans la cour d’un bâtiment à nymphée, à proximité d’une zone d’artisanat du métal.
À propos de trois ombrelles antiques en contexte funéraire dans la vallée du Rhône
Authors: Béal Jean-Claude , Bel Valérie , Bonnet Christine
Published: March 2018

À Lyon et à Clérieux (Drôme), des fragments d’ombrelle ont été retrouvés dans deux dépôts d’incinération ; la silhouette d’une autre ombrelle est gravée sur une inscription funéraire de Die (Drôme). On connaît également, en Italie, des ombrelles en contexte funéraire étrusque et romain, et leur représentation sculptée apparaît sur des reliefs funéraires depuis l’époque hellénistique.
Diastereoselective auxiliary- and catalyst-controlled intramolecular aza-Michael reaction for the elaboration of enantioenriched 3-substituted isoindolinones. Application to the synthesis of a new pazinaclone analogue
Authors: Sallio Romain , Lebrun Stéphane , Capet Frédéric , Agbossou-Niedercorn Francine , Michon Christophe , Deniau Eric
Published: March 2018

A new asymmetric organocatalyzed intramolecular aza-Michael reaction by means of both a chiral auxiliary and a catalyst for stereocontrol is reported for the synthesis of optically active isoindolinones. A selected cinchoninium salt was used as phase-transfer catalyst in combination with a chiral nucleophile, a Michael acceptor and a base to provide 3-substituted isoindolinones in good yields and diastereomeric excesses. This methodology was applied to the asymmetric synthesis of a new pazinaclone analogue which is of interest in the field of benzodiazepine-receptor agonists.