bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicriteria Correlation Preference Information (MCCPI)-Based Ordinary Capacity Identification Method
Authors: Wu Jian-Zhang , Zhou Yi-Ping , Huang Li , Dong Jun-Jie
Published: March 2019

Multicriteria correlation preference information (MCCPI) refers to a special type of 2-dimensional explicit information: the importance and interaction preferences regarding multiple dependent decision criteria. A few identification models have been established and implemented to transform the MCCPI into the most satisfactory 2-additive capacity. However, as one of the most commonly accepted particular type of capacity, 2-additive capacity only takes into account 2-order interactions and ignores the higher order interactions, which is not always reasonable in a real decision-making environment. In this paper, we generalize those identification models into ordinary capacity cases to freely represent the complicated situations of higher order interactions among multiple decision criteria. Furthermore, a MCCPI-based comprehensive decision aid algorithm is proposed to represent various kinds of dominance relationships of all decision alternatives as well as other useful decision aiding information. An illustrative example is adopted to show the proposed MCCPI-based capacity identification method and decision aid algorithm.
Two-Machine Job-Shop Scheduling with Equal Processing Times on Each Machine
Authors: Gafarov Evgeny , Werner Frank
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we consider a two-machine job-shop scheduling problem of minimizing total completion time subject to n jobs with two operations and equal processing times on each machine. This problem occurs e.g., as a single-track railway scheduling problem with three stations and constant travel times between any two adjacent stations. We present a polynomial dynamic programming algorithm of the complexity O ( n 5 ) and a heuristic procedure of the complexity O ( n 3 ) . This settles the complexity status of the problem under consideration which was open before and extends earlier work for the two-station single-track railway scheduling problem. We also present computational results of the comparison of both algorithms. For the 30,000 instances with up to 30 jobs considered, the average relative error of the heuristic is less than 1 % . In our tests, the practical running time of the dynamic programming algorithm was even bounded by O ( n 4 ) .
Extended Fuzzy Metrics and Fixed Point Theorems
Authors: Gregori Valentín , Miñana Juan-José , Miravet David
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study those fuzzy metrics M on X, in the George and Veeramani’s sense, such that ⋀ t > 0 M ( x , y , t ) > 0 . The continuous extension M 0 of M to X 2 × 0 , + ∞ is called extended fuzzy metric. We prove that M 0 generates a metrizable topology on X, which can be described in a similar way to a classical metric. M 0 can be used for simplifying or improving questions concerning M; in particular, we expose the interest of this kind of fuzzy metrics to obtain generalizations of fixed point theorems given in fuzzy metric spaces.
Role of Media and Effects of Infodemics and Escapes in the Spatial Spread of Epidemics: A Stochastic Multi-Region Model with Optimal Control Approach
Authors: El Kihal Fadwa , Abouelkheir Imane , Rachik Mostafa , Elmouki Ilias
Published: March 2019

Mass vaccination campaigns play major roles in the war against epidemics. Such prevention strategies cannot always reach their goals significantly without the help of media and awareness campaigns used to prevent contacts between susceptible and infected people. Feelings of fear, infodemics, and misconception could lead to some fluctuations of such policies. In addition to the vaccination strategy, the movement restriction approach is essential because of the factor of mobility or travel. However, anti-epidemic border measures may also be disturbed if some infected travelers manage to escape and infiltrate into a safer region. In this paper, we aim to study infection dynamics related to the spatial spread of an epidemic in interconnected regions in the presence of random perturbations caused by the three above-mentioned reasons. Therefore, we devise a stochastic multi-region epidemic model in which contacts between susceptible and infected populations, vaccination-based and movement restriction optimal control approaches are all assumed to be unpredictable, and then, we discuss the effectiveness of such policies. In order to reach our goal, we employ a stochastic maximum principle version for noised systems, state and prove the sufficient and necessary conditions of optimality, and finally provide the numerical results obtained using a stochastic progressive-regressive schemes method.
Estimating the Expected Discounted Penalty Function in a Compound Poisson Insurance Risk Model with Mixed Premium Income
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Yu Wenguang , Huang Yujuan , Yu Xinliang , Fan Hongli
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we consider an insurance risk model with mixed premium income, in which both constant premium income and stochastic premium income are considered. We assume that the stochastic premium income process follows a compound Poisson process and the premium sizes are exponentially distributed. A new method for estimating the expected discounted penalty function by Fourier-cosine series expansion is proposed. We show that the estimation is easily computed, and it has a fast convergence rate. Some numerical examples are also provided to show the good properties of the estimation when the sample size is finite.
Improving the Computational Efficiency of a Variant of Steffensen’s Method for Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Khdhr Fuad W. , Saeed Rostam K. , Soleymani Fazlollah
Published: March 2019

Steffensen-type methods with memory were originally designed to solve nonlinear equations without the use of additional functional evaluations per computing step. In this paper, a variant of Steffensen’s method is proposed which is derivative-free and with memory. In fact, using an acceleration technique via interpolation polynomials of appropriate degrees, the computational efficiency index of this scheme is improved. It is discussed that the new scheme is quite fast and has a high efficiency index. Finally, numerical investigations are brought forward to uphold the theoretical discussions.
In Silico Analysis of Relationship between Proteins from Plastid Genome of Red Alga Palmaria sp. (Japan) and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides
Authors: Kumagai Yuya , Miyabe Yoshikatsu , Takeda Tomoyuki , Adachi Kohsuke , Yasui Hajime , Kishimura Hideki
Published: March 2019

Plastid proteins are one of the main components in red algae. In order to clarify the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from red alga Palmaria sp. (Japan), we determined the plastid genome sequence. The genome possesses 205 protein coding genes, which were classified as genetic systems, ribosomal proteins, photosystems, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, metabolism, transport, or unknown. After comparing ACE inhibitory peptides between protein sequences and a database, photosystems (177 ACE inhibitory peptides) were found to be the major source of ACE inhibitory peptides (total of 751). Photosystems consist of phycobilisomes, photosystem I, photosystem II, cytochrome complex, and a redox system. Among them, photosystem I (53) and II (51) were the major source of ACE inhibitory peptides. We found that the amino acid sequence of apcE (14) in phycobilisomes, psaA (18) and psaB (13) in photosystem I, and psbB (11) and psbC (10) in photosystem II covered a majority of bioactive peptide sequences. These results are useful for evaluating the bioactive peptides from red algae.
Energy Expenditure of a Single Sit-to-Stand Movement with Slow Versus Normal Speed Using the Different Frequency Accumulation Method
Authors: Nakagata Takashi , Yamada Yosuke , Hatamoto Yoichi , Naito Hisashi
Published: March 2019

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the energy expenditures (EE) of a single sit-to-stand (STS) movements with slow and normal speeds using a multi-stage exercise test. Materials and Methods: Twelve young males, aged 21–27 years (age, 23.0 ± 1.7 years; height, 171.2 ± 6.1 cm; weight, 64.3 ± 5.6 kg), performed repeated 3-s stand-up and 3-s sit-down (slow) or 1-s stand-up and 1-s sit-down (normal) movement on two different days with random order. All the participants completed multi-stage tests at different STS frequencies per minute. The slope and intercept of the linear regression relationship between the EE (kcal/min) and the STS frequency were obtained, and the slope of the regression was quantified as the EE of an STS. Results: The metabolic equivalents (METs) of the STS-slow was 4.5 METs for the frequency of 10 times/min (in total 1 min), and the net EE was 5.00 ± 1.2 kcal/min. The net EE of the STS-slow was 0.37 ± 0.12 kcal, which was significantly greater than that during the STS-normal (0.26 ± 0.06 kcal). The difference between the EEs of the STS-slow and STS-normal was significantly greater in taller and heavier subjects. Conclusions: We concluded that the intensity of STS-slow movement is moderate, and the EE during an STS-slow (0.37 ± 0.12 kcal) is higher than that during an STS-normal (0.26 ± 0.06 kcal). Our study results will help exercise and/or health professionals prescribe physical activity programs using STS movement for healthy young population groups.
Congenital Hypopigmentary Disorders with Multiorgan Impairment: A Case Report and an Overview on Gray Hair Syndromes
Authors: Gironi Laura Cristina , Zottarelli Francesca , Savoldi Gianfranco , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Basso Maria Eleonora , Ferrero Ivana , Timeus Fabio , Fagioli Franca , Maiuri Luigi , Colombo Enrico , Savoia Paola
Published: March 2019

The term congenital hypopigmentary disorders refers to a wide group of heterogeneous hereditary diseases, clinically characterized by inborn pigmentary defects of the iris, hair, and/or skin. They include Gray Hair Syndromes (GHSs), a rare group of autosomal recessive genodermatosis hallmarked by inborn silvery gray hair. GHSs encompass Griscelli, Chediak–Higashi, Elejalde, and Cross syndromes, which are all characterized by a broad spectrum of severe multisystem disorders, including neurological, ocular, skeletal, and immune system impairment. In this manuscript, we describe in detail the clinical, trichoscopic, and genetic features of a rare case of Griscelli syndrome; moreover, we provide an overview of all the GHSs known to date. Our report highlights how an accurate clinical examination with noninvasive methods, like trichoscopy, may play a crucial rule in diagnosis of rare and potentially lethal genetic syndromes such as Griscelli syndrome, in which timely diagnosis and therapy may modify the clinical course, quality of life, and likelihood of survival.
Patterns of Glycemic Variability During a Diabetes Self-Management Educational Program
Authors: Joshi Ankur , Mitra Arun , Anjum Nikhat , Shrivastava Neelesh , Khadanga Sagar , Pakhare Abhijit , Joshi Rajnish
Published: March 2019

Background: Variations in blood glucose levels over a given time interval is termed as glycemic variability (GV). Higher GV is associated with higher diabetes-related complications. The current study was done with the aim of detecting the sensitivity of various GV indices among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus of different glycemic control status. Methods: We performed a longitudinal study among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were participating in a two-week diabetes self-management education (DSME) program. Participants were categorized by their HbA1c as poor (≥8%), acceptable (7%–8%), and optimal control (<7%). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors recorded interstitial glucose every 15 min from day 1. The evaluated GV measures include standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), continuous overlapping net glycemic action (CONGA), mean of daily difference for inter-day variation (MODD), high blood glucose index (HBGI), and low blood glucose index (LBGI). Results: A total of 41 study participants with 46347 CGM values were available for analysis. Of 41 participants, 20 (48.7%) were in the poor, 10 (24.3%) in the acceptable, and 11 (26.8%) in the optimal control group. The GV indices (SD; CV; MODD; MAGE; CONGA; HBGI) of poorly controlled (77.43; 38.02; 45.82; 216.63; 14.10; 16.62) were higher than acceptable (50.02; 39.32; 30.79; 138.01; 8.87; 5.56) and optimal (34.15; 29.46; 24.56; 126.15; 8.67; 3.13) control group. Glycemic variability was reduced in the poorly and acceptably controlled groups by the end of the 2-week period. There was a rise in LBGI in the optimally controlled group, indicating pitfalls of tight glycemic control. Conclusion: Indices of glycemic variability are useful complements, and changes in it can be demonstrated within short periods.
Metastable State of Water and Performance of Osmotically Driven Membrane Processes
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Wang Jie , Rainwater Ken , Song Lianfa
Published: March 2019

Semipermeable membranes play critical roles in many natural and engineering systems. The osmotic pressure is found experimentally much less effective than the hydraulic pressure to drive water through the membrane, which is commonly attributed to the internal concentration polarization (ICP) in the porous layer of the membrane. In this study, it has been shown that a necessary condition for the osmotic pressure to be effective is water continuity across the entire membrane thickness under negative pressure, i.e., the water inside the membrane remains in a metastable state. However, the metastable state of water cannot be maintained indefinitely, and cavitation will undoubtedly occur in the osmotically driven processes. Collapse of the water metastable state was suggested for the first time to be a more important and fundamental reason for the low water fluxes in the osmotically driven membrane processes.
Simulation Approach for Cathodic Protection Prediction of Aluminum Fin-Tube Heat Exchanger Using Boundary Element Method
Authors: Kim Yong-Sang , Park In-Jun , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: March 2019

The multi-galvanic effect of an Al fin-tube heat exchanger was evaluated using polarization tests, numerical simulation, and the seawater acetic acid test (SWAAT). Determination of the polarization state using polarization curves was well correlated with numerical simulations using a high-conductivity electrolyte. However, the polarization results did not match those of the low-conductivity electrolyte due to the lower galvanic effect. Although the polarization state is changed by electrolyte conductivity, the total net current of the tube is decreased in the case of the anodic joint. From SWAAT results, the leakage time of Al fin-tube heat exchanger assembled by anodic joint was longer than the case with cathodic joint.
Design and Analysis of a Turning Dynamometer Embedded in Thin-Film Sensor
Authors: Zhang Yuntao , Wu Wenge , Han Yanwen , Wen Haijun , Cheng Yunping , Liu Lijuan
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a high-strain sensitivity turning dynamometer that combines several thin-film resistor grids into three Wheatstone full-bridge circuits that can measure triaxial cutting forces. This dynamometer can replace different cutter heads using flange connections. In order to improve the strain effect of the dynamometer, the strain film sensor is fixed on the regular octagonal connection plates on both ends of the elastomer by vacuum brazing, and the stepped groove structure is also designed inside the elastomer. The dynamometer model is simplified as a four-segment cantilever beam which has different sections. The measurement mechanism model of the dynamometer system is established by the transformation relationship between deflection and strain, under external force. The standard turning tool of 20 mm square is used as a reference. The influence of the structural dimensions of the dynamometer on its strain sensitivity coefficient K is studied. The applicability of the theoretical model of dynamometer strain is verified by finite element analysis. Finally, the dynamometer with the largest K value is subjected to the bending test and compared with a standard turning tool. The experimental results show that the measurement sensitivity of the dynamometer is 2.32 times greater than that of the standard turning tool. The results also show that this dynamometer can effectively avoid the influence of the pasting process on strain transmission, thus indicating its great potential for measuring cutting force in the future.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Based Micro/Nano Devices
Authors: Seo Jung-Hun
Published: March 2019

While conventional group IV or III-V based device technologies have reached their technical limitations (e [...]
Mycobacterium abscessus: Environmental Bacterium Turned Clinical Nightmare
Authors: Lopeman Rose C. , Harrison James , Desai Maya , Cox Jonathan A. G.
Published: March 2019

Mycobacteria are a large family of over 100 species, most of which do not cause diseases in humans. The majority of the mycobacterial species are referred to as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), meaning they are not the causative agent of tuberculous (TB) or leprosy, i.e., Mycobacterium tuberculous complex and Mycobacterium leprae, respectively. The latter group is undoubtedly the most infamous, with TB infecting an estimated 10 million people and causing over 1.2 million deaths in 2017 alone TB and leprosy also differ from NTM in that they are only transmitted from person to person and have no environmental reservoir, whereas NTM infections are commonly acquired from the environment. It took until the 1950′s for NTM to be recognised as a potential lung pathogen in people with underlying pulmonary disease and another three decades for NTM to be widely regarded by the medical community when Mycobacterium avium complex was identified as the most common group of opportunistic pathogens in AIDS patients. This review focuses on an emerging NTM called Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abs). M. abs is a rapidly growing NTM that is responsible for opportunistic pulmonary infections in patients with structural lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, as well as a wide range of skin and soft tissue infections in humans. In this review, we discuss how we came to understand the pathogen, how it is currently treated and examine drug resistance mechanisms and novel treatments currently in development. We highlight the urgent need for new and effective treatments for M. abs infection as well as improved in vivo methods of efficacy testing.
The Chronic Effect of Transgenic Maize Line with mCry1Ac or maroACC Gene on Ileal Microbiota Using a Hen Model
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhong Ruqing , Zhang Lilan , Zhang Hongfu
Published: March 2019

The experiment was to determine the chronic effects of two transgenic maize lines that contained the mCry1Ac gene from the Bacillus thuringiensis strain (BT) and the maroACC gene from Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain (CC), respectively, on ileal microbiota of laying hens. Seventy-two laying hens were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments for 12 weeks, as follows: (1) nontransgenic near-isoline maize-based diet (CT diet), (2) BT maize-based diet (BT diet), and (3) CC maize-based diet (CC diet). Ileum histological examination did not indicate a chronic effect of two transgenic maize diets. Few differences were observed in any bacterial taxa among the treatments that used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The only differences that were observed for bacterial genera were that Bifidobacterium belong within the Bifidobacteriaceae family tended to be greater (p = 0.114) abundant in hens fed the transgenic maize-based diet than in hens fed the CT diet. Birds that consumed the CC maize diet tended to have less abundance (p = 0.135) of Enterobacteriaceae family in the ileum than those that consumed the CT maize diet. These results indicate the lack of adverse effects of the BT maize and the CC maize lines on the ileal microbiota of hens for long term and provide important data regarding biosafety assessment of the transgenic maize lines.
Deep Learning for Validating and Estimating Resolution of Cryo-Electron Microscopy Density Maps †
Authors: Avramov Todor Kirilov , Vyenielo Dan , Gomez-Blanco Josue , Adinarayanan Swathi , Vargas Javier , Si Dong
Published: March 2019

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is becoming the imaging method of choice for determining protein structures. Many atomic structures have been resolved based on an exponentially growing number of published three-dimensional (3D) high resolution cryo-EM density maps. However, the resolution value claimed for the reconstructed 3D density map has been the topic of scientific debate for many years. The Fourier Shell Correlation (FSC) is the currently accepted cryo-EM resolution measure, but it can be subjective, manipulated, and has its own limitations. In this study, we first propose supervised deep learning methods to extract representative 3D features at high, medium and low resolutions from simulated protein density maps and build classification models that objectively validate resolutions of experimental 3D cryo-EM maps. Specifically, we build classification models based on dense artificial neural network (DNN) and 3D convolutional neural network (3D CNN) architectures. The trained models can classify a given 3D cryo-EM density map into one of three resolution levels: high, medium, low. The preliminary DNN and 3D CNN models achieved 92.73% accuracy and 99.75% accuracy on simulated test maps, respectively. Applying the DNN and 3D CNN models to thirty experimental cryo-EM maps achieved an agreement of 60.0% and 56.7%, respectively, with the author published resolution value of the density maps. We further augment these previous techniques and present preliminary results of a 3D U-Net model for local resolution classification. The model was trained to perform voxel-wise classification of 3D cryo-EM density maps into one of ten resolution classes, instead of a single global resolution value. The U-Net model achieved 88.3% and 94.7% accuracy when evaluated on experimental maps with local resolutions determined by MonoRes and ResMap methods, respectively. Our results suggest deep learning can potentially improve the resolution evaluation process of experimental cryo-EM maps.
Improving Driver Emotions with Affective Strategies
Authors: Braun Michael , Schubert Jonas , Pfleging Bastian , Alt Florian
Published: March 2019

Drivers in negative emotional states, such as anger or sadness, are prone to perform bad at driving, decreasing overall road safety for all road users. Recent advances in affective computing, however, allow for the detection of such states and give us tools to tackle the connected problems within automotive user interfaces. We see potential in building a system which reacts upon possibly dangerous driver states and influences the driver in order to drive more safely. We compare different interaction approaches for an affective automotive interface, namely Ambient Light, Visual Notification, a Voice Assistant, and an Empathic Assistant. Results of a simulator study with 60 participants (30 each with induced sadness/anger) indicate that an emotional voice assistant with the ability to empathize with the user is the most promising approach as it improves negative states best and is rated most positively. Qualitative data also shows that users prefer an empathic assistant but also resent potential paternalism. This leads us to suggest that digital assistants are a valuable platform to improve driver emotions in automotive environments and thereby enable safer driving.
Real-Time Monitoring of Biotinylated Molecules Detection Dynamics in Nanoporous Anodic Alumina for Bio-Sensing
Authors: Pol Laura , Eckstein Chris , Acosta Laura K. , Xifré-Pérez Elisabet , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: March 2019

The chemical modification, or functionalization, of the surfaces of nanomaterials is a key step to achieve biosensors with the best sensitivity and selectivity. The surface modification of biosensors usually comprises several modification steps that have to be optimized. Real-time monitoring of all the reactions taking place during such modification steps can be a highly helpful tool for optimization. In this work, we propose nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) functionalized with the streptavidin-biotin complex as a platform towards label-free biosensors. Using reflective interferometric spectroscopy (RIfS), the streptavidin-biotin complex formation, using biotinylated thrombin as a molecule model, was monitored in real-time. The study compared the performance of different NAA pore sizes in order to achieve the highest response. Furthermore, the optimal streptavidin concentration that enabled the efficient detection of the biotinylated thrombin attachment was estimated. Finally, the ability of the NAA-RIfS system to quantify the concentration of biotinylated thrombin was evaluated. This study provides an optimized characterization method to monitor the chemical reactions that take place during the biotinylated molecules attachment within the NAA pores.
Challenges in Determining the Location of Dopants, to Study the Influence of Metal Doping on the Photocatalytic Activities of ZnO Nanopowders
Authors: Tsuzuki Takuya , He Rongliang , Dodd Aaron , Saunders Martin
Published: March 2019

Impurity doping is one of the common approaches to enhance the photoactivity of semiconductor nanomaterials by increasing photon-capture efficiency in the visible light range. However, many studies on the doping effects have produced inconclusive and conflicting results. There are some misleading assumptions and errors that are frequently made in the data interpretation, which can lead to inconsistent results about the doping effects on photocatalysis. One of them is the determination of the location of dopants. Even using advanced analytical techniques, it is still challenging to distinguish between bulk modification and surface modification. The paper provides a case study of transition-metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles, whereby demonstrating common pitfalls in the interpretation of the results of widely-used analytical methods in detail, and discussing the importance of using a combination of many characterization techniques to correctly determine the location of added impurities, for elucidating the influence of metal doping on the photocatalytic activities of semiconductor nanoparticles.
Hybrid Mesoporous Nanoparticles for pH-Actuated Controlled Release
Authors: Gonçalves José L. M. , Crucho Carina I. C. , Alves Sérgio P. C. , Baleizão Carlos , Farinha José Paulo S.
Published: March 2019

Among a variety of inorganic-based nanomaterials, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have several attractive features for application as a delivery system, due to their high surface areas, large pore volumes, uniform and tunable pore sizes, high mechanical stability, and a great diversity of surface functionalization options. We developed novel hybrid MSNs composed of a mesoporous silica nanostructure core and a pH-responsive polymer shell. The polymer shell was prepared by RAFT polymerization of 2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate (pKa ~6.5), using a hybrid grafting approach. The hybrid nanoparticles have diameters of ca. 100 nm at pH < 6.5 and ca. 60 nm at pH > 6.5. An excellent control of cargo release is achieved by the combined effect of electrostatic interaction of the cargo with the charged silica and the extended cationic polymer chains at low pH, and the reduction of electrostatic attraction with a simultaneous collapse of the polymer chains to a globular conformation at higher pH. The system presents a very low (almost null) release rate at acidic pH values and a large release rate at basic pH, resulting from the squeezing-out effect of the coil-to-globule transition in the polymer shell.
Biological Response to Meal Ingestion: Gender Differences
Authors: Monrroy Hugo , Borghi Giulio , Pribic Teodora , Galan Carmen , Nieto Adoracion , Amigo Nuria , Accarino Anna , Correig Xavier , Azpiroz Fernando
Published: March 2019

In a previous study, we demonstrated that women enjoyed and tolerated lower meal loads than men. Hence, we hypothesized that with the same meal load, their postprandial response is more pronounced than in men. We performed a randomized parallel trial in 12 women and 12 men comparing the postprandial responses to a palatable comfort meal. We measured homeostatic sensations (hunger/satiety, fullness) and hedonic sensations (digestive well-being, mood) on 10 cm scales, vagal tone by heart ratio variability and the metabolomic profile before and after meal ingestion. Gender differences were analyzed by repeated measures ANCOVA. Overall (n = 24), ingestion of the probe meal induced satiation, fullness, digestive well-being and improved mood (main time-effect p ≤ 0.005 for all). Women exhibited a more intense sensory experience, specially more postprandial fullness, than men [main gender-effect F (1, 21) = 7.14; p = 0.014]; hedonic responses in women also tended to be stronger than in men. Women exhibited more pronounced effects on vagal tone [main gender-effect F (1, 21) = 5.5; p = 0.029] and a different lipoprotein response than men. In conclusion, our data indicate that gender influences the responses to meal ingestion, and these differences may explain the predisposition and higher incidence in women of meal-related functional disorders.
Pharmacokinetics of a New Pharmaceutical Form of Vitamin D3 100,000 IU in Soft Capsule
Authors: Mentaverri Romuald , Souberbielle Jean-Claude , Brami Gilles , Daniel Christelle , Fardellone Patrice
Published: March 2019

Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in the general population and both subjects and health professionals could benefit from a broader range of vitamin D3 formulations. We conducted a single-dose, open-label, parallel-group, randomized bioequivalence study to compare a single dose of a newly developed vitamin D3 100,000 IU in a soft capsule (Group 1) with the reference drug vitamin D3 100,000 IU oral solution in ampoule (Group 2) in healthy volunteers over a four-month period. The primary endpoint was the area under the curve (AUC) of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) concentrations on Day 112. This study was conducted in France from February to June 2014 in 53 young adults with a mean age of 26.9 years. At baseline, low mean serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in both groups (10.6 ng/mL in Group 1 and 9.0 ng/mL in Group 2). On Day 112, the AUC of serum 25(OH)D concentration was 2499.4 ± 463.8 nmol/mL (7.8 ± 0.2 for LogAUC) for Group 1 and 2152.3 ± 479.8 nmol/mL (7.6 ± 0.2 for LogAUC) for Group 2. Bioequivalence of the two treatments was not demonstrated. Superiority of vitamin D3 100,000 IU soft capsule was observed with p = 0.029 for AUC and p = 0.03 for LogAUC using a non-parametric Wilcoxon test. The profile of the serum 25(OH)D concentration showed a significant difference in favor of Group 1 on Days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 90. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Group 1 were between 20 and 30 ng/mL during the four-month period and under 20 ng/mL throughout the study in Group 2, except on Day 112. Mean Cmax for Group 1 was significantly higher (p = 0.002). Fourteen days were needed to reach Tmax by more than half the subjects in Group 1 compared to 45 days in Group 2. Both treatments were well tolerated, with no severe or related adverse events reported. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic profile of the new formulation of vitamin D3 100,000 IU soft capsule is superior to that of the oral solution in ampoule. The new formulation increased serum 25(OH)D levels to above 20 ng/mL and maintained levels from 20 ng/mL to 30 ng/mL for four months in late winter and spring.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Computerised Decision-Support Tool for Health Professionals for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity. Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Moschonis George , Michalopoulou Maria , Tsoutsoulopoulou Konstantina , Vlachopapadopoulou Elpis , Michalacos Stefanos , Charmandari Evangelia , Chrousos George P. , Manios Yannis
Published: March 2019

We examined the effectiveness of a computerised decision-support tool (DST), designed for paediatric healthcare professionals, as a means to tackle childhood obesity. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 65 families of 6–12-year old overweight or obese children. Paediatricians, paediatric endocrinologists and a dietitian in two children’s hospitals implemented the intervention. The intervention group (IG) received personalised meal plans and lifestyle optimisation recommendations via the DST, while families in the control group (CG) received general recommendations. After three months of intervention, the IG had a significant change in dietary fibre and sucrose intake by 4.1 and −4.6 g/day, respectively. In addition, the IG significantly reduced consumption of sweets (i.e., chocolates and cakes) and salty snacks (i.e., potato chips) by −0.1 and −0.3 portions/day, respectively. Furthermore, the CG had a significant increase of body weight and waist circumference by 1.4 kg and 2.1 cm, respectively, while Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased only in the IG by −0.4 kg/m2. However, the aforementioned findings did not differ significantly between study groups. In conclusion, these findings indicate the dynamics of the DST in supporting paediatric healthcare professionals to improve the effectiveness of care in modifying obesity-related behaviours. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
The Genetic Polymorphisms of 24 Base Pair Duplication and Point G102S of Human Chitotriosidase to Bancroftian Filariasis at the Thai–Myanmar Border
Authors: Sanprasert Vivornpun , Charuchaibovorn Sarit , Nuchprayoon Surang
Published: March 2019

Lymphatic filariasis, caused by lymphatic filarial parasites, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Brugia malayi, causes significant morbidity and disability to 120 million people in the tropics and subtropics. Chitin has an important role for embryogenesis in adult worms and is a component of microfilaria sheath. Human chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is a chitin-degrading enzyme which provides a protective role against chitin-containing pathogens. Here, we determined the association of CHIT1 polymorphisms with susceptibility to bancroftian filariasis (BF) in 88 individuals at the Thai–Myanmar border. Two common polymorphisms of CHIT1, contributing inactive CHIT protein, including 24 base pair (24 bp) duplication in exon 10, and p. G102S in exon 4 were genotyped by allele-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and PCR sequencing, respectively. Unexpectedly, genotype frequencies of 24 bp duplication insertion homozygous (INS/INS) were significantly higher in endemic normal (EN) (40.0%) than BF patients (31.4%). In contrast, genotype frequencies of p. G102S homozygous (A/A) in BF patients (21.6%) was higher than in EN (19.0%) without statistical difference. Mutant allele frequencies of 24 bp duplication were 0.6125 (98/160) and p. G102S were 0.392 (69/176). Genotype and allele frequencies of CHIT1, 24 bp duplication, and p. G102S, showed no association with BF patients.
Verification of Non-thermal Effects of 0.3–0.6 THz-Waves on Human Cultured Cells
Authors: Yaekashiwa Noriko , Yoshida Hisa , Otsuki Sato , Hayashi Shin’ichiro , Kawase Kodo
Published: March 2019

Recent progress has been made in the development of terahertz (THz) waves for practical applications. Few studies that have assessed the biological effects of THz waves have been reported, and the data currently available regarding the safety of THz waves is inadequate. In this study, the effect of THz wave exposure on two cultured cells was assessed using a widely tunable THz source with a 0.3–0.6 THz frequency range, which can be used and increased in one GHz increments. The THz waves applied to the cultured cells were weak enough such that any thermal effects could be disregarded. The influence of THz wave exposure on both the proliferative and metabolic activities of these cells was investigated, as well as the extent of the thermal stress placed on the cells. In this work, no measurable effect on the proliferative or metabolic activities of either cell type was observed following the exposure to THz waves. No differences in the quantity of cDNA related to heat shock protein 70 was detected in either the sham or exposure group. As such, no differences in cellular activity between cells exposed to THz waves and those not exposed were observed.
Enhancement Effect of Ordered Hierarchical Pore Configuration on SO2 Adsorption and Desorption Process
Authors: Zhu Yuwen , Miao Yanfang , Li Haoyu
Published: March 2019

Carbonaceous adsorbents with both high sulfur capacity and easy regeneration are required for flue gas desulfurization. A hierarchical structure is desirable for SO2 removal, since the micropores are beneficial for SO2 adsorption, while the mesopore networks facilitate gas diffusion and end-product H2SO4 storage. Herein, an ordered hierarchical porous carbon was synthesized via a soft-template method and subsequent activation, used in SO2 removal, and compared with coal-based activated carbon, which also had a hierarchical pore configuration. The more detailed, abundant micropores created in CO2 activation, especially the ultramicropores (d < 0.7 nm), are essential in enhancing the SO2 adsorption and the reserves rather than the pore patterns. While O2 and H2O participate in the reaction, the hierarchical porous carbon with ordered mesopores greatly improves SO2 removal dynamics and sulfur capacity, as this interconnecting pore pattern facilitates H2SO4 transport from micropores to mesopores, releasing the SO2 adsorption space. Additionally, the water-washing regeneration performances of the two types of adsorbents were comparatively determined and provide a new insight into the mass-transfer resistance in the pore structure. The ordered hierarchical carbon promoted H2SO4 desorption efficiency and cycled SO2 adsorption–desorption performance, further indicating that interconnecting micro- and mesopores facilitated the diffusion of adsorbates.
Then Solomon Took a Census of All the Aliens
Authors: Villegas Isaac Samuel
Published: March 2019

The citizen creates the alien. The apparatus of citizenship establishes the criteria to determine who should be counted as undocumentable and therefore alien to lawful existence in this geographical territory. Detention centers extend the carceral imagination that subtends the modern state, which has claimed ownership of a particular land and has established a legal framework to criminalize and punish peoples who are categorized as threats to its vision for society. This paper tracks with Scriptural theologies that inform mechanisms of enslavement, the shadow side of citizenship. The United States is a project in social engineering, in population control, invested in registering and monitoring and relocating human life—all of which resonate with political trajectories outlined in biblical texts. The Scriptures are not salvific on their own terms. A liberative theology begins with a political commitment of solidarity. In this paper the detention center becomes a site from which to understand the carceral power that creates the world—a political landscape echoing with biblical theologies.
Mathematics, Mystery, and Memento Mori: Teaching Humanist Theology in Dante’s Commedia
Authors: Lewis Sean Gordon
Published: March 2019

Undergraduate students in the United States of America are increasingly less religious, and this decline in religiosity is felt not only at secular colleges and universities, but also at those with a religious affiliation. This article seeks to answer the question of how one can effectively teach the Christian vision in Dante’s Commedia to undergraduates who have little or no religious formation. The methods I have used to teach freshmen in core Humanities courses have differed somewhat from the methods I have used to teach upperclassmen in Literature electives. For the freshmen, focusing on what I call “humanist theology” has been successful, allowing them to see that the Christianity found in Dante’s epic is not merely a list of rules, but a way of viewing human life that is consonant with their own experiences. Purgatorio is the most important canticle for this method, and the case of Virgil’s damnation is a vital topic. For upperclassmen, finding analogies to Christian Mystery in the fields of mathematics, the sciences, and creative writing has proven fruitful. The main conclusion of this study is that these techniques are useful in presenting Dante’s work to non-religious students without sacrificing the epic’s specifically Christian content.
Interfaith Chaplaincy as Interpretive Hospitality
Authors: Youngblood Peter Ward
Published: March 2019

Hospital chaplaincy must reconcile competing epistemologies of health and salvation (Christian, clinical, holistic, etc.), but when done in interfaith situations this task becomes more difficult. As current models of spiritual care are insufficient, this paper proposes a paradigm based on Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutics of translation, as adapted for comparative theology by Marianne Moyaert. In particular, it looks at his idea of linguistic hospitality as a way to structure relations, spiritual assessments, and pastoral interventions in interfaith chaplaincy without reducing the unique strangeness of “the Other”. Furthermore, a practical, performative (ritual) hospitality can overcome the epistemological and soteriological obstacles that have frustrated systematic theologies of religion.
Effective Band Ratio of Landsat 8 Images Based on VNIR-SWIR Reflectance Spectra of Topsoils for Soil Moisture Mapping in a Tropical Region
Authors: Ngo Thi Dinh , Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Tran Dang Quy , Koike Katsuaki , Mai Trong Nhuan
Published: March 2019

Effective mapping and monitoring of soil moisture content (SMC) in space and time is an expected application of remote sensing for agricultural development and drought mitigation, particularly in the context of global climate change impact, given that agricultural drought is occurring more frequently and severely worldwide. This study aims to develop a regional algorithm for estimating SMC by using Landsat 8 (L8) imagery, based on analyses of the response of soil reflectance, by corresponding L8 bands with the change of SMC from dry to saturated states, in all 103 soil samples taken in the central region of Vietnam. The L8 spectral band ratio of the near-infrared band (NIR: 850–880 nm, band 5) versus the short-wave infrared 2 band (SWIR2: 2110 to 2290 nm, band 7) shows the strongest correlation to SMC by a logarithm function (R2 = 0.73 and the root mean square error, RMSE ~ 12%) demonstrating the high applicability of this band ratio for estimating SMC. The resultant maps of SMC estimated from the L8 images were acquired over the northern part of the Central Highlands of Vietnam in March 2015 and March 2016 showed an agreement with the pattern of severe droughts that occurred in the region. Further discussions on the relationship between the estimated SMC and the satellite-based retrieved drought index, the Normal Different Drought Index, from the L8 image acquired in March 2016, showed a strong correlation between these two variables within an area with less than 20% dense vegetation (R2 = 0.78 to 0.95), and co-confirms the bad effect of drought on almost all areas of the northern part of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Directly estimating SMC from L8 imagery provides more information for irrigation management and better drought mitigation than by using the remotely sensed drought index. Further investigations on various soil types and optical sensors (i.e., Sentinel 2A, 2B) need to be carried out, to extend and promote the applicability of the prosed algorithm, towards better serving agricultural management and drought mitigation.
Analysis of Retrackers’ Performances and Water Level Retrieval over the Ebro River Basin Using Sentinel-3
Authors: Gao Qi , Makhoul Eduard , Escorihuela Maria Jose , Zribi Mehrez , Quintana Seguí Pere , García Pablo , Roca Mònica
Published: March 2019

Satellite altimeters have been used to monitor river and reservoir water levels, from which water storage estimates can be derived. Inland water altimetry can, therefore, play an important role in continental water resource management. Traditionally, satellite altimeters were designed to monitor homogeneous surfaces such as oceans or ice sheets, resulting in poor performance over small inland water bodies due to the contribution from land contamination in the returned waveforms. The advent of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) altimetry (with its improved along-track spatial resolution) has enabled the measurement of inland water levels with a better accuracy and an increased spatial resolution. This study aimed to retrieve water levels from Level-1B Sentinel-3 data with focus on the minimization of the land contamination over small- to middle-sized water bodies (130 m to 4.5 km), where continuous clean waveforms rarely exist. Three specialized algorithms or retrackers, together with a new waveform portion selection method, were evaluated to minimize land contamination in the waveforms and to select the nadir return associated with the water body being overflown. The waveform portion selection method, with consideration of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), was used to fit the multipeak waveforms that arise when overflying the continental water bodies, exploiting a subwaveform-based approach to pick up the one corresponding to the nadir. The performances of the proposed waveform portion selection method with three retrackers, namely, the threshold retracker, Offset Center of Gravity (OCOG) retracker and two-step SAR physical-based retracker, were compared. No significant difference was found in the results of the three retrackers. However, waveform portion selection using DEM information great improved the results. Time series of water levels were retrieved for water bodies in the Ebro River basin (Spain). The results show good agreement with in situ measurements from the Ebro Reservoir (approximately 1.8 km wide) and Ribarroja Reservoir (approximately 400 m wide), with unbiased root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) down to 0.28 m and 0.16 m, respectively, depending on the retracker.
Application of UAV-Based Methodology for Census of an Endangered Plant Species in a Fragile Habitat
Authors: Rominger Kody , Meyer Susan E.
Published: March 2019

Accurate census is essential for endangered plant management, yet lack of resources may make complete on-the-ground census difficult to achieve. Accessibility, especially for species in fragile habitats, is an added constraint. We examined the feasibility of using UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle, drone)-based imagery for census of an endangered plant species, Arctomecon humilis (dwarf bear-poppy), an herbaceous perennial gypsophile endemic of the Mojave Desert, USA. Using UAV technology, we captured imagery at both 50-m altitude (census) and 15-m altitude (validation) at two populations, White Dome (325 ha) and Red Bluffs (166 ha). The imagery was processed into orthomosaics that averaged 2.32 cm ground sampling distance (GSD) for 50-m imagery and 0.73 cm GSD for 15-m imagery. Putative poppy plants were marked in the 50-m imagery according to predefined criteria. We then used the 15-m imagery from each area to verify the identification accuracy of marked plants. Visual evaluation of the 50-m imagery resulted in errors of both commission and omission, mainly caused by failure to accurately identify or detect small poppies (<10 cm diameter). Higher-resolution 30-m altitude imagery (1.19 cm GSD) greatly reduced errors of commission. Habitat classification demonstrated that poppy density variation was closely tied to soil surface color. This study showed that drone imagery can potentially be used to census rare plant species with distinctive morphology in open habitats and understand their spatial distribution.