bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High-Speed Division Algorithm for Modular Numbers Based on the Chinese Remainder Theorem with Fractions and Its Hardware Implementation
Authors: Chervyakov Nikolai , Lyakhov Pavel , Babenko Mikhail , Nazarov Anton , Deryabin Maxim , Lavrinenko Irina , Lavrinenko Anton
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a new simplified iterative division algorithm for modular numbers that is optimized on the basis of the Chinese remainder theorem (CRT) with fractions is developed. It requires less computational resources than the CRT with integers and mixed radix number systems (MRNS). The main idea of the algorithm is (a) to transform the residual representation of the dividend and divisor into a weighted fixed-point code and (b) to find the higher power of 2 in the divisor written in a residue number system (RNS). This information is acquired using the CRT with fractions: higher power is defined by the number of zeros standing before the first significant digit. All intermediate calculations of the algorithm involve the operations of right shift and subtraction, which explains its good performance. Due to the abovementioned techniques, the algorithm has higher speed and consumes less computational resources, thereby being more appropriate for the multidigit division of modular numbers than the algorithms described earlier. The new algorithm suggested in this paper has O (log2 Q) iterations, where Q is the quotient. For multidigit numbers, its modular division complexity is Q(N), where N denotes the number of bits in a certain fraction required to restore the number by remainders. Since the number N is written in a weighed system, the subtraction-based comparison runs very fast. Hence, this algorithm might be the best currently available.
A Novel Breaking Strategy for Reduced Response Time of Electromagnetic Contactor by Reverse Voltage Application
Authors: Fang Shuhua , Chen Yong , Ni Haimiao , Lin Heyun , Wang Xingang , Zhu Binruo , Zhang Yin
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a novel breaking strategy for dramatically shortening the response time of a single, stable electromagnetic contactor. A reverse voltage was applied across the excitation coil to increase the decay velocity of the magnetic field in the iron core, leading to a dramatic reduction of the electromagnetic force when the contactor initiated the breaking process. The applied time of the reverse voltage was determined by numerical computation of circuit, magnetic field, and forces. The polarity of source voltage was overturned by controlling switching devices in the bridge drive circuit. A co-simulation coupling magnetic field, machinery, and circuit was carried out using Maxwell and Circuit Editor software. Experimental results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed breaking strategy for shortening the response time of an electromagnetic contactor.
Water Yield Responses to Gradual Changes in Forest Structure and Species Composition in a Subboreal Watershed in Northeastern China
Authors: Yu Zhengxiang , Sun Ge , Cai Tijiu , Hallema Dennis , Duan Liangliang
Published: February 2019

Relationships between forest cover and streamflow have been studied worldwide, but only a few studies have examined how gradual changes in forest structure and species composition due to logging and climate change affect watershed water yield (Q) and flow regimes. In this study, we analyzed long-term (45 years) hydrologic, climate and forest dynamics data from the subboreal Tahe watershed in northeastern China. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of forest logging and regeneration on changes in forest biomass and species and to quantify the subsequent impact on mean annual streamflow and flow regime under a changing climate. The study watershed was dominated by old-growth larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) during the 1970s, but gradually transformed into young deciduous larch mixed with deciduous broad-leaved birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev) during the 2010s. During the same period, the watershed experienced climate change with a significant increase in air temperature of 0.028 ℃/year. We applied eight sensitivity-based techniques to separate the effects of climate change on water yield from those due to forest changes. We used flow duration curves (FDCs) to characterize flow regimes by dividing the study into four key periods based on the proportional change of larch and birch trees. We found that the mean annual streamflow decreased by 10 mm (−16 mm attributed to forest change and +6 mm to climate change) between the 1984–1994 period and the 2006–2016 period when the proportion of birch increased by 20% with a similar total forest volume in the later period. The mean annual streamflow increased from 216 mm to 270 mm (+35.5 mm due to forest change vs +17.7 mm due to climate change) when forest volume decreased by 18.7% (17 m3/ha) between the 1970s and 1984–1994. Water yield changed only slightly (3.5 mm) when forest volume increased by 8.7% (6 m3/ha) from 2000 to 2011. In addition, the magnitude of high flow and low flow increased following deforestation and a shift in species composition from a period (1984–1994) with 70% larch with 30% birch to a later period (2006–2016) with 50% larch with 50% birch. Both high flow and low flow decreased coinciding with a reforestation period (2006–2016). Our results highlight complex interactions among climate, forest structure, total biomass, and plant diversity (trees species composition) in influencing watershed hydrology. Further study is needed to examine the effects of ecohydrological processes such as evapotranspiration in larch and birch forests on hydrologic changes across multiple scales.
Using a Dynamic and Constant Mesh in Numerical Simulation of the Free-Rising Bubble
Authors: Rek Zlatko
Published: February 2019

A two-phase bubbly flow is often found in the process industry. For the efficient operation of such devices, it is important to know the details of the flow. The paper presents a numerical simulation of the rising bubble in a stagnant liquid column. The interFOAM solver from the open source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) toolbox OpenFOAM was used to obtain the necessary data. The constant and dynamic computational grids were used in the numerical simulation. The results of the calculation were compared with the measured values. As expected, by using the dynamic mesh, the bubble trajectory was closer to the experimental results due to the more detailed description of the gas–liquid interface.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in MIR143 Contribute to Protection against Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in Caucasian Populations
Authors: Bradshaw Gabrielle , Haupt Larisa M. , Aquino Eunise M. , Lea Rodney A. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: February 2019

Recent studies show an association of microRNA (miRNA) polymorphisms (miRSNPs) in different cancer types, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The identification of miRSNPs that are associated with NHL susceptibility may provide biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis for patients who may not respond well to current treatment options, including the immunochemotherapy drug combination that includes rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisome (R-CHOP). We developed a panel of miRSNPs for genotyping while using multiplex PCR and chip-based mass spectrometry analysis in an Australian NHL case-control population (300 cases, 140 controls). Statistical association with NHL susceptibility was performed while using Chi-square (χ2) and logistic regression analysis. We identified three SNPs in MIR143 that are to be significantly associated with reduced risk of NHL: rs3733846 (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 0.54 [0.33–0.86], p = 0.010), rs41291957 (OR [95% CI] = 0.61 [0.39–0.94], p = 0.024), and rs17723799 (OR [95% CI] = 0.43 [0.26–0.71], p = 0.0009). One SNP, rs17723799, remained significant after correction for multiple testing (p = 0.015). Subsequently, we investigated an association between the rs17723799 genotype and phenotype by measuring target gene Hexokinase 2 (HKII) expression in cancer cell lines and controls. Our study is the first to report a correlation between miRSNPs in MIR143 and a reduced risk of NHL in Caucasians, and it is supported by significant SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) in a large European NHL genome wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis.
The Optimal Location of Ground-Based GNSS Augmentation Transceivers
Authors: Rapinski Jacek , Janowski Artur
Published: February 2019

Modern Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) allow for positioning with accuracies ranging from tens of meters to single millimeters depending on user requirements and available equipment. A major disadvantage of these systems is their unavailability or limited availability when the sky is obstructed. One solution is to use additional range measurements from ground-based nodes located in the vicinity of the receiver. The highest accuracy of distance measurement can be achieved using ultra wide band (UWB) or ZigBee phase shift measurement. The position of the additional transmitter must be carefully selected in order to obtain the optimal improvement in the dilution of precision (DOP), which reflects the improvement in the geometry of solution. The presented case study depicts a method for selecting the optimal location of a ground-based ranging source. It is based on a search of a minimum DOP value as a transmitter location function. The parameters of objective function are the elevation and azimuth of the transceiver. The solution was based on a limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno with Box constraints (L-BFGS-B) method and a numerical optimization algorithm for parameter value estimation. The presented approach allows for the selection of the optimal location of a ground-based source of ranging signals in GNSS processing from a geometry of solution point of view. This can be useful at the design stage of an augmentation network of ground-based transceivers. This article presents a theoretical basis and a case study presenting the selection of the optimal location of a ground-based ranging source.
Determinants of Overall Satisfaction with Public Clinics in Rural China: Interpersonal Care Quality and Treatment Outcome
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Maitland Elizabeth , Nicholas Stephen , Haggerty Jeannie
Published: February 2019

The primary health care quality factors determining patient satisfaction will shape patient-centered health reform in China. While rural public clinics performed better than hospitals and private clinics in terms of patient perceived quality of primary care in China, there is little information about which quality care aspects drove patients’ satisfaction. Using a World Health Organization database on 1014 rural public clinic users from eight provinces in China, our multiple linear regression model estimated the association between patient perceived quality aspects, one treatment outcome, and overall primary health care satisfaction. Our results show that treatment outcome was the strongest predictor of overall satisfaction (β = 0.338 (95% CI: 0.284 to 0.392); p < 0.001), followed by two interpersonal care quality aspects, Dignity (being treated respectfully) (β = 0.219 (95% CI: 0.117 to 0.320); p < 0.001) and Communication (clear explanation by the physician) (β = 0.103 (95% CI: 0.003 to 0.203); p = 0.043). Prompt attention (waiting time before seeing the doctor) and Confidentiality (talking privately to the provider) were not correlated with overall satisfaction. The treatment outcome focus, and weak interpersonal primary care aspects, in overall patient satisfaction, pose barriers towards a patient-centered transformation of China’s primary care rural clinics, but support the focus of improving the clinical competency of rural primary care workers.
Traditional Diet and Environmental Contaminants in Coastal Chukotka III: Metals
Authors: Dudarev Alexey A. , Chupakhin Valery S. , Vlasov Sergey V. , Yamin-Pasternak Sveta
Published: February 2019

The article is the third in the series of four that present the results of a study on environmental contaminants in coastal Chukotka, which was conducted in the context of a multi-disciplinary investigation of indigenous foodways in the region. The article presents the results of the analysis of metals found in the samples of locally harvested terrestrial, freshwater, and marine biota collected in 2016 in coastal Chukotka. For some species of local fauna and flora, the metals content was demonstrated for the first time. Lead and Hg were low in all foods, while As concentrations were up to four mg/kg ww in fish and marine mammals blubber. Wild plants showed accumulations of Mn (up to 190 mg/kg ww), Al (up to 75 mg/kg ww), Ni, Ba, and Sr. Seaweed contained high levels of As (14 mg/kg) and Sr (310 mg/kg); ascidians (sea squirts) contained Al (up to 560 mg/kg), Cr, and Sr; and blue mussels contained Cd (2.9 mg/kg) and Al (140 mg/kg). Exceedances over the Russian allowable levels were revealed for As, Cd, and Al in different food items. Absence of the established limits for Al and Sr in seafood, and Mn in wild plants and berries, impedes the determination of excess levels. Temporal trends and geographic comparisons of metals in foods have been carried out. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of metals by local food consumption were calculated based on the food intake frequencies. Follow-up (15 years after the first study) analyses of Hg, Pb, and Cd concentrations in local foods has not revealed any increase, while a slight decrease tendency was noted for some of the metals in several foods.
Differences in Distribution of Potassium-Solubilizing Bacteria in Forest and Plantation Soils in Myanmar
Authors: Dong Xin , Lv Le , Wang Weijun , Liu Yongzhi , Yin Chunhua , Xu Qianqian , Yan Hai , Fu Jinxia , Liu Xiaolu
Published: February 2019

Potassium (K) has been recognized as an essential element in intensive agricultural production systems, and deficiency of K usually results in a decrease in crop yields. The utilization of potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) to increase the soluble K content in soil has been regarded as a desirable pathway to increase plant yields. Following the inoculation of KSB in the soil, potassium can be released (in the form of K+) and consumed by plants. This study aims to investigate and compare the distribution characteristics of potassium-solubilizing bacteria between forest and plantation soils in Myanmar. In this study, 14 KSB strains were isolated from rhizosphere samples collected from forest soil, as well as fertilized rubber tree rhizosphere soil and fertilized bare soil from a plantation. Broadleaf forests with high levels of canopy cover mainly comprised the forest environment, and rubber trees were planted in the plantation environment. The Chao and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) indices showed that the microbial abundance of the plantation soil was higher than that of the forest soil. According to the Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis results, the Shannon index of the forest soil was lower while the Simpson index was higher, which demonstrated that the microbial diversity of the forest soil was higher than that of the plantation soil. Potassium-solubilizing test results showed that the strains E, I, M, and N were the most effective KSB under liquid cultivation conditions. Additionally, KSB only accounted for less than 5.47% of the total bacteria detected in either of the sample types, and the distribution of dominant KSB varied with the soil samples. As another result, the abundance of Pseudomonas spp. in S1 was higher than in S2 and S3, indicating a negative impact on the growth of Pseudomonas in the fertilized rubber tree rhizosphere soil. The significance of our research is that it proves that the increasing use of KSB for restoring soil is a good way to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, which could further provide a relatively stable environment for plant growth.
Assessing Heavy Episodic Drinking: A Random Survey of 18 to 34-Year-Olds in Four Cities in Four Different Continents
Authors: Taylor Anne W. , Bewick Bridgette M. , Ling Qian , Kirzhanova Valentina , Alterwain Paulo , Dal Grande Eleonora , Tucker Graeme , Makanjuola Alfred B.
Published: February 2019

Background: Heavy episodic drinking (HED) can have health and social consequences. This study assesses the associations between HED and demographic, socioeconomic, motivation and effects indicators for people aged 18–34 years old living in four cities in different regions of the world. Method: Multistage random sampling was consistent across the four cities (Ilorin (Nigeria), Wuhan (China), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Moscow (Russia)). The questionnaire was forward/back translated and face-to-face interviewing was undertaken. A total of 6235 interviews were undertaken in 2014. Separate univariable and multivariable modelling was undertaken to determine the best predictors of HED. Results: HED prevalence was 9.0%. The best predictors differed for each city. The higher probability of HED in the final models included beliefs that they have reached adulthood, feeling relaxed as an effect of drinking alcohol, and forgetting problems as an effect of drinking alcohol. Lower probability of HED was associated with not being interested in alcohol as a reason for limiting alcohol, and the belief that drinking alcohol is too expensive or a waste of money. Conclusion: Although some indicators were common across the four cities, the variables included in the final models predominantly differed from city to city. The need for country-specific prevention and early intervention programs are warranted.
A Risk Profile of Sociodemographic Factors in the Onset of Academic Burnout Syndrome in a Sample of University Students
Authors: Aguayo Raimundo , Cañadas Gustavo R. , Assbaa-Kaddouri Latifa , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo A. , Ramírez-Baena Lucía , Ortega-Campos Elena
Published: February 2019

Studying for a university degree can be very demanding, as students must cope with a variety of academic, social and personal challenges. If these demands persist, and if there are insufficient resources with which to address them, they will eventually provoke stress. When stress is present for long periods of time, it can lead to academic burnout syndrome, the signs of which are emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and inadequate personal accomplishment. This paper considers certain sociodemographic factors (age, sex, children, marital status, employment status, degree subject, faculty, academic year) in the identification of a risk profile of developing burnout syndrome. This study is cross-sectional, associative and ex post facto. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey was administered to 445 students in the University of Granada. According to the risk profile obtained, first-year male students in Primary Education and Social Education courses are at risk of developing burnout syndrome.
The Persistence of Oral Health Disparities for African American Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Como Dominique H. , Stein Duker Leah I. , Polido José C. , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: February 2019

Oral health is an important yet often neglected component of overall health, linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetic complications. Disparities exist for many groups, including racial and ethnic minorities such as African Americans. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential factors that perpetuate oral health care disparities in African American children in the United States. A systematic search of three literature databases produced 795 articles; 23 articles were included in the final review. Articles were analyzed using a template coding approach based on the social ecological model. The review identified structural, sociocultural, and familial factors that impact the ability of African Americans to utilize oral care services, highlighting the importance of the parent/caregiver role and the patient–provider relationship; policy-level processes that impact access to quality care; the value of autonomy in treatment and prevention options; and the impact of sociocultural factors on food choices (e.g., food deserts, gestures of affection). In conclusion, oral health care remains an underutilized service by African American children, despite increasing access to oral care secondary to improvements in insurance coverage and community-based programs.
The Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Quality of Life Among Spanish Female University Students
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Elia , Onieva-Zafra María Dolores , Parra-Fernández María Laura
Published: February 2019

(1) Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by menstrual pain in the absence of a pelvic pathology, is one of the main reasons for gynecological consultation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in a sample of university students, as well as their quality of life, and to examine the most common methods used for alleviating symptoms. (2) Methods: The participants comprised 305 female university students with a mean age of 20.32 ± 3.19 years who completed a self-report survey comprising sociodemographic, gynecological and lifestyle questions. EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) was used to measure quality of life. (3) Results: In total, 76% of the sample suffered from dysmenorrhea. Among the students who did not suffer from dysmenorrhea, a significantly greater proportion participated in activities such as jogging or Pilates on a regular basis (several times per week). Concerning quality of life, patients with dysmenorrhea showed significant differences on the pain/discomfort scale and on the total score for perceived quality of life. However, this perception showed no correlation with the VAS (visual analogue scale) pain scale. Additionally, 90.5% of students with dysmenorrhea used pharmacological treatment, and 80% self-medicated. (4) Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea represents a major problem among youth today and the impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients is evident. Physical activity may alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea and this and other complementary treatments should be promoted within health services.
Response of Freshwater Biofilms to Antibiotic Florfenicol and Ofloxacin Stress: Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances
Authors: Wang Chaoqian , Dong Deming , Zhang Liwen , Song Ziwei , Hua Xiuyi , Guo Zhiyong
Published: February 2019

Antibiotic residues have been detected in aquatic environments worldwide. Biofilms are one of the most successful life forms, and as a result are ubiquitous in natural waters. However, the response mechanism of freshwater biofilms to the stress of various antibiotic residues is still unclear. Here, the stress of veterinary antibiotic florfenicol (FF) and fluoroquinolone antibiotic ofloxacin (OFL) on freshwater biofilms were investigated by determining the changes in the key physicochemical and biological properties of the biofilms. The results showed that the chlorophyll a content in biofilms firstly decreased to 46–71% and then recovered to original content under the stress of FF and OFL with high, mid, and low concentrations. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, increased between 1.3–6.7 times their initial values. FF was more toxic to the biofilms than OFL. The distribution coefficients of FF and OFL binding in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-free biofilms were 3.2 and 6.5 times higher than those in intact biofilms, respectively. It indicated that EPS could inhibit the FF and OFL accumulation in biofilm cells. The present study shows that the EPS matrix, as the house of freshwater biofilms, is the primary barrier that resists the stress from antibiotic residues.
Abstract Topological Data Structure for 3D Spatial Objects
Authors: Ujang Uznir , Anton Castro Francesc , Azri Suhaibah
Published: February 2019

In spatial science, the relationship between spatial objects is considered to be a vital element. Currently, 3D objects are often used for visual aids, improving human insight, spatial observations, and spatial planning. This scenario involves 3D geometrical data handling without the need for topological information. Nevertheless, in the near future, users will shift to more complex queries corresponding to the existing 2D spatial approaches. Therefore, having 3D spatial objects without having these relationships or topology is impractical for 3D spatial analysis queries. In this paper, we present a new method for creating topological information that we call the Compact Abstract Cell Complexes (CACC) data structure for 3D spatial objects. The idea is to express in the most compact way the topology of a model in 3D (or more generally in nD) without requiring the topological space to be discrete or geometric. This is achieved by storing all the atomic cycles through the models (null combinatorial homotopy classes). The main idea here is to store the atomic paths through the models as an ant experiences topology: each time the ant perceives a previous trace of pheromone, it knows it has completed a cycle. The main advantage of this combinatorial topological data structure over abstract simplicial complexes is that the storage size of the abstract cell cycles required to represent the geometric topology of a model is far lower than that for any of the existing topological data structures (including abstract simplicial cell cycles) required to represent the geometric decomposition of the same model into abstract simplicial cells. We provide a thorough comparative analysis of the storage sizes for the different topological data structures to sustain this.
Mr4Soil: A MapReduce-Based Framework Integrated with GIS for Soil Erosion Modelling
Authors: Han Zhigang , Qin Fen , Cui Caihui , Liu Yannan , Wang Lingling , Fu Pinde
Published: February 2019

A soil erosion model is used to evaluate the conditions of soil erosion and guide agricultural production. Recently, high spatial resolution data have been collected in new ways, such as three-dimensional laser scanning, providing the foundation for refined soil erosion modelling. However, serial computing cannot fully meet the computational requirements of massive data sets. Therefore, it is necessary to perform soil erosion modelling under a parallel computing framework. This paper focuses on a parallel computing framework for soil erosion modelling based on the Hadoop platform. The framework includes three layers: the methodology, algorithm, and application layers. In the methodology layer, two types of parallel strategies for data splitting are defined as row-oriented and sub-basin-oriented methods. The algorithms for six parallel calculation operators for local, focal and zonal computing tasks are designed in detail. These operators can be called to calculate the model factors and perform model calculations. We defined the key-value data structure of GeoCSV format for vector, row-based and cell-based rasters as the inputs for the algorithms. A geoprocessing toolbox is developed and integrated with the geographic information system (GIS) platform in the application layer. The performance of the framework is examined by taking the Gushanchuan basin as an example. The results show that the framework can perform calculations involving large data sets with high computational efficiency and GIS integration. This approach is easy to extend and use and provides essential support for applying high-precision data to refine soil erosion modelling.
A Fusion Visualization Method for Disaster Information Based on Self-Explanatory Symbols and Photorealistic Scene Cooperation
Authors: Li Weilian , Zhu Jun , Zhang Yunhao , Cao Yungang , Hu Ya , Fu Lin , Huang Pengcheng , Xie Yakun , Yin Lingzhi , Xu Bingli
Published: February 2019

Scientific and appropriate visualizations increase the effectiveness and readability of disaster information. However, existing fusion visualization methods for disaster scenes have some deficiencies, such as the low efficiency of scene visualization and difficulties with disaster information recognition and sharing. In this paper, a fusion visualization method for disaster information, based on self-explanatory symbols and photorealistic scene cooperation, was proposed. The self-explanatory symbol and photorealistic scene cooperation method, the construction of spatial semantic rules, and fusion visualization with spatial semantic constraints were discussed in detail. Finally, a debris flow disaster was selected for experimental analysis. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively realize the fusion visualization of disaster information, effectively express disaster information, maintain high-efficiency visualization, and provide decision-making information support to users involved in the disaster process.
An Algorithm based on the Weighted Network Voronoi Diagram for Point Cluster Simplification
Authors: Lu Xiaomin , Yan Haowen , Li Wende , Li Xiaojun , Wu Fang
Published: February 2019

Points on maps that stand for geographic objects such as settlements are generally connected by road networks. However, in the existing algorithms for point cluster simplification, points are usually viewed as discrete objects or their distances are considered in Euclidean spaces, and therefore the point cluster generalization results obtained by these algorithms are sometimes unreasonable. To take roads into consideration so that point clusters can be simplified in appropriate ways, the network Voronoi diagram is used and a new algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, the weighted network Voronoi diagram is constructed taking into account the weights of the points and the properties of the related road segments. Second, the network Voronoi polygons are generated and two factors (i.e., the area of the network Voronoi polygon and the total length of the dilated road segments in the polygon) are considered as the basis for point simplification. Last, a Cartesian coordinate system is built based on the two factors and the point clusters are simplified by means of the “concentric quadrants”. Our experiments show that the algorithm can effectively and correctly transmit types of information in the process of point cluster simplification, and the results are more reasonable than that generated by the ordinary Voronoi-based algorithm and the weighted Voronoi-based algorithm.
Mapping Canopy Heights of Poplar Plantations in Plain Areas Using ZY3-02 Stereo and Multispectral Data
Authors: Liu Mingbo , Cao Chunxiang , Chen Wei , Wang Xuejun
Published: February 2019

Forest canopy height plays an important role in forest management and ecosystem modeling. There are a variety of techniques employed to map forest height using remote sensing data but it is still necessary to explore the use of new data and methods. In this study, we demonstrate an approach for mapping canopy heights of poplar plantations in plain areas through a combination of stereo and multispectral data from China’s latest civilian stereo mapping satellite ZY3-02. First, a digital surface model (DSM) was extracted using photogrammetry methods. Then, canopy samples and ground samples were selected through manual interpretation. Canopy height samples were obtained by calculating the DSM elevation differences between the canopy samples and ground samples. A regression model was used to correlate the reflectance of a ZY3-02 multispectral image with the canopy height samples, in which the red band and green band reflectance were selected as predictors. Finally, the model was extrapolated to the entire study area and a wall-to-wall forest canopy height map was obtained. The validation of the predicted canopy height map reported a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.72 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.58 m. This study demonstrates the capacity of ZY3-02 data for mapping the canopy height of pure plantations in plain areas.
Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Exposure Promotes Oxidative Stress and Suppresses Sp1 Transcription Factor in Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Upadhyaya Bijaya , Liu Yi , Dey Moul
Published: February 2019

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is a cytosolic marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a sub-population within heterogeneous tumor cells. CSCs associate with therapy-resistance, self-renewal, malignancy, tumor-relapse, and reduced patient-survival window. ALDH1-mediated aldehyde scavenging helps CSCs to survive a higher level of oxidative stress than regular cancer cells. Cruciferous vegetable-derived phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) selectively induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis of cancer cells, but not healthy cells. However, this pro-oxidant role of PEITC in CSCs is poorly understood and is investigated here. In a HeLa CSCs model (hCSCs), the sphere-culture and tumorsphere assay showed significantly enriched ALDHhi CSCs from HeLa parental cells (p < 0.05). Aldefluor assay and cell proliferation assay revealed that PEITC treatments resulted in a reduced number of ALDHhi hCSCs in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). In the ROS assay, PEITC promoted oxidative stress in hCSCs (p ≤ 0.001). Using immunoblotting and flow cytometry techniques, we reported that PEITC suppressed the cancer-associated transcription factor (Sp1) and a downstream multidrug resistance protein (P-glycoprotein) (both, p < 0.05). Furthermore, PEITC-treatment of hCSCs, prior to xenotransplantation in mice, lowered the in vivo tumor-initiating potential of hCSCs. In summary, PEITC treatment suppressed the proliferation of ALDH1 expressing cancer stem cells as well as key factors that are involved with drug-resistance, while promoting oxidative stress and apoptosis in hCSCs.
Upregulated gga-miR-16-5p Inhibits the Proliferation Cycle and Promotes the Apoptosis of MG-Infected DF-1 Cells by Repressing PIK3R1-Mediated the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway to Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Authors: Zhang Kang , Han Yun , Zhao Yabo , Sun Yingfei , Zou Mengyun , Fu Yali , Peng Xiuli
Published: February 2019

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) mainly infects chickens to initiate chronic respiratory disease (CRD). microRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles according to previously reported studies. Our previous study showed that gga-miR-16-5p, in MG-infected lungs of chicken embryo, was upregulated by Illumina sequencing. The study aimed to reveal what role gga-miR-16-5p plays in CRD progression. gga-miR-16-5p was upregulated in MG-infected fibroblast cells (DF-1). Phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) was demonstrated as the target gene of gga-miR-16-5p. Furthermore, PIK3R1 expression was lower in MG-infected groups than it in noninfected controls measured by qPCR. Additionally, overexpressed gga-miR-16-5p could downregulate PIK3R1 and phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (p-Akt) to express protein, whereas there is an opposite effect on inhibition. Overexpressed gga-miR-16-5p resulted in decreased activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) by qPCR. Furthermore, overexpressed gga-miR-16-5p restricted cell multiplication, cycle progression, and increased apoptosis of MG-infected DF-1 cells, whereas inhibited gga-miR-16-5p led to the opposite effect. Collectively, upregulated gga-miR-16-5p could decrease multiplication, cycle progression, and increase apoptosis of MG-infected DF-1 cells, at least partly through directly targeting PIK3R1 and inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway to exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Our results will provide more experimental evidence to bring pathogenesis of MG infection to light.
Targeting Ovarian Cancer Cells Overexpressing CD44 with Immunoliposomes Encapsulating Glycosylated Paclitaxel
Authors: Khayrani Apriliana Cahya , Mahmud Hafizah , Oo Aung Ko Ko , Zahra Maram H. , Oze Miharu , Du Juan , Alam Md Jahangir , Afify Said M. , Quora Hagar A. Abu , Shigehiro Tsukasa , Calle Anna Sanchez , Okada Nobuhiro , Seno Akimasa , Fujita Koki , Hamada Hiroki , Seno Yuhki , Mandai Tadakatsu , Seno Masaharu
Published: February 2019

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the front-line drugs approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, the application of PTX is limited due to the significant hydrophobicity and poor pharmacokinetics. We previously reported target-directed liposomes carrying tumor-selective conjugated antibody and encapsulated glycosylated PTX (gPTX-L) which successfully overcome the PTX limitation. The tubulin stabilizing activity of gPTX was equivalent to that of PTX while the cytotoxic activity of gPTX was reduced. In human ovarian cancer cell lines, SK-OV-3 and OVK18, the concentration at which cell growth was inhibited by 50% (IC50) for gPTX range from 15–20 nM, which was sensitive enough to address gPTX-L with tumor-selective antibody coupling for ovarian cancer therapy. The cell membrane receptor CD44 is associated with cancer progression and has been recognized as a cancer stem cell marker including ovarian cancer, becoming a suitable candidate to be targeted by gPTX-L therapy. In this study, gPTX-loading liposomes conjugated with anti-CD44 antibody (gPTX-IL) were assessed for the efficacy of targeting CD44-positive ovarian cancer cells. We successfully encapsulated gPTX into liposomes with the loading efficiency (LE) more than 80% in both of gPTX-L and gPTX-IL with a diameter of approximately 100 nm with efficacy of enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro and of convenient treatment in vivo. As the result, gPTX-IL efficiently suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Therefore gPTX-IL could be a promising formulation for effective ovarian cancer therapies.
Improving Transparency and Reliability of Tenure Information for Improved Land Governance in Senegal
Authors: Bourgoin Jeremy , Valette Elodie , Guillouet Simon , Diop Djibril , Dia Djiby
Published: February 2019

In current literature, certain scholars have stressed the role of the private sector in the process of revitalizing agriculture through agribusiness-led development. Others have underlined the global risks of poorly negotiated land acquisitions that disadvantage farmers and of nontransparent trade arrangements that create suspicion within local communities. Official and unofficial data whose relevance is frequently questioned, because they differ from actual conditions found on the ground, are often built upon these narratives. This acknowledgement points to the need for reliable data in order to support constructive debates on models of agricultural development. Senegal is experiencing similar controversies involving the dynamics of agribusiness development within the context of inadequate information on land acquisitions. In this paper, we first acknowledge the existence of past and current efforts to address investments in the agricultural sector. After critical analysis of these documents, we propose another way to monitor investments with survey tools that are embedded in participatory action-research processes and then provide information that can be used as a boundary object. We advocate the use of mapping tools to identify and monitor land processes, and the use of geospatial information to help identify an initial inventory of various sources of data on large-scale land transactions.
Influence of Anodizing Parameters on Surface Morphology and Surface-Free Energy of Al2O3 Layers Produced on EN AW-5251 Alloy
Authors: Bara Marek , Niedźwiedź Mateusz , Skoneczny Władysław
Published: February 2019

The paper presents the influence of the surface anodizing parameters of the aluminum alloy EN AW-5251 on the physicochemical properties of the oxide layers produced on it. Micrographs of the surface of the oxide layers were taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition of cross-sections from the oxide layers was studied using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The phase structure of the Al2O3 layers was determined by the pattern method using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The nanomorphology of the oxide layers were analyzed based on microscopic photographs using the ImageJ 1.50i program. The energetic state of the layers was based on the surface-free energy (SFE), calculated from measurements of contact angles using the Owens-Wendt method. The highest surface-free energy value (49.12 mJ/m2) was recorded for the sample produced at 293 K, 3 A/dm2, in 60 min. The lowest surface-free energy value (31.36 mJ/m2) was recorded for the sample produced at 283 K, 1 A/dm2, in 20 min (the only hydrophobic layer). The highest average value nanopore area (2358.7 nm2) was recorded for the sample produced at 303 K, 4 A/dm2, in 45 min. The lowest average value nanopore area (183 nm2) was recorded for the sample produced at 313 K, 1 A/dm2, in 20 min.
Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2-ZnO-MgO Mixed Oxide and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Anaya-Esparza Luis M. , Montalvo-González Efigenia , González-Silva Napoleón , Méndez-Robles María D. , Romero-Toledo Rafael , Yahia Elhadi M. , Pérez-Larios Alejandro
Published: February 2019

TiO2-ZnO-MgO mixed oxide nanomaterials (MONs) were synthetized via the sol-gel method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen physisorption analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and color (Luminosity (L), a, b, Chrome, hue) parameters. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the MONs was tested against Escherichia coli (EC), Salmonella paratyphi (SP), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and Listeria monocytogenes (LM). The MONs presented a semi globular-ovoid shape of ≤100 nm. Samples were classified as mesoporous materials and preserved in the TiO2 anatase phase, with slight changes in the color parameters of the MONs in comparison with pure TiO2. The MONs exhibited antimicrobial activity, and their effect on the tested bacteria was in the following order: EC > SP > SA > LM. Therefore, MONs could be used as antimicrobial agents for industrial applications.
Thermal Behavior of Sweet Potato Starch by Non-Isothermal Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Liu Ying , Yang Liutao , Ma Chunping , Zhang Yingzhe
Published: February 2019

In this study, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods were used to study the structure, the thermal degradation kinetics, and the thermogram of sweet potato starch, respectively. The thermal decomposition kinetics of sweet potato starch was examined within different heating rates in a nitrogen atmosphere. Different models of kinetic analysis were used to calculate the activation energies using the thermogravimetric data of the thermal degradation process. The activation energies got from Kissinger, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, and Šatava–Šesták models were 173.85, 174.87, and 174.34 kJ·mol−1, respectively. Thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) analysis showed that the main pyrolysis products included water, carbon dioxide, and methane.
Phase Stability and Mechanical Properties of Al8Fe4RE via First-Principle Calculations
Authors: Wang Rongcheng , Tao Xiaoma , Chen Hongmei , Ouyang Yifang
Published: February 2019

We report on the phase stability, elastic, electronic, and lattice dynamic properties of 17 Al8Fe4RE (RE = Sc, Y, La–Lu) intermetallic compounds (IMCs) using first-principle calculations. The calculated lattice constants coincided with the experimental results. The calculated enthalpy formation indicated that all the 17 IMCs are stable. The elastic constants and various moduli indicated that Al8Fe4RE can be used as a strengthening phase due to its high Young’s modulus and shear modulus. The 3D surfaces of Young’s modulus for Al8Fe4RE showed anisotropic behavior, and the values of hardness for the IMCs were high (about 14 GPa). The phonon spectra showed that only Al8Fe4Y had a soft mode, which means the other IMCs are all dynamically stable.
Controlled Coprecipitation of Amorphous Cerium-Based Carbonates with Suitable Morphology as Precursors of Ceramic Electrolytes for IT-SOFCs
Authors: Accardo Grazia , Dell’Agli Gianfranco , Mascolo Maria Cristina , Spiridigliozzi Luca , Yoon Sung Pil
Published: February 2019

To be suitable as electrolytes in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC), ceramic precursors have to be characterized by high sintering aptitude for producing fully densified products which are needed for this kind of application. Therefore, synthesis processes able to prepare highly reactive powders with low costs are noteworthy to be highlighted. It has been shown that amorphous coprecipitates based on cerium doped (and codoped) hydrated hydroxycarbonates can lead to synthesized ceramics with such desired characteristics. These materials can be prepared by adopting a simple coprecipitation technique using ammonium carbonate as precipitating agent. As a function of both the molar ratio between carbonate anions and total metallic cations, and the adopted mixing speed, the coprecipitate can be either amorphous, owning a very good morphology, or crystalline, owning worse morphology, packing aptitude, and sinterability. The amorphous powders, upon a mild calcination step, gave rise to the formation of stable solid solutions of fluorite-structured ceria maintaining the same morphology of the starting powders. Such calcined powders are excellent precursors for sintering ceramic electrolytes at low temperatures and with very high electrical conductivity in the intermediate temperature range (i.e., 500–700 °C). Therefore, irrespective of the actual composition of ceria-based systems, by providing an accurate control of both chemical conditions and physical parameters, the coprecipitation in the presence of ammonium carbonate can be considered as one of the most promising synthesis route in terms of cost/effectiveness to prepare excellent ceramic precursors for the next generation of IT-SOFC solid electrolytes.
Multi-Functional Laccase Immobilized Hydrogel Microparticles for Efficient Removal of Bisphenol A
Authors: Piao Mingyue , Zou Donglei , Yang Yuesuo , Ren Xianghao , Qin Chuanyu , Piao Yunxian
Published: February 2019

Hghly stable, reusable, and multi-functional biocatalytic microparticles with Laccase (Lac) enzyme (Lac/particles) were synthesized for bisphenol A (BPA) removal from aqueous solution. The Lac/particles were prepared by encapsulating Lac enzymes into poly ethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel via the UV assisted emulsion polymerization method followed by cross linking with glutaraldehyde (GA). The obtained Lac/particles were spherical and micron sized (137–535 μm), presenting high enzyme entrapment efficiency of 100%, high activity recovery of 18.9%, and great stability at various pHs (3–7) than the free Lac. The Lac/particles could adsorb the BPA into the catalytic particles in a short time, promoting contact between BPA and enzyme, and further enzymatically degrade them without the shaking process and independent surrounding buffer solution. The Lac/particles could be reused for another round BPA adsorption and biotranformation by maintaining over 90% of BPA removal efficiency after seven times reuse. The synergistic effects of adsorption and biocatalytical reaction of Lac/particles have significant values in high efficient and cost-effective BPA removal.