bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Specification Methodology for an Automotive Proving Ground Dedicated to Connected and Automated Vehicles
Authors: Szalay Zsolt , Nyerges Ádám , Hamar Zoltán , Hesz Mátyás
Published: May 2017

Today’s vehicles already have several driver assistant systems and in the near future highly automated vehicles will also appear in road transport. Higher automation levels rely on disruptive technologies that cannot be tested and approved in the former way. To be able to guarantee future road safety also disruptive testing and validation methods are required. The complexity of the systems and the stochasticity of the potential traffic situations demand new approaches with different testing levels and approval layers. Since there are no off-the-self solutions available beyond the research the authors also participate in international activities like the Gear 2030 EU level initiative. This paper will discuss the proposed new approach for connected and automated vehicle testing methodology concluding with the technical specification results for the new Hungarian automotive proving ground.
NF-κB in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Imbert Véronique , Peyron Jean-François
Published: May 2017

NF-κB (Nuclear Factor Κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) transcription factors are critical regulators of immunity, stress response, apoptosis, and differentiation. Molecular defects promoting the constitutive activation of canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathways contribute to many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and autoimmunity. In the present review, we focus our attention on the mechanisms of NF-κB deregulation in hematological malignancies. Key positive regulators of NF-κB signaling can act as oncogenes that are often prone to chromosomal translocation, amplifications, or activating mutations. Negative regulators of NF-κB have tumor suppressor functions, and are frequently inactivated either by genomic deletions or point mutations. NF-κB activation in tumoral cells is also driven by the microenvironment or chronic signaling that does not rely on genetic alterations.
Multiscale Entropy Analysis of the Differential RR Interval Time Series Signal and Its Application in Detecting Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Gao Rui
Published: May 2017

Cardiovascular systems essentially have multiscale control mechanisms. Multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis permits the dynamic characterization of the cardiovascular time series for both short-term and long-term processes, and thus can be more illuminating. The traditional MSE analysis for heart rate variability (HRV) is performed on the original RR interval time series (named as MSE_RR). In this study, we proposed an MSE analysis for the differential RR interval time series signal, named as MSE_dRR. The motivation of using the differential RR interval time series signal is that this signal has a direct link with the inherent non-linear property of electrical rhythm of the heart. The effectiveness of the MSE_RR and MSE_dRR were tested and compared on the long-term MIT-Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital (MIT-BIH) 54 normal sinus rhythm (NSR) and 29 congestive heart failure (CHF) RR interval recordings, aiming to explore which one is better for distinguishing the CHF patients from the NSR subjects. Four RR interval length for analysis were used ( N = 500 , N = 1000 , N = 2000 and N = 5000 ). The results showed that MSE_RR did not report significant differences between the NSR and CHF groups at several scales for each RR segment length type (Scales 7, 8 and 10 for N = 500 , Scales 3 and 10 for N = 1000 , Scales 2 and 3 for both N = 2000 and N = 5000 ). However, the new MSE_dRR gave significant separation for the two groups for all RR segment length types except N = 500 at Scales 9 and 10. The area under curve (AUC) values from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to further quantify the performances. The mean AUC of the new MSE_dRR from Scales 1–10 are 79.5%, 83.1%, 83.5% and 83.1% for N = 500 , N = 1000 , N = 2000 and N = 5000 , respectively, whereas the mean AUC of MSE_RR are only 68.6%, 69.8%, 69.6% and 67.1%, respectively. The five-fold cross validation support vector machine (SVM) classifier reports the classification Accuracy ( A c c ) of MSE_RR as 73.5%, 75.9% and 74.6% for N = 1000 , N = 2000 and N = 5000 , respectively, while for the new MSE_dRR analysis accuracy was 85.5%, 85.6% and 85.6%. Different biosignal editing methods (direct deletion and interpolation) did not change the analytical results. In summary, this study demonstrated that compared with MSE_RR, MSE_dRR reports better statistical stability and better discrimination ability for the NSR and CHF groups.
Off-Line Handwritten Signature Recognition by Wavelet Entropy and Neural Network
Authors: Daqrouq Khaled , Sweidan Husam , Balamesh Ahmad , Ajour Mohammed
Published: May 2017

Handwritten signatures are widely utilized as a form of personal recognition. However, they have the unfortunate shortcoming of being easily abused by those who would fake the identification or intent of an individual which might be very harmful. Therefore, the need for an automatic signature recognition system is crucial. In this paper, a signature recognition approach based on a probabilistic neural network (PNN) and wavelet transform average framing entropy (AFE) is proposed. The system was tested with a wavelet packet (WP) entropy denoted as a WP entropy neural network system (WPENN) and with a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) entropy denoted as a DWT entropy neural network system (DWENN). Our investigation was conducted over several wavelet families and different entropy types. Identification tasks, as well as verification tasks, were investigated for a comprehensive signature system study. Several other methods used in the literature were considered for comparison. Two databases were used for algorithm testing. The best recognition rate result was achieved by WPENN whereby the threshold entropy reached 92%.
Water Consumption in European Children: Associations with Intake of Fruit Juices, Soft Drinks and Related Parenting Practices
Authors: Mantziki Krystallia , Renders Carry , Seidell Jaap
Published: May 2017

Background: High intake of fruit juices and soft drinks contributes to excessive weight gain and obesity in children. Furthermore, parenting practices play an important role in the development of children’s dietary habits. The way parents play this role in the development of their children’s choices of beverages is still unclear. Objectives: To study the associations: (1) of both fruit juices and soft drinks consumption with water consumption of children and (2) The associations between parenting practices towards fruit juices and soft drinks and water consumption of children. Design: Cross-sectional data from 6 to 8 year old children from seven European communities (n = 1187) were collected. Associations among fruit juices, soft drinks, the respective parenting practices and the child’s water consumption were assessed by parental questionnaires. Results: The consumption of water was inversely associated with that of soft drinks but not with the consumption of fruit juices. The child’s water intake was favorably influenced when stricter parenting practices towards soft drinks were adopted (e.g., less parental allowance, low home availability and high parental self-efficacy in managing intake). There was less influence observed of parenting practices towards fruit juices. Fruit juices were consumed more often than soft drinks. Conclusions: Low consumption of soft drinks—and not of fruit juices—was associated with high water consumption in children in the current study. Moreover, parenting practices towards both fruit juices and soft drinks were associated with the water intake of the children, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
Health, Well-Being and Energy Poverty in Europe: A Comparative Study of 32 European Countries
Authors: Thomson Harriet , Snell Carolyn , Bouzarovski Stefan
Published: May 2017

Despite growing pan-European interest in and awareness of the wide-ranging health and well-being impacts of energy poverty—which is characterised by an inability to secure adequate levels of energy services in the home—the knowledge base is largely British-centric and dominated by single-country studies. In response, this paper investigates the relationship between energy poverty, health and well-being across 32 European countries, using 2012 data from the European Quality of Life Survey. We find an uneven concentration of energy poverty, poor health, and poor well-being across Europe, with Eastern and Central Europe worst affected. At the intersection of energy poverty and health, there is a higher incidence of poor health (both physical and mental) amongst the energy poor populations of most countries, compared to non-energy poor households. Interestingly, we find the largest disparities in health and well-being levels between energy poor and non-energy poor households occur within relatively equal societies, such as Sweden and Slovenia. As well as the unique challenges brought about by rapidly changing energy landscapes in these countries, we also suggest the relative deprivation theory and processes of social comparison hold some value in explaining these findings.
Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools
Authors: Sá Juliana , Branco Pedro , Alvim-Ferraz Maria , Martins Fernando , Sousa Sofia
Published: May 2017

Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery and primary schools to improve air quality. Continuous measurements of CO2, CO, NO2, O3, CH2O, total volatile organic compounds (VOC), PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and radon, as well as temperature and relative humidity were performed in two campaigns, before and after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures. Evaluation of those mitigation measures was performed through the comparison of the concentrations measured in both campaigns. Exceedances to the values set by the national legislation and World Health Organization (WHO) were found for PM2.5, PM10, CO2 and CH2O during both indoor air quality campaigns. Temperature and relative humidity values were also above the ranges recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In general, pollutant concentrations measured after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures were significantly lower, mainly for CO2. However, mitigation measures were not always sufficient to decrease the pollutants’ concentrations till values considered safe to protect human health.
Short-Term Associations between Air Pollution Concentrations and Respiratory Health—Comparing Primary Health Care Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Emergency Department Visits in a Multi-Municipality Study
Authors: Taj Tahir , Malmqvist Ebba , Stroh Emilie , Oudin Åström Daniel , Jakobsson Kristina , Oudin Anna
Published: May 2017

Acute effects of air pollution on respiratory health have traditionally been investigated with data on inpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and mortality. In this study, we aim to describe the total acute effects of air pollution on health care use for respiratory symptoms (ICD10-J00-J99). This will be done by investigating primary health care (PHC) visits, inpatient admissions, and emergency room visits together in five municipalities in southern Sweden, using a case-crossover design. Between 2005 and 2010, there were 81,019 visits to primary health care, 38,217 emergency room visits, and 25,271 inpatient admissions for respiratory symptoms in the study area. There was a 1.85% increase (95% CI: 0.52 to 3.20) in the number of primary health care visits associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Malmö, but not in the other municipalities. Air pollution levels were generally not associated with emergency room visits or inpatient admissions, with one exception (in Helsingborg there was a 2.52% increase in emergency room visits for respiratory symptoms associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM10). In conclusion, the results give weak support for short-term effects of air pollution on health care use associated with respiratory health symptoms in the study area.
Melatonin Inhibits Androgen Receptor Splice Variant-7 (AR-V7)-Induced Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) Activation and NF-κB Activator-Induced AR-V7 Expression in Prostate Cancer Cells: Potential Implications for the Use of Melatonin in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) Therapy
Authors: Liu Vincent , Yau Wing , Tam Chun , Yao Kwok-Ming , Shiu Stephen
Published: May 2017

A major current challenge in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, which can be initially controlled by medical or surgical castration, is the development of effective, safe, and affordable therapies against progression of the disease to the stage of castration resistance. Here, we showed that in LNCaP and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells transiently overexpressing androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was activated and could result in up-regulated interleukin (IL)-6 gene expression, indicating a positive interaction between AR-V7 expression and activated NF-κB/IL-6 signaling in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) pathogenesis. Importantly, both AR-V7-induced NF-κB activation and IL-6 gene transcription in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells could be inhibited by melatonin. Furthermore, stimulation of AR-V7 mRNA expression in LNCaP cells by betulinic acid, a pharmacological NF-κB activator, was reduced by melatonin treatment. Our data support the presence of bi-directional positive interactions between AR-V7 expression and NF-κB activation in CRPC pathogenesis. Of note, melatonin, by inhibiting NF-κB activation via the previously-reported MT1 receptor-mediated antiproliferative pathway, can disrupt these bi-directional positive interactions between AR-V7 and NF-κB and thereby delay the development of castration resistance in advanced prostate cancer. Apparently, this therapeutic potential of melatonin in advanced prostate cancer/CRPC management is worth translation in the clinic via combined androgen depletion and melatonin repletion.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Micrornas Associate with Glucose Metabolism in Different Organs of Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)
Authors: Miao Ling-Hong , Lin Yan , Pan Wen-Jing , Huang Xin , Ge Xian-Ping , Ren Ming-Chun , Zhou Qun-Lan , Liu Bo
Published: May 2017

Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is a widely favored herbivorous fish species and is a frequentlyused fish model for studying the metabolism physiology. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive illustration of the mechanisms of a high-starch diet (HSD) induced lipid metabolic disorder by identifying microRNAs (miRNAs) controlled pathways in glucose and lipid metabolism in fish using high-throughput sequencing technologies. Small RNA libraries derived from intestines, livers, and brains of HSD and normal-starch diet (NSD) treated M. amblycephala were sequenced and 79, 124 and 77 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in intestines, livers, and brains of HSD treated fish were identified, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses showed that these DEMs targeted hundreds of predicted genes were enriched into metabolic pathways and biosynthetic processes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and insulin signaling pathway. These analyses confirmed that miRNAs play crucial roles in glucose and lipid metabolism related to high wheat starch treatment. These results provide information on further investigation of a DEM-related mechanism dysregulated by a high carbohydrate diet.
TRAV7-2*02 Expressing CD8+ T Cells Are Responsible for Palladium Allergy
Authors: Takeda Yuri , Suto Yoshiko , Ito Koyu , Hashimoto Wataru , Nishiya Tadashi , Ueda Kyosuke , Narushima Takayuki , Takahashi Tetsu , Ogasawara Kouetsu
Published: May 2017

While metallic biomaterials have led to an improvement in the quality of life, metal allergies, especially to palladium (Pd), has caused a recent increase in allergic patients. Metal allergy is known to be a T cell-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH); however, the pathogenic T cell subsets and the specific T cell receptor (TCR) have not been identified. Therefore, we attempted to identify the pathogenic T cells responsible for Pd allergy. We found that activating CD8+ T cells significantly increased and that the TRAV (TCRα variable) 7-2*02 chain skewed in Pd allergic mice. Furthermore, adoptive transfer experiments revealed that in vitro-cultured Pd-stimulated antigen presenting cells (APCs) function as memory APCs with recipient mice developing Pd allergy and that the frequency of TRAV7-2*02 increases the same as conventional Pd allergic mice. In contrast, neither proliferation of CD8+ T cells nor increasing of TRAV7-2*02 was observed in major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I)-deficient Pd-APCs transferred to mice. Taken together, we revealed that TRAV7-2*02-expressing CD8+ T cells are the pathogenic T cells for the development of Pd allergy. We also identified the CDR3 consensus motif of pathogenic TCRs as CAAXSGSWQLIF in TRAV7-2*02/TRAJ (TCRα junction)22*01 positive cells. These results suggest that the specific TCRs represent novel targets for the development of diagnostics and treatments for metal allergy.
Implications of Extracellular Matrix Production by Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells for Development of Wound Healing Therapies
Authors: Hyldig Kathrine , Riis Simone , Pennisi Cristian , Zachar Vladimir , Fink Trine
Published: May 2017

The synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the healing of acute and chronic wounds. Consequently, the use of ECM as treatment for chronic wounds has been of special interest—both in terms of inducing ECM production by resident cells and applying ex vivo produced ECM. For these purposes, using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) could be of use. ASCs are recognized to promote wound healing of otherwise chronic wounds, possibly through the reduction of inflammation, induction of angiogenesis, and promotion of fibroblast and keratinocyte growth. However, little is known regarding the importance of ASC-produced ECM for wound healing. In this review, we describe the importance of ECM for wound healing, and how ECM production by ASCs may be exploited in developing new therapies for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Ontogeny of Sex-Related Differences in Foetal Developmental Features, Lipid Availability and Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Garcia-Contreras Consolacion , Vazquez-Gomez Marta , Astiz Susana , Torres-Rovira Laura , Sanchez-Sanchez Raul , Gomez-Fidalgo Ernesto , Gonzalez Jorge , Isabel Beatriz , Rey Ana , Ovilo Cristina , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: May 2017

Sex-related differences in lipid availability and fatty acid composition during swine foetal development were investigated. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the mother were strongly related to the adequacy or inadequacy of foetal development and concomitant activation of protective growth in some organs (brain, heart, liver and spleen). Cholesterol and triglyceride availability was similar in male and female offspring, but female foetuses showed evidence of higher placental transfer of essential fatty acids and synthesis of non-essential fatty acids in muscle and liver. These sex-related differences affected primarily the neutral lipid fraction (triglycerides), which may lead to sex-related postnatal differences in energy partitioning. These results illustrate the strong influence of the maternal lipid profile on foetal development and homeorhesis, and they confirm and extend previous reports that female offspring show better adaptive responses to maternal malnutrition than male offspring. These findings may help guide dietary interventions to ensure adequate fatty acid availability for postnatal development.
Real-Time FPGA-Based Object Tracker with Automatic Pan-Tilt Features for Smart Video Surveillance Systems
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Shekhar Chandra , Vohra Anil
Published: May 2017

The design of smart video surveillance systems is an active research field among the computer vision community because of their ability to perform automatic scene analysis by selecting and tracking the objects of interest. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of an FPGA-based standalone working prototype system for real-time tracking of an object of interest in live video streams for such systems. In addition to real-time tracking of the object of interest, the implemented system is also capable of providing purposive automatic camera movement (pan-tilt) in the direction determined by movement of the tracked object. The complete system, including camera interface, DDR2 external memory interface controller, designed object tracking VLSI architecture, camera movement controller and display interface, has been implemented on the Xilinx ML510 (Virtex-5 FX130T) FPGA Board. Our proposed, designed and implemented system robustly tracks the target object present in the scene in real time for standard PAL (720 × 576) resolution color video and automatically controls camera movement in the direction determined by the movement of the tracked object.
Chitosan Biomaterials for Current and Potential Dental Applications
Authors: Husain Shehriar , Al-Samadani Khalid H. , Najeeb Shariq , Zafar Muhammad S. , Khurshid Zohaib , Zohaib Sana , Qasim Saad B.
Published: May 2017

Chitosan (CHS) is a very versatile natural biomaterial that has been explored for a range of bio-dental applications. CHS has numerous favourable properties such as biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and a broad antibacterial spectrum (covering gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria as well as fungi). In addition, the molecular structure boasts reactive functional groups that provide numerous reaction sites and opportunities for forging electrochemical relationships at the cellular and molecular levels. The unique properties of CHS have attracted materials scientists around the globe to explore it for bio-dental applications. This review aims to highlight and discuss the hype around the development of novel chitosan biomaterials. Utilizing chitosan as a critical additive for the modification and improvement of existing dental materials has also been discussed.
Solid-State Method Synthesis of SnO2-Decorated g-C3N4 Nanocomposites with Enhanced Gas-Sensing Property to Ethanol
Authors: Cao Jianliang , Qin Cong , Wang Yan , Zhang Huoli , Sun Guang , Zhang Zhanying
Published: May 2017

SnO2/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composites were synthesized via a facile solid-state method by using SnCl4·5H2O and urea as the precursor. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized composites were characterized by the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 sorption. The results indicated that the composites possessed a two-dimensional (2-D) structure, and the SnO2 nanoparticles were highly dispersed on the surface of the g-C3N4 nanosheets. The gas-sensing performance of the samples to ethanol was tested, and the SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite-based sensor exhibited admirable properties. The response value (Ra/Rg) of the SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite with 10 wt % 2-D g-C3N4 content-based sensor to 500 ppm of ethanol was 550 at 300 °C. However, the response value of pure SnO2 was only 320. The high surface area of SnO2/g-C3N4-10 (140 m2·g−1) and the interaction between 2-D g-C3N4 and SnO2 could strongly affect the gas-sensing property.
Reduction of Defects in AlGaN Grown on Nanoscale-Patterned Sapphire Substrates by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Tasi Chi-Tsung , Wang Wei-Kai , Tsai Tsung-Yen , Huang Shih-Yung , Horng Ray-Hua , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: May 2017

In this study, a 3-μm-thick AlGaN film with an Al mole fraction of 10% was grown on a nanoscale-patterned sapphire substrate (NPSS) using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). The growth mechanism, crystallization, and surface morphology of the epilayers were examined using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy at various times in the growth process. The screw threading dislocation (TD) density of AlGaN-on-NPSS can improve to 1–2 × 109 cm−2, which is significantly lower than that of the sample grown on a conventional planar sapphire substrate (7 × 109 cm−2). TEM analysis indicated that these TDs do not subsequently propagate to the surface of the overgrown AlGaN layer, but bend or change directions in the region above the voids within the side faces of the patterned substrates, possibly because of the internal stress-relaxed morphologies of the AlGaN film. Hence, the laterally overgrown AlGaN films were obtained by HVPE, which can serve as a template for the growth of ultraviolet III-nitride optoelectronic devices.
Graphene Nanosheets to Improve Physico-Mechanical Properties of Bioactive Calcium Silicate Cements
Authors: Dubey Nileshkumar , Rajan Sneha Sundar , Bello Yuri Dal , Min Kyung-San , Rosa Vinicius
Published: May 2017

Bioactive calcium silicate cements are widely used to induce mineralization, to cement prosthetic parts, in the management of tooth perforations, and other areas. Nonetheless, they can present clinical disadvantages, such as long setting time and modest physico-mechanical properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of graphene nanosheets (GNS) to improve two bioactive cements. GNS were obtained via reduction of graphite oxide. GNS were mixed (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt %) with Biodentine (BIO) and Endocem Zr (ECZ), and the effects on setting time, hardness, push-out strength, pH profile, cell proliferation, and mineralization were evaluated. Statistics were performed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). GNS has not interfered in the composition of the set cements as confirmed by Raman, FT-IR and XRD. GNS (1 and 3 wt %) shortened the setting time, increased hardness of both materials but decreased significantly the push-out strength of ECZ. pH was not affected but 1 wt % and 7 wt % to ECZ and 5 wt % to BIO increased the mineralization compared to the controls. In summary, GNS may be an alternative to improve the physico-mechanical properties and bioactivity of cements. Nonetheless, the use of GNS may not be advised for all materials when effective bonding is a concern.
Salt Sensitive Tet-Off-Like Systems to Knockdown Primordial Germ Cell Genes for Repressible Transgenic Sterilization in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Li Hanbo , Su Baofeng , Qin Guyu , Ye Zhi , Alsaqufi Ahmed , Perera Dayan , Shang Mei , Odin Ramjie , Vo Khoi , Drescher David , Robinson Dalton , Zhang Dan , Abass Nermeen , Dunham Rex
Published: May 2017

Repressible knockdown approaches were investigated for transgenic sterilization in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Two primordial germ cell (PGC) marker genes, nanos and dead end, were targeted for knockdown, and an off-target gene, vasa, was monitored. Two potentially salt sensitive repressible promoters, zebrafish adenylosuccinate synthase 2 (ADSS) and zebrafish racemase (Rm), were each coupled with four knockdown strategies: ds-sh RNA targeting the 5′ end (N1) or 3′ end (N2) of channel catfish nanos, full-length cDNA sequence of channel catfish nanos for overexpression (cDNA) and ds-sh RNA targeting channel catfish dead end (DND). Each construct had an untreated group and treated group with sodium chloride as the repressor compound. Spawning rates of full-sibling P1 fish exposed or not exposed to the constructs as treated and untreated embryos were 93% and 59%, respectively, indicating potential sterilization of fish and repression of the constructs. Although the mRNA expression data of PGC marker genes were inconsistent in P1 fish, most F1 individuals were able to downregulate the target genes in untreated groups and repress the knockdown process in treated groups. The results indicate that repressible transgenic sterilization is feasible for reproductive control of fish, but more data from F2 or F3 are needed for evaluation.
Is Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin a Better Single Screening Test for Iron Deficiency Compared to Hemoglobin or Mean Cell Volume in Children and Women?
Authors: Mei Zuguo , Flores-Ayala Rafael , Grummer-Strawn Laurence , Brittenham Gary
Published: May 2017

Hemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) are commonly used to screen for iron deficiency (ID), but systematic evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of these tests is limited. The objective of this study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Hb, MCV, and EP measurements in screening for ID in preschool children, non-pregnant women 15–49 years of age, and pregnant women. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) (NHANES 2003–2006: n = 861, children three to five years of age; n = 3112, non-pregnant women 15 to 49 years of age. NHANES 1999–2006: n = 1150, pregnant women) were examined for this purpose. Children or women with blood lead ≥10 µg/dL or C-reactive protein (CRP) >5.0 mg/L were excluded. ID was defined as total body iron stores <0 mg/kg body weight, calculated from the ratio of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) to serum ferritin (SF). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to characterize the sensitivity and specificity of Hb, MCV, and EP measurements in screening for ID. In detecting ID in children three to five years of age, EP (Area under the Curve (AUC) 0.80) was superior to Hb (AUC 0.62) (p < 0.01) but not statistically different from MCV (AUC 0.73). In women, EP and Hb were comparable (non-pregnant AUC 0.86 and 0.84, respectively; pregnant 0.77 and 0.74, respectively), and both were better than MCV (non-pregnant AUC 0.80; pregnant 0.70) (p < 0.01). We concluded that the sensitivity and specificity of EP in screening for ID were consistently superior to or at least as effective as those of Hb and MCV in each population examined. For children three to five years of age, EP screening for ID was significantly better than Hb and similar to MCV. For both non-pregnant and pregnant women, the performance of EP and Hb were comparable; both were significantly superior to MCV.
Consumption of Dairy Yogurt Containing Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis and Heat-Treated Lactobacillus plantarum Improves Immune Function Including Natural Killer Cell Activity
Authors: Lee Ayoung , Lee Young Ju , Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Minkyung , Chang Yeeun , Lee Dong Seog , Lee Jong Ho
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of consuming dairy yogurt containing Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (L. paracasei), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (B. lactis) and heat-treated Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on immune function. A randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 200 nondiabetic subjects. Over a twelve-week period, the test group consumed dairy yogurt containing probiotics each day, whereas the placebo group consumed milk. Natural killer (NK) cell activity, interleukin (IL)-12 and immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 levels were significantly increased in the test group at twelve weeks compared to baseline. Additionally, the test group had significantly greater increases in serum NK cell activity and interferon (IFN)-γ and IgG1 than placebo group. Daily consumption of dairy yogurt containing L. paracasei, B. lactis and heat-treated L. plantarum could be an effective option to improve immune function by enhancing NK cell function and IFN-γ concentration (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03051425).
Outlier Detection in Dynamic Systems with Multiple Operating Points and Application to Improve Industrial Flare Monitoring
Authors: Xu Shu , Lu Bo , Bell Noel , Nixon Mark
Published: May 2017

In chemical industries, process operations are usually comprised of several discrete operating regions with distributions that drift over time. These complexities complicate outlier detection in the presence of intrinsic process dynamics. In this article, we consider the problem of detecting univariate outliers in dynamic systems with multiple operating points. A novel method combining the time series Kalman filter (TSKF) with the pruned exact linear time (PELT) approach to detect outliers is proposed. The proposed method outperformed benchmark methods in outlier removal performance using simulated data sets of dynamic systems with mean shifts. The method was also able to maintain the integrity of the original data set after performing outlier removal. In addition, the methodology was tested on industrial flaring data to pre-process the flare data for discriminant analysis. The industrial test case shows that performing outlier removal dramatically improves flare monitoring results through Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), which further confirms the importance of data cleaning in process data analytics.
Spatial Resolution Enhancement of Hyperspectral Images Using Spectral Unmixing and Bayesian Sparse Representation
Authors: Ghasrodashti Elham , Karami Azam , Heylen Rob , Scheunders Paul
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a new method is presented for spatial resolution enhancement of hyperspectral images (HSI) using spectral unmixing and a Bayesian sparse representation. The proposed method combines the high spectral resolution from the HSI with the high spatial resolution from a multispectral image (MSI) of the same scene and high resolution images from unrelated scenes. The fusion method is based on a spectral unmixing procedure for which the endmember matrix and the abundance fractions are estimated from the HSI and MSI, respectively. A Bayesian formulation of this method leads to an ill-posed fusion problem. A sparse representation regularization term is added to convert it into a well-posed inverse problem. In the sparse representation, dictionaries are constructed from the MSI, high optical resolution images, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or combinations of them. The proposed algorithm is applied to real datasets and compared with state-of-the-art fusion algorithms based on spectral unmixing and sparse representation, respectively. The proposed method significantly increases the spatial resolution and decreases the spectral distortion efficiently.
Digital Counts of Maize Plants by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Authors: Gnädinger Friederike , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: May 2017

Precision phenotyping, especially the use of image analysis, allows researchers to gain information on plant properties and plant health. Aerial image detection with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provides new opportunities in precision farming and precision phenotyping. Precision farming has created a critical need for spatial data on plant density. The plant number reflects not only the final field emergence but also allows a more precise assessment of the final yield parameters. The aim of this work is to advance UAV use and image analysis as a possible high-throughput phenotyping technique. In this study, four different maize cultivars were planted in plots with different seeding systems (in rows and equidistantly spaced) and different nitrogen fertilization levels (applied at 50, 150 and 250 kg N/ha). The experimental field, encompassing 96 plots, was overflown at a 50-m height with an octocopter equipped with a 10-megapixel camera taking a picture every 5 s. Images were recorded between BBCH 13–15 (it is a scale to identify the phenological development stage of a plant which is here the 3- to 5-leaves development stage) when the color of young leaves differs from older leaves. Close correlations up to R2 = 0.89 were found between in situ and image-based counted plants adapting a decorrelation stretch contrast enhancement procedure, which enhanced color differences in the images. On average, the error between visually and digitally counted plants was ≤5%. Ground cover, as determined by analyzing green pixels, ranged between 76% and 83% at these stages. However, the correlation between ground cover and digitally counted plants was very low. The presence of weeds and blurry effects on the images represent possible errors in counting plants. In conclusion, the final field emergence of maize can rapidly be assessed and allows more precise assessment of the final yield parameters. The use of UAVs and image processing has the potential to optimize farm management and to support field experimentation for agronomic and breeding purposes.
Enhanced Flexibility and Reusability through State Machine-Based Architectures for Multisensor Intelligent Robotics
Authors: Herrero Héctor , Outón Jose , Puerto Mildred , Sallé Damien , López de Ipiña Karmele
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a state machine-based architecture, which enhances the flexibility and reusability of industrial robots, more concretely dual-arm multisensor robots. The proposed architecture, in addition to allowing absolute control of the execution, eases the programming of new applications by increasing the reusability of the developed modules. Through an easy-to-use graphical user interface, operators are able to create, modify, reuse and maintain industrial processes, increasing the flexibility of the cell. Moreover, the proposed approach is applied in a real use case in order to demonstrate its capabilities and feasibility in industrial environments. A comparative analysis is presented for evaluating the presented approach versus traditional robot programming techniques.
Comparing Patent and Scientific Literature in Airborne Wind Energy
Authors: Mendonça Anny , Vaz Caroline , Lezana Álvaro , Anacleto Cristiane , Paladini Edson
Published: May 2017

Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) is a renewable energy technology that uses wind power devices rather than traditional wind turbines that take advantage of the kinetic wind energy, and remain in the air due to aerodynamic forces. This article aims to compare the scientific literature with the patents on wind power with tethered airfoils, to obtain better insights into the literature of this area of knowledge. The method used in this study was a comparative bibliometric analysis, using the Web of Science and Derwent Innovations Index databases, and the Network Analysis Interface for Literature Review software and VosViewer. It was possible to verify the main authors, research centers and companies, countries and journals that publish on the subject; the most cited documents; the technological classes; and the networks of collaborations of this work. It was also possible to identify that researches on wind energy with tethered airfoils began their studies in the late 1970s with the first patent apparently dated from 1975 by the inventors Dai and Dai. The first scientific publication was in 1979 by authors Fletcher and Roberts, followed by Loyd in 1980. United States is the country that presented the highest number of patents and scientific papers. Both scientific papers and patents set up networks of collaboration; that is, important authors are interacting with others to establish cooperative partnerships.
Sustainable Product Strategy in Apparel Industry with Consumer Behavior Consideration
Authors: Yang Liu , Dong Shaozeng
Published: May 2017

The article attempts to analyze sustainable product strategy in apparel industry specifically addressing a firm that is considering launching a sustainable product partly made from recycled materials. There are two types of consumers under consideration, environmentally conscious and regular consumers, as they have different perceived values for the sustainable products. The article provides an analytical model aimed to identify conditions under which a firm could benefit from adopting sustainable product strategy. The level of sustainability is determined by the trade-off between profitability and costs occurred and if more consumers value sustainable products, the firm will increase its sustainable level and get a higher profit. This is because of a combination effect of an increasing marginal profit and demand expansion. Moreover, the model has been further extended to address a situation where the firm could manage consumer segmentation. Depending on parameter settings, the firm may target different consumer segments and there is always a threshold of cost for managing consumer segments. When converting regular consumers to be environmentally conscious is not costly, the firm will convert all consumers to be environmentally conscious with great efforts; otherwise, the firm will convert part of consumers to be environmentally conscious.
Enhanced Quality of Service of Cell-Edge User by Extending Modified Largest Weighted Delay First Algorithm in LTE Networks
Authors: Chayon Hasibur , Dimyati Kaharudin , Ramiah Harikrishnan , Reza Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the prominent technology in Fourth Generation (4G) communication standards, which provides higher throughput and better Quality of Service (QoS) to all users. However, users in the cell-edge area are receiving comparatively low QoS due to the distance from eNodeB (eNB) and bad channel conditions. The Conventional Modified Largest Weighted Delay First (MLWDF) algorithm is unable to resolve this issue, as it does not consider the location of the user. This paper proposes an extended MLWDF (EMLWDF) downlink scheduling algorithm to provide better services to the cell-edge user as well as to the cell-center user. The proposed algorithm divides the eNB cell area into inner and outer regions. It includes the distance of the user from attached eNB, received Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) and error probability into the original algorithm. The simulated results are compared with other well-known algorithms and the comparison shows that the proposed algorithm enhances overall 56.23% of cell-edge user throughput and significantly improves the average user throughput, fairness index, and spectral efficiency.
New tricks of well-known aminoazoles in isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions and antibacterial activity of the compounds synthesized
Authors: Murlykina Maryna V , Kornet Maryna N , Desenko Sergey M , Shishkina Svetlana V , Shishkin Oleg V , Brazhko Aleksander A , Musatov Vladimir I , Van der Eycken Erik V , Chebanov Valentin A
Published: May 2017

The well-known aminoazoles, 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole and 5-amino-N-aryl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides, were studied as an amine component in Ugi and Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé multicomponent reactions. The first example of an application of aminoazoles in an Ugi four-component reaction was discovered and novel features of a Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé cyclocondensation are established and discussed. The heterocycles obtained were evaluated for their antibacterial activity and several of them demonstrated a weak antimicrobial effect, but for most of the compounds a 30–50% increase in biomass of Gram-positive strains (mainly B. subtilis) compared to control was observed.
Obstetric Nursing: An Integrative Review
Authors: Oliveira Sidney Medeiros de , Barroso Marianna Leite , Nascimento Vânia Barbosa do , Oliveira Gislene Farias de
Published: May 2017

Evidence-based research, tend to encourage the development and / or use of the results found, in the clinical practice. The amount and complexity of information in health, requires the production of literature review methods, such as integrative review, which provide a support in the form of synthesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific literature available on midwifery in SciELO database from 2010 to 2015. It presents general concepts and stages of development of the integrative review, as well as relevant aspects of the applicability of this method for research in nursing and health in general. The integrative review is a research method that allows a systematic search, critical assessment and the promotion of a synthesis of the available evidence on the subject investigated.The publications reviewed here, have shown how it is relevant to clinical practice, the participation of nursing in all stages of the gestational cycle, including childbirth and the postpartum period. Also provided to identify gaps that that will direct the development of future research, such as those relating to liability issues of the nursing area hardly contemplated in studies of care in obstetrics.

 Keywords: Research. obstetric nursing. Health.
Nursing Care with the Skin of Hospitalized Newborns: Integrative Review
Authors: Soares Ana Dulce Amorim Santos , Rocha Silvana Santiago da , Filho Augusto Cezar Antunes de Araujo , Costa Rosana Dos Santos , Gouveia Márcia Teles de Oliveira , Lima Priscilla Cavalcante
Published: May 2017

The objective was to analyze the scientific collection on nursing care with the skin of hospitalized newborns. In order to reach the objective, an integrative review was conducted. The search for primary studies was performed in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF and PUBMED. The included studies (n=10) were grouped into thematic categories: risk factors for skin lesions in hospitalized newborns and their consequences; and nursing care to promote the integrity of the skin of hospitalized newborns. The main care identified were lubrication with emollient agents, use of hydrocolloids and transparent film, changes in decubitus, hygiene techniques, phototherapy and invasive procedures. The results of the review offer guidance for the conduction of researches that investigate interventions that are more effective in the prevention and treatment of skin injuries and their consequences.

Key words: Nursing Care, Newborn, Skin.
High-resolution Observations of Downflows at One End of a Pre-eruption Filament
Authors: Li Qin , Deng Na , Jing Ju , Wang Haimin
Published: May 2017

Studying the dynamics of filaments at the pre-eruption phase can shed light on the precursor of eruptive events. Such high-resolution studies (of the order of 0.″1) are highly desirable yet very rare. In this work, we present a detailed observation of a pre-eruption evolution of a filament obtained by the 1.6 m New Solar Telescope (NST) at the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). One end of the filament is anchored at the sunspot in the NOAA active region (AR) 11515, which is well observed by NST Hα off-bands from four hours before to one hour after the filament eruption. A M1.6 flare is associated with the eruption. We observed persistent downflowing materials along the Hα multi-threaded component of the loop toward the AR end during the pre-eruption phase. We traced the trajectories of plasma blobs along the Hα threads and obtained a plane-of-sky velocity of 45 km s−1 on average. Furthermore, we estimated the real velocities of the downflows and the altitude of the filament by matching the observed Hα threads with magnetic field lines extrapolated from a nonlinear force-free field model. Observations of chromospheric brightenings at the footpoints of the falling plasma blobs are also presented. The lower limit of the kinetic energy per second of the downflows through the brightenings is found to be ∼1021 erg. Larger FOV observations from BBSO full-disk Hα images show that the AR end of the filament started ascending four hours before the flare. We attribute the observed downflows at the AR end of the filament to the draining effect of the filament rising prior to its eruption. During the slow-rise phase, the downflows continuously drained away ∼1015g mass from the filament over a few hours, which is believed to be essential for the instability, and could be an important precursor of eruptive events.