bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Open Circuit Voltage and State of Charge Characterization of High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Under Different Temperature
Authors: Zhang Ruifeng , Xia Bizhong , Li Baohua , Cao Libo , Lai Yongzhi , Zheng Weiwei , Wang Huawen , Wang Wei , Wang Mingwang
Published: September 2018

Open circuit voltage (OCV) is an important characteristic parameter of lithium-ion batteries, which is used to analyze the changes of electronic energy in electrode materials, and to estimate battery state of charge (SOC) and manage the battery pack. Therefore, accurate OCV modeling is a great significance for lithium-ion battery management. In this paper, the characteristics of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries at different temperatures were considered, and the OCV-SOC characteristic curves at different temperatures were studied by modeling, exponential, polynomial, sum of sin functions, and Gaussian model fitting method with pulse test data. The parameters of fitting OCV-SOC curves by exponential model (n = 2), polynomial model (n = 3~7), sum of sin functions model (n = 3), and Gaussian model (n = 4) at temperatures of 45 °C, 25 °C, 0 °C, and −20°C are obtained, and the errors are analyzed. The experimental results show that the operating temperature of the battery influences the OCV-SOC characteristic significantly. Therefore, these factors need to be considered in order to increase the accuracy of the model and improve the accuracy of battery state estimation.
Transparency of a Geographically Distributed Test Platform for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Powertrain Systems Based on X-in-the-Loop Approach
Authors: Niu Wenxu , Song Ke , Xiao Qiwen , Behrendt Matthias , Albers Albert , Zhang Tong
Published: September 2018

X-in-the-loop is a new vehicle development and validation method for increasingly complex vehicle systems, which integrates the driver and the environment. In view of recent developments in fuel cell electric vehicle powertrain systems, Tongji University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have jointly developed a set of distributed test platforms based on the X-in-the-loop approach. This platform contains models and test equipment for a fuel cell electric vehicle powertrain system. Due to the involvement of remote connection and the Internet, test with connected test benches will suffer great uncertainty cause of signal transfer delay. To figure out this uncertainty, the concept of transparency is introduced. Four parameters were selected as transparency parameters in this distributed test platform. These include vehicle speed, fuel cell output power, battery output power, and electric motor torque under several different configuration settings. With the help of transparency theory and statistical methodology, especially Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), the transparency of these four parameters was established, vehicle speed, electric motor torque, battery power, and fuel cell power are affected by network state, the degree of influence is enhanced in turn. Using new defined parametric and non-parametric methods, this paper identifies the statistical significance and the transparency limitations caused by Internet under these several configurations. These methods will generate inputs for developer setting the distributed test configuration. These results will contribute to optimize the process of geographically distributed validation and joint development.
Integrated Energy Transaction Mechanisms Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Zhao Shengnan , Wang Beibei , Li Yachao , Li Yang
Published: September 2018

With the rapid development of distributed renewable energy (DRE), demand response (DR) programs, and the proposal of the energy internet, the current centralized trading of the electricity market model is unable to meet the trading needs of distributed energy. As a decentralized and distributed accounting mode, blockchain technology fits the requirements of distributed energy to participate in the energy market. Corresponding to the transaction principle, a blockchain-based integrated energy transaction mechanism is proposed, which divides the trading process into two stages: the call auction stage and the continues auction stage. The transactions among the electricity and heat market participants were used as examples to explain the details of the trading process. Finally, the smart contracts of the transactions were designed and deployed on the Ethereum private blockchain site to demonstrate the validity of the proposed transaction scheme.
A Systematic Literature Review on Military Software Defined Networks
Authors: Gkioulos Vasileios , Gunleifsen Håkon , Weldehawaryat Goitom
Published: September 2018

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is an evolving network architecture paradigm that focuses on the separation of control and data planes. SDN receives increasing attention both from academia and industry, across a multitude of application domains. In this article, we examine the current state of obtained knowledge on military SDN by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR). Through this work, we seek to evaluate the current state of the art in terms of research tracks, publications, methods, trends, and most active research areas. Accordingly, we utilize these findings for consolidating the areas of past and current research on the examined application domain, and propose directions for future research.
Prevalence of Depression among Migrants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Foo Shea Q. , Tam Wilson W. , Ho Cyrus S. , Tran Bach X. , Nguyen Long H. , McIntyre Roger S. , Ho Roger C.
Published: September 2018

As the number of migrants worldwide increases, it is worthwhile to examine the extent to which depression has affected this group of often vulnerable individuals. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the aggregate prevalence of depression among international migrants and to explore the variations in prevalence with demographic and educational factors. A search was conducted on the online databases PubMed and ScienceDirect whole using the terms “depression”, “depressive disorder”, “immigration”, “immigrant”, “migration”, and “migrant”. A total of 25 studies met our inclusion criteria. A random-effects model meta-analysis calculated an aggregate prevalence of 15.6% among migrants. Heterogeneity was identified by meta-regression and subgroup analyses, and the level of educational attainment, employment status, and length of residency spent in country of migration were found to be significant moderators contributing to depression prevalence. In conclusion, newly arrived migrants appear to be susceptible to developing depression and it is imperative that more in the form of preventive strategies and increased assistance be incorporated to ensure their psychological wellbeing and improve their mental health outcomes. Further research should be conducted to better understand the risk of psychiatric disorders among members of this subpopulation.
Tanshinone IIA Attenuates Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 -Induced Cell Proliferation in PC12 Cells through the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK Pathways
Authors: Wang Haitao , Su Xiaoying , Fang Jiankang , Xin Xingan , Zhao Xia , Gaur Uma , Wen Qiang , Xu Jiangping , Little Peter J. , Zheng Wenhua
Published: September 2018

The insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its receptor (IGF-1R) facilitate tumor proliferation and progression. Tanshinone IIA (TSN) is an active diterpene quinone isolated from the roots of the herbal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza. TSN inhibits the proliferation of various types of cancer cells but its role in the IGF-1R-induced proliferation of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and the potential mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of TSN in PC12 cells and its role on IGF-1R signaling transduction. PC12 cells were treated with IGF-1 with or without TSN, methyl thiazolytetrazolium (MTT) assay, and cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the proliferation of PC12 cells. The role of TSN on the apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected by flow cytometry as well. The effects of TSN and IGF-1 on the phosphorylation of IGF-1R, protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular-signal related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and other downstream targets were analyzed by Western blotting analysis. Our results showed that IGF-1 promoted the growth of PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner and increased the phosphorylation of IGF-1R, whereas TSN attenuated the effect of IGF-1. Interestingly, TSN did not induce cell apoptosis in PC12 cells. Moreover, TSN attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 induced by IGF-1, and the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) and c-Raf were also inhibited by TSN. Furthermore, TSN inhibited cell growth induced by IGF-1 and blocked the activation of IGF-1R in SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, TSN has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of PC12 cells via down-regulation of the phosphorylated IGF-1R and its downstream signaling.
Autoalgometry: An Important Tool for Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation
Authors: Lorusso Letizia , Salerno Monica , Sessa Francesco , Nicolosi Daniela , Longhitano Lucia , Loreto Carla , Carotenuto Marco , Messina Antonietta , Monda Vincenzo , Villano Ines , Cibelli Giuseppe , Valenzano Anna , Monda Marcellino , Murabito Paolo , Mollica Maria Pina , Messina Giovanni , Viggiano Andrea
Published: September 2018

The term “pain threshold” refers to the measurement of the intensity of a physical stimulus that evokes pain. To estimate the pain threshold, a mechanical or electrical stimulus with increasing intensity is usually applied until the subject under evaluation refers to a pain sensation. This study aims to evaluate the autoalgometric pain threshold as a perfect technique to determine the effects of stimulation rate in relation to both gender and the site of stimulation. In this experimental model, pressure algometry was applied: the subject under evaluation pushed a finger against a small round metal tip, producing and at the same time controlling the intensity of the noxious stimulus. Through autoalgometry, the stimulus intensity was recorded over time, measuring the force change rate applied and studying the subject’s behavior on approaching pain. This test was performed with 50 healthy volunteers on two days, applying a fast or slow rate of stimulation. The results described demonstrate that there is a positive correlation between the pressure increase rate and the pressure threshold evaluation. In light of these findings, autoalgometry can be proposed as an objective measure of pressure pain threshold for clinical and research use.
Thermal Modeling of Temperature Distribution in Metal Additive Manufacturing Considering Effects of Build Layers, Latent Heat, and Temperature-Sensitivity of Material Properties
Authors: Mirkoohi Elham , Ning Jinqiang , Bocchini Peter , Fergani Omar , Chiang Kuo-Ning , Liang Steven Y.
Published: September 2018

A physics-based analytical model is proposed in order to predict the temperature profile during metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes, by considering the effects of temperature history in each layer, temperature-sensitivity of material properties and latent heat. The moving heat source analysis is used in order to predict the temperature distribution inside a semi-infinite solid material. The laser thermal energy deposited into a control volume is absorbed by the material thermodynamic latent heat and conducted through the contacting solid boundaries. The analytical model takes in to account the typical multi-layer aspect of additive manufacturing processes for the first time. The modeling of the problem involving multiple layers is of great importance because the thermal interactions of successive layers affect the temperature gradients, which govern the heat transfer and thermal stress development mechanisms. The temperature profile is calculated for isotropic and homogeneous material. The proposed model can be used to predict the temperature in laser-based metal additive manufacturing configurations of either direct metal deposition or selective laser melting. A numerical analysis is also conducted to simulate the temperature profile in metal AM. These two models are compared with experimental results. The proposed model also well captured the melt pool geometry as it is compared to experimental values. In order to emphasize the importance of solving the problem considering multiple layers, the peak temperature considering the layer addition and peak temperature not considering the layer addition are compared. The results show that considering the layer addition aspect of metal additive manufacturing can help to better predict the surface temperature and melt pool geometry. An analysis is conducted to show the importance of considering the temperature sensitivity of material properties in predicting temperature. A comparison of the computational time is also provided for analytical and numerical modeling. Based on the obtained results, it appears that the proposed analytical method provides an effective and accurate method to predict the temperature in metal AM.
Initiation of Surface Cracks on Beam Blank in the Mold during Continuous Casting
Authors: Yang Gaiyan , Zhu Liguang , Chen Wei , Yu Xingwang , He Baomin
Published: September 2018

Surface cracking seriously affects the quality of beam blanks, a relatively new blank in the continuous casting in China. In order to study the mechanism of the initiation and propagation of surface cracks, this study established a 2D micro-segmented model of the solidification process for a beam blank in the mold, with a user subroutine DFLUX written in Fortran. Using a contact algorithm, the stress in the shell of the beam was analyzed considering the mechanical properties of the material (Q235B), thermal stress, surface friction force and ferrostatic pressure. The results showed that at the center of the web, surface longitudinal cracks were most likely to initiate at a height of 180 mm from the meniscus; at the fillet, surface longitudinal cracks were most likely to initiate at a height of 200 mm from the meniscus. Moreover, the casting speed showed a greater effect on surface crack initiation than the pouring temperature did. This study reveals the cause of longitudinal crack initiation, and the most likely positions of cracks on the strand. Thus, it is instructive for controlling surface cracks in production.
Effect of the Parameters of Semi-Solid Processing on the Elimination of Sharp-Edged Primary Chromium Carbides from Tool Steel
Authors: Jirková Hana , Rubešová Kateřina , Konopík Pavel , Opatová Kateřina
Published: September 2018

Although conventional tool steels have been heat treated on a routine basis for decades, the search continues for new ways to eliminate their troublesome sharp-edged primary chromium carbides, which impair toughness. One of the available techniques is semi-solid processing, which involves partial melting of the workpiece. The structure after semi-solid processing consisted of a austenite and carbide-austenite network. The network can be broken up and its fragments distributed uniformly by subsequent forming with appropriate parameters. In this experimental study, X210Cr12 tool steel was heated to a semi-solid state, and after cooling to a solid state, worked in a hydraulic press. Suitable soaking temperatures were sought within an interval between 1200 °C and 1280 °C. The workpieces were quenched from the forming temperature in water or oil. In order to improve formability and reduce hardness, tempering was tested as well. Additional experimental regimes included conventional quenching and tempering. Once the appropriate parameters were chosen, the elimination of primary chromium carbides was successful. The resultant microstructures were fine and consisted of M-A constituent with a size of approximately 1 μm, and very fine Fe3C and Cr7C3 carbides. The hardness was in excess of 800 HV10. They were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The carbides were characterized on transparent foils in a transmission electron microscope. Mechanical characteristics were determined in micro-tensile tests.
Theoretical Calculations for Highly Selective Direct Heteroarylation Polymerization: New Nitrile-Substituted Dithienyl-Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Polymers
Authors: Bura Thomas , Beaupré Serge , Légaré Marc-André , Ibraikulov Olzhas A. , Leclerc Nicolas , Leclerc Mario
Published: September 2018

Direct Heteroarylation Polymerization (DHAP) is becoming a valuable alternative to classical polymerization methods being used to synthesize π-conjugated polymers for organic electronics applications. In previous work, we showed that theoretical calculations on activation energy (Ea) of the C–H bonds were helpful to rationalize and predict the selectivity of the DHAP. For readers’ convenience, we have gathered in this work all our previous theoretical calculations on Ea and performed new ones. Those theoretical calculations cover now most of the widely utilized electron-rich and electron-poor moieties studied in organic electronics like dithienyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole (DT-DPP) derivatives. Theoretical calculations reported herein show strong modulation of the Ea of C–H bond on DT-DPP when a bromine atom or strong electron withdrawing groups (such as fluorine or nitrile) are added to the thienyl moiety. Based on those theoretical calculations, new cyanated dithienyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole (CNDT-DPP) monomers and copolymers were prepared by DHAP and their electro-optical properties were compared with their non-fluorinated and fluorinated analogues.
Folic Acid Has a Protective Effect on Retinal Vascular Endothelial Cells against High Glucose
Authors: Wang Zhenglin , Xing Wei , Song Yongli , Li Hongli , Liu Yonggang , Wang Yong , Li Chun , Wang Yun , Wu Yan , Han Jing
Published: September 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes, which seriously affects the life quality of patients. Because of the damage caused by DR, there is an urgent need to develop effective drugs. Folic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, is one of the vitamin B complexes. Folic acid is widely found in the meat and vegetables. In the clinic, low folic acid levels in the body may have a certain correlation with DR. However, there is no relevant basic research proving a relationship between folic acid levels and DR. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate whether folic acid has a protective effect on the retinal vascular endothelial cells against high glucose levels. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of action of folic acid was further explored. The results showed that folic acid significantly suppressed the cell viability, tube length, migrated cells and the percentage of BrdU+ cells compared with the high glucose group. Moreover, folic acid decreased the mRNA expression of TEAD1 and the protein expression of TEAD1 and YAP1. These findings indicate that folic acid can protect retinal vascular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury by regulating the proteins in the Hippo signaling pathway.
Rapid Determination of the Oil and Moisture Contents in Camellia gauchowensis Chang and Camellia semiserrata Chi Seeds Kernels by Near-infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Yingzhong , Zhang Liangbo , Wang Jing , Tang Xuxiao , Wu Hong , Wang Minghuai , Zeng Wu , Mo Qihui , Li Yongquan , Li Jianwei , Huang Yijuan , Xu Baohua , Zhang Mengyu
Published: September 2018

A fast and effective determination method of different species of vegetable seeds oil is vital in the plant oil industry. The near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) method was developed in this study to analyze the oil and moisture contents of Camellia gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi seeds kernels. Calibration and validation models were established using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression methods. In the prediction models of NIRS, the levels of accuracy obtained were sufficient for C. gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi, the correlation coefficients of which for oil were 0.98 and 0.95, respectively, and those for moisture were 0.92 and 0.89, respectively. The near infrared spectrum of crush seeds kernels was more precise compared to intact kernels. Based on the calibration models of the two Camellia species, the NIRS predictive oil contents of C. gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi seeds kernels were 48.71 ± 8.94% and 58.37 ± 7.39%, and the NIRS predictive moisture contents were 4.39 ± 1.08% and 3.49 ± 0.71%, respectively. The NIRS technique could determine successfully the oil and moisture contents of C. gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi seeds kernels.
Exfoliation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) in Liquide Phase by Ion Intercalation
Authors: Gonzalez Ortiz Danae , Pochat-Bohatier Celine , Cambedouzou Julien , Bechelany Mikhael , Miele Philippe
Published: September 2018

A green approach to prepare exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS) from commercially pristine h-BN involving a two-step procedure was investigated. The first step involves the dispersion of pristine h-BN within an aqueous solution containing gelatin and potassium or zinc chloride using a sonication method. The second involves the removal of larger exfoliated h-BNNS through a centrifugation procedure. The exfoliation was caused not only by the sonication effect but also by intercalation of K+ and Zn2+ ions. Transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques show that the obtained h-BNNS generally display a thickness of about a few (2–3) layers with an exfoliation efficiency as high as 16.3 ± 0.4%.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Waste Zn-C Battery via Thermal Route: Characterization and Properties
Authors: Farzana Rifat , Rajarao Ravindra , Behera Pravas Ranjan , Hassan Kamrul , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: September 2018

Disposable batteries are becoming the primary sources of powering day-to-day gadgets and consequently contributing to e-waste generation. The emerging e-waste worldwide is creating concern regarding environmental and health issues. Therefore, a sustainable recycling approach of spent batteries has become a critical focus. This study reports the detail characterization and properties of ZnO nanoparticles recovered from spent Zn-C batteries via a facile thermal synthesis route. ZnO nanoparticles are used in many applications including energy storage, gas sensors, optoelectronics, etc. due to the exceptional physical and optical properties. A thermal treatment at 900 °C under an inert atmosphere of argon was applied to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles from a spent Zn-C battery using a horizontal quartz tube furnace. X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the formation of crystalline ZnO nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the size of synthesised ZnO particles were less than 50 nm and mainly composed of sphere shaped nanoparticles. Synthesized ZnO exhibited BET surface area of 9.2629 m2/g and showed absorption of light in the UV region. Excitation of ZnO by UV light showed photoluminescence in the visible range. This study will create an opportunity for potential applications of ZnO nanoparticles from spent batteries and will benefit the environment by reducing the volume of e-waste in landfills.
Mechanical and Sorptivity Characteristics of Edge-Oxidized Graphene Oxide (EOGO)-Cement Composites: Dry- and Wet-Mix Design Methods
Authors: Alharbi Yousef , An Jinwoo , Cho Byoung Hooi , Khawaji Mohammad , Chung Wonseok , Nam Boo Hyun
Published: September 2018

This paper aims to investigate the effects of edge-oxidized graphene oxide nanoflakes (EOGO) on the mechanical properties and sorptivity of cement composites. The EOGO used in this study was produced by a mechanochemical process that assists the production of EOGO in large quantities at significantly reduced costs, enabling its practical use for infrastructure construction. The scope of this work includes the use of EOGO as an additive in cement composites, including cement paste and mortar. This study explores two mixing methods: The dry-mix method and the wet-mix method. The dry-mix method uses EOGO as dry powder in cement composites whereas the wet-mix method uses a water-dispersed solution (using a sonication process). Varied percentages of EOGO, ranging from 0.01% to 1.0%, were used for both methods. To evaluate the concrete durability, the effect of EOGO addition on sorptivity of the cement composites was investigated by performing total porosity and water sorptivity tests. It was found that 0.05% of EOGO is the optimum proportion to exert the highest strength in compressive and flexural strength tests. In addition, the dry-mix method is comparable to the wet-mix method (with dispersion of EOGO), thus more practical for field engineering applications.
Endocannabinoid Metabolome Characterization of Transitional and Mature Human Milk
Authors: Gaitán Adriana V. , Wood JodiAnne T. , Zhang Fan , Makriyannis Alexandros , Lammi-Keefe Carol J.
Published: September 2018

Recognized as the gold standard, human milk (HM) is an extremely complex yet fascinating biofluid tailored to meet an infant’s nutritional requirements throughout development. Endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds (endocannabinoid metabolome, ECM) are endogenous lipid mediators derived from long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that have been identified in HM. Previous research has shown that arachidonoylglycerol might play a role in establishing the infant’s suckling response during lactation by activating the type 1 cannabinoid receptor in the infant’s brain. The mechanisms of action and the role of the ECM in HM are not fully understood. Transitional and mature milk samples were collected from lactating women (n = 24) for ECM characterization, quantification, and to evaluate differences among the two stages. HM samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Identified members of the ECM were: arachidonoylethanolamine, palmitoylethanolamine, oleoylethanolamine, docosahexaenoylethanolamine, eicoapentaenoylethanolamine, eicosenoylethanolamine, arachidonoylglycerol, palmitoyglycerol, oleoylglycerol, docosahexaenoylglycerol, eicosapentaenoylglycerol, eiconenooylglycerol, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. Only docosahexaenoylglycerol was different across transitional and mature milk (p ≤ 0.05). Data from this cohort suggest that bioactive constituents in HM may also play a role in infant health and development. Future studies can be developed based on this study’s data to help elucidate specific roles for each ECM member in addition to understanding how the ECM modulates infant health.
Characterizing Virulence of the Pyrenophora tritici-repentis Isolates Lacking Both ToxA and ToxB Genes
Authors: Guo Jingwei , Shi Gongjun , Liu Zhaohui
Published: September 2018

The fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr) causes tan spot of wheat crops, which is an important disease worldwide. Based on the production of the three known necrotrophic effectors (NEs), the fungal isolates are classified into eight races with race 4 producing no known NEs. From a laboratory cross between 86–124 (race 2 carrying the ToxA gene for the production of Ptr ToxA) and DW5 (race 5 carrying the ToxB gene for the production of Ptr ToxB), we have obtained some Ptr isolates lacking both the ToxA and ToxB genes, which, by definition, should be classified as race 4. In this work, we characterized virulence of two of these isolates called B16 and B17 by inoculating them onto various common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (T. turgidum L.) genotypes. It was found that the two isolates still caused disease on some genotypes of both common and durum wheat. Disease evaluations were also conducted in recombinant inbred line populations derived from two hard red winter wheat cultivars: Harry and Wesley. QTL mapping in this population revealed that three genomic regions were significantly associated with disease, which are different from the three known NE sensitivity loci. This result further indicates the existence of other NE-host sensitivity gene interactions in the wheat tan spot disease system.
Primary Structure Analysis of Antifungal Peptides from Cultivated and Wild Cereals
Authors: Rogozhin Eugene , Ryazantsev Dmitry , Smirnov Alexey , Zavriev Sergey
Published: September 2018

Cereal-derived bioactive peptides with antimicrobial activity have been poorly explored compared to those from dicotyledonous plants. Furthermore, there are a few reports addressing the structural differences between antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from cultivated and wild cereals, which may shed light on significant varieties in the range and level of their antimicrobial activity. We performed a primary structure analysis of some antimicrobial peptides from wild and cultivated cereals to find out the features that are associated with the much higher antimicrobial resistance characteristic of wild plants. In this review, we identified and analyzed the main parameters determining significant antifungal activity. They relate to a high variability level in the sequences of C-terminal fragments and a high content of hydrophobic amino acid residues in the biologically active defensins in wild cereals, in contrast to AMPs from cultivated forms that usually exhibit weak, if any, activity. We analyzed the similarity of various physicochemical parameters between thionins and defensins. The presence of a high divergence on a fixed part of any polypeptide that is close to defensins could be a determining factor. For all of the currently known hevein-like peptides of cereals, we can say that the determining factor in this regard is the structure of the chitin-binding domain, and in particular, amino acid residues that are not directly involved in intermolecular interaction with chitin. The analysis of amino acid sequences of alpha-hairpinins (hairpin-like peptides) demonstrated much higher antifungal activity and more specificity of the peptides from wild cereals compared with those from wheat and corn, which may be associated with the presence of a mini cluster of positively charged amino acid residues. In addition, at least one hydrophobic residue may be responsible for binding to the components of fungal cell membranes.
Saving Raw Materials for Cement Manufacture and Reusing an Untreated Waste from the Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Sena da Fonseca Bruno , Castela António , Neves Rui , Duarte Raquel , Galhano Carlos , Montemor Maria de Fátima
Published: September 2018

This research addresses the replacement of cement by an untreated waste from the petrochemical industry. The effects of partial replacement of cement by spent fluid cracking catalyst (SFCC) on properties of mortar were determined. In this study, a series of mortar mixes was prepared with replacement ratios of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 12%. Furthermore, performance enhancing factors such as SFCC treatment or use of plasticizers were avoided. Workability, compressive strength, and durability related properties were assessed. An improvement regarding resistance to chloride penetration was observed, as well as that, when curing in salt water, the use of SFCC may be advantageous regarding compressive strength.
CoRisk: Credit Risk Contagion with Correlation Network Models
Authors: Giudici Paolo , Parisi Laura
Published: September 2018

We propose a novel credit risk measurement model for Corporate Default Swap (CDS) spreads that combines vector autoregressive regression with correlation networks. We focus on the sovereign CDS spreads of a collection of countries that can be regarded as idiosyncratic measures of credit risk. We model CDS spreads by means of a structural vector autoregressive model, composed by a time dependent country specific component, and by a contemporaneous component that describes contagion effects among countries. To disentangle the two components, we employ correlation networks, derived from the correlation matrix between the reduced form residuals. The proposed model is applied to ten countries that are representative of the recent financial crisis: top borrowing/lending countries, and peripheral European countries. The empirical findings show that the contagion variable derived in this study can be considered as a network centrality measure. From an applied viewpoint, the results indicate that, in the last 10 years, contagion has induced a “clustering effect” between core and peripheral countries, with the two groups further diverging through, and because of, contagion propagation, thus creating a sort of diabolic loop extremely difficult to be reversed. Finally, the outcomes of the analysis confirm that core countries are importers of risk, as contagion increases their CDS spread, whereas peripheral countries are exporters of risk. Greece is an unfortunate exception, as its spreads seem to increase for both idiosyncratic factors and contagion effects.
The Effect of Pain Relief on Daily Physical Activity: In-Home Objective Physical Activity Assessment in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients after Paravertebral Spinal Block
Authors: Chuan Yen Tzu , Mohler Jane , Dohm Michael , Laksari Kaveh , Najafi Bijan , Toosizadeh Nima
Published: September 2018

This study evaluates the effect of paravertebral spinal injection (PSI), utilizing both subjective and objective assessments in chronic low back pain (LBP) associated with facet joint arthrosis over a one-month duration. Subjective questionnaires included the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index, the Health Survey SF-12, and the short Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Objective assessments included in-clinic gait and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests using wearable sensors, as well as 48 h daily physical activity (DPA) monitored using a chest-worn triaxial accelerometer. Subjective and objective measures were performed prior to treatment, immediately after the treatment, and one month after the treatment. Eight LBP patients were recruited for this study (mean age = 54 ± 13 years, body mass index = 31.41 ± 6.52 kg/m2, 50% males). Results show significant decrease in pain (~55%, p < 0.05) and disability (Oswestry scores, ~21%, p < 0.05). In-clinic gait and TUG were also significantly improved (~16% and ~18% faster walking and shorter TUG, p < 0.05); however, DPA, including the percentage of physical activities (walking and standing) and the number of steps, showed no significant change after PSI (p > 0.25; effect size ≤ 0.44). We hypothesize that DPA may continue to be truncated to an extent by conditioned fear-avoidance, a psychological state that may prevent increase in daily physical activity to avoid pain.
Supervised PolSAR Image Classification with Multiple Features and Locally Linear Embedding
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wei Xinli , Xiang Deliang , Sun Mengqing
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a new method of land use and land cover classification for polarimetric SAR data. This algorithm consists of three parts. First, the multiple-component model-based scattering decomposition technique is improved and the decomposed scattering powers can be used to support the classification of PolSAR data. With this decomposition, the volume scattering of vegetated areas is enhanced while their double-bounce scattering is reduced. Furthermore, the double-bounce scattering of urban areas is enhanced and their volume scattering is decreased, which leads to an improvement in the classification accuracy especially for the urban areas. Second, this classification strategy is carried out on the superpixel level, which can decrease the influence of speckle noise and speed up the classification. Moreover, the contexture and spatial features extracted from these superpixels are utilized to improve classification accuracy. Lastly, we introduce the supervised locally linear embedding approach to map the high dimensional features into the low dimensional features as the inputs of classifiers. The classification is completed using the nearest neighbor classifier. The effectiveness of our proposed method is demonstrated using the AIRSAR C-band PolSAR data set, which is compared with the original MCSM-SVM and newly published LE-IF PolSAR classification methods. Further investigation is also carried out on the individual contribution of the three parts to LULC classification using AIRSAR C-band data. It indicates that all three components have important contributions to the final classification result.
Determination of Eudragit® L100 in an Enteric-Coated Tablet Formulation Using Size-Exclusion Chromatography with Charged-Aerosol Detection
Authors: Widjaja Marsella , Gan Jefri , Talpaneni Joseph Sunder Raj , Tjandrawinata Raymond Rubianto
Published: September 2018

Eudragit® L100 is a commonly used polymer in a coating layer of modified-release drug formulation to prevent drug release in the stomach. The amount of Eudragit® L100 in the formula determines the dissolution profile of drug at its release medium. Hence, its quantification in reference product will facilitate the formulation of a bioequivalent drug product. Some analytical methods including size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) have been reported for characterization of Eudragit® L100 either as single component or its conjugate with the enzyme, but none for its quantification in drug formulation. In this work, an SEC method with charged-aerosol detection (CAD) was developed for determination of Eudragit® L100 in an enteric-coated tablet formulation using Waters Ultrahydrogel 1000 and Waters Ultrahydrogel 120 columns in series. The mobile phase was a mixture of 90:10 (v/v) 44.75 mM aqueous ammonium acetate buffer, pH 6.6 and acetonitrile pumped at a constant flow rate of 0.8 mL/min in isocratic mode. The method was validated for specificity, working range, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy and precision. The method was shown to be specific for Eudragit® L100 against the diluent (mobile phase) and placebo of a coating layer for the tablet. A good correlation coefficient (r = 0.9997) of CAD response against Eudragit® L100 concentration from 0.1–1.0 mg/mL was obtained using polynomial regression. LOD and LOQ concentrations were 0.0015 and 0.0040 mg/mL, respectively. The mean recovery of Eudragit® L100 was in the range of 88.0–91.1% at three levels of working concentration: 50%, 100% and 150%. Six replicated preparations of samples showed good precision of the peak area with % relative standard deviation (RSD) 2.7. In conclusion, the method was suitable for quantification of Eudragit® L100 in an enteric-coated tablet formulation.
Bilateral Asymmetries in Ultrasound Assessments of the Rectus Femoris throughout an NCAA Division I Volleyball Preseason
Authors: Sanders Gabriel J. , Boos Brian , Shipley Frank , Peacock Corey A.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of the study was to assess glycogen content of the rectus femoris (RF) muscles utilizing high-frequency ultrasound throughout an intensive, nine-day preseason training period in NCAA division I volleyball athletes. In the morning prior to the beginning of practice, athletes (n = 13) left and right RF muscles were assessed via ultrasound to quantify muscle fuel ratings (0–100 score range). The recommended location of the RF ultrasound scans were based on manufacturer guidelines, and the same technician recorded the daily measurements. To assess daily training load, session ratings of perceived exertion (s-RPE) were utilized. A paired t-test revealed a large significant difference between left (51.7 ± 17.9) and right (32.8 ± 17.4) RF muscle fuel ratings (p < 0.001). There was also a major effect of time on s-RPE (p < 0.001) and left (dominant) RF fuel rating (p = 0.001). s-RPE decreased from the beginning to the end of the training camp. However, left RF fuel ratings increased from the first to the second day, then remained elevated all throughout the preseason. In conclusion, all athletes were left-leg dominant and had a 57.6% bilateral asymmetry between their left and right RF muscle fuel ratings despite changes in training load. High-frequency ultrasounds are a noninvasive assessment tool that can determine glycogen replenishment asymmetries in the RF.
Alexander’s Theories Applied to Urban Design
Authors: Rauber Alice , Krafta Romulo
Published: September 2018

Christopher Alexander has presented key concepts, such as wholeness, centres, and harmony-seeking computations, related to the coherence reached by a system. Wholeness is the global structural character of a given configuration existing in space. According to Alexander, wholeness is measurable although we do not have a mathematical language to describe it yet. Some authors have proposed a network perspective to address this problem. However, it is still poorly developed. This paper discusses how to improve the network approach already suggested in the literature. The aim is contributing to the debate on how to operationalise Alexander’s theories through a network perspective. We check out different descriptive systems and different centrality measures, which can be used to reveal the spatial relationship between urban entities and its hierarchy. The main conclusion is that centrality measures seem to offer an opportunity to get closer to Alexander’s concepts. However, a key point to move forward is a deeper investigation on how to describe the urban elements, how to identify spatial differentiation, and how to visualize the results. The relevance of such kind of research is the possibility of using those insights as analytical methods for supporting urban design.
Development of a Measure of Permeability between Private and Public Space
Authors: Alonso de Andrade Patrícia , Berghauser Pont Meta , Amorim Luiz
Published: September 2018

This article focuses on the development of a measure for frontage permeability, which we argue is needed to complement existing metrics used to describe urban environments and assess, amongst others, social performativity. Built density and street network centrality are two characteristics often discussed in relation to urban vitality. However, high densities and high centrality do not always result in higher urban vitality, which can be partially explained by a typical densification model often used in Brazil and in some other Latin-American cities with high-rise residential buildings. To understand the relation between urban form and social performativity, the metrics for density and network centrality are thus not sufficient and we propose to add two other urban form properties: frontage permeability and plot size. The hypothesis is that the mentioned densification model combines higher density with larger plots and lower permeability. Many scholars have shown that higher density is often associated with increased urban vitality, but larger plots are said to have the opposite effect and in Latin American cities, it is observed that lower vitality is found where buildings have less permeable frontages. This research aims at studying the combined effect of density, permeability, and plot size on urban vitality or, more generally, social performativity. However, there is no well-developed method to measure frontage permeability. Therefore, this article first presents a method to measure frontage permeability, both in qualitative and quantitative terms. This measure is then combined with existing measures of density and plot size to analyse how these three urban form metrics relate to each other. In a forthcoming paper, pedestrian observation data will be added to the analysis, to be able to give more insight in the relation between the three urban form metrics and urban vitality using pedestrian counts as proxy. We will show that the developed measure seems to be coherent and effective in describing permeability. Further, the preliminary results confirm the hypothesis that the Brazilian densification model with high-rise residential buildings generates a decrease in frontage permeability, although it does not appear to significantly change plot sizes.
Transitioning to Sponge Cities: Challenges and Opportunities to Address Urban Water Problems in China
Authors: Zevenbergen Chris , Fu Dafang , Pathirana Assela
Published: September 2018

At present, the Sponge City Concept (SCC) is gaining ground, Sponge Cities technologies are becoming more and more accepted by Chinese city governments, and the first best practices are being shared. However, there are still many challenges ahead which hamper effective implementation and upscaling. This paper presents an overview of some opportunities and constraints for the take up of this approach and has drawn upon international experiences. In China at the national level, the State Council has set a progressive target for the SCC initiative to be achieved in 2030. This target seems to be ambitious as the time needed for integrative planning and design and implementation is much longer than traditional sectoral approaches often omitting to address social well-being, the (local) economy, and ecosystem health. This particularly holds true for the existing building stock. Transforming the existing building stock requires a long-term planning horizon, with urban restoration, regeneration, and modernization being key drivers for adapting the city to become a sponge city. A key challenge will be to align the sponge city initiative (SCI) projects with infrastructure and urban renovation portfolios. Moreover, substantial investment needs and a lack of reliable financing schemes and experience also provide a huge challenge for China. This calls for an integrative opportunistic strategy that creates enabling conditions for linking the SCI investment agenda with those from other sectors. These transformations cannot be made overnight: completing the transformation process will typically take a life time of one generation. The progress in sustainable urban water management is also impacted by innovations in technologies as well as in management strategies. These technological innovations create fertile ground for businesses to adapt state-of-the-art developments from around the world and contextualize them into fit-for-purpose products. China is well-placed to play a leading role in this process in the coming decade.
Red versus Blue: Early Observations of Thermonuclear Supernovae Reveal Two Distinct Populations?
Authors: Stritzinger Maximilian D. , Shappee Benjamin J. , Piro Anthony L. , Ashall Christopher , Baron E. , Hoeflich Peter , Holmbo Simon , Holoien Thomas W.-S. , Phillips M. M. , Burns C. R. , Contreras Carlos , Morrell Nidia , Tucker Michael A.
Published: September 2018

We examine the early phase intrinsic (B − V)0 color evolution of a dozen SNe Ia discovered within three days of the inferred time of first light (t
first) and have (B − V)0 color information beginning within five days of t
first. The sample indicates there are two distinct early populations. The first is a population exhibiting blue colors that slowly evolve, and the second population exhibits red colors and evolves more rapidly. We find that the early blue events are all 1991T/1999aa-like with more luminous, slower declining light curves than those exhibiting early red colors. Placing the first sample on the Branch diagram (i.e., ratio of Si ii
λλ5972, 6355 pseudo-Equivalent widths) indicates that all blue objects are of the Branch shallow silicon (SS) spectral type, while all early red events except for the 2000cx-like SN 2012fr are of the Branch Core Normal (CN) or CooL (CL) type. A number of potential processes contributing to the early emission are explored, and we find that, in general, the viewing-angle dependance inherent in the companion collision model is inconsistent with all of the SS objects with early-time observations being blue and exhibiting an excess. We caution that great care must be taken when interpreting early phase light curves as there may be a variety of physical processes that are possibly at play and significant theoretical work remains to be done.