bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Entropy of Words—Learnability and Expressivity across More than 1000 Languages
Authors: Bentz Christian , Alikaniotis Dimitrios , Cysouw Michael , Ferrer-i-Cancho Ramon
Published: June 2017

The choice associated with words is a fundamental property of natural languages. It lies at the heart of quantitative linguistics, computational linguistics and language sciences more generally. Information theory gives us tools at hand to measure precisely the average amount of choice associated with words: the word entropy. Here, we use three parallel corpora, encompassing ca. 450 million words in 1916 texts and 1259 languages, to tackle some of the major conceptual and practical problems of word entropy estimation: dependence on text size, register, style and estimation method, as well as non-independence of words in co-text. We present two main findings: Firstly, word entropies display relatively narrow, unimodal distributions. There is no language in our sample with a unigram entropy of less than six bits/word. We argue that this is in line with information-theoretic models of communication. Languages are held in a narrow range by two fundamental pressures: word learnability and word expressivity, with a potential bias towards expressivity. Secondly, there is a strong linear relationship between unigram entropies and entropy rates. The entropy difference between words with and without co-textual information is narrowly distributed around ca. three bits/word. In other words, knowing the preceding text reduces the uncertainty of words by roughly the same amount across languages of the world.
Study on the Effects of Evaporation and Condensation on the Underfloor Space of Japanese Detached Houses Using CFD Analysis
Authors: Oh Wonseok , Kato Shinsuke
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of evaporation and condensation on the underfloor space of Japanese detached houses. In this underfloor space, natural ventilation is applied. A typical Japanese wooden detached house is raised 0.3–0.5 m over an underfloor space made of concrete. The bottom of the underfloor space is usually paved with concrete, and the ceiling which is directly underneath the indoor occupant zone is made of wood. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is applied to calculate the rates of the evaporation and condensation generated inside the underfloor under two conditions, namely, a constant (fixed) outdoor environmental condition and a fluctuating environmental condition. In the constant condition, we verified the effects of the outdoor humidity, ventilation rate, and ratio of wetted surface (RWS, ω) on the evaporation and condensation inside the underfloor space. In this condition, the rate of evaporation and condensation was quantified considering the varying outdoor humidity between 0 to 100%, and the RWS (ω = 1 or 0). In addition, the influence of the different ventilation rates at 1.0 m/s for normal and 0.05 m/s for stagnant wind velocities were confirmed. Under fluctuating environmental conditions, the outdoor conditions change for 24 h, so the RWS varies. Therefore, the rate of evaporation and condensation, the amount of the condensed water, and the area of condensation were confirmed. The results were as follows: with a high airflow rate on the underfloor space, the evaporation and condensation phenomenon occurs continuously and is easily affected by outdoor humidity, while under low airflow rate conditions, only the condensation appeared steadily. If the wind velocity is strong, the convective mass transfer on a surface becomes large. In a condition of the outdoor humidity and the airflow rate on underfloor are high, condensation mainly occurs in a corner of the underfloor space due to high evaporation by convection in the mainstream of the airflow. By contrast, when the airflow rate is low, condensation occurs along the air stream. Accordingly, this information could be employed as design considerations for the underfloor space at the architectural design stage.
Transmission Power and Antenna Allocation for Energy-Efficient RF Energy Harvesting Networks with Massive MIMO
Authors: Hwang Yu Min , Park Ji Ho , Shin Yoan , Kim Jin Young , Kim Dong In
Published: June 2017

The optimum transmission strategy for maximizing energy efficiency (EE) of a multi-user massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system in radio frequency energy harvesting networks is investigated. We focus on dynamic time-switching (TS) antennas, to avoid the practical problems of power-splitting antennas, such as complex architectures, power loss and signal distortion when splitting the power of the received signal into power for information decoding (ID) and energy harvesting (EH). However, since a single TS antenna cannot serve ID and EH simultaneously, the MIMO system is considered in this paper. We thus formulate an EE optimization problem and propose an iterative algorithm as a tractable solution, including an antenna selection strategy to optimally switch each TS antenna between ID mode and EH mode using nonlinear fractional programming and the Lagrange dual method. Further, the problem is solved under practical constraints of maximum transmission power and outage probabilities for a minimum amount of harvested power and rate capacity for each user. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is more energy-efficient than that of baseline schemes, and demonstrates the trade-off between the required amount of harvested power and energy efficiency.
Autonomous Wireless Self-Charging for Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Junaid Ali , Konoiko Aleksay , Zweiri Yahya , Sahinkaya M. , Seneviratne Lakmal
Published: June 2017

Rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have the ability to operate in confined spaces and to hover over point of interest, but they have limited flight time and endurance. Conventional contact-based charging system for UAVs has been used, but it requires high landing accuracy for proper docking. Instead of the conventional system, autonomous wireless battery charging system for UAVs in outdoor conditions is proposed in this paper. UAVs can be wirelessly charged using the proposed charging system, regardless of yaw angle between UAVs and wireless charging pad, which can further reduce their control complexity for autonomous landing. The increased overall mission time eventually relaxes the limitations on payload and flight time. In this paper, a cost effective automatic recharging solution for UAVs in outdoor environments is proposed using wireless power transfer (WPT). This research proposes a global positioning system (GPS) and vision-based closed-loop target detection and a tracking system for precise landing of quadcopters in outdoor environments. The system uses the onboard camera to detect the shape, color and position of the defined target in image frame. Based on the offset of the target from the center of the image frame, control commands are generated to track and maintain the center position. Commercially available AR.Drone. was used to demonstrate the proposed concept which is equppied with bottom camera and GPS. Experiments and analyses showed good performance, and about 75% average WPT efficiency was achieved in this research.
Implementation of a Real-Time Microgrid Simulation Platform Based on Centralized and Distributed Management
Authors: Abrishambaf Omid , Faria Pedro , Gomes Luis , Spínola João , Vale Zita , Corchado Juan
Published: June 2017

Demand response and distributed generation are key components of power systems. Several challenges are raised at both technical and business model levels for integration of those resources in smart grids and microgrids. The implementation of a distribution network as a test bed can be difficult and not cost-effective; using computational modeling is not sufficient for producing realistic results. Real-time simulation allows us to validate the business model’s impact at the technical level. This paper comprises a platform supporting the real-time simulation of a microgrid connected to a larger distribution network. The implemented platform allows us to use both centralized and distributed energy resource management. Using an optimization model for the energy resource operation, a virtual power player manages all the available resources. Then, the simulation platform allows us to technically validate the actual implementation of the requested demand reduction in the scope of demand response programs. The case study has 33 buses, 220 consumers, and 68 distributed generators. It demonstrates the impact of demand response events, also performing resource management in the presence of an energy shortage.
Optimal Placement and Sizing of Renewable Distributed Generations and Capacitor Banks into Radial Distribution Systems
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Nallagownden Perumal , Elamvazuthi Irraivan
Published: June 2017

In recent years, renewable types of distributed generation in the distribution system have been much appreciated due to their enormous technical and environmental advantages. This paper proposes a methodology for optimal placement and sizing of renewable distributed generation(s) (i.e., wind, solar and biomass) and capacitor banks into a radial distribution system. The intermittency of wind speed and solar irradiance are handled with multi-state modeling using suitable probability distribution functions. The three objective functions, i.e., power loss reduction, voltage stability improvement, and voltage deviation minimization are optimized using advanced Pareto-front non-dominated sorting multi-objective particle swarm optimization method. First a set of non-dominated Pareto-front data are called from the algorithm. Later, a fuzzy decision technique is applied to extract the trade-off solution set. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is tested on the standard IEEE 33 test system. The overall results reveal that combination of renewable distributed generations and capacitor banks are dominant in power loss reduction, voltage stability and voltage profile improvement.
Are Protected Forests of Bangladesh Prepared for the Implementation of REDD+? A Forest Governance Analysis from Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur , Miah Md. Danesh
Published: June 2017

The present study investigates the forest governance structure for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) implementation in a protected forest of Bangladesh, namely Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary (RKWS). The study analyses the key aspects of forest governance, focusing on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, governance deficit, institutions and social networks, co-benefits, and opportunities and challenges of REDD+ in RKWS. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used for primary data collection from different forest stakeholders, including forest-dependent communities, Forest Department (FD) and co-management project staffs. The survey revealed that REDD+ not only on technical issues but even more on how the evolving mechanism is governed on various levels, ranging from local to international. Although a majority (69.5%) of the respondents were motivated to engage in REDD+, indigenous communities were less interested in fear of loss of access to and use of land and forest resources, ownership and rights, and traditional customs and knowledge. There remained a degree of ambiguity of FD, community and co-management projects in field operations, which conflicted with the notions of cooperation, transparency, and accountability of the overall initiatives. Moreover, there is a strong local power structure that has major control over the community, locality and even over a local administration that is a crucial issue to the RKWS authority. However, REDD+ will open up the opportunity to manage the RKWS’s forest resources in a sustainable way, increase the level of protection, and expand the area protected, hence REDD+ must align with the interests of all stakeholders to fulfil its goal. Further research is necessary to inform the governance of REDD+ in Bangladesh to better understand the interplay, interactions and linkages between existing institutions, actors and policy processes.
Convective to Absolute Instability Transition in a Horizontal Porous Channel with Open Upper Boundary
Authors: Barletta Antonio , Celli Michele
Published: June 2017

A linear stability analysis of the parallel uniform flow in a horizontal channel with open upper boundary is carried out. The lower boundary is considered as an impermeable isothermal wall, while the open upper boundary is subject to a uniform heat flux and it is exposed to an external horizontal fluid stream driving the flow. An eigenvalue problem is obtained for the two-dimensional transverse modes of perturbation. The study of the analytical dispersion relation leads to the conditions for the onset of convective instability as well as to the determination of the parametric threshold for the transition to absolute instability. The results are generalised to the case of three-dimensional perturbations.
Utilisation of Plant Food Waste
Authors: Stathopoulos Costas
Published: June 2017

This Special Issue “Utilisation of Plant Food Waste” of Foods, dedicated to Plant Food Waste Utilisation, showcases the attempts in labs across the world to try and reduce levels of global waste by recovering and re-using bioactive compounds.[...]
Stable Isotope Systematics of Coalbed Gas during Desorption and Production
Authors: Niemann Martin , Whiticar Michael
Published: June 2017

The stable carbon isotope ratios of coalbed methane (CBM) demonstrate diagnostic changes that systematically vary with production and desorption times. These shifts can provide decisive, predictive information on the behaviour and potential performance of CBM operations. Samples from producing CBM wells show a general depletion in 13C-methane with increasing production times and corresponding shifts in δ13C-CH4 up to 35.8‰. Samples from canister desorption experiments show mostly enrichment in 13C for methane with increasing desorption time and isotope shifts of up to 43.4‰. Also, 13C-depletion was observed in some samples with isotope shifts of up to 32.1‰. Overall, the magnitudes of the observed isotope shifts vary considerably between different sample sets, but also within samples from the same source. The δ13C-CH4 values do not have the anticipated signature of methane generated from coal. This indicates that secondary processes, including desorption and diffusion, can influence the values. It is also challenging to deconvolute these various secondary processes because their molecular and isotope effects can have similar directions and/or magnitudes. In some instances, significant alteration of CBM gases has to be considered as a combination of secondary alteration effects.
Searching for a Common Place: Thoughts on Crisis, Marginality, and Social Change
Authors: Aguado Txetxu , Martín Annabel
Published: June 2017

This essay describes our neoliberal moment of crisis as a displacement of meaning regarding the more established notions of margin-center. Our times paradoxically ‘unite’ in that we are unwittingly governed by a financial logic that privileges personal gain over collective well-being. With this in mind, the essay will discuss strategies for examining oppression and imagining progress that is multidimensional and intersectional and thinks about the contestatory power in political and intellectual discourses that are linked to a multi-layered, feminist-gendered perspective in order to point to avenues that might lead to incisive political transformation.
Transportation Matters: A Health Impact Assessment in Rural New Mexico
Authors: Del Rio Michelle , Hargrove William , Tomaka Joe , Korc Marcelo
Published: June 2017

This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) informed the decision of expanding public transportation services to rural, low income communities of southern Doña Ana County, New Mexico on the U.S./Mexico border. The HIA focused on impacts of access to health care services, education, and economic development opportunities. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from surveys of community members, key informant interviews, a focus group with community health workers, and passenger surveys during an initial introduction of the transit system. Results from the survey showed that a high percentage of respondents would use the bus system to access the following: (1) 84% for health services; (2) 83% for formal and informal education opportunities; and (3) 81% for economic opportunities. Results from interviews and the focus group supported the benefits of access to services but many were concerned with the high costs of providing bus service in a rural area. We conclude that implementing the bus system would have major impacts on resident’s health through improved access to: (1) health services, and fresh foods, especially for older adults; (2) education opportunities, such as community colleges, universities, and adult learning, especially for young adults; and (3) economic opportunities, especially jobs, job training, and consumer goods and services. We highlight the challenges associated with public transportation in rural areas where there are: (1) long distances to travel; (2) difficulties in scheduling to meet all needs; and (3) poor road and walking conditions for bus stops. The results are applicable to low income and fairly disconnected rural areas, where access to health, education, and economic opportunities are limited.
The Effects of the Refugee Crisis on Age Estimation Analysis over the Past 10 Years: A 16-Country Survey
Authors: Sykes Leanne , Bhayat Ahmed , Bernitz Herman
Published: June 2017

Dental age estimation (AE) tests are routinely done on living and deceased persons. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting an increase in age estimations due to the refugee crisis. Our aim is to determine the reasons and methods for performing dental AE tests in both living and deceased individuals. Global trends in AE over the past 10 years were also investigated. A database of all forensic laboratories was obtained and an electronic questionnaire was sent to all of them. The questionnaire was self-developed and included questions on the reasons for performing AE tests, the preferred methods used in living and deceased individuals, and the people/organizations who requested these AE tests. The number of tests performed annually varied between 0 and 500 and the majority were on asylum seekers, refugees, and for adoption cases. Most units used multiple techniques to determine the age among the living, but seldom used more than three techniques for the deceased. The majority of tests were requested by coroners and the legal fraternity. There has been an increase in the number of dental AEs carried out and this has been mostly due to asylum seekers and refugees. The most common techniques for the living were variations of Demirjian’s technique while country specific techniques were used for the deceased.
Providing a Clean Environment for Adolescents: Evaluation of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Min-Li , Chou Li-Na , Zheng Ya-Cheng
Published: June 2017

Cigarette smoking not only damages the health of adolescents, but also contributes to air pollution. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan stipulates that cigarettes should not be sold to persons younger than 18 years. Therefore, schools should actively educate students and raise awareness of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act to reduce the level of damage to the health of adolescents and maintain good air quality. This study had two main goals: (1) to evaluate the stipulation that no person shall provide tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 and the effects of counseling strategies on store managers confirming customer ages before tobacco sale in southern Taiwan; and (2) to evaluate the situation of tobacco hazard prevention education conducted by school in southern Taiwan. A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. Study I: The investigation involved an analysis of 234 retailers including convenience stores (n = 70), grocery stores (n = 83), and betel nut stalls (n = 81). The results indicated that among the 234 retailers, 171 (73.1%) of them routinely failed to confirm the buyers’ ages before allowing them to purchase tobacco. The number of retailers who exhibited failure to confirm customer ages before selling tobacco products had decreased from 171 (73.1%) to 59 (25.2%) and that of those who confirmed customer ages before selling tobacco products had increased from 63 (26.9%) to 175 (74.8%) after counseling strategies had been provided, thereby revealing statistical significance (χ2 = 11.26, p < 0.001). Study II: A total of 476 (89.1%) participants had received tobacco hazards prevention education and 58 (10.9%) had not. Among the various residential areas, the highest percentage of participants that did not received tobacco hazards prevention education located in the plane regions (8.4%). The government organizations should continue to adopt counseling strategies to reduce the rate of disobedience of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act by selling tobacco products to minors. Schools should pay close attention to tobacco hazard prevention education for junior high school students to ensure that such students are adequately educated about tobacco hazard prevention.
Drivers of Microbial Risk for Direct Potable Reuse and de Facto Reuse Treatment Schemes: The Impacts of Source Water Quality and Blending
Authors: Chaudhry Rabia , Hamilton Kerry , Haas Charles , Nelson Kara
Published: June 2017

Although reclaimed water for potable applications has many potential benefits, it poses concerns for chemical and microbial risks to consumers. We present a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) Monte Carlo framework to compare a de facto water reuse scenario (treated wastewater-impacted surface water) with four hypothetical Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) scenarios for Norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella. Consumer microbial risks of surface source water quality (impacted by 0–100% treated wastewater effluent) were assessed. Additionally, we assessed risks for different blending ratios (0–100% surface water blended into advanced-treated DPR water) when source surface water consisted of 50% wastewater effluent. De facto reuse risks exceeded the yearly 10−4 infections risk benchmark while all modeled DPR risks were significantly lower. Contamination with 1% or more wastewater effluent in the source water, and blending 1% or more wastewater-impacted surface water into the advanced-treated DPR water drove the risk closer to the 10−4 benchmark. We demonstrate that de facto reuse by itself, or as an input into DPR, drives microbial risks more so than the advanced-treated DPR water. When applied using location-specific inputs, this framework can contribute to project design and public awareness campaigns to build legitimacy for DPR.
Amphotericin B, an Anti-Fungal Medication, Directly Increases the Cytotoxicity of NK Cells
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Choi Ji-Wan , Park Hye-Ran , Kim Inki , Kim Hun
Published: June 2017

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) present one example of immunomodulatory agents that improve cancer immunotherapy. Based on the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells against cancer cells, a high throughput screening method for the identification of novel immunomodulatory molecules with the potential to stimulate NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells was designed and tested using an approved drug library. Among the primary hit compounds, the anti-fungal drug amphotericin B (AMP-B) increased the cytotoxicity of NK cell line and human primary NK cells in a direct manner. The increase in NK cell activity was related to increased formation of NK-target cell conjugates and the subsequent granule polarization toward target cells. The results of the present study indicate that AMP-B could serve a dual function as an anti-fungal and immunomodulatory drug.
Predicting Outcome and Therapy Response in mCRC Patients Using an Indirect Method for CTCs Detection by a Multigene Expression Panel: A Multicentric Prospective Validation Study
Authors: Vidal Insua Yolanda , De la Cámara Juan , Brozos Vázquez Elena , Fernández Ana , Vázquez Rivera Francisca , Villanueva Silva Mª José , Barbazán Jorge , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Candamio Folgar Sonia , Abalo Alicia , López-López Rafael , Abal Miguel , Alonso-Alconada Lorena
Published: June 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths. Early detection of tumor relapse is crucial for determining the most appropriate therapeutic management. In clinical practice, computed tomography (CT) is routinely used, but small tumor changes are difficult to visualize, and reliable blood-based prognostic and monitoring biomarkers are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to prospectively validate a gene expression panel (composed of GAPDH, VIL1, CLU, TIMP1, TLN1, LOXL3 and ZEB2) for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as prognostic and predictive tool in blood samples from 94 metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients. Patients with higher gene panel expression before treatment had a reduced progression-free survival (PFS) and overall-survival (OS) rates compared with patients with low expression (p = 0.003 and p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Patients with increased expression of CTCs markers during treatment presented PFS and OS times of 8.95 and 11.74 months, respectively, compared with 14.41 and 24.7 for patients presenting decreased expression (PFS; p = 0.020; OS; p ≤ 0.001). Patients classified as non-responders by CTCs with treatment, but classified as responders by CT scan, showed significantly shorter survival times (PFS: 8.53 vs. 11.70; OS: 10.37 vs. 24.13; months). In conclusion, our CTCs detection panel demonstrated efficacy for early treatment response assessment in mCRC patients, and with increased reliability compared to CT scan.
Hypoxia Inducible Factor-2 Alpha and Prolinhydroxylase 2 Polymorphisms in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Authors: Dötsch Annika , Eisele Lewin , Rabeling Miriam , Rump Katharina , Walstein Kai , Bick Alexandra , Cox Linda , Engler Andrea , Bachmann Hagen , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Adamzik Michael , Peters Jürgen , Schäfer Simon
Published: June 2017

Hypoxia-inducible-factor-2α (HIF-2α) and HIF-2 degrading prolyl-hydroxylases (PHD) are key regulators of adaptive hypoxic responses i.e., in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Specifically, functionally active genetic variants of HIF-2α (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) [ch2:46441523(hg18)]) and PHD2 (C/T; SNP rs516651 and T/C; SNP rs480902) are associated with improved adaptation to hypoxia i.e., in high-altitude residents. However, little is known about these SNPs’ prevalence in Caucasians and impact on ARDS-outcome. Thus, we tested the hypotheses that in Caucasian ARDS patients SNPs in HIF-2α or PHD2 genes are (1) common, and (2) independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. After ethics-committee approval, 272 ARDS patients were prospectively included, genotyped for PHD2 (Taqman SNP Genotyping Assay) and HIF-2α-polymorphism (restriction digest + agarose-gel visualization), and genotype dependent 30-day mortality was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier-plots and multivariate Cox-regression analyses. Frequencies were 99.62% for homozygous HIF-2α CC-carriers (CG: 0.38%; GG: 0%), 2.3% for homozygous PHD2 SNP rs516651 TT-carriers (CT: 18.9%; CC: 78.8%), and 3.7% for homozygous PHD2 SNP rs480902 TT-carriers (CT: 43.9%; CC: 52.4%). PHD2 rs516651 TT-genotype in ARDS was independently associated with a 3.34 times greater mortality risk (OR 3.34, CI 1.09–10.22; p = 0.034) within 30-days, whereas the other SNPs had no significant impact (p = ns). The homozygous HIF-2α GG-genotype was not present in our Caucasian ARDS cohort; however PHD2 SNPs exist in Caucasians, and PHD2 rs516651 TT-genotype was associated with an increased 30-day mortality suggesting a relevance for adaptive responses in ARDS.
An Isoform of Nedd4-2 Plays a Pivotal Role in Electrophysiological Cardiac Abnormalities
Authors: Minegishi Shintaro , Ishigami Tomoaki , Kawamura Hisho , Kino Tabito , Chen Lin , Nakashima-Sasaki Rie , Doi Hiroshi , Azushima Kengo , Wakui Hiromichi , Chiba Yumi , Tamura Kouichi
Published: June 2017

We have previously shown that neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4-2 (Nedd4-2) isoforms with a C2 domain are closely related to ubiquitination of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), resulting in salt-sensitive hypertension by Nedd4-2 C2 targeting in mice. The sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 5 (SCN5A) gene encodes the α subunit of the human cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel (I Na), and the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene encodes rapidly activating delayed rectifier K channels (I Kr). Both ion channels have also been shown to bind to Nedd4-2 via a conserved Proline-Tyrosine (PY) motif in C-terminal with subsequent ubiquitination and degradation by proteasome. Therefore, loss of Nedd4-2 C2 isoform might be involved in electrophysiological impairment under various conditions. We demonstrate here that Nedd4-2 C2 isoform causes cardiac conduction change in resting condition as well as proarrhythmic change after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The Nedd4-2 C2 knockout (KO) mice showed bradycardia, prolonged QRS, QT intervals, and suppressed PR interval in resting condition. In addition, enhancement of T peak/T end interval was found in mice with surgical ligation of the distal left coronary artery. Morphological analyses based on both ultrasonography of the living heart, as well as histopathological findings revealed that Nedd4-2 C2 KO mice show no significant structural changes from wild-type littermates under resting conditions. These results suggested that Nedd4-2 with C2 domain might play an important role in cardio-renal syndrome through post-transcriptional modification of both ENaC and cardiac ion channels, which are critical for kidney and heart functions.
Security Policy Scheme for an Efficient Security Architecture in Software-Defined Networking
Authors: Lee Woosik , Kim Namgi
Published: June 2017

In order to build an efficient security architecture, previous studies have attempted to understand complex system architectures and message flows to detect various attack packets. However, the existing hardware-based single security architecture cannot efficiently handle a complex system structure. To solve this problem, we propose a software-defined networking (SDN) policy-based scheme for an efficient security architecture. The proposed scheme considers four policy functions: separating, chaining, merging, and reordering. If SDN network functions virtualization (NFV) system managers use these policy functions to deploy a security architecture, they only submit some of the requirement documents to the SDN policy-based architecture. After that, the entire security network can be easily built. This paper presents information about the design of a new policy functions model, and it discusses the performance of this model using theoretical analysis.
Object Recognition in Aerial Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Radovic Matija , Adarkwa Offei , Wang Qiaosong
Published: June 2017

There are numerous applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the management of civil infrastructure assets. A few examples include routine bridge inspections, disaster management, power line surveillance and traffic surveying. As UAV applications become widespread, increased levels of autonomy and independent decision-making are necessary to improve the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of the devices. This paper details the procedure and parameters used for the training of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on a set of aerial images for efficient and automated object recognition. Potential application areas in the transportation field are also highlighted. The accuracy and reliability of CNNs depend on the network’s training and the selection of operational parameters. This paper details the CNN training procedure and parameter selection. The object recognition results show that by selecting a proper set of parameters, a CNN can detect and classify objects with a high level of accuracy (97.5%) and computational efficiency. Furthermore, using a convolutional neural network implemented in the “YOLO” (“You Only Look Once”) platform, objects can be tracked, detected (“seen”), and classified (“comprehended”) from video feeds supplied by UAVs in real-time.
Landscape Archaeology and Sacred Space in the Eastern Mediterranean: A Glimpse from Cyprus
Authors: Papantoniou Giorgos , Vionis Athanasios
Published: June 2017

This article aims to raise issues for discussion about the change in the use and concept of sacred landscapes, which were originally constructed in the era of the Cypriot kings (the basileis), but then continued to function in a new imperial environment, that of the rule of the Ptolemaic strategos and later of the Roman proconsul and the various Christian bishops. Our archaeological survey project in the Xeros river valley, titled ‘Settled and Sacred Landscapes of Cyprus’, reveals that these new politico-economic structures were also supported by the construction of symbolically charged sacred landscapes. Thus, while outlining the long history of the island as manifested from the diachronic study of Cypriot sacred landscapes, we identify three pivotal phases: first, the consolidation of the Cypriot polities and the establishment of a ‘full’ sacred landscape; second, the transition from segmented to unitary administration under the Ptolemaic and Roman imperial rule and the consolidation of a more ‘unified sacred landscape’; and finally, the establishment of a number of Christian bishoprics on the island and the movement back to a ‘full’ sacred landscape. Moving beyond the discipline of Cypriot archaeology, this contribution aims to serve as a paradigm for the implications that the employment of the ‘sacred landscapes’ concept may have when addressing issues of socio-political and socio-economic transformations. While it is very difficult to define or capture the concept of landscape in a pre-modern world, it offers a useful means by which to assess changing local conditions. We have also attempted to situate the term in archaeological thought, in order to allow the concept to become a more powerful investigative tool for approaching the past.
Methodology for the Assessment of the Ecotoxicological Potential of Construction Materials
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia , Silvestre José , Flores-Colen Inês , Viegas Cristina , De Brito Jorge , Kurad Rawaz , Demertzi Martha
Published: June 2017

Innovation in construction materials (CM) implies changing their composition by incorporating raw materials, usually non-traditional ones, which confer the desired characteristics. However, this practice may have unknown risks. This paper discusses the ecotoxicological potential associated with raw and construction materials, and proposes and applies a methodology for the assessment of their ecotoxicological potential. This methodology is based on existing laws, such as Regulation (European Commission) No. 1907/2006 (REACH—Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and Regulation (European Commission) No. 1272/2008 (CLP—Classification, Labelling and Packaging). Its application and validation showed that raw material without clear evidence of ecotoxicological potential, but with some ability to release chemicals, can lead to the formulation of a CM with a slightly lower hazardousness in terms of chemical characterization despite a slightly higher ecotoxicological potential than the raw materials. The proposed methodology can be a useful tool for the development and manufacturing of products and the design choice of the most appropriate CM, aiming at the reduction of their environmental impact and contributing to construction sustainability.
Understanding Drug Release Data through Thermodynamic Analysis
Authors: Freire Marjorie Caroline , Alexandrino Francisco , Marcelino Henrique Rodrigues , Picciani Paulo Henrique de Souza , Silva Kattya Gyselle de Holanda e , Genre Julieta , Oliveira Anselmo Gomes de , Egito Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa do
Published: June 2017

Understanding the factors that can modify the drug release profile of a drug from a Drug-Delivery-System (DDS) is a mandatory step to determine the effectiveness of new therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the Amphotericin-B (AmB) kinetic release profiles from polymeric systems with different compositions and geometries and to correlate these profiles with the thermodynamic parameters through mathematical modeling. Film casting and electrospinning techniques were used to compare behavior of films and fibers, respectively. Release profiles from the DDSs were performed, and the mathematical modeling of the data was carried out. Activation energy, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy of the drug release process were determined. AmB release profiles showed that the relationship to overcome the enthalpic barrier was PVA-fiber > PVA-film > PLA-fiber > PLA-film. Drug release kinetics from the fibers and the films were better fitted on the Peppas–Sahlin and Higuchi models, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters corroborate these findings, revealing that the AmB release from the evaluated systems was an endothermic and non-spontaneous process. Thermodynamic parameters can be used to explain the drug kinetic release profiles. Such an approach is of utmost importance for DDS containing insoluble compounds, such as AmB, which is associated with an erratic bioavailability.
Lamb Wave-Based Structural Health Monitoring on Composite Bolted Joints under Tensile Load
Authors: Yang Bin , Xuan Fu-Zhen , Xiang Yanxun , Li Dan , Zhu Wujun , Tang Xiaojun , Xu Jichao , Yang Kang , Luo Chengqiang
Published: June 2017

Online and offline monitoring of composite bolted joints under tensile load were investigated using piezoelectric transducers. The relationships between Lamb wave signals, pre-tightening force, the applied tensile load, as well as the failure modes were investigated. Results indicated that S0/A0 wave amplitudes decrease with the increasing of load. Relationships between damage features and S0/A0 mode were built based on the finite element (FE) simulation and experimental results. The possibility of application of Lamb wave-based structure health monitoring in bolted joint-like composite structures was thus achieved.
The Solid Solutions (Per)2[PtxAu(1−x)(mnt)2]; Alloying Para- and Diamagnetic Anions in Two-Chain Compounds
Authors: Matos Manuel , Bonfait Gregoire , Santos Isabel , Afonso Mónica , Henriques Rui , Almeida Manuel
Published: June 2017

The α-(Per)2[M(mnt)2] compounds with M = Pt and Au are isostructural two-chain solids that in addition to partially oxidized conducting perylene chains also contain anionic chains that can be either paramagnetic in the case of M = Pt or diamagnetic for M = Au. The electrical transport and magnetic properties of the solid solutions (Per)2[Ptx-Au(1−x)(mnt)2] were investigated. The incorporation of paramagnetic [Pt(mnt)2] impurities in the diamagnetic chains, and the effect of breaking the paramagnetic chains with diamagnetic centers for the low and high Pt range of concentrations were respectively probed. In the low Pt concentration range, there is a fast decrease of the metal-to-insulator transition from 12.4 K in the pure Au compound to 9.7 K for x = 0.1 comparable to the 8.1 K in the pure Pt compound. In the range x = 0.50−0.95, only β-phase crystals could be obtained. The spin-Peierls transition of the pure Pt compound, simultaneous with metal-to-insulator (Peierls) transition is still present for 2% of diamagnetic impurities (x = 0.98) with transition temperature barely affected. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data obtained a high-quality structural refinement of the α-phase of the Au and Pt compounds. The β-phase structure was found to be composed of ordered layers with segregated donors and anion stacks, which alternate with disordered layers. The semiconducting properties of the β-phase are due to the disorder localization effects.
Furanoterpene Diversity and Variability in the Marine Sponge Spongia officinalis, from Untargeted LC–MS/MS Metabolomic Profiling to Furanolactam Derivatives
Authors: Bauvais Cléa , Bonneau Natacha , Blond Alain , Pérez Thierry , Bourguet-Kondracki Marie-Lise , Zirah Séverine
Published: June 2017

The Mediterranean marine sponge Spongia officinalis has been reported as a rich source of secondary metabolites and also as a bioindicator of water quality given its capacity to concentrate trace metals. In this study, we evaluated the chemical diversity within 30 S. officinalis samples collected over three years at two sites differentially impacted by anthropogenic pollutants located near Marseille (South of France). Untargeted liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC–MS) metabolomic profiling (C18 LC, ESI-Q-TOF MS) combined with XCMS Online data processing and multivariate statistical analysis revealed 297 peaks assigned to at least 86 compounds. The spatio-temporal metabolite variability was mainly attributed to variations in relative content of furanoterpene derivatives. This family was further characterized through LC–MS/MS analyses in positive and negative ion modes combined with molecular networking, together with a comprehensive NMR study of isolated representatives such as demethylfurospongin-4 and furospongin-1. The MS/MS and NMR spectroscopic data led to the identification of a new furanosesterterpene, furofficin (2), as well as two derivatives with a glycinyl lactam moiety, spongialactam A (12a) and B (12b). This study illustrates the potential of untargeted LC–MS metabolomics and molecular networking to discover new natural compounds even in an extensively studied organism such as S. officinalis. It also highlights the effect of anthropogenic pollution on the chemical profiles within the sponge.
Nanocrystalline TiO2 Composite Films for the Photodegradation of Formaldehyde and Oxytetracycline under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Wei Min , Peng Xue-Lei , Liu Qi-Sheng , Li Fang , Yao Ming-Ming
Published: June 2017

In order to effectively photodegradate organic pollutants, ZnO composite and Co-B codoped TiO2 films were successfully deposited on glass substrates via a modified sol-gel method and a controllable dip-coating technique. Combining with UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) analyses, the multi-modification could not only extend the optical response of TiO2 to visible light region but also decrease the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs. XRD results revealed that the multi-modified TiO2 film had an anatase-brookite biphase heterostructure. FE-SEM results indicated that the multi-modified TiO2 film without cracks was composed of smaller round-like nanoparticles compared to pure TiO2. BET surface area results showed that the specific surface area of pure TiO2 and the multi-modified TiO2 sample was 47.8 and 115.8 m2/g, respectively. By degradation of formaldehyde and oxytetracycline, experimental results showed that the multi-modified TiO2 film had excellent photodegradation performance under visible light irradiation.
Hochu-ekki-to Treatment Improves Reproductive and Immune Modulation in the Stress-Induced Rat Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Park Eunkuk , Choi Chun , Kim Soo , Kim Yong-In , Sin Samkee , Chu Jong-Phil , Heo Jun
Published: June 2017

The traditional herbal medicine, Hochu-ekki-to, has been shown to have preventive effects on viral infection and stress. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of Hochu-ekki-to on two stress-related rat models of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and treatment groups, the latter of which were subjected to stress induced by exposure to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or cold temperatures. After these stress inductions, rats were orally treated with dissolved Hochu-ekki-to once per day for 7 days. Rats subjected to the two different stressors exhibited upregulation of steroid hormone receptors (in ovaries) and reproductive hormones (in blood), and consequent stimulation of abnormal follicle development accompanied by elevation of Hsp 90 expression (in ovaries). Treatment with Hochu-ekki-to for 7 days after stress induction increased immune functions, reduced the stress-induced activation of Hsp 90, and normalized the levels of the tested steroid hormone receptors and reproductive hormones. Our findings suggest that stress stimulations may promote the activation of Hsp 90 via the dysregulation of steroid hormone receptors and reproductive hormones, but that post-stress treatment with Hochu-ekki-to improves reproductive and immune functions in the ovaries of stressed rats.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim. and Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, and Comparative Analysis with Other Fritillaria Species
Authors: Park Inkyu , Kim Wook , Yeo Sang-Min , Choi Goya , Kang Young-Min , Piao Renzhe , Moon Byeong
Published: June 2017

The genus Fritillaria belongs to the widely distributed Liliaceae. The bulbs of Fritillaria, F. ussuriensis and F. cirrhosa are valuable herbaceous medicinal ingredients. However, they are still used indiscriminately in herbal medicine. Identification and molecular phylogenic analysis of Fritillaria species are therefore required. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (CP) genome sequences of F. ussuriensis and F. cirrhosa. The two Fritillaria CP genomes were 151,524 and 151,083 bp in length, respectively, and each included a pair of inverted repeated regions (52,678 and 52,156 bp) that was separated by a large single copy region (81,732 and 81,390 bp), and a small single copy region (17,114 and 17,537 bp). A total of 111 genes in F. ussuriensis and 112 in F. cirrhosa comprised 77 protein-coding regions in F. ussuriensis and 78 in F. cirrhosa, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The gene order, content, and orientation of the two Fritillaria CP genomes exhibited the general structure of flowering plants, and were similar to those of other Fritillaria species. Comparison of the six Fritillaria species’ CP genomes indicated seven highly divergent regions in intergenic spacers and in the matK, rpoC1, rpoC2, ycf1, ycf2, ndhD, and ndhF coding regions. We established the position of the six species through phylogenic analysis. The complete chloroplast genome sequences of the two Fritillaria species and a comparison study are useful genomic information for identifying and for studying the phylogenetic relationship among Fritillaria species within the Liliaceae.