bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Are They a Good Therapeutic Strategy for Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Damia Elena , Chicharro Deborah , Lopez Sergio , Cuervo Belen , Rubio Monica , Sopena Joaquin J. , Vilar Jose Manuel , Carrillo Jose Maria
Published: July 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability in elderly population around the world. More than one-third of people over 65 years old shows either clinical or radiological evidence of OA. There is no effective treatment for this degenerative disease, due to the limited capacity for spontaneous cartilage regeneration. Regarding the use of regenerative therapies, it has been reported that one option to restore degenerated cartilage are adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). The purpose of this review is to describe and compare the efficacy of ASCs versus other therapies in OA. Methods: Recent studies have shown that ASCs exert paracrine effects protecting against degenerative changes in chondrocytes. According to the above, we have carried out a review of the literature using a combination of osteoarthritis, stem cells, and regenerative therapies as keywords. Results: Conventional pharmacological therapies for OA treatment are considered before the surgical option, however, they do not stop the progression of the disease. Moreover, total joint replacement is not recommended for patients under 55 years, and high tibia osteotomy (HTO) is a viable solution to address lower limb malalignment with concomitant OA, but some complications have been described. In recent years, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a treatment strategy for OA is increasing considerably, thanks to their capacity to improve symptoms together with joint functionality and, therefore, the patients’ quality of life. Conclusions: ASC therapy has a positive effect on patients with OA, although there is limited evidence and little long-term follow-up.
Preventive Effects of Dairy Products on Dementia and the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Ano Yasuhisa , Nakayama Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

Alongside the rapid population aging occurring worldwide, the prevention of age-related memory decline and dementia has become a high priority. Dairy products have many physiological effects owing to their contents of lactic acid bacteria and the fatty acids and peptides generated during their fermentation. In particular, several recent studies have elucidated the effects of fermented dairy products on cognitive function. Epidemiological and clinical evidence has indicated that fermented dairy products have preventive effects against dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Recent preclinical studies have identified individual molecules generated during fermentation that are responsible for those preventive effects. Oleamide and dehydroergosterol have been identified as the agents responsible for reducing microglial inflammatory responses and neurotoxicity. In this review, the protective effects of fermented dairy products and their components on cognitive function, the mechanisms underlying those effects, and the prospects for their future clinical development will be discussed.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Properties of Some Surfactants and Biosurfactants
Authors: Zdziennicka Anna , Krawczyk Joanna , Szymczyk Katarzyna , Jańczuk Bronisław
Published: July 2018

The adsorption of surfactants at the water-air and solid-water interfaces and their wetting properties decide their practical applications. Therefore the adsorption of monorhamnolipid, surfactin, n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside, sucrose monodecanoate, sucrose monododecanoate, Tween 20, Tween 60, and Tween 80 at the water-air, polytetrafluoroethylene-water, polyethylene-water, poly(methyl methacrylate)-water, polyamide-water, and quartz-water interfaces, their tendency to form micelles as well as their wetting properties, were considered in the light of their microscopic properties. For this purpose, the components and parameters of the surfactant tail and head, water and solids surface tension, and surfactant contactable area with adherent medium were applied for prediction of surfactant-surfactant and surfactant-solid interactions through the water phase with regard to their adsorption, micellization, and wetting processes. Next, the Gibbs free energy of interactions was compared to the Gibbs free energy of surfactant adsorption at the water-air and solid-water interfaces as well as the micellization. It appeared that from the surfactant-surfactant and surfactant-solid interactions through the water phase determined on the basis of the tail and head of surfactant surface tension, it is possible to predict the surfactant tendency to adsorb at the water-air and solid-water interfaces, as well as to form micelles.
Correction: Cizkova, D., et al. Localized Intrathecal Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Conditioned Media Improves Functional Recovery in A Rat Model of Contusive Spinal Cord Injury. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 870
Authors: Cizkova Dasa , Cubinkova Veronika , Smolek Tomas , Murgoci Adriana-Natalia , Danko Jan , Vdoviakova Katarina , Humenik Filip , Cizek Milan , Quanico Jusal , Fournier Isabelle , Salzet Michel
Published: July 2018

In lieu of an abstract, this is an excerpt from the first page.
Transcriptional Activation of Human GD3 Synthase (hST8Sia I) Gene in Curcumin-Induced Autophagy in A549 Human Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lee Miri , Kim Kyoung-Sook , Fukushi Abekura , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Lee Young-Choon
Published: July 2018

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound isolated from the plant Curcuma longa, is known to induce autophagy in various cancer cells, including lung cancer. In the present study, we also confirmed by LC3 immunofluorescence and immunoblotting analyses that curcumin triggers autophagy in the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. In parallel with autophagy induction, the gene expression of human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) responsible for ganglioside GD3 synthesis was markedly elevated in response to curcumin in the A549 cells. To investigate the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I associated with the autophagy formation in curcumin-treated A549 cells, functional characterization of the 5′-flanking region of the hST8Sia I gene was carried out using the luciferase reporter assay system. Deletion analysis demonstrated that the -1146 to -646 region, which includes the putative c-Ets-1, CREB, AP-1, and NF-κB binding sites, functions as the curcumin-responsive promoter of hST8Sia I in A549 cells. The site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the NF-κB binding site at -731 to -722 was indispensable for the curcumin-induced hST8Sia I gene expression in A549 cells. Moreover, the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I by the curcumin A549 cells was strongly inhibited by compound C, an inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). These results suggest that curcumin controls hST8Sia I gene expression via AMPK signal pathway in A549 cells.
In Situ Measurements of Thermal Properties of Building Fabrics Using Thermography under Non-Steady State Heat Flow Conditions
Authors: Danielski Itai , Fröling Morgan
Published: July 2018

This study describes a quantitative method using thermography to measure the thermal properties of building fabrics that are subjected to non-steady state heat flow due to consistently changing meteorological conditions. The method includes two parts. First, the convection heat transfer coefficient is measured by thermography and heat flux meters on a small segment of the examined building fabric with uniform surface temperature. Then, thermal properties of large building fabrics are evaluated by thermography. The two parts are measured simultaneously. The method was tested on 140/160/190 mm thick massive laminated spruce timber walls of a test facility cabin located in Östersund, Sweden. The results varied by only a few percent in comparison to validation measurements performed with heat flux meters and in comparison, to values from the literature. Due to rapid changes in weather conditions the measured values had large disparity, but still a linear regression with low confidence interval was obtained. Obtaining an accurate value of convection heat transfer was important for achieving high measurement accuracy and, therefore, the value of this parameter should be measured. Other important factors to consider are solar radiation, reflected infrared (IR) radiation from nearby objects and the number of thermal images.
The ABC Transporter Components HgdB and HgdC are Important for Glycolipid Layer Composition and Function of Heterocysts in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Shvarev Dmitry , Nishi Carolina N. , Wörmer Lars , Maldener Iris
Published: July 2018

Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is a filamentous cyanobacterium able to fix atmospheric nitrogen in semi-regularly spaced heterocysts. For correct heterocyst function, a special cell envelope consisting of a glycolipid layer and a polysaccharide layer is essential. We investigated the role of the genes hgdB and hgdC, encoding domains of a putative ABC transporter, in heterocyst maturation. We investigated the subcellular localization of the fusion protein HgdC-GFP and followed the differential expression of the hgdB and hgdC genes during heterocyst maturation. Using a single recombination approach, we created a mutant in hgdB gene and studied its phenotype by microscopy and analytical chromatography. Although heterocysts are formed in the mutant, the structure of the glycolipid layer is aberrant and also contains an atypical ratio of the two major glycolipids. As shown by a pull-down assay, HgdB interacts with the outer membrane protein TolC, which indicates a function as a type 1 secretion system. We show that the hgdB-hgdC genes are essential for the creation of micro-oxic conditions by influencing the correct composition of the glycolipid layer for heterocyst function. Our observations confirm the significance of the hgdB-hgdC gene cluster and shed light on a novel mode of regulation of heterocyst envelope formation.
Comparison in vitro felodipine release rate from the original versus generic product with controlled release of the drug
Authors: Vetchy David , Vetcha Martina , Rabiškova Miloslava , Gryczova Eva , Bartošikova Lenka
Published: July 2018

After patent protection of original brand is over, there are a lot of generic products occurring on the pharmaceutical market. It may be the way to reduce the price, but on the other hand, one should expect the same quality and almost identity with original brand, because the development of generic drugs is based on pharmacological properties of the original brand. The aim of this study was to compare the similarity of two products with controlled release of felodipine – generic product Presid® and original brand Plendil® – which are commercially available in Czech Republic, based on in vitro dissolution testing. The dissolution test in three dissolution media of increasing pH (1.2, 4.5, and 6.5) for the simulation of physiological pH within the gastrointestinal tract confirmed controlled release of felodipine from the original product Plendil ER 5 mg and Plendil ER 10 mg during the period of 24 hours. The release of felodipine from generic products Presid 5 mg and Presid 10 mg was not controlled for 24 hours as it is indicated in the information leaflet. In the generic products, felodipine release was controlled just for 12 or 18 hours and in this respect did not show similarity with the original brand. Since patients take the drug just once a day in the morning, the controlled release of felodipine, which lasts only 12 to 18 hours, can cause insufficient blood pressure control especially in the most critical morning hours and higher cardiovascular risk.
The links between learning load and well-being of high school seniors
Authors: Petrauskienė Aušra , Matulevičiūtė Deimantė
Published: July 2018

Objective. To evaluate the links between learning overload and psychoemotional well-being of 12th grade students. Material and methods. In April 2006, an anonymous survey of 184 high school seniors was conducted in six secondary schools and one gymnasium of Kaunas. Results. The total learning load of students was too high and made up 54.79±0.98 hours on average. The learning load of 61.4% of children was too high; girls mentioned this problem two times more often than boys did. Students suffered from psychoemotional problems: about half of them felt stress at school; every fifth fell asleep with difficulties. Students whose total learning load was too high (more than 48 hours per week) felt stress, tiredness, stomach or abdominal, head or back pains, vertigo or weakness significantly more often in comparison with those who had normal learning load. Conclusions. The total learning load of the majority of investigated high school seniors was too high. The psychoemotional well-being of 12th graders was unsatisfactory; girls complained about worse well-being than boys more frequently, they used medicine more frequently in comparison to the students whose learning load was normal.
Muscle size satisfaction and predisposition for a health harmful practice in bodybuilders and recreational gymnasium users
Authors: Jankauskienė Rasa , Kardelis Kęstutis , Pajaujienė Simona
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate muscle size satisfaction and predisposition to health harmful muscle gain practice in bodybuilders and recreational gymnasium users and to evaluate its relationship with sport mastery. The sample consisted of 132 men (51 bodybuilders and 81 recreational gymnasium users). The muscle size satisfaction and related variables were evaluated using a 23-item questionnaire (α=0.6, test-retest reliability 0.7). The difference between the actual and the desired girths of the widest site of the upper arm and the thigh was determined based on the subjects’ reported data. The study showed that the majority of the gymnasium users (61.2%) wanted to gain muscle mass, but the tendency was observed that muscle size dissatisfaction, preoccupation with body shape, obligatory motivation, and obsessive attitude towards exercising depended on the sport mastery – the lower mastery predicted higher values. Entering bodybuilding competitions was associated with a 3.2-time (95% CI 1.14–9) higher muscle size dissatisfaction and a 4.8-fold increase (95% CI 1.4–16) in reported predisposition for health harmful muscle gain practice; however, being a bodybuilder was associated with 5.7-time (95% CI 1.9–17) higher predisposition for a health harmful practice. In conclusion, bodybuilders have lower muscle size satisfaction and significantly higher predisposition to health harmful muscle gain practice as compared to recreational gymnasium users. Our findings service for understanding that competitive bodybuilders are not body image homogeneous group if their sport mastery is ignored.
Helicobacter pylori genotypes in Lithuanian patients with chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer
Authors: Miciulevičienė Jolanta , Čalkauskas Henrikas , Jonaitis Laimas , Kiudelis Gediminas , Tamošiūnas Vytas , Praškevičius Antanas , Kupčinskas Limas , Berg Duglas
Published: July 2018

Objective. Clinical outcome of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be associated with specific virulence-associated bacterial genotypes. The distribution of different bacterial genotypes varies geographically. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cagPAI, vacA, and iceA status and severity of the disease in patients from Lithuania, infected by H. pylori. Material and methods. H. pylori from 81 patients (37 with duodenal ulcer and 44 with chronic gastritis) was isolated from gastric biopsy specimens and cultured. Bacterial genotypes cagPAI, vacA (s and m subtypes) and iceA were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Results. The cagPAI was identified in 59.3% of Lithuanian H. pylori strains investigated. H. pylori strains cultured from duodenal ulcer (DU) patients more frequently (P<0.01) contained cagPAI and vacA s1 genotypes (75.7% and 75.7%, respectively) in comparison to isolates from chronic gastritis (CG) patients (45.5% and 40.9%, respectively). Evaluation of nucleotide sequence of the vacA middle-region revealed that vacA s2/m2 genotype was more frequent in CG than in DU patients (56.8% and 24.3%, respectively; P<0.05). We have not found any differences in the frequency of iceA1 genotype between the DU and CG patients (46.0% and 40.9%, respectively; P>0.05). Conclusion. Our study suggests that cagPAI and vacA s1 genotypes are associated with peptic ulceration in Lithuanian patients infected by H. pylori.
Molybdenum-Catalyzed Enantioselective Sulfoxidation Controlled by a Nonclassical Hydrogen Bond between Coordinated Chiral Imidazolium-Based Dicarboxylate and Peroxido Ligands
Authors: Carrasco Carlos J. , Montilla Francisco , Galindo Agustín
Published: July 2018

Chiral alkyl aryl sulfoxides were obtained by molybdenum-catalyzed oxidation of alkyl aryl sulfides with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant in mild conditions with high yields and moderate enantioselectivities. The asymmetry is generated by the use of imidazolium-based dicarboxylic compounds, HLR. The in-situ-generated catalyst, a mixture of aqueous [Mo(O)(O2)2(H2O)n] with HLR as chirality inductors, in the presence of [PPh4]Br, was identified as the anionic binuclear complex [PPh4]{[Mo(O)(O2)2(H2O)]2(μ-LR)}, according to spectroscopic data and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. A nonclassical hydrogen bond between one C–H bond of the alkyl R group of coordinated (LR)− and one oxygen atom of the peroxido ligand was identified as the interaction responsible for the asymmetry in the process. Additionally, the step that governs the enantioselectivity was theoretically analyzed by locating the transition states of the oxido-transfer to PhMeS of model complexes [Mo(O)(O2)2(H2O)(κ1-O-LR)]− (R = H, iPr). The ∆∆G≠ is ca. 0 kcal∙mol−1 for R = H, racemic sulfoxide, meanwhile for chiral species the ∆∆G≠ of ca. 2 kcal∙mol−1 favors the formation of (R)-sulfoxide.
A New Benzophenone C-Glucoside and Other Constituents of Pseuduvaria fragrans and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Panidthananon Wongvarit , Chaowasku Tanawat , Sritularak Boonchoo , Likhitwitayawuid Kittisak
Published: July 2018

Phytochemical investigations of the leaves and stems of Pseuduvaria fragrans led to the isolation of a new benzophenone C-glucoside named pseuduvarioside (1), together with six known compounds including (−)-guaiol (2), (+)-isocorydine (3), cyathocaline (4), isoursoline (5), N-trans-coumaroyltyramine (6), and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (7). Their structures were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. All of the isolates were evaluated for inhibitory activity against the enzyme α-glucosidase. N-trans-coumaroyltyramine and N-trans-feruloyltyramine showed higher activity than the drug acarbose. Kinetic studies revealed that both tyramine-derived amides were uncompetitive inhibitors of the enzyme.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Candidate Genes Related to Aroma Formation in Osmanthus fragrans
Authors: Yang Xiu-Lian , Li Hai-Yan , Yue Yuan-Zheng , Ding Wen-Jie , Xu Chen , Shi Ting-Ting , Chen Gong-Wei , Wang Liang-Gui
Published: July 2018

Osmanthus fragrans, or “RiXiangGui”, is an ornamental, woody, evergreen plant that is cultivated widely because it blooms recurrently and emits a strong fragrance. Recently, the germplasm resources, classification, and aroma compositions of O. fragrans have been investigated. However, the molecular mechanisms of the floral scent formation and regulation have remained largely unknown. To obtain a global perspective on the molecular mechanism of the aroma formation during blooming, nine RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) libraries were constructed from three flowering stages: The initial, full, and final flowering stage. In short, a total of 523,961,310 high-quality clean reads were assembled into 136,611unigenes, with an average sequence length of 792 bp. About 47.43% of the unigenes (64,795) could be annotated in the NCBI non-redundant protein database. A number of candidate genes were identified in the terpenoid metabolic pathways and 1327 transcription factors (TFs), which showed differential expression patterns among the floral scent formation stages, were also identified, especially OfMYB1, OfMYB6, OfWRKY1, and OfWRKY3, which could play critical roles in the floral scent formation. These results indicated that the floral scent formation of O. fragrans was a very complex process which involved a large number of TFs. This study provides reliable resources for further studies of the O.fragrans floral scent formation.
Exogenous Melatonin Improves Tolerance to Water Deficit by Promoting Cuticle Formation in Tomato Plants
Authors: Ding Fei , Wang Gang , Wang Meiling , Zhang Shuoxin
Published: July 2018

The plant cuticle, composed of cutin and waxes, is a hydrophobic layer coating the aerial organs of terrestrial plants and playing a critical role in limiting water loss. While melatonin has been recently demonstrated to be involved in responses to drought stress in plants, its relationship with cuticle formation is not known. In the present work, we report the effects of melatonin on the formation of cuticle in tomato leaves subjected to water deficit. Preliminary analysis by light microscope showed that tomato leaves pretreated with exogenous melatonin might have thicker cutin than tomato leaves without melatonin pretreatment under water deficit condition. Chemical characterization showed that exogenous application of melatonin increased the level of cuticular waxes in tomato leaves under water deficit. Consistent with the change in cuticular waxes was the increased abundance of wax-associated gene transcripts. Further, assessment of water loss and chlorophyll leaching in tomato leaves revealed the association of cuticle deposition with reduced leaf permeability, which is important in restricting water loss in water deficit-stressed tomato plants. These results suggest a role for melatonin in regulating leaf cuticle formation and non-stomatal water loss in leaves.
A Self-Assembled ZnII-NdIII Heterohexanuclear Dimer Based on a Hexadentate N2O4-Type Ligand and Terephthalic Acid: Synthesis, Structure, and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Ru Li-Jun , Gao Lei , Guo Wen-Ting , Ma Jian-Chun , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: July 2018

A self-assembled ZnII-NdIII heterohexanuclear coordination compound [Zn4Nd2(L)4(bdc)2]·2NO3 based on a hexadentate Salamo-like chelating ligand (H2L = 1,2-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneaminooxy)ethane]) and H2bdc (H2bdc = terephthalic acid) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV/Vis spectra, and X-ray crystallography. Two crystallographically equivalent [Zn2Nd(L)2] moieties lie in the inversion center linked by two (bdc)2− ligands leading to a heterohexanuclear dimer in which the carboxylato group bridges the ZnII and NdIII atoms. The heteropolynuclear 3d-4f coordination compound includes four ZnII atoms, two NdIII atoms, four completely deprotonated (L)2− units, two fully deprotonated (bdc)2− units, and two crystalling nitrate ions. All of the ZnII atoms in the ZnII-NdIII coordination compound possess trigonal bipyramidal geometries and the NdIII atoms possess distorted bicapped square antiprism coordination arrangements. In addition, the fluorescence properties of the ligand and the ZnII-NdIII coordination compound were investigated.
Comparative Metabolic Profiling of Green and Purple Pakchoi (Brassica Rapa Subsp. Chinensis)
Authors: Jeon Jin , Lim Chan Ju , Kim Jae Kwang , Park Sang Un
Published: July 2018

Pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is cultivated for its nutritional value, particularly with regard to vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. However, limited metabolic information is available on the phyto-nutritional traits of pakchoi. Our GC-TOF MS analysis showed that green pakchoi has higher contents of carbon metabolism-associated metabolites such as sugars, sugar derivatives and inositol, while purple pakchoi has higher levels of nitrogen metabolism-associated metabolites such as amino acids and amino acid derivatives. To compare the content and composition of secondary metabolites in green and purple pakchoi, we analyzed phenylpropanoid-derived compounds and anthocyanins in mature leaves using an HPLC-UV system. This analysis identified 9 phenylpropanoid-derived compounds and 12 anthocyanins in the mature leaves of green and purple pakchoi. The level of rutin was significantly higher in purple pakchoi compared with green pakchoi, consistent with the expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes in the two pakchoi cultivars. The data obtained from this comprehensive metabolic profiling would be helpful to improve our understanding of the nutritional values of pakchoi cultivars as food sources.
Garcinol Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death through Up-Regulation of DR5 and Down-Regulation of c-FLIP Expression
Authors: Kim Seok , Seo Seung Un , Min Kyoung-Jin , Woo Seon Min , Nam Ju-Ock , Kubatka Peter , Kim Shin , Park Jong-Wook , Kwon Taeg Kyu
Published: July 2018

Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derived from the Garcinia indica fruit that possess potential therapeutic effects such as inhibition of inflammation and tumor expansion. Here, we investigated whether garcinol induces TRAIL sensitization in renal carcinoma cells. Single treatment with garcinol or TRAIL did not effect on apoptosis. However, combined treatment with garcinol plus TRAIL significantly induced apoptosis in renal carcinoma (Caki, ACHN and A498), lung carcinoma (A549), and hepatoma (SK-Hep1) cells. In contrast, garcinol plus TRAIL did not alter cell viability in normal cells. Garcinol plus TRAIL induced up-regulation of DR5 and down-regulation of c-FLIP expression at post-translational levels. Furthermore, knock-down of DR5 by siRNA and ectopic expression of c-FLIP blocked apoptotic cell death induced by garcinol plus TRAIL. Overall, our study provides evidence that garcinol can be exploited as a potential TRAIL sensitizer.
Can Payment for Ecosystem Services Schemes Be an Alternative Solution to Achieve Sustainable Environmental Development? A Critical Comparison of Implementation between Europe and China
Authors: Capodaglio Andrea G. , Callegari Arianna
Published: July 2018

The term “Ecosystem Services” was coined to indicate “all the multiple benefits humans obtain from ‘natural capital’ (i.e., the world’s stock of natural assets—geology, soil, air, water—including living things and beings)” that make human life possible, such as natural water purification, flood control by wetlands, and others. The concept expanded to include, nowadays, socio-economic and conservation objectives, and has been further popularized by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) in the early 2000s, as well as by the “Paris Agreement” reached at the 2015 UN Conference on Climate change (COP21). Payments for Ecosystems (or Environmental) Services (PESs) are financial incentives given directly to landholders to compensate them for implementing good land management, including conservation activities. Such compensation encourages them to “voluntarily” provide (or continue providing) such services, instead of monetizing their “natural capital” otherwise. This approach has been figuratively described as “making trees worth more standing than cut down” Examples of important PES schemes, implemented in China and in Europe, are described and analyzed in this paper, focusing on the methods applied, to assess their evolution over time, and attempt to identify which solutions could be most effective.
A Low-Cost INS-Integratable GNSS Ultra-Short Baseline Attitude Determination System
Authors: Li Wenyi , Fan Peirong , Cui Xiaowei , Zhao Sihao , Ma Tianyi , Lu Mingquan
Published: July 2018

Traditional attitude determination using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) carrier phases is mostly applied on geodetic-grade receivers with sufficient baseline length. However, for some special applications such as mobile communication base station smart antenna attitude determination, only low-cost receivers with ultra-short baselines can be employed, and the environments are more challenging. When solving the ambiguity resolution (AR) problem with low-cost receivers, it is hard for the traditional methods in ambiguity domain to estimate float ambiguities accurately due to the large code pseudorange noises; thus, such systems fail to determine the correct ambiguities. Aiming at improving the AR success rate for ultra-short baselines attitude determination with low-cost receivers, we provide an objective function named Mean Square Residual (MSR) based on the geometrical relationship among the position spherical search space, the fractional carrier phases, and the possible ambiguities. The method can be calculated without code pseudoranges, and thus, can provide a higher AR success rate when using low-cost receivers. The corresponding analysis and acceptance test method are discussed in this contribution, and further, as an extension for more complicated urban dynamic applications, a GNSS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) integrated system is introduced. Several experiments have been conducted to verify performance.
Dense RGB-D SLAM with Multiple Cameras
Authors: Meng Xinrui , Gao Wei , Hu Zhanyi
Published: July 2018

A multi-camera dense RGB-D SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) system has the potential both to speed up scene reconstruction and to improve localization accuracy, thanks to multiple mounted sensors and an enlarged effective field of view. To effectively tap the potential of the system, two issues must be understood: first, how to calibrate the system where sensors usually shares small or no common field of view to maximally increase the effective field of view; second, how to fuse the location information from different sensors. In this work, a three-Kinect system is reported. For system calibration, two kinds of calibration methods are proposed, one is suitable for system with inertial measurement unit (IMU) using an improved hand–eye calibration method, the other for pure visual SLAM without any other auxiliary sensors. In the RGB-D SLAM stage, we extend and improve a state-of-art single RGB-D SLAM method to multi-camera system. We track the multiple cameras’ poses independently and select the one with the pose minimal-error as the reference pose at each moment to correct other cameras’ poses. To optimize the initial estimated pose, we improve the deformation graph by adding an attribute of device number to distinguish surfels built by different cameras and do deformations according to the device number. We verify the accuracy of our extrinsic calibration methods in the experiment section and show the satisfactory reconstructed models by our multi-camera dense RGB-D SLAM. The RMSE (root-mean-square error) of the lengths measured in our reconstructed mode is 1.55 cm (similar to the state-of-art single camera RGB-D SLAM systems).
IMPROVEMENT OF SEARCH PROCESS IN ELECTRONIC CATALOGUES / PAIEŠKOS ELEKTRONINIUOSE KATALOGUOSE VEIKLOS PROCESO TOBULINIMAS
Authors: Savickas Titas
Published: July 2018

The paper presents investigation on search in electronic catalogues. The chosen problem domain is the search system in the electronic catalogue of Lithuanian Academic Libraries. The catalogue uses ALEPH system with MARC21 bibliographic format. The article presents analysis of problems pertaining to the current search engine and user expectations related to the search system of the electronic catalogue of academic libraries. Subsequent to analysis, the research paper presents the architecture for a semantic search system in the electronic catalogue that uses search process designed to improve search results for users.
Straipsnyje analizuojama paieška elektroniniuose kataloguose. Pasirinkta dalykinė sritis – Lietuvos universitetų akademinių bibliotekų elektroninis katalogas. Straipsnyje pateikiamos esamos paieškos sistemos ALEPH problemos ir vartotojų poreikių tyrimo rezultatai. Išanalizuojamas MARC21 formatas ir galimi alternatyvūs paieškos būdai, naudojami bibliotekoje. Atlikus analizę siūloma sistemos architektūra ir paieškos procesas, kuriais bandoma padidinti paieškos elektroniniame kataloge efektyvumą ir užtikrinti vartotojų poreikių patenkinimą.
ASYMMETRICAL SIX-PHASE SPACE VECTOR PWM SCHEME / ASIMETRINIS ERDVINIO VEKTORIAUS MODULIAVIMO METODAS ŠEŠIŲ FAZIŲ ĮTAMPAI FORMUOTI
Authors: Lipinskis Tadas
Published: July 2018

Multiphase electric motors have smaller torque pulsations and are more reliable that their three-phase alternatives. However, standard electricity grids around the world are three-phase, so power inverter is needed to drive multiphase motors. Inverter is used not only to power the motor, but also to control the am­plitude and frequency of the produced voltage, thus controlling motor speed and torque. Multiphase systems with odd number of phases have been widely investigated; therefore, this paper focuses on a six-phase inverter with a single neutral symmetrical load. A novel asymmetrical space vector modulation scheme is proposed and evaluated using simulations in Matlab/Simulink. Simulation results are compared to other modulation schemes. The proposed method is suitable for generating near-sinusoidal output voltages; however, it might not be suited for driving motors with sinusoidally distributed stator windings.
Daugiafaziai elektros varikliai turi mažesnes sukimo momento pulsacijas ir didesnį patikimumą, lyginant su trifaziais varikliais. Pasaulyje paplitę trijų fazių elektros tinklai, todėl daugiafaziams varikliams maitinti reikalingi dažnio keitikliai, keičiantys standartinę vienfazę arba trifazę tinklo įtampą į daugiafazę. Dažnio keitiklis keičia ir išėjimo įtampos amplitudę, ir dažnį. Tai sudaro galimybių tiksliai valdyti variklio greitį. Literatūroje plačiai išnagrinėti daugiafazės įtampos formavimo metodai, esant nelyginiam fazių skaičiui. Darbe siūlomas naujas erdvinių vektorių asimetrinis įtampos formavimo algoritmas šešių fazių dažnio keitikliui, apkrautam simetrine apkrova su viena neutrale. Algoritmas tiriamas Matlab / Simulink programa, rezultatai palyginami su gautais, taikant kitus šešiafazės įtampos formavimo metodus.
CONVERSION OF AN ORDINARY N BICYCLE INTO AN ELECTRIC BIKE AND RELATED RESEARCH / DVIRAČIO PERDARYMAS Į ELEKTRINĮ IR JO TYRIMAS
Authors: Janavičius Marius
Published: July 2018

An electric bicycle as a transport and leisure vehicle is expected to have a promising future. Currently, he market offers a great choice of factory electric bicycles and conversion kits to remake an ordinary bicycle into an electric bike. Also, the increasing number of electric vehicles is determined by the reduction in costs for manufacturing of batteries and an evolution in battery technology. This article presents the implementation of an electric bike by selecting the “Golden Motor Technology” company’s electric front wheel conversion kit MagicPie3 and 16 cell 10Ah LiFePO4 battery. After installation of the engine and other components, experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance characteristics of the electric bike and check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Elektriniams dviračiams, kaip transporto ir laisvalaikio praleidimo priemonėms, prognozuojamos geros perspektyvos. Šiuo metu rinkoje yra didelis pasirinkimas gamyklinių elektrinių dviračių ir adaptavimo komplektų paprastam dviračiui perdaryti į elektrinį. Elektrinių transporto priemonių gausėjimą lemia tobulėjančios ir pingančios maitinimo elementų technologijos bei gamyba. Straipsnyje aprašoma, kaip dviratį perdaryti į elektrinį pasirinkus „Golden Motor Technology“ kompanijos 26 colių skersmens priekinio elektrinio rato adaptavimo komplektą MagicPie3 ir 16 celių 10 Ah LiFePO4 bateriją. Sumontavus variklį ir kitus komponentus atlikti eksperimentai, siekiant įvertinti technines elektrinio dviračio charakteristikas ir patikrinti gamintojo nurodytas specifikacijas.
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK IN MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING ALGORITHM OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS / DIRBTINIŲ NEURONŲ TINKLO TAIKYMAS DIDŽIAUSIOS GALIOS TAŠKO SAULĖS ELEMENTUOSE SEKIMO ALGORITME
Authors: Pikutis Modestas
Published: July 2018

Scientists are looking for ways to improve the efficiency of solar cells all the time. The efficiency of solar cells which are available to the general public is up to 20%. Part of the solar energy is unused and a capacity of solar power plant is significantly reduced – if slow controller or controller which cannot stay at maximum power point of solar modules is used. Various algorithms of maximum power point tracking were created, but mostly algorithms are slow or make mistakes. In the literature more and more oftenartificial neural networks (ANN) in maximum power point tracking process are mentioned, in order to improve performance of the controller. Self-learner artificial neural network and IncCond algorithm were used for maximum power point tracking in created solar power plant model. The algorithm for control was created. Solar power plant model is implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment.
Mokslininkai intensyviai ieško būdų, kaip pagerinti saulės elementų naudingumo koeficientą, kuris rinkoje papli­tusiuose elementuose siekia 20 %. Kai didžiausios galios taškui (DGT) sekti naudojamas lėtas valdiklis arba valdiklis, nesugebantis palaikyti saulės elemento režimo didžiausios galios taške – saulės jėgainės našumas labai sumažėja ir dalis saulės energijos, krentančios į saulės modulį, lieka nepanaudota. Nuolat kuriami įvairūs didžiausios galios taško sekimo algoritmai, tačiau dauguma jų dirba lėtai arba daro klaidas. Siekiant padidinti valdiklio efektyvumą, literatūroje vis dažniau minimas dirbtinių neuronų tinklų (DNT) taikymas DGT sekimo procese. Darbe sukurtas saulės jėgainės modelis, kuriame panaudotas didžiausios galios taškui sekti savaime besimokantis dirbtinių neuronų tinklas, veikiantis kartu su IncCond algoritmu, ir sudarytas valdymo algoritmas. Saulės jėgainės modelis įgyvendintas Matlab/Simulink terpėje.
Odontochilus putaoensis (Cranichideae, Orchidaceae), a new species from Myanmar
Authors: Aung Ye Lwin , Mu Aye Thin , Jin Xiaohua
Published: July 2018

Odontochilusputaoensis, a new species of Orchidaceae, is described and illustrated from Putao Township, Kachin State, Myanmar.Odontochilusputaoensisis close toO.duplex, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by having a light yellow lip, a bisaccate hypochile with a small, erect, blade-like and emarginate callus within each sac, a mesochile with a pair of dentate-pectinate flanges and a bilobed epichile with a pair of widely diverging lobes that are erect and concave. An identification key to the Southeast Asian species ofOdontochilusand colour photographs ofO.putaoensisare provided. A preliminary conservation assessment according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria is given for the new species.
Biostratigraphie, géochimie et réponse des composantes microfauniques aux variations environnementales au passage Cénomanien-Turonien à Thénièt El Manchar (Monts de Bellezma, Batna, NE Algérie)
Authors: Slami R. , Salmi-Laouar S. , Ferré B. , Aouissi R. , Benkherouf-Kechid F.
Published: July 2018

[fr] La présente étude livre une analyse biostratigraphique et géochimique des dépôts cénomano-turoniens de la région Thénièt El Manchar, située dans les Monts de Bellezma-Batna, et leur évolution verticale. Une coupe (TM), épaisse de 180 m, est décrite dans ce secteur. Elle correspond à la Formation des Marnes de Smail, subdivisée en quatre unités litho-stratigraphiques (IA, IB, IC, ID), datée du Cénomanien grâce à la présence d’ammonites et de corail, et à la base de la Formation des Dolomies de l’Oued Skhoun (unité, IIA), datée de la base du Turonien au moyen de foraminifères planctoniques. L’analyse qualitative et quantitative des foraminifères (planctoniques et/ou benthiques), des ostracodes et des marqueurs géochimiques, permet de reconstituer l’évolution du paléo-environnement et les variations paléo-bathymétriques au cours de l’intervalle stratigraphique concerné. Ainsi, les unités IA-IB-IC et la partie inférieure de l’unité ID (Cénomanien) sont dominées par des associations de foraminifères benthiques agglutinés et des carapaces entières d’ostracodes, témoignant d’un milieu de plate-forme et d’un faible hydrodynamisme. Dans ces dépôts, les associations montrent une diversité spécifique faible à moyenne et une abondance plus ou moins élevée, témoignant de conditions trophiques et d’oxygénation considérées comme normales. Les derniers termes de l’unité ID (sommet du Cénomanien) et l’unité IIA (base du Turonien) marquent, quant à eux, une évolution vers des conditions plus profondes, comme le montre la succession standard des événements déjà reconnus en Afrique du nord, à savoir: l’abondance de foraminifères planctoniques, la présence de ‘filaments’ et une réduction drastique de la faune d’ostracodes. En outre, les courbes isotopiques du carbone (δ13C) et de l’oxygène (δ18O) des carbonates mettent en évidence des anomalies isotopiques relatives aux modifications paléo-environnementales. Les données du δ13C et celles du COT indiquent une productivité primaire faible. Les données du δ18O, quant à elles, indiquent une augmentation des paléo-températures, cause principale du déclenchement de l’EAO 2. Ces interprétations paléo-environnementales s’accordent avec les données connues du contexte paléogéographique régional et mettent en exergue les spécificités téthysiennes.
Experimentation and Analysis on Reinforced Basalt and Carbon Fibres Composite Laminate
Authors: Vara Prasad Vemu
Published: July 2018

— The aim of the present work is to investigate the mechanical properties and water absorption capacity of carbon and basalt fibers mixed with epoxy. At present there is demand for natural friendly products. Basalt reinforced composites developed recently and these mineral amorphous fibres are a valid alternative to carbon fibers for their lower cost and to glass fibres for their strength. The present paper describes briefly on basalt and carbon fibers (unidirectional) which are used as reinforcement material for composites. The matrix epoxy (LY556-HY 951) is taken in to account to access to influence on the evaluated parameters. In order to use reinforced composites for structural applications, it is necessary to perform a mechanical characterization. With this aim experiments like tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness and water absorptions are performed. Later the mechanical properties obtained from experiments are compared with ANSYS software results. Keywords—Carbon fibre; Basalt fibre; Uni-directional fibres; Reinforcement, Mechanical Tests, Water Absorption Tests
Effect of Electrolyte on Micro Arc Oxidation Coating of Al-2014 Alloy
Authors: Shankar M.P. , Sokkalingam R. , Sivaprasad Katakam , Muthupandi Veerappan
Published: July 2018

Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO) coating was performed on Al-2014 aluminium alloy in aqueous solution of silicate, phosphate and hybrid electrolytic environments. The MAO thickness was measured around 5-15 μm, in which significant thickness of both dense and porous layers were identified. A combination of nanocrystalline α-Al2O3and Υ-Al2O3 was identified in the MAO coating using X-ray diffraction analysis. The thickness and morphology of the coating, which is analyzed using SEM are different for different MAO process parameters and it was found that the MAO coating prepared in phosphate electrolyte is giving a better coating with higher coating thickness, minor pore size and better adherence.
Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Banana-Pineapple Fiber
Authors: Madhukiran Jami , Raju Ch. Ramabhadri , Madhusudan S. , Rao R. Umamaheswara
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper is to investigate the mechanical properties of Banana-Pineapple natural fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. The hybrid combination of fibers with various weight fractions i.e. (40/0, 30/10, 20/20, 10/30 and 0/40) are incorporated into the epoxy LY556 and HY951and hand layup technique is used for fabrication. Initially fibers are cut to a length of 5mm and weight percentagesare determined. Banana fiber was hybridized with Pineapple fiber. While overall fiber weight fraction was fixed as 0.4Wf. Tensile, Flexural and Impact specimens are prepared according to ASTM standards. The Dog-bone shaped specimens are prepared for tensile test. Tensile testing was conducted on 5 ton universal testing machine (FIE Make). Flat bar and V-notch shaped specimens are prepared for conducting Flexural, Impact tests.The results are compared with pure Banana and pure Pineapple. Tensile, Flexural and Impact properties of Hybrid Composites are improved as compared to pure composites. The interfacial relationships between the fiber and matrix, internal cracks, fiber pullout, fiber dispersion into the matrix and the inner surfaces of the specimens are examined through SEM analysis.
A Review on Acoustic Emission Characterization of Failure Modes of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Vara Prasad Vemu , Nageswara Rao Javisseti
Published: July 2018

Among various composites available for use, carbon fiber reinforced composite is unique in its Nature. Carbon fiber is an extremely strong thin fiber made by pyrolyzing synthetic fibers, such as rayon, until charred. High Strength Composites are made from this fiber by using appropriate matrix material mostly Epoxy resins are used. High Strength, stiffness, light weight and high thermal conductivity are the main advantages over the other composites. Making products with one single composite sheet is not possible always. Some of the intricate or complex shape making is required for joining of two composite sheet. The composites joining can be done in three ways mainly Adhesive, Riveting and Hybrid. Based on the Review among all these joints adhesive joining gives better economic solution in joining. Experimental results point to significant influence of fibre on mechanical properties of sample. The tensile test of the acoustic signal emission (AE) to identify the current state of material integrity in real time. Acoustic system signal correlated to damage events. The carbon fiber composite characteristic failure mechanisms are initiated on the microscale and result in a spontaneous release of elastic energy in terms of mechanical stress waves, the so-called acoustic emissions.