bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Control of Laminar Separation: Simulations, Wind Tunnel, and Free-Flight Experiments
Authors: Gross Andreas , Fasel Hermann F.
Published: October 2018

When a laminar boundary layer is subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, laminar separation bubbles can occur. At low Reynolds numbers, the bubble size can be substantial, and the aerodynamic performance can be reduced considerably. At higher Reynolds numbers, the bubble bursting can determine the stall characteristics. For either setting, an active control that suppresses or delays laminar separation is desirable. A combined numerical and experimental approach was taken for investigating active flow control and its interplay with separation and transition for laminar separation bubbles for chord-based Reynolds numbers of Re ≈ 64,200–320,000. Experiments were carried out both in the wind tunnel and in free flight using an instrumented 1:5 scale model of the Aeromot 200S, which has a modified NACA 643-618 airfoil. The same airfoil was also used in the simulations and wind tunnel experiments. For a wide angle of attack range below stall, the flow separates laminar from the suction surface. Separation control via a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator and unsteady blowing through holes were investigated. For a properly chosen actuation amplitude and frequency, the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability results in strong disturbance amplification and a “roll-up” of the separated shear layer. As a result, an efficient and effective laminar separation control is realized.
Robust Full Tracking Control Design of Disturbed Quadrotor UAVs with Unknown Dynamics
Authors: Nafia Nabil , El Kari Abdeljalil , Ayad Hassan , Mjahed Mostafa
Published: October 2018

In this study, we develop a rigorous tracking control approach for quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with unknown dynamics, unknown physical parameters, and subject to unknown and unpredictable disturbances. In order to better estimate the unknown functions, seven interval type-2-adaptive fuzzy systems (IT2-AFSs) and five adaptive systems are designed. Then, a new IT2 adaptive fuzzy reaching sliding mode system (IT2-AFRSMS) which generates an optimal smooth adaptive fuzzy reaching sliding mode control law (AFRSMCL) using IT2-AFSs is introduced. The AFRSMCL is designed a way that ensures that its gains are efficiently estimated. Thus, the global proposed control law can effectively achieve the predetermined performances of the tracking control while simultaneously avoiding the chattering phenomenon, despite the approximation errors and all disturbances acting on the quadrotor dynamics. The adaptation laws are designed by utilizing the stability analysis of Lyapunov. A simulation example is used to validate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method of control. The obtained results confirm the results of the mathematical analysis in guaranteeing the tracking convergence and stability of the closed loop dynamics despite the unknown dynamics, unknown disturbances, and unknown physical parameters of the controlled system.
Development of a Poppet-Type Pneumatic Servo Valve
Authors: Kanno Takahiro , Hasegawa Takashi , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Haraguchi Daisuke , Kawashima Kenji
Published: October 2018

In pneumatic positioning and force-control systems, spool-type servo valves are widely used for obtaining quick responses and precise control. However, air leakage from these valves results in increased energy consumption. To address this problem, we developed a three-port poppet-type servo valve to reduce air leakage. The developed valve consists of a camshaft, two orifices, two metal balls, and a housing with two flow channels. The metal ball is pushed by fluid, and spring force closes the orifice. The port opens when the cam rotates and pushes the ball. The cam shape and orifice size were designed to provide the desired flow rate. The specifications of the DC motor for rotating the camshaft were determined considering the fluid force on the ball. Static and dynamic characteristics of the valve were measured. We experimentally confirmed that air leakage was 0.1 L/min or less. The ratio of air leakage to maximum flow rate was only 0.37%. Dynamic characteristic measurements showed that the valve had a bandwidth of 30 Hz. The effectiveness of the valve was demonstrated through experiments involving pressure and position control.
Seismic Analysis of Steel Solid Web Girder-RC Tubular Column Hybrid Structure
Authors: Dai Huijuan , Wang Bo
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to investigate the seismic performance of a novel type of steel–concrete hybrid supporting structure consisting of reinforced concrete (RC) tubular columns, steel solid web girder platform, and A-shaped steel frames. It is typically used to house air-cooled condensers (ACC) in thermal power plants (TPPs). First, the finite-element (FE) model was implemented in ABAQUS and the simulation approaches were validated by pseudo-dynamic test results of a scaled steel-concrete hybrid supporting structure. Then, the elasto-plastic time-history analysis of the steel solid web girder-RC tubular column hybrid structure was conducted. The El Centro (NS) record was scaled to peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.07, 0.20, 0.40 and 0.62 g to reflect the frequent, basic, rare, and very rare earthquakes. The dynamic characteristics, base shear force, lateral deformation performance, stiffness deterioration, and damage evolution characteristics were analyzed. The numerical results showed that the first vibration mode of this hybrid structure is torsion, due to its small torsional stiffness and the nonuniform distribution characteristics of stiffness and mass in the vertical direction; the lateral deformation shape is shear mode; and the damage mainly occurred on the RC tubular columns, while the steel components did not yield under severe earthquakes. In general, the overall seismic performance of the steel solid web girder-RC tubular column hybrid structural system could meet the seismic design requirements with respect to the high-intensity earthquakes.
Study on Valve Strategy of Variable Cylinder Deactivation Based on Electromagnetic Intake Valve Train
Authors: Hu Maoyang , Chang Siqin , Xu Yaxuan , Liu Liang
Published: October 2018

The camless electromagnetic valve train (EMVT), as a fully flexible variable valve train, has enormous potential for improving engine performances. In this paper, a new valve strategy based on the electromagnetic intake valve train (EMIV) is proposed to achieve variable cylinder deactivation (VCD) on a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The 1D engine model was constructed in GT-Power according to test data. In order to analyze the VCD operation with the proposed valve strategy, the 1D model was validated using a 3D code. The effects of the proposed valve strategy were investigated from the perspective of energy loss of the transition period, the mass fraction of oxygen in the exhaust pipe, and the minimum in-cylinder pressure of the active cycle. On the premise of avoiding high exhaust oxygen and oil suction, the intake valve timing can be determined with the variation features of energy losses. It was found that at 1200 and 1600 rpm, fuel economy was improved by 12.5–16.6% and 9.7–14.6%, respectively, under VCD in conjunction with the early intake valve closing (EIVC) strategy when the brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) ranged from 0.3 MPa to 0.2 MPa.
Waves to Waveforms: Performing the Thresholds of Sensors and Sense-Making in the Anthropocene
Authors: Carter Richard
Published: October 2018

This paper details the technical and conceptual background for the developing art project Waveform. This project is a creative-critical meditation on the role of digital sensors in monitoring and representing environmental change. It explores the origins and functioning of the global sensory architectures used to detect and assess these changes, deconstructing the connotations of omniscience, abstraction, and control associated with the ‘top-down’, data-driven mappings they generate. In so doing, Waveform enacts a speculative instance of how digital sensors can highlight the ambiguities and tensions of life in an increasingly damaged ecology. This experimental aspect involves capturing images of coastal shorelines using an airborne camera drone, and then analysing these using software that maps the outlines of incoming waves. The resulting data is then processed by software that generates text resembling free-verse poetry. These steps are not autonomous, and are subject to human intervention at each stage, with the generated poems being curated so as to engage themes concerning coast, a changing climate, and scientific knowledge-making. The outcome is an assemblage of artefacts, processes, and representations that can suggest alternative narratives of sensing and sense-making, so as to better apprehend the complexities of the present moment.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Capabilities for Binary Classification of Polar Mesocyclones in Satellite Mosaics
Authors: Krinitskiy Mikhail , Verezemskaya Polina , Grashchenkov Kirill , Tilinina Natalia , Gulev Sergey , Lazzara Matthew
Published: October 2018

Polar mesocyclones (MCs) are small marine atmospheric vortices. The class of intense MCs, called polar lows, are accompanied by extremely strong surface winds and heat fluxes and thus largely influencing deep ocean water formation in the polar regions. Accurate detection of polar mesocyclones in high-resolution satellite data, while challenging, is a time-consuming task, when performed manually. Existing algorithms for the automatic detection of polar mesocyclones are based on the conventional analysis of patterns of cloudiness and they involve different empirically defined thresholds of geophysical variables. As a result, various detection methods typically reveal very different results when applied to a single dataset. We develop a conceptually novel approach for the detection of MCs based on the use of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs). As a first step, we demonstrate that DCNN model is capable of performing binary classification of 500 × 500 km patches of satellite images regarding MC patterns presence in it. The training dataset is based on the reference database of MCs manually tracked in the Southern Hemisphere from satellite mosaics. We use a subset of this database with MC diameters falling in the range of 200–400 km. This dataset is further used for testing several different DCNN setups, specifically, DCNN built “from scratch”, DCNN based on VGG16 pre-trained weights also engaging the Transfer Learning technique, and DCNN based on VGG16 with Fine Tuning technique. Each of these networks is further applied to both infrared (IR) and a combination of infrared and water vapor (IR + WV) satellite imagery. The best skills (97% in terms of the binary classification accuracy score) is achieved with the model that averages the estimates of the ensemble of different DCNNs. The algorithm can be further extended to the automatic identification and tracking numerical scheme and applied to other atmospheric phenomena that are characterized by a distinct signature in satellite imagery.
The MNN2 Gene Knockout Modulates the Antifungal Resistance of Biofilms of Candida glabrata
Authors: Rodrigues Célia F. , Vilas Boas Diana , Haynes Ken , Henriques Mariana
Published: October 2018

Candida glabrata biofilms are recognized to have high resistance to antifungals. In order to understand the effect of mannans in the resistance profile of C. glabrata mature biofilms, C. glabrata Δmnn2 was evaluated. Biofilm cell walls were analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and their susceptibility was assessed for fluconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, and micafungin. Crystal violet and Alcian Blue methods were performed to quantify the biomass and the mannans concentration in the biofilm cells and matrices, respectively. The concentration of β-1,3 glucans was also measured. No visible differences were detected among cell walls of the strains, but the mutant had a high biomass reduction, after a drug stress. When compared with the reference strain, it was detected a decrease in the susceptibility of the biofilm cells and an increase of β-1,3 glucans in the C. glabrata Δmnn2. The deletion of the MNN2 gene in C. glabrata induces biofilm matrix and cell wall variabilities that increase the resistance to the antifungal drug treatments. The rise of β-1,3 glucans appears to have a role in this effect.
A Functional Analysis of the Cyclophilin Repertoire in the Protozoan Parasite Trypanosoma Cruzi
Authors: Perrone Alina E. , Milduberger Natalia , Fuchs Alicia G. , Bustos Patricia L. , Bua Jacqueline
Published: October 2018

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. It affects eight million people worldwide and can be spread by several routes, such as vectorborne transmission in endemic areas and congenitally, and is also important in non-endemic regions such as the United States and Europe due to migration from Latin America. Cyclophilins (CyPs) are proteins with enzymatic peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity (PPIase), essential for protein folding in vivo. Cyclosporin A (CsA) has a high binding affinity for CyPs and inhibits their PPIase activity. CsA has proved to be a parasiticidal drug on some protozoa, including T. cruzi. In this review, we describe the T. cruzi cyclophilin gene family, that comprises 15 paralogues. Among the proteins isolated by CsA-affinity chromatography, we found orthologues of mammalian CyPs. TcCyP19, as the human CyPA, is secreted to the extracellular environment by all parasite stages and could be part of a complex interplay involving the parasite and the host cell. TcCyP22, an orthologue of mitochondrial CyPD, is involved in the regulation of parasite cell death. Our findings on T. cruzi cyclophilins will allow further characterization of these processes, leading to new insights into the biology, the evolution of metabolic pathways, and novel targets for anti-T. cruzi control.
Pyrrole-Mediated Peptide Cyclization Identified through Genetically Reprogrammed Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Decoene Klaas W. , Vannecke Willem , Passioura Toby , Suga Hiroaki , Madder Annemieke
Published: October 2018

Flexible in vitro translation (FIT) was used as a screening method to uncover a new methodology for peptide constraining based on the attack of a nucleophilic side-chain functionality onto an oxidized furylalanine side chain. A set of template peptides, each containing furylalanine as furan-modified amino acid and a nucleophilic residue (Cys, His, Lys, Arg, Ser, or Tyr), was produced through FIT. The translation mixtures were treated with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) to achieve selective furan oxidation and subsequent MALDI analysis demonstrated Lys and Ser as promising residues for cyclisation. Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) was used to synthesize suitable amounts of material for further in-depth analysis and characterisation. It was found that in the case of the peptide containing lysine next to a furylalanine residue, a one-pot oxidation and reduction reaction leads to the generation of a cyclic peptide featuring a pyrrole moiety as cyclisation motif, resulting from the attack of the lysine side chain onto the oxidized furylalanine side chain. Structural evidence was provided via NMR and the generality of the methodology was explored. We hereby expand the scope of our previously developed furan-based peptide labeling and crosslinking strategy.
Bioinspired Optical Sensor for Remote Measurement of Small Displacements at a Distance
Authors: Frost Susan A. , Yates Leslie A. , Kumagai Hiroyuki S.
Published: October 2018

Identifying appropriate sites for landing a spacecraft or building permanent structures is critical for extraterrestrial exploration. By tracking the movement of land masses and structures on a planetary surface, scientists can better predict issues that could affect the integrity of the site or structures. A lightweight, low-cost, low-power bioinspired optical sensor is being developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center to remotely measure small displacements of land masses on either side of a fault. This paper describes the sensor, which is inspired by the compound eye vision system found in many insects, and the algorithms developed to estimate displacement. The results are presented for indoor and outdoor tests using the sensor to measure the displacement of a specially designed target that is located 0.35, 6, and 30 m from the sensor and is moved 10 mm to the left and right of a centered position, simulating the displacement of land masses on either side of a fault. Measurement uncertainties estimates were a few tenths of a millimeter when the target was located 0.35 and 6 m from the sensor. At the 30 m distance, corrections were required to obtain accuracies in the order of 1 mm.
Numerical Modeling of an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: Shirinskaya Anna , Horowitz Gilles , Rivnay Jonathan , Malliaras George G. , Bonnassieux Yvan
Published: October 2018

We develop a numerical model for the current-voltage characteristics of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) based on steady-state Poisson’s, Nernst’s and Nernst–Planck’s equations. The model starts with the doping–dedoping process depicted as a moving front, when the process at the electrolyte–polymer interface and gradually moves across the film. When the polymer reaches its final state, the electrical potential and charge density profiles largely depend on the way the cations behave during the process. One case is when cations are trapped at the polymer site where dedoping occurs. In this case, the moving front stops at a point that depends on the applied voltage; the higher the voltage, the closer the stopping point to the source electrode. Alternatively, when the cations are assumed to move freely in the polymer, the moving front eventually reaches the source electrode in all cases. In this second case, cations tend to accumulate near the source electrode, and most of the polymer is uniformly doped. The variation of the conductivity of the polymer film is then calculated by integrating the density of holes all over the film. Output and transfer curves of the OECT are obtained by integrating the gate voltage-dependent conductivity from source to drain.
Mechanisms of Lysophosphatidic Acid-Mediated Lymphangiogenesis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wu Pei-Yi , Lin Yueh-Chien , Huang Yuan-Li , Chen Wei-Min , Chen Chien-Chin , Lee Hsinyu
Published: October 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common noncutaneous cancer in men worldwide. One of its major treatments is androgen deprivation therapy, but PCa frequently relapses as aggressive castration resistant local tumors and distal metastases. Hence, the development of novel agents or treatment modalities for advanced PCa is crucial. Many tumors, including PCa, first metastasize to regional lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels. Recent findings demonstrate that the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) promotes PCa progression by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), a critical mediator of tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. Many of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the LPA–VEGF-C axis have been described, revealing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced PCa. Herein, we review the literature that illustrates a functional role for LPA signaling in PCa progression. These discoveries may be especially applicable to anti-lymphangiogenic strategies for the prevention and therapy of metastatic PCa.
Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Kraft Lignin with Refuse-Derived Fuels Using Ni-Loaded ZSM-5 Type Catalysts
Authors: Lee Hyung Won , Cha Jin Sun , Park Young-Kwon
Published: October 2018

The catalytic co-pyrolysis (CCP) of Kraft lignin (KL) with refuse-derived fuels (RDF) over HZSM-5, Ni/HZSM-5, and NiDHZSM-5 (Ni/desilicated HZSM-5) was carried out using pyrolyzer-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to determine the effects of the nickel loading, desilication of HZSM-5, and co-pyrolysis of KL with RDF. The catalysts were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, X-ray diffraction, and NH3-temperature programed desorption. The nickel-impregnated catalyst improved the catalytic upgrading efficiency and increased the aromatic hydrocarbon production. Compared to KL, the catalytic pyrolysis of RDF produced larger amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons due to the higher H/Ceff ratio. The CCP of KL with RDF enhanced the production of aromatic hydrocarbons by the synergistic effect of hydrogen rich feedstock co-feeding. In particular, Ni/DHZSM-5 showed higher aromatic hydrocarbon formation owing to its higher acidity and mesoporosity.
Aberrant Activation of NF-κB Signalling in Aggressive Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Kennedy Ruth , Klein Ulf
Published: October 2018

Lymphoid malignancies frequently harbor genetic mutations leading to aberrant activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling; in normal cells, this pathway has important roles in the control of cell growth, survival, stress responses, and inflammation. Malignancies with mutations in NF-κB pathway components can derive from all cell stages of mature B-cell development; however, aberrant NF-κB activity is particularly prevalent in aggressive subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. NF-κB activation is mediated by two separate pathways, the canonical and alternative pathway, and five downstream transcription factor subunits. Recent findings implicate a predominant role for distinct NF-κB pathways and subunits in certain lymphoma subtypes and myeloma; findings which are complemented by the realization that individual NF-κB subunits can have unique, non-redundant biological roles in the putative tumor precursor cells, including activated B cells, germinal center B cells and plasma cells. The knowledge gained from these studies may be exploited for the development of therapeutic strategies to inhibit aberrant NF-κB activity at the level of the transcription-factor subunits and their target genes, as global inhibition of the pathway is toxic. Here, we provide an overview on the role of aberrant NF-κB activation in aggressive lymphoid malignancies and discuss the potential importance of individual NF-κB subunits in the pathogenesis of tumor subtypes.
Pilot Production of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Freeze-Dried Secretome for Cell-Free Regenerative Nanomedicine: A Validated GMP-Compliant Process
Authors: Bari Elia , Perteghella Sara , Di Silvestre Dario , Sorlini Marzio , Catenacci Laura , Sorrenti Milena , Marrubini Giorgio , Rossi Rossana , Tripodo Giuseppe , Mauri Pierluigi , Marazzi Mario , Torre Maria Luisa
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a pilot production process for mesenchymal stem/stromal freeze-dried secretome was performed in a validated good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant cell factory. Secretome was purified from culture supernatants by ultrafiltration, added to cryoprotectant, lyophilized and characterized. We obtained a freeze-dried, “ready-off-the-shelf” and free soluble powder containing extracellular vesicles and proteins. In the freeze-dried product, a not-aggregated population of extracellular vesicles was detected by nanoparticle tracking analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the simultaneous presence of protein and lipids, while differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that lyophilization process successfully occurred. A proteomic characterization allowed the identification of proteins involved in immune response, response to stress, cytoskeleton and metabolism. Moreover, the product was not cytotoxic up to concentrations of 25 mg/mL (on human fibroblasts, chondrocytes and nucleus pulposus cells by MTT assay) and was blood compatible up to 150 mg/mL. Finally, at concentrations between 5 and 50 mg/mL, freeze-dried secretome showed to in vitro counteract the oxidative stress damage induced by H2O2 on nucleus pulposus cells by MTT assay.
The Nexus of Weather Extremes to Agriculture Production Indexes and the Future Risk in Ghana
Authors: Ibn Musah Abdul-Aziz , Du Jianguo , Bilaliib Udimal Thomas , Abubakari Sadick Mohammed
Published: October 2018

The agricultural industry employs a large workforce in Ghana and remains the primary source of food security and income. The consequences of extreme weather in this sector can be catastrophic. A consistent picture of meteorological risk and adaptation patterns can lead to useful information, which can help local farmers make informed decisions to advance their livelihoods. We modelled historical data using extreme value theory and structural equation modelling. Subsequently, we studied extreme weather variability and its relationship to composite indicators of agricultural production and the long-term trend of weather risk. Minimum and maximum annual temperatures have negligible heterogeneity in their trends, while the annual maximum rainfall is homogenous in trend. Severe rainfall affects cereals and cocoa production, resulting in reduced yields. Cereals and cocoa grow well when there is even distribution of rainfall. The return levels for the next 20–100 years are gradually increasing with the long-term prediction of extreme weather. Also, heavy rains affect cereals and cocoa production negatively. All indicators of agriculture had a positive relationship with maximum extreme weather.
Spatio-Temporal Trend Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature Extremes in the Vea Catchment, Ghana
Authors: Larbi Isaac , Hountondji Fabien C. C. , Annor Thompson , Agyare Wilson Agyei , Mwangi Gathenya John , Amuzu Joshua
Published: October 2018

This study examined the trends in annual rainfall and temperature extremes over the Vea catchment for the period 1985–2016, using quality-controlled stations and a high resolution (5 km) Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) data. The CHIRPS gridded precipitation data’s ability in reproducing the climatology of the catchment was evaluated. The extreme rainfall and temperature indices were computed using a RClimdex package by considering seventeen (17) climate change indices from the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Monitoring Indices (ETCCDMI). Trend detection and quantification in the rainfall (frequency and intensity) and temperature extreme indices were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope estimator. The results show a very high seasonal correlation coefficient (r = 0.99), Nash–Sutcliff efficiency (0.98) and percentage bias (4.4% and −8.1%) between the stations and the gridded data. An investigation of dry and wet years using Standardized Anomaly Index shows 45.5% frequency of drier than normal periods compared to 54.5% wetter than normal periods in the catchment with 1999 and 2003 been extremely wet years while the year 1990 and 2013 were extremely dry. The intensity and magnitude of extreme rainfall indices show a decreasing trend for more than 78% of the rainfall locations while positive trends were observed in the frequency of extreme rainfall indices (R10mm, R20mm, and CDD) with the exception of consecutive wet days (CWD) that shows a decreasing trend. A general warming trend over the catchment was observed through the increase in the annual number of warm days (TX90p), warm nights (TN90p) and warm spells (WSDI). The spatial distribution analysis shows a high frequency and intensity of extremes rainfall indices in the south of the catchment compared to the middle and northern of part of the catchment, while temperature extremes were uniformly distributed over the catchment.
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic AA5052 Aluminum Alloy Surface with Improved Corrosion Resistance and Self Cleaning Property
Authors: Zhao Qian , Tang Tiantian , Wang Fang
Published: October 2018

The development of a self-cleaning and corrosion resistant superhydrophobic coating for aluminum alloy surfaces that is durable in aggressive conditions has attracted great interest in materials science. In the present study, a superphydrophobic film was fabricated on an AA5052 aluminum alloy surface by the electrodeposition of Ni–Co alloy coating, followed by modification with 6-(N-allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydro-perfluorodecyl) amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (AF17N). The surface morphology and characteristics of the composite coatings were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and contact angle (CA). The corrosion resistance of the coatings was assessed by electrochemical tests. The results showed that the surface exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning performance with a contact angle maintained at 160° after exposed to the atmosphere for 240 days. Moreover, the superhydrophobic coatings significantly improved the corrosion resistant performance of AA5052 aluminum alloy substrate in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.
Chelating Mechanisms of Transition Metals by Bacterial Metallophores “Pseudopaline and Staphylopine”: A Quantum Chemical Assessment
Authors: Ghssein Ghassan , Matar Samir F.
Published: October 2018

In bacterial pathology, metallophores fabricated by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are exported to surrounding physiological media via a specific process to sequester and import metals, resulting in enhanced virulence of the bacteria. While these mechanisms are understood at qualitative levels, our investigation presents a complementary original view based on quantum chemical computations. Further understanding of the active centers in particular was provided for pseudopaline and staphylopine metallophores, which were described chemically and with vibration spectroscopy. Then, for complexes formed with a range of transition metal divalent ions (Ni, Cu, and Zn), description and analyses of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) are provided, highlighting a mechanism of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT), based on excited-states calculations (time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT)) at the basis of the delivery of the metallic ionic species to the bacterial medium, leading eventually to its enhanced virulence. Such investigation gains importance especially in view of stepwise syntheses of metallophores in the laboratory, providing significant progress in the understanding of mechanisms underlying the enhancement of bacterial pathologies.
Hydration and Barrier Properties of Emulsions with the Addition of Keratin Hydrolysate
Authors: Mokrejš Pavel , Pavlačková Jana , Janáčová Dagmar , Huťťa Matouš
Published: October 2018

Although keratin hydrolysates (KH) are added to skin care agents, detailed studies on the moisturising effects of KH are lacking. The aim of this study is to test whether adding KH into an ointment base (OB) heighten hydration of the skin and diminish transepidermal loss of water (TEWL). Formulations containing 2%, 4%, and 6% of KH (based on OB weight) were prepared. Hydration, TEWL and skin pH were measured; intervals of measurements were as follows: 1, 2, 3, 4, 24 and 48 h. Testing was carried out on 10 men. In terms of hydration, supplementing the OB with 2% KH is optimal, as an 11–19% increase occurs in hydration of stratum corneum (SC). All the formulations with added KH as tested caused TEWL to decline after application. Keratin hydrolysate makes for an excellent occlusive; adding it to OB results in a 30–50% reduction in TEWL after application. KH functions as a humectant as well, as it helps to bind water from the lower layers of the epidermis to the SC. Formulations with additions of 2–6% of KH were stable in structure and did not cause phase separation even after 6 months storage.
Linear Precoding Designs for MIMO VLC Using Multi-Color LEDs under Multiple Lighting Constraints
Authors: Xiao Ye , Zhu Yi-Jun , Sun Zheng-Guo
Published: October 2018

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology as an efficient approach to improve the transmission rate in visible light communication (VLC) has been well studied in recent years. In this paper, we focus on the MIMO VLC system using multi-color LEDs in the typical indoor scenario. Besides the correlation of the MIMO channel, the multi-color crosstalk interference and quadrangle chromaticity region are also considered to increase the practicality of this system. With the constraints of power, amplitude and chromaticity, an iterative algorithm to minimize mean-squared-error (MSE) is proposed to jointly design the precoder and equalizer. Our proposed algorithm provides an effective method to get the optimal precoder by updating optimization variables iteratively. As the equalizer matrix is fixed at each iteration, the main non-convex precoding design problem is transformed into a convex optimization problem and then solved. With the utilization of multi-color LEDs, our proposed precoding method would be promising to promote the practical applications of high-speed indoor optical wireless communication. Simulation results show that our proposed method owns better performance than conventional chromaticity-fixed schemes and zero-forcing precoding designs.
Development of the Non-Iterative Supervised Learning Predictor Based on the Ito Decomposition and SGTM Neural-Like Structure for Managing Medical Insurance Costs
Authors: Tkachenko Roman , Izonin Ivan , Vitynskyi Pavlo , Lotoshynska Nataliia , Pavlyuk Olena
Published: October 2018

The paper describes a new non-iterative linear supervised learning predictor. It is based on the use of Ito decomposition and the neural-like structure of the successive geometric transformations model (SGTM). Ito decomposition (Kolmogorov–Gabor polynomial) is used to extend the inputs of the SGTM neural-like structure. This provides high approximation properties for solving various tasks. The search for the coefficients of this polynomial is carried out using the fast, non-iterative training algorithm of the SGTM linear neural-like structure. The developed method provides high speed and increased generalization properties. The simulation of the developed method’s work for solving the medical insurance costs prediction task showed a significant increase in accuracy compared with existing methods (common SGTM neural-like structure, multilayer perceptron, Support Vector Machine, adaptive boosting, linear regression). Given the above, the developed method can be used to process large amounts of data from a variety of industries (medicine, materials science, economics, etc.) to improve the accuracy and speed of their processing.
Retrospective Side Effect Profiling of the Metastatic Melanoma Combination Therapy Ipilimumab-Nivolumab Using Adverse Event Data
Authors: Soldatos Theodoros G. , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Larribere Lionel , Hassel Jessica C. , Sachpekidis Christos
Published: October 2018

Recent studies suggest that combining nivolumab with ipilimumab is a more effective treatment for melanoma patients, compared to using ipilimumab or nivolumab alone. However, treatment with these immunotherapeutic agents is frequently associated with increased risk of toxicity, and (auto-) immune-related adverse events. The precise pathophysiologic mechanisms of these events are not yet clear, and evidence from clinical trials and translational studies remains limited. Our retrospective analysis of ~7700 metastatic melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab and/or nivolumab from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) demonstrates that the identified immune-related reactions are specific to ipilimumab and/or nivolumab, and that when the two agents are administered together, their safety profile combines reactions from each drug alone. While more prospective studies are needed to characterize the safety of ipilimumab and nivolumab, the present work constitutes perhaps the first effort to examine the safety of these drugs and their combination based on computational evidence from real world post marketing data.
A Context Similarity-Based Analysis of Countries’ Technological Performance
Authors: Napoletano Andrea , Tacchella Andrea , Pietronero Luciano
Published: October 2018

This work contributes to the literature in the field of innovation by proposing a quantitative approach for the prediction of the timing and location of patenting activity. In a recent work, it was shown that focusing on couples of technological codes allows for the formation of testable predictions of innovation events, defined as the first time two codes appear together in a patent. In particular, the construction of the vector space of codes and the introduction of the context similarity metric allows for a quantitative analysis of technological progress. Here, we move from that result and we show that, through context similarity, it is possible to assign to countries a score which measures the probability of being the first to patent a potential innovation. In other words, we show that we can not only estimate the likelihood that a potential innovation will be patented in the imminent future, but also forecast where it will be patented.
How Does Leaf Surface Micromorphology of Different Trees Impact Their Ability to Capture Particulate Matter?
Authors: Zhang Weikang , Zhang Zhi , Meng Huan , Zhang Tong
Published: October 2018

Particulate matter (PM), including PM10 and PM2.5, has a major impact on air quality and public health. It has been shown that trees can capture PM and improve air quality. In this study, we used two-way ANOVA to investigate the significance of micro-morphological leaf surface characteristics of green trees in capturing PM at different parks in Beijing. The results show that leaf structure significantly impacts the ability of plants to capture PM. Pinus tabuliformis Carr. and Pinus bungeana Zucc. were mainly impacted by the density of stomata, waxy cuticle, and epidermis, while the major contributor to PM retention in other test trees, including Acer truncatum Bunge, Salix matsudana Koid., Populus tomentosa Carr. and Ginkgo biloba Linn. was leaf roughness. There were significant variations in leaf-droplet contact angle (representative of leaf wettability) and the ability of trees to capture PM (p < 0.05): the bigger the contact angle, the less able the plant was to capture particulate matter.
The Fusarium Circinatum Gene Fcrho1, Encoding a Putative Rho1 GTPase, Is Involved in Vegetative Growth but Dispensable for Pathogenic Development
Authors: Muñoz-Adalia E. Jordán , Cañizares M. Carmen , Fernández Mercedes , Diez Julio J. , García-Pedrajas M. Dolores
Published: October 2018

Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), one of the most devastating forest diseases worldwide. This fungus causes severe damping-off in pine seedlings and growth reduction, wilting and the development of cankers in pine forests and plantations. A draft of the complete genome sequence of this phytopathogen was recently made available. This information was used to annotate in silico the gene Fcrho1 as a putative homolog of Rho1 GTPase genes. In this study, we generated Fcrho1 deletion mutants in two F. circinatum wildtype strains isolated from damaged trees in northern Spain. For that, we used a modified version of the OSCAR methodology, an approach not previously used in F. circinatum that allows the generation of deletion constructs in a single cloning step. The conidiation and spore germination of the resulting deletion mutants were not affected, neither the hyphal morphology. However, the mutant strains showed significantly reduced growth in vitro and more foamy macroscopic hyphal morphology than their corresponding ectopic and wildtype strains. Finally, an in vivo virulence assay showed that the reduced in vitro growth rate characteristic to the deletion mutants does not impact their pathogenicity.
Analysis of Gluten Content in Gluten-Free Pizza from Certified Take-Away Pizza Restaurants
Authors: Bianchi Daniela Manila , Maurella Cristiana , Gallina Silvia , Gorrasi Ilaria Silvia Rossella , Caramelli Maria , Decastelli Lucia
Published: October 2018

Currently, a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. In Italy, food service establishments and restaurants can be certified for providing gluten-free foods, including pizza restaurants that make both gluten-free pizza and traditional wheat-based pizza. With this study we analyzed the gluten content in samples of gluten-free pizza prepared and purchased at certified restaurants in the Turin metropolitan area. All samples, from 28 pizzas and 28 cooked dough bases, produced results below the test limit of detection, except for one sample of cooked dough, that tested positive for gluten but still below the warning level for celiac consumers (<20 ppm). Gluten-free pizza, as advertised in the restaurants surveyed, can be considered a safe option for gluten-free consumption. Attention to and compliance with good manufacturing practices, a requisite for obtaining gluten-free certification for restaurants, were noted to have a positive effect on the final product.
Heavy Metal Signature and Environmental Assessment of Nearshore Sediments: Port of Koper (Northern Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Rogan Šmuc Nastja , Dolenec Matej , Kramar Sabina , Mladenović Ana
Published: October 2018

Heavy metal abundance and potential environmental risks are reported for surface sediments (n = 21) from the Port of Koper area, Republic of Slovenia. The enrichment factor (EF) indicates minor enrichment in arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and zinc (Zn), moderately to severely enriched with nickel (Ni). The trace metal chemistries, in the context of sediment quality guidelines (SQG), imply adverse threshold effect concentrations (TEC) and probable effect concentrations (PEC), for Ni only. Sediment sequential leaching experiments demonstrated that the majority of heavy metals were of natural lithogenic origin and low bioavailability. The heavy metals’ potential for “Risk Assessment Code” values exhibited no or low anthropogenic environmental burden, with the exception of Mo.
‘As If There Was No Fear’: Exploring Nostalgic Narrative in Bo Carpelan’s Novel Berg
Authors: Jolma Nanny
Published: October 2018

This article addresses nostalgic experience and aims at a definition of nostalgic narrative through textual analysis. The target text is Bo Carpelan’s Berg (2005). The novel is analysed with narratological methods focusing on the narrative modes and the techniques of narrative mediation that invite a nostalgic experience in the reader. This side of the phenomenon—the textual aesthetics of nostalgia—has been explored by few scholars, whereas the contextual and cultural aspects of nostalgia have received a lot of attention. This article suggests further ways of analysing how a text evokes nostalgic experience, and thus considers the nostalgic experience of the reader as the definitive core of nostalgic narrative. The nostalgic experience in Berg is intense, reflective, and ambivalent. These qualities are produced on the level of both the narrative discourse and the story: by changes between the narrative modes and by the nostalgic and non-nostalgic content that builds and breaks the idealised narrative. The article suggests that more attention should be paid to the complexity of nostalgic narratives. Furthermore, it highlights that by creating reflectivity and contradictions, the non-nostalgic content also affects the nostalgic narrative.
Use and Effects of Different Brassica and Other Rotation Crops on Soilborne Diseases and Yield of Potato †
Authors: Larkin Robert P. , Lynch Ryan P.
Published: October 2018

Soilborne diseases are persistent problems in potato production, resulting in reductions in tuber quality and yield. Brassica rotation crops may reduce soilborne potato diseases, but how to best utilize Brassica crops in potato cropping systems has not been established. In this research, two two-year trials were established at three different sites with histories of soilborne diseases, and up to six different Brassica crops (canola, winter rapeseed, yellow and brown condiment mustards, oriental mustard, oilseed radish, and a mustard blend) and standard rotation crops (ryegrass and buckwheat) were evaluated as rotation and green manure crops. Tuber yield did not vary substantially among the rotation crops, but rotation treatments significantly affected incidence and severity of soilborne diseases at all sites. However, results were variable among sites and years. Perennial ryegrass and mustard blend rotations reduced powdery scab disease by 31–55% relative to other rotations in the only field where powdery scab was a serious problem. Mustard blend, ryegrass, and other Brassica rotations also reduced common scab, silver scurf, and black scurf at various sites, but not consistently at all sites. At one site, mustard blend and barley/ryegrass rotations reduced black scurf (by 21–58%) and common scab (by 13–34%) relative to no rotation. Overall, disease control was not correlated with biofumigation potential or rotation crop biomass production. Although both Brassica and non-Brassica rotations provided disease reduction in potato cropping systems, no single rotation crop performed consistently better than several others.
Histopathologic Analysis of Lung Cancer Incidence Associated with Radon Exposure among Ontario Uranium Miners
Authors: Ramkissoon Avinash , Navaranjan Garthika , Berriault Colin , Villeneuve Paul J. , Demers Paul A. , Do Minh T.
Published: October 2018

Although radon is a well-established contributor to lung cancer mortality among uranium miners, the effects of radon decay products on different histopathologies of lung carcinoma are not well established. Using a retrospective cohort design, this study aims to examine the risks of lung cancer by histological subtypes associated with exposure to radon decay products among the Ontario Uranium Miners cohort. Cases were stratified by histological groups, and associated risks were estimated for cumulative radon exposure after adjustment for attained age and calendar period. Between 1969 and 2005, 1274 incident cases of primary lung cancer were identified. Of these, 1256 diagnoses (99%) contained information on histology. Squamous cell carcinoma was most common (31%), followed by adenocarcinoma (20%), large cells (18%), small cell lung carcinoma (14%), and other or unspecified cell types (17%). Of the histological sub-groups, small cell lung carcinoma had the strongest association with cumulative radon exposure; compared to the reference group (<1 cumulative working level months (WLM)), the highest exposure category (>60 cumulative WLM) had a relative risk (RR) of 2.76 (95% CI: 1.67–4.57). Adenocarcinoma had the lowest risk and was not significantly associated with exposure to radon decay products (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.96–2.31). An increasing, linear trend in relative risk was noted with increasing cumulative WLM across small cell, squamous cell, and large cell lung carcinomas (Ptrend < 0.05). Similarly, the excess relative risk (ERR) per WLM was highest for small cell lung carcinoma (ERR/WLM = 0.15, p < 0.01), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (ERR/WLM = 0.12, p < 0.01). Non-statistically significant excess risk was observed for adenocarcinoma (ERR/WLM = 0.004, p = 0.07). Our analysis of the Ontario Uranium Miners cohort data shows differences in the magnitude of the risks across four histological subtypes of lung carcinoma; the strongest association was noted for small cell lung carcinoma, followed by squamous cell, large cell, and lastly adenocarcinoma, which showed no significant associations with exposure to radon decay products.