bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Composition, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activities of Different Fractions of Selected Wild Edible Plants
Authors: Rana Ziaul Hasan , Alam Mohammad Khairul , Akhtaruzzaman Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Wild plants are considered the richest source of essential nutrients and other beneficial phytochemicals. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition, antioxidant- and α-amylase inhibition activities of leaves and roots of selected Bangladeshi wild plants. These wild plants were found to have high fiber (13.78–22.26 g/100 g), protein (7.08–21.56 g/100 g) and ash (8.21–21.43 g/100 g) contents. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were significantly higher in the leaves than the roots. Additionally, antioxidant activity was evaluated using ferric-reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays and was strongly correlated with phenolic compounds. The leaf extracts of the selected plants also exhibited potent α-amylase inhibition (~71%) and were significantly higher than their root counterparts. Thus, the study findings concluded that the investigated plants were good sources of fiber, protein, mineral, natural antioxidant compounds and α-amylase inhibitors, and their increased intake could provide health benefits. The principal component analysis (PCA) of analyzed variables divided the samples into three clear groups, and the first two principal components accounted for 86.05% of the total data set variance.
Optimization of Accelerator Mixing Ratio for EPDM Rubber Grommet to Improve Mountability Using Mixture Design
Authors: Kim Young Shin , Kim Yong Tae , Jeon Euy Sik
Published: July 2019

A grommet, made of ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) rubber, is an integral part used for fixing and protecting the wire inserted from the outside to the inside of vehicles. Rubber compounds exhibit various mechanical properties and vulcanization characteristics depending on the accelerator mixing ratio. These mechanical properties affect the insertion and detachment forces when the grommet is manufactured and fixed to the vehicle body. In this study, we experimentally analyzed the changes in the properties of EPDM rubber depending on the vulcanization accelerator to improve the mounting performance of the grommet, and subsequently derived the optimum accelerator mixing ratio. We implemented a mixture design strategy to derive the optimum mixing ratio for obtaining the desired mechanical properties and vulcanization characteristics. The insertion and separation forces of the existing grommet were compared with those of the grommet fabricated using the derived mixing ratio and we found that the mounting performance was improved compared to the existing grommet.
Hand Gestures in Virtual and Augmented 3D Environments for Down Syndrome Users
Authors: Del Rio Guerra Marta Sylvia , Martin-Gutierrez Jorge , Acevedo Renata , Salinas Sofía
Published: July 2019

Studies have revealed that applications using virtual and augmented reality provide immersion, motivation, fun and engagement. However, to date, few studies have researched how users with Down syndrome interact with these technologies. This research has identified the most commonly used interactive 3D gestures according to the literature and tested eight of these using Oculus, Atheer and Leap Motion technologies. By applying MANOVAs to measurements of the time taken to complete each gesture and the success rate of each gesture when performed by participants with Down syndrome versus neurotypical participants, it was determined that significant difference was not shown for age or gender between these two sample groups. From the results, a difference was only demonstrated for the independent variable Down syndrome when analysed as a group. By using ANOVAs, it was determined that both groups found it easier to perform the gestures Stop, Point, Pan and Grab; thus, it is argued that these gestures should be used when programming software to create more inclusive AR and VR environments. The hardest gestures were Take, Pinch, Tap and Swipe; thus, these should be used to confirm critical actions, such as deleting data or cancelling actions. Lastly, the authors gather and make recommendations on how to develop inclusive 3D interfaces for individuals with Down syndrome.
State-of-the-Art Model for Music Object Recognition with Deep Learning
Authors: Huang Zhiqing , Jia Xiang , Guo Yifan
Published: July 2019

Optical music recognition (OMR) is an area in music information retrieval. Music object detection is a key part of the OMR pipeline. Notes are used to record pitch and duration and have semantic information. Therefore, note recognition is the core and key aspect of music score recognition. This paper proposes an end-to-end detection model based on a deep convolutional neural network and feature fusion. This model is able to directly process the entire image and then output the symbol categories and the pitch and duration of notes. We show a state-of-the-art recognition model for general music symbols which can get 0.92 duration accurary and 0.96 pitch accuracy .
Measurement of Interlaminar Tensile Strength and Elastic Properties of Composites Using Open-Hole Compression Testing and Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Seon Guillaume , Makeev Andrew , Schaefer Joseph D. , Justusson Brian
Published: July 2019

Advanced polymeric composites are increasingly used in high-performance aircraft structures to reduce weight and improve efficiency. However, a major challenge delaying the implementation of the advanced composites is the lack of accurate methods for material characterization. Accurate measurement of three-dimensional mechanical properties of composites, stress–strain response, strength, fatigue, and toughness properties, is essential in the development of validated analysis techniques accelerating design and certification of composite structures. In particular, accurate measurement of the through-thickness constitutive properties and interlaminar tensile (ILT) strength is needed to capture delamination failure, which is one of the primary failure modes in composite aircraft structures. A major technical challenge to accurate measurement of ILT properties is their strong sensitivity to manufacturing defects that often leads to unacceptable scatter in standard test results. Unacceptable failure mode in standard test methods is another common obstacle to accurate ILT strength measurement. Characterization methods based on non-contact full-field measurement of deformation have emerged as attractive alternative techniques allowing more flexibility in test configuration to address some of the limitations inherent to strain gauge-based standard testing. In this work, a method based on full-field digital image correlation (DIC) measurement of surface deformation in unidirectional open-hole compression (OHC) specimens is proposed and investigated as a viable alternative to assessing ILT stress–strain, strength, and fatigue properties. Inverse identification using a finite element model updating (FEMU) method is used for simultaneous measurement of through-thickness elastic constants with recovery of the maximum ILT stress at failure for characterization of strength and fatigue S–N curves.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Banagrass-Based Cellulosic Ethanol Production on Hawaii Island: A Spatial Analysis of Re-Suspended Soil Dust and Carbon Dioxide Emission
Authors: Tran Chinh C. , Yanagida John F.
Published: July 2019

Environmental impacts from the development of banagrass (Pennisetum purpureum)-based ethanol production on Hawaii Island may create air quality problems. Air pollutants considered in this study include re-suspended soil dust (also known as PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. The resulting pollutant emissions are then compared against the Federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) significant standard for the environmental impact assessment. This study combines GIS and a mathematical computational model to logically and effectively examine potential spatial impacts of ethanol development on air quality on Hawaii Island. This study found that mechanical harvesting of banagrass generates higher dust emission than other agricultural crops. The total PM10 emission of 248.18 tons per year was found statistically equivalent to the PSD significant permitting requirement limit of 250 tons per year (tpy) and thus considered as a major stationary source of fugitive dust pollution. The annual CO2 emission amount of 19,371.72 tons is less than the PSD significant permitting requirement of 75,000 tons of CO2 per year. As a result, this estimated amount is not considered as a major stationary source of pollution.
A New Path Tracking Method Based on Multilayer Model Predictive Control
Authors: Bai Guoxing , Meng Yu , Liu Li , Luo Weidong , Gu Qing , Li Kailun
Published: July 2019

At present, many path tracking controllers are unable to actively adjust the longitudinal velocity according to path information, such as the radius of the curve, to further improve tracking accuracy. For this problem, we propose a new path tracking framework based on model predictive control (MPC). This is a multilayer control system that includes three path tracking controllers with fixed velocities and a velocity decision controller. This new control method is named multilayer MPC. This new control method is compared to other control methods through simulation. In this paper, the maximum values of the displacement error and the heading error of multilayer MPC are 92.92% and 77.02%, respectively, smaller than those of nonlinear MPC. The real-time performance of multilayer MPC is very good, and parallel computation can further improve the real-time performance of this control method. In simulation results, the calculation time of multilayer MPC in each control period does not exceed 0.0130 s, which is much smaller than the control period. In addition, when the error of positioning systems is at the centimeter level, the performance of multilayer MPC is still good.
Remarkably Facile Preparation of Superhydrophobic Functionalized Bismuth Trioxide (Bi2O3) Coatings
Authors: Liang Tao-tao , Guo Xiao-gang
Published: July 2019

Herein, a novel superhydrophobic functionalized nano-Bi2O3 coating is designed and fabricated using electrophoretic assembly deposition (EAD) in the optimal suspension of polyethylene glycol, ethanol, acetylacetone, and surface functionalization. The small size (70 nm, nano-scale) of Bi2O3 particles and uniform distribution make the target film possessing a promising structure for realizing hydrophobic functionalization. Moreover, the hydrophobicity and stability results indicate that the product has a high-water contact angle (CA) of ca. 167° and is kept almost stable after 180 days exposure in the natural environment. These findings will provide new insight into a better design of superhydrophobic functional coatings via this facile method, holding great promise for future various applications.
Autonomous Path Planning of AUV in Large-Scale Complex Marine Environment Based on Swarm Hyper-Heuristic Algorithm
Authors: Wei Dunwen , Wang Feiran , Ma Hongjiao
Published: July 2019

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) as an efficient underwater exploration means have been used to perform various marine missions. However, limited by the technologies of underwater acoustic communications and intelligent autonomy, the most current and advanced AUVs only perform a limited number of tasks in the small-scale area and the known underwater environment. Therefore, in this paper, a one path planning model was proposed combining the global path planning and the local path planning for the large-scale complex marine environment. More specifically, the B-spline curve was used to represent the smooth path for the requirement of kinematic constraints of AUVs. After considering the various constraints, such as the energy/time consumption, the turning radius limitation, the marine environment, and the ocean current, the path planning was abstractly modeled as a multi-objective optimization model with the time cost, the curvature cost, the map cost, and the ocean current cost. The swarm hyper-heuristic algorithm (SHH) with the online learning ability was proposed to solve this model with real-time performance and stability. The results showed that the proposed online learning SHH algorithm had obvious advantages in terms of time efficiency, stability, and optimal performance compared with the results of two traditional heuristic algorithms, both particle swarm optimization (PSO) and firefly algorithm (FFA). The time efficiency of the online learning SHH algorithm improved at least 20% compared with PSO and FFA.
Anti-Slip Gait Planning for a Humanoid Robot in Fast Walking
Authors: Zhao Fangzhou , Gao Junyao
Published: July 2019

Humanoid robots are expected to have broad applications due to their biped mobility and human-like shape. To increase the walking speed, it is necessary to increase the power for driving the joints of legs. However, the resulting mass increasing of the legs leads to a rotational slip when a robot is walking fast. In this paper, a 3D three-mass model is proposed, in which both the trunk and thighs are regarded as an inverted pendulum, and the shanks and feet are considered as mass-points under no constraints with the trunk. Then based on the model, a friction constraint method is proposed to plan the trajectory of the swing leg in order to achieve the fastest walking speed without any rotational slip. Furthermore, the compensation for zero-moment point (ZMP) is calculated based on the 3D three-mass model, and the hip trajectory is obtained based on the compensated ZMP trajectory by using the preview control method, thus improving the robot’s overall ZMP follow-up effect. This planning method involves simple calculations but reliable results. Finally, simulations confirm that the rotational slip is avoided while stable and fast walking is realized, with free joints of the waist and arms, which then could be planned for other tasks.
The Effect of Accelerated Aging Conditions on the Properties of Rigid Polyurethane-Polyisocyanurate Foams Modified by Cinnamon Extract
Authors: Liszkowska Joanna , Moraczewski Krzysztof , Borowicz Marcin , Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna , Czupryński Bogusław , Isbrandt Marek
Published: July 2019

Two series of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate foams (RPU/PIR) modified by cinnamon extract (series C_0t and CU_0t) were obtained. One RPU/PIR series contained a commercial flame retardant (C_0t) in the formulation. The other was produced without its participation (CU_0t). The basic properties of obtained foams, e.g., apparent density, brittleness, water absorption, compressive strength, flammability were examined. Afterwards, both series of foams (C_0t and CU_0t) were subjected to degradation in the climatic chamber, acting on samples of foams a defined temperature, humidity and UV radiation for a seven days. In this way, two successive series of RPU/PIR foams were obtained, which were designated, respectively, C_1t and CU_1t, Chosen properties of degraded foams such as: compressive strength, cellular structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes of chemical structure by FTIR spectroscopy were determined. Compressive strength and the aging resistance was also determined (against the coefficient of compressive strength variation (CV). The possible replacement of a commercial flame retardant in polyurethane formulations by the antioxidant raw material (cinnamon extract) was evaluated.
Automatic Steering Control Algorithm Based on Compound Fuzzy PID for Rice Transplanter
Authors: Yin Junnan , Zhu Dequan , Liao Juan , Zhu Guangyue , Wang Yao , Zhang Shun
Published: July 2019

In order to realize automatic steering controls of rice transplanters in paddy fields, an automatic steering control algorithm is essential. In this study, combining the fuzzy control with the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control and the kinematics model, a compound fuzzy PID controller was proposed to adjust the real time data of the PID parameters for the automatic steering control. The Kubota SPU-68C rice transplanter was then modified with the new controller. Next, an automatic steering control experimental with the modified transplanter was carried out under two conditions of linear tracking and headland turning in verifying the automatic steering effect of the transplanter in different steering angle situations. The results showed that the deviation with the new controller and the modified transplanter was acceptable, with maximum deviation in linear tracking of 7.5 cm, the maximum headland turning a deviation of 11.5 cm, and the average a deviation of less than 5 cm. In conclusion, within the allowable deviation range of the field operation of the rice transplanter, the proposed algorithm successfully realized automatic steering controls of the transplanter under different steering angles.
Channelrhodopsin-2 Function is Modulated by Residual Hydrophobic Mismatch with the Surrounding Lipid Environment
Authors: Richards Ryan , Mondal Sayan , Weinstein Harel , Dempski Robert E.
Published: July 2019

Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is a light-gated ion channel that conducts cations of multiple valencies down the electrochemical gradient. This light-gated property has made ChR2 a popular tool in the field of optogenetics, allowing for the spatial and temporal control of excitable cells with light. A central aspect of protein function is the interaction with the surrounding lipid environment. To further explore these membrane-protein interactions, we demonstrate the role of residual hydrophobic mismatch (RHM) as a mechanistically important component of ChR2 function. We combined computational and functional experiments to understand how RHM between the lipid environment and ChR2 alters the structural and biophysical properties of the channel. Analysis of our results revealed significant RHM at the intracellular/lipid interface of ChR2 from a triad of residues. The resulting energy penalty is substantial and can be lowered via mutagenesis to evaluate the functional effects of this change in lipid-protein interaction energy. The experimental measurement of channel stability, conductance and selectivity resulting from the reduction of the RHM energy penalty showed changes in progressive H+ permeability, kinetics and open-state stability, suggesting how the modulation of ChR2 by the surrounding lipid membrane can play an important biological role and contribute to the design of targeted optogenetic constructs for specific cell types.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Sb2O3 as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries by a Stable Cross-Linked Binder
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Haichao , Yang Keke , Yang Yingnan , Ma Junqing , Pan Kunming , Wang Guangxin , Ren Fengzhang , Pang Huan
Published: July 2019

A binder plays an important role in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially for the electrode materials which have large volume expansion during charge and discharge. In this work, we designed a cross-linked polymeric binder with an esterification reaction of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Fumaric Acid (FA), and successfully used it in an Sb2O3 anode for LIBs. Compared with conventional binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and CMC, the new cross-linked binder improves the electrochemical stability of the Sb2O3 anode. Specifically, with CMC-FA binder, the battery could deliver ~611.4 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles under the current density of 0.2 A g−1, while with PVDF or CMC binder, the battery degraded to 265.1 and 322.3 mAh g−1, respectively. The improved cycling performance is mainly due to that the cross-linked CMC-FA network could not only efficiently improve the contact between Sb2O3 and conductive agent, but can also buffer the large volume charge of the electrode during repeated charge/discharge cycles.
Turbocharger Axial Turbines for High Transient Response, Part 2: Genetic Algorithm Development for Axial Turbine Optimisation
Authors: Berchiolli Marco , Guarda Gregory , Walsh Glen , Pesyridis Apostolos
Published: July 2019

In a previous paper, a preliminary design methodology was proposed for the design of an axial turbine, replacing a conventional radial turbine used in automotive turbochargers, to achieve improved transient response, due to the intrinsically lower moment of inertia. In this second part of the work, the focus is on the optimisation of this preliminary design to improve on the axial turbine efficiency using a genetic algorithm in order to make the axial turbine a more viable proposition for turbocharger turbine application. The implementation of multidisciplinary design optimisation is essential to the aerodynamic shape optimisation of turbocharger turbines, as changes in blade geometry lead to variations in both structural and aerodynamics performance. Due to the necessity to have multiple design objectives and a significant number of variables, genetic algorithms seem to offer significant advantages. However, large generation sizes and simulation run times could result in extensively long periods of time for the optimisation to be completed. This paper proposes a dimensioning of a multi-objective genetic algorithm, to improve on a preliminary blade design in a reasonable amount of time. The results achieved a significant improvement on safety factor of both blades whilst increasing the overall efficiency by 2.55%. This was achieved by testing a total of 399 configurations in just over 4 h using a cluster network, which equated to 2.73 days using a single computer.
Treatment of Organic Matter and Tetracycline in Water by Using Constructed Wetlands and Photocatalysis
Authors: Nguyen Hong Thi Thu , Chao How-Ran , Chen Kuan-Chung
Published: July 2019

In this study, the ability of a bench-scale simulated constructed wetland (CW) to remove organic matter (OM) and tetracycline (TC) from water was examined. The performance of CW was evaluated by varying the initial concentrations of the target compounds and the hydraulic retention times (HRTs). Findings showed that OM removal efficiencies were 55.2–80.8%, 28.1–71.9% and 72.1–79.7% for ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV-254), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) respectively, under 1 day-HRT, whereas higher initial DOC concentration achieved better removal efficiencies. Changing from 1 day-HRT to 2 day-HRT, the removal efficiency of OMs remained practically unchanged, while that of NH3-N increased considerably, from 61.7% to 73.0%, implying that the removal of ammonia in CW needs a longer time for complete treatment. CW also showed an excellent performance in removing TC, especially in the first two hours of operation through the absorption process. In addition, the findings from this research revealed an improvement in effluent water quality when photocatalysis (TiO2/α-Al2O3, with ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation) was used as the post-treatment following CW, presented by the increase in removal efficiency of OMs of the combined system compared to that of CW alone. This study points to the possible and promising application of the low-cost water treatment system for dealing with OMs and TC in water.
Individualized Interaural Feature Learning and Personalized Binaural Localization Model
Authors: Wu Xiang , Talagala Dumidu S. , Zhang Wen , Abhayapala Thushara D.
Published: July 2019

The increasing importance of spatial audio technologies has demonstrated the need and importance of correctly adapting to the individual characteristics of the human auditory system, and illustrates the crucial need for humanoid localization systems for testing these technologies. To this end, this paper introduces a novel feature analysis and selection approach for binaural localization and builds a probabilistic localization mapping model, especially useful for the vertical dimension localization. The approach uses the mutual information as a metric to evaluate the most significant frequencies of the interaural phase difference and interaural level difference. Then, by using the random forest algorithm and embedding the mutual information as a feature selection criteria, the feature selection procedures are encoded with the training of the localization mapping. The trained mapping model is capable of using interaural features more efficiently, and, because of the multiple-tree-based model structure, the localization model shows robust performance to noise and interference. By integrating the direct path relative transfer function estimation, we propose to devise a novel localization approach that has improved performance in the presence of noise and reverberation. The proposed mapping model is compared with the state-of-the-art manifold learning procedure in different acoustical configurations, and a more accurate and robust output can be observed.
Neural Sign Language Translation Based on Human Keypoint Estimation
Authors: Ko Sang-Ki , Kim Chang Jo , Jung Hyedong , Cho Choongsang
Published: July 2019

We propose a sign language translation system based on human keypoint estimation. It is well-known that many problems in the field of computer vision require a massive dataset to train deep neural network models. The situation is even worse when it comes to the sign language translation problem as it is far more difficult to collect high-quality training data. In this paper, we introduce the KETI (Korea Electronics Technology Institute) sign language dataset, which consists of 14,672 videos of high resolution and quality. Considering the fact that each country has a different and unique sign language, the KETI sign language dataset can be the starting point for further research on the Korean sign language translation. Using the KETI sign language dataset, we develop a neural network model for translating sign videos into natural language sentences by utilizing the human keypoints extracted from the face, hands, and body parts. The obtained human keypoint vector is normalized by the mean and standard deviation of the keypoints and used as input to our translation model based on the sequence-to-sequence architecture. As a result, we show that our approach is robust even when the size of the training data is not sufficient. Our translation model achieved 93.28% (55.28%, respectively) translation accuracy on the validation set (test set, respectively) for 105 sentences that can be used in emergency situations. We compared several types of our neural sign translation models based on different attention mechanisms in terms of classical metrics for measuring the translation performance.
DC-Microgrid Operation Planning for an Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure
Authors: Aluisio Benedetto , Bruno Sergio , De Bellis Luca , Dicorato Maria , Forte Giuseppe , Trovato Michele
Published: July 2019

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) in power systems can be encouraged by charging station diffusion. These stations can perform smart charging processes, and can take advantage of the involvement of distributed generation sources in a microgrid framework. Furthermore, since photovoltaic batteries and EVs are sources based on direct current (DC), the realization of a DC microgrid structure is promising, though challenging. In this paper, a mixed-integer linear procedure for determining optimal operation planning of a DC-based electric vehicle supply infrastructure is proposed. The procedure aims at optimizing daily operational costs, based on forecast of photovoltaic production and EV exploitation. Peculiar aspects of energy storage devices and of the DC microgrid framework are accounted for through a non-linear iterative procedure. The proposed approach is applied to a test DC microgrid on different operation days and its effectiveness is compared to non-linear formulation solved by means of a genetic algorithm.
Curating on the Web: The Evolution of Platforms as Spaces for Producing and Disseminating Web-Based Art
Authors: Ghidini Marialaura
Published: July 2019

By analysing a series of exhibition projects responding to central changes in web technology since its public unveiling (1991), this study identifies a historical trajectory for discussing the evolution of curating on the web. Such evolution highlights how curators have devised exhibition models that operate as platforms for not only displaying art specific to the web, but also for producing and disseminating it in a way that responds to the developments of web technology—and its socio-cultural and economic impact. With the massification of web tools, in fact, these platforms have generated distributed systems of artistic production free from the physical and conceptual limitations of the gallery and museum space. They have not only become spaces for displaying art, but also platforms that nurture its production, different modes of audience engagement and critique the canons of the institutionalised art world. Originating from the desire to reduce the historical fragmentation of this field of work and its partial mapping, this study follows a periodisation that starts from the early internet, with its BBS-enabled platforms such as ARTEX (1980), to introduce the 1990s experimentations with the web browser and the developments of projects like äda’web (1995). It then dives into the Web 2.0 when, with the platformisation of the technology, curators developed an array of approaches for adopting existing web services, as in the instances of CuratingYouTube (2007–present) and #exstrange (2017). Lastly, it outlines the trends of today’s web, which saw the birth of projects like the blockchain-enabled cointemporary (2014), to then draw conclusions about the relevance of this historical trajectory in the field of curatorial studies and the production of web-based and digital art.
Uncertainties in Arctic Sea Ice Thickness Associated with Different Atmospheric Reanalysis Datasets Using the CICE5 Model
Authors: Lee Su-Bong , Kim Baek-Min , Ukita Jinro , Ahn Joong-Bae
Published: July 2019

Reanalysis data are known to have relatively large uncertainties in the polar region than at lower latitudes. In this study, we used a single sea-ice model (Los Alamos’ CICE5) and three sets of reanalysis data to quantify the sensitivities of simulated Arctic sea ice area and volume to perturbed atmospheric forcings. The simulated sea ice area and thickness thus volume were clearly sensitive to the selection of atmospheric reanalysis data. Among the forcing variables, changes in radiative and sensible/latent heat fluxes caused significant amounts of sensitivities. Differences in sea-ice concentration and thickness were primarily caused by differences in downward shortwave and longwave radiations. 2-m air temperature also has a significant influence on year-to-year variability of the sea ice volume. Differences in precipitation affected the sea ice volume by causing changes in the insulation effect of snow-cover on sea ice. The diversity of sea ice extent and thickness responses due to uncertainties in atmospheric variables highlights the need to carefully evaluate reanalysis data over the Arctic region.
Long-Term Observation of Atmospheric Speciated Mercury during 2007–2018 at Cape Hedo, Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Marumoto Kohji , Suzuki Noriyuki , Shibata Yasuyuki , Takeuchi Akinori , Takami Akinori , Fukuzaki Norio , Kawamoto Kazuaki , Mizohata Akira , Kato Shungo , Yamamoto Takashi , Chen Jingyang , Hattori Tatsuya , Nagasaka Hiromitsu , Saito Mitsugu
Published: July 2019

The concentrations of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), and particle-bound mercury (particles with diameter smaller than 2.5 μm; PBM2.5) were continuously observed for a period of over 10 years at Cape Hedo, located on the north edge of Okinawa Island on the border of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Regional or global scale mercury (Hg) pollution affects their concentrations because no local stationary emission sources of Hg exist near the observation site. Their concentrations were lower than those at urban and suburban cities, as well as remote sites in East Asia, but were slightly higher than the background concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere. The GEM concentrations exhibited no diurnal variations and only weak seasonal variations, whereby concentrations were lower in the summer (June–August). An annual decreasing trend for GEM concentrations was observed between 2008 and 2018 at a rate of −0.0382 ± 0.0065 ng m−3 year−1 (−2.1% ± 0.36% year−1) that was the same as those in Europe and North America. Seasonal trend analysis based on daily median data at Cape Hedo showed significantly decreasing trends for all months. However, weaker decreasing trends were observed during the cold season from January to May, when air masses are easily transported from the Asian continent by westerlies and northwestern monsoons. Some GEM, GOM, and PBM2.5 pollution events were observed more frequently during the cold season. Back trajectory analysis showed that almost all these events occurred due to the substances transported from the Asian continent. These facts suggested that the decreasing trend observed at Cape Hedo was influenced by the global decreasing GEM trend, but the rates during the cold season were restrained by regional Asian outflows. On the other hand, GOM concentrations were moderately controlled by photochemical production in summer. Moreover, both GOM and PBM2.5 concentrations largely varied during the cold season due to the influence of regional transport rather than the trend of atmospheric Hg on a global scale.
Modeling the Impact of Urbanization on Local Meteorological Conditions in Sofia
Authors: Dimitrova Reneta , Danchovski Ventsislav , Egova Evgenia , Vladimirov Evgeni , Sharma Ashish , Gueorguiev Orlin , Ivanov Danko
Published: July 2019

Increasing urbanization impacts the local meteorology and the quality of life for residents. Urban surface characteristics and anthropogenic heat stress lead to urban heat island effects, changes in local circulations, precipitation alteration, and amendment of the local fluxes. These modifications have a direct effect on the life and health of residents. In this study, we assessed the impact of urbanization in Sofia (Bulgaria) using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at 500 m resolution for the summer period of 2016. We utilized the CORINE (coordination of information on the environment) 2012 land cover database to represent the urban areas in four detailed land cover types, i.e., high-intensity residential areas, low-intensity residential areas, medium/industrial areas, and developed open spaces. We performed two experiments; in the first, we substituted an urban area with the most representative rural land cover to delineate the current impact of urbanization, while in the second, we replaced the existing built-up area (all four categories) with a hypothetical scenario of high-density residential land cover showing aggressive urban development. These experiments addressed the impact of land use changes as well as the extreme effects of ongoing high-density construction on the local meteorological conditions. The results showed that urban temperatures can increase by 5 °C and that moisture can decrease by 2 g/kg in the central part of Sofia in comparison to surrounding rural areas. The results also showed that building higher and dense urban areas can significantly increase heat flux and add additional stress to the environment.
Measurements of Gaseous Hydrogen–Nitrogen Laser-Plasma
Authors: Parigger Christian G.
Published: July 2019

This work communicates laser-plasma experiments in a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen. Time-resolved spectroscopy measures the first four Balmer-series hydrogen lines together with selected neutral and ionized nitrogen lines. Optical breakdown plasma is generated in a 1:1 hydrogen:nitrogen mixture at ambient temperature and 0.27-atm pressure. Time-resolved spectroscopy records emitted radiation with spatial resolution along the slit height for the H α , H β , H γ , and H δ lines. For 13 selected time delays from 0.25 μ s to 3.25 μ s and 0.025 μ s gate-widths, micro-plasma diagnostics is evaluated. Of interest are the peak separation and width of H δ and width of H γ for electron densities in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 × 10 17 cm − 3 , and comparisons with H β and H α diagnostics. Integral inversions interrogate spatial distributions of the plasma expansion. Applications include laboratory and stellar astrophysics plasma diagnosis.
Optimization of Bioactive Substances in the Wastes of Some Selective Mediterranean Crops
Authors: Kurtulbaş Ebru , Yazar Sibel , Makris Dimitris , Şahin Selin
Published: July 2019

Production of added products from industrial byproducts is a challenge for the current natural product industry and the extraction field more generally. Therefore, the aim of this study is to valorize the selected Mediterranean crops that can be applied as antioxidants, natural chelating agents, or even as biosolvents or biofuels after special treatment. In this study, the wastes of popular Mediterranean plants were extracted via homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) by applying response surface methodology (RSM) to examine the effects of process parameters on the total biophenolic contents (TBCs) of their residues. Box–Behnken design model equations calculated for each system were found significant (p < 0.0001) with an adequate value of determination coefficient (R2). Olive leaf had the highest TBC content (58.62 mg-GAE/g-DW with 0.1 g sample, 42.5% ethanol at 6522.2 rpm for 2 min), followed by mandarin peel (27.79 mg-GAE/g-DW with 0.1 g sample, 34.24% ethanol at 8772 rpm for 1.99 min), grapefruit peel (21.12 mg-GAE/g-DW with 0.1 g sample, 42.33% ethanol at 5000 rpm for 1.125 min) and lemon peel (16.89 mg-GAE/g-DW with 0.1 g sample, 33.62% ethanol at 5007 rpm for 1.282 min). The antioxidant activities of the extracts were measured by several in vitro studies. The most prominent biophenols of the wastes were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were also used for characterization.
Sources of Collagen for Biomaterials in Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Davison-Kotler Evan , Marshall William S. , García-Gareta Elena
Published: July 2019

Collagen is the most frequently used protein in the fields of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Within the skin, collagen type I and III are the most abundant, while collagen type VII is associated with pathologies of the dermal–epidermal junction. The focus of this review is mainly collagens I and III, with a brief overview of collagen VII. Currently, the majority of collagen is extracted from animal sources; however, animal-derived collagen has a number of shortcomings, including immunogenicity, batch-to-batch variation, and pathogenic contamination. Recombinant collagen is a potential solution to the aforementioned issues, although production of correctly post-translationally modified recombinant human collagen has not yet been performed at industrial scale. This review provides an overview of current collagen sources, associated shortcomings, and potential resolutions. Recombinant expression systems are discussed, as well as the issues associated with each method of expression.
Zimmermann-Laband-1 Syndrome: Clinical, Histological, and Proteomic Findings of a 3-Year-Old Patient with Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis
Authors: Guglielmi Federica , Staderini Edoardo , Iavarone Federica , Di Tonno Laura , Gallenzi Patrizia
Published: July 2019

Background: Zimmermann-Laband-1 syndrome (ZLS-1; OMIM# 135500) is a rare genetic disorder whose oral pathognomonic sign is the development of progressive, diffuse, and severe gingival hypertrophy. Most children with abnormally gingival hyperplasia may also present multiple unerupted teeth and skeletal deformities of maxillary arches (i.e., skeletal anterior open bite). Despite phenotypic variability of the clinical spectrum, gingival fibromatosis is the hallmark of ZLS-1. Method: In this study, we report a 3-year-old male patient with a ZLS-1-related gingival overgrowth and failure of eruption of the deciduous teeth in the molar area. Surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia. Results: At three weeks follow-up, esthetics was significantly improved in terms of gingival appearance, and teeth eruption allowed an adequate masticatory function. Conclusion: In severe cases, surgical removal of the hyperplasic fibrous tissue may be required to expose unerupted teeth and establish a proper gingival contour. Surgical excision under general anesthesia is an elective procedure for patients with special needs, mental disability, as well as young and adult patients with dental anxiety type II and IV associated with poor oral health.
Regional Analysis of the Brain Transcriptome in Mice Bred for High and Low Methamphetamine Consumption
Authors: Hitzemann Robert , Iancu Ovidiu D. , Reed Cheryl , Baba Harue , Lockwood Denesa R. , Phillips Tamara J.
Published: July 2019

Transcriptome profiling can broadly characterize drug effects and risk for addiction in the absence of drug exposure. Modern large-scale molecular methods, including RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), have been extensively applied to alcohol-related disease traits, but rarely to risk for methamphetamine (MA) addiction. We used RNA-Seq data from selectively bred mice with high or low risk for voluntary MA intake to construct coexpression and cosplicing networks for differential risk. Three brain reward circuitry regions were explored, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and ventral midbrain (VMB). With respect to differential gene expression and wiring, the VMB was more strongly affected than either the PFC or NAc. Coexpression network connectivity was higher in the low MA drinking line than in the high MA drinking line in the VMB, oppositely affected in the NAc, and little impacted in the PFC. Gene modules protected from the effects of selection may help to eliminate certain mechanisms from significant involvement in risk for MA intake. One such module was enriched in genes with dopamine-associated annotations. Overall, the data suggest that mitochondrial function and glutamate-mediated synaptic plasticity have key roles in the outcomes of selective breeding for high versus low levels of MA intake.
A Thematic Synthesis Considering the Factors which Influence Multiple Sclerosis Related Fatigue during Physical Activity
Authors: Mezini Sofia , Soundy Andrew
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to consider the factors that influence fatigue related to physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and to identify the necessary adaptations undertaken by patients to remain active. A review using a thematic synthesis methodology situated within a subtle realist paradigm was undertaken. The review was completed in three stages: 1) search of relevant studies; 2) critical appraisal of literature; and 3) thematic synthesis. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. This included a total of 263 participants of whom 243 were PwMS (159 females, 70 males and 14 unknown). The aggregated mean age was 53.3 years and aggregated mean time living with MS post diagnosis 11.3 years. Following critical appraisal, no articles were excluded. Three major themes were identified: (1) fatigue-related consequences, (2) exercise related barriers affecting fatigue, and (3) factors that make fatigue bearable for MS individuals. The thematic synthesis identified the cycle of activity and inactivity as a result of fatigue perception. Exercise experience, professional and social support, as well as the necessary adaptation of a training programme empower PwMS to adopt a more active coping strategy and enjoy the benefits of exercise. Clinicians could consider the implementation of a suitable, individualised exercise programme to reduce PwMS’s stress during physical activities.
Handling and Risk Mitigation of Nanoscale Graphene and Related Materials: Some Considerations and Recommendations
Authors: Mohan Velram Balaji
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this communication is to put forward some considerations and recommendations while handling nanomaterials, especially graphene and its derivatives. A large graphene sheet is generally stable and inert; thus, graphene and its derivatives are not considered hazardous, but good laboratory practices should be taken seriously for the safe handling and use of such materials. This article provides some insights about nanoscale graphene handling and some important considerations.
Mechanical Desensitization of an Al/WO3 Nanothermite by Means of Carbonaceous Coatings Derived from Carbohydrates
Authors: Gibot Pierre , Miesch Quentin , Bach Arnaud , Schnell Fabien , Gadiou Roger , Spitzer Denis
Published: July 2019

Nanothermites show great developmental promise in the near future in civilian, military and aerospace applications due to their tuneable reactive properties (ignition delay time, combustion velocity and pressure release). However, the high mechanical sensitivities of some of these energetic nanocomposites can make transportation and handling of them hazardous. Here, a mechanical desensitization (shock and friction) of an Al/WO3 nanothermite is successfully obtained by means of carbon adding through the pyrolysis of naturally occurring molecules (carbohydrates). The combustion behaviour of the carbon-based energetic mixtures were also evaluated and a respectable reactivity has been evidenced.
Differentiation Induction as a Response to Irradiation in Neural Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Konířová Jana , Cupal Lukáš , Jarošová Šárka , Michaelidesová Anna , Vachelová Jana , Davídková Marie , Bartůněk Petr , Zíková Martina
Published: July 2019

Radiotherapy plays a significant role in brain cancer treatment; however, the use of this therapy is often accompanied by neurocognitive decline that is, at least partially, a consequence of radiation-induced damage to neural stem cell populations. Our findings describe features that define the response of neural stem cells (NSCs) to ionizing radiation. We investigated the effects of irradiation on neural stem cells isolated from the ventricular-subventricular zone of mouse brain and cultivated in vitro. Our findings describe the increased transcriptional activity of p53 targets and proliferative arrest after irradiation. Moreover, we show that most cells do not undergo apoptosis after irradiation but rather cease proliferation and start a differentiation program. Induction of differentiation and the demonstrated potential of irradiated cells to differentiate into neurons may represent a mechanism whereby damaged NSCs eliminate potentially hazardous cells and circumvent the debilitating consequences of cumulative DNA damage.