bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Histopathological Findings and Endoscopy in Esophageal Cance: Results in Khorramabad, Iran, Western Iran
Authors: Ghanadi Koroush , Anbari A Khatereh , Khodadadi Babak , Farahani Morteza Sagharjoghi
Published: September 2018

Background: Esophageal cancer is a cancer arising of the esophagus and during the past two decades, the epidemiology and treatment strategies for esophageal cancer have changed markedly in the Western Iran.The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical signs, endoscopy findings, and family history of esophageal cancer in the Khorramabad, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional research conducted during 1 year in 2015,96 patients had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer by endoscopy and pathological findings. The data collected through a multipart questionnaire includingage, sex, marital status, education, occupation, address and ethnicity, background as to smoking, alcohol consumption and history of gastric and esophageal cancers. The data were analyzed using chi-square test or Fisher exact test.Results: According to findings of this study, the most common clinical signs in the patients were Anorexia (53.1) and Weight Loss (62.5). The most common anatomical site of tumor in male was in the distal esophagus (41.3%) and middle esophagus in female patients (32%), which was statistically significant (P=0.047).Conclusions: In this study, distal esophageal cancer was more common. Abetter identification of Effective factors on esophageal cancer would result in better control and management of this disease.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.619-624
The frequency of proximal tibiofibular joint types in patients with malleolar fractures
Authors: Ghaffari Salman , Azar Masoud Shayesteh , Kariminasab Mohammad Hossein , Ranjbar Tahereh , Ghaffari Bahman
Published: September 2018

Background: Due to the prevalence of ankle malleolar fractures and by considering the influence of proximal tibiofibular joint(PTFJ) on fibula movement during ankle motion and subsequently on ankle injuries, this research was conducted to determine distributed frequency of the PTFJ in adult patients with malleolar fractures.Methods: This survey was conducted on a prospective cross-sectional basis. adult patients with malleolar fractures in two year period enrolled . Information, such as gender, age, mechanisms of fractures, reason of fractures, location of fractures was Collected, classified and reported along with descriptive statistics. Frequency of PTFJ in normal population determined and used for comparison with study group.Results: In the 79 patients could match our criteria in this study. The age of patients was 37±15 with range of 18-80 years. The highest number of ankle fractures were seen in third decade of age and these fractures were more prevalent in men. The most common cause of ankle fractures was traffic accidents (54/43%).the most common injury was lateral malleolar fracture (68/74%) and the most common mechanism of injury was Lauge-Hansen supination – external rotation, Danis-Weber type B . Frequency of PTFJ transverse and oblique types in normal population (80.6/19.4%)and study(71/29%) groups was statistically different (P < 0/05). According to mechanism of injury and location of fibular fracture, there was no significant difference between PTFJ types (P > 0/05).Conclusions: Frequency of oblique PTFJ in patients with malleolar fracture was more than normal population. There was no correlation between PTFJ type and mechanism of malleolar fracture or location of fibular fracture.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.625-630
Anti-diabetic effect of Oyster Mushroom mediates through increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cyclic AMP-response element binding (CREB) protein in Type 2 Diabetic model Rats
Authors: Mandal Manoj , Rakibuzzaman - , Rokeya Begum , Ali Liaquat , Hassan Zahid , Faruque Md Omar
Published: September 2018

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and c-AMP-response element binding protein (CREB) are found to be important proteins in metabolic system. AMPK has become the focus as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. Oyster mushroom is traditionally used as remedy of diabetes and hypertension. The present study aims to observe the stimulation of AMPK and CREB in streptozotocin-induced diabetic model rats through Oyster mushroom administration. Long Evan’s rats were used to create type 2 model diabetic rats through intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 90mg/kg body weight of 48hr old pups. Rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control rats, glibenclamide treated diabetic rats (positive control) and mushroom treated diabetic rats (experimental group). Mushroom was administered orally at a dose of 1.25g/kg body weight in semisolid forms. After five weeks rats were sacrificed, serum and tissues were collected for future analysis. Glucose was measured using glucose-oxidase method, lipid profile by enzymaticcolorimetric method. Proteins from different tissues were extracted using RIPA cell lysis buffer, AMPK and CREB were identified using western blot and immuno-precipitation techniques. A significant decreased of fasting glucose was found after 35 days of experiment when it compared with control diabetic rats (M ± SD, mmol/l, Diabetic control group: 8.0±1.1; Mushroom treated diabetic group: 6.4±1.0; p=0.021). Glibenclamide treated diabetic rats have also shown decreased fasting glucose compared to control diabetic rats. In paired ‘t’ test analysis, it has been found that serum fasting glucose level was significantly decreased on 35th day compared the 0 day in both mushroom treated group (p=0.027) and in glibenclamide treated group (p=0.005). Serum TG level was decreased on 35th day compared to 0day in mushroom treated diabetic model rats only (M±SD, mg/dl, 0 day: 84±13; 35th day: 61±6, p=0.002). No significant changes of cholesterol, HDL and LDL were noticed in the experimental groups following treatment with mushroom. Western blot analyses have shown increased band intensity of AMPK and p-CREB in mushroom treated diabetic model rats. Therefore, it can be concluded that Anti-hyperglycemic property of Oyster mushroom could be explained through increased expression of AMPK and activation of CREB.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.661-668
Letter to editor: Obituary
Authors: Tahboub Tareq
Published: September 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.694-695
Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Application Strategies in Corn–Soybean Rotations
Authors: Boring Timothy J. , Thelen Kurt D. , Board James E. , De Bruin Jason L. , Lee Chad D. , Naeve Seth L. , Ross William J. , Kent Wade A. , Ries Landon L.
Published: September 2018

To determine if current university fertilizer rate and timing recommendations pose a limitation to high-yield corn (Zea mays subsp. mays) and soybean (Glycine max) production, this study compared annual Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizer applications to biennial fertilizer applications, applied at 1× and 2× recommended rates in corn–soybean rotations located in Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), Michigan (MI), Arkansas (AR), and Louisiana (LA). At locations with either soil test P or K in the sub-optimal range, corn grain yield was significantly increased with fertilizer application at five of sixteen site years, while soybean seed yield was significantly increased with fertilizer application at one of sixteen site years. At locations with both soil test P and K at optimal or greater levels, corn grain yield was significantly increased at three of thirteen site years and soybean seed yield significantly increased at one of fourteen site years when fertilizer was applied. Site soil test values were generally inversely related to the likelihood of a yield response from fertilizer application, which is consistent with yield response frequencies outlined in state fertilizer recommendations. Soybean yields were similar regardless if fertilizer was applied in the year of crop production or before the preceding corn crop. Based on the results of this work across the US and various yield potentials, it was confirmed that the practice of applying P and K fertilizers at recommended rates biennially prior to first year corn production in a corn–soybean rotation does not appear to be a yield limiting factor in modern, high management production systems.
Data Analysis and Forecasting of Tuberculosis Prevalence Rates for Smart Healthcare Based on a Novel Combination Model
Authors: Wang Jiyang , Wang Chen , Zhang Wenyu
Published: September 2018

In recent years, healthcare has attracted much attention, which is looking for more and more data analytics in healthcare to relieve medical problems in medical staff shortage, ageing population, people living alone, and quality of life. Data mining, analysis, and forecasting play a vital role in modern social and medical fields. However, how to select a proper model to mine and analyze the relevant medical information in the data is not only an extremely challenging problem, but also a concerning problem. Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem despite recent and continued progress in prevention and treatment. There is no doubt that the effective analysis and accurate forecasting of global tuberculosis prevalence rates lay a solid foundation for the construction of an epidemic disease warning and monitoring system from a global perspective. In this paper, the tuberculosis prevalence rate time series for four World Bank income groups are targeted. Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance and multiple comparison tests are conducted to determine whether the differences of tuberculosis prevalence rates for different income groups are statistically significant or not, and a novel combined forecasting model with its weights optimized by a recently developed artificial intelligence algorithm—cuckoo search—is proposed to forecast the hierarchical tuberculosis prevalence rates from 2013 to 2016. Numerical results show that the developed combination model is not only simple, but is also able to satisfactorily approximate the actual tuberculosis prevalence rate, and can be an effective tool in mining and analyzing big data in the medical field.
A Review of the Synthesis and Applications of Polymer–Nanoclay Composites
Authors: Guo Feng , Aryana Saman , Han Yinghui , Jiao Yunpeng
Published: September 2018

Recent advancements in material technologies have promoted the development of various preparation strategies and applications of novel polymer–nanoclay composites. Innovative synthesis pathways have resulted in novel polymer–nanoclay composites with improved properties, which have been successfully incorporated in diverse fields such as aerospace, automobile, construction, petroleum, biomedical and wastewater treatment. These composites are recognized as promising advanced materials due to their superior properties, such as enhanced density, strength, relatively large surface areas, high elastic modulus, flame retardancy, and thermomechanical/optoelectronic/magnetic properties. The primary focus of this review is to deliver an up-to-date overview of polymer–nanoclay composites along with their synthesis routes and applications. The discussion highlights potential future directions for this emerging field of research.
Structure and Photoelectrical Properties of Natural Photoactive Dyes for Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Qian , Gao Nan , Liu Dejiang , Liu Jinglin , Li Yuanzuo
Published: September 2018

A series of natural photoactive dyes, named as D1–D6 were successfully extracted from six kinds of plant leaves for solar cells. The photoelectrical properties of dyes were measured via UV-Vis absorption spectra, cyclic voltammetry as well as photovoltaic measurement. To theoretically reveal the experimental phenomena, the chlorophyll was selected as the reference dye, where the ground and excited state properties of chlorophyll were calculated via density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The experimental results show that the absorption peaks of those dyes are mainly distributed in the visible light regions of 400–420 nm and 650–700 nm, which are consistent with the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll. The photoelectrical conversion efficiencies of the solar cells sensitized by the six kinds of natural dyes are in the order of D1 > D4 > D2 > D5 > D6 > D3. The dye D1 performance exhibits the highest photoelectrical conversion efficiency of 1.08% among the investigated six natural dyes, with an open circuit voltage of 0.58 V, a short-circuit current density of 2.64 mA cm−2 and a fill factor of 0.70.
Integrated Transport Efficiency and Its Spatial Convergence in China’s Provinces: A Super-SBM DEA Model Considering Undesirable Outputs
Authors: Ma Fei , Wang Wenlin , Sun Qipeng , Liu Fei , Li Xiaodan
Published: September 2018

Undesirable outputs, such as carbon emissions and loss of property due to traffic accidents, hold great significance for the sustainable development of the transport industry. In this study, we applied a super-efficiency data envelopment analysis model with a slack-based measure (Super-SBM DEA) considering undesirable outputs to measure the integrated transport efficiency (ITE) of 31 provinces in China during the period of 2009–2016. Following this, we used a spatial autocorrelation model to test and verify the spatial autocorrelation of the ITEs at the level of the 31 provinces, and further to explore the aggregating features. Finally, considering the spatial effects that emerged, we constructed a β-convergence model to analyze the convergence characteristics of China’s ITEs and investigate its conditional factors. The research results show that the average ITE demonstrated a linear growth trend; the effective decision-making units (the ITE value was greater than 1) are only 11 provinces, accounting for about 35% by 2016. The mean of ITEs was also found to present a law of decreasing order of Eastern, Central and Western Zones. However, the Central Zone and Western Zone have a better efficiency improvement trend compared to the Eastern Zone. The Moran’s I index was bigger than zero, indicating that the ITEs formed a spatial autocorrelation phenomenon. The Moran scatter plots further showed that the provincial ITEs mainly followed the patterns of high–high, high–low and low–low aggregation. The ITE of the 31 provinces was found to have a clear absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence characteristics. Moreover, the level of economic development, household per capita traffic consumption, transport industry scale, technology advancement and transport intensity were all seen to have an important impact on the convergence of integrated transport efficiency. It is hoped that the findings of this study may contribute further insights and practical knowledge to effectively measuring the development level of China’s integrated transport efficiency, and to understanding future changes in the ITE gap among Chinese provinces.
Study on Hysteresis Model of Welding Material in Unstiffened Welded Joints of Steel Tubular Truss Structure
Authors: Suo Yaqi , Yang Wenwei , Chen Peng
Published: September 2018

The weld form of intersecting joints in a steel tubular truss structure changes with the various intersecting curves. As the key role of joints in energy dissipation and seismic resistance, the weld is easy to damage, as a result the constitutive behavior of the weld is different from that of the base metal. In order to define the cumulative damage characteristic and study the constitutive behavior of welded metal with the influence of damage accumulation, low-cycle fatigue tests were carried out to evaluate overall response characteristics and to quantify variation of cyclic stress amplitude, unloading stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. The results show that the cyclic softening behavior of welding materials is apparent, however, the steel shows hardening behavior with the increase of cyclic cycles, while the cyclic stress amplitude, unloading stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of the welding materials degenerate gradually. Based on the Ramberg–Osgood model and introducing the damage variable D, a hysteretic model of welding material with the effect of damage accumulation was established, including an initial loading curve, cyclic stress-strain curve, and hysteretic curve model. Further, the evolution equation of D was also built. The parameters reflecting the damage degradation were fitted by the test data, and the simulation results of the model were proved to be in good agreement with the test results.
Low Cost Omnidirectional Sound Source Utilizing a Common Directional Loudspeaker for Impulse Response Measurements
Authors: Papadakis Nikolaos M. , Stavroulakis Georgios E.
Published: September 2018

Alternative low-cost sources (e.g., balloons, gun fires) are used for impulse response measurements when a dodecahedron speaker is not available. This study sets to explore the applicability of a method utilizing a common directional loudspeaker as a sound source. For this purpose measurements were performed in three spaces with three different common directional loudspeakers. Different placements of the loudspeakers were performed (twelve positions similar to the twelve positions of the faces of a dodecahedron speaker, different rotations of the loudspeakers for a total sum of twenty six and fourteen positions). The impulse responses obtained were added up creating a single impulse response for each case. Comparisons of the acoustic parameters measured with the proposed method and with a dodecahedron speaker are presented and suggest the expected mean absolute error and standard deviation for similar measurements. Reverberation time measurements show a mean absolute error of less than 0.08 s, as compared with measurements with a dodecahedron speaker. The proposed method can be the primary method for measuring impulse responses when a dodecahedron speaker is not available. Suggested improvements may lead to better omnidirectionality as compared with a dodecahedron loudspeaker, and set the method applicable to be utilized for auralization purposes.
Contributions of Atmospheric Transport and Rain–Vapor Exchange to Near-Surface Water Vapor in the Zhanjiang Mangrove Reserve, Southern China: An Isotopic Perspective
Authors: Lai Xiang , Wright Jonathon S. , Huang Wenyu , Liang Jie , Lin Guanghui , Zhu Shanxian
Published: September 2018

Coastal mangroves are increasingly recognized as valuable natural resources and important sites of water and carbon exchange. In this study, we examine atmospheric water cycling in the boundary layer above a coastal mangrove forest in southern China. We collected site observations of isotopic ratios in water vapor and precipitation along with core meteorological variables during July 2017. Our evaluation of these data highlights the influences of large-scale atmospheric transport and rain–vapor exchange in the boundary layer water budget. Rain–vapor exchange takes different forms for different types of rainfall events. The evolution of isotopic ratios in water vapor suggests that substantial rain recycling occurs during the passage of large-scale organized convective systems, but that this process is much weaker during rainfall associated with less organized events of local origin. We further examine the influences of large-scale transport during the observation period using a Lagrangian trajectory-based moisture source analysis. More than half (63%) of the boundary layer moisture during the study period traced back to the South China Sea, consistent with prevailing southerly to southwesterly flow. Other important moisture sources included mainland Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, local land areas (e.g., Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula), and the Pacific Ocean. Together, these five regions contributed more than 90% of the water vapor. The most pronounced changes in isotopic content due to large-scale transport during the study period were related to the passage of Tropical Storm Talas. The outer rain bands of this tropical cyclone passed over the measurement site on 15–17 July, causing a sharp reduction in the heavy isotopic content of boundary layer water vapor and a substantial increase in deuterium excess. These changes are consistent with extensive isotopic distillation and rain–vapor exchange in downdrafts associated with the intense convective systems produced by this storm.
Covalent Organic Frameworks: Promising Materials as Heterogeneous Catalysts for C-C Bond Formations
Authors: Ma Dongge , Wang Yi , Liu Anan , Li Shuhong , Lu Chichong , Chen Chuncheng
Published: September 2018

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are defined as highly porous and crystalline polymers, constructed and connected via covalent bonds, extending in two- or three-dimension. Compared with other porous materials such as zeolite and active carbon, the versatile and alternative constituent elements, chemical bonding types and characteristics of ordered skeleton and pore, enable the rising large family of COFs more available to diverse applications including gas separation and storage, optoelectronics, proton conduction, energy storage and in particular, catalysis. As the representative candidate of next-generation catalysis materials, because of their large surface area, accessible and size-tunable open nano-pores, COFs materials are suitable for incorporating external useful active ingredients such as ligands, complexes, even metal nanoparticles deposition and substrate diffusion. These advantages make it capable to catalyze a variety of useful organic reactions such as important C-C bond formations. By appropriate pore-engineering in COFs materials, even enantioselective asymmetric C-C bond formations could be realized with excellent yield and ee value in much shorter reaction time compared with their monomer and oligomer analogues. This review will mainly introduce and discuss the paragon examples of COFs materials for application in C-C bond formation reactions for the organic synthetic purpose.
A New Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Chaos and Secure Hash SHA-256
Authors: Zhu Shuqin , Zhu Congxu , Wang Wenhong
Published: September 2018

In order to overcome the difficulty of key management in “one time pad” encryption schemes and also resist the attack of chosen plaintext, a new image encryption algorithm based on chaos and SHA-256 is proposed in this paper. The architecture of confusion and diffusion is adopted. Firstly, the surrounding of a plaintext image is surrounded by a sequence generated from the SHA-256 hash value of the plaintext to ensure that each encrypted result is different. Secondly, the image is scrambled according to the random sequence obtained by adding the disturbance term associated with the plaintext to the chaotic sequence. Third, the cyphertext (plaintext) feedback mechanism of the dynamic index in the diffusion stage is adopted, that is, the location index of the cyphertext (plaintext) used for feedback is dynamic. The above measures can ensure that the algorithm can resist chosen plaintext attacks and can overcome the difficulty of key management in “one time pad” encryption scheme. Also, experimental results such as key space analysis, key sensitivity analysis, differential analysis, histograms, information entropy, and correlation coefficients show that the image encryption algorithm is safe and reliable, and has high application potential.
Economic Complexity Based Recommendation Enhance the Efficiency of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Liao Hao , Huang Xiao-Min , Vidmer Alexandre , Zhang Yi-Cheng , Zhou Ming-Yang
Published: September 2018

The Belt and Road initiative (BRI) was announced in 2013 by the Chinese government. Its goal is to promote the cooperation between European and Asian countries, as well as enhancing the trust between members and unifying the market. Since its creation, more and more developing countries are joining the initiative. Based on the geographical location characteristics of the countries in this initiative, we propose an improvement of a popular recommendation algorithm that includes geographic location information. This recommendation algorithm is able to make suitable recommendations of products for countries in the BRI. Then, Fitness and Complexity metrics are used to evaluate the impact of the recommendation results and measure the country’s competitiveness. The aim of this work is to provide countries’ insights on the ideal development direction. By following the recommendations, the countries can quickly increase their international competitiveness.
Rate Distortion Function of Gaussian Asymptotically WSS Vector Processes
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Jesús , Zárraga-Rodríguez Marta , Crespo Pedro M. , Insausti Xabier
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we obtain an integral formula for the rate distortion function (RDF) of any Gaussian asymptotically wide sense stationary (AWSS) vector process. Applying this result, we also obtain an integral formula for the RDF of Gaussian moving average (MA) vector processes and of Gaussian autoregressive MA (ARMA) AWSS vector processes.
MMIC on-Wafer Test Method Based on Hybrid Balanced and Unbalanced RF Pad Structures
Authors: Bian Yue , Gu Yifan , Ding Xu , Wang Zhiyu , Mo Jiongjiong , Yu Faxin
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, more and more MMICs (Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuit), such as limiters and switches, are designed to have balanced and unbalanced test pad structures to solve the challenging size restrictions and integration requirements for MMICs. Hybrid balanced and unbalanced RF (Radio Frequency) probes are adopted for an on-wafer test of the heteromorphy structures. The thru standard based on single balanced or unbalanced structures cannot meet the impedance matching requirements of the hybrid RF probes at the same time, which leads to a dramatic decreasing of the calibration accuracy and cannot satisfy the requirement of MMIC test. Therefore, in this paper, the calibration error estimating of hybrid RF probes based on traditional SOLR (Short Open Load Reciprocal) calibration method is performed, and an on-wafer test approach of MMIC based on hybrid balanced and unbalanced RF probes is proposed which combines the OSL (Open Short Load) second-order de-embedding technique with vector error correction and the matrix transformation technique. The calibration reference plane can be accurately shifted to the probe tip with this method, which greatly improves the test accuracy, and an automatic test system is built for this method based on the object-oriented C# language.
Modified High Back-Pressure Heating System Integrated with Raw Coal Pre-Drying in Combined Heat and Power Unit
Authors: Chen Heng , Qi Zhen , Chen Qiao , Wu Yunyun , Xu Gang , Yang Yongping
Published: September 2018

A conceptual high-back pressure (HBP) heating system cooperating raw coal pre-drying for combined heat and power (CHP) was proposed to improve the performance of the HBP-CHP unit. In the new design, besides of heating the supply-water of the heating network, a portion of the exhaust steam from the turbine is employed to desiccate the raw coal prior to the coal pulverizer, which further recovers the waste heat of the exhaust steam and contributes to raising the overall efficiency of the unit. Thermodynamic and economic analyzes were conducted based on a typical 300 MW coal-fired HBP-CHP unit with the application of the modified configuration. The results showed that the power generation thermal efficiency promotion of the unit reaches 1.7% (absolute value) owing to suggested retrofitting, and meanwhile, the power generation standard coal consumption rate is diminished by 5.8 g/kWh. Due to the raw coal pre-drying, the energy loss of the exhaust flue gas of the boiler is reduced by 19.1% and the boiler efficiency increases from 92.7% to 95.4%. The impacts of the water content of the dried coal and the unit heating capacity on the energy-saving effect of the new concept were also examined.
Pseudo-Elastic Response of Gas Bearing Clastic Formations: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Coti Christian , Rocca Vera , Sacchi Quinto
Published: September 2018

The research presented in this paper focuses on the analysis of land movements induced by underground gas storage operations in a depleted reservoir in Northern Italy with the aim of increasing the understanding of the deformation response of deep formations via a real case study. The a priori knowledge of the pseudo-elastic parameters showed a substantial discrepancy between static values from triaxial lab tests and dynamic values obtained via the interpretation of sonic data at wellbore scale. The discrepancy is not surprising for the formations under investigation: a thousand meters of a silty to shaly sequence intercalated with arenaceous banks above a reservoir formation, which is basically made up of sandstone intercalated with shale intervals and conglomerates. Information collected for over more than ten years of seasonal production/injection cycles (i.e., time and space evolution of the reservoir fluid pressure and of the induced land surface movements) was then combined in a 3D numerical geomechanical model to constrain and update the a priori knowledge on the pseudo elastic model parameters via a back analysis approach. The obtained calibrated model will then be used for reliable prediction of system safety analyses, for example in terms of induced ground movements.
A Novel Approach for the Selection of Power-Generation Technology Using a Linguistic Neutrosophic CODAS Method: A Case Study in Libya
Authors: Pamučar Dragan , Badi Ibrahim , Sanja Korica , Obradović Radojko
Published: September 2018

Rapid increases in energy demand and international drive to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels have led many oil-rich countries to diversify their energy portfolio and resources. Libya is one of these countries, and it has recently become interested in utilizing its renewable-energy resources in order to reduce financial and energy dependency on oil reserves. This paper introduces an original multicriteria decision-making Pairwise-CODAS model in which the modification of the CODAS method was made using Linguistic Neutrosophic Numbers (LNN). The paper also suggests a new LNN Pairwise (LNN PW) model for determining the weight coefficients of the criteria developed by the authors. By integrating these models with linguistic neutrosophic numbers, it was shown that it is possible to a significant extent to eliminate subjective qualitative assessments and assumptions by decision makers in complex decision-making conditions. The LNN PW-CODAS model was tested and validated in a case study of the selection of optimal Power-Generation Technology (PGT) in Libya. Testing of the model showed that the proposed model based on linguistic neutrosophic numbers provides objective expert evaluation by eliminating subjective assessments when determining the numerical values of criteria. A sensitivity analysis of the LNN PW-CODAS model, carried out through 68 scenarios of changes in the weight coefficients, showed a high degree of stability of the solutions obtained in the ranking of the alternatives. The results were validated by comparison with LNN extensions of four multicriteria decision-making models.
A Novel Robust Model Predictive Controller for Aerospace Three-Phase PWM Rectifiers
Authors: Lei Tao , Tan Weiwei , Chen Guangsi , Kong Delin
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a novel Model Predictive Direct Power Control (MPDPC) approach for the pulse width modulation (PWM) rectifiers in the Aircraft Alternating Current Variable Frequency (ACVF) power system. The control performance of rectifiers may be largely affected by variations in the AC side impedance, especially for systems with limited power volume system. A novel idea for estimating the impedance variation based on the Bayesian estimation, using an algorithm embedded in MPDPC is presented in this paper. The input filter inductance and its equivalent series resistance (ESR) of PWM rectifiers are estimated in this algorithm by measuring the input current and input voltage in each cycle with the probability Bayesian estimation theory. This novel estimation method can overcome the shortcomings of traditional data based estimation methods such as least square estimation (LSE), which achieves poor estimation results with the small samples data set. In ACVF systems, the effect on the parameters estimation accuracy caused by the number of sampling points in one cycle is also analyzed in detail by simulation. The validity of this method is verified by the digital and Hard-in-loop simulation compared with other estimation methods such as the least square estimation method. The experimental testing results show that the proposed estimation algorithm can improve the robustness and the control performance of the MPDPC under the condition of the uncertainty of the AC side parameters of the three-phase PWM rectifiers in aircraft electrical power system.
What Are Intermediate-Severity Forest Disturbances and Why Are They Important?
Authors: Hart Justin L. , Kleinman Jonathan S.
Published: September 2018

The classification of discrete forest disturbance events is usually based on the spatial extent, magnitude, and frequency of the disturbance. Based on these characteristics, disturbances are placed into one of three broad categories, gap-scale, intermediate-severity, or catastrophic disturbance, along the disturbance classification gradient. We contend that our understanding of disturbance processes near the endpoints of the disturbance classification gradient far exceeds that of intermediate-severity events. We hypothesize that intermediate-severity disturbances are more common, and that they are more important drivers of forest ecosystem change than is commonly recognized. Here, we provide a review of intermediate-severity disturbances that includes proposed criteria for categorizing disturbances on the classification gradient. We propose that the canopy opening diameter to height ratio (D:H) be used to delineate gap-scale from intermediate-severity events and that the threshold between intermediate and catastrophic events be based on the influence of residual trees on the composition of the regeneration layer. We also provide examples of intermediate-severity disturbance agents, return intervals for these events, and recommendations for incorporating natural intermediate-severity disturbance patterns in silvicultural systems.
The Effect of Combined Herbivory by Wild Boar and Small Ruminants on the Regeneration of a Deciduous Oak Forest
Authors: Abraham Eleni M. , Sklavou Paraskevi , Loufi Aikaterini , Parissi Zoi M. , Kyriazopoulos Apostolos P.
Published: September 2018

The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems including its regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effect of wild boar and small ruminants herbivory on the regeneration of a deciduous oak forest in northern Greece. Eight sites were selected in an even aged stand of similar canopy cover and forest site quality: four sites with long-time use mainly by wild boar and four sites with long-time grazing by sheep and browsing by goats. A plot of 150 m2 in each of the sites was fenced in order to be protected from herbivory. The plant cover and number of oak seedlings and acorns was measured in both grazed and protected plots for four consecutive years. The plant cover increased in the protected plots independent of the type of animals. The seedling cover decreased about 29% and 9% in sites where small ruminants and wild boars foraged respectively. Similarly, the number and the weight of acorns significantly decreased in the sites grazed by small ruminants mainly during the mast year of the oaks. Forest management has to control the small ruminants grazing in terms of intensity, timing, and duration in order to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem.
The Effect of Competition on Risk Taking in Contests
Authors: Spadoni Lorenzo , Potters Jan
Published: September 2018

We investigate, theoretically and experimentally, the effect of competition on risk taking in a contest in which players only decide on the level of risk they wish to take. Taking more risk implies a chance of a higher performance, but also implies a higher chance of failure. We vary the level of competition in two ways: by varying the number of players (2 players versus 8 players), and by varying the sensitivity of the contest to differences in performance (lottery contest versus all-pay auction). Our results show that there is a significant interaction effect between the two treatments, suggesting that players are particularly prone to take more risks if both the number of players and the sensitivity to performance are higher.
The GIS2 Gene Is Repressed by a Zinc-Regulated Bicistronic RNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Taggart Janet , Wang Yirong , Weisenhorn Erin , MacDiarmid Colin , Russell Jason , Coon Joshua , Eide David
Published: September 2018

Zinc homeostasis is essential for all organisms. The Zap1 transcriptional activator regulates these processes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During zinc deficiency, Zap1 increases expression of zinc transporters and proteins involved in adapting to the stress of zinc deficiency. Transcriptional activation by Zap1 can also repress expression of some genes, e.g., RTC4. In zinc-replete cells, RTC4 mRNA is produced with a short transcript leader that is efficiently translated. During deficiency, Zap1-dependent expression of an RNA with a longer transcript leader represses the RTC4 promoter. This long leader transcript (LLT) is not translated due to the presence of small open reading frames upstream of the RTC4 coding region. In this study, we show that the RTC4 LLT RNA also plays a second function, i.e., repression of the adjacent GIS2 gene. In generating the LLT transcript, RNA polymerase II transcribes RTC4 through the GIS2 promoter. Production of the LLT RNA correlates with the decreased expression of GIS2 mRNA and mutations that prevent synthesis of the LLT RNA or terminate it before the GIS2 promoter renders GIS2 mRNA expression and Gis2 protein accumulation constitutive. Thus, we have discovered an unusual regulatory mechanism that uses a bicistronic RNA to control two genes simultaneously.
The Applicability of N: Ancient Debates and Modern Experimental Design
Authors: Van Schaik Katherine D.
Published: September 2018

Medicine has always been characterized by a tension between the particular and the general. A clinician is obligated to treat the individual in front of her, yet she accomplishes this task by applying generalized knowledge that describes an abstract average but not necessarily a specific person. Efforts to systematize this process of moving between the particular and the general have led to the development of randomized controlled trials and large observational studies. Inclusion of tens of thousands of people in such studies, it is argued, will enhance the applicability of the data to more individual circumstances. Yet, as genetic sequencing data have become more widely obtained and used, there has been an increased focus on what has been broadly termed “precision medicine”, a highly individualized approach to therapeutics. Moreover, advances in statistical methods have enabled researchers to use N-of-1 study data—traditionally considered too individualized to be broadly applicable—in new ways. This paper contextualizes these apparently modern debates with reference to historical arguments about methods of disease diagnosis and treatment, and earlier physicians’ concerns about the tension between the particular and the general that is intrinsic to medical practice.
Changes in Work Practices for Safe Use of Formaldehyde in a University-Based Anatomy Teaching and Research Facility
Authors: Scheepers Paul T. J. , Graumans Martien H. F. , Beckmann Gwendolyn , Van Dael Maurice , Anzion Rob B. M. , Melissen Maarten , Pinckaers Nicole , Van Wel Luuk , De Werdt Laurie M. A. , Gelsing Vera , Van Linge Albert
Published: September 2018

Anatomy teaching and research relies on the use of formaldehyde (FA) as a preservation agent for human and animal tissues. Due to the recent classification of FA as a carcinogen, university hospitals are facing a challenge to (further) reduce exposure to FA. The aim of this study was to reduce exposure to FA in the anatomy teaching and research facility. Workers participated in the development of improved work practices, both technical and organizational solutions. Over a period of 6 years mitigating measures were introduced, including improvement of a down-flow ventilation system, introduction of local exhaust ventilation, collection of drain liquid from displayed specimens in closed containers and leak prevention. Furthermore, some organizational changes were made to reduce the number of FA peak exposures. Stationary and personal air sampling was performed in three different campaigns to assess the effect of these new work practices on inhalation exposure to FA. Samples were collected over 8 h (full shift) and 15 min (task-based) to support mitigation of exposure and improvement of work practices. Air was collected on an adsorbent coated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and analyzed by HPLC-UV. Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of FA in the breathing zone over a work-shift were 123 µg/m3 in 2012 and 114 µg/m3 in 2014, exceeding the workplace standard of 150 µg/m3 (8 h time-weighted average, TWA) on 46% of the workdays in 2012 and 38% of the workdays in 2014. This exposure was reduced to an average of 28.8 µg/m3 in 2017 with an estimated probability of exceeding the OEL of 0.6%. Task-based measurements resulted in a mean peak exposures of 291 µg/m3 in 2012 (n = 19) and a mean of 272 µg/m3 in 2014 (n = 21), occasionally exceeding the standard of 500 µg/m3 (15 min TWA), and were reduced to a mean of 88.7 µg/m3 in 2017 (n = 12) with an estimated probability of exceeding the OEL of 1.6%.
AMPK Activation Reduces Hepatic Lipid Content by Increasing Fat Oxidation In Vivo
Authors: Foretz Marc , Even Patrick C. , Viollet Benoit
Published: September 2018

The energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key player in the control of energy metabolism. AMPK regulates hepatic lipid metabolism through the phosphorylation of its well-recognized downstream target acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). Although AMPK activation is proposed to lower hepatic triglyceride (TG) content via the inhibition of ACC to cause inhibition of de novo lipogenesis and stimulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), its contribution to the inhibition of FAO in vivo has been recently questioned. We generated a mouse model of AMPK activation specifically in the liver, achieved by expression of a constitutively active AMPK using adenoviral delivery. Indirect calorimetry studies revealed that liver-specific AMPK activation is sufficient to induce a reduction in the respiratory exchange ratio and an increase in FAO rates in vivo. This led to a more rapid metabolic switch from carbohydrate to lipid oxidation during the transition from fed to fasting. Finally, mice with chronic AMPK activation in the liver display high fat oxidation capacity evidenced by increased [C14]-palmitate oxidation and ketone body production leading to reduced hepatic TG content and body adiposity. Our findings suggest a role for hepatic AMPK in the remodeling of lipid metabolism between the liver and adipose tissue.
Guanidinoacetic Acid Regulates Myogenic Differentiation and Muscle Growth Through miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p Co-mediated Akt/mTOR/S6K Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yujie , Ma Jideng , Qiu Wanling , Zhang Jinwei , Feng Siyuan , Zhou Xiankun , Wang Xun , Jin Long , Long Keren , Liu Lingyan , Xiao Weihang , Tang Qianzi , Zhu Li , Jiang Yanzhi , Li Xuewei , Li Mingzhou
Published: September 2018

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), an amino acid derivative that is endogenous to animal tissues including muscle and nerve, has been reported to enhance muscular performance. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a post-transcriptional regulator that plays a key role in nutrient-mediated myogenesis. However, the effects of GAA on myogenic differentiation and skeletal muscle growth, and the potential regulatory mechanisms of miRNA in these processes have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of GAA on proliferation, differentiation, and growth in C2C12 cells and mice. The results showed that GAA markedly inhibited the proliferation of myoblasts, along with the down-regulation of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) mRNA expression, and the upregulation of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (P21) mRNA expression. We also demonstrated that GAA treatment stimulated myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD) and myogenin (MyoG) mRNA expression, resulting in an increase in the myotube fusion rate. Meanwhile, GAA supplementation promoted myotube growth through increase in total myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein level, myotubes thickness and gastrocnemius muscle cross-sectional area. Furthermore, small RNA sequencing revealed that a total of eight miRNAs, including miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p cluster, showed differential expression after GAA supplementation. To further study the function of miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p in GAA-induced skeletal muscle growth, we transfected miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p mimics into myotube, which also induced muscle growth. Through bioinformatics and a dual-luciferase reporter system, the target genes of miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p were determined. These two miRNAs were shown to modulate the Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway by restraining target gene expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that GAA supplementation can promote myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle growth through miR-133a-3p- and miR-1a-3p-induced activation of the AKT/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway.
The Effect of Pectinase-Assisted Extraction on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Polysaccharides from Aster scaber
Authors: Song Young-Ran , Sung Su-Kyung , Shin Eun-Ju , Cho Chang-Won , Han Chun-Ji , Hong Hee-Do
Published: September 2018

The edible and medicinal perennial herb Aster scaber is known to have anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the biological effects of its polysaccharides are not well understood. Here, we aimed to extract novel polysaccharides with enhanced biological properties from Aster scaber using enzyme-assisted methods. Amylase, cellulase, and pectinase were used to extract enzyme-assisted polysaccharide (ASEP)-A, ASEP-C, and ASEP-P, respectively. The yields, physicochemical properties, and immunostimulatory activities of the polysaccharides were investigated and compared with those of hot water extracted polysaccharide (ASWP). The highest yield (3.8%) was achieved for ASEP-P extracted using pectinase digestion. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and chemical composition analysis revealed that ASWP and three ASEPs were typical acidic heteropolysaccharides, mainly comprising rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid. Immunostimulatory activity assays on RAW264.7 macrophages showed ASEP-P to have the greatest immunostimulatory potential in terms of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine productions and phagocytic activity. ASEP-P administration improved immune-enhancing effects in normal mice by improving the spleen index and splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and in immunosuppressed mice by modulating lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and leukocyte counts. The ASEP-P derived from pectinase hydrolysate of Aster scaber demonstrated efficacious immunostimulatory properties and has potential applications as an immune stimulator.