bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Forecasting Method for Solar Output Power Based on Variational Mode Decomposition, Deep Belief Networks and Auto-Regressive Moving Average
Authors: Xie Tuo , Zhang Gang , Liu Hongchi , Liu Fuchao , Du Peidong
Published: October 2018

Due to the existing large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power generation installations, accurate PV power forecasting is critical to the safe and economical operation of electric power systems. In this study, a hybrid short-term forecasting method based on the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) technique, the Deep Belief Network (DBN) and the Auto-Regressive Moving Average Model (ARMA) is proposed to deal with the problem of forecasting accuracy. The DBN model combines a forward unsupervised greedy layer-by-layer training algorithm with a reverse Back-Projection (BP) fine-tuning algorithm, making full use of feature extraction advantages of the deep architecture and showing good performance in generalized predictive analysis. To better analyze the time series of historical data, VMD decomposes time series data into an ensemble of components with different frequencies; this improves the shortcomings of decomposition from Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) processes. Classification is achieved via the spectrum characteristics of modal components, the high-frequency Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) components are predicted using the DBN, and the low-frequency IMFs components are predicted using the ARMA. Eventually, the forecasting result is generated by reconstructing the predicted component values. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, it is tested based on the practical information of PV power generation data from a real case study in Yunnan. The proposed approach is compared, respectively, with the single prediction models and the decomposition-combined prediction models. The evaluation of the forecasting performance is carried out with the normalized absolute average error, normalized root-mean-square error and Hill inequality coefficient; the results are subsequently compared with real-world scenarios. The proposed approach outperforms the single prediction models and the combined forecasting methods, demonstrating its favorable accuracy and reliability.
Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution by Bone Char
Authors: Jia Puqi , Tan Hongwei , Liu Kuiren , Gao Wei
Published: October 2018

Bone char was prepared from bovine bone for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The effects of particle size, contact time, and adsorption temperature on the removal rate of methylene blue were investigated. It was found that bone char particle size had an insignificant effect. The equilibration time was found at approximately 80 min. The removal rate decreased with an increase in temperature. The intraparticle diffusion was the main rate-limiting step. The experimental data was analyzed by kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic equations. The results show that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich isotherm models are true of the adsorption process. The spontaneous and exothermic ion-exchange adsorption process was certified by the negative values of free energy change and enthalpy change, and 13.29 kJ mol−1 of adsorption energy.
N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplement Minimize Tau Expression and Neuronal Loss in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Joy Teresa , Rao Muddanna S. , Madhyastha Sampath
Published: October 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), deposition of beta amyloid plaques, and consequent neuronal loss in the brain tissue. Oxidative stress to the neurons is often attributed to AD, but its link to NFT and β-amyloid protein (BAP) still remains unclear. In an animal model of AD, we boosted the oxidative defense by N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger, to understand the link between oxidative stress and NFT. In mimicking AD, intracerebroventricular (ICV) colchicine, a microtubule disrupting agent also known to cause oxidative stress was administered to the rats. The animal groups consisted of an age-matched control, sham operated, AD, and NAC treated in AD models of rats. Cognitive function was evaluated in a passive avoidance test; neuronal degeneration was quantified using Nissl staining. NFT in the form of abnormal tau expression in different regions of the brain were evaluated through immunohistochemistry using rabbit anti-tau antibody. ICV has resulted in significant cognitive and neuronal loss in medial prefrontal cortex (MFC) and all the regions of the hippocampus. It has also resulted in increased accumulation of intraneuronal tau in the hippocampus and MFC. NAC treatment in AD model rats has reversed the cognitive loss and neuronal degeneration. The intraneuronal tau expression also minimized with NAC treatment in AD model rats. Thus, our findings suggest that an antioxidant supplement during the progression of AD is likely to prevent neuronal degeneration by minimizing the neurofibrillary degeneration in the form of tau accumulation.
Dynamic Characterisation and Finite Element Updating of a RC Stadium Grandstand
Authors: Santos Filipe , Cismaşiu Corneliu , Cismaşiu Ildi , Bedon Chiara
Published: October 2018

This paper reports on the dynamic characterisation of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) stadium grandstand module for the Sporting Stadium in Lisbon. To this aim, a three-dimensional (3D) Finite-Element (FE) numerical model, implemented according to the technical drawings of the structure, is first presented to provide preliminary estimates of the expected modal characteristics for the examined structural system. Ambient vibration tests are then carried out on the same grandstand, and used to extract the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the system, according to conventional state-of-the-art output-only modal parameter identification techniques. A sensitivity investigation and FE model updating study is hence presented for the grandstand, giving evidence of the major influencing parameters and key input data for the numerical fitting of the experimental modal testing results.
Identification of the Transcription Factor Relationships Associated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy Response and Metastatic Progression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sharma Nitya V. , Pellegrini Kathryn L. , Ouellet Veronique , Giuste Felipe O. , Ramalingam Selvi , Watanabe Kenneth , Adam-Granger Eloise , Fossouo Lucresse , You Sungyong , Freeman Michael R. , Vertino Paula , Conneely Karen , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Trudel Dominique , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Petros John A. , Saad Fred , Moreno Carlos S.
Published: October 2018

Background: Patients with locally advanced or recurrent prostate cancer typically undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but the benefits are often short-lived and the responses variable. ADT failure results in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which inevitably leads to metastasis. We hypothesized that differences in tumor transcriptional programs may reflect differential responses to ADT and subsequent metastasis. Results: We performed whole transcriptome analysis of 20 patient-matched Pre-ADT biopsies and 20 Post-ADT prostatectomy specimens, and identified two subgroups of patients (high impact and low impact groups) that exhibited distinct transcriptional changes in response to ADT. We found that all patients lost the AR-dependent subtype (PCS2) transcriptional signatures. The high impact group maintained the more aggressive subtype (PCS1) signal, while the low impact group more resembled an AR-suppressed (PCS3) subtype. Computational analyses identified transcription factor coordinated groups (TFCGs) enriched in the high impact group network. Leveraging a large public dataset of over 800 metastatic and primary samples, we identified 33 TFCGs in common between the high impact group and metastatic lesions, including SOX4/FOXA2/GATA4, and a TFCG containing JUN, JUNB, JUND, FOS, FOSB, and FOSL1. The majority of metastatic TFCGs were subsets of larger TFCGs in the high impact group network, suggesting a refinement of critical TFCGs in prostate cancer progression. Conclusions: We have identified TFCGs associated with pronounced initial transcriptional response to ADT, aggressive signatures, and metastasis. Our findings suggest multiple new hypotheses that could lead to novel combination therapies to prevent the development of CRPC following ADT.
Effect of Calcination Atmosphere and Temperature on the Hydrogenolysis Activity and Selectivity of Copper-Zinc Catalysts
Authors: Kikhtyanin Oleg , Pospelova Violetta , Aubrecht Jaroslav , Lhotka Miloslav , Kubička David
Published: October 2018

A series of CuZn catalysts with a Cu/Zn ratio of 1.6 was prepared by the calcination of a single precursor, CuZn-P consisting of an equimolar mixture of aurichalcite and zincian malachite, in three different calcination atmospheres (air, nitrogen, and hydrogen) at three temperatures (220, 350, and 500 °C). All catalysts were characterized by XRD and N2-physisorption to assess their phase composition, crystallite sizes and textural properties and tested in dimethyl adipate (DMA) hydrogenolysis in a batch reactor at 220 °C and 10 MPa H2. The XRD examination of these catalysts proved that both parameters, calcination temperature and atmosphere, affected the resulting phase composition of the catalysts as well as their crystallite sizes. In an oxidizing atmosphere, CuO and ZnO in intimate contact prevailed whereas in inert or reducing atmosphere both oxides were accompanied by Cu2O and Cu. The crystallite size of Cu2O and Cu was larger than the size of CuO and ZnO thus indicating a less intimate contact between the Cu-phases and ZnO in catalysts calcined in nitrogen and hydrogen. Catalysts prepared by calcination at 220 °C and CuZn catalyst calcined in the air at 350 °C significantly outperformed the other catalysts in DMA hydrogenolysis with a 59–78% conversion due to the small crystallite size and intimate contact between the CuO and ZnO phases prior to catalyst reduction. Despite the low DMA conversion (<30%), transesterification products were the main reaction products with overall selectivities of >80% over the catalysts calcined in nitrogen or hydrogen at least at 350 °C. The obvious change in the preferred reaction pathway because of the atmosphere calcination and temperature shows that there are different active sites responsible for hydrogenolysis and transesterification and that their relative distribution has changed.
Synthesis and Regeneration of Nickel-Based Catalysts for Hydrodeoxygenation of Beech Wood Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil
Authors: Carriel Schmitt Caroline , Gagliardi Reolon María Belén , Zimmermann Michael , Raffelt Klaus , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk , Dahmen Nicolaus
Published: October 2018

Four nickel-based catalysts are synthesized by wet impregnation and evaluated for the hydrotreatment/hydrodeoxygenation of beech wood fast-pyrolysis bio-oil. Parameters such as elemental analysis, pH value, and water content, as well as the heating value of the upgraded bio-oils are considered for the evaluation of the catalysts’ activity and catalyst reuse in cycles of hydrodeoxygenation after regeneration. The reduction temperature, selectivity and hydrogen consumption are distinct among them, although all catalysts tested produce upgraded bio-oils with reduced oxygen concentration, lower water content and higher energy density. Ni/SiO2, in particular, can remove more than 50% of the oxygen content and reduce the water content by more than 80%, with low coke and gas formation. The evaluation over four consecutive hydrotreatment reactions and catalyst regeneration shows a slightly reduced hydrodeoxygenation activity of Ni/SiO2, mainly due to deactivation caused by sintering and adsorption of poisoning substances, such as sulfur. Following the fourth catalyst reuse, the upgraded bio-oil shows 43% less oxygen in comparison to the feedstock and properties comparable to the upgraded bio-oil obtained with the fresh catalyst. Hence, nickel-based catalysts are promising for improving hardwood fast-pyrolysis bio-oil properties, especially monometallic nickel catalysts supported on silica.
H2 Thermal Desorption Spectra on Pt(111): A Density Functional Theory and Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Yu Caoming , Wang Fang , Zhang Yunlei , Zhao Leihong , Teng Botao , Fan Maohong , Liu Xiaona
Published: October 2018

Theoretical investigation of the static and kinetic behaviors of H and H2 on metal surface plays a key role in the development of hydrogenation catalysts and new materials with high H2 storage capacity. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculation of H and H2 adsorption on Pt(111), H(a) adatom strongly interacts with surface Pt; while H2 weakly adsorbs on Pt(111). H(a) adatoms stably occupy the face-centered cubic sites on Pt(111) which agrees with the experimental LERS observations. By using kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulation, the qualitative effects of the kinetic parameters on the H2 TDS spectra indicate that the H2 desorption peaks shift to the low temperature with increasing pre-exponential factor and decreasing desorption barrier. Simultaneously, the desorption peaks shift downwards and broaden to two peaks with the increase of the lateral interaction energy among H(a) adatoms. Using the kMC simulation based on DFT calculation, the predicted H2 TDS spectra are well consistent with the experimental ones. It unanimously proves that the two peaks of TDS spectra are derived from the lateral interactions among H(a). This work provides the intrinsic kinetics of H(a) and H2 on Pt(111) at an atomic level, and gives insight into the development of hydrogenation catalysts.
Viral Persistence and Chronicity in Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Role of T-Cell Apoptosis, Senescence and Exhaustion
Authors: Barathan Muttiah , Mohamed Rosmawati , Yong Yean K. , Kannan Meganathan , Vadivelu Jamuna , Saeidi Alireza , Larsson Marie , Shankar Esaki Muthu
Published: October 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a challenging global health threat to ~200 million infected individuals. Clinical data suggest that only ~10–15% of acutely HCV-infected individuals will achieve spontaneous viral clearance despite exuberant virus-specific immune responses, which is largely attributed to difficulties in recognizing the pathognomonic symptoms during the initial stages of exposure to the virus. Given the paucity of a suitable small animal model, it is also equally challenging to study the early phases of viral establishment. Further, the host factors contributing to HCV chronicity in a vast majority of acutely HCV-infected individuals largely remain unexplored. The last few years have witnessed a surge in studies showing that HCV adopts myriad mechanisms to disconcert virus-specific immune responses in the host to establish persistence, which includes, but is not limited to viral escape mutations, viral growth at privileged sites, and antagonism. Here we discuss a few hitherto poorly explained mechanisms employed by HCV that are believed to lead to chronicity in infected individuals. A better understanding of these mechanisms would aid the design of improved therapeutic targets against viral establishment in susceptible individuals.
A Novel High-Performance Low-Cost Double-Upset Tolerant Latch Design
Authors: Jiang Jianwei , Zhu Wenyi , Xiao Jun , Zou Shichang
Published: October 2018

Single event double upsets (SEDUs) caused by charge sharing have been an important contributor to the soft error in integrated circuits. Most of the up-to-date double-upset (DU) tolerant latches suffer from high costs in terms of delay, power and area. In this paper, we propose a novel high-performance low-cost double-upset tolerant (HLDUT) latch. Simulation waveforms have validated the double-upset tolerance of the proposed latch. Besides, detailed comparisons demonstrate that our design saves 805.24% delay-power-area product (DPAP) on average compared with other considered up-to-date double-upset tolerant latches, which means the proposed latch is a promising candidate for future highly reliable low-cost applications.
Correction: Billeci, L.; et al. Automatic Detection of Atrial Fibrillation and Other Arrhythmias in ECG Recordings Acquired by a Smartphone Device. Electronics 2018, 7, 199
Authors: Billeci Lucia , Costi Magda , Lombardi David , Chiarugi Franco , Varanini Maurizio
Published: October 2018

The authors wish to make the following corrections to our published paper [1].[...]
Numerical Analysis on the Radiation-Convection Coupled Heat Transfer in an Open-Cell Foam Filled Annulus
Authors: Chen Xue , Sun Chuang , Xia Xinlin , Liu Rongqiang
Published: October 2018

Forced flow and radiation-convection coupled heat transfer in an annulus filled with open-cell foam was numerically investigated at high temperatures. The Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model was utilized to represent the fluid transport. The two-energy equation model was applied for the non-equilibrium heat exchange between the fluid and solid phases, while the radiation heat transfer within the foam material was solved using the P1 approximation. Two different cases of thermal boundary conditions were studied and discussed in detail, namely the inner wall with a constant heat flux while the outer wall was adiabatic (case I) and vice versa (case II). The effects of pertinent factors on the heat transfer characteristics were examined, such as the foam structural parameters and the radii ratio of the annulus. The temperature, local and average Nusselt number were predicted. The results indicate that neglecting the thermal radiation causes a large deviation in predicting the thermal performance of such foam-fluid systems. Increasing the porosity and pore diameter both promote the radiation heat transfer, while it is weakened by increasing the radii ratio. The average Nusselt number decreases as the porosity increases, while it exhibits a non-monotonic change with the pore diameter and radii ratio. Besides, case I shows a higher average Nusselt number than case II and presents an improved thermal performance.
Influences of Extreme Weather Conditions on the Carbon Cycles of Bamboo and Tea Ecosystems
Authors: Fu Congsheng , Zhu Qing , Yang Guishan , Xiao Qitao , Wei Zhongwang , Xiao Wei
Published: October 2018

Tea plantations have expanded rapidly during the past several decades in China, the top tea-producing country, as a result of economic development; however, few studies have investigated the influence of tea plantations on the carbon cycle, especially from the perspective of climate change and increases in extreme weather events. Therefore, we employed combined observational and modeling methods to evaluate the water and carbon cycles at representative bamboo and tea plots in eastern China. Green tea growth and the corresponding water and carbon cycles were reproduced using the Community Land Model after applying fertilizer. Old-growth bamboo was reasonably simulated as broadleaf evergreen forest in this model. The mean observed soil respiration ranged from 1.79 to 2.57 and 1.34 to 1.50 µmol m−2 s−1 at the bamboo and tea sites, respectively, from April 2016 to October 2017. The observed soil respiration decreased by 23% and 55% due to extreme dryness in August 2016 at the bamboo and tea plots, respectively, and the model reproduced these decreases well. The modeling results indicated that tea acted as a stronger carbon sink during spring and a stronger carbon source during autumn and winter compared with old-growth bamboo. The carbon cycle was affected more by extremely dry weather than by extremely wet weather in both the bamboo and tea plots. Extremely dry periods markedly reduced the carbon sink at both plots, although this trend was more pronounced at the tea plot.
Differences in the Response to Acute Drought and Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands Infection in Quercus ilex L. Seedlings
Authors: Ruiz Gómez Francisco J. , Pérez-de-Luque Alejandro , Sánchez-Cuesta Rafael , Quero José L. , Navarro Cerrillo Rafael M.
Published: October 2018

The sustainability of “dehesas” is threatened by the Holm oak decline. It is thought that the effects of root rot on plant physiology vary depending on external stress factors. Plant growth and biomass allocation are useful tools to characterize differences in the response to drought and infection. The study of physiological responses together with growth patterns will clarify how and to what extent root rot is able to damage the plant. A fully factorial experiment, including drought and Phytophtora cinnamomi Rands infection as factors, was carried out with Quercus ilex L. seedlings. Photosynthesis, biomass allocation and root traits were assessed. Photosynthetic variables responded differently to drought and infection over time. The root mass fraction showed a significant reduction due to infection. P. cinnamomi root rot altered the growth patterns. Plants could not recover from the physiological effects of infection only when the root rot coincided with water stress. Without additional stressors, the strategy of our seedlings in the face of root rot was to reduce the biomass increment and reallocate resources. Underlying mechanisms involved in plant-pathogen interactions should be considered in the study of holm oak decline, beyond the consideration of water stress as the primary cause of tree mortality.
Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella in the Food Supply and the Potential Role of Antibiotic Alternatives for Control
Authors: V. T. Nair Divek , Venkitanarayanan Kumar , Kollanoor Johny Anup
Published: October 2018

Salmonella enterica is one of the most ubiquitous enteropathogenic bacterial species on earth, and comprises more than 2500 serovars. Widely known for causing non-typhoidal foodborne infections (95%), and enteric (typhoid) fever in humans, Salmonella colonizes almost all warm- and cold-blooded animals, in addition to its extra-animal environmental strongholds. The last few decades have witnessed the emergence of highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, causing greater morbidity and mortality in humans. The emergence of several Salmonella serotypes resistant to multiple antibiotics in food animals underscores a significant food safety hazard. In this review, we discuss the various antibiotic-resistant Salmonella serotypes in food animals and the food supply, factors that contributed to their emergence, their antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the public health implications of their spread through the food supply, and the potential antibiotic alternatives for controlling them.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the NAC Transcription Factor Gene Family Reveals Differential Expression Patterns and Cold-Stress Responses in the Woody Plant Prunus mume
Authors: Zhuo Xiaokang , Zheng Tangchun , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Yichi , Jiang Liangbao , Ahmad Sagheer , Sun Lidan , Wang Jia , Cheng Tangren , Zhang Qixiang
Published: October 2018

NAC transcription factors (TFs) participate in multiple biological processes, including biotic and abiotic stress responses, signal transduction and development. Cold stress can adversely impact plant growth and development, thereby limiting agricultural productivity. Prunus mume, an excellent horticultural crop, is widely cultivated in Asian countries. Its flower can tolerate freezing-stress in the early spring. To investigate the putative NAC genes responsible for cold-stress, we identified and analyzed 113 high-confidence PmNAC genes and characterized them by bioinformatics tools and expression profiles. These PmNACs were clustered into 14 sub-families and distributed on eight chromosomes and scaffolds, with the highest number located on chromosome 3. Duplicated events resulted in a large gene family; 15 and 8 pairs of PmNACs were the result of tandem and segmental duplicates, respectively. Moreover, three membrane-bound proteins (PmNAC59/66/73) and three miRNA-targeted genes (PmNAC40/41/83) were identified. Most PmNAC genes presented tissue-specific and time-specific expression patterns. Sixteen PmNACs (PmNAC11/19/20/23/41/48/58/74/75/76/78/79/85/86/103/111) exhibited down-regulation during flower bud opening and are, therefore, putative candidates for dormancy and cold-tolerance. Seventeen genes (PmNAC11/12/17/21/29/42/30/48/59/66/73/75/85/86/93/99/111) were highly expressed in stem during winter and are putative candidates for freezing resistance. The cold-stress response pattern of 15 putative PmNACs was observed under 4 °C at different treatment times. The expression of 10 genes (PmNAC11/20/23/40/42/48/57/60/66/86) was upregulated, while 5 genes (PmNAC59/61/82/85/107) were significantly inhibited. The putative candidates, thus identified, have the potential for breeding the cold-tolerant horticultural plants. This study increases our understanding of functions of the NAC gene family in cold tolerance, thereby potentially intensifying the molecular breeding programs of woody plants.
Chitosan and Carnauba Wax Coatings Are Not Recommended for Yellow Carrots
Authors: Berno Natalia Dallocca , Tessmer Magda Andréia , Preczenhak Ana Paula , Nastaro Bruna Thomé , Spoto Marta Helena Fillet , Kluge Ricardo Alfredo
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of different concentrations of carnauba wax and chitosan edible coatings for commercial quality preservation of ‘Yellow Stone’ carrots. Seven treatments were tested: Chitosan at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5%; carnauba wax at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 12%, and a control treatment, without coating application. Carrots were stored at 2 °C, 95–100% RH, for 30 days, and were evaluated on the day of application (day 0) and at 7, 15, and 30 days. Indices of brown stains, coloring, and light microscopy analysis were developed. The use of edible coatings for yellow carrots was not viable, regardless of the treatment used, and carnauba waxes caused more severe brown stains. Higher concentrations of carnauba wax caused damage of the carrot periderm, generating, in addition to the stains, deep depressions and superficial viscosity. Only the control treatment showed no degradation in appearance. Treatments with the highest index scores presented lower luminosity, lower b color values, and higher a color values, which showed that the brown stains impacted carrot appearance and, therefore, their visual quality. The results showed that coatings based on chitosan and carnauba wax are not recommended for yellow carrots, since they negatively affected appearance of the product, leaving them unmarketable.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Dehydroabietic Acid-Oxazolidinone Hybrids for Antitumor Properties
Authors: Wang Xiu , Pang Fu-Hua , Huang Lin , Yang Xin-Ping , Ma Xian-Li , Jiang Cai-Na , Li Fang-Yao , Lei Fu-Hou
Published: October 2018

Novel representatives of the important group of biologically-active, dehydroabietic acid-bearing oxazolidinone moiety were synthesized to explore more efficacious and less toxic antitumor agents. Structures of all the newly target molecules were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HR-MS. The inhibitory activities of these compounds against different human cancer cell lines (MGC-803, CNE-2, SK-OV-3, NCI-H460) and human normal liver cell line LO2 were evaluated and compared with the commercial anticancer drug cisplatin, using standard MTT (methyl thiazolytetrazolium) assay in vitro. The pharmacological screening results revealed that most of the hybrids showed significantly improved antiproliferative activities over dehydroabietic acid and that some displayed better inhibitory activities compared to cisplatin. In particular, compound 4j exhibited promising cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 3.82 to 17.76 µM against all the test cell lines and displayed very weak cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 µM) on normal cells, showing good selectivity between normal and malignant cells. Furthermore, the action mechanism of the representative compound 4j was preliminarily investigated by Annexin-V/PI dual staining, Hoechst 33258 staining, which indicated that the compound can induce cell apoptosis in MGC-803 cells in a dose-dependent manner and arrest the cell cycle in G1 phase. Therefore, 4j may be further exploited as a novel pharmacophore model for the development of anticancer agents.
The Enigma of Sphingolipids in Health and Disease
Authors: Kleuser Burkhard
Published: October 2018

n/a
Iterative Frequency-Domain Response of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines with Parametric Drag
Authors: Lemmer Frank , Yu Wei , Cheng Po Wen
Published: October 2018

Methods for coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic time-domain simulations of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) have been successfully developed. One of the present challenges is a realistic approximation of the viscous drag of the wetted members of the floating platform. This paper presents a method for an iterative response calculation with a reduced-order frequency-domain model. It has heave plate drag coefficients, which are parameterized functions of literature data. The reduced-order model does not represent more than the most relevant effects on the FOWT system dynamics. It includes first-order and second-order wave forces, coupled with the wind turbine structural dynamics, aerodynamics and control system dynamics. So far, the viscous drag coefficients are usually defined as constants, independent of the load cases. With the computationally efficient frequency-domain model, it is possible to iterate the drag, such that it fits to the obtained amplitudes of oscillation of the different members. The results show that the drag coefficients vary significantly across operational load conditions. The viscous drag coefficients converge quickly and the method is applicable for concept-level design studies of FOWTs with load case-dependent drag.
Forecasting of Realised Volatility with the Random Forests Algorithm
Authors: Luong Chuong , Dokuchaev Nikolai
Published: October 2018

The paper addresses the forecasting of realised volatility for financial time series using the heterogeneous autoregressive model (HAR) and machine learning techniques. We consider an extended version of the existing HAR model with included purified implied volatility. For this extended model, we apply the random forests algorithm for the forecasting of the direction and the magnitude of the realised volatility. In experiments with historical high frequency data, we demonstrate improvements of forecast accuracy for the proposed model.
Modification of the Ceramic Implant Surfaces from Zirconia by the Magnetron Sputtering of Different Calcium Phosphate Targets: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kozelskaya Anna I. , Bolbasov Evgeny N. , Golovkin Alexey S. , Mishanin Alexander I. , Viknianshchuk Alice N. , Shesterikov Evgeny V. , Ashrafov Andrey , Novikov Vadim A. , Fedotkin Alexander Y. , Khlusov Igor A. , Tverdokhlebov Sergey I.
Published: October 2018

In this study, thin calcium phosphate (Ca-P) coatings were deposited on zirconia substrates by radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering using different calcium phosphate targets (calcium phosphate tribasic (CPT), hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium phosphate monobasic, calcium phosphate dibasic dehydrate (DCPD) and calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) powders). The sputtering of calcium phosphate monobasic and DCPD powders was carried out without an inert gas in the self-sustaining plasma mode. The physico-chemical, mechanical and biological properties of the coatings were investigated. Cell adhesion on the coatings was examined using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The CPT coating exhibited the best cell adherence among all the samples, including the uncoated zirconia substrate. The cells were spread uniformly over the surfaces of all samples.
A Facile Measurement for Monitoring Dragline Silk Dope Concentration in Nephila pilipes upon Spinning
Authors: Wu Hsuan-Chen , Wu Shang-Ru , Yang Thomas Chung-Kuang , Yang Jen-Chang
Published: October 2018

In spite of all the efforts towards deciphering the silk spinning process of spiders, the underlying mechanism is yet to be fully revealed. In this research, we designed a novel approach that allowed us to quantitatively evaluate the concentration change of silk dope during the liquid-to-solid spinning process of the orb-weaver Nephila pilipes. As a prior characterization of the optimal silking conditions, we first gauged the influence of silking-rate, ranging from 1.5 to 8.0 m/min, on dragline silk diameters and silk tensile strengths obtained from the spiders. Next, to evaluate the liquid content of the silk dope, the major ampullate gland was dissected and the concentration of the sac portion was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The solid content of the dragline fibers leaving the spinneret was investigated by calculating the ratio of collected dried silk to the weight loss of the spider recorded in situ upon spinning. As the results indicate, the tensile strength and diameter of the spun dragline fibers were 800–1100 MPa and 8–11 μm, respectively. The liquid content of silk stored in the major ampullate sac (50.0 wt%) was significantly lower than that of silk leaving the spinnerets (80.9–96.1 wt%), indicating that a liquid supplying mechanism might be involved during the spinning process. This reveals, for the first time, quantitative evidence in support of the lubricative hypothesis proposed formerly, namely that a liquid coating layer is supplemented to compensate for silking resistance during the spinning process of a spider. The spigot, at the exit of the spinneret, is speculated to serve as a valve-like controller that regulates the lubrication process along with fiber formation. Taken together, these findings provide understanding of the physiological functions in the spider spinning process and could further shed some light on the future biomimetic development of silk material fabrication.
Quad-Band Plasmonic Perfect Absorber for Visible Light with a Patchwork of Silicon Nanorod Resonators
Authors: Cao Can , Cheng Yongzhi
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a plasmonic perfect absorber (PPA) based on a silicon nanorod resonator (SNRR) for visible light is proposed and investigated numerically. The proposed PPA is only a two-layer nanostructure consisting of a SNRR periodic array and metal substrate. The perfect absorption mainly originates from excitation of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) mode in the SNRR structure. The absorption properties of this design can be adjusted by varying the radius (r) and height (h) of the SNRR structure. What is more, the stronger quad-band absorption can be achieved by combing four different radius of the SNRR in one period as a super unit-cell. Numerical simulation indicates that the designed quad-band PPA can achieve the absorbance of 99.99%, 99.8%, 99.8%, and 92.2% at 433.5 THz, 456 THz, 482 THz, and 504.5 THz, respectively. Further simulations show that the proposed PPA is polarization-insensitive for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. The proposed PPA can be a desirable candidate for some potential applications in detecting, sensing, and visible spectroscopy.
Porous NiTi Particle Dispersed Mg-Zn-Ca Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites
Authors: Guo Wei , Kato Hidemi , Lü Shulin , Wu Shusen
Published: October 2018

Even though the Mg-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have shown superior anti-corrosion properties compared with their crystalline counterparts, the brittleness of them limits the widespread application of these materials. In the present study, we have firstly introduced porous NiTi shape memory alloy particles into an Mg-Zn-Ca BMG by the direct adding method. This composite showed both improved compressive strength and corrosion resistance in Hank’s solutions than its monolithic glassy counterpart. The NiTi dispersoids among the matrix were likely to hinder the main shear band propagation, and also acted as the corrosion barriers. Furthermore, the porous nature of present added particle could further increase the interface areas, which should enhance the reinforcing effects compared with solid ones. This low-cost, high-anticorrosive composite was a good candidate as an engineering material.
Direct Transformation of Metallized Paper into Al-Si Nano-Rod and Al Nano-Particles Using Thermal Micronizing Technique
Authors: Shahrbabaki Zahra Karbalaei Mirza , Pahlevani Farshid , Gorjizadeh Narjes , Hossain Rumana , Ghasemian Mohammad Bagher , Gaikwad Vaibhav , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: October 2018

The abundant application of metallized paper and the quick growth of their wastes lead to the removal of a huge amount of valuable resources from economic cycle. In this work, for the first-time, the thermal micronizing technique has been used to directly transform the metallized paper wastes to Al-Si nano-rod and Al nano-particles for use as the input in different manufacturing sectors such as additive manufacturing or composite fabrication. Structure of metallized paper has been investigated using FT-IR analysis and first-principle plane-wave calculation. Then, based on the structure of metallized paper, thermal micronizing technique has been modified to directly transform this waste into nano materials. Structure of nano-particles and nano-rods has been investigated using SEM, TEM, and XPS analysis. Results showed two main Al-Si nano-rod and Al nano-particle morphologies created as a result of the different surface tensions, which facilitate their separation by Eddy current separation technique. These quick transformation and facile separation together make this technique a unique process to deal with this complex waste and producing value-added products which can re-capture these high value materials from waste and make the reforming economically viable.
High-Order Energy and Linear Momentum Conserving Methods for the Klein-Gordon Equation
Authors: Yang He
Published: October 2018

The Klein-Gordon equation is a model for free particle wave function in relativistic quantum mechanics. Many numerical methods have been proposed to solve the Klein-Gordon equation. However, efficient high-order numerical methods that preserve energy and linear momentum of the equation have not been considered. In this paper, we propose high-order numerical methods to solve the Klein-Gordon equation, present the energy and linear momentum conservation properties of our numerical schemes, and show the optimal error estimates and superconvergence property. We also verify the performance of our numerical schemes by some numerical examples.
Formation Procedure of Reaction Phases in Al Hot Dipping Process of Steel
Authors: Shin Dongik , Lee Jeong-Yong , Heo Hoejun , Kang Chung-Yun
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the nucleation and growth mechanism of reaction layers and phases of hot-dipped boron steel in pure Al at 690 °C for 0–120 s. In the case of a dipping time of 30 s, reaction nuclei of width 10–15 μm and height 10 μm were formed on the steel surface in the flow direction of the liquid Al. This reaction layer was formed as a mixture of θ (Fe4Al13) phase of several nm to 2 μm, θ and η (Fe2Al5) of several nm, a columnar η region, and a β (FeAl) region of 500 nm thickness at the steel interface. At the grain boundaries of ferrite, in contact with the η phase, κ (Fe3AlC) was formed. Using the calculated Fe-Al phase diagram, it was determined that when Fe was dissolved in liquid Al from the steel above 2.5 at% (0.6 wt%), the θ phase was formed. Although most of the θ phases continuously grew toward the liquid phase, the θ phase in contact with the steel was transformed into the η phase with minimal differences in composition due to the inter-diffusion of Al and Fe. It was therefore concluded that the η phase formed at the interface became a growth nucleus and grew in a columnar form toward the steel.
Generalized Stacking Fault Energies of Aluminum Alloys–Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Muzyk Marek , Pakieła Zbigniew , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: October 2018

Generalized stacking fault energies of aluminum alloys were calculated using density functional theory. Stacking fault energy of aluminum alloys was correlated with the d-electrons number of transition metal alloying elements. The tendency to twinning is also modified by the presence of the alloying element in the deformation plane. Our results suggest that Al alloys, with such elements as Zr, Nb, Y, Mo, Ta, and Hf, are expected to exhibit a strong work hardening rate due to emission of the partial dislocations.
Thermal Performance of Micro Hotplates with Novel Shapes Based on Single-Layer SiO2 Suspended Film
Authors: Liu Qi , Ding Guifu , Wang Yipin , Yao Jinyuan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, two kinds of suspended micro hotplate with novel shapes of multibeam structure and reticular structure are designed. These designs have a reliable mechanical strength, so they can be designed and fabricated on single-layer SiO2 suspended film through a simplified process. Single-layer suspended film helps to reduce power consumption. Based on the new film shapes, different resistance heaters with various widths and thicknesses are designed. Then, the temperature uniformity and power consumption of different micro hotplates are compared to study the effect of these variables and obtain the one with the optimal thermal performance. We report the simulations of temperature uniformity and give the corresponding infrared images in measurement. The experimental temperature differences are larger than those of the simulation. Experimental results show that the lowest power consumption and the minimum temperature difference are 43 mW and 50 °C, respectively, when the highest temperature on the suspended platform (240 × 240 μm2) is 450 °C. Compared to the traditional four-beam micro hotplate, temperature non-uniformity is reduced by about 30–50%.
Fatty Fish Intake and the Effect on Mental Health and Sleep in Preschool Children in FINS-KIDS, a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hysing Mari , Kvestad Ingrid , Kjellevold Marian , Kolden Midtbø Lisa , Graff Ingvild Eide , Lie Øyvind , Hurum Hallvard , Stormark Kjell Morten , Øyen Jannike
Published: October 2018

Mental health and sleep problems are prevalent in children during preschool years. The aim of the current study was to investigate if increased intake of fatty fish compared with meat improves mental health and sleep in four- to six-year-old children. The children (n = 232) in the two-armed randomized controlled trial, Fish Intervention Studies-KIDS (FINS-KIDS), were randomly assigned to lunch meals with fatty fish (herring/mackerel) or meat (chicken/lamb/beef) three times a week for 16 weeks. The fish and meat were weighed before and after the meals to record the exact consumption in grams (dietary compliance). Mental health problems were assessed by the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and sleep by parent report pre- and post-intervention. There was no significant statistical difference between changes in mental health and sleep for the fish eating group compared with the meat eating group, neither in the crude analysis nor after adjusting for intake of fish or meat (dietary compliance).
Micronutrient Deficiencies, Over- and Undernutrition, and Their Contribution to Anemia in Azerbaijani Preschool Children and Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Wirth James P. , Rajabov Tamerlan , Petry Nicolai , Woodruff Bradley A. , Shafique Nafisa Binte , Mustafa Rashed , Tyler Vilma Qahoush , Rohner Fabian
Published: October 2018

Data on the nutritional situation and prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Azerbaijan are scarce, and knowledge about anemia risk factors is needed for national and regional policymakers. A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, over- and undernutrition, and to disentangle determinants of anemia in children and women in Azerbaijan. The survey generated estimates of micronutrient deficiency and growth indicators for children aged 0–59 months of age (6–59 months for blood biomarkers) and non-pregnant women 15–49 years of age. Questionnaire data, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples were collected to assess the prevalence of under- and over-nutrition, anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia, in both groups. In children only, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency were also assessed. In women only, folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies and vitamin A insufficiency were assessed. In total, 3926 household interviews were successfully completed with a response rate of 80.6%. In the 1455 children, infant and young child feeding practices were relatively poor overall; the prevalence of wasting and stunting were 3.1% and 18.0%, respectively; and 14.1% of children were overweight or obese. The prevalence of anemia was 24.2% in 6–59 months old children, the prevalence of iron deficiency was 15.0% in this age group, and the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 6.5%. Vitamin A deficiency was found in 8.0% of children, and zinc deficiency was found in 10.7%. Data from 3089 non-pregnant women 15–49 years of age showed that while undernutrition was scarce, 53% were overweight or obese, with increasing prevalence with increasing age. Anemia affected 38.2% of the women, iron deficiency 34.1% and iron deficiency anemia 23.8%. Vitamin A insufficiency was found in 10.5% of women. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were somewhat more common, with prevalence rates of 35.0% and 19.7%, respectively. The main risk factors for anemia in children were recent lower respiratory infection, inflammation and iron deficiency. In women, the main risk factors for anemia were iron deficiency and vitamin A insufficiency. Anemia is a public health problem in Azerbaijani children and women, and additional efforts are needed to reduce anemia in both groups.
Pretargeted Imaging with Gallium-68—Improving the Binding Capability by Increasing the Number of Tetrazine Motifs
Authors: Summer Dominik , Mayr Sonja , Petrik Milos , Rangger Christine , Schoeler Katia , Vieider Lisa , Matuszczak Barbara , Decristoforo Clemens
Published: October 2018

The inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction between 1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Tz) and trans-cyclooct-2-ene (TCO) has gained increasing attraction among extensive studies on click chemistry due to its exceptionally fast reaction kinetics and high selectivity for in vivo pretargeting applications including PET imaging. The facile two-step approach utilizing TCO-modified antibodies as targeting structures has not made it into clinics yet. An increase in the blood volume of humans in comparison to mice seems to be the major limitation. This study aims to show if the design of multimeric Tz-ligands by chelator scaffolding can improve the binding capacity and may lead to enhanced PET imaging with gallium-68. We utilized for this purpose the macrocyclic siderophore Fusarinine C (FSC) which allows conjugation of up to three Tz-residues due to three primary amines available for site specific modification. The resulting mono- di- and trimeric conjugates were radiolabelled with gallium-68 and characterized in vitro (logD, protein binding, stability, binding towards TCO modified rituximab (RTX)) and in vivo (biodistribution- and imaging studies in normal BALB/c mice using a simplified RTX-TCO tumour surrogate). The 68Ga-labelled FSC-based Tz-ligands showed suitable hydrophilicity, high stability and high targeting specificity. The binding capacity to RTX-TCO was increased according to the grade of multimerization. Corresponding in vivo studies showed a multimerization typical profile but generally suitable pharmacokinetics with low accumulation in non-targeted tissue. Imaging studies in RTX-TCO tumour surrogate bearing BALB/c mice confirmed this trend and revealed improved targeting by multimerization as increased accumulation in RTX-TCO positive tissue was observed.