bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linearized Stochastic Scheduling of Interconnected Energy Hubs Considering Integrated Demand Response and Wind Uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Yining , He Yubin , Yan Mingyu , Guo Chuangxin , Ding Yi
Published: September 2018

In the context of the Energy Internet, customers are supplied by energy hubs (EH), while the EHs are interconnected through an upper-level transmission system. In this paper, a stochastic scheduling model is proposed for the interconnected EHs considering integrated demand response (DR) and wind variation. The whole integrated energy system (IES) is linearly modeled for the first time. The output-input relationship within the energy hub is denoted as a linearized matrix, while the upper-level power and natural gas transmission systems are analyzed through piecewise linearization method. A novel sequential linearization method is further proposed to balance computational efficiency and approximation accuracy. Integrated demand response is introduced to smooth out demand curve, considering both internal DR achieved by the optimal energy conversion strategy within energy hubs, and external DR achieved by demand adjustment on the customer’s side. Distributed energy storage like natural gas and heat storage are considered to provide buffer for system operation. The proposed stochastic model is solved by scenario-based optimization with a backward scenario reduction strategy. Numerical tests on a three-hub and seventeen-hub interconnected system that validates the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling model and solution methodology.
Novel Cross-View Human Action Model Recognition Based on the Powerful View-Invariant Features Technique
Authors: Mambou Sebastien , Krejcar Ondrej , Kuca Kamil , Selamat Ali
Published: September 2018

One of the most important research topics nowadays is human action recognition, which is of significant interest to the computer vision and machine learning communities. Some of the factors that hamper it include changes in postures and shapes and the memory space and time required to gather, store, label, and process the pictures. During our research, we noted a considerable complexity to recognize human actions from different viewpoints, and this can be explained by the position and orientation of the viewer related to the position of the subject. We attempted to address this issue in this paper by learning different special view-invariant facets that are robust to view variations. Moreover, we focused on providing a solution to this challenge by exploring view-specific as well as view-shared facets utilizing a novel deep model called the sample-affinity matrix (SAM). These models can accurately determine the similarities among samples of videos in diverse angles of the camera and enable us to precisely fine-tune transfer between various views and learn more detailed shared facets found in cross-view action identification. Additionally, we proposed a novel view-invariant facets algorithm that enabled us to better comprehend the internal processes of our project. Using a series of experiments applied on INRIA Xmas Motion Acquisition Sequences (IXMAS) and the Northwestern–UCLA Multi-view Action 3D (NUMA) datasets, we were able to show that our technique performs much better than state-of-the-art techniques.
Forecasting International Tourism Demand Using a Non-Linear Autoregressive Neural Network and Genetic Programming
Authors: Álvarez-Díaz Marcos , González-Gómez Manuel , Otero-Giráldez María
Published: September 2018

This study explores the forecasting ability of two powerful non-linear computational methods: artificial neural networks and genetic programming. We use as a case of study the monthly international tourism demand in Spain, approximated by the number of tourist arrivals and of overnight stays. The forecasting results reveal that non-linear methods achieve slightly better predictions than those obtained by a traditional forecasting technique, the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) approach. This slight forecasting improvement was close to being statistically significant. Forecasters must judge whether the high cost of implementing these computational methods is worthwhile.
Framework for Offline Flood Inundation Forecasts for Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Models
Authors: Bhola Punit Kumar , Leandro Jorge , Disse Markus
Published: September 2018

The paper presents a new methodology for hydrodynamic-based flood forecast that focuses on scenario generation and database queries to select appropriate flood inundation maps in real-time. In operational flood forecasting, only discharges are forecasted at specific gauges using hydrological models. Hydrodynamic models, which are required to produce inundation maps, are computationally expensive, hence not feasible for real-time inundation forecasting. In this study, we have used a substantial number of pre-calculated inundation maps that are stored in a database and a methodology to extract the most likely maps in real-time. The method uses real-time discharge forecast at upstream gauge as an input and compares it with the pre-recorded scenarios. The results show satisfactory agreements between offline inundation maps that are retrieved from a pre-recorded database and online maps, which are hindcasted using historical events. Furthermore, this allows an efficient early warning system, thanks to the fast run-time of the proposed offline selection of inundation maps. The framework is validated in the city of Kulmbach in Germany.
The Evaluation of Professional Divisions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Taiwan through Patient Visit Records of 2012
Authors: Wu Ta-Peng , Tsai Cheng-Hung , Su Yu-Ting , Wang Chu-Chiao , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chang Ching-Mao , Chen Fang-Pey
Published: September 2018

For decades, professional divisions have been represented as the main structural divisions in Western medicine throughout the world. In Taiwan, medical policymakers are also interested in designing professional divisions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, this study evaluated the current status and potentiality of professional divisions of TCM in Taiwan using data from the year 2012 obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database; the database provides information regarding age and gender of TCM physicians (TCMPs); total visit counts; contracted medical institution codes; groupings of diseases classified under International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes; numbers of children and female patients seeking treatment; and claim disposition codes used by each TCMP. The results indicated that there were 5522 TCMPs in 2012, and 4876 (90.3%) TCMPs practiced in primary clinics. The proportions of pediatric visits to these TCMPs were mostly below 0.2, and acupuncture or traumatology-related visit proportions were below 0.5. Only a few of the studied Taiwan-based TCMPs practiced gynecology and pediatrics, but most of them performed “internal medicine”, or “acupuncture” or “traumatology” treatments. Thus, the number of TCM specialists practicing gynecology or pediatrics is insufficient, indicating that a policy that forms professional divisions of TCM practitioners in Taiwan should be reconsidered.
Are Engaged Workaholics Protected against Job-Related Negative Affect and Anxiety before Sleep? A Study of the Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Spagnoli Paola , Balducci Cristian , Scafuri Kovalchuk Liliya , Maiorano Francesco , Buono Carmela
Published: September 2018

Although the interplay between workaholism and work engagement could explain several open questions regarding the Heavy Work Investment (HWI) phenomenon, few studies have addressed this issue. Thus, with the purpose of filling this literature gap, the present study aimed at examining a model where job-related negative affect mediates the relationship between the interplay of workaholism and work engagement, and anxiety before sleep. Since gender could have a role in the way the interplay would impact on the theorized model, we also hypothesized a moderated role of gender on the specific connection concerning the interplay between workaholism and work engagement, in relation to job-related negative affect. Conditional process analysis was conducted on a sample of 146 participants, balanced for gender. Results supported the mediating model and indicated the presence of a moderated role of gender, such that engaged workaholic women reported significantly less job-related negative affect than disengaged workaholic women. On the contrary, the interplay between workaholism and work engagement did not seem significant for men. Results are discussed in light of the limitations and future directions of the research in this field, as well as the ensuing practical implications.
Lead Poisoning and the Dangers of Pragmatism
Authors: Renfrew Daniel
Published: September 2018

Drawing from ethnographic research on lead poisoning in Uruguay and secondary literature from lead poisoning cases around the world, the commentary argues that public health policy guided by pragmatism presents multiple dangers to effective health intervention.
A Bayesian Downscaler Model to Estimate Daily PM2.5 Levels in the Conterminous US
Authors: Wang Yikai , Hu Xuefei , Chang Howard H. , Waller Lance A. , Belle Jessica H. , Liu Yang
Published: September 2018

There has been growing interest in extending the coverage of ground particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) monitoring networks based on satellite remote sensing data. With broad spatial and temporal coverage, a satellite-based monitoring network has a strong potential to complement the ground monitor system in terms of the spatiotemporal availability of the air quality data. However, most existing calibration models focus on a relatively small spatial domain and cannot be generalized to a national study. In this paper, we proposed a statistically reliable and interpretable national modeling framework based on Bayesian downscaling methods to be applied to the calibration of the daily ground PM2.5 concentrations across the conterminous United States using satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) and other ancillary predictors in 2011. Our approach flexibly models the PM2.5 versus AOD and the potential related geographical factors varying across the climate regions and yields spatial- and temporal-specific parameters to enhance model interpretability. Moreover, our model accurately predicted the national PM2.5 with an R2 at 70% and generated reliable annual and seasonal PM2.5 concentration maps with its SD. Overall, this modeling framework can be applied to national-scale PM2.5 exposure assessments and can also quantify the prediction errors.
Innovating New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) for Better Patient Satisfaction in Rural China
Authors: Gu Dongxiao , Yang Xuejie , Li Xingguo , Liang Changyong , Zhong Jinhong , Feng Nanping
Published: September 2018

With the broadening application of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS), its role in patient satisfaction in rural China has shifted to be the focus of academic research. Based on a technology acceptance model, this study will investigate the factors and mechanisms influencing patient satisfaction on NCMSS in rural places in China. In this study, based on a technology acceptance model, we developed a model that is associated with the influencing factors, patients’ continued participation and patient satisfaction, and conducted an empirical analysis based on data collected from rural areas of China’s Anhui Province. A NCMS′s reputed reliability, value, and convenience played a key role in positively influencing patient satisfaction. However, long-term patient participation was not significantly influenced by other social factors. In order to increase patient satisfaction, NCMS policy and implementation procedure needs further government modification and innovation with the goal of improving the reimbursement ratio, reducing the financial burden, and improving patient convenience.
The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vitamin D in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Lei , Xu Hui-Jing , Li Yan , Hu Chuan-Min , Yang Jing-Yan , Sun Mei-Yan
Published: September 2018

In conjunction with the classical functions of regulating intestinal, bone, and kidney calcium and phosphorus absorption, as well as bone mineralization of vitamin D, the population-based association between low vitamin D status and increased cancer risk is now generally accepted. Inflammation is causally related to oncogenesis. It is widely thought that vitamin D plays an important role in the modulation of the inflammation system by regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells, which are crucial for the pathogenesis of many immune-related diseases. Mechanistic studies have shown that vitamin D influences inflammatory processes involved in cancer progression, including cytokines, prostaglandins, MAP kinase phosphatase 5 (MKP5), the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and immune cells. Multiple studies have shown that vitamin D has the potential to inhibit tumor development by interfering with the inflammation system. The present review summarizes recent studies of the mechanisms of vitamin D on regulating the inflammation system, which contributes to its potential for cancer prevention and therapy. This review helps answer whether inflammation mediates a causal relationship between vitamin D and tumorigenesis.
The Degradation Properties of MgO Whiskers/PLLA Composite In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Yun , Liu Bei , Bi Hongwei , Yang Jinjun , Li Wei , Liang Hui , Liang Yue , Jia Zhibin , Shi Shuxin , Chen Minfang
Published: September 2018

In this study, composite films of stearic acid–modified magnesium oxide whiskers (Sa–w-MgO)/poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) were prepared through solution casting, and the in vitro degradation properties and cytocompatibility of the composites with different whisker contents were investigated. The results showed that the degradation behavior of the composite samples depended significantly on the whisker content, and the degradation rate increased with the addition of MgO content. Furthermore, the degradation of the composites with higher contents of whiskers was influenced more severely by the hydrophilicity and pH value, leading to more final weight loss, but the decomposition rate decreased gradually. Furthermore, the pH value of the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was obviously regulated by the dissolution of MgO whiskers through neutralization of the acidic product of PLLA degradation. The cytocompatibility of the composites also increased remarkably, as determined from the cell viability results, and was higher than that of PLLA at the chosen whisker content. This was beneficial for the cell affinity of the material, as it notably led to an enhanced biocompatibility of the PLLA, in favor of promoting cell proliferation, which significantly improved its bioactivity, as well.
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Gliomas: From Molecular Pathology to Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Vecera Marek , Sana Jiri , Lipina Radim , Smrcka Martin , Slaby Ondrej
Published: September 2018

Gliomas are the most common malignancies of the central nervous system. Because of tumor localization and the biological behavior of tumor cells, gliomas are characterized by very poor prognosis. Despite significant efforts that have gone into glioma research in recent years, the therapeutic efficacy of available treatment options is still limited, and only a few clinically usable diagnostic biomarkers are available. More and more studies suggest non-coding RNAs to be promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in many cancers, including gliomas. One of the largest groups of these molecules is long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs show promising potential because of their unique tissue expression patterns and regulatory functions in cancer cells. Understanding the role of lncRNAs in gliomas may lead to discovery of the novel molecular mechanisms behind glioma biological features. It may also enable development of new solutions to overcome the greatest obstacles in therapy of glioma patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about lncRNAs and their involvement in the molecular pathology of gliomas. A conclusion follows that these RNAs show great potential to serve as powerful diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets.
The Potential Role of Auxin and Abscisic Acid Balance and FtARF2 in the Final Size Determination of Tartary Buckwheat Fruit
Authors: Liu Moyang , Ma Zhaotang , Zheng Tianrun , Wang Jing , Huang Li , Sun Wenjun , Zhang Yanjun , Jin Weiqiong , Zhan Junyi , Cai Yuntao , Tang Yujia , Wu Qi , Tang Zizhong , Bu Tongliang , Li Chenglei , Chen Hui , Zhao Gang
Published: September 2018

Tartary buckwheat is a type of cultivated medicinal and edible crop with good economic and nutritional value. Knowledge of the final fruit size of buckwheat is critical to its yield increase. In this study, the fruit development of two species of Tartary buckwheat in the Polygonaceae was analyzed. During fruit development, the size/weight, the contents of auxin (AUX)/abscisic acid (ABA), the number of cells, and the changes of embryo were measured and observed; and the two fruit materials were compared to determine the related mechanisms that affected fruit size and the potential factors that regulated the final fruit size. The early events during embryogenesis greatly influenced the final fruit size, and the difference in fruit growth was primarily due to the difference in the number of cells, implicating the effect of cell division rate. Based on our observations and recent reports, the balance of AUX and ABA might be the key factor that regulated the cell division rate. They induced the response of auxin response factor 2 (FtARF2) and downstream small auxin upstream RNA (FtSAURs) through hormone signaling pathway to regulate the fruit size of Tartary buckwheat. Further, through the induction of fruit expansion by exogenous auxin, FtARF2b was significantly downregulated. The FtARF2b is a potential target for molecular breeding or gene editing.
F13A1 Gene Variant (V34L) and Residual Circulating FXIIIA Levels Predict Short- and Long-Term Mortality in Acute Myocardial Infarction after Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: Ansani Lucia , Marchesini Jlenia , Pestelli Gabriele , Luisi Giovanni Andrea , Scillitani Giulia , Longo Giovanna , Milani Daniela , Serino Maria Luisa , Tisato Veronica , Gemmati Donato
Published: September 2018

Factor XIIIA (FXIIIA) levels are independent predictors of early prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the Valine-to-Leucine (V34L) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) seems associated with lower AMI risk. Since the long-term AMI prognosis merits deeper investigation, we performed an observational study evaluating relationships between FXIIIA residual levels, cardiovascular risk-factors, and inherited genetic predispositions. FXIIIA V34L was genotyped in 333 AMI patients and a five-year follow-up was performed. FXIIIA levels assessed at day-zero (d0) and four days after AMI (d4), and conventional risk factors were analyzed, focusing on the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). FXIIIA assessed at d0 and d4 was also an independent MACE predictor in the long-term follow-up (FXIIIAd0, Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.02, 1.79–5.1, p = 0.013; FXIIIAd4, OR = 4.46, 2.33–8.55, p = 0.0001). FXIIIAd4 showed the strongest MACE association, suggesting that the FXIIIA protective role is maximized when high levels are maintained for longer time. Conversely, FXIIIA levels stratified by V34L predicted MACE at a lesser extent among L34-carriers (Hazard Risk (HR)VV34 = 3.89, 2.19–6.87, p = 0.000003; HRL34-carriers = 2.78, 1.39–5.57, p = 0.0039), and V34L did not predict all MACE, only multiple-MACE occurrence (p = 0.0087). Finally, in survival analysis, heart failure and death differed significantly from stroke and recurrent ischemia (p = 0.0013), with FXIIIA levels appreciably lower in the former (p = 0.05). Overall, genetically-determined FXIIIA levels have a significant long-term prognostic role, suggesting that a pharmacogenetics approach might help to select those AMI patients at risk of poor prognosis in the need of dedicated treatments.
Spatholobus suberectus Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Renal Damage by Suppressing Advanced Glycation End Products in db/db Mice
Authors: Do Moon Ho , Hur Jinyoung , Choi Jiwon , Kim Yoonsook , Park Ho-Young , Ha Sang Keun
Published: September 2018

Spatholobus suberectus (SS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in Asia to treat anemia, menoxenia and rheumatism. However, its effect of diabetes-induced renal damage and mechanisms of action against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SS on diabetes-induced renal damage and explored the possible underlying mechanisms using db/db type 2 diabetes mice. db/db mice were administered SS extract (50 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. SS-treated group did not change body weight, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. However, SS treatment reversed diabetes-induced dyslipidemia and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in db/db mice. Moreover, SS administration showed significantly increased protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is a transcription factor for antioxidant enzyme. SS significantly upregulated glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) and NADPH quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression but reduced CML accumulation and downregulated receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Furthermore, SS showed significant decrease of periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive staining and AGEs accumulation in histological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissues. Taken together, we concluded that SS ameliorated the renal damage by inhibiting diabetes-induced glucotoxicity, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, through the Nrf2/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) stress-response system.
Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia Is Associated with the Variant 54 Threonine FABP2 Gene
Authors: Garcés Da Silva María Fatima , Guarin Yamil Adrian , Carrero Yenny , Stekman Hilda , Núñez Bello María Luisa , Hernández Celsy , Apitz Rafael , Fernández-Mestre Mercedes , Camejo Germán
Published: September 2018

Purpose: Fasting or postprandial hypertriglyceridemia is considered an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. The intestinal fatty acid binding protein (FABP2) is involved in the intracellular transport and metabolism of fatty acids. The presence of the Ala54Thr polymorphism of the FABP2 gene appears to be involved in postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. We explored the possible association of the Ala54Thr polymorphism with fat intolerance in apparently healthy, fasting, normolipidemic subjects with normal body-mass index and without diabetes. Methodology: A total of 158 apparently healthy individuals were classified as fat tolerant (n = 123) or intolerant (n = 35) according to their response (plasma triglycerides) to an oral abbreviated tolerance test with blood samples taken at 0, 2 and 4 h. At 0 h, all subjects ingested 26.3 g of fats. Presence of the Ala54Thr polymorphism of the FABP2 gene was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length (PCR–RFLP). Results: The group with fat intolerance (postprandial hypertriglyceridemia group) showed an increased frequency of the Thr54Thr genotype when compared with the group with normal fat tolerance (control group) (23% vs. 4%, respectively, OR: 16.53, 95% CI: 4.09–66.82, p: 0.0001, pc: 0.0003). Carriers of at least one Thr54 allele were up to six times more prevalent in the fat intolerant group than in the non-carriers. (OR: 6.35; 95% CI: 1.86–21.59, p: 0.0003, pc: 0.0009). The levels of plasma triglycerides (Tg) at 4 h after the test meal were higher in carriers of at least one 54Thr allele than in carriers of the Ala54 allele (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is a significant association between postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and the presence of at least one 54Thr allele of the FABP2 gene. In addition, subjects with this genotype showed an increased ratio of Tg/HDL-cholesterol. This parameter is a marker of increased CVD risk and insulin resistance.
Development of a Prediction Model for Colorectal Cancer among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Hsieh Meng-Hsuen , Sun Li-Min , Lin Cheng-Li , Hsieh Meng-Ju , Sun Kyle , Hsu Chung-Y. , Chou An-Kuo , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: September 2018

Objectives: Observational studies suggested that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presented a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study aims to create a deep neural network (DNN) to predict the onset of CRC for patients with T2DM. Methods: We employed the national health insurance database of Taiwan to create predictive models for detecting an increased risk of subsequent CRC development in T2DM patients in Taiwan. We identified a total of 1,349,640 patients between 2000 and 2012 with newly diagnosed T2DM. All the available possible risk factors for CRC were also included in the analyses. The data were split into training and test sets with 97.5% of the patients in the training set and 2.5% of the patients in the test set. The deep neural network (DNN) model was optimized using Adam with Nesterov’s accelerated gradient descent. The recall, precision, F1 values, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate predictor performance. Results: The F1, precision, and recall values of the DNN model across all data were 0.931, 0.982, and 0.889, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the DNN model across all data was 0.738, compared to the ideal value of 1. The metrics indicate that the DNN model appropriately predicted CRC. In contrast, a single variable predictor using adapted the Diabetes Complication Severity Index showed poorer performance compared to the DNN model. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the DNN model is an appropriate tool to predict CRC risk in patients with T2DM in Taiwan.
Association between Cigarette Smoking Status and Composition of Gut Microbiota: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Su , Yun Yeojun , Kim Soo , Lee Eun-Ju , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Shin Hocheol , Kim Hyung-Lae , Kim Han-Na , Lee Jin
Published: September 2018

There have been few large-scale studies on the relationship between smoking and gut microbiota. We investigated the relationship between smoking status and the composition of gut microbiota. This was a population-based cross-sectional study using Healthcare Screening Center cohort data. A total of 758 men were selected and divided into three groups: never (n = 288), former (n = 267), and current smokers (n = 203). Among the three groups, there was no difference in alpha diversity, however, Jaccard-based beta diversity showed significant difference (p = 0.015). Pairwise permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) tests between never and former smokers did not show a difference; however, there was significant difference between never and current smokers (p = 0.017) and between former and current smokers (p = 0.011). Weighted UniFrac-based beta diversity also showed significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.038), and pairwise PERMANOVA analysis of never and current smokers showed significant difference (p = 0.01). In the analysis of bacterial composition, current smokers had an increased proportion of the phylum Bacteroidetes with decreased Firmicutes and Proteobacteria compared with never smokers, whereas there were no differences between former and never smokers. In conclusion, gut microbiota composition of current smokers was significantly different from that of never smokers. Additionally, there was no difference in gut microbiota composition between never and former smokers.
Free Surface Reconstruction for Phase Accurate Irregular Wave Generation
Authors: Aggarwal Ankit , Pákozdi Csaba , Bihs Hans , Myrhaug Dag , Alagan Chella Mayilvahanan
Published: September 2018

The experimental wave paddle signal is unknown to the numerical modellers in many cases. This makes it quite challenging to numerically reproduce the time history of free surface elevation for irregular waves. In the present work, a numerical investigation is performed using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based model to validate and investigate a non-iterative free surface reconstruction technique for irregular waves. In the current approach, the free surface is reconstructed by spectrally composing the irregular wave train as a summation of the harmonic components coupled with the Dirichlet inlet boundary condition. The verification is performed by comparing the numerically reconstructed free surface elevation with theoretical input waves. The applicability of the present approach to generate irregular waves by reconstructing the free surface is investigated for different coastal and marine engineering problems. A numerical analysis is performed to validate the free surface reconstruction approach to generate breaking irregular waves over a submerged bar. The wave amplitudes, wave frequencies and wave phases are modelled with good accuracy in the time-domain during the higher-order energy transfers and complex processes like wave shoaling, wave breaking and wave decomposition. The present approach to generate irregular waves is also employed to model steep irregular waves in deep water. The free surface reconstruction method is able to simulate the irregular free surface profiles in deep water with low root mean square errors and high correlation coefficients. Furthermore, the irregular wave forces on a monopile are investigated in the time-domain. The amplitudes and phases of the force signal under irregular waves generated by using the current technique are modelled accurately in the time-domain. The proposed approach to numerically reproduce the free surface elevation in the time-domain provides promising and accurate results for all the benchmark cases.
Contribution to Reduce the Influence of the Free Sliding Edge on Compression-After-Impact Testing of Thin-Walled Undamaged Composites Plates
Authors: Linke Markus , García-Manrique Juan Antonio
Published: September 2018

Standard Compression-After-Impact test devices show a weakening effect on thin-walled specimens due to a free panel edge that is required for compression. As a result, thin-walled undamaged samples do not break in the free measuring area but near the free edge and along the supports. They also show a strength reduction due to the free edge which can become potentially relevant for very weakly damaged panels. In order to reduce the free edge influence on the measured strength, a modified Compression-After-Impact test device has been developed. In an experimental investigation with carbon fiber reinforced plastics, the modified device is compared with a standard device. It is shown that thin-walled undamaged specimens investigated with the modified device now mainly break within the free measuring area and no longer at the free edge and along the bearings as it is the case for standard test devices. The modified device does not cause a free edge weakening effect in comparison to standard devices. The modified device is therefore more suitable for determining the compression strengths of undamaged thin-walled composite plates.
Porous Calcium Phosphate Ceramic Scaffolds with Tailored Pore Orientations and Mechanical Properties Using Lithography-Based Ceramic 3D Printing Technique
Authors: Lee Jung-Bin , Maeng Woo-Youl , Koh Young-Hag , Kim Hyoun-Ee
Published: September 2018

This study demonstrates the usefulness of the lithography-based ceramic 3-dimensional printing technique with a specifically designed top-down process for the production of porous calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic scaffolds with tailored pore orientations and mechanical properties. The processing parameters including the preparation of a photocurable CaP slurry with a high solid loading (φ = 45 vol%), the exposure time for photocuring process, and the initial designs of the porous scaffolds were carefully controlled. Three types of porous CaP scaffolds with different pore orientations (i.e., 0°/90°, 0°/45°/90°/135°, and 0°/30°/60°/90°/120°/150°) were produced. All the scaffolds exhibited a tightly controlled porous structure with straight CaP frameworks arranged in a periodic pattern while the porosity was kept constant. The porous CaP scaffold with a pore orientation of 0°/90° demonstrated the highest compressive strength and modulus due to a number of CaP frameworks parallel to the loading direction. On the other hand, scaffolds with multiple pore orientations may exhibit more isotropic mechanical properties regardless of the loading directions. The porous CaP scaffolds exhibited an excellent in vitro apatite-forming ability in a stimulated body fluid (SBF) solution. These findings suggest that porous CaP scaffolds with tailored pore orientations may provide tunable mechanical properties with good bone regeneration ability.
Impact of Two-Dimensional Particle Size Distribution on Estimation of Water Vapor Diffusivity in Micrometric Size Cellulose Particles
Authors: Thoury-Monbrun Valentin , Angellier-Coussy Hélène , Guillard Valérie , Legland David , Gaucel Sébastien
Published: September 2018

This work aims at assessing the impact of two-dimensional particle size distribution (2D-PSD) on the identification of water vapor diffusivity in micrometric size cellulose particles displaying a size aspect ratio lower than 2 and a cylindrical shape. First, different methodologies to obtain the two-dimensional (2D) particle size distribution (diameter versus length) were compared, based on image analysis. Then, experimental sorption kinetics were obtained by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coupled with a water vapor adsorption system. Diffusivity values were estimated when considering either the 2D-PSD or global descriptors, such as the mean or median diameter and length of particles. Results revealed that the use of an analytical approach when considering the 2D mean-PSD or the median-PSD was the most accurate way to get diffusivity values at the scale of particles in a polydisperse sample of cellulose particles. Following this approach, a water vapor apparent diffusivity of 3.1 × 10−12 ± 2.3 × 10−12 m2·s−1 was found for the considered cellulose sample. Neglecting PSD in diffusivity estimation led to an underestimation of a factor of 2. This procedure could be extended for all the polydisperse samples in order to have an accurate estimation of water vapor diffusivity at the scale of single particles.
Investigating Metal–Insulator Transition and Structural Phase Transformation in the (010)-VO2/(001)-YSZ Epitaxial Thin Films
Authors: Yang Yuanjun , Yao Yingxue , Zhang Benjian , Lin Hui , Luo Zhenlin , Gao Chen , Zhang Cong , Kang Chaoyang
Published: September 2018

The VO2 thin films with sharp metal–insulator transition (MIT) were epitaxially grown on (001)-oriented Yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates (YSZ) using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering techniques. The MIT and structural phase transition (SPT) were comprehensively investigated under in situ temperature conditions. The amplitude of MIT is in the order of magnitude of 104, and critical temperature is 342 K during the heating cycle. It is interesting that both electron concentration and mobility are changed by two orders of magnitude across the MIT. This research is distinctively different from previous studies, which found that the electron concentration solely contributes to the amplitude of the MIT, although the electron mobility does not. Analysis of the SPT showed that the (010)-VO2/(001)-YSZ epitaxial thin film presents a special multi-domain structure, which is probably due to the symmetry matching and lattice mismatch between the VO2 and YSZ substrate. The VO2 film experiences the SPT from the M1 phase at low temperature to a rutile phase at a high temperature. Moreover, the SPT occurs at the same critical temperature as that of the MIT. This work may shed light on a new MIT behavior and may potentially pave the way for preparing high-quality VO2 thin films on cost-effective YSZ substrates for photoelectronic applications.
Impact and Post-Impact Performance of Sandwich Wall Boards with GFRP Face Sheets and a Web-Foam Core: The Effects of Impact Location
Authors: Xia Yiwei , Li Xiaoping , Peng Yu , Lai Mianheng , Wang Lu
Published: September 2018

In recent years, load-bearing exterior sandwich wall boards have been adopted in civil engineering. The exterior walls of structures are often exposed to low velocity impacts such as stones, tools, and windborne debris, etc. The ultimate loading capacity, deformation, and ductility of sandwich walls are weakened by impact loads. In this study, the sandwich wall boards consisted of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) face sheets and a web-foam core. The core of wall boards was not the isotropic material. There was no doubt that the mechanical performance was seriously influenced by the impact locations. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out an investigation on the impact and post-impact performance of exterior wall boards. A comprehensive testing program was conducted to evaluate the effects of impact locations and impact energies on the maximum contact load, deflection, and contact time. Meanwhile, the compression after impact (CAI) performance of wall boards were also studied. The results indicated that the impact location significantly affects the performance of wall boards. Compared with an un-damaged wall board, the residual ultimate loading capacity of damaged wall boards reduced seriously, which were not larger than 50% of the designed ultimate loading capacity.
Progress in Mathematical Ecology
Authors: Petrovskii Sergei
Published: September 2018

n/a
UV-Protective Compounds in Marine Organisms from the Southern Ocean
Authors: Núñez-Pons Laura , Avila Conxita , Romano Giovanna , Verde Cinzia , Giordano Daniela
Published: September 2018

Solar radiation represents a key abiotic factor in the evolution of life in the oceans. In general, marine, biota—particularly in euphotic and dysphotic zones—depends directly or indirectly on light, but ultraviolet radiation (UV-R) can damage vital molecular machineries. UV-R induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairs intracellular structures and enzymatic reactions. It can also affect organismal physiologies and eventually alter trophic chains at the ecosystem level. In Antarctica, physical drivers, such as sunlight, sea-ice, seasonality and low temperature are particularly influencing as compared to other regions. The springtime ozone depletion over the Southern Ocean makes organisms be more vulnerable to UV-R. Nonetheless, Antarctic species seem to possess analogous UV photoprotection and repair mechanisms as those found in organisms from other latitudes. The lack of data on species-specific responses towards increased UV-B still limits the understanding about the ecological impact and the tolerance levels related to ozone depletion in this region. The photobiology of Antarctic biota is largely unknown, in spite of representing a highly promising reservoir in the discovery of novel cosmeceutical products. This review compiles the most relevant information on photoprotection and UV-repair processes described in organisms from the Southern Ocean, in the context of this unique marine polar environment.
Classification of Tidal Breathing Airflow Profiles Using Statistical Hierarchal Cluster Analysis in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Williams E. Mark , Colasanti Ricardo , Wolffs Kasope , Thomas Paul , Hope-Gill Ben
Published: September 2018

In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) breathing pattern changes with disease progress. This study aims to determine if unsupervised hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) can be used to define airflow profile differences in people with and without IPF. This was tested using 31 patients with IPF and 17 matched healthy controls, all of whom had their lung function assessed using spirometry and carbon monoxide CO transfer. A resting tidal breathing (RTB) trace of two minutes duration was collected at the same time. A Euclidian distance technique was used to perform HCA on the airflow data. Four distinct clusters were found, with the majority (18 of 21, 86%) of the severest IPF participants (Stage 2 and 3) being in two clusters. The participants in these clusters exhibited a distinct minute ventilation (p < 0.05), compared to the other two clusters. The respiratory drive was greatest in Cluster 1, which contained many of the IPF participants. Unstructured HCA was successful in recognising different airflow profiles, clustering according to differences in flow rather than time. HCA showed that there is an overlap in tidal airflow profiles between healthy RTB and those with IPF. The further application of HCA in recognising other respiratory disease is discussed.
Magnetorheological Fluids Actuated Haptic-Based Teleoperated Catheter Operating System
Authors: Yin Xuanchun , Guo Shuxiang , Song Yu
Published: September 2018

During conventional catheter endovascular procedures, surgeons needs to adjust the catheter intervention moving direction and velocity according to the direct sensation. Moreover, in the conventional method, both the surgeon and the patient are inevitable exposed to a large amount of, and for a long period of time, X-ray radiation during the surgical procedure. The purpose of this paper is to ensure surgical safety and to protect the surgeon from X-ray radiation during the surgical procedure by adopting a novel haptic-based robot-assisted master-slave system mode. In this paper, a kind of magnetorheological fluids (MR fluids)-based haptic interface has been developed to generate a kind of controllable haptic sensation providing to the catheter operator, and the catheter intervention kinematics parameters measured the motion capture part to control the salve robotic catheter operating system following the master side kinematics. The slave catheter operating the mechanical system has also been designed and manufactured to manipulate the clinical catheter by mimicking the surgeon operating the catheter intervention surgical procedure, which has a 2-DOF (advance, retreat, and rotate) catheter motion characteristic; in addition, the interaction force between the catheter and inner wall of vasculature can be measured by its force sensing unit and the feedback to the master system. The catheter intervention synchronous evaluation experiments between the master and slave system are tested. Also, the advantages of integrating the controllable haptic sensation to the master-slave system experimental evaluations have been done in vitro. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed haptic-based robot-assisted master-slave system mode can reduce the surgical time and protect the surgeon from X-ray radiation.
Reflecting on Gold Geomicrobiology Research: Thoughts and Considerations for Future Endeavors
Authors: Shuster Jeremiah , Reith Frank
Published: September 2018

Research in gold (Au) geomicrobiology has developed extensively over the last ten years, as more Au-bearing materials from around the world point towards a consistent story: That microbes interact with Au. In weathering environments, Au is mobile, taking the form of oxidized, soluble complexes or reduced, elemental Au nanoparticles. The transition of Au between aqueous and solid states is attributed to varying geochemical conditions, catalyzed in part by the biosphere. Hence, a global Au-biogeochemical-cycle was proposed. The primary focus of this mini-review is to reflect upon the biogeochemical processes that contribute to what we currently know about Au cycling. In general, the global Au-biogeochemical-cycle begins with the liberation of gold-silver particles from a primary host rock, by physical weathering. Through oxidative-complexation, inorganic and organic soluble-Au complexes are produced. However, in the presence of microbes or other reductants—e.g., clays and Fe-oxides—these Au complexes can be destabilized. The reduction of soluble Au ultimately leads to the bioprecipitation and biomineralization of Au, the product of which can aggregate into larger structures, thereby completing the Au cycle. Evidence of these processes have been “recorded” in the preservation of secondary Au structures that have been observed on Au particles from around the world. These structures—i.e., nanometer-size to micrometer-size Au dissolution and reprecipitation features—are “snap shots” of biogeochemical influences on Au, during its journey in Earth-surface environments. Therefore, microbes can have a profound effect on the occurrence of Au in natural environments, given the nutrients necessary for microbial metabolism are sustained and Au is in the system.
The Lengenbach Quarry in Switzerland: Classic Locality for Rare Thallium Sulfosalts
Authors: Raber Thomas , Roth Philippe
Published: September 2018

The Lengenbach quarry is a world-famous mineral locality, especially known for its rare and well-crystallized Tl, Pb, Ag, and Cu bearing sulfosalts. As of June 2018, it is the type locality for 44 different mineral species, making it one of the most prolific localities worldwide. A total of 33 thallium mineral species have been identified, 23 of which are type minerals. A brief description of several thallium species of special interest follows a concise and general overview of the thallium mineralization.
The Amino Acid Composition of Quadruplex Binding Proteins Reveals a Shared Motif and Predicts New Potential Quadruplex Interactors
Authors: Brázda Václav , Červeň Jiří , Bartas Martin , Mikysková Nikol , Coufal Jan , Pečinka Petr
Published: September 2018

The importance of local DNA structures in the regulation of basic cellular processes is an emerging field of research. Amongst local non-B DNA structures, G-quadruplexes are perhaps the most well-characterized to date, and their presence has been demonstrated in many genomes, including that of humans. G-quadruplexes are selectively bound by many regulatory proteins. In this paper, we have analyzed the amino acid composition of all seventy-seven described G-quadruplex binding proteins of Homo sapiens. Our comparison with amino acid frequencies in all human proteins and specific protein subsets (e.g., all nucleic acid binding) revealed unique features of quadruplex binding proteins, with prominent enrichment for glycine (G) and arginine (R). Cluster analysis with bootstrap resampling shows similarities and differences in amino acid composition of particular quadruplex binding proteins. Interestingly, we found that all characterized G-quadruplex binding proteins share a 20 amino acid long motif/domain (RGRGR GRGGG SGGSG GRGRG) which is similar to the previously described RG-rich domain (RRGDG RRRGG GGRGQ GGRGR GGGFKG) of the FRM1 G-quadruplex binding protein. Based on this protein fingerprint, we have predicted a new set of potential G-quadruplex binding proteins sharing this interesting domain rich in glycine and arginine residues.