bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Electrolytic Jet Orientation on Machining Characteristics in Jet Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Zhang Xinmin , Song Xudong , Ming Pingmei , Li Xinchao , Zeng Yongbin , Cai Jintao
Published: June 2019

Jet electrochemical machining (Jet-ECM) is a significant prospective electrochemical machining process for the fabrication of micro-sized features. Traditionally and normally, the Jet-ECM process is carried out with its electrolytic jet being vertically impinged downstream against the workpiece. Therefore, other jet orientations, including a vertically upstream orientation and a horizontal orientation, have rarely been adopted. In this study, three jet orientations were applied to electrolytic jet machining, and the effect of jet orientations on machining characteristics was systemically investigated. Horizontal jet orientation is of great benefit in achieving accurate micro-sized features with excellent surface quality with either a static jet or a scanning jet for the Jet-ECM. On the other hand, the Jet-ECM with a horizontal jet orientation has a smaller material removal rate (MMR) than the ones with vertical jet orientations, which have almost the same MMR. It was found that an enhancement of machining localization and a reduction of MMR for horizontal jet electrochemical machining primarily results from an improvement of the mass-transfer field. The horizontal orientation of the jet is beneficial for the Jet-ECM processes to improve machining accuracy.
High-Fat Diet Alters the Intestinal Microbiota in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Liu Sheng , Qin Panpan , Wang Jing
Published: June 2019

Intestinal microbiota is closely associated with various metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), and microbiota is definitely affected by diet. However, more work is required to gain detailed information about gut metagenome and their associated impact with diet in T2D patients. We used a streptozotocin-high-fat diet (HFD) to induce a T2D mouse model and investigated the effect of standard chow diet and HFD on the composition and function of gut microbiota. We found that a HFD could worsen the diabetes status compared with a standard diet. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that a HFD caused a large disturbance to the microbial structure and was linked to an increased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. A HFD increased the bacteria of the Ruminococcaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae family and decreased the bacteria of S24-7 and Rikenellaceae. Meanwhile, a HFD decreased the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis and Eubacterium dolichum, both of which have previously been reported to alleviate obesity and metabolic dysfunctions. Moreover, PICRUSt-predicted KEGG pathways related to membrane transport, lipid metabolism, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were significantly elevated in HFD-fed T2D mice. Our results provide insights into dietary and nutritional approaches for improving host metabolism and ameliorating T2D.
Characterizing the Cellular Response to Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanocups
Authors: Griffith Amber S. , Zhang Thomas D. , Burkert Seth C. , Adiguzel Zelal , Acilan Ceyda , Star Alexander , Saunders William S.
Published: June 2019

Carbon nanomaterials, specifically, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have many potential applications in biology and medicine. Currently, this material has not reached its full potential for application due to the potential toxicity to mammalian cells, and the incomplete understanding of how CNTs interface with cells. The chemical composition and structural features of CNTs have been shown to directly affect their biological compatibility. The incorporation of nitrogen dopants to the graphitic lattice of CNTs results in a unique cup shaped morphology and minimal cytotoxicity in comparison to its undoped counterpart. In this study, we investigate how uniquely shaped nitrogen-doped carbon nanocups (NCNCs) interface with HeLa cells, a cervical cancer epithelial cultured cell line, and RPE-1 cells, an immortalized cultured epithelial cell line. We determined that NCNCs do not elicit a cytotoxic response in cells, and that they are uptaken via endocytosis. We have conjugated fluorescently tagged antibodies to NCNCs and shown that the protein-conjugated material is also capable of entering cells. This primes NCNCs to be a good candidate for subsequent protein modifications and applications in biological systems.
Chrysanthemum Leaf Ethanol Extract Prevents Obesity and Metabolic Disease in Diet-Induced Obese Mice via Lipid Mobilization in White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Ryu Ri , Kwon Eun-Young , Choi Ji-Young , Shon Jong Cheol , Liu Kwang-Hyeon , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. against obesity and diabetes, by comparing the transcriptional changes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) with those of the bioactive compound in C. morifolium, luteolin (LU). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with 1.5% w/w chrysanthemum leaf ethanol extract (CLE) for 16 weeks. Supplementation with CLE and LU significantly decreased the body weight gain and eWAT weight by stimulating mRNA expressions for thermogenesis and energy expenditure in eWAT via lipid mobilization, which may be linked to the attenuation of dyslipidemia. Furthermore, CLE and LU increased uncoupling protein-1 protein expression in brown adipose tissue, leading to energy expenditure. Of note, CLE and LU supplements enhanced the balance between lipid storage and mobilization in white adipose tissue (WAT), in turn, inhibiting adipocyte inflammation and lipotoxicity of peripheral tissues. Moreover, CLE and LU attenuated hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis, thereby ameliorating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Our data suggest that CLE helps inhibit obesity and its comorbidities via the complex interplay between liver and WAT in diet-induced obese mice.
Dietary Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction and the Integrated Stress Response: Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Jonsson William O. , Margolies Nicholas S. , Anthony Tracy G.
Published: June 2019

Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction, also referred to as methionine restriction, increases food intake and energy expenditure and alters body composition in rodents, resulting in improved metabolic health and a longer lifespan. Among the known nutrient-responsive signaling pathways, the evolutionary conserved integrated stress response (ISR) is a lesser-understood candidate in mediating the hormetic effects of dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR). A key feature of the ISR is the concept that a family of protein kinases phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2), dampening general protein synthesis to conserve cellular resources. This slowed translation simultaneously allows for preferential translation of genes with special sequence features in the 5′ leader. Among this class of mRNAs is activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), an orchestrator of transcriptional control during nutrient stress. Several ATF4 gene targets help execute key processes affected by SAAR such as lipid metabolism, the transsulfuration pathway, and antioxidant defenses. Exploration of the canonical ISR demonstrates that eIF2 phosphorylation is not necessary for ATF4-driven changes in the transcriptome during SAAR. Additional research is needed to clarify the regulation of ATF4 and its gene targets during SAAR.
Dietary Fiber in Bilberry Ameliorates Pre-Obesity Events in Rats by Regulating Lipid Depot, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Formation and Microbiota Composition
Authors: Liu Hao-Yu , Walden Tomas B. , Cai Demin , Ahl David , Bertilsson Stefan , Phillipson Mia , Nyman Margareta , Holm Lena
Published: June 2019

Obesity is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk factors associated to metabolic syndrome. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) that contains easily fermentable fiber may strengthen the intestinal barrier function, attenuate inflammation and modulate gut microbiota composition, thereby prevent obesity development. In the current study, liver lipid metabolism, fat depot, cecal and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gut microbiome were evaluated in rats fed bilberries in a high-fat (HFD + BB) or low-fat (LFD + BB) setting for 8 weeks and compared with diets containing equal amount of fiber resistant to fermentation (cellulose, HFD and LFD). HFD fed rats did not obtain an obese phenotype but underwent pre-obesity events including increased liver index, lipid accumulation and increased serum cholesterol levels. This was linked to shifts of cecal bacterial community and reduction of major SCFAs. Bilberry inclusion improved liver metabolism and serum lipid levels. Bilberry inclusion under either LFD or HFD, maintained microbiota homeostasis, stimulated interscapular-brown adipose tissue depot associated with increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein-1; enhanced SCFAs in the cecum and circulation; and promoted butyric acid and butyrate-producing bacteria. These findings suggest that bilberry may serve as a preventative dietary measure to optimize microbiome and associated lipid metabolism during or prior to HFD.
Impairment between Oxidant and Antioxidant Systems: Short- and Long-term Implications for Athletes’ Health
Authors: Nocella Cristina , Cammisotto Vittoria , Pigozzi Fabio , Borrione Paolo , Fossati Chiara , D’Amico Alessandra , Cangemi Roberto , Peruzzi Mariangela , Gobbi Giuliana , Ettorre Evaristo , Frati Giacomo , Cavarretta Elena , Carnevale Roberto ,   SMiLe Group
Published: June 2019

The role of oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production (ROS) and antioxidants, has been described in several patho-physiological conditions, including cardiovascular, neurological diseases and cancer, thus impacting on individuals’ lifelong health. Diet, environmental pollution, and physical activity can play a significant role in the oxidative balance of an organism. Even if physical training has proved to be able to counteract the negative effects caused by free radicals and to provide many health benefits, it is also known that intensive physical activity induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and free radical-mediated muscle damage. Indeed, variations in type, intensity, and duration of exercise training can activate different patterns of oxidant–antioxidant balance leading to different responses in terms of molecular and cellular damage. The aim of the present review is to discuss (1) the role of oxidative status in athletes in relation to exercise training practice, (2) the implications for muscle damage, (3) the long-term effect for neurodegenerative disease manifestations, (4) the role of antioxidant supplementations in preventing oxidative damages.
Role of Diet in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Scoditti Egeria , Massaro Marika , Garbarino Sergio , Toraldo Domenico Maurizio
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a growing healthcare problem. Identification of modifiable risk factors for prevention and treatment of COPD is urgent, and the scientific community has begun to pay close attention to diet as an integral part of COPD management, from prevention to treatment. This review summarizes the evidence from observational and clinical studies regarding the impact of nutrients and dietary patterns on lung function and COPD development, progression, and outcomes, with highlights on potential mechanisms of action. Several dietary options can be considered in terms of COPD prevention and/or progression. Although definitive data are lacking, the available scientific evidence indicates that some foods and nutrients, especially those nutraceuticals endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and when consumed in combinations in the form of balanced dietary patterns, are associated with better pulmonary function, less lung function decline, and reduced risk of COPD. Knowledge of dietary influences on COPD may provide health professionals with an evidence-based lifestyle approach to better counsel patients toward improved pulmonary health.
Dissimilar Impact of a Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity on Anthropometric Indices: A Cross-Sectional Study from the ILERVAS Project
Authors: Sánchez Marta , Sánchez Enric , Hernández Marta , González Jessica , Purroy Francesc , Rius Ferran , Pamplona Reinald , Farràs-Sallés Cristina , Gutiérrez-Carrasquilla Liliana , Fernández Elvira , Bermúdez-López Marcelino , Salvador Javier , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Lecube Albert ,   on behalf of the ILERVAS project collaborators
Published: June 2019

There is a close relationship between lifestyle behaviors and excess adiposity. Although body mass index (BMI) is the most used approach to estimate excess weight, other anthropometric indices have been developed to measure total body and abdominal adiposity. However, little is known about the impact of physical activity and adherence to a Mediterranean diet on these indices. Here we report the results of a cross-sectional study with 6672 middle-aged subjects with low to moderate cardiovascular risk from the Ilerda Vascular (ILERVAS) project. The participants’ adherence to physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form) and MedDiet (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) was evaluated. Measures of total adiposity (BMI, Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), and Deurenberg’s formula), central adiposity (waist and neck circumferences, conicity index, waist to height ratio, Bonora’s equation, A body adiposity index, and body roundness index), and lean body mass (Hume formula) were assessed. Irrespective of sex, lower indices of physical activity were associated with higher values of total body fat and central adiposity. This result was constant regardless of the indices used to estimate adiposity. However, the association between MedDiet and obesity indices was much less marked and more dependent on sex than that observed for physical activity. Lean body mass was influenced by neither physical activity nor MedDiet adherence. No joint effect between physical activity and MedDiet to lower estimated total or central adiposity indices was shown. In conclusion, physical activity is related to lower obesity indices in a large cohort of middle-aged subjects. MedDiet showed a slight impact on estimated anthropometric indices, with no joint effect when considering both lifestyle variables. ClinTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03228459.
Consumption of a Specially-Formulated Mixture of Essential Amino Acids Promotes Gain in Whole-Body Protein to a Greater Extent than a Complete Meal Replacement in Older Women with Heart Failure
Authors: Kim Il-Young , Park Sanghee , Smeets Ellen T. H. C. , Schutzler Scott , Azhar Gohar , Wei Jeanne Y. , Ferrando Arny A. , Wolfe Robert R.
Published: June 2019

Heart failure in older individuals is normally associated with a high body mass index and relatively low lean body mass due to, in part, a resistance to the normal anabolic effect of dietary protein. In this study we have investigated the hypothesis that consumption of a specially-formulated composition of essential amino acids (HiEAAs) can overcome anabolic resistance in individuals with heart failure and stimulate the net gain of body protein to a greater extent than a commercially popular protein-based meal replacement beverage with greater caloric but lower essential amino acid (EAA) content (LoEAA). A randomized cross-over design was used. Protein kinetics were determined using primed continuous infusions of L-(2H5)phenylalanine and L-(2H2)tyrosine in the basal state and for four hours following consumption of either beverage. Both beverages induced positive net protein balance (i.e., anabolic response). However, the anabolic response was more than two times greater with the HiEAA than the LoEAA (p < 0.001), largely through a greater suppression of protein breakdown (p < 0.001). Net protein accretion (g) was also greater in the HiEAA when data were normalized for either amino acid or caloric content (p < 0.001). We conclude that a properly formulated EAA mixture can elicit a greater anabolic response in individuals with heart failure than a protein-based meal replacement. Since heart failure is often associated with obesity, the minimal caloric value of the HiEAA formulation is advantageous.
Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Depressive Effects of Regular Tea Consumption
Authors: Rothenberg Dylan O’Neill , Zhang Lingyun
Published: June 2019

This article is a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of regular tea consumption. Meta-data supplemented with recent observational studies were first analyzed to assess the association between tea consumption and depression risk. The literature reported risk ratios (RR) were 0.69 with 95% confidence intervals of 0.62–0.77. Next, we thoroughly reviewed human trials, mouse models, and in vitro experiments to determine the predominant mechanisms underlying the observed linear relationship between tea consumption and reduced risk of depression. Current theories on the neurobiology of depression were utilized to map tea-mediated mechanisms of antidepressant activity onto an integrated framework of depression pathology. The major nodes within the network framework of depression included hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, inflammation, weakened monoaminergic systems, reduced neurogenesis/neuroplasticity, and poor microbiome diversity affecting the gut–brain axis. We detailed how each node has subsystems within them, including signaling pathways, specific target proteins, or transporters that interface with compounds in tea, mediating their antidepressant effects. A major pathway was found to be the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway, up-regulated by a number of compounds in tea including teasaponin, L-theanine, EGCG and combinations of tea catechins and their metabolites. Black tea theaflavins and EGCG are potent anti-inflammatory agents via down-regulation of NF-κB signaling. Multiple compounds in tea are effective modulators of dopaminergic activity and the gut–brain axis. Taken together, our findings show that constituents found in all major tea types, predominantly L-theanine, polyphenols and polyphenol metabolites, are capable of functioning through multiple pathways simultaneously to collectively reduce the risk of depression.
The Role of Physiological Vitamin C Concentrations on Key Functions of Neutrophils Isolated from Healthy Individuals
Authors: Bozonet Stephanie M. , Carr Anitra C.
Published: June 2019

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is important for neutrophil function and immune health. Studies showing improved immune function have primarily used cells from scorbutic animals or from individuals with infectious conditions or immune cell disorders. Few studies have focused on the requirements of neutrophils from healthy adults. Therefore, we have investigated the role of vitamin C, at concentrations equivalent to those obtained in plasma from oral intakes (i.e., 50–200 µmol/L), on key functions of neutrophils isolated from healthy individuals. Cells were either pre-loaded with dehydroascorbic acid, which is rapidly reduced intracellularly to ascorbate, or the cells were activated in the presence of extracellular ascorbate. We measured the effects of enhanced ascorbate uptake on the essential functions of chemotaxis, oxidant production, programmed cell death and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. We found that neutrophils isolated from healthy individuals already had replete ascorbate status (0.35 nmol/106 cells), therefore they did not uptake additional ascorbate. However, they readily took up dehydroascorbic acid, thus significantly increasing their intracellular ascorbate concentrations, although this was found to have no additional effect on superoxide production or chemotaxis. Interestingly, extracellular ascorbate appeared to enhance directional mobilityin the presence of the chemoattractant formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Stimulation of the cells in the presence of ascorbate significantly increased intracellular ascorbate concentrations and, although this exhibited a non-significant increase in phosphatidylserine exposure, NET formation was significantly attenuated. Our findings demonstrate the ability of neutrophils to regulate their uptake of ascorbate from the plasma of healthy humans to maintain an optimal level within the cell for proper functioning. Higher oral intakes, however, may help reduce tissue damage and inflammatory pathologies associated with NET formation.
Factors Affecting the Regeneration, via Organogenesis, and the Selection of Transgenic Calli in the Peach Rootstock Hansen 536 (Prunus persica × Prunus amygdalus) to Express an RNAi Construct against PPV Virus
Authors: Sabbadini Silvia , Ricci Angela , Limera Cecilia , Baldoni Dania , Capriotti Luca , Mezzetti Bruno
Published: June 2019

Prunus spp. is one of the most recalcitrant fruit tree species in terms of in vitro regeneration and transformation, mostly when mature tissues are used as explants. The present study describes the in vitro regeneration via indirect organogenesis, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of the peach rootstock Hansen 536 (Prunus persica × Prunus amygdalus) through the use of meristematic bulks (MBs) as starting explants. Efficient adventitious shoot regeneration was obtained when Hansen 536 MBs were cultured on an optimized medium consisting of modified McCown Woody Plant medium (WPM) enriched with 4.4 μM 6-Benzyladenine (BA), 0.1 μM 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6.0 g L−1 plant agar S1000 (B&V). MB slices were used later as starting explants for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to introduce an RNAi construct “ihp35S-PPV194” against PPV virus. Transgenic events were identified by both green fluorescent protein (GFP) screening and kanamycin selection at different concentrations (0, 17 or 42 μM). GFP-fluorescent proliferating callus lines were selected and confirmed to stably express the ihp35S-PPV194::eGFP gene construct by molecular analysis. Although shoot regeneration from these transgenic calli has not been obtained yet, this represents one of the few examples of successful attempts in peach genetic transformation from somatic tissues, and also serves as a useful in vitro system for future gene functional analysis in peach.
Silicon Affects Root Development, Tissue Mineral Content, and Expression of Silicon Transporter Genes in Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.) Cultivars
Authors: Hu Jiangtao , Cai Xuan , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: June 2019

The effects of silicon (Si) on root development, mineral content, and expression of Si transporter genes in Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ‘Flame’, ‘Mable Bell’, ‘Green Star’, ‘Pink Bell’, and ‘Peach Bowl’ cultivars were investigated in this study. Stem cuttings in a propagation bench were drenched regularly with a solution containing either 0 (control) or 50 ppm of silicon (Si treatment) from potassium silicate (K2SiO3), with a 25 °C mean air temperature and 80% relative humidity (RH) under 70% shading. The results showed that the ‘Flame’ treated with Si had a significantly higher survival ratio as compared with that of the control (P ≤ 0.05) and that the Si treatment improved number of roots, length of longest root, fresh root weight, and dry root weight in all cultivars except ‘Mable Bell’. Supplementary Si increased the content of magnesium (Mg) and decreased the content of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) in the roots. The content of sulfur (S) in the shoots was increased by supplementary Si. The relative expression of Lsi1 and Lsi2 was higher in ‘Peach Bowl’, while it was lower in ‘Mable Bell’ and ‘Green Star’, which may be caused by the differing accumulation of Si in the shoot. Overall, supplementary Si had beneficial effects during cutting propagation of poinsettia cultivars, although these effects were cultivar-dependent.
Identification of the Thief Zone Using a Support Vector Machine Method
Authors: Fu Cheng , Guo Tianyue , Liu Chongjiang , Wang Ying , Huang Bin
Published: June 2019

Waterflooding is less effective at expanding reservoir production due to interwell thief zones. The thief zones may form during high water cut periods in the case of interconnected injectors and producers or lead to a total loss of injector fluid. We propose to identify the thief zone by using a support vector machine method. Considering the geological factors and development factors of the formation of the thief zone, the signal-to-noise ratio and correlation analysis method were used to select the relevant evaluation indices of the thief zone. The selected evaluation indices of the thief zone were taken as the input of the support vector machine model, and the corresponding recognition results of the thief zone were taken as the output of the support vector machine model. Through the training and learning of sample sets, the response relationship between thief zone and evaluation indices was determined. This method was used to identify 82 well groups in M oilfield, and the identification results were verified by a tracer monitoring method. The total identification accuracy was 89.02%, the positive sample identification accuracy was 92%, and the negative sample identification accuracy was 84.375%. The identification method easily obtains data, is easy to operate, has high identification accuracy, and can provide certain reference value for the formulation of profile control and water shutoff schemes in high water cut periods of oil reservoirs.
Quantifying the Growth of Preprint Services Hosted by the Center for Open Science
Authors: Narock Tom , Goldstein Evan B.
Published: June 2019

A wide range of disciplines are building preprint services—web-based systems that enable publishing non peer-reviewed scholarly manuscripts before publication in a peer-reviewed journal. We have quantitatively surveyed nine of the largest English language preprint services offered by the Center for Open Science (COS) and available through an Application Programming Interface. All of the services we investigate also permit the submission of postprints, non-typeset versions of peer-reviewed manuscripts. Data indicates that all services are growing, but with submission rates below more mature services (e.g., bioRxiv). The trend of the preprint-to-postprint ratio for each service indicates that recent growth is a result of more preprint submissions. The nine COS services we investigate host papers that appear in a range of peer-reviewed journals, and many of these publication venues are not listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals. As a result, COS services function as open repositories for peer-reviewed papers that would otherwise be behind a paywall. We further analyze the coauthorship network for each COS service, which indicates that the services have many small connected components, and the largest connected component encompasses only a small percentage of total authors on each service. When comparing the papers submitted to each service, we observe topic overlap measured by keywords self-assigned to each manuscript, indicating that search functionalities would benefit from cutting across the boundaries of a single service. Finally, though annotation capabilities are integrated into all COS services, it is rarely used by readers. Our analysis of these services can be a benchmark for future studies of preprint service growth.
Experimentally Accessible Witnesses of Many-Body Localization
Authors: Goihl Marcel , Friesdorf Mathis , Werner Albert H. , Brown Winton , Eisert Jens
Published: June 2019

The phenomenon of many-body localized (MBL) systems has attracted significant interest in recent years, for its intriguing implications from a perspective of both condensed-matter and statistical physics: they are insulators even at non-zero temperature and fail to thermalize, violating expectations from quantum statistical mechanics. What is more, recent seminal experimental developments with ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices constituting analog quantum simulators have pushed many-body localized systems into the realm of physical systems that can be measured with high accuracy. In this work, we introduce experimentally accessible witnesses that directly probe distinct features of MBL, distinguishing it from its Anderson counterpart. We insist on building our toolbox from techniques available in the laboratory, including on-site addressing, super-lattices, and time-of-flight measurements, identifying witnesses based on fluctuations, density–density correlators, densities, and entanglement. We build upon the theory of out of equilibrium quantum systems, in conjunction with tensor network and exact simulations, showing the effectiveness of the tools for realistic models.
Innate Intuition: An Intellectual History of Sahaja-jñāna and Sahaja Samādhi in Brahmoism and Modern Vaiṣṇavism
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek
Published: June 2019

This article is about sahaja-jñāna, or ‘innate intuition’, as a form of Brahmo and Vaiṣṇava epistemology—a foundational invention within the development of modern Hinduism. I examine its nineteenth-century intellectual history in Bengal in the works of the Vaiṣṇava theologian Kedarnath Datta Bhaktivinoda (1838–1914) and trace it back to two of his contemporaries, Keshub Chandra Sen (1838–1884) and a senior leader of the Brahmo Samaj whom they both knew, Debendranath Tagore (1817–1905). This relatively understudied yet epistemologically significant term within modern Hinduism has its roots in the pre-colonial sahajiyā movements and bears a conceptual resemblance to the idea of pratibhā in ancient Indian aesthetics, philosophy, and grammar. The idea of sahaja is key among the sahajiyā Vaiṣṇavas, a so-called heterodox group that Western-educated, middle-class Bengali bhadraloks, including Bhaktivinoda, vehemently disassociated themselves from due to the social stigma attached to its sexo-yogic practices. Furthermore, I argue that Bhaktivinoda’s concept of sahaja-jñāna departs significantly from both sahajiyā and Brahmo versions of sahaja-jñāna and represents an innovation within the ambit of Vaiṣṇava Vedanta, which accepts verbal testimony (śabda or śāstra) as the only valid form of epistemology. In documenting the intellectual history of a significant idea, I contend that the bhadralok Bengali Vaiṣṇava leaders arrogate, desexualize, and Vedānticize a term as a form of experimentation during the construction of modern Hinduism.
Information Resources: Differential Characteristics between Ibero-American and Dutch JCR Psychology Journals from 1998 to 2017
Authors: González-Sala Francisco , Osca-Lluch Julia , Haba-Osca Julia
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study is to compare the evolution of the Psychology journals included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) databases (Science Citation Index (SCI) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI)) in the last 20 years (from 1998 to 2017), which are published in Ibero-American countries and in the Netherlands under the purpose of analyzing the main differential characteristics between one group and the other. This analysis includes the characteristics of journals, in particular: publications publishing categories in which they are classified in the JCR Science and Social Science; if they are open access journals or not; the language of the publication; numbers published by year; origin of the main contributions; quartiles; deciles and the position reached within the thematic category of Psychology in which they are classified. The total number of journals reviewed published in the Netherlands was 701, of which 18.8% belonged to Quartile 1, 36.2% to Quartile 2, 27.1% to Quartile 3, and 17.9% to Quartile 4. The total number of Ibero-American journals consulted was 242, of which 3.3% belonged to Quartile 1, 14.9% to Quartile 2, 18.2% to Quartile 3, and 63.6% to Quartile 4. The results found in the present study show a clear discrepancy between Psychology journals published in Ibero-American and Dutch journals, differences that may bias their JCR position and the evolution of journals over the years. There are also differences in the number of publications, the years of permanence in the JCR, and number of thematic categories in which journals are classified, being higher in the case of Dutch Psychology journals. These results only confirm that, currently and according to the historical trajectory of the Ibero-American JCR Psychology journals, they have increased their presence in the JCR. However, there has not been an improvement in the position in terms of quartiles and position, an aspect that may be conditioned by biases related to the current scientific scenario.
Evaluating the Effects of a Minimalist Deliberative Framework on the Willingness to Participate in a Payment for Ecosystem Services Program
Authors: Witt Brian
Published: June 2019

When compared with other stated preference valuation methodologies, deliberative valuation gives participants more time and information, potentially resulting in more valid and reliable estimations and higher participant confidence. However, it also has weaknesses, such as small sample sizes, lower participant diversity, and high costs. This paper proses a minimalist framework for deliberation that increases sample size and lowers the cost per participant through short, structured deliberative sessions and the use of deliberative sub-groups. A case study was conducted with 192 landholders in south-eastern Mexico, examining how participants’ perceptions of benefits from communal forest lands would impact their willingness to accept (WTA) comparatively lower payments to participate in a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program. The results suggest that a majority of landholders would accept a lower payment level to participate in a PES program over a degradative alternative, with 45.5% of participants surveyed willing to accept a 45% reduction in payments to participate in the PES program. The minimalist framework had an impact on participants’ rate of acceptance, with a 13.8% increase in the percentage of participants willing to accept the PES offer post-deliberation. The impact on participant confidence was stronger, with a 31.2% increase in the percentage of participants expressing confidence in their choice after deliberations.
Ruin Probability Functions and Severity of Ruin as a Statistical Decision Problem
Authors: Gómez-Déniz Emilio , Sarabia José María , Calderín-Ojeda Enrique
Published: June 2019

It is known that the classical ruin function under exponential claim-size distribution depends on two parameters, which are referred to as the mean claim size and the relative security loading. These parameters are assumed to be unknown and random, thus, a loss function that measures the loss sustained by a decision-maker who takes as valid a ruin function which is not correct can be considered. By using squared-error loss function and appropriate distribution function for these parameters, the issue of estimating the ruin function derives in a mixture procedure. Firstly, a bivariate distribution for mixing jointly the two parameters is considered, and second, different univariate distributions for mixing both parameters separately are examined. Consequently, a catalogue of ruin probability functions and severity of ruin, which are more flexible than the original one, are obtained. The methodology is also extended to the Pareto claim size distribution. Several numerical examples illustrate the performance of these functions.
IR Thermography from UAVs to Monitor Thermal Anomalies in the Envelopes of Traditional Wine Cellars: Field Test
Authors: Ortiz-Sanz Juan , Gil-Docampo Mariluz , Arza-García Marcos , Cañas-Guerrero Ignacio
Published: June 2019

Infrared thermography (IRT) techniques for building inspection are currently becoming increasingly popular as non-destructive methods that provide valuable information about surface temperature (ST) and ST contrast (delta-T). With the advent of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted thermal cameras, IRT technology is now endowed with improved flexibility from an aerial perspective for the study of building envelopes. A case study cellar in Northwest (NW) Spain is used to assess the capability and reliability of low-altitude passive IRT in evaluating a typical semi-buried building. The study comparatively assesses the use of a pole-mounted FLIR B335 camera and a drone-mounted FLIR Vue Pro R camera for this purpose. Both tested IRT systems demonstrate good effectiveness in detecting thermal anomalies (e.g., thermal bridges, air leakages, constructive singularities, and moisture in the walls of the cellar) but pose some difficulties in performing accurate ST measurements under real operating conditions. Working with UAVs gives great flexibility for the inspection, but the angle of view strongly influences the radiometric data captured and must be taken into account to avoid disturbances due to specular reflections.
Detection and Localization for Multiple Stationary Human Targets Based on Cross-Correlation of Dual-Station SFCW Radars
Authors: Jia Yong , Guo Yong , Yan Chao , Sheng Haoxuan , Cui Guolong , Zhong Xiaoling
Published: June 2019

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of detection and localization of multiple stationary human targets based on cross-correlation of the dual-station stepped-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) radars. Firstly, a cross-correlation operation is performed on the preprocessed pulse signals of two SFCW radars at different locations to obtain the correlation coefficient matrix. Then, the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection is applied to extract the ranges between each target and the two radars, respectively, from the correlation matrix. Finally, the locations of human targets is calculated with the triangulation localization algorithm. This cross-correlation operation mainly brings about two advantages. On the one hand, the cross-correlation explores the correlation feature of target respiratory signals, which can effectively detect all targets with different signal intensities, avoiding the missed detection of weak targets. On the other hand, the pairing of two ranges between each target and two radars is implemented simultaneously with the cross-correlation. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Mineral Classification of Soils Using Hyperspectral Longwave Infrared (LWIR) Ground-Based Data
Authors: Notesco Gila , Weksler Shahar , Ben-Dor Eyal
Published: June 2019

Soil mineralogy is an important factor affecting chemical and physical processes in the soil. Most common minerals in soils—quartz, clay minerals and carbonates—present fundamental spectral features in the longwave infrared (LWIR) region. The current study presents a procedure for determining the soil mineralogy from the surface emissivity spectrum. Ground-based hyperspectral LWIR images of 90 Israeli soil samples were acquired with the Telops Hyper-Cam sensor, and the emissivity spectrum of each sample was calculated. Mineral-related emissivity features were identified and used to create indicants and indices to determine the content of quartz, clay minerals, and carbonates in the soil in a semi-quantitative manner—from more to less abundant minerals. The resultant mineral content was in good agreement with the mineralogy derived from chemical analyses.
Improved Spring Vegetation Phenology Calculation Method Using a Coupled Model and Anomalous Point Detection
Authors: Luo Qian , Song Jinling , Yang Lei , Wang Jindi
Published: June 2019

High temporal resolution remote sensing satellite data can be used to collect vegetation phenology observations over regional and global scales. Logistic and polynomial functions are the most widely used methods for fitting time series normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Furthermore, the maximum in the curvature of the fitted curve is usually considered as the spring green-up date. However, the existing green-up date calculation methods have low accuracy for sparse vegetation. This paper proposes an improved green-up date calculation method using a coupled model and anomalous point detection (CMAPD). This model is based on a combination of logistic and polynomial functions, which is used to fit time series vegetation index. Anomalous values were identified using the nearest neighbor algorithm, and these values were corrected by the combination of growing degree-days (GDD) and land use type. Then, the trends and spatial patterns of green-up date was analyzed in the Sanjiangyuan area. The results show that the coupled model fit the time series data better than a single logistic or polynomial function. Besides, the anomalous point detection method properly controlled the green-up date within the local threshold, and could reflect green-up date more accurately. In addition, a weak statistically significant advance trend for average vegetation green-up date was observed from 2000 to 2016. However, in 10.4% of the study area, the the green-up date has significant advanced. Regression analysis showed that the green-up date is correlated to elevation: the green-up date is clearly later at higher elevations.
The Comparison of Fusion Methods for HSRRSI Considering the Effectiveness of Land Cover (Features) Object Recognition Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Song Shiran , Liu Jianhua , Pu Heng , Liu Yuan , Luo Jingyan
Published: June 2019

The efficient and accurate application of deep learning in the remote sensing field largely depends on the pre-processing technology of remote sensing images. Particularly, image fusion is the essential way to achieve the complementarity of the panchromatic band and multispectral bands in high spatial resolution remote sensing images. In this paper, we not only pay attention to the visual effect of fused images, but also focus on the subsequent application effectiveness of information extraction and feature recognition based on fused images. Based on the WorldView-3 images of Tongzhou District of Beijing, we apply the fusion results to conduct the experiments of object recognition of typical urban features based on deep learning. Furthermore, we perform a quantitative analysis for the existing pixel-based mainstream fusion methods of IHS (Intensity-Hue Saturation), PCS (Principal Component Substitution), GS (Gram Schmidt), ELS (Ehlers), HPF (High-Pass Filtering), and HCS (Hyper spherical Color Space) from the perspectives of spectrum, geometric features, and recognition accuracy. The results show that there are apparent differences in visual effect and quantitative index among different fusion methods, and the PCS fusion method has the most satisfying comprehensive effectiveness in the object recognition of land cover (features) based on deep learning.
Comparison of Radar-Based Hail Detection Using Single- and Dual-Polarization
Authors: Skripniková Kateřina , Řezáčová Daniela
Published: June 2019

The comparative analysis of radar-based hail detection methods presented here, uses C-band polarimetric radar data from Czech territory for 5 stormy days in May and June 2016. The 27 hail events were selected from hail reports of the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD) along with 21 heavy rain events. The hail detection results compared in this study were obtained using a criterion, which is based on single-polarization radar data and a technique, which uses dual-polarization radar data. Both techniques successfully detected large hail events in a similar way and showed a strong agreement. The hail detection, as applied to heavy rain events, indicated a weak enhancement of the number of false detected hail pixels via the dual-polarization hydrometeor classification. We also examined the performance of hail size detection from radar data using both single- and dual-polarization methods. Both the methods recognized events with large hail but could not select the reported events with maximum hail size (diameter above 4 cm).
A Novel Direction-of-Arrival Estimation via Phase Retrieval with Unknown Sensor Gain-and-Phase Errors
Authors: Zhang Lingwen , Wu Siliang , Guo Ao , Yang Wenkao
Published: June 2019

In signal array processing, high-resolution direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms work well on the assumption that the system models are perfect. However, in practicality, there are imperfect system models in which sensor gain-and-phase errors are considered. In this paper, we propose a novel framework that can effectively solve direction-of-arrival estimation tasks in the presence of sensor gain-and-phase errors. In contrast to existing approaches based on phase retrieval, our method eliminates gain errors by using the compensated covariance matrix. Meanwhile, we propose a data preprocessing method by taking only one column of the compensated covariance matrix without losing any magnitude information. Additionally, the phase retrieval problem is formed by the proposed data preprocessing method. Furthermore, the phase retrieval problem is solved by the recently proposed sparse feasible point pursuit algorithm, and DOA estimates are obtained. To prevent the model from ambiguities, we employ the known DOA to place reference sources. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme achieves better performance compared to state-of-the-art approaches.
Particle Image Velocimetry of Oil–Water Two-Phase Flow with High Water Cut and Low Flow Velocity in a Horizontal Small-Diameter Pipe
Authors: Han Lianfu , Wang Haixia , Liu Xingbin , Xie Ronghua , Mu Haiwei , Fu Changfeng
Published: June 2019

Velocity and flow field are both parameters to measure flow characteristics, which can help determine the logging location and response time of logging instruments. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an intuitive velocity measurement method. However, due to the limitations of image acquisition equipment and the flow pipe environment, the velocity of a horizontal small-diameter pipe with high water cut and low flow velocity based on PIV has measurement errors in excess of 20%. To solve this problem, this paper expands one-dimensional displacement sub-pixel fitting to two dimensions and improves the PIV algorithm by Kriging interpolation. The improved algorithm is used to correct the blank and error vectors. The simulation shows that the number of blank and error vectors is reduced, and the flow field curves are smooth and closer to the actual flow field. The experiment shows that the improved algorithm has a maximum measurement error of 5.9%, which is much lower than that of PIV, and that it also has high stability and a repeatability of 3.14%. The improved algorithm can compensate for the local missing flow field and reduce the requirements related to the measurement equipment and environment. The findings of this study can be helpful for the interpretation of well logging data and the design of well logging instruments.