bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermo-Fluid Characteristics of High Temperature Molten Salt Flowing in Single-Leaf Type Hollow Paddles
Authors: Rajeh Taha , Tu Ping , Lin Hua , Zhang Houlei
Published: August 2018

A single-leaf type paddle heat exchanger with molten salt as the working fluid is a proper option in high temperature heating processes of materials. In this paper, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, we present the thermo-fluid characteristics of high temperature molten salt flowing in single-leaf type hollow paddles in the view of both the first law and the second law of thermodynamics. The results show that the heat transfer rate of the hollow paddles is significantly greater than that of solid paddles. The penalty of the heat transfer enhancement is additional pressure drop and larger total irreversibility (i.e., total entropy generation rate). Increasing the volume of the fluid space helps to enhance the heat transfer, but there exists an upper limit. Hollow paddles are more favorable in heat transfer enhancement for designs with a larger height of the paddles, flow rate of molten salt and material-side heat transfer coefficient. The diameter of the flow holes influences the pressure drop strongly, but their position is not important for heat transfer in the studied range. Other measures of modifying the fluid flow and heat transfer like internal baffles, more flow holes or multiple channels for small fluid volume are further discussed. For few baffles, their effects are limited. More flow holes reduce the pressure drop obviously. For the hollow paddles with small fluid volume, it is possible to increase the heat transfer rate with more fluid channels. The trade-off among fluid flow, heat transfer and mechanical strength is necessary. The thermo-fluid characteristics revealed in this paper will provide guidance for practical designs.
A Comparison of the Uptake of Two Research Models in Mobile Learning: The FRAME Model and the 3-Level Evaluation Framework
Authors: Koole Marguerite , Buck Rosemary , Anderson Kerry , Laj Drea
Published: August 2018

This paper discusses the diffusion of two models of mobile learning within the educational research literature: The Framework for the Rational Analysis of Mobile Learning (FRAME) model and the 3-Level Evaluation Framework (3-LEF). The main purpose is to analyse how the two models, now over 10 years old, have been referenced in the literature and applied in research. The authors conducted a systematic review of publications that referenced the seminal papers that originally introduced the models. The research team summarized the publications by recording the abstracts and documenting how the models were cited, described, interpreted, selected, rejected, and/or modified. The summaries were then coded according to criteria such as fields of study, reasons for use, criticisms and modifications. In total, 208 publications referencing the FRAME model and 97 publications referencing the 3-LEF were included. Of these, 55 publications applied the FRAME model and 10 applied the 3-LEF in research projects. The paper concludes that these two models/frameworks were likely chosen for reasons other than philosophical commensurability. Additional studies of the uptake of other mobile learning models is recommended in order to develop an understanding of how mobile learning, as a field, is progressing theoretically.
A Maintenance Cost Study of Transformers Based on Markov Model Utilizing Frequency of Transition Approach
Authors: Yahaya Muhammad Sharil , Azis Norhafiz , Mohd Selva Amran , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin , Jasni Jasronita , Kadim Emran Jawad , Hairi Mohd Hendra , Yang Ghazali Young Zaidey
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a maintenance cost study of transformers based on the Markov Model (MM) utilizing the Health Index (HI) is presented. In total, 120 distribution transformers of oil type (33/11 kV and 30 MVA) are examined. The HI is computed based on condition assessment data. Based on the HI, the transformers are arranged according to its corresponding states, and the transition probabilities are determined based on frequency of a transition approach utilizing the transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and 2012/2013. The future states of transformers are determined based on the MM chain algorithm. Finally, the maintenance costs are estimated based on future-state distribution probabilities according to the proposed maintenance policy model. The study shows that the deterioration states of the transformer population for the year 2015 can be predicted by MM based on the transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and 2012/2013. Analysis on the relationship between the predicted and actual computed numbers of transformers reveals that all transformer states are still within the 95% prediction interval. There is a 90% probability that the transformer population will reach State 1 after 76 years and 69 years based on the transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and 2012/2013. Based on the probability-state distributions, it is found that the total maintenance cost increases gradually from Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 5.94 million to RM 39.09 million based on transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and RM 37.56 million for the year 2012/2013 within the 20 years prediction interval, respectively.
A Transformerless Single-Phase Current Source Inverter Topology and Control for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Cardoso Jorge , Vazquez Nimrod , Hernandez Claudia , Vaquero Joaquin
Published: August 2018

Low power grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) generation systems increasingly use transformerless inverters. The elimination of the transformer allows smaller, lighter and cheaper systems, and improves the total efficiency. However, a leakage current may appear, flowing from the grid to the PV panels through the existing parasitic capacitance between them, since there is no galvanic isolation. As a result, electromagnetic interferences and security issues arise. This paper presents a novel transformerless single-phase Current Source Inverter (CSI) topology with a reduced inductor, compared to conventional CSIs. This topology directly connects the neutral line of the grid to the negative terminal of the PV system, referred as common mode configuration, eliminating this way, theoretically, the possibility of any leakage current through this terminal. The switches control is based on a hysteresis current controller together with a combinational logic circuitry and it is implemented in a digital platform based on National Instruments Technology. Results that validate the proposal, based on both simulations and tests of a low voltage low power prototype, are presented.
Spatial Environmental Assessment Tool (SEAT): A Modeling Tool to Evaluate Potential Environmental Risks Associated with Wave Energy Converter Deployments
Authors: Jones Craig , Chang Grace , Raghukumar Kaustubha , McWilliams Samuel , Dallman Ann , Roberts Jesse
Published: August 2018

Wave energy converter (WEC) arrays deployed in coastal regions may create physical disturbances, potentially resulting in environmental stresses. Presently, limited information is available on the nature of these physical disturbance or the resultant effects. A quantitative Spatial Environmental Assessment Tool (SEAT) for evaluating the potential effects of wave energy converter (WEC) arrays on nearshore hydrodynamics and sediment transport is presented for the central Oregon coast (USA) through coupled numerical model simulations of an array of WECs. Derived climatological wave conditions were used as inputs to the model to allow for the calculation of risk metrics associated with various hydrodynamic and sediment transport variables such as maximum shear stress, bottom velocity, and change in bed elevation. The risk maps provided simple, quantitative, and spatially-resolved means of evaluating physical changes in the vicinity of a hypothetical WEC array in response to varying wave conditions. The near-field risk of sediment mobility was determined to be moderate in the lee of the densely spaced array, where the potential for increased sediment deposition could result in benthic habitat alteration. Modifications to the nearshore sediment deposition and erosion patterns were observed near headlands and topographic features, which could have implications for littoral sediment transport. The results illustrate the benefits of a risk evaluation tool for facilitating coastal resource management at early market marine renewable energy sites.
Adjustable Robust Optimization Algorithm for Residential Microgrid Multi-Dispatch Strategy with Consideration of Wind Power and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Shi Ruifeng , Li Shaopeng , Sun Changhao , Lee Kwang Y.
Published: August 2018

A prospect of increasing penetration of uncoordinated electric vehicles (EVs) together with intermittent renewable energy generation in microgrid systems has motivated us to explore an effective strategy for safe and economic operation of such distributed generation systems. This paper presents a robust economic dispatch strategy for grid-connected microgrids. Uncertainty from wind power and EV charging loads is modeled as an uncertain set of interval predictions. Considering the worst case scenario, the proposed strategy can help to regulate the EV charging behaviors, and distributed generation in order to reduce operation cost under practical constraints. To address the issue of over-conservatism of robust optimization, a dispatch interval coefficient is introduced to adjust the level of robustness with probabilistic bounds on constraints, which gradually improves the system's economic efficiency. In addition, in order to facilitate the decision-making strategies from an economic perspective, this paper explores the relationship between the volatility of uncertain parameters and the economy based on the theory of interval forecast. Numerical case studies demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed dispatch strategy.
Incorporating Insect and Wind Disturbances in a Natural Disturbance-Based Management Framework for the Boreal Forest
Authors: De Grandpré Louis , Waldron Kaysandra , Bouchard Mathieu , Gauthier Sylvie , Beaudet Marilou , Ruel Jean-Claude , Hébert Christian , Kneeshaw Daniel
Published: August 2018

Natural disturbances are fundamental to forest ecosystem dynamics and have been used for two decades to improve forest management, notably in the boreal forest. Initially based on fire regimes, there is now a need to extend the concept to include other types of disturbances as they can greatly contribute to forest dynamics in some regions of the boreal zone. Here we review the main descriptors—that is, the severity, specificity, spatial and temporal descriptors and legacies, of windthrow and spruce bud worm outbreak disturbance regimes in boreal forests—in order to facilitate incorporating them into a natural disturbance-based forest management framework. We also describe the biological legacies that are generated by these disturbances. Temporal and spatial descriptors characterising both disturbance types are generally variable in time and space. This makes them difficult to reproduce in an ecosystem management framework. However, severity and specificity descriptors may provide a template upon which policies for maintaining post harvesting and salvage logging biological legacies can be based. In a context in which management mainly targets mature and old-growth stages, integrating insect and wind disturbances in a management framework is an important goal, as these disturbances contribute to creating heterogeneity in mature and old-growth forest characteristics.
Performances of Different Metabolic Lactobacillus Groups During the Fermentation of Pizza Doughs Processed from Semolina
Authors: Gaglio Raimondo , Alfonzo Antonio , Polizzotto Noemi , Corona Onofrio , Francesca Nicola , Russo Giuseppe , Moschetti Giancarlo , Settanni Luca
Published: August 2018

The main hypothesis of this work is that facultative and obligate heterofermentative Lactobacillus species can differently impact the final characteristics of pizza. The objective was to evaluate separately the behaviors of the obligate heterofermentative species (OHS), such as Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus rossiae, and the facultative heterofermentative species (FHS), including Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus curvatus, in the sourdoughs to be used for pizza production. The production of the experimental pizzas was carried out with semolina (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum). The acidification process—which was followed by pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) development—indicated for all of the experimental trials that the kinetics is comparable to those of the controls. The fermentation quotient of the FHS trial was particularly higher than that of the other trials, including the control production performed with a sourdough inoculum used in an artisanal bakery. The dominance of the added strains indicated the clear persistence of L. sanfranciscensis PON100336, L. brevis 200571, and L. plantarum PON100148 in the obligate–facultative heterofermentative species (OFHS) trial. The pizzas were baked without seasoning in order to investigate weight loss, color, morphology, and a generation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The data showed the differences among trials regarding the inocula. Eight classes of VOCs were detected in the pizza samples with aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and acids as major compounds. The sensory attributes were significantly different for the judges and the pizzas. The multivariate statistical approach found marked differences among the trials. The results indicated that the application of mixed cultures of the facultative heterofermentative species of Lactobacillus determined high quality pizzas.
Intracranial Pressure Forecasting in Children Using Dynamic Averaging of Time Series Data
Authors: Farhadi Akram , Chern Joshua , Hirsh Daniel , Davis Tod , Jo Mingyoung , Maier Frederick , Rasheed Khaled
Published: August 2018

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) is a serious and often life-threatening condition. If the increased pressure pushes on critical brain structures and blood vessels, it can lead to serious permanent problems or even death. In this study, we propose a novel regression model to forecast ICP episodes in children, 30 min in advance, by using the dynamic characteristics of continuous intracranial pressure, vitals and medications during the last two hours. The correlation between physiological parameters, including blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate and the ICP, is analyzed. Linear regression, Lasso regression, support vector machine and random forest algorithms are used to forecast the next 30 min of the recorded ICP. Finally, dynamic features are created based on vitals, medications and the ICP. The weak correlation between blood pressure and the ICP (0.2) is reported. The Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of the random forest model decreased from 1.6 to 0.89% by using the given medication variables in the last two hours. The random forest regression gave an accurate model for the ICP forecast with 0.99 correlation between the forecast and experimental values.
Molecular Data Needs for Modelling AGB Stellar Winds and Other Molecular Environments
Authors: Danilovich Taïssa , Decin Leen , Van de Sande Marie
Published: August 2018

The modern era of highly sensitive telescopes is enabling the detection of more and more molecular species in various astronomical environments. Many of these are now being carefully examined for the first time. However, to move beyond detection to more detailed analysis such as radiative transfer modelling, certain molecular properties need to be properly measured and calculated. The importance of contributions from vibrationally excited states or collisional (de-)excitations can vary greatly, depending on the specific molecule and the environment being studied. Here, we discuss the present molecular data needs for detailed radiative transfer modelling of observations of molecular rotational transitions, primarily in the (sub-)millimetre and adjacent regimes, and with a focus on the stellar winds of AGB stars.
Development of a 3D Co-Culture System as a Cancer Model Using a Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffold
Authors: Betriu Nausika , Semino Carlos E.
Published: August 2018

Cancer research has traditionally relied on two-dimensional (2D) cell culture, focusing mainly on cancer cells and their abnormal genetics. However, over the past decade, tumors have been accepted as complex tissues rather than a homogenous mass of proliferating cells. Consequently, cancer cells’ behavior can only be deciphered considering the contribution of the cells existing in the tumor stroma as well as its complex microenvironment. Since the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumorigenesis, it is widely accepted that culturing cells in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, which mimic the extracellular matrix, represents a more realistic scenario. In the present work, an in vitro 3D co-culture system based on the self-assembling peptide scaffold RAD16-I (SAPS RAD16-I) was developed as a cancer model. For that, PANC-1 cells were injected into a RAD16-I peptide scaffold containing fibroblasts, resulting in a 3D system where cancer cells were localized in a defined area within a stromal cells matrix. With this system, we were able to study the effect of three well-known pharmaceutical drugs (Gemcitabine, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), and 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU)) in a 3D context in terms of cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the anti-cancer effect of the tested compounds can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated on the developed 3D co-culture system. Experimental results showed that Gemcitabine and 5-FU prevented PANC-1 cell proliferation but had a high cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts as well. 4-MU had a subtle effect on PANC-1 cells but caused high cell death on fibroblasts.
Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker-Led Diabetes Intervention among Older and Younger Latino Participants: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mendez Campos Barbara , Kieffer Edith C. , Sinco Brandy , Palmisano Gloria , Spencer Michael S. , Piatt Gretchen A.
Published: August 2018

Diabetes management for older Latino adults is complex, given a higher incidence of multiple coexisting medical conditions and psychosocial barriers to self-management. Community health workers (CHWs) may be effective in reducing these barriers. The REACH Detroit CHW randomized controlled intervention studies with Latino/as with diabetes found improvements in self-management behaviors and glucose control after participating in a CHW-led intervention. Using data from the REACH Detroit Partnership′s cohort 3, this study used descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses to evaluate whether the six-month CHW intervention had a greater effect on older Latino/as (ages 55 and older) than younger participants between baseline and post-intervention follow-up at six months. There were significant intervention effects by age group that varied by outcome. Compared to a control group that received enhanced usual care, there were statistically significant intervention effects demonstrating greater self-efficacy scores 1.27 (0.23, 2.32); p < 0.05, and reductions in HbA1c 1.02 (−1.96, −0.07); p < 0.05, among older participants in the CHW intervention, and increases in diabetes support 0.74 (0.34, 1.13); p < 0.001; and understanding of diabetes management 0.39 (0.08, 0.70); p < 0.01 among younger participants.
An Evaluation of Alternatives for Providing Care to Veterans
Authors: Fulton Lawrence V. , Brooks Matthew S.
Published: August 2018

In 2014, a whistleblower reported that many U.S. veterans died while waiting for care at the Phoenix VHA. Problems with veteran’s care through 2018 reveal ongoing and systematic problem. In March 2018, the VA Inspector General identified critical deficiencies at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center including failures to track patient safety events accurately, ineffective sterile processing and more than 10 thousand open or pending prosthetic/sensory aid consults. The VHA clearly has problems with access and quality in a budget-constrained environment. In this policy analysis, four separate interventions that address the gap between the magnitude as well as the use of the VHA’s fixed budget versus access and cost expectations are explored. These policy interventions include maintaining the status quo, returning to a “VHA-only” option, transitioning to a CMS central payer system and consolidating care under the DoD TRICARE insurance plans. An objective evaluation suggests that extending TRICARE to veterans during the phasing out the VHA’s care responsibilities, while politically unpalatable, would likely provide the best of four possible solutions under various criterion weighting schemes. A central payer solution under the CMS would also be a viable consideration. Results suggest that TRICARE patient perceptions of quality are superior to VHA and non-VHA/non-DoD, that access provided by the TRICARE program is ranked second in terms of venue acceptance only to the CMS solution set based on primary provider acceptance and that the cost per beneficiary of a TRICARE solution ($6.5 K/beneficiary) is far better than a VHA-only solution ($14.0 K/beneficiary), the CMS central payer solution ($12.2 K/beneficiary), or the status quo (between $12.2 K and $14.0 K/beneficiary). The intent of this paper is to provoke thoughtful consideration of solutions for providing access to high-quality healthcare for veterans within or outside of the VHA.
Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland
Authors: Garus-Pakowska Anna , Górajski Mariusz , Gaszyńska Ewelina
Published: August 2018

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic.
Assessing Effect Modification of Excess Winter Death by Causes of Death and Individual Characteristics in Zhejiang Province, China: A Multi-Community Case-Only Analysis
Authors: He Yiling , Zhang Xuehai , Ren Meng , Bao Junzhe , Huang Cunrui , Hajat Shakoor , Barnett Adrian G
Published: August 2018

Mortality in many parts of the world has a seasonal pattern, with a marked excess of deaths during winter. To date, however, there is very little published evidence on the nature of this wintertime excess in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we aimed to quantify the extent of the death peak in winter and to assess effect modification on excess winter death (EWD) by individual characteristics and cause of deaths in China. We used a Cosinor model to examine seasonal patterns for specific causes of deaths and a case-only analysis of deaths in winter compared with other seasons to assess effect modification by individual characteristics. A total of 398,529 deaths were investigated between January 2010 and December 2013 in Zhejiang Province, China. Deaths peaked in winter, and overall mortality was around 30% higher in winter than in summer. Although diseases of the respiratory and circulatory systems were highly seasonal, surprisingly we observed that deaths from mental and behavioral disorders exhibited greater fluctuation. Males, the elderly and illiterate individuals suffered high EWD. EWDs were also particularly common in emergency rooms, at home, on the way to hospitals, and in nursing homes/family wards. This study highlighted the high EWD in some previously unreported groups, indicating new information to facilitate the targeting of necessary preventive measures to those at greatest risk in order to mitigate wintertime death burdens.
Employment and People with Non Communicable Chronic Diseases: PATHWAYS Recommendations and Suggested Actions for Implementing an Inclusive Labour Market for All and Health in All Sectors
Authors: Leonardi Matilde , Scaratti Chiara
Published: August 2018

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Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening among Diverse Cultural Groups in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: O’Hara Jonathan , McPhee Crystal , Dodson Sarity , Cooper Annie , Wildey Carol , Hawkins Melanie , Fulton Alexandra , Pridmore Vicki , Cuevas Victoria , Scanlon Mathew , Livingston Patricia M. , Osborne Richard H. , Beauchamp Alison
Published: August 2018

This study explored the association between health literacy, barriers to breast cancer screening, and breast screening participation for women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. English-, Arabic- and Italian-speaking women (n = 317) between the ages of 50 to 74 in North West Melbourne, Australia were recruited to complete a survey exploring health literacy, barriers to breast cancer screening, and self-reported screening participation. A total of 219 women (69%) reported having a breast screen within the past two years. Results revealed that health literacy was not associated with screening participation. Instead, emotional barriers were a significant factor in the self-reported uptake of screening. Three health literacy domains were related to lower emotional breast screening barriers, feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, social support for health and understanding health information well enough to know what to do. Compared with English- and Italian-speaking women, Arabic-speaking women reported more emotional barriers to screening and greater challenges in understanding health information well enough to know what to do. Interventions that can improve breast screening participation rates should aim to reduce emotional barriers to breast screening, particularly for Arabic-speaking women.
Prevalence of Microbiological and Chemical Contaminants in Private Drinking Water Wells in Maryland, USA
Authors: Murray Rianna T. , Rosenberg Goldstein Rachel E. , Maring Elisabeth F. , Pee Daphne G. , Aspinwall Karen , Wilson Sacoby M. , Sapkota Amy R.
Published: August 2018

Although many U.S. homes rely on private wells, few studies have investigated the quality of these water sources. This cross-sectional study evaluated private well water quality in Maryland, and explored possible environmental sources that could impact water quality. Well water samples (n = 118) were collected in four Maryland counties and were analyzed for microbiological and chemical contaminants. Data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture were used to evaluate associations between the presence of animal feeding operations and well water quality at the zip code level using logistic regression. Overall, 43.2% of tested wells did not meet at least one federal health-based drinking water standard. Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterococci, and Escherichia coli were detected in 25.4%, 15.3%, 5.1%, and 3.4% of tested wells, respectively. Approximately 26%, 3.4%, and <1% of wells did not meet standards for pH, nitrate-N, and total dissolved solids, respectively. There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of cattle, dairy, broiler, turkey, or aquaculture operations and the detection of fecal indicator bacteria in tested wells. In conclusion, nearly half of tested wells did not meet federal health-based drinking water standards, and additional research is needed to evaluate factors that impact well water quality. However, homeowner education on well water testing and well maintenance could be important for public health.
Revenue Sharing in Major League Baseball: The Moments That Meant so Much
Authors: Rockerbie Duane , Easton Stephen
Published: August 2018

Revenue sharing is a common league policy in professional sports leagues. Several motivations for revenue sharing have been explored in the literature, including supporting small market teams, affecting league parity, suppressing player salaries, and improving team profitability. We investigate a different motivation. Risk-averse team owners, through their commissioner, are able to increase their utility by using revenue sharing to affect higher order moments of the revenue distribution. In particular, it may reduce the variance and kurtosis, as well as affecting the skewness of the league distribution of team local revenues. We first determine the extent to which revenue sharing affects these moments in theory, then we quantify the effects on utility for Major League Baseball over the period 2002–2013. Our results suggest that revenue sharing produced significant utility gains at little cost, which enhanced the positive effects noted by other studies.
A Methodology for Planar Representation of Frescoed Oval Domes: Formulation and Testing on Pisa Cathedral
Authors: Piemonte Andrea , Caroti Gabriella , Martínez-Espejo Zaragoza Isabel , Fantini Filippo , Cipriani Luca
Published: August 2018

This paper presents an original methodology for planar development of a frescoed dome with an oval plan. Input data include a rigorous geometric survey, performed with a laser scanner, and a photogrammetry campaign, which associates a high-quality photographic texture to the 3D model. Therefore, the main topics include the development of geometry and, contextually, of the associated textures. In order to overcome the inability to directly develop the surface, an orthographic azimuthal projection is used. Starting from a prerequisite study of building methodology, the dome is divided into sectors and bands, each linked with the maximum acceptable deformations and the actual geometric discontinuities detectable by the analysis of Gaussian curvature. Upon definition of the development model, a custom automation script has been devised for geometry projection. This effectively generates a (u,v) map, associated to the model, which is used for model texturing and provides the planar development of the fresco.
Differences in Functional Expression of Connexin43 and NaV1.5 by Pan- and Class-Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in Heart
Authors: Zhang Xian , Patel Dakshesh , Xu Qin , Veenstra Richard
Published: August 2018

Class-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors were designed to improve safety profiles and therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of multiple cancers relative to pan-HDAC inhibitors. However, the underlying mechanisms for their therapeutic and cardiotoxic potentials remain poorly understood. Cardiac sodium currents (INa) and gap junction conductance (gj) were measured by whole cell patch clamp techniques on primary cultures of neonatal cardiomyocytes. Cardiac NaV1.5 sodium channel and connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction protein levels were assessed by Western blot analyses. Panobinostat produced concentration-dependent reductions in ventricular gj, peak INa density, and NaV1.5 protein expression levels. Membrane voltage (Vm)-dependent activation of INa was shifted by +3 to 6 mV with no effect on inactivation. Entinostat (1 μM) did not affect ventricular gj, peak INa density, or INa activation. However, the INa half-inactivation voltage (V½) was shifted by −3.5 mV. Ricolinostat had only minor effects on ventricular gj and INa properties, though INa activation was shifted by −4 mV. Cx43 and NaV1.5 protein expression levels were not altered by class-selective HDAC inhibitors. The lack of effects of class-selective HDAC inhibitors on ventricular gj and INa may help explain the improved cardiac safety profile of entinostat and ricolinostat.
The Protein Phosphatase PPM1G Destabilizes HIF-1α Expression
Authors: Pyo Jaehyuk , Ryu Jaewook , Kim Wootae , Choi Jae-Sun , Jeong Joo-Won , Kim Ja-Eun
Published: August 2018

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are key regulators of hypoxic responses, and their stability and transcriptional activity are controlled by several kinases. However, the regulation of HIF by protein phosphatases has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we found that overexpression of Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent protein phosphatase 1 gamma (PPM1G), one of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, downregulated protein expression of ectopic HIF-1α under normoxic or acute hypoxic conditions. In addition, the deficiency of PPM1G upregulated protein expression of endogenous HIF-1α under normoxic or acute oxidative stress conditions. PPM1G decreased expression of HIF-1α via the proteasomal pathway. PPM1G-mediated HIF-1α degradation was dependent on prolyl hydroxylase (PHD), but independent of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL). These data suggest that PPM1G is critical for the control of HIF-1α-dependent responses.
Transcriptomic Analyses of Root Restriction Effects on Phytohormone Content and Signal Transduction during Grape Berry Development and Ripening
Authors: Leng Feng , Cao Jinping , Wang Shiping , Jiang Ling , Li Xian , Sun Chongde
Published: August 2018

Phytohormones strongly influence growth, development and nutritional quality of agricultural products by modulating molecular and biochemical changes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of root restriction (RR) treatment on the dynamic changes of main phytohormones during the berry development and ripening of “Summer Black” early ripening seedless grape (Vitis vinifera × V. labrusca), and to analyze the changes in the biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways of phytohormones by transcriptomics. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) were used to quantify the phytohormone levels, and RNA-Seq was used to analyze the transcript abundance. The results showed that 23 transcripts involved in the phytohormone biosynthesis and 34 transcripts involved in the signal transduction pathways were significantly changed by RR treatment. RR also increased abscisic acid, brassinosteroid, ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid levels, while decreasing auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin contents. The results of the present study suggest that RR treatment can accelerate the grape ripening process, and specific candidate genes were identified for further functional analysis.
Innovative Approach of Non-Thermal Plasma Application for Improving the Growth Rate in Chickens
Authors: Zhang Jiao Jiao , Wang Xian Zhong , Kwon Taeho , Huynh Do Luong , Chandimali Nisansala , Kim Nameun , Kang Tae Yoon , Ghosh Mrinmoy , Gera Meeta , Lee Sang Baek , Lee Sung Jin , Lee Wang Shik , Kim Seong Bong , Mok Young Sun , Jeong Dong Kee
Published: August 2018

As an innovative technology in biological applications—non-thermal plasma technique—has recently been applied to living cells and tissues. However, it is unclear whether non-thermal plasma treatment can directly regulate the growth and development of livestock. In this study, we exposed four-day-incubated fertilized eggs to plasma at 11.7 kV for 2 min, which was found to be the optimal condition in respect of highest growth rate in chickens. Interestingly, plasma-treated male chickens conspicuously grew faster than females. Plasma treatment regulated the reactive oxygen species homeostasis by controlling the mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and up-regulating the antioxidant defense system. At the same time, growth metabolism was improved due to the increase of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 and their receptors expression, and the rise of thyroid hormones and adenosine triphosphate levels through the regulation of demethylation levels of growth and hormone biosynthesis-related genes in the skeletal muscles and thyroid glands. To our knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate the effects of a non-thermal plasma treatment on the growth rate of chickens. This safe strategy might be beneficial to the livestock industry.
Na+, K+-ATPase Signaling and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Lichtstein David , Ilani Asher , Rosen Haim , Horesh Noa , Singh Shiv Vardan , Buzaglo Nahum , Hodes Anastasia
Published: August 2018

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and common chronic mental illness characterized by recurrent mood swings between depression and mania. The biological basis of the disease is poorly understood and its treatment is unsatisfactory. Although in past decades the “monoamine hypothesis” has dominated our understanding of both the pathophysiology of depressive disorders and the action of pharmacological treatments, recent studies focus on the involvement of additional neurotransmitters/neuromodulators systems and cellular processes in BD. Here, evidence for the participation of Na+, K+-ATPase and its endogenous regulators, the endogenous cardiac steroids (ECS), in the etiology of BD is reviewed. Proof for the involvement of brain Na+, K+-ATPase and ECS in behavior is summarized and it is hypothesized that ECS-Na+, K+-ATPase-induced activation of intracellular signaling participates in the mechanisms underlying BD. We propose that the activation of ERK, AKT, and NFκB, resulting from ECS-Na+, K+-ATPase interaction, modifies neuronal activity and neurotransmission which, in turn, participate in the regulation of behavior and BD. These observations suggest Na+, K+-ATPase-mediated signaling is a potential target for drug development for the treatment of BD.
Aspect Term Extraction Based on MFE-CRF
Authors: Xiang Yanmin , He Hongye , Zheng Jin
Published: August 2018

This paper is focused on aspect term extraction in aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA), which is one of the hot spots in natural language processing (NLP). This paper proposes MFE-CRF that introduces Multi-Feature Embedding (MFE) clustering based on the Conditional Random Field (CRF) model to improve the effect of aspect term extraction in ABSA. First, Multi-Feature Embedding (MFE) is proposed to improve the text representation and capture more semantic information from text. Then the authors use kmeans++ algorithm to obtain MFE and word clustering to enrich the position features of CRF. Finally, the clustering classes of MFE and word embedding are set as the additional position features to train the model of CRF for aspect term extraction. The experiments on SemEval datasets validate the effectiveness of this model. The results of different models indicate that MFE-CRF can greatly improve the Recall rate of CRF model. Additionally, the Precision rate also is increased obviously when the semantics of text is complex.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Germathioacid Chloride Coordinated by an N-Heterocyclic Carbene §
Authors: Egawa Yasunobu , Fukumoto Chihiro , Mikami Koichiro , Takeda Nobuhiro , Unno Masafumi
Published: August 2018

Carboxylic acid chlorides are useful substrates in organic chemistry. Many germanium analogues of carboxylic acid chloride have been synthesized so far. Nevertheless, all of the reported germathioacid chlorides use bidentate nitrogen ligands and contain germanium-nitrogen bonds. Our group synthesized germathioacid chloride, Ge(S)Cl{C6H3-2,6-Tip2}(Im-i-Pr2Me2), using N-heterocyclic carbene (Im-i-Pr2Me2). As a result of density functional theory (DFT) calculation, it was found that electrons are localized on sulfur, and the germanium-sulfur bond is a single bond with a slight double bond property.
Anti-Hypertensive Medication Use, Soluble Receptor for Glycation End Products and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in the Women’s Health Initiative Study
Authors: Wang Zhensheng , White Donna , Hoogeveen Ron , Chen Liang , Whitsel Eric , Richardson Peter , Virani Salim , Garcia Jose , El-Serag Hashem , Jiao Li
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. Soluble receptor for glycation end products (sRAGE), which is modulated by anti-hypertensive (HT) medications, has been inversely associated with pancreatic cancer. However, the association between commonly used anti-HT medications and risk of pancreatic cancer is unknown. A total of 145,551 postmenopausal women from the Women Health Initiative (WHI) Study were included in analysis. Use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), β-blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and diuretics was ascertained at baseline (1993–1998). Baseline sRAGE levels were measured among a subset of 2104 participants using an immunoassay. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was performed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pancreatic cancer in association with anti-HT medications. Increased risk of pancreatic cancer was found among users of short-acting CCB (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20–2.28) and long-term (≥3 years) users of short-acting CCB (HR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.42–3.02) compared to users of other anti-HT medications. Average sRAGE levels were lower in short-acting CCB users than users of other anti-HT medications (1173 versus 1454 pg/mL, p = 0.038). Non-statistically significant reduced risk of pancreatic cancer was found among users of β-blockers (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.60–1.07). Average sRAGE levels were higher in β-blockers users than users of other anti-HT medications (1692 versus 1454 pg/mL, p > 0.05). Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate potential mechanisms by which anti-HT medications influence development of pancreatic cancer.
Software Defined Networks in Industrial Automation
Authors: Ahmed Khandakar , Blech Jan O. , Gregory Mark A. , Schmidt Heinz W.
Published: August 2018

Trends such as the Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 have increased the need to use new and innovative network technologies in industrial automation. The growth of industrial automation communications is an outcome of the shift to harness the productivity and efficiency of manufacturing and process automation with a minimum of human intervention. Due to the ongoing evolution of industrial networks from Fieldbus technologies to Ethernet, a new opportunity has emerged to harness the benefits of Software Defined Networking (SDN). In this paper, we provide a brief overview of SDN in the industrial automation domain and propose a network architecture called the Software Defined Industrial Automation Network (SDIAN), with the objective of improving network scalability and efficiency. To match the specific considerations and requirements of having a deterministic system in an industrial network, we propose two solutions for flow creation: the Pro-active Flow Installation Scheme and the Hybrid Flow Installation Scheme. We analytically quantify the proposed solutions that alleviate the overhead incurred from the flow setup. The analytical model is verified using Monte Carlo simulations. We also evaluate the SDIAN architecture and analyze the network performance of the modified topology using the Mininet emulator. We further list and motivate SDIAN features and report on an experimental food processing plant demonstration featuring Raspberry Pi as a software-defined controller instead of traditional proprietary Programmable Logic Controllers. Our demonstration exemplifies the characteristics of SDIAN.
Comparative Study of Tribological Behavior of Electroless Ni–B, Ni–B–Mo, and Ni–B–W Coatings at Room and High Temperatures
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arkadeb , Barman Tapan Kumar , Sahoo Prasanta , Davim J. Paulo
Published: August 2018

Ni–B alloys deposited by the electroless method are considered to be hard variants of the electroless nickel family. Inclusion of Mo or W to form ternary alloys improves the thermal stability of electroless nickel coatings. Therefore, in the present work, Ni–B, Ni–B–Mo, and Ni–B–W coatings are deposited; and their tribological behavior at room and high temperatures are investigated. Electroless Ni–B, Ni–B–Mo, and Ni–B–W coatings are deposited on AISI 1040 steel substrates. The coatings are heat treated to improve their mechanical properties and crystallinity. Tribological behavior of the coatings is determined on a pin-on-disc type tribological test setup using various applied normal loads (10–50 N) and sliding speeds (0.25–0.42 m/s) to measure wear and coefficient of friction at different operating temperatures (25 °C–500 °C). Ni–B–W coatings are observed to have higher wear resistance than Ni–B or Ni–B–Mo coatings throughout the temperature range considered. Although for coefficient of friction, no such trend is observed. The worn surface of the coatings at 500 °C is characterized by lubricious oxide glazes, which lead to enhanced tribological behavior compared with that at 100 °C. A study of the coating characteristics such as composition, phase transformations, surface morphology, and microhardness is also carried out prior to tribological tests.
Compact Storage of Radioactive Cesium in Compressed Pellets of Zeolite Polymer Composite Fibers
Authors: Ooshiro Masaru , Kobayashi Takaomi , Uchida Shuji
Published: August 2018

To facilitate the safe storage of radioactive Cs, a zeolite–poly(ethersulfone) composite fiber was fabricated to be a compact storage form of radioactive Cs, and an immobilization was investigated with respect to the effects of volume reduction and stability of the fiber’s adsorbent matrix. Using compressed heat treatment at 100–800 °C for a zeolite polymer composite fiber (ZPCF) containing Cs, the fabrication changed its form from a fiber into a pellet, which decreased the matrix volume to be about one-sixth of its original volume. The Cs leakage behavior of the ZPCF matrix was examined in its compact pellet form for non-radioactive Cs and radioactive Cs when different fabrication conditions were carried out in the immobilization. The elution ratio of non-radioactive Cs from the matrix was minimal, at 0.05%, when the ZPCF was compressed with heat treatment at 300 °C. When using radioactive Cs for the compression at below 300 °C, the pellet form also had no elution of the pollutants from the matrix. When the compressed treatment was at 500 °C, the matrix exhibited elution of radioactive Cs to the outside, meaning that the plastic component was burning and decomposed in the pellet. A comparison of ZPCF and natural zeolite indicated that the compressed heating process for ZPCF was useful in a less-volume-immobilized form of the compact adsorbent for radioactive Cs storage.