bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on the Influence of Mass and Stiffness Ratios on the Vortex Induced Motion of an Elastically Mounted Cylinder for Harnessing Power
Authors: Chandran Vidya , M. Sekar , Janardhanan Sheeja , Menon Varun
Published: September 2018

Harnessing the power of vortices shed in the wake of bluff bodies is indeed a boon to society in the face of fuel crisis. This fact serves as an impetus to develop a device called a hydro vortex power generator (HVPG), comprised of an elastically mounted cylinder that is free to oscillate in the cross-flow (CF) direction even in a low velocity flow field. The oscillatory motions in turn can be converted to useful power. This paper addresses the influence of system characteristics viz. stiffness ratio (k*) and mass ratio (m*) on the maximum response amplitude of the elastically mounted cylinder. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been used here to solve a two way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problem for predicting the trend of variation of the non-dimensional amplitude Y/D with reduced velocity Ur through a series of simulations. Maximum amplitude motions have been attributed to the lowest value of m* with Ur = 8. However, the maximum lift forces correspond to Ur = 4, providing strong design inputs as well as indicating the best operating conditions. The numerical results have been compared with those of field tests in an irrigation canal and have shown reasonable agreement.
Influence of Blade Leading-Edge Shape on Cavitation in a Centrifugal Pump Impeller
Authors: Tao Ran , Xiao Ruofu , Wang Zhengwei
Published: September 2018

Cavitation is an important issue in pumps and usually starts on the blade leading-edge. For fixed blades with constant rotational speeds and specific flow rates, the incident angle, which is between the flow direction and the blade installing direction, on the blade leading-edge plays the key role in the cavitation process. The leading-edge shape is crucial on the local flow separation, pressure distribution, and cavitation. Hence, the influence of the leading-edge shape on cavitation has been studied in the current work in a centrifugal pump impeller. The blunt, sharp, ellipse and round leading-edge cases were compared using numerical simulation and verified by experimental data. Results show different features of cavitation. The round and ellipse leading-edge impellers have higher inception cavitation coefficient. It was caused by the sudden pressure drop on leading-edge arc or elliptical arc. The sharp and blunt leading-edge impellers have a wide flow-separation region on leading-edge with a wide low-pressure region. This is because of the sudden turn in geometry on the leading-edge corner. Cavitation grew quickly after inception and caused rapid head-drop in the sharp and blunt leading-edge impellers. Results suggest the critical cavitation performance is dominated by the leading-edge low-pressure area while the inception cavitation is mostly affected by the minimum pressure value on the leading-edge. The critical cavitation performance can be evaluated by checking the leading-edge low-pressure area. The inception cavitation can be evaluated by checking the minimum pressure value on the leading-edge. These strategies can be used in the further leading-edge designs.
Engineering Simulation Tests on Multiphase Flow in Middle- and High-Yield Slanted Well Bores
Authors: Qi Dan , Zou Honglan , Ding Yunhong , Luo Wei , Yang Junzheng
Published: September 2018

Previous multiphase pipe flow tests have mainly been conducted in horizontal and vertical pipes, with few tests conducted on multiphase pipe flow under different inclined angles. In this study, in light of mid–high yield and highly deviated wells in the Middle East and on the basis of existent multiphase flow pressure research on well bores, multiphase pipe flow tests were conducted under different inclined angles, liquid rates, and gas rates. A pressure prediction model based on Mukherjee model, but with new coefficients and higher accuracy for well bores in the study block, was obtained. It was verified that the newly built pressure drawdown prediction model tallies better with experimental data, with an error of only 11.3%. The effect of inclination, output, and gas rate on the flow pattern, liquid holdup, and friction in the course of multiphase flow were analyzed comprehensively, and six kinds of classical flow regime maps were verified with this model. The results showed that for annular and slug flow, the Mukherjee flow pattern map had a higher accuracy of 100% and 80–100%, respectively. For transition flow, Duns and Ros flow pattern map had a higher accuracy of 46–66%.
Land Use Planning and Wildlife-Inflicted Crop Damage in Zambia
Authors: Subakanya Mitelo , Tembo Gelson , Richardson Robert B.
Published: September 2018

Damage to crops from wildlife interference is a common threat to food security among rural communities in or near Game Management Areas (GMAs) in Zambia. This study uses a two-stage model and cross-sectional data from a survey of 2769 households to determine the impact of land use planning on the probability and extent of wildlife-inflicted crop damage. The results show that crop damage is higher in GMAs as compared to non-GMAs, and that land use planning could be an effective tool to significantly reduce the likelihood of such damage. These findings suggest that there is merit in the current drive to develop and implement land use plans to minimize human-wildlife conflict such as crop damage. This is especially critical as Zambian conservation policies do not explicitly provide compensation for damage caused by wildlife.
How Overweight and Obesity Relate to the Development of Functional Limitations among Filipino Women
Authors: Adair Linda S. , Duazo Paulita , Borja Judith B.
Published: September 2018

As life expectancy and obesity increase in low and middle-income countries, the relationship of weight status to functional outcomes in older adults in these settings requires attention. We examined how overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2), obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), and high waist circumference (WC > 80 cm) related to grip strength, timed up-and-go, and development of limitations in mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among Filipino women. We analyzed data from seven rounds of the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (1994, n = 2279 to 2015, n = 1568, age 49–78 years) to examine how women’s reports of functional limitations related to their prior WC, and how their grip strength and timed up-and-go related to concurrently measured overweight and obesity, adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity. High WC was associated with higher odds of subsequent mobility and IADL limitations. Chronic disease morbidity (sum of self-reported arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer) fully mediated the association of high WC with ADL and IADL limitations, but not physical/mobility limitations. Longer up-and-go times, and higher grip strength were related to overweight and obesity. Results emphasize the need for obesity prevention to reduce chronic diseases and maintain good functional status as women age.
Regulation of Antimicrobial Pathways by Endogenous Heat Shock Proteins in Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Finlayson-Trick Emma , Connors Jessica , Stadnyk Andrew , Van Limbergen Johan
Published: September 2018

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are essential mediators of cellular homeostasis by maintaining protein functionality and stability, and activating appropriate immune cells. HSP activity is influenced by a variety of factors including diet, microbial stimuli, environment and host immunity. The overexpression and down-regulation of HSPs is associated with various disease phenotypes, including the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD). While the precise etiology of CD remains unclear, many of the putative triggers also influence HSP activity. The development of different CD phenotypes therefore may be a result of the disease-modifying behavior of the environmentally-regulated HSPs. Understanding the role of bacterial and endogenous HSPs in host homeostasis and disease will help elucidate the complex interplay of factors. Furthermore, discerning the function of HSPs in CD may lead to therapeutic developments that better reflect and respond to the gut environment.
World Citizens: Pathways for the Development of Eco-Citizenship in Higher Education
Authors: Domon Hélène
Published: September 2018

It is time that universities reexamine what is meant by globalization. Contemporary scholars in the humanities, such as Peter Critchley, Noam Chomsky, Lewis Mumford, Elinor Ostrom, Charles Eisenstein, David Orr, Vandana Shiva, Naomi Klein, Lynn Margulis, Mustafa Tolba, Martha Nussbaum, Henry Giroux, Carolyn Merchant, Paulo Freire, Fritjof Capra, and Pier Luigi Luisi have aptly redefined the concept of “world” as a biological and cultural ecosystem. This paper seeks ways to integrate the theory and practice of eco-citizenship into various cross-disciplinary aspects of higher education, with a focus on curricular adjustments steered by World Languages and Cultures programs. It vests universities with a mission to engage themselves both as places of resistance against the neoliberal privatization of the commons and as the interactive, practical, analytical, and creative grounds needed for a healthy rebuilding of our global community. Through an assertive commitment in favour of eco-citizenship, universities will help clarify and resolve the strong conflict we are witnessing today between neoliberal orientations and an ecological exigency clearly delineated by scientific and humanistic scholarship.
Oral Microbiota of the Snake Bothrops lanceolatus in Martinique
Authors: Résière Dabor , Olive Claude , Kallel Hatem , Cabié André , Névière Rémi , Mégarbane Bruno , Gutiérrez José María , Mehdaoui Hossein
Published: September 2018

In Martinique, Bothrops lanceolatus snakebite, although relatively uncommon (~30 cases/year), may result in serious complications such as systemic thrombosis and local infections. Infections have been hypothesized to be related to bacteria present in the snake’s oral cavity. In this investigation, we isolated, identified, and studied the susceptibility to beta-lactams of bacteria sampled from the oral cavity of twenty-six B. lanceolatus specimens collected from various areas in Martinique. Microbiota from B. lanceolatus oral cavity was polymicrobial. Isolated bacteria belonged to fifteen different taxa; the most frequent being Aeromonas hydrophyla (present in 50% of the samples), Morganella morganii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus spp., and Enterococcus spp. Analysis of antibiotic susceptibility revealed that 66.7% of the isolated bacteria were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate. In contrast, the majority of isolated bacteria were susceptible to the third-generation cephalosporins (i.e., 73.3% with cefotaxime and 80.0% with ceftazidime). Microbiota from B. lanceolatus oral cavity is polymicrobial with bacteria mostly susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins but rarely to amoxicillin/clavulanate. In conclusion, our findings clearly support that first-line antibiotic therapy in the B. lanceolatus-bitten patients, when there is evidence of infection, should include a third-generation cephalosporin rather than amoxicillin/clavulanate.
Duality and Dimensionality Reduction Discrete Line Generation Algorithm for a Triangular Grid
Authors: Du Lingyu , Ma Qiuhe , Ben Jin , Wang Rui , Li Jiahao
Published: September 2018

Vectors are a key type of geospatial data, and their discretization, which involves solving the problem of generating a discrete line, is particularly important. In this study, we propose a method for constructing a discrete line mathematical model for a triangular grid based on a “weak duality” hexagonal grid, to overcome the drawbacks of existing discrete line generation algorithms for a triangular grid. First, a weak duality relationship between triangular and hexagonal grids is explored. Second, an equivalent triangular grid model is established based on the hexagonal grid, using this weak duality relationship. Third, the two-dimensional discrete line model is solved by transforming it into a one-dimensional optimal wandering path model. Finally, we design and implement the dimensionality reduction generation algorithm for a discrete line in a triangular grid. The results of our comparative experiment indicate that the proposed algorithm has a computation speed that is approximately 10 times that of similar existing algorithms; in addition, it has better fitting effectiveness. Our proposed algorithm has broad applications, and it can be used for real-time grid transformation of vector data, discrete global grid system (DGGS), and other similar applications.
Systemic Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pain Sensitivity and Spinal Inflammation Were Reduced by Minocycline in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Ta , Lee Yih-Jing , Dai Xiaoli , Ojeda Norma Beatriz , Lee Hyun Joon , Tien Lu-Tai , Fan Lir-Wan
Published: September 2018

In this study, we investigated the effects of minocycline, a putative suppressor of microglial activation, on systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced spinal cord inflammation, allodynia, and hyperalgesia in neonatal rats. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of LPS (2 mg/kg) or sterile saline was performed in postnatal day 5 (P5) rat pups and minocycline (45 mg/kg) or vehicle (phosphate buffer saline; PBS) was administered (i.p.) 5 min after LPS injection. The von Frey filament and tail-flick tests were performed to determine mechanical allodynia (a painful sensation caused by innocuous stimuli, e.g., light touch) and thermal hyperalgesia (a condition of altered perception of temperature), respectively, and spinal cord inflammation was examined 24 h after the administration of drugs. Systemic LPS administration resulted in a reduction of tactile threshold in the von Frey filament tests and pain response latency in the tail-flick test of neonatal rats. The levels of microglia and astrocyte activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the spinal cord of neonatal rats were increased 24 h after the administration of LPS. Treatment with minocycline significantly attenuated LPS-induced allodynia, hyperalgesia, the increase in spinal cord microglia, and astrocyte activation, and elevated levels of IL-1β, COX-2, and PGE2 in neonatal rats. These results suggest that minocycline provides protection against neonatal systemic LPS exposure-induced enhanced pain sensitivity (allodynia and hyperalgesia), and that the protective effects may be associated with its ability to attenuate LPS-induced microglia activation, and the levels of IL-1β, COX-2, and PGE2 in the spinal cord of neonatal rats.
Regulation of Macrophage Activation and Polarization by HCC-Derived Exosomal lncRNA TUC339
Authors: Li Xue , Lei Yi , Wu Miao , Li Nan
Published: September 2018

Exosomes released by cells can serve as vehicles for delivery of biological materials and signals. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs longer than 200 nt, which roles are increasingly appreciated in various biological content. Tumor-derived exosomal lncRNAs have been implicated as signaling mediators to orchestrate cell function among neighbor tumor cells. However, the role of tumor-derived lncRNAs in cross-talk with environmental macrophages has yet to be explored. In this paper, we demonstrated that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells–derived exosomes contain elevated levels of lncRNA TUC339 and that HCC-derived exosomes could be taken up by THP-1 cells. In seeking to dissect the biological function of tumor secreting TUC339 in macrophages, we applied loss-of-function and gain-of-function strategies. We observed increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, increased co-stimulatory molecule expression, and enhanced phagocytosis upon suppression of TUC339 by siRNA in THP-1 cells, and the opposite effect upon over-expression of this lncRNA, which indicates that TUC339 was involved in the regulation of macrophage activation. Moreover, we detected an elevated level of TUC339 in M(IL-4) macrophages as compared to M(IFN-γ + LPS) macrophages and a down-regulation of TUC339 expression during M(IL-4)-to-M(IFN-γ + LPS) repolarization and vice versa. Furthermore, suppression of TUC339 in macrophages diminished the expression of M(IL-4) markers upon IL-4 treatment while overexpression of TUC339 in macrophages enhanced M(IL-4) markers upon IFN-γ + LPS treatment, which suggests a critical function of TUC339 in the regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization. Lastly, using microarray analysis, we identified cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, CXCR chemokine receptor binding, Toll-like receptor signaling, FcγR-mediated phagocytosis, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and cell proliferation are related with TUC339 function in macrophages. Our results provide evidence for a novel regulatory function of tumor-derived exosomal lncRNA TUC339 in environmental macrophages and shed light on the complicated interactions between tumor and immune cells through exosomal lncRNAs.
Impact of Consumption of Bananas on Attraction of Anopheles stephensi to Humans
Authors: Paskewitz Susan , Irwin Patrick , Konwinski Nic , Larson Scott
Published: September 2018

Humans vary in attractiveness to mosquitoes, a phenomenon that is largely attributed to differences in physical cues such as heat and volatile odors emanating from breath and skin. Diet can change human odors but whether specific dietary components alter host attractiveness is largely unexplored. We identified bananas as a target for study following a survey of the internet for advice on avoiding mosquito bites. Human attractiveness to Anopheles stephensi Liston was measured using a glass vial bioassay where mosquito contacts were measured before and 1–3 h after ingestion of bananas or grapes. Consumption of grapes had no effect on the number of contacts but banana ingestion resulted in a significant increase in the overall number of contacts in spite of individual variation that included some subjects who showed no effect or decreases in contacts. Further tests with a single volunteer showed that the effect was repeatable and consistent across 15 trials. The magnitude of the increase was not affected by the number of bananas eaten. Increased contact counts after banana ingestion were also observed when A. gambiae Giles was tested. These results support the hypothesis that diet plays an important role in mediating host attractiveness to anopheline mosquitoes.
Pioglitazone Reduces Dementia Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Tseng Chin-Hsiao
Published: September 2018

Background: The beneficial effect of pioglitazone on dementia requires confirmation. Methods: The database of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance was used to enroll a propensity score-matched-pair cohort of patients who had ever used pioglitazone and patients who had never used pioglitazone from Taiwanese patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus during 1999–2008. The patients were to be alive on 1 January 2009 and were followed up for dementia until 31 December 2011. Hazard ratios were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: There were 11,011 never users and 11,011 ever users of pioglitazone, with respective numbers of incident dementia of 123 and 91. The overall hazard ratio was 0.716 (95% confidence interval: 0.545–0.940) for ever users versus never users. The hazard ratios for the first (<11.0 months), second (11.0–19.6 months) and third (>19.6 months) tertiles of cumulative duration were 0.806 (0.544–1.193), 0.654 (0.430–0.994) and 0.694 (0.469–1.026), respectively. When cumulative duration was treated as a continuous variable, the hazard ratio was 0.987 (0.976–0.998). In subgroup analyses, the beneficial effect was mainly observed in patients who had not been treated with metformin. Among metformin ever users, the hazard ratio for dementia for pioglitazone ever users versus never users was 0.802 (0.580–1.109); and was 0.494 (0.284–0.857) among never users of metformin. No interaction between pioglitazone and major risk factors of dementia (i.e., stroke, hypoglycemia, head injury and Parkinson’s disease) was observed. Conclusions: Pioglitazone use is associated with a lower risk of dementia, especially when it is used in never users of metformin and has been used for more than 20 months.
Are Early Warning Scores Useful Predictors for Mortality and Morbidity in Hospitalised Acutely Unwell Older Patients? A Systematic Review
Authors: Jayasundera Romesh , Neilly Mark , Smith Toby , Myint Phyo
Published: September 2018

Background: Early warning scores (EWSs) are used to identify deteriorating patients for appropriate interventions. We performed a systematic review to examine the usefulness of EWSs in predicting inpatient mortality and morbidity (transfer to higher-level care and length of hospital stay) in older people admitted to acute medical units with sepsis, acute cardiovascular events, or pneumonia. Methods: A systematic review of published and unpublished databases was conducted. Cochrane′s tool for assessing Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to appraise the evidence. A narrative synthesis was performed due to substantial heterogeneity. RESULTS: Five studies (n = 12,057) were eligible from 1033 citations. There was an overall “moderate” risk of bias for all studies. The predictive ability of EWSs regarding mortality was reported in one study (n = 274), suggesting EWSs were better at predicting survival, (negative predictive value >90% for all scores). Three studies (n = 1819) demonstrated a significant association between increasing modified EWSs (MEWSs) and increased risk of mortality. Hazards ratios for a composite death/intensive care (ICU) admission with MEWSs ≥5 were significant in one study (p = 0.003). Two studies (n = 1421) demonstrated that a MEWS ≥6 was associated with 21 times higher probability of mortality (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.71–170.57) compared with a MEWS ≤1. A MEWS of ≥5 was associated with 22 times higher probability of mortality (95% CI: 10.45–49.16). Conclusion: Increasing EWSs are strongly associated with mortality and ICU admission in older acutely unwell patients. Future research should be targeted at better understanding the usefulness of high and increasing EWSs for specific acute illnesses in older adults.
Unsupervised Local Binary Pattern Histogram Selection Scores for Color Texture Classification
Authors: Kalakech Mariam , Porebski Alice , Vandenbroucke Nicolas , Hamad Denis
Published: September 2018

These last few years, several supervised scores have been proposed in the literature to select histograms. Applied to color texture classification problems, these scores have improved the accuracy by selecting the most discriminant histograms among a set of available ones computed from a color image. In this paper, two new scores are proposed to select histograms: The adapted Variance score and the adapted Laplacian score. These new scores are computed without considering the class label of the images, contrary to what is done until now. Experiments, achieved on OuTex, USPTex, and BarkTex sets, show that these unsupervised scores give as good results as the supervised ones for LBP histogram selection.
A Numerical Landslide-Tsunami Hazard Assessment Technique Applied on Hypothetical Scenarios at Es Vedrà, Offshore Ibiza
Authors: Tan Hai , Ruffini Gioele , Heller Valentin , Chen Shenghong
Published: September 2018

This study presents a numerical landslide-tsunami hazard assessment technique for applications in reservoirs, lakes, fjords, and the sea. This technique is illustrated with hypothetical scenarios at Es Vedrà, offshore Ibiza, although currently no evidence suggests that this island may become unstable. The two selected scenarios include two particularly vulnerable locations, namely: (i) Cala d’Hort on Ibiza (3 km away from Es Vedrà) and (ii) Marina de Formentera (23 km away from Es Vedrà). The violent wave generation process is modelled with the meshless Lagrangian method smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Further offshore, the simulations are continued with the less computational expensive code SWASH (Simulating WAves till SHore), which is based on the non-hydrostatic non-linear shallow water equations that are capable of considering bottom friction and frequency dispersion. The up to 133-m high tsunamis decay relatively fast with distance from Es Vedrà; the wave height 5 m offshore Cala d’Hort is 14.2 m, reaching a maximum run-up height of over 21.5 m, whilst the offshore wave height (2.7 m) and maximum inundation depth at Marina de Formentera (1.2 m) are significantly smaller. This study illustrates that landslide-tsunami hazard assessment can nowadays readily be conducted under consideration of site-specific details such as the bathymetry and topography, and intends to support future investigations of real landslide-tsunami cases.
Assessing Nature-Based Recreation to Support Urban Green Infrastructure Planning in Trento (Italy)
Authors: Cortinovis Chiara , Zulian Grazia , Geneletti Davide
Published: September 2018

Nature-based recreation is among the most relevant ecosystem services supplied by urban green infrastructure, affecting citizens’ physical and mental wellbeing. Providing adequate green spaces for nature-based recreation is among the main goals of urban planning, but commonly-used indicators offer a partial view on the issue. Innovative methods and approaches, such as the ESTIMAP-recreation model, appear as promising ways to increase the quality of information available for decision-makers by considering both the range of green spaces that provide the service and the locally-specific demand. The article presents an application of the ESTIMAP-recreation model to the city of Trento (Italy), aimed at testing its adaptation to the local context and the potential improvements brought to urban planning. The comparison of the results with traditional indicators based on the availability and accessibility to urban parks shows significant differences in terms of priority of intervention across the city, with implications on planning decisions. The application demonstrates that innovative methods can enhance the understanding of nature-based recreation in cities beyond the focus on urban parks, revealing a wide portfolio of actions that planners can put in place to promote nature-based recreation through a multifunctional green infrastructure.
Effect of Colloidal Silica on the Hydration Behavior of Calcium Aluminate Cement
Authors: Wang Feng , Chen Pingan , Li Xiangcheng , Zhu Boquan
Published: September 2018

The effect of colloidal silica (CS) on the hydrate phases and microstructure evolution of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) was investigated. Samples hydrated with CS were obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), hydration heat measurement and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The results revealed that SiO2 nanoparticles may affect the hydrates crystallization process. There was a compact structure in the CAC paste with CS, while petal-shaped hydrates with a porous structure were formed in the pure CAC paste. The maximum value of electrical conductivity for CAC paste with CS suggested that the early stage of hydration for CAC was accelerated. However, the hydration heat curves revealed that the late stage of the CAC hydration process was inhibited, and the hydration degree was reduced, this result was in accordance with Thermogravimetry-Differential scanning calorimetry(TG-DSC) curves. The fitting results of hydration heat curves further showed that the hydration degree at NG (nucleation and crystal growth) process stage was promoted, while it was limited at the phase boundaries stage, and the diffusion stage in the hydration reaction was brought forward due to the addition of CS. According to these results and analyses, the differences in the hydration process for CAC with and without CS can be attributed to the distribution and nucleation effect of SiO2 nanoparticles.
Bitumen Foaming Optimisation Process on the Basis of Rheological Properties
Authors: Iwański Marek , Mazurek Grzegorz , Buczyński Przemysław
Published: September 2018

This article discusses the results of bitumen foam properties optimisation with respect to three factors: air pressure, bitumen temperature and amount of water. The test materials were unmodified bitumen 50/70 and bitumen 50/70 modified with 2.5% synthetic wax. The experiment was designed according to the 3(3−1) fractional factorial design. The distribution of parameters of bitumen foam were measured with the authors’ original apparatus using a laser beam. This measurement method increased the accuracy of maximum expansion ratio (ER) and half-life (HL) estimation. Based on HL and ER results, it was found that the foaming process increased bitumen stiffness due to the dynamic ageing of the bitumen. The experimental design allows more effective control over the properties of foamed bitumen with respect to its intended use. The presence of synthetic wax extended the half-life of the bitumen foam.
Path Planning for Autonomous Landing of Helicopter on the Aircraft Carrier
Authors: Hu Hanjie , Wu Yu , Xu Jinfa , Sun Qingyun
Published: September 2018

Helicopters are introduced on the aircraft carrier to perform the tasks which are beyond the capability of fixed-wing aircraft. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, the landing path of helicopters is not regulated and can be determined autonomously, and the path planning problem for autonomous landing of helicopters on the carrier is studied in this paper. To solve the problem, the returning flight is divided into two phases, that is, approaching the carrier and landing on the flight deck. The feature of each phase is depicted, and the conceptual model is built on this basis to provide a general frame and idea of solving the problem. In the established mathematical model, the path planning problem is formulated into an optimization problem, and the constraints are classified by the characteristics of the helicopter and the task requirements. The goal is to reduce the terminal position error and the impact between the helicopter and the flight deck. To obtain a reasonable landing path, a multiphase path planning algorithm with the pigeon inspired optimization (MPPIO) algorithm is proposed to adapt to the changing environment. Three experiments under different situations, that is, static carrier, only horizontal motion of carrier considered, and 3D motion of carrier considered, are conducted. The results demonstrate that the helicopters can all reach the ideal landing point with the reasonable path in different situations. The small terminal error and relatively vertical motion between the helicopter and the carrier ensure a precise and safe landing.
An Investigation of the Optimistic Solution to the Linear Trilevel Programming Problem
Authors: Esmaeili Maryam , Sadeghi Habibe
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we consider a general version of a linear trilevel programming problem. Three different types of optimistic optimal solutions for a special trilevel programming problem have formerly been suggested. This paper presents the mathematical formulation of all of the three types of optimistic optimal solutions for the given linear trilevel programming problem. Moreover, some properties of the inducible region (the feasible region for the trilevel programming problem) corresponding to each optimistic optimal solution are investigated. Finally, a numerical example is presented to compare the different types of optimistic optimal solutions.
Solution for the System of Lane–Emden Type Equations Using Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Yalçın
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we use the collocation method together with Chebyshev polynomials to solve system of Lane–Emden type (SLE) equations. We first transform the given SLE equation to a matrix equation by means of a truncated Chebyshev series with unknown coefficients. Then, the numerical method reduces each SLE equation to a nonlinear system of algebraic equations. The solution of this matrix equation yields the unknown coefficients of the solution function. Hence, an approximate solution is obtained by means of a truncated Chebyshev series. Also, to show the applicability, usefulness, and accuracy of the method, some examples are solved numerically and the errors of the solutions are compared with existing solutions.
Targeting Hepatic Protein Carbonylation and Oxidative Stress Occurring on Diet-Induced Metabolic Diseases through the Supplementation with Fish Oils
Authors: Muñoz Silvia , Méndez Lucía , Dasilva Gabriel , Torres Josep Lluís , Ramos-Romero Sara , Romeu Marta , Nogués María Rosa , Medina Isabel
Published: September 2018

The present study addressed the ability of long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to ameliorate liver protein damage derived from oxidative stress and induced by consumption of high-caloric diets, typical of Westernized countries. The experimental design included an animal model of Sprague-Dawley rats fed high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet supplemented with ω-3 EPA and DHA for a complete hepatic proteome analysis to map carbonylated proteins involved in specific metabolic pathways. Results showed that the intake of marine ω-3 PUFA through diet significantly decreased liver protein carbonylation caused by long-term HFHS consumption and increased antioxidant system. Fish oil modulated the carbonylation level of more than twenty liver proteins involved in critical metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism (e.g., albumin), carbohydrate metabolism (e.g., pyruvate carboxylase), detoxification process (e.g., aldehyde dehydrogenase 2), urea cycle (e.g., carbamoyl-phosphate synthase), cytoskeleton dynamics (e.g., actin), or response to oxidative stress (e.g., catalase) among others, which might be under the control of diet marine ω-3 PUFA. In parallel, fish oil significantly changed the liver fatty acid profile given by the HFHS diet, resulting in a more anti-inflammatory phenotype. In conclusion, the present study highlights the significance of marine ω-3 PUFA intake for the health of rats fed a Westernized diet by describing several key metabolic pathways which are protected in liver.
Influence of Pt Addition and Manufacturing Process on the Failure Mechanisms of NiCoCrAlYTa-Base Thermal Barrier Coating Systems under Thermal Cycling Conditions
Authors: Vande Put Aurelie , Oquab Djar , Raffaitin Aymeric , Monceau Daniel
Published: September 2018

The cyclic oxidation of NiCoCrAlYTa-base thermal barrier coating systems was investigated at 1100 °C. The influence of the NiCoCrAlYTa deposition process, the coating modification by a Pt-overlayer, and the surface preparation steps were studied. Thermal cycling results showed that the addition of a Pt-overlayer, a dense and oxide-free bond-coating microstructure, together with a smooth NiCoCrAlYTa surface prior to Pt deposition and a suitable surface preparation before thermal barrier deposition all increase the lifetime. Degradation mechanisms are proposed to explain how coating defects develop during thermal cycling and how the fabrication process influences both failure and lifetime.
Design Choices for Next-Generation Neurotechnology Can Impact Motion Artifact in Electrophysiological and Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Measurements
Authors: Nicolai Evan N. , Michelson Nicholas J. , Settell Megan L. , Hara Seth A. , Trevathan James K. , Asp Anders J. , Stocking Kaylene C. , Lujan J. Luis , Kozai Takashi D.Y. , Ludwig Kip A.
Published: September 2018

Implantable devices to measure neurochemical or electrical activity from the brain are mainstays of neuroscience research and have become increasingly utilized as enabling components of clinical therapies. In order to increase the number of recording channels on these devices while minimizing the immune response, flexible electrodes under 10 µm in diameter have been proposed as ideal next-generation neural interfaces. However, the representation of motion artifact during neurochemical or electrophysiological recordings using ultra-small, flexible electrodes remains unexplored. In this short communication, we characterize motion artifact generated by the movement of 7 µm diameter carbon fiber electrodes during electrophysiological recordings and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) measurements of electroactive neurochemicals. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that artifact induced by motion can be problematic to distinguish from the characteristic signals associated with recorded action potentials or neurochemical measurements. These results underscore that new electrode materials and recording paradigms can alter the representation of common sources of artifact in vivo and therefore must be carefully characterized.
Recent Advances in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Research in Latin America
Authors: Torres Alfredo G. , Amaral Maria M. , Bentancor Leticia , Galli Lucia , Goldstein Jorge , Krüger Alejandra , Rojas-Lopez Maricarmen
Published: September 2018

Pathogenic Escherichia coli are known to be a common cause of diarrheal disease and a frequently occurring bacterial infection in children and adults in Latin America. Despite the effort to combat diarrheal infections, the south of the American continent remains a hot spot for infections and sequelae associated with the acquisition of one category of pathogenic E. coli, the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). This review will focus on an overview of the prevalence of different STEC serotypes in human, animals and food products, focusing on recent reports from Latin America outlining the recent research progress achieved in this region to combat disease and endemicity in affected countries and to improve understanding on emerging serotypes and their virulence factors. Furthermore, this review will highlight the progress done in vaccine development and treatment and will also discuss the effort of the Latin American investigators to respond to the thread of STEC infections by establishing a multidisciplinary network of experts that are addressing STEC-associated animal, human and environmental health issues, while trying to reduce human disease. Regardless of the significant scientific contributions to understand and combat STEC infections worldwide, many significant challenges still exist and this review has focus in the Latin American efforts as an example of what can be accomplished when multiple groups have a common goal.
[Au(CN)2]—Adsorption on a Graphite (0001) Surface: A First Principles Study
Authors: Li Xianhai , Zhang Qin , Xie Jun , Shen Zhihui
Published: September 2018

Gold is mainly present in the form of [Au(CN)2]− during the cyanide leaching process, and this [Au(CN)2]− can be adsorbed by graphite in carbonaceous gold ore resulting in preg-robbing gold. In order to clarify the adsorption mechanism between the [Au(CN)2]− and graphite, the interaction between the [Au(CN)2]− and graphite (0001) surface was studied using density functional theory (DFT). The distance between [Au(CN)2]− and graphite (0001) decreased from (4.298–4.440 Å) to (3.123–3.343 Å) after optimization, and the shape of [Au(CN)2]− and graphite (0001) obviously changed from straight to curved, which indicated that the [Au(CN)2]− had been adsorbed on the graphite (0001) surface. A partial densities of state (PDOS) analysis revealed that there was little change in the delocalization and locality of the PDOS on the graphite (0001) surface after adsorption. However, the valence bands of the Au 5d orbital, C 2p orbital, and N 2p orbital near the Fermi level moved slightly towards lower energy levels; therefore, the adsorption configuration was stable. An analysis of the Mulliken charge population indicated that the Au, N, and C in [Au(CN)2]− obtained 0.26, 0.18, 0.04 electrons after adsorption, respectively, while C(surf) lost 0.03 electrons. [Au(CN)2]− changed to a conductor from an insulator after adsorption. Taking into account the surface electrical properties of [Au(CN)2]− and graphite (0001), there was still a slight electrostatic adsorption between them. The analysis of adsorption energy, electronic structure, PDOS, electron density, Mulliken charge population, and Mulliken bond population revealed that [Au(CN)2]− could be adsorbed to the graphite (0001) surface; the adsorption was a type of physical adsorption (including electrostatic adsorption) and mainly occurred on the two C≡N. These results contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in preg-robbing gold formation by graphite and the optimization of this process during cyanide leaching.
ERIKA—Early Robotics Introduction at Kindergarten Age
Authors: Schiffer Stefan , Ferrein Alexander
Published: September 2018

In this work, we report on our attempt to design and implement an early introduction to basic robotics principles for children at kindergarten age. One of the main challenges of this effort is to explain complex robotics contents in a way that pre-school children could follow the basic principles and ideas using examples from their world of experience. What sets apart our effort from other work is that part of the lecturing is actually done by a robot itself and that a quiz at the end of the lesson is done using robots as well. The humanoid robot Pepper from Softbank, which is a great platform for human–robot interaction experiments, was used to present a lecture on robotics by reading out the contents to the children making use of its speech synthesis capability. A quiz in a Runaround-game-show style after the lecture activated the children to recap the contents they acquired about how mobile robots work in principle. In this quiz, two LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots were used to implement a strongly interactive scenario. Besides the thrill of being exposed to a mobile robot that would also react to the children, they were very excited and at the same time very concentrated. We got very positive feedback from the children as well as from their educators. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of only few attempts to use a robot like Pepper not as a tele-teaching tool, but as the teacher itself in order to engage pre-school children with complex robotics contents.
In Search of a Breakthrough Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Vasilev Alex , Sofi Roba , Tong Li , Teschemacher Anja , Kasparov Sergey
Published: September 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an extremely malignant type of brain cancer which originates from astrocytes or their precursors. Glioblastoma multiforme cells share some features with astrocytes but are characterized by highly unstable genomes with multiple driver mutations and aberrations. Effective therapies for GBM are lacking and hardly any progress has been made in the last 15 years in terms of improving the outcomes for patients. The lack of new especially targeted anti-GBM medications has prompted scientists in academia around the world to test whether any of the currently approved drugs might be used to fight this devastating disease. This approach is known as repurposing. Dozens of drugs have been reported to have anti-GBM properties in vitro but there is no solid evidence for the clinical efficacy of any of them. Perhaps the most interesting group of those repurposed are tricyclic antidepressants but the mechanism of their action on GBM cells remains obscure. In this brief review we consider various approaches to repurpose drugs for therapy of GBM and highlight their limitations. We also pay special attention to the mitochondria, which appear to be intimately involved in the process of apoptosis and could be a focus of future developments in search of a better treatment for patients suffering from GBM.
Dietary Supplementation of Selenoneine-Containing Tuna Dark Muscle Extract Effectively Reduces Pathology of Experimental Colorectal Cancers in Mice
Authors: Masuda Junko , Umemura Chiho , Yokozawa Miki , Yamauchi Ken , Seko Takuya , Yamashita Michiaki , Yamashita Yumiko
Published: September 2018

Selenoneine is an ergothioneine analog with greater antioxidant activity and is the major form of organic selenium in the blood, muscles, and other tissues of tuna. The aim of this study was to determine whether a selenoneine-rich diet exerts antioxidant activities that can prevent carcinogenesis in two types of colorectal cancer model in mice. We administrated selenoneine-containing tuna dark muscle extract (STDME) to mice for one week and used azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for inducing colorectal carcinogenesis. Next, we examined the incidence of macroscopic polyps and performed functional analysis of immune cells from the spleen. In the AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated cancer (CAC) model, the oral administration of STDME significantly decreased tumor incidence and inhibited the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) while also inhibiting the downregulation of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production during carcinogenesis. These results suggest that dietary STDME may be an effective agent for reducing colorectal tumor progression.
Time- and Phase-Domain Thermal Tomography of Composites
Authors: Vavilov Vladimir P. , Shiryaev Vladimir V. , Kuimova Marina V.
Published: September 2018

Active infrared (IR) thermographic nondestructive testing (NDT) has become a valuable inspection method for composite materials due to its high sensitivity to particular types of defect and high inspection rate. The computer-implemented thermal tomography, based on the analysis of heat diffusion in solids, involves a specialized treatment of the data obtained by means of active IR thermographic NDT, thus allowing for the “slicing” of materials under testing for a few layers where discontinuity-like defects can be underlined on the noise-free background (binary thermal tomograms). The time-domain thermal tomography is based on the fact that, in a one-sided test, temperature “footprints” of deeper defects appear later in regard to shallower defects. The phase-domain tomography can be applied to collected IR data in a direct way, for instance, by using the Fourier transform, but quantification of results is more difficult because the relationships between phase and defect depth depend on experimental parameters, and the corresponding “phase vs. defect depth” calibration functions are ambiguous. In this study, the time- and phase-domain thermal tomography techniques have been compared on simulated IR thermograms and experimentally applied to the evaluation of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite containing impact damage defects characterized by impact energy 10, 18, and 63 J. Both tomographic techniques have demonstrated similar results in the reconstruction of thermal tomograms and, in some cases, supplied complementary information about the distribution of single defect zones within impacted areas.