bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Biochemometric Approach for the Identification of In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Constituents in Masterwort
Authors: Zwirchmayr Julia , Grienke Ulrike , Hummelbrunner Scarlet , Seigner Jacqueline , de Martin Rainer , Dirsch Verena M. , Rollinger Judith M.
Published: April 2020

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch, commonly known as masterwort, has a longstanding history as herbal remedy in the Alpine region of Austria, where the roots and rhizomes are traditionally used to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. Based on a significant NF-κB inhibitory activity of a P. ostruthium extract (PO-E), this study aimed to decipher those constituents contributing to the observed activity using a recently developed biochemometric approach named ELINA (Eliciting Nature’s Activities). This -omics tool relies on a deconvolution of the multicomponent mixture, which was employed by generating microfractions with quantitative variances of constituents over several consecutive fractions. Using an optimized and single high-performance counter-current chromatographic (HPCCC) fractionation step 31 microfractions of PO-E were obtained. 1H NMR data and bioactivity data from three in vitro cell-based assays, i.e., an NF-ĸB reporter-gene assay and two NF-κB target-gene assays (addressing the endothelial adhesion molecules E-selectin and VCAM-1) were collected for all microfractions. Applying heterocovariance analyses (HetCA) and statistical total correlation spectroscopy (STOCSY), quantitative variances of 1H NMR signals of neighboring fractions and their bioactivities were correlated. This revealed distinct chemical features crucial for the observed activities. Complemented by LC-MS-CAD data this biochemometric approach differentiated between active and inactive constituents of the complex mixture, which was confirmed by NF-κB reporter-gene testing of the isolates. In this way, four furanocoumarins (imperatorin, ostruthol, saxalin, and 2’-O-acetyloxypeucedanin), one coumarin (ostruthin), and one chromone (peucenin) were identified as NF-κB inhibiting constituents of PO-E contributing to the observed NF-ĸB inhibitory activity. Additionally, this approach also enabled the disclose of synergistic effects of the PO-E metabolites imperatorin and peucenin. In sum, prior to any isolation an early identification of even minor active constituents, e.g. peucenin and saxalin, ELINA enables the targeted isolation of bioactive constituents and, thus, to effectively accelerate the NP-based drug discovery process.
Advances in Ginsenosides
Authors: Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: April 2020

Ginsenosides are unique to plants that belong to the Panax genus [...]
Culture and Differentiation of Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells in a Soft 3D Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffold
Authors: Betriu Nausika , Jarrosson-Moral Claire , Semino Carlos E.
Published: April 2020

Hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) are a specialized cell population located in the bulge of the hair follicle with unique characteristics such as aggregative behavior and the ability to induce new hair follicle formation. However, when expanded in conventional 2D monolayer culture, their hair inductive potency is rapidly lost. Different 3D culture techniques, including cell spheroid formation, have been described to restore, at least partially, their original phenotype, and therefore, their hair inductive ability once transplanted into a recipient skin. Moreover, hair follicle dermal papilla cells have been shown to differentiate into all mesenchymal lineages, but their differentiation potential has only been tested in 2D cultures. In the present work, we have cultured HFDPC in the 3D self-assembling peptide scaffold RAD16-I to test two different tissue engineering scenarios: restoration of HFDPC original phenotype after cell expansion and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Experimental results showed that the 3D environment provided by RAD16-I allowed the restoration of HFDPC signature markers such as alkaline phosphatase, versican and corin. Moreover, RAD16-I supported, in the presence of chemical inductors, three-dimensional osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Altogether, this study suggests a potential 3D culture platform based on RAD16-I suitable for the culture, original phenotype recovery and differentiation of HFDPC.
European Medicinal Leeches—New Roles in Modern Medicine
Authors: Lemke Sarah , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: April 2020

Before the advent of modern medicine, natural resources were widely used by indigenous populations for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The associated knowledge, collectively described as folk medicine or traditional medicine, was largely based on trial-and-error testing of plant extracts (herbal remedies) and the use of invertebrates, particularly medicinal maggots of the blowfly Lucilia sericata and blood-sucking leeches. The widespread use of traditional medicine in the West declined as scientific advances allowed reproducible testing under controlled conditions and gave rise to the modern fields of biomedical research and pharmacology. However, many drugs are still derived from natural resources, and interest in traditional medicine has been renewed by the ability of researchers to investigate the medical potential of diverse species by high-throughput screening. Likewise, researchers are starting to look again at the benefits of maggot and leech therapy, based on the hypothesis that the use of such animals in traditional medicine is likely to reflect the presence of specific bioactive molecules that can be developed as drug leads. In this review, we consider the modern medical benefits of European medicinal leeches based on the systematic screening of their salivary proteins.
Influence of Ethyl Caproate on the Size of Lipid Vesicles and Yeast Cells
Authors: Yoda Tsuyoshi , Ogura Akira , Saito Tomoaki
Published: April 2020

Ethyl caproate (EC) is a key flavor component of sake. Recently, in sake brewing, an effort has been underway to increase the content of aromatic components such as EC. However, the function of EC in yeast cells remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of EC using cell-sized lipid vesicles. We found that vesicle size decreases in a concentration-dependent manner when EC is contained in lipid vesicles. Furthermore, yeast experiments showed that a strain producing high quantities of EC in its stationary phase decreased in size during EC production. Given caproic acid’s (CA) status as the esterification precursor of EC in yeast, we also compared lipid vesicles containing CA with those containing EC. We found that CA vesicles were smaller than EC vesicles of the same concentration. These results suggest that EC production may function apparently to maintain cell size.
Effect of the Type and Number of Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Timing of Adverse Experiences on Clinical Outcomes in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Park Young-Min , Shekhtman Tatyana , Kelsoe John R.
Published: April 2020

Studies have reported an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the clinical outcomes of bipolar disorder (BD). However, these studies have several limitations; therefore, we aimed to clarify the effect of the type and number of ACEs and the timing of adverse experiences on clinical outcomes in patients with BD. We analyzed the data of patients with BD (N = 2675) obtained from the National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Genetic Association Information Network, Translational Genomic Institute-I, and Translational Genomic Institute-II. All patients had been diagnosed using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. ACEs were evaluated using the Childhood Life Events Scale (CLES). We analyzed the relationship between childhood trauma and clinical outcome in patients with and without exposure to ACEs. We found that ACEs had a robust negative effect on clinical outcomes, including earlier age at onset, presence of psychotic episodes, suicide attempts, mixed symptoms or episodes, substance misuse comorbidity, and worse life functioning. Specifically, the number of ACEs had the most significant effect on clinical outcomes; however, specific ACEs, such as physical abuse, had a considerable influence. Moreover, post-childhood adverse experiences had a weaker effect on clinical outcomes than ACEs did. There was an association of ACEs with negative clinical outcomes in patients with BD. This indicates the importance of basic and clinical research on ACEs in patients with BD.
Perceived Control in an Office Test Cell, a Case Study
Authors: Lolli Nicola , Nocente Alessandro , Grynning Steinar
Published: April 2020

The influence of different control strategies on the user’s satisfaction in cell offices was studied in a full-scale facility in Trondheim, Norway. Eleven participants used two test cells as a workspace and answered a computer-based questionnaire for reporting their perceived thermal and visual comfort, and any desired changes in the cell environment. Concurrently, the indoor operative temperature and illuminance were registered. Two different strategies for controlling the indoor environment were used in the case study. In Cell A, the ceiling-mounted lights, the window blind, and a water-based radiator were controlled by the main acquisition and control system, whereas in Cell B, these were manually controlled by the users. In both cells, the window opening was user-controlled, except for a small motorised window, which was automated in Cell A, and user-controlled in Cell B. The results show that the occupants of Cell B first tended to open the window, then to adjust their clothing level, and finally to lower the blind when the operative temperature increased. The recorded Thermal Sensation Votes (TSVs) and Illuminance Ratings (IRs) show that the limitation of control opportunities in Cell A increases the level of thermal and visual dissatisfaction.
New Trends in the Conversion of CO2 to Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Lopes Erivaldo , Ribeiro Ana , Martins Luísa
Published: April 2020

This work concerns recent advances (mainly in the last five years) in the challenging conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into fine chemicals, in particular to cyclic carbonates, as a meaningful measure to reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and subsequent global warming effects. Thus, efficient catalysts and catalytic processes developed to convert CO2 into different chemicals towards a more sustainable chemical industry are addressed. Cyclic carbonates can be produced by different routes that directly, or indirectly, use carbon dioxide. Thus, recent findings on CO2 cycloaddition to epoxides as well as on its reaction with diols are reviewed. In addition, indirect sources of carbon dioxide, such as urea, considered a sustainable process with high atom economy, are also discussed. Reaction mechanisms for the transformations involved are also presented.
Catalytic Biomass to Renewable Biofuels and Biomaterials
Authors: Wang Yi-Tong , Fang Zhen
Published: April 2020

As the only renewable carbon source, biomass can be converted into biofuels, chemicals, and biomaterials, such as ethanol, butanol, glucose, furfural, biochar, and bio-oils, and is considered as a substitute for fossil oil [...]
In Situ Spectroscopic Methods for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Jin Lei , Seifitokaldani Ali
Published: April 2020

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals and fuels is a promising approach to store renewable energy while closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. Despite significant advances in developing new electrocatalysts, this system still lacks enough energy conversion efficiency to become a viable technology for industrial applications. To develop an active and selective electrocatalyst and engineer the reaction environment to achieve high energy conversion efficiency, we need to improve our knowledge of the reaction mechanism and material structure under reaction conditions. In situ spectroscopies are among the most powerful tools which enable measurements of the system under real conditions. These methods provide information about reaction intermediates and possible reaction pathways, electrocatalyst structure and active sites, as well as the effect of the reaction environment on products distribution. This review aims to highlight the utilization of in situ spectroscopic methods that enhance our understanding of the CO2 reduction reaction. Infrared, Raman, X-ray absorption, X-ray photoelectron, and mass spectroscopies are discussed here. The critical challenges associated with current state-of-the-art systems are identified and insights on emerging prospects are discussed.
Domestic Risk Factors for Atopic and Non-Atopic Asthma in First Nations Children Living in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Rennie Donna C. , Karunanayake Chandima P. , Lawson Josh A. , Kirychuk Shelley , McMullin Kathleen , Abonyi Sylvia , Seeseequasis Jeremy , MacDonald Judith , Dosman James A. , Pahwa Punam
Published: April 2020

Both allergic and non-allergic asthma phenotypes are thought to vary by specific housing and other indoor environmental conditions. This study evaluated risk factors for allergic asthma phenotypes in First Nation children, an understudied Canadian population with recognized increased respiratory morbidity. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a clinical component to assess the respiratory health of 351 school-age children living on two rural reserve communities. Asthma was defined as parental report of physician diagnosed asthma or a report of wheeze in the past 12 months. Atopy was determined by a ≥ 3-mm wheal response to any of six respiratory allergens upon skin prick testing (SPT). Important domestic and personal characteristics evaluated included damp housing conditions, household heating, respiratory infections and passive smoking exposure. Asthma and atopy prevalence were 17.4% and 17.1%, respectively. Of those with asthma, 21.1% were atopic. We performed multivariate multinomial logistic regression modelling with three outcomes: non-atopic asthma, atopic asthma and no asthma for 280 children who underwent SPT. After adjusting for potential confounders, children with atopic asthma were more likely to be obese and to live in homes with either damage due to dampness (p < 0.05) or signs of mildew/mold (p = 0.06). Both natural gas home heating and a history of respiratory related infections were associated with non-atopic asthma (p < 0.01). Domestic risk factors for asthma appear to vary by atopic status in First Nations children. Determining asthma phenotypes could be useful in environmental management of asthma in this population.
Using Self-Organizing Maps to Elucidate Patterns among Variables in Simulated Syngas Combustion
Authors: Fortela Dhan Lord B. , Crawford Matthew , DeLattre Alyssa , Kowalski Spencer , Lissard Mary , Fremin Ashton , Sharp Wayne , Revellame Emmanuel , Hernandez Rafael , Zappi Mark
Published: April 2020

This study focused on demonstrating the use of a self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm to elucidate patterns among variables in simulated syngas combustion. The work was implemented in two stages: (1) modelling and simulation of syngas combustion under various feed composition and reactor temperature implemented in AspenPlusTM chemical process simulation software, and (2) pattern recognition among variables using SOM algorithm implemented in MATLAB. The varied levels of feed syngas composition and reactor temperature was randomly sampled from uniform distributions using the Morris screening technique creating four thousand eight hundred simulation conditions implemented in the process simulation which consequently produced a multivariate dataset used in the SOM analysis. Results show that cylindrical SOM topology models the dataset at lower quantization error and topographic error as compared to the rectangular SOM topology indicating suitability of the former for variables pattern elucidation for the simulated combustion. Nonetheless, the variables pattern between component planes from rectangular SOM (9 × 28 grid) and those from cylindrical SOM (9 × 28 grid) are almost similar, indicating that either rectangular or cylindrical architectures may be used for variables pattern analysis. The component planes of process variables from trained SOM are a convenient visualization of the trends across all process variables.
New Approach to Produce a Nanocrystalline Layer on Surface of a Large Size Pure Titanium Plate
Authors: Fu Yuzhu , Wang Ge , Gao Jing , Yao Quantong , Tong Weiping
Published: April 2020

It was demonstrated that the mechanical shot peening (MSP) technique was a viable way to obtain a nanocrystalline layer on a large size pure titanium plate due to the MSP provided for severe plastic deformation (SPD) of surface high velocity balls impacting. The MSP effects of various durations in producing the surface nanocrystalline layer was characterized by optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Vickers micro-hardness tester. The results showed that the thickness of the SPD layer gradually increased with the MSP processing time increase, but saturated at 230 μm after 30 min. The average grain size was refined to about 18.48 nm in the nanocrystalline layer. There was equiaxed grain morphology with random crystallographic orientation in the topmost surface. By comparing with the nanocrystalline layer, acquired by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT), the microstructure and properties of the nanocrystalline layer acquired by MSP was evidently superior to that of the SMAT, but the production time was cut to about a quarter of the time used for the SMAT method.
Accurate Energy and Performance Prediction for Frequency-Scaled GPU Kernels
Authors: Fan Kaijie , Cosenza Biagio , Juurlink Ben
Published: April 2020

Energy optimization is an increasingly important aspect of today’s high-performance computing applications. In particular, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) has become a widely adopted solution to balance performance and energy consumption, and hardware vendors provide management libraries that allow the programmer to change both memory and core frequencies manually to minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. This article focuses on modeling the energy consumption and speedup of GPU applications while using different frequency configurations. The task is not straightforward, because of the large set of possible and uniformly distributed configurations and because of the multi-objective nature of the problem, which minimizes energy consumption and maximizes performance. This article proposes a machine learning-based method to predict the best core and memory frequency configurations on GPUs for an input OpenCL kernel. The method is based on two models for speedup and normalized energy predictions over the default frequency configuration. Those are later combined into a multi-objective approach that predicts a Pareto-set of frequency configurations. Results show that our approach is very accurate at predicting extema and the Pareto set, and finds frequency configurations that dominate the default configuration in either energy or performance.
Concept Study for an Integrated Reactor-Crystallizer Process for the Continuous Biocatalytic Synthesis of (S)-1-(3-Methoxyphenyl)ethylamine
Authors: Hülsewede Dennis , Temmel Erik , Kumm Peter , von Langermann Jan
Published: April 2020

An integrated biocatalysis-crystallization concept was developed for the continuous amine transaminase-catalyzed synthesis of (S)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethylamine, which is a valuable intermediate for the synthesis of rivastigmine, a highly potent drug for the treatment of early stage Alzheimer’s disease. The three-part vessel system developed for this purpose consists of a membrane reactor for the continuous synthesis of the product amine, a saturator vessel for the continuous supply of the amine donor isopropylammonium and the precipitating reagent 3,3-diphenylpropionate and a crystallizer in which the product amine can continuously precipitate as (S)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethylammonium-3,3-diphenylpropionate.
Durability Assessment of PVA Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite Containing Nano-SiO2 Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Liu Ting-Yu , Zhang Peng , Li Qing-Fu , Hu Shao-Wei , Ling Yi-Feng
Published: April 2020

In this study, the durability of polyvinyl alcohol fiber-reinforced cementitious composite containing nano-SiO2 was evaluated using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). According to the structural characteristics of the cementitious composite material and some related standards, the classification criteria for the evaluation indices of cementitious composite materials were clarified, and a corresponding structural framework of durability assessment was constructed. Based on the hypothesis testing principle, the required test data capacity was determined under a certain degree of accuracy, and durability experimental data and expert evaluation results were simulated according to statistical principles to ensure that there were sufficient datasets for ANFIS training. Using an environmental factor submodule as an example, 14 sets of actual test data were used to verify that the ANFIS can quickly and effectively mimic the expert evaluation reasoning process to evaluate the durability of cementitious composites. Compared with other studies related to the durability of cementitious composites, a systematic evaluation system for the durability of concrete was established. We used a polyvinyl alcohol fiber-reinforced cementitious composite containing nano-SiO2 to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of cementitious composites. Compared with the traditional expert evaluation method, the durability evaluation system based on the ANFIS learned expert experience, stored the expert experience in fuzzy rules, and eliminated the subjectivity of expert evaluation, thereby making the evaluation more objective and scientific.
Impact of Gene Polymorphisms in GAS5 on Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Development and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Weng Wei-Chun , Chen Chih-Jung , Chen Pei-Ni , Wang Shian-Shiang , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: April 2020

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is the commonest malignant tumor of the urinary tract and the second most common kidney cancer malignancy. Growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5), a long noncoding RNA, is encoded by the GAS5 gene and plays a critical role in cellular growth arrest and apoptosis. In the current study, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GAS5 gene, rs145204276 and rs55829688, were selected to investigate correlations between these single SNPs and susceptibility to UCC. A total of 430 UCC cases and 860 ethnically matched healthy controls were included. SNP rs145204276 and SNP rs55829688 were determined using a TaqMan genotyping assay. Logistic regression models demonstrated that female patients with UCC carrying the rs145204276 GAS5 Ins/Del or Del/Del genotype had a 3.037-fold higher risk of larger tumor status (95% confidence interval 1.259–7.324) than did rs145204276 wild type (Ins/Ins) carriers (p  =  0.011). The Cancer Genome Atlas validation cohort analysis demonstrated that the expression of GAS5 in female patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) with larger tumor size was much lower than that in patients with a smaller tumor size (p = 0.041). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the log–rank test revealed that female patients with BLCA and lower GAS5 expression had poorer overall survival than those with higher GAS5 expression. In conclusion, genetic variations in GAS5 rs145204276 may serve as a critical predictor of the clinical status of female patients with UCC.
Comparing the Repair of Veneered Zirconia Crowns with Ceramic or Composite Resin: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Kumchai Hattanas , Juntavee Patrapan , Sun Arthur F. , Nathanson Dan
Published: April 2020

Statement of problem: Current techniques for repairing porcelain-chipped restorations have several limitations. With advances in CAD/CAM technology, the combination of resin cements and high-strength ceramic materials might offer new options for repairing the chipping of veneering ceramic. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the load-to-failure of veneered zirconia crowns repaired by different materials. Material and Methods: Veneered zirconia crowns were made on aluminum dies (n = 10/group). Feldspathic porcelain (Vita VM9, Vident) was applied to the zirconia coping (Vita In-Ceram YZ, Vident) in a cylindrical shape (Ø 10.5 mm, height 7.5 mm). A bevel cut on the porcelain veneer (45 degree, 3 mm width) was made at one side of each crown to simulate porcelain chipping. The crowns were then divided into four different groups according to the repair materials: 1. Conventional resin composite (A; Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent); 2. Flowable resin composite (B; G-aenial Universal Flo, GC america); 3. CAD/CAM milled feldspathic ceramic (C; Vita Trilux Forte, Vident); 4. CAD/CAM milled lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (D; IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent). Resin cement (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar Vivadent) was used to cement the CAD/CAM ceramic materials to the beveled crowns. Each crown underwent 5000 cycles of thermocycling. The strength test was performed on an Instron universal testing machine by loading force on the center of repaired part to record load-to-failure. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: Mean loads-to-failure (in Newton +/− SD) of repaired veneered zirconia crowns were: Gr. A: 660.0 ± 200.5; Gr. B: 681.7 ± 175.9; Gr. C: 1236.0 ± 188.8; Gr. D: 1536.3 ± 286.1. Catastrophic failure was the most dominant failure mode in every group. Few specimens exhibited cohesive failure. Only one specimen in group D had adhesive failure. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the study, veneered zirconia crowns repaired with CAD/CAM ceramic materials have significantly higher load-to-failure than veneered crowns repaired with resin composite (p ≤ 0.05). Clinical Implications: Traditionally, porcelain-chipped restorations are often repaired with resin composite and bonding technique. Repairing chipped porcelain with CAD/CAM ceramics fitting the fractured parts can be alternative option with potential advantages. More well-designed studies are necessary to justify this novel repair technique.
Higher-Dimensional Quantum Walk in Terms of Quantum Bernoulli Noises
Authors: Wang Ce , Wang Caishi
Published: April 2020

As a discrete-time quantum walk model on the one-dimensional integer lattice Z , the quantum walk recently constructed by Wang and Ye [Caishi Wang and Xiaojuan Ye, Quantum walk in terms of quantum Bernoulli noises, Quantum Information Processing 15 (2016), 1897–1908] exhibits quite different features. In this paper, we extend this walk to a higher dimensional case. More precisely, for a general positive integer d ≥ 2 , by using quantum Bernoulli noises we introduce a model of discrete-time quantum walk on the d-dimensional integer lattice Z d , which we call the d-dimensional QBN walk. The d-dimensional QBN walk shares the same coin space with the quantum walk constructed by Wang and Ye, although it is a higher dimensional extension of the latter. Moreover we prove that, for a range of choices of its initial state, the d-dimensional QBN walk has a limit probability distribution of d-dimensional standard Gauss type, which is in sharp contrast with the case of the usual higher dimensional quantum walks. Some other results are also obtained.
A Stationary Reference Frame Current Control Algorithm for Improvement of Transient Dynamics of a Single Phase Grid Connected Inverter
Authors: Jeong Horyeong , Lee Jae Suk
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a stationary reference frame current control algorithm for a single-phase grid-connected inverter (GCI) for improvement of transient dynamic performance. Disturbance, i.e., grid voltage in a target system, is estimated using a stator current observer, and the estimated disturbance is applied to a current controller for implementation of disturbance rejection control (DRC). In the proposed current control algorithm, the disturbance rejection control algorithm is applied to reduce the overcurrent occurring in the single-phase grid-connected inverter when grid faults happen. In this paper, the AC phase current of a single-phase inverter is controlled, instead of the current vector, which is a DC signal. To compensate for the drawbacks of controlling the AC phase current, such as phase lag and steady-state error, command feedforward control is also applied in the proposed control system. The proposed control algorithm is mathematically derived and represented in transfer functions and implemented via simulation and experiment.
Investigation of Vortical Structures and Turbulence Characteristics in Corner Separation in an Axial Compressor Stator Using DDES
Authors: Li Jun , Hu Jun , Zhang Chenkai
Published: April 2020

In order to investigate the flow structure and unsteady behavior of three-dimensional corner separation, a delayed detached-eddy simulation (DDES) method based on the Spalart–Allmaras (SA) model is performed on the third-stage stator of a multistage low-speed axial compressor. The stator simulation is validated by experiments before flow mechanism analysis. The complicated flow fields in the stator are then described step by step. Firstly, the structure and development process of vortices in corner separation flow are analyzed. Secondly, the velocity histogram of the monitor points in the mainstream and corner separation regions is obtained, and the velocity distribution of the corner separation region is discussed. Finally, Reynolds stress, Lumley anisotropy, turbulence energy spectra, and helicity density are discussed to understand the turbulence behavior of the corner separation flow in the stator. The results show that the corner separation appears at even the design condition and different kinds of vortical structures appear in the stator hub corner. The unsteadiness of corner separation flow is mainly reflected in the separation on the suction side of the blade and the wake shedding. Turbulence anisotropy and energy backscatter are found to be dominant in the separation region, which is correlated to the high shear stress.
A Study on Developing an Automatic Controller with an Inverter Collector Pump for Solar-Assisted Heating System
Authors: Nhut Le Minh , Park Youn Cheol
Published: April 2020

In this study, based on the optimal equation m = 0.05 Δ T A c (kg/min) of the variable mass flow rate in the collector loop, an automatic controller with an inverter collector pump for the collector loop of the solar-assisted heating system is designed for these experiments and to then be used for real industry. The pump for the collector loop is an inverter type that is controlled by an embedded controller with Windows, based on C# language, and the change of speed depends on the variation of the mass flow rate through the collector loop. The input of the automatic controller with an inverter collector pump is given by a thermocouple input module that is connected to the embedded controller with the RS-485 communication protocol. In this work, the experiments were carried out on three different days, namely a clear day, an intermittently cloudy day and an overcast day, to evaluate the stability and the precision of the automatic controller, as well as the contribution of the useful heat gain from the collector for the solar-assisted heating system. Simulation and experimental results are also validated and analyzed.
A Viscous, Two-Layer Western Boundary Current Structure Function
Authors: McMahon Charles W. , Kuehl Joseph J. , Sheremet Vitalii A.
Published: April 2020

The classic oceanographic problem of a 1.5-layer western boundary current evolving along a straight wall is considered. Here, building upon the previous work of Charney, Huang and Kamenkovich, we have derived, solved and validated a new numerical formulation for accounting for viscous effects in such systems. The numerical formulation is validated against rotating table experimental results.
“Pre-Earthquake” Micro-Structural Effects Induced by Shear Stress on α-Quartz in Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Martinelli Giovanni , Plescia Paolo , Tempesta Emanuela
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the results of measurements performed on α-quartz subjected to shear stress in dry conditions, to understand the relationship between the shear intensity and the resulting physical and chemical effects. If a shear stress of intensity higher than 100 MPa is applied continuously to alpha quartz crystals, they will tend to lose their crystallinity, progressively reduce their friction coefficient (Cof) and change into a low-order material, apparently amorphous under X-ray diffraction, but with a structure different from silica glass. Raman and Pair Distribution Function analyses suggested a structure like cristobalite, a silica polymorph well-known for its auxetic behavior, i.e., having a negative Poisson ratio. This elastic parameter pre-eminently controls the friction coefficient of the material and, if it is negative, the Cof lowering. As a result, the increase in low crystallinity cristobalite is sufficientto explain the lowering of the quartz friction coefficient up to values able to contribute, in principle, to the triggering processes of active faults. This allows hypothesizing a slip induction mechanism that does not include the need to have the interposition of layers of hydrated silica, as invoked by many authors, to justify the low friction coefficients that are achieved in shear stress tests on rocks abundant in quartz.
Ground Deformation in The Ciloto Landslides Area Revealed by Multi-Temporal InSAR
Authors: Hayati Noorlaila , Niemeier Wolfgang , Sadarviana Vera
Published: April 2020

Landslides are one of the natural hazards that occur annually in Indonesia. A continuous geodetic observation in the landslide prone area is essential to support the precautionary measures. Because of its hilly topography, torrential rainfall and landslide history, the Ciloto district in Indonesia has been affected by ground deformation for an extended period of time. The purpose of our study is to detect significant movement and quantify the kinematics of its motion using the Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time series analysis and multi-band SAR images. We utilized the small baseline SDFP technique for processing multi-temporal SAR data, comprising ERS1/2 (1998–1999), ALOS PALSAR (2007–2009), and Sentinel-1 (2014–2018). Based on the detected deformation signal in the Ciloto area, the displacement rates are categorized as very slow movements. Two active main landslide zones; the Puncak Pass and the Puncak Highway area, which show the trend of slow movement progressively increasing or descreasing, were detected. The integration of the velocity rate between InSAR results and ground observations (e.g., terrestrial and GPS) was conducted at the Puncak Highway area from the temporal perspective. Using the polynomial model, we estimated that the area had cumulatively displaced up to −42 cm for 25 years and the type of movements varied from single compound to multiple rotational and compound.
Changes in Regional Snowfall in Central North America (1961–2017): Mountain Versus Plains
Authors: Zhang Jiyang , Zheng Haochi , Zhang Xiaodong , VanLooy Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

Long-term snowfall change offers insight for understanding climate change, managing water resources, and assessing climate model performance, especially at regional scales where topography plays an important role in shaping regional climate and water availability. In this study, we examined the changes of annual snowfall using observations from 1961 to 2017 in central North America, a region with high contrast in topographic complexities. There is a general, yet distinct difference in the snowfall trends demarcated approximately along the 105° W meridian. To its east, which is dominated by plains, snowfall had increased overall, except in a limited area south of 42° N, where snowfall decreased slightly. To the west of 105° W, which is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, there was a wide spread of decreasing trend, with only two pockets of area at an elevation of >2000 m exhibiting increasing snowfall trends. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, in addition to the average annual snowfall, snowfall trends significantly correlated with elevation in the mountain region and with average snow season temperature in the plains region, suggesting different mechanisms potentially shaping snowfall trends in the two regions.
A Systematic Review Examining Associations between Cardiovascular Conditions and Driving Outcomes among Older Drivers
Authors: Babulal Ganesh M. , Kolady Ramana , Stout Sarah H. , Roe Catherine M.
Published: April 2020

There is a vast literature on stroke as a cardiovascular disease and driving outcomes, however little is known about other cardiovascular conditions and driving. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature for studies assessing the effect of non-stroke, vascular conditions on daily driving, reported crash risk and driving decline in older adult drivers as captured by naturalistic methodologies. A systematic review of Embase, Ovid and Scopus Plus examined articles on driving and vascular conditions among older adults. A search yielded 443 articles and, following two screenings, no articles remained that focused on non-stroke, vascular conditions and naturalistic driving. As a result, this review examined non-stroke, vascular conditions in nine driving studies of older adults that used road testing, driving simulators and self-report measures. These studies fell into three categories—heart failure, vascular dementia and white matter hyperintensities/leukoaraiosis. The combined findings of the studies suggest that heart failure, vascular dementia and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) negatively impact driving performance and contribute to driving cessation among older adults. Future research should examine cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, myocardial infraction or atherosclerosis using naturalistic driving measurement, as well as traditional measures, in order to more fully characterize how these conditions impact older adult driving.
Exposure to Heavy Metals in Electronic Waste Recycling in Thailand
Authors: Kuntawee Chalermkhwan , Tantrakarnapa Kraichat , Limpanont Yanin , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Phetrak Athit , Mingkhwan Rachaneekorn , Worakhunpiset Suwalee
Published: April 2020

Electronic waste recycling can release heavy metals into the environment and cause adverse health effects. We assessed the association between exposure to heavy metals from electronic waste recycling and the prevalence of asthma in a nested case-control study of 51 subject pairs with and without asthma. House dust, airborne dust, blood, and urine were collected from residents of two neighboring sites in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. Multiple electronic waste-handling activities are conducted in the first site, while the second site is mostly agricultural. Concentrations of chromium, mercury, nickel, and lead in house dust and airborne dust were higher in the electronic waste-handling site (p < 0.05), but levels of exposure were similar in subjects with and without asthma. Although we did not find an association between exposure to these metals and the prevalence of asthma, control measures should be implemented to reduce health risks from long-term exposure to heavy metals.
Regular Physical Activity as a Potential Risk Factor for Erosive Lesions in Adolescents
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper , Walerczyk-Sas Anna , Surdacka Anna
Published: April 2020

Tooth erosion is becoming an increasingly common dental problem among teenagers. The study aimed to determine risk factors for erosive lesions in young sports professionals. Participants were 155 students—102 physically active and 53 controls. The method included dental examination (including Basic Erosive Wear Examination) and a questionnaire concerning sports activity, dietary and hygienic habits. The sporting activity significantly correlated with erosive lesions (RSpearman = 0.344). The regression model incorporating the kind of sports activity, special diet and (non-)drinking water was statistically significant (p = 0.922 for the Hosmer–Lemeshow test) and strong enough to predict erosive lesions in young athletes (AUC = 0.758). Water sports professionals were almost 14 times more likely to suffer from erosive lesions than control students. Drinking water as the main beverage decreased the odds by about 70%. The graphical interpretation of multidimensional correspondence analysis confirms the predictive value of these factors. The kind of sports activity adjusted by the main beverage and a special diet was the best variable to predict erosive lesions among teenagers. Early proper diagnosis with defined risk factors leads to better prevention and successful treatment.
Sense of Coherence in Association with Stress Experience and Health in Adolescents
Authors: Moksnes Unni Karin , Espnes Geir Arild
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the associations between sex, age, socio-economic status, stress, sense of coherence (SOC), and health (mental wellbeing, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and subjective health complaints) in Norwegian adolescents aged 13–19 years. Furthermore, the study investigated the potential protective or compensatory role from SOC on the association between stress and health. Methods: The study was based on a cross-sectional sample of 1233 adolescents. Data were analyzed with descriptive, comparative, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Girls reported significantly higher scores on depressive symptoms and subjective health complaints than boys. Stress was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms. SOC associated significantly with all outcome variables; and especially with mental wellbeing and depressive symptoms. Significant interaction effects of sex in combination with stress and SOC were found in association with depression and mental wellbeing. Associations were strongest for girls. Conclusion: The findings provided support for the significant role of SOC as a coping resource, especially in relation to adolescents’ mental health; weaker associations were found with subjective health complains and self-rated health. The findings also mainly supported a compensatory role of SOC on the association between stress and health during adolescence.
Health Information Systems in the Digital Health Ecosystem—Problems and Solutions for Ethics, Trust and Privacy
Authors: Ruotsalainen Pekka , Blobel Bernd
Published: April 2020

Digital health information systems (DHIS) are increasingly members of ecosystems, collecting, using and sharing a huge amount of personal health information (PHI), frequently without control and authorization through the data subject. From the data subject’s perspective, there is frequently no guarantee and therefore no trust that PHI is processed ethically in Digital Health Ecosystems. This results in new ethical, privacy and trust challenges to be solved. The authors’ objective is to find a combination of ethical principles, privacy and trust models, together enabling design, implementation of DHIS acting ethically, being trustworthy, and supporting the user’s privacy needs. Research published in journals, conference proceedings, and standards documents is analyzed from the viewpoint of ethics, privacy and trust. In that context, systems theory and systems engineering approaches together with heuristic analysis are deployed. The ethical model proposed is a combination of consequentialism, professional medical ethics and utilitarianism. Privacy enforcement can be facilitated by defining it as health information specific contextual intellectual property right, where a service user can express their own privacy needs using computer-understandable policies. Thereby, privacy as a dynamic, indeterminate concept, and computational trust, deploys linguistic values and fuzzy mathematics. The proposed solution, combining ethical principles, privacy as intellectual property and computational trust models, shows a new way to achieve ethically acceptable, trustworthy and privacy-enabling DHIS and Digital Health Ecosystems.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Health Literacy Research Around the World: More Important Than Ever in a Time of COVID-19
Authors: Sentell Tetine , Vamos Sandra , Okan Orkan
Published: April 2020

As we write our editorial for a health literacy special issue in the midst of the international COVID-19 crisis, we take this opportunity to highlight the importance of individual, community, and population health literacy. We are not only in a “pandemic” but also an “infodemic”. Health literacy is more important than ever in the face of these global health threats, which have impacted outcomes across the levels of the socio-ecological model (SEM), including individual health behaviors, family relationships, organizational behavior, state policy-making, national mortality statistics, and the international economy in the span of weeks. Our special issue sought to pull together interdisciplinary threads guided by two principles. The first was defining health literacy as essential skills and situational resources needed for people to find, understand, evaluate, communicate, and use information and services in a variety of forms across various settings throughout their life course to promote health and wellbeing. The second was the idea that enhancing health literacy in populations and systems is critical to achieving health equity. In this time of public health need across traditional borders, the inter-sectoral and international perspectives of special issue articles are more urgent than ever. A greater understanding, appreciation, and application of health literacy can support policy action on multiple levels to address major public health challenges. Health literacy should be built deliberately as a population-level resource and community asset. We have summarized the set of articles in this special issue across the levels of the SEM, hoping their thoughtful considerations and interesting findings will help to support global health and wellness and inspire future research, policy, and practice in this global public health emergency and beyond.
The Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on Spatiotemporal Patterns of PM2.5 Concentration in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Surrounding Areas
Authors: Wang Wenting , Zhang Lijun , Zhao Jun , Qi Mengge , Chen Fengrui
Published: April 2020

The study investigated the spatiotemporal evolution of PM2.5 concentration in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and surrounding areas during 2015–2017, and then analyzed its socioeconomic determinants. First, an estimation model considering spatiotemporal heterogeneous relationships was developed to accurately estimate the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentration. Additionally, socioeconomic determinants of PM2.5 concentration were analyzed using a spatial panel Dubin model, which aimed to improve the robustness of the model estimation. The results demonstrated that: (1) The proposed model significantly increased the estimation accuracy of PM2.5 concentration. The mean absolute error and root-mean-square error were 9.21 μg/m3 and 13.10 μg/m3, respectively. (2) PM2.5 concentration in the study area exhibited significant spatiotemporal changes. Although the PM2.5 concentration has declined year by year, it still exceeded national environmental air quality standards. (3) The per capita GDP, urbanization rate and number of industrial enterprises above the designated size were the key factors affecting the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5 concentration. This study provided scientific references for comprehensive PM2.5 pollution control in the study area.