bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Operator-Based Nonlinear Control for a Miniature Pneumatic Bending Rubber Actuator Considering Bellows
Authors: Sudani Mizuki , Deng Mingcong , Wakimoto Shuichi
Published: June 2018

Recently, many kinds of soft actuators composed of flexible materials, such as silicon rubber, have been studied in the mechatronics field with increasing attention on the artificial muscle in welfare, medical care and biotechnology. Particularly, pneumatic-driven soft actuator moves flexibly and works safely because of not electrical but pneumatic input, so that the actuator could perform effectively in the medical operations. A miniature pneumatic bending rubber actuator is a tiny pneumatic-driven soft actuator which has some chambers connected to only one tube providing compressed air and the chamber has bellows. This actuator can bend circularly in two directions and grab delicate objects such as fish eggs, by inputting pressure into its chambers. The actuator, however, has nonlinear property derived from elastomer in input-output relation. The actuator, therefore, sacrifices some degree of control performance instead of obtaining the passive flexibility to delicate objects. To solve the above problem, previous studies have shown, by the experiments, that the effectiveness of designing the nonlinear feedback control system using robust right coprime factorization based on the operator theory for control of the output angle of the actuator. However, the mathematical model used for designing the system caused modelling error because the bellows were not considered in deriving the model. The mathematical model should fit experimental value as well as possible for system design and there has been no example modelling of the micro hand having bellows. In this research, a new model of the micro hand considering its bellows with elastomer property is proposed. Moreover, a control system using the robust right coprime factorization based on the operator theory is designed for the new model. Finally, the effectiveness is shown in the experiment.
Sampling Stratification Using Aerial Imagery to Estimate Fruit Load in Peach Tree Orchards
Authors: Miranda Carlos , Santesteban Luis G. , Urrestarazu Jorge , Loidi Maite , Royo José B.
Published: June 2018

A quick and accurate sampling method for determining yield in peach orchards could lead to better crop management decisions, more accurate insurance claim adjustment, and reduced expenses for the insurance industry. Given that sample size depends exclusively on the variability of the trees on the orchard, it is necessary to have a quick and objective way of assessing this variability. The aim of this study was to use remote sensing to detect the spatial variability within peach orchards and classify trees into homogeneous zones that constitute sampling strata to decrease sample size. Five mature peach orchards with different degrees of spatial variability were used. A regular grid of trees was established on each orchard, their trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) was measured, and yield was measured as number of fruits/tree on the central tree of each one of them. Red Vegetation Index (RVI) was calculated from aerial images with 0.25 m·pixel−1 resolution, and used, either alone or in combination with TCSA, to delineate sampling strata using cluster fuzzy k-means. Completely randomized (CRS) and stratified samplings were compared through 10,000 iterations, and the Minimum Sample Size required to obtain estimates of actual production for three quality levels of sampling was calculated in each case. The images allowed accurate determination of the number of trees, allowing a proper application of completely randomized sampling designs. Tree size and the canopy density estimated by means of multispectral indices are complementary parameters suitable for orchard stratification, decreasing the sample size required to determine fruit count up to 20–35% compared to completely randomized samples.
The Effect of Barley Cover Crop Residue and Herbicide Management on the Foliar Arthropod Community in No-Till Soybeans
Authors: Rosario-Lebron Armando , Leslie Alan W. , Chen Guihua , Hooks Cerruti R. R.
Published: June 2018

Cover cropping has long been used as a method of reducing soil erosion, increasing soil quality, and suppressing weeds. However, the effects of cover crops in local farming systems are varied and can be affected by timing and method of termination. Field experiments were conducted at two sites in Maryland, USA during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons to examine how varying the date and method of terminating a barley (Hordeum vulgare) cover crop affects the arthropod communities in succeeding no-till soybean (Glycine max). Experimental treatments included early-kill with pre- and post-emergent herbicides (EK), late-kill with pre- and post-emergent herbicides (LK), late-kill with a flail mower and pre-emergent herbicide (FM), and a fallow/bare-ground check with pre- and post-emergent herbicides (BG). Terminating barley late, just prior to soybean planting, resulted in significantly greater biomass accumulation in LK and FM than EK. However, method and timing of termination had no effect on the community of pest and beneficial arthropods in the soybean canopy. Results from this experiment suggest that terminating the cover crop early or late (just prior to crop planting) or using a mower or post-emergent herbicide will result in a similar community of arthropods within the soybean canopy.
Olive Water Use, Crop Coefficient, Yield, and Water Productivity under Two Deficit Irrigation Strategies
Authors: Santos Francisco L.
Published: June 2018

Reports on the annual effects of deficit irrigation regimes on olive trees are critical in shedding light on their impacts on water use, yield, and water productivity in distinct olive growing climate regions of the world. From the account of a four-year experiment, the aim of this work is to add insight into such effects on olive growing in southern Portugal. We worked with trees in an intensive ‘Cobrançosa’ orchard (300 trees ha−1) under full irrigation (FI) treatment and two regulated deficit irrigation (DI) treatments designed to replace around 70% and 50% of the FI water supply, respectively. Crop transpiration (T), irrigation water use (IWU), total water use (TWU), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), yield (Ya), and water productivity (WP) obtained from all treatments were analyzed, as well as their crop coefficients (Kc), simulated with the SIMDualKc software application for root zone and soil water balance based on the FAO dual crop coefficients. As expected, IWUE of the 50DI treatment was the highest among treatments, with 70DI being slightly lower. Ya showed alternate bearing with an “on-off” year sequence and was consistently higher for the 70DI treatment. WP (the ratio of Ya to IWU) values for the 70DI treatment were also consistently the highest among all treatments and years. The mean simulated Kc act values for 70DI and 50DI for the initial, mid-, and end-season compared well to the FAO56 Kc for olive crops. In general, to rank the irrigation treatments, 70DI presented the highest conversion efficiency among all treatments and years, providing a suitable DI alternative for our ‘Cobrançosa’ orchard. The 50DI treatment may be an attractive DI regime to undertake under scarce farm water resources or the expansion of olive hectares under water constraints.
Free Dietary Choice and Free-Range Rearing Improve the Product Quality, Gait Score, and Microbial Richness of Chickens
Authors: Chen Siyu , Xiang Hai , Zhu Xu , Zhang Hui , Wang Dan , Liu Huagui , Wang Jikun , Yin Tao , Liu Langqing , Kong Minghua , Zhang Jian , Ogura Shin-ichiro , Zhao Xingbo
Published: June 2018

Poultry welfare has been extensively studied; however, there is a lack of rigorous scientific knowledge relating to the different aspects of welfare factors and how this may contribute to the production quantity and product quality as well as the welfare of chickens. Therefore, we conducted an integrated study to compare welfare factors in chickens by providing free dietary choice under cage rearing, and further comparing cage rearing with free-range rearing. One hundred chickens each were allocated to a cage rearing group with conventional feeding (CC), a cage rearing group with free dietary choice of mealworms (FDM), a cage rearing group with free dietary choice of mealworms and fresh grass (FDMG), and a free-range rearing system group with free dietary choice of mealworms and fresh grass (FRMG). Results showed that under cage rearing, free dietary choice contributed to better meat quality and gait score, higher values of blood platelets, and a richer gut microbial composition, but poorer egg production than CC chickens. As compared to FDMG, FRMG chickens showed better meat quality, gait score, and feather conditions, as well as a richer gut microbial composition; however, they had poorer egg production and a poorer foot pad and foot feather condition. We conclude that free dietary choice and free-range rearing systems improve the product quality, gait score, and microbial richness of chickens.
Identification of Phenolic Compounds-Rich Grape Pomace Extracts Urine Metabolites and Correlation with Gut Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Chacar Stéphanie , Tarighi Mehrad , Fares Nassim , Faivre Jean-François , Louka Nicolas , Maroun Richard G.
Published: June 2018

The high diversity of phenolic compounds (PC) found in food matrices makes it challenging to analyze their bioavailability and their impact on health and functional metabolism. It is well recognized that PC do modulate the composition of the gut microbiota (GM), however, the literature still lacks significant data concerning the link between the metabolic fate of the ingested compounds and their bioactivity, mainly when considering the secondary metabolites produced. In this study, we assessed the metabolic fate of PC for a period covering 14 months of daily intake to identify the metabolites that could be responsible for the effects of PC on the GM observed in our previous work. Urinary analysis of polyphenol metabolites was performed using a high resolution mass spectrometry LC-QTOF-MS method. Among the sixteen metabolites identified, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid were detected simultaneously and, therefore, correlated with the growth of Bifidobacterium in the rat GM. In addition, Daidzedin, detected only at 14 months post-treatment, mostly interfered with the growth inhibition of Clostridium (Cluster I). In conclusion, the impact of the long-term intake of PC on rat GM seems to be related to specific metabolites produced after ingestion of the parental compounds and this may also be due to their additional synergistic effects.
Textile-Based Flexible Coils for Wireless Inductive Power Transmission
Authors: Li Yi , Grabham Neil , Torah Russel , Tudor John , Beeby Steve
Published: June 2018

Wireless inductive power transmission systems can potentially supply wearable devices. Power cables or batteries can be eliminated by implementing a wireless power transfer system, making the wearable devices less obtrusive to users. However, rigid coils can cause discomfort to users in wearable applications. The novel screen-printed flexible coils on textiles reported here are intended to be a low-cost and comfortable solution when integrated into clothing. A constant-width circular-spiral flat coil has been designed to minimize the detrimental effect of the low conductivity of the screen-printed flexible conductors on the efficiency of the wireless power transfer system. The coils are printed on 65/35 polyester/cotton textile with a screen-printed Fabink-UV-IF1 interface layer coating. The interface layer provides a relatively flat and smooth surface to prevent the permeation of the conductive paste into the textile and allows the printing of finer-profile coils. A 5 V 1.2 W DC output has been achieved by a wireless power transfer system using the printed flexible coils with Qi standard circuitry; a DC-DC efficiency of 37% has been measured.
Formic Acid Manufacture: Carbon Dioxide Utilization Alternatives
Authors: Rumayor Marta , Dominguez-Ramos Antonio , Irabien Angel
Published: June 2018

Carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization alternatives for manufacturing formic acid (FA) such as electrochemical reduction (ER) or homogeneous catalysis of CO2 and H2 could be efficient options for developing more environmentally-friendly production alternatives to FA fossil-dependant production. However, these alternatives are currently found at different technological readiness levels (TRLs), and some remaining technical challenges need to be overcome to achieve at least carbon-even FA compared to the commercial process, especially ER of CO2, which is still farther from its industrial application. The main technical limitations inherited by FA production by ER are the low FA concentration achieved and the high overpotentials required, which involve high consumptions of energy (ER cell) and steam (distillation). In this study, a comparison in terms of carbon footprints (CF) using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool was done to evaluate the potential technological challenges assuring the environmental competitiveness of the FA production by ER of CO2. The CF of the FA conventional production were used as a benchmark, as well as the CF of a simulated plant based on homogeneous catalysts of CO2 and H2 (found closer to be commercial). Renewable energy utilization as PV solar for the reaction is essential to achieve a carbon-even product; however, the CF benefits are still negligible due to the enormous contribution of the steam produced by natural gas (purification stage). Some ER reactor configurations, plus a recirculation mode, could achieve an even CF versus commercial process. It was demonstrated that the ER alternatives could lead to lower natural resources consumption (mainly, natural gas and heavy fuel oil) compared to the commercial process, which is a noticeable advantage in environmental sustainability terms.
A Modified Bayesian Network Model to Predict Reorder Level of Printed Circuit Board
Authors: Lv Shengping , Kim Hoyeol , Jin Hong , Zheng Binbin
Published: June 2018

Identifying the printed circuit board (PCB) orders with high reorder frequency for batch production can facilitate production capacity balance and reduce cost. In this paper, the repeated orders identification problem is transformed to a reorder level prediction problem. A prediction model based on a modified Bayesian network (BN) with Monte Carlo simulations is presented to identify related variables and evaluate their effects on the reorder level. From the historically accumulated data, different characteristic variables are extracted and specified for the model. Normalization and principal component analysis (PCA) are employed to reduce differences and the redundancy of the datasets, respectively. Entropy minimization based binning is presented to discretize model variables and, therefore, reduce input type and capture better prediction performance. Subsequently, conditional mutual information and link strength percentage are combined for the establishment of BN structure to avoid the defect of tree augmented naïve BN that easily misses strong links between nodes and generates redundant weak links. Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to weaken the influence of uncertainty factors. The model’s performance is compared to three advanced approaches by using the data from a PCB manufacturer and results demonstrate that the proposed method has high prediction accuracy.
Techniques and Emerging Trends for State of the Art Equipment Maintenance Systems—A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Hoppenstedt Burkhard , Pryss Rüdiger , Stelzer Birgit , Meyer-Brötz Fabian , Kammerer Klaus , Treß Alexander , Reichert Manfred
Published: June 2018

The increasing interconnection of machines in industrial production on one hand, and the improved capabilities to store, retrieve, and analyze large amounts of data on the other, offer promising perspectives for maintaining production machines. Recently, predictive maintenance has gained increasing attention in the context of equipment maintenance systems. As opposed to other approaches, predictive maintenance relies on machine behavior models, which offer several advantages. In this highly interdisciplinary field, there is a lack of a literature review of relevant research fields and realization techniques. To obtain a comprehensive overview on the state of the art, large data sets of relevant literature need to be considered and, best case, be automatically partitioned into relevant research fields. A proper methodology to obtain such an overview is the bibliometric analysis method. In the presented work, we apply a bibliometric analysis to the field of equipment maintenance systems. To be more precise, we analyzed clusters of identified literature with the goal to obtain deeper insight into the related research fields. Moreover, cluster metrics reveal the importance of a single paper and an investigation of the temporal cluster development indicates the evolution of research topics. In this context, we introduce a new measure to compare results from different time periods in an appropriate way. In turn, among others, this simplifies the analysis of topics, with a vast amount of subtopics. Altogether, the obtained results particularly provide a comprehensive overview of established techniques and emerging trends for equipment maintenance systems.
Rheological Behavior and Sensitivity of Wood-Derived Bio-Oil Modified Asphalt Binders
Authors: Gao Junfeng , Wang Hainian , You Zhanping , Mohd Hasan Mohd Rosli , Lei Yong , Irfan Muhammad
Published: June 2018

The demand for bituminous materials is continuously growing; crude oil-based asphalt binders are non-renewable, and are facing rapid depletion. With the increase of petroleum-based asphalt prices, seeking an alternative, renewable material such as bio-asphalt has become a hot research topic. However, shortcomings in this research area have been identified, notably concerning the high-temperature performance of bio-asphalt at present. This research aims to comprehensively apply conventional tests to, and study the rheological behavior of, the high-temperature performances of bio-asphalt binders, i.e., by temperature and frequency sweeps, using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). It will also assess the chemical functional groups of specimens prepared by different aging conditions. Fifty penetration grade base asphalt binder (50#), bio-oil modified asphalt binders with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 30% bio-oil contents by mass, and bio-oil modified asphalt binder with combinations of 5% bio-oil-1% SBS, and 10% bio-oil-1% SBS were used in this study. The conventional performance of bio-asphalt binders was tested using penetration, ductility, and softening point, before and after short-term aging conditioning. The temperature sweep and frequency sweep of bio-asphalt under different bio-oil contents were carried out via DSR. Two-logarithmic equations of rutting factor and temperature were established, and the temperature sensitivity of bio-asphalt was analyzed. The master curves of virgin asphalt and bio-asphalt were constructed at 64 °C. The results indicate that the incorporation of bio-oil reduced the anti-rutting performance of asphalt, and the bio-oil content had a significant effect on the mass loss of the bio-asphalt binder. The performance of bio-oil modified asphalt binders using 5% bio-oil, 5% bio-oil-1% SBS, and 10% bio-oil-1% SBS, could meet the requirements of 50# grade asphalt. The temperature sensitivity of bio-asphalt did not show obvious change before and after short-term aging, whereas the temperature sensitivity of bio-asphalt with 5% bio-oil was relatively small. With an increase in temperature, the phase angle increased gradually. In contrast, the storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex modulus decreased progressively. The complex modulus and rutting factor of bio-asphalt with 5% bio-oil steadily increased with the increase in testing frequency. Otherwise, chemical reactions were detected in the 50# base asphalt modified with the bio-oil.
Diode Laser Welding/Brazing of Aluminum Alloy to Steel Using a Nickel Coating
Authors: Yang Jin , Chen Jieshi , Zhao Wanqin , Zhang Peilei , Yu Zhishui , Li Yulong , Zeng Zhi , Zhou Norman
Published: June 2018

Joining Al alloy to steel is of great interest for application in the automotive industry. Although a vast number of studies have been conducted to join Al to steel, the joining of Al to steel is still challenging due to the formation of brittle Fe–Al intermetallic compounds. In this work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the dissimilar Al/steel joints with and without a nickel coating are comparatively investigated. A homogenous reaction layer composed of FeZn10 and Fe2Al5 is formed at the interface in the joints without Ni coating, and the joint facture load is only 743 N. To prevent the formation of brittle Fe2Al5, Ni electroplated coating is applied onto a steel surface. It has been shown that a nonhomogeneous reaction layer is observed at the interfacial region: Ni5Zn21 is formed at the direct irradiation zone, while Al3Ni is formed at the fusion zone root. The microhardness of the interfacial layer is reduced, which leads to the improvement of the joint mechanical properties. The average fracture load of the Al/Ni-coated steel joints reaches 930 N. In all of the cases, failure occurs at the Ni coating/fusion zone interface.
Optimal Operation Analysis of the Distribution Network Comprising a Micro Energy Grid Based on an Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yang Jianhua , Wang Weizhou , Jing Tianjun , Zhang Man
Published: June 2018

With a focus on the safe, stable, and economical operation of a micro energy grid and a distribution network, this study proposes a bi-level optimal model for the integrated operation of a micro energy grid and a distribution network. The upper model used the minima of three objectives, including the integrated operating cost of the distribution network, the network’s active power loss, and the standard deviation of the voltage deviation in the distribution network. The lower model used the minimum integrated operating cost for the micro energy grid as the objective function. Considering the large number of objectives in the upper model, and that no single optimal solution existed, the judgment-matrix method was used to obtain the weight factors of each objective, and the upper multi-objective optimization problem was transformed into a single-objective problem in this paper. A grey wolf optimization algorithm based on the dynamic adjustment of the proportional weight and convergence factor was proposed to solve the operating model of the distribution network comprising the micro energy grid. This algorithm offers a high solution precision, a high convergence speed, and a strong global searching ability. The nonlinear convergent factor formula proposed in this paper dynamically adjusted the global searching ability of the algorithm, while the proposed proportional weight sped up the convergence of the algorithm. The superiority of the proposed algorithm was verified mathematically by six test functions. The simulation results demonstrated that the model and algorithm proposed in this paper improved the economic benefits, and voltage stability of the distribution network, reduced the active power loss of the distribution network, and enabled the safe, stable, and economical operation of the distribution network comprising a micro energy grid.
Online State of Health Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Chen Zheng , Sun Mengmeng , Shu Xing , Xiao Renxin , Shen Jiangwei
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a novel state of health (SOH) estimation method based on partial charge voltage and current data is proposed. The extraction of feature variables, which are energy signal, the Ah-throughput, and the charge duration, is discussed and analyzed. The support vector machine (SVM) with radial basis function (RBF) as kernel function is applied for the SOH estimation. The predictive performance of the SOH by the SVM are performed with full and partial charging data. Experiment results show that the addressed approach enables estimating the SOH accurately for practical application.
Collision Avoidance Using Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control for Unmanned Surface Vehicle
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Wang Guofeng , Fan Yunsheng , Mu Dongdong , Qiu Bingbing
Published: June 2018

In recent years, with the development of unmanned platforms, unmanned surface vehicles (USV) are attracting more and more attention. Compared to ordinary ships, USV have a smaller volume and faster speed, so their collision avoidance system (CAS) should have better responsiveness and stability. The paper describes a method that is based on finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC). A finite control set is generated by more practical control commands: the thruster speed and propulsion angle of the USV. The method is conceptually and computationally simple and yet quite versatile, as it can account for the dynamics of the USV, steering and propulsion system. Based on the theory of FCS-MPC, a safe and fast CAS is proposed, and it is verified in different static and dynamic environments. The real environment model for collision avoidance is established by extracting the environment data from the electronic chart. The result shows that the method is effective and can control the USV to sail safely and quickly in complex real scenarios with multiple dynamic obstacles.
Synchronization of Chemical Synaptic Coupling of the Chay Neuron System under Time Delay
Authors: Wu Kaijun , Wang Dicong , Yu Chao , Machado Jose Tenreiro
Published: June 2018

This paper studies the chemical synaptic coupling of Chay neurons and the effect of adding time delay on their synchronization behavior. The results indicate that coupling strength stimuli can affect the discharge activity and the synchronization behavior. In the absence of coupling strength, the Chay neurons have chaotic discharge behavior and the system is in a nonsynchronous state. When a certain coupling strength is added, the neurons change from chaotic discharge to ordered periodic discharge, and the system state changes from asynchronous to synchronous. On the other hand, a time lag can alter the coupled system from synchronous to asynchronous.
Fabrication and Use of Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Sensing of Metabolites in Aqueous Media
Authors: Piro Benoît , Mattana Giorgio , Zrig Samia , Anquetin Guillaume , Battaglini Nicolas , Capitao Dany , Maurin Antoine , Reisberg Steeve
Published: June 2018

This review first recalls the basic functioning principles of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) then focuses on the transduction mechanisms applicable to OECTs. Materials constituting the active semiconducting part are reviewed, from the historical conducting polymers (polyaniline, polypyrrole) to the actual gold standard, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene: polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS), as well as the methods used to fabricate these transistors. The review then focuses on applications of OECTs for the detection of small molecules and more particularly of metabolites, with a distinction between enzymatic and non-enzymatic transduction pathways. Finally, the few patents registered on the topic of OECT-based biosensors are reviewed, and new tracks of improvement are proposed.
Comminution of Dry Lignocellulosic Biomass, a Review: Part I. From Fundamental Mechanisms to Milling Behaviour
Authors: Mayer-Laigle Claire , Blanc Nicolas , Rajaonarivony Rova Karine , Rouau Xavier
Published: June 2018

The comminution of lignocellulosic biomass is a key operation for many applications as bio-based materials, bio-energy or green chemistry. The grinder used can have a significant impact on the properties of the ground powders, of those of the end-products and on the energy consumption. Since several years, the milling of lignocellulosic biomass has been the subject of numerous studies most often focused on specific materials and/or applications but there is still a lack of generic knowledge about the relation between the histological structure of the raw materials, the milling technologies and the physical and chemical properties of the powders. This review aims to point out the main process parameters and plant raw material properties that influence the milling operation and their consequences on the properties of ground powders and on the energy consumption during the comminution.
Simple Analysis of Lipid Inhibition Activity on an Adipocyte Micro-Cell Pattern Chip
Authors: Kim Gi Yong , Yeom Su-Jin , Jang Sung-Chan , Lee Chang-Soo , Roh Changhyun , Jeong Heon-Ho
Published: June 2018

Polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) is often applied to fabricate cell chips. In this study, we fabricated an adipocyte microcell pattern chips using PDMS to analyze the inhibition activity of lipid droplets in mouse embryo fibroblast cells (3T3-L1) with anti-obesity agents. To form the PDMS based micropattern, we applied the micro-contact printing technique using PDMS micro-stamps that had been fabricated by conventional soft lithography. This PDMS micro-pattern enabled the selective growth of 3T3-L1 cells onto the specific region by preventing cell adhesion on the PDMS region. It then allowed growth of the 3T3-L1 cells in the chip for 10 days and confirmed that lipid droplets were formed in the 3T3-L1 cells. After treatment of orlistat and quercetin were treated in an adipocyte micro-cell pattern chip with 3T3-L1 cells for six days, we found that orlistat and quercetin exhibited fat inhibition capacities of 19.3% and 24.4% from 0.2 μM of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, we conducted a direct quantitative analysis of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation using Oil Red O staining. In conclusion, PDMS-based adipocyte micro-cell pattern chips may contribute to the development of novel bioactive compounds.
Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Oncology: Advances in Multi-Disciplinary Patient Care
Authors: Yee Nelson S. , Lengerich Eugene J. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Maranki Jennifer L. , Gusani Niraj J. , Tchelebi Leila , Mackley Heath B. , Krok Karen L. , Baker Maria J. , Boer Claire de , Yee Julian D.
Published: June 2018

Cancers of the digestive system remain highly lethal; therefore, the care of patients with malignant diseases of the digestive tract requires the expertise of providers from multiple health disciplines. Progress has been made to advance the understanding of epidemiology and genetics, diagnostic and screening evaluation, treatment modalities, and supportive care for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. At the Multi-Disciplinary Patient Care in Gastrointestinal Oncology conference at the Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pennsylvania on 29 September 2017, the faculty members of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center presented a variety of topics that focused on this oncological specialty. In this continuing medical education-certified conference, updates on the population sciences including health disparities and resistance training were presented. Progress made in various diagnostic evaluation and screening procedures was outlined. New developments in therapeutic modalities in surgical, radiation, and medical oncology were discussed. Cancer genetic testing and counseling and the supportive roles of music and arts in health and cancer were demonstrated. In summary, this disease-focused medical conference highlighted the new frontiers in gastrointestinal oncology, and showcase the multi-disciplinary care provided at the Penn State Cancer Institute.
Label-Free Bioanalyte Detection from Nanometer to Micrometer Dimensions—Molecular Imprinting and QCMs †
Authors: Mujahid Adnan , Mustafa Ghulam , Dickert Franz L.
Published: June 2018

Modern diagnostic tools and immunoassay protocols urges direct analyte recognition based on its intrinsic behavior without using any labeling indicator. This not only improves the detection reliability, but also reduces sample preparation time and complexity involved during labeling step. Label-free biosensor devices are capable of monitoring analyte physiochemical properties such as binding sensitivity and selectivity, affinity constants and other dynamics of molecular recognition. The interface of a typical biosensor could range from natural antibodies to synthetic receptors for example molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs). The foremost advantages of using MIPs are their high binding selectivity comparable to natural antibodies, straightforward synthesis in short time, high thermal/chemical stability and compatibility with different transducers. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonators are leading acoustic devices that are extensively used for mass-sensitive measurements. Highlight features of QCM devices include low cost fabrication, room temperature operation, and most importantly ability to monitor extremely low mass shifts, thus potentially a universal transducer. The combination of MIPs with quartz QCM has turned out as a prominent sensing system for label-free recognition of diverse bioanalytes. In this article, we shall encompass the potential applications of MIP-QCM sensors exclusively label-free recognition of bacteria and virus species as representative micro and nanosized bioanalytes.
Comments on: “What Is Developmental Dyslexia?” Brain Sci. 2018, 8, 26. The Relationship between Eye Movements and Reading Difficulties
Authors: Blythe Hazel , Kirkby Julie , Liversedge Simon
Published: June 2018

We are writing in response to the review article: Stein. J. (2018). What is Developmental Dyslexia? Brain Sciences, 8, 26, doi:10.3390/brainsci8020026. We consider that the section entitled, “Eye Movement Control”, presents a misleading characterisation of current empirical and theoretical understanding. We outline five specific points relating to Stein’s views on eye movement control and developmental dyslexia with which we disagree and conclude that disruption to oculomotor behaviour occurs as a consequence of processing difficulty that individuals with dyslexia experience as they engage in reading.
Emerging and Established Models of Bone Metastasis
Authors: Jinnah Alexander H. , Zacks Benjamin C. , Gwam Chukwuweike U. , Kerr Bethany A.
Published: June 2018

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death and drives patient morbidity as well as healthcare costs. Bone is the primary site of metastasis for several cancers—breast and prostate cancers in particular. Efforts to treat bone metastases have been stymied by a lack of models to study the progression, cellular players, and signaling pathways driving bone metastasis. In this review, we examine newly described and classic models of bone metastasis. Through the use of current in vivo, microfluidic, and in silico computational bone metastasis models we may eventually understand how cells escape the primary tumor and how these circulating tumor cells then home to and colonize the bone marrow. Further, future models may uncover how cells enter and then escape dormancy to develop into overt metastases. Recreating the metastatic process will lead to the discovery of therapeutic targets for disrupting and treating bone metastasis.
Ammonia Concentration Distribution Measurements on Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Sala Rafal , Dzida Jakub , Krasowski Jaroslaw
Published: June 2018

This work presents the methodology and accurate evaluation of ammonia concentration distribution measurements at the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst outlet cross-section. The uniformity of ammonia concentration is a crucial factor influencing overall SCR effectiveness, and it contributes to the necessity of employing a reliable test method. The aftertreatment system design (mainly its geometrical features) can be evaluated in detail. The ammonia concentration is measured at the SCR catalyst outlet at grid points covering from the center to the outer edges of the catalyst. Its execution requires the introduction of a probe hovering over the back face of the SCR. To obtain the expected accuracy, it is necessary to measure a sufficient number of points in a reasonable timeframe. In order to achieve that, a fully automatic sampling device was developed. Sample results are presented showing the capabilities of the created test stand and its importance for the design development and validation stages of SCR-based engine aftertreatment.
Tensor Decomposition-Based Unsupervised Feature Extraction Can Identify the Universal Nature of Sequence-Nonspecific Off-Target Regulation of mRNA Mediated by MicroRNA Transfection
Authors: Taguchi Y.-H.
Published: June 2018

MicroRNA (miRNA) transfection is known to degrade target mRNAs and to decrease mRNA expression. In contrast to the notion that most of the gene expression alterations caused by miRNA transfection involve downregulation, they often involve both up- and downregulation; this phenomenon is thought to be, at least partially, mediated by sequence-nonspecific off-target effects. In this study, I used tensor decomposition-based unsupervised feature extraction to identify genes whose expression is likely to be altered by miRNA transfection. These gene sets turned out to largely overlap with one another regardless of the type of miRNA or cell lines used in the experiments. These gene sets also overlap with the gene set associated with altered expression induced by a Dicer knockout. This result suggests that the off-target effect is at least as important as the canonical function of miRNAs that suppress translation. The off-target effect is also suggested to consist of competition for the protein machinery between transfected miRNAs and miRNAs in the cell. Because the identified genes are enriched in various biological terms, these genes are likely to play critical roles in diverse biological processes.
Defining the Requirements of an Information System for Climate Change Adaptation in the Mountain Communities of Dolakha, Nepal
Authors: Khezri Adish , Bennett Rohan , Zevenbergen Jaap
Published: June 2018

Community-based Adaptation Programs (CAPs) that involve the participation of communities are being actively promoted in mountainous areas. These areas are climate sensitive and are often heavily influenced by landslides, floods, and drought. This research indicates that designers of adaptation programs seek to develop and implement CAPs based on international viewpoint and their obligations, but not community requirements. Such CAPs create uneven access to information resources for communities and do not implicitly reduce community vulnerability. In response, the research proposes the establishment of an Information System (IS) to support delivery of reliable climate adaptation services to mountain communities. This research uses Nepal as a case study that experiences a lack of effective adaptation programs due to its varied topography, prevalent climate-related disasters, and barriers in capacity building and institutional development. The results of the analyses indicate that the national level focuses on preparing adaptation action plans, whilst district levels and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) focus on facilitating adaptation implementation for community and individuals. Additionally, the results reveal that an IS can enhance the design and implementation of CAP. Finally, the results are used to articulate prioritized services for an IS to assist communities who are in the greatest need of climate service delivery.
Seasonal Drought Forecasting for Latin America Using the ECMWF S4 Forecast System
Authors: Carrão Hugo , Naumann Gustavo , Dutra Emanuel , Lavaysse Christophe , Barbosa Paulo
Published: June 2018

Meaningful seasonal prediction of drought conditions is key information for end-users and water managers, particularly in Latin America where crop and livestock production are key for many regional economies. However, there are still not many studies of the feasibility of such a forecasts at continental level in the region. In this study, precipitation predictions from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather (ECMWF) seasonal forecast system S4 are combined with observed precipitation data to generate forecasts of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) for Latin America, and their skill is evaluated over the hindcast period 1981–2010. The value-added utility in using the ensemble S4 forecast to predict the SPI is identified by comparing the skill of its forecasts with a baseline skill based solely on their climatological characteristics. As expected, skill of the S4-generated SPI forecasts depends on the season, location, and the specific aggregation period considered (the 3- and 6-month SPI were evaluated). Added skill from the S4 for lead times equaling the SPI accumulation periods is primarily present in regions with high intra-annual precipitation variability, and is found mostly for the months at the end of the dry seasons for 3-month SPI, and half-yearly periods for 6-month SPI. The ECMWF forecast system behaves better than the climatology for clustered grid points in the North of South America, the Northeast of Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Mexico. The skillful regions are similar for the SPI3 and -6, but become reduced in extent for the severest SPI categories. Forecasting different magnitudes of meteorological drought intensity on a seasonal time scale still remains a challenge. However, the ECMWF S4 forecasting system does capture the occurrence of drought events for the aforementioned regions and seasons reasonably well. In the near term, the largest advances in the prediction of meteorological drought for Latin America are obtainable from improvements in near-real-time precipitation observations for the region. In the longer term, improvements in precipitation forecast skill from dynamical models, like the fifth generation of the ECMWF seasonal forecasting system, will be essential in this effort.
An Empirical Comparison of Carbon Credit Projects under the Clean Development Mechanism and Verified Carbon Standard
Authors: Von Avenarius Andrea , Devaraja Thattekere Settygowda , Kiesel Rüdiger
Published: June 2018

Carbon credit projects generate carbon credits by abating greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon credits can then be traded on carbon markets or immobilized in order to compensate for caused emissions. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), as the two most important carbon credit mechanisms, are investigated and compared regarding the success of projects. We define success as the fulfilling of the ex-ante emission abatement estimation and apply regression analyses to explain its variation on a project level by technology, location, scale, duration and participation. The results are discussed in detail on technology level for wind power, energy efficiency, hydro power as well as biomass projects and are compared with regard to CDM and VCS. Our main results indicate that large scale projects often compensate for their under-performance due to economies of time. Furthermore, the duration of projects, their location and structure of participants have significant influence on the success of the projects. The sign of the coefficients of explanatory variables are broadly in line with intuition and related literature, although, due to data availability, they are not always highly significant statistically.
Characterization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Electrochemical Deposition of Ni-Co-ZrO2
Authors: Wang Yiyong , Zhou Xinyu , Liang Zhipeng , Jin Hui
Published: June 2018

In order to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of nano-ZrO2 particles in the co-deposition process, revealing the electrocrystallization mechanism and electrodeposition parameters of composite coatings, cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used to offer a favorable reference for electrochemical studies in an acidic amino sulfonate bath, and the kinetic parameters were calculated by fitting the experimental curves. The CV results suggested that the co-deposition of nano-ZrO2 particles and matrix metal caused the initial deposition potential of Ni2+ and Co2+ to shift to more positive values (−0.80 V vs SCE) while the nano-ZrO2 inhibited the reduction of H+ and decreased the cathodic polarization in co-deposition. The electrocrystallization of Ni-Co and Ni-Co-ZrO2 sedimentary layer were governed by the Scharifker–Hill instantaneous nucleation model, and the nucleation rate of composite coatings was higher at potentials ranging from −1.10 to −1.15 V, and nano-ZrO2 absorbed on an electrode surface promoted the nucleation/growth of Ni2+ and Co2+. However, nano-ZrO2 particles hindered the nucleation/growth of Ni2+ and Co2+ at −1.20 and −1.25 V vs. SCE; the calculated results were consistent with the theoretical analysis of experimental curves. An EIS test indicated that the incorporation of nano-ZrO2 particles into the matrix did not obviously effect the electric double layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface, but the charged transfer resistance of the composite was decreased in the electrodeposition.
Superconducting Niobium Coatings Deposited on Spherical Substrates in Molten Salts
Authors: Dubrovskiy Anton , Okunev Maksim , Makarova Olga , Kuznetsov Sergey
Published: June 2018

The interaction of substrates from ceramics, beryllium, and carbopyroceram with the electrolyte for the electrodeposition of niobium coatings was investigated. The corrosion resistance of spherical ceramic and beryllium samples with the protective molybdenum films obtained by magnetron sputtering was studied. The exfoliation of molybdenum film from ceramics and beryllium samples was observed after the experiments due to the interaction of substrates with the melt. It was found that the carbopyroceram did not corrode in the niobium containing melt and this material was chosen as the substrate for the electrodeposition of superconducting niobium coatings. The influence of the oxide ions on the electrochemical behavior of niobium complexes in the NaCl–KCl–NaF–K2NbF7 melt was studied. A special form of the cathode was constructed for the electrodeposition of niobium coatings on spherically shaped substrates. Electrodeposition of the niobium coatings on spheres 10 mm in diameter manufactured from carbopyroceram was carried out at 750 °C with the cathodic current density of 5 × 10−3–2 × 10−2 A·cm−2 and the electrolysis time of 8–12 h. Influence of the cathodic current density on the microstructure of niobium coatings was studied. The roughness, nonsphericity, and superconductive properties of niobium coatings were determined.
Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Dwelling Bats in the Brunca Region of Costa Rica
Authors: Deleva Stanimira , Chaverri Gloriana
Published: June 2018

The Brunca region in Costa Rica contains the largest number of caves in the country, yet the diversity and distribution of bat species within those caves is currently unknown. Without this information, it is not possible to assess changes in populations and assemblages that may indicate severe damages to these critical roosting habitats, and to take evidence-based conservation actions. We present the first study to describe the diversity of cave-dwelling bat species in the Brunca region of Costa Rica in a large number of caves. We collected data of bat species diversity by direct observation and capturing bats inside roosts. Bats were observed in 38 of the 44 surveyed caves, representing 20 species from 4 families, with colony sizes ranging from a few individuals to >7500. In addition, we collected information about the human activities carried out in and around the roosts to assess potential threats that these sites face. Data indicate that caves suffer mostly from unregulated tourist visitation and that one of the most visited caves is also the one with the most species-rich bat assemblages. Our study determined the most important and vulnerable bat roosts in the region and shows the need for urgent conservation actions to protect them.