bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mTOR Complexes as a Nutrient Sensor for Driving Cancer Progression
Authors: Harachi Mio , Masui Kenta , Okamura Yukinori , Tsukui Ryota , Mischel Paul S. , Shibata Noriyuki
Published: October 2018

Recent advancement in the field of molecular cancer research has clearly revealed that abnormality of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes causes tumor progression thorough the promotion of intracellular metabolism. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the strategies for cancer cells to ensure their survival by enabling cancer cells to obtain the macromolecular precursors and energy needed for the rapid growth. However, an orchestration of appropriate metabolic reactions for the cancer cell survival requires the precise mechanism to sense and harness the nutrient in the microenvironment. Mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes are known downstream effectors of many cancer-causing mutations, which are thought to regulate cancer cell survival and growth. Recent studies demonstrate the intriguing role of mTOR to achieve the feat through metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Importantly, not only mTORC1, a well-known regulator of metabolism both in normal and cancer cell, but mTORC2, an essential partner of mTORC1 downstream of growth factor receptor signaling, controls cooperatively specific metabolism, which nominates them as an essential regulator of cancer metabolism as well as a promising candidate to garner and convey the nutrient information from the surrounding environment. In this article, we depict the recent findings on the role of mTOR complexes in cancer as a master regulator of cancer metabolism and a potential sensor of nutrients, especially focusing on glucose and amino acid sensing in cancer. Novel and detailed molecular mechanisms that amino acids activate mTOR complexes signaling have been identified. We would also like to mention the intricate crosstalk between glucose and amino acid metabolism that ensures the survival of cancer cells, but at the same time it could be exploitable for the novel intervention to target the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells.
Construction of A High-Density Genetic Map and Mapping of Fruit Traits in Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus L.) Based on Whole-Genome Resequencing
Authors: Li Bingbing , Lu Xuqiang , Dou Junling , Aslam Ali , Gao Lei , Zhao Shengjie , He Nan , Liu Wenge
Published: October 2018

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is an important horticultural crop that is grown worldwide and has a high economic value. To dissect the loci associated with important horticultural traits and to analyze the genetic and genomic information of this species, a high-density genetic map was constructed based on whole-genome resequencing (WGR), a powerful high-resolution method for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker development, genetic map construction, and gene mapping. Resequencing of both parental lines and 126 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) resulted in the detection of 178,762 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the parental lines at a sequencing depth greater than four-fold. Additionally, 2132 recombination bin markers comprising 103,029 SNP markers were mapped onto 11 linkage groups (LGs). Substantially more SNP markers were mapped to the genetic map compared with other recent studies. The total length of the linkage map was 1508.94 cM, with an average distance of 0.74 cM between adjacent bin markers. Based on this genetic map, one locus for fruit bitterness, one locus for rind color, and one locus for seed coat color with high LOD scores (58.361, 18.353, 26.852) were identified on chromosome 1, chromosome 8, and chromosome 3, respectively. These prominent loci were identified in a region of 6.16 Mb, 2.07 Mb, and 0.37 Mb, respectively. On the basis of current research, the high-density map and mapping results will provide a valuable tool for identifying candidate genes, map-based gene cloning, comparative mapping, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in watermelon breeding.
Transcription of the Human 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 2B (HTR2B) Gene Is under the Regulatory Influence of the Transcription Factors NFI and RUNX1 in Human Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Benhassine Manel , Guérin Sylvain L.
Published: October 2018

Because it accounts for 70% of all eye cancers, uveal melanoma (UM) is therefore the most common primary ocular malignancy. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms leading to the aberrant expression of the gene encoding the serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B), one of the most discriminating among the candidates from the class II gene signature, in metastatic and non-metastatic UM cell lines. Transfection analyses revealed that the upstream regulatory region of the HTR2B gene contains a combination of alternative positive and negative regulatory elements functional in HTR2B− but not in HTR23B+ UM cells. We demonstrated that both the transcription factors nuclear factor I (NFI) and Runt-related transcription factor I (RUNX1) interact with regulatory elements from the HTR2B gene to either activate (NFI) or repress (RUNX1) HTR2B expression in UM cells. The results of this study will help understand better the molecular mechanisms accounting for the abnormal expression of the HTR2B gene in uveal melanoma.
Floral Scent Emission from Nectaries in the Adaxial Side of the Innermost and Middle Petals in Chimonanthus praecox
Authors: Li Zhineng , Jiang Yingjie , Liu Daofeng , Ma Jing , Li Jing , Li Mingyang , Sui Shunzhao
Published: October 2018

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is a well-known traditional fragrant plant and a winter-flowering deciduous shrub that originated in China. The five different developmental stages of wintersweet, namely, flower-bud period (FB), displayed petal stage (DP), open flower stage (OF), later blooming period (LB), and wilting period (WP) were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the distribution characteristics of aroma-emitting nectaries. Results showed that the floral scent was probably emitted from nectaries distributed on the adaxial side of the innermost and middle petals, but almost none on the abaxial side. The nectaries in different developmental periods on the petals differ in numbers, sizes, and characteristics. Although the distribution of nectaries on different rounds of petals showed a diverse pattern at the same developmental periods, that of the nectaries on the same round of petals showed some of regularity. The nectary is concentrated on the adaxial side of the petals, especially in the region near the axis of the lower part of the petals. Based on transcriptional sequence and phylogenetic analysis, we report one nectary development related gene CpCRC (CRABS CLAW), and the other four YABBY family genes, CpFIL (FILAMENTOUS FLOWER), CpYABBY2, CpYABBY5-1, and CpYABBY5-2 in C. praecox (accession no. MH718960-MH718964). Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the expression characteristics of these YABBY family genes were similar to those of 11 floral scent genes, namely, CpSAMT, CpDMAPP, CpIPP, CpGPPS1, CpGPPS2, CpGPP, CpLIS, CpMYR1, CpFPPS, CpTER3, and CpTER5. The expression levels of these genes were generally higher in the lower part of the petals than in the upper halves in different rounds of petals, the highest being in the innermost petals, but the lowest in the outer petals. Relative expression level of CpFIL, CpCRC, CpYABBY5-1, and CpLIS in the innermost and middle petals in OF stages is significant higher than that of in outer petals, respectively. SEM and qRT-PCR results in C. praecox showed that floral scent emission is related to the distribution of nectaries.
The Dominant Role of Forkhead Box Proteins in Cancer
Authors: Bach Duc-Hiep , Long Nguyen Phuoc , Luu Thi-Thu-Trang , Anh Nguyen Hoang , Kwon Sung Won , Lee Sang Kook
Published: October 2018

Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are multifaceted transcription factors that are significantly implicated in cancer, with various critical roles in biological processes. Herein, we provide an overview of several key members of the FOXA, FOXC, FOXM1, FOXO and FOXP subfamilies. Important pathophysiological processes of FOX transcription factors at multiple levels in a context-dependent manner are discussed. We also specifically summarize some major aspects of FOX transcription factors in association with cancer research such as drug resistance, tumor growth, genomic alterations or drivers of initiation. Finally, we suggest that targeting FOX proteins may be a potential therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.
Dietary Isoliquiritigenin at a Low Dose Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and NAFLD in Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Lee Youngmi , Kwon Eun-Young , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: October 2018

Isoliquiritigenin (ILG) is a flavonoid constituent of Glycyrrhizae plants. The current study investigated the effects of ILG on diet-induced obesity and metabolic diseases. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-76 purified diet), high-fat diet (40 kcal% fat), and high-fat diet +0.02% (w/w) ILG for 16 weeks. Supplementation of ILG resulted in decreased body fat mass and plasma cholesterol level. ILG ameliorated hepatic steatosis by suppressing the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes and hepatic triglyceride and fatty acid contents, while enhancing β-oxidation in the liver. ILG improved insulin resistance by lowering plasma glucose and insulin levels. This was also demonstrated by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Additionally, ILG upregulated the expression of insulin signaling-related genes in the liver and muscle. Interestingly, ILG elevated energy expenditure by increasing the expression of thermogenesis genes, which is linked to stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and uncoupled cellular respiration in brown adipose tissue. ILG also suppressed proinflammatory cytokine levels in the plasma. These results suggest that ILG supplemented at 0.02% in the diet can ameliorate body fat mass, plasma cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance; these effects were partly mediated by increasing energy expenditure in high-fat fed mice.
Where and How to Look for Help Matters: Analysis of Support Exchange in Online Health Communities for People Living with HIV
Authors: Maestre Juan F. , Herring Susan C. , Min Aehong , Connelly Ciabhan L. , Shih Patrick C.
Published: October 2018

Research is scarce on how direct and indirect support seeking strategies affect support exchange in online health communities. Moreover, prior research has relied mostly on content analysis of forum posts at the post level. In order to generate a more fine-grained analysis of support exchange, we conducted content analysis at the utterance level, taking directness of support seeking, quality of provision, forum type, and seeker gender into account. Our analysis of four popular online support forums for people living with human immunodeficiency virus found that type of support sought and provided, support seeking strategy, and quality of emotional support provision differed in care provider/formal forums versus social/informal forums. Interestingly, indirect support seeking tended to elicit more supportive emotional responses than direct support seeking strategies in all forums; we account for this in terms of type of support sought. Practical implications for online support communities are discussed.
Additively Consistent Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Preference Relations and Their Application to Group Decision Making
Authors: Zhuang Hua
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to propose an innovative approach to group decision making (GDM) with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) preference relations (IVIFPRs). First, an IVIFPR is proposed based on the additive consistency of an interval-valued fuzzy preference relation (IVFPR). Then, two mathematical or adjusted programming models are established to extract two special consistent IVFPRs. In order to derive the priority weight of an IVIFPR, after taking the two special IVFPRs into consideration, a linear optimization model is constructed by minimizing the deviations between individual judgments and between the width degrees of the interval priority weights. For GDM with IVIFPRs, the decision makers’ weights are generated by combining the adjusted subjective weights with the objective weights. Subsequently, using an IVIF-weighted averaging operator, the collective IVIFPR is obtained and utilized to derive the IVIF priority weights. Finally, a practical example of a supplier selection is analyzed to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.
Characterizing Permethrin and Etofenprox Resistance in Two Common Laboratory Strains of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Gross Aaron D. , Bloomquist Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2018

Anopheles gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) is the most prolific malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa, where widespread insecticide resistance has been reported. An. gambiae laboratory strains are commonly used to study the basic biology of this important mosquito vector, and also in new insecticide discovery programs, where insecticide-susceptible and -resistant strains are often used to screen new molecules for potency and cross-resistance, respectively. This study investigated the toxicity of permethrin, a Type-I pyrethroid insecticide, and etofenprox, a non-ester containing pyrethroid insecticide, against An. gambiae at three life stages. This characterization was performed with susceptible (G3; MRA-112) and resistant (Akdr; MRA-1280) An. gambiae strains; the Akdr strain is known to contain the L1014F mutation in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel. Surprisingly, etofenprox displays a lower level of resistance than permethrin against all stages of mosquitoes, except in a headless larval paralysis assay designed to minimize penetration factors. In first-instar An. gambiae larvae, permethrin had significant resistance, determined by the resistance ratio (RR50 = 5), but etofenprox was not significantly different (RR50 = 3.4) from the wild-type strain. Fourth-instar larvae displayed the highest level of resistance for permethrin (RR50 = 108) and etofenprox (RR50 = 35). Permethrin (PC50 = 2 ppb) and etofenprox (PC50 = 9 ppb) resulted in headless larval paralysis (5-h), but resistance, albeit lower, was still present for permethrin (RR50 = 5) and etofenprox (RR50 = 6.9). In adult female mosquitoes, permethrin displayed higher resistance (RR50 = 14) compared to etofenprox (RR50 = 4.3). The level of etofenprox resistance was different from that previously reported for a similar Akron An. gambiae laboratory strain (MRA-913). The chemical synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) were able to synergize permethrin, but not etofenprox in the resistant strain (Akdr). In conclusion, multiple mechanisms are likely involved in pyrethroid resistance, but resistance profiles are dependent upon selection. Etofenprox is an effective insecticide against An. gambiae in the lab but will likely suffer from resistance in the field.
Bone Metabolism Markers and Bone Mineral Density in Patients on Long-Term Acenocoumarol Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Jablonska Ewa , Ratajczak-Wrona Wioletta , Rogowska-Szadkowska Dorota , Garley Marzena , Oltarzewska Alicja M. , Chlabicz Slawomir , Konstantynowicz Jerzy
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and total soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients on long-term acenocoumarol (AC) treatment. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 42 patients treated long-term with AC and 28 control subjects. Serum concentrations of OC, OPG, and sRANKL were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, and BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. A significantly decreased concentration of OC was found in AC users compared to control subjects (4.94 ± 2.22 vs. 10.68 ± 4.5; p < 0.001). Levels of OPG, sRANKL logarithm (log), sRANKL/OPG log ratio, and BMD were comparable between. In female AC users, positive correlations between OC and RANKL log, and between OC and RANKL/OPG log ratio (p = 0.017; p = 0.005, respectively), and a negative correlation between OC and OPG (p = 0.027) were found. Long-term AC anticoagulation significantly decreases OC concentration, but does not affect other bone metabolism markers or BMD. Our results also suggest the possibility that long-term treatment with AC may alleviate bone resorption in postmenopausal women.
Clinical Implications of the NICE 2015 Criteria for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bhatia Meena , Mackillop Lucy H. , Bartlett Katy , Loerup Lise , Kenworthy Yvonne , Levy Jonathan C. , Farmer Andrew J. , Velardo Carmelo , Tarassenko Lionel , Hirst Jane E.
Published: October 2018

Background: In response to concerns that the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria labeled too many women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) without evidence of clinical or economic benefit, NICE recommended a change in diagnostic criteria in 2015. Aim: To compare diabetes associated maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies complicated by GDM diagnosed using IADPSG criteria only, to those with GDM diagnosed using both IADPSG and NICE 2015 criteria. GDM screening was risk factor based. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a trial of women with GDM diagnosed by the IADPSG criteria (fasting blood glucose (BG) ≥ 5.1 mmol/L, 1 h ≥ 10.0 mmol/L and 2 h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L). Outcomes were compared for two groups: NICE + IADPSG defined as those with GDM diagnosed by both the NICE 2015 and IADPSG criteria (fasting BG ≥ 5.6 mmol/L, 2 h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L); and IADPSG-ONLY (fasting BG 5.1 mmol/L to 5.5 mmol/L, and/or 1-hour ≥10.0 mmol/L, and 2 h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L). We were not able to obtain data for women with a 2-h value between BG 7.8–8.4 mmol/L (i.e., NICE-ONLY; NICE 2015 positive and IADPSG negative). All women were treated for GDM using targets of fasting BG < 5.3 mmol/L and 1-h post prandial BG < 7.8 mmol/L respectively. Results: Of 159 women, 65 (40.9%) were NICE + IADPSG and 94 (59.1%) IADPSG-ONLY. Hypoglycaemic medication use was similar in both groups: 52.3% NICE + IADPSG, 46.8% IADPSG-ONLY, OR 1.0 (0.5–1.9). The IADPSG-ONLY group delivered later than the NICE + IADPSG group; 39.0 weeks (sd 1.4) compared to 38.2 weeks (sd 2.5), p value 0.02. Fewer caesarean sections occurred in IADPSG-ONLY group 30.9% vs. 52.3%, OR 0.4 (0.2–0.9). Birthweight, large for gestational age, and other neonatal complications were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: Gestational diabetes-associated perinatal complications were similar in both groups. The IADPSG criteria detect women with evidence of ongoing hyperglycaemia who may benefit from treatment during pregnancy.
An Overview of Watershed Algorithm Implementations in Open Source Libraries
Authors: Kornilov Anton S. , Safonov Ilia V.
Published: October 2018

Watershed is a widespread technique for image segmentation. Many researchers apply the method implemented in open source libraries without a deep understanding of its characteristics and limitations. In the review, we describe benchmarking outcomes of six open-source marker-controlled watershed implementations for the segmentation of 2D and 3D images. Even though the considered solutions are based on the same algorithm by flooding having O(n)computational complexity, these implementations have significantly different performance. In addition, building of watershed lines grows processing time. High memory consumption is one more bottleneck for dealing with huge volumetric images. Sometimes, the usage of more optimal software is capable of mitigating the issues with the long processing time and insufficient memory space. We assume parallel processing is capable of overcoming the current limitations. However, the development of concurrent approaches for the watershed segmentation remains a challenging problem.
Assessment of Scale Effects, Viscous Forces and Induced Drag on a Point-Absorbing Wave Energy Converter by CFD Simulations
Authors: Palm Johannes , Eskilsson Claes , Bergdahl Lars , Bensow Rickard E.
Published: October 2018

This paper analyses the nonlinear forces on a moored point-absorbing wave energy converter (WEC) in resonance at prototype scale (1:1) and at model scale (1:16). Three simulation types were used: Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS), Euler and the linear radiation-diffraction method (linear). Results show that when the wave steepness is doubled, the response reduction is: (i) 3% due to the nonlinear mooring response and the Froude–Krylov force; (ii) 1–4% due to viscous forces; and (iii) 18–19% due to induced drag and non-linear added mass and radiation forces. The effect of the induced drag is shown to be largely scale-independent. It is caused by local pressure variations due to vortex generation below the body, which reduce the total pressure force on the hull. Euler simulations are shown to be scale-independent and the scale effects of the WEC are limited by the purely viscous contribution (1–4%) for the two waves studied. We recommend that experimental model scale test campaigns of WECs should be accompanied by RANS simulations, and the analysis complemented by scale-independent Euler simulations to quantify the scale-dependent part of the nonlinear effects.
Forecast Combinations for Structural Breaks in Volatility: Evidence from BRICS Countries
Authors: De Gaetano Davide
Published: October 2018

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relevance of structural breaks for forecasting the volatility of daily returns on BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The data set used in the analysis is the Morgan Stanley Capital International MSCI daily returns and covers the period from 19 July 1999 to 16 July 2015. To identify structural breaks in the unconditional variance, a binary segmentation algorithm with a test, which considers both the fourth order moment of the process and persistence in the variance, has been implemented. Some forecast combinations that account for the identified structural breaks have been introduced and their performance has been evaluated and compared by using the Model Confidence Set (MCS). The results give significant evidence of the relevance of the structural breaks. In particular, in the regimes identified by the structural breaks, a substantial change in the unconditional variance is quite evident. In forecasting volatility, the combination that averages forecasts obtained using different rolling estimation windows outperforms all the other combinations
Systemic Approach to Management Control through Determining Factors
Authors: Bostan Ionel , Bîrcă Aliona , Țurcanu Viorel , Sandu Christiana Brigitte
Published: October 2018

This article aimed to analyse the influence of the main factors on management control used in optimization activities, in order to reach the strategic goals of a company. Agency, transactional costs and contingency theories have been analysed from the traditional perspective. This study reviewed resource-based, institutional, planned behaviour and upper echelon theories, and underlined the main features of management control processes. Empirical evaluation was conducted using data collected from interviews of top management of the main and secondary segments of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Consequently, we showed the specific features of the systemic approach to management control by means of its determining factors: control environment, management strategies and budgetary system, operational control and the performance appraisal system.
Regional Socioeconomic Changes Affecting Rural Area Livelihoods and Atlantic Forest Transitions
Authors: Silva Ramon F. B. da , Batistella Mateus , Moran Emilio F.
Published: October 2018

Centuries of colonization of the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil have led its native vegetation cover to be reduced to only 11.7%. On the other hand, regional land changes have fostered natural forest regeneration, since the 1960s, in the region of Paraíba Valley. A fieldwork survey in rural properties was conducted in three municipalities (n = 90, thirty in each municipality), to assess how forest transition is affected by the region’s socioeconomic development and biophysical dimensions of the landscape. To select the municipalities among thirty-four, we applied the modified Thompson Tau technique to detect outlier values for three selected variables: Natural forest cover, eucalyptus plantation cover, and municipal revenue. The outliers were dropped from consideration and the municipality with the maximum value for each variable was selected. Based on the survey and GIS analysis using land-cover maps, topography, and hydrology variables, we concluded that the diminished land-use pressure in the Paraíba Valley, a response to the regional economic development (e.g., increasing labor demand in urban areas pushing rural migration), resulted in the increase of the Atlantic forest cover. Interestingly enough, a counter-migration of people moving to rural areas as a newly valued amenity has the potential to reshape the rural landscape with positive outcomes to the Atlantic forest cover.
Timacum Minus in Moesia Superior—Centrality and Urbanism at a Roman Mining Settlement
Authors: Diers Lina
Published: October 2018

When applying traditional criteria of Roman urbanism, several settlements in the province of Moesia are not recognised as parts of the urban network. To avoid this, previous criteria of urbanism should be revised. This paper suggests revisions, which provide a more inclusive definition of urbanism: Thus, instead of focusing on administrative status and monumentality as primary markers of urbanity and urbanization, development factors for agglomeration and centrality are emphasized as decisive conditions for, and characteristics of, urban settlement. To provide a case study for this theoretical outline, the upper-Moesian mining settlement of Timacum Minus is evaluated by ideas derived from a critical appreciation of Walter Christaller’s central place theory. Timacum Minus did not have official settlement status and monumental character, yet, it developed as a central place in the unique landscape of the Timok valley. This was due to its location as a central road station, military post, and settlement along the important interregional Timok valley road as well as the site hierarchy as the base of the centralized administration of the Timok valley mining district. Hence, Timacum Minus displays different levels of centrality. Interestingly, the site only held these properties during the Roman Principate, although its central location and mining activities also existed in pre-Roman and post-Roman times. This demonstrates the significance of centrality mechanisms as determined by local and regional circumstances and historical conditions. Accordingly, it is argued that these circumstances and the diverse character as a central place also turned Timacum Minus into an urban site, irrespective of status and monumentality. This definition of the site provides not only an example of how to use central place theory in current archaeological thought but also possibilities for re-thinking urbanism in Roman Moesia.
Crowdsourced Street-Level Imagery as a Potential Source of In-Situ Data for Crop Monitoring
Authors: D'Andrimont Raphaël , Yordanov Momchil , Lemoine Guido , Yoong Janine , Nikel Kamil , Van der Velde Marijn
Published: October 2018

New approaches to collect in-situ data are needed to complement the high spatial (10 m) and temporal (5 d) resolution of Copernicus Sentinel satellite observations. Making sense of Sentinel observations requires high quality and timely in-situ data for training and validation. Classical ground truth collection is expensive, lacks scale, fails to exploit opportunities for automation, and is prone to sampling error. Here we evaluate the potential contribution of opportunistically exploiting crowdsourced street-level imagery to collect massive high-quality in-situ data in the context of crop monitoring. This study assesses this potential by answering two questions: (1) what is the spatial availability of these images across the European Union (EU), and (2) can these images be transformed to useful data? To answer the first question, we evaluated the EU availability of street-level images on Mapillary—the largest open-access platform for such images—against the Land Use and land Cover Area frame Survey (LUCAS) 2018, a systematic surveyed sampling of 337,031 points. For 37.78% of the LUCAS points a crowdsourced image is available within a 2 km buffer, with a mean distance of 816.11 m. We estimate that 9.44% of the EU territory has a crowdsourced image within 300 m from a LUCAS point, illustrating the huge potential of crowdsourcing as a complementary sampling tool. After artificial and built up (63.14%), and inland water (43.67%) land cover classes, arable land has the highest availability at 40.78%. To answer the second question, we focus on identifying crops at parcel level using all 13.6 million Mapillary images collected in the Netherlands. Only 1.9% of the contributors generated 75.15% of the images. A procedure was developed to select and harvest the pictures potentially best suited to identify crops using the geometries of 785,710 Dutch parcels and the pictures’ meta-data such as camera orientation and focal length. Availability of crowdsourced imagery looking at parcels was assessed for eight different crop groups with the 2017 parcel level declarations. Parcel revisits during the growing season allowed to track crop growth. Examples illustrate the capacity to recognize crops and their phenological development on crowdsourced street-level imagery. Consecutive images taken during the same capture track allow selecting the image with the best unobstructed view. In the future, dedicated crop capture tasks can improve image quality and expand coverage in rural areas.
Ultra-Wideband and Wide-Angle Microwave Metamaterial Absorber
Authors: Begaud Xavier , Lepage Anne Claire , Varault Stefan , Soiron Michel , Barka André
Published: October 2018

In order to extend the performance of radar absorbing materials, it is necessary to design new structures with wideband properties and large angles of incidence which are also as thin as possible. The objective of this work, realized within the framework of the SAFAS project (self-complementary surface with low signature) is, then, the development of an ultra-wideband microwave absorber of low thickness. The design of such material requires a multilayered structure composed with dielectric layers, metasurfaces, and wide-angle impedance matching layers. This solution has been realized with on-the-shelf materials, and measured to validate the concept. At normal incidence, the bandwidth ratio, defined for a magnitude of the reflection coefficient below −10 dB, is 4.7:1 for an absorber with a total thickness of 11.5 mm, which corresponds to λ/7 at the lowest operating frequency. For an incidence of 60°, this bandwidth ratio is reduced to 3.8:1, but the device remains ultra-wideband.
Feasibility of a Three-Dimensional Porous Uncalcined and Unsintered Hydroxyapatite/poly-d/l-lactide Composite as a Regenerative Biomaterial in Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Bai Yunpeng , Kanno Takahiro , Tatsumi Hiroto , Miyamoto Kenichi , Sha Jingjing , Hideshima Katsumi , Matsuzaki Yumi
Published: October 2018

This study evaluated the feasibility of a novel three-dimensional (3D) porous composite of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA) and poly-d/l-lactide (PDLLA) (3D-HA/PDLLA) for the bony regenerative biomaterial in maxillofacial surgery, focusing on cellular activities and osteoconductivity properties in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, we assessed the proliferation and ingrowth of preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1 cells) in 3D-HA/PDLLA biomaterials using 3D cell culture, and the results indicated enhanced bioactive proliferation. After osteogenic differentiation of those cells on 3D-HA/PDLLA, the osteogenesis marker genes runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), and Sp7 (Osterix) were upregulated. For the in vivo study, we evaluated the utility of 3D-HA/PDLLA biomaterials compared to the conventional bone substitute of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in rats with critical mandibular bony defects. The implantation of 3D-HA/PDLLA biomaterials resulted in enhanced bone regeneration, by inducing high osteoconductivity as well as higher β-TCP levels. Our study thus showed that the novel composite, 3D-HA/PDLLA, is an excellent bioactive/bioresorbable biomaterial for use as a cellular scaffold, both in vitro and in vivo, and has utility in bone regenerative therapy, such as for patients with irregular maxillofacial bone defects.
Experimental Research on the Mechanical Properties of Tailing Microcrystalline Foam Glass
Authors: Bian Jinliang , Cao Wanlin , Yang Lin , Xiong Cunqiang
Published: October 2018

Tailing microcrystalline foam glass (TMFG) is a building material that not only has the characteristics of light weight, fire resistance, and thermal insulation, but also has decorative applications. TMFG has a broad application prospect, but there has been little research on the macroscale mechanical properties of this material. In order to analyze TMFG basic mechanical properties, a series of experimental studies were carried out by performing the four-point flexural, shear, uniaxial compression, and splitting tensile strength tests. The research showed that the foaming agent (SiC) had a great influence on the mechanical properties of the material. With the reduction of the amount of SiC, the strength of the material and brittle failure increased. The microcrystalline decoration surface improved the flexural strength and compression strength of the tailing microcrystalline foam glass. The modulus of elasticity and the Poisson’s ratio are discussed, and a formula for the modulus of elasticity is proposed. Based on the analysis of the stress and strain curves, a constitutive model is proposed for the application of tailing microcrystalline foam glass and future research on this material.
Investigation of Particles and Gas Bubbles in Zr–0.8Sn–1Nb–0.3Fe Zr Alloys Irradiated by Krypton Ions
Authors: Shen Wenzhu , Liu Chenwei , Lei Penghui , Ran Guang
Published: October 2018

Two types of Zr–0.8Sn–1Nb–0.3Fe Zr alloys were irradiated by krypton ions in the temperature range from 320 to 400 °C. The microstructure of the as-received alloys showed that the sizes of Zr crystals and (Zr, Nb)2Fe particles with face-centered cubic (FCC) structure increased from 3.9 μm to 6.0 μm and from 74.6 nm to 89.6 nm, respectively, after cold rolling and subsequent annealing. Kr+ irradiation-induced bubble formation in the Zr matrix was observed. The size of the gas bubbles increased with increasing ion fluence and irradiation temperature. An equation that related the bubble size, ion fluence, and temperature were established. Irradiation-induced amorphization of particles was observed and found to be related to the fabrication process and irradiation parameters. The particles in alloy #1 showed a higher irradiation tolerance than those in alloy #2. The threshold damage dose for the amorphization of particles in alloy #2 was 3.5 dpa at 320 °C and 4.9 dpa at 360 °C. The mechanisms for bubble growth and particle amorphization are also discussed.
Understanding Graphene Response to Neutral and Charged Lead Species: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Shtepliuk Ivan , Santangelo Maria Francesca , Vagin Mikhail , Ivanov Ivan G. , Khranovskyy Volodymyr , Iakimov Tihomir , Eriksson Jens , Yakimova Rositsa
Published: October 2018

Deep understanding of binding of toxic Lead (Pb) species on the surface of two-dimensional materials is a required prerequisite for the development of next-generation sensors that can provide fast and real-time detection of critically low concentrations. Here we report atomistic insights into the Lead behavior on epitaxial graphene (Gr) on silicon carbide substrates by thorough complementary study of voltammetry, electrical characterization, Raman spectroscopy, and Density Functional Theory (DFT). It is verified that the epitaxial graphene exhibits quasi-reversible anode reactions in aqueous solutions, providing a well-defined redox peak for Pb species and good linearity over a concentration range from 1 nM to 1 µM. The conductometric approach offers another way to investigate Lead adsorption, which is based on the formations of stable charge-transfer complexes affecting the p-type conductivity of epitaxial graphene. Our results suggest the adsorption ability of the epitaxial graphene towards divalent Lead ions is concentration-dependent and tends to saturate at higher concentrations. To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for Pb adsorption, we performed DFT calculations and estimated the solvent-mediated interaction between Lead species in different oxidative forms and graphene. Our results provide central information regarding the energetics and structure of Pb-graphene interacting complexes that underlay the adsorption mechanisms of neutral and divalent Lead species. Such a holistic understanding favors design and synthesis of new sensitive materials for water quality monitoring.
Development of Self-Sensing Textile Strengthening System Based on High-Strength Carbon Fiber
Authors: Górski Marcin , Krzywoń Rafał , Borodeńko Magdalena
Published: October 2018

The monitoring of structures is one of the most difficult challenges of engineering in the 21st century. As a result of changes in conditions of use, as well as design errors, many building structures require strengthening. This article presents research on the development of an externally strengthening carbon-fiber textile with a self-sensing option, which is an idea is based on the pattern of resistive strain gauges, where thread is presented in the form of zig-zagging parallel lines. The first laboratory tests showed the system’s high efficiency in the measurement of strains, but also revealed its sensitivity to environmental conditions. This article also presents studies on the influence of temperature and humidity on the measurement, and to separate the two effects, resistance changes were tested on unloaded concrete and wooden samples. The models were then placed in a climatic chamber, and the daily cycle of temperature and humidity changes was simulated. The research results confirmed preliminary observations of resistivity growths along with temperature. This effect is more visible on concrete samples, presumably due to its greater amount of natural humidity. The strain measurement with carbon fibers is very sensitive to temperature changes, and applications of this method in practice require compensation.
Some Reverse Degree-Based Topological Indices and Polynomials of Dendrimers
Authors: Gao Wei , Younas Muhammad , Farooq Adeel , Virk Abaid ur Rehman , Nazeer Waqas
Published: October 2018

Topological indices collect information from the graph of molecule and help to predict properties of the underlying molecule. Zagreb indices are among the most studied topological indices due to their applications in chemistry. In this paper, we compute first and second reverse Zagreb indices, reverse hyper-Zagreb indices and their polynomials of Prophyrin, Propyl ether imine, Zinc Porphyrin and Poly (ethylene amido amine) dendrimers.
Time Needed to Control an Epidemic with Restricted Resources in SIR Model with Short-Term Controlled Population: A Fixed Point Method for a Free Isoperimetric Optimal Control Problem
Authors: Abouelkheir Imane , El Kihal Fadwa , Rachik Mostafa , Elmouki Ilias
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we attempt to determine the optimal duration of an anti-epidemic control strategy which targets susceptible people, under the isoperimetric condition that we could not control all individuals of this category due to restricted health resources. We state and prove the local and global stability conditions of free and endemic equilibria of a simple epidemic compartmental model devised in the form of four ordinary differential equations which describe the dynamics of susceptible-controlled-infected-removed populations and where it is taken into account that the controlled people cannot acquire long-lived immunity to move towards the removed compartment due to the temporary effect of the control parameter. Thereafter, we characterize the sought optimal control and we show the effectiveness of this limited control policy along with the research of the optimal duration that is needed to reduce the size of the infected population. The isoperimetric constraint is defined over a fixed horizon, while the objective function is defined over a free horizon present under a quadratic form in the payoff term. The complexity of this optimal control problem requires the execution of three numerical methods all combined together at the same time, namely, the forward–backward sweep method to generate the optimal state and control functions, the secant method adapted to the isoperimetric restriction, and, finally, the fixed point method to obtain the optimal final time.
A High-Content Screening Assay for the Discovery of Novel Proteasome Inhibitors from Formosan Soft Corals
Authors: Ling Xue-Hua , Wang Shang-Kwei , Huang Yun-Hsuan , Huang Min-Jay , Duh Chang-Yih
Published: October 2018

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a major proteolytic pathway that safeguards protein homeostasis. The main 26S proteasome consists of a 20S catalytic core proteasome and a 19S substrate recognition proteasome. UPS dysfunction underlies many important clinical diseases involving inflammation, tumors, and neurodegeneration. Currently, three 20S proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib, have been approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma. We aim to screen UPS inhibitors for biomedical purposes. The protein interaction network of human cytomegalovirus UL76 targets UPS, resulting in aggregations of ubiquitinated proteins termed aggresomes. In this study, we demonstrated that cell-based high-content measurements of EGFP-UL76 aggresomes responded to bortezomib and MG132 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Employing this high-content screening (HCS) assay, we screened natural compounds purified from Formosan soft corals. Four cembrane-based compounds, sarcophytonin A (1), sarcophytoxide (2), sarcophine (3), and laevigatol A (4), were found to enhance the high-content profiles of EGFP-UL76 aggresomes with relative ratios of 0.2. By comparison to the mechanistic action of proteasome inhibitors, compounds 1 and 3 modulated the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, with a unique pattern likely targeting 19S proteasome. We confirmed that the EGFP-UL76 aggresome-based HCS system greatly improves the efficacy and sensitivity of the identification of proteasome inhibitors.
The Large Jellyfish Rhizostoma luteum as Sustainable a Resource for Antioxidant Properties, Nutraceutical Value and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Prieto Laura , Enrique-Navarro Angélica , Li Volsi Rosalia , Ortega María
Published: October 2018

Jellyfish is a compartment in the marine food web that often achieves high increases of biomass and that it is starting to be explored for several human potential uses. In this paper, a recently rediscovered large jellyfish, Rhizostoma luteum, is studied for the first time to describe its organic compounds for the isolation and production of bioactive compounds in several fields of food, cosmetics, or biomedical industries. The biogeochemical composition (Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulfur content), protein and phenols content, together with their antioxidant activity, and the analysis of lipid content (identifying each of the fatty acids presented) was analyzed. The results presented here suggested this jellyfish has the highest antioxidant activity ever measured in a jellyfish, but also with high content in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including the essential fatty acid linoleic. The large natural biomass of Rhizostoma luteum in nature, the wide geographical spread, the fact that already its life cycle has been completed in captivity, establishes a promising positive association of this giant jellyfish species and the isolation of bioactive compounds for future use in marine biotechnology.
Bending Limit Tests for Ultra-Thin Liquid Crystal Polymer Substrate Based on Flexible Microwave Components
Authors: Lan Yu , Xu Yuehang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, bending limit tests for one ultra-thin liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate (Rogers 3850) based on the mechanical properties of flexible microwave microstrip components are presented. First, a set of 50 Ω microstrip lines, a band-pass filter, and a stepped impedance filter in X-band, are designed by using double clapped LCPs with 50 μm thickness of substrate and 18 μm thickness of copper, which is fabricated by conventional photolithography. Then, the limit tests of the flexibility of the LCP microwave microstrip components are presented, and the range of the bending limit radius, from 1 mm to 0.75 mm, is demonstrated from the testing results. It is found that the cause for component failure is fracture of the copper (18 μm thickness) laminate, according to the bending limit test experiments. Finally, the analysis of the reasons for the collapse of the microwave components, under bending situations, is explored. The results from this work would be useful for further designs of the flexible microwave devices and systems on LCP substrates, with compact sizes and good performance.