bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Supervise Senior Design Projects
Authors: Aminu Maruf A. , Olufemi Oyediran
Published: September 2019

Senior design projects for engineering students typically integrate various components of the curriculum to apply the basic sciences, mathematics and engineering sciences in realizing physical systems which solve real problems or make life more livable. The process of realizing senior design projects requires supervision from academics. Majority of young academics may not have sufficient experience to adequately understand the dynamics of this process, from conception to realization. The gap in experience as well as deficit of literary resources on practical steps for project supervision impacts negatively on the overall success of the student as well as the project. This paper presents, in practical steps, the general procedures for supervision of senior design projects in electrical and electronics engineering for optimal realization of projects. The paper discusses project supervision from conception to manuscript development, taking into consideration some of the potential challenges typically encountered. Finally, it presents typical inadequate and adequate titles as well as abstracts for a circuit.
Bridging Biological and Artificial Neural Networks with Emerging Neuromorphic Devices: Fundamentals, Progress, and Challenges
Authors: Tang Jianshi , Yuan Fang , Shen Xinke , Wang Zhongrui , Rao Mingyi , He Yuanyuan , Sun Yuhao , Li Xinyi , Zhang Wenbin , Li Yijun , Gao Bin , Qian He , Bi Guoqiang , Song Sen , Yang J. Joshua , Wu Huaqiang
Published: September 2019

As the research on artificial intelligence booms, there is broad interest in brain‐inspired computing using novel neuromorphic devices. The potential of various emerging materials and devices for neuromorphic computing has attracted extensive research efforts, leading to a large number of publications. Going forward, in order to better emulate the brain's functions, its relevant fundamentals, working mechanisms, and resultant behaviors need to be re‐visited, better understood, and connected to electronics. A systematic overview of biological and artificial neural systems is given, along with their related critical mechanisms. Recent progress in neuromorphic devices is reviewed and, more importantly, the existing challenges are highlighted to hopefully shed light on future research directions.
Fabrication of 2D/0D Heterojunction Based on the Dual Controls of Micro/Nano‐Morphology and Structure Towards High‐Efficiency Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Dong Hongjun , Hong Shihuan , Zuo Yan , Zhang Xiaoxu , Lu Zhiyuan , Han Juan , Wang Lei , Ni Liang , Li Chunmei , Wang Yun
Published: September 2019

It is a keen interest to fabricate heterojunction among semiconductors with different dimensions for improving the photocatalytic performance. Herein, the 2D/0D up‐g‐C3N4/Ni12P5 heterojunctions were prepared by means of anchoring Ni12P5 nanodots on the surface of ultrathin porous carbon nitride (up‐g‐C3N4) nanosheets based on the dual control strategy of micro/nano‐ morphology and structure. The prepared 2D/0D up‐g‐C3N4/Ni12P5 heterojunctions exhibit the far more outstanding photocatalytic H2 production activity in comparison with the up‐g‐C3N4, up‐g‐C3N4/Pt‐3 % and u‐g‐C3N4/Ni12P5‐3 % samples and the superior cycle stability. The prominent photocatalytic H2 production activity and stability originate from the improved visible light harvest ability and separation efficiency of charge carriers owing to the modification effect of Ni12P5 nanodots as cocatalysts on the surface of up‐g‐C3N4 nanosheets through forming the Ni−N bond states.
Physicochemical Properties of Foam‐Templated Oleogel Based on Gelatin and Xanthan Gum
Authors: Abdollahi Maryam , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein , Soltanizadeh Nafiseh
Published: September 2019

In this paper, gelatin and xanthan are applied to produce a foam‐templated oleogel. For this reason, the oleogel is prepared at different concentrations of biopolymers and the properties of solution, cryogel, and related oleogel are determined. The results show that xanthan addition increases viscosity and foam stability of solution. Also, an increment in biopolymer concentration increases cryogel network density (ND) and firmness but has no significant effect on moisture sorption. The oil binding capacity of all oleogels is >92%. In terms of high foam stability (96.87 ± 4.42), low ND (0.016 ± 0.00), and consequently suitable oil sorption (46.10 ± 4.40), the oleogel containing 3% gelatin and 0.2% xanthan is selected as the best sample. Complementary tests exhibit that the oleogel, with thixotropic behavior and 60% structural recovery, can bind the oil at temperature <100 °C. The oleogel network can protect the edible oil from oxidative reaction during 2 month storage. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to attest the application of this oleogel type in food products.

Practical Application: Biopolymers of gelatin and xanthan are GRAS and available so that they are applied in many food products. This research shows that the cryogel of these biopolymers, as a hydrophilic oleogelator, can be utilized to structure oil and produce oleogel in an indirect method. This procedure that forms strong gel and keeps oil even at high temperatures can be of interest to scientists who are searching for solid fat substitutes in food products such as cakes, biscuits, and muffins.
Effects of the Minimum Wage on Infant Health
Authors: Wehby George L. , Dave Dhaval M. , Kaestner Robert
Published: September 2019

The minimum wage has increased in multiple states over the past three decades and it continues to be a controversial policy. Most prior research has examined the effect of the minimum wage on employment and wages. In this study, we examine the impact of the state minimum wage on infant health. Using data on the universe of births in the U.S. over 24 years, we find that an increase in the minimum wage is associated with a small, but statistically significant increase in birthweight driven primarily by increased fetal growth rate. Effects are largest for young, married mothers. In terms of mechanisms, we find no evidence that prenatal care use and smoking during pregnancy are channels through which minimum wage improves infant health.
Behind‐Target Rupturing Effects of Sandwich‐like Plates by Reactive Liner Shaped Charge Jet
Authors: Zheng Yuanfeng , Su Chenghai , Guo Huanguo , Yu Qingbo , Wang Haifu
Published: September 2019

This paper begins with experiments to investigate the behind‐target damage effects on sandwich‐like plates subjected to reactive liner shaped charge jet. Sandwich‐like plates, consisting of triple spaced aluminum plates filled with flame‐retardant foams, are placed under a steel target. The reactive liner shaped charge is initiated at a stand‐off of 1.0 CD, producing a reactive jet to perforate the steel target and then cause behind‐target damage effects on sandwich‐like plates. The experimental results show there is an unusual rupturing effect on sandwich‐like plates, which strongly depends upon the steel target thickness. Generally, the rupturing effects on sandwich‐like plates increase gradually with the steel target thickness decreasing from 60 mm to 40 mm. Then, the interaction mechanism between the reactive jet and target is discussed in three phases. The formation phase shows an expansion behavior of reactive jet, leading to the jet density less than the initial density. The penetration phase results in central holes on aluminum plates and provides a precondition for cracks. Then, the deflagration reaction phase causes a field of high temperature and high pressure inside the sandwich‐like plates, which enlarges the kinetic energy‐induced pre‐perforations and thereby causes the unusual rupturing effects. Finally, an analytical model for the rupturing damage to aluminum plate is developed and the relevant parameter is obtained approximately.
An Unexpected Method to Synthesize Fluorinated Derivative of ANPZ
Authors: Huang Qi , Ma Yu , Guo Zhicheng , Liao Longyu , Hao Shilong , Nie Fude , Li Hongzhen
Published: September 2019

Nucleophilic reaction of ANPZ (2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine) with formaldehyde was researched for the first time to synthesize its N‐hydroxymethyl derivative. With further modification, ether derivative and fluorinated derivative of ANPZ were obtained by an unexpected reaction pathway. The physical properties of new derivatives were also determined by experimental and theoretical methods, which indicate that fluorinated functionalization can be easily introduced by this unexpected method to improve the integrated performance of energetic materials.
Bolapolyphiles via Click Reaction: Effect of Flexible Polyaromatic Backbone Involving Polar Hydrogen Bonding Units on Their Self‐assembly
Authors: Kong Tongtong , Hu Jinliang , Xiao Yulong , Liu Chao , Cheng Xiaohong
Published: September 2019

Three series of bolapolyphiles consisting of a flexible diphenylthiophene polyaromatic backbone involving hydrogen bonding triazole units and two terminal glycerol groups as well as lateral alkyl chains (being either linear or branched) have been synthesized by CuAAC click reaction. The effect of the flexible polyaromatic backbone, as well as the length, number and branching or linearity of the lateral chain on their self‐assembly was investigated. The backbone flexibility led to the formation of structures intermediate between the well defined honeycombs of the rigid bolapolyphiles and the conventional flexible amphiphiles. T‐shaped bolapolyphiles with one lateral chain occupied small volume (one branched chain or one short linear chain) display triangular honeycomb phases. Whereas T‐shaped or π‐shaped bolapolyphiles with one or two lateral chain occupied larger volume (one longer linear or two linear chain) display square honeycomb phases with diffused or less defined cylinder wall structures. Further these compounds can self assemble into organogels in organic solvents. Their photophysical properties are affected greatly by the type of lateral chains, and they can act as chemosensors towards Fe3+.
Cola species of the limestone forests of Africa, with a new, endangered species, Cola cheringoma (Sterculiaceae), from Cheringoma, Mozambique
Authors: Cheek Martin , Luke Quentin , Matimele Hermenegildo , Banze Aurélio , Lawrence Poppy
Published: September 2019

Cola cheringoma is described from the limestone gorge forest of the Cheringoma Plateau in Sofala Province of Central Mozambique. Tentatively treated previously as C. clavata Mast., it differs in being restricted to limestone substrate, the leaves drying white-green below (not on sandy soils, drying dark grey-brown). The tepal number of female flowers is 5 (not (5 –) 6), staminode number 5 (not 8), and the indumentum of the outer perianth covers only 50 – 60% of the surface with two distinct hair classes (not 100% coverage with a single hair type). The species is assessed as EN B2ab(iii) using the IUCN 2012 standard due to threats from the low number of locations, quarrying, and habitat modification. The Cola species growing in forest on limestone in tropical Africa are mapped and reviewed with respect to their status as obligate or facultative calcicoles, and with respect to their probable evolutionary origin. Based on morphological characters, adaptation to limestone habitats has probably occurred at least four times in the genus. Forests on limestone are rare and threatened in tropical Africa: only thirteen locations are known with certainty: these occur in Kenya (10 locations), Tanzania (2 locations) and Mozambique (1 location).
Antenatal Diagnosis of Bilateral Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD)
Authors: Gupta Ashutosh , Sehgal Renu Raina , Fazal Tauqeer Syed , Jagtiani Nitin , Saini Pankaj
Published: September 2019

Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia, characterized by hypoplasia of the subtrochanteric femur with variable degrees of shortening of the femoral shaft. There are numerous gene e.g. TBX4, FGF, FGFR, TP63 and HOX responsible for limb formation, type and its shape. Normal limb development is three dimensional; proximodistal axis regulated by AER; anteroposterior axis (preaxial/postaxial) governed by SHH with ZPA and dorsoventral axis controlled by LMX1B. Primigravida with diamniotic dichorionic twins in first trimester was found to have absent right femur, fibula and left femural bone with hypoplastic right foot in one foetus. Right tibia, both left tibia and fibula and left foot were visualized normally. Bilateral humerus, radius and ulna along with digits were visualized with no evidence of oligodactyly. Twin II had no major limb reduction defect. Both nasal bones, hard palate were visualized; nuchal translucency was within normal range for the foetus of 13 weeks 3 days of duration; suggestive of bilateral PFFD; Aitken type 4 in Twin I. We are the first to describe bilateral PFFD in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nuchal scan provides a window of opportunity to the foetal medicine specialists to screen the foetus for major congenital anomalies and to proceed with further investigation or with selective reduction as in this case so as to optimize the pregnancy outcome. Identification of PFFD at 13 weeks with foetal reduction helped in minimizing the risk to the surviving foetus.
Does a social prescribing ‘holistic’ link-worker for older people with complex, multimorbidity improve well-being and frailty and reduce health and social care use and costs? A 12-month before-and-after evaluation
Authors: Elston Julian , Gradinger Felix , Asthana Sheena , Lilley-Woolnough Caroline , Wroe Sue , Harman Helen , Byng Richard
Published: September 2019

Aim:

To evaluate the impact of ‘holistic’ link-workers on service users’ well-being, activation and frailty, and their use of health and social care services and the associated costs.

Background:

UK policy is encouraging social prescribing (SP) as a means to improve well-being, self-care and reduce demand on the NHS and social services. However, the evidence to support this policy is generally weak and poorly conceptualised, particularly in relation to frail, older people and patient activation. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, an integrated care organisation, commissioned a Well-being Co-ordinator service to support older adults (≥50 years) with complex health needs (≥2 long-term conditions), as part of its service redesign.

Methods:

A before-and-after study measuring health and social well-being, activation and frailty at 12 weeks and primary, community and secondary care service use and cost at 12 months prior and after intervention.

Findings:

Most of the 86 participants achieved their goals (85%). On average health and well-being, patient activation and frailty showed a statistically significant improvement in mean score. Mean activity increased for all services (some changes were statistically significant). Forty-four per cent of participants saw a decrease in service use or no change. Thirteen high-cost users (>£5000 change in costs) accounted for 59% of the overall cost increase. This was largely due to significant, rapid escalation in morbidity and frailty. Co-ordinators played a valuable key-worker role, improving the continuity of care, reducing isolation and supporting carers. No entry-level participant characteristic was associated with change in well-being or service use. Larger, better conceptualised, controlled studies are needed to strengthen claims of causality and develop national policy in this area.
Podcast: Volcano Disaster Prepping
Authors: Lester Liza
Published: September 2019

Third Pod from the Sun talks with volcanologist John Ewert, a founder of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Disaster Assistance Program.
Anti-tumoral activity of single and combined regorafenib treatments in preclinical models of liver and gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Fondevila Flavia , Méndez-Blanco Carolina , Fernández-Palanca Paula , González-Gallego Javier , Mauriz José L.
Published: September 2019

Regorafenib is a sorafenib-derived chemotherapy drug belonging to the multikinase inhibitor family. This agent effectively targets a wide range of tyrosine kinases involved in cancer biology, such as those implicated in oncogenesis, angiogenesis, and tumor microenvironment control. The beneficial effects of regorafenib in clinical trials of patients who suffer from advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal cancer (CRC) or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) refractory to standard treatments led to regorafenib monotherapy approval as a second-line treatment for advanced HCC and as a third-line treatment for advanced CRC and GISTs. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed over the last decade to reveal the molecular mechanisms of the favorable actions exerted by regorafenib in patients. Given the hypothetical loss of sensitivity to regorafenib in tumor cells, preclinical research is also searching for novel therapeutic approaches consisting of co-administration of this drug plus other agents as a strategy to improve regorafenib effectiveness. This review summarizes the anti-tumor effects of regorafenib in single or combined treatment in preclinical models of HCC, CRC and GISTs and discusses both the global and molecular effects that account for its anti-cancer properties in the clinical setting.
Selective collection of iron-rich dust particles by natural Trichodesmium colonies
Authors: Kessler Nivi , Armoza-Zvuloni Rachel , Wang Siyuan , Basu Subhajit , Weber Peter K , Stuart Rhona K , Shaked Yeala
Published: September 2019

Dust is an important iron (Fe) source to the ocean, but its utilization by phytoplankton is constrained by rapid sinking and slow dissolution dust-bound iron (dust-Fe). Colonies of the globally important cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium, overcome these constraints by efficient dust capturing and active dust-Fe dissolution. In this study we examined the ability of Trichodesmium colonies to maximize their Fe supply from dust by selectively collecting Fe-rich particles. Testing for selectivity in particle collection, we supplied ~600 individual colonies, collected on multiple days from the Gulf of Aqaba, with natural dust and silica minerals that were either cleaned of or coated with Fe. Using a stereoscope, we counted the number of particles retained by each colony shortly after addition and following 24 h incubation with particles, and documented translocation of particles to the colony core. We observed a strong preference for Fe-rich particles over Fe-free particles in all tested parameters. Moreover, some colonies discarded the Fe-free particles they initially collected. The preferred collection of Fe-rich particles and disposal of Fe-free particles suggest that Trichodesmium can sense Fe and selectively choose Fe-rich dust particles. This ability assists Trichodesmium obtain Fe from dust and facilitate its growth and subsequent contribution to nutrient cycling and productivity in the ocean.
Bayesian ages for pollen records since the last glaciation in North America
Authors: Wang Yue , Goring Simon J. , McGuire Jenny L.
Published: September 2019

Terrestrial pollen records are abundant and widely distributed, making them an excellent proxy for past vegetation dynamics. Age-depth models relate pollen samples from sediment cores to a depositional age based on the relationship between sample depth and available chronological controls. Large-scale synthesis of pollen data benefit from consistent treatment of age uncertainties. Generating new age models helps to reduce potential artifacts from legacy age models that used outdated techniques. Traditional age-depth models, often applied for comparative purposes, infer ages by fitting a curve between dated samples. Bacon, based on Bayesian theory, simulates the sediment deposition process, accounting for both variable deposition rates and temporal/spatial autocorrelation of deposition from one sample to another within the core. Bacon provides robust uncertainty estimation across cores with different depositional processes. We use Bacon to estimate pollen sample ages from 554 North American sediment cores. This dataset standardizes age-depth estimations, supporting future large spatial-temporal studies and removes a challenging, computationally-intensive step for scientists interested in questions that integrate across multiple cores.
CommonMind Consortium provides transcriptomic and epigenomic data for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Hoffman Gabriel E. , Bendl Jaroslav , Voloudakis Georgios , Montgomery Kelsey S. , Sloofman Laura , Wang Ying-Chih , Shah Hardik R. , Hauberg Mads E. , Johnson Jessica S. , Girdhar Kiran , Song Lingyun , Fullard John F. , Kramer Robin , Hahn Chang-Gyu , Gur Raquel , Marenco Stefano , Lipska Barbara K. , Lewis David A. , Haroutunian Vahram , Hemby Scott , Sullivan Patrick , Akbarian Schahram , Chess Andrew , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Crawford Greg E. , Domenici Enrico , Devlin Bernie , Sieberts Solveig K. , Peters Mette A. , Roussos Panos
Published: September 2019

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious mental illnesses that affect more than 2% of adults. While large-scale genetics studies have identified genomic regions associated with disease risk, less is known about the molecular mechanisms by which risk alleles with small effects lead to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In order to fill this gap between genetics and disease phenotype, we have undertaken a multi-cohort genomics study of postmortem brains from controls, individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Here we present a public resource of functional genomic data from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; Brodmann areas 9 and 46) of 986 individuals from 4 separate brain banks, including 353 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 120 with bipolar disorder. The genomic data include RNA-seq and SNP genotypes on 980 individuals, and ATAC-seq on 269 individuals, of which 264 are a subset of individuals with RNA-seq. We have performed extensive preprocessing and quality control on these data so that the research community can take advantage of this public resource available on the Synapse platform at http://CommonMind.org.
A dataset of cetacean occurrences in the Eastern North Atlantic
Authors: Correia Ana M. , Gandra Miguel , Liberal Marcos , Valente Raul , Gil Ágatha , Rosso Massimiliano , Pierce Graham J. , Sousa-Pinto Isabel
Published: September 2019

The CETUS project is a cetacean monitoring program that takes advantage of cargo ships to undertake survey routes between Continental Portugal, Macaronesian archipelagos and West Africa. From 2012 to 2017, over 50 volunteers participated in the program, actively surveying more than 124.000 km, mostly beyond national jurisdictions in the high seas, for which little or no previous data existed. In total, the collection comprises 3058 georeferenced transect lines and 8913 positions, which are associated with 2833 cetacean sightings, 362 occurrences of other pelagic megafauna, 5260 estimates of marine traffic and 8887 weather observations. This dataset may provide new insights into the distribution of marine mammals in the Eastern North Atlantic and was published following the OBIS-ENV-DATA format (with the most recent biodiversity data standards at the time of writing). Consequently, it may serve as a model for similar visual line transect data collections yet to be published.
PalmTraits 1.0, a species-level functional trait database of palms worldwide
Authors: Kissling W. Daniel , Balslev Henrik , Baker William J. , Dransfield John , Göldel Bastian , Lim Jun Ying , Onstein Renske E. , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: September 2019

Plant traits are critical to plant form and function —including growth, survival and reproduction— and therefore shape fundamental aspects of population and ecosystem dynamics as well as ecosystem services. Here, we present a global species-level compilation of key functional traits for palms (Arecaceae), a plant family with keystone importance in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. We derived measurements of essential functional traits for all (>2500) palm species from key sources such as monographs, books, other scientific publications, as well as herbarium collections. This includes traits related to growth form, stems, armature, leaves and fruits. Although many species are still lacking trait information, the standardized and global coverage of the data set will be important for supporting future studies in tropical ecology, rainforest evolution, paleoecology, biogeography, macroecology, macroevolution, global change biology and conservation. Potential uses are comparative eco-evolutionary studies, ecological research on community dynamics, plant-animal interactions and ecosystem functioning, studies on plant-based ecosystem services, as well as conservation science concerned with the loss and restoration of functional diversity in a changing world.
A highly sensitive living probe derived from nanoparticle-remodeled neutrophils for precision tumor imaging diagnosis
Authors: Qiu Qiansai , Wen Ya , Dong Haiqing , Shen Aijun , Zheng Xingxing , Li Yongyong , Feng Feng
Published: September 2019

Thiol activated, imaging agents loaded BSA nanoparticles were remodeled onto thiol-containing neutrophil surface through disulfide–thiol exchange for potential diagnosis applications.
A stimuli responsive multifunctional ZMOF based on an unorthodox polytopic ligand: reversible thermochromism and anion triggered metallogelation
Authors: Tom Lincy , Kurup M. R. P.
Published: September 2019

A Cd ZMOF with a unique sodalite topology has been prepared using a polytopic compartmental ligand with exceptional chromic behavior and gelation properties.
Mechanistic insight into novel sulfoxide containing SABRE polarisation transfer catalysts
Authors: Tickner Ben. J. , Lewis Jennifer S. , John Richard O. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: September 2019

Mechanistic investigation of sulfoxide based catalysts used to transfer magnetisation frompara-hydrogen to pyruvate and oxalate in SABRE.
Exploring open cheminformatics approaches for categorizing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
Authors: Sha Bo , Schymanski Emma L. , Ruttkies Christoph , Cousins Ian T. , Wang Zhanyun
Published: September 2019

Combining expert knowledge, SMARTS-based cheminformatics and the ontology-based ClassyFire, the categorization of PFASs with open cheminformatics approaches is explored with a set of 770 PFASs.
Conformation switching of single native proteins revealed by nanomechanical probing without a pulling force
Authors: Gutiérrez-Mejía Fabiola A. , Moerland Christian P. , van IJzendoorn Leo J. , Prins Menno W. J.
Published: September 2019

Protein conformational changes are essential to biological function, and the heterogeneous nature of the corresponding protein states provokes an interest to measure conformational changes at the single molecule level.
Halogen bond-assisted self-assembly of gold nanoparticles in solution and on a planar surface
Authors: Buntara Sanjeeva Kavitha , Pigliacelli Claudia , Gazzera Lara , Dichiarante Valentina , Baldelli Bombelli Francesca , Metrangolo Pierangelo
Published: September 2019

Halogen bond drives the formation of AuNP chain-like and spherical structures and mediates AuNP assembly on planar surfaces.
Facile access to evodiakine enabled by aerobic copper-catalyzed oxidative rearrangement
Authors: Su Yiting , Huang Gaofeng , Ye Fu , Qiao Panpan , Ye Jinxiang , Gao Yu , Chen Haijun
Published: September 2019

Oxidative rearrangement for the first rapid construction of evodiakine was developed.
Nutritional characteristics of marine fish Sardinella zunasi Bleeker and immunostimulatory activities of its glycoprotein
Authors: Han Yu , Hao Huili , Yang Lihong , Chen Guolian , Wen Yucong , Huang Riming
Published: September 2019

Glycoprotein from the dible and medicinal marine fish Sardinella zunasi Bleeker possessed significant immunostimulatory activities in RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
Dissociation path competition of radiolysis ionization-induced molecule damage under electron beam illumination
Authors: Cai Zenghua , Chen Shiyou , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: September 2019

Molecule damage under TEM electron beam illumination is studied using a systematicalab initiomethod. Three main dissociation paths are revealed which explains the experimentally observed mass spectra of the dissociation fragments of the C2H6O2+.
Diverse roles of non-muscle myosin II contractility in 3D cell migration
Authors: Agarwal Priti , Zaidel-Bar Ronen
Published: September 2019

All is flux, nothing stays still. Heraclitus of Ephesus’ characterization of the universe holds true for cells within animals and for proteins within cells. In this review, we examine the dynamics of actin and non-muscle myosin II within cells, and how their dynamics power the movement of cells within tissues. The 3D environment that migrating cells encounter along their path also changes over time, and cells can adopt various mechanisms of motility, depending on the topography, mechanics and chemical composition of their surroundings. We describe the differential spatio-temporal regulation of actin and myosin II-mediated contractility in mesenchymal, lobopodial, amoeboid, and swimming modes of cell migration. After briefly reviewing the biochemistry of myosin II, we discuss the role actomyosin contractility plays in the switch between modes of 3D migration that cells use to adapt to changing environments.
Conversion of organic compounds into biogas on a full scale brewery WWTP using IC reactor
Authors: Umiejewska Katarzyna
Published: September 2019

Wastewater from breweries usually contains high levels of organic components, which are generally easily biodegradable. Ideally, the mainstream method of brewery wastewater treatment is based on biological transformation, which have been reported to be effective in efficiently reducing COD concentration. Anaerobic digestion technology plays an important role in the treatment of high strength wastewater [1]. The benefit of the process is biogas production and recovering the energy. The main goal of the paper is to present the results of a full-scale research performed in a brewery WWTP in 2016. Wastewater from brewery containing COD, a priority pollutant of organic components, is treated in IC reactor. The biogas produced during the anaerobic digestion is transformed into heat. Total COD and soluble COD were measured 5 days a week in wastewater before and after anaerobic reactor. In raw wastewater, average total COD was 5226 mg/L with the percentage share of soluble COD 89.4%. As a result of anaerobic treatment 83,7% reduction of total COD and 92.9% reduction of soluble COD were obtained. The average daily biogas production was 4089 m3/d.
Systematic uncertainty of first-principle calculations of the radiation energy emitted by extensive air showers
Authors: Gottowik Marvin , Glaser Christian , Huege Tim , Rautenberg Julian
Published: September 2019

The energy of extensive air showers can be determined from the energy radiated in the form of radio signals. The so-called radiation energy can be predicted with modern simulation codes using first-principle calculations without the need of free parameters. Here, we verify the consistency of radiation energy calculations by comparing a large set of Monte Carlo simulations made with the two codes CoREAS and ZHAireS. For the frequency band of 30 — 80 MHz, typically used by many current radio detectors, we observe a difference in the radiation energy prediction of 5.2%. This corresponds to a radio emission modelling uncertainty of 2.6% for thedetermination of the absolute cosmic-ray energy scale. Hence, radio detection offers the opportunity for a precise, accurate and independent measurement of the absolute energy of cosmic rays.
Fuel Provider Evaluation Using a Combined Decision Aid Model
Authors: Dursun Mehtap , Goker Nazli
Published: September 2019

Energy is a basic need for achieving quality of life and the level of welfare. Chemical or nuclear energy are released as heat in the wake of a reaction between fuel and other substances. Heat is used for warming, cooking, or industrial processes. This paper presents an integrated multiple criteria decision making framework for fuel provider selection in food industry. Evaluation factors are named as lead time, reliability, sustainability, cost, service quality, location and warranties. To demonstrate the robustness of the application, a numerical illustration is provided by conducting a case study in food industry of Turkey.
The possibilities of using Bluetooth to control the lift platform used for people with reduced mobility
Authors: Adamek Milan , Reznicek Martin , Pospisilik Martin , Neumann Petr
Published: September 2019

The paper presents the design of a control unit and an application for Android OS, which will use the Bluetooth transmission to control vertical lifting devices for people with reduced mobility. The theoretical part consists of the description of the Android Studio development environment, the description of data transfer using Bluetooth, and the estimation of the reduction in platform production costs and the competitiveness of these products on the global market. From the theoretical part there is a practical part, which deals with the development of a new control unit for lifting equipment ZP5, using mobile application and introducing these technologies into the production process. The practical part also describes the effect of these adjustments on increasing the production and sale of vertical staircase platforms with a view to use for other products for people with reduced mobility.
A T-branch diplexer based on directional couplers and resonant cavities in photonic crystal
Authors: Labbani Amel , MoumenisImene  , Bounaas Faiza
Published: September 2019

In this paper a T-branch optical diplexer in two dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PhC) to select two telecommunication wavelengths 1493.6nm and1553nm is investigated. In our design directional couplers (DC) and resonant cavity (RC) are utilized. A square lattice of silicon (Si) rods in air is used as fundamental structure. The coupling regions consist of three entire rows of decreased Si rods. Plane wave expansion method (PWE) and finite difference time domain (FDTD) method are utilized to analyze and simulate the characteristics of the designed device. The average transmission efficiency of our proposed diplexer is about 99.75%. High quality factor and extremely small crosstalk were achieved. The total size of the suggested design is 272.214 μm2, which is very suitable for nanotechnology based demultiplexing applications.
Success factors for deploying cloud computing in eHealth
Authors: Mekawie Nermeen , Yehia Kesmat
Published: September 2019

Developing countries different sectors especially healthcare suffers from redundancy, lack of communication, lack of information, lack of resources, lack of sharing and lack of supervision as well as diagnosis errors. Cloud computing may offer great opportunities for the developing countries to modernize the healthcare sector and hence overcome the problems it suffers. Adoption of the cloud computing poses different challenges and obstacles which may complicate the actual implementation. This study aims at investigating the success factors for deploying cloud computing within the eHealth sector in developing countries and consequently the study employed the case of Egypt as a developing country. This research tested the critical factors quantitatively which was embedded within critical success factors models adopted from the literature within the context of cloud computing implementation. The model includes all the critical success factors and the effect of demographics on the factors for a successful implementation of cloud computing in the healthcare industry.
Development of a Robust UFIR Filter with Consensus on Estimates for Missing Data and unknown noise statistics over WSNs
Authors: Vazquez-Olguin Miguel , Shmaiy Yuriy S. , Ibarra-Manzano Oscar
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are often deployed in harsh environments, where electromagnetic interference, damaged sensors, or the landscape itself cause the network to suffer from faulty links and missing data. In this paper, we develop an unbiased finite impulse response (UFIR) filtering algorithm for optimal consensus on estimates in distributed WSN. Simulations are provided assuming two possible scenarios with missing data. The results show that the distributed UFIR filter is more robust than the distributed Kalman filter against missing data.
Improving accuracy of FIR filters for computing convolution transforms for smooth non-bandlimited signals
Authors: Shtrauss Vairis
Published: September 2019

We propose to improve the accuracy of FIR filters for computing convolution transforms for smooth non-bandlimited (NBL) signals by designing filters by the identification method with using a pair of bandlimited portions of the chosen NBL input and output signals related with each other by the given transform. A design example of type IV linear phase differentiator is presented, where filter coefficients are calculated from the bandlimited portions of the Cauchy pulse and its derivative. The performance of the designed differentiator is evaluated by comparing the accuracy of computed derivatives for several smooth NBL test signals, such as the Cauchy pulse, the Hilbert transform of Cauchy pulse, the Gaussian function, as well as for a bandlimited sinc-function. Evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed design method generates more accurate differentiators than the Parks-McClellan algorithm, the impulse response truncation method and the identification with using full-band Cauchy pulse and its derivative.
Current State of Care for Pediatric ACL Ruptures in the Netherlands: A Survey
Authors: Dietvorst Martijn , Reijman Max , van Zutven Rein , van den Bekerom Michel P. J. , Meuffels Duncan E. , Somford Matthijs P. , Janssen Rob P. A.
Published: September 2019

The management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the skeletally immature patient is an area of controversy. The purpose of this survey is to inventory the current state of care for pediatric ACL injuries in the Netherlands. This survey was conveyed by e-mail among all members of the Dutch Arthroscopy Society (Nederlandse Vereniging van Arthroscopie [NVA]) and promoted on the Web site of the NVA. It was developed by the scientific committee of the NVA by a consensus meeting discussing relevant topics in pediatric ACL injuries. All members of the NVA received the survey (n = 540). A total of 158 (29%) members responded to the survey, of which 143 were completed. A total of 126 responses were analyzed after exclusion. The main finding of this survey is that 78% of the respondents tend to treat children with open physes nonoperatively, while 65% tend to treat children with closed physes operatively. The most frequently performed procedure is the transphyseal reconstruction. Many considerations were involved in choosing operative treatment. The postoperative follow-up period varies from less than 1 year (24%) until fully grown (27%). In conclusion, this survey shows that the current state of care for pediatric ACL injuries is variable and a matter of debate in the Netherlands. Although the response rate seems low, this survey provides an overview of the opinions of specialized orthopaedic surgeons in the Netherlands. The results of this survey led to the development of the national registry for pediatric ACL in the Netherlands. The level of evidence for this study is V.
Standard of reference in operational day-ahead deterministic solar forecasting
Authors: Yang Dazhi
Published: September 2019

Skill scores can be used to compare deterministic (also known as single-valued or point) forecasts made using different models at different locations and time periods. To compute the skill score, a reference forecasting method is needed. Nonetheless, there is no consensus on the choice of reference method. In this paper, three classes of commonly used references methods, namely, climatology, persistence, and their linear combination, are studied in a day-ahead solar forecasting scenario. Day-ahead global solar irradiance forecasts with an hourly resolution are generated using research-grade data from 32 sites around the globe, over a period of 1 year, in an operational manner. To avoid exaggerating the skill scores, it is generally agreed that the most accurate naïve forecasting method should be chosen as the standard of reference. In this regard, the optimal convex combination of climatology and persistence is highly recommended to be used as the standard of reference for day-ahead solar forecasting.
Manipulation of jet breakup length and droplet size in axisymmetric flow focusing upon actuation
Authors: Yang Chaoyu , Qiao Ran , Mu Kai , Zhu Zhiqiang , Xu Ronald X. , Si Ting
Published: September 2019

External sinusoidal actuation is employed in the axisymmetric flow focusing (AFF) for generating uniform droplets in the jetting mode. The perturbations propagating along the meniscus surface can modulate the rupture of the liquid jet. Experiments indicate that the jet breakup length and the resultant droplet size can be precisely controlled in the synchronized regime, which are further confirmed by the scaling law. The finding of this study can help for better understanding of the underlying physics of actuation-aided AFF, and this active droplet generation method with fine robustness, high productivity, and nice process control would be advantageous for various potential applications.
The role of lexical stress in spoken English word recognition by listeners of English and Taiwan Mandarin
Authors: Ou Shu-chen
Published: September 2019

Two perceptual experiments investigated how the suprasegmental information of monosyllables is perceived and exploited in spoken English word recognition by listeners of English and Taiwan Mandarin (TM). Using an auditory lexical decision task in which correctly stressed English words and mis-stressed nonwords (e.g. camPAIGN vs. *CAMpaign) were presented for lexical decisions, Experiment I demonstrated that TM listeners could perceive the differences between stressed and unstressed syllables with native-like accuracy and rapidity. To examine how the perceived suprasegmental contrast would constrain English lexical access, Experiment II was conducted. It used a cross-modal fragment priming task in which a lexical decision had to be made for a visually presented English word or nonword following an auditory prime, which was a spoken word-initial syllable. The results showed that English and TM listeners recognized the displayed word (e.g. campus) faster both after a stress-matching (e.g. CAM-) prime and a stress-mismatching (e.g. cam-) prime than after a control prime (e.g. MOUN-, with mismatching segments). This indicates that suprasegmental information does not inhibit a segmentally matching but suprasegmentally mismatching word candidate for both the two groups, although TM is a language where lexical prosody is expressed syllabically and its listeners tend to interpret lexical stress tonally. Yet, the two groups’ responses were slower after the stressed primes than after the unstressed ones, presumably because the former generally had more possible continuations than the latter do. It is therefore concluded that when recognizing spoken English words, both the native and non-native (TM-speaking) listeners can exploit the suprasegmental cues of monosyllables, which, however, are not so effective that they will outweigh the segmental cues.
Article Commentary: Underutilization of Medications to Treat Opioid use Disorder: What Role does Stigma Play?
Authors: Allen Bennett , Nolan Michelle L. , Paone Denise
Published: September 2019

There is consensus in the scientific literature that the opioid agonist medications methadone and buprenorphine are the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder. Despite increasing opioid overdose deaths in the United States, these medications remain substantially underutilized. For no other medical conditions for which an effective treatment exists is that treatment used so infrequently. In this commentary, we discuss the potential role of stigma in the underutilization of these opioid agonist medications for addiction treatment. We outline stigma toward medications for addiction treatment and suggest that structural and policy barriers to methadone and buprenorphine may contribute to this stigma. We offer pragmatic public health solutions to reduce stigma and expand access to these effective treatments.
Brevinin-GR23 from frog Hylarana guentheri with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhong Hengren , Xie Zhipeng , Zhang Shuxia , Wei Hanqi , Song Yanting , Zhang Yingxia , Wang Manchuriga
Published: September 2019

Brevinin-GR23 (B-GR23) was a brevinin-2 like antimicrobial peptide, which had antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 μM. B-GR23 increased the bacterial membrane permeation, leading to the damage of membrane integrity and the leakage of genomic DNA, then causing the cell death. The peptide nearly inhibited all plantonic bacteria to start the initial attachment of biofilm at the concentration of 1 × MIC. Whereas the disruption rates on immature and mature biofilm decreased from 60% to 20%. B-GR23 reduced the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) in the planktonic growth of S. aureus, which is a crucial structure of biofilm formation. B-GR23 with the concentration of ½ × MIC inhibited 50% water-soluble EPS, and 48% water-insoluble EPS, which contributed to the antibiofilm activity. B-GR23 had no significant toxicity to human blood cells under-tested concentration (200 μM), making it a potential template for designing antimicrobial peptides.
Simulation of the ion cyclotron range of frequencies slow wave and the lower hybrid resonance in 3D in RAPLICASOL
Authors: Usoltceva M , Ochoukov R , Tierens W , Kostic A , Crombé K , Heuraux S , Noterdaeme J-M
Published: September 2019

Ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) wave propagation is calculated theoretically for tokamak conditions and for linear magnetized plasma device IShTAR which is dedicated to the RF sheath studies. Only the slow wave (SW) mode of ICRF waves can propagate and be studied in IShTAR. Therefore it is possible to decouple the role of the different ICRF modes in the RF sheath effects. Numerical simulations of the ICRF SW are done in COMSOL in the framework of the existing cold plasma modelling package RAPLICASOL and the SW is for the first time modelled in 3D. To date, RAPLICASOL existed as a 3D wave coupling modelling approach which targets the fast wave (FW). Plasma is implemented as a material with manually assigned physical properties and a perfectly matched layer (PML) is used to absorb the wave energy. Here it is demonstarted how to adjust the RAPLICASOL PML for models with propagating SW. Field structures in the resonance cone shape obtained for the SW differ significantly from the FW and exhibit strong dependence on the density profile in the close proximity of the antenna. The lower-hybrid (LH) resonance is a constant issue in the attempts to model the SW. In this work an approach to obtain correct numerical solutions in the LH resonance presence is demonstrated. Results of this work can be used to improve the complex tokamak ICRF simulations, where so far the SW propagation on the edge has been avoided.