bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroxytyrosyl Oleate: Improved Extraction Procedure from Olive Oil and By-Products, and In Vitro Antioxidant and Skin Regenerative Properties
Authors: Benincasa Cinzia , La Torre Chiara , Plastina Pierluigi , Fazio Alessia , Perri Enzo , Caroleo Maria Cristina , Gallelli Luca , Cannataro Roberto , Cione Erika
Published: July 2019

Recently, we identified hydroxytyrosyl oleate (HtyOle) in the by-products of olive oil, pomace and olive mill waste water (OMWW). Herein, we report that HtyOle is more accurately quantified by extracting the phenolic fraction from both matrices by using aqueous methanol (80%). By applying this method, HtyOle was also detected in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Since olive oil is used in the preparation of many cosmetic formulations, we explored the antioxidant capacity of HtyOle in human keratinocytes. Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as activity of Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased by HtyOle. In addition to that, microRNAs (miRs) involved in both redox status balance and skin regeneration potential were also tested. The following miRs, hsa-miR-21 and hsa-miR-29a, were increased while has-miR-34a was not affected by HtyOle.
A Novel Real-Time Match-Moving Method with HoloLens
Authors: Lee Jaehyun , Hafeez Jahanzeb , Kim Kwangjib , Lee Seunghyun , Kwon Soonchul
Published: July 2019

With the advancement of media and computing technologies, video compositing techniques have improved to a great extent. These techniques have been used not only in the entertainment industry but also in advertisement and new media. Match-moving is a cinematic technology in virtual-real image synthesis that allows the insertion of computer graphics (virtual objects) into real world scenes. To make a realistic virtual-real image synthesis, it is important to obtain internal parameters (such as focal length) and external parameters (position and rotation) from an Red-Green-Blue(RGB) camera. Conventional methods recover these parameters by extracting feature points from recorded video frames to guide the virtual camera. These methods fail when there is occlusion or motion blur in the recorded scene. In this paper, we propose a novel method (system) for pre-visualization and virtual-real image synthesis that overcomes the limitations of conventional methods. This system uses the spatial understanding principle of Microsoft HoloLens to perform the match-moving of virtual-real video scenes. Experimental results demonstrate that our system is much more accurate and efficient than existing systems for video compositing.
Vertical-Type Ni/GaN UV Photodetectors Fabricated on Free-Standing GaN Substrates
Authors: Ren Bing , Liao Meiyong , Sumiya Masatomo , Huang Jian , Wang Linjun , Koide Yasuo , Sang Liwen
Published: July 2019

The authors report on a vertical-type visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) Schottky-type photodetector fabricated on a homoepitaxial GaN layer grown on free-standing GaN substrates with a semi-transparent Ni Schottky contact. Owing to the high-quality GaN drift layer with low-density threading dislocation and high electron mobility, the UV photodetector shows a high specific detectivity of more than 1012 Jones and a UV/visible discrimination ratio of ~1530 at −5 V. The photodetector also shows the excellent self-powered photo-response and a high signal-to-noise ratio of more than 104 at zero voltage. It is found that a relatively lower growth rate for the GaN epilayer is preferred to improve the performance of the Schottky-type photodetectors due to the better microstructure and surface properties.
Game theory-based Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Comparative Survey
Authors: Habib Md Arafat , Moh Sangman
Published: July 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become an important and promising technology owing to their wide range of applications in disaster response, battle field surveillance, wildfire monitoring, radioactivity monitoring, etc. In WSNs, routing plays a significant role in delivery latency, energy consumption, and packet delivery ratio. Furthermore, as these applications are used in critical operations with limited irreplaceable batteries, routing protocols are required to be flawless as well as energy efficient. The dynamic environment also requires intelligent and adaptive routing. Game theory is widely used for designing routing protocols in WSNs to achieve not only reduced energy consumption but also increased packet delivery ratio. The core features of efficiently designed game theory-based routing protocols include optimal cluster head selection in hierarchical routing, energy-efficient and delay-aware route discovery, fault-tolerant data delivery, and coalition forming and grouping among nodes for stringent data transfer. In this paper, different routing protocols based on various types of games are extensively reviewed, which have been reported so far for improving energy consumption, delay, route establishment time, packet delivery ratio, and network lifetime. The different game theory-based routing protocols are qualitatively compared with each other in terms of major features, advantages, limitations, and key characteristics. For each protocol, possible applications and future improvements are summarized. Certain important open concerns and challenges are also discussed, along with future research directions.
Cockle Shell-Derived Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite) Nanoparticles: A Dynamite to Nanomedicine
Authors: Muhammad Mailafiya Maryam , Abubakar Kabeer , Danmaigoro Abubakar , Musa Chiroma Samaila , Bin Abdul Rahim Ezamin , Aris Mohd Moklas Mohamad , Abu Bakar Zakaria Zuki
Published: July 2019

Cockle shell is an external covering of small, salt water edible clams (Anadara granosa) that dwells in coastal area. This abundant biomaterial is hard, cheap and readily available with high content of calcium carbonate in aragonite polymorphic form. At present, cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CSCaCO3NPs) with dual applications has remarkably drawn significant attention of researchers in nanotechnology as a nanocarrier for delivery of different categories of drugs and as bone scaffold due to its beneficial potentials such as biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, pH sensitivity, slow biodegradation, hydrophilic nature and a wide safety margin. In addition, CSCaCO3NP possesses structural porosity, a large surface area and functional group endings for electrostatic ion bonds with high loading capacity. Thus, it maintains great potential in the drug delivery system and a large number of biomedical utilisations. The pioneering researchers adopted a non-hazardous top-down method for the synthesis of CSCaCO3NP with subsequent improvements that led to the better spherical diameter size obtained recently which is suitable for drug delivery. The method is therefore a simple, low cost and environmentally friendly, which involves little procedural steps without stringent temperature management and expensive hazardous chemicals or any carbonation methods. This paper presents a review on a few different types of nanoparticles with emphasis on the versatile most recent advancements and achievements on the synthesis and developments of CSCaCO3NP aragonite with its applications as a nanocarrier for drug delivery in nanomedicine.
A Layer-Wise Strategy for Indoor As-Built Modeling Using Point Clouds
Authors: Xie Lei , Wang Ruisheng , Ming Zutao , Chen Dong
Published: July 2019

The automatic modeling of as-built building interiors, known as indoor building reconstruction, is gaining increasing attention because of its widespread applications. With the development of sensors to acquire high-quality point clouds, a new modeling scheme called scan-to-BIM (building information modeling) emerged as well. However, the traditional scan-to-BIM process is time-tedious and labor-intensive. Most existing automatic indoor building reconstruction solutions can only fit the specific data or lack of detailed model representation. In this paper, we propose a layer-wise method, on the basis of 3D planar primitives, to create 2D floor plans and 3D building models. It can deal with different types of point clouds and retain many structural details with respect to protruding structures, complicated ceilings, and fine corners. The experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the robustness against noises and sparse data.
Hardware Prototyping and Validation of a W-ΔDOR Digital Signal Processor
Authors: Cardarilli Gian Carlo , Di Nunzio Luca , Fazzolari Rocco , Giardino Daniele , Matta Marco , Re Marco , Iess Luciano , Cialfi Fabio , De Angelis Giorgio , Gelfusa Dario , Pulcinelli Ascanio Patrizio , Simone Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

Microwave tracking, usually performed by on ground processing of the signals coming from a spacecraft, represents a crucial aspect in every deep-space mission. Various noise sources, including receiver noise, affect these signals, limiting the accuracy of the radiometric measurements obtained from the radio link. There are several methods used for spacecraft tracking, including the Delta-Differential One-Way Ranging ( Δ DOR) technique. In the past years, European Space Agency (ESA) missions relied on a narrowband Δ DOR system for navigation in the cruise phase. To limit the adverse effect of nonlinearities in the receiving chain, an innovative wideband approach to Δ DOR measurements has recently been proposed. This work presents the hardware implementation of a new version of the ESA X/Ka Deep Space Transponder based on the new tracking technique named Wideband Δ DOR (W- Δ DOR). The architecture of the new transponder guarantees backward compatibility with narrowband Δ DOR.
Reversible Data Hiding Scheme in Homomorphic Encrypted Image Based on EC-EG
Authors: Zhou Neng , Zhang Minqing , Wang Han , Liu Mengmeng , Ke Yan , Wang Xu An
Published: July 2019

To combine homomorphic public key encryption with reversible data hiding, a reversible data hiding scheme in homomorphic encrypted image based on EC-EG is proposed. Firstly, the cover image is segmented. The square grid pixel group randomly selected by the image owner has one reference pixel and eight target pixels. The n least significant bits (LSBs) of the reference pixel and all bits of target pixel are self-embedded into other parts of the image by a method of predictive error expansion (PEE). To avoid overflowing when embedding data, the n LSBs of the reference pixel are reset to zero before encryption. Then, the pixel values of the image are encrypted after being encoded onto the points of the elliptic curve. The encrypted reference pixel replaces the encrypted target pixels surrounding it, thereby constructing the mirroring central ciphertext (MCC). In a set of MCC, the data hider embeds the encrypted additional data into the n LSBs of the target pixels by homomorphic addition in ciphertexts, while the reference pixel remains unchanged. The receiver can directly extract additional data by homomorphic subtraction in ciphertexts between the target pixels and the corresponding reference pixel; extract the additional data by subtraction in plaintexts with the directly decrypted image; and restore the cover image without loss. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme has higher security than the similar algorithms, and the average embedding rate of the scheme is 0.25 bpp under the premise of ensuring the quality of the directly decrypted image.
Study on the Design and Cutting Performance of a Revolving Cycloid Milling Cutter
Authors: Wang Guangyue , Liu Xianli , Gao Weijie , Yan Bingxin , Chen Tao
Published: July 2019

Problems such as low machining efficiency, severe tool wear and difficulty in safeguarding surface quality always exist in the machining process of titanium alloy with ball-end milling cutters. To address these issues, the design and manufacture of a revolving cycloid milling cutter for titanium alloy processing were studied in this paper. Firstly, the mathematical model of the revolving cycloid milling cutter contour surface was established. The parametric equation of an orthogonal helix cutting edge curve of a revolving cycloid milling cutter is presented. Then, the bottom boundary curve of the rake face is introduced. The five-axis grinding trajectory equation of revolving cycloid milling cutter rake face was derived based on the edge curve equation and coordinate transformation. Next, fabricating the revolving cycloid milling cutter and detecting the grinding accuracy of tool profile and geometric angle were performed. At last, a contrast test regarding the performance of the revolving cycloid milling cutter and the ball-end milling cutter in cutting titanium alloy TC11 was carried out. According to the test results, in comparison to the ball-end milling cutter, the revolving cycloid milling cutter had a smaller ratio of the axial force to the tangential force. Moreover, its flank face wore more slowly and evenly. As a result, a good surface processing quality can be maintained even under larger wear conditions, demonstrating an outstanding cutting performance.
An Automated ECG Beat Classification System Using Deep Neural Networks with an Unsupervised Feature Extraction Technique
Authors: Nurmaini Siti , Umi Partan Radiyati , Caesarendra Wahyu , Dewi Tresna , Naufal Rahmatullah Muhammad , Darmawahyuni Annisa , Bhayyu Vicko , Firdaus Firdaus
Published: July 2019

An automated classification system based on a Deep Learning (DL) technique for Cardiac Disease (CD) monitoring and detection is proposed in this paper. The proposed DL architecture is divided into Deep Auto-Encoders (DAEs) as an unsupervised form of feature learning and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) as a classifier. The objective of this study is to improve on the previous machine learning technique that consists of several data processing steps such as feature extraction and feature selection or feature reduction. It is also noticed that the previously used machine learning technique required human interference and expertise in determining robust features, yet was time-consuming in the labeling and data processing steps. In contrast, DL enables an embedded feature extraction and feature selection in DAEs pre-training and DNNs fine-tuning process directly from raw data. Hence, DAEs is able to extract high-level of features not only from the training data but also from unseen data. The proposed model uses 10 classes of imbalanced data from ECG signals. Since it is related to the cardiac region, abnormality is usually considered for an early diagnosis of CD. In order to validate the result, the proposed model is compared with the shallow models and DL approaches. Results found that the proposed method achieved a promising performance with 99.73% accuracy, 91.20% sensitivity, 93.60% precision, 99.80% specificity, and a 91.80% F1-Score. Moreover, both the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the Precision-Recall (PR) curve from the confusion matrix showed that the developed model is a good classifier. The developed model based on unsupervised feature extraction and deep neural network is ready to be used on a large population before its installation for clinical usage.
Augmented Reality Implementations in Stomatology
Authors: Procházka Aleš , Dostálová Tatjana , Kašparová Magdaléna , Vyšata Oldřich , Charvátová Hana , Sanei Saeid , Mařík Vladimír
Published: July 2019

Augmented reality has a wide range of applications in many areas that can extend the study of real objects into the digital world, including stomatology. Real dental objects that were previously examined using their plaster casts are often replaced by their digital models or three-dimensional (3D) prints in the cyber-physical world. This paper reviews a selection of digital methods that have been applied in dentistry, including the use of intra-oral scanning technology for data acquisition and evaluation of fundamental features of dental arches. The methodology includes the use of digital filters and morphological operations for spatial objects analysis, their registration, and evaluation of changes during the treatment of specific disorders. The results include 3D models of selected dental arch objects, which allow a comparison of their shape and position during repeated observations. The proposed methods present digital alternatives to the use of plaster casts for semiautomatic evaluation of dental arch measures. This paper describes some of the advantages of 3D digital technology replacing real world elements and plaster cast dental models in many areas of classical stomatology.
A Hybrid Approach Using Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS Assessing Environmental Conflicts in the Titan Mining Industry along Central Coast Vietnam
Authors: Dao Manh , Nguyen An , Nguyen The , Pham Ha , Nguyen Dinh , Tran Quoc , Dao Huong , Nguyen Duyen , Dang Huong , Hens Luc
Published: July 2019

Environmental conflict management gains significance in rational use of natural resources, ecosystem preservation and environmental planning for mineral mines. In Central Coast Vietnam, titan mines are subject to conflicting use and management decisions. The paper deals with an empirical research on applying a combination of the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to measure environmental conflicts emerging as a result of titan mining in Vietnam. The methodology used in the paper combines the fuzzy AHP and the fuzzy TOPSIS to rank environmental conflicts and propose conflict prevention solutions in the titan mining industry of Ky Khang coastal commune (Ky Anh district, Central Coast Vietnam). Data was collected by using a questionnaire with 15 locals, 8 communal authorities, 2 district authorities, and 12 scientific experts on titan mining, environmental geology, and sustainability management. The result shows that, titan mining conflicts with the eight criteria of economic sectors at five alternative sites including beach, protected forest, agricultural area, settlement area, and industrial area. The conflicts between titan mining and forestry, agriculture, settlements, fishing and aquaculture are highly valued. The beach area shows most environmental conflict as a result of titan mining, followed by the agricultural area and settlement area. Based on the empirical findings, legal and procedural tools such as environmental impact assessments, strategic environmental assessments, integrated coastal zone management, marine spatial planning, and multi-planning integration advancing environmental management for titan mines in Vietnam are suggested.
Effect of Adding Hydrometeor Mixing Ratios Control Variables on Assimilating Radar Observations for the Analysis and Forecast of a Typhoon
Authors: Xu Dongmei , Shen Feifei , Min Jinzhong
Published: July 2019

The variational data assimilation (DA) method seeks the optimal analyses by minimizing a cost function with respect to control variables (CVs). CVs are extended in this study to include hydrometeor mixing ratios related variables besides the widely used sets of CVs (momentum fields, surface pressure, temperature, and pseudo-relative humidity). The impacts of the extra CVs are investigated in terms of hydrometeor mixing ratios to the assimilation of radar radial velocity (Vr) and reflectivity (RF) for the analysis and prediction of Typhoon Chanthu (2010). It is found that the background error statistics of the extended CVs from the National Meteorological Center (NMC) method is reliable. The track forecast is improved significantly by including hydrometeor mixing ratios as CVs to assimilate radar Vr and RF. The DA experiments using the hydrometer CVs show much improved intensity analysis and forecast. It also improves the precipitation forecast skills to some extent. The positive impact is significant using a direct RF assimilation scheme, when Vr and RF data are applied together. It suggests that when we applying an indirect RF assimilation scheme, the fitting of more hydrometers in the cost function will tend to cause a slight degradation for other variables such as the wind and temperature.
No Significant Shift of Warming Trend over the Last Two Decades on the Mid-South of Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Lanhui , Zhang Yili , Qi Wei , Wang Zhaofeng , Liu Yaojie , Ding Mingjun
Published: July 2019

Climate warming on the Tibetan Plateau has been regarded as an important driving force of regional environmental change. Although several studies have analyzed the shift of warming trends on this plateau within the context of a recent global warming “hiatus” since 1998, their disparate findings have hindered a comprehensive and regional understanding. Based on the daily mean temperature (Tmean), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin) collected from meteorological stations on the period of 1961–2017, we re-examined the timing and magnitude of temperature phase change using piecewise linear regression on the mid-south of Tibetan Plateau. The results show that among the trends in regional annual Tmean, Tmax and Tmin, the statistically significant change-point was observed only in annual Tmax (p < 0.01). The warming trend of annual Tmax has accelerated significantly since 1992 and has exceeded that of annual Tmin after 2000, causing a remarkable reversal from decline to increase in diurnal temperature range (DTR) (p < 0.01). Spatially, the occurrence time of change-points in Tmean, Tmax, and Tmin varied among stations, but most of them occurred before the mid-1990s. Besides, the trend shifts in Tmax/DTR during the cold season played a primary role in the significant trend shifts in annual Tmax/DTR. This study underscores that there is no significant shift of warming trends over the last two decades on the mid-south of Tibetan Plateau.
Virus-Like Particle Production in Atmospheric Eubacteria Isolates
Authors: Teigell-Perez Nuria , Gonzalez-Martin Cristina , Valladares Basilio , Smith David J. , Griffin Dale W.
Published: July 2019

Culturable eubacterial isolates were collected at various altitudes in Earth’s atmosphere, including ~1.5 m above ground in Tallahassee, FL, USA; ~10.0 m above sea level over the mid-Atlantic ridge (~15° N); ~20 km above ground over the continental United States; ~20 km above sea level over the Pacific Ocean near southern California; and from the atmosphere of Carlsbad Cavern, Carlsbad Cavern National Park, NM, USA. Isolates were screened for the presence of inducible virus-like particles (VLP) through the use of mitomycin C and epifluorescent direct counts. We determined that 92.7% of the isolates carried inducible VLP counts in exposed versus non-exposed culture controls and that the relationship was statistically significant. Further statistical analyses revealed that the number of isolates that demonstrated VLP production did not vary among collection sites. These data demonstrate a high prevalence of VLP generation in isolates collected in the lower atmosphere and at extreme altitudes. They also show that species of eubacteria that are resistant to the rigors of atmospheric transport play a significant role in long-range atmospheric inter- and intra-continental dispersion of VLP and that long-range atmospheric transport of VLP may enhance rates of evolution at the microbial scale in receiving environments.
Seasonal Levels, Sources, and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Atmospheric PM2.5 from Four Functional Areas of Nanjing City, Eastern China
Authors: Wu Lichun , Luo Xiao-San , Li Hongbo , Cang Long , Yang Jie , Yang Jiangli , Zhao Zhen , Tang Mingwei
Published: July 2019

Aerosol pollution is a serious environmental issue, especially in China where there has been rapid urbanization. To identify the intra-annual and regional distributions of health risks and potential sources of heavy metals in atmospheric particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5), this work collected monthly PM2.5 samples from urban, industrial, suburban, and rural areas in Nanjing city during 2016 and analyzed the heavy metal compositions (Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, V, Sr, Mn, Ti, and Sb). Enrichment factors (EFs) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to investigate the sources. The atmospheric PM2.5 pollution level was highest in the industrial area, followed by the urban and suburban areas, and was the lowest in the rural area. Seasonally, the concentrations of PM2.5 and associated heavy metals in spring and winter were higher than those in summer and autumn. Besides natural sources, heavy metal pollution in PM2.5 might come from metallurgical dust in the industrial area, while it mainly comes from automobile exhaust in urban and suburban areas. Health risk assessments revealed that noncancerous hazards of heavy metals in PM2.5 were low, while the lifetime cancer risks obviously exceeded the threshold. The airborne metal pollution in various functional areas of the city impacted human health differently.
Particulate Emissions of Euro 4 Motorcycles and Sampling Considerations
Authors: Giechaskiel Barouch , Zardini Alessandro A. , Lähde Tero , Perujo Adolfo , Kontses Anastasios , Ntziachristos Leonidas
Published: July 2019

The scientific literature indicates that solid particle number (SPN) emissions of motorcycles are usually higher than that of passenger cars. The L-category (e.g., mopeds, motorcycles) Euro 4 and 5 environmental steps were designed to reduce the emissions of particulate matter and ozone precursors such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. In this study the SPN emissions of one moped and eight motorcycles, all fulfilling the Euro 4 standards, were measured with a SPN measurement system employing a catalytic stripper to minimize volatile artefacts. Although the particulate matter mass emissions were <1.5 mg/km for all vehicles tested, two motorcycles and the moped were close to the SPN limit for passenger cars (6 × 1011 particles/km with sizes larger than 23 nm) and four motorcycles exceeded the limit by a factor of up to four. The measurement repeatability was satisfactory (deviation from the mean 10%) and concentration differences between tailpipe and dilution tunnel were small, indicating that performing robust SPN measurements for regulatory control purposes is feasible. However, steady state tests with the moped showed major differences between the tailpipe and the dilution tunnel sampling points for sub-23 nm particles. Thus, the measurement procedures of particles for small displacement engine mopeds and motorcycles need to be better defined for a possible future introduction in regulations.
Detection and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Typing of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Milk Vending Machines in Croatia
Authors: Zdolec Nevijo , Jankuloski Dean , Kiš Marta , Hengl Brigita , Mikulec Nataša
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk from vending machines, based on culture and molecular detection of pathogen and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis typing. From December 2015 to January 2017, a total of 319 milk samples from 36 vending machines were examined for the presence and count of L. monocytogenes by reference methods ISO 11290:1 and ISO 11290:2. Molecular detection of pathogens was performed by loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) coupled with bioluminescence (Molecular Detection Assay). L. monocytogenes was detected by MDA in 14 milk samples (4.38%) from four farms, compared to eight positive samples (2.5%) retrieved by a reference ISO method. Cultivable L. monocytogenes isolates were subjected to Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis typing and pulsotypes were compared with those obtained during the previous survey in Croatia (2014‒2015). It was found that identical PFGE patterns of L. monocytogenes occur in milk samples of the same producer over a three-year period, indicating the persistence of pathogens in raw milk vending machines. The results obtained support the need for more effective control of milk in the entire food chain.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of CBL-CIPK Gene Family in Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and the Role of AcCBL1 in Abiotic and Biotic Stress Response
Authors: Aslam Mohammad , Fakher Beenish , Jakada Bello Hassan , Zhao Lihua , Cao Shijiang , Cheng Yan , Qin Yuan
Published: July 2019

Ca2+ serves as a ubiquitous second messenger regulating several aspects of plant growth and development. A group of unique calcium sensor proteins, calcineurin B-like (CBL), interact with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) to decode the Ca2+ signature inside the cell. Although CBL-CIPK signaling toolkit has been shown to play significant roles in the responses to numerous stresses in different plants, the information about pineapple CBL-CIPK remains obscure. In the present study, a total of eight AcCBL and 21 AcCIPK genes were identified genome-wide in pineapple. The identified genes were renamed on the basis of gene ID in ascending order and phylogenetic analysis divided into five groups. Transcriptomic data analysis showed that AcCBL and AcCIPK genes were expressed differentially in different tissues. Further, the expression analysis of AcCBL1 in different tissues showed significant changes under various abiotic stimuli. Additionally, the ectopic expression of AcCBL1 in Arabidopsis resulted in enhanced tolerance to salinity, osmotic, and fungal stress. The present study revealed the crucial contribution of the CBL-CIPK gene in various biological and physiological processes in pineapple.
Design and Evaluation of a Non-Contact Bed-Mounted Sensing Device for Automated In-Home Detection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mosquera-Lopez Clara , Leitschuh Joseph , Condon John , Hagen Chad C. , Rajhbeharrysingh Uma , Hanks Cody , Jacobs Peter G.
Published: July 2019

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the accuracy of a custom built non-contact pressure-sensitive device in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity as an alternative to in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) and a Type 3 in-home sleep apnea test (HSAT). Fourteen patients completed PSG sleep studies for one night with simultaneous recording from our load-cell-based sensing device in the bed. Subjects subsequently installed pressure sensors in their bed at home and recorded signals for up to four nights. Machine learning models were optimized to classify sleep apnea severity using a standardized American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) scoring of the gold standard studies as reference. On a per-night basis, our model reached a correct OSA detection rate of 82.9% (sensitivity = 88.9%, specificity = 76.5%), and OSA severity classification accuracy of 74.3% (61.5% and 81.8% correctly classified in-clinic and in-home tests, respectively). There was no difference in Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) estimation when subjects wore HSAT sensors versus load cells (LCs) only (p-value = 0.62). Our in-home diagnostic system provides an unobtrusive method for detecting OSA with high sensitivity and may potentially be used for long-term monitoring of breathing during sleep. Further research is needed to address the lower specificity resulting from using the highest AHI from repeated samples.
Annexin A1 Contained in Extracellular Vesicles Promotes the Activation of Keratinocytes by Mesoglycan Effects: An Autocrine Loop Through FPRs
Authors: Pessolano Emanuela , Belvedere Raffaella , Bizzarro Valentina , Franco Paola , De Marco Iolanda , Petrella Francesco , Porta Amalia , Tosco Alessandra , Parente Luca , Perretti Mauro , Petrella Antonello
Published: July 2019

We have recently demonstrated that mesoglycan, a fibrinolytic compound, may be a promising pro-healing drug for skin wound repair. We showed that mesoglycan induces migration, invasion, early differentiation, and translocation to the membrane of keratinocytes, as well as the secretion of annexin A1 (ANXA1), further involved in keratinocytes activation. These events are triggered by the syndecan-4 (SDC4)/PKCα pathway. SDC4 also participates to the formation and secretion of microvesicles (EVs) which may contribute to wound healing. EVs were isolated from HaCaT cells, as human immortalized keratinocytes, and then characterised by Western blotting, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Dynamic Light Scattering. Their autocrine effects were investigated by Wound-Healing/invasion assays and confocal microscopy to analyse cell motility and differentiation, respectively. Here, we found that the mesoglycan increased the release of EVs which amplify its same effects. ANXA1 contained in the microvesicles is able to promote keratinocytes motility and differentiation by acting on Formyl Peptide Receptors (FPRs). Thus, the extracellular form of ANXA1 may be considered as a link to intensify the effects of mesoglycan. In this study, for the first time, we have identified an interesting autocrine loop ANXA1/EVs/FPRs in human keratinocytes, induced by mesoglycan.
S100-EPISPOT: A New Tool to Detect Viable Circulating Melanoma Cells
Authors: Cayrefourcq Laure , De Roeck Aurélie , Garcia Caroline , Stoebner Pierre-Emmanuel , Fichel Fanny , Garima Françoise , Perriard Françoise , Daures Jean-Pierre , Meunier Laurent , Alix-Panabières Catherine
Published: July 2019

Metastatic melanoma is one of the most aggressive and drug-resistant cancers with very poor overall survival. Circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) were first described in 1991. However, there is no general consensus on the clinical utility of CMC detection, largely due to conflicting results linked to the use of heterogeneous patient populations and different detection methods. Here, we developed a new EPithelial ImmunoSPOT (EPISPOT) assay to detect viable CMCs based on their secretion of the S100 protein (S100-EPISPOT). Then, we compared the results obtained with the S100-EPISPOT assay and the CellSearch® CMC kit using blood samples from a homogeneous population of patients with metastatic melanoma. We found that S100-EPISPOT sensitivity was significantly higher than that of CellSearch®. Specifically, the percentage of patients with ≥2 CMCs was significantly higher using S100-EPISPOT than CellSearch® (48% and 21%, respectively; p = 0.0114). Concerning CMC prognostic value, only the CellSearch® results showed a significant association with overall survival (p = 0.006). However, due to the higher sensitivity of the new S100-EPISPOT assay, it would be interesting to determine whether this functional test could be used in patients with non-metastatic melanoma for the early detection of tumor relapse and for monitoring the treatment response.
In Situ Preparation and Corrosion Resistance of a ZrO2 Film on a ZrB2 Ceramic
Authors: Yang Haitao , Zhang Jian , Li Junguo , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: July 2019

ZrO2 films were in situ prepared using the anodic passivation of a ZrB2 ceramic in alkaline solutions. The composition and structure of the films were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion resistances were evaluated in 0.1 M oxalate solution using the potentiodynamic polarization method (PDP) and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. The results show that ZrO2 films can be prepared using anodization from −0.8 to 0.8 V standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) in 2–16 M NaOH solutions. During the anodization, the dehydration reaction of Zr(OH)4 to ZrO2 caused the volume shrinkage and tensile stress of the films. When the thickness of the films exceeded a critical value, the mud-cracking morphology occurred. The films without cracks exhibited the inhibition effect and provided effective corrosion protection in a 0.1 M H2C2O4 solution, which had a positive correlation with the film thickness. The film obtained when put in an 8 M NaOH solution (near the critical thickness) was found to significantly improve its corrosion resistance when put in a 0.1 M H2C2O4 solution by almost one order of magnitude compared with the bare ceramic.
Epitaxial Order Driven by Surface Corrugation: Quinquephenyl Crystals on a Cu(110)-(2×1)O Surface
Authors: Resel Roland , Koini Markus , Novak Jiri , Berkebile Steven , Koller Georg , Ramsey Michael
Published: July 2019

A 30 nm thick quinquephenyl (5P) film was grown by molecular beam deposition on a Cu(110)(2×1)O single crystal surface. The thin film morphology was studied by light microscopy and atomic force microscopy and the crystallographic structure of the thin film was investigated by X-ray diffraction methods. The 5P molecules crystallise epitaxially with (201)5P parallel to the substrate surface (110)Cu and with their long molecular axes parallel to [001]Cu. The observed epitaxial alignment cannot be explained by lattice matching calculations. Although a clear minimum in the lattice misfit exists, it is not adapted by the epitaxial growth of 5P crystals. Instead the formation of epitaxially oriented crystallites is determined by atomic corrugations of the substrate surface, such that the initially adsorbed 5P molecules fill with its rod-like shape the periodic grooves of the substrate. Subsequent crystal growth follows the orientation and alignment of the molecules taken within the initial growth stage.
Building Stock and Building Typology of Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Bachofer Felix , Braun Andreas , Adamietz Florian , Murray Sally , d’Angelo Pablo , Kyazze Edward , Mumuhire Abias Philippe , Bower Jonathan
Published: July 2019

This study uses very high-resolution Pléiades imagery for the densely built-up central part of the City of Kigali for the year 2015 in order to derive urban morphology data on building footprints, building archetypes and building heights. Aerial images of the study area from 2008–2009 were used in combination with the 2015 dataset to create a change monitoring dataset on a single building basis. A semi-automated approach was chosen which combined an object-based image analysis with an expert-based revision. The result is a geospatial dataset that detects 165,625 buildings for 2008–2009 and 211,458 for 2015. The dataset includes information on the type of changes between the two dates. Analysis of this geospatial dataset can be used for a range of research applications in economics and the social sciences, as well as a range of policy applications in urban planning and municipal finance administration.
A Context-Aware Route Finding Algorithm for Self-Driving Tourists Using Ontology
Authors: Barzegar Maryam , Sadeghi-Niaraki Abolghasem , Shakeri Maryam , Choi Soo-Mi
Published: July 2019

This study proposed a context-aware ontology-based route finding algorithm for self-driving tourists. In this algorithm, two ontologies—namely drivers’ experiences and required tourist services—were used according to tourist requirements. Trips were classified into business and touristic. The algorithm was then compared with Google Maps in terms of travel time and travel length for evaluation. The results showed that the proposed algorithm performed similarly to Google Maps in some cases of business trips and better in other cases, with a maximum 10-min travel time difference. In touristic trips, the capabilities of the proposed algorithm were far better than those of Google Maps.
Unobtrusive Sleep Monitoring Using Movement Activity by Video Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuan-Kai , Chen Hung-Yu , Chen Jian-Ru
Published: July 2019

Sleep healthcare at home is a new research topic that needs to develop new sensors, hardware and algorithms with the consideration of convenience, portability and accuracy. Monitoring sleep behaviors by visual sensors represents one new unobtrusive approach to facilitating sleep monitoring and benefits sleep quality. The challenge of video surveillance for sleep behavior analysis is that we have to tackle bad image illumination issue and large pose variations during sleeping. This paper proposes a robust method for sleep pose analysis with human joints model. The method first tackles the illumination variation issue of infrared videos to improve the image quality and help better feature extraction. Image matching by keypoint features is proposed to detect and track the positions of human joints and build a human model robust to occlusion. Sleep poses are then inferred from joint positions by probabilistic reasoning in order to tolerate occluded joints. Experiments are conducted on the video polysomnography data recorded in sleep laboratory. Sleep pose experiments are given to examine the accuracy of joint detection and tacking, and the accuracy of sleep poses. High accuracy of the experiments demonstrates the validity of the proposed method.
Enabling Non-Linear Energy Harvesting in Power Domain Based Multiple Access in Relaying Networks: Outage and Ergodic Capacity Performance Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Luan , Nguyen Minh-Sang Van , Do Dinh-Thuan , Voznak Miroslav
Published: July 2019

The Power Domain-based Multiple Access (PDMA) scheme is considered as one kind of Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) in green communications and can support energy-limited devices by employing wireless power transfer. Such a technique is known as a lifetime-expanding solution for operations in future access policy, especially in the deployment of power-constrained relays for a three-node dual-hop system. In particular, PDMA and energy harvesting are considered as two communication concepts, which are jointly investigated in this paper. However, the dual-hop relaying network system is a popular model assuming an ideal linear energy harvesting circuit, as in recent works, while the practical system situation motivates us to concentrate on another protocol, namely non-linear energy harvesting. As important results, a closed-form formula of outage probability and ergodic capacity is studied under a practical non-linear energy harvesting model. To explore the optimal system performance in terms of outage probability and ergodic capacity, several main parameters including the energy harvesting coefficients, position allocation of each node, power allocation factors, and transmit signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are jointly considered. To provide insights into the performance, the approximate expressions for the ergodic capacity are given. By matching analytical and Monte Carlo simulations, the correctness of this framework can be examined. With the observation of the simulation results, the figures also show that the performance of energy harvesting-aware PDMA systems under the proposed model can satisfy the requirements in real PDMA applications.
The Characteristics of Soil C, N, and P Stoichiometric Ratios as Affected by Geological Background in a Karst Graben Area, Southwest China
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Peng , Zhu Tongbin , Li Qiang , Cao Jianhua
Published: July 2019

Understanding ecological stoichiometric characteristics of soil nutrient elements is crucial to guide ecological restoration and agricultural cultivation in karst rocky desertification region, but the information about the effect of the geological background on ecological stoichiometric ratios remains unknown. Soils from different landforms, including a basin, slope, and plateau, were sampled to investigate the spatial variance of the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) under different rocky desertification grades (LRD: light rocky desertification; MRD: moderate rocky desertification; and SRD: severe rocky desertification) in a karst graben basin of Southwest China. Soil C:N ratio was not significantly influenced by rocky desertification grade, which was at a relatively stable level in the same landform, but soil C:P and N:P ratios increased with increasing rocky desertification grade. This change was consistent with increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in the same geomorphic location along with the intensification of rocky desertification, but soil P concentration remained at a relatively stable level, indicating that P may be the limiting macronutrient for plant growth during vegetation restoration in a karst graben area. The soil C:N ratio of slope land was larger than that of the basin and plateau, while the soil C:P ratio and N:P ratio of the slope and plateau were significantly larger than that of the basin. The correlations between pH and C, N, and P stoichiometry decreased significantly when Ca was used as a control variable. In sharp contrast, the correlations between Ca and C, N, and P stoichiometry were highly significant no matter whether pH was used as a control variable, suggesting the important role of Ca in soil C, N, and P stoichiometry in karst graben basins.
Crossing the Borders: Re-Use of Smart Learning Objects in Advanced Content Access Systems
Authors: Manzoor Hamza , Akhuseyinoglu Kamil , Wonderly Jackson , Brusilovsky Peter , Shaffer Clifford A.
Published: July 2019

Researchers in many disciplines are developing novel interactive smart learning objects like exercises and visualizations. Meanwhile, Learning Management Systems (LMS) and eTextbook systems are also becoming more sophisticated in their ability to use standard protocols to make use of third party smart learning objects. But at this time, educational tool developers do not always make best use of the interoperability standards and need exemplars to guide and motivate their development efforts. In this paper we present a case study where the two large educational ecosystems use the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard to allow cross-sharing of their educational materials. At the end of our development process, Virginia Tech’s OpenDSA eTextbook system became able to import materials from Aalto University’s ACOS smart learning content server, such as python programming exercises and Parsons problems. Meanwhile, University of Pittsburgh’s Mastery Grids (which already uses the ACOS exercises) was made to support CodeWorkout programming exercises (a system already used within OpenDSA). Thus, four major projects in CS Education became inter-operable.
Effect of Nozzle Diameter on Basalt Continuous Fiber Properties
Authors: Gutnikov Sergey I. , Lazoryak Bogdan I.
Published: July 2019

The experimental data presented in this work show the effects of nozzle diameter, drawing speed, and formation temperature on the diameter and strength of basalt filaments and melt flow rate. Several series of basalt continuous fibers were obtained using a specially designed crucible of platinum–rhodium alloy with four nozzles of different diameters (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 mm). The conditions of the process varied in formation temperature (from 1370 to 1450 °C) and winding speed (from 300 to 1200 m/min). Melt flow rate was almost independent of the winding speed, indicating laminar flow of the melt through the nozzles and the Newtonian nature of the liquid. The results show strict correlations between fiber diameter, nozzle diameter, and winding speed. The diameter of the fibers had a significant effect on their strength. The tensile strength of the obtained basalt fibers varied from 550 to 3320 MPa depending on the formation conditions. The results of this work could be useful not only for scientists, but also for technologists seeking the optimal conditions for technological processes.