bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Powder Bed Fusion of a High Strength Al-Si-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy
Authors: Aversa Alberta , Marchese Giulio , Manfredi Diego , Lorusso Massimo , Calignano Flaviana , Biamino Sara , Lombardi Mariangela , Fino Paolo , Pavese Matteo
Published: April 2018

Al-Si-Zn-Mg-Cu samples were produced using Laser Powder Bed Fusion from mixed AlSi10Mg and 7075 powders. It was observed that the introduction of silicon to an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy strongly reduced the crack density, probably because of the reduction of the solidification range, the improved fluidity of the molten phase and the reduction of the coefficient of thermal expansion. The density measurements showed that crack-free samples can be successfully produced with this powder mixture. The obtained Al-Si-Zn-Mg-Cu samples were characterized in terms of microstructure, hardness and tensile properties showing that this composition is very promising for future powder bed additive manufacturing processes.
Genotypic Features of Clinical and Bovine Escherichia coli O157 Strains Isolated in Countries with Different Associated-Disease Incidences
Authors: Pianciola Luis , Rivas Marta
Published: April 2018

There is great geographical variation in the frequency of Escherichia coli O157 infections that correlates with important differences in the bovine reservoir of each country. Our group carried out a broad molecular characterization of human and bovine E. coli O157 strains circulating in Argentina using different methodologies. Our data allows us to conclude that in Argentina, a high homogeneity is observed in both cattle and human strains, with almost exclusive circulation of strains belonging to the hypervirulent clade 8 described by Manning. The aim of this review was to compare the genetic background of E. coli O157 strains isolated in countries that have conducted similar studies, to try to correlate specific O157 genotypes with the incidence and severity of E. coli O157 associated diseases. The characteristics of the strains that cause disease in humans reflect the predominant genotypes in cattle in each of the countries analyzed. The main features clearly linked to high incidence or severity of E. coli O157 infections are lineage-specific polymorphism assay-6 lineage I/II, clade 8 strains and probably, clade 6 strains, the stx2a/stx2c genotype, the presence of q933 and q21 simultaneously, and putative virulence factor EC_3286. In countries with an absence of these features in O157 strains, the overall incidence of O157 disease is low. Argentina, where these characteristics are detected in most strains, shows the highest incidence of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide.
Fabrication of Si Nanoparticles@Carbon Fibers Composites from Natural Nanoclay as an Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery Flexible Anode
Authors: Liu Sainan , Zhang Qiang , Yang Huaming , Mu Dawei , Pan Anqiang , Liang Shuquan
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a cost-effective strategy for fabricating silicon-carbon composites was designed to further improve the electrochemical performance and commercialization prospects of Si anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Silicon-carbon fibers (CFs) were prepared by loading Si nanoparticles (SiNPs) on interconnected carbon fibers via an electrospinning technique (SiNPs@CFs). The Si nanoparticles were obtained by the reduction reaction of natural clay minerals. As a flexible anode for LIBs, the SiNPs@CFs anode demonstrated a reversible capacity of 1238.1 mAh·g−1 and a capacity retention of 77% after 300 cycles (in contrast to the second cycle) at a current density of 0.5 A·g−1. With a higher current density of 5.0 A·g−1, the electrode showed a specific capacity of 528.3 mAh·g−1 after 1000 cycles and exhibited a superior rate capability compared to Si nanoparticles. The excellent electrochemical properties were attributed to the construction of flexible electrodes and the composite comprising carbon fibers, which lessened the volume expansion and improved the conductivity of the system.
Catalan Imitations of the Ligurian Taches Noires Ware in Barcelona (18th–19th Century): An Example of Technical Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Di Febo Roberta , Casas Lluís , Capelli Claudio , Cabella Roberto , Vallcorba Oriol
Published: April 2018

The ware called Taches Noires was developed in Albisola (Liguria, NW Italy) during the 18th century. In just a few years, it spread all over the Mediterranean (Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia, and Greece) and also in the New World (Canada, the Caribbean Islands, and Mexico). The success of the Taches Noires ware was so massive that it was soon copied by Spanish and French workshops. A collection of Catalan imitations and Ligurian imports found in Barcelona were analysed and compared to previously existing data from Barcelona productions, as well as reference samples from Albisola. The study proved the presence of both local imitations and original Albisola imports. The analysis showed a homogeneous product of high technical quality for the Albisola pottery. On the contrary, the local imitations presented a greater diversification in the choice and manipulation of the raw materials, probably related to the existence of different workshops engaged in the manufacturing of these products. Nevertheless, for one of the local groups, ceramists adopted a glaze recipe similar to the one used in Albisola, clearly indicating a direct transfer of knowledge, and possibly of potters, from Albisola to Barcelona.
Effects of Essential Oils from Zingiberaceae Plants on Root-Rot Disease of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Sun Wu-Mei , Ma Yu-Nan , Yin Yan-Jiao , Chen Chuan-Jiao , Xu Fu-Rong , Dong Xian , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: April 2018

Replanting obstacles of Panax notoginseng caused by complex factors, including pathogens, have received great attention. In this study, essential oils (EOs) from either Alpinia officinarum Hance or Amomum tsao-ko (Zingiberaceae) were found to inhibit the growth of P. notoginseng-associated pathogenic fungi in vitro. Subsequent GC-MS analysis revealed the chemical profiles of two plant derived EOs. Linalool and eucalyptol were found to be abundant in the EOs and tested for their antifungal activities. In addition, the synergistic effects of A. tsao-ko EOs and hymexazol were also examined. These findings suggested that Zingiberaceae EOs might be a good source for developing new green natural pesticides fighting against root-rot of P. notoginseng.
LiGe(SiMe3)3: A New Substituent for the Synthesis of Metalloid Tin Clusters from Metastable Sn(I) Halide Solutions
Authors: Binder Mareike , Schrenk Claudio , Block Theresa , Pöttgen Rainer , Schnepf Andreas
Published: April 2018

The most fruitful synthetic route to metalloid tin clusters applies the disproportionation reaction of metastable Sn(I) halide solutions, whereby Si(SiMe3)3 is mostly used as the stabilizing substituent. Here, we describe the synthesis and application of the slightly modified substituent Ge(SiMe3)3, which can be used for the synthesis of metalloid tin clusters to give the neutral cluster Sn10[Ge(SiMe3)3]6 as well as the charged clusters {Sn10[Ge(SiMe3)3]5}− and {Sn10[Ge(SiMe3)3]4}2−. The obtained metalloid clusters are structurally similar to their Si(SiMe3)3 derivatives. However, differences with respect to the stability in solution are observed. Additionally, a different electronic situation for the tin atoms is realized as shown by 119mSn Mössbauer spectroscopy, giving further insight into the different kinds of tin atoms within the metalloid cluster {Sn10[Ge(SiMe3)3]4}2−. The synthesis of diverse derivatives gives the opportunity to check the influence of the substituent for further investigations of metalloid tin cluster compounds.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of New Thiazolidine-2,4-dione-Based Chlorophenylthiosemicarbazone Hybrids
Authors: Trotsko Nazar , Kosikowska Urszula , Paneth Agata , Plech Tomasz , Malm Anna , Wujec Monika
Published: April 2018

Series of new thiazolidine-2,4-dione-based chlorophenylthiosemicarbazone hybrids (17–40) were synthesized by the reaction of condensation chlorophenylthiosemicarbazides with formylphenyl 2-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl/ylidene)acetates. New compounds were tested on reference strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity of target compounds was determined by broth dilution method. Most active compounds possess minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 3.91 mg/L. These compounds were non-toxic at concentrations close to their antibacterial effect. The antibacterial activity of some compounds was similar to or higher than the activity of used reference drugs such as oxacillin and cefuroxime. The structure–activity relationships (SARs) analysis collectively suggests that at least two different molecular mechanisms of their antibacterial activity should be expected.
Identification of Peptides in Flowers of Sambucus nigra with Antimicrobial Activity against Aquaculture Pathogens
Authors: Álvarez Claudio Andrés , Barriga Andrés , Albericio Fernando , Romero María Soledad , Guzmán Fanny
Published: April 2018

The elder (Sambucus spp.) tree has a number of uses in traditional medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of elderberry liquid extract against human pathogenic bacteria and also influenza viruses. These properties have been mainly attributed to phenolic compounds. However, other plant defense molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), may be present. Here, we studied peptide extracts from flowers of Sambucus nigra L. The mass spectrometry analyses determined peptides of 3 to 3.6 kDa, among them, cysteine-rich peptides were identified with antimicrobial activity against various Gram-negative bacteria, including recurrent pathogens of Chilean aquaculture. In addition, membrane blebbing on the bacterial surface after exposure to the cyclotide was visualized by SEM microscopy and SYTOX Green permeabilization assay showed the ability to disrupt the bacterial membrane. We postulate that these peptides exert their action by destroying the bacterial membrane.
Novel Gold Dendritic Nanoforests Combined with Titanium Nitride for Visible-Light-Enhanced Chemical Degradation
Authors: Shiao Ming-Hua , Lin Chun-Ting , Zeng Jian-Jia , Lin Yung-Sheng
Published: April 2018

In this study, gold dendritic nanoforests (Au DNFs)-titanium nitride (TiN) composite was firstly proposed for visible-light photodegradation of pollutants. A high-power impulse magnetron sputtering system was used to coat TiN films on silicon wafers, and a fluoride-assisted galvanic replacement reaction was applied to deposit Au DNFs on TiN/Si substrates. Scanning electron microscope images and X-ray diffraction patterns of TiN/Si, Au DNFs/Si, and Au DNFs/TiN/Si samples verified that this synthesis process was accurately controlled. The average reflectance of Au DNFs/Si and Au DNFs/TiN/Si considerably declined to approximately 10%, because the broadband localized surface plasmon resonances of Au DNFs cause broadband absorbance and low reflectance. In photocatalytic performance, 90.66 ± 1.41% 4-nitrophenol was successfully degraded in 180 min by Au DNFs/TiN/Si under visible-light irradiation. Therefore, Au DNFs/TiN/Si has the chance to be a visible-light photocatalyst for photodegradation of pollutants.
Anti-EGFR Indocyanine Green-Mitomycin C-Loaded Perfluorocarbon Double Nanoemulsion: A Novel Nanostructure for Targeted Photochemotherapy of Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Yu-Hsiang , Lin Yu-Chun
Published: April 2018

The use of phototherapy as an adjuvant bladder cancer treatment has long been considered, but its application has been severely hampered due to a lack of tumor specificity, unpredicted cytotoxicity, and insufficient anticancer efficacy. In this study, we aim to manufacture anti-EGFR indocyanine green (ICG) mitomycin C (MMC) encapsulated perfluorocarbon double nanoemulsions (EIMPDNEs), and explore their photochemotherapeutic efficacy on EGFR-expressing bladder cancer cells in vitro. The EIMPDNEs were manufactured using a double emulsification technique followed by antibody conjugation on the particles’ surfaces. The EIMPDNE were 257 ± 19.4 nm in size, with a surface charge of −12.3 ± 2.33 mV. The EGFR targetability of the EIMPNDE was confirmed by its enhanced binding efficiency to T24 cells when compared with the performance of nanodroplets without EGFR conjugation (p < 0.05). In comparison with freely dissolved ICG, the EIMPDNEs with equal ICG content conferred an improved thermal stability to the encapsulated ICG, and were able to provide a comparable hyperthermia effect and significantly enhanced the production of singlet oxygen under 808 nm near infrared (NIR) exposure with an intensity of 6 W cm−2 for 5 min (p < 0.05). Based on viability analyses, our data showed that the EIMPDNEs were effective in bladder cancer cell eradication upon NIR exposure (808 nm; 6 W cm−2), and the resulting cell death rate was even higher than that caused by a five-fold higher amount of entrapped MMC alone. With the merits of improved ICG stability, EGFR binding specificity, and effective cancer cell eradication, the EIMPDNEs exhibit potential for use in EGFR-expressing bladder cancer therapy with lower chemotoxicity.
A Perspective on the Application of Spatially Resolved ARPES for 2D Materials
Authors: Cattelan Mattia , Fox Neil A.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a perspective on the application of Spatially- and Angle-Resolved PhotoEmission Spectroscopy (ARPES) for the study of two-dimensional (2D) materials is presented. ARPES allows the direct measurement of the electronic band structure of materials generating extremely useful insights into their electronic properties. The possibility to apply this technique to 2D materials is of paramount importance because these ultrathin layers are considered fundamental for future electronic, photonic and spintronic devices. In this review an overview of the technical aspects of spatially localized ARPES is given along with a description of the most advanced setups for laboratory and synchrotron-based equipment. This technique is sensitive to the lateral dimensions of the sample. Therefore, a discussion on the preparation methods of 2D material is presented. Some of the most interesting results obtained by ARPES are reported in three sections including: graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and 2D heterostructures. Graphene has played a key role in ARPES studies because it inspired the use of this technique with other 2D materials. TMDCs are presented for their peculiar transport, optical and spin properties. Finally, the section featuring heterostructures highlights a future direction for research into 2D material structures.
The Effect of Depressive Symptoms on the Association between Gluten-Free Diet Adherence and Symptoms in Celiac Disease: Analysis of a Patient Powered Research Network
Authors: Joelson Andrew , Geller Marilyn , Zylberberg Haley , Green Peter , Lebwohl Benjamin
Published: April 2018

Background: The prevalence of depression in celiac disease (CD) is high, and patients are often burdened socially and financially by a gluten-free diet. However, the relationship between depression, somatic symptoms and dietary adherence in CD is complex and poorly understood. We used a patient powered research network (iCureCeliac®) to explore the effect that depression has on patients’ symptomatic response to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Methods: We identified patients with biopsy-diagnosed celiac disease who answered questions pertaining to symptoms (Celiac Symptom Index (CSI)), GFD adherence (Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT)), and a 5-point, scaled question regarding depressive symptoms relating to patients’ celiac disease. We then measured the correlation between symptoms and adherence (CSI vs. CDAT) in patients with depression versus those without depression. We also tested for interaction of depression with regard to the association with symptoms using a multiple linear regression model. Results: Among 519 patients, 86% were female and the mean age was 40.9 years. 46% of patients indicated that they felt “somewhat,” “quite a bit,” or “very much” depressed because of their disorder. There was a moderate correlation between worsened celiac symptoms and poorer GFD adherence (r = 0.6, p < 0.0001). In those with a positive depression screen, there was a moderate correlation between worsening symptoms and worsening dietary adherence (r = 0.5, p < 0.0001) whereas in those without depression, the correlation was stronger (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001). We performed a linear regression analysis, which suggests that the relationship between CSI and CDAT is modified by depression. Conclusions: In patients with depressive symptoms related to their disorder, correlation between adherence and symptoms was weaker than those without depressive symptoms. This finding was confirmed with a linear regression analysis, showing that depressive symptoms may modify the effect of a GFD on celiac symptoms. Depressive symptoms may therefore mask the relationship between inadvertent gluten exposure and symptoms. Additional longitudinal and prospective studies are needed to further explore this potentially important finding.
Feasibility of a Lactobacillus casei Drink in the Intensive Care Unit for Prevention of Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea and Clostridium difficile
Authors: Alberda Cathy , Marcushamer Sam , Hewer Tayne , Journault Nicole , Kutsogiannis Demetrios
Published: April 2018

Background: Over 70% of patients are prescribed antibiotics during their intensive care (ICU) admission. The gut microbiome is dramatically altered early in an ICU stay, increasing the risk for antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). Evidence suggests that some probiotics are effective in the primary prevention of AAD and CDI. Aim: To demonstrate safety and feasibility of a probiotic drink in ICU patients. Methods: ICU patients initiated on antibiotics were recruited, and matched with contemporary controls. Study patients received two bottles daily of a drink containing 10 billion Lactobacillus casei which was bolused via feeding tube. Tolerance to probiotics and enteral nutrition, development of adverse events, and incidence of AAD was recorded. CDI rates were followed for 30 days post antibiotic treatment. Results: Thirty-two patients participated in the trial. There were no serious adverse events in the probiotic group, compared to three in the control group. AAD was documented in 12.5% of the probiotic group and 31.3% in the control group. One patient in the probiotic group developed CDI compared to three in the control group. Discussion: A probiotic containing drink can safely be delivered via feeding tube and should be considered as a preventative measure for AAD and CDI in ICU.
Deciphering the Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Inhibitory Efficacy of Taiwanese Local Pomegranate Peels against Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Ching-Ping , Chan Yu-Yi , Li Chien-Feng , Chien Lan-Hsiang , Lee Song-Tay , Wu Ting-Feng
Published: April 2018

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit has been demonstrated to have the inhibitory activities to various tumors. In this study, we try to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory capability of Taiwanese local pomegranate fruit to urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma. The results collected from the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated that the ethanol extract of pomegranate peel exhibited better inhibitory activity to human urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma T24 and J82 cells than that of pulp. Furthermore, the ethylacetate layer of peel ethanol extract was observed to have the best inhibitory activity against urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. One of the eight fractions (PEPE2 fraction) collected from the ethylacetate layer with Diaion HP-20 column chromatography demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity in urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. The results of the flow cytometry and apoptotic pathway studies suggested that the inhibitory activity of PEPE2 fraction were attributed to the UBUC cell apoptosis. To confirm the above results, our results of xenograft-induced bladder tumor in nude mice showed that the oral consumption of the ethylacetate layer (2, 5, 10 and 100 mg/kg) could decrease the volume and weight of T24 tumors and caused the apoptosis in the xenografted tumors, which was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling assay. This study provided the likelihood that the traditionally non-edible pomegranate peel waste is re-utilized to make an affordable and promising chemopreventive product to prevent UBUC incidence or recurrence.
Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AME) and Italian Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Position Statement: Clinical Management of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults
Authors: Cesareo Roberto , Attanasio Roberto , Caputo Marco , Castello Roberto , Chiodini Iacopo , Falchetti Alberto , Guglielmi Rinaldo , Papini Enrico , Santonati Assunta , Scillitani Alfredo , Toscano Vincenzo , Triggiani Vincenzo , Vescini Fabio , Zini Michele ,   On behalf of AME and Italian AACE Chapter
Published: April 2018

Vitamin D deficiency is very common and prescriptions of both assay and supplementation are increasing more and more. Health expenditure is exponentially increasing, thus it is timely and appropriate to establish rules. The Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists appointed a task force to review literature about vitamin D deficiency in adults. Four topics were identified as worthy for the practicing clinicians. For each topic recommendations based on scientific evidence and clinical practice were issued according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) System. (1) What cut-off defines vitamin D deficiency: even though 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) can be considered appropriate in the general population, we recommend to maintain levels above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) in categories at risk. (2) Whom, when, and how to perform screening for vitamin D deficiency: categories at risk (patients with bone, liver, kidney diseases, obesity, malabsorption, during pregnancy and lactation, some elderly) but not healthy people should be screened by the 25-hydroxy-vitamin D assay. (3) Whom and how to treat vitamin D deficiency: beyond healthy lifestyle (mostly sun exposure), we recommend oral vitamin D (vitamin D2 or vitamin D3) supplementation in patients treated with bone active drugs and in those with demonstrated deficiency. Dosages, molecules and modalities of administration can be profitably individually tailored. (4) How to monitor the efficacy of treatment with vitamin D: no routine monitoring is suggested during vitamin D treatment due to its large therapeutic index. In particular conditions, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D can be assayed after at least a 6-month treatment. We are confident that this document will help practicing clinicians in their daily clinical practice.
New Insight into Polydopamine@ZIF-8 Nanohybrids: A Zinc-Releasing Container for Potential Anticancer Activity
Authors: Ran Jingyu , Wang Cong , Zhang Jinjuan , Wang Wei , Xiao Lihua , Jia Shaoyi , Wang Ze , Wu Weidang , Xiao Jun , Wu Xinyu
Published: April 2018

Despite the initial evidence on the role of zinc and zinc transporters in cancer prevention, little attention has been paid to the zinc-derived compounds. In the present work, we reported a strategy to prepare a kind of zinc-releasing container with enhanced biocompatibility and release dynamics using ZIF-8 nanocrystals as the sacrificial templates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that the ZIF-8 nanocrystals were gradually etched out in the aqueous media within 48 h, resulting in hollow nanocapsules. Notably, we found the self-polymerization of dopamine can form nanoshells around the ZIF-8 nanocrystals, which served as a type of functional membranes during the release of zinc. More interestingly, PDA@ZIF-8–based nanohybrids expressed stronger inhibition to the cancer cell growth, which implied that the nanohybrids could be a drug carrier for chemotherapy. This study broadens the biomedical application of ZIF-8 and also provides a versatile strategy toward the development of multifunctional delivery system.
Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelet Size and Surface Area on the AC Electrical Conductivity and Dielectric Constant of Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Ravindran Anil Raj , Feng Chuang , Huang Shu , Wang Yu , Zhao Zhan , Yang Jie
Published: April 2018

Epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with various grades of multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are manufactured and tested. The effects of size, surface area, and concentration of GNP, as well as alternating current (AC) frequency on the electrical and dielectric properties of epoxy nanocomposites are experimentally investigated. GNPs with larger size and surface area are always beneficial to increase the electrical conductivity of the composites. However, their effects on the dielectric constant are highly dependent on GNP concentration and AC frequency. At lower GNP concentration, the dielectric constant increases proportionally with the increase in GNP size, while decreasing as the AC frequency increases. At higher GNP concentration in epoxy, the dielectric constant first increases with the increase of the GNP size, but decreases thereafter. This trend is also observed for varying the processed GNP surface area on the dielectric constant. Moreover, the variations of the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant with the GNP concentration and AC frequency are then correlated with the measured interfiller spacing and GNP diameter.
Thermoresponsive Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications: Special Insight into Their Applications in Textile Based Transdermal Therapy
Authors: Chatterjee Sudipta , Hui Patrick Chi-leung , Kan Chi-wai
Published: April 2018

Various natural and synthetic polymers are capable of showing thermoresponsive properties and their hydrogels are finding a wide range of biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing. Thermoresponsive hydrogels use temperature as external stimulus to show sol-gel transition and most of the thermoresponsive polymers can form hydrogels around body temperature. The availability of natural thermoresponsive polymers and multiple preparation methods of synthetic polymers, simple preparation method and high functionality of thermoresponsive hydrogels offer many advantages for developing drug delivery systems based on thermoresponsive hydrogels. In textile field applications of thermoresponsive hydrogels, textile based transdermal therapy is currently being applied using drug loaded thermoresponsive hydrogels. The current review focuses on the preparation, physico-chemical properties and various biomedical applications of thermoresponsive hydrogels based on natural and synthetic polymers and especially, their applications in developing functionalized textiles for transdermal therapies. Finally, future prospects of dual responsive (pH/temperature) hydrogels made by these polymers for textile based transdermal treatments are mentioned in this review.
Integrated Chemometrics and Statistics to Drive Successful Proteomics Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Suppers Anouk , Gool Alain J. van , Wessels Hans J. C. T.
Published: April 2018

Protein biomarkers are of great benefit for clinical research and applications, as they are powerful means for diagnosing, monitoring and treatment prediction of different diseases. Even though numerous biomarkers have been reported, the translation to clinical practice is still limited. This mainly due to: (i) incorrect biomarker selection, (ii) insufficient validation of potential biomarkers, and (iii) insufficient clinical use. In this review, we focus on the biomarker selection process and critically discuss the chemometrical and statistical decisions made in proteomics biomarker discovery to increase to selection of high value biomarkers. The characteristics of the data, the computational resources, the type of biomarker that is searched for and the validation strategy influence the decision making of the chemometrical and statistical methods and a decision made for one component directly influences the choice for another. Incorrect decisions could increase the false positive and negative rate of biomarkers which requires independent confirmation of outcome by other techniques and for comparison between different related studies. There are few guidelines for authors regarding data analysis documentation in peer reviewed journals, making it hard to reproduce successful data analysis strategies. Here we review multiple chemometrical and statistical methods for their value in proteomics-based biomarker discovery and propose to include key components in scientific documentation.
Contemplation, Subcreation, and Video Games
Authors: Wolf Mark J. P.
Published: April 2018

This essay asks how religion and theological ideas might be made manifest in video games, and particularly the creation of video games as a religious activity, looking at contemplative experiences in video games, and the creation and world-building of game worlds as a form of Tolkienian subcreation, which itself leads to contemplation regarding the creation of worlds.
Understanding Compliance in Patriarchal Religions: Mormon Women and the Latter Day Saints Church as a Case Study
Authors: Leamaster Reid , Bautista Andres
Published: April 2018

Defining compliance as acquiescence in situations of inequality, this article explores patterns of compliance to gender traditionalism from the analysis of interviews with Mormon women. Analysis reveals that Mormon women face unique, context-specific mechanisms for stifling resistance to gender traditionalism. Additionally, many of the Mormon women interviewed who do not comply with traditional gender expectations regarding motherhood still accept and defend gender traditionalism. We explain this pattern with a concept that we call ideological compensation, which means that women in gender traditional religions defend gender traditionalism even if they do not live it as a way to compensate for their non-compliance. Finally, we find that some of the women frame their compliance to Mormon gender traditionalism as a statement of resistance against the broader society. We describe this phenomenon with a concept known as subcultural resistance. Overall, this study sheds light on how Mormon women interpret traditional gender expectations and the mechanisms that are put in place to stifle resistance.
New Frontiers and Relations between Religion, Culture and Politics in Western Europe
Authors: Pérez-Agote Alfonso
Published: April 2018

Sociology was born as a discipline that analyzed the process of modernization of Western European societies. However, in turn, this science was developing a predictive, prophetic vision of the future of human communities, assuming that they were all going to follow paths similar to those followed by Western Europeans. This prophetic dimension reduced the capacity of sociology to analyze new phenomena including, on the one hand, phenomena relating to other societies, on the one hand, but also, on the other hand, phenomena related to the transformations suffered by Western European societies after their process of modernization. This last case constitutes the objective of this work, in which I try to recover the purely analytical character of sociology. To this end, I intend to relate the general model of the political modernization of Western European societies elaborated by historical sociology to the theory of social differentiation, avoiding the evolutionary drift of this theory. From that position, I try to specify the analytical nature of some conceptual instruments of sociology, in order to make them more useful to understanding the contemporary social transformations of Western European societies. Some of these transformations have changed the tendency towards the cultural homogenization characteristic of modernization, because after the two world wars these societies began to receive strong flows of immigration.
Infrared Image Enhancement Using Adaptive Histogram Partition and Brightness Correction
Authors: Wan Minjie , Gu Guohua , Qian Weixian , Ren Kan , Chen Qian , Maldague Xavier
Published: April 2018

Infrared image enhancement is a crucial pre-processing technique in intelligent urban surveillance systems for Smart City applications. Existing grayscale mapping-based algorithms always suffer from over-enhancement of the background, noise amplification, and brightness distortion. To cope with these problems, an infrared image enhancement method based on adaptive histogram partition and brightness correction is proposed. First, the grayscale histogram is adaptively segmented into several sub-histograms by a locally weighted scatter plot smoothing algorithm and local minima examination. Then, the fore-and background sub-histograms are distinguished according to a proposed metric called grayscale density. The foreground sub-histograms are equalized using a local contrast weighted distribution for the purpose of enhancing the local details, while the background sub-histograms maintain the corresponding proportions of the whole dynamic range in order to avoid over-enhancement. Meanwhile, a visual correction factor considering the property of human vision is designed to reduce the effect of noise during the procedure of grayscale re-mapping. Lastly, particle swarm optimization is used to correct the mean brightness of the output by virtue of a reference image. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations implemented on real infrared images demonstrate the superiority of our method when compared with other conventional methods.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Semantic Internet of Things in a User-Centric Smart City
Authors: Guo Kun , Lu Yueming , Gao Hui , Cao Ruohan
Published: April 2018

Smart city (SC) technologies can provide appropriate services according to citizens’ demands. One of the key enablers in a SC is the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which enables a massive number of devices to connect with each other. However, these devices usually come from different manufacturers with different product standards, which confront interactive control problems. Moreover, these devices will produce large amounts of data, and efficiently analyzing these data for intelligent services. In this paper, we propose a novel artificial intelligence-based semantic IoT (AI-SIoT) hybrid service architecture to integrate heterogeneous IoT devices to support intelligent services. In particular, the proposed architecture is empowered by semantic and AI technologies, which enable flexible connections among heterogeneous devices. The AI technology can support very implement efficient data analysis and make accurate decisions on service provisions in various kinds. Furthermore, we also present several practical use cases of the proposed AI-SIoT architecture and the opportunities and challenges to implement the proposed AI-SIoT for future SCs are also discussed.
Electrochemical Biosensor for Nitrite Based on Polyacrylic-Graphene Composite Film with Covalently Immobilized Hemoglobin
Authors: Raja Jamaluddin Raja Zaidatul Akhmar , Yook Heng Lee , Tan Ling Ling , Chong Kwok Feng
Published: April 2018

A new biosensor for the analysis of nitrite in food was developed based on hemoglobin (Hb) covalently immobilized on the succinimide functionalized poly(n-butyl acrylate)-graphene [poly(nBA)-rGO] composite film deposited on a carbon-paste screen-printed electrode (SPE). The immobilized Hb on the poly(nBA)-rGO conducting matrix exhibited electrocatalytic ability for the reduction of nitrite with significant enhancement in the reduction peak at −0.6 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Thus, direct determination of nitrite can be achieved by monitoring the cathodic peak current signal of the proposed polyacrylic-graphene hybrid film-based voltammetric nitrite biosensor. The nitrite biosensor exhibited a reproducible dynamic linear response range from 0.05–5 mg L−1 nitrite and a detection limit of 0.03 mg L−1. No significant interference was observed by potential interfering ions such as Ca2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+, and NO3− ions. Analysis of nitrite in both raw and processed edible bird’s nest (EBN) samples demonstrated recovery of close to 100%. The covalent immobilization of Hb on poly(nBA)-rGO composite film has improved the performance of the electrochemical nitrite biosensor in terms of broader detection range, lower detection limit, and prolonged biosensor stability.
Real-Time Vision-Based Stiffness Mapping †
Authors: Faragasso Angela , Bimbo João , Stilli Agostino , Wurdemann Helge Arne , Althoefer Kaspar , Asama Hajime
Published: April 2018

This paper presents new findings concerning a hand-held stiffness probe for the medical diagnosis of abnormalities during palpation of soft-tissue. Palpation is recognized by the medical community as an essential and low-cost method to detect and diagnose disease in soft-tissue. However, differences are often subtle and clinicians need to train for many years before they can conduct a reliable diagnosis. The probe presented here fills this gap providing a means to easily obtain stiffness values of soft tissue during a palpation procedure. Our stiffness sensor is equipped with a multi degree of freedom (DoF) Aurora magnetic tracker, allowing us to track and record the 3D position of the probe whilst examining a tissue area, and generate a 3D stiffness map in real-time. The stiffness probe was integrated in a robotic arm and tested in an artificial environment representing a good model of soft tissue organs; the results show that the sensor can accurately measure and map the stiffness of a silicon phantom embedded with areas of varying stiffness.
Performance Analysis of Satellite Missions for Multi-Temporal SAR Interferometry
Authors: Bovenga Fabio , Belmonte Antonella , Refice Alberto , Pasquariello Guido , Nutricato Raffaele , Nitti Davide O. , Chiaradia Maria T.
Published: April 2018

Multi-temporal InSAR (MTI) applications pose challenges related to the availability of coherent scattering from the ground surface, the complexity of the ground deformations, atmospheric artifacts, and visibility problems related to ground elevation. Nowadays, several satellite missions are available providing interferometric SAR data at different wavelengths, spatial resolutions, and revisit time. A new and interesting opportunity is provided by Sentinel-1, which has a spatial resolution comparable to that of previous ESA C-band sensors, and revisit times improved by up to 6 days. According to these different SAR space-borne missions, the present work discusses current and future opportunities of MTI applications in terms of ground instability monitoring. Issues related to coherent target detection, mean velocity precision, and product geo-location are addressed through a simple theoretical model assuming backscattering mechanisms related to point scatterers. The paper also presents an example of a multi-sensor ground instability investigation over Lesina Marina, a village in Southern Italy lying over a gypsum diapir, where a hydration process, involving the underlying anhydride, causes a smooth uplift and the formation of scattered sinkholes. More than 20 years of MTI SAR data have been processed, coming from both legacy ERS and ENVISAT missions, and latest-generation RADARSAT-2, COSMO-SkyMed, and Sentinel-1A sensors. Results confirm the presence of a rather steady uplift process, with limited to null variations throughout the whole monitored time-period.
A Coarse-to-Fine Geometric Scale-Invariant Feature Transform for Large Size High Resolution Satellite Image Registration
Authors: Chang Xueli , Du Siliang , Li Yingying , Fang Shenghui
Published: April 2018

Large size high resolution (HR) satellite image matching is a challenging task due to local distortion, repetitive structures, intensity changes and low efficiency. In this paper, a novel matching approach is proposed for the large size HR satellite image registration, which is based on coarse-to-fine strategy and geometric scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT). In the coarse matching step, a robust matching method scale restrict (SR) SIFT is implemented at low resolution level. The matching results provide geometric constraints which are then used to guide block division and geometric SIFT in the fine matching step. The block matching method can overcome the memory problem. In geometric SIFT, with area constraints, it is beneficial for validating the candidate matches and decreasing searching complexity. To further improve the matching efficiency, the proposed matching method is parallelized using OpenMP. Finally, the sensing image is rectified to the coordinate of reference image via Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) transformation. Experiments are designed to test the performance of the proposed matching method. The experimental results show that the proposed method can decrease the matching time and increase the number of matching points while maintaining high registration accuracy.
Optical Detection of Ketoprofen by Its Electropolymerization on an Indium Tin Oxide-Coated Optical Fiber Probe
Authors: Bogdanowicz Robert , Niedziałkowski Paweł , Sobaszek Michał , Burnat Dariusz , Białobrzeska Wioleta , Cebula Zofia , Sezemsky Petr , Koba Marcin , Stranak Vitezslav , Ossowski Tadeusz , Śmietana Mateusz
Published: April 2018

In this work an application of optical fiber sensors for real-time optical monitoring of electrochemical deposition of ketoprofen during its anodic oxidation is discussed. The sensors were fabricated by reactive magnetron sputtering of indium tin oxide (ITO) on a 2.5 cm-long core of polymer-clad silica fibers. ITO tuned in optical properties and thickness allows for achieving a lossy-mode resonance (LMR) phenomenon and it can be simultaneously applied as an electrode in an electrochemical setup. The ITO-LMR electrode allows for optical monitoring of changes occurring at the electrode during electrochemical processing. The studies have shown that the ITO-LMR sensor’s spectral response strongly depends on electrochemical modification of its surface by ketoprofen. The effect can be applied for real-time detection of ketoprofen. The obtained sensitivities reached over 1400 nm/M (nm·mg−1·L) and 16,400 a.u./M (a.u.·mg−1·L) for resonance wavelength and transmission shifts, respectively. The proposed method is a valuable alternative for the analysis of ketoprofen within the concentration range of 0.25–250 μg mL−1, and allows for its determination at therapeutic and toxic levels. The proposed novel sensing approach provides a promising strategy for both optical and electrochemical detection of electrochemical modifications of ITO or its surface by various compounds.
Adaptive ISAR Imaging of Maneuvering Targets Based on a Modified Fourier Transform
Authors: Wang Binbin , Xu Shiyou , Wu Wenzhen , Hu Pengjiang , Chen Zengping
Published: April 2018

Focusing on the inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging of maneuvering targets, this paper presents a new imaging method which works well when the target’s maneuvering is not too severe. After translational motion compensation, we describe the equivalent rotation of maneuvering targets by two variables—the relative chirp rate of the linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal and the Doppler focus shift. The first variable indicates the target’s motion status, and the second one represents the possible residual error of the translational motion compensation. With them, a modified Fourier transform matrix is constructed and then used for cross-range compression. Consequently, the imaging of maneuvering is converted into a two-dimensional parameter optimization problem in which a stable and clear ISAR image is guaranteed. A gradient descent optimization scheme is employed to obtain the accurate relative chirp rate and Doppler focus shift. Moreover, we designed an efficient and robust initialization process for the gradient descent method, thus, the well-focused ISAR images of maneuvering targets can be achieved adaptively. Human intervention is not needed, and it is quite convenient for practical ISAR imaging systems. Compared to precedent imaging methods, the new method achieves better imaging quality under reasonable computational cost. Simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Unsupervised Learning for Monaural Source Separation Using Maximization–Minimization Algorithm with Time–Frequency Deconvolution †
Authors: Woo Wai Lok , Gao Bin , Bouridane Ahmed , Ling Bingo Wing-Kuen , Chin Cheng Siong
Published: April 2018

This paper presents an unsupervised learning algorithm for sparse nonnegative matrix factor time–frequency deconvolution with optimized fractional β -divergence. The β -divergence is a group of cost functions parametrized by a single parameter β . The Itakura–Saito divergence, Kullback–Leibler divergence and Least Square distance are special cases that correspond to β = 0 ,   1 ,   2 , respectively. This paper presents a generalized algorithm that uses a flexible range of β that includes fractional values. It describes a maximization–minimization (MM) algorithm leading to the development of a fast convergence multiplicative update algorithm with guaranteed convergence. The proposed model operates in the time–frequency domain and decomposes an information-bearing matrix into two-dimensional deconvolution of factor matrices that represent the spectral dictionary and temporal codes. The deconvolution process has been optimized to yield sparse temporal codes through maximizing the likelihood of the observations. The paper also presents a method to estimate the fractional β value. The method is demonstrated on separating audio mixtures recorded from a single channel. The paper shows that the extraction of the spectral dictionary and temporal codes is significantly more efficient by using the proposed algorithm and subsequently leads to better source separation performance. Experimental tests and comparisons with other factorization methods have been conducted to verify its efficacy.
Racial Variation in the Association between Educational Attainment and Self-Rated Health
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: April 2018

Background: Minorities’ Diminished Return theory can be defined as the systematically smaller effects of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators on the health and well-being of minority populations compared to Whites. To test whether Minorities’ Diminished Return theory holds for self-rated health (SRH), we investigated Black–White differences in the effects of education and income on SRH. Methods: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017 was used. HINTS 2017 (n = 3217) is a nationally cross-sectional survey of American adults. The current analysis included 2277 adults who were either Whites (n = 1868; 82%) or Blacks (n = 409; 18%). Education and income were the independent variables. Poor/fair SRH was the dependent variable. Covariates included age, gender, obesity, and health behaviors (smoking and exercise). Race was the focal moderator. We ran logistic regressions in the overall sample, with and without race by SES (education and income) interactions. Results: Higher education was associated with lower risk of poor/fair SRH in the pooled sample. We found an interaction between race and education, but not race and income, in relation to SRH, suggesting a stronger association for Whites than Blacks. Conclusions: Minorities’ Diminished Return theory is also relevant to the effects of educational attainment on SRH. The relative disadvantage of Blacks compared to Whites in gaining SRH from educational attainment may reflect structural racism that systemically hinders Blacks. There is a need for additional research on specific societal barriers that minimize Blacks’ health gain from their SES resources. Policies and programs should help Black individuals leverage their SES resources.