bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences and Management of Canine Brachycephaly in Veterinary Practice: Perspectives from Australian Veterinarians and Veterinary Specialists
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Barrs Vanessa , Awad Magdoline , Child Georgina , Brunel Laurencie , Mooney Erin , Martinez-Taboada Fernando , McDonald Beth , McGreevy Paul
Published: December 2018

This article, written by veterinarians whose caseloads include brachycephalic dogs, argues that there is now widespread evidence documenting a link between extreme brachycephalic phenotypes and chronic disease, which compromises canine welfare. This paper is divided into nine sections exploring the breadth of the impact of brachycephaly on the incidence of disease, as indicated by pet insurance claims data from an Australian pet insurance provider, the stabilization of respiratory distress associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), challenges associated with sedation and the anaesthesia of patients with BOAS; effects of brachycephaly on the brain and associated neurological conditions, dermatological conditions associated with brachycephalic breeds, and other conditions, including ophthalmic and orthopedic conditions, and behavioural consequences of brachycephaly. In the light of this information, we discuss the ethical challenges that are associated with brachycephalic breeds, and the role of the veterinarian. In summary, dogs with BOAS do not enjoy freedom from discomfort, nor freedom from pain, injury, and disease, and they do not enjoy the freedom to express normal behaviour. According to both deontological and utilitarian ethical frameworks, the breeding of dogs with BOAS cannot be justified, and further, cannot be recommended, and indeed, should be discouraged by veterinarians.
Suppression of Light-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Retina by Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant
Authors: Baksheeva Viktoriia E. , Tiulina Veronika V. , Tikhomirova Natalia K. , Gancharova Olga S. , Komarov Sergey V. , Philippov Pavel P. , Zamyatnin Andrey A. , Senin Ivan I. , Zernii Evgeni Yu.
Published: December 2018

Light-induced oxidation of lipids and proteins provokes retinal injuries and results in progression of degenerative retinal diseases, such as, for instance, iatrogenic photic maculopathies. Having accumulated over years retinal injuries contribute to development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Antioxidant treatment is regarded as a promising approach to protecting the retina from light damage and AMD. Here, we examine oxidative processes induced in rabbit retina by excessive light illumination with or without premedication using mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (10-(6’-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenyl-phosphonium). The retinal extracts obtained from animals euthanized within 1–7 days post exposure were analyzed for H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant activity (AOA), and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) using colorimetric and luminescence assays. Oxidation of visual arrestin was monitored by immunoblotting. The light exposure induced lipid peroxidation and H2O2 accumulation in the retinal cells. Unexpectedly, it prominently upregulated AOA in retinal extracts although SOD and GPx activities were compromised. These alterations were accompanied by accumulation of disulfide dimers of arrestin revealing oxidative stress in the photoreceptors. Premedication of the eyes with SkQ1 accelerated normalization of H2O2 levels and redox-status of lipids and proteins, contemporarily enhancing AOA and, likely, sustaining normal activity of GPx. Thus, SkQ1 protects the retina from light-induced oxidative stress and could be employed to suppress oxidative damage of proteins and lipids contributing to AMD.
Chatter Identification of Three-Dimensional Elliptical vibration Cutting Process Based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and Feature Extraction
Authors: Lu Mingming , Chen Bin , Zhao Dongpo , Zhou Jiakang , Lin Jieqiong , Yi Allen , Wang Hao
Published: December 2018

Three-dimensional elliptical vibration cutting (3D-EVC) is one of the machining methods with the most potential in ultra-precision machining; its unique characteristics of intermittent cutting, friction reversal, and ease of chip removal can improve the machinability of materials in the cutting processes. However, there is still not much research about the chattering phenomenon in the 3D-EVC process. Therefore, based on the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique and feature extraction, a chatter identification method for 3D-EVC is proposed. In 3D-EVC operations, the vibration signal is collected by the displacement sensors and converted to frequency domain signal by fast Fourier transform (FFT). To identify tool cutting state using the vibration frequency signal, the vibration signals are decomposed using empirical mode decomposition (EMD), a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), so the instantaneous frequency can be reflected by the vibration signals at any point. Then, selecting the primary IMFs which contain rich chatter information as the object in feature extraction identification, and two identification indexes, that is, the mean square frequency and self-correlation coefficient, are calculated for the primary IMFs by MATLAB software, to judge the chatter phenomenon. The experimental results showed that the mean square frequency and self-correlation coefficient of the three cutting states increase with the increase in the instability of the cutting state. The effectiveness of the improved chatter recognition method in 3D-EVC machining is verified.
Free Transverse Vibration of Rectangular Orthotropic Plates with Two Opposite Edges Rotationally Restrained and Remaining Others Free
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Sigong
Published: December 2018

Many types of engineering structures can be effectively modelled as orthotropic plates with opposite free edges such as bridge decks. The other two edges, however, are usually treated as simply supported or fully clamped in current design practice, although the practical boundary conditions are intermediate between these two limiting cases. Frequent applications of orthotropic plates in structures have generated the need for a better understanding of the dynamic behaviour of orthotropic plates with non-classical boundary conditions. In the present study, the transverse vibration of rectangular orthotropic plates with two opposite edges rotationally restrained with the remaining others free was studied by applying the method of finite integral transforms. A new alternative formulation was developed for vibration analysis, which provides much easier solutions. Exact series solutions were derived, and the excellent accuracy and efficiency of the method are demonstrated through considerable numerical studies and comparisons with existing results. Some new results have been presented. In addition, the effect of different degrees of rotational restraints on the mode shapes was also demonstrated. The present analytical method is straightforward and systematic, and the derived characteristic equation for eigenvalues can be easily adapted for broad applications.
A Geostationary Instrument Simulator for Aerosol Observing System Simulation Experiments
Authors: Castellanos Patricia , Da Silva Arlindo M. , Darmenov Anton S. , Buchard Virginie , Govindaraju Ravi C. , Ciren Pubu , Kondragunta Shobha
Published: December 2018

In the near future, there will be several new instruments measuring atmospheric composition from geostationary orbit over North America, East Asia, and Europe. This constellation of satellites will provide high resolution, time resolved measurements of trace gases and aerosols for monitoring air quality and tracking pollution sources. This paper describes a detailed, fast, and accurate (less than 1.0% uncertainty) method for calculating synthetic top of the atmosphere (TOA) radiances from a global simulation with a mesoscale free running model, the GEOS-5 Nature Run, for remote sensing instruments in geostationary orbit that measure in the ultraviolet-visible spectral range (UV-Vis). Generating these synthetic observations is the first step of an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE), a framework for evaluating the impact of a new observation or algorithm. This paper provides details of the model sampling, aerosol and cloud optical properties, surface reflectance modeling, Rayleigh scattering calculations, and a discussion of the uncertainties of the simulated TOA radiance. An application for the simulated TOA radiance observations is demonstrated in the manuscript. Simulated TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) and GOES-R (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) observations were used to show how observations from the two instruments could be combined to facilitate aerosol type discrimination. The results demonstrate the viability of a detailed instrument simulator for radiance measurements in the UV-Vis that is capable of accurately simulating high resolution, time-resolved measurements with reasonable computational efficiency.
ISSR Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Structure of Plum Varieties Cultivated in Southern China
Authors: Wu Weifeng , Chen Faxing , Yeh Kaiwun , Chen Jianjun
Published: December 2018

Plums (Prunus spp.) are important deciduous fruit crops in the world. China is a major producer of P. salicina Lindl., but the genetic relationship of Chinese plums in key production regions remain unclear. In this study, 14 University of British Columbia (UBC) inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers were used to analyze 33 plum varieties cultivated in Fujian Province to determine their genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 146 bands were generated, of which 130 were polymorphic. Mean percentage of polymorphic bands was 89.04%, Shannon’s information index value was 0.38, and the Nei’s genetic index value was 0.24. Using unrooted trees (Neighbor-Joining method), 33 varieties were classified into four groups. Split graph separated them into two major groups, each with two subgroups. The two phylogenetic trees indicate that environmental or natural selection pressure is an important factor influencing their genetic relationship. Analysis of population structure revealed that they have frequent genetic exchanges among closed subpopulations; thus, genetic variation mainly occurs within the population. Additionally, based on the phylogenetic analysis and unique morphological characteristics of fruits, we propose that the Chinese landrace Nai could contribute significantly to development of the famous variety Wickson.
Searching for Chymase Inhibitors among Chamomile Compounds Using a Computational-Based Approach
Authors: Dubey Amit , Dotolo Serena , Ramteke Pramod W. , Facchiano Angelo , Marabotti Anna
Published: December 2018

Inhibitors of chymase have good potential to provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We used a computational approach based on pharmacophore modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the potential ability of 13 natural compounds from chamomile extracts to bind chymase enzyme. The results indicated that some chamomile compounds can bind to the active site of human chymase. In particular, chlorogenic acid had a predicted binding energy comparable or even better than that of some known chymase inhibitors, interacted stably with key amino acids in the chymase active site, and appeared to be more selective for chymase than other serine proteases. Therefore, chlorogenic acid is a promising starting point for developing new chymase inhibitors.
Reviewing Theoretical and Numerical Models for PCM-embedded Cementitious Composites
Authors: Caggiano Antonio , Mankel Christoph , Koenders Eddie
Published: December 2018

Accumulating solar and/or environmental heat in walls of apartment buildings or houses is a way to level-out daily temperature differences and significantly cut back on energy demands. A possible way to achieve this goal is by developing advanced composites that consist of porous cementitious materials with embedded phase change materials (PCMs) that have the potential to accumulate or liberate heat energy during a chemical phase change from liquid to solid, or vice versa. This paper aims to report the current state of art on numerical and theoretical approaches available in the scientific literature for modelling the thermal behavior and heat accumulation/liberation of PCMs employed in cement-based composites. The work focuses on reviewing numerical tools for modelling phase change problems while emphasizing the so-called Stefan problem, or particularly, on the numerical techniques available for solving it. In this research field, it is the fixed grid method that is the most commonly and practically applied approach. After this, a discussion on the modelling procedures available for schematizing cementitious composites with embedded PCMs is reported.
Study on Transglucosylation Properties of Amylosucrase from Xanthomonas campestris pv. Campestris and Its Application in the Production of α-Arbutin
Authors: Yang Chengyu , Fan Weiming , Zhang Ruijie , Shi Jiping , Knežević-Jugović Zorica , Zhang Baoguo
Published: December 2018

α-Arbutin (4-hydroquinone-α-D-glucopyranoside), an effective skin-lightening agent due to its considerable inhibitory effect on human tyrosinase activity, is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Recently, α-arbutin was prepared through transglucosylation of hydroquinone using microbial glycosyltransferases as catalysts. However, the low yield and prolonged reaction time of the biotransformation process of α-arbutin production limited its industrial application. In this work, an amylosucrase (ASase) from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris str. ATCC 33913 (XcAS) was expressed efficiently in Escherichia coli JM109. The catalytic property of the purified XcAS for the synthesis of α-arbutin was tested. The recombinant strain was applied for highly efficient synthesis of α-arbutin using sucrose and hydroquinone as glucosyl donor and acceptor, respectively. By optimizing the biotransformation conditions and applying a fed-batch strategy, the final production yield and conversion rate of α-arbutin reached 60.9 g/L and 95.5%, respectively, which is the highest reported yield by engineered strains. Compared to the highest reported value (<1.4 g/L/h), our productivity (7.6 g/L/h) was improved more than five-fold. This work represents an efficient and rapid method for α-arbutin production with potential industrial applications.
Perspective: Mitochondria-ER Contacts in Metabolic Cellular Stress Assessed by Microscopy
Authors: Stacchiotti Alessandra , Favero Gaia , Lavazza Antonio , Garcia-Gomez Raquel , Monsalve Maria , Rezzani Rita
Published: December 2018

The interplay of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum and their connections, called mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) or mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), are crucial hubs in cellular stress. These sites are essential for the passage of calcium ions, reactive oxygen species delivery, the sorting of lipids in whole-body metabolism. In this perspective article, we focus on microscopic evidences of the pivotal role of MERCs/MAMs and their changes in metabolic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
Hepatoblastoma—The Evolution of Biology, Surgery, and Transplantation
Authors: Lim Irene , Bondoc Alexander , Geller James , Tiao Gregory
Published: December 2018

The most common primary malignant liver tumor of childhood, hepatoblastoma has increased in incidence over the last 30 years, but little is still known about its pathogenesis. Discoveries in molecular biology provide clues but have yet to define targeted therapies. Disease-free survival varies according to stage, but is greater than 90% in favorable risk populations, in part due to improvements in chemotherapeutic regimens, surgical resection, and earlier referral to liver transplant centers. This article aims to highlight the principles of disease that guide current treatment algorithms. Surgical treatment, especially orthotopic liver transplantation, will also be emphasized in the context of the current Children’s Oncology Group international study of pediatric liver cancer (AHEP-1531).
Application of Solution Plasma Surface Modification Technology to the Formation of Thin Hydroxyapatite Film on Titanium Implants
Authors: Badruddoza Dithi Akashlynn , Nezu Takashi , Nagano-Takebe Futami , Hasan Md Riasat , Saito Takashi , Endo Kazuhiko
Published: December 2018

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on titanium implants enhance rapid bone formation around the implant due to their osteoconductive property. The present study aimed to achieve a thin and uniform HA film coating on titanium implants by solution plasma treatment (SPT). Commercially pure titanium and porous titanium disks were employed. A pulse plasma generator was used on the disks for 30 min. Morphologic and crystallographic features of the deposited films were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). To evaluate the wettability of the disks, water droplet (20 µL) surfaces were measured using a contact angle analyzer. The initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3E1) on the titanium substrates before and after solution plasma treatment was evaluated by counting the number of attached cells after incubation for 4 h. After immersion in the mineralizing solution for up to seven days, no crystals were observed on the polished-Ti surface. A more uniform and dense precipitation of round and grown crystals with diameters of approximately 1–5 µm was observed on Ti-SPT. XRD clearly showed that the precipitated crystals on titanium disks were HA. The contact angle of the polished-Ti increased with time (θ = 37°–51°). The surface of the Ti-SPT remained hydrophilic (θ ˂ 5°) after up to 30 days of aging. The number of attached cells on the Ti-SPT after aging for 30 days remained above 85% of that on the Ti-SPT without aging. SPT in a mineralizing solution can be used to acquire a homogenous precipitation of HA on porous-surfaced titanium implants.
Asphaltenes at Oil/Gas Interfaces: Foamability Even with No Significant Surface Activity
Authors: Arangalage Mélanie , Gingras Jean-Philippe , Passade-Boupat Nicolas , Lequeux François , Talini Laurence
Published: December 2018

In the oil industry, oil foams can be found at different steps from the crude oil treatment to the gas stations. Their lifetime can sometimes reach several hours and be much longer than the residence times available for gas/liquid separation. However, the conditions of formation and stability of such foams have been poorly studied in the literature, in contrast to the foamability of aqueous systems. On the fields, it is currently observed that crude oils enriched with asphaltenes form particularly stable foams. In this work, we have studied the influence of asphaltenes on the foamability of oil mixtures. All the experiments were performed on model systems of crude oils, that-is-to-say decane/toluene mixtures containing asphaltenes at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 5 wt%. We in particular demonstrate that, within the investigated concentration range, asphaltenes from two different wells do not have any significant surface active properties despite their contribution to the foamability of oil mixtures. We show that the formation of an asphaltene layer at the interface with air that has been evidenced in the past results from solvent evaporation. Using a recently developed experiment based on the Marangoni effect with our model oils, we demonstrate that asphaltenes are not surface active in those oils. We further characterize the oil foamability by measuring the lifetime of the foam formed by blowing nitrogen through the liquid in a column. At concentrations larger than 1 wt%, asphaltenes significantly enhance the foamability of the oil mixtures. Moreover, the closer the asphaltenes are to their limit of precipitation the larger the foamability. However, we evidence that the oil mixtures themselves foam and we show the importance to consider that effect on the foamability. In addition, we observe that the foamability of the asphaltenes solutions unexpectedly varies with the initial height of the liquid in the column. We suggest that, although not significantly modifying the surface tension, the asphaltenes could be trapped at the oil/gas interface and thus prevent bubble coalescence.
Dispersions of Metal Oxides in the Presence of Anionic Surfactants
Authors: Ruchomski Leszek , Mączka Edward , Kosmulski Marek
Published: December 2018

We studied the behavior of dilute dispersions of nanoparticles of hematite, alumina, and titania in the presence of various concentrations of very pure sodium dodecyl-, tetradecyl-, and hexadecylsulfate. The concentrations studied were up to critical micelle concentration (CMC) for sodium dodecylsulfate, and up to the solubility limit in case of sodium tetradecyl- and hexadecylsulfate. The dispersions were adjusted to different pH (3–11), and 10−3 M NaCl was used as the supporting electrolyte. The solid-to-liquid ratio was strictly controlled in all dispersions, and the behavior of fresh dispersions was compared with dispersions aged for up to eight days. The presence of very low concentrations of ionic surfactants had rather insignificant effects on the ζ potentials of the particles. At sufficient concentrations of ionic surfactants the isoelectric point (IEP) of metal oxides shifted to low pH, and the long-chain surfactants were more efficient in shifting the IEP than their shorter-chain analogues. Once the surfactant concentration reached a critical value, the ζ potentials of the particles reached a pH-independent negative value, which did not change on further increase in the surfactant concentration and/or aging of the dispersion. This critical concentration increases with the solid-to-liquid ratio, and it is rather consistent (for certain oxides and certain surfactants) when it is expressed as the amount of surfactant per unit of surface area. Surprisingly, the surfactant-stabilized dispersions always showed a substantial degree of aggregation; that is, the particle size observed in dispersions by dynamic light scattering was higher than the size of particles observed in dry powders by electron microscopy. Apparently, in spite of relatively high ζ potentials (about 60 mV in absolute value), the surfactant-stabilized dispersions consist of aggregates rather than of primary particles, and in certain dispersions the high concentration of surfactant seems to induce aggregation rather than prevent it.
Thermal Behavior of a Building with Incorporated Phase Change Materials in the South and the North Wall
Authors: Plytaria Maria T. , Tzivanidis Christos , Bellos Evangelos , Alexopoulos Ioannis , Antonopoulos Kimon A.
Published: December 2018

Energy consumption in the building sector is responsible for a very large amount of electricity consumption worldwide. The reduction of this consumption is a crucial issue in order to achieve sustainability. The objective of this work is to investigate the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in the building walls in order to reduce the heating and the cooling loads. The novelty of this work is based on the investigation of different scenarios about the position of the PCM layer in the south and the north walls. PCMs can improve the thermal performance and the thermal comfort of a building due to their ability to store large amounts of thermal energy in latent form and so to reduce the temperature fluctuations of the structural components, keeping them within the desired temperature levels. More specifically, this work presents and compares the heating loads, the cooling loads and the temperature distribution of a building in Athens (Greece), with and without PCMs in different positions in the south wall and in the north walls. The simulation is performed with the commercial software TRNSYS 17, using the TRNSYS component: type 1270 (PCM Wall). The results proved that the maximum energy savings per year were achieved by the combination of the insulation and the PCM layer in the north and south walls. More specifically, the reductions in the heating and the cooling loads were found to be 1.54% and 5.90%, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature distribution with the use of a PCM layer is the most acceptable, especially during the summer period.
Interplay of Spin and Spatial Anisotropy in Low-Dimensional Quantum Magnets with Spin 1/2
Authors: Orendáčová Alžbeta , Tarasenko Róbert , Tkáč Vladimír , Čižmár Erik , Orendáč Martin , Feher Alexander
Published: December 2018

Quantum Heisenberg chain and square lattices are important paradigms of a low-dimensional magnetism. Their ground states are determined by the strength of quantum fluctuations. Correspondingly, the ground state of a rectangular lattice interpolates between the spin liquid and the ordered collinear Néel state with the partially reduced order parameter. The diversity of additional exchange interactions offers variety of quantum models derived from the aforementioned paradigms. Besides the spatial anisotropy of the exchange coupling, controlling the lattice dimensionality and ground-state properties, the spin anisotropy (intrinsic or induced by the magnetic field) represents another important effect disturbing a rotational symmetry of the spin system. The S = 1/2 easy-axis and easy-plane XXZ models on the square lattice even for extremely weak spin anisotropies undergo Heisenberg-Ising and Heisenberg-XY crossovers, respectively, acting as precursors to the onset of the finite-temperature phase transitions within the two-dimensional Ising universality class (for the easy axis anisotropy) and a topological Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless phase transition (for the easy-plane anisotropy). Experimental realizations of the S = 1/2 two-dimensional XXZ models in bulk quantum magnets appeared only recently. Partial solutions of the problems associated with their experimental identifications are discussed and some possibilities of future investigations in quantum magnets on the square and rectangular lattice are outlined.
A Generalized Simulation Framework for Tethered Remotely Operated Vehicles in Realistic Underwater Environments
Authors: Ganoni Ori , Mukundan Ramakrishnan , Green Richard
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a framework for simulating visually realistic motion of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in highly complex models of aquatic environments. The models include a wide range of objects such as rocks, fish and marine plankton in addition to an ROV tether. A modified cable simulation for the underwater physical conditions has been developed for a tethered ROV. The simulation framework also incorporates models for low visibility conditions and intrinsic camera effects unique to the underwater environment. The visual models were implemented using the Unreal Engine 4 realistic game engine to be part of the presented framework. We developed a generalized method for implementing an ROV dynamics model and this method serves as a highly configurable component inside our framework. In this paper, we explore the unique characteristics of underwater simulation and the specialized models we developed for that environment. We use computer vision algorithms for feature extraction and feature tracking as a probe for comparing experiments done in our simulated environment against real underwater experiments. The experimental results presented in this paper successfully demonstrate the contribution of this realistic simulation framework to the understanding, analysis and development of computer vision and control algorithms to be used in today’s ROVs.
Modeling and Analysis of Wearable Antennas
Authors: Saraereh Omar A. , Khan Imran , Lee Byung Moo , Al-Bayati A.K.S.
Published: December 2018

This paper describes a sheet-like transmission line for constructing a short-range wireless communication system using flexible materials such as clothing. As a new application of wireless communications, it is desired to construct a Personal Area Network (PAN) and a sensor network with a short distance communication area of about 1 m to 2 m. For such applications, a waveguide of a new structure is required which can exchange information at an arbitrary place on the waveguide, which has a flexible structure and limits the area for wireless communication. Therefore, by disposing the microstrip type resonators two-dimensionally with a two-layer structure and electromagnetically strongly coupling the resonators, the electromagnetic waves are confined well within the transmission line, and the antenna of the wireless device resonator is arranged. Furthermore, by constructing this transmission line with a sheet-like flexible wearable material, the transmission of both information and power can be performed through a thin flexible transmission line for the wearable network.
Operation Flexibility Evaluation and Its Application to Optimal Planning of Bundled Wind-Thermal-Storage Generation System
Authors: Ma Yinghao , Yang Hejun , Zhang Dabo , Ni Qianyu
Published: December 2018

The growing penetration of wind power in a power system brings great challenges to system operation flexibility. For generation planning in presence of high wind power penetration, it is essential to take the operation flexibility of the system into account. Firstly, this paper developed the system operation flexibility metrics through considering the flexibility contribution of thermal generating units (TGUs) by operational state transition. Secondly, a planning model for the bundled wind-thermal-storage generation system (BWTSGS) that considers the operation flexibility constraints is proposed. The planning model is used to determine the power and energy rating of an energy storage system (ESS) as well as the type and number of TGUs. A daily scheduling simulation model of a BWTSGS is proposed to calculate the operation cost for the planning model and consider the sequential operation characteristics of the BWTSGS. Further, in order to accelerate the computation, a wind power sequential clustering technique based on the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method is developed for improving the computational efficiency. Case studies have been conducted on a 1000-MW wind farm to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Fire Recurrence and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Dynamics in Brazilian Savanna
Authors: Santana Níckolas Castro
Published: December 2018

Fire is one of the main modeling agents of savanna ecosystems, affecting their distribution, physiognomy and species diversity. Changes in the natural fire regime on savannas cause disturbances in the structural characteristics of vegetation. Theses disturbances can be effectively monitored by time series of remote sensing data in different terrestrial ecosystems such as savannas. This study used trend analysis in NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index)–MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) time series to evaluate the influence of different fire recurrences on vegetation phenology of the Brazilian savanna in the period from 2001 to 2016. The trend analysis indicated several factors responsible for changes in vegetation: (a) The absence of fire in savanna phytophysiognomies causes a constant increase in MODIS–NDVI, ranging from 0.001 to 0.002 per year, the moderate presence of fire in these areas does not cause significant changes, while the high recurrence results in decreases of MODIS–NDVI, ranging from −0.002 to −0.008 per year; (b) Forest areas showed a high decrease in NDVI, reaching up to −0.009 MODIS–NDVI per year, but not related to fire recurrence, indicating the high degradation of these phytophysiognomies; (c) Changes in vegetation are highly connected to the protection status of the area, such as areas of integral protection or sustainable use, and consequently their conservation status. Areas with greater vegetation conservation had more than 70% of positive changes in pixels with significant tendencies. Absence or presence of fire are the main agents of vegetation change in areas with lower anthropic influence. These results reinforce the need for a suitable fire management policy for the different types of Cerrado phytophysiognomies, in addition to highlighting the efficiency of remote sensing time series for evaluation of vegetation phenology.
Basic In-Mouth Attribute Evaluation: A Comparison of Two Panels
Authors: Mihnea Mihaela , Aleixandre-Tudó José Luis , Kidd Martin , du Toit Wessel
Published: December 2018

Astringency is often difficult to evaluate accurately in wine because of its complexity. This accuracy can improve through training sessions, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. A way to reduce these costs can be the use of wine experts, who are known to be reliable evaluators. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare the sensory results and the panel performance obtained using trained panelists versus wine experts (winemakers). Judges evaluated twelve red wines for in-mouth basic perception (sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, and burning sensation) following the same tasting protocol and with the samples being presented in two different tasting modalities. Panels’ performance and relationship between the chemical composition and the sensory perception were investigated. Both panels showed similar consistency and repeatability, and they were able to accurately measure the astringency of the wines. However, the significant correlations between sensory scores and chemical composition varied with the panel and the tasting modality. From our results, we could see that winemakers tended to discriminate better between the samples when the differences were very small.
Factors Influencing Disability Inclusion in General Eye Health Services in Bandung, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Marella Manjula , Smith Fleur , Hilfi Lukman , Sunjaya Deni K.
Published: December 2018

The Inclusive System for Effective Eye-care (I-SEE) is a pilot project for disability inclusion in eye health in Bandung district of Indonesia. The aim of this research was to investigate factors influencing the introduction, i.e., adoption, implementation and continuation of I-SEE. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted by interviewing relevant stakeholders (n = 27) and users with disabilities (n = 12). A theoretical framework on the introduction of innovations in health care was used to guide data collection and thematic analysis. Factors related to the characteristics of the innovation (I-SEE) (e.g., infrastructure, equipment, engagement of people with disabilities, inclusive communication), service provider characteristics (e.g., motivation, attitudes, training), organizational characteristics (e.g., supervision, indicators, data), and the socio-political context of I-SEE (policy, motivation of users, family support, costs, transport) were essential for supporting the introduction process. Additionally, stakeholders proposed strategies for enhancing the introduction of I-SEE (e.g., awareness, collaborations). While there are specific disability related factors, most factors influencing the introduction of disability inclusive eye health were similar to introducing any innovation in general health care. Strategies for disability inclusion should be included from the planning phase of an eye health program and are reasonably simple to adapt.
Evaluation of Technical Issues in a Pilot Multicenter Newborn Screening Program for Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Martella Maddalena , Viola Giampietro , Azzena Silvia , Schiavon Sara , Biondi Andrea , Basso Giuseppe , Corti Paola , Colombatti Raffaella , Masera Nicoletta , Sainati Laura
Published: December 2018

A multicenter pilot program for universal newborn screening of Sickle cell disease (SCD) was conducted in two centres of Northern Italy (Padova and Monza). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was performed as the first test on samples collected on Guthrie cards and molecular analysis of the β-globin gene (HBB) was the confirmatory test performed on the HPLC-positive or indeterminate samples. 5466 samples of newborns were evaluated. Of these, 5439/5466 were submitted to HPLC analysis and the molecular analysis always confirmed in all the alteration detected in HPLC (62/5439 newborns); 4/5439 (0.07%) were SCD affected, 37/5439 (0.68%) were HbAS carriers and 21/5439 (0.40%) showed other hemoglobinopathies. Stored dried blood spots were adequate for HPLC and β-globin gene molecular analysis. Samples were suitable for analysis until sixteen months old. A cut-off of A1 percentage, in order to avoid false negative or unnecessary confirmation tests, was identified. Our experience showed that several technical issues need to be addressed and resolved while developing a multicenter NBS program for SCD in a country where there is no national neonatal screening (NBS) program for SCD and NBS programs occur on a regional basis.
Development of the LHCb VELO Detector Modules into a Standalone, Non-Invasive Online Beam Monitor for Medical Accelerators
Authors: Schnuerer Roland , Yap Jacinta , Zhang Hao , Cybulski Tomasz , Smith Tony , Haefeli Guido , Girard Olivier , Szumlak Tomasz , Welsch Carsten
Published: December 2018

Knowledge of the beam properties in proton therapy through beam monitoring is essential, ensuring an effective dose delivery to the patient. In clinical practice, currently used interceptive ionisation chambers require daily calibration and suffer from a slow response time. A new non-invasive method for dose online monitoring is under development based on the silicon multi-strip sensor LHCb VELO (VErtex LOcator), originally used for the LHCb experiment at CERN. The proposed method relies on proton beam halo measurements. Several changes in the system setup were necessary to operate the VELO module as a standalone system outside of the LHC environment and are described in this paper. A new cooling, venting and positioning system was designed. Several hardware and software changes realised a synchronised readout with a locally constructed Faraday Cup and the RF frequency of a medical cyclotron with quasi-online monitoring. The adapted VELO module will be integrated at the 60 MeV proton therapy beamline at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC), UK and the capability as a beam monitor will be assessed by measuring the beam current and by monitoring the beam profile along the beamline in spring 2019.
Metabolic Signature Differentiated Diabetes Mellitus from Lipid Disorder in Elderly Taiwanese
Authors: Lo Chi-Jen , Tang Hsiang-Yu , Huang Cheng-Yu , Lin Chih-Ming , Ho Hung-Yao , Shiao Ming-Shi , Cheng Mei-Ling
Published: December 2018

Aging is a complex progression of biological processes and is the causal contributor to the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is the most common degenerative disease and is the fifth leading cause of death in Taiwan, where the trend of DM mortality has been steadily increasing. Metabolomics, important branch of systems biology, has been mainly utilized to understand endogenous metabolites in biological systems and their dynamic changes as they relate to endogenous and exogenous factors. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the metabolomic profiles in elderly people and its relation to lipid disorder (LD). We collected 486 elderly individuals aged ≥65 years and performed untargeted and targeted metabolite analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Several metabolites, including branched-chain amino acids, alanine, glutamate and alpha-aminoadipic acid were elevated in LD compared to the control group. Based on multivariate analysis, four metabolites were selected in the best model to predict DM progression: phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl (PC ae) C34:3, PC ae C44:3, SM C24:1 and PCae C36:3. The combined area under the curve (AUC) of those metabolites (0.82) was better for DM classification than individual values. This study found that targeted metabolic signatures not only distinguish the LD within the control group but also differentiated DM from LD in elderly Taiwanese. These metabolites could indicate the nutritional status and act as potential metabolic biomarkers for the elderly in Taiwan.
Detraining and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Discontinuation Change Calcaneal Tendon Morphology
Authors: Santana Oliveira Anderson José , Batista e Silva Lívia Larissa , Barin Fabrício Reichert , Leite Pereira Elaine Cristina , Selistre-de-Araujo Heloisa Sobreiro , De Cássia Marqueti Rita
Published: December 2018

Several side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) administration associated with training are reported in the biomechanical properties of the calcaneal tendon (CT) of rats. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the detraining and discontinuation of AAS administration on the CT morphology of rats submitted to exercise in water. Animals were divided into two groups (20/group): (1) Immediately after training (IA), and (2) Six weeks of detraining and AAS discontinuation (6W). The IA group included four subgroups: Sedentary (S), Trained (T), Sedentary with AAS administration (SAAS), and trained with AAS administration (TAAS). The 6W group included four subgroups: Sedentary (6W-S), six weeks of detrained (6W-T), six weeks of sedentary with AAS discontinuation (6W-SAAS), and six weeks of detrained with AAS discontinuation (6W-TAAS). Data show significant reduction in adipose cells volume density (Vv%) in the distal CT in 6W-TAAS group, indicating that training can exert a positive effect on the tendon. The 6W-SAAS group exhibited increased adipose cells Vv% in the distal region, compared with the W6-S and W6-T groups. A decrease in tendon proper cells Vv% and in peritendinous sheath cells Vv% of proximal and distal regions was also observed. In 6W-TAAS group showed increase in adipose cells, blood vessels, peritendinous sheath cells, and tendon proper cells Vv% in the distal region of the CT. The vertical jumps in water were not able to protect CT regions from the negative effects of AAS discontinuation for six weeks. However, after detraining and AAS discontinuation, many protective factors of the mechanical load in the long-term could be observed.
Effect of Electron Donating Functional Groups on Corrosion Inhibition of J55 Steel in a Sweet Corrosive Environment: Experimental, Density Functional Theory, and Molecular Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Singh Ambrish , Ansari Kashif R. , Quraishi Mumtaz A. , Lgaz Hassane
Published: December 2018

Benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and tested as a corrosion inhibitor for J55 steel in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution saturated with carbon dioxide. The experimental results revealed that inhibitors are effective for steel protection, with an inhibition efficiency of 94% in the presence of 400 mg/L of inhibitor. The adsorption of the benzimidazole derivatives on J55 steel was found to obey Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. The addition of inhibitors decreases the cathodic as well anodic current densities and significantly strengthens impedance parameters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used for steel surface characterization. Density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) were applied for theoretical studies.
Improving Electrochromic Cycle Life of Prussian Blue by Acid Addition to the Electrolyte
Authors: Li ZiTong , Tang YunHui , Zhou KaiLing , Wang Hao , Yan Hui
Published: December 2018

In this study, we examined the cyclic stability of Prussian blue (PB) films in electrolytes with acid. The cyclic stabilities of the PB films were investigated in K+ based electrolytes with different values of solution pH. The acidified KCl solution can significantly improve the durability of the film. Among the three pH values tested, the KCl solutions (pH = 2.15 and pH = 3.03) showed better performance. Furthermore, we investigated the cyclic stabilities of the PB films in LiClO4/PC electrolyte containing different acids. We found that the cyclic stability of PB film was significantly improved when a small amount of acetic acid was dissolved in LiClO4/PC electrolyte. The PB film exhibited stable optical modulation after up to 20,000 cycles in LiClO4/PC electrolyte containing acetic acid—a much higher result than those of some literatures. This suggests that the addition of acetic acid to LiClO4/PC electrolyte can promote the development of PB-based devices with improved stability.
LC–Q–TOF–MS/MS Identification of Specific Non-Meat Proteins and Peptides in Beef Burgers
Authors: Mikołajczak Beata , Fornal Emilia , Montowska Magdalena
Published: December 2018

Beef burgers are a popular food choice, due to their taste and convenience. The extensive range of beef burgers with different flavours currently offered on the market is adding to their growing consumption. This study detected and identified specific non-meat proteins and peptide markers originating from functional preparations, i.e., powdered mixes of protein additives and spices, used as meat substitutes in the production of ready-to-cook beef burgers. Twenty-eight soy proteins, including isoforms (nine milk-, three pea- and one beetroot-specific protein) were found concurrently with a set of peptide markers unique to soy glycinin and β-conglycinin, pea vicilin and provicilin, milk αS1-casein, β-lactoglobulin, as well as beetroot elongation factor 2. Soy and beetroot proteins and peptides were observed in all burgers containing additives. Milk and pea proteins were included in powdered mixes but were not detected in burgers, indicating that their content was below the limit of detection. The study demonstrates that the proposed method can be implemented to analyse protein additives in cooked burgers; however, the presence of low amounts of additives, below 1–2%, should be further confirmed by using a more sensitive triple quadrupole instrument.
Pharmacokinetic and Metabolism Studies of Curculigoside C by UPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-QTOF-MS
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Han , Tan Jing , Wang Cuizhu , Lin Hongqiang , Zhu Hailin , Liu Jinping , Li Pingya , Yin Jianyuan
Published: December 2018

Pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies were carried out on curculigoside C (CC), a natural product with good antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, with the purpose of investigating the effects of the hydroxyl group at C-3′ in curculigoside. A rapid and sensitive method with UPLC-MS was developed and fully validated for the first time in the pharmacokinetic analysis for quantification of CC in rat plasma. The assay was linear (R2 > 0.9984) over the concentration range of 1–2500 ng/mL, with the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) being 1 ng/mL. The intra-day and inter-day precision (expressed as relative standard deviation, RSD) ranged from 4.10% to 5.51% and 5.24% to 6.81%, respectively. The accuracy (relative error, RE) ranged from −3.28% to 0.56% and −5.83% to −1.44%, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 92.14% to 95.22%. This method was then applied to a pharmacokinetic study of rats after intragastric administration of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg CC. The results revealed that CC exhibited rapid oral absorption (Tmax = 0.106 h, 0.111 h, and 0.111 h, respectively), high elimination (t1/2 = 2.022 h, 2.061 h, and 2.048 h, respectively) and low absolute bioavailability (2.01, 2.13, and 2.39%, respectively). Furthermore, an investigation on the metabolism of CC was performed by UPLC-QTOF-MSE. Twelve metabolites of CC from plasma, bile, urine and faeces of rats were confirmed. The main metabolic pathways of CC, which involve dehydration, glucosylation, desaturation, formylation, cysteine conjugation, demethylation and sulfonation, were profiled. In conclusion, this research has developed a sensitive quantitative method and demonstrated the metabolism of CC in vivo.