bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transformation of Agro-Climatic Resources of the Altai Region under Changing Climate Conditions
Authors: Maximova Nina , Kantamaneni Komali , Morkovkin Gennady , Arnaut Darya , Rice Louis
Published: March 2019

This research examines the transformation of the agro-climatic conditions of the Altai region as a result of climate change. The climate of the Altai region in Russia is sharply continental and characterized by dry air and significant weather variability, both in individual seasons and years. The current study is determined by the lack of detailed area-related analytical generalizations for the territory of the Altai region over the past 30 years. Most of the published data dealing with an integrated analysis of the agro-climatic conditions in the Altai region date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s; in most cases, this data is from climate reference-books based on the generalized data from the first half of the 20th century. To make accurate forecasts and to efficiently manage agricultural production in the Altai region, area-related data on the state and dynamics of agro-climatic changes have been analysed. The results reveal that in the period between 1964 and 2017, significant climatic changes occurred in the territory of the Altai region. These climatic changes affected the growing season length, which increased due to a shift in the dates of the air temperature transition above 10 °C, to earlier dates in spring and to later dates in autumn. Furthermore, the current study also revealed that the foothills of the Altai Mountains are the most moistened parts of the region and the Kulunda lowland is the most arid part. In the Altai region, the accumulated temperatures and amounts of precipitation during the growing season increased significantly, and the values of integrated coefficients and indices that reflect the moisture supply conditions for the territory also changed significantly. Based upon the results, a schematic map of the current precipitation distribution on the Altai region’s territory has been generated. These results and this map may be used to conduct more detailed studies in the field of agro-climatology and to update the current borders of agro-climatic areas and revision of the agro-climatic zonation scheme.
Evaluation of Somaclonal and Ethyl Methane Sulfonate-Induced Genetic Variation of Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens H.B.K.)
Authors: Muñoz-Miranda Luis A. , Rodríguez-Sahagún Araceli , Acevedo Hernández Gustavo J. , Cruz-Martínez Victor O. , Torres-Morán Martha I. , Lépiz-Ildefonso Rogelio , Aarland Rayn C. , Castellanos-Hernández Osvaldo A.
Published: March 2019

Lippia graveolens, commonly known as Mexican oregano, is an aromatic plant of great industrial, nutritional, and medicinal value, principally for its essential oils. Regeneration via axillary buds was established in MS medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA) (0.5 mgL−1) as a growth regulator. Three genotypes and three stages of cultivation were considered in the study. On average, 3.5, 4.2, and 6.4 shoots induced per explant were obtained for genotypes B, C, and D, respectively. Several doses (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%) of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and different exposure times (1, 2, and 3 h) were applied to investigate the effect of the chemical mutagen on the formation of axillary buds. Genetic variation among the collected plants, the micro-propagated plants during three sub-cultivations, and the plants regenerated in the presence of the mutagen was evaluated by means of randomly amplified microsatellite polymorphism (RAMP) markers. A high genetic stability was observed in the micro-propagation of Mexican oregano for the three genotypes and three sub-cultivations, presenting 100% of monomorphic bands. The genetic variation observed in the different collections of wild populations (A, R, and V) and after treatment with EMS regarded 34 and 35% of polymorphic loci, respectively.
Relationship between SNPs of POU1F1 Gene and Litter Size and Growth Traits in Shaanbei White Cashmere Goats
Authors: Zhu Haijing , Zhang Yanghai , Bai Yangyang , Yang Han , Yan Hailong , Liu Jinwang , Shi Lei , Song Xiaoyue , Li Longping , Dong Shuwei , Pan Chuanying , Lan Xianyong , Qu Lei
Published: March 2019

POU (Pit-Oct-Unc) class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1, or Pit-1) is a transcription factor that directly regulates pituitary hormone-related genes, as well as affects the reproduction and growth in mammals. Thus, POU1F1 gene was investigated as a candidate gene for litter size and growth performance in goats. In the current study, using direct DNA sequencing, c.682G > T, c.723T > G and c.837T > C loci were genotyped in Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats (n = 609), but c.876 + 110T > C was monomorphic. Besides, the c.682G > T locus was first identified by HinfI (Haemophilus influenzae Rf) restriction endonuclease. Association analysis results showed that the c.682G > T, c.837T > C loci and diplotypes were significantly associated with goat litter size (p < 0.05). The positive genotypes were GT and TT for the two SNPs, respectively, and the optimal diplotype was H3H7 (GTTT-TTTT). On the other hand, the c.682G > T, c.723T > G and c.837T > C strongly affected growth traits and body measurement indexes in SBWC goats (p < 0.05). The positive genotypes or allele of these SNPs were GT, G and TT, respectively. Additionally, the goats with H3H7 diplotype also had a greater growth status than others (p < 0.05). Here, individuals with same genotype had both a better litter size and growth traits, showing a positive correlation between these economic traits. Meanwhile, the positive genotypes of four SNPs were combined to obtain the optimal diplotype, which was also H3H7. These SNPs, especially the diplotype, could be used for the genomic selection of excellent individuals with a greater litter size and better growth status in goat breeding.
Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) as Dietary Source for Laying Quails: Live Performance, and Egg Physico-Chemical Quality, Sensory Profile and Storage Stability
Authors: Dalle Zotte Antonella , Singh Yazavinder , Michiels Joris , Cullere Marco
Published: March 2019

Insects are promising candidates as alternative sustainable sources of protein for poultry species. The present research studied the effect of a dietary inclusion of a defatted black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal as an alternative protein source in the diets of laying quails, on productive performance, egg physicochemical quality, fatty acid profile, sensory traits and storage stability. A total of 225 laying quails were divided into 3 dietary groups (5 replicates/each). A conventional soybean meal-based diet was formulated (Control group), and two other diets were formulated including either 10% (BSF10) or 15% (BSF15) defatted BSF larvae meal. Laying quails showed satisfactory productive performance throughout the trial. BSF10 and BSF15 eggs had the highest shape index (p < 0.01), shell weight and percentage (p < 0.001) and the most intense yolk color (p < 0.001). Defatted BSF larvae meal increased the eggs’ saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.001) to the detriment of the polyunsaturated fraction (p < 0.001). Overall the eggs’ sensory profile was not affected by the dietary treatment, but BSF15 eggs had a higher feed off-flavor vs Control group (p < 0.05). At day 28 of storage, oxidative stability was higher in BSF10 vs. Control eggs (p < 0.01). Defatted BSF larvae meal can be considered a possible alternative ingredient to soybean meal in laying quail diets, up to the 15% inclusion level.
Insect Oil as An Alternative to Palm Oil and Poultry Fat in Broiler Chicken Nutrition
Authors: Benzertiha Abdelbasset , Kierończyk Bartosz , Rawski Mateusz , Kołodziejski Paweł , Bryszak Magdalena , Józefiak Damian
Published: March 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Tenebrio molitor (TM) oil as a total replacement for palm oil and poultry fat in broiler chicken diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, pancreatic enzyme activity, selected blood parameters and the lipid fatty acid compositions of liver and breast muscle tissues. A total of 72 seven-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chickens were used. The birds were randomly distributed into three groups with 12 replicates each, using two birds per replicate for 30 days in metabolic cages. The basal diet was supplemented with 5% palm oil, poultry fat or TM oil. There was no effect (p > 0.05) caused by the dietary oil replacement on the birds’ performance and apparent nutrient digestibility. Liver size (p = 0.033), the concentration of hepatic triglycerides (p = 0.049) and total cholesterol (p = 0.048) were reduced by TM oil supplementation. Furthermore, TM oil supplementation increased n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (p = 0.006; p < 0.001, respectively) in breast muscle tissue. In conclusion, the use of TM oil in broiler chickens’ diets did not show any adverse effects on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical parameters. Moreover, TM oil supplementation improved the fatty acid profiles of liver and breast muscle tissues.
Protective Effect of the Hexanic Extract of Eryngium carlinae Inflorescences In Vitro, in Yeast, and in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Peña-Montes Donovan J. , Huerta-Cervantes Maribel , Ríos-Silva Mónica , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , Noriega-Cisneros Ruth , Salgado-Garciglia Rafael , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo
Published: March 2019

In the present study, we investigated the composition and antioxidant activity of the hexanic extract of Eryngium carlinae inflorescences by employing in vitro assays to measure antioxidant capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity. We also applied the hexanic extract to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, under hydrogen peroxide-induced stress. Finally, we tested the extract in male Wistar rats with and without streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The compounds in the hexanic extract were analyzed by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry, which revealed mainly terpenes and sesquiterpenes, including (Z)β-farnesene (38.79%), β-pinene (17.53%), calamene (13.3%), and α-farnesene (10.38%). In vitro and in S. cerevisiae, the extract possessed antioxidant activity at different concentrations, compared to ascorbic acid (positive control). In normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats, oral administration of 30 mg/kg of the extract reduced blood glucose levels; lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and brain; protein carbonylation; and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It also increased catalase activity in the brain, kidneys and liver. These findings show that this hexanic extract of E. carlinae inflorescences possessed antioxidant properties.
Resveratrol Anti-Obesity Effects: Rapid Inhibition of Adipocyte Glucose Utilization
Authors: Carpéné Christian , Les Francisco , Cásedas Guillermo , Peiro Cécile , Fontaine Jessica , Chaplin Alice , Mercader Josep , López Víctor
Published: March 2019

Studies in animal models of diabetes and obesity have shown that resveratrol mitigates complications of metabolic diseases, beyond those resulting from oxidative stress. Furthermore, results obtained with cultured preadipocytes have also revealed that prolonged resveratrol treatment impairs adipogenesis. Considering the role of adipocytes in the hypertrophy of fat stores, and keeping in mind that insulin is the main trigger of excessive energy storage during post-prandial periods, the present study aimed to investigate how short-term effects of resveratrol can limit glucose disposal in a gut-adipose tissue axis. We found that resveratrol exhibits a more potent inhibitory capacity towards α-glucosidase than pancreatic lipase activity. Resveratrol also rapidly blunts glucose transport in mature fat cells by counteracting the effect of insulin and insulin-like lipogenic agents. Within two hours, resveratrol also inhibited the incorporation of glucose into lipids of adipocytes, which was unaffected by membrane cholesterol depletion. Moreover, the comparison between adipocytes with invalidated semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity and their control, or between resveratrol and several inhibitors, did not indicate that the recently described interaction of resveratrol with amine oxidases was involved in its antilipogenic effect. Caffeine and piceatannol, previously said to interact with glucose carriers, also inhibit lipogenesis in adipocytes, whereas other antioxidant phytochemicals do not reproduce such an antilipogenic effect. This study highlights the diverse first steps by which resveratrol impairs excessive fat accumulation, indicating that this natural molecule and its derivatives deserve further studies to develop their potential anti-obesity properties.
Gender Classification Using Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning in a Health Web Forum
Authors: Park Sunghee , Woo Jiyoung
Published: March 2019

Sentiment analysis is the most common text classification tool that analyzes incoming messages and tells whether the underlying sentiment is positive, negative, or neutral. We can use this technique to understand people by gender, especially people who are suffering from a sensitive disease. People use health-related web forums to easily access health information written by and for non-experts and also to get comfort from people who are in a similar situation. The government operates medical web forums to provide medical information, manage patients’ needs and feelings, and boost information-sharing among patients. If we can classify people’s emotional or information needs by gender, age, or location, it is possible to establish a detailed health policy specialized into patient segments. However, people with sensitive illness such as AIDS tend to hide their information. Especially, in the case of sexually transmitted AIDS, we can detect problems and needs according to gender. In this work, we present a gender detection model using sentiment analysis and machine learning including deep learning. Through the experiment, we found that sentiment features generate low accuracy. However, senti-words give better results with SVM. Overall, traditional machine learning algorithms have a high misclassification rate for the female category. The deep learning algorithm overcomes this drawback with over 90% accuracy.
Power and Signal-to-Noise Ratio Optimization in Mesh-Based Hybrid Optical Network-on-Chip Using Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers
Authors: Jang Jun Yeong , Kim Min Su , Li Chang-Lin , Han Tae Hee
Published: March 2019

To address the performance bottleneck in metal-based interconnects, hybrid optical network-on-chip (HONoC) has emerged as a new alternative. However, as the size of the HONoC grows, insertion loss and crosstalk noise increase, leading to excessive laser source output power and performance degradation. Therefore, we propose a low-power scalable HONoC architecture by incorporating semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). An SOA placement algorithm is developed considering insertion loss and crosstalk noise. Furthermore, we establish a worst-case crosstalk noise model of SOA-enabled HONoC and induce optimized SOA gains with respect to power consumption and performance, respectively. Extensive simulations for worst-case signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and power consumption are conducted under various traffic patterns and different network sizes. Simulation results show that the proposed SOA-enabled HONoC architecture and the associated algorithm help sustain the performance as network size increases without additional laser source power.
Validation of a Numerical Bending Model for Sandwich Beams with Textile-Reinforced Cement Faces by Means of Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Vervloet Jolien , Tysmans Tine , El Kadi Michael , De Munck Matthias , Kapsalis Panagiotis , Van Itterbeeck Petra , Wastiels Jan , Van Hemelrijck Danny
Published: March 2019

Sandwich panels with textile-reinforced cement (TRC) faces merge both structural and insulating performance into one lightweight construction element. To design with sandwich panels, predictive numerical models need to be thoroughly validated, in order to use them with high confidence and reliability. Numerical bending models established in literature have been validated by means of local displacement measurements, but are missing a full surface strain validation. Therefore, four-point bending tests monitored by a digital image correlation system were compared with a numerical bending model, leading to a thorough validation of that numerical model. Monitoring with a digital image correlation (DIC) system gave a highly detailed image of behaviour during bending and the strains in the different materials of the sandwich panel. The measured strains validated the numerical model predictions of, amongst others, the multiple cracking of the TRC tensile face and the shear deformation of the core.
Chemical Defence of a Seagrass against Microfoulers and Its Seasonal Dynamics
Authors: Guan Chi , Saha Mahasweta , Weinberger Florian
Published: March 2019

In marine environments bacterial microfoulers are an important determinant for the settlement of algal and animal macrofoulers. At the same time fouling is usually subject to seasonal fluctuation. Additionally, the seagrass Zostera marina is prone to microfouling, although this marine spermatophyte is known to be chemically defended against bacterial settlers. Spermatophytes are often capable of induced or activated defences against biological enemies such as pathogens or herbivores, but it is still unknown whether they can fine-tune their antifouling-defence according to settlement pressure. We therefore assessed the seasonality of bacterial settlement pressure, defence against microsettlers and concentrations of a previously identified defence compound, rosmarinic acid, on surfaces of Z. marina. All examined variables peaked in summer, while they tended to be lower in spring and autumn. The seasonality of defence activity and rosmarinic acid surface concentration was positively correlated with the seasonal fluctuation of fouling pressure, which suggests that Z. marina can adjust its defence level to the relatively high bacterial fouling pressure in summer. Besides of biotic factors the seasonal change of environmental factors, such as nitrogen supply, and in particular temperature, also affected the defence level, either directly or through indirect effects on the microbial settlers.
Carbonation of Natural Wollastonite at Non-Ambient Conditions Relevant for CCS—the Possible Use as Cementitious Material in Wellbores
Authors: Svensson Kristoff , Neumann Andreas , Feitosa Menezes Flora , Lempp Christof , Pöllmann Herbert
Published: March 2019

The reaction of wollastonite with CO2 accompanied by SO2 and NO2 in the presence of a chloride-rich brine (230 g/L NaCl, 15 g/L CaCl2, 5 g/L MgCl2) at temperatures relevant to injection conditions (333 K) in carbon capture and storage (CCS) were investigated within the joint BMWi (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) research project CLUSTER. The reaction which describes the formation of wollastonite during metamorphism is reversed and shows a strong temperature dependence. Wollastonite reacts in the presence of CO2 ( C ¯ ) in aqueous conditions to form calcium carbonate and amorphous silicon oxide. At 333 K and 2 MPa the carbonation reaction of wollastonite ( C ¯ C S ) is fast (<24 h). To determine the conversion rate of the reaction quantitatively different methods were used and compared: Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) with the Rietveld method and differential scanning calorimetry with thermogravimetry, coupled with a mass spectrometer (DSC-TG/MS) for quantitative phase analysis and for determination of the carbonation. The carbonation (CO2 accompanied by SO2 and NO2) of natural wollastonite at 333 K in presence of chloride-rich brine was rather fast (almost complete after 24 h reaction time).
Understanding Electronic Structure and Chemical Reactivity: Quantum-Information Perspective
Authors: Nalewajski Roman F.
Published: March 2019

Several applications of quantum mechanics and information theory to chemical reactivity problems are presented with emphasis on equivalence of variational principles for the constrained minima of the system electronic energy and its kinetic energy component, which also determines the overall gradient information. Continuities of molecular probability and current distributions, reflecting the modulus and phase components of molecular wavefunctions, respectively, are summarized. Resultant measures of the entropy/information descriptors of electronic states, combining the classical (probability) and nonclassical (phase/current) contributions, are introduced, and information production in quantum states is shown to be of a nonclassical origin. Importance of resultant information descriptors for distinguishing the bonded (entangled) and nonbonded (disentangled) states of reactants in acid(A)–base(B) systems is stressed and generalized entropy concepts are used to determine the phase equilibria in molecular systems. The grand-canonical principles for the minima of electronic energy and overall gradient information allow one to explore relations between energetic and information criteria of chemical reactivity in open molecules. The populational derivatives of electronic energy and resultant gradient information give identical predictions of electronic flows between reactants. The role of electronic kinetic energy (resultant gradient information) in chemical-bond formation is examined, the virial theorem implications for the Hammond postulate of reactivity theory are explored, and changes of the overall structure information in chemical processes are addressed. The frontier-electron basis of the hard (soft) acids and bases (HSAB) principle is reexamined and covalent/ionic characters of the intra- and inter-reactant communications in donor-acceptor systems are explored. The complementary A–B coordination is compared with its regional HSAB analog, and polarizational/relaxational flows in such reactive systems are explored.
Determination of Volatile Components from Live Water Lily Flowers by an Orthogonal-Array-Design-Assisted Trapping Cell
Authors: Tsai Feng-Jie , Liu Hsiao-Ju , Lee Ming-Yung , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: March 2019

A convenient and easy-moving, modified, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) device was developed for monitoring a living plant’s volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It consisted of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle as a sampling chamber, and certain variables were considered when using the HS-SPME device, including the material used and the fiber position, the direction of the airstream, and the distance between the sample and the fan. The results from varying those factors, generated by the orthogonal array design (OAD) method, were used to optimize the modified HS-SPME conditions. Based on the current literature regarding extracting fragrances by SPME, we selected polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the fiber materials. Using the OAD method, PDMS/DVB was found to be the better fiber material when it was parallel to the fan, and also when the airstream provided positive pressure to the sample with the fan near the sample. The device was used to sample biogenic volatile compounds emitted from fresh Nymphaea caerulea (water lily) flowers, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. For the method validation, under the optimum conditions, the calculated detection limit value of the model compound (butyl decanoate) was 0.14 ng on column, which was equal to 1.41 ppm for the injection. The relative standard deviations of the intra-day and inter-day precisions were 1.21% and 3.05%. Thirty-three compounds were separated and identified. The main components in the vapor phase of N. caerulea were benzyl acetate (10.4%), pentadecane (15.5%), 6,9-heptadecadiene (40.1%), and 8-heptadecene (15.3%).
Mitigating the Impact of Mask Absorber Error on Lithographic Performance by Lithography System Holistic Optimization
Authors: Sheng Naiyuan , Li Enze , Sun Yiyu , Li Tie , Li Yanqiu , Wei Pengzhi , Liu Lihui
Published: March 2019

The non-ideal mask absorber can cause an increase in critical dimension error (CDE) and decrease in process window (PW). However, the random mask absorber errors induced during mask fabricating and measuring are not considered in computational lithography. The problem cannot be neglected as the continuous scaling of lithography technology node. In this work, for the first time to our knowledge, a source, numerical aperture (NA), and process parameters co-optimization (SNPCO) method is developed to reduce the CDE induced by absorber errors and improve the PW. First, the source is represented by Zernike polynomials to balance computational burden and flexibility of source. Then a weighted cost function containing CDE and PW that incorporates the influences of absorber errors is created. Finally, a statistical optimization method is used to optimize the lithographic system parameters. Simulations of 1D mask pattern show that for the system with extreme absorber errors, the pattern errors of the proposed method are reduced by 62.1% and 58.9%, and the PWs are increased by 40.3% and 36.4%, respectively. The results illustrate that this method is effective in mitigating the CDE caused absorber errors and improving process robustness.
Fatigue Behaviour of Textile Reinforced Cementitious Composites and Their Application in Sandwich Elements
Authors: De Munck Matthias , Tysmans Tine , Wastiels Jan , Kapsalis Panagiotis , Vervloet Jolien , El Kadi Michael , Remy Olivier
Published: March 2019

Using large lightweight insulating sandwich panels with cement composite faces offers great possibilities for the renovation of existing dwellings. During their lifetime, these panels are subjected to wind loading, which is equivalent to a repeated loading. To guarantee the structural performance of these panels during their entire lifetime, it is necessary to quantify the impact of these loading conditions on the long term. The fatigue behaviour was, therefore, examined in this paper both at the material level of the faces and at the element level as well. plain textile reinforced cementitious composite (TRC) specimens were subjected to 100,000 loading cycles by means of a uniaxial tensile test, while sandwich beams were loaded 100.000 times with a four-point bending test. Results show that the residual behaviour is strongly dependent on the occurrence of cracks. The formation of cracks leads to a reduction of the initial stiffness. The ultimate strength is only affected in a minor way by the preloading history.
Optical Conveyor Belts for Chiral Discrimination: Influence of De-Phasing Parameter
Authors: Carretero Luis , Acebal Pablo , Blaya Salvador
Published: March 2019

A numerical analysis is carried out of the influence of the de-phasing parameter of an optical conveyor belt in the enantiomeric separation. The optical conveyor belt is obtained by the interference of a Laguerre Gaussian and a Gaussian beam with different beam waists, which are temporally de-phased. In order to obtain the maximum separation distance between enantiomers, we calculate the optimum range of values of the de-phasing parameter.
Production and Processing of a Spherical Polybutylene Terephthalate Powder for Laser Sintering
Authors: Kleijnen Rob G. , Schmid Manfred , Wegener Konrad
Published: March 2019

This work describes the production of a spherical polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) powder and its processing with selective laser sintering (SLS). The powder was produced via melt emulsification, a continuous extrusion-based process. PBT was melt blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG), creating an emulsion of spherical PBT droplets in a PEG matrix. Powder could be extracted after dissolving the PEG matrix phase in water. The extrusion settings were adjusted to optimize the size and yield of PBT particles. After classification, 79 vol. % of particles fell within a range of 10–100 µm. Owing to its spherical shape, the powder exhibited excellent flowability and packing properties. After powder production, the width of the thermal processing (sintering) window was reduced by 7.6 °C. Processing of the powder on a laser sintering machine was only possible with difficulties. The parts exhibited mechanical properties inferior to injection-molded specimens. The main reason lied in the PBT being prone to thermal degradation and hydrolysis during the powder production process. Melt emulsification in general is a process well suited to produce a large variety of SLS powders with exceptional flowability.
Combustion Characteristics of a Non-Premixed Oxy-Flame Applying a Hybrid Filtered Eulerian Stochastic Field/Flamelet Progress Variable Approach
Authors: Mahmoud Rihab , Jangi Mehdi , Ries Florian , Fiorina Benoit , Janicka Johannes , Sadiki Amsini
Published: March 2019

The oxidation of methane under oxy-fuel combustion conditions with carbon capture is attractive and deserves huge interest towards reducing CO2 and NOx emissions. The current paper reports on the predictions and analysis of combustion characteristics of a turbulent oxy-methane non-premixed flame operating under highly diluted conditions of CO2 and H2 in oxidizer and fuel streams, respectively. These are achieved by applying a novel, well-designed numerical combustion model. The latter consists of a large eddy simulation (LES) extension of a recently suggested hybrid model in Reynolds averaging-based numerical simulation (RANS) context by the authors. It combines a transported joint scalar probability density function (T-PDF) following the Eulerian Stochastic Field methodology (ESF) on the one hand, and a flamelet progress variable (FPV) turbulent combustion model under consideration of detailed chemical reaction mechanism on the other hand. This novel hybrid ESF/FPV approach removes the weaknesses of the presumed-probability density function (P-PDF)-based FPV modeling, along with the solving of associated additional modeled transport equations while rendering the T-PDF computationally less affordable. First, the prediction capability of the LES hybrid ESF/FPV was appraised on the well-known air-piloted methane jet flame (Sandia Flame D). Then, it was assessed in analyzing the combustion properties of a non-premixed oxy-flame and in capturing the CO2 dilution effect on the oxy-fuel flame behavior. To this end, the so-called oxy-flame B3, already numerically investigated in a RANS context, was analyzed. Comparisons with experimental data in terms of temperature, scalar distributions, and scatter plots agree satisfactorily. Finally, the impact of generating the FPV chemistry table under condition of unity Lewis number, even with CO2 dilution, was investigated on the general prediction of the oxy-fuel flame structure, stability and emissions. In particular, it turns out that 68% molar percentage of CO2 leads to 0.39% of CO formation near the burner fuel nozzle and 0.62% at 10 dfuel above the nozzle.
Sentiment-Aware Word Embedding for Emotion Classification
Authors: Mao Xingliang , Chang Shuai , Shi Jinjing , Li Fangfang , Shi Ronghua
Published: March 2019

Word embeddings are effective intermediate representations for capturing semantic regularities between words in natural language processing (NLP) tasks. We propose sentiment-aware word embedding for emotional classification, which consists of integrating sentiment evidence within the emotional embedding component of a term vector. We take advantage of the multiple types of emotional knowledge, just as the existing emotional lexicon, to build emotional word vectors to represent emotional information. Then the emotional word vector is combined with the traditional word embedding to construct the hybrid representation, which contains semantic and emotional information as the inputs of the emotion classification experiments. Our method maintains the interpretability of word embeddings, and leverages external emotional information in addition to input text sequences. Extensive results on several machine learning models show that the proposed methods can improve the accuracy of emotion classification tasks.
Polysialic Acid Modulates the Binding of External Lactoferrin in Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Kühnle Andrea , Lütteke Thomas , Bornhöfft Kim F. , Galuska Sebastian P.
Published: March 2019

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are formed by neutrophils during inflammation. Among other things, these DNA constructs consist of antimicrobial proteins such as lactoferrin and histones. With these properties, NETs capture and destroy invading microorganisms. The carbohydrate polysialic acid (polySia) interacts with both lactoferrin and histones. Previous experiments demonstrated that, in humans, lactoferrin inhibits the release of NET and that this effect is supported by polySia. In this study, we examined the interplay of lactoferrin and polySia in already-formed NETs from bovine neutrophils. The binding of polySia was considered to occur at the lactoferricin (LFcin)-containing domain of lactoferrin. The interaction with the peptide LFcin was studied in more detail using groups of defined polySia chain lengths, which suggested a chain-length-dependent interaction mechanism with LFcin. The LFcin domain of lactoferrin was found to interact with DNA. Therefore, the possibility that polySia influences the integration of lactoferrin into the DNA-structures of NETs was tested by isolating bovine neutrophils and inducing NETosis. Experiments with NET fibers saturated with lactoferrin demonstrated that polySia initiates the incorporation of external lactoferrin in already-loaded NETs. Thus, polySia may modulate the constituents of NET.
Differential Effects of Yeast NADH Dehydrogenase (Ndi1) Expression on Mitochondrial Function and Inclusion Formation in a Cell Culture Model of Sporadic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cronin-Furman Emily N. , Barber-Singh Jennifer , Bergquist Kristen E. , Yagi Takao , Trimmer Patricia A.
Published: March 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that exhibits aberrant protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ndi1, the yeast mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) enzyme, is a single subunit, internal matrix-facing protein. Previous studies have shown that Ndi1 expression leads to improved mitochondrial function in models of complex I-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. The trans-mitochondrial cybrid cell model of PD was created by fusing mitochondrial DNA-depleted SH-SY5Y cells with platelets from a sporadic PD patient. PD cybrid cells reproduce the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in a patient’s brain and periphery and form intracellular, cybrid Lewy bodies comparable to Lewy bodies in PD brain. To improve mitochondrial function and alter the formation of protein aggregates, Ndi1 was expressed in PD cybrid cells and parent SH-SY5Y cells. We observed a dramatic increase in mitochondrial respiration, increased mitochondrial gene expression, and increased PGC-1α gene expression in PD cybrid cells expressing Ndi1. Total cellular aggregated protein content was decreased but Ndi1 expression was insufficient to prevent cybrid Lewy body formation. Ndi1 expression leads to improved mitochondrial function and biogenesis signaling, both processes that could improve neuron survival during disease. However, other aspects of PD pathology such as cybrid Lewy body formation were not reduced. Consequently, resolution of mitochondrial dysfunction alone may not be sufficient to overcome other aspects of PD-related cellular pathology.
Combining Autoclaving with Mild Alkaline Solution as a Pretreatment Technique to Enhance Glucose Recovery from the Invasive Weed Chloris barbata
Authors: Obeng Abraham Kusi , Premjet Duangporn , Premjet Siripong
Published: March 2019

Developing an optimum pretreatment condition to enhance glucose recovery assessed the potential of Chloris barbata, which is a common invasive weed in Thailand, as a feedstock for bioethanol production. Chloris barbata was exposed to autoclave-assisted alkaline pretreatment by using different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (1% to 4%) and heat intensities (110 °C to 130 °C) that were dissipated from autoclaving. The optimum condition for pretreatment was determined to be 2% NaOH at 110 °C for 60 min. At this condition, maximum hydrolysis efficiency (90.0%) and glucose recovery (30.7%), as compared to those of raw C. barbata (15.15% and 6.20%, respectively), were observed. Evaluation of glucose production from 1000 g of C. barbata based on material balance analysis revealed an estimated yield of 304 g after pretreatment at the optimum condition when compared to that of raw C. barbata (61 g), an increase of five-fold. Structural analysis by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the disruption of the intact structure of C. barbata and an increase in the cellulose crystallinity index (CrI), respectively. The results from this study demonstrate the efficiency of using C. barbata as a potential feedstock for bioethanol production.
Evaluation of Cyclosaplin Efficacy Using a Silk Based 3D Tumor Model
Authors: Mishra Abheepsa , Mukhopadhyay Sourav K. , Dey Satyahari
Published: March 2019

Development of novel anti-cancer peptides requires a rapid screening process which can be accelerated by using appropriate in vitro tumor models. Breast carcinoma tissue is a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment, which contains a hypoxic center surrounded by dense proliferative tissue. Biochemical clues provided by such a 3D cell mass cannot be recapitulated in conventional 2D culture systems. In this experiment, we evaluate the efficacy of the sandalwood peptide, cyclosaplin, on an established in vitro 3D silk breast cancer model using the invasive MDA-MB-231 cell line. The anti-proliferative effect of the peptide on the 3D silk tumor model is monitored by alamarBlue assay, with conventional 2D culture as control. The proliferation rate, glucose consumed, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity of human breast cancer cells are higher in 3D constructs compared to 2D. A higher concentration of drug is required to achieve 50% cell death in 3D culture than in 2D culture. The cyclosaplin treated MDA-MB-231 cells showed a significant decrease in MMP-9 activity in 3D constructs. Microscopic analysis revealed the formation of cell clusters evenly distributed in the scaffolds. The drug treated cells were less in number, smaller and showed unusual morphology. Overall, these findings indicate the role of cyclosaplin as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic.
Electrode Placement in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation—How Reliable Is the Determination of C3/C4?
Authors: Rich Tonya L. , Gillick Bernadette T.
Published: March 2019

The 10/20 electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements system often guides electrode placement for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation. One targeted region of the brain is the primary motor cortex (M1) for motor recovery after stroke, among other clinical indications. M1 is identified by C3 and C4 of the 10/20 EEG system yet the reliability of 10/20 EEG measurements by novice research raters is unknown. We investigated the reliability of the 10/20 EEG measurements for C3 and C4 in 25 adult participants. Two novice raters were assessed for inter-rater reliability. Both raters received two hours of instruction from a registered neurodiagnostic technician. One of the raters completed the measurements across two testing days for intra-rater reliability. Relative reliability was determined using the intraclass coefficient (ICC) and absolute reliability. We observed a low to fair inter and intra-rater ICC for motor cortex measurements. The absolute reliability was <1.0 cm by different novice raters and on different days. Although a low error was observed, consideration of the integrity of the targeted region of the brain is critical when designing tDCS interventions in clinical populations who may have compromised brain structure, due to a lesion or altered anatomy.
Perception and Deception: Human Beauty and the Brain
Authors: Yarosh Daniel B.
Published: March 2019

Human physical characteristics and their perception by the brain are under pressure by natural selection to optimize reproductive success. Men and women have different strategies to appear attractive and have different interests in identifying beauty in people. Nevertheless, men and women from all cultures agree on who is and who is not attractive, and throughout the world attractive people show greater acquisition of resources and greater reproductive success than others. The brain employs at least three modules, composed of interconnected brain regions, to judge facial attractiveness: one for identification, one for interpretation and one for valuing. Key elements that go into the judgment are age and health, as well as symmetry, averageness, face and body proportions, facial color and texture. These elements are all Costly Signals of reproductive fitness because they are difficult to fake. However, people deceive others using tricks such as coloring hair, cosmetics and clothing styles, while at the same time they also focus on detecting fakes. People may also deceive themselves, especially about their own attractiveness, and use self-signally actions to demonstrate to themselves their own true value. The neuroscience of beauty is best understood by considering the evolutionary pressures to maximize reproductive fitness.
Transformed Shell Roof Structures as the Main Determinant in Creative Shaping Building Free Forms Sensitive to Man-Made and Natural Environments
Authors: Abramczyk Jacek
Published: March 2019

The article presents author’s propositions for shaping free forms of buildings sensitive to harmonious incorporation into built or natural environments. Complex folded structures of buildings roofed with regular shell structures are regarded as the most useful in creative shaping the free forms that can easily adapt to various expected environmental conditions. Three more and more sophisticated methods are proposed for creating variously conditioned free form structures. The first method allows the possibility of combining many single free forms into one structure and leaves the designer full freedom in shaping regular or irregular structures. The second, more sophisticated method introduces additional rules supporting the designer’s spatial reasoning and intuition in imposing regularity of the shapes of the building structure and its roof shell structure. The third, most sophisticated method introduces additional conditions allowing the optimization of the regular shapes and arrangement of complete shell roof segments on the basis of an arbitrary reference surface and a finite number of straight lines normal to the surface. This original, interdisciplinary study offers new insight into, and knowledge of, unconventional methods for the creative shaping of innovative free forms, where great possibility and significant restrictions result from geometrical and mechanical properties of the materials used. Solving a number of issues in the field of civil engineering, descriptive geometry and architecture is crucial in the process of creating these structures.
Combination of Mac-2 Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer and Up-To-Seven Criteria as a Useful Predictor for Child-Pugh Grade Deterioration after Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Eso Yuji , Takai Atsushi , Takahashi Ken , Ueda Yoshihide , Taura Kojiro , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Seno Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the recommended first-line treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients who became refractory to TACE, a treatment switch to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) needs to be considered. However, TACE could worsen liver function, thereby narrowing the time window for a switch to TKIs because TKIs are recommended for patients with Child-Pugh grade A (CP-A). We investigated the factors associated with CP grade deterioration after TACE. Among patients who underwent TACE, 125 patients with CP-A were enrolled. The cumulative CP grade deterioration rates were 20.3%, 27.1%, and 41.4% at six months, one year, and two years, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors associated with CP grade deterioration included high Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) levels (>2.00 cut-off index) and beyond the up-to-seven criteria. The cumulative CP grade deterioration rates of patients with high M2BPGi and beyond the up-to-seven criteria were 50.6% and 59.2% at six months and one year, respectively, which were significantly higher than for those in any other groups. The combination of M2BPGi and up-to-seven criteria could be a surrogate marker for predicting CP grade deterioration after TACE. In patients with intermediate-stage HCC, elevated M2BPGi levels, and beyond the up-to-seven criteria, an early treatment switch to TKIs should be considered to improve their prognosis.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatoblastoma Tumors
Authors: Cristóbal Ion , Sanz-Álvarez Marta , Luque Melani , Caramés Cristina , Rojo Federico , García-Foncillas Jesús
Published: March 2019

Hepatoblastoma is the most common hepatic malignancy during childhood. However, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms that govern the development of this disease. This review is focused on the recent advances regarding the study of microRNAs in hepatoblastoma and their substantial contribution to improv our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease. We show here that miRNAs represent valuable tools to identify signaling pathways involved in hepatoblastoma progression as well as useful biomarkers and novel molecular targets to develop alternative therapeutic strategies in this disease.
Novel Therapies and Approaches to Relapsed/Refractory HL Beyond Chemotherapy
Authors: Mina Alain Antoine , Vakkalagadda Chetan , Pro Barbara
Published: March 2019

Although Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is highly curable with first-line therapy, relapses occur in approximately 10–20% of patients with early stage disease and 30–40% of patients with advanced stage disease. The standard approach for relapsed or refractory disease is salvage therapy, followed by consolidation with high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Patients who achieve a complete response to salvage therapy prior to ASCT have better outcomes, thus recent studies have focused on incorporating newer agents in this setting. Major challenges in the management of relapsed patients remain how to choose and sequence the many salvage therapies that are currently available and how to best incorporate novel agents in the current treatment paradigms. In this article, we will summarize the most recent advances in the management of patients with recurrent HL and will mainly focus on the role of new agents approved and under investigation. Aside from brentuximab vedotin and checkpoint inhibitors, other novel agents and therapies are showing promising early results. However, at least with some of the newest targeted strategies, it is important to recognize that we are facing new challenges in terms of toxicities, which require very close monitoring and education of both the patient and treating physician.