bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Protein Oxidative Modifications in Follicular Fluid from Fertile Women: Natural Versus Stimulated Cycles
Authors: Pérez-Ruiz Irantzu , Meijide Susana , Hérnandez María-Luisa , Navarro Rosaura , Larreategui Zaloa , Ferrando Marcos , Ruiz-Larrea María-Begoña , Ruiz-Sanz José-Ignacio
Published: November 2018

Oxidative stress is associated with obstetric complications during ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. The follicular fluid contains high levels of proteins, which are the main targets of free radicals. The aim of this work was to determine specific biomarkers of non-enzymatic oxidative modifications of proteins from follicular fluid in vivo, and the effect of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins on these biomarkers. For this purpose, 27 fertile women underwent both a natural and a stimulated cycle. The biomarkers, glutamic semialdehyde (GSA), aminoadipic semialdehyde (AASA), Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), and Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), were measured by gas-liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Results showed that follicular fluid contained products of protein modifications by direct metal-catalyzed oxidation (GSA and AASA), glycoxidation (CML and CEL), and lipoxidation (CML). GSA was the most abundant biomarker (91.5%). The levels of CML amounted to 6% of the total lesions and were higher than AASA (1.3%) and CEL (1.2%). In the natural cycle, CEL was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the stimulated cycle, suggesting that natural cycles are more protected against protein glycoxidation. These findings are the basis for further research to elucidate the possible relevance of this follicular biomarker of advanced glycation end product in fertility programs.
An Image Segmentation Method Based on Improved Regularized Level Set Model
Authors: Sun Lin , Meng Xinchao , Xu Jiucheng , Zhang Shiguang
Published: November 2018

When the level set algorithm is used to segment an image, the level set function must be initialized periodically to ensure that it remains a signed distance function (SDF). To avoid this defect, an improved regularized level set method-based image segmentation approach is presented. First, a new potential function is defined and introduced to reconstruct a new distance regularization term to solve this issue of periodically initializing the level set function. Second, by combining the distance regularization term with the internal and external energy terms, a new energy functional is developed. Then, the process of the new energy functional evolution is derived by using the calculus of variations and the steepest descent approach, and a partial differential equation is designed. Finally, an improved regularized level set-based image segmentation (IRLS-IS) method is proposed. Numerical experimental results demonstrate that the IRLS-IS method is not only effective and robust to segment noise and intensity-inhomogeneous images but can also analyze complex medical images well.
Demonstration of Triband Multi-Focal Imaging with Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Nam Ahhyun Stephanie , Ren Jian , Bouma Brett E. , Vakoc Benjamin J.
Published: November 2018

We demonstrate an extended depth of focus optical coherence tomography (OCT) system based on the use of chromatic aberration to create displaced focal planes in the sample. The system uses a wavelength-swept source tuning over three spectral bands and three separate interferometers, each of which interfaces to a single illumination/collection fiber. The resulting three imaged volumes are merged in post-processing to generate an image with a larger depth of focus than is obtained from each band individually. The improvements are demonstrated in structural imaging of a porous phantom and a lipid-cleared murine brain, and by angiographic imaging of human skin. By using a coaxial approach with Gaussian beams, this approach enables an extended focus with relatively simple microscope optics and data-merging algorithms.
Safety Helmet Wearing Management System for Construction Workers Using Three-Axis Accelerometer Sensor
Authors: Kim Sung Hun , Wang Changwon , Min Se Dong , Lee Seung Hyun
Published: November 2018

In the Korean construction industry, legal and institutional safety management improvements are continually being pursued. However, there was a 4.5% increase in the number of workers’ deaths at construction sites in 2017 compared to the previous year. Failure to wear safety helmets seems to be one of the major causes of the increase in accidents, and so it is necessary to develop technology to monitor whether or not safety helmets are being used. However, the approaches employed in existing technical studies on this issue have mainly involved the use of chinstrap sensors and have been limited to the problem of whether or not safety helmets are being worn. Meanwhile, improper wearing, such as when the chinstrap and harness fixing of the safety helmet are not properly tightened, has not been monitored. To remedy this shortcoming, a sensing safety helmet with a three-axis accelerometer sensor attached was developed in this study. Experiments were performed in which the sensing data were classified whether the safety helmet was being worn properly, not worn, or worn improperly during construction workers’ activities. The results verified that it is possible to differentiate among wearing status of the proposed safety helmet with a high accuracy of 97.0%.
A Time-Interleave-Based Power Management System with Maximum Power Extraction and Health Protection Algorithm for Multiple Microbial Fuel Cells for Internet of Things Smart Nodes
Authors: Costilla Reyes Alfredo , Erbay Celal , Carreon-Bautista Salvador , Han Arum , Sánchez-Sinencio Edgar
Published: November 2018

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology is a novel Energy Harvesting (EH) source that can transform organic substrates in wastewater into electricity through a bioelectrochemical process. However, its limited output power available per liter is in the range of a few milliwatts, which results very limited to be used by an Internet of Things (IoT) smart node that could require power in the order of hundreds of milliwatts when in full operation. One way to reach a usable power output is to connect several MFCs in series or parallel; nevertheless, the high output characteristic resistance of MFCs and differences in output voltage from multiple MFCs, dramatically worsens its power efficiency for both series and parallel arrangements. In this paper, a Power Management System (PMS) is proposed to allow maximum power harvesting from multiple MFCs while providing a regulated output voltage. To enable a more efficient and reliable power-harvesting process from multiple MFCs that considers the biochemical limitations of the bacteria to extend its lifetime, a power ranking and MFC health-protection algorithm using an interleaved EH operation was implemented in a PIC24F16KA102 microcontroller. A power extraction sub-block of the system includes an ultra-low-power BQ25505 step-up DC-DC converter, which integrates Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) capabilities. The maximum efficiency measured of the PMS was ~50.7%. The energy harvesting technique presented in this work was tested to power an internet-enabled temperature-sensing smart node.
Numerical Simulation of Propagation Characteristics of Hazardous Noxious Substances Spilled from Transport Ships
Authors: Jeong Chan Ho , Ko Min Kyu , Lee Moonjin , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: November 2018

This study numerically investigates the propagation characteristics of hazardous noxious substances (HNSs) spilled from transport ships and suggests the metal model for predicting the HNS propagation velocity varied with the current velocity and HNS density. The commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ANSYS FLUENT (V. 17.2) was used for two-dimensional simulation based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equation together with the standard k–ε model. The scalar transport equation was also solved to estimate the spatial and transient behaviors of HNS. The main parameters to analyze the near-field propagation characteristics of HNSs spilled from the ship were layer thickness, HNS concentration, and propagation velocity. It was found that advection becomes more dominant in propagating an HNS layer that becomes thinner as the current velocity increases. When the current velocity increased beyond a certain level (~0.75 m/s), the mixing effect made the HNS layer less dense but thicker. Consequently, lower-density HNS causes increased HNS concentrations at sea level. As the current velocity increased, the concentration distribution became homogeneous regardless of HNS density. In particular, the second-order response surface model provided for three variables on the basis of the numerical results for 15 cases with the use of the general least-squares regression method, showing a good fit. This model would be useful in estimating the propagation velocity of HNS spilled from a ship.
A Life-Line for the Pedagogic Goose: Harnessing the Graduate Perspective in Arts Education
Authors: Tinker Amanda , Greenhough Katherine , Caldwell Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Studio-based art and design education provides high levels of individual attention but has been criticized for the high demands for space and staff time that it places on institutions. Furthermore, retention and attainment rates in art and design subjects demonstrate that not all students develop the supportive, individual relationships with their tutors that facilitate development as creative practitioners. This article reports a case study of an initiative to improve retention amongst first year students studying Art, Design and Architecture subjects, by utilizing recent graduates, employed as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), to create a communications bridge between new students and their subject tutors. The project found that retention rates improved by 50% for these first-year students, who also reported that GTAs are welcoming, approachable, more accessible, and easier to talk to than academic staff. Tutors felt that communication with their students was enhanced by GTAs helping build clear narratives for each student. As the role of GTA becomes more established, further developments will include facilitating peer-to-peer collaboration in the studio through the harnessing and integration of peer mentors to more quickly foster a collaborative and supportive studio culture for new students.
Theater against Borders: ‘Miunikh–Damaskus’—A Case Study in Solidarity
Authors: Totah Ruba , Khoury Krystel
Published: November 2018

In 2017, the City Theater of Munich engaged with a policy of diversity, and decided to include Syrian artists and create the Open Border Ensemble. A German and Syrian refugee and non-refugee cast produced the first performance, “Miunikh–Damaskus: Stories of one city” (May 2018). This mobile play aimed at minimizing stereotypes and deconstructing essentialist cultural identity prejudices. The paper examines how, in this case study, multilayered artistic strategies and relational dynamics came together to implement a ‘third space’. It addresses the challenges and implications of such theater endeavors regarding solidarity and the representation of the figure of the artists within the realm of the migration and refugee discourse.
Meta-Omics Tools in the World of Insect-Microorganism Interactions
Authors: Malacrinò Antonino
Published: November 2018

Microorganisms are able to influence several aspects of insects’ life, and this statement is gaining increasing strength, as research demonstrates it daily. At the same time, new sequencing technologies are now available at a lower cost per base, and bioinformatic procedures are becoming more user-friendly. This is triggering a huge effort in studying the microbial diversity associated to insects, and especially to economically important insect pests. The importance of the microbiome has been widely acknowledged for a wide range of animals, and also for insects this topic is gaining considerable importance. In addition to bacterial-associates, the insect-associated fungal communities are also gaining attention, especially those including plant pathogens. The use of meta-omics tools is not restricted to the description of the microbial world, but it can be also used in bio-surveillance, food safety assessment, or even to bring novelties to the industry. This mini-review aims to give a wide overview of how meta-omics tools are fostering advances in research on insect-microorganism interactions.
1st Symposium on Polydopamine and NanoTech Poland 2018: Conference Report
Authors: Mrówczyński Radosław , D’Ischia Marco , Lee Haeshin , Jurga Stefan
Published: November 2018

The NanoTech Poland is an annual international conference with a strong scientific agenda focused on nanotechnology in energy, environment, and biomedicine. The Nanotech Poland 2018 was held at the NanoBioMedical Centre and Department of Physics at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań from June 6th to June 9th. The aim of NanoTech Poland 2018 was to bring together the scientific community’s principal investigators, scientists, researchers, analysts, clinicians, policy makers, industry experts, and well-established and budding entrepreneurs to discuss the present and future perspectives in nanotechnology and nanoscience research and development. This year, the 1st Symposium on Polydopamine was held on June 6th. This forum was dedicated to the application of polydopamine and related catechol materials in a variety of research fields, both at the nano- and macroscale. The symposium gathered leading scientists from this important research field from top universities and institutions that have been involved in the research revolved around polydopamine. With over 200 national and international participants, NanoTech Poland 2018 and the 1st Symposium on Polydopamine provided a forum to present and discuss the latest scientific news from the field of nanotechnology with a strong interdisciplinary aspect and bioinspired materials.
Coordinated “Naked” Pnicogenes and Catalysis
Authors: Vízi-Orosz Anna , Berzeviczy Gergely , Pályi Gyula
Published: November 2018

Diphosphorous (P2) side-on coordinated to a dicobalt (Co–Co) moiety was described 45 years ago. This discovery had several links to actual problems of homogeneous molecular catalysis. The new type of organometallic complexes induced several ingenious new ramifications in main-group/transition metal cluster chemistry in the last decades. The present review traces the main lines of these research results and their contacts to actual problems of industrial catalysis.
Development of the Gut Microbiome in Children, and Lifetime Implications for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Mohammadkhah Anica I. , Simpson Eoin B. , Patterson Stephanie G. , Ferguson Jane F.
Published: November 2018

Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome composition and function is associated with development of obesity and metabolic disease. Microbial colonization expands rapidly following birth, and microbiome composition is particularly variable during infancy. Factors that influence the formation of the gut microbiome during infancy and childhood may have a significant impact on development of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, with life-long consequences. In this review, we examine the determinants of gut microbiome composition during infancy and childhood, and evaluate the potential impact on obesity and cardiometabolic risk.
Rheology of Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsions: Influence of Concentration and Temperature
Authors: Kolotova Daria S. , Kuchina Yuliya A. , Petrova Lyudmila A. , Voron’ko Nicolay G. , Derkach Svetlana R.
Published: November 2018

The effect of aqueous phase content and temperature North Sea crude oil emulsion viscoelastic behavior has been studied. Heavy crude oil from the North Sea is of high viscosity and is capable of forming stable water-in-crude oil (w/o) emulsions without introducing any synthetic surfactants. The aqueous phase volume content was varied from 1 to 40%, and the temperature was varied from 0 to 30 °C. The w/o emulsion viscosity increased sharply when the aqueous phase content exceeds 20%, being more pronounced at the lower temperatures. The viscosity flow curves for emulsions containing more than 20% aqueous phase demonstrate non-Newtonian behavior, in contrast to crude oil, which is Newtonian. The coefficients in the master curve describing the viscosity-temperature dependence were determined. Oscillatory rheological tests showed that the loss modulus substantially exceeds the storage modulus which indicates the liquid-like state of the emulsions.
Measuring Inner Layer Capacitance with the Colloidal Probe Technique
Authors: Smith Alexander M. , Maroni Plinio , Borkovec Michal , Trefalt Gregor
Published: November 2018

The colloidal probe technique was used to measure the inner layer capacitance of an electrical double layer. In particular, the forces were measured between silica surfaces and sulfate latex surfaces in solutions of monovalent salts of different alkali metals. The force profiles were interpreted with Poisson-Boltzmann theory with charge regulation, whereby the diffuse layer potential and the regulation properties of the interface were obtained. While the diffuse layer potential was measured in this fashion in the past, we are able to extract the regulation properties of the inner layer, in particular, its capacitance. We find systematic trends with the type of alkali metal ion and the salt concentration. The observed trends could be caused by difference in ion hydration, variation of the binding capacitance, and changes of the effective dielectric constant within the Stern layer. Our results are in agreement with recent experiments involving the water-silica interface based on a completely independent method using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in a liquid microjet. This agreement confirms the validity of our approach, which further provides a means to probe other types of interfaces than silica.
Multiple-Mode Wideband Bandpass Filter Using Split Ring Resonators in a Rectangular Waveguide Cavity
Authors: Hameed Musab , Xiao Gaobiao , Qiu Lina , Xiong Can , Hameed Tayyab
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a simple split ring resonator excitation to realize a multi-mode wideband bandpass filter in a rectangular waveguide cavity. The proposed resonator employs two rectangular split rings attached with two coaxial probes extended into the cavity to excite two resonant modes, unlike the conventional cavity resonators which employ conductive cylinders in the cavities to achieve the same results. A hybrid magnetic (HM) mode and a hybrid electric (HE) mode are the two hybrid modes excited to realize the wideband bandpass filter. The filter operates at 2.5 GHz center frequency with 53% fractional bandwidth. Finally, the prototypes of a second and a fourth order filter are fabricated for results validation. Measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.
Estimation Error Based Disturbance Observer Design for Flexible Loop Shaping
Authors: Suh Sangmin
Published: November 2018

This note presents an estimation error based disturbance observer (EEDOB) to reduce the effects of external disturbances. In the proposed control structure, a difference between an estimator output and a plant output is considered as an equivalent disturbance. Therefore, when a disturbance appears, the proposed disturbance observer (DOB) is activated. Unlike conventional DOB, this method does not require the plant inverse model or additional stabilizing filters. In addition, the proposed method always satisfies closed loop systems stability, which is definitely different from conventional DOB. To verify the effectiveness, this method was applied to commercial storage systems. From the experimental results, it is confirmed that tracking performance is improved by 23.5%.
HVDC Transmission Technology of Wind Power System with Multi-Phase PMSG
Authors: Zhou Shijia , Rong Fei , Yin Zhangtao , Huang Shoudao , Zhou Yuebin
Published: November 2018

The high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission technology of wind power system, with multi-phase permanent magnetic synchronous generator (PMSG) is proposed in this paper. Each set of three-phase winding of the multi-phase PMSG was connected to a diode rectifier. The output of the diode rectifier was connected by several parallel isolated DC–DC converters. Each DC–DC converter was connected to a sub-module (SM). All SMs and two inductors were connected in a series. The proposed wind power system has several advantages including, transformerless operation, low cost, low voltage stress, and high fault tolerance. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and energy balance of the DC–DC converters were achieved by controlling the duty cycles of the DC–DC converters. The HVDC transmission was achieved by the nearest level control (NLC) with voltage sorting. The simulation model with 18-phase PMSG was established. Experimental results were also studied based on RT-Lab.
User’s Perspective on Home Energy Management Systems
Authors: Straub Ad , Volmer Ellard
Published: November 2018

A Home Energy Management System (HEMS) has no direct and immediate energy-saving effect. It gives insight into the resident’s behaviour regarding energy use. When this is linked to the appropriate feedback, the resident is in a position to change his or her behaviour. This should result in reduced gas and/or electricity consumption. The aim of our study is to contribute to the effective use of HEMSs by identifying types of homeowners in relation to the use of a HEMS. The research methods used were a literature review and the Q-method. A survey using the Q-method was conducted among 39 owners of single-family homes in various Rotterdam neighbourhoods. In order to find shared views among respondents, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. Five different types of homeowners could be distinguished: the optimists, the privacy-conscious, the technicians, the sceptics, and the indifferent. Their opinions vary as regards the added value of a HEMS, what characteristics a HEMS should have, how much confidence they have in the energy-saving effect of such systems, and their views on the privacy and safety associated with using a HEMS. The target group classification can be used as input for a way in which local stakeholders, e.g., a municipality, can offer HEMSs that are in line with the wishes of the homeowner.
Algal Bloom Exacerbates Hydrogen Sulfide and Methylmercury Contamination in the Emblematic High-Altitude Lake Titicaca
Authors: Achá Darío , Guédron Stephane , Amouroux David , Point David , Lazzaro Xavier , Fernandez Pablo Edgar , Sarret Géraldine
Published: November 2018

Algal blooms occurrence is increasing around the globe. However, algal blooms are uncommon in dominantly oligotrophic high-altitude lakes. Lake Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America, located at 3809 m above the sea level, experienced its first recorded algal bloom covering a large fraction of its southern shallow basin in March–April 2015. The dominant algae involved in the bloom was Carteria sp. Water geochemistry changed during the bloom with a simultaneous alkalinization in heterotrophic parts of the lake and acidification in eutrophic shallow areas. A decrease in oxygen saturation (from 105 to 51%), and a dramatic increase in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations (from <0.02 to up to 155 µg∙L−1) resulted in the massive death of pelagic organisms. Such changes were brought by the exacerbated activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in this sulfate-rich lake. Although levels in total mercury remained stable during the event, MMHg % rose, highlighting higher conservation of produced MMHg in the water. Such an increase on MMHg % has the potential to produce exponential changes on MMHg concentrations at the end food web due to the biomagnification process. Our physicochemical and climatological data suggest that unusually intense rain events released large amounts of nutrients from the watershed and triggered the bloom. The observed bloom offers a hint for possible scenarios for the lake if pollution and climate change continue to follow the same trend. Such a scenario may have significant impacts on the most valuable fish source in the Andean region and the largest freshwater Lake in South America. Furthermore, the event illustrates a possible fate of high altitude environments subjected to eutrophication.
Assessment of Earth Gravity Field Models in the Medium to High Frequency Spectrum Based on GRACE and GOCE Dynamic Orbit Analysis
Authors: Papanikolaou Thomas D. , Tsoulis Dimitrios
Published: November 2018

An analysis of current static and time-variable gravity field models is presented focusing on the medium to high frequencies of the geopotential as expressed by the spherical harmonic coefficients. A validation scheme of the gravity field models is implemented based on dynamic orbit determination that is applied in a degree-wise cumulative sense of the individual spherical harmonics. The approach is applied to real data of the Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation (GOCE) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite missions, as well as to GRACE inter-satellite K-band ranging (KBR) data. Since the proposed scheme aims at capturing gravitational discrepancies, we consider a few deterministic empirical parameters in order to avoid absorbing part of the gravity signal that may be included in the monitored orbit residuals. The present contribution aims at a band-limited analysis for identifying characteristic degree ranges and thresholds of the various GRACE- and GOCE-based gravity field models. The degree range 100–180 is investigated based on the degree-wise cumulative approach. The identified degree thresholds have values of 130 and 160 based on the GRACE KBR data and the GOCE orbit analysis, respectively.
Molecular Regulation of Catalpol and Acteoside Accumulation in Radial Striation and non-Radial Striation of Rehmannia glutinosa Tuberous Root
Authors: Zhi Jingyu , Li Yajing , Zhang Zhongyi , Yang Chaofei , Geng Xiaotong , Zhang Miao , Li Xinrong , Zuo Xin , Li Mingjie , Huang Yong , Wang Fengqing , Xie Caixia
Published: November 2018

Rehmannia glutinosa L., a perennial plant of Scrophulariaceae, is one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that have been widely cultivated in China. However, to date, the biosynthetic pathway of its two quality-control components, catalpol and acteoside, are only partially elucidated and the mechanism for their tissue-specific accumulation remains unknown. To facilitate the basic understanding of the key genes and transcriptional regulators involved in the biosynthesis of catalpol and acteoside, transcriptome sequencing of radial striation (RS) and non-radial striation (nRS) from four R. glutinosa cultivars was performed. A total of 715,158,202 (~107.27 Gb) high quality reads obtained using paired-end Illumina sequencing were de novo assembled into 150,405 transcripts. Functional annotation with multiple public databases identified 155 and 223 unigenes involved in catalpol and acteoside biosynthesis, together with 325 UGTs, and important transcription factor (TF) families. Comparative analysis of the transcriptomes identified 362 unigenes, found to be differentially expressed in all RS vs. nRS comparisons, with 143 upregulated unigenes, including those encoding enzymes of the catalpol and acteoside biosynthetic pathway, such as geranyl diphosphate synthase (RgGPPS), geraniol 8-hydroxylase (RgG10H), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (RgPAL). Other differentially expressed unigenes predicted to be related to catalpol and acteoside biosynthesis fall into UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs), as well as transcription factors. In addition, 16 differentially expressed genes were selectively confirmed by real-time PCR. In conclusion, a large unigene dataset of R. glutinosa generated in the current study will serve as a resource for the identification of potential candidate genes for investigation of the tuberous root development and biosynthesis of active components.
Urinary Proteomics for the Early Diagnosis of Diabetic Nephropathy in Taiwanese Patients
Authors: Liao Wen-Ling , Chang Chiz-Tzung , Chen Ching-Chu , Lee Wen-Jane , Lin Shih-Yi , Liao Hsin-Yi , Wu Chia-Ming , Chang Ya-Wen , Chen Chao-Jung , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: November 2018

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication in diabetic patients. Microalbuminuria testing is used to identify renal disease; however, its predictive value is questionable. We aimed to identify urinary biomarkers to early diagnosis nephropathy before identifiable alternations in kidney function or urine albumin excretion occurs. Proteomic approaches were used to identify potential urinary biomarkers and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to verify the results. The data identified haptoglobin (HPT) and α-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor (AMBP) as two biomarkers with the highest ability to distinguish between healthy individuals and patients with nephropathy, and between diabetic patients with and without DN. Further, the HPT-to-creatinine ratio (HCR) was evaluated as an independent predictor of early renal functional decline (ERFD) in a cohort with an average follow-up of 4.2 years. The area under the curve (AUC) value for ERFD prediction was significantly improved when the HCR biomarker was included in the model with albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and baseline characteristics (AUC values were 0.803 and 0.759 for HCR and ACR, respectively; p value was 0.0423 for difference between models). In conclusion, our results suggest that HCR represents an early indicator of nephropathy, and a marker related to ERFD among diabetic patients in Taiwan.
Pterostilbene Attenuates Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis by Preventing Cell Apoptosis and Inhibiting IL-1β-Related NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Wang Bour-Jr , Chiu Hui-Wen , Lee Yong-Lin , Li Chia-Yi , Wang Ying-Jan , Lee Yu-Hsuan
Published: November 2018

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is widely used in many industries but can induce contact dermatitis especially in cement industries. Many cement workers suffer from Cr(VI)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), and prevention and therapeutic strategies are still lacking. Pterostilbene (PT) is a natural compound predominantly found in blueberries. Studies indicate the potential use of PT as an effective anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory agent. Herein, we investigated the possible mechanisms involved and whether chromium-induced ACD could be effectively inhibited by treating PT. In our in vivo study, epidermal Cr(VI) administration causes cutaneous inflammation in mice ear skin, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, were found in the epidermis, presenting the level of increase after Cr(VI) treatment. Meanwhile, the results of our in vitro experiment showed that apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were induced after treatment with different concentrations of Cr(VI) in HaCaT cells (human keratinocyte). Cr(VI) also induced TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expressions, through the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) pathway. Notably, the severity of the skin reactions in the epicutaneous elicitation test significantly diminished when the mouse was treated with PT. Likewise, PT intervention also ameliorated the inflammation and apoptosis of HaCaT cells in vitro. Furthermore, our current findings demonstrated that the NLRP3 inflammasome could be involved in the Cr(VI)-mediated inflammation and apoptosis of ACD. Thus, interrupting this mechanism with proper nontoxic agents, such as PT, could be a new option to improve occupational chromium toxicity and hypersensitivity.
Some Notes to Extend the Study on Random Non-Autonomous Second Order Linear Differential Equations Appearing in Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Calatayud Gregori Julia , Cortés López Juan , Jornet Sanz Marc
Published: November 2018

The objective of this paper is to complete certain issues from our recent contribution (Calatayud, J.; Cortés, J.-C.; Jornet, M.; Villafuerte, L. Random non-autonomous second order linear differential equations: mean square analytic solutions and their statistical properties. Adv. Differ. Equ. 2018, 392, 1–29, doi:10.1186/s13662-018-1848-8). We restate the main theorem therein that deals with the homogeneous case, so that the hypotheses are clearer and also easier to check in applications. Another novelty is that we tackle the non-homogeneous equation with a theorem of existence of mean square analytic solution and a numerical example. We also prove the uniqueness of mean square solution via a habitual Lipschitz condition that extends the classical Picard theorem to mean square calculus. In this manner, the study on general random non-autonomous second order linear differential equations with analytic data processes is completely resolved. Finally, we relate our exposition based on random power series with polynomial chaos expansions and the random differential transform method, the latter being a reformulation of our random Fröbenius method.
Two Novel Multi-Functional Peptides from Meat and Visceral Mass of Marine Snail Neptunea arthritica cumingii and Their Activities In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Shan-Shan , Han Li-Wen , Shi Yong-Ping , Li Xiao-Bin , Zhang Xuan-Ming , Hou Hai-Rong , Lin Hou-Wen , Liu Ke-Chun
Published: November 2018

Neptunea arthritica cumingii (Nac) is a marine snail with high nutritional and commercial value; however, little is known about its active peptides. In this study, two multi-functional peptides, YSQLENEFDR (Tyr-Ser-Gln-Leu-Glu-Asn-Glu-Phe-Asp-Arg) and YIAEDAER (Tyr-Ile-Ala-Glu-Asp-Ala-Glu-Arg), were isolated and purified from meat and visceral mass extracts of Nac using a multi-bioassay-guided method and were characterized by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Both peptides showed high antioxidant, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory, and anti-diabetic activities, with half-maximal effective concentrations values less than 1 mM. Antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities were significantly higher for YSQLENEFDR than for YIAEDAER. In a zebrafish model, the two peptides exhibited strong scavenging ability for reactive oxygen species and effectively protected skin cells against oxidative damage without toxicity. Molecular docking simulation further predicted the interactions of the two peptides and ACE. Stability analysis study indicated that the two synthetic peptides maintained their activities under thermal stress and simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions. The low molecular weight, high proportion of hydrophobic and negatively-charged amino acids, and specific C-terminal and N-terminal amino acids may contribute to the observed bio-activities of these two peptides with potential application for the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases.
Simulation of Sheet Metal Forming Processes Using a Fully Rheological-Damage Constitutive Model Coupling and a Specific 3D Remeshing Method
Authors: Cherouat Abel , Borouchaki Houman , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2018

Automatic process modeling has become an effective tool in reducing the lead-time and the cost for designing forming processes. The numerical modeling process is performed on a fully coupled damage constitutive equations and the advanced 3D adaptive remeshing procedure. Based on continuum damage mechanics, an isotropic damage model coupled with the Johnson–Cook flow law is proposed to satisfy the thermodynamic and damage requirements in metals. The Lemaitre damage potential was chosen to control the damage evolution process and the effective configuration. These fully coupled constitutive equations have been implemented into a Dynamic Explicit finite element code Abaqus using user subroutine. On the other hand, an adaptive remeshing scheme in three dimensions is established to constantly update the deformed mesh to enable tracking of the large plastic deformations. The quantitative effects of coupled ductile damage and adaptive remeshing on the sheet metal forming are studied, and qualitative comparison with some available experimental data are given. As illustrated in the presented examples this overall strategy ensures a robust and efficient remeshing scheme for finite element simulation of sheet metal-forming processes.
An Inverted Magnetron Operating in HiPIMS Mode
Authors: Poolcharuansin Phitsanu , Chingsungnoen Artit , Pasaja Nitisak , Bradley James W
Published: November 2018

An ionized physical vapor deposition technique for thin ferromagnetic films is proposed. The technique is based on high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) with positive discharge polarity. A gapped-target was employed as the cathode of the magnetron. By applying positive HiPIMS pulses to the anode, sputtered particles inside the magnetron source were ionized and extracted through the gap. Using a discharge current with a peak of about 13 A, an ion flux in the order of 1021 m−2s−1 was obtained at a distance of 45 mm from the magnetron. In addition, deposition rates of up to 1.1 Å/s for nickel films were achieved using a 30 Hz repetition rate and 300 µs pulse width.
High Proton Selectivity Sulfonated Polyimides Ion Exchange Membranes for Vanadium Flow Batteries
Authors: Chen Qi , Ding Liming , Wang Lihua , Yang Haijun , Yu Xinhai
Published: November 2018

High proton selectivity is the ultimate aim for the ion exchange membranes (IEMs). In this study, two kinds of sulfonated polyimides (SPI)—non-fluorinated and fluorine-containing polyimide—with about 40% sulfonation degree were synthesized by one-step high temperature polymerization. High proton selectivity IEMs were prepared and applied in vanadium flow batteries (VFB). The chemical structures, physicochemical properties and single cell performance of these membranes were characterized. The results indicate that high molecular weight of SPIs can guarantee the simultaneous achievement of good mechanical and oxidative stability for IEMs. Meanwhile, the proton selectivity of SPI membrane is five times higher than that of Nafion115 membranes due to the introduction of fluorocarbon groups. Consequently, the single cell assembled with SPI membranes exhibits excellent energy efficiency up to 84.8% at a current density of 100 mA·cm−2, which is 4.6% higher than Nafion115. In addition, the capacity retention is great after 500 charge–discharge cycles. All results demonstrate that fluorinated SPI ion exchange membrane has a bright prospect in new energy field.
The Impact of Training and Support Interventions on Small Businesses in the Expanded Public Works Programme—Pretoria Region
Authors: Dladla Lungisani , Mutambara Emmanuel
Published: November 2018

The small business sector is regarded as a catalyst of employment for the largest number of people around the world. To reduce massive unemployment and inequality in the country, the Government of South Africa introduced various initiatives to stimulate and support small businesses, and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one such initiative. The enterprise development approach, which seeks to transfer income to poor households in the short to medium term, is one of the delivery mechanisms of the EPWP. This study critically assesses the impact and effectiveness of the training and support interventions provided to small businesses through the EPWP. The study employs a quantitative research method due to the size, availability, and ease of access of the participants, and the entire population of 20 small businesses, supported by the EPWP in the Pretoria region, was sampled. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The study demonstrates that the training intervention provided by the EPWP has a positive impact and achieves its intended goal of enhancing the business management skills of participants. It also reveals an interesting outcome, i.e., that the majority of the participants are women. The study also identified some weaknesses in the programme, which led to the recommendation that long-term support mechanisms are essential for ensuring the sustainability of emerging enterprises.
Non-Flat Earth Recalibrated for Terrain and Topsoil
Authors: Blakemore Robert J.
Published: November 2018

Earth’s land surface is raised from conventionally flat 15 Gha to >64 Gha accounting for hilly slope undulation and topsoil relief detail. Three main aspects are: topography, rugosity/tortuosity, and micro-relief/porosity of ice/vegetation-free ground. Recalibration arises from four approaches: First, direct empirical estimates of compiled satellite/LiDAR data means of +2.5–26% surface progressively overlain by +94% at cm2 scale for soil ruggedness then +108% for mm2 micro-relief; Second, from digital elevation models with thrice 1.6–2.0 times flat areas; Third, by ‘reverse engineering’ global soil bulk densities and carbon reserves requiring ×4–6 land. Finally, a Fermi estimation doubles the Earth’s surface—as exposed to Sun, air and rain—conveniently set at 100 Gha (with 64 Gha land:36 Gha ocean). Soil organic carbon (SOC) thereby grows to 8580 Gt mainly in SOM-humus with its biotic complexity plus roots, Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM-fungi), leaf-litter and earthworms itself totaling 17,810 Gt. Although four to six times IPCC’s or NASA/NOAA’s calculated 1500–2300 Gt SOC, this is likely an underestimation. Global biomass and biodiversity are at least doubled (×2–3.5) and net primary productivity (NPP) increases to >270 Gt C yr−1 due to terrain. Rationale for a ‘Soil Ecology Institute’ gains ground.
Nonlinear Effects of Urbanization and Outward Foreign Direct Investment on Carbon Emissions in China
Authors: Yi Ming , Gong Mengqi , Wu Ting , Wang Yue
Published: November 2018

It is essential to explore the relationship between China’s urbanization, outward foreign direct investment, and carbon emissions, in order to better understand China’s carbon emissions reduction target. To this end, the nonlinear Granger causality test and Markov-switching model are applied to analyze the structural effects of urbanization and outward foreign direct investment on domestic emissions, on the basis of time series data from 1984–2016. The results show that the promotion effect of outward foreign direct investment on carbon emissions is increased from low-carbon regime to high-emission regime. Specifically, 1% increase in OFDI leads to a rise in carbon emissions by 0.064% and 0.112% under the former and latter regime respectively. Unlike the effect trend of outward foreign direct investment, the effect of urbanization on carbon emissions is decreased from a high-emission regime (5.221% rise in carbon emissions with 1% increase in the level of urbanization) to a low-carbon regime (3.133% rise in carbon emissions with 1% increase in the level of urbanization).
The Impact of Soil and Water Conservation on Agricultural Economic Growth and Rural Poverty Reduction in China
Authors: Abdul-Rahim Abdul Samad , Sun Chenglong , Noraida A. W.
Published: November 2018

There is a lack of systematic study on the impact of soil and water conservation on the sustainable development of agricultural economies and rural poverty reduction in China. This study investigates the effects of soil and water conservation on agricultural economic growth. It looks at levels of disposable income in rural households in China and uses the econometric method to examine panel data obtained from 30 provinces between 2003–2012. Agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) is the dependent variable, and soil and water conservation are the independent variables. Farmland area, along with four other variables, is the control variables that are used to establish the Cobb–Douglas production function and provide further data. It was found that soil and water conservation have a significant impact on the per capita income of rural households in China. The findings support that soil and water conservation can contribute to the agricultural economic growth and rural poverty reduction in China. There is evidence that supports the idea that soil quality and capital input are now more important in poverty reduction and economic growth than farmland area and agricultural labour. The government and farmers need to prioritise investment in soil and water conservation in order to promote the development of agricultural economies and reduce rural poverty.
Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs)—Antibody and Vaccine
Authors: Lou Jianlong , Marks James D.
Published: November 2018

Botulism, caused by exposure to one or more of the eight serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) (BoNT/A through H), is often fatal without rapid treatment. [...]
Simulation des équilibres chimiques dans le système C-O-H. Conséquences méthodologiques pour les inclusions fluides
Authors: Dubessy Jean
Published: November 2018

V-X properties of fossil fluids trapped in fluid inclusions do not differ more than a few percent from the initial V-X properties of the fluid at high pressure and temperature conditions of trapping. During cooling of a fluid inclusion containing graphite, the change of the V-X properties of the fluid in equilibrium with graphite are related to the initial composition of the trapped fluid. No significant modification of the V-X properties of the trapped fluid is observed if less than 30 % of atomic hydrogen of the system is lost.
Inclusions fluides et modèle génétique des minéralisations à fluorine dans le district "Villabona-Arlós" (Asturias, Espagne)
Authors: Loredo Jorge , Garcia Iglesias Jesús
Published: November 2018

Suite à l'étude des inclusions fluides des fluorines de quelques gisements stratiformes et indices du district "Villabona-Arlós" (Villabona, Cucona, Santofirme, Arlós, Gloria, Moscona), on constate une faible diminution de température de Villabona vers Arlós, avec des valeurs intermédiaires pour les minéralisations de Moscona et Gloria. Ce faible refroidissement est accompagné par une remarquable dilution des solutions. Il est possible de considérer successivement une première circulation de faible température (80-90 °C) et salinité élevée (18-22 %), puis, peut-être due au mélange des solutions avec des eaux superficielles, une circulation de solutions légèrement plus froides (60-70 °C) et de plus faible salinité (0-8 %).

A partir des données fournies par l'étude des inclusions fluides et des corrélations établies avec les données géologiques, on essaie d'établir un modèle génétique pour les minéralisations de fluorine du district "Villabona-Arlós" (Asturias), en mettant l'accent sur les phénomènes de mélange d'eaux de différente origine comme facteur génétique essentiel.