bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollution Source Identification for River Chemical Spills by Modular-Bayesian Approach: A Retrospective Study on the ‘Landmark’ Spill Incident in China
Authors: Jiang Jiping , Chen Yasong , Wang Baoyu
Published: August 2019

It is important to identify source information after a river chemical spill incident occurs. Among various source inversion approaches, a Bayesian-based framework is able to directly characterize inverse uncertainty using a probability distribution and has recently become of interest. However, the literature has not reported its application to actual spill incidents, and many aspects in practical use have not yet been clearly illustrated, e.g., feasibility for large scale pollution incidents, algorithm parameters, and likelihood functions. This work deduced a complete modular-Bayesian approach for river chemical spills, which combined variance assumptions on a pollutant concentration time series with Adaptive-Metropolis sampling. A retrospective case study was conducted based on the ‘landmark’ spill incident in China, the Songhua River nitrobenzene spill of 2005. The results show that release mass, place, and moment were identified with biases of −26.9%, −7.9%, and 16.9%, respectively. Inverse uncertainty statistics were also quantified for each source parameter. Performance, uncertainty sources, and future work are discussed. This study provides an important real-life case to demonstrate the usefulness of the modular-Bayesian approach in practice and provides valuable references for the setting of parameters for the sampling algorithm and variance assumptions.
Risk Management of Pension Fund: A Model for
Salary Evolution
Authors: D'Amico Guglielmo , Lika Ada , Petroni Filippo
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we propose a semi-Markov chain to model the salary levels of participants ina pension scheme. The aim of the models is to understand the evolution in time of the salary of activeworkers in order to implement it in the construction of the actuarial technical balance sheet. It isworth mentioning that the level of the contributions in a pension scheme is directly proportional tothe incomes of the active workers; in almost all cases, it is a percentage of the worker’s incomes. As aconsequence, an adequate modeling of the salary evolution is essential for the determination of thecontributions paid to the fund and thus for the determination of the fund’s sustainability, especiallycurrently, when all jobs and salaries are subject to changes due to digitalization, ICT, innovation, etc.The model is applied to a large dataset of a real compulsory Italian pension scheme of the first pillar.The semi-Markovian hypothesis is tested, and the advantages with respect to Markov chain modelsare assessed.
Thorium(IV) and Uranium(IV) Phosphaazaallenes
Authors: Rungthanaphatsophon Pokpong , Fajen O. Jonathan , Kelley Steven P. , Walensky Justin R.
Published: August 2019

The synthesis of tetravalent thorium and uranium complexes with the phosphaazaallene moiety, [N(tBu)C=P(C6H5)]2−, is described. The reaction of the bis(phosphido) complexes, (C5Me5)2An[P(C6H5)(SiMe3)]2, An = Th, U, with two equivalents of tBuNC produces (C5Me5)2An(CNtBu)[η2-(N,C)-N(tBu)C=P(C6H5)] with concomitant formation of P(SiMe3)2(C6H5) via silyl migration. These complexes are characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as structurally determined using X-ray crystallography.
Comparative Identification of MicroRNAs in Apis cerana cerana Workers’ Midguts in Response to Nosema ceranae Invasion
Authors: Chen Dafu , Du Yu , Chen Huazhi , Fan Yuanchan , Fan Xiaoxue , Zhu Zhiwei , Wang Jie , Xiong Cuiling , Zheng Yanzhen , Hou Chunsheng , Diao Qingyun , Guo Rui
Published: August 2019

Here, the expression profiles and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the midguts of Apis cerana cerana workers at 7 d and 10 d post-inoculation (dpi) with N. ceranae were investigated via small RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Five hundred and twenty nine (529) known miRNAs and 25 novel miRNAs were identified in this study, and the expression of 16 predicted miRNAs was confirmed by Stem-loop RT-PCR. A total of 14 DEmiRNAs were detected in the midgut at 7 dpi, including eight up-regulated and six down-regulated miRNAs, while 12 DEmiRNAs were observed in the midgut at 10 dpi, including nine up-regulated and three down-regulated ones. Additionally, five DEmiRNAs were shared, while nine and seven DEmiRNAs were specifically expressed in midguts at 7 dpi and 10 dpi. Gene ontology analysis suggested some DEmiRNAs and corresponding target mRNAs were involved in various functions including immune system processes and response to stimulus. KEGG pathway analysis shed light on the potential functions of some DEmiRNAs in regulating target mRNAs engaged in material and energy metabolisms, cellular immunity and the humoral immune system. Further investigation demonstrated a complex regulation network between DEmiRNAs and their target mRNAs, with miR-598-y, miR-252-y, miR-92-x and miR-3654-y at the center. Our results can facilitate future exploration of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in host responses to N. ceranae, and provide potential candidates for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying eastern honeybee-microsporidian interactions.
The Effects of Different Diets and Transgenerational Stress on Acyrthosiphon pisum Development
Authors: Pers Daniel , Hansen Allison K.
Published: August 2019

Despite the fact that sap-feeding hemipterans are major agricultural pests, little is known about the pea aphid’s (Acyrthosiphon pisum) nymphal development, compared to other insect models. Given our limited understanding of A. pisum nymphal development and variability in the naming/timing of its developmental events between different environmental conditions and studies, here, we address developmental knowledge gaps by elucidating how diet impacts A. pisum nymphal development for the LSR1 strain when it develops on its universal host plant (Vicia faba), isolated leaves, and artificial diet. Moreover, we test how plant age and transgenerational stressors, such as overcrowding and low plant vigor, can affect nymphal development. We also validate a morphological method to quickly confirm the life stage of each nymphal instar within a mixed population. Overall, we found extremely high variation in the timing of developmental events and a significant delay in nymphal (~5–25-h/instar) and pre-reproductive adult (~40-h) development when reared on isolated leaves and artificial diets, compared to intact host plants. Also, delays in development were observed when reared on older host plants (~9–17-h/event, post 2nd instar) or when previous generations were exposed to overcrowding on host plants (~20-h delay in nymph laying) compared to controls.
Identification and Characterization of New Variants in FOXRED1 Gene Expands the Clinical Spectrum Associated with Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency
Authors: Barbosa-Gouveia Sofia , González-Vioque Emiliano , Borges Filipa , Gutiérrez-Solana Luis , Wintjes Liesbeth , Kappen Antonia , van den Heuvel Lambert , Leis Rosaura , Rodenburg Richard , Couce María Luz
Published: August 2019

Complex I (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH): ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is the largest complex of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) system. Forty-four subunits encoded in nuclear and mitochondrial genomes compose this multiprotein complex, its assembly being a highly complex process involving at least 15 additional nuclear encoded assembly factors. Complex I deficiency is a mitochondrial disorder usually associated with early-onset severe multisystem disorders characterized by highly variable clinical manifestations. Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent oxidoreductase domain-containing protein 1 (FOXRED1) is a complex I assembly factor. To date, only five patients with mitochondrial complex I deficiency due to mutations in FOXRED1 have been characterized. Here, we describe a child with ataxia, epilepsy and psychomotor developmental delay carrying two heterozygous FOXRED1 variants, c.920G>A (p.Gly307Glu) and c.733+1G>A. We demonstrate the molecular mechanism supporting the pathogenicity of the FOXRED1 variants, showing a clear deficiency of complex I activity. The reduction in the steady-state level of complex I holoenzyme in patient fibroblasts, confirmed the pathogenicity of the variants and showed the molecular mechanism behind their pathogenicity. A comparison of the clinical presentation of the index case with the previously described cases allowed deepening our knowledge about the clinical variability associated with FOXRED1 defects.
The Effect of Recreational Swimming on the Health of Students with Poor Somatic Health in Physical Education Classes at University
Authors: Dorofieieva Olena , Yarymbash Kseniya , Skrypchenko Iryna , Pavlović Ratko , Badicu Georgian
Published: August 2019

Background: The physical education of students who have a deviation in their state of health requires a joint effort from teachers and doctors. Aim: The aim of the study was to substantiate the necessity of swimming classes as an effective means of physical rehabilitation in students with health disorders within the physical education curriculum classes. Methods: Students with low-level somatic health (54 students) were grouped into the Basic Group (BG, 27 students) and the Control Group (CG, 27 students). The Basic Group students were offered special swimming classes aimed at their physical rehabilitation. At the beginning of the study and after 24 training classes the authors assessed the somatic health, physical and mental endurance, and adaptation abilities of the autonomic nervous system. Results: Implementation of the method into the curriculum of the BG students resulted in a significant improvement (by 48.1%) of their somatic health. A reliable re-distribution of the students with “poor” and “lower than average” somatic health to the “average” and “higher than average” health group was noted (p < 0.05). The students’ physical characteristics improved by 36.4%. Conclusion: The conducted research proved the necessity of using sectional swimming activities as a means of physical rehabilitation of students with low health.
Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sunken Oils in the Presence of Chemical Dispersant and Sediment
Authors: Gao Yali , Xiong Deqi , Qi Zhixin , Li Xishan , Ju Zhonglei , Zhuang Xueqiang
Published: August 2019

The formation of sunken oils is mainly dominated by the interaction between spilled oils and sediments. Due to their patchiness and invisibility, cleaning operations become difficult. As a result, sunken oils may cause long-term and significant damage to marine benthonic organisms. In the present study, a bench experiment was designed and conducted to investigate the quantitative distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sunken oils in the presence of chemical dispersant and sediment. The oil sinking efficiency (OSE) of 16 priority total PAHs in the sediment phase was analyzed with different dosages of dispersant. The results showed that the synergistic effect of chemical dispersant and sediment promoted the formation of sunken oils, and the content of PAHs partitioned in the sunken oils increased with the increase of dispersant-to-oil ratios (DORs). Furthermore, with the addition of chemical dispersant, due to the solubility and hydrophobicity of individual PAHs, the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs with 4–6 rings tended to partition to sediment compared with low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs with 2–3 rings. The synergistic effect of chemical dispersant and sediment could enhance the OSE of HMW PAHs in sunken oils, which might subsequently cause certain risks for marine benthonic organisms.
Fungal Diseases in Taiwan—National Insurance Data and Estimation
Authors: Huang Yu-Shan , Denning David W. , Shih Shu-Man , Hsiung Chao A. , Wu Un-In , Sun Hsin-Yun , Chen Pao-Yu , Chen Yee-Chun , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: August 2019

The burden of fungal diseases based on the real-world national data is limited. This study aimed to estimate the Taiwan incident cases with selected fungal diseases in 2013 using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) which covered 99.6% of the 23.4 million population. Over 80,000 incident cases were found and the majority were superficial infections including vulvovaginal candidiasis (477 per 100,000 adult women) and oral candidiasis (90 cases per 100,000 population). Common potentially life-threating fungal diseases were Pneumocystis pneumonia (5.35 cases per 100,000 population), candidemia (3.68), aspergillosis (2.43) and cryptococcal meningitis (1.04). Of the aforementioned cases cancer patients contributed 30.2%, 42.9%, 38.6% and 22.2%, respectively. Of 22,270 HIV-infected persons in NHIRD in 2013, four common diseases were Pneumocystis pneumonia (28.3 cases per 1000 HIV-infected patients), oral candidiasis (17.6), esophageal candidiasis (6.06) and cryptococcal meningitis (2.29). Of pulmonary aspergillosis 32.9% occurred in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and 26.3% had a prior diagnosis of tuberculosis. There are some notable gaps related to insurance claim data. Cutaneous, urinary tract and eye fungal infections were not captured.
Can Higher Capital Discipline Bank Risk: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Quang T. T. , Nguyen Son T. B. , Nguyen Quang V.
Published: August 2019

Capital regulation has been among the most important tools for regulators to maintain the credibility and stability of the financial systems. However, the question whether higher capital induce banks to take lower risk remains unanswered. This paper examines the effect of capital on bank risk employing a meta-analysis approach, which considers a wide range of empirical papers from 1990 to 2018. We found that the negative effect of bank capital on bank risk, which implies the discipline role of bank capital, is more likely to be reported. However, the reported results are suffered from the publication bias due to the preference for significant estimates and favored results. Our study also shows that the differences in the previous studies’ conclusions are primarily caused by the differences in the study design, particularly the risk and capital measurements; the model specification such as the concern for the dynamic of bank risk behaviors, the endogeneity of the capital and unobserved time fixed effects; along with and the sample characteristics such as the sample size, and whether banks are bank holding companies or located in high-income countries.
Comparison of Splitting Methods for Deterministic/Stochastic Gross–Pitaevskii Equation
Authors: Geiser Jürgen , Nasari Amirbahador
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we discuss the different splitting approaches to numerically solve the Gross–Pitaevskii equation (GPE). The models are motivated from spinor Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC). This system is formed of coupled mean-field equations, which are based on coupled Gross–Pitaevskii equations. We consider conservative finite-difference schemes and spectral methods for the spatial discretisation. Furthermore, we apply implicit or explicit time-integrators and combine these schemes with different splitting approaches. The numerical solutions are compared based on the conservation of the L 2 -norm with the analytical solutions. The advantages of the novel splitting methods for large time-domains are based on the asymptotic conservation of the solution of the soliton’s applications. Furthermore, we have the benefit of larger local time-steps and therefore obtain faster numerical schemes.
A Pilot Study of the Relationship between Diet and Mental Health in Community Dwelling Japanese Women
Authors: Takashima Naoko , Katayama Akihiko , Dokai Mochimasu Kazumi , Hishii Shuhei , Suzuki Hiromi , Miyatake Nobuyuki
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: Diet is closely linked to mental health. The aim of this study was to explore the link between diet and mental health in community dwelling Japanese women. Materials and Methods: A total of 89 community dwelling Japanese women, aged 66.8 ± 7.6 years, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Diet surveys were evaluated using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and mental health was evaluated using the general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ) and clinical parameters. Results: The mean energy intake was 1806 ± 570 kcal and the GHQ score was 1.0 ± 1.4. Among nutrients, the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio was significantly correlated with the GHQ score (r = 0.269, p = 0.011), and some micronutrients and vitamins were weakly or negatively correlated with the GHQ score. Among the food groups, fish and shellfish were negatively correlated with the GHQ scores. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio was the determinant factor for the GHQ score, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions: These results suggest that a proper diet to reduce the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio may improve mental health in community dwelling Japanese women.
Investigation of Anthocyanins Stability from Pomegranate Juice (Punica Granatum L. Cv Ermioni) under a Simulated Digestion Process
Authors: Gardeli Chrysavgi , Varela Kalliopi , Krokida Eleni , Mallouchos Athanasios
Published: August 2019

Background: Pomegranate gained a widespread popularity as a functional food due to the high content of bioactive components of the whole fruit, as well as its juice and extracts. There is a large amount of research that assigns them very important functions for the human organism. Methods: The anthocyanins (ACNs) of pomegranate juice (PJ) from the Ermioni variety are quantitatively identified and their stability under a simulated digestion process (SDP) is investigated. ACNs, as well as phenolic compounds, were isolated through solid phase extraction and determined using high-performance liquid chromatography in every stage of the SDP. Total phenolics, total monomeric ACNs, polymeric color and antioxidant activity were also determined in pomegranate juice and during the digestion process. Results: The predominant anthocyanin was Cy-3-glucoside followed by the corresponding 3,5-diglucoside, which accounted for 40.8% and 27.4% of the total ACN content, respectively. About 65% of the total monomeric ACN content remained intact by the end of the simulated digestion process. Conclusions: The PJ of the Ermioni variety seems to retain a large amount of the bioactive compounds after the SDP. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) remain almost stable during the SDP, suggesting that the products formed during ACN degradation maintain the antioxidant activity of the parent molecule.
Microbiota and Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases—An Overview
Authors: Catinean Adrian , Neag Maria Adriana , Mitre Andrei Otto , Bocsan Corina Ioana , Buzoianu Anca Dana
Published: August 2019

In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the relationship between microbiota and various diseases, especially immune-mediated diseases. Because conventional therapy for many autoimmune diseases is limited both in efficacy and safety, there is an increased interest in identifying nutraceuticals, particularly probiotics, able to modulate the microbiota and ameliorate these diseases. In this review, we analyzed the research focused on the role of gut microbiota and skin in immunity, their role in immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), and the beneficial effect of probiotics in patients with this pathology. We selected articles published between 2009 and 2019 in PubMed and ScienceDirect that provided information regarding microbiota, IMSDs and the role of probiotics in these diseases. We included results from different types of studies including observational and interventional clinical trials or in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. Our results showed that probiotics have a beneficial effect in changing the microbiota of patients with IMSDs; they also influence disease progression. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact of new therapies on intestinal microbiota. It is also important to determine whether the microbiota of patients with autoimmune diseases can be manipulated in order to restore homeostasis of the microbiota.
RNA Secondary Structure-Based Design of Antisense Peptide Nucleic Acids for Modulating Disease-Associated Aberrant Tau Pre-mRNA Alternative Splicing
Authors: Ong Alan Ann Lerk , Tan Jiazi , Bhadra Malini , Dezanet Clément , Patil Kiran M. , Chong Mei Sian , Kierzek Ryszard , Decout Jean-Luc , Roca Xavier , Chen Gang
Published: August 2019

Alternative splicing of tau pre-mRNA is regulated by a 5′ splice site (5′ss) hairpin present at the exon 10–intron 10 junction. Single mutations within the hairpin sequence alter hairpin structural stability and/or the binding of splicing factors, resulting in disease-causing aberrant splicing of exon 10. The hairpin structure contains about seven stably formed base pairs and thus may be suitable for targeting through antisense strands. Here, we used antisense peptide nucleic acids (asPNAs) to probe and target the tau pre-mRNA exon 10 5′ss hairpin structure through strand invasion. We characterized by electrophoretic mobility shift assay the binding of the designed asPNAs to model tau splice site hairpins. The relatively short (10–15 mer) asPNAs showed nanomolar binding to wild-type hairpins as well as a disease-causing mutant hairpin C+19G, albeit with reduced binding strength. Thus, the structural stabilizing effect of C+19G mutation could be revealed by asPNA binding. In addition, our cell culture minigene splicing assay data revealed that application of an asPNA targeting the 3′ arm of the hairpin resulted in an increased exon 10 inclusion level for the disease-associated mutant C+19G, probably by exposing the 5′ss as well as inhibiting the binding of protein factors to the intronic spicing silencer. On the contrary, the application of asPNAs targeting the 5′ arm of the hairpin caused an increased exon 10 exclusion for a disease-associated mutant C+14U, mainly by blocking the 5′ss. PNAs could enter cells through conjugation with amino sugar neamine or by cotransfection with minigene plasmids using a commercially available transfection reagent.
Highly Active Iminopyridyl Iron-Based Catalysts for the Polymerization of Isoprene
Authors: Hashmi Obaid H. , Champouret Yohan , Visseaux Marc
Published: August 2019

A series of iminopyridyl-based ligands, 6-[(Ar)N=C(R)]-2-C6H5N [(Ar = 2,6-Me2-C6H3, R = Me (L1); Ar = 2,6-iPr2-C6H3, R = Me (L2); Ar = 2,6-Me2-C6H3, R = H (L3); Ar = 2,6-iPr2-C6H3, R = H (L4); Ar = 3,5-(CF3)2-C6H3, R = Me (L5); Ar = C6F5, R = Me (L6)], and their corresponding iron (II) complexes were developed to investigate their application in the controlled coordinative polymerization of isoprene. The modulation of steric and electronic properties within this family of ligands/pre-catalysts has shown to influence the stereo-selectivity and activity of the polymerization of isoprene after activation. Upon activation with various co-catalysts such as AliBu3/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], AlEt3/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] or MAO, the resulting catalysts produced polyisoprenes with an excellent conversion (>99% of 500–5000 equiv.) within less than 1 h (TOF > 500 h−1) and having a variety of stereo-/regio-regularities. The presence of electron-donating and withdrawing groups drastically impacted the activity and the stereoselectivity of the catalysts during the course of the polymerization of isoprene. When activated with AliBu3/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], the complexes {6-[(2,6-Me2-C6H3)N=C(Me)]-2-C6H5N}FeCl2 (C1) and {6-[(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)N=C(Me)]-2-C6H5N}FeCl2 (C2) exhibited moderate trans-1,4 selectivity (>67%) while the iron-based systems bearing related aldiminopyridyl ligands {6-[(2,6-Me2-C6H3)N=C(H)]-2-C6H5N}FeCl2 (C3) and {6-[(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)N=C(H)]-2-C6H5N}FeCl2 (C4) were found to afford significant cis-1,4 selectivity at low temperature (>86% at −40 °C). On the other hand, the ternary {6-[(3,5-(CF3)2-C6H3)N=C(Me)]-2-C6H5N}FeCl2 (C5) or {6-[(C6F5)N=C(Me)]-2-C6H5N}FeCl2 (C6)/AliBu3/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] catalytic combinations showed exceptional activity for the polymerization of isoprene (TOF > 1,000,000 h−1), albeit providing less stereoselectivity.
Rosmarinic Acid, the Main Effective Constituent of Orthosiphon stamineus, Inhibits Intestinal Epithelial Apoptosis Via Regulation of the Nrf2 Pathway in Mice
Authors: Cai Xuan , Yang Fan , Zhu Lihui , Xia Ye , Wu Qingyuan , Xue Huiqin , Lu Yonghong
Published: August 2019

Many studies have shown that Orthosiphon stamineus extract (OE) has antioxidant activity, and we previously reported that OE protects the intestine against injury from a high-fat diet. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this protective effect of OE was unclear. Here, OE was separated according to polarity and molecular weight, and the antioxidant activity of each component was compared. The components with the highest antioxidant activity were analyzed by HPLC, which confirmed that rosmarinic acid (RA) was the main effective constituent in OE. OE and RA were then tested in a mouse high-fat diet-induced intestinal injury model. The antioxidant indices and morphological characteristics of the mouse jejunum were measured, and activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and apoptosis of jejunal epithelial cells were analyzed. Of all the constituents in OE, RA contributed the most. Both RA and OE activated the Nrf2 pathway and increased downstream antioxidant enzyme activity. RA and OE protected the mouse intestine against high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress by preventing intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis via both extracellular and intracellular pathways. Thus, RA, the main effective constituent in OE, inhibits intestinal epithelial apoptosis by regulating the Nrf2 pathway in mice.
Green Approach Extraction of Perezone from the Roots of Acourtia platyphilla (A. Grey): A Comparison of Four Activating Modes and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Escobedo-González René , Vázquez Cabañas Andrea Vázquez , Martínez González Armando , Mendoza Sánchez Pablo , Saavedra-Leos Zenaida , Cruz-Olivares Julián , Nava Serrano Juan , Martínez Joel , Miranda Ruvalcaba René
Published: August 2019

Perezone, a sesquiterpene quinone, is a very important molecule due to its pharmacological activities in addition to the fact that it is considered to be the first secondary metabolite isolated in the new world (America–Mexico, 1852). This study aims to offer a green comparative study about the extraction of the target molecule from the roots of the vegetable specimen Acourtia platyphilla (A. Grey). The study was performed comparing five different modes of extraction: supercritical CO2, electromagnetic infrared and microwave irradiations, mechanical-wave ultrasound versus typical mantle heating procedure. An exhaustive comparative-discussion of the obtained results is provided. It is worth noting that the corresponding quantifications were established using 1H NMR, correlating appropriately the integrals of the vinylic proton H-6 of perezone with the aromatic singlet of p-dinitrobenzene employed as an internal reference. It is also important to highlight that the four presented procedures are novel modes to extract perezone. Finally, a complementary study about the solubility of the target sesquiterpene quinone related to the use of supercritical CO2 is also reported.
Catalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium Using Iron/Palladium Bimetallic Nanoparticle-Assembled Filter Paper
Authors: Shi Daniel , Ouyang Zhijun , Zhao Yili , Xiong Jie , Shi Xiangyang
Published: August 2019

Iron/palladium bimetallic nanoparticles (Fe/Pd NPs) are important catalytic materials for the field of environmental remediation. In the present study, filter paper was employed as a substrate for the assembly of Fe/Pd NPs and further applied for the catalytic conversion of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) toward trivalent Cr(III). First, a filter paper with negative charge was assembled with a layer of positively charged polyethylenimine (PEI) through electrostatic interaction; then, the abundant amine groups of PEI were used to complex Fe(III) ions, followed by reduction via sodium borohydride to produce an Fe NP-assembled filter paper. Thereafter, the Fe/Pd NPs were produced by the reduction of PdCl42− through Fe NPs. The prepared filter paper assembled with Fe/Pd NPs with a mean diameter of 10.1 nm was characterized by various techniques. The Fe/Pd NP-assembled filter paper possesses powerful catalytic activity and can be used to transform Cr(VI) to Cr(III). With its low cost, high sustainability, and convenient industrialization potential, the developed approach may be extended to produce other bimetallic NP-immobilized filter paper for different environmental remediation applications.
Ex-Vivo and In-Vivo Assessment of Cyclamen europaeum Extract After Nasal Administration
Authors: Fernández-Campos Francisco , Clares Beatriz , Rodríguez-Lagunas María J , Jauregui Olga , Casals Isidre , Calpena Ana C
Published: August 2019

Rhinosinusitis is a prevalent disorder with a severe impact on the health-related quality of life. Saponins of Cyclamen europaeum exert a clinically proven curative effect on rhinosinusitis symptoms when instilled into the nasal cavity, however, more extensive preclinical assessment is required to better characterize the efficacy of this botanical extract. This work evaluates the potential use of a natural freeze-dried extract of C. europaeum given as topical nasal administration. Permeation experiment on porcine nasal mucosa was performed with Franz diffusion cells. Experiments in rabbits were performed to test for any toxicological, hematological, biochemical or histological evidence of systemic action. No theoretical levels of saponins were found in the receptor chamber of Franz diffusion cells. Hematological data did not show significant differences between control and experimental animals (p > 0.05). Histological studies also showed that enhanced secretory activity in response to intranasal administration was not accompanied by any visible signs of injury. An examination of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and gastrointestinal organs did not reveal any abnormality. The absence of mucosal permeation of saponins and negligible probability of C. europaeum saponins absorption in the course of a therapeutic application was demonstrated.
A Review of Computational Methods for Clustering Genes with Similar Biological Functions
Authors: Nies Hui , Zakaria Zalmiyah , Mohamad Mohd , Chan Weng , Zaki Nazar , Sinnott Richard , Napis Suhaimi , Chamoso Pablo , Omatu Sigeru , Corchado Juan
Published: August 2019

Clustering techniques can group genes based on similarity in biological functions. However, the drawback of using clustering techniques is the inability to identify an optimal number of potential clusters beforehand. Several existing optimization techniques can address the issue. Besides, clustering validation can predict the possible number of potential clusters and hence increase the chances of identifying biologically informative genes. This paper reviews and provides examples of existing methods for clustering genes, optimization of the objective function, and clustering validation. Clustering techniques can be categorized into partitioning, hierarchical, grid-based, and density-based techniques. We also highlight the advantages and the disadvantages of each category. To optimize the objective function, here we introduce the swarm intelligence technique and compare the performances of other methods. Moreover, we discuss the differences of measurements between internal and external criteria to validate a cluster quality. We also investigate the performance of several clustering techniques by applying them on a leukemia dataset. The results show that grid-based clustering techniques provide better classification accuracy; however, partitioning clustering techniques are superior in identifying prognostic markers of leukemia. Therefore, this review suggests combining clustering techniques such as CLIQUE and k-means to yield high-quality gene clusters.
Heterogeneous Map Merging: State of the Art
Authors: Andersone Ilze
Published: August 2019

Multi-robot mapping and environment modeling have several advantages that make it an attractive alternative to the mapping with a single robot: faster exploration, higher fault tolerance, richer data due to different sensors being used by different systems. However, the environment modeling with several robotic systems operating in the same area causes problems of higher-order—acquired knowledge fusion and synchronization over time, revealing the same environment properties using different sensors with different technical specifications. While the existing robot map and environment model merging techniques allow merging certain homogeneous maps, the possibility to use sensors of different physical nature and different mapping algorithms is limited. The resulting maps from robots with different specifications are heterogeneous, and even though some research on how to merge fundamentally different maps exists, it is limited to specific applications. This research reviews the state of the art in homogeneous and heterogeneous map merging and illustrates the main research challenges in the area. Six factors are identified that influence the outcome of map merging: (1) robotic platform hardware configurations, (2) map representation types, (3) mapping algorithms, (4) shared information between robots, (5) relative positioning information, (6) resulting global maps.
Automatic Extrinsic Self-Calibration of Mobile Mapping Systems Based on Geometric 3D Features
Authors: Hillemann Markus , Weinmann Martin , Mueller Markus S. , Jutzi Boris
Published: August 2019

Mobile Mapping is an efficient technology to acquire spatial data of the environment. The spatial data is fundamental for applications in crisis management, civil engineering or autonomous driving. The extrinsic calibration of the Mobile Mapping System is a decisive factor that affects the quality of the spatial data. Many existing extrinsic calibration approaches require the use of artificial targets in a time-consuming calibration procedure. Moreover, they are usually designed for a specific combination of sensors and are, thus, not universally applicable. We introduce a novel extrinsic self-calibration algorithm, which is fully automatic and completely data-driven. The fundamental assumption of the self-calibration is that the calibration parameters are estimated the best when the derived point cloud represents the real physical circumstances the best. The cost function we use to evaluate this is based on geometric features which rely on the 3D structure tensor derived from the local neighborhood of each point. We compare different cost functions based on geometric features and a cost function based on the Rényi quadratic entropy to evaluate the suitability for the self-calibration. Furthermore, we perform tests of the self-calibration on synthetic and two different real datasets. The real datasets differ in terms of the environment, the scale and the utilized sensors. We show that the self-calibration is able to extrinsically calibrate Mobile Mapping Systems with different combinations of mapping and pose estimation sensors such as a 2D laser scanner to a Motion Capture System and a 3D laser scanner to a stereo camera and ORB-SLAM2. For the first dataset, the parameters estimated by our self-calibration lead to a more accurate point cloud than two comparative approaches. For the second dataset, which has been acquired via a vehicle-based mobile mapping, our self-calibration achieves comparable results to a manually refined reference calibration, while it is universally applicable and fully automated.
Coupled Higher-Order Tensor Factorization for Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data Fusion and Classification
Authors: Xue Zhaohui , Yang Sirui , Zhang Hongyan , Du Peijun
Published: August 2019

Hyperspectral and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data fusion and classification has been an active research topic, and intensive studies have been made based on mathematical morphology. However, matrix-based concatenation of morphological features may not be so distinctive, compact, and optimal for classification. In this work, we propose a novel Coupled Higher-Order Tensor Factorization (CHOTF) model for hyperspectral and LiDAR data classification. The innovative contributions of our work are that we model different features as multiple third-order tensors, and we formulate a CHOTF model to jointly factorize those tensors. Firstly, third-order tensors are built based on spectral-spatial features extracted via attribute profiles (APs). Secondly, the CHOTF model is defined to jointly factorize the multiple higher-order tensors. Then, the latent features are generated by mode-n tensor-matrix product based on the shared and unshared factors. Lastly, classification is conducted by using sparse multinomial logistic regression (SMLR). Experimental results, conducted with two popular hyperspectral and LiDAR data sets collected over the University of Houston and the city of Trento, respectively, indicate that the proposed framework outperforms the other methods, i.e., different dimensionality-reduction-based methods, independent third-order tensor factorization based methods, and some recently proposed hyperspectral and LiDAR data fusion and classification methods.
Broad Area Target Search System for Ship Detection via Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: You Yanan , Li Zezhong , Ran Bohao , Cao Jingyi , Lv Sudi , Liu Fang
Published: August 2019

High-resolution optical remote sensing data can be utilized to investigate the human behavior and the activities of artificial targets, for example ship detection on the sea. Recently, the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) in the field of deep learning is widely used in image processing, especially in target detection tasks. Therefore, a complete processing system called the broad area target search (BATS) is proposed based on DCNN in this paper, which contains data import, processing and storage steps. In this system, aiming at the problem of onshore false alarms, a method named as Mask-Faster R-CNN is proposed to differentiate the target and non-target areas by introducing a semantic segmentation sub network into the Faster R-CNN. In addition, we propose a DCNN framework named as Saliency-Faster R-CNN to deal with the problem of multi-scale ships detection, which solves the problem of missing detection caused by the inconsistency between large-scale targets and training samples. Based on these DCNN-based methods, the BATS system is tested to verify that our system can integrate different ship detection methods to effectively solve the problems that existed in the ship detection task. Furthermore, our system provides an interface for users, as a data-driven learning, to optimize the DCNN-based methods.
Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing of Nighttime Light Observations: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Zhao Min , Zhou Yuyu , Li Xuecao , Cao Wenting , He Chunyang , Yu Bailang , Li Xi , Elvidge Christopher D. , Cheng Weiming , Zhou Chenghu
Published: August 2019

Nighttime light observations from remote sensing provide us with a timely and spatially explicit measure of human activities, and therefore enable a host of applications such as tracking urbanization and socioeconomic dynamics, evaluating armed conflicts and disasters, investigating fisheries, assessing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, and analyzing light pollution and health effects. The new and improved sensors, algorithms, and products for nighttime lights, in association with other Earth observations and ancillary data (e.g., geo-located big data), together offer great potential for a deep understanding of human activities and related environmental consequences in a changing world. This paper reviews the advances of nighttime light sensors and products and examines the contributions of nighttime light remote sensing to perceiving the changing world from two aspects (i.e., human activities and environmental changes). Based on the historical review of the advances in nighttime light remote sensing, we summarize the challenges in current nighttime light remote sensing research and propose four strategic directions, including: Improving nighttime light data; developing a long time series of consistent nighttime light data; integrating nighttime light observations with other data and knowledge; and promoting multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary analyses of nighttime light observations.
Analysis of Sensitivity, Linearity, Hysteresis, Responsiveness, and Fatigue of Textile Knit Stretch Sensors
Authors: Liang An , Stewart Rebecca , Bryan-Kinns Nick
Published: August 2019

Wearable technology is widely used for collecting information about the human body and its movement by placing sensors on the body. This paper presents research into electronic textile strain sensors designed specifically for wearable applications which need to be lightweight, robust, and comfortable. In this paper, sixteen stretch sensors, each with different conductive stretch fabrics, are evaluated: EeonTex (Eeonyx Corporation), knitted silver-plated yarn, and knitted spun stainless steel yarn. The sensors’ performance is tested using a tensile tester while monitoring their resistance with a microcontroller. Each sensor was analyzed for its sensitivity, linearity, hysteresis, responsiveness, and fatigue through a series of dynamic and static tests. The findings show that for wearable applications a subset of the silver-plated yarn sensors had better ranked performance in terms of sensitivity, linearity, and steady state. EeonTex was found to be the most responsive, and the stainless steel yarn performed the worst, which may be due to the characteristics of the knit samples under test.
Prototyping a System for Truck Differential Lock Control
Authors: Kučera Pavel , Píštěk Václav
Published: August 2019

The article deals with the development of a mechatronic system for locking vehicle differentials. An important benefit of this system is that it prevents the jamming of the vehicle in difficult adhesion conditions. The system recognizes such a situation much sooner than the driver and is able to respond immediately, ensuring smooth driving in off-road or snowy conditions. This article describes the control algorithm of this mechatronic system, which is designed for firefighting, military, or civilian vehicles with a drivetrain configuration of up to 10 × 10, and also explains the input signal processing and the control of actuators. The main part of this article concerns prototype testing on a vehicle. The results are an evaluation of one of the many experiments and monitor the proper function of the developed mechatronic system.
Improving the Performance of Pseudo-Random Single-Photon Counting Ranging Lidar
Authors: Yu Yang , Liu Bo , Chen Zhen
Published: August 2019

A new encoding method is proposed to improve the performance of pseudo-random single-photon counting ranging (PSPCR) Lidar. The encoding principle and methodology are presented. In addition, the influence of detector’s dead time on the detection probability is analyzed with theoretical derivation and Monte Carlo simulation. Meanwhile, we propose using macro code as the analysis unit to quantitatively analyze the detection probability and single-photon detection efficiency of the traditional PSPCR Lidar and the modulated PSPCR Lidar. The Monte Carlo simulation and experiment prove that the proposed method exhibited better ranging performance than the traditional PSPCR Lidar system.
High Energy Double Peak Pulse Laser Induced Plasma Spectroscopy for Metal Characterization Using a Passively Q-Switched Laser Source and CCD Detector
Authors: Agresti Juri , Mencaglia Andrea Azelio , Siano Salvatore
Published: August 2019

Here, the development and testing of a portable double peak pulse laser induced plasma spectroscopy (DPP-LIPS) based on passively Q-switched Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser excitation is reported. The latter delivered structured laser pulses at a repetition rate of up to 20 Hz, including two energy peaks of about 100 mJ each with a relative temporal spacing of about 80 µs. Plasma spectra were collected using a low-cost Czerny–Turner spectrometer equipped with a non-intensified CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) array. Such a DPP-LIPS setup is technologically simpler and cheaper than the usual ones. Despite the relatively large temporal separation between the mentioned laser peaks, significant spectral intensity enhancements with respect to the usual single peak pulse configuration were observed. The amplification factor measured ranged between 2 and 10, depending on the specific emission peaks and the Q-switched configuration, and a consequent significant improvement of the detection limit of trace elements was observed. The instrument was calibrated for the quantitative analysis of copper alloy through systematic measurements carried out on reference samples and was then tested in an example archaeometric characterization of a statuette from the Egyptian Museum of Florence.
In-Ear Pulse Rate Measurement: A Valid Alternative to Heart Rate Derived from Electrocardiography?
Authors: Passler Stefanie , Müller Niklas , Senner Veit
Published: August 2019

Heart rate measurement has become one of the most widely used methods of monitoring the intensity of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to assess whether in-ear photoplethysmographic (PPG) pulse rate (PR) measurement devices represent a valid alternative to heart rate derived from electrocardiography (ECG), which is considered a gold standard. Twenty subjects (6 women, 14 men) completed one trial of graded cycling under laboratory conditions. In the trial, PR was recorded by two commercially available in-ear devices, the Dash Pro and the Cosinuss°One. They were compared to HR measured by a Bodyguard2 ECG. Validity of the in-ear PR measurement devices was tested by ANOVA, mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots. Both devices achieved a MAPE ≤5%. Despite excellent to good levels of agreement, Bland–Altman plots showed that both in-ear devices tend to slightly underestimate the ECG’s HR values. It may be concluded that in-ear PPG PR measurement is a promising technique that shows accurate but imprecise results under controlled conditions. However, PPG PR measurement in the ear is sensitive to motion artefacts. Thus, accuracy and precision of the measured PR depend highly on measurement site, stress situation, and exercise.
Energy Efficient Multipath Routing Algorithm for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network
Authors: Genta Addisalem , Lobiyal D. K. , Abawajy Jemal H.
Published: August 2019

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) are capable of collecting multimedia events, such as traffic accidents and wildlife tracking, as well as scalar data. As a result, WMSNs are receiving a great deal of attention both from industry and academic communities. However, multimedia applications tend to generate high volume network traffic, which results in very high energy consumption. As energy is a prime resource in WMSN, an efficient routing algorithm that effectively deals with the dynamic topology of WMSN but also prolongs the lifetime of WMSN is required. To this end, we propose a routing algorithm that combines dynamic cluster formation, cluster head selection, and multipath routing formation for data communication to reduce energy consumption as well as routing overheads. The proposed algorithm uses a genetic algorithm (GA)-based meta-heuristic optimization to dynamically select the best path based on the cost function with the minimum distance and the least energy dissipation. We carried out an extensive performance analysis of the proposed algorithm and compared it with three other routing protocols. The results of the performance analysis showed that the proposed algorithm outperformed the three other routing protocols.