bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Performance Monitoring for Prestressed Concrete Piles Used in a Newly-Built High-Piled Wharf in a Harbor with Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Technology When Pile Driving
Authors: Liu Hongbiao , Zhang Qiang , Ren Liang
Published: May 2017

Mechanical performance monitoring of civil infrastructure using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors has received significant public attention in recent years. However, there is currently little research on the mechanical performance monitoring of piles used in high-piled wharfs in coastal ports during pile driving using the FBG sensor technique. Based on the properties of precast prestressed concrete piles used in high-piled wharfs in coastal ports and servicing seawater environments, and the benefits of FBG sensors, the mechanical performance monitoring for precast prestressed concrete piles used in a newly-built high-piled wharf in the Tianjin Port of China is devised and deployed with the FBG sensor technique. To conduct performance monitoring of the precast prestressed concrete pile, a state-of-the-art FBG strain sensor, which is less thermosensitive and does not require temperature compensation, was used to monitor the strain status of different locations of the pile. In one pile, three of this kind of strain sensor were set near the head, middle and tip of the pile, and one FBG angle sensor was set near the head of the pile to measure the dip angle of the pile. During the testing, data were recorded for all of the details of the pile driving process. According to the data analysis, it is clear that the compressive strain at the middle of the pile during driving is larger than that near the head and tip of the pile. Therefore, the middle of the prestressed concrete pile is the key location that should be preferentially monitored during pile driving. Meanwhile, when the hammer impacts the pile continuously, the obvious tension strain at the tip of the pile increases and the maximum dynamic tension strain reaches 56 με, which approaches the tension ultimate strain. This occurs because the frictional resistance of soil is small in the middle of the pile when the tip meets the significant supporting soil layer. This study can provide a reference for the mechanical performance monitoring deployment of precast prestressed concrete piles used in high-piled wharf structures in coastal ports.
A Key Management Scheme for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gandino Filippo , Celozzi Cesare , Rebaudengo Maurizio
Published: May 2017

Symmetric encryption is the most commonly employed security solution in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, a new approach that employs public-key cryptography during key establishment is proposed. In a WSN, the main issue for public-key cryptography is represented by communication and computational overheads. In order to reduce these requirements, a new authentication system based on authentication tables is proposed. An analytical study shows that the proposed approach provided optimal protection against an adversary that compromised one or more nodes. A comparative analysis shows that, according to the dimension and the density of the network, the proposed approach can represent the best solution. Furthermore, an experimental analysis conducted on a real network shows that the proposed approach can be successfully applied to devices with limited computational power.
Targeting Metabolic Modulation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Treatment of Heart Failure
Authors: Steggall Abbey , Mordi Ify , Lang Chim
Published: May 2017

Despite significant improvements in morbidity and mortality with current evidence-based pharmaceutical-based treatment of heart failure (HF) over the previous decades, the burden of HF remains high. An alternative approach is currently being developed, which targets myocardial energy efficiency and the dysfunction of the cardiac mitochondria. Emerging evidence suggests that the insufficient availability of ATP to the failing myocardium can be attributed to abnormalities in the myocardial utilisation of its substrates rather than an overall lack of substrate availability. Therefore, the development of potential metabolic therapeutics has commenced including trimetazidine, ranolazine and perhexiline, as well as specific mitochondrial-targeting pharmaceuticals, such as elamipretide. Large randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the role of metabolic-modulating drugs in the treatment of heart failure, but early studies have been promising in their possible efficacy for the management of heart failure in the future.
Meromorphic Non-Integrability of Several 3D Dynamical Systems
Authors: Huang Kaiyin , Shi Shaoyun , Li Wenlei
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we apply the differential Galoisian approach to investigate the meromorphic non-integrability of a class of 3D equations in mathematical physics, including Nosé–Hoover equations, the Lü system, the Rikitake-like system and Rucklidge equations, which are well known in the fields of molecular dynamics, chaotic theory and fluid mechanics, respectively. Our main results show that all these considered systems are, in fact, non-integrable in nearly all parameters.
Study on the Propagation Laws of Hydrofractures Meeting a Faulted Structure in the Coal Seam
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Xia Binwei , Lu Yiyu , Gong Tao , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2017

Hydraulic fracturing is an important technique for increasing coal seam permeability and productivity of CBM (coalbed methane). As a common type of faulted structure in the coal seam, the fault has a direct impact on the direction and scope of hydrofracture propagation, weakening fracturing effects. To study the propagation laws of a hydrofracture meeting a fault in the coal seam, based on a two-dimensional model of a hydrofracture meeting a fault, the combined elastic mechanics and fracture mechanics, the propagation mode, critical internal water pressure, and influencing factors were analyzed. A numerical simulation on the propagation laws of hydrofracture meeting a fault was conducted by using the coupling system of flow and solid in the rock failure process analysis (RFPA2D-Flow). The results show that the horizontal crustal stress difference, the intersection angle between hydrofracture and fault plane, and the physical mechanics characteristics of coal-rock bed are the main factors influencing fracture propagation. With a decrease of horizontal crustal stress differences, intersection angle and an increase of roof elasticity modulus, it is easier for the footwall hydrofracture to enter the hanging wall along the bedding plane, forming an effective fracture. When the stress difference is large and the dip angle of fault plane surpasses 45°, the hydrofracture is easy to propagate towards the coal roof and floor by going through the fault plane. At this time, the coal seams of the footwall and the hanging wall should be fractured respectively to ensure fracturing effects, and the support of the roof and floor should be strengthened. The field experiment, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were consistent in their results, which will contribute to the optimization of hydraulic fracturing and the prediction of hydrofracture in the coal seams containing faults.
Experimental Study on the Influence of the Rotating Cylinder Block and Pistons on Churning Losses in Axial Piston Pumps
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Li Ying , Xu Bing , Pan Min , Lv Fei
Published: May 2017

Pressure and performance requirements of axial piston pumps and the proportion of churning losses in axial piston pumps increase significantly with increasing speed. To investigate the primary distribution of churning losses in axial piston pumps at various ranges of speed, a test rig was set up in which other friction losses can be eliminated, thus making it possible to investigate the net churning losses in an axial piston pump. The influence of the rotating cylinder block and pistons on churning losses is analyzed based on a qualitative evaluation of the various fluid flow regimes at different test speeds in an axial piston pump. The analytical results indicate that pistons have less influence on churning losses than the rotating cylinder block beyond the critical speed in axial piston pumps, because the total energy dissipation transforms laminar viscous friction losses into turbulent shear stress losses. It is concluded that more attention should be given to the effect of the rotating cylinder block on churning losses in axial piston pumps at high rotation speed.
An Improved Scheme for Voltage Sag Override in Direct Torque Controlled Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Petronijević Milutin , Mitrović Nebojša , Kostić Vojkan , Banković Bojan
Published: May 2017

This paper analyses symmetrical and unsymmetrical voltage sag effects on the torque and speed deviation in direct torque controlled (DTC) induction motors (IMs) for adjustable speed drives (ASDs). The capability of an ASD for continuous normal operation in case of short supply disturbances is essential for high performance drives. In this paper, an updated scheme is proposed for boosting ASD performances during supply disturbances with voltage reduction. Flux weakening is an effective method to overcome the torque-decreasing problem in case of DC-link voltage diminishing. It is also shown that speed reduction is an efficient procedure to obtain the voltage sag insensitivity of an ASD, which is appropriate for the existing industrial applications. Extensive laboratory testing has been conducted to verify the performances and effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm. The suggested method requires only a modification of converter control software or operating speed change without any additional hardware components. Extended tests under various voltage sags events were carried out on a 1.5 kW laboratory drive, and the obtained results have been compared with an industrial DTC drive.
Quantitative Evaluation of BIPV Visual Impact in Building Retrofits Using Saliency Models
Authors: Xu Ran , Wittkopf Stephen , Roeske Christian
Published: May 2017

BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) integration in urban spaces requires, not only careful technical, but also aesthetic considerations as its visual impact is seen as a kind of environmental effect. To manage this effect, different methods were developed to measure it; however, most existing evaluation methods are either based on subjective speculations and have no continuous criteria standards, or they do not show much relevance to neuropsychological findings. This paper presents an alternative and complementary method for evaluating the BIPV visual impact using the saliency method with an objective, quantitative and neuropsychological-based approach. The application of the method was tested and is discussed in the context of an example case study in Switzerland. Several different BIPV designs were developed for the case study, purposely in ways that made it difficult to rank their visual impacts with one’s subjective instinct. Using the proposed saliency method; however, the differences in BIPV visual impact across all designs could be identified, demonstrated and calculated sensitively. Potential applications of this proposed method include being a helping tool in deciding which BIPV design causes the least or most visual impact among others. Additionally, when combined with solar cadaster, the method enables a comprehensive estimation of BIPV potential in urban areas from both technical and societal aspects.
The Role of the N-Terminal Domains of Bacterial Initiator DnaA in the Assembly and Regulation of the Bacterial Replication Initiation Complex
Authors: Zawilak-Pawlik Anna , Nowaczyk Małgorzata , Zakrzewska-Czerwińska Jolanta
Published: May 2017

The primary role of the bacterial protein DnaA is to initiate chromosomal replication. The DnaA protein binds to DNA at the origin of chromosomal replication (oriC) and assembles into a filament that unwinds double-stranded DNA. Through interaction with various other proteins, DnaA also controls the frequency and/or timing of chromosomal replication at the initiation step. Escherichia coli DnaA also recruits DnaB helicase, which is present in unwound single-stranded DNA and in turn recruits other protein machinery for replication. Additionally, DnaA regulates the expression of certain genes in E. coli and a few other species. Acting as a multifunctional factor, DnaA is composed of four domains that have distinct, mutually dependent roles. For example, C-terminal domain IV interacts with double-stranded DnaA boxes. Domain III drives ATP-dependent oligomerization, allowing the protein to form a filament that unwinds DNA and subsequently binds to and stabilizes single-stranded DNA in the initial replication bubble; this domain also interacts with multiple proteins that control oligomerization. Domain II constitutes a flexible linker between C-terminal domains III–IV and N-terminal domain I, which mediates intermolecular interactions between DnaA and binds to other proteins that affect DnaA activity and/or formation of the initiation complex. Of these four domains, the role of the N-terminus (domains I–II) in the assembly of the initiation complex is the least understood and appears to be the most species-dependent region of the protein. Thus, in this review, we focus on the function of the N-terminus of DnaA in orisome formation and the regulation of its activity in the initiation complex in different bacteria.
Underweight, Stunting and Wasting among Children in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania; a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mgongo Melina , Chotta Nikolas , Hashim Tamara , Uriyo Jacqueline , Damian Damian , Stray-Pedersen Babill , Msuya Sia , Wandel Margareta , Vangen Siri
Published: May 2017

This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with underweight, stunting and wasting among children aged 0–24 months in six districts of Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional population-based study using a multistage, proportionate to size sampling was conducted from June 2010 to March 2011. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, economic, feeding and child information. Anthropometric data were collected by trained field workers, and the data were used to assess child nutritional status. A total of 1870 children were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of children classified as underweight was 46.0%, stunting was 41.9%, and wasting was 24.7%. About 33% were both underweight and stunted, and 12% had all three conditions. In a multivariate logistic regression, child age, child being ill and birth weight were associated with all anthropometric indices. Child being breastfed was associated with being underweight and wasting. Mother’s education was associated with being underweight and stunting. Fathers aged 35+ years, and living in the Hai district was associated with stunting, and being female was associated with wasting. The prevalence of child undernutrition is high in this region. Strategies that target each risk factor for child undernutrition may help to reduce the problem in the region.
Two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (rs2431697 and rs2910164) of miR-146a Are Associated with Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Wang Xintong , Li Zhenyu , Chen Lulu , Zhou Luping , Li Chaopeng , Ouyang Dong-sheng
Published: May 2017

The coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most severe cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) influences the pathology of cardiovascular diseases. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of miR-146a (rs2431697 and rs2910164) have been reported to alter the function or expression of microRNA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between miR-146a gene polymorphism and the risk of CAD in the Chinese population. A total of 353 CAD patients and 368 controls were recruited, and SNPs were analyzed by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and Sequenom MassARRAY system. The gene frequencies of rs2431697 and rs2910164 were significantly different between the two groups. The mutant type (T allele) of rs2431697 and wild type (C allele) of rs2910164 were more frequent in CAD patients. T allele carriers in rs2431697 had an increased CAD risk, while G allele of rs2910164 decreased the risk of CAD significantly. In conclusion, we found that the T allele of rs2431697 was a risk factor of CAD in the Chinese population. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that the G allele of rs2910164 decreased the susceptibility of CAD.
Analysis of Burglary Hot Spots and Near-Repeat Victimization in a Large Chinese City
Authors: Wang Zengli , Liu Xuejun
Published: May 2017

A hot spot refers to numerous crime incidents clustered in a limited space-time range. The near-repeat phenomenon suggests that every victimization might form a contagion-like pattern nearby in terms of both space and time. In this article, the near-repeat phenomenon is used to analyze the risk levels around hot spots. Utilizing a recent burglary dataset in N (a large city located in southeastern China), we examine the near-repeat phenomenon, the results of which we then use to test the contributions of hot spots. More importantly, we propose a temporal expanded near-repeat matrix to quantify the undulation of risk both before and after hot spots. The experimental results demonstrate that hot spots always form. Space-time areas of high risk are always variable in space and time. Regions in the vicinity of hot spots simultaneously share this higher risk. In general, crime risks around hot spots present as a wave diffusion process. The conclusions herein provide a detailed analysis of criminal patterns, which not only advances previous results but also provides valuable research results for crime prediction and prevention.
Calcium Dynamics Mediated by the Endoplasmic/Sarcoplasmic Reticulum and Related Diseases
Authors: Reddish Florence , Miller Cassandra , Gorkhali Rakshya , Yang Jenny
Published: May 2017

The flow of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is critical for the activation and regulation of important biological events that are required in living organisms. As the major Ca2+ repositories inside the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of muscle cells are central in maintaining and amplifying the intracellular Ca2+ signal. The morphology of these organelles, along with the distribution of key calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs), regulatory proteins, pumps, and receptors fundamentally impact the local and global differences in Ca2+ release kinetics. In this review, we will discuss the structural and morphological differences between the ER and SR and how they influence localized Ca2+ release, related diseases, and the need for targeted genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) to study these events.
Plasticizing Effects of Polyamines in Protein-Based Films
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Di Pierro Prospero , Giosafatto C. , Esposito Marilena , Mariniello Loredana , Regalado-Gonzales Carlos , Porta Raffaele
Published: May 2017

Zeta potential and nanoparticle size were determined on film forming solutions of native and heat-denatured proteins of bitter vetch as a function of pH and of different concentrations of the polyamines spermidine and spermine, both in the absence and presence of the plasticizer glycerol. Our results showed that both polyamines decreased the negative zeta potential of all samples under pH 8.0 as a consequence of their ionic interaction with proteins. At the same time, they enhanced the dimension of nanoparticles under pH 8.0 as a result of macromolecular aggregations. By using native protein solutions, handleable films were obtained only from samples containing either a minimum of 33 mM glycerol or 4 mM spermidine, or both compounds together at lower glycerol concentrations. However, 2 mM spermidine was sufficient to obtain handleable film by using heat-treated samples without glycerol. Conversely, brittle materials were obtained by spermine alone, thus indicating that only spermidine was able to act as an ionic plasticizer. Lastly, both polyamines, mainly spermine, were found able to act as “glycerol-like” plasticizers at concentrations higher than 5 mM under experimental conditions at which their amino groups are undissociated. Our findings open new perspectives in obtaining protein-based films by using aliphatic polycations as components.
Identifying Opportunities to Integrate Digital Professionalism into Curriculum: A Comparison of Social Media Use by Health Profession Students at an Australian University in 2013 and 2016
Authors: Mather Carey , Douglas Tracy , O’Brien Jane
Published: May 2017

Social media has become ubiquitous to modern life. Consequently, embedding digital professionalism into undergraduate health profession courses is now imperative and augmenting learning and teaching with mobile technology and social media on and off campus is a current curriculum focus. The aim of this study was to explore whether patterns of social media use for personal or informal learning by undergraduate health profession students enrolled at an Australian university across four campuses has changed over time. A previously validated online survey was administered in 2013 to a cohort of health profession students as part of an Australian survey. In 2016, the same survey was distributed to a later cohort of health profession students. Three open-ended questions to elicit descriptive information regarding the use of social media for study purposes were added to the later survey. A comparative analysis of both cohorts was undertaken and social media acceptance and penetration was shown to increase. Health profession students are now more interactive users of Facebook and Twitter, and they have become more familiar with career development sites, such as LinkedIn. The maturation of social media platforms within a three-year period has created realistic opportunities to integrate social media for personal and study purposes into the health profession education curriculum to ensure student understanding of the necessity for maintaining digital professionalism in the workplace.
Misconceptions about Calorimetry
Authors: Livan Michele , Wigmans Richard
Published: May 2017

In the past 50 years, calorimeters have become the most important detectors in many particle physics experiments, especially experiments in colliding-beam accelerators at the energy frontier. In this paper, we describe and discuss a number of common misconceptions about these detectors, as well as the consequences of these misconceptions. We hope that it may serve as a useful source of information for young colleagues who want to familiarize themselves with these tricky instruments.
Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Volatile Constituents from Different Parts of Aframomum danielli (Hook) K. Schum
Authors: Essien Emmanuel , Thomas Paul , Oriakhi Kelly , Choudhary Mohammad
Published: May 2017

Background: Aframomum danielli is used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of several ailments and as a traditional food spice. Methods: The hydro-distilled leaf, stem, seed, rhizome and pod volatile oils of A. danielli were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Free radical scavenging capacity of the volatile oils was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Thirty-nine (39) volatile compounds were identified in the oils of A. danielli, accounting for 85.33 to 96.03% of the total oil composition. The leaf, stem, rhizome and pod volatile oils were dominant in β-pinene (30.94–47.55%), while the seed oil contained a high amount of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (53.44%). The seed oil showed higher radical inhibitory activity in the DPPH assay (IC50 value, 45.5 µg/mL) and the rhizome oil was the most effective in the FRAP assay. Conclusions: The characterization of the leaf, stem, rhizome and pod volatile oils of A. danielli is reported for the first time. A. danielli seed and rhizome oils elicit promise as potential plant resource and warrant further biological exploitation.
The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Die-Cast Mg-6Al-2Sm-xCu Alloys
Authors: Liu Jiaan , Yang Chunxue , Yang Mengli
Published: May 2017

In the present study, the effect of Cu content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of die-cast Mg-6Al-2Sm-xCu (x = 1, 3, 5) alloys has been investigated. The microstructure and components of the alloys were observed and identified by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The phases of the alloys were analyzed via X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The mechanical properties at different temperatures were studied by tensile tests. The experimental results show that all die-cast Mg-6Al-2Sm-xCu alloys consist of α-Mg, β-Mg17Al12, Al4Cu9, Al3Sm, and Mg2Cu6Al5 phases. These components, i.e., Al3Sm and Al4Cu9 phases, have high thermal stability and can prohibit dislocation movement and grain boundary sliding. TEM analysis shows that the Al3Sm phase possesses a tetragonal structure. With the increase in Cu content, the microstructure is refined firstly and then becomes coarsened. Moreover, the tensile strength increases firstly and then decreases as Cu content increases at room temperature and an elevated temperature. All fractures of the alloys at room temperature show a complex mode of brittle and ductile fracture. However, at an elevated testing temperature, the fractures of the alloys exhibit more ductile fractures.
Lactic Fermentation as an Efficient Tool to Enhance the Antioxidant Activity of Tropical Fruit Juices and Teas
Authors: Fessard Amandine , Kapoor Ashish , Patche Jessica , Assemat Sophie , Hoarau Mathilde , Bourdon Emmanuel , Bahorun Theeshan , Remize Fabienne
Published: May 2017

Tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, mango, and beverages such as green or black teas, represent an underestimated source of antioxidants that could exert health-promoting properties. Most food processing technologies applied to fruit beverages or teas result in an impairment of inherent nutritional properties. Conversely, we hypothesise that lactic acid fermentation may constitute a promising route to maintain and even improve the nutritional qualities of processed fruits. Using specific growth media, lactic acid bacteria were selected from the fruit phyllosphere diversity and fruit juice, with the latter undergoing acidification kinetics analyses and characterised for exopolysaccharide production. Strains able to ferment tropical fruit juices or teas into pleasant beverages, within a short time, were of particular interest. Strains Weissella cibaria 64 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides 12b, able to increase antioxidant activity, were specifically studied as potential starters for lactic fermented pineapple juice.
Transparent Nanotubular TiO2 Photoanodes Grown Directly on FTO Substrates
Authors: Paušová Šárka , Kment Štěpán , Zlámal Martin , Baudys Michal , Hubička Zdeněk , Krýsa Josef
Published: May 2017

This work describes the preparation of transparent TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. An optimized electrolyte composition (0.2 mol dm−3 NH4F and 4 mol dm−3 H2O in ethylene glycol) was used for the anodization of Ti films with different thicknesses (from 100 to 1300 nm) sputtered on the FTO glass substrates. For Ti thicknesses 600 nm and higher, anodization resulted in the formation of TNT arrays with an outer nanotube diameter around 180 nm and a wall thickness around 45 nm, while for anodized Ti thicknesses of 100 nm, the produced nanotubes were not well defined. The transmittance in the visible region (λ = 500 nm) varied from 90% for the thinnest TNT array to 65% for the thickest TNT array. For the fabrication of transparent TNT arrays by anodization, the optimal Ti thickness on FTO was around 1000 nm. Such fabricated TNT arrays with a length of 2500 nm exhibit stable photocurrent densities in aqueous electrolytes (~300 µA cm−2 at potential 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The stability of the photocurrent response and a sufficient transparency (≥65%) enables the use of transparent TNT arrays in photoelectrochemical applications when the illumination from the support/semiconductor interface is a necessary condition and the transmitted light can be used for another purpose (photocathode or photochemical reaction in the electrolyte).
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles-Complexed Cationic Amylose for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Transplanted Stem Cells in Stroke
Authors: Lin Bing-Ling , Zhang Jun-Zhao , Lu Lie-Jing , Mao Jia-Ji , Cao Ming-Hui , Mao Xu-Hong , Zhang Fang , Duan Xiao-Hui , Zheng Chu-Shan , Zhang Li-Ming , Shen Jun
Published: May 2017

Cell-based therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy for acute ischemic stroke. In vivo tracking of therapeutic stem cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is imperative for better understanding cellular survival and migrational dynamics over time. In this study, we develop a novel biocompatible nanocomplex (ASP-SPIONs) based on cationic amylose, by introducing spermine and the image label, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), to label MSCs. The capacity, efficiency, and cytotoxicity of the nanocomplex in transferring SPIONs into green fluorescence protein-modified MSCs were tested; and the performance of in vivo MRI tracking of the transplanted cells in acute ischemic stroke was determined. The results demonstrated that the new class of SPIONs-complexed nanoparticles based on biodegradable amylose can serve as a highly effective and safe carrier to transfer magnetic label into stem cells. A reliable tracking of transplanted stem cells in stroke was achieved by MRI up to 6 weeks, with the desirable therapeutic benefit of stem cells on stroke retained. With the advantages of a relatively low SPIONs concentration and a short labeling period, the biocompatible complex of cationic amylose with SPIONs is highly translatable for clinical application. It holds great promise in efficient, rapid, and safe labeling of stem cells for subsequent cellular MRI tracking in regenerative medicine.
An In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study of the Effects of Caloric and Non-Caloric Sweeteners on Liver Lipid Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Janssens Sharon , Ciapaite Jolita , Wolters Justina , Van Riel Natal , Nicolay Klaas , Prompers Jeanine
Published: May 2017

We aimed to elucidate the effects of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners on liver lipid metabolism in rats using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and to determine their roles in the development of liver steatosis. Wistar rats received normal chow and either normal drinking water, or solutions containing 13% (w/v) glucose, 13% fructose, or 0.4% aspartame. After 7 weeks, in vivo hepatic dietary lipid uptake and de novo lipogenesis were assessed with proton-observed, carbon-13-edited MRS combined with 13C-labeled lipids and 13C-labeled glucose, respectively. The molecular basis of alterations in hepatic liver metabolism was analyzed in detail ex vivo using immunoblotting and targeted quantitative proteomics. Both glucose and fructose feeding increased adiposity, but only fructose induced hepatic lipid accumulation. In vivo MRS showed that this was not caused by increased hepatic uptake of dietary lipids, but could be attributed to an increase in de novo lipogenesis. Stimulation of lipogenesis by fructose was confirmed by a strong upregulation of lipogenic enzymes, which was more potent than with glucose. The non-caloric sweetener aspartame did not significantly affect liver lipid content or metabolism. In conclusion, liquid fructose more severely affected liver lipid metabolism in rats than glucose, while aspartame had no effect.
Entrance Fees and a Bayesian Approach to the St. Petersburg Paradox
Authors: Marcondes Diego , Peixoto Cláudia , Souza Kdson , Wechsler Sergio
Published: May 2017

In An Introduction to Probability Theory and its Applications, W. Feller established a way of ending the St. Petersburg paradox by the introduction of an entrance fee, and provided it for the case in which the game is played with a fair coin. A natural generalization of his method is to establish the entrance fee for the case in which the probability of heads is θ ( 0 < θ < 1 / 2 ) . The deduction of those fees is the main result of Section 2. We then propose a Bayesian approach to the problem. When the probability of heads is θ ( 1 / 2 < θ < 1 ) the expected gain of the St. Petersburg game is finite, therefore there is no paradox. However, if one takes θ as a random variable assuming values in ( 1 / 2 , 1 ) the paradox may hold, which is counter-intuitive. In Section 3 we determine necessary conditions for the absence of paradox in the Bayesian approach and in Section 4 we establish the entrance fee for the case in which θ is uniformly distributed in ( 1 / 2 , 1 ) , for in this case there is a paradox.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline Content, GABA Content and Volatile Compounds of Germinated Rice (Thai Upland Rice)
Authors: Sansenya Sompong , Hua Yanling , Chumanee Saowapa , Phasai Kannika , Sricheewin Chanun
Published: May 2017

Aroma intensity in rice is related to the level of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). The accumulation of 2AP in rice has been synthesized via l-proline metabolism by inactive betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme (BADH2), which activates 2AP accumulation. Meanwhile, active BADH2 inhibits 2AP accumulation but activates γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation. The improvement of 2AP content in rice has been reported under certain conditions, such as high salinity, water treatment, and reduction of high intensity solar exposure. In this study, we conducted the effects of gamma irradiation on 2AP content, GABA content and volatile compounds of germinated rice (Thai upland rice). Our results showed that the GABA content was highest when rice seeds germinated within a 24-h. The 2AP content of irradiated rice (germinated within a 24-h duration) was higher than non-irradiated rice for all gamma doses, particularly at 20 Gy, which showed a 23-fold higher level of 2AP than non-irradiated rice. On the other hand, the reduction of the GABA content of irradiated rice was caused by an increase in the gamma dose. At 300 Gy, irradiated rice had a GABA content approximately 2.6-fold lower than non-irradiated rice. Moreover, we observed that a reduction of volatile compounds occurred when increasing gamma dose. However, some volatile compounds appeared in the irradiated rice at gamma doses of 60 Gy, 80 Gy, 100 Gy and 300 Gy. Furthermore, we observed that the level of Octanal, which is the compound most related to aroma intensity, of irradiated rice was stronger than that of non-irradiated rice. Our results demonstrate for the first time that 2AP and GABA contents are sensitive to gamma irradiation conditions. Moreover, the results indicate that the gamma irradiation technique can be used to improve the aroma intensity of rice.
Social Services, Social Justice, and Social Innovations: Lessons for Addressing Income Inequality
Authors: Dearing Tiziana
Published: May 2017

This paper first explores three lessons about income inequality that have emerged in cross-disciplinary study. Second, it relates those lessons to ethical practices in social work and social services, and other ethics of social justice. Third, it briefly examines sample innovations in social services that hold promise for addressing the three lessons of the income inequality described. Finally, the paper offers reflections on a potential path forward in a quest to mitigate the harm of persistent income inequality and create more equitable systems for those experiencing it.
Maximum Market Price of Longevity Risk under Solvency Regimes: The Case of Solvency II
Authors: Levantesi Susanna , Menzietti Massimiliano
Published: May 2017

Longevity risk constitutes an important risk factor for life insurance companies, and it can be managed through longevity-linked securities. The market of longevity-linked securities is at present far from being complete and does not allow finding a unique pricing measure. We propose a method to estimate the maximum market price of longevity risk depending on the risk margin implicit within the calculation of the technical provisions as defined by Solvency II. The maximum price of longevity risk is determined for a survivor forward (S-forward), an agreement between two counterparties to exchange at maturity a fixed survival-dependent payment for a payment depending on the realized survival of a given cohort of individuals. The maximum prices determined for the S-forwards can be used to price other longevity-linked securities, such as q-forwards. The Cairns–Blake–Dowd model is used to represent the evolution of mortality over time that combined with the information on the risk margin, enables us to calculate upper limits for the risk-adjusted survival probabilities, the market price of longevity risk and the S-forward prices. Numerical results can be extended for the pricing of other longevity-linked securities.
The CM SAF TOA Radiation Data Record Using MVIRI and SEVIRI
Authors: Urbain Manon , Clerbaux Nicolas , Ipe Alessandro , Tornow Florian , Hollmann Rainer , Baudrez Edward , Velazquez Blazquez Almudena , Moreels Johan
Published: May 2017

The CM SAF Top of Atmosphere (TOA) Radiation MVIRI/SEVIRI Data Record provides a homogenised satellite-based climatology of TOA Reflected Solar (TRS) and Emitted Thermal (TET) radiation in all-sky conditions over the Meteosat field of view. The continuous monitoring of these two components of the Earth Radiation Budget is of prime importance to study climate variability and change. Combining the Meteosat MVIRI and SEVIRI instruments allows an unprecedented temporal (30 min/15 min) and spatial (2.5 km/3 km) resolution compared to, e.g., the CERES products. It also opens the door to the generation of a long data record covering a 32 years time period and extending from 1 February 1983 to 30 April 2015. The retrieval method used to process the CM SAF TOA Radiation MVIRI/SEVIRI Data Record is discussed. The overlap between the MVIRI and GERB instruments in the period 2004–2006 is used to derive empirical narrowband to broadband regressions. The CERES TRMM angular dependency models and theoretical models are respectively used to compute the TRS and TET fluxes from the broadband radiances. The TOA radiation products are issued as daily means, monthly means and monthly averages of the hourly integrated values (diurnal cycle). The data is provided on a regular grid at a spatial resolution of 0.05 degrees and covers the region 70 ∘ N–70 ∘ S and 70 ∘ W–70 ∘ E. The quality of the data record has been evaluated by intercomparison with several references. In general, the stability in time of the data record is found better than 4 Wm − 2 and most products fulfill the predefined accuracy requirements.
High Sensitivity Determination of TNF-α for Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Infections with a Novel and Reusable Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Li Liangliang , Li Miaomiao , Wang Wenwen , Zhang Qian , Liu Dongyun , Li Xianghong , Jiang Hong
Published: May 2017

Early diagnosis is vital for the reduction of mortality caused by neonatal infections. Since TNF-α can be used as a marker for the early diagnosis, the detection of TNF-α with high sensitivity and specificity has great clinical significance. Herein, a highly sensitive and reusable electrochemical sensor was fabricated. Due to the high specificity of aptamers, TNF-α could be accurately detected from five similar cytokines, even from serum samples. In addition, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a high surface area were able to combine a large number of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOXh), which made the sensor have a high sensitivity. The sensor had a good linear relationship with TNF-α concentration in the range from 1 to 1 × 104 pg/mL and the lowest detection limit is 0.7 pg/mL. More important was that the sensor could be reused 6 times by a crafty use of chain replacement reaction. Meanwhile, the detection time and cost were greatly reduced. Thus, we believe that these advantages of higher specificity and sensitivity, lower cost, and shorter detection time will provide a stronger potential for early diagnosis of neonatal infections in clinical applications.
GryphSens: A Smartphone-Based Portable Diagnostic Reader for the Rapid Detection of Progesterone in Milk
Authors: Jang Hyunwook , Ahmed Syed , Neethirajan Suresh
Published: May 2017

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a popular assay technique for the detection and quantification of various biological substances due its high sensitivity and specificity. More often, it requires large and expensive laboratory instruments, which makes it difficult to conduct when the tests must be performed quickly at the point-of-care (POC). To increase portability and ease of use, we propose a portable diagnostic system based on a Raspberry Pi imaging sensor for the rapid detection of progesterone in milk samples. We designed, assembled, and tested a standalone portable diagnostic reader and validated it for progesterone detection against a standard ELISA assay using a commercial plate reader. The portable POC device yielded consistent results, regardless of differences in the cameras and flashlights between various smartphone devices. An Android application was built to provide front-end access to users, control the diagnostic reader, and display and store the progesterone measurement on the smartphone. The diagnostic reader takes images of the samples, reads the pixel values, processes the results, and presents the results on the handheld device. The proposed POC reader can perform to superior levels of performance as a plate reader, while adding the desirable qualities of portability and ease of use.
Nitride-Based Materials for Flexible MEMS Tactile and Flow Sensors in Robotics
Authors: Abels Claudio , Mastronardi Vincenzo , Guido Francesco , Dattoma Tommaso , Qualtieri Antonio , Megill William , De Vittorio Massimo , Rizzi Francesco
Published: May 2017

The response to different force load ranges and actuation at low energies is of considerable interest for applications of compliant and flexible devices undergoing large deformations. We present a review of technological platforms based on nitride materials (aluminum nitride and silicon nitride) for the microfabrication of a class of flexible micro-electro-mechanical systems. The approach exploits the material stress differences among the constituent layers of nitride-based (AlN/Mo, Si x N y /Si and AlN/polyimide) mechanical elements in order to create microstructures, such as upwardly-bent cantilever beams and bowed circular membranes. Piezoresistive properties of nichrome strain gauges and direct piezoelectric properties of aluminum nitride can be exploited for mechanical strain/stress detection. Applications in flow and tactile sensing for robotics are described.
MERITXELL: The Multifrequency Experimental Radiometer with Interference Tracking for Experiments over Land and Littoral—Instrument Description, Calibration and Performance
Authors: Querol Jorge , Tarongí José , Forte Giuseppe , Gómez José , Camps Adriano
Published: May 2017

MERITXELL is a ground-based multisensor instrument that includes a multiband dual-polarization radiometer, a GNSS reflectometer, and several optical sensors. Its main goals are twofold: to test data fusion techniques, and to develop Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) detection, localization and mitigation techniques. The former is necessary to retrieve complementary data useful to develop geophysical models with improved accuracy, whereas the latter aims at solving one of the most important problems of microwave radiometry. This paper describes the hardware design, the instrument control architecture, the calibration of the radiometer, and several captures of RFI signals taken with MERITXELL in urban environment. The multiband radiometer has a dual linear polarization total-power radiometer topology, and it covers the L-, S-, C-, X-, K-, Ka-, and W-band. Its back-end stage is based on a spectrum analyzer structure which allows to perform real-time signal processing, while the rest of the sensors are controlled by a host computer where the off-line processing takes place. The calibration of the radiometer is performed using the hot-cold load procedure, together with the tipping curves technique in the case of the five upper frequency bands. Finally, some captures of RFI signals are shown for most of the radiometric bands under analysis, which evidence the problem of RFI in microwave radiometry, and the limitations they impose in external calibration.
Discontinuity Detection in the Shield Metal Arc Welding Process
Authors: Cocota José , Garcia Gabriel , Da Costa Adilson , De Lima Milton , Rocha Filipe , Freitas Gustavo
Published: May 2017

This work proposes a new methodology for the detection of discontinuities in the weld bead applied in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) processes. The detection system is based on two sensors—a microphone and piezoelectric—that acquire acoustic emissions generated during the welding. The feature vectors extracted from the sensor dataset are used to construct classifier models. The approaches based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers are able to identify with a high accuracy the three proposed weld bead classes: desirable weld bead, shrinkage cavity and burn through discontinuities. Experimental results illustrate the system’s high accuracy, greater than 90% for each class. A novel Hierarchical Support Vector Machine (HSVM) structure is proposed to make feasible the use of this system in industrial environments. This approach presented 96.6% overall accuracy. Given the simplicity of the equipment involved, this system can be applied in the metal transformation industries.
A Survey on an Energy-Efficient and Energy-Balanced Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ogundile Olayinka , Alfa Attahiru
Published: May 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) form an important part of industrial application. There has been growing interest in the potential use of WSNs in applications such as environment monitoring, disaster management, health care monitoring, intelligence surveillance and defence reconnaissance. In these applications, the sensor nodes (SNs) are envisaged to be deployed in sizeable numbers in an outlying area, and it is quite difficult to replace these SNs after complete deployment in many scenarios. Therefore, as SNs are predominantly battery powered devices, the energy consumption of the nodes must be properly managed in order to prolong the network lifetime and functionality to a rational time. Different energy-efficient and energy-balanced routing protocols have been proposed in literature over the years. The energy-efficient routing protocols strive to increase the network lifetime by minimizing the energy consumption in each SN. On the other hand, the energy-balanced routing protocols protract the network lifetime by uniformly balancing the energy consumption among the nodes in the network. There have been various survey papers put forward by researchers to review the performance and classify the different energy-efficient routing protocols for WSNs. However, there seems to be no clear survey emphasizing the importance, concepts, and principles of load-balanced energy routing protocols for WSNs. In this paper, we provide a clear picture of both the energy-efficient and energy-balanced routing protocols for WSNs. More importantly, this paper presents an extensive survey of the different state-of-the-art energy-efficient and energy-balanced routing protocols. A taxonomy is introduced in this paper to classify the surveyed energy-efficient and energy-balanced routing protocols based on their proposed mode of communication towards the base station (BS). In addition, we classified these routing protocols based on the solution types or algorithms, and the input decision variables defined in the routing algorithm. The strengths and weaknesses of the choice of the decision variables used in the design of these energy-efficient and energy-balanced routing protocols are emphasised. Finally, we suggest possible research directions in order to optimize the energy consumption in sensor networks.