bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I in the Liver
Authors: Takahashi Yutaka
Published: July 2017

Adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is characterized by metabolic abnormalities associated with visceral obesity, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. Patients with adult GHD show increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy has been shown to improve these conditions. It has also been demonstrated that a decrease in the GH insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis is closely associated with the progression of general NAFLD, suggesting a physiological role of these hormones for the maintenance of the liver. NASH histologically demonstrates inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis, in addition to steatosis (and is a serious disease because it can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a subset of cases). While fibrosis determines the prognosis of the patient, efficacious treatment for fibrosis is crucial; however, it has not yet been established. Recent studies have clarified the essential roles of GH and IGF-I in the liver. GH profoundly reduces visceral fat, which plays an important role in the development of NAFLD. Furthermore, GH directly reduces lipogenesis in the hepatocytes. IGF-I induces cellular senescence and inactivates hepatic stellate cells, therefore ameliorating fibrosis. IGF-I treatment has been shown to improve animal models of NASH and cirrhosis, suggesting potential clinical applications of IGF-I in these conditions. In this review, I will focus on the important roles of GH and IGF-I in the liver, their underlying mechanisms, and their potential therapeutic applications.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Potential as Novel Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Börger Verena , Bremer Michel , Ferrer-Tur Rita , Gockeln Lena , Stambouli Oumaima , Becic Amina , Giebel Bernd
Published: July 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, have been identified as mediators of a newly-discovered intercellular communication system. They are essential signaling mediators in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Depending on their origin, they fulfill different functions. EVs of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been found to promote comparable therapeutic activities as MSCs themselves. In a variety of in vivo models, it has been observed that they suppress pro-inflammatory processes and reduce oxidative stress and fibrosis. By switching pro-inflammatory into tolerogenic immune responses, MSC-EVs very likely promote tissue regeneration by creating a pro-regenerative environment allowing endogenous stem and progenitor cells to successfully repair affected tissues. Accordingly, MSC-EVs provide a novel, very promising therapeutic agent, which has already been successfully applied to humans. However, the MSC-EV production process has not been standardized, yet. Indeed, a collection of different protocols has been used for the MSC-EV production, characterization and application. By focusing on kidney, heart, liver and brain injuries, we have reviewed the major outcomes of published MSC-EV in vivo studies.
T Helper 17 Cells in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Matsui Kiyoshi , Sano Hajime
Published: July 2017

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes into exocrine glands and other tissues. The infiltrating lymphocytes have been identified as subsets of B cells and T cells, including T helper 17 cells, T regulatory cells and follicular helper T cells. The role of these cells in the development of the syndrome is now known, as is their impact on the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23. In particular, experimental animal models and patients suggest that a shift in Th17/Treg balance toward the proinflammatory Th17 axis exacerbates primary Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune disorders. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of the disorder is not yet fully elucidated. This review summarizes the recent advances in therapeutic control of the Treg/Th17 balance, as well as the efficacy of candidate therapeutics against primary Sjögren’s syndrome.
A Printed Xi-Shaped Left-Handed Metamaterial on Low-Cost Flexible Photo Paper
Authors: Ashraf Farhad , Alam Touhidul , Islam Mohammad
Published: July 2017

A Xi-shaped meta structure, has been introduced in this paper. A modified split-ring resonator (MSRR) and a capacitive loaded strip (CLS) were used to achieve the left-handed property of the metamaterial. The structure was printed using silver metallic nanoparticle ink, using a very low-cost photo paper as a substrate material. Resonators were inkjet-printed using silver nanoparticle metallic ink on paper to make this metamaterial flexible. It is also free from any kind of chemical waste, which makes it eco-friendly. A double negative region from 8.72 GHz to 10.91 GHz (bandwidth of 2.19 GHz) in the X-band microwave spectra was been found. Figure of merit was also obtained to measure any loss in the double negative region. The simulated result was verified by the performance of the fabricated prototype. The total dimensions of the proposed structure were 0.29 λ × 0.29 λ × 0.007 λ. It is a promising unit cell because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and easy fabrication process.
Effects of Grain Size on Ultrasonic Attenuation in Type 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Wan Tao , Naoe Takashi , Wakui Takashi , Futakawa Masatoshi , Obayashi Hironari , Sasa Toshinobu
Published: July 2017

A lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) spallation target will be installed in the Target Test Facility (TEF-T) in the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). The spallation target vessel filled with LBE is made of type 316L stainless steel. However, various damages, such as erosion/corrosion damage and liquid metal embrittlement caused by contact with flowing LBE at high temperature, and irradiation hardening caused by protons and neutrons, may be inflicted on the target vessel, which will deteriorate the steel and might break the vessel. To monitor the target vessel for prevention of an accident, an ultrasonic technique has been proposed to establish off-line evaluation for estimating vessel material status during the target maintenance period. Basic R&D must be carried out to clarify the dependency of ultrasonic wave propagation behavior on material microstructures and obtain fundamental knowledge. As a first step, ultrasonic waves scattered by the grains of type 316L stainless steel are investigated using new experimental and numerical approaches in the present study. The results show that the grain size can be evaluated exactly and quantitatively by calculating the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic waves scattered by the grains. The results also show that the scattering regimes of ultrasonic waves depend heavily on the ratio of wavelength to average grain size, and are dominated by grains of extraordinarily large size along the wave propagation path.
Parametric Studies of Titania-Supported Gold-Catalyzed Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Chong Siewhui , Yang Thomas Chung-Kuang
Published: July 2017

This paper remarks the general correlations of the shape and crystallinity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) support on gold deposition and carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. It was found that due to the larger rutile TiO2 particles and thus the pore volume, the deposited gold particles tended to agglomerate, resulting in smaller catalyst surface area and limited gold loading, whilst anatase TiO2 enabled better gold deposition. Those properties directly related to gold particle size and thus the number of low coordinated atoms play dominant roles in enhancing CO oxidation activity. Gold deposited on anatase spheroidal TiO2 at photo-deposition wavelength of 410 nm for 5 min resulted in the highest CO oxidation activity of 0.0617 mmol CO/s.gAu (89.5% conversion) due to the comparatively highest catalyst surface area (114.4 m2/g), smallest gold particle size (2.8 nm), highest gold loading (7.2%), and highest Au0 content (68 mg/g catalyst). CO oxidation activity was also found to be directly proportional to the Au0 content. Based on diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, we postulate that anatase TiO2-supported Au undergoes rapid direct oxidation whilst CO oxidation on rutile TiO2-supported Au could be inhibited by co-adsorption of oxygen.
Zirconia/Hydroxyapatite Composites Synthesized Via Sol-Gel: Influence of Hydroxyapatite Content and Heating on Their Biological Properties
Authors: Bollino Flavia , Armenia Emilia , Tranquillo Elisabetta
Published: July 2017

Zirconia (ZrO2) and zirconia-based glasses and ceramics are materials proposed for use in the dental and orthopedic fields. In this work, ZrO2 glass was modified by adding different amounts of bioactive and biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HAp). ZrO2/HAp composites were synthesized via the sol-gel method and heated to different temperatures to induce modifications of their chemical structure, as ascertained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The aim was to investigate the effect of both HAp content and heating on the biological performances of ZrO2. The materials’ bioactivity was studied by soaking samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF). FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) analyses carried out after exposure to SBF showed that all materials are bioactive, i.e., they are able to form a hydroxyapatite layer on their surface. Moreover, the samples were soaked in a solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA). FTIR analysis proved that the synthesized materials are able to adsorb the blood protein, the first step of cell adhesion. WST-8 ([2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt]) assay showed that no cytotoxicity effects were induced by the materials’ extract. However, the results proved that bioactivity increases with both the HAp content and the temperature used for the thermal treatment, whereas biocompatibility increases with heating but is not affected by the HAp content.
Genome Sequences of Marine Shrimp Exopalaemon carinicauda Holthuis Provide Insights into Genome Size Evolution of Caridea
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Gao Yi , Zhang Xiaojun , Wei Jiankai , Liu Chengzhang , Li Fuhua , Xiang Jianhai
Published: July 2017

Crustacea, particularly Decapoda, contains many economically important species, such as shrimps and crabs. Crustaceans exhibit enormous (nearly 500-fold) variability in genome size. However, limited genome resources are available for investigating these species. Exopalaemon carinicauda Holthuis, an economical caridean shrimp, is a potential ideal experimental animal for research on crustaceans. In this study, we performed low-coverage sequencing and de novo assembly of the E. carinicauda genome. The assembly covers more than 95% of coding regions. E. carinicauda possesses a large complex genome (5.73 Gb), with size twice higher than those of many decapod shrimps. As such, comparative genomic analyses were implied to investigate factors affecting genome size evolution of decapods. However, clues associated with genome duplication were not identified, and few horizontally transferred sequences were detected. Ultimately, the burst of transposable elements, especially retrotransposons, was determined as the major factor influencing genome expansion. A total of 2 Gb repeats were identified, and RTE-BovB, Jockey, Gypsy, and DIRS were the four major retrotransposons that significantly expanded. Both recent (Jockey and Gypsy) and ancestral (DIRS) originated retrotransposons responsible for the genome evolution. The E. carinicauda genome also exhibited potential for the genomic and experimental research of shrimps.
Characterization of Danaparoid Complex Extractive Drug by an Orthogonal Analytical Approach
Authors: Gardini Cristina , Urso Elena , Guerrini Marco , Van Herpen René , De Wit Pauline , Naggi Annamaria
Published: July 2017

Danaparoid sodium salt, is the active component of ORGARAN, an anticoagulant and antithrombotic drug constituted of three glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) obtained from porcine intestinal mucosa extracts. Heparan sulfate is the major component, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate being the minor ones. Currently dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are quantified by UV detection of their unsaturated disaccharides obtained by enzymatic depolymerization. Due to the complexity of danaparoid biopolymers and the presence of shared components, an orthogonal approach has been applied using more advanced tools and methods. To integrate the analytical profile, 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR spectroscopy was applied and found effective to identify and quantify GAG component signals as well as those of some process signatures of danaparoid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) batches. Analyses of components of both API samples and size separated fractions proceeded through the determination and distribution of the molecular weight (Mw) by high performance size exclusion chromatographic triple detector array (HP-SEC-TDA), chain mapping by LC/MS, and mono- (1H and 13C) and bi-dimensional (HSQC) NMR spectroscopy. Finally, large scale chromatographic isolation and depolymerization of each GAG followed by LC/MS and 2D-NMR analysis, allowed the sequences to be defined and components to be evaluated of each GAG including oxidized residues of hexosamines and uronic acids at the reducing ends.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Urolithiasis Effects of Polyphenolic Compounds from Quercus gilva Blume
Authors: Youn Sung Hye , Kwon Joo Hee , Yin Jun , Tam Le Thi , Ahn Hye Shin , Myung Soon Chul , Lee Min Won
Published: July 2017

Quercus gilva Bume (QGB, family Fagaceae) is a tall evergreen oak species tree that grows in warm temperate regions in Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan. Quercus plants have long been the basis of traditional medicines. Their clinical benefits according to traditional medicine include relief of urolithiasis, tremors and inflammation. In the present study, the anti-urolithiasis activity including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, of some phenolic compounds isolated from QGB were described. Seven compounds were isolated and identified as picraquassioside D (1), quercussioside (2), (+)-lyoniresinol-9′α-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (3), (+)-catechin (4), (−)-epicatechin (5), procyanidin B-3 (6), and procyanidin B-4 (7). Compounds 5–7 showed potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. These compounds were further tested for their inhibition of the gene expression of the inflammatory cytokines. The three compounds 5–7 showed dose-dependent inhibitory activities on gene expression of COX-2 and IL-1β. In vivo, urolithiasis was induced more effectively in an animal model of acute urolithiasis by the administration of QGB extract. These results indicate the potential of compounds from QGB in the treatment of urolithiasis.
Reduction of Asthmatic Parameters by Sea Hare Hydrolysates in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Ryu Ji , Xie Chengliang , Kim Eun-Jin , Park Si-Hyang , Choi Yeung , Kang Sang , Shin Min-Kyoung , Kang Dawon
Published: July 2017

Sea hare has a variety of biological activities. However, little is known regarding the anti-asthmatic effects of sea hare. This study was performed to identify the effect of sea hare hydrolysates (SHH) on an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model. The experimental asthma model was sensitized and challenged with OVA. We found that a high-dose of SHH (HSHH) significantly inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation and mucus production around the airway in lung sections, while low- and medium-dose SHH showed an insignificant effect. In addition, HSHH highly reduced OVA-induced production of interleukin-4, -5, -13, leukotriene D4, E4, and histamine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. HSHH decreased the histamine-induced increase in the intracellular Ca2+ level and contractions in asthmatic smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, HSHH did not affect the weights of the spleen nor thymus, whereas dexamethasone (DEX), a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, reduced them. Taken together, these results showed that HSHH reduced asthmatic parameters in a mouse model of allergic asthma, and suggest that SHH could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for asthma.
Assessment and Improvement of MISR Angstrom Exponent and Single-Scattering Albedo Products Using AERONET Data in China
Authors: Si Yidan , Li Shenshen , Chen Liangfu , Shang Huazhe , Wang Lei , Letu Husi
Published: July 2017

Mapping the components, size, and absorbing/scattering properties of particle pollution is of great interest in the environmental and public health fields. Although the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) can detect a greater number of aerosol microphysical properties than most other spaceborne sensors, the Angstrom exponent (AE) and single-scattering albedo (SSA) products are not widely utilized or as robust as the aerosol optical depth (AOD) product. This study focused on validating MISR AE and SSA data using AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) data for China from 2004 to 2014. The national mean value of the MISR data (1.08) was 0.095 lower than that of the AERONET data. However, the MISR SSA average (0.99) was significantly higher than that of AERONET (0.89). In this study, we developed a method to improve the AE and SSA by narrowing the selection of MISR mixtures via the introduction of the following group thresholds obtained from an 11-year AERONET dataset: minimum and maximum values (for the method of MISR_Imp_All) and the top 10% and bottom 10% of the averaged values (for MISR_Imp_10%). Overall, our improved AE values were closer to the AERONET AE values, and additional samples (MISR_Imp_All: 28.04% and 64.72%, MISR_Imp_10%: 34.11% and 73.13%) had absolute differences of less than 0.1 and 0.3 (defined by the expected error tests, e.g., EE_0.1) compared with the original MISR product (18.46% and 50.23%). For the SSA product, our method also improved the mean, EE_0.05, and EE_0.1 from 0.99, 16.13%, and 56.45% (MISR original product) to 0.96, 40.32%, and 70.97% (MISR_Imp_All), and 0.94, 54.84%, and 90.32% (MISR_Imp_10%), respectively.
Monitoring-Based Model for Personalizing the Clinical Process of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: De Ramón-Fernández Alberto , Ruiz-Fernández Daniel , Marcos-Jorquera Diego , Gilart-Iglesias Virgilio , Vives-Boix Víctor
Published: July 2017

Crohn’s disease is a chronic pathology belonging to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease must be supervised by a medical specialist for the rest of their lives; furthermore, each patient has its own characteristics and is affected by the disease in a different way, so health recommendations and treatments cannot be generalized and should be individualized for a specific patient. To achieve this personalization in a cost-effective way using technology, we propose a model based on different information flows: control, personalization, and monitoring. As a result of the model and to perform a functional validation, an architecture based on services and a prototype of the system has been defined. In this prototype, a set of different devices and technologies to monitor variables from patients and their environment has been integrated. Artificial intelligence algorithms are also included to reduce the workload related to the review and analysis of the information gathered. Due to the continuous and automated monitoring of the Crohn’s patient, this proposal can help in the personalization of the Crohn’s disease clinical process.
Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Lulu
Published: July 2017

Early-stage cancer detection could reduce breast cancer death rates significantly in the long-term. The most critical point for best prognosis is to identify early-stage cancer cells. Investigators have studied many breast diagnostic approaches, including mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computerized tomography, positron emission tomography and biopsy. However, these techniques have some limitations such as being expensive, time consuming and not suitable for young women. Developing a high-sensitive and rapid early-stage breast cancer diagnostic method is urgent. In recent years, investigators have paid their attention in the development of biosensors to detect breast cancer using different biomarkers. Apart from biosensors and biomarkers, microwave imaging techniques have also been intensely studied as a promising diagnostic tool for rapid and cost-effective early-stage breast cancer detection. This paper aims to provide an overview on recent important achievements in breast screening methods (particularly on microwave imaging) and breast biomarkers along with biosensors for rapidly diagnosing breast cancer.
A Smart and Balanced Energy-Efficient Multihop Clustering Algorithm (Smart-BEEM) for MIMO IoT Systems in Future Networks †
Authors: Xu Lina , O’Hare Gregory , Collier Rem
Published: July 2017

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are typically composed of thousands of sensors powered by limited energy resources. Clustering techniques were introduced to prolong network longevity offering the promise of green computing. However, most existing work fails to consider the network coverage when evaluating the lifetime of a network. We believe that balancing the energy consumption in per unit area rather than on each single sensor can provide better-balanced power usage throughout the network. Our former work—Balanced Energy-Efficiency (BEE) and its Multihop version BEEM can not only extend the network longevity, but also maintain the network coverage. Following WSNs, Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been proposed with higher degree of diversities in terms of communication abilities and user scenarios, supporting a large range of real world applications. The IoT devices are embedded with multiple communication interfaces, normally referred as Multiple-In and Multiple-Out (MIMO) in 5G networks. The applications running on those devices can generate various types of data. Every interface has its own characteristics, which may be preferred and beneficial in some specific user scenarios. With MIMO becoming more available on the IoT devices, an advanced clustering solution for highly dynamic IoT systems is missing and also pressingly demanded in order to cater for differing user applications. In this paper, we present a smart clustering algorithm (Smart-BEEM) based on our former work BEE(M) to accomplish energy efficient and Quality of user Experience (QoE) supported communication in cluster based IoT networks. It is a user behaviour and context aware approach, aiming to facilitate IoT devices to choose beneficial communication interfaces and cluster headers for data transmission. Experimental results have proved that Smart-BEEM can further improve the performance of BEE and BEEM for coverage sensitive longevity.
A Reliability-Based Method to Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Jiang Wen , Zhuang Miaoyan , Xie Chunhe
Published: July 2017

Multi-sensor data fusion technology based on Dempster–Shafer evidence theory is widely applied in many fields. However, how to determine basic belief assignment (BBA) is still an open issue. The existing BBA methods pay more attention to the uncertainty of information, but do not simultaneously consider the reliability of information sources. Real-world information is not only uncertain, but also partially reliable. Thus, uncertainty and partial reliability are strongly associated with each other. To take into account this fact, a new method to represent BBAs along with their associated reliabilities is proposed in this paper, which is named reliability-based BBA. Several examples are carried out to show the validity of the proposed method.
Multiport Circular Polarized RFID-Tag Antenna for UHF Sensor Applications
Authors: Zaid Jamal , Abdulhadi Abdulhadi , Kesavan Arun , Belaizi Yassin , Denidni Tayeb
Published: July 2017

A circular polarized patch antenna for UHF RFID tag-based sensor applications is presented, with the circular polarization (CP) generated by a new antenna shape, an asymmetric stars shaped slotted microstrip patch antenna (CP-ASSSMP). Four stars etched on the patch allow the antenna’s size to be reduced by close to 20%. The proposed antenna is matched with two RFID chips via inductive-loop matching. The first chip is connected to a resistive sensor and acts as a sensor node, and the second is used as a reference node. The proposed antenna is used for two targets, serving as both reference and sensor simultaneously, thereby eliminating the need for a second antenna. Its reader can read the RFID chips at any orientation of the tag due to the CP. The measured reading range is about 25 m with mismatch polarization. The operating frequency band is 902–929 MHz for the two ports, which is covered by the US RFID band, and the axial-ratio bandwidth is about 7 MHz. In addition, the reader can also detect temperature, based on the minimum difference in the power required by the reference and sensor.
CeO2 Enhanced Ethanol Sensing Performance in a CdS Gas Sensor
Authors: Li Meishan , Ren Wei , Wu Rong , Zhang Min
Published: July 2017

CdS nanowires (NWs) were fabricated through a facile low-temperature solvothermal method, following which CeO2 nanoparticles were modified on the NWs. The ethanol sensing characteristics of pure CdS and decorated ones with different CeO2 content were studied. It was found that the sensing performance of CdS was significantly improved after CeO2 decoration. In particular, the 5 at% CeO2/CdS composite exhibited a much higher response to 100 ppm ethanol (about 52), which was 2.6 times larger than that of pure CdS. A fast response and recovery time (less than 12 s and 3 s, respectively) were obtained as well as an excellent selectivity. These results make the CeO2-decorated CdS NWs good candidates for ethanol sensing applications.
Fast Vessel Detection in Gaofen-3 SAR Images with Ultrafine Strip-Map Mode
Authors: Pan Zongxu , Liu Lei , Qiu Xiaolan , Lei Bin
Published: July 2017

This study aims to detect vessels with lengths ranging from about 70 to 300 m, in Gaofen-3 (GF-3) SAR images with ultrafine strip-map (UFS) mode as fast as possible. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of vessels in GF-3 SAR imagery, an effective vessel detection method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the iterative constant false alarm rate (CFAR) method is employed to detect the potential ship pixels. Secondly, the mean-shift operation is applied on each potential ship pixel to identify the candidate target region. During the mean-shift process, we maintain a selection matrix recording which pixels can be taken, and these pixels are called as the valid points of the candidate target. The l 1 norm regression is used to extract the principal axis and detect the valid points. Finally, two kinds of false alarms, the bright line and the azimuth ambiguity, are removed by comparing the valid area of the candidate target with a pre-defined value and computing the displacement between the true target and the corresponding replicas respectively. Experimental results on three GF-3 SAR images with UFS mode demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Characterization of Signal Quality Monitoring Techniques for Multipath Detection in GNSS Applications
Authors: Pirsiavash Ali , Broumandan Ali , Lachapelle Gérard
Published: July 2017

The performance of Signal Quality Monitoring (SQM) techniques under different multipath scenarios is analyzed. First, SQM variation profiles are investigated as critical requirements in evaluating the theoretical performance of SQM metrics. The sensitivity and effectiveness of SQM approaches for multipath detection and mitigation are then defined and analyzed by comparing SQM profiles and multipath error envelopes for different discriminators. Analytical discussions includes two discriminator strategies, namely narrow and high resolution correlator techniques for BPSK(1), and BOC(1,1) signaling schemes. Data analysis is also carried out for static and kinematic scenarios to validate the SQM profiles and examine SQM performance in actual multipath environments. Results show that although SQM is sensitive to medium and long-delay multipath, its effectiveness in mitigating these ranges of multipath errors varies based on tracking strategy and signaling scheme. For short-delay multipath scenarios, the multipath effect on pseudorange measurements remains mostly undetected due to the low sensitivity of SQM metrics.
Symbiotic Navigation in Multi-Robot Systems with Remote Obstacle Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Ravankar Abhijeet , Ravankar Ankit , Kobayashi Yukinori , Emaru Takanori
Published: July 2017

Large scale operational areas often require multiple service robots for coverage and task parallelism. In such scenarios, each robot keeps its individual map of the environment and serves specific areas of the map at different times. We propose a knowledge sharing mechanism for multiple robots in which one robot can inform other robots about the changes in map, like path blockage, or new static obstacles, encountered at specific areas of the map. This symbiotic information sharing allows the robots to update remote areas of the map without having to explicitly navigate those areas, and plan efficient paths. A node representation of paths is presented for seamless sharing of blocked path information. The transience of obstacles is modeled to track obstacles which might have been removed. A lazy information update scheme is presented in which only relevant information affecting the current task is updated for efficiency. The advantages of the proposed method for path planning are discussed against traditional method with experimental results in both simulation and real environments.
Development of an Automated Method for Selected Aromas of Red Wines from Cold-Hardy Grapes Using Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Olfactometry
Authors: Cai Lingshuang , Rice Somchai , Koziel Jacek , Dharmadhikari Murlidhar
Published: July 2017

The aroma profile of red wine is complex and research focusing on aroma compounds and their links to viticultural and enological practices is needed. Current research is limited to wines made from cold-hardy cultivars (interspecific hybrids of vinifera and native N. American grapes). The objective of this research was to develop a fully automated solid phase microextraction (SPME) method, using tandem gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-olfactometry for the simultaneous chemical and sensory analysis of volatile/semi-volatile compounds and aroma in cold-hardy red wines. Specifically, the effects of SPME coating selection, extraction time, extraction temperature, incubation time, sample volume, desorption time, and salt addition were studied. The developed method was used to determine the aroma profiles of seven selected red wines originating from four different cold-hardy grape cultivars. Thirty-six aroma compounds were identified from Maréchal Foch, St. Croix, Frontenac, Vincent, and a Maréchal Foch/Frontenac blend. Among these 36 aroma compounds, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl caproate, benzeneethanol, ethyl decanoate, and ethyl caproate are the top five most abundant aroma compounds. Olfactometry helps to identify compounds not identified by MS. The presented method can be useful for grape growers and wine makers for the screening of aroma compounds in a wide variety of wines and can be used to balance desired wine aroma characteristics.
Towards Rural Sustainable Development? Contributions of the EAFRD 2007–2013 in Low Demographic Density Territories: The Case of Extremadura (SW Spain)
Authors: Cárdenas Alonso Gema , Nieto Masot Ana
Published: July 2017

The European Commission has been striving to achieve sustainable development in its rural areas for more than 25 years through funds aimed at modernizing the agricultural and forestry sectors, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life. However, is sustainable rural development really being accomplished? This study sets out to answer this question in the case of Extremadura, a Spanish territory with low demographic density and a gross domestic product still below 75% of the European average. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies have been employed, using principal component analysis, the result of which has provided us with a model that shows how various behaviors coexist in the region in view of the distribution of current funding from the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development). The most dynamic areas have received the largest amounts of funding and these are linked to the agricultural sector and to the protection of the environment, leaving aside the more depressed areas and the implementation of the LEADER approach as well. Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that the current rural development in Extremadura is not sustainable enough.
Building the Green Infrastructure of Belgrade: The Importance of Community Greening
Authors: Simić Ivan , Stupar Aleksandra , Djokić Vladan
Published: July 2017

Due to its important role in increasing human well-being and providing space for ecosystem services, green infrastructure has gradually become an integral part of urban development strategies. Focusing on the activities of community greening, the article considers this approach toward the application of urban green infrastructure as a part of a broader strategy related to the resilience of cities. The neighborhood/district level will be emphasized and the analysis will be conducted in two areas of the Serbian capital Belgrade—Block 45 in New Belgrade and the Savamala neighborhood in the historical city core. Representing two different epochs of Belgrade’s development, they are characterized by different typologies, while the characteristics of community greening also differ in several aspects, including purpose, model of organization, and involved stakeholders/participants. The green space of the identified typical morphological units has been cultivated and maintained in two different ways—institutional (provided by the public company) and non-institutional (community greening)—and their impact on the quality of the local GI will be compared. The analysis intends to provide data on the level of biodiversity, multi-functionality, and maintenance of green spaces which will show the effect of both applied approaches. Particular attention will be given to the tensions and challenges of the local context: the adoption of plans and regulations that are in accordance with contemporary trends, as well as the drawbacks in their implementation. Furthermore, the possibilities of community greening will be elaborated, as future steps for achieving the formal green infrastructure (hereinafter GI) standards at the neighborhood/district scale.
Forecasting Purpose Data Analysis and Methodology Comparison of Neural Model Perspective
Authors: Lee Sungju , Jeong Taikyeong
Published: July 2017

The goal of this paper is to compare and analyze the forecasting performance of two artificial neural network models (i.e., MLP (multi-layer perceptron) and DNN (deep neural network)), and to conduct an experimental investigation by data flow, not economic flow. In this paper, we investigate beyond the scope of simple predictions, and conduct research based on the merits and data of each model, so that we can predict and forecast the most efficient outcomes based on analytical methodology with fewer errors. In particular, we focus on identifying two models of neural networks (NN), a multi-layer perceptron (i.e., MLP) model and an excellent model between the neural network (i.e., DNN) model. At this time, predictability and accuracy were found to be superior in the DNN model, and in the MLP model, it was found to be highly correlated and accessible. The major purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of MLP and DNN through a practical approach based on an artificial neural network stock forecasting method. Although we do not limit S&P (i.e., Standard&Poor’s 500 index) to escape other regional exits in order to see the proper flow of capital, we first measured S&P data for 100 months (i.e., 407 weeks) and found out the following facts: First, the traditional artificial neural network (ANN) model, according to the specificity of each model and depending on the depth of the layer, shows the model of the prediction well and is sensitive to the index data; Second, comparing the two models, the DNN model showed better accuracy in terms of data accessibility and prediction accuracy than MLP, and the error rate was also shown in the weekly and monthly data; Third, the difference in the prediction accuracy of each model is not statistically significant. However, these results are correlated with each other, and are considered robust because there are few error rates, thanks to the accessibility to various other prediction accuracy measurement methodologies.
SOX2 as a New Regulator of HPV16 Transcription
Authors: Martínez-Ramírez Imelda , Del-Castillo-Falconi Víctor , Mitre-Aguilar Irma , Amador-Molina Alfredo , Carrillo-García Adela , Langley Elizabeth , Zentella-Dehesa Alejandro , Soto-Reyes Ernesto , García-Carrancá Alejandro , Herrera Luis , Lizano Marcela
Published: July 2017

Persistent infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) constitute the main risk factor for cervical cancer development. HPV16 is the most frequent type associated to squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), followed by HPV18. The long control region (LCR) in the HPV genome contains the replication origin and sequences recognized by cellular transcription factors (TFs) controlling viral transcription. Altered expression of E6 and E7 viral oncogenes, modulated by the LCR, causes modifications in cellular pathways such as proliferation, leading to malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to identify specific TFs that could contribute to the modulation of high-risk HPV transcriptional activity, related to the cellular histological origin. We identified sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX2) response elements present in HPV16-LCR. SOX2 binding to the LCR was demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro assays. The overexpression of this TF repressed HPV16-LCR transcriptional activity, as shown through reporter plasmid assays and by the down-regulation of endogenous HPV oncogenes. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that three putative SOX2 binding sites are involved in the repression of the LCR activity. We propose that SOX2 acts as a transcriptional repressor of HPV16-LCR, decreasing the expression of E6 and E7 oncogenes in a SCC context.
Factor Analysis and Estimation Model of Water Consumption of Government Institutions in Taiwan
Authors: Huang An-Chi , Lee Tzong-Yeang , Lin Yu-Chen , Huang Chung-Fu , Shu Chi-Min
Published: July 2017

Models for adequately estimating water consumption in Taiwanese government institutions were developed to assist the government to more accurately predict and account for their water needs. A correlation coefficient matrix of associated factors was constructed based on records per unit of water consumption, describing the impact of various water consumption factors. To understand and quantify the effect of the impact factors, linear and nonlinear regression models, as well as an artificial neural network model were adopted. To account for data variability, the data used for modelling were either fully or partially adopted. For partial adoption, the quartile method was employed to remove any outliers. Analysis of the factors affecting water consumption revealed that the building floor area and number of personnel in an organization had the largest impact on estimated consumption, followed by the number of residential personnel. As the coefficient of variation for the green irrigated area and number of consulting personnel was low, the total area and the total number personnel of water consumption decreased the effectiveness of the model.
Detection of therapeutic radiation in three-dimensions
Authors: Adamovics John A
Published: July 2017

For over the last twenty years there has been a multitude of sophisticated three-dimensional radiation delivery procedures developed which requires a corresponding verification of the impact on patients. This article reviews the state of the art in the development of chemical detectors used to characterize the three-dimensional shape of therapeutic radiation. These detectors are composed of polyurethane, radical initiator and a leuco dye, which is radiolytically oxidized to a dye absorbing at 630 nm.
UCLCHEM: A Gas-grain Chemical Code for Clouds, Cores, and C-Shocks*
Authors: Holdship J. , Viti S. , Jiménez-Serra I. , Makrymallis A. , Priestley F.
Published: July 2017

We present a publicly available, open source version of the time-dependent, gas-grain chemical code UCLCHEM. UCLCHEM propagates the abundances of chemical species through a large network of chemical reactions in a variety of physical conditions. The model is described in detail, along with its applications. As an example of possible uses, UCLCHEM is used to explore the effect of protostellar collapse on commonly observed molecules, and study the behavior of molecules in C-type shocks. We find the collapse of a simple Bonnor–Ebert sphere successfully reproduces most of the behavior of CO, CS, and NH3 from cores observed by Tafalla et al. (2004), but cannot predict the behavior of N2H+. In the C-shock application, we find that molecules can be categorized such that they become useful observational tracers of shocks and their physical properties. Although many molecules are enhanced in shocked gas, we identify two groups of molecules in particular. A small number of molecules are enhanced by the sputtering of the ices as the shock propagates, and then remain high in abundance throughout the shock. A second, larger set is also enhanced by sputtering, but then destroyed as the gas temperature rises. Through these applications, the general applicability of UCLCHEM is demonstrated.
Measuring the Meteoroid Environments of the Planets with Meteor Detectors on Earth
Authors: Wiegert Paul , Brown Peter , Pokorny Petr , Lenartowicz Karina , Krzeminski Zbyszek
Published: July 2017

We describe how meteors recorded at the Earth can be used to partly reconstruct the meteoroid environments of the planets if a large sample (i.e., millions of orbits at a minimum) is available. The process involves selecting from the Earth-based sample those meteors that passed near a planet’s orbit prior to arriving at Earth, and so carry information about the planetary meteoroid environment. Indeed, this process can be extended to any location in the solar system, though some regions of space are better sampled than others. From such a reconstruction performed with data from the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar, we reveal that Mars has apex, helion, anti-helion, and toroidal sporadic sources, much as Earth does. Such reconstructions, albeit partial, have the potential to provide a wealth of detail about planetary meteoroid environments and to allow for the ground-truthing of model meteoroid populations without in situ sampling.
The Fraction of Cool-core Clusters in X-Ray versus SZ Samples Using Chandra Observations
Authors: Andrade-Santos Felipe , Jones Christine , Forman William R. , Lovisari Lorenzo , Vikhlinin Alexey , Weeren Reinout J. van , Murray Stephen S. , Arnaud Monique , Pratt Gabriel W. , Démoclès Jessica , Kraft Ralph , Mazzotta Pasquale , Böhringer Hans , Chon Gayoung , Giacintucci Simona , Clarke Tracy E. , Borgani Stefano , David Larry , Douspis Marian , Pointecouteau Etienne , Dahle Håkon , Brown Shea , Aghanim Nabila , Rasia Elena
Published: July 2017

We derive and compare the fractions of cool-core clusters in the Planck Early Sunyaev–Zel’dovich sample of 164 clusters with

and in a flux-limited X-ray sample of 100 clusters with

, using Chandra observations. We use four metrics to identify cool-core clusters: (1) the concentration parameter, which is the ratio of the integrated emissivity profile within 0.15 r
500 to that within r
500; (2) the ratio of the integrated emissivity profile within 40 kpc to that within 400 kpc; (3) the cuspiness of the gas density profile, which is the negative of the logarithmic derivative of the gas density with respect to the radius, measured at 0.04 r
500; and (4) the central gas density, measured at 0.01 r
500. We find that the sample of X-ray-selected clusters, as characterized by each of these metrics, contains a significantly larger fraction of cool-core clusters compared to the sample of SZ-selected clusters (44% ± 7% versus 28% ± 4% using the concentration parameter in the 0.15–1.0 r
500 range, 61% ± 8% versus 36% ± 5% using the concentration parameter in the 40–400 kpc range, 64% ± 8% versus 38% ± 5% using the cuspiness, and 53% ± 7% versus 39 ± 5% using the central gas density). Qualitatively, cool-core clusters are more X-ray luminous at fixed mass. Hence, our X-ray, flux-limited sample, compared to the approximately mass-limited SZ sample, is overrepresented with cool-core clusters. We describe a simple quantitative model that uses the excess luminosity of cool-core clusters compared to non-cool-core clusters at fixed mass to successfully predict the observed fraction of cool-core clusters in X-ray-selected samples.
The Spectroscopy and H-band Imaging of Virgo Cluster Galaxies (SHIVir) Survey: Scaling Relations and the Stellar-to-total Mass Relation
Authors: Ouellette Nathalie N.-Q. , Courteau Stéphane , Holtzman Jon A. , Dutton Aaron A. , Cappellari Michele , Dalcanton Julianne J. , McDonald Michael , Roediger Joel C. , Taylor James E. , Tully R. Brent , Côté Patrick , Ferrarese Laura , Peng Eric W.
Published: July 2017

We present parameter distributions and fundamental scaling relations for 190 Virgo cluster galaxies in the SHIVir survey. The distribution of galaxy velocities is bimodal about V
circ ∼ 125 km s−1, hinting at the existence of dynamically unstable modes in the inner regions of galaxies. An analysis of the Tully-Fisher relation (TFR) of late-type galaxies (LTGs) and the fundamental plane (FP) of early-type galaxies (ETGs) is presented, yielding a compendium of galaxy scaling relations. The slope and zero-point of the Virgo TFR match those of field galaxies, while scatter differences likely reflect distinct evolutionary histories. The velocities minimizing scatter for the TFR and FP are measured at large apertures where the baryonic fraction becomes subdominant. While TFR residuals remain independent of any galaxy parameters, FP residuals (i.e., the FP “tilt”) correlate strongly with the dynamical-to-stellar mass ratio, yielding stringent galaxy formation constraints. We construct a stellar-to-total mass relation (STMR) for ETGs and LTGs and find linear but distinct trends over the range M
* = 108–11
M
⊙. Stellar-to-halo mass relations (SHMRs), which probe the extended dark matter halo, can be scaled down to masses estimated within the optical radius, showing a tight match with the Virgo STMR at low masses; possibly inadequate halo abundance matching prescriptions and broad radial scalings complicate this comparison at all masses. While ETGs appear to be more compact than LTGs of the same stellar mass in projected space, their mass-size relations in physical space are identical. The trends reported here may soon be validated through well-resolved numerical simulations.
Initier le changement organisationnel par la résilience individuelle : approche expérimentale d’un « étiquetage social » auprès de cadres d’entreprises vietnamiennes
Authors: Duvernay Daphné , Boutin Éric
Published: July 2017

L’approche du « changement en acte » défini par le paradigme de la « communication engageante » (Bernard et Joule, 2004) est mobilisée pour essayer de montrer s’il est possible d’engager des cadres d’entreprises vietnamiennes à devenir plus résilients. Dans un premier temps, un questionnaire permettra de connaitre le score de résilience de ces personnes. Les individus seront alors, en fonction de leur groupe d’appartenance, soumis à un « étiquetage social » et/ou un contexte de « visibilité sociale ». Le score de résilience sera une nouvelle fois calculé pour la population étudiée. Les écarts seront mesurés, discutés, analysés.