bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bundle Extreme Learning Machine for Power Quality Analysis in Transmission Networks
Authors: Ucar Ferhat , Cordova Jose , Alcin Omer F. , Dandil Besir , Ata Fikret , Arghandeh Reza
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a novel method for online power quality data analysis in transmission networks using a machine learning-based classifier. The proposed classifier has a bundle structure based on the enhanced version of the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). Due to its fast response and easy-to-build architecture, the ELM is an appropriate machine learning model for power quality analysis. The sparse Bayesian ELM and weighted ELM have been embedded into the proposed bundle learning machine. The case study includes real field signals obtained from the Turkish electricity transmission system. Most actual events like voltage sag, voltage swell, interruption, and harmonics have been detected using the proposed algorithm. For validation purposes, the ELM algorithm is compared with state-of-the-art methods such as artificial neural network and least squares support vector machine.
Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) as a Moderator for Interdisciplinary Cooperation, Reduced Emissions and Increased Safety
Authors: Log Torgrim , Pedersen Wegar Bjerkeli , Moumets Heike
Published: April 2019

Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras represent an interesting tool for identifying leaking components in hydrocarbon processing and transport systems. They make it possible to see exactly where a leak originates, thereby enabling efficient leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs. The present paper reports on an OGI test campaign initiated by the Norwegian Environmental Agency (NEA), and how this campaign stimulated cross-disciplinary cooperation at an LNG plant for better control of both fugitive hydrocarbon emissions and safety-related leaks. A surprising potentially severe leak detected in the NEA campaign triggered the introduction of in-house OGI cameras at plants and refineries, and an inter-disciplinary cooperation between specialists in the environment, technical safety and operations. Some benefits of in-house OGI cameras, as well as some concerns regarding their use are presented and discussed. The general experience is that an Ex safe, i.e., rated for safe use in a combustible hydrocarbon gas atmosphere, OGI camera, represents a very valuable tool for detecting fugitive emissions as the start point for LDAR programs. An OGI camera did, however, also turn out to be a valuable tool for fire and explosion risk management, and has led to reduced downtime after leak incidents. The concerns relate to leaks seen through the OGI camera that may look overwhelming, even with concentrations well below the ignitable limits of the released gas. Based on the LNG plant experiences, it is generally recommended that specialists in the environment, technical safety, operations and teaching fields cooperate regarding the introduction and use of OGI cameras. Suggestions for training courses are also discussed.
On the Linkage between the Energy Market and Stock Returns: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Armeanu Daniel Ştefan , Joldeş Camelia Cătălina , Gherghina Ştefan Cristian
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to establish whether the Romanian energy market has an influence on the good running of the associated capital market. In order to achieve this objective, we approached a series of econometric techniques that allowed us to study the cointegration between variables, the presence of short-term or long-term causality relationships, and the application of impulse-response functions to analyze how the BET index responds to the shocks applied. The empirical findings from the Johansen cointegration test, ARDL model, and VAR/VECM models confirmed both the presence of a long-term and short-term relationship between the energy market and capital market. From all energy market indicators, only hard coal presented a causal relationship with the BET index. We also noticed a unidirectional relationship from the WTI crude oil to the Romanian capital market. Our findings should be of interest to researchers, regulators, and market participants.
Compatibility Issues with Irregular Current Injection Islanding Detection Methods and a Solution
Authors: Liu Menghua , Zhao Wei , Wang Qing , Huang Songling , Shi Kunpeng
Published: April 2019

Islanding detection methods, based on injecting high-/low-frequency currents or negative sequence fundamental frequency currents and observing the resultant responses, are collectively referred to as irregular current injection methods in this paper. In multi-distributed generation (DG) operation, if there is no restriction to the phase of injected irregular currents, the currents at the same frequency may cancel each other out, and then their convergent current may be too small to cause a detectable response, for which reason islanding detection will be severely affected. Accordingly, this paper raises a compatibility issue, which requires the phase difference between any two injected irregular currents to be within a certain interval. In response to this issue, a solution is proposed. According to this solution, the terminal voltage of DG units is referenced to conduct irregular currents injection, and only certain high-frequency currents are used as injected currents. If this solution is adopted by as many manufacturers as possible, the effect and reliability of such methods will be greatly improved.
The Optimum Window-to-Wall Ratio in Office Buildings for Hot‒Humid, Hot‒Dry, and Cold Climates in Iran
Authors: Shaeri Jalil , Habibi Amin , Yaghoubi Mahmood , Chokhachian Ata
Published: April 2019

About half of the energy loss in buildings is wasted through windows. Determining the optimum window-to-wall ratio (WWR) for different building facades would reduce such energy losses. The optimum WWR is the window area that minimizes the total annual energy of cooling, heating, and lighting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the optimum WWR of different facades of an office building. For this purpose, a sample building is simulated by means of DesignBuilder software in order to investigate the annual solar heat gain, cooling load, heating load, and lighting consumption for the three cities of Bushehr, Shiraz, and Tabriz, and optimum window areas of office buildings for the three cities are determined. Based on the results, the optimum window area for the north building facade for all climates is 20–30%. This amount for the southern facade of the building in Bushehr, Shiraz, and Tabriz is, respectively, 20–30%, 10–30%, and 20–50%. The optimum window area for the eastern and western building facades in Bushehr is 30–50%; in Tabriz it is 40–70%, and in Shiraz it is 20–60% and 40–70%, respectively. The difference between the maximum and minimum energy consumption with different window areas in Bushehr and Shiraz is 20–100% and in Tabriz it is 16–25%.
Generation of Vortex Lattices at the Liquid–Gas Interface Using Rotating Surface Waves
Authors: Xia Hua , Francois Nicolas , Gorce Jean-Baptiste , Punzmann Horst , Shats Michael
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate experimentally that by generating two orthogonal standing waves at the liquid surface, one can control the motion of floating microparticles. The mechanism of the vortex generation is somewhat similar to a classical Stokes drift in linear progression waves. By adjusting the relative phase between the waves, it is possible to generate a vortex lattice, seen as a stationary horizontal flow consisting of counter-rotating vortices. Two orthogonal waves which are phase-shifted by π / 2 create locally rotating waves. Such waves induce nested circular drift orbits of the surface fluid particles. Such a configuration allows for the trapping of particles within a cell of the size about half the wavelength of the standing waves. By changing the relative phase, it is possible to either create or to destroy the vortex crystal. This method creates an opportunity to confine surface particles within cells, or to greatly increase mixing of the surface matter over the wave field surface.
Hankel Determinants of Non-Zero Modulus Dixon Elliptic Functions via Quasi C Fractions
Authors: Silambarasan Rathinavel , Kılıçman Adem
Published: April 2019

The Sumudu transform of the Dixon elliptic function with non-zero modulus α ≠ 0 for arbitrary powers N is given by the product of quasi C fractions. Next, by assuming the denominators of quasi C fractions as one and applying the Heliermanncorrespondence relating formal power series (Maclaurin series of the Dixon elliptic function) and the regular C fraction, the Hankel determinants are calculated for the non-zero Dixon elliptic functions and shown by taking α = 0 to give the Hankel determinants of the Dixon elliptic function with zero modulus. The derived results were back-tracked to the Laplace transform of Dixon elliptic functions.
Supermacroporous Composite Cryogels in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Saylan Yeşeren , Denizli Adil
Published: April 2019

Supermacroporous gels, called cryogels, are unique scaffolds that can be prepared by polymerization of monomer solution under sub-zero temperatures. They are widely used in many applications and have significant potential biomaterials, especially for biomedical applications due to their inherent interconnected supermacroporous structures and easy formation of composite polymers in comparison to other porous polymer synthesis techniques. This review highlights the fundamentals of supermacroporous cryogels and composite cryogels, and then comprehensively summarizes recent studies in preparation, functionalization, and utilization with mechanical, biological and physicochemical features, according to the biomedical applications. Furthermore, conclusions and outlooks are discussed for the use of these promising and durable supermacroporous composite cryogels.
Effects of Socio-Environmental Factors on Malaria Infection in Pakistan: A Bayesian Spatial Analysis
Authors: Umer Muhammad Farooq , Zofeen Shumaila , Majeed Abdul , Hu Wenbiao , Qi Xin , Zhuang Guihua
Published: April 2019

The role of socio-environmental factors in shaping malaria dynamics is complex and inconsistent. Effects of socio-environmental factors on malaria in Pakistan at district level were examined. Annual malaria cases data were obtained from Directorate of Malaria Control Program, Pakistan. Meteorological data were supplied by Pakistan Meteorological Department. A major limitation was the use of yearly, rather than monthly/weekly malaria data in this study. Population data, socio-economic data and education score data were downloaded from internet. Bayesian conditional autoregressive model was used to find the statistical association of socio-environmental factors with malaria in Pakistan. From 136/146 districts in Pakistan, >750,000 confirmed malaria cases were included, over a three years’ period (2013–2015). Socioeconomic status ((posterior mean value −3.965, (2.5% quintile, −6.297%), (97.5% quintile, −1.754%)) and human population density (−7.41 × 10−4, −0.001406%, −1.05 × 10−4 %) were inversely related, while minimum temperature (0.1398, 0.05275%, 0.2145%) was directly proportional to malaria in Pakistan during the study period. Spatial random effect maps presented that moderate relative risk (RR, 0.75 to 1.24) and high RR (1.25 to 1.99) clusters were scattered throughout the country, outnumbering the ones’ with low RR (0.23 to 0.74). Socio-environmental variables influence annual malaria incidence in Pakistan and needs further evaluation.
137Cs-Based Variation of Soil Erosion in Vertical Zones of a Small Catchment in Southwestern China
Authors: Chen Jiacun , Shi Zhonglin , Wen Anbang , Yan Dongchun , Chen Taili
Published: April 2019

The study of the variability of soil erosion in mountainous areas provides the basis for soil and water conservation work and forest ecological construction in a targeted way. In this study, Liangshan Town catchment, a typical catchment in the Hengduan Mountains region, southwest China, was selected to investigate the variation of soil erosion in different vertical zones using the 137Cs tracing technique. The mean 137Cs reference inventories varied between 573.51 and 705.54 Bq/m2, with the elevation increasing from 1600 to 2600 m. The rates of soil erosion exhibited a significant variation. Under the same land cover condition, the average annual soil erosion modulus of high-elevation forest (elevation > 2200 m) was 400.3 t/(km2·a). However, the average annual soil erosion modulus of a low-elevation sparse forest (elevation < 1600 m) was as high as 1756 t/(km2·a). The average annual soil erosion modulus of the sloping farmland, mainly distributed at elevations of 1600–2200 m, was estimated to be 2771 t/(km2·a). These results indicate that effective soil management measures need to be implemented on the cultivated sloping land in the future.
Perceived Neighborhood Environment and Its Association with Health Screening and Exercise Participation amongst Low-Income Public Rental Flat Residents in Singapore
Authors: Wee Liang En , Tsang Yun Ying Tammy , Tay Sook Muay , Cheah Andre , Puhaindran Mark , Yee Jaime , Lee Shannon , Oen Kellynn , Koh Choon Huat Gerald
Published: April 2019

Background: In Singapore, an Asian city-state, more than 80% live in public housing. While the majority (90%) own their homes, a needy minority lives in rental flats. Public rental flats are built in the same location as owner-occupied blocks. We evaluated factors associated with perceptions of the neighborhood environment and its association with exercise and health screening participation. Methods: Logistic regression was used to identify associations between perceptions of the neighborhood environment (overall perceived neighborhood disadvantage, safety, and convenience) and sociodemographic factors, as well as exercise and screening participation, amongst residents aged ≥60 years in two Singaporean public housing precincts in 2016. Results: Our response rate was 62.1% (528/800). Staying in a rental flat independently was associated with increased neighborhood disadvantage (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.06–2.35). Staying in a stand-alone block (as opposed to staying in a mixed block comprised of both rental and owner-occupied units) was associated with perceptions of a poorer physical environment (aOR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.22–2.68) and lower perceived proximity to recreational areas (aOR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.04–1.25). Perceptions of neighborhood disadvantage were independently associated with reduced exercise participation (aOR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.45–0.98) and reduced participation in diabetes screening (aOR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.41–0.95). Conclusion: Despite sharing the same built environment, differences in the perception of the neighborhood environment between low-socioeconomic status (SES) and high-SES communities persist. Perceived neighborhood disadvantage is associated with lower participation in regular exercise and diabetes screening.
Sounds of Nature in the City: No Evidence of Bird Song Improving Stress Recovery
Authors: Hedblom Marcus , Gunnarsson Bengt , Schaefer Martin , Knez Igor , Thorsson Pontus , Lundström Johan N.
Published: April 2019

Noise from city traffic is one of the most significant environmental stressors. Natural soundscapes, such as bird songs, have been suggested to potentially mitigate or mask noise. All previous studies on masking noise use self-evaluation data rather than physiological data. In this study, while respondents (n = 117) watched a 360° virtual reality (VR) photograph of a park, they were exposed to different soundscapes and mild electrical shocks. The soundscapes—“bird song”, “bird song and traffic noise”, and “traffic noise”—were played during a 10 min recovery period while their skin conductance levels were assessed as a measure of arousal/stress. No significant difference in stress recovery was found between the soundscapes although a tendency for less stress in “bird song” and more stress in “traffic noise” was noted. All three soundscapes, however, significantly reduced stress. This result could be attributed to the stress-reducing effect of the visual VR environment, to the noise levels being higher than 47 dBA (a level known to make masking ineffective), or to the respondents finding bird songs stressful. Reduction of stress in cities using masking with natural sounds requires further studies with not only larger samples but also sufficient methods to detect potential sex differences.
Physical Activity of Children with Physical Disabilities: Associations with Environmental and Behavioral Variables at Home and School
Authors: Sit Cindy , Li Ru , McKenzie Thomas L. , Cerin Ester , Wong Stephen , Sum Raymond , Leung Elean
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity (PA) of children with physical disabilities (PD) and its associated environmental and behavioral factors at home and at school. One hundred and forty-seven Hong Kong children (mean age = 13.5 ± 2.5 years) with PD from three special schools participated. We used BEACHES (Behaviors of Eating and Activity for Children’s Health: Evaluation System) to assess their PA and associated variables at home (before dinner) and during four school settings (before classes, recess, lunch breaks, after classes) on four school days. Overall, the children were typically inactive and spent little time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), range = 6.3% to 17.0% across settings. At home, children were more active when fathers were present (p < 0.001). At school, prompts to be active contributed to their MVPA% before classes (p < 0.01) and during recess and lunch breaks (both p < 0.001). The presence of a child’s mother was positively associated with MVPA% before classes (p < 0.001) and the presence of other children was associated with MVPA% during recess and lunch breaks (both p < 0.05). With children with PD accruing small amounts of MVPA in both home and school settings, multifaceted interventions reflecting both contextual and personal factors should be considered in order to increase the health-enhancing PA of this population.
Cytotoxic Acetogenins from the Roots of Annona purpurea
Authors: Hernández-Fuentes Gustavo Alejandro , García-Argáez Aída Nelly , Peraza Campos Ana Lilia , Delgado-Enciso Iván , Muñiz-Valencia Roberto , Martínez-Martínez Francisco Javier , Toninello Antonio , Gómez-Sandoval Zeferino , Mojica-Sánchez Juan Pablo , Dalla Via Lisa , Parra-Delgado Hortensia
Published: April 2019

Annona purpurea, known in Mexico as “cabeza de negro” or “ilama”, belongs to the Annonaceae family. Its roots are employed in folk medicine in several regions of Mexico. Taking that information into account, a chemical and biological analysis of the components present in the roots of this species was proposed. Our results demonstrated that the dichloromethane (DCM) extract was exclusively constituted by a mixture of five new acetogenins named annopurpuricins A–E (1–5). These compounds have an aliphatic chain of 37 carbons with a terminal α,β unsaturated γ-lactone. Compounds 1 and 2 belong to the adjacent bis-THF (tetrahydrofuran) α-monohydroxylated type, while compounds 3 and 4 belong to the adjacent bis-THF α,α’-dihydroxylated type; only compound 5 possesses a bis-epoxide system. Complete structure analysis was carried out by spectroscopy and chemical methods. All compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on three human tumor cell lines (MSTO-211H, HeLa and HepG2). Compounds 1–4 inhibited significantly the growth of HeLa and HepG2 cells, showing GI50 values in the low/subnanomolar range, while 5 was completely ineffective under the tested conditions. The investigation of the mechanism of action responsible for cytotoxicity revealed for the most interesting compound 1 the ability to block the complex I activity on isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM).
Strategic Tools in Regenerative and Translational Dentistry
Authors: Tatullo Marco , Codispoti Bruna , Paduano Francesco , Nuzzolese Manuel , Makeeva Irina
Published: April 2019

Human oral-derived stem cells can be easily obtained from several oral tissues, such as dental pulp, periodontal ligament, from gingiva, or periapical cysts. Due to their differentiation potential, oral-derived mesenchymal stem cells are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The regenerative ability showed by some oral tissues strongly depends on their sleeping adult stem cell populations that are able to repair small defects and to manage local inflammation. To date, researchers are working on effective and efficient methods to ensure safe and predictable protocols to translate stem cell research into human models. In the last decades, the challenge has been to finally use oral-derived stem cells together with biomaterials or scaffold-free techniques, to obtain strategic tools for regenerative and translational dentistry. This paper aims to give a clear point of view on state of the art developments, with some exciting insights into future strategies.
Calcium Activity Dynamics Correlate with Neuronal Phenotype at a Single Cell Level and in a Threshold-Dependent Manner
Authors: Paudel Sudip , Ablondi Eileen , Sehdev Morgan , Marken John , Halleran Andrew , Rahman Atiqur , Kemper Peter , Saha Margaret S.
Published: April 2019

Calcium is a ubiquitous signaling molecule that plays a vital role in many physiological processes. Recent work has shown that calcium activity is especially critical in vertebrate neural development. Here, we investigated if calcium activity and neuronal phenotype are correlated only on a population level or on the level of single cells. Using Xenopus primary cell culture in which individual cells can be unambiguously identified and associated with a molecular phenotype, we correlated calcium activity with neuronal phenotype on the single-cell level. This analysis revealed that, at the neural plate stage, a high frequency of low-amplitude spiking activity correlates with an excitatory, glutamatergic phenotype, while high-amplitude spiking activity correlates with an inhibitory, GABAergic phenotype. Surprisingly, we also found that high-frequency, low-amplitude spiking activity correlates with neural progenitor cells and that differentiating cells exhibit higher spike amplitude. Additional methods of analysis suggested that differentiating marker tubb2b-expressing cells exhibit relatively persistent and predictable calcium activity compared to the irregular activity of neural progenitor cells. Our study highlights the value of using a range of thresholds for analyzing calcium activity data and underscores the importance of employing multiple methods to characterize the often irregular, complex patterns of calcium activity during early neural development.
Considerations for the Use of Polyphenols as Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Renaud Justine , Martinoli Maria-Grazia
Published: April 2019

Over the last two decades, the increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases due to the increasingly ageing population has resulted in a major social and economic burden. At present, a large body of literature supports the potential use of functional nutrients, which exhibit potential neuroprotective properties to mitigate these diseases. Among the most studied dietary molecules, polyphenols stand out because of their multiple and often overlapping reported modes of action. However, ambiguity still exists as to the significance of their influence on human health. This review discusses the characteristics and functions of polyphenols that shape their potential therapeutic actions in neurodegenerative diseases while the less-explored gaps in knowledge of these nutrients will also be highlighted.
Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Two Contrasting Maize Inbred Lines Provides Insights into the Mechanism of Salt-Stress Tolerance
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyun , Bai Xue , Jiang Caifu , Li Zhen
Published: April 2019

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits maize yield and quality throughout the world. We investigated phosphoproteomics differences between a salt-tolerant inbred line (Zheng58) and a salt-sensitive inbred line (Chang7-2) in response to short-term salt stress using label-free quantitation. A total of 9448 unique phosphorylation sites from 4116 phosphoproteins in roots and shoots of Zheng58 and Chang7-2 were identified. A total of 209 and 243 differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRPPs) in response to NaCl treatment were detected in roots and shoots, respectively. Functional analysis of these DRPPs showed that they were involved in carbon metabolism, glutathione metabolism, transport, and signal transduction. Among these phosphoproteins, the expression of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase 2, pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glutamate decarboxylase, glutamate synthase, l-gulonolactone oxidase-like, potassium channel AKT1, high-affinity potassium transporter, sodium/hydrogen exchanger, and calcium/proton exchanger CAX1-like protein were significantly regulated in roots, while phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 1, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, sodium/hydrogen exchanger, plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2, glutathione transferases, and abscisic acid-insensitive 5-like protein were significantly regulated in shoots. Zheng58 may activate carbon metabolism, glutathione and ascorbic acid metabolism, potassium and sodium transportation, and the accumulation of glutamate to enhance its salt tolerance. Our results help to elucidate the mechanisms of salt response in maize seedlings. They also provide a basis for further study of the mechanism underlying salt response and tolerance in maize and other crops.
Non-Proteasomal UbL-UbA Family of Proteins in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Jantrapirom Salinee , Lo Piccolo Luca , Yamaguchi Masamitsu
Published: April 2019

Ubiquitin-like/ubiquitin-associated proteins (UbL-UbA) are a well-studied family of non-proteasomal ubiquitin receptors that are evolutionarily conserved across species. Members of this non-homogenous family facilitate and support proteasomal activity by promoting different effects on proteostasis but exhibit diverse extra-proteasomal activities. Dysfunctional UbL-UbA proteins render cells, particularly neurons, more susceptible to stressors or aging and may cause earlier neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarized the properties and functions of UbL-UbA family members identified to date, with an emphasis on new findings obtained using Drosophila models showing a direct or indirect role in some neurodegenerative diseases.
Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Liver and Gut: From Current Knowledge to Future Perspectives
Authors: Ochel Aaron , Tiegs Gisa , Neumann Katrin
Published: April 2019

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) represent a heterogeneous population of recently discovered immune cells that mirror the functions of adaptive T lymphocytes. However, ILCs are devoid of specific antigen receptors and cellular activation depends on environmental cytokines, rendering them as early regulators of immune responses. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) respond to alarmins, such as interleukin-25 and -33 and shape Th2-associated immunity by expressing IL-5 and IL-13 in a GATA3-dependent manner. In addition, ILC2s express the epidermal growth factor-like molecule Amphiregulin thereby promoting regeneration of injured tissue during inflammation. The gut and liver confer nutrient metabolism and bidirectional exchange of products, known as the gut-liver axis. Accordingly, both organs are continuously exposed to a large variety of harmless antigens. This requires avoidance of immunity, which is established by a tolerogenic environment in the gut and liver. However, dysregulations within the one organ are assumed to influence vitality of the other and frequently promote chronic inflammatory settings with poor prognosis. Intensive research within the last years has revealed that ILC2s are involved in acute and chronic inflammatory settings of gut and liver. Here, we highlight the roles of ILC2s in intestinal and hepatic inflammation and discuss a regulatory potential.
An In Silico Model for Predicting Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: He Shuaibing , Ye Tianyuan , Wang Ruiying , Zhang Chenyang , Zhang Xuelian , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: April 2019

As one of the leading causes of drug failure in clinical trials, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) seriously impeded the development of new drugs. Assessing the DILI risk of drug candidates in advance has been considered as an effective strategy to decrease the rate of attrition in drug discovery. Recently, there have been continuous attempts in the prediction of DILI. However, it indeed remains a huge challenge to predict DILI successfully. There is an urgent need to develop a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model for predicting DILI with satisfactory performance. In this work, we reported a high-quality QSAR model for predicting the DILI risk of xenobiotics by incorporating the use of eight effective classifiers and molecular descriptors provided by Marvin. In model development, a large-scale and diverse dataset consisting of 1254 compounds for DILI was built through a comprehensive literature retrieval. The optimal model was attained by an ensemble method, averaging the probabilities from eight classifiers, with accuracy (ACC) of 0.783, sensitivity (SE) of 0.818, specificity (SP) of 0.748, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.859. For further validation, three external test sets and a large negative dataset were utilized. Consequently, both the internal and external validation indicated that our model outperformed prior studies significantly. Data provided by the current study will also be a valuable source for modeling/data mining in the future.
L-Lysine as the Molecule Influencing Selective Brain Activity in Pain-Induced Behavior of Rats
Authors: Severyanova Liudmila A. , Lazarenko Victor A. , Plotnikov Dmitry V. , Dolgintsev Maxim E. , Kriukov Alexey A.
Published: April 2019

Lysine-rich proteins are some of the most important proteins of neurons and it has become necessary to investigate the possible role of L-lysine as a brain functioning regulator. The purpose of our study is to identify the characteristics and the mechanisms of L-lysine effects on the different types of pain-induced behavior in the stimulation of tail and foot-shock models in 210 adult male Wistar rats. L-lysine was administered in intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular injections in doses of 0.15–50.0 µg/kg. When a tail is irritated, L-lysine was found to enhance pain sensitivity and affective defense after both intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular administration. In the case of unavoidable painful irritation of a pair of rats with both types of L-lysine administration, there was no direct correlation of the severity of pain with defensive reactions and outbursts of aggression. This indicates a more complex integration of the activity of brain structures in this situation of animal interaction, which was confirmed by the results of the direct amino acid action on the periventricular brain structures. Our findings show that L-lysine influences the selective brain activity in dependence on the biological significance of pain-induced behavior.
Influence of Playing Standard on Upper- and Lower-Body Strength, Power, and Velocity Characteristics of Elite Rugby League Players
Authors: Fernandes John F. T. , Daniels Matthew , Myler Liam , Twist Craig
Published: April 2019

Background: To compare load–velocity and load–power relationships among first grade (n = 26, age 22.9 ± 4.3 years), academy (n = 23, age 17.1 ± 1.0 years), and scholarship (n = 16, age 15.4 ± 0.5 years) Super League rugby league players. Methods: Participants completed assessments of maximal upper- and lower-body strength (1RM) and peak velocity and power at 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg during bench press and squat exercises, in a randomised order. Results: Bench press and squat 1RM were highest for first grade players compared with other standards (effect size (ES) = −0.43 to −3.18). Peak velocities during bench and squat were greater in the higher playing standards (ES = −0.39 to −3.72 range), except for the squat at 20 and 40 kg. Peak power was higher in the better playing standards for all loads and exercises. For all three groups, velocity was correlated to optimal bench press power (r = 0.514 to 0.766), but only 1RM was related to optimal power (r = 0.635) in the scholarship players. Only squat 1RM in the academy was related to optimal squat power (r = 0.505). Conclusions: Peak velocity and power are key physical qualities to be developed that enable progression from junior elite rugby league to first grade level. Resistance training should emphasise both maximal strength and velocity components, in order to optimise upper- and lower-body power in professional rugby league players.
Balancing WAAM Production Costs and Wall Surface Quality through Parameter Selection: A Case Study of an Al-Mg5 Alloy Multilayer-Non-Oscillated Single Pass Wall
Authors: Yehorov Yuri , da Silva Leandro João , Scotti Américo
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the study was to propose a strategy to assess the potential reduction of the production cost during wire+arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) based on the combination of wire feed speed (related to deposition rate) and travel speed (related to deposition time). A series of experiments, using a multilayer-non-oscillated single pass wall made of an Al-Mg alloy, was conducted. The quality of the wall was assessed through the lateral surface waviness and top layer undulation. The concepts of Surface Waviness and Buy-to-Apply indices were introduced. Initially, the range of travel speed (TS) that provided layers with acceptable quality was determined for a given wire feed speed (WFS), corresponding to a constant current. Then, the effect of the increase of production capacity of the process (though current raising, yet maintaining the ratio WFS/TS constant) on the wall quality for a given condition within the TS range was assessed. The results showed that the useful range of TS prevents too rough a waving surface below the lower limit and top surface undulation over the higher limit. However, inside the range, there is little quality variation for the case under study. Finally, simulations of deposition time were developed to demonstrate the weight of the TS on the final deposition time and wall quality as a function of a target wall width. This respective weight showed the existence of a complex and unpredictable, yet determined, power of a combination of TS, target wall geometry, and dead time between subsequent layers. It was verified to be possible to find optimized TS as a function of different target geometries.
Value-at-Risk and Models of Dependence in the U.S. Federal Crop Insurance Program
Authors: Ramsey A. Ford , Goodwin Barry K.
Published: April 2019

The federal crop insurance program covered more than 110 billion dollars in total liability in 2018. The program consists of policies across a wide range of crops, plans, and locations. Weather and other latent variables induce dependence among components of the portfolio. Computing value-at-risk (VaR) is important because the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) allows for a portion of the risk to be transferred to the federal government. Further, the international reinsurance industry is extensively involved in risk sharing arrangements with U.S. crop insurers. VaR is an important measure of the risk of an insurance portfolio. In this context, VaR is typically expressed in terms of probable maximum loss (PML) or as a return period, whereby a loss of certain magnitude is expected to return within a given period of time. Determining bounds on VaR is complicated by the non-homogeneous nature of crop insurance portfolios. We consider several different scenarios for the marginal distributions of losses and provide sharp bounds on VaR using a rearrangement algorithm. Our results are related to alternative measures of portfolio risks based on multivariate distribution functions and alternative copula specifications.
Designing Reinforced Concrete Beams Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Fantilli Alessandro P. , Tondolo Francesco , Chiaia Bernardino , Habert Guillaume
Published: April 2019

If supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are used as binders, the environmental impact produced by cement-based composites can be reduced. Following the substitution strategy to increase sustainability, several studies have been carried out with the aim of measuring the mechanical properties of different concrete systems, in which a portion of Portland cement was substituted with SCMs, such as fly ashes. On the other hand, studies on the structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) elements made with SCMs are very scarce. For this reason, in this paper, a new procedure is introduced with the aim of fulfil a new limit state of sustainability, in accordance with the serviceability and ultimate limit states required by building codes. Although the environmental impact of concrete decreases with the reduction of cement content, the proposed approach shows that the carbon dioxide emission of an RC beam is not a monotonic function of the substitution rate of cement with SCMs. On the contrary, there are favorable values of such substitution rates, which fall within a well-defined range.
Applications of Copolymers Consisting of 2,6-di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)pyridine and 3,6-di(2-thienyl)carbazole Units as Electrodes in Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Kuo Chung-Wen , Chang Jui-Cheng , Huang Yu-Ting , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Lee Li-Ting , Wu Tzi-Yi
Published: April 2019

A series of carbazole-based polymers (PdCz, P(dCz2-co-dTC1), P(dCz2-co-dTC2), P(dCz1-co-dTC2), and PdTC) were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive electrodes using electrochemical polymerization. The as-prepared P(dCz2-co-dTC2) displayed a high ΔT (57.0%) and multichromic behaviors ranging from yellowish green, greenish gray, gray to purplish gray in different redox states. Five organic electrochromic devices (ECDs) were built using dCz- and dTC-containing homopolymers and copolymers as anodic materials, and poly(3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene) (PProdot-Me2) as the cathodic material. The P(dCz2-co-dTC2)/PProdot-Me2 ECD presented remarkable electrochromic behaviors from the bleached to colored states. Moreover, P(dCz2-co-dTC2)/PProdot-Me2 ECD displayed a high optical contrast (ΔT, 45.8%), short switching time (ca. 0.3 s), high coloration efficiency (528.8 cm2 C−1) at 580 nm, and high redox cycling stability.
Effect of A-Site Nonstoichiometry on Defect Chemistry and Electrical Conductivity of Undoped and Y-Doped SrZrO3
Authors: Dunyushkina Liliya , Khaliullina Adelya , Meshcherskikh Anastasia , Pankratov Alexander , Osinkin Denis
Published: April 2019

The effect of Sr-nonstoichiometry on phase composition, microstructure, defect chemistry and electrical conductivity of SrxZrO3−δ and SrxZr0.95Y0.05O3−δ ceramics (SZx and SZYx, respectively; x = 0.94–1.02) was investigated via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy followed by distribution of relaxation times analysis of impedance data. It was shown that at low Sr deficiency (x > 0.96 and 0.98 for SZx and SZYx, respectively) a solid solution of strontium vacancies in strontium zirconate crystal structure forms, whereas at higher Sr deficiency the secondary phase, zirconium oxide or yttrium zirconium oxide, is precipitated. Yttrium solubility limit in strontium zirconate was found to be close to 2 mol%. Y-doped strontium zirconates possess up to two orders of magnitude higher total conductivity than SZx samples. A-site nonstoichiometry was shown to have a significant effect on the electrical conductivity of SZx and SZYx. The highest total and bulk conductivity were observed at x = 0.98 for both systems. Increasing the conductivity with a rise in humidity indicates that proton conduction appears in the oxides in wet conditions. A defect model based on consideration of different types of point defects, such as strontium vacancies, substitutional defects and oxygen vacancies, and assumption of Y ions partitioning over Zr and Sr sites was elaborated. The proposed model consistently describes the obtained data on conductivity.
Real-Time Vehicle Make and Model Recognition System
Authors: Manzoor Muhammad Asif , Morgan Yasser , Bais Abdul
Published: April 2019

A Vehicle Make and Model Recognition (VMMR) system can provide great value in terms of vehicle monitoring and identification based on vehicle appearance in addition to the vehicles’ attached license plate typical recognition. A real-time VMMR system is an important component of many applications such as automatic vehicle surveillance, traffic management, driver assistance systems, traffic behavior analysis, and traffic monitoring, etc. A VMMR system has a unique set of challenges and issues. Few of the challenges are image acquisition, variations in illuminations and weather, occlusions, shadows, reflections, large variety of vehicles, inter-class and intra-class similarities, addition/deletion of vehicles’ models over time, etc. In this work, we present a unique and robust real-time VMMR system which can handle the challenges described above and recognize vehicles with high accuracy. We extract image features from vehicle images and create feature vectors to represent the dataset. We use two classification algorithms, Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), in our work. We use a realistic dataset to test and evaluate the proposed VMMR system. The vehicles’ images in the dataset reflect real-world situations. The proposed VMMR system recognizes vehicles on the basis of make, model, and generation (manufacturing years) while the existing VMMR systems can only identify the make and model. Comparison with existing VMMR research demonstrates superior performance of the proposed system in terms of recognition accuracy and processing speed.
HPLC Analysis and In Vivo Renoprotective Evaluation of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cucumis melo Seeds in Gentamicin-Induced Renal Damage
Authors: Saleem Mohammad , Javed Fatima , Asif Muhammad , Kashif Baig Muhammad , Arif Mehwish
Published: April 2019

Background and objectives: Cucumis melo, of family Cucurbitaceae, has traditionally been used to treat variety of kidney disorders. However to best of our knowledge there is no scientific study available that validates its renaoprotective uses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate nephroprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Cucumis melo seeds (CMHE) and to identify its phytoconstituents. Materials and Methods: HPLC was performed to identify key phytochemicals of CMHE. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) was administered to induce nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice for 8 days. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) and oral CMHE were co-administered to mice at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg to evaluate protective effects of CMHE. Normal control group mice were administered normal saline. Changes in body weights, biochemical and histopathological studies were conducted to establish nephroprotective effects of CMHE. Results: HPLC analysis indicated presence of quercetin, m-coumaric acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and trans-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid in CMHE. Mice treated with CMHE showed significant increase in body weight and decrease in kidney weight as compared with toxic control group. Dose-dependent significant decrease in total blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum urea, and uric acid levels were observed in CMHE-treated groups as compared with toxic control group. Histopathological analysis of CMHE-treated groups showed improvement in kidney structures as compared with toxic control group. Conclusions: Biochemical, histopathological, and phytochemical screening of hydroalcoholic extract of Cucumis melo seeds suggest that it has nephroprotective potential. Furthermore, standardization of extract against identified phytochemicals, as well as long-term toxicological studies are suggested before commencement of clinical trials.
Intracellular and Extracellular Metabolites from the Cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii, PCC 6912, During 48 Hours of UV-B Exposure
Authors: Kultschar Bethan , Dudley Ed , Wilson Steve , Llewellyn Carole A.
Published: April 2019

Cyanobacteria have many defence strategies to overcome harmful ultraviolet (UV) stress including the production of secondary metabolites. Metabolomics can be used to investigate this altered metabolism via targeted and untargeted techniques. In this study we assessed the changes in the intra- and extracellular low molecular weight metabolite levels of Chlorogloeopsis fritschii (C. fritschii) during 48 h of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) supplemented with UV-B (15 µmol m−2 s−1 of PAR plus 3 µmol m−2 s−1 of UV-B) and intracellular levels during 48 h of PAR only (15 µmol m−2 s−1) with sampling points at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used as a metabolite profiling tool to investigate the global changes in metabolite levels. The UV-B time series experiment showed an overall significant reduction in intracellular metabolites involved with carbon and nitrogen metabolism such as the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine which have a role in secondary metabolite production. Significant accumulation of proline was observed with a potential role in stress mitigation as seen in other photosynthetic organisms. 12 commonly identified metabolites were measured in both UV-B exposed (PAR + UV-B) and PAR only experiments with differences in significance observed. Extracellular metabolites (PAR + UV-B) showed accumulation of sugars as seen in other cyanobacterial species as a stress response to UV-B. In conclusion, a snapshot of the metabolome of C. fritschii was measured. Little work has been undertaken on C. fritschii, a novel candidate for use in industrial biotechnology, with, to our knowledge, no previous literature on combined intra- and extracellular analysis during a UV-B treatment time-series. This study is important to build on experimental data already available for cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic organisms exposed to UV-B.
Machining of Lenticular Lens Silicon Molds with a Combination of Laser Ablation and Diamond Cutting
Authors: Han Jide , Li Lihua , Lee Wingbun
Published: April 2019

Lenticular lenses are widely used in the three-dimensional display industry. Conventional lenticular lens components are made of plastics that have low thermal stability. An alternative is to use glass to replace plastic as the lenticular lens component material. Single crystal silicon is often used as the mold material in the precision glass molding process. It is, however, difficult to fabricate a lenticular lens silicon mold that has a large feature size compared to the critical depth of cut of silicon. In order to solve the problems of machining lenticular lens silicon molds using the conventional diamond cutting method, such as low machining efficiency and severe tool wear, a hybrid machining method that combined laser ablation and diamond cutting was proposed. A feasibility study was performed to investigate the possibility of using this method to fabricate a lenticular lens silicon mold. The influence of the laser parameters and machining parameters on the machining performance was investigated systematically. The experimental results indicated that this hybrid machining method could be a possible method for manufacturing lenticular lens silicon molds or other similar microstructures.