bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Vapor–Bubble Collapse—Heat Transfer and Nonlinear Dynamics Issues
Authors: Bhati Jyoti , Paruya Swapan , Pushpavanam Subhramaniam
Published: October 2019

In this work, we compute the dynamics of a spherical vapor-bubble in an infinite pool of subcooled water during bubble collapse using our semi-analytical method. The main contribution of this work is to bring out the dynamics of nonmonotonic bubble collapse describing heat transfer characteristics and nonlinear dynamics. The dynamics shows the variation of radius with time for collapsing vapor bubble at different subcooling ΔTsub of 1.40 K to 35 K. The present approach accurately determines the bubble radius decreasing with time and has been compared with our experimental results, the experiment from literature, the other theories, and correlations. As it is noted that the literature lacks steady-state analysis of oscillating bubble collapse, we also report the steady-state analysis and the bifurcation analysis of bubble collapse at a pressure of 1.0 atm to check the stability of bubble collapse. The effect of ΔTsub and initial bubble radius R0 on dynamics of bubble collapse has been analyzed. The collapse of big bubbles involves with the bubble oscillations because of a large contribution of liquid inertia and the collapse of very small bubbles essentially occurs in heat transfer regime.
Design and Experimental Assessment of Bladeless Turbines for Axial Inlet Supersonic Flows
Authors: Braun James , Paniagua Guillermo , Falempin Francois , Le Naour Bruno
Published: October 2019

Supersonic inlet flow is usually considered to be detrimental to the performance of turbine systems. A new class of bladeless turbines was developed, which allows for power extraction from supersonic axial inflows without swirl with minimal maintenance cost. This is achieved through a wavy hub surface that promotes shocks and expansion fans and hence generates torque. In a first step, a baseline bladeless turbine is designed and the power extraction is analyzed. The bladeless turbine surface is parametrized in matlab and subsequently imported into Hexpress (Numeca) to mesh an unstructured grid. The first layer thickness is kept below one for all the simulations. The unstructured mesh is loaded into cfd++ (Metacomp) to solve the three dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. Second, the work extraction principle is broken down from a three-dimensional unsteady problem into a two-dimensional steady phenomenon. An experimental campaign is outlined and test details are discussed. Finally, after the experimental characterization, the operational envelope and scaling of the bladeless turbine are described for several reduced mass flows, reduced speeds, and geometrical features of the turbine (amplitude of the wavy surface, helix angle, hub radius, and length of the axial turbine).
Numerical Prediction of Various Cavitation Erosion Mechanisms
Authors: Biluš Ignacijo , Hočevar Marko , Dular Matevž , Lešnik Luka
Published: October 2019

Numerical prediction of cavitation erosion is a great scientific and technological challenge. In the past, many attempts were made—many successful. One of the issues when a comparison between a simulation and erosion experiments is made, is the great difference in time scale. In this work, we do not attempt to obtain quantitatively accurate predictions of erosion process but concentrate qualitatively on cavitation mechanisms with quantitative prediction of pressure pulses which lead to erosion. This is possible, because of our recent experimental work on simultaneous observation of cavitating flow and cavitation erosion by high speed cameras. In this study, the numerical simulation was used to predict details of the cavitation process during the vapor collapse phase. The fully compressible, cavitating flow simulations were performed to resolve the formation of the pressure waves at cavitation collapse. We tried to visualize the mechanisms and dynamics of vapor structures during collapse phase at the Venturi geometry. The obtained results show that unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulation of cavitation is capable of reproducing four out of five mechanisms of cavitation erosion, found during experimental work.
Effect of Intersection Angle and Wettability on Droplet Generation in Microfluidic Flow-Focusing Device
Authors: Iqbal Saima , Bashir Shazia , Ahsan Muhammad , Bashir Muhammad , Shoukat Saad
Published: October 2019

This article investigates the dynamics of droplet generation process in a microfluidic flow-focusing device under the effect of geometry altered by the intersection angle (φ), which the flanking inlets make with central inlet and wall wettability quantified by the contact angle (θ) using volume of fluid (VOF) model. These parameters have been found to alter the droplet shape and size greatly. The effect of intersection angles has been examined for φ = 15 deg, 30 deg, 45 deg, 60 deg, 90 deg, and 120 deg for generating size-controlled droplets. It was predicted that the diameter of droplet increased with the increase in intersection angle (φ = 15 deg, 30 deg, 45 deg, 60 deg, 90 deg, and 120 deg) and the maximum diameter has been generated at φ = 90. In addition, the wetting characteristics (hydrophilic to hydrophobic) have been studied numerically in detail by changing the contact angle of the dispersed phase with the channel wall ranging from 90 deg to 180 deg. It was indicated that the droplets of rectangular shape are formed in hydrophilic channel by completely wetting the wall when θ ≤ 90 deg. They transform their shape to slightly oval form with the increase in contact angle and start acquiring spherical shape when the channel becomes hydrophobic. Furthermore, Parameters such as dimensionless droplet diameter, droplet shape, and droplet breakup time have also been investigated extensively for flowrate ratios Q = 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1, in order to optimize the microfluidic device.
New species and record of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) from Myanmar

Authors: Fang Xiao Duan , Ouyang Ge Cheng , Wu Wei Nan
Published: October 2019

This paper is the first report of phytoseiid mites from Myanmar. By examining the specimens collected from two south-central cities, Mandalay and Mingun, five species were found in this survey, including four new species, Euseius mandalayensis sp. nov., E. dominativus sp. nov., E. longisaccatus sp. nov., and Phytoseius pseudoincisus sp. nov., and one new record E. ovalis. Herein, they are described and illustrated based on the current specimens.
First data on chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of Saudi Arabia, with a description of four new species
Authors: Stekolnikov Alexandr A , Al-Ghamdi Samia Q , Alagaili Abdulaziz N , Makepeace Benjamin L
Published: October 2019

A collection of chigger mites from three species of rodents in the ꞌAsir Region of Saudi Arabia resulted in the finding of 19 species. Four new species are described: Schoutedenichia asirensis sp. nov., Schoutedenichia saudi sp. nov., Microtrombicula microscuta sp. nov., and Microtrombicula muhaylensis sp. nov. Fifteen species – Gahrliepia lawrencei Jadin and Vercammen-Grandjean, 1952, Schoengastiella wansoni Wolfs and Vercammen-Grandjean, Walchia parvula Schluger, Ascoschoengastia browni Taufflieb, Mouchet and Courtois, Helenicula lukshumiae Nadchatram and Traub, Schoutedenichia thracica Kolebinova, Schoutedenichia zarudnyi Kudryashova, Ericotrombidium caucasicum (Schluger), Ericotrombidium galliardi (Vercammen-Grandjean and Taufflieb), Ericotrombidium kazeruni (Kudryashova), Microtrombicula centropi (Vercammen-Grandjean), Microtrombicula hoogstraali (Radford), Microtrombicula hyracis (Vercammen-Grandjean), Microtrombicula traubi (Muljarskaja and Verdieva), and Pentidionis agamae (André) – are for the first time recorded in Saudi Arabia and on new host species. Six of them are for the first time recorded outside their type localities and five were only known previously from the African continent.
Detection of Theileria luwenshuni (Piroplasmida: Theileriidae) from ticks infesting goats in peninsular Malaysia

Authors: Lim Fang Shiang , Khoo Jing Jing , Akhavanrezeai Morvarid , Loong Shih Keng , Khor Chee Sieng , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: October 2019

Piroplasmic parasites such as Theileria and Babesia commonly infect important livestock animals, leading to economic losses in the livestock industry. These parasites are primarily transmitted by ticks found infesting livestock animals. In Malaysia, livestock diseases caused by tick-borne pathogens are still under-studied, even though tick infestations are common in many livestock farms. Here, we molecularly detect a Theileria sp. from Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks infesting goats in a privately-owned farm in Perak, peninsular Malaysia. PCR was performed on the DNA extracted from ticks to determine the presence of piroplasms. Three ticks were found PCR-positive for piroplasms. Sequence analyses of partial 18S rRNA gene sequences revealed the presence of a Theileria species at 100% identity to Theileria luwenshuni. Our findings suggest the presence of T. luwenshuni, a highly pathogenic Theileria sp. to sheep and goats, in the small ruminant industry in Malaysia.
Influence of Educational Level on Psychosocial Correlates and Perceived Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity in Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: The Feel4Diabetes-Study
Authors: Huys Nele , Van Stappen Vicky , Shadid Samyah , De Craemer Marieke , Androutsos Odysseas , Lindström Jaana , Makrilakis Konstantinos , de Sabata Maria S. , Moreno Luis , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Iotova Violeta , Rurik Imre , Manios Yannis , Cardon Greet , _ _
Published: October 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether the relationship between psychosocial and perceived environmental factors and physical activity (PA) in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes is influenced by educational level. Methods: Based on the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score questionnaire, this study selected 164 adults (Mage: 38 (5.34) y, 13.4% men) at type 2 diabetes risk from 11 low socioeconomic neighborhoods in Flanders (Belgium). Participants filled out questionnaires on psychosocial and perceived environmental factors and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 5 consecutive days. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of covariance in SPSS. Results: Educational level significantly influenced the association between perception of body weight and light PA (P = .01) and total PA (P = .03) on weekend days. Educational level did not influence the associations between other psychosocial and perceived environmental factors (ie, perceived social influence; environmental, time and attitudinal barriers, perceived self-efficacy; knowledge and fatalism) and PA. Conclusions: Educational level did not influence the relationship between most psychosocial and perceived environmental factors and PA in this sample of adults at type 2 diabetes risk. This suggests that addressing different psychosocial and perceived environmental correlates in lower and higher educated participants might not be necessary. However, more research in this specific population is needed.
Masculinity molecule, debunked
Testosterone: An Unauthorized Biography
Rebecca M. Jordan-Young and Katrina Karkazis
Harvard University Press, 2019. 288 pp.
Authors: Milam Erika Lorraine
Published: October 2019

Challenging stereotypes, two scholars unpack the social and cultural contexts of testosterone
The immune system mimics a pathogen
Authors: Boal Amie K.
Published: October 2019

A host metabolite binds a bacterial enzyme and traps its B
12
cofactor in an inactive state
A layered defense against plant pathogens
Authors: Tringe Susannah G.
Published: October 2019

Microbial consortia may be key to robust protection of roots from disease
Incomplete genetic reconstitution of B cell pools contributes to prolonged immunosuppression after measles
Authors: Petrova Velislava N. , Sawatsky Bevan , Han Alvin X. , Laksono Brigitta M. , Walz Lisa , Parker Edyth , Pieper Kathrin , Anderson Carl A. , de Vries Rory D. , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Kellam Paul , von Messling Veronika , de Swart Rik L. , Russell Colin A.
Published: October 2019

Measles causes immunosuppression by restricting naïve B cell diversity and eliminating previously established B memory cells.
Game of clones: How measles remodels the B cell landscape
Authors: Wesemann Duane R.
Published: October 2019

B cell receptor sequencing sheds light on how measles cripples the immune system long after recovery from clinical disease. See related Research Articles by

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Human Papillomavirus 16 E5 Inhibits Interferon Signaling and Supports Episomal Viral Maintenance
Authors: Scott Matthew L. , Woodby Brittany L. , Ulicny Joseph , Raikhy Gaurav , Orr A. Wayne , Songock William K. , Bodily Jason M.
Published: October 2019

Persistent human papillomavirus infections can cause a variety of significant cancers. The ability of HPV to persist depends on evasion of the host immune system. In this study, we show that the HPV16 E5 protein can suppress an important aspect of the host immune response. In addition, we find that the E5 protein is important for helping the virus avoid integration into the host genome, which is a frequent step along the pathway to cancer development.
Vpu of a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Isolated from Greater Spot-Nosed Monkey Antagonizes Human BST-2 via Two AxxxxxxxW Motifs
Authors: Yao Weitong , Yoshida Takeshi , Hashimoto Saki , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Strebel Klaus , Yamaoka Shoji
Published: October 2019

Genetic alterations conferring a selective advantage in protecting from life-threating pathogens are maintained during evolution. In fact, the amino acid sequences of BST-2 differ among primate animals and their susceptibility to viral proteins is species specific, suggesting that such genetic diversity has arisen through the evolutionarily controlled balance between the host and pathogens. The M (main) group of HIV-1 is thought to be derived from SIVcpz, which utilizes Nef, but not Vpu, to antagonize chimpanzee BST-2. SIVcpz Nef is, however, unable to antagonize human BST-2, and Vpu was consequently chosen again as an antagonist against human BST-2 in the context of HIV-1. Studies on how Vpu lost and acquired this ability, together with the distinct mechanisms by which SIVgsn71 Vpu binds to and downregulates human or GSN BST-2, may help to explain the evolution of this lentiviral protein as a result of host-pathogen interactions.
Robust Exponential Decreasing Index (REDI): adaptive and robust method for computing cumulated workload
Authors: Moussa Issa , Leroy Arthur , Sauliere Guillaume , Schipman Julien , Toussaint Jean-François , Sedeaud Adrien
Published: October 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to define a new index the Robust Exponential Decreasing Index (REDI), which is capable of an improved analysis of the cumulative workload. This allows for precise control of the decreasing influence of load over time. Additionally, REDI is robust to missing data that are frequently present in sport.

Methods

200 cumulative workloads were simulated in two ways (Gaussian and uniform distributions) to test the robustness and flexibility of the REDI, as compared with classical methods (acute:chronic workload ratio and exponentially weighted moving average). Theoretical properties have been highlighted especially around the decreasing parameter.

Results

The REDI allows practitioners to consistently monitor load with missing data as it remains consistent even when a significant portion of the dataset is absent. Adjusting the decreasing parameter allows practitioners to choose the weight given to each daily workload.

Discussion

Computation of cumulative workload is not easy due to many factors (weekends, international training sessions, national selections and injuries). Several practical and theoretical drawbacks of the existing indices are discussed in the paper, especially in the context of missing data; the REDI aims to settle some of them. The decreasing parameter may be modified according to the studied sport. Further research should focus on methodology around setting this parameter.

Conclusion

The robust and adaptable nature of the REDI is a credible alternative for computing a cumulative workload with decreasing weight over time.
Ergothioneine is associated with reduced mortality and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Smith Einar , Ottosson Filip , Hellstrand Sophie , Ericson Ulrika , Orho-Melander Marju , Fernandez Céline , Melander Olle
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We recently identified a health conscious food pattern (HCFP) associated with reduced risk of cardiometabolic disease. However, the molecular events linking the healthy food pattern to reduced risk of cardiometabolic disease are unknown. Our aim was to identify plasma metabolites associated with the HCFP and test if such metabolites predict cardiometabolic disease and mortality.

Methods

Using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry, 112 plasma metabolites were measured in 3236 participants without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer study. Metabolites associated with the HCFP were identified using multivariable adjusted linear regressions followed by Bonferroni correction. The healthy dietary biomarkers were subsequently related to risk of cardiometabolic disease and mortality during long-term follow-up with multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During a median follow-up time of 21.4 years, 603 participants developed CVD, 362 developed diabetes mellitus and 843 participants died. Five healthy dietary biomarkers were associated with the HCFP at baseline (p<0.0004) and four predicted at least one of the studied end points (p<0.05). Ergothioneine was the metabolite most strongly connected to the HCFP and was associated with a lower risk of coronary disease (HR per 1 SD increment of ergothioneine, HR=0.85, p=0.01), cardiovascular mortality (HR=0.79, p=0.002) and overall mortality (HR=0.86, p=4e-5).

Conclusions

We identified that higher ergothioneine was an independent marker of lower risk of cardiometabolic disease and mortality, which potentially can be induced by a specific healthy dietary intake.
Metformin Decreases Hyaluronan Synthesis by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Sainio Annele , Takabe Piia , Oikari Sanna , Salomäki-Myftari Henriikka , Koulu Markku , Söderström Mirva , Pasonen-Seppänen Sanna , Järveläinen Hannu
Published: October 2019

Metformin is the first-line drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes worldwide based on its effectiveness and cardiovascular safety. Currently metformin is increasingly used during pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus, even if the long-term effects of metformin on offspring are not exactly known. We have previously shown that high glucose concentration increases hyaluronan (HA) production of cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) via stimulating the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 ( HAS2). This offers a potential mechanism whereby hyperglycemia leads to vascular macroangiopathy. In this study, we examined whether gestational metformin use affects HA content in the aortic wall of mouse offspring in vivo. We also examined the effect of metformin on HA synthesis by cultured human VSMCs in vitro. We found that gestational metformin use significantly decreased HA content in the intima-media of mouse offspring aortas. In accordance with this, the synthesis of HA by VSMCs was also significantly decreased in response to treatment with metformin. This decrease in HA synthesis was shown to be due to the reduction of both the expression of HAS2 and the amount of HAS substrates, particularly UDP- N-acetylglucosamine. As shown here, gestational metformin use is capable to program reduced HA content in the vascular wall of the offspring strongly supporting the idea, that metformin possesses long-term vasculoprotective effects.
Population-based prevalence and incidence estimates of primary discoid lupus erythematosus from the Manhattan Lupus Surveillance Program
Authors: Izmirly Peter , Buyon Jill , Belmont H Michael , Sahl Sara , Wan Isabella , Salmon Jane , Askanase Anca , Bathon Joan M , Geraldino-Pardilla Laura , Ali Yousaf , Ginzler Ellen , Putterman Chaim , Gordon Caroline , Helmick Charles , Parton Hilary
Published: October 2019

Objective

Epidemiological data for primary discoid lupus erythematosus (pDLE) remain limited, particularly for racial/ethnic populations in the USA. The Manhattan Lupus Surveillance Program (MLSP) is a population-based retrospective registry of cases with SLE and related diseases including pDLE in Manhattan and was used to provide estimates of the prevalence and incidence of pDLE across major racial/ethnic populations.

Methods

MLSP cases were identified from rheumatologists, hospitals and population databases. Two case definitions were used for pDLE: the primary case definition which was any physician diagnosis found in the chart and a secondary case definition which was limited to cases diagnosed by a rheumatologist and/or dermatologist. Rates among Manhattan residents were age-adjusted, and capture–recapture analyses were conducted to assess case under-ascertainment.

Results

Based on the primary definition, age-adjusted overall prevalence and incidence rates of pDLE among Manhattan residents were 6.5 and 0.8 per 100 000 person-years, which increased to 9.0 and 1.3 after capture–recapture adjustment. Prevalence and incidence rates were approximately two and six times higher, respectively, among women compared with men (p<0.0001). Higher prevalence was also found among non-Latino blacks (23.5) and Latinos (8.2) compared with non-Latino whites (1.8) and non-Latino Asians (0.6) (p<0.0001). Incidence was highest among non-Latino blacks (2.4) compared with all other racial/ethnic groups. Similar relationships were observed for the secondary case definition.

Conclusion

Data from the MLSP provide epidemiological estimates for pDLE among the major racial/ethnic populations in the USA and reveal disparities in pDLE prevalence and incidence by sex and race/ethnicity among Manhattan residents.
Eight weeks of fish oil supplementation does not prevent sitting-induced leg endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Morishima Takuma , Tsuchiya Yosuke , Padilla Jaume , Ochi Eisuke
Published: October 2019

Prolonged sitting impairs leg endothelial function and this impairment is thought to be mediated by a sustained reduction in blood flow-induced shear stress. However, whether nutritional strategies can be used to prevent sitting-induced leg endothelial dysfunction remains unknown. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that 8 weeks of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation would prevent endothelial dysfunction associated with sitting. Nineteen healthy men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or EPA+DHA group in a double-blind fashion. The EPA+DHA group was administered EPA-rich fish oil, containing 600 mg EPA and 260 mg DHA per day for 8 weeks. The placebo group received matching capsules for the same duration of time. Popliteal artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured at baseline and before and after a 3-h sitting period. During sitting, blood pressure, popliteal artery diameter, and blood velocity were measured every hour. Throughout the sitting period, popliteal artery blood flow and shear rate were markedly and similarly reduced in both groups (P < 0.05). However, counter to the hypothesis, 3 h of sitting impaired popliteal artery FMD to the same extent in both groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, daily EPA and DHA supplementation is not effective at preventing the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting on leg endothelial function.

Novelty We provide evidence that sitting-induced leg endothelial dysfunction in young healthy subjects cannot be remediated by a nutritional strategy known to produce cardiovascular benefits. This could be partially due to the low total dose of EPA and DHA administered.
Combined effects of rhizo-competitive rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere Bacillus in plant growth promotion and yield improvement of Eleusine coracana (Ragi)
Authors: Dheeman Shrivardhan , Baliyan Nitin , Dubey Ramesh Chandra , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Sandeep , Chen Lei
Published: October 2019

This study emphasizes the beneficial role of rhizo-competitive Bacillus spp. isolated from rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soil in plant growth promotion and yield improvement via nitrogen fixation and biocontrol of Sclerotium rolfsii causing foot rot disease in Eleusine coracana (Ragi). The selection of potent rhizobacteria was based on plant-growth-promoting attributes using Venn set diagram and Bonitur scale. Bacillus pumilus MSTA8 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MSTD26 were selected because they were effective in root colonization, rhizosphere competence, and biofilm formation using root exudates of E. coracana L. rich with carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids. The relative chemotaxis index of the isolates expressed the invasive behavior of the rhizosphere. During pot and field trials, the consortium of the rhizobacteria in a vermiculite carrier increased the grain yield by 37.87%, with a significant harvest index of 16.45. Soil analysis after the field trial revealed soil reclamation potentials to manage soil nutrition and fertility. Both indexes ensured crop protection and production in eco-safe ways and herald commercialization of Bacillus bio-inoculant for improvement in crop production and disease management of E. coracana.
Song characters as reliable indicators of male reproductive quality in the Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Authors: Sung Ha-Cheol , Handford Paul
Published: October 2019

Bird song may provide female birds with signals of male quality. To investigate this potential for sexual selection via female choice, we assessed the relationships between male song variation and male mating and reproductive success of the Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)) over 3 years (2001–2003) in a population of Savannah Sparrows near London, Ontario, Canada. We measured song rate, as well as temporal and frequency attributes of song structure, as possible predictors of male quality, and then related these measures to attributes of male reproductive performance (mating and breeding success and territory size of males). We found significant correlations between male reproductive performance and several song features, such that the combined effects of two trill sections could potentially play an important role: males possessing such songs arrived and paired earlier and had higher fledging success. The results suggested that the trill segments of the song may signal important aspects of male quality. Possible reasons for significant roles of such songs in open-habitat birds are discussed.
A predictive model to diagnose pregnancy in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) using non-invasive methods
Authors: Marozzi A. , Cantarelli V.I. , Gomez F.M. , Panebianco A. , Leggieri L.R. , Gregorio P. , Ponzio M.F. , Carmanchahi P.D.
Published: October 2019

Pregnancy status is usually not included in ecological studies because it is difficult to evaluate. The use of non-invasive methods to determine pregnancy, without physically restraining individuals, would enable pregnancy to be included in population studies. In this study, we evaluated sex steroid hormones in plasma and fecal samples from pregnant and non-pregnant females to develop a pregnancy predictive model for guanacos (Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776)). Samples were obtained during live-shearing management (i.e., capture, shear, and release) of guanacos. Enzyme immunoassays were used to evaluate progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations in plasma and pregnanediol glucuronides (PdG) and conjugated estrogens (EC) in feces. Mean hormonal and fecal metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant females than in non-pregnant females. A linear relationship was found between each hormone and its fecal metabolite. Finally, hormonal data were combined with an independent source of pregnancy diagnosis such as abdominal ballottement to develop a logistic regression model to diagnose pregnancy in non-handled individuals. The use of predictive models and non-invasive methods might be suitable to incorporate pregnancy information in large-scale population studies on guanaco and other free-ranging ungulates.
Mechanical properties of bio-fiber composites reinforced with luffa cylindrica irradiated by electron beam
Authors: Patra Subhashree , Mohanta Kamal Lochan , Parida Chhatrapati
Published: October 2019

This investigation aims to analyze the effects of electron beam irradiation on the morphological and mechanical properties of green composites synthesized using natural fibers of luffa cylindrica (LC) and biodegradable polymer poly (lactic) acid. This work aims to transform the low priced, readily available, agricultural waste product LC fiber into a high value product. The major challenge during the fabrication of natural fiber composites is the chemical bonding between hydrophilic LC fiber and hydrophobic poly lactic acid (PLA) matrix. Due to the disagreeing chemical nature of fiber and matrix, they are not compatible. The fibers are exposed to physical treatment, i.e., electron beam irradiation of different doses 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 10.0 Gy using 6 MeV medical linear accelerator to increase the compatibility of LC fiber with PLA. Before irradiation, LC fibers are modified with calcium salts to explore the use of composite materials in biomedical terrain. When PLA is reinforced with irradiated LC fiber, tensile strength increases by 79.87% and flexural strength increases by 177%. Mechanical parameters generated by flexural and tensile tests of this study can be explored to have various clinical applications like bone implant, replacement of cervical cavities, etc.
Scalings of first-return time for random walks on generalized and weighted transfractal networks
Authors: Liu Qin , Sun Weigang , Liu Suyu
Published: October 2019

The first-return time (FRT) is an effective measurement of random walks. Presently, it has attracted considerable attention with a focus on its scalings with regard to network size. In this paper, we propose a family of generalized and weighted transfractal networks and obtain the scalings of the FRT for a prescribed initial hub node. By employing the self-similarity of our networks, we calculate the first and second moments of FRT by the probability generating function and obtain the scalings of the mean and variance of FRT with regard to network size. For a large network, the mean FRT scales with the network size at the sublinear rate. Further, the efficiency of random walks relates strongly with the weight factor. The smaller the weight, the better the efficiency bears. Finally, we show that the variance of FRT decreases with more number of initial nodes, implying that our method is more effective for large-scale network size and the estimation of the mean FRT is more reliable.
The dielectric properties and electrical conductivity of LDPE modified by fillers of biological origin
Authors: Gojayev E. M. , Aliyeva Sh. V. , Khalilova X. S. , Jafarova G. S. , Jabarov S. H.
Published: October 2019

In this work, were investigated about the investigation of the frequency-dependent change in the character of the dielectric permeability and the tangent of dielectric loss angles of the biocomposites type LDPE + x vol.% FB obtained by fish bone fillers adding to the matrix of low density polyethylene and the bionanocomposites type LDPE + x vol.% FB + 1 vol.% Al with adding to this mixture 1 vol.% aluminum nanoparticles size 50 nm, calculation the actual and imaginary parts of the dielectric permeability of these materials, and the investigation of frequency change of electrical conductivity of both bio and bionanocomposites. It has been established that the dielectric permeability of biocomposites practically does not change in the frequency range 0–103 kHz.
Quantum codes from a class of constacyclic codes over finite commutative rings
Authors: Dinh Hai Q. , Bag Tushar , Upadhyay Ashish K. , Ashraf Mohammad , Mohammad Ghulam , Chinnakum Warattaya
Published: October 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be an odd prime, and [Formula: see text] be an integer such that [Formula: see text]. Using pairwise orthogonal idempotents [Formula: see text] of the ring [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is decomposed as [Formula: see text], which contains the ring [Formula: see text] as a subring. It is shown that, for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and it is invertible if and only if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are units of [Formula: see text]. In such cases, we study [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes over [Formula: see text]. We present a direct sum decomposition of [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes and their duals, which provides their corresponding generators. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a [Formula: see text]-constacyclic code to contain its dual are obtained. As an application, many new quantum codes over [Formula: see text], with better parameters than existing ones, are constructed from cyclic and negacyclic codes over [Formula: see text].
Mitochondria-targeted porphyrin-based photosensitizers containing triphenylphosphonium cations showing efficient in vitro photodynamic therapy effects
Authors: Guo Xing , Wu Hao , Miao Wei , Wu Yangchun , Hao Erhong , Jiao Lijuan
Published: October 2019

Subcellular organelle-targeted photosensitizers have recently reported to be effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents. In this work, three porphyrin-derived photosensitizers, containing one, two or four triphenylphosphonium targeting groups, were synthesized and characterized by NMR, HRMS, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. These photosensitizers showed similar photophysical properties to classical porphyrins and exhibited excellent [Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] quantum yields in acetonitrile. Subcellular colocalization indicated that all three photosensitizers specifically stain the mitochondria of HeLa cells. Photosensitizer mito-dp, containing two triphenylphosphonium cations was found to be the most uptaken by cells and exhibited the best PDT effect with an effective phototoxicity (IC[Formula: see text] (light) [Formula: see text] 12.4 nM), suggestive of a higher practicable potential of mitochondria-targeted PDT agents in cancer therapy.
COMPLEMENTORS’ DECISIONS ON PARTNERSHIP RETENTION IN MARKETS WITH NETWORK EXTERNALITIES
Authors: LEE KYOOTAI , JOSHI KAILASH
Published: October 2019

Complementors are likely to review and assess the dynamics of technology platforms in their quest for raising future revenues while attempting to minimize switching costs in their partnership retention decisions. This study aims to investigate the factors that complementors employ in assessing their current partnerships in markets with network externalities. Survey data was collected from the chief-level executives of complementors in software industries. The results show that network size of partner’s technologies and complementors’ technological compatibility positively influence partnership retention. Complementors’ technological lock-in positively moderates the relationship between network size and partnership retention. Technological uncertainty of partner’s technologies negatively moderates the relationship among network size, technological lock-in, and partnership retention. But it positively moderates the relationship among complementors’ technological compatibility, technological lock-in, and partnership retention. While incorporating the aspects of network externality and path dependence in technology development into the inter-firm relationship literature, this study contributes to reconciling the possible opposing explanations of their roles, and adds new insights for understanding relationship stability in uncertain network markets.
Of Smoke and Mirrors: (Mis)Communicating EIA Results of Solar Energy Projects in South Africa
Authors: Boshoff Daniel S.
Published: October 2019

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and renewable energy developments are key instruments to achieving sustainable development goals. Additionally, environmental impact assessment reports (EIARs) are vital in communicating the findings of proposed developments to all stakeholders. Yet, the quality of EIARs does not always comply with criteria in a satisfactory manner, thereby compromising sustainability. The quality of 25 solar energy EIARs in South Africa was reviewed with an adapted Lee–Colley Review Package. Based on this review, 68% of EIARs were found to be satisfactorily conducted, whereas 80% of the overall scores were regarded as borderline quality grades. Interestingly, complex assessment tasks — determining impact significance, alternatives, mitigation measures and the communication of findings — were executed unsatisfactorily. The poor communication of environmental impacts to stakeholders is not only an obstacle for EIA processes but also for sustainable development mechanisms as a whole.
Influence of Cryogenic Treatment on TiC Nanopowder in R600a and R290 Refrigerant Used in Vapor Compression Refrigeration System
Authors: Senthilkumar D.
Published: October 2019

This paper studies the performance of vapor compression refrigeration system using hydrocarbon refrigerant (HCR) mixture (R600a and R290), hydrocarbon nanorefrigerant mixture (R600a and R290/TiC) and cryogenically treated hydrocarbon nanorefrigerant mixture (R600a and R290/Cryo TiC). The COP of HCR (R600a and R290) system is 1.2960, whereas, COP of R600a and R290/TiC nanorefrigerant system is 1.5223. The TiC nanopowder is cryogenically treated at [Formula: see text]C for 24[Formula: see text]h. The treated TiC is dispersed in HCR mixture. Hence, the COP of R600a and R290- Cryo TiC system is further increased to 1.5801. The energy consumption of R600a and R290-TiC is reduced by 10.3% when compared with HCR. Further, it is reduced by 12.69% with respect to cryogenically treated refrigerant (R600a and R290/Cryo TiC) system. The COP is enhanced due to deep cryogenic of TiC nanopowder.
A Review on the Low-Carbon City Study: Development and Trends
Authors: JIANG Wei , KANG Wenmei
Published: October 2019

This paper, using literature analysis, explores the development of low-carbon pilot cities in China and its research progress, including the enrichment of the connotations of low carbon and low-carbon city, the progress in building China’s low-carbon cities, the relevant research by Chinese and foreign scholars and its trends. The result shows that for the construction of low-carbon cities in China, domestic and foreign scholars have conducted in-depth research on the connotations of low-carbon economy and low-carbon city, low-carbon index, carbon discharges peak value, technological approaches, energy utilization, low-carbon society, policy instruments and evaluating system, but the research is still subject to several limitations. For example, judging from the evaluation system of low-carbon cities, the research assigned small weights to the non-technical indexes such as low-carbon policies, governance mechanism and performance appraisal system. Judging from the spatial scale of case studies, the studies on the relatively developed cities in eastern China outnumber those on the cities in western China, especially in the minority areas. In terms of the factors influencing the construction of low-carbon cities, inadequate attention has been paid to the related psychological factors, in particular those of ethnic minorities.
Research on the Fluctuation and Factors of China TFP of IT Industry
Authors: Zhang Caiming
Published: October 2019

The production capacity of the industry itself is booming in the development of the information technology (IT) industry in China. At the same time, we should clearly understand that in the process of industrial development and aggregation, there are very significant features, such as differences in investment in output between software and hardware development, regional differences, and even IT industries in different levels of cities. The development also has a clear division of labor and constraints. Furthermore, it is necessary to study the fluctuations of the total factor productivity (TFP) of the IT industry and the analysis of the influencing factors in China. This is not only a review of the past development of the IT industry of China, but also the IT in the new era and the new situation. The industry gives correspondingly targeted and feasible recommendations for China.

This paper attempts to calculate the TFP of the IT industry of the 23 provinces in China from 2007 to 2016, describes the fluctuations of the TFP of IT industry in China, using the decomposition indicators to analyze the constituent factors and make recommendations. After the argumentation, this paper chose the DEA-Malquist index method and uses the Deap2.1 system. The empirical analysis found that the TFP of China’s IT industry fluctuated less, with an average annual growth rate of 10.7%. Its pure technical efficiency continues to be improving, and its scale efficiency is significant, but its regional differences are large. The differences are not only reflected in the relative value of inputs, but also in the progress of the productivity breakdown.
Using Sparse Representation to Detect Anomalies in Complex WSNs
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Xu Guangquan , Zheng Xi , Liang Kaitai , Panaousis Emmanouil , Li Tao , Wang Wei , Shen Chao
Published: October 2019

In recent years, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become an active area of research for monitoring physical and environmental conditions. Due to the interdependence of sensors, a functional anomaly in one sensor can cause a functional anomaly in another sensor, which can further lead to the malfunctioning of the entire sensor network. Existing research work has analysed faulty sensor anomalies but fails to show the effectiveness throughout the entire interdependent network system. In this article, a dictionary learning algorithm based on a non-negative constraint is developed, and a sparse representation anomaly node detection method for sensor networks is proposed based on the dictionary learning. Through experiment on a specific thermal power plant in China, we verify the robustness of our proposed method in detecting abnormal nodes against four state of the art approaches and proved our method is more robust. Furthermore, the experiments are conducted on the obtained abnormal nodes to prove the interdependence of multi-layer sensor networks and reveal the conditions and causes of a system crash.
Filtered Pseudo-parallel Corpus Improves Low-resource Neural Machine Translation
Authors: Imankulova Aizhan , Sato Takayuki , Komachi Mamoru
Published: October 2019

Large-scale parallel corpora are essential for training high-quality machine translation systems; however, such corpora are not freely available for many language translation pairs. Previously, training data has been augmented by pseudo-parallel corpora obtained by using machine translation models to translate monolingual corpora into the source language. However, in low-resource language pairs, in which only low-accurate machine translation systems can be used, translation quality degrades when a pseudo-parallel corpus is naively used. To improve machine translation performance with low-resource language pairs, we propose a method to effectively expand the training data via filtering the pseudo-parallel corpus using quality estimation based on sentence-level round-trip translation. For experiments with three language pairs that utilized small, medium, and large size parallel corpora, BLEU scores significantly improved for low-resource language pairs. Additionally, the effects of iterative bootstrapping on translation performance quality is investigated; resultingly, it is confirmed that bootstrapping can further improve the translation performance.
The design space of media architecture displays
Authors: Halskov Kim , Fischel Aron
Published: October 2019

Interaction design is increasingly about embedding interactive technologies in our built environment; architecture is increasingly about the use of interactive technologies to reimagine and dynamically repurpose our built environment. This forum focuses on this intersection of interaction and architecture.
--- Mikael Wiberg, Editor
Designing for uprooted children
Authors: Antle Alissa N. , Hourcade Juan Pablo , Fails Jerry Alan , Garzotto Franca , Giannakos Michail , Markopoulos Panos , Palumbos Andrea , Read Janet C.
Published: October 2019

In this forum we celebrate research that helps to successfully bring the benefits of computing technologies to children, older adults, people with disabilities, and other populations that are often ignored in the design of mass-marketed products.
--- Juan Pablo Hourcade, Editor
Straighten up and fly right
Authors: Rankin Yolanda A. , Thomas Jakita O.
Published: October 2019

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole.
--- Sheena Erete, Editor
Single-muscle fiber contractile properties in lifelong aerobic exercising women
Authors: Gries Kevin J. , Minchev Kiril , Raue Ulrika , Grosicki Gregory J. , Begue Gwénaëlle , Finch W. Holmes , Graham Bruce , Trappe Todd A. , Trappe Scott
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of lifelong aerobic exercise on single-muscle fiber performance in trained women (LLE; n = 7, 72 ± 2 yr) by comparing them to old healthy nonexercisers (OH; n = 10, 75 ± 1 yr) and young exercisers (YE; n = 10, 25 ± 1 yr). On average, LLE had exercised ~5 days/wk for ~7 h/wk over the past 48 ± 2 yr. Each subject had a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy to examine myosin heavy chain (MHC) I and IIa single-muscle fiber size and function (strength, speed, power). MHC I fiber size was similar across all three cohorts (YE = 5,178 ± 157, LLE = 4,983 ± 184, OH = 4,902 ± 159 µm2). MHC IIa fiber size decreased ( P < 0.05) 36% with aging (YE = 4,719 ± 164 vs. OH = 3,031 ± 153 µm2), with LLE showing a similar 31% reduction (3,253 ± 189 µm2). LLE had 17% more powerful ( P < 0.05) MHC I fibers and offset the 18% decline in MHC IIa fiber power observed with aging ( P < 0.05). The LLE contractile power was driven by greater strength (+11%, P = 0.056) in MHC I fibers and elevated contractile speed (+12%, P < 0.05) in MHC IIa fibers. These data indicate that lifelong exercise did not benefit MHC I or IIa muscle fiber size. However, LLE had contractile function adaptations that enhanced MHC I fiber power and preserved MHC IIa fiber power through different contractile mechanisms (strength vs. speed). The single-muscle fiber contractile properties observed with lifelong aerobic exercise are unique and provide new insights into aging skeletal muscle plasticity in women at the myocellular level.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first investigation to examine the effects of lifelong exercise on single-muscle fiber physiology in women. Nearly 50 yr of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise training resulted in enhanced slow-twitch fiber power primarily by increasing force production, whereas fast-twitch fiber power was preserved primarily by increasing contractile speed. These unique muscle fiber power profiles helped offset the effects of fast-twitch fiber atrophy and highlight the benefits of lifelong aerobic exercise for myocellular health.