bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster-Based Approach to Analyzing Crash Injury Severity at Highway–Rail Grade Crossings
Authors: Kang Yashu , Khattak Aemal
Published: October 2017

The presence of unobserved heterogeneity in crash data can result in estimation of biased model parameters and incorrect inferences. The research presented in this paper investigated severity of crashes reported at highway–rail grade crossings by appropriately clustering the data, accounting for unobserved heterogeneity. A combination of data mining and statistical regression methods was used to cluster crash data into subsets and then to identify factors associated with crash injury severity levels. This research relied on highway–rail accident, incident, and crossing inventory databases for 2011 to 2015 obtained from FRA. Three clustering methods— K-means, traditional latent class cluster, and variational Bayesian latent class cluster—were considered, and the variational Bayesian latent class cluster method was chosen for partitioning the data set for model estimation. Unclustered data as well as the clustered subsets were used to estimate ordered logit models for crash injury severity. A comparison revealed that the cluster-based approach provided more relevant model parameters and identified factors relevant only to certain clusters of the data.
Case Study of Benefit–Cost Analysis of an Intercity Passenger Rail Service
Authors: Loetterle Francis E. , Johnson Melanie , Quandel Charles , Barr Carey , Komendantov Andrew , Horst Toni
Published: October 2017

The economic assessment of transportation projects is evolving from a reliance on user benefits (travel time, cost, or safety) to encompass a wider spectrum of potential benefits, fostered by advances in economics and recognition that different project modes deliver different portfolios of benefits. Sponsors develop projects to address specific problems in their communities. This progression in how investments are evaluated opens the door for projects whose outcomes span a variety of benefit categories rather than concentrating on traditional user benefits and permits an improved intermodal comparison of candidate investments. Transit and intercity rail projects are particular beneficiaries of the broader project assessment approach. This paper presents a case study of how a comprehensive approach to project assessment was applied to the Northern Lights Express project that would reintroduce passenger rail service between the cities of Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota, the state's largest economies. Owned and operated by BNSF Railway, Amtrak's service in the corridor ended in 1985. Six stations are planned: Target Field in Minneapolis; stations in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, and Hinckley, Minnesota; a station in Superior, Wisconsin; and Union Depot in Duluth. The goal for the analysis was threefold: ( a) to confirm that the investment would yield a positive return; ( b) to communicate with partners, stakeholders, and the public about the project's expected outcomes; and ( c) to contribute to the selection of an alternative. The benefit–cost ratio was estimated for eight alternatives that varied by physical alignment and service plan.
Comprehensive Approach to Allocate Reliability and Cost in Passenger Rail System Design
Authors: Lai Yung-Cheng (Rex) , Lu Chia-Tsung , Lu Chun-Lin
Published: October 2017

Rail system design and procurement comprise the process of identifying, acquiring, selecting, and purchasing the right products to form a rail system. To acquire a new system, various products with specific costs and reliability for each subsystem and Corresponding components are chosen from equipment suppliers. Planners must carefully examine the trade-offs between life-cycle cost (LCC), system reliability, and service reliability to allocate resources optimally. This study developed a comprehensive allocation process with four types of optimization models for passenger rail system design: ( a) maximization of system reliability, ( b) maximization of service reliability, ( c) minimization of LCC, and ( d) minimization of a combination of service unreliability (delay cost) and LCC. On the basis of the characteristics of a passenger rail system and possible alternatives, the proposed process can allocate LCC and service reliability optimally to determine the ideal investment plan for rail system design. Empirical case studies have demonstrated that the proposed optimization process and models can evaluate efficiently and successfully all possible alternatives and determine the best allocation among all subsystems and Corresponding components. This comprehensive approach can help users identify the ideal balance between cost and reliability to achieve an optimal rail system design.
Railway Engineering Education Symposium
Authors: Lautala Pasi , Dick C. Tyler
Published: October 2017

Although freight traffic declined in 2016, North American railways have experienced a decades-long period of growth in freight ton-miles and in the number of commuter and intercity passenger rail trips. This growth, combined with the aging railway workforce, has triggered renewed demand for university graduates to enter railway careers. However, after decades of neglect, only a few North American academic programs are engaged in rail-related research and education. The railway academic community must be rebuilt to meet the industry workforce needs of the future. Since 2008, the Railway Engineering Education Symposium (REES) has been staged as a biannual collaboration between academia and industry to expose professors to railway engineering education topics. REES has prompted faculty at numerous universities to expand railway content in introductory transportation courses and to establish new courses on railway engineering topics. According to feedback from surveys of attendees, REES has evolved to support the growing railway academic community better. Expanding its original focus on new professors, REES now serves as a user conference for returning professors already engaged in railway education activities and is accompanied by online delivery of previous materials. This paper briefly reviews the decline of the relationship between railways and academia, then concentrates on the role of REES in its reemergence. Evidence of REES successes from participant surveys is documented, and challenges on the path forward are discussed.
Economics and Planning of Short-Haul and Short-Line Railway Intermodal Service
Authors: Pengelly Sean P. , Dick C. Tyler
Published: October 2017

To develop a more competitive and efficient transportation system, railroads have engaged in intermodal freight transportation of both containers and trailers. Though intermodal rail operations have increased dramatically since the 1950s, traffic trends have also evolved with shipper demands, improved rail infrastructure, and enhanced operational strategy. Many former main railroad lines are now operated by short-line and regional carriers. Industrial centers that were once home to intermodal terminals, both large and small, have lost their intermodal connectivity since short-line and regional railroads typically do not handle intermodal traffic. With local terminals lost, shippers have been forced to increase drayage distances to centralized Class I railroad intermodal terminals. With the economies of scale afforded by recent record levels of intermodal rail traffic, opportunities have arisen to revitalize short-haul intermodal service. In many instances, short-line and regional railroads have taken this opportunity to increase traffic and revenue on their own lines as well as increase traffic on existing intermodal lanes and bring relief to over-capacity centralized inter-modal terminals. In most instances, Class I railroads remain involved through operations and marketing of the short-haul service as part of their larger national network. This report summarizes ongoing research that, through examination of current and discontinued short-haul intermodal operations and communication with rail carriers of all sizes, identifies how the strengths of short-line and regional railroads can be leveraged to improve the efficiency of the Class I railroad intermodal network.
Railway Capacity Allocation Modeling Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Kim Hyunseung , Jeong In-Jae , Park Dongjoo
Published: October 2017

The South Korean government has established guidelines for railway capacity allocation. Railway transport services are provided by a monopoly company, which together with the guidelines, has hampered research into railway capacity allocation in South Korea. Recently, a new high-speed railway company has been established. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a fair and objective railway capacity allocation procedure. A model was developed to be applicable to South Korean high-speed railway capacity allocation, which is optimized by viewing the railway network as a location–time network. Because railway capacity allocation in South Korea is an administered process, various requirements must be followed; the model uses a genetic algorithm for such requirements. Two test scenarios were used to validate the proposed model, the solution to which resolves more than 70% of conflicts within 20 iterations (148 min). When an attempt is made to schedule infeasible trains compulsively, it is impossible to do so without relaxing one or more constraints. The average headway among real operating trains is very close to the results of the analysis. The proposed model with a genetic algorithm is a rational solution.
Macrolevel Classification Yard Capacity Modeling
Authors: Zhang Licheng , Jin Mingzhou , Ye Zhirui , Li Haodong , Clarke David B. , Wang Yanyan
Published: October 2017

Classification yards play a significant role in railroad freight transportation and are often considered bottlenecks for railroad networks. Based on a generic yard simulation model, the model in the presented study fits the Bureau of Public Roads function, which is widely used in highway capacity to represent the volume–dwell time relationship. The proposed analytical model incorporates major features of rail yards, such as the number and capacity of tracks in each area, the number of engines and humps, the humping speed, and the assemble rate. The model is validated by historical data from 16 classification yards of Class I railroads in the United States. The results show that the proposed model can generate precise capacity data of rail yard, as well as the dwell time of rail cars in yards. The dwell time increases sharply when the volume is greater than the capacity of a rail yard. The identified relationship may help a railroad analyze its network at the macro level and therefore improve the systemwide capacity and efficiency.
New Class of Wide Energy Gap Benzotriimidazole Optical Materials
Authors: Shi Jianmin , Chudomel J. , Fu Richard
Published: October 2017

A new class of wide energy gap benzotriimidazole materials have been synthesized by a two-step condensation reaction. All of the benzotriimidazole compounds have π-π* absorption bands in the range of 250–400 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency of each benzotriimidazole depends strongly on the presence of electron withdrawing groups. PL quantum efficiencies of benzotriimidazoles without electron withdrawing groups were less than desirable (40–43%), while molecules with electron withdrawing groups displayed much stronger PL with efficiencies in the range of 73–75%. The electron withdrawing groups shift the emission to a longer wavelength, towards a more “true blue” color. This new class of benzotriimidazole optical materials could be used as electron-injecting and electron-transporting blue luminescence materials for potential organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications.
Relationship between Self-Rated Health and Lifestyle and Food Habits in Japanese High School Students
Authors: Osera Tomoko , Awai Mitsuyo , Kobayashi Misako , Tsutie Setsuko , Kurihara Nobutaka
Published: October 2017

Self-rated health (SRH), a subjective assessment of health status, is extensively used in the field of public health. It is an important and valid measure that is strongly related to morbidity, mortality, longevity and health status. Adolescence is a crucial period for the formation of health status, because health-risk behaviours (e.g., skipping breakfast) are often established during this period. In this study, we investigated the relationship of SRH with lifestyle and eating habits in Japanese high school students. In this study, 1296 students aged 16–18 years from 11 high schools in Japan participated. A questionnaire was administered to these participants that included a question on SRH, five questions on demographic characteristics, six questions on lifestyle items (e.g., wake-up time), five questions on miscellaneous health issues (e.g., anorexia), and 25 questions on food habits and attitudes towards food. We examined the differences between self-rated healthy and unhealthy groups using logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender and age. A dichotomy regression analysis was performed using a stepwise elimination method. Of the 1296 respondents, 16.7% reported feeling unhealthy, 57.7% of whom were females. The self-rated healthy group had a higher frequency of eating breakfast (odds ratio (OR): 2.13; confidence interval (CI): 1.07–4.24) and liked home meals to a greater extent (OR: 3.12; CI: 1.27–7.65) than the self-rated unhealthy group. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of other lifestyle factors or unidentified complaints. Our results suggest that liking home meals during adolescence may lead to the development of good eating habits, i.e., eating breakfast, and better SRH.
Risk Assessment and Decision-Making under Uncertainty in Tunnel and Underground Engineering
Authors: Xia Yuanpu , Xiong Ziming , Dong Xin , Lu Hao
Published: October 2017

The impact of uncertainty on risk assessment and decision-making is increasingly being prioritized, especially for large geotechnical projects such as tunnels, where uncertainty is often the main source of risk. Epistemic uncertainty, which can be reduced, is the focus of attention. In this study, the existing entropy-risk decision model is first discussed and analyzed, and its deficiencies are improved upon and overcome. Then, this study addresses the fact that existing studies only consider parameter uncertainty and ignore the influence of the model uncertainty. Here, focus is on the issue of model uncertainty and differences in risk consciousness with different decision-makers. The utility theory is introduced in the model. Finally, a risk decision model is proposed based on the sensitivity analysis and the tolerance cost, which can improve decision-making efficiency. This research can provide guidance or reference for the evaluation and decision-making of complex systems engineering problems, and indicate a direction for further research of risk assessment and decision-making issues.
An Improved Control and Energy Management Strategy of Three-Level NPC Converter Based DC Distribution Network
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Xu Qingshan , Ma Zhoujun , Zhu Hong
Published: October 2017

To meet the challenge of large-scale renewable energy penetration and take full advantage of existing AC infrastructure, the bipolar DC distribution system is of interest. In this article, the system structure and characteristics of the bipolar DC distribution network are proposed. The three-level Neural Point Clamped Converter (NPC) is used in the proposed system to construct the bipolar DC system. To optimize the DC system performance, an improved cooperative control and energy management strategy is proposed mainly to mitigate DC voltage fluctuation and balance the positive and negative phase voltage. The improved strategy consists of (1) 2-degree of freedom (2DOF) PID controller in traditional voltage control loop; (2) cooperative controller to take full advantage of storage system; (3) voltage equalization controller to balance two-phase voltages; and (4) the energy management system to dispatch the response job to batteries and supercapacitors. Experiments and simulations are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Review of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as Animal Feed and Human Food
Authors: Wang Yu-Shiang , Shelomi Matan
Published: October 2017

Food futurists accept that sustainability-minded humanity will increasingly incorporate insects as alternative protein. The most studied and easily reared species are not necessarily the most sustainable, acceptable, or delicious. Here, we review the literature on the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, which is capable of efficiently converting a wide variety of organic materials, from food waste to manure, into insect biomass. They can be grown and harvested without dedicated facilities and are not pestiferous. Their larvae are 42% crude protein and 29% fat, although they are higher in saturated fats than most insects. They do not concentrate pesticides or mycotoxins. They are already grown and recommended for use as animal feed, but with regional legal restrictions on how this is done. For commercial use in human foods, larvae could potentially be milled and converted into a textured protein with a strong flavor. Their biggest advantage over other insects is their ability to convert waste into food, generating value and closing nutrient loops as they reduce pollution and costs. This general advantage is also their greatest disadvantage, for the social stigmas and legal prohibitions against eating organisms that eat waste are added to extant taboos facing insect consumption.
A Content-Based Remote Sensing Image Change Information Retrieval Model
Authors: Ma Caihong , Xia Wei , Chen Fu , Liu Jianbo , Dai Qin , Jiang Liyuan , Duan Jianbo , Liu Wei
Published: October 2017

With the rapid development of satellite remote sensing technology, the size of image datasets in many application areas is growing exponentially and the demand for Land-Cover and Land-Use change remote sensing data is growing rapidly. It is thus becoming hard to efficiently and intelligently retrieve the change information that users need from massive image databases. In this paper, content-based image retrieval is successfully applied to change detection, and a content-based remote sensing image change information retrieval model is introduced. First, the construction of a new model framework for change information retrieval from a remote sensing database is described. Then, as the target content cannot be expressed by one kind of feature alone, a multiple-feature, integrated retrieval model is proposed. Thirdly, an experimental prototype system that was set up to demonstrate the validity and practicability of the model is described. The proposed model is a new method of acquiring change detection information from remote sensing imagery and so can reduce the need for image pre-processing and also deal with problems related to seasonal changes, as well as other problems encountered in the field of change detection. Meanwhile, the new model has important implications for improving remote sensing image management and autonomous information retrieval. The experiment results obtained using a Landsat data set show that the use of the new model can produce promising results. A coverage rate and mean average precision of 71% and 89%, respectively, were achieved for the top 20 returned pairs of images.
Nrf2-Inducers Counteract Neurodegeneration in Frataxin-Silenced Motor Neurons: Disclosing New Therapeutic Targets for Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Petrillo Sara , Piermarini Emanuela , Pastore Anna , Vasco Gessica , Schirinzi Tommaso , Carrozzo Rosalba , Bertini Enrico , Piemonte Fiorella
Published: October 2017

Oxidative stress is actively involved in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), thus pharmacological targeting of the antioxidant machinery may have therapeutic value. Here, we analyzed the relevance of the antioxidant phase II response mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2 on frataxin-deficient cultured motor neurons and on fibroblasts of patients. The in vitro treatment of the potent Nrf2 activator sulforaphane increased Nrf2 protein levels and led to the upregulation of phase II antioxidant enzymes. The neuroprotective effects were accompanied by an increase in neurites’ number and extension. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural compound of many diets and is now being used in clinical trials for other pathologies. Our results provide morphological and biochemical evidence to endorse a neuroprotective strategy that may have therapeutic relevance for FA. The findings of this work reinforce the crucial importance of Nrf2 in FA and provide a rationale for using Nrf2-inducers as pharmacological agents.
Time Response of Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Inflammation in LPS-Induced Endotoxaemia—A Comparative Study of Mice and Rats
Authors: Steven Sebastian , Dib Mobin , Roohani Siyer , Kashani Fatemeh , Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas
Published: October 2017

Sepsis is a severe and multifactorial disease with a high mortality rate. It represents a strong inflammatory response to an infection and is associated with vascular inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Here, we studied the underlying time responses in the widely used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxaemia model in mice and rats. LPS (10 mg/kg; from Salmonella Typhosa) was intraperitoneally injected into mice and rats. Animals of every species were divided into five groups and sacrificed at specific points in time (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 h). White blood cells (WBC) decreased significantly in both species after 3 h and partially recovered with time, whereas platelet decrease did not recover. Oxidative burst and iNOS-derived nitrosyl-iron hemoglobin (HbNO) increased with time (maxima at 9 or 12 h). Immune cell infiltration (CD68 and F4/80 content) showed an increase with time, which was supported by increased vascular mRNA expression of VCAM-1, P-selectin, IL-6 and TNF-α. We characterized the time responses of vascular inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress in LPS-induced endotoxaemic mice and rats. The results of this study will help to interpret and compare data from different animal species in LPS-induced endotoxaemia models for the identification of new drug targets.
The Heartrate Reaction to Acute Stress in Horned Passalus Beetles (Odontotaenius disjunctus) is Negatively Affected by a Naturally-Occurring Nematode Parasite
Authors: Davis Andrew , Coogler Brandon , Johnson Isaac
Published: October 2017

There are many events in the lives of insects where rapid, effective stress reactions are needed, including fighting conspecifics to defend territories, evading predators, and responding to wounds. A key element of the stress reaction is elevation of heartrate (HR), for enhancing distribution of blood (hemolymph) to body compartments. We conducted two experiments designed to improve understanding of the insect stress reaction and how it is influenced by parasitism in a common beetle species (Odontotaenius disjunctus). By non-destructively observing heartbeat frequency before, during and after applying a stressor (physical restraint) for 10 min, we sought to determine: (1) the exact timing of the cardiac stress reaction; (2) the magnitude of heartrate elevation during stress; and (3) if the physiological response is affected by a naturally-occurring nematode parasite, Chondronema passali. Restraint caused a dramatic increase in heartrate, though not immediately; maximum HR was reached after approximately 8 min. Average heartrate went from 65.5 beats/min to a maximum of 81.5 (24.5% increase) in adults raised in the lab (n = 19). Using wild-caught adults (n = 77), average heartrates went from 54.9 beats/min to 74.2 (35.5% increase). When restraint was removed, HR declined after ~5 min, and reached baseline 50 min later. The nematode parasite did not affect baseline heartrates in either experiment, but in one, it retarded the heartrate elevation during stress, and in the other, it reduced the overall magnitude of the elevation. While we acknowledge that our results are based on comparisons of beetles with naturally-occurring parasite infections, these results indicate this parasite causes a modest reduction in host cardiac output during acute stress conditions.
N-{4-[(2E)-3-(2H-1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)prop-2-enoyl]phenyl}quinoline-3-carboxamide
Authors: Polo Efrain , Trilleras Jorge , Gutiérrez Cabrera Margarita
Published: October 2017

An amide chalconehas been synthesized in a two-step reaction. First, N-(4-acetylphenyl)quinoline-3-carboxamide 2 was synthesized by the reaction of quinoline-3-carboxylic acid 1 and thionyl chloride (SOCl2), following the addition of 4-aminoacetophenone. Then, a typical Claisen–Schmidtreactionwas made between 2 and piperonal using KOH solution as a catalystin ethanol, under ultrasonic irradiation. The structure of the target compound was established by FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), HRMS, 1H and 13C-NMR.
Constitutive Equation and Hot Compression Deformation Behavior of Homogenized Al–7.5Zn–1.5Mg–0.2Cu–0.2Zr Alloy
Authors: He Jianliang , Zhang Datong , Zhang Weiweng , Qiu Cheng , Zhang Wen
Published: October 2017

The deformation behavior of homogenized Al–7.5Zn–1.5Mg–0.2Cu–0.2Zr alloy has been studied by a set of isothermal hot compression tests, which were carried out over the temperature ranging from 350 °C to 450 °C and the strain rate ranging from 0.001 s−1 to 10 s−1 on Gleeble-3500 thermal simulation machine. The associated microstructure was studied using electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the flow stress is sensitive to strain rate and deformation temperature. The shape of true stress-strain curves obtained at a low strain rate (≤0.1 s−1) conditions shows the characteristic of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). Two Arrhenius-typed constitutive equation without and with strain compensation were established based on the true stress-strain curves. Constitutive equation with strain compensation has more precise predictability. The main softening mechanism of the studied alloy is dynamic recovery (DRV) accompanied with DRX, particularly at deformation conditions, with low Zener-Holloman parameters.
Application of Co and Mn for a Co-Mn-Br or Co-Mn-C2H3O2 Petroleum Liquid Catalyst from the Cathode Material of Spent Lithium Ion Batteries by a Hydrometallurgical Route
Authors: Joo Sung-Ho , Shin Dong Ju , Oh Chang Hyun , Wang Je-Pil , Park Jin Tae , Shin Shun Myung
Published: October 2017

We investigated the preparation of CMB (cobalt-manganese-bromide) and CMA (cobalt-manganese-acetate) liquid catalysts as petroleum liquid catalysts by simultaneously recovering Co and Mn from spent Li-ion battery cathode material. To prepare the liquid catalysts, the total preparation process for the liquid catalysts consisted of physical pre-treatments, such as grinding and sieving, and chemical processes, such as leaching, solvent extraction, and stripping. In the physical pre-treatment process, over 99% of Al was removed from material with a size of less than 0.42 mm. In the chemical process, the leaching solution as obtained under the following conditions: 2 mol/L sulfuric acid, 10 vol % H2O2, 0.1 of solid/liquid ratio, and 60 °C. In the solvent extraction process, the optimum concentration of bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272), the equilibrium pH, the degree of saponification, the organic phase/aqueous phase ratio isotherm, and the stripping study for the extraction of Co and Mn were investigated. As a result, Co and Mn were recovered by 0.85 M Cyanex 272 with 50% saponification in counter current two extraction stages. Finally, a CMB and CMA liquid catalyst containing 33.1 g/L Co, 29.8 g/L Mn, and 168 g/L Br and 12.67 g/L Co, 12.0 g/L Mn, and 511 g/L C2H3O2, respectively, was produced by 2 M hydrogen bromide and 50 vol % acetic acid; it was also found that a shortage in the concentration can be compensated with cobalt and manganese salts.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Kaempferol-3-O-α-l-Arabinopyranosyl-7-O-α-l-Rhamnopyranoside on d-Galactosamine and Lipopolysaccharide Caused Hepatic Failure in Mice
Authors: Dong Lin , Yin Lei , Quan Hongfeng , Chu Yuankui , Lu Jincai
Published: October 2017

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), associated with high mortality, is characterized by extensive death of hepatocytes and hepatic dysfunction. There is no effective treatment for FHF. Several studies have indicated that flavonoids can protect the liver from different factor-induced injury. Previously, we found that the extracts of Elaeagnus mollis leaves had favorable protective effects on acute liver injury. However, the role and mechanisms behind that was elusive. This study examined the hepatoprotective mechanisms of kaempferol-3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyra-noside (KAR), a major flavonol glycoside of E. mollis, against d-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic failure. KAR reduces the mouse mortality, protects the normal liver structure, inhibits the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alamine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and decreases the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, KAR inhibits the apoptosis of hepatocytes and reduces the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins induced by GalN/LPS treatment. These findings suggest that the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of KAR on GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury were performed through down-regulating the activity of the TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation for Prevention of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khaing Win , Vallibhakara Sakda Arj-Ong , Tantrakul Visasiri , Vallibhakara Orawin , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , McEvoy Mark , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: October 2017

Vitamin D supplementation effects with or without calcium in pregnancy for reducing risk of preeclampsia and gestational or pregnancy induced hypertension are controversial. Literature was systematically searched in Medline, Scopus and Cochrane databases from inception to July 2017. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English were selected if they had any pair of interventions (calcium, vitamin D, both, or placebo). Systematic review with two-step network-meta-analysis was used to indirectly estimate supplementary effects. Twenty-seven RCTs with 28,000 women were eligible. A direct meta-analysis suggested that calcium, vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D could lower risk of preeclampsia when compared to placebo with the pooled risk ratios (RRs) of 0.54 (0.41, 0.70), 0.47 (0.24, 0.89) and 0.50 (0.32, 0.78), respectively. Results of network meta-analysis were similar with the corresponding RRs of 0.49 (0.35, 0.69), 0.43 (0.17, 1.11), and 0.57 (0.30, 1.10), respectively. None of the controls were significant. Efficacy of supplementation, which was ranked by surface under cumulative ranking probabilities, were: vitamin D (47.4%), calcium (31.6%) and calcium plus vitamin D (19.6%), respectively. Calcium supplementation may be used for prevention for preeclampsia. Vitamin D might also worked well but further large scale RCTs are warranted to confirm our findings.
Microstructure and Performance of a Porous Polymer Membrane with a Copper Nano-Layer Using Vapor-Induced Phase Separation Combined with Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Nana , Fu Yuanjing , Lu Qingchen , Xiao Changfa
Published: October 2017

Antibacterial metalized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) porous membranes with a nano-layer were obtained via the method of vapor-induced phase separation combined with magnetron sputtering of copper. Magnetron sputtering has such advantages as high deposition rates, low substrate temperatures, and good adhesion of films on substrates. The influence brought by deposition time on the microstructure, hydrophobic property, copper distribution state, anti-biofouling, and permeation separation performance was investigated via atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry, contact angle measurements, and capillary flow porometry, along with the porosity, water flux, protein solution flux, rejection rate, water flux recovery rate, and antibacterial property. The results showed that copper particles formed island-type deposits on the membrane surface and were embedded into cross-section pores near the surface owning to the interconnection of pores. Subsequently, the water flux and protein solution flux declined, but the rejection rate and water flux recovery rate increased. Meanwhile, Cu-coated PVDF membranes exhibited an excellent antibacterial ability.
Improving Bioenergy Crops through Dynamic Metabolic Modeling
Authors: Faraji Mojdeh , Voit Eberhard O.
Published: October 2017

Enormous advances in genetics and metabolic engineering have made it possible, in principle, to create new plants and crops with improved yield through targeted molecular alterations. However, while the potential is beyond doubt, the actual implementation of envisioned new strains is often difficult, due to the diverse and complex nature of plants. Indeed, the intrinsic complexity of plants makes intuitive predictions difficult and often unreliable. The hope for overcoming this challenge is that methods of data mining and computational systems biology may become powerful enough that they could serve as beneficial tools for guiding future experimentation. In the first part of this article, we review the complexities of plants, as well as some of the mathematical and computational methods that have been used in the recent past to deepen our understanding of crops and their potential yield improvements. In the second part, we present a specific case study that indicates how robust models may be employed for crop improvements. This case study focuses on the biosynthesis of lignin in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Switchgrass is considered one of the most promising candidates for the second generation of bioenergy production, which does not use edible plant parts. Lignin is important in this context, because it impedes the use of cellulose in such inedible plant materials. The dynamic model offers a platform for investigating the pathway behavior in transgenic lines. In particular, it allows predictions of lignin content and composition in numerous genetic perturbation scenarios.
Time Series UAV Image-Based Point Clouds for Landslide Progression Evaluation Applications
Authors: Al-Rawabdeh Abdulla , Moussa Adel , Foroutan Marzieh , El-Sheimy Naser , Habib Ayman
Published: October 2017

Landslides are major and constantly changing threats to urban landscapes and infrastructure. It is essential to detect and capture landslide changes regularly. Traditional methods for monitoring landslides are time-consuming, costly, dangerous, and the quality and quantity of the data is sometimes unable to meet the necessary requirements of geotechnical projects. This motivates the development of more automatic and efficient remote sensing approaches for landslide progression evaluation. Automatic change detection involving low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle image-based point clouds, although proven, is relatively unexplored, and little research has been done in terms of accounting for volumetric changes. In this study, a methodology for automatically deriving change displacement rates, in a horizontal direction based on comparisons between extracted landslide scarps from multiple time periods, has been developed. Compared with the iterative closest projected point (ICPP) registration method, the developed method takes full advantage of automated geometric measuring, leading to fast processing. The proposed approach easily processes a large number of images from different epochs and enables the creation of registered image-based point clouds without the use of extensive ground control point information or further processing such as interpretation and image correlation. The produced results are promising for use in the field of landslide research.
Determination of Odour Interactions of Three-Component Gas Mixtures Using an Electronic Nose
Authors: Szulczyński Bartosz , Namieśnik Jacek , Gębicki Jacek
Published: October 2017

The paper presents an application of an electronic nose prototype comprised of six TGS-type sensors and one PID-type sensor to identify odour interaction phenomena in odorous three-component mixtures. The investigation encompassed eight odorous mixtures—toluene-acetone-triethylamine and formaldehyde-butyric acid-pinene—characterized by different odour intensity and hedonic tone. A principal component regression (PCR) calibration model was used for evaluation of predicted odour intensity and hedonic tone. Correctness of identification of odour interactions in the odorous three-component mixtures was determined based on the results obtained with the electronic nose. The results indicated a level of 75–80% for odour intensity and 57–73% for hedonic tone. The average root mean square error of prediction amounted to 0.03–0.06 for odour intensity determination and 0.07–0.34 for hedonic tone evaluation of the odorous three-component mixtures.
A Monoclonal–Monoclonal Antibody Based Capture ELISA for Abrin
Authors: Tam Christina , Cheng Luisa , He Xiaohua , Merrill Paul , Hodge David , Stanker Larry
Published: October 2017

Abrin, one of the most highly potent toxins in the world, is derived from the plant, Abrus precatorius. Because of its high toxicity, it poses potential bioterror risks. Therefore, a need exists for new reagents and technologies that would be able to rapidly detect abrin contamination as well as lead to new therapeutics. We report here a group of abrin-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize abrin A-chain, intact A–B chain toxin, and agglutinin by Western blot. Additionally, these mAbs were evaluated for their ability to serve as capture antibodies for a sandwich (capture) ELISA. All possible capture–detector pairs were evaluated and the best antibody pair identified and optimized for a capture ELISA. The capture ELISA based on this capture–detector mAb pair had a limit of detection (L.O.D) of ≈1 ng/mL measured using three independent experiments. The assay did not reveal any false positives with extracts containing other potential ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs). Thus, this new capture ELISA uses mAbs for both capture and detection; has no cross-reactivity against other plant RIPs; and has a sensitivity comparable to other reported capture ELISAs using polyclonal antibodies as either capture or detector.
Production, Characterisation and Testing of an Ovine Antitoxin against Ricin; Efficacy, Potency and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Whitfield Sarah , Griffiths Gareth , Jenner Dominic , Gwyther Robert , Stahl Fiona , Cork Lucy , Holley Jane , Green A. , Clark Graeme
Published: October 2017

Ricin is a type II ribosome-inactivating toxin that catalytically inactivates ribosomes ultimately leading to cell death. The toxicity of ricin along with the prevalence of castor beans (its natural source) has led to its increased notoriety and incidences of nefarious use. Despite these concerns, there are no licensed therapies available for treating ricin intoxication. Here, we describe the development of a F(ab’)2 polyclonal ovine antitoxin against ricin and demonstrate the efficacy of a single, post-exposure, administration in an in vivo murine model of intoxication against aerosolised ricin. We found that a single dose of antitoxin afforded a wide window of opportunity for effective treatment with 100% protection observed in mice challenged with aerosolised ricin when given 24 h after exposure to the toxin and 75% protection when given at 30 h. Treated mice had reduced weight loss and clinical signs of intoxication compared to the untreated control group. Finally, using imaging flow cytometry, it was found that both cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of ricin toxin to the Golgi apparatus was reduced in the presence of the antitoxin suggesting both actions can contribute to the therapeutic mechanism of a polyclonal antitoxin. Collectively, the research highlights the significant potential of the ovine F(ab’)2 antitoxin as a treatment for ricin intoxication.
Investigation of Geochemical Characteristics and Controlling Processes of Groundwater in a Typical Long-Term Reclaimed Water Use Area
Authors: Xiao Yong , Gu Xiaomin , Yin Shiyang , Pan Xingyao , Shao Jingli , Cui Yali
Published: October 2017

The usage of reclaimed water can efficiently mitigate water crises, but it may cause groundwater pollution. To clearly understand the potential influences of long-term reclaimed water usage, a total of 91 samples of shallow and deep groundwater were collected from a typical reclaimed water use area during the dry and rainy seasons. The results suggest both shallow and deep groundwater are mainly naturally alkaline freshwater, which are composed mainly of Ca-HCO3, followed by mixed types such as Ca-Na-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3. A seasonal desalination trend was observed in both shallow and deep aquifers due to dilution effects in the rainy season. Groundwater chemical compositions in both shallow and deep aquifers are still dominantly controlled by natural processes such as silicate weathering, minerals dissolution and cation exchange. Human activities are also the factors influencing groundwater chemistry. Urbanization has been found responsible for the deterioration of groundwater quality, especially in shallow aquifers, because of the relative thin aquitard. Reclaimed water usage for agricultural irrigation and landscape purposes has nearly no influences on groundwater quality in rural areas due to thick aquitards. Therefore, reclaimed water usage should be encouraged in arid and semiarid areas with proper hydrogeological condition.
Water Economics and Policy
Authors: Berbel Julio , Gutiérrez-Martín Carlos , Martin-Ortega Julia
Published: October 2017

Economics plays a double role in the field of water management, firstly as a powerful analytical tool supporting water allocation and policy decisions, and secondly in the form of policy instruments (water pricing, markets, etc.). This Special Issue presents a platform for sharing results connecting excellent interdisciplinary research applied to different regional and sectoral problems around the world. The 22 peer-reviewed papers collected in this Special Issue have been grouped into five broad categories: Water valuation and accounting; Economic instruments; Cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis; and Water productivity and Governance. They are briefly presented.
Preoperative diagnostics in differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Seifert Philipp , Freesmeyer Martin
Published: October 2017

Aim: The preoperative diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) is particularly challenging in view of the high prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population. Incidental diagnosis of DTC, on the other hand, can lead to reoperations and increased risk of morbidity. This study aimed to assess the prediction value of preoperative DTC dignity assessment and it’s impact on surgical approaches. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 107 cases of DTC and subdivided them in three groups based on the preoperative dignity assessment: suspected malignancy (SM), unclear dignity (UD), and incidental findings (IF). The group differences were investigated in terms of diagnostic methods, findings, and impact on the subsequent surgical approach. Results: The patient groups consisted of n = 51 (SM), n = 32 (UD), and n = 24 (IF). The tumor size, T staging, and ultrasound (US) assessment had the largest impact on the dignity classification (each p < 0.001). Scintigraphy was performed in 80 % of the patients, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in 28 %. Hypofunction at scintigraphy (p < 0.001) and cytology results (p < 0.01) were identified as significant predictors for group assignment. Other significant factors were the frequency of the US documentation of nodule characteristics (p < 0.001) and malignancy criteria (p < 0.01) as well as reduced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (p < 0.01). Frozen section (p < 0.001) and total thyroidectomy (p < 0.01) at initial surgery were performed significantly more often in the MV group. Reoperations were significantly more frequent in the IF group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A relevant number of DTC cases was diagnosed incidentally, leading to significantly more frequent reoperations. A more systematic diagnostic approach with complete documentation of the findings according to current guidelines should be pursued.
Orbits for 18 Visual Binaries and Two Double-line Spectroscopic Binaries Observed with HRCAM on the CTIO SOAR 4 m Telescope, Using a New Bayesian Orbit Code Based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo*
Authors: Mendez Rene A. , Claveria Ruben M. , Orchard Marcos E. , Silva Jorge F.
Published: October 2017

We present orbital elements and mass sums for 18 visual binary stars of spectral types B to K (five of which are new orbits) with periods ranging from 20 to more than 500 yr. For two double-line spectroscopic binaries with no previous orbits, the individual component masses, using combined astrometric and radial velocity data, have a formal uncertainty of

. Adopting published photometry and trigonometric parallaxes, plus our own measurements, we place these objects on an H-R diagram and discuss their evolutionary status. These objects are part of a survey to characterize the binary population of stars in the Southern Hemisphere using the SOAR 4 m telescope+HRCAM at CTIO. Orbital elements are computed using a newly developed Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm that delivers maximum-likelihood estimates of the parameters, as well as posterior probability density functions that allow us to evaluate the uncertainty of our derived parameters in a robust way. For spectroscopic binaries, using our approach, it is possible to derive a self-consistent parallax for the system from the combined astrometric and radial velocity data (“orbital parallax”), which compares well with the trigonometric parallaxes. We also present a mathematical formalism that allows a dimensionality reduction of the feature space from seven to three search parameters (or from 10 to seven dimensions—including parallax—in the case of spectroscopic binaries with astrometric data), which makes it possible to explore a smaller number of parameters in each case, improving the computational efficiency of our MCMC code.