bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Step-Pulse Modulation of Gain-Switched Semiconductor Pulsed Laser
Authors: Li Bin , Sun Changyan , Ling Yun , Zhou Heng , Qiu Kun
Published: February 2019

To improve the peak power and extinction ratio and produce ultra-short pulses, a novel approach is presented in this paper offers a highly effective modulated method for a gain-switched semiconductor laser by using step-pulse signal modulation. For the purpose of single pulse output, then the effects on the output from the gain-switched semiconductor laser are studied by simulating single mode rate equation when changing the amplitude and width of the modulated signal. The results show that the proposed method can effectively accelerate the accumulation speed of the population inversion and we can acquire the output pulse with higher peak power and shorter width. Compared with the traditional rectangular wave modulation, this method is advantageous to obtain a high gain switching effect by increasing the second modulation current and reduce the pulse width to saturation at the best working point. It can be incorporated as a practical and cost-effective approach for many fields which need high extinction ratio short pulse, such as the optical time domain reflectometry.
Review of 3D Imaging by Coded Aperture Correlation Holography (COACH)
Authors: Rosen Joseph , Anand Vijayakumar , Rai Mani Ratnam , Mukherjee Saswata , Bulbul Angika
Published: February 2019

Coded aperture correlation holography (COACH) is a relatively new technique to record holograms of incoherently illuminated scenes. In this review, we survey the main milestones in the COACH topic from two main points of view. First, we review the prime architectures of optical hologram recorders in the family of COACH systems. Second, we discuss some of the key applications of these recorders in the field of imaging in general, and for 3D super-resolution imaging, partial aperture imaging, and seeing through scattering medium, in particular. We summarize this overview with a general perspective on this research topic and its prospective directions.
Silicon Waveguide Optical Isolator with Directly Bonded Magneto-Optical Garnet
Authors: Shoji Yuya , Mizumoto Tetsuya
Published: February 2019

Silicon waveguide optical isolators were fabricated by direct bonding of magneto-optical (MO) garnet. The technique allowed efficient MO phase shift owing to the use of single-crystalline garnet and negligibly thin interlayer on the silicon core layer. A Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) provided optical isolation utilizing the MO phase shift. High isolation, wide bandwidth, and temperature-insensitive operations had been demonstrated by tailoring the MZI design. Also, transverse electric (TE)–transverse magnetic (TM) mode converters were integrated to control operating polarization. In this paper, we reviewed these progresses on silicon waveguide optical isolators.
Generation and Propagation of a Hermite-Gaussian Correlated Schell-Model LG0l Beam
Authors: Peng Xiaofeng , Lu Xingyuan , Liu Xianlong , Zhao Chenliang , Lin Rong , Liu Lin , Cai Yangjian
Published: February 2019

A partially coherent beam under the combined action of a Hermite-Gaussian correlated function and vortex phase, named the HGCSMLG0l beam has been explored both theoretically and experimentally. The statistical properties, such as the intensity and distribution of the degree of coherence (DOC) on propagation are analyzed in detail, based on the deduced equations. We find that the intensity is determined dominantly by the non-conventional correlated function when the coherence length is comparatively small and by vortex phase when the coherence length is large. The modulus of the DOC is not vulnerable to coherence width, rather, it is affected by both non-conventional correlated function and vortex phase. Our results are verified well by the experiment results.
Development of Multi-Staged Adaptive Filtering Algorithm for Periodic Structure-Based Active Vibration Control System
Authors: Yang Qiu , Lee Kyeongnak , Kim Byeongil
Published: February 2019

A digital adaptive filtering system is applied to various fields such as current disturbance, noise cancellation, and active vibration and noise control. The least mean squares (LMS) algorithm is widely adopted, owing to its simplicity and low computational burden. A limitation of the LMS algorithm with fixed step size is the trade-off between convergence speed and stability. Several studies have tried to overcome this limitation by varying the step size according to filter input and error; however, the related algorithms with variable step size have not been suitable for signals with complex frequency spectra. As the error decreases, the quality of the output signal deteriorates due to the increase in the higher-order components, depending on the characteristics of the algorithm. Therefore, a novel adaptive filtering algorithm was proposed to overcome these drawbacks. It increased the stability of the system by decreasing the step size using an exponential function. In addition, the error was reduced through normalization using the power of the input signal in the initial state, and the misadjustments in the system were adjusted properly by introducing an energy autocorrelation function of instantaneous error. Furthermore, a novel multi-staged adaptive LMS (MSA-LMS) algorithm was introduced and applied to active periodic structures. The proposed algorithm was validated by simulation and observed to be superior to the conventional LMS algorithms. The results of this study can be applied to active control systems for the reduction of vibration and noise signals with complex spectra in next-generation powertrains, such as hybrid and electric vehicles.
Microencapsulation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Pomace Ethanolic Extract by Spray Drying: Optimization of Process Conditions
Authors: Corrêa-Filho Luiz C. , Lourenço Sofia C. , Duarte Daniel F. , Moldão-Martins Margarida , Alves Vítor D.
Published: February 2019

Microencapsulation by spray-drying is a process used in the stabilization of active compounds from various natural sources, such as tomato by-products, with the purpose to be used as additives in the food industry. The aim of this work was to study the effects of wall material and spray drying conditions on physicochemical properties of microcapsules loaded with lycopene rich extract from tomato pomace. The assays were carried out with ethanolic tomato pomace extract as core material and arabic gum or inulin as wall materials. A central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effect of drying air inlet temperature (110–200 °C) and concentration of arabic gum (5–35 wt %) or inulin (5–25 wt %) on the antioxidant activity, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and drying yield. SEM images showed that the produced particles were in the category of skin-forming structures. The most suitable conditions, within the ranges studied, to obtain lycopene loaded microparticles were a biopolymer concentration of 10 wt % for both materials and an inlet temperature of 200 and 160 °C for arabic gum and inulin, respectively. Arabic gum and inulin possessed a good performance in the encapsulation of tomato pomace extract by spray drying. It is envisaged that the capsules produced have good potential to be incorporated in foods systems with diverse chemical and physical properties.
Cold and Exercise: Therapeutic Tools to Activate Brown Adipose Tissue and Combat Obesity
Authors: Peres Valgas da Silva Carmem , Hernández-Saavedra Diego , White Joseph D. , Stanford Kristin I.
Published: February 2019

The rise in obesity over the last several decades has reached pandemic proportions. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic organ that is involved in energy expenditure and represents an attractive target to combat both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Cold exposure and exercise training are two stimuli that have been investigated with respect to BAT activation, metabolism, and the contribution of BAT to metabolic health. These two stimuli are of great interest because they have both disparate and converging effects on BAT activation and metabolism. Cold exposure is an effective mechanism to stimulate BAT activity and increase glucose and lipid uptake through mitochondrial uncoupling, resulting in metabolic benefits including elevated energy expenditure and increased insulin sensitivity. Exercise is a therapeutic tool that has marked benefits on systemic metabolism and affects several tissues, including BAT. Compared to cold exposure, studies focused on BAT metabolism and exercise display conflicting results; the majority of studies in rodents and humans demonstrate a reduction in BAT activity and reduced glucose and lipid uptake and storage. In addition to investigations of energy uptake and utilization, recent studies have focused on the effects of cold exposure and exercise on the structural lipids in BAT and secreted factors released from BAT, termed batokines. Cold exposure and exercise induce opposite responses in terms of structural lipids, but an important overlap exists between the effects of cold and exercise on batokines. In this review, we will discuss the similarities and differences of cold exposure and exercise in relation to their effects on BAT activity and metabolism and its relevance for the prevention of obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Light-Induced Protein Clustering for Optogenetic Interference and Protein Interaction Analysis in Drosophila S2 Cells
Authors: Osswald Mariana , Santos A. Filipa , Morais-de-Sá Eurico
Published: February 2019

Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells are a simple and powerful system commonly used in cell biology because they are well suited for high resolution microscopy and RNAi-mediated depletion. However, understanding dynamic processes, such as cell division, also requires methodology to interfere with protein function with high spatiotemporal control. In this research study, we report the adaptation of an optogenetic tool to Drosophila S2 cells. Light-activated reversible inhibition by assembled trap (LARIAT) relies on the rapid light-dependent heterodimerization between cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) and cryptochrome-interacting bHLH 1 (CIB1) to form large protein clusters. An anti-green fluorescent protein (GFP) nanobody fused with CRY2 allows this method to quickly trap any GFP-tagged protein in these light-induced protein clusters. We evaluated clustering kinetics in response to light for different LARIAT modules, and showed the ability of GFP-LARIAT to inactivate the mitotic protein Mps1 and to disrupt the membrane localization of the polarity regulator Lethal Giant Larvae (Lgl). Moreover, we validated light-induced co-clustering assays to assess protein-protein interactions in S2 cells. In conclusion, GFP-based LARIAT is a versatile tool to answer different biological questions, since it enables probing of dynamic processes and protein-protein interactions with high spatiotemporal resolution in Drosophila S2 cells.
Pharmacological Reactivation of the Silenced FMR1 Gene as a Targeted Therapeutic Approach for Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Kumari Daman , Gazy Inbal , Usdin Karen
Published: February 2019

More than ~200 CGG repeats in the 5′ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene results in transcriptional silencing and the absence of the FMR1 encoded protein, FMRP. FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the transport and translation of a variety of brain mRNAs in an activity-dependent manner. The loss of FMRP causes dysregulation of many neuronal pathways and results in an intellectual disability disorder, fragile X syndrome (FXS). Currently, there is no effective treatment for FXS. In this review, we discuss reactivation of the FMR1 gene as a potential approach for FXS treatment with an emphasis on the use of small molecules to inhibit the pathways important for gene silencing.
Solid Acids for the Reaction of Bioderived Alcohols into Ethers for Fuel Applications
Authors: Zaccheria Federica , Scotti Nicola , Ravasio Nicoletta
Published: February 2019

The use of solids acids in the synthesis of ethers suitable to be used as fuels or fuel additives were reviewed in a critical way. In particular, the role of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites was highlighted to focus on the pivotal role of the acidity nature on the product distribution. Particular emphasis is given to the recently proposed ethers prepared starting from furfural and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural. Thus, they are very promising products that can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass and bioalcohols and possess very interesting chemical and physical properties for their use in the diesel sector.
Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
Authors: Girardi Daniel , Barrichello Adriana , Fernandes Gustavo , Pereira Allan
Published: February 2019

The Hedgehog pathway (HhP) plays an important role in normal embryonic development and its abnormal function has been linked to a variety of neoplasms. Recently, the complex mechanisms involved in this pathway have been deciphered and the cross talks with other important pathways involved in carcinogenesis have been characterized. This knowledge has led to the development of targeted therapies against key components of HhP, which culminated in the approval of vismodegib for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma in 2012. Since then, other compounds have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies with interesting results. Today, several medications against components of the HhP have demonstrated clinical activity as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic treatment or other targeted therapies against mitogenic pathways that are linked to the HhP. This review aims to clarify the mechanism of the HhP and the complex crosstalk with others pathways involved in carcinogenesis and to discuss both the evidence associated with the growing number of medications and combined therapies addressing this pathway and future perspectives.
Investigation of the Performance of ATH Powders in Organic Powder Coatings
Authors: Li Weihong , Franco Diego Cárdenas , Yang Marshall Shuai , Zhu Xinping , Zhang Haiping , Shao Yuanyuan , Zhang Hui , Zhu Jingxu
Published: February 2019

Aluminum trihydrate (ATH) is one of the most widely used fillers in solvent-borne coatings and polymer industries. To investigate its performance in powder coatings, four different pigment to binder ratios (P/B) were used in respect to different ATH concentrations in four most widely used resin systems (epoxy, epoxy-polyester, polyurethane and polyester). The angle of repose (AOR) and specific gravity of powder paints increase accordingly with ATH concentration. The mechanical properties, corrosion and UV resistance performances of coating films are enhanced or only slightly decreased with the addition of ATH. Pencil scratch hardness increase significantly with the increase of ATH content. Impact resistance decreases within 5% of the initial resistance at the maximum ATH loading. There is a slightly decrease in corrosion resistance performances of less than 2 mm of failure at scribe in all formulations. The incorporation of ATH has slight effect on the UV resistance performance of all the samples. Moreover, the matting effect of ATH is observed for all the resin systems, especially epoxy, with the specular gloss decreasing more than 70% at P/B of 0.75.
Swap-Driven Self-Adhesion and Healing of Vitrimers
Authors: Ciarella Simone , Ellenbroek Wouter G.
Published: February 2019

Vitrimers are covalent network materials, comparable in structure to classical thermosets. Unlike normal thermosets, they possess a chemical bond swap mechanism that makes their structure dynamic and suitable for activated welding and even autonomous self-healing. The central question in designing such materials is the trade-off between autonomy and material stability: the swap mechanism facilitates the healing, but it also facilitates creep, which makes the perfectly stable self-healing solid a hard goal to reach. Here, we address this question for the case of self-healing vitrimers made from star polymers. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we studied the adhesion of two vitrimer samples and found that they bond together on timescales that are much shorter than the stress relaxation time. We showed that the swap mechanism allows the star polymers to diffuse through the material through coordinated swap events, but the healing process is much faster and does not depend on this mobility.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Precipitate Strengthened High Entropy Alloy Al10Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6 with Additions of Hafnium and Molybdenum
Authors: Haas Sebastian , Manzoni Anna M. , Krieg Fabian , Glatzel Uwe
Published: February 2019

High entropy or compositionally complex alloys provide opportunities for optimization towards new high-temperature materials. Improvements in the equiatomic alloy Al17Co17Cr17Cu17Fe17Ni17 (at.%) led to the base alloy for this work with the chemical composition Al10Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6 (at.%). Characterization of the beneficial particle-strengthened microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and observation of good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures arose the need of accomplishing further optimization steps. For this purpose, the refractory metals hafnium and molybdenum were added in small amounts (0.5 and 1.0 at.% respectively) because of their well-known positive effects on mechanical properties of Ni-based superalloys. By correlation of microstructural examinations using SEM with tensile tests in the temperature range of room temperature up to 900 °C, conclusions could be drawn for further optimization steps.
Loom of Symmetric Pass-Through
Authors: Sahin Afsin
Published: February 2019

This paper analyzes the effects of the real policy interest rate on the banking sector lending rate, the deposit rate, real stock prices, and the real exchange rate using the Engle Granger cointegration method (EG), the vector error-correction model (VECM), and the nonlinear vector error-correction model (NVECM) with monthly Turkish data over the period January 2002–April 2018. (1) EG results indicate bivariate cointegration relationships between the real interest rate, lending rates, and the deposit rate. The real interest rate increases all lending rates, mainly the housing rate. However, the long-run coefficient for the real exchange rate is not statistically significant. The pass-through is higher for the deposit rate than for lending rates. Moreoever, real stock prices shrink substantially where the finance sector has been affected the most. (2) VECM results indicate a cointegration relationship between all the variables except for the real exchange rate, which has a statistically non-significant pass-through coefficient. The real interest rate has a noteworthy long-run positive effect on the housing loans lending rate compared to others. The affirmative effect on real stock prices is the highest for the technology sector. The short-run effect of the real interest rate on lending rates, real stock prices and the real exchange rate are statistically non-significant except for the overall stock price index, and the vehicle loans lending rate which has a higher coefficient than the deposit rate. (3) NVECM results allow testing of eleven hypotheses and highlight the symmetric relationship and the valid pass-through effect, and reject the strong exogeneity assumption for all variables.
Resource Allocation in Wireless-Powered Mobile Edge Computing Systems for Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Liu Bingjie , Xu Haitao , Zhou Xianwei
Published: February 2019

Wireless devices in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as wireless sensors and Radio Frequency Identifications (RFIDs), are faced with challenges of heavy computation tasks and limited energy, which can be solved by the importation of mobile edge computing (MEC) and wireless power transfer (WPT) techniques. As MEC can effectively enhance computation capability, and the wireless power transfer can ensure a sustainable supply of energy, it has drawn significant research interest in IoT applications. In this paper, we will study the resource allocation problem in the wireless-powered MEC system for IoT applications with one access point (AP) and many other wireless devices, and propose a Stackelberg dynamic game model to obtain the optimal allocated resource for the nodes in the IoT environment. The AP is a wireless power source that can charge wireless devices based on wireless power transfer techniques. The AP is also integrated with a MEC server that can carry out computation tasks that offload from wireless devices. The wireless devices can use the harvested energy to execute and offload computation tasks to the AP. Based on the proposed game model, the AP and wireless devices can control their optimal transmit power for energy transfer, and computation tasks offloading to the AP, respectively. The numerical simulation results show the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Robust Control of Heterogeneous Vehicular Platoon with Non-Ideal Communication
Authors: Liu Bao , Gao Feng , He Yingdong , Wang Caimei
Published: February 2019

The application of wireless communication to platooning brings such challenges as information delay and varieties of interaction topologies. To compensate for the information delay, a state predictor based control strategy is proposed, which transmits the future information of nodes instead of current values. Based on the closed loop dynamics of platoon with state predictor and feedback controller, a decoupling strategy is presented to analysis and design the platoon control system with lower order by adopting the eigenvalue decomposition of topological matrix. A numerical method based on LMI (Linear Matrix Inequality) is provided to find the required robust performance controller. Moreover, the influence of information delay on performance is studied theoretically and it is found that the tolerable maximum delay is determined by the maximum topological eigenvalue. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated by several comparative simulations under various conditions with other methods.
Direct Printing of a Multi-Layer Sensor on Pet Substrate for CO2 Detection
Authors: Andò Bruno , Baglio Salvatore , Di Pasquale Giovanna , Pollicino Antonio , Graziani Salvatore , Gugliuzzo Chiara , Lombardo Cristian , Marletta Vicenzo
Published: February 2019

The use of inexpensive gas sensors is a real need for many applications requiring the use of disposable sensors. This work deals with the realization and characterization of a low cost CO2 sensor realized by rapid prototyping techniques. In particular, the sensor consists of a set of InterDigiTed electrodes, over which a double sensing layer made of PEDOT/PSS (CLEVIOS™ PHCV4, by H.C.Starck) and a solution of pristine graphene powder has been deposited. A silver nano-particle solution is used for inkjet printing the electrodes onto the PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) substrate, through a commercial inkjet printer. The sensing strategy is based on the variation of the electrical conductance of graphene due to gas molecules adsorption. The device responsivity observed in two different operating conditions (50 °C and 60 °C), is 4.0 µΩ/Ω/ppm and 4.7 µΩ/Ω/ppm. The corresponding values of the resolution are 400 ppm and 420 ppm. Main advantages of the developed sensor consist in the cost-effective fabrication techniques and the device flexibility, which are strategic for applications requiring disposable and shapeable devices to be installed into irregular surfaces.
Analytical Calculation of Mutual Inductance of Finite-Length Coaxial Helical Filaments and Tape Coils
Authors: Zhou Xinglong , Chen Baichao , Luo Yao , Zhu Runhang
Published: February 2019

Mutual inductance between finite-length coaxial helical filaments and tape coils are presented analytically. In this paper, a mathematical model for finite-length coaxial helical filaments is established, and subsequently, the mutual inductance of the filaments is derived in a series form, containing a one-dimensional integral. The mutual inductance expression of the filaments is then generalized for a tape conductor. When the tape conductor of each coil is closely wound, then the inverse Mellin transform is further utilized for transforming the generalized integral in the mutual inductance expression into a series involving hypergeometric functions, for increasing the calculation speed. Finally, the obtained expressions are compared numerically with the existing analytical solutions and finite-element simulation in order to verify the correctness and general applicability of the results. In this paper, as all the mutual-inductance analytical expressions are concise with fast convergence, it is easy to obtain the numerical results in software, such as Mathematica. The expressions presented in this paper are applicable to any corresponding geometric parameter, and are thereby more advantageous compared to the existing analytical methods. In addition, evaluation by these expressions is considerably more efficient, as compared to finite element simulation.
Incorporating the Concept of Flexible Operation in the Design of Solar Collector Fields for Industrial Applications
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Guillermo , Fuentes-Silva Amanda L. , Lizárraga-Morazán Juan R. , Picón-Núñez Martín
Published: February 2019

This work introduces the concept of flexible operation in the design of solar thermal utility systems for low temperature processes. The design objectives are: (a) The supply of the thermal needs of the process (heat duty and minimum required temperature), and (b) the maximization of the operating time during the day. The approach shows how the network structure is defined by adjusting the mass flow rate and the inlet temperature of the working fluid to achieve the smallest collector surface area. This work emphasizes the need to specify the solar network structure, which is comprised of two main elements: The number of lines in parallel and the number of collectors in series in each line. The former of these two design specifications is related to the heat load that the system will supply, while the latter is directly related to the delivery temperature. A stepwise design approach is demonstrated using two case studies where it is shown that the detailed design of the solar collector network structure is fundamental for a successful thermal integration with minimum investment. In this paper, the design methodology is based on flat-plate solar collectors, but it can be extended to any other type of low temperature solar technology.
Do Terrestrial Salamanders Indicate Ecosystem Changes in New England Forests?
Authors: Siddig Ahmed A. H. , Ochs Alison , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: February 2019

Long-term ecological research (LTER) and monitoring programs accrue invaluable ecological data that inform policy and improve decisions that enable adaptation to and mitigation of environmental changes. There is great interest in identifying ecological indicators that can be monitored easily and effectively to yield reliable data about environmental changes in forested ecosystems. However, the selection, use, and validity of ecological indicators to monitor in LTER programs remain challenging tasks for ecologists and conservation biologists. Across the eastern United States of America, the foundation tree species eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) is declining and dying from irruptions of a non-native insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand). We use data from the Harvard Forest LTER site’s Hemlock Removal Experiment together with information from other eastern US LTER sites to show that plethodontid salamanders can be reliable indicators of ongoing ecological changes in forested ecosystems in the eastern USA. These salamanders are abundant, they have a history of demographic stability, are both predators and prey, and can be sampled and monitored simply and cost-effectively. At the Harvard Forest LTER, red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus Green) were strong indicators of intact forests dominated by eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis); their high site fidelity and habitat specificity yielded an indicator value (robust Dufrêne and Legendre’s “IndVal”) for this species of 0.99. Eastern red-spotted newts (Notopthalmus viridescens viridescens Rafinesque) were better indicators of nearby stands made up of young, mixed hardwood species, such as those which replace hemlock stands following adelgid infestation. At the Hubbard Brook and Coweeta LTER sites, plethodontid salamanders were associated with intact riparian habitats, which may also be dominated by eastern hemlock. We conclude that plethodontid salamanders satisfy most criteria for reliable ecological indicators of environmental changes in eastern US forests.
Wine Fermentation
Authors: Claus Harald
Published: February 2019

Currently wineries are facing new challenges due to actual market demands for creation of products exhibiting more individual flavors [...]
An Assessment of the Bioactivity of Coffee Silverskin Melanoidins
Authors: Tores de la Cruz Silvia , Iriondo-DeHond Amaia , Herrera Teresa , Lopez-Tofiño Yolanda , Galvez-Robleño Carlos , Prodanov Marin , Velazquez-Escobar Francisco , Abalo Raquel , del Castillo Maria Dolores
Published: February 2019

Melanoidins present in coffee silverskin, the only by-product of the roasting process, are formed via the Maillard reaction. The exact structure, biological properties, and mechanism of action of coffee silverskin melanoidins, remain unknown. This research work aimed to contribute to this novel knowledge. To achieve this goal, melanoidins were obtained from an aqueous extract of Arabica coffee silverskin (WO2013004873A1) and was isolated through ultrafiltration (>10 kDa). The isolation protocol was optimized and the chemical composition of the high molecular weight fraction (>10 kDa) was evaluated, by analyzing the content of protein, caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and the total dietary fiber. In addition, the structural analysis was performed by infrared spectroscopy. Antioxidant properties were studied in vitro and the fiber effect was studied in vivo, in healthy male Wistar rats. Melanoidins were administered to animals in the drinking water at a dose of 1 g/kg. At the fourth week of treatment, gastrointestinal motility was evaluated through non-invasive radiographic means. In conclusion, the isolation process was effective in obtaining a high molecular weight fraction, composed mainly of dietary fiber, including melanoidins, with in vitro antioxidant capacity and in vivo dietary fiber effects.
Expanding the Clinical and Mutational Spectrum of Recessive AEBP1-Related Classical-Like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Ritelli Marco , Cinquina Valeria , Venturini Marina , Pezzaioli Letizia , Formenti Anna Maria , Chiarelli Nicola , Colombi Marina
Published: February 2019

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises clinically heterogeneous connective tissue disorders with diverse molecular etiologies. The 2017 International Classification for EDS recognized 13 distinct subtypes caused by pathogenic variants in 19 genes mainly encoding fibrillar collagens and collagen-modifying or processing proteins. Recently, a new EDS subtype, i.e., classical-like EDS type 2, was defined after the identification, in six patients with clinical findings reminiscent of EDS, of recessive alterations in AEBP1, which encodes the aortic carboxypeptidase–like protein associating with collagens in the extracellular matrix. Herein, we report on a 53-year-old patient, born from healthy second-cousins, who fitted the diagnostic criteria for classical EDS (cEDS) for the presence of hyperextensible skin with multiple atrophic scars, generalized joint hypermobility, and other minor criteria. Molecular analyses of cEDS genes did not identify any causal variant. Therefore, AEBP1 sequencing was performed that revealed homozygosity for the rare c.1925T>C p.(Leu642Pro) variant classified as likely pathogenetic (class 4) according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. The comparison of the patient’s features with those of the other patients reported up to now and the identification of the first missense variant likely associated with the condition offer future perspectives for EDS nosology and research in this field.
DNA Methylation Patterns in the Social Spider, Stegodyphus dumicola
Authors: Liu Shenglin , Aagaard Anne , Bechsgaard Jesper , Bilde Trine
Published: February 2019

Variation in DNA methylation patterns among genes, individuals, and populations appears to be highly variable among taxa, but our understanding of the functional significance of this variation is still incomplete. We here present the first whole genome bisulfite sequencing of a chelicerate species, the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola. We show that DNA methylation occurs mainly in CpG context and is concentrated in genes. This is a pattern also documented in other invertebrates. We present RNA sequence data to investigate the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation and show that, within individuals, methylated genes are more expressed than genes that are not methylated and that methylated genes are more stably expressed across individuals than unmethylated genes. Although no causal association is shown, this lends support for the implication of DNA CpG methylation in regulating gene expression in invertebrates. Differential DNA methylation between populations showed a small but significant correlation with differential gene expression. This is consistent with a possible role of DNA methylation in local adaptation. Based on indirect inference of the presence and pattern of DNA methylation in chelicerate species whose genomes have been sequenced, we performed a comparative phylogenetic analysis. We found strong evidence for exon DNA methylation in the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus and in all spider and scorpion species, while most Parasitiformes and Acariformes species seem to have lost DNA methylation.
First Findings of Buried Late-Glacial Paleosols within the Dune Fields of the Tomsk Priobye Region (SE Western Siberia, Russia)
Authors: Konstantinov Alexandr , Loiko Sergey , Kurasova Alina , Konstantinova Elizaveta , Novoselov Andrey , Istigechev Georgy , Kulizhskiy Sergey
Published: February 2019

Buried soils within aeolian deposits are considered an important tool for diagnosing, determining the age, and estimating the intensity of aeolian processes at the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene in the Northern Hemisphere. Late Pleistocene aeolian coversands and ancient inland dunes are widely distributed in the periglacial zone of Western Siberia. In contrast to the territories of Central and Eastern Europe, the paleosol archive of the aeolian sands and dunes of Western Siberia has not yet been studied. This paper presents the first findings of late Pleistocene paleosols within the ancient inland dunes in the southeast of Western Siberia (Ob–Tomsk interfluve, Tomsk region). The soils and their stratigraphic position were studied in the outcrop of the quarry, located in the junction zone of the second Tom river terraces and the ancient valley. Two types of paleosols were identified. The first one is confined to the central part of a small dune and is represented by a slightly developed Albic Arenosol with fragmentary humus horizon Ahb and a well-pronounced Eb. It can probably be considered as an analogue of the European Usselo soil. The second paleosol was found at the bottom of the interdune depression. It is represented by a brown Bwb horizon and probably corresponds to a Brunic Arenosol (Dystric). The second paleosol is characterized by a higher content of clay fraction and organic carbon, the presence of weak signs of illuviation, and richer and more diverse mineral composition. This soil is apparently an analogue of the European Finow soil. Radiocarbon dating of the charcoals found in the paleosols suggests that the first dates from the Younger Dryas (ca. 12,036 cal. yr. BP), and the second one from the Allerød (ca. 13,355 cal. yr. BP). The study results propose that the natural environment in the periglacial zone of the south of Western Siberia was generally similar to those in Central and Eastern Europe, and the activation of aeolian processes, which led to the formation of a dune relief, occurred at about the same time.
Semantic Bridging of Cultural Heritage Disciplines and Tasks
Authors: Moraitou Efthymia , Aliprantis John , Christodoulou Yannis , Teneketzis Alexandros , Caridakis George
Published: February 2019

The Cultural Heritage (CH) domain encompasses a wide range of different disciplines, serving the study, interpretation, curation, and preservation of objects, collections, archives, sites, and the dissemination of related knowledge. In this context, stakeholders generate, retrieve, and share a vast amount of diverse information. Therefore, information interoperability has been considered a crucial task, especially in terms of semantics. In this way, the CIDOC CRM (International Committee for Documentation Conceptual Reference Model) has been widely used as an underlying model that offers interoperability between CH domain metadata standards and ontologies. To the best of our knowledge, an overall review of mapping, merging, and extending this core ontology, as well as an aggregate table which classifies and correlates those ontologies and standards, has not yet been presented. Our study conducts an aggregate review of relevant published efforts and outlines the various associations between them, encapsulating the CIDOC CRM and its specialized models, as well. This work aims to further clarify the field and scope of the different works, identify their methods, and highlight the semantic overlap, or differences, between them.
Study on Analysis and Sedimentation of Alumina Nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng Xuehong , Li Yuehan , Chen Ding , Zheng Airong , Que Qikang
Published: February 2019

Dispersion and aggregation behavior of nanoparticles in aquatic environment may be affected by pH, salinity, and dissolved organic matter, which would change its ecological risk. Effects of time, power and temperature on the alumina nanoparticles (nano-Al2O3) ultrasonic dispersion in water were discussed. Al2O3 had a best ultrasonic dispersion for 30 min at 105 W and 30 °C. The concentration of Al2O3 could be measured by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer, and the method was efficient and accurate. Furthermore, the sedimentation rate of Al2O3 was related to pH, salinity, and its concentration in the artificial seawater. When pH was 7.31, approaching the isoelectric point of Al2O3, they aggregated and settled fastest. Settlement coefficient (k) of Al2O3 increased by 3 and 2.7 times while the salinity and its concentration increased. The sedimentation rate was higher in natural seawater than that in artificial seawater. All results indicated that nano-Al2O3 would be removed in aquatic environment.
The Use of Geonarratives to Add Context to Fine Scale Geospatial Research
Authors: Ajayakumar Jayakrishnan , Curtis Andrew , Smith Steve , Curtis Jacqueline
Published: February 2019

There has been a move towards using mixed method approaches in geospatial research to gain context in understanding health related social patterns and processes. The central premise is that official data is often too reductionist and misses’ nuances that can help explain causality. One example is the geonarrative, a spatially relevant commentary or interview that can be mapped by content and/or location. While there have been several examples of geonarratives being used by researchers, there is no commonly available software that can easily transfer the associated text into spatial data. Having a standardized software platform is vital if these methods are to be used across different disciplines. This paper presents an overview of a solution, Wordmapper (WM), which is a standalone software developed to process geonarratives from a transcription and associated global positioning system (GPS) path. Apart from querying textual narrative data, Wordmapper facilitates qualitative coding which could be used to extract latent contextual information from the narratives. In order to improve interoperability, Wordmapper provides spatialized narrative data in formats, such as ESRI shape files, Keyhole Markup Language (KML), and Comma Separated Values (CSV). A case study based on five different spatial video geonarratives (SVG) collected to assess the human impacts following the 2011 Joplin, Missouri are used for illustration.
Chen-Style Tai Chi for Individuals (Aged 50 Years Old or Above) with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Jing , Yeung Albert , Xiao Tao , Tian Xiaopei , Kong Zhaowei , Zou Liye , Wang Xueqiang
Published: February 2019

Tai Chi (TC) can be considered safe and effective intervention to improve pain and pain-related functional disability. However, it is unclear that whether aging individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNS-LBP) can achieve positive results. This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on pain and functional disability in CNS-LBP patients aged 50 years old or above. Forty-three individuals (aged 50 years old or above) with CNS-LBP were randomly assigned into three groups: Chen-Style TC group (n = 15), Core Stabilization training (CST) group (n = 15), and control group (n = 13). Participants in the TC group participated in Chen-style TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week for 12 weeks), individuals in CST group received 12-week Core Stabilization exercise on the Swiss ball, whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Pain intensity as primary outcome was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), A BiodexSystem 3 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure knee and ankle joint position sense (JPS) as secondary outcomes at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. TC and CST have significant effects in VAS for CNS-LBP patients (p< 0.01, TC group OR CST group versus control group in mean of the post-minus-pre assessment). However, the feature of joint position sense (JPS) of ankle inversion, ankle eversion and knee flexion did not occur, it showed no significant effects with TC and CST. TC was found to reduce pain, but not improve lower limb proprioception in patients with CNS-LBP. Future research with larger sample sizes will be needed to achieve more definitive findings on the effects of TC on both pain and lower limb proprioception in this population.
The Application of the Hybrid GIS Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Best–Worst Methodology for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Gigović Ljubomir , Drobnjak Siniša , Pamučar Dragan
Published: February 2019

The main goal of this article is to produce a landslide susceptibility map by using the hybrid Geographical Information System (GIS) spatial multi-criteria decision analysis best–worst methodology (MCDA-BWM) in the western part of the Republic of Serbia. Initially, a landslide inventory map was prepared using the National Landslide Database, aerial photographs, and also by carrying out field surveys. A total of 1082 landslide locations were detected. This methodology considers the fifteen conditioning factors that are relevant to landslide susceptibility mapping: the elevation, slope, aspect, distance to the road network, distance to the river, distance to faults, lithology, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), the Stream Power Index (SPI), the Sediment Transport Index (STI), annual rainfall, the distance to urban areas, and the land use/cover. The expert evaluation takes into account the nature and severity of the observed criteria, and it was tested by using two scenarios: the different aggregation methods of the BWM. The prediction performances of the generated maps were checked by the receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). The validation results confirmed that the areas under the ROC curve for the weighted linear combination (WLC) and the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) aggregation methods of the MCDA-BWM have a very high accuracy. The results of the landslide susceptibility assessment obtained by applying the proposed best–worst method were the first step in the development of landslide risk management and they are expected to be used by local governments for effective management planning purposes.
Lymphoproliferation Impairment and Oxidative Stress in Blood Cells from Early Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Vida Carmen , Kobayashi Hikaru , Garrido Antonio , Martínez de Toda Irene , Carro Eva , Molina José Antonio , De la Fuente Mónica
Published: February 2019

In Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the peripheral changes in the functional capacity and redox state of immune cells has been scarcely investigated, especially in the early PD stages. Aging is a risk factor for PD, and the age-related impairment of the immune system, based on a chronic-oxidative stress situation, is involved in the rate of aging. We analyzed several functions in isolated peripheral blood neutrophils and mononuclear cells from PD stage 2 patients, and compared the results to those in healthy elderly and adult controls. Several oxidative stress and damage parameters were studied in whole blood cells. The results showed an impairment of the lymphoproliferative response in stimulated conditions in the PD patients compared with age-matched controls, who also showed typical immunosenescence in comparison with adult individuals. Higher oxidative stress and damage were observed in whole blood cells from PD patients (lower glutathione peroxidase activity, and higher oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde contents). Our results suggest an accelerated immunosenescence in PD stage 2, and that several of the parameters studied could be appropriate peripheral biomarkers in the early stages of PD.
MRI Relaxometry for Quantitative Analysis of USPIO Uptake in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Thrippleton Michael , Blair Gordon , Valdes-Hernandez Maria , Glatz Andreas , Semple Scott , Doubal Fergus , Vesey Alex , Marshall Ian , Newby David , Wardlaw Joanna
Published: February 2019

A protocol for evaluating ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) uptake and elimination in cerebral small vessel disease patients was developed and piloted. B1-insensitive R1 measurement was evaluated in vitro. Twelve participants with history of minor stroke were scanned at 3-T MRI including structural imaging, and R1 and R2* mapping. Participants were scanned (i) before and (ii) after USPIO (ferumoxytol) infusion, and again at (iii) 24–30 h and (iv) one month. Absolute and blood-normalised changes in R1 and R2* were measured in white matter (WM), deep grey matter (GM), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and stroke lesion regions. R1 measurements were accurate across a wide range of values. R1 (p < 0.05) and R2* (p < 0.01) mapping detected increases in relaxation rate in all tissues immediately post-USPIO and at 24–30 h. R2* returned to baseline at one month. Blood-normalised R1 and R2* changes post-infusion and at 24–30 h were similar, and were greater in GM versus WM (p < 0.001). Narrower distributions were seen with R2* than for R1 mapping. R1 and R2* changes were correlated at 24–30 h (p < 0.01). MRI relaxometry permits quantitative evaluation of USPIO uptake; R2* appears to be more sensitive to USPIO than R1. Our data are explained by intravascular uptake alone, yielding estimates of cerebral blood volume, and did not support parenchymal uptake. Ferumoxytol appears to be eliminated at 1 month. The approach should be valuable in future studies to quantify both blood-pool USPIO and parenchymal uptake associated with inflammatory cells or blood-brain barrier leak.