bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Cost, Open Source IoT-Based SCADA System Design Using Thinger.IO and ESP32 Thing
Authors: Aghenta Lawrence Oriaghe , Iqbal Mohammad Tariq
Published: July 2019

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a technology for monitoring and controlling distributed processes. SCADA provides real-time data exchange between a control/monitoring centre and field devices connected to the distributed processes. A SCADA system performs these functions using its four basic elements: Field Instrumentation Devices (FIDs) such as sensors and actuators which are connected to the distributed process plants being managed, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) such as single board computers for receiving, processing and sending the remote data from the field instrumentation devices, Master Terminal Units (MTUs) for handling data processing and human machine interactions, and lastly SCADA Communication Channels for connecting the RTUs to the MTUs, and for parsing the acquired data. Generally, there are two classes of SCADA hardware and software; Proprietary (Commercial) and Open Source. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a low-cost, Open Source SCADA system by using Thinger.IO local server IoT platform as the MTU and ESP32 Thing micro-controller as the RTU. SCADA architectures have evolved over the years from monolithic (stand-alone) through distributed and networked architectures to the latest Internet of Things (IoT) architecture. The SCADA system proposed in this work is based on the Internet of Things SCADA architecture which incorporates web services with the conventional (traditional) SCADA for a more robust supervisory control and monitoring. It comprises of analog Current and Voltage Sensors, the low-power ESP32 Thing micro-controller, a Raspberry Pi micro-controller, and a local Wi-Fi Router. In its implementation, the current and voltage sensors acquire the desired data from the process plant, the ESP32 micro-controller receives, processes and sends the acquired sensor data via a Wi-Fi network to the Thinger.IO local server IoT platform for data storage, real-time monitoring and remote control. The Thinger.IO server is locally hosted by the Raspberry Pi micro-controller, while the Wi-Fi network which forms the SCADA communication channel is created using the Wi-Fi Router. In order to test the proposed SCADA system solution, the designed hardware was set up to remotely monitor the Photovoltaic (PV) voltage, current, and power, as well as the storage battery voltage of a 260 W, 12 V Solar PV System. Some of the created Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) on Thinger.IO Server where an operator can remotely monitor the data in the cloud, as well as initiate supervisory control activities if the acquired data are not in the expected range, using both a computer connected to the network, and Thinger.IO Mobile Apps are presented in the paper.
A Distributed Token Passing Protocol for Time Constrained Data Gathering in VANETs
Authors: Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano , Nizzi Francesca , Pierucci Laura , Borrego Carlos
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a novel approach for time constrained information gathering in a typical Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET), based on a token passing scheme, adapted to wireless communications by creating a virtual ring where nodes are connected to a predecessor and a successor node. To address the typical fast topology changes of VANETs, we proposed a specific approach, called Tom Thumb that is a distributed protocol that node-by-node circulates a special packet, called token, which collects the information stored in each vehicle until returning to the first unit within a specified time constraint. The protocol has been properly designed in terms of (i) the more effective hop-by-hop and distributed heuristic implementing the objective function (ii) the token packet format, i.e., the syntax and semantics of its fields. Finally, the performance of the proposed approach is validated for different time constraints and numbers of vehicles, always pointing out a remarkable gain, especially in the presence of severe constraints, i.e., in terms of time deadline, collected information amount and success probability.
Load Transfer Device for Solving a Three-Phase Unbalance Problem Under a Low-Voltage Distribution Network
Authors: Bao Guanghai , Ke Sikai
Published: July 2019

In the low-voltage (LV) distribution network, a three-phase unbalance problem often exists. It does not only increase line loss but also threaten the safety of the distribution network. Therefore, the author designs a residential load transfer device for a LV distribution network that can deal with a three-phase unbalance problem by changing the connecting phase of the load. It consists of three parts: user controller for phase swapping, central controller for signal processing and monitoring platform for strategy calculation. This design was based on message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) communication protocol, and Long Range and 4th Generation mobile telecommunications (LoRa + 4G) communication mode is used to realize the wireless connection between equipment and monitoring platform, and a control scheme is proposed. The improved multi-population genetic algorithm (IMPGA) with multi-objective is used to find the optimal swapping strategy, which is implemented on the monitoring platform. Then the phase swapping is realized by remote control, and the function of reducing three-phase unbalance is realized. The practical experimental result shows that the method can help to reduce the three-phase unbalance rate by changing the connection phase of the load, and the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the algorithm in the phase-swapping strategy.
An Efficient Hybrid Model for Nonlinear Two-Phase Flow in Fractured Low-Permeability Reservoir
Authors: Wang Daigang , Sun Jingjing , Li Yong , Peng Hui
Published: July 2019

The staged fracturing horizontal well has proven to be an attractive alternative for improving the development effect of a low permeability waterflood reservoir. Due to the coexistence of matrix, fracture, and horizontal wellbore, it remains a great challenge to accurately simulate the nonlinear flow behaviors in fractured porous media. Using a discrete fracture model to reduce the dimension of the fracture network, a two-parameter model is used to describe the nonlinear two-phase flow behavior, and the equivalent pipe flow equation is selected to estimate the horizontal wellbore pressure drop in the fractured low-permeability reservoir. A hybrid mathematical model for the nonlinear two-phase flow, including the effect of horizontal wellbore pressure drop in fractured porous media, is developed. A numerical scheme of the hybrid model is derived using the mimetic finite difference method and finite volume method. With a staggered five-spot flood system, the accuracy of the proposed model and the effect of fracture properties on nonlinear two-phase flow behaviors are further investigated. The results also show that with an increase of fracture length near injectors, the breakthrough time of injected water into the horizontal wellbore will be shorter, indicating a faster rise of the water cut, and a worse development effect. The impact of shortening fracture spacing is consistent with that of enlarging fracture length. Successful practice in modeling the complex waterflood behaviors for a 3-D heterogeneous reservoir provides powerful evidence for the practicability and reliability of our model.
Latitude and Weather Influences on Sun Light Quality and the Relationship to Tree Growth
Authors: Chiang Camilo , Olsen Jorunn E. , Basler David , Bånkestad Daniel , Hoch Günter
Published: July 2019

Natural changes in photoperiod, light quantity, and quality play a key role in plant signaling, enabling daily and seasonal adjustment of growth and development. Growing concern about the global climate crisis together with scattered reports about the interactive effects of temperature and light parameters on plants necessitates more detailed information about these effects. Furthermore, the actual light emitting diode (LED) lighting technology allows mimicking of light climate scenarios more similar to natural conditions, but to fully exploit this in plant cultivation, easy-to-apply knowledge about the natural variation in light quantity and spectral distribution is required. Here, we aimed to provide detailed information about short and long-term variation in the natural light climate, by recording the light quantity and quality at an open site in Switzerland every minute for a whole year, and to analyze its relationship to a set of previous tree seedling growth experiments. Changes in the spectral composition as a function of solar elevation angle and weather conditions were analyzed. At a solar elevation angle lower than 20°, the weather conditions have a significant effect on the proportions of blue (B) and red (R) light, whereas the proportion of green (G) light is almost constant. At a low solar elevation, the red to far red (R:FR) ratio fluctuates between 0.8 in cloudy conditions and 1.3 on sunny days. As the duration of periods with low solar angles increases with increasing latitude, an analysis of previous experiments on tree seedlings shows that the effect of the R:FR ratio correlates with the responses of plants from different latitudes to light quality. We suggest an evolutionary adaptation where growth in seedlings of selected tree species from high latitudes is more dependent on detection of light quantity of specific light qualities than in such seedlings originating from lower latitudes.
Abiotic Parameters and Pedogenesis as Controlling Factors for Soil C and N Cycling Along an Elevational Gradient in a Subalpine Larch Forest (NW Italy)
Authors: Pintaldi Emanuele , Viglietti Davide , D’Amico Michele Eugenio , Magnani Andrea , Freppaz Michele
Published: July 2019

Mountain regions are vulnerable to climate change but information about the climate sensitivity of seasonally snow-covered, subalpine ecosystems is still lacking. We investigated the impact of climatic conditions and pedogenesis on the C and N cycling along an elevation gradient under a Larch forest in the northwest (NW) Italian Alps. The environmental gradient that occurs over short distances makes elevation a good proxy for understanding the response of forest soils and nutrient cycling to different climatic conditions. Subalpine forests are located in a sensitive elevation range—the prospected changes in winter precipitation (i.e., shift of snowfalls to higher altitude, reduction of snow cover duration, etc.) could determine strong effects on soil nitrogen and carbon cycling. The work was performed in the western Italian Alps (Long-Term Ecological Research- LTER site Mont Mars, Fontainemore, Aosta Valley Region). Three sites, characterized by similar bedrock lithology and predominance of Larix decidua Mill., were selected along an elevation gradient (1550–1900 m above sea level-a.s.l.). To investigate the effects on soil properties and soil solution C and N forms of changing abiotic factors (e.g., snow cover duration, number of soil freeze/thaw cycles, intensity and duration of soil freezing, etc.) along the elevation gradient, soil profiles were opened in each site and topsoils and soil solutions were periodically collected from 2015 to 2016. The results indicated that the coldest and highest soil (well-developed Podzol) showed the highest content of extractable C and N forms (N-NH4+, DON, DOC, Cmicr) compared to lower-elevation Cambisols. The soil solution C and N forms (except N-NO3−) did not show significant differences among the sites. Independently from elevation, the duration of soil freezing, soil volumetric water content, and snow cover duration (in order of importance) were the main abiotic factors driving soil C and N forms, revealing how little changes in these parameters could considerably influence C and N cycling under this subalpine forest stand.
Bulbous Pier: An Alternative to Bridge Pier Extensions as a Countermeasure against Bridge Deck Splashing
Authors: Karakouzian Moses , Chavez Amilcar , Hayes Donald , Nazari-Sharabian Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Bridge deck splashing causes deterioration to a bridge’s structure and renders the bridge unsafe for motorists and pedestrians. The traditional countermeasure for bridge deck splashing has been pier extension. Pier extensions move the pier wave and the associated splash away from the bridge deck, but retrofitting existing bridges with pier extensions is costly. This research evaluates the use of a bulbous added to the pier as an alternative to pier extension. A bulb placed on the upstream side of a bridge pier affects the splashing. The energy in the passing water is redirected from the impact by streamlining the flow. This study proposes a mathematical model for bulbous pier design, based on a model used for a mono-hull ship. Under the mono-hull model, the bulb length extends, reaching the region where viscous resistance is dominant. Unlike wave-making resistance, which is achieved through modeling, the proposed model does not require modeling to calculate pier wave reduction.
Balancing the Photoreceptor Proteome: Proteostasis Network Therapeutics for Inherited Retinal Disease
Authors: Faber Siebren , Roepman Ronald
Published: July 2019

The light sensing outer segments of photoreceptors (PRs) are renewed every ten days due to their high photoactivity, especially of the cones during daytime vision. This demands a tremendous amount of energy, as well as a high turnover of their main biosynthetic compounds, membranes, and proteins. Therefore, a refined proteostasis network (PN), regulating the protein balance, is crucial for PR viability. In many inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) this balance is disrupted leading to protein accumulation in the inner segment and eventually the death of PRs. Various studies have been focusing on therapeutically targeting the different branches of the PR PN to restore the protein balance and ultimately to treat inherited blindness. This review first describes the different branches of the PN in detail. Subsequently, insights are provided on how therapeutic compounds directed against the different PN branches might slow down or even arrest the appalling, progressive blinding conditions. These insights are supported by findings of PN modulators in other research disciplines.
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: Technique, Indications, Tips and Pitfalls
Authors: Carrasco-Llatas Marina , Matarredona-Quiles Silvia , De Vito Andrea , Chong Khai Beng , Vicini Claudio
Published: July 2019

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic tool to assess the upper airway of snorers and obstructive sleep apnea patients in conditions that mimic natural sleep. Although DISE appears simple and similar to awake endoscopy, there are many aspects that need to be standardized in order to obtain reliable and reproducible information. In this article, we will recommend how to reliably perform DISE, its indications, and how to obtain and interpret the information of the upper airway.
Changes in Gender Roles within Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Survey of Gender Roles and Gender Restrictions within the Yama Hoko Yatai Float Festivals in Japan
Authors: Janse Helga
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the results of a study on gender roles and gender restrictions within a certain type of festival in Japan—the Yama Hoko Yatai float festivals—taking place in various regions throughout the country. In addition to mapping gender roles, the study was also focused on mapping changes that have occurred in these gender roles and identifying the reasons for the changes. A survey was conducted among the preservation associations connected to the 36 concerned festivals in the form of a questionnaire sent by post. The results of the survey show the differences between the festivals in terms of gender roles and gender restrictions. While some festivals display a more gender-inclusive approach, others are reportedly performed exclusively by men, and some display gender-based role divisions. Approximately half of the replies reported that some changes in the gender roles had occurred, and the primary direction of change was towards increased inclusion (increased female participation). Concerning the reasons behind the increased female participation, the replies suggest that a primary trigger of change was a shortage of people to participate, caused by declining birth rates. A change in attitude/consciousness towards female participation was mentioned in a few cases.
Spatial Analysis of Industrial Benzene Emissions and Cancer Incidence Rates in Texas
Authors: Mungi Chinmay , Lai Dejian , Du Xianglin L.
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a spatial analysis of the association between industrial benzene emissions and the 10-year incidence rates of cancers likely to be associated with benzene exposure (Lymphohematopoietic, lung and lip cancers) at the county level in Texas. The spatial distribution of incident cases of the above cancers between 2004 and 2013 was assessed at the county level and found to have positive spatial auto-correlation. Subsequently, point pattern analysis was performed on industrial emissions of benzene reported to the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), revealing a non-random spatial pattern. Universal kriging was performed using the industrial emissions data to derive estimates of ambient benzene levels at the county level. An ordinary linear regression model was fitted using the incidence rates as the outcome and the estimated benzene level along with chosen covariates and the residuals were assessed for lingering spatial auto-correlation. As the residuals showed that spatial auto-correlation persists, a spatial conditional auto-regression (CAR) model was fitted instead. In the spatial CAR linear regression model, estimated levels of ambient benzene were not found to be significantly associated with the 10-year incidence rates of lymphohematopoietic, lung and lip cancers at the county level.
Workplace-Based Exercise Intervention Improves Work Ability in Office Workers: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Ting Joshua , Chen Xiaoqi , Johnston Venerina
Published: July 2019

Neck pain is a burden to employers and employees amenable to improvement with neck/shoulder strengthening exercises. However, the benefits of such interventions on office workers’ work ability remains unknown. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week combined ergonomics and neck/shoulder strengthening exercise intervention (EET, n = 177, mean age 41.7 years, 26% female), versus a 12-week combined ergonomics and health promotion intervention (EHP, n = 173, mean age 43 years, 29% female) on work ability among office workers. Work ability was measured by a single question. Differences in the work ability score were analyzed using the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (i.e., adherence ≥70%) analyses for between- and within-group differences at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 months. A sub-group analysis was performed for neck cases, defined as reporting neck pain as ≥3 (out of 10). No significant between-group differences for work ability were observed in the general population, and subgroup of neck cases. A significant group-by-time interaction effect at 12 weeks and the trend for significance at 12 months favored the EET group in the per-protocol analysis of the neck cases. EET was effective in increasing work ability post-intervention and potentially, in the long-term, in symptomatic participants with ≥70% adherence to the intervention. However, EET was not superior to EHP.
Barriers to Mental Health Help-Seeking Amongst Refugee Men
Authors: Byrow Yulisha , Pajak Rosanna , McMahon Tadgh , Rajouria Amitabh , Nickerson Angela
Published: July 2019

Rates of help-seeking for mental health problems are low amongst refugee communities, despite the high prevalence of PTSD reported amongst these individuals. Research suggests that the key barriers to seeking help for psychological problems include structural barriers (e.g., unstable housing), cultural barriers (e.g., mental health stigma), and barriers specific to refugees and asylum seekers (e.g., visa status). This study examined the effect of structural, cultural and refugee specific barriers on the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and intentions to seek help from professional, social, and community sources. Data was collected from 103 male refugees and asylum seekers with an Arabic-, Farsi-, or Tamil-speaking background. Participants completed measures indexing demographics, trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, mental health stigma, and help-seeking intentions. Path analyses indicated that PTSD severity was associated with lower help-seeking intentions indirectly via mental health stigma (self-stigma for seeking help and self-stigma for PTSD) and visa security. PTSD severity was also associated with greater help-seeking intentions from community members indirectly via structural barriers. These findings are important to consider when identifying key barriers to mental health help-seeking and developing interventions designed to increase help-seeking for psychological problems, within this group.
“I Will Not Leave My Body Here”: Migrant Farmworkers’ Health and Safety Amidst a Climate of Coercion
Authors: Caxaj C. Susana , Cohen Amy
Published: July 2019

Every year more temporary migrant workers come to Canada to fill labour shortages in the agricultural sector. While research has examined the ways that these workers are made vulnerable and exploitable due to their temporary statuses, less has focused on the subjective experiences of migrant agricultural workers in regards their workplace health and safety. We conducted interviews and focus groups with migrant workers in the interior of British Columbia, Canada and used a narrative line of inquiry to highlight two main themes that illustrate the implicit and complex mechanisms that can structure migrant agricultural workers’ workplace climate, and ultimately, endanger their health and safety. The two themes we elaborate are (1) authorities that silence; and (2) “I will not leave my body here.” We discuss the implications of each theme, ultimately arguing that a number of complex political and economic forces create a climate of coercion in which workers feel compelled to choose between their health and safety and tenuous economic security.
The Role of Cell Membrane Information Reception, Processing, and Communication in the Structure and Function of Multicellular Tissue
Authors: Gatenby Robert A.
Published: July 2019

Investigations of information dynamics in eukaryotic cells focus almost exclusively on heritable information in the genome. Gene networks are modeled as “central processors” that receive, analyze, and respond to intracellular and extracellular signals with the nucleus described as a cell’s control center. Here, we present a model in which cellular information is a distributed system that includes non-genomic information processing in the cell membrane that may quantitatively exceed that of the genome. Within this model, the nucleus largely acts a source of macromolecules and processes information needed to synchronize their production with temporal variations in demand. However, the nucleus cannot produce microsecond responses to acute, life-threatening perturbations and cannot spatially resolve incoming signals or direct macromolecules to the cellular regions where they are needed. In contrast, the cell membrane, as the interface with its environment, can rapidly detect, process, and respond to external threats and opportunities through the large amounts of potential information encoded within the transmembrane ion gradient. Our model proposes environmental information is detected by specialized protein gates within ion-specific transmembrane channels. When the gate receives a specific environmental signal, the ion channel opens and the received information is communicated into the cell via flow of a specific ion species (i.e., K+, Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, Mg2+) along electrochemical gradients. The fluctuation of an ion concentration within the cytoplasm adjacent to the membrane channel can elicit an immediate, local response by altering the location and function of peripheral membrane proteins. Signals that affect a larger surface area of the cell membrane and/or persist over a prolonged time period will produce similarly cytoplasmic changes on larger spatial and time scales. We propose that as the amplitude, spatial extent, and duration of changes in cytoplasmic ion concentrations increase, the information can be communicated to the nucleus and other intracellular structure through ion flows along elements of the cytoskeleton to the centrosome (via microtubules) or proteins in the nuclear membrane (via microfilaments). These dynamics add spatial and temporal context to the more well-recognized information communication from the cell membrane to the nucleus following ligand binding to membrane receptors. Here, the signal is transmitted and amplified through transduction by the canonical molecular (e.g., Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) pathways. Cytoplasmic diffusion allows this information to be broadly distributed to intracellular organelles but at the cost of loss of spatial and temporal information also contained in ligand binding.
Mast Cells, Stress, Fear and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Theoharides Theoharis C. , Kavalioti Maria , Tsilioni Irene
Published: July 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by impaired communication and obsessive behavior that affects 1 in 59 children. ASD is expected to affect 1 in about 40 children by 2020, but there is still no distinct pathogenesis or effective treatments. Prenatal stress has been associated with higher risk of developing ASD in the offspring. Moreover, children with ASD cannot handle anxiety and respond disproportionately even to otherwise benign triggers. Stress and environmental stimuli trigger the unique immune cells, mast cells, which could then trigger microglia leading to abnormal synaptic pruning and dysfunctional neuronal connectivity. This process could alter the “fear threshold” in the amygdala and lead to an exaggerated “fight-or-flight” reaction. The combination of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), secreted under stress, together with environmental stimuli could be major contributors to the pathogenesis of ASD. Recognizing these associations and preventing stimulation of mast cells and/or microglia could greatly benefit ASD patients.
Coexisting Molecular Determinants of Acquired Oxaliplatin Resistance in Human Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Noordhuis Paul , Laan Adrianus C. , van de Born Kasper , Honeywell Richard J. , Peters Godefridus J.
Published: July 2019

Oxaliplatin (OHP) treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) frequently leads to resistance. OHP resistance was induced in CRC cell lines LoVo-92 and LoVo-Li and a platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line, A2780, and related to cellular platinum accumulation, platinum-DNA adducts, transporter expression, DNA repair genes, gene expression arrays, and array-CGH profiling. Pulse (4 h, 4OHP) and continuous exposure (72 h, cOHP) resulted in 4.0 to 7.9-fold and 5.0 to 11.8-fold drug resistance, respectively. Cellular oxaliplatin accumulation and DNA-adduct formation were decreased and related to OCT1-3 and ATP7A expression. Gene expression profiling and pathway analysis showed significantly altered p53 signaling, xenobiotic metabolism, role of BRCA1 in DNA damage response, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathways, were related to decreased ALDH1L2, Bax, and BBC3 (PUMA) and increased aldo-keto reductases C1 and C3. The array-CGH profiles showed focal aberrations. In conclusion, OHP resistance was correlated with total platinum accumulation and OCT1-3 expression, decreased proapoptotic, and increased anti-apoptosis and homologous repair genes.
Synthesis and Application of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for the Prevention of Infection in Healthcare Workers
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Sato Masahiro , Sato Yoko , Ando Naoko , Takayama Tomohiro , Fujita Masanori , Ishihara Masayuki
Published: July 2019

Silver is easily available and is known to have microbicidal effect; moreover, it does not impose any adverse effects on the human body. The microbicidal effect is mainly due to silver ions, which have a wide antibacterial spectrum. Furthermore, the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria, as in the case of antibiotics, is less likely. Silver ions bind to halide ions, such as chloride, and precipitate; therefore, when used directly, their microbicidal activity is shortened. To overcome this issue, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been recently synthesized and frequently used as microbicidal agents that release silver ions from particle surface. Depending on the specific surface area of the nanoparticles, silver ions are released with high efficiency. In addition to their bactericidal activity, small Ag NPs (<10 nm in diameter) affect viruses although the microbicidal effect of silver mass is weak. Because of their characteristics, Ag NPs are useful countermeasures against infectious diseases, which constitute a major issue in the medical field. Thus, medical tools coated with Ag NPs are being developed. This review outlines the synthesis and utilization of Ag NPs in the medical field, focusing on environment-friendly synthesis and the suppression of infections in healthcare workers (HCWs).
Text Filtering through Multi-Pattern Matching: A Case Study of Wu–Manber–Uy on the Language of Uyghur
Authors: Tohti Turdi , Huang Jimmy , Hamdulla Askar , Tan Xing
Published: July 2019

Given its generality in applications and its high time-efficiency on big data-sets, in recent years, the technique of text filtering through pattern matching has been attracting increasing attention from the field of information retrieval and Natural language Processing (NLP) research communities at large. That being the case, however, it has yet to be seen how this technique and its algorithms, (e.g., Wu–Manber, which is also considered in this paper) can be applied and adopted properly and effectively to Uyghur, a low-resource language that is mostly spoken by the ethnic Uyghur group with a population of more than eleven-million in Xinjiang, China. We observe that technically, the challenge is mainly caused by two factors: (1) Vowel weakening and (2) mismatching in semantics between affixes and stems. Accordingly, in this paper, we propose Wu–Manber–Uy, a variant of an improvement to Wu–Manber, dedicated particularly for working on the Uyghur language. Wu–Manber–Uy implements a stem deformation-based pattern expansion strategy, specifically for reducing the mismatching of patterns caused by vowel weakening and spelling errors. A two-way strategy that applies invigilation and control on the change of lexical meaning of stems during word-building is also used in Wu–Manber–Uy. Extra consideration with respect to Word2vec and the dictionary are incorporated into the system for processing Uyghur. The experimental results we have obtained consistently demonstrate the high performance of Wu–Manber–Uy.
Gut Microbiota and Risk of Persistent Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases
Authors: Kim Han-Na , Joo Eun-Jeong , Cheong Hae Suk , Kim Yejin , Kim Hyung-Lae , Shin Hocheol , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho
Published: July 2019

Gut dysbiosis is regarded as a pathogenetic factor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its role in NAFLD persistence is unknown. We investigated the influence of the gut microbiota on persistent NAFLD. This cohort study included 766 subjects with 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing data from fecal samples at baseline who underwent repeated health check-up examinations. Fatty liver was determined using ultrasound at baseline and follow-up. Participants were categorized into four groups: none (control), developed, regressed, or persistent NAFLD. The persistent NAFLD group had lower richness compared with the control group. Significant differences were also found in both non-phylogenic and phylogenic beta diversity measures according to NAFLD persistence. Pairwise comparisons indicated that taxa abundance mainly differed between the control and persistent NAFLD groups. A relative high abundance of Fusobacteria and low abundance of genera Oscillospira and Ruminococcus of the family Ruminococcaceae and genus Coprococcus of the family Lachnospiraceae were found in the persistent NAFLD group. Based on the functional predictions, pathways related to primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis were highly detected in the persistent NAFLD group compared with the control group. These findings support that the composition of the gut microbiome associated with dysregulation of bile acid biosynthetic pathways may contribute to the persistence of NAFLD. This is the first cohort study to demonstrate the influence of microbiota on persistent NAFLD. Our findings may help identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention in NAFLD.
Erythrocyte Encapsulated Thymidine Phosphorylase for the Treatment of Patients with Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy: Study Protocol for a Multi-Centre, Multiple Dose, Open Label Trial
Authors: Bax Bridget E. , Levene Michelle , Bain Murray D. , Fairbanks Lynette D. , Filosto Massimiliano , Kalkan Uçar Sema , Klopstock Thomas , Kornblum Cornelia , Mandel Hanna , Rahman Shamima , Roubertie Agathe , Scarpelli Mauro , Sedgwick Philip M. , Baru Moshe , Sellos-Moura Marcia , Price Jeanie , Horn Patrick , Nirmalananthan Niranjanan
Published: July 2019

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an autosomal recessive disorder which primarily affects the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. This disease is caused by mutations in the nuclear TYMP gene, which encodes for thymidine phosphorylase, an enzyme required for the normal metabolism of deoxynucleosides, thymidine, and deoxyuridine. The subsequent elevated systemic concentrations of deoxynucleosides lead to increased intracellular concentrations of their corresponding triphosphates, and ultimately mitochondrial failure due to progressive accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects and mtDNA depletion. Currently, there are no treatments for MNGIE where effectiveness has been evidenced in clinical trials. This Phase 2, multi-centre, multiple dose, open label trial without a control will investigate the application of erythrocyte-encapsulated thymidine phosphorylase (EE-TP) as an enzyme replacement therapy for MNGIE. Three EE-TP dose levels are planned with patients receiving the dose level that achieves metabolic correction. The study duration is 31 months, comprising 28 days of screening, 90 days of run-in, 24 months of treatment and 90 days of post-dose follow-up. The primary objectives are to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of multiple doses of EE-TP. The secondary objectives are to assess EE-TP immunogenicity after multiple dose administrations and changes in clinical assessments, and the pharmacodynamics effect of EE-TP on clinical assessments.
Hydrodynamic Performance of Rectangular Heaving Buoys for an Integrated Floating Breakwater
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Zeng Qiang , Liu Zhen
Published: July 2019

Recently, the integrated development of wave energy converters and breakwaters has become popular, moving from traditional passive wave absorption to active energy capture. In this study, rectangular heaving buoys are considered as floating breakwater modules to absorb wave energy. A numerical wave tank is established based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equation and User-Define-Function in ANSYS-Fluent commercial software. The numerical results show that incident wave conditions and submerged depth have significant effects on the heaving performance and wave energy absorption of a rectangular buoy. Flow structures around the buoy are shown to exhibit flow separations and vortex shedding, which can provide more information on buoy optimization. Power take-off (PTO) reaction forces are assumed to be a linear function of the translation velocities of the buoy. Numerical results demonstrate that a suitable PTO module can improve the wave power absorption by up to 34.2% for certain buoy and wave conditions, which is valuable for further investigations.
Fuzzy Multi-SVR Learning Model for Reliability-Based Design Optimization of Turbine Blades
Authors: Zhang Chun-Yi , Wang Ze , Fei Cheng-Wei , Yuan Zhe-Shan , Wei Jing-Shan , Tang Wen-Zhong
Published: July 2019

The effectiveness of a model is the key factor of influencing the reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of multi-failure turbine blades in the power system. A machine learning-based RBDO approach, called fuzzy multi-SVR learning method, was proposed by absorbing the strengths of fuzzy theory, support vector machine of regression (SVR), and multi-response surface method. The model of fuzzy multi-SVR learning method was established by adopting artificial bee colony algorithm to optimize the parameters of SVR models and considering the fuzziness of constraints based on fuzzy theory, in respect of the basic thought of multi-response surface method. The RBDO model and procedure with fuzzy multi-SVR learning method were then resolved and designed by multi-objective genetic algorithm. Lastly, the fuzzy RBDO of a turbine blade with multi-failure modes was performed regarding the design parameters of rotor speed, temperature, and aerodynamic pressure, and the design objectives of blade stress, strain, and deformation, and the fuzzy constraints of reliability degree and boundary conditions, as well. It is revealed (1) the stress and deformation of turbine blade are reduced by 92.38 MPa and 0.09838 mm, respectively. (2) The comprehensive reliability degree of the blade was improved by 3.45% from 95.4% to 98.85%. (3) It is verified that the fuzzy multi-SVR learning method is workable for the fuzzy RBDO of complex structures just like a multi-failure blade with high modeling precision, as well as high optimization, efficiency, and accuracy. The efforts of this study open a new research way, i.e., machine learning-based RBDO, for the RBDO of multi-failure structures, which expands the application of machine learning methods, and enriches the mechanical reliability design method and theory as well.
Cross-Contamination Quantification in Powders for Additive Manufacturing: A Study on Ti-6Al-4V and Maraging Steel
Authors: Santecchia Eleonora , Mengucci Paolo , Gatto Andrea , Bassoli Elena , Defanti Silvio , Barucca Gianni
Published: July 2019

Metal additive manufacturing is now taking the lead over traditional manufacturing techniques in applications such as aerospace and biomedicine, which are characterized by low production volumes and high levels of customization. While fulfilling these requirements is the strength of metal additive manufacturing, respecting the tight tolerances typical of the mentioned applications is a harder task to accomplish. Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a class of additive manufacturing in which layers of metal powder are fused on top of each other by a high-energy beam (laser or electron beam) according to a computer-aided design (CAD) model. The quality of raw powders for PBF affects the mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts strongly, and therefore it is crucial to avoid the presence of any source of contamination, particularly cross-contamination. In this study, the identification and quantification of cross-contamination in powders of Ti-6Al-4V and maraging steel was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Experimental results showed an overall good reliability of the developed method, opening the way for applications in machine learning environments.
Synthesis of Petal-Like MnO2 Nanosheets on Hollow Fe3O4 Nanospheres for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis of Biotreated Papermaking Effluent
Authors: Du Yangliu , Li Fuqiang , Peng Yecan , Jia Shaowu , Lan Lei , Zhou Jinghong , Wang Shuangfei
Published: July 2019

Owing to the implementation of increasingly stringent water conservation policies and regulations, the pulp and paper mill industry must make increased efforts to meet the limits for pollutant emissions. The primary pretreatment and secondary biochemical treatment methods used currently generally fail to meet the country-specific environmental regulations, and the wastewater must be processed further even after being subjected to secondary biochemical treatments. In this work, we synthesized Fe3O4/MnO2 nanocomposites (FMNs) with a flower-like structure for use in the heterogeneous photocatalytic treatment of biotreated papermaking wastewater. FMNs1.25, which were formed using a KMnO4/Fe3O4 molar ratio of 1.25, could be separated readily using an external magnetic field and exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than those of the other samples as well as MnO2 and Fe3O4. The effects of various experimental parameters on the photocatalytic activity of FMNs1.25, including the initial pH of the wastewater and the catalyst dosage, were determined. The common chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) reduction rate in the case of this sample reached 56.58% within 120 min at a pH of 3, the CODCr of effluent after treatment was 52.10 mg/L. Further, even under neutral conditions, the CODCr of the treated effluent was below the current limit for discharge in China. Moreover, the nanocomposites exhibited good recyclability, and their catalytic activity did not decrease significantly even after five usage cycles. This study should serve as a platform for the fabrication of effective photocatalysts for the advanced treatment of biotreated papermaking effluent and refractory organic wastewater.
Existence Theory for a Fractional q-Integro-Difference Equation with q-Integral Boundary Conditions of Different Orders
Authors: Etemad Sina , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Ahmad Bashir
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we study the existence of solutions for a new class of fractional q-integro-difference equations involving Riemann-Liouville q-derivatives and a q-integral of different orders, supplemented with boundary conditions containing q-integrals of different orders. The first existence result is obtained by means of Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, while the second one relies on a Leray-Schauder nonlinear alternative. The uniqueness result is derived via the Banach contraction mapping principle. Finally, illustrative examples are presented to show the validity of the obtained results. The paper concludes with some interesting observations.
Conservative Rehabilitation Provides Superior Clinical Results Compared to Early Aggressive Rehabilitation for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Rizzello Giacomo , Petrillo Stefano , Loppini Mattia , Maffulli Nicola , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: To compare the long term clinical outcomes, range of motion (ROM) and strength of two different postoperative rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) for full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tears. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing RCR were divided into two groups. In 51 patients (56 shoulders), rehabilitation was performed without passive external rotation, anterior elevation ROM, and active pendulum exercises in the first 2 weeks after surgery (Group A). In 49 patients (50 shoulders) aggressive rehabilitation was implemented, with early free passive external rotation, anterior elevation ROM, and active pendulum exercises were allowed from the day after surgery (Group A). Results: No statistically significant differences were found in clinical scores, muscle strength, passive forward flexion, passive and active internal/external rotation between the two groups. However, the mean active forward flexion was 167.3° ± 26° (range 90–180°) in group A and 156.5° ± 30.5° (range 90–180°) in group B (p = 0.04). Conclusions: A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was found in active forward flexion ROM, which was better in patients of group A.
TRPV1 Antagonists as Novel Anti-Diabetic Agents: Regulation of Oral Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Secretion Through Reduction of Low-Grade Inflammation?
Authors: Gram Dorte X. , Fribo Josefine , Nagy Istvan , Gotfredsen Carsten , Charrua Ana , Hansen John B. , Hansen Anker J. , Szallasi Arpad
Published: July 2019

With a global prevalence among adults over 18 years of age approaching 9%, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached pandemic proportions and represents a major unmet medical need. To date, no disease modifying treatment is available for T2DM patients. Accumulating evidence suggest that the sensory nervous system is involved in the progression of T2DM by maintaining low-grade inflammation via the vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV1 is directly involved in glucose homeostasis in rodents. TRPV1 receptor knockout mice (Trpv1−/−) and their wild-type littermates were kept on high-fat diet for 15 weeks. Moreover, Zucker obese rats were given the small molecule TRPV1 antagonist, N-(4-Tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3-cholorphyridin-2-yl)tetrahydropyrazine-1(2H)-carbox-amide (BCTC), per os twice-a-day or vehicle for eight days. Oral glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was improved by both genetic inactivation (Trpv1−/− mice) and pharmacological blockade (BCTC) of TRPV1. In the obese rat, the improved glucose tolerance was accompanied by a reduction in inflammatory markers in the mesenteric fat, suggesting that blockade of low-grade inflammation contributes to the positive effect of TRPV1 antagonism on glucose metabolism. We propose that TRPV1 could be a promising therapeutic target in T2DM by improving glucose intolerance and correcting dysfunctional insulin secretion.
Urinary Metabolomics Validates Metabolic Differentiation Between Renal Cell Carcinoma Stages and Reveals a Unique Metabolic Profile for Oncocytomas
Authors: Falegan Oluyemi S. , Arnold Egloff Shanna A. , Zijlstra Andries , Hyndman M. Eric , Vogel Hans J.
Published: July 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy which often develops and progresses asymptomatically. Benign oncocytomas are morphologically similar to malignant chromophobe RCC and distinguishing between these two forms on cross-sectional imaging remains a challenge. Therefore, RCC-specific biomarkers are urgently required for accurate and non-invasive, pre-surgical diagnosis of benign lesions. We have previously shown that dysregulation in glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates can distinguish benign lesions from RCC in a stage-specific manner. In this study, preoperative fasting urine samples from patients with renal masses were assessed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Significant alterations in levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, carnitines and its derivatives were detected in RCC relative to benign masses and in oncocytomas vs. chromophobe RCC. Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis plots confirmed stage discrimination between benign vs. pT1 (R2 = 0.42, Q2 = 0.27) and benign vs. pT3 (R2 = 0.48, Q2 = 0.32) and showed separation for oncocytomas vs. chromophobe RCC (R2 = 0.81, Q2 = 0.57) and oncocytomas vs. clear cell RCC (R2 = 0.32, Q2 = 0.20). This study validates our previously described metabolic profile distinguishing benign tumors from RCC and presents a novel metabolic signature for oncocytomas which may be exploited for diagnosis before cross-sectional imaging.