bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Cell Infiltration in the Microenvironment of Liver Oligometastasis from Colorectal Cancer: Intratumoural CD8/CD3 Ratio Is a Valuable Prognostic Index for Patients Undergoing Liver Metastasectomy
Authors: Peng Jianhong , Wang Yongchun , Zhang Rongxin , Deng Yuxiang , Xiao Binyi , Ou Qingjian , Sui Qiaoqi , Xu Jing , Qin Jiayi , Lin Junzhong , Pan Zhizhong
Published: December 2019

Background: A comprehensive investigation into immune cell infiltration provides more accurate and reliable prognostic information for patients with colorectal liver oligometastases (CLO) after liver metastasectomy. Methods: Simultaneous detection of the immune constituents CD3+, CD8+, Foxp3+ T, and α-SMA+ cells in the liver oligometastasis of 133 patients was conducted using a four-colour immunohistochemical multiplex technique. Immune cells were quantified, and tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ratios were subsequently calculated. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for TIL ratios were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models. Results: Significantly fewer CD3+, CD8+, and Foxp3+ T cells were observed in the intratumoural region than in the peritumoural region of liver metastases. CD3+, CD8+, Foxp3+ T, and α-SMA+ cells showed significantly positive correlations with each other both in the intratumoural and peritumoural regions of liver metastases. Only the CD8/CD3 TIL ratio demonstrated a positive correlation between intratumoural and peritumoural regions of liver metastases (r = 0.541, p < 0.001). Patients with high intratumoural CD8/CD3 ratios had significantly longer 3-year RFS (59.0% vs. 47.4%, p = 0.035) and 3-year OS rates (83.3% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.007) than those with low intratumoural CD8/CD3 ratios. Multivariate analyses revealed that the intratumoural CD8/CD3 ratio was independently associated with RFS (HR = 0.593; 95% CI = 0.357–0.985; p = 0.043) and OS (HR = 0.391; 95% CI = 0.193–0.794; p = 0.009). Conclusion: These findings offer a better understanding of the prognostic value of immune cell infiltration on liver oligometastasis from colorectal cancer.
Solution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) for Analysis of Catalytically Active Species in Reactions with Ethylene by Homogeneous (Imido)vanadium(V) Complexes—Al Cocatalyst Systems
Authors: Nomura Kotohiro
Published: December 2019

Solution V K-edge XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) and EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) analysis of vanadium(V) complexes containing both imido ligands and anionic ancillary donor ligands (L) of type, V(NR)(L)X2 (R = Ar, Ad (1-adamantyl); Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3; X = Cl, Me, L = 2-(ArNCH2)C5H4N, OAr, WCA-NHC, and 2-(2’-benzimidazolyl)pyridine; WCA-NHC = anionic NHCs containing weak coordinating B(C6F5)3), which catalyze ethylene dimerization and/or polymerization in the presence of Al cocatalysts, has been explored. Different catalytically actives species with different oxidation states were formed depending upon the Al cocatalyst (MAO, Me2AlCl, AliBu3, etc.) and the anionic ancillary donor ligand employed. The method is useful for obtainment of the direct information of the active species (oxidation state, basic framework around the centered metal) in solution, and for better understanding in catalysis mechanism and organometallic as well as coordination chemistry.
Performance Improvement in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells by Using CaTiO3-δ Additive at the Cathode
Authors: Mazzapioda Lucia , Lo Vecchio Carmelo , Aricò Antonino Salvatore , Navarra Maria Assunta , Baglio Vincenzo
Published: December 2019

A non-stoichiometric calcium titanate CaTiO3-δ (CTO) was synthesized and used as oxygen reduction reaction co-catalyst (together with Pt/C) in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), equipped with a composite cathode formulation (Pt/C:CTO1:1), was investigated in DMFC, using a 2 M methanol solution at the anode and oxygen at the cathode, and compared with an MEA equipped with a benchmark Pt/C cathode catalyst. It appears that the presence of the CTO additive promotes the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to the presence of oxygen vacancies as available active sites for oxygen adsorption in the lattice. The increase in power density obtained with the CTO-based electrode, compared with the benchmark Pt/C, was more than 40% at 90 °C, reaching a maximum power density close to 120 mW cm−2, which is one of the highest values reported in the literature under similar operating conditions.
Influence of Liver Fibrosis on Lobular Zonation
Authors: Ghallab Ahmed , Myllys Maiju , H. Holland Christian , Zaza Ayham , Murad Walaa , Hassan Reham , A. Ahmed Yasser , Abbas Tahany , A. Abdelrahim Eman , Schneider Kai Markus , Matz-Soja Madlen , Reinders Jörg , Gebhardt Rolf , Berres Marie-Luise , Hatting Maximilian , Drasdo Dirk , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Trautwein Christian , G. Hengstler Jan
Published: December 2019

Little is known about how liver fibrosis influences lobular zonation. To address this question, we used three mouse models of liver fibrosis, repeated CCl4 administration for 2, 6 and 12 months to induce pericentral damage, as well as bile duct ligation (21 days) and mdr2−/− mice to study periportal fibrosis. Analyses were performed by RNA-sequencing, immunostaining of zonated proteins and image analysis. RNA-sequencing demonstrated a significant enrichment of pericentral genes among genes downregulated by CCl4; vice versa, periportal genes were enriched among the upregulated genes. Immunostaining showed an almost complete loss of pericentral proteins, such as cytochrome P450 enzymes and glutamine synthetase, while periportal proteins, such as arginase 1 and CPS1 became expressed also in pericentral hepatocytes. This pattern of fibrosis-associated ‘periportalization’ was consistently observed in all three mouse models and led to complete resistance to hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen (200 mg/kg). Characterization of the expression response identified the inflammatory pathways TGFβ, NFκB, TNFα, and transcription factors NFKb1, Stat1, Hif1a, Trp53, and Atf1 among those activated, while estrogen-associated pathways, Hnf4a and Hnf1a, were decreased. In conclusion, liver fibrosis leads to strong alterations of lobular zonation, where the pericentral region adopts periportal features. Beside adverse consequences, periportalization supports adaptation to repeated doses of hepatotoxic compounds.
Non-Redundant and Overlapping Oncogenic Readouts of Non-Canonical and Novel Colorectal Cancer KRAS and NRAS Mutants
Authors: Alcantara Krizelle Mae M. , Malapit Joshua Reginald P. , Yu Ryan Timothy D. , Garrido Jose Antonio Ma. G. , Rigor John Paul T. , Angeles Arlou Kristina J. , Cutiongco-de la Paz Eva Maria , Garcia Reynaldo L.
Published: December 2019

RAS oncogene family members are molecular switches of signaling pathways that control cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In colorectal cancer, Kirsten-RAS (KRAS) and neuroblastoma-RAS (NRAS) are the commonly mutated isoforms. Activating mutations in RAS result in cellular transformation independent of upregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-initiated signaling. The present study characterized the functional consequences of non-canonical/novel KRAS and NRAS mutants identified in a targeted next-generation sequencing study of colorectal cancer specimens from Filipino patients. In vitro assays in NIH3T3 cells showed that similar to the canonical KRAS G12D mutant, overexpression of KRAS G12S, A59T, and Y137C, but not NRAS G12D and NRAS A11V, confer higher proliferation and migration rates. HCT116 cells transfected with the novel NRAS A11V and the canonical NRAS G12D, but not the KRAS mutants, display enhanced resistance to apoptosis. All four non-canonical/novel KRAS and NRAS mutants induce gross changes in F-actin cytoskeletal organization and cellular morphology of NIH3T3 cells. Only KRAS G12S and KRAS A59T appear to deregulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and its downstream target ETS transcription factor ELK1 (ELK1). Elucidation of differential effector engagement responsible for the variable phenotypic readouts of the mutants is warranted. If validated by mouse studies and clinical correlates, these can have wider implications in choosing treatment options.
Paths to Attaining Food Security: The Case of Cameroon
Authors: Yengoh Genesis T. , Armah Frederick Ato , Onumah Edward Ebo
Published: December 2019

This paper sets out to develop a framework for characterizing agricultural growth orientations. We identify four main components in the global food system (technology, institutions, people, and natural resources). Based on the extent to which any two of these components are important in driving the growth of agriculture, we distinguish four main orientations of agricultural growth: local food, high resource-technology driven, guided technology driven, and right-to-food growth orientations. Given the social and environmental challenges that agricultural growth has to meet in Cameroon, we argue that the local food orientation and guided technology-driven orientation offer better opportunities for meeting the problem of food security in this country.
ZnO Microflowers Grown by Chemical Bath Deposition: A Low-Cost Approach for Massive Production of Functional Nanostructures
Authors: Strano Vincenzina , Greco Maria Grazia , Ciliberto Enrico , Mirabella Salvo
Published: December 2019

The massive production of nanostructures with controlled features and high surface area is a challenging and timely task in view of developing effective materials for sensing and catalysis. Herein, functional ZnO nanostructures, named microflowers (MFs) have been prepared by a facile and rapid chemical bath deposition. ZnO MFs show an intriguing sheets-composed spheroidal shape, with diameters in the range 0.2–2.5 µm, whose formation is achieved by a complexing action by F in an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine. The evolution of the physical and structural properties of the material, following post-deposition thermal annealing, has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX), photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The effectiveness of ZnO MFs in UV detection has also been tested to account for the potentiality of these nanostructures.
Why Unidimensional Pain Measurement Prevails in the Pediatric Acute Pain Context and What Multidimensional Self-Report Methods Can Offer
Authors: Jaaniste Tiina , Noel Melanie , Yee Renee D. , Bang Joseph , Tan Aidan Christopher , Champion G. David
Published: December 2019

Although pain is widely recognized to be a multidimensional experience and defined as such, unidimensional pain measurement focusing on pain intensity prevails in the pediatric acute pain context. Unidimensional assessments fail to provide a comprehensive picture of a child’s pain experience and commonly do little to shape clinical interventions. The current review paper overviews the theoretical and empirical literature supporting the multidimensional nature of pediatric acute pain. Literature reporting concordance data for children’s self-reported sensory, affective and evaluative pain scores in the acute pain context has been reviewed and supports the distinct nature of these dimensions. Multidimensional acute pain measurement holds particular promise for identifying predictive markers of chronicity and may provide the basis for tailoring clinical management. The current paper has described key reasons contributing to the widespread use of unidimensional, rather than multidimensional, acute pediatric pain assessment protocols. Implications for clinical practice, education and future research are considered.
Passive Vibration Reduction Analysis of the Mistuned Blisk Deposited Hard Coating Using Modified Reduced-Order Model
Authors: Gao Feng , Li Bingqiang , Liu Xiuting
Published: December 2019

To improve the reliability and safety of the mistuned blisk (integrally bladed disk), a novel strategy for passive vibration reduction by the hard coating was developed, and the vibration and damping characteristics of the HCM (hard-coating mistuned) blisk were investigated in this work. Firstly, by the proposed criterion called FDSD (frequency difference and its standard deviation), a classical reduced-order model established by the component mode synthesis method was modified to carry out modal analysis for high computational efficiency. Then, forced vibration responses of the HCM blisk were achieved by the Rayleigh damping model. Next, a specific benchmark of a mistuned blisk deposited NiCoCrAlY + YSZ hard coating was chosen to conduct numerical calculations, and the results were compared with those obtained from the FOM (full-order model) and experimental test, respectively. Finally, the influence of the hard coating and coating thickness on the mistuned blisk were investigated, in particular.
Investigation of the Microwave Absorption of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Magnetite Powder
Authors: Guan Bowen , Liu Jianan , Zhao Hua , Wu Jiayu , Liu Jingyi , Yang Fa
Published: December 2019

This article is intended to investigate the microwave heating performance of asphalt mixtures containing magnetite powders (MPAM). For this purpose, the surface temperatures of asphalt mixtures containing different dosages of magnetite powders were measured during microwave heating. The low-temperature bending test and water sensitivity test were also conducted to evaluate the performance of MPAM. Heating rate and reflection loss of different thicknesses of MPAM were determined using a microwave heating test and arch reflectivity test, respectively. The results showed that because its main components are triiron tetroxide and iron oxide, which have excellent microwave-absorbing properties, magnetite powders can be used as microwave absorbers to improve the ability of microwave absorption and increase the heating rate of asphalt mixtures. The heating rate of the asphalt mixtures increased with the increase of the amount of magnetite powder. The addition of magnetite powder improved the low-temperature properties of the asphalt mixture, but it reduced the water stability of the asphalt mixture. Considering that the microwave-absorbing asphalt mixture used for melting snow and ice should have good water stability, the recommended dosage of magnetite powders was 60%. The microwave-absorbing properties of MPAM were related to its thickness in the pavement structure and frequency of microwaves. In order to greatly enhance the absorbing efficiency, future work should be focused on matching thickness and matching frequency.
Aging of Solvent-Casting PLA-Mg Hydrophobic Films: Impact on Bacterial Adhesion and Viability
Authors: Luque-Agudo Verónica , Romero-Guzmán Daniel , Fernández-Grajera María , González-Martín M. Luisa , Gallardo-Moreno Amparo M.
Published: December 2019

Biomaterials used for the manufacture of biomedical devices must have suitable surface properties avoiding bacterial colonization and/or proliferation. Most biomaterial-related infections start during the surgery. Bacteria can begin colonization of the surface of a device right after implantation or in the next few hours. This time may also be sufficient to begin the deterioration of a biodegradable implant. This work explores the surface changes that hydrophobic films of poly(lactic) acid reinforced with Mg particles, prepared by solving-casting, undergone after in vitro degradation at different times. Hydrophobicity, surface tension, zeta potential, topography, and elemental composition were obtained from new and aged films. The initial degradation for 4 h was combined with unspecific bacterial adhesion and viability tests to check if degraded films are more or less susceptible to be contaminated. The degradation of the films decreases their hydrophobicity and causes the appearance of a biocompatible layer, composed mainly of magnesium phosphate. The release of Mg2+ is very acute at the beginning of the degradation process, and such positive charges may favor the electrostatic approach and attachment of Staphylococci. However, all bacteria attached on the films containing Mg particles appeared damaged, ensuring the bacteriostatic effect of these films, even after the first hours of their degradation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ni–W/Cr2O3 Nanocomposite Coatings Using Electrochemical Deposition Technique
Authors: Mbugua Nyambura Samuel , Kang Min , Zhu Jiping , Liu Yuntong , Zhang Yin , Ndiithi Ndumia Joseph
Published: December 2019

Ni–W/Cr2O3 nanocomposite coatings were synthesized from aqueous sulphate-citrate electrolyte containing Cr2O3 nanoparticles on a steel surface using conventional electrodeposition technique. This study was aimed at investigating the influence of Cr2O3 nanoparticle content on the microstructure, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of electrodeposited Ni–W/Cr2O3 nanocomposite coatings. Ni–W binary alloy coatings were deposited and optimized before addition of the nanoparticles to produce high-quality coatings. The microstructure and chemical composition of the Ni–W/Cr2O3 nanocomposite coatings were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and XRD. Corrosion resistance properties were evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel) measurements in 3.5 wt.% NaCl medium. The corrosion resistance and microhardness are significantly higher in Ni–W/Cr2O3 nanocomposite coatings compared to pure Ni–W binary alloy and increase with the increase in content of Cr2O3 nanoparticles in the coatings. Wear resistance is also higher in Ni–W/Cr2O3 nanocomposite coatings.
Convective Heat Transfer and Magnetohydrodynamics across a Peristaltic Channel Coated with Nonlinear Nanofluid
Authors: Riaz Arshad , Alolaiyan Hanan , Razaq Abdul
Published: December 2019

The aim of the current study is to present an analytical and numerical treatment of a two-dimensional peristaltic channel along with the coating of laminar layers of nanoparticles with non-Newtonian (Williamson) base liquid. In addition to this, convective heat transfer and magnetic field effects also take into consideration. The geometry is considered as an asymmetric two dimensional channel experiencing sinusoidal waves propagating across the walls. The walls are supposed to have heat convection at the upper wall and the lower wall is having no temperature gradient. The problem is manufactured under the theory of lubrication approach. The mathematical models are evolved by using appropriate transformations. The obtained nonlinear differential equations are solved analytically. Graphical features are presented to find the influence of emerging physical parameters on the stream function, velocity of the nanofluid, heat transfer, nanoparticles concentration, pressure gradient, and pressure increase. It is found that the velocity decreases in the lower part while increasing in the upper side of the channel in the presence of nanoparticles. The temperature is becoming large with increasing amount of nanoparticles and heat convection at the boundaries. It is also observed that nanoparticle concentration is getting higher with Brownian motion parameter, but fluid becomes less thermal against thermophoresis parameter. The streamlines phenomenon clearly reflects the asymmetry of the channel. The characteristics of viscous fluid can be recovered by switching the Weissenbureg number (We) to zero.
Preparations of Silver/Montmorillonite Biocomposite Multilayers and Their Antifungal Activity
Authors: Iconaru Simona Liliana , Groza Andreea , Stan George E. , Predoi Daniela , Gaiaschi Sofia , Trusca Roxana , Chifiriuc Carmen Mariana , Marutescu Luminita , Tite Teddy , Stanciu George A. , Hristu Radu , Ghegoiu Liliana , Badea Monica Luminita , Turculet Claudiu Stefan , Ganciu Mihai , Chapon Patrick
Published: December 2019

In this study, the results about the influence of the surface morphology of layers based on montmorillonite (MMT) and silver (Ag) on antimicrobial properties are reported. The coating depositions were performed in the plasma of a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering discharge. The studied layers were single montmorillonite layers (MMT) and silver/montmorillonite multilayers (MMT-Ag) obtained by magnetron sputtering technique with a different surface thickness. The resultant MMT-Ag biocomposite multilayers exhibited a uniform distribution of constituent elements and enhanced antimicrobial properties against fungal biofilm development. Glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) analysis revealed the formation of MMT-Ag biocomposite multilayers following the deposit of a silver layer for an MMT layer that was initially deposited on a Si substrate. The surface morphology and thickness evaluation of deposited biocomposite layers were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of thin layers was performed and the elements O, Ag, Mg, Fe, Al, and Si were identified in the MMT-Ag biocomposite multilayers. The in vitro antifungal assay proved that the inhibitory effect against the growth of Candida albicans ATCC 101231 CFU was more emphasized in the case of MMT-Ag biocomposite multilayers that in the case of the MMT layer. Cytotoxicity studies performed on HeLa cells showed that the tested layers did not show significant toxicity at the time intervals during which the assay was performed. On the other hand, it was observed that the MMT layers exhibited slightly higher biocompatible properties than the MMT-Ag composite layers.
Microstructure, Properties, and Titanium Cutting Performance of AlTiN–Cu and AlTiN–Ni Coatings
Authors: Yi Jiyong , Chen Kanghua , Xu Yinchao
Published: December 2019

In this study, three kinds of coatings, AlTiN, AlTiN–Ni, and AlTiN–Cu were deposited via the cathodic arc evaporation method. The microstructure, mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and cutting behavior of these coatings were then investigated. The incorporation of Cu(Ni) into AlTiN eliminated its columnar structure and led to an increase in the growth defects of its macroparticles. The addition of Cu and Ni decreased the hardness of the coatings, their elastic moduli, and their friction coefficients. All of the AlTiN, AlTiN–Ni, and AlTiN–Cu coatings presented sufficient adhesion strength values. The oxidation resistance of these three coatings was determined to be in the following order: AlTiN > AlTiN–Ni > AlTiN–Cu. Titanium turning experiments indicated that the cutting force was reduced and the tool life was improved through doping with Cu(Ni) elements, dependent on cutting speed. The AlTiN–Ni coating showed the best performance at a high cutting speed, whereas the AlTiN–Cu coating was more successful at a lower cutting speed.
Improved Efficiency Management Strategy for Battery-Based Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Arnieri Emilio , Boccia Luigi , Amoroso Francesco , Amendola Giandomenico , Cappuccino Gregorio
Published: December 2019

Battery-based energy storage systems are forecasted to have a rapid diffusion in the next future, because they can support the diffusion of renewable energy sources and can offer interesting ancillary services for the distribution grid. Consequently, energy management strategies for batteries and inverters present in storage systems will play a fundamental role in order to guarantee effective energy transfer processes between storage systems and the grid. This paper proposes an efficient management strategy which allows maximizing the overall energy efficiency of grid-connected storage systems taking into account the actual relationship between the efficiency and the charging/discharging power of the storage system. The effectiveness of the strategy is as shown by analysis results, the proposed strategy can allow a remarkable efficiency increase compared with strategies which are not aimed at the efficiency optimization.
Deep-ACTINet: End-to-End Deep Learning Architecture for Automatic Sleep-Wake Detection Using Wrist Actigraphy
Authors: Cho Taeheum , Sunarya Unang , Yeo Minsoo , Hwang Bosun , Koo Yong Seo , Park Cheolsoo
Published: December 2019

Sleep scoring is the first step for diagnosing sleep disorders. A variety of chronic diseases related to sleep disorders could be identified using sleep-state estimation. This paper presents an end-to-end deep learning architecture using wrist actigraphy, called Deep-ACTINet, for automatic sleep-wake detection using only noise canceled raw activity signals recorded during sleep and without a feature engineering method. As a benchmark test, the proposed Deep-ACTINet is compared with two conventional fixed model based sleep-wake scoring algorithms and four feature engineering based machine learning algorithms. The datasets were recorded from 10 subjects using three-axis accelerometer wristband sensors for eight hours in bed. The sleep recordings were analyzed using Deep-ACTINet and conventional approaches, and the suggested end-to-end deep learning model gained the highest accuracy of 89.65%, recall of 92.99%, and precision of 92.09% on average. These values were approximately 4.74% and 4.05% higher than those for the traditional model based and feature based machine learning algorithms, respectively. In addition, the neuron outputs of Deep-ACTINet contained the most significant information for separating the asleep and awake states, which was demonstrated by their high correlations with conventional significant features. Deep-ACTINet was designed to be a general model and thus has the potential to replace current actigraphy algorithms equipped in wristband wearable devices.
Complex Wavelet-Based Image Watermarking with the Human Visual Saliency Model
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Rao Yunbo , Huang Yuanyuan
Published: December 2019

Imperceptibility and robustness are the two complementary, but fundamental requirements of any digital image watermarking method. To improve the invisibility and robustness of multiplicative image watermarking, a complex wavelet based watermarking algorithm is proposed by using the human visual texture masking and visual saliency model. First, image blocks with high entropy are selected as the watermark embedding space to achieve imperceptibility. Then, an adaptive multiplicative watermark embedding strength factor is designed by utilizing texture masking and visual saliency to enhance robustness. Furthermore, the complex wavelet coefficients of the low frequency sub-band are modeled by a Gaussian distribution, and a watermark decoding method is proposed based on the maximum likelihood criterion. Finally, the effectiveness of the watermarking is validated by using the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) through experiments. Simulation results demonstrate the invisibility of the proposed method and its strong robustness against various attacks, including additive noise, image filtering, JPEG compression, amplitude scaling, rotation attack, and combinational attack.
A Loose-Coupled Fusion of Inertial and UWB Assisted by a Decision-Making Algorithm for Localization of Emergency Responders
Authors: Ferreira André G. , Fernandes Duarte , Catarino André P. , Rocha Ana M. , Monteiro João L.
Published: December 2019

Combining different technologies is gaining significant popularity among researchers and industry for the development of indoor positioning systems (IPSs). These hybrid IPSs emerge as a robust solution for indoor localization as the drawbacks of each technology can be mitigated or even eliminated by using complementary technologies. However, fusing position estimates from different technologies is still very challenging and, therefore, a hot research topic. In this work, we pose fusing the ultrawideband (UWB) position estimates with the estimates provided by a pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) by using a Kalman filter. To improve the IPS accuracy, a decision-making algorithm was developed that aims to assess the usability of UWB measurements based on the identification of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. Three different data fusion algorithms are tested, based on three different time-of-arrival positioning algorithms, and experimental results show a localization accuracy of below 1.5 m for a 99th percentile.
StoolNet for Color Classification of Stool Medical Images
Authors: Yang Ziyuan , Leng Lu , Kim Byung-Gyu
Published: December 2019

The color classification of stool medical images is commonly used to diagnose digestive system diseases, so it is important in clinical examination. In order to reduce laboratorians’ heavy burden, advanced digital image processing technologies and deep learning methods are employed for the automatic color classification of stool images in this paper. The region of interest (ROI) is segmented automatically and then classified with a shallow convolutional neural network (CNN) dubbed StoolNet. Thanks to its shallow structure and accurate segmentation, StoolNet can converge quickly. The sufficient experiments confirm the good performance of StoolNet and the impact of the different training sample numbers on StoolNet. The proposed method has several advantages, such as low cost, accurate automatic segmentation, and color classification. Therefore, it can be widely used in artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare.
Synchronous Growth Releases in Peatland Pine Chronologies as an Indicator for Regional Climate Dynamics—A Multi-Site Study Including Estonia, Belarus and Sweden
Authors: Potapov Aleksei , Toomik Sandra , Yermokhin Maxim , Edvardsson Johannes , Lilleleht Ando , Kiviste Andres , Kaart Tanel , Metslaid Sandra , Järvet Arvo , Hordo Maris
Published: December 2019

Fourteen tree-ring chronologies developed from 788 peatland Scots pines sampled at sites in Estonia, Belarus and Sweden were compared for common growth trends and possible links to regional climate dynamics. Several synchronous growth release events were detected, especially during the 1910s, 1930s, and around 1970 and 1990, indicating that hydrological shifts and associated tree growth responses have been governed by similar forcing mechanisms, at least during the 20th century. In general, the best agreements were observed between the tree populations from Estonia and Belarus, but synchronous growth changes could also be detected between the Swedish and Estonian material. Trends detected in single tree-ring chronologies may be linked to local peatland management or land-use changes, whereas common variations detected at multiple sites are more likely linked to hydrological changes in the peatlands associated with regional climate dynamics. Understanding the links between climate and processes that involve peatland hydrology and vegetation responses is important since peatland ecosystems are key players in the global carbon cycle.
Management Strategies for Conservation of Tanoak in California Forests Threatened by Sudden Oak Death: A Disease-Community Feedback Modelling Approach
Authors: Filipe João A. N. , Cobb Richard C. , Salmon Maëlle , Gilligan Christopher A.
Published: December 2019

We use a new modelling approach to predict the cumulative impact of Phytophthora ramorum on the dynamic distribution of tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) and other tree species in coastal-Californian forest-communities. We explore the effectiveness of disease-management strategies for the conservation of tanoak at stand level. Forest resources are increasingly threatened by emerging pathogens such as P. ramorum, a generalist that kills hosts and has altered ecosystems in the USA and Europe. In coastal California, P. ramorum has the greatest impact on tanoak through leaf sporulation and lethal bole infections, but also sporulates on the common overstory-tree bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) without significant health impact. Such epidemiological differences impede host-species coexistence and challenge pathogen management. For most disease-impacted natural systems, however, empirical evidence is still insufficient to identify effective and affordable pathogen-control measures for retaining at-risk host populations. Yet, landscape-scale tree mortality requires swift actions to mitigate ecological impacts and loss of biodiversity. We apply a mathematical model of the feedback between disease and forest-community dynamics to assess the impacts of P. ramorum invasion on tanoak under stand-scale disease-management strategies by landowners aiming to retain tanoak and slow disease progression: (1) removal of inoculum through reduction of bay laurel abundance; (2) prevention of tanoak infection through chemical protection (acting epidemiologically like a vaccine); and (3) a combination strategy. The model results indicate that: (1) both bay laurel removal and tanoak protection are required to help maintain tanoak populations; (2) treatment effectiveness depends on forest composition and on threshold criteria; (3) sustainable tanoak conservation would require long-term follow-up of preventive treatments; (4) arresting basal sprouting upon tree removal may help to reduce inoculum. These findings suggest potential treatments for specific forest conditions that could be tested and implemented to reduce P. ramorum inoculum and disease and to conserve tanoak at stand level.
A Method of Node Layout of a Complex Network Based on Community Compression
Authors: Liu Chengxiang , Xiong Wei , Zhang Xitao , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2019

As the theory of complex networks is further studied, the scale of nodes in the network is increasing, which makes it difficult to find useful patterns from only the analysis of nodes. Therefore, this paper proposes a complex network node layout method based on community compression, which can effectively display the mesoscale structure characteristics of the network, making it more convenient for users to analyze the status and function of a single node or a class of nodes in the whole complex network. To begin with, the whole network is divided into communities with different granularity by the Louvain algorithm. Secondly, the method of nodes importance analysis based on topological potential theory is extended from the network to the community structure, and the internal nodes of the community are classified into three types, namely important nodes, relatively important nodes, and fringe nodes. Furthermore, a compression algorithm for the community structure is designed to realize the compression of the network by retaining important nodes and merging fringe nodes. Finally, the compression network is laid out by the traditional force-directed layout method. Experimental results show that, compared with the compression layout methods of a complex network based on degree or PageRank, the method in this paper can retain the integrated community composition and its internal structure, which is convenient for users to effectively analyze the topology structure of a complex network.
Inclusion of Ethanol Extract of Mesquite Leaves to Enhance the Oxidative Stability of Pork Patties
Authors: Ramírez-Rojo Margarita Irene , Vargas-Sánchez Rey David , Torres-Martínez Brisa del Mar , Torrescano-Urrutia Gastón Ramón , Lorenzo José Manuel , Sánchez-Escalante Armida
Published: December 2019

The lipid oxidation (LOX) of pork meat has been associated with loss of quality and shorter shelf life. Consequently, synthetic antioxidants have been used to reduce this process, but their use has shown potential health risks. Thus, the use of natural ingredients has been suggested as a strategy to prevent LOX. This study aimed to assess the oxidative stability of pork patties treated with ethanol extract of mesquite leaf (EEML) during storage. Furthermore, the polyphenol composition (TPC, total phenolic, TFC, total flavonoid) and antioxidant activity (antiradical and reducing power activity) of EEML were also evaluated. For this study, five treatments (CN (control), without antioxidant; Asc, ascorbic acid 0.02%; BHT, butylated hydroxytoluene 0.02%; EEML1, 0.05%; and EEML2, 0.1%) of pork patties were applied. Patty samples were stored at 4 °C, and physicochemical parameters, lipid oxidation, total antioxidant capacity of the meat, and sensory analysis were evaluated at 0, 3, 7, and 10 days of storage. EEML presented high values of TPC (278.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and TFC (226.8 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g) levels. The addition of EEML did not modify the chemical composition of the pork patties. On the other hand, colour parameters were affected by the inclusion of EEML in pork patties, presenting the lowest a* in the CN group compared to the other groups after 10 days storage. Lipid oxidation increased during the whole period, showing the lowest (P < 0.05) conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values (40% and 90% of inhibition, respectively) compared to the CN group. Regarding sensory analysis, there were no significant differences in colour, appearance, odour, flavour, juiciness, fat sensation, and firmness of the cooked pork patties among treatments. These results suggest that EEML has great potential as a natural antioxidant for meat products.
A Game Theoretic Model of Adversaries and Media Manipulation
Authors: Hausken Kjell
Published: December 2019

A model is developed for two players exerting media manipulation efforts to support each of two actors who interact controversially. Early evidence may support one actor, while the full evidence emerging later may support the other actor. Exerting effort when the full evidence exceeds (falls short off) the early evidence is rewarded (punished) with lower (higher) unit effort cost. Properties and simulations are presented to illustrate the players’ strategic challenges when altering eight model parameters, i.e., a player’s unit effort cost, stake in the interaction, proportionality parameter scaling the strength of reward or punishment, time discount parameter, early evidence, full evidence, contest intensity, and evidence ratio intensity. Realizing the logic of the model may aid understanding on how to handle the difference between early and full evidence of controversies, in which players have an ideological stake.
Genome-Wide Association Studies for Methane Production in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Calderón-Chagoya R. , Hernandez-Medrano J.H. , Ruiz-López F.J. , Garcia-Ruiz A. , Vega-Murillo V.E. , Montano-Bermudez M. , Arechavaleta-Velasco M.E. , Gonzalez-Padilla E. , Mejia-Melchor E.I. , Saunders N. , Bonilla-Cardenas J.A. , Garnsworthy P.C. , Román-Ponce S.I.
Published: December 2019

Genomic selection has been proposed for the mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions by cattle because there is considerable variability in CH4 emissions between individuals fed on the same diet. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) represents an important tool for the detection of candidate genes, haplotypes or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers related to characteristics of economic interest. The present study included information for 280 cows in three dairy production systems in Mexico: 1) Dual Purpose (n = 100), 2) Specialized Tropical Dairy (n = 76), 3) Familiar Production System (n = 104). Concentrations of CH4 in a breath of individual cows at the time of milking (MEIm) were estimated through a system of infrared sensors. After quality control analyses, 21,958 SNPs were included. Associations of markers were made using a linear regression model, corrected with principal component analyses. In total, 46 SNPs were identified as significant for CH4 production. Several SNPs associated with CH4 production were found at regions previously described for quantitative trait loci of composition characteristics of meat, milk fatty acids and characteristics related to feed intake. It was concluded that the SNPs identified could be used in genomic selection programs in developing countries and combined with other datasets for global selection.
A High-Performance Computing Implementation of Iterative Random Forest for the Creation of Predictive Expression Networks
Authors: Cliff Ashley , Romero Jonathon , Kainer David , Walker Angelica , Furches Anna , Jacobson Daniel
Published: December 2019

As time progresses and technology improves, biological data sets are continuously increasing in size. New methods and new implementations of existing methods are needed to keep pace with this increase. In this paper, we present a high-performance computing (HPC)-capable implementation of Iterative Random Forest (iRF). This new implementation enables the explainable-AI eQTL analysis of SNP sets with over a million SNPs. Using this implementation, we also present a new method, iRF Leave One Out Prediction (iRF-LOOP), for the creation of Predictive Expression Networks on the order of 40,000 genes or more. We compare the new implementation of iRF with the previous R version and analyze its time to completion on two of the world’s fastest supercomputers, Summit and Titan. We also show iRF-LOOP’s ability to capture biologically significant results when creating Predictive Expression Networks. This new implementation of iRF will enable the analysis of biological data sets at scales that were previously not possible.
Genome-Wide Distribution, Expression and Function Analysis of the U-Box Gene Family in Brassica oleracea L.
Authors: Hu Dengke , Xie Qinqin , Liu Qianying , Zuo Tonghong , Zhang Hecui , Zhang Yizhong , Lian Xiaoping , Zhu Liquan
Published: December 2019

The plant U-box (PUB) protein family plays an important role in plant growth and development. The U-box gene family has been well studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa, rice, etc., but there have been no systematic studies in Brassica oleracea. In this study, we performed genome-wide identification and evolutionary analysis of the U-box protein family of B. oleracea. Firstly, based on the Brassica database (BRAD) and the Bolbase database, 99 Brassica oleracea PUB genes were identified and divided into seven groups (I–VII). The BoPUB genes are unevenly distributed on the nine chromosomes of B. oleracea, and there are tandem repeat genes, leading to family expansion from the A. thaliana genome to the B. oleracea genome. The protein interaction network, GO annotation, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the biological processes and specific functions of the BoPUB genes may mainly involve abiotic stress. RNA-seq transcriptome data of different pollination times revealed spatiotemporal expression specificity of the BoPUB genes. The differential expression profile was consistent with the results of RT-qPCR analysis. Additionally, a large number of pollen-specific cis-acting elements were found in promoters of differentially expressed genes (DEG), which verified that these significantly differentially expressed genes after self-pollination (SP) were likely to participate in the self-incompatibility (SI) process, including gene encoding ARC1, a well-known downstream protein of SI in B. oleracea. Our study provides valuable information indicating that the BoPUB genes participates not only in the abiotic stress response, but are also involved in pollination.
Detection and Transstadial Passage of Babesia Species and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ticks Collected from Avian and Mammalian Hosts in Canada
Authors: Scott John D. , Clark Kerry L. , Coble Nikki M. , Ballantyne Taylor R.
Published: December 2019

Lyme disease and human babesiosis are the most common tick-borne zoonoses in the Temperate Zone of North America. The number of infected patients has continued to rise globally, and these zoonoses pose a major healthcare threat. This tick-host-pathogen study was conducted to test for infectious microbes associated with Lyme disease and human babesiosis in Canada. Using the flagellin (flaB) gene, three members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex were detected, namely a Borrelia lanei-like spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss), and a distinct strain that may represent a separate Bbsl genospecies. This novel Bbsl strain was detected in a mouse tick, Ixodes muris, collected from a House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, in Quebec during the southward fall migration. The presence of Bbsl in bird-feeding larvae of I. muris suggests reservoir competency in three passerines (i.e., Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, Magnolia Warbler). Based on the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, three Babesia species (i.e., Babesia divergens-like, Babesia microti, Babesia odocoilei) were detected in field-collected ticks. Not only was B. odocoilei found in songbird-derived ticks, this piroplasm was apparent in adult questing blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in southern Canada. By allowing live, engorged ticks to molt, we confirm the transstadial passage of Bbsl in I. muris and B. odocoilei in I. scapularis. Bbss and Babesia microti were detected concurrently in a groundhog tick, Ixodes cookei, in Western Ontario. In Alberta, a winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus, which was collected from a moose, Alces alces, tested positive for Bbss. Notably, a B. divergens-like piroplasm was detected in a rabbit tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, collected from an eastern cottontail in southern Manitoba; this Babesia species is a first-time discovery in Canada. This rabbit tick was also co-infected with Borrelia lanei-like spirochetes, which constitutes a first in Canada. Overall, five ticks were concurrently infected with Babesia and Bbsl pathogens and, after the molt, could potentially co-infect humans. Notably, we provide the first authentic report of I. scapularis ticks co-infected with Bbsl and B. odocoilei in Canada. The full extent of infectious microorganisms transmitted to humans by ticks is not fully elucidated, and clinicians need to be aware of the complexity of these tick-transmitted enzootic agents on human health. Diagnosis and treatment must be administered by those with accredited medical training in tick-borne zoonosis.
Correction: A Fuzzy Model of Risk Assessment for Environmental Start-Up Projects in the Air Transport Sector. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 3573
Authors: Polishchuk Volodymyr , Kelemen Miroslav , Gavurová Beáta , Varotsos Costas , Andoga Rudolf , Gera Martin , Christodoulakis John , Soušek Radovan , Kozuba Jaroslaw , Blišťan Peter , Szabo Stanislav
Published: December 2019

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [...]
Access to Services in Rural Areas from the Point of View of Older Population—A Case Study in Finland
Authors: Verma Ira , Taegen Jonna
Published: December 2019

Independence and having control over one’s own life are important factors for residential satisfaction. In rural areas, the mobility of people is based on owning a private car, due to the lack of public transport. Furthermore, planning in rural municipalities is highly car oriented. Small municipalities with shrinking and aging populations have many challenges to ensure access to services for their residents. This paper focuses on a case study of a small municipality with less than 2000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to enhance sustainable change in shrinking rural areas and maintain them as good places to live even in the future. Access to local services and social activities is a major challenge for older people, who no longer have the possibility to use their own car. The problem with relocation is the lack of suitable apartments for older people. A dense and walkable municipal centre with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Moreover, in Finland, second homeowners are an important resource for small municipalities. Spaces for social intercourse between residents and between permanent residents and second homeowners may enhance vitality and community building in these municipalities.