bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing seedling production of black velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense Willd) 1
Authors: Nwaoguala C. N. C. , Osaigbovo A. U.
Published: March 2018

The present investigation was conducted to enhance seedling production of Black Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense). Three different types (sets) of experiments were designed. The results showed no sprouting of the stem cuttings in the first type of experiment ( stem cuttings treated with Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and coconut milk). The second type of experiment (seeds subjected to some pre-sowing treatments using NAA, coconut milk, manual scarification and seeds soaked in water for 24 hrs) showed highly significant treatment effects for seed treatments and days after planting, DAP (p < 0.001), while time or duration of treatment was not significant. There were highly significant interaction effects for Treatment duration x Seed treatments and Treatment duration x Days after planting (DAP). Mean percentage germination was best at 2000ppm NAA (43.85%), but was not significantly different from1000ppm, (40.28%), water soaked (40.28%) and manual scarification (38.88%). Lower germination rates were observed for 500ppm (34.72%), normal or untreated seeds (30.75%), and coconut milk (28.38%). There were highly significant treatment effects (p < 0.001) between the control (normal seeds) with 11.2% mean germination, cold treatment (stratification), 21.1% and manual scarification 33.7%. DAP was also highly significant with the highest mean germination of 34.1% at 56DAP. Treatments x DAP was highly significant (p < 0.01) in the third experiment (stratification, a cold temperature pre-sowing treatment). Soaking seeds for 24 hrs before planting was adjudged the best treatment for enhancing seedling production in Dialium guineense in this study. It was the easiest and cheapest of all other treatments considered.
Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism under cryptorchid condition in albino rats
Authors: Varma K. Narasimha , Madhuri E. , Basha S. Sadak , Madhavi YR. Radha , Sekhar M Guru , Bhaskar M.
Published: March 2018

Bilateral cryptorchidism was induced surgically in adult wistar strain albino rats and the carbohydrate metabolic pathway has been studied in testis, and sex accessory organs of both control and cryptorchid animals by estimating the marker enzymes and the substrates of the metabolism. In cryptorchid animal tissues, accumulation of lactic acid and glycogen was observed with inhibited phosphorylase activity in comparison to the controls. The reproductive tissues like testis, epididymis, prostate gland and seminal vesicles had shown remarkable elevation in the glycogen content, which can be attributed to decreased phosphorylase activity. In view of androgen dependent nature of phosphorylase its inhibition can be correlated to decreased testosterone circulation in the body. Consequently the free glucose content of the tissues was markedly decreased suggesting a decrease in the mobilization of the carbohydrates into energy metabolism. All the reproductive tissues had shown significant accumulation of lactic acid with inhibited oxidative enzyme activities. Thus the reproductive tissue oxidative metabolism had been suppressed during cryptorchidism leading to a shift towards glycolysis and creating a situation of functional suppression.
Effect of some selected insecticides on the activity of invertase at different stages of pentatomid bug, Cyclopelta siccifolia W.
Authors: Naveed A. , Dayananda G.Y. , Hosetti B.B.
Published: March 2018

The invertase enzyme which has been reported to occur in the digestive tract of several insects is believed to be an important enzyme for digestion and utilization of sucrose by insects. In the present investigation the effect of different insecticides such as Endosulfan, Monocrotophos, Methomyl, Phosphomidon and Carbaryl on invertase activity has been carried out at different stages of Pentatomid bug Cyclopelta siccifolia W. with lethal concentrations of respective insecticides. The data revealed that maximum decrease in Invertase activity was detected with (45%) at 24 hours. In case of II instar nymphs the least activity was observed with Carbaryl and it was -75.20% at 24 hours. In IV instar nymphs endosulfan showed its supremacy by reducing the activity by -8.5% in comparison with control. The overall results revealed that the activity of invertase varies with different insecticide treatments and it has been concluded that least activity was recorded with Carbaryl at II instar stage compared to other insecticides.
Nitrogen Level and Irrigation Interval on Mitigating Stemphylium Blight and Downy Mildew in Onion
Authors: Acharya Bibek , Shrestha Ram Kumar
Published: March 2018

Field trial was conducted on horticultural farm of Lamjung Agriculture Campus, Lamjung, Nepal between December-April 2016/17 on onion (Allium cepa), following two factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and fifteen treatments to assess disease severity of Stemphylium blight (Stemphylium vesicarium) and Downy mildew (Peronospora destructor). The onion cultivar Red Creole, widely grown in this locality and susceptible to these diseases was used for trial. The disease intensity for Stemphylium leaf blight and Downy mildew was rated on weekly basis. Disease severity of both the disease significantly varied with nitrogen level and irrigation interval during initial and middle growth stage of onion, but in contrary, was found non-significant during later days as the plant approached harvesting stage. Area under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) also significantly varied in both treatments for both disease. Yield parameters recorded viz. bulb diameter and bulb yield significantly varied with nitrogen level and irrigation interval. The interaction effect of both the treatment was found non-significant for disease severity, AUDPC level and yield parameters during entire growth stage of onion. The results indicated that 7 days irrigation interval and government recommended dose of nitrogen i.e. 235 kg/ha were significantly better over other level of treatments in reducing Stemphylium blight and Downy mildew disease severity and also increasing yield parameters.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(1): 17-22
Single Subject Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia Using Anatomical, Diffusion Tensor, and Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bouts Mark J.R.J. , Möller Christiane , Hafkemeijer Anne , van Swieten John C. , Dopper Elise , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Vrenken Hugo , Wink Alle Meije , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Scheltens Philip , Barkhof Frederik , Schouten Tijn. M. , de Vos Frank , Feis Rogier A. , van der Grond Jeroen , de Rooij Mark , Rombouts Serge A.R.B.
Published: March 2018

Background/Objective:

Overlapping clinical symptoms often complicate differential diagnosis between patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals disease specific structural and functional differences that aid in differentiating AD from bvFTD patients. However, the benefit of combining structural and functional connectivity measures to—on a subject-basis—differentiate these dementia-types is not yet known.

Methods:

Anatomical, diffusion tensor (DTI), and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) of 30 patients with early stage AD, 23 with bvFTD, and 35 control subjects were collected and used to calculate measures of structural and functional tissue status. All measures were used separately or selectively combined as predictors for training an elastic net regression classifier. Each classifier’s ability to accurately distinguish dementia-types was quantified by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

Results:

Highest AUC values for AD and bvFTD discrimination were obtained when mean diffusivity, full correlations between rs-fMRI-derived independent components, and fractional anisotropy (FA) were combined (0.811). Similarly, combining gray matter density (GMD), FA, and rs-fMRI correlations resulted in highest AUC of 0.922 for control and bvFTD classifications. This, however, was not observed for control and AD differentiations. Classifications with GMD (0.940) and a GMD and DTI combination (0.941) resulted in similar AUC values ( p = 0.41).

Conclusion:

Combining functional and structural connectivity measures improve dementia-type differentiations and may contribute to more accurate and substantiated differential diagnosis of AD and bvFTD patients. Imaging protocols for differential diagnosis may benefit from also including DTI and rs-fMRI.
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: Similarity in African-Americans and Caucasians with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kamara Dennis M. , Gangishetti Umesh , Gearing Marla , Willis-Parker Monica , Zhao Liping , Hu William T. , Walker Lary C.
Published: March 2018

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) of the Aβ type is variably present in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). CAA contributes to cognitive decline and increases the risk of lobar hemorrhage; because both AD-typical dementia and lobar hemorrhage are more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians, we postulated that African-Americans with AD might be particularly susceptible to CAA. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed CAA histopathologically in the large vessels and capillaries of autopsy-derived frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortical samples from African-Americans ( n = 18) and Caucasians ( n = 19) with end-stage AD. In the combined cohort of 37 subjects, 22% of the subjects had severe CAA in large vessels, and 11% had severe CAA in capillaries. However, the prevalence and histopathologic characteristics of CAA were similar in the African-Americans and Caucasians. This conclusion was substantiated in an independent sample from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database, in which the degree of CAA was comparable in 1,554 Caucasians and 68 African-Americans with end-stage AD. These findings support a growing consensus that the fundamental histopathologic features of AD are largely impartial to the race of the afflicted.
An overview of the Cure SMA membership database: Highlights of key demographic and clinical characteristics of SMA members
Authors: Belter Lisa , Cook Suzanne F. , Crawford Thomas O. , Jarecki Jill , Jones Cynthia C. , Kissel John T. , Schroth Mary , Hobby Kenneth
Published: March 2018

Background:

The Cure SMA database is one of the largest patient reported databases for people affected with SMA.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine a subset of affected SMA persons with types I, II, and III from a patient reported database.

Methods:

Individuals with SMA were selected from the database using a date of first contact to Cure SMA between 2010 and 2016. Data analyzed included age at diagnosis, number of weeks from SMA diagnosis to contacting Cure SMA, and geographic distribution of individuals.

Results:

A total of 1,966 individuals with SMA were included in the analysis. Of these individuals, 51.9% had type I, 32.3% had type II, and 15.8% had type III. The average age of diagnosis for type I patients was 5.2 months, 22.1 months for type II, and 97.8 months for type III. From published incidence, about 59.0% of affected individuals in the US are registered in the Cure SMA database.

Conclusions:

The Cure SMA database is a unique and robust source of patient reported data that informs on the burden of illness and supports the development of new therapeutic modalities.
Sex-Specificity of Oxidative Stress in Newborns Leading to a Personalized Antioxidant Nutritive Strategy
Authors: Lavoie Jean-Claude , Tremblay André
Published: March 2018

Oxidative stress is a critical process that triggers several diseases observed in premature infants. Growing recognition of the detriment of oxidative stress in newborns warrants the use of an antioxidant strategy that is likely to be nutritional in order to restore redox homeostasis. It appears essential to have a personalized approach that will take into account the age of gestation at birth and the sex of the infant. However, the link between sex and oxidative stress remains unclear. The aim of this study was to find a common denominator explaining the discrepancy between studies related to sex-specific effects of oxidative stress. Results highlight a specificity of sex in the levels of oxidative stress markers linked to the metabolism of glutathione, as measured in the intracellular compartments. Levels of all sex-dependent oxidative stress markers are greater and markers associated to a better antioxidant defense are lower in boys compared to girls during the neonatal period. This sex-specific discrepancy is likely to be related to estrogen metabolism, which is more active in baby-girls and promotes the activation of glutathione metabolism. Conclusion: our observations suggest that nutritive antioxidant strategies need to target glutathione metabolism and, therefore, should be personalized considering, among others, the sex specificity.
Mechanical Characterisation and Modelling of Elastomeric Shockpads
Authors: Cole David , Forrester Steph , Fleming Paul
Published: March 2018

Third generation artificial turf systems are comprised of a range of polymeric and elastomeric materials that exhibit non-linear and strain rate dependent behaviours under the complex loads applied from players and equipment. An elastomeric shockpad is often included beneath the carpet layer to aid in the absorption of impact forces. The purpose of this study was to characterise the behaviour of two elastomeric shockpads and find a suitable material model to represent them in finite element simulations. To characterise the behaviour of the shockpads an Advanced Artificial Athlete test device was used to gather stress-strain data from different drop heights (15, 35 and 55 mm). The experimental results from both shockpads showed a hyperelastic material response with viscoelasticity. Microfoam material models were found to describe the material behaviour of the shockpads and were calibrated using the 55 mm drop height experimental data. The material model for each shockpad was verified through finite element simulations of the Advanced Artificial Athlete impact from different drop heights (35 and 15 mm). Finite element model accuracy was assessed through the comparison of a series of key variables including shock absorption, energy restitution, vertical deformation and contact time. Both shockpad models produced results with a mean error of less than 10% compared to experimental data.
Stability of Two-Dimensional Polymorphs for 10,12-Pentacosadyn-1-ol on Graphite Investigated by SPM
Authors: Takajo Daisuke , Sudoh Koichi
Published: March 2018

For monomolecular layers of 10,12-pentacosadiyn-1-ol on graphite, it is known that two different two-dimensional polymorphic forms—herringbone (H) and parallel (P) arrangements—are observable at room temperature. Here, we study the thermodynamic stability of these polymorphs by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy. When the monomolecular films, where H and P domains coexist, are annealed at above 40 °C, the area of P arrangement irreversibly increases, demonstrating that P arrangement is thermodynamically stable while H arrangement is quasi-stable. Consistently, invasion of P domains into H domains is observed during morphological changes induced by STM scanning at room temperature. Furthermore, we estimate that the melting point of the monomolecular film of P arrangement is about 80 °C, which is 20 °C higher than that of the bulk crystal.
Multi-Objective and Multi-Rate Control of the Grinding and Classification Circuit with Electromagnetic Mill
Authors: Ogonowski Szymon , Ogonowski Zbigniew , Pawełczyk Marek
Published: March 2018

The paper presents an innovative construction and installation of dry grinding in electromagnetic mill that provides a significant reduction of energy consumption when compared to traditional mills. The installation constitutes complex multi-objective plant. To gain control over all the objectives, hierarchical structure of control system was developed where different time-horizons involve multi-rate scheme of steering. The paper presents solutions for the direct regulation, supervisory control, and optimization level. The electromagnetic mill installation constitutes a unique setup that causes open loop instability and implies the application of novel control schemes at all of the levels. The paper presents these solutions and illustrates them with the results of experiments carried out on the electromagnetic mill installations.
Internet of Things for Sensing: A Case Study in the Healthcare System
Authors: Shah Syed , Ren Aifeng , Fan Dou , Zhang Zhiya , Zhao Nan , Yang Xiaodong , Luo Ming , Wang Weigang , Hu Fangming , Rehman Masood , Badarneh Osamah , Abbasi Qammer
Published: March 2018

Medical healthcare is one of the fascinating applications using Internet of Things (IoTs). The pervasive smart environment in IoTs has the potential to monitor various human activities by deploying smart devices. In our pilot study, we look at narcolepsy, a disorder in which individuals lose the ability to regulate their sleep-wake cycle. An imbalance in the brain chemical called orexin makes the sleep pattern irregular. This sleep disorder in patients suffering from narcolepsy results in them experience irrepressible sleep episodes while performing daily routine activities. This study presents a novel method for detecting sleep attacks or sleepiness due to immune system attacks and affecting daily activities measured using the S-band sensing technique. The S-Band sensing technique is channel sensing based on frequency spectrum sensing using the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission at a 2 to 4 GHz frequency range leveraging amplitude and calibrated phase information of different frequencies obtained using wireless devices such as card, and omni-directional antenna. Each human behavior induces a unique channel information (CI) signature contained in amplitude and phase information. By linearly transforming raw phase measurements into calibrated phase information, we ascertain phase coherence. Classification and validation of various human activities such as walking, sitting on a chair, push-ups, and narcolepsy sleep episodes are done using support vector machine, K-nearest neighbor, and random forest algorithms. The measurement and evaluation were carried out several times with classification values of accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, Kappa, and F-measure of more than 90% that were achieved when delineating sleep attacks.
Towards an ICT-Based Platform for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Management
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Zamora-Izquierdo Miguel-Ángel , Rodríguez José-Víctor
Published: March 2018

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) is a metabolic disease that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to a lack of pancreatic insulin production. This forces patients to perform several blood glucose measurements per day—by means of capillary glucometers—in order to infer a trend and try to predict future values. In this way, a decision about the insulin dosage that has to be exogenously injected to maintain glycemia within the desirable levels is made. Unfortunately, this method usually suffers from relatively high imprecision. However, recent advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), along with novel biosensors that could provide a real-time comprehensive condition of the patient, offer a new perspective in DM1 management. In this sense, new disruptive technologies like Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Cloud Computing, as well as Machine Learning (ML) can play an important role in managing DM1. In this work, firstly, an analysis of previously published ICT-based methods for the management of diabetes continuous monitoring is carried out. In this way, an assessment of the possible lack of such proposals is presented, along with the challenges to be overcome in forthcoming smart DM1 management systems. Finally, an overview of a holistic ICT-based platform for DM1 management that try to solve the limitations of previous works, while at the same time, taking advantage of the abovementioned disruptive technologies is hereby proposed.
Silicone-Based Molding Technique for Optical Flow Analysis in Transparent Models of Fluidic Components
Authors: Schult Mark , Drobek Christoph , Seitz Hermann
Published: March 2018

Optical flow analysis methods such as particle image velocimetry can only be performed in fluid systems or components with optical access. Many fluidic components, such as metallic tubes, do not typically feature optical accessibility. A new silicone-based molding technique is presented that makes it possible to replicate non-transparent fluidic components as models with optical accessibility that can be used to perform optical flow analysis. Furthermore, to avoid errors due to refraction, a test fluid is presented whose refractive index matches that of the silicone material of the replication. This new method allows flows to be analyzed in tubes or similar components with diameters in the range of only a few millimeters. An initial test was performed demonstrating the proof of concept and the velocity field of the flow inside a manifold was measured using a micro-particle image velocimetry setup. The study showed that both simple parts like tubes and complex parts such as manifolds can be replicated and investigated.
Fast Thermal Runaway Detection for Lithium-Ion Cells in Large Scale Traction Batteries
Authors: Koch Sascha , Birke Kai , Kuhn Robert
Published: March 2018

Thermal runaway of single cells within a large scale lithium-ion battery is a well-known risk that can lead to critical situations if no counter measures are taken in today’s lithium-ion traction batteries for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The United Nations have published a draft global technical regulation on electric vehicle safety (GTR EVS) describing a safety feature to warn passengers in case of a thermal runaway. Fast and reliable detection of faulty cells undergoing thermal runaway within the lithium-ion battery is therefore a key factor in battery designs for comprehensive passenger safety. A set of various possible sensors has been chosen based on the determined cell thermal runaway impact. These sensors have been tested in different sized battery setups and compared with respect to their ability of fast and reliable thermal runaway detection and their feasibility for traction batteries.
Beyond the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: Vulnerability Reduction as a Challenge Involving Historical and Traditional Buildings
Authors: Pica Valentina
Published: March 2018

In observance of the international procedures on disaster risk management, and in particular the Sendai Framework (2015), this research focuses on how more specific procedures related to it can be made effective in the treatment of historic areas worldwide. Disaster risk management is now viewed as being important in the context of historic buildings, as they are strongly related to cultural identity as well as to resilient communities, and can have a large impact on local economies. The study points out that cultural heritage might be the core field of action for capacity building in less vulnerable places, and that its protection is one of the main tasks to attend to in order to achieve the goal of vulnerability reduction. The paper also aims to answer questions such as: which actions could allow better protection of cultural heritage? Is it correct to involve local communities in reconstruction plans by capacity building and self-managed projects? How have reconstruction plans been managed recently worldwide? By further developing the applicability of the priority areas of action of the Sendai Framework, the research illustrates critical points and best practices that will hopefully support disaster risk reduction based on strategic management and remote monitoring, involving technologies and social participation.
Special Issue: Plant Genetics and Biotechnology in Biodiversity
Authors: Corrado Giandomenico , Rao Rosa
Published: March 2018

The rapid progress and increasing affordability of novel investigation tools in plant genetics and biotechnology offer previously inaccessible opportunities for the exploitation of plant genetic diversity in agriculture. The Special Issue was lunched to highlight how new technologies are improving both genotyping and phenotyping methods, thus allowing us to uncover crop diversity and use genetic variability for plant breeding with remarkable precision and speed. Three thematic reviews report on scientific, technological, and legal advances in plant diversity and agriculture. Three contributions provide specific examples of the exploitation of different kinds of genetic resources, ranging from landraces to mutant populations. Six research articles are illustrative examples of the study of molecular and/or phenotypic diversity to address basic or applied questions in different plant species. Finally, this SI was also launched to honor the memory of Prof. Gian Tommaso Scarascia Mugnozza and a dedicated Editorial acknowledges his work in plant breeding and biodiversity protection.
On the Coherence of Probabilistic Relational Formalisms
Authors: De Bona Glauber , Cozman Fabio
Published: March 2018

There are several formalisms that enhance Bayesian networks by including relations amongst individuals as modeling primitives. For instance, Probabilistic Relational Models (PRMs) use diagrams and relational databases to represent repetitive Bayesian networks, while Relational Bayesian Networks (RBNs) employ first-order probability formulas with the same purpose. We examine the coherence checking problem for those formalisms; that is, the problem of guaranteeing that any grounding of a well-formed set of sentences does produce a valid Bayesian network. This is a novel version of de Finetti’s problem of coherence checking for probabilistic assessments. We show how to reduce the coherence checking problem in relational Bayesian networks to a validity problem in first-order logic augmented with a transitive closure operator and how to combine this logic-based approach with faster, but incomplete algorithms.
A Method for Increasing the Operating Limit Capacity of Wind Farms Using Battery Energy Storage Systems with Rate of Change of Frequency
Authors: Son Dae-Hee , Ali Muhammad , Kang Sang-Hee , Heo Jae-Haeng , Nam Soon-Ryul
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the appropriate rated power of battery energy storage system (BESS) and the operating limit capacity of wind farms are determined considering power system stability, and novel output control methods of BESS and wind turbines are proposed. The rated power of BESS is determined by correlation with the kinetic energy that can be released from wind turbines and synchronous generators when a disturbance occurs in the power system. After the appropriate rated power of BESS is determined, a novel control scheme for quickly responding to disturbances should be applied to BESS. It is important to compensate the insufficient power difference between demand and supply more quickly after a disturbance, and for this purpose, BESS output is controlled using the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF). Generally, BESS output is controlled by the frequency droop control (FDC), however if ROCOF falls below the threshold, BESS output increases sharply. Under this control for BESS, the power system’s stability can be improved and the operating limit capacity of wind farms can be increased. The operating limit capacity is determined as the smaller of technical limit and dynamic limit capacity. The technical limit capacity is calculated by the difference between the maximum power of the generators connected to the power system and the magnitude of loads, and the dynamic limit capacity is determined by considering dynamic stability of a power system frequency when the wind turbines drop out from a power system. Output of the dynamic model developed for wind turbine is based on the operating limit capacity and is controlled by blade pitch angle. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed control method, different case studies are conducted, with simulations for BESS and wind turbine using Power System Simulation for Engineering (PSS/E).
Identification and Evaluation of Cases for Excess Heat Utilisation Using GIS
Authors: Bühler Fabian , Petrović Stefan , Ommen Torben , Holm Fridolin , Pieper Henrik , Elmegaard Brian
Published: March 2018

Excess heat is present in many sectors, and its utilization could reduce the primary energy use and emission of greenhouse gases. This work presents a geographical mapping of excess heat, in which excess heat from the industry and utility sector was distributed to specific geographical locations in Denmark. Based on this mapping, a systematic approach for identifying cases for the utilization of excess heat is proposed, considering the production of district heat and process heat, as well as power generation. The technical and economic feasibility of this approach was evaluated for six cases. Special focus was placed on the challenges for the connection of excess heat sources to heat users. To account for uncertainties in the model input, different methods were applied to determine the uncertainty of the results and the most important model parameters. The results show how the spatial mapping of excess heat sources can be used to identify their utilization potentials. The identified case studies show that it can be economically feasible to connect the heat sources to the public energy network or to use the heat to generate electricity. The uncertainty analysis suggests that the results are indicative and are particularly useful for a fast evaluation, comparison and prioritization of possible matches. The excess heat temperature and obtainable energy price were identified as the most important input parameters.
Geometric Factor as the Characteristics of the Three-Dimensional Process of Volume Changes of Heavy Soils
Authors: Gomboš Milan , Tall Andrej , Kandra Branislav , Balejčíková Lucia , Pavelková Dana
Published: March 2018

During simulation of a water regime of heavy soils, it is necessary to know the isotropy parameters of any volume changes. Volume changes appear in both vertical and horizontal directions. In vertical directions, they appear as a topsoil movement, and in horizontal directions as the formation of a crack network. The ratio between horizontal and vertical change is described using the geometric factor, rs. In the present paper, the distribution of volume changes to horizontal and vertical components is characterized by the geometric factor, in selected soil profiles, in the East Slovakian Lowland. In this work the effect of soil texture on the value of the geometric factor and thus, on the distribution of volume changes to vertical and horizontal components was studied. Within the hypothesis, the greatest influence of the clay soil component was shown by the geometric factor value. New information is obtained on the basis of field and laboratory measurements. Results will be used as inputs for numerical simulation of a water regime for heavy soils in the East Slovakian Lowland.
Karyotype Evolution in Birds: From Conventional Staining to Chromosome Painting
Authors: Kretschmer Rafael , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm , De Oliveira Edivaldo
Published: March 2018

In the last few decades, there have been great efforts to reconstruct the phylogeny of Neoaves based mainly on DNA sequencing. Despite the importance of karyotype data in phylogenetic studies, especially with the advent of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques using different types of probes, the use of chromosomal data to clarify phylogenetic proposals is still minimal. Additionally, comparative chromosome painting in birds is restricted to a few orders, while in mammals, for example, virtually all orders have already been analyzed using this method. Most reports are based on comparisons using Gallus gallus probes, and only a small number of species have been analyzed with more informative sets of probes, such as those from Leucopternis albicollis and Gyps fulvus, which show ancestral macrochromosomes rearranged in alternative patterns. Despite this, it is appropriate to review the available cytogenetic information and possible phylogenetic conclusions. In this report, the authors gather both classical and molecular cytogenetic data and describe some interesting and unique characteristics of karyotype evolution in birds.
Evaluation of Loss Due to Storm Surge Disasters in China Based on Econometric Model Groups
Authors: Jin Xue , Shi Xiaoxia , Gao Jintian , Xu Tongbin , Yin Kedong
Published: March 2018

Storm surge has become an important factor restricting the economic and social development of China’s coastal regions. In order to improve the scientific judgment of future storm surge damage, a method of model groups is proposed to refine the evaluation of the loss due to storm surges. Due to the relative dispersion and poor regularity of the natural property data (login center air pressure, maximum wind speed, maximum storm water, super warning water level, etc.), storm surge disaster is divided based on eight kinds of storm surge disaster grade division methods combined with storm surge water, hypervigilance tide level, and disaster loss. The storm surge disaster loss measurement model groups consist of eight equations, and six major modules are constructed: storm surge disaster in agricultural loss, fishery loss, human resource loss, engineering facility loss, living facility loss, and direct economic loss. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) model is used to evaluate the loss and the intra-sample prediction. It is indicated that the equations of the model groups can reflect in detail the relationship between the damage of storm surges and other related variables. Based on a comparison of the original value and the predicted value error, the model groups pass the test, providing scientific support and a decision basis for the early layout of disaster prevention and mitigation.
Measuring the Efficiency in the Lithuanian Banking Sector: The DEA Application
Authors: Novickytė Lina , Droždz Jolanta
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficiency of the banks in Lithuania by employing the DEA method and evaluate bank performance in a low interest rate environment. The efficiency scores were calculated with a non-parametric frontier input-oriented DEA technique with the variable returns to scale (VRS) and the constant returns to scale (CRS) assumptions. Five alternative models with different input-output combinations were developed, based on production, profitability and intermediation dimensions. The main bank profitability measure—the return on assets (ROA) ratio—was employed to validate the results obtained using the DEA method. The Lithuanian bank’s efficiency analysis based on the VRS assumption shows that better results are demonstrated by the local banks. The technical efficiency analysis based on the CRS assumption shows other results: the banks owned by the Nordic parent group and the branches have higher pure efficiency than local banks and have success at working at the right scale. Based on this, it stated that during the 2012–2016 period the larger Lithuanian banks (subsidiaries) applied a more appropriate business model than smaller (local) banks operating in Lithuania. Additionally, this research contributes to the scholarly literature in the field of determinants of bank business performance in concentrated markets dominated by foreign banks and, in particular, from one region.
Co-Culture with Human Osteoblasts and Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Improve Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ehnert Sabrina , Van Griensven Martijn , Unger Marina , Scheffler Hanna , Falldorf Karsten , Fentz Anne-Kristin , Seeliger Claudine , Schröter Steffen , Nussler Andreas , Balmayor Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) have been proposed as suitable option for cell-based therapies to support bone regeneration. In the bone environment, Ad-MSCs will receive stimuli from resident cells that may favor their osteogenic differentiation. There is recent evidence that this process can be further improved by extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMFs). Thus, the project aimed at (i) investigating whether co-culture conditions of human osteoblasts (OBs) and Ad-MSCs have an impact on their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation; (ii) whether this effect can be further improved by repetitive exposure to two specific ELF-PEMFs (16 and 26 Hz); (iii) and the effect of these ELF-PEMFs on human osteoclasts (OCs). Osteogenic differentiation was improved by co-culturing OBs and Ad-MSCs when compared to the individual mono-cultures. An OB to Ad-MSC ratio of 3:1 had best effects on total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, and matrix mineralization. Osteogenic differentiation was further improved by both ELF-PEMFs investigated. Interestingly, only repetitive exposure to 26 Hz ELF-PEMF increased Trap5B activity in OCs. Considering this result, a treatment with gradually increasing frequency might be of interest, as the lower frequency (16 Hz) could enhance bone formation, while the higher frequency (26 Hz) could enhance bone remodeling.
Lee, J.E. et al. Ethanol Extract of Oldenlandia diffusa Herba Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairments in Mice via Activation of BDNF, P-CREB and Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Lee Jung , Song Hyo-Sook , Park Moon , Kim Sung-Hoon , Shim Bum-Sang , Kim Bonglee
Published: March 2018

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1].[...]
Molecular Binding Contributes to Concentration Dependent Acrolein Deposition in Rat Upper Airways: CFD and Molecular Dynamics Analyses
Authors: Xi Jinxiang , Hu Qin , Zhao Linlin , Si Xiuhua
Published: March 2018

Existing in vivo experiments show significantly decreased acrolein uptake in rats with increasing inhaled acrolein concentrations. Considering that high-polarity chemicals are prone to bond with each other, it is hypothesized that molecular binding between acrolein and water will contribute to the experimentally observed deposition decrease by decreasing the effective diffusivity. The objective of this study is to quantify the probability of molecular binding for acrolein, as well as its effects on acrolein deposition, using multiscale simulations. An image-based rat airway geometry was used to predict the transport and deposition of acrolein using the chemical species model. The low Reynolds number turbulence model was used to simulate the airflows. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were used to study the molecular binding of acrolein in different media and at different acrolein concentrations. MD results show that significant molecular binding can happen between acrolein and water molecules in human and rat airways. With 72 acrolein embedded in 800 water molecules, about 48% of acrolein compounds contain one hydrogen bond and 10% contain two hydrogen bonds, which agreed favorably with previous MD results. The percentage of hydrogen-bonded acrolein compounds is higher at higher acrolein concentrations or in a medium with higher polarity. Computational dosimetry results show that the size increase caused by the molecular binding reduces the effective diffusivity of acrolein and lowers the chemical deposition onto the airway surfaces. This result is consistent with the experimentally observed deposition decrease at higher concentrations. However, this size increase can only explain part of the concentration-dependent variation of the acrolein uptake and acts as a concurrent mechanism with the uptake-limiting tissue ration rate. Intermolecular interactions and associated variation in diffusivity should be considered in future dosimetry modeling of high-polarity chemicals such as acrolein.
Development and Characterisation of a Human Chronic Skin Wound Cell Line—Towards an Alternative for Animal Experimentation
Authors: Caley Matthew , Wall Ivan , Peake Matthew , Kipling David , Giles Peter , Thomas David , Stephens Phil
Published: March 2018

Background: Chronic skin wounds are a growing financial burden for healthcare providers, causing discomfort/immobility to patients. Whilst animal chronic wound models have been developed to allow for mechanistic studies and to develop/test potential therapies, such systems are not good representations of the human chronic wound state. As an alternative, human chronic wound fibroblasts (CWFs) have permitted an insight into the dysfunctional cellular mechanisms that are associated with these wounds. However, such cells strains have a limited replicative lifespan and therefore a limited reproducibility/usefulness. Objectives: To develop/characterise immortalised cell lines of CWF and patient-matched normal fibroblasts (NFs). Methods and Results: Immortalisation with human telomerase resulted in both CWF and NF proliferating well beyond their replicative senescence end-point (respective cell strains senesced as normal). Gene expression analysis demonstrated that, whilst proliferation-associated genes were up-regulated in the cell lines (as would be expected), the immortalisation process did not significantly affect the disease-specific genotype. Immortalised CWF (as compared to NF) also retained a distinct impairment in their wound repopulation potential (in line with CWF cell strains). Conclusions: These novel CWF cell lines are a credible animal alternative and could be a valuable research tool for understanding both the aetiology of chronic skin wounds and for therapeutic pre-screening.
IPv6 Convergence for IoT Cyber–Physical Systems
Authors: Nolan Keith , Kelly Mark
Published: March 2018

We describe the evolution of the IoT towards a heterogeneous multitopology network subject to dynamic change and volatility yet still capable of secure and dependable operation. As part of this evolution, we outline the key changes in wireless communications technologies and heterogeneous networking that have arisen during the development of the IoT. We briefly outline the emerging area of cyber–physical systems, and associated technical challenges. We then describe how IP convergence can be viewed as the narrow waist connecting endpoint devices and fieldbus devices with applications and services in new Industry 4.0, and cyber–physical system use cases. We outline how a protocol-packing approach can be used for encapsulating LoRaWAN frames with IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 frames. Extending this, we propose a method for ultracompressed IPv6 signaling, and detail how this can be achieved in an example low-power wide-area technology, namely LoRaWAN. To support our proposed approach, we provide real-world analyses where IPv6 commands undergo a process of ultracompression and are then conveyed to a LoRaWAN endpoint. We find that IPv6 command ultracompression can potentially support command packet sizes that are over 20x smaller than the reported worst-case maximum protocol data unit size of 81 bytes.
Characteristics and Classification of Topological Spatial Relations in 3-D Cadasters
Authors: Fu Lili , Yin Pengcheng , Li Gang , Shi Zhifeng , Liu Youzhi , Zhang Jiyi
Published: March 2018

The application of a 3-D topology to cadasters is becoming increasingly important as 3-D cadasters continue to develop and cadastral data applications increase. This study discusses spatial topological relations related to 3-D cadasters, the geometric objects used in 3-D cadastral spatial modelling, and the characteristics of the spatial data. The characteristics of the topological relations for a 3-D cadaster are summarized, and a classification method is proposed. Research on the classification of topological spatial relations in 3-D cadasters provides guidance for the analysis and computation of the topological spatial relations, changing of cadastral parcels, and topological consistency in cadastral spatial data.
Tri-Trophic Impacts of Bt-Transgenic Maize on Parasitoid Size and Fluctuating Asymmetry in Native vs. Novel Host-Parasitoid Interactions in East Africa
Authors: Ndolo Dennis , Songa Josephine , Lövei Gábor
Published: March 2018

Environmental stress can affect trait size and cause an increase in the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral morphological traits in many animals. For insect parasitoids, feeding of hosts on transgenic maize, expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin gene is a potential environmental stressor. We compared the size of antennae, forewings, and tibia, as well as their FA values, in two parasitoids developed on two East African host species feeding on non-transgenic vs. transgenic maize. The two lepidopteran stem-borer hosts were the native Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and a recent invader, Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The two braconid parasitoids were the native, gregarious larval endoparasitoid Cotesia sesamiae and the recently introduced Cotesia flavipes. Both parasitoids attacked both hosts, creating evolutionarily old vs. novel interactions. Transient feeding of hosts on transgenic maize had various effects on FA, depending on trait as well as the host and parasitoid species. These effects were usually stronger in evolutionarily novel host–parasitoid associations than in the older, native ones. These parameters have capacity to more sensitively indicate the effects of potential stressors and merit further consideration.
Wave-Created Mud Suspensions: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Kämpf Jochen , Myrow Paul
Published: March 2018

We studied wave-created high-density mud suspensions (fluid mud) using a one-dimensional water column (1DV) model that includes k-ε turbulence closure at a high vertical resolution with a vertical grid spacing of 1 mm. The k-ε turbulence model includes two sediment-related dissipation terms associated with vertical density stratification and viscous drag of flows around sediment particles. To this end, the calibrated model reproduces the key characteristics (maximum concentration and thickness) of fluid mud layers created in laboratory experiments over a large range of wave velocities from 10 to 55 cm/s. The findings demonstrate that the equilibrium near-bed mud concentration, Cb, is solely determined from the balance between erosion and deposition fluxes, whereas the thickness of the fluid mud layer is mainly controlled by sediment-induced density stratification, which dissipates turbulence and hence eliminates turbulent sediment diffusivity at the top of the fluid mud layer, the lutocline. Our model stands in contrast to those that suggest that upward sediment diffusion is close to zero at the interface between the fluid mud layer and the overlying fluid. Instead, our model suggests that the upward diffusive flux of fluid mud flows peak at the lutocline and is compensated for enhanced settling fluxes just above it. Our model findings also support the existence of the gelling-ignition process, which is critical for the development of fluid mud beds in modern sedimentary environments.