bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavelet Based Denoising for the Estimation of the State of Charge for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Xiao , Xu Jun , Zhao Yunfei
Published: May 2018

In practical electric vehicle applications, the noise of original discharging/charging voltage (DCV) signals are inevitable, which comes from electromagnetic interference and the measurement noise of the sensors. To solve such problems, the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based state of charge (SOC) estimation method is proposed in this paper. Through a multi-resolution analysis, the original DCV signals with noise are decomposed into different frequency sub-bands. The desired de-noised DCV signals are then reconstructed by utilizing the inverse discrete wavelet transform, based on the sure rule. With the de-noised DCV signal, the SOC and the parameters are obtained using the adaptive extended Kalman Filter algorithm, and the adaptive forgetting factor recursive least square method. Simulation and experimental results show that the SOC estimation error is less than 1%, which indicates an effective improvement in SOC estimation accuracy.
Whitebark Pine in the Northern Cascades: Tracking the Effects of Blister Rust on Population Health in North Cascades National Park Service Complex and Mount Rainier National Park
Authors: Rochefort Regina M. , Howlin Shay , Jeroue Lacey , Boetsch John R. , Grace Lise P.
Published: May 2018

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) is a key component of subalpine and alpine ecosystems in the northern Cascades. The species’ survival is threatened by white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle, fire exclusion, and climate change. We monitored whitebark pine in permanent plots in two national parks three times between 2004 and 2016. The proportion of live trees showing evidence of blister rust infection increased in North Cascades National Park Service Complex from 32% in 2004 to 51% in 2016 and from 18% to 38% in Mount Rainier National Park. Mortality increased from 7% to 21% in North Cascades National Park Service Complex and 38% to 44% in Mount Rainier National Park. The percent of live infected and dead whitebark pine increased with south and east aspects and mortality decreased with elevation. Annualized mortality rates calculated for the entire study period were 1.5% in Mount Rainier National Park and 2.3% in North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Although these rates decreased between the first time period (2004–2009) and the second time period (2009–2016), the prevalence of infected and dead whitebark pine increased across all park landscapes over time and increased in smaller diameter whitebark pine trees.
A Fair Cooperative MAC Protocol in IEEE 802.11 WLAN
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Davoud , Sadeghi Rasool , Karimi Mohamadreza , Karimian Erfan , Soltan Aghaei Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2018

Cooperative communication techniques have recently enabled wireless technologies to overcome their challenges. The main objective of these techniques is to improve resource allocation. In this paper, we propose a new protocol in medium access control (MAC) of the IEEE 802.11 standard. In our new protocol, which is called Fair Cooperative MAC (FC-MAC), every relay node participates in cooperation proportionally to its provided cooperation gain. This technique improves network resource allocation by exploiting the potential capacity of all relay candidates. Simulation results demonstrate that the FC-MAC protocol presents better performance in terms of throughput, fairness, and network lifetime.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Arabidopsis Sodium Proton Antiporter (NHX) and Human Sodium Proton Exchanger (NHE) Homologs in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Hima Kumari P. , Anil Kumar S. , Ramesh Katam , Sudhakar Reddy Palakolanu , Nagaraju M. , Bhanu Prakash A. , Shah Trushar , Henderson Ashley , Srivastava Rakesh K. , Rajasheker G. , Chitikineni A. , Varshney Rajeev K. , Rathnagiri P. , Lakshmi Narasu M. , Kavi Kishor P. B.
Published: May 2018

Na+ transporters play an important role during salt stress and development. The present study is aimed at genome-wide identification, in silico analysis of sodium-proton antiporter (NHX) and sodium-proton exchanger (NHE)-type transporters in Sorghum bicolor and their expression patterns under varied abiotic stress conditions. In Sorghum, seven NHX and nine NHE homologs were identified. Amiloride (a known inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchanger activity) binding motif was noticed in both types of the transporters. Chromosome 2 was found to be a hotspot region with five sodium transporters. Phylogenetic analysis inferred six ortholog and three paralog groups. To gain an insight into functional divergence of SbNHX/NHE transporters, real-time gene expression was performed under salt, drought, heat, and cold stresses in embryo, root, stem, and leaf tissues. Expression patterns revealed that both SbNHXs and SbNHEs are responsive either to single or multiple abiotic stresses. The predicted protein–protein interaction networks revealed that only SbNHX7 is involved in the calcineurin B-like proteins (CBL)- CBL interacting protein kinases (CIPK) pathway. The study provides insights into the functional divergence of SbNHX/NHE transporter genes with tissue specific expressions in Sorghum under different abiotic stress conditions.
Genetic Mechanisms of Asthma and the Implications for Drug Repositioning
Authors: Huo Yue , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: May 2018

Asthma is a chronic disease that is caused by airway inflammation. The main features of asthma are airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and reversible airway obstruction. The disease is mainly managed using drug therapy. The current asthma drug treatments are divided into two categories, namely, anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators. However, disease control in asthma patients is not very efficient because the pathogenesis of asthma is complicated, inducing factors that are varied, such as the differences between individual patients. In this paper, we delineate the genetic mechanisms of asthma, and present asthma-susceptible genes and genetic pharmacology in an attempt to find a diagnosis, early prevention, and treatment methods for asthma. Finally, we reposition some clinical drugs for asthma therapy, based on asthma genetics.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Roma Settlements: A Comparison with the General Population in Slovakia
Authors: Halánová Monika , Veseliny Eduard , Kalinová Zuzana , Jarčuška Peter , Janičko Martin , Urbančíková Ingrid , Pella Daniel , Dražilová Sylvia , Babinská Ingrid ,   HepaMeta Team
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis E infection is one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis in the world. Currently five human genotypes with different geographical distributions and distinct epidemiologic patterns are identified. In Slovakia, only rare cases of hepatitis E have been reported in past years. Because the most important risk factors associated with HEV infection include consumption of contaminated pork meat and poor hygienic standards, the aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-HEV total antibodies and the main risk factors for HEV in the population living in separated and segregated Roma settlements (n = 195), which represent places with increased risk of infection in Slovakia and to compare it with the prevalence in the general population (n = 69). Of 264 respondents included in the study, 47 (17.8%) showed positivity for anti-HEV antibodies, 42 of whom were Roma (21.5%, n = 195) and 5 (7.2%, n = 69) non-Roma. The population living in Roma settlements lives in poorer conditions and are at higher risk of HEV in comparison to the general population. However, differences in living conditions within the settlements do not contributed to lower risk of HEV antibody prevalence between Roma living in settlements.
Exposure to Quartz in Finnish Workplaces Declined during the First Six Years after the Signing of the NEPSI Agreement, but Evened out between 2013 and 2017
Authors: Tuomi Tapani , Linnainmaa Markku , Pennanen Sirpa
Published: May 2018

To reduce the incidence of occupational diseases related to exposure to respirable silica at work, the main industries in the EU associated with respirable silica agreed on measures to improve working conditions through the application of good practices. These practices were included in “The Agreement on Workers Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it” (NEPSI agreement), signed in April 2006. In Finland, we have previously seen a decline in exposure to respirable quartz in relevant industries upon the treaty coming into effect, during the years 2006–2013. The present paper examines trends in exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Finland from 2006 to the end of 2017. In addition, we looked at changes in the number of exposed workers and the prevalence of silicosis and lung cancer associated with the exposure during the same period. The aim was to find out whether the decline in exposure previously recorded had continued, and whether this, in addition to the previously reported descent in exposure, was reflected in the amount and prevalence of occupational diseases associated with inhaling respirable quartz. In the present study, during the period 2013 to 2017 no further improvements were observed. The exposure remained at an average level of 20–50% of the current OEL8h. This is not necessarily sufficient to eliminate silicosis, lung cancer or other health effects associated with exposure to respirable silica in affected workplaces. To bring about further improvements in exposure, we suggest the present OEL8h in Finland (0.05 mg/m3) and particularly in the many EU countries with an OEL8h of 0.1 mg/m3 be lowered to 0.020–0.025 mg/m3. Secondly, branches outside of the NEPSI treaty where the number of exposed workers is increasing in Finland and possibly in some other EU countries as well, namely building and refinery industries, would be advised to sign the treaty. In addition, as a result of signing, good practices should be developed for work tasks where exposure to respirable silica is of concern in these industries.
The Novel miRNA N-72 Regulates EGF-Induced Migration of Human Amnion Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Targeting MMP2
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Dianbao , Chen Meng , Wang Rui , Zhang Tao , Zhao Feng , Lin Xuewen , Pang Xining
Published: May 2018

Human amnion mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) are promising sources of stem cells in regenerative medicine. The migration stimulated by cytokines is critical for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based cytotherapy, while the regulatory mechanisms of EGF (epidermal growth factor)-induced hAMSC migration are largely unclear. Here, a novel miRNA N-72 (GenBank accession number: MH269369) has been discovered, and its function on EGF-induced migration in hAMSCs was investigated. High-purity hAMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, which were characterized by flow cytometry and trilineage differentiation. The N-72 located on chromosome three was conserved, and pri-N-72 owned the ability to form a stem-loop secondary structure, which was predicated by bioinformatic programs. The expression of mature N-72 was verified in several human cells including hAMSC by real-time PCR. In EGF-stimulated hAMSC, N-72 showed a significant reduction in a PI3K and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, and N-72 mimics transfection-inhibited EGF-induced migration, which was verified by scratch assay and transwell assay. Further, the predicated target gene MMP2 was proved to be a direct target of N-72 via luciferase reporter assay, real-time PCR, and Western blotting. The results that MMP2 silencing repressed hAMSC migration suggested MMP2 as a functional downstream target of N-72. In summary, we have discovered the novel N-72, and it was crucial for EGF-induced migration by targeting MMP2 in hAMSCs.
NAD(P)H Oxidase Activity in the Small Intestine Is Predominantly Found in Enterocytes, Not Professional Phagocytes
Authors: Lindquist Randall L. , Bayat-Sarmadi Jannike , Leben Ruth , Niesner Raluca , Hauser Anja E.
Published: May 2018

The balance between various cellular subsets of the innate and adaptive immune system and microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract is carefully regulated to maintain tolerance to the normal flora and dietary antigens, while protecting against pathogens. The intestinal epithelial cells and the network of dendritic cells and macrophages in the lamina propria are crucial lines of defense that regulate this balance. The complex relationship between the myeloid compartment (dendritic cells and macrophages) and lymphocyte compartment (T cells and innate lymphoid cells), as well as the impact of the epithelial cell layer have been studied in depth in recent years, revealing that the regulatory and effector functions of both innate and adaptive immune compartments exhibit more plasticity than had been previously appreciated. However, little is known about the metabolic activity of these cellular compartments, which is the basic function underlying all other additional tasks the cells perform. Here we perform intravital NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging in the small intestine of fluorescent reporter mice to monitor the NAD(P)H-dependent metabolism of epithelial and myeloid cells. The majority of myeloid cells which comprise the surveilling network in the lamina propria have a low metabolic activity and remain resting even upon stimulation. Only a few myeloid cells, typically localized at the tip of the villi, are metabolically active and are able to activate NADPH oxidases upon stimulation, leading to an oxidative burst. In contrast, the epithelial cells are metabolically highly active and, although not considered professional phagocytes, are also able to activate NADPH oxidases, leading to massive production of reactive oxygen species. Whereas the oxidative burst in myeloid cells is mainly catalyzed by the NOX2 isotype, in epithelial cells other isotypes of the NADPH oxidases family are involved, especially NOX4. They are constitutively expressed by the epithelial cells, but activated only on demand to ensure rapid defense against pathogens. This minimizes the potential for inadvertent damage from resting NOX activation, while maintaining the capacity to respond quickly if needed.
Can Digital Computers Support Ancient Mathematical Consciousness?
Authors: Sloman Aaron
Published: May 2018

This paper poses, discusses, but does not definitively answer, the following questions: What sorts of reasoning machinery could the ancient mathematicians, and other intelligent animals, be using for spatial reasoning, before the discovery of modern logical mechanisms? “Diagrams in minds” perhaps? How and why did natural selection produce such machinery? Is there a single package of biological abilities for spatial reasoning, or did different sorts of mathematical competence evolve at different times, forming a “layered” system? Do the layers develop in individuals at different stages? Which components are shared with other intelligent species? Does some or all of the machinery exist at or before birth in humans and if not how and when does it develop, and what is the role of experience in its development? How do brains implement such machinery? Could similar machines be implemented as virtual machines on digital computers, and if not what sorts of non-digital “Super Turing” mechanisms could replicate the required functionality, including discovery of impossibility and necessity? How are impossibility and necessity represented in brains? Are chemical mechanisms required? How could such mechanisms be specified in a genome? Are some not specified in the genome but products of interaction between genome and environment? Does Turing’s work on chemical morphogenesis published shortly before he died indicate that he was interested in this problem? Will the answers to these questions vindicate Immanuel Kant’s claims about the nature of mathematical knowledge, including his claim that mathematical truths are non-empirical, synthetic and necessary? Perhaps it’s time for discussions of consciousness to return to the nature of ancient mathematical consciousness, and related aspects of everyday human and non-human intelligence, usually ignored by consciousness theorists.
The Gender Impact on Morphogenetic Variability in Coronary Artery Disease: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Karan Radmila , Obrenovic-Kircanski Biljana , Cvjeticanin Suzana , Kovacevic-Kostic Natasa , Velinovic Milos , Milicevic Vladimir , Vranes-Stoimirov Milica , Nikolic Dejan
Published: May 2018

We analyzed morphogenetic variability and degree of genetic homozygosity in male and female individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) versus unaffected controls. We have tested 235 CAD patients; 109 were diagnosed also with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 126 with hypertension (HTN). We additionally evaluated 152 healthy individuals without manifested CAD. For the evaluation of the degree of recessive homozygosity, we have performed the homozygously recessive characteristics (HRC) test and tested 19 HRCs. In controls, the frequency of HRC for males was 2.88 ± 1.89, while for females, it was 3.65 ± 1.60. In the CAD group, the frequency of HRC for males was 4.21 ± 1.47, while for females, it was 4.73 ± 1.60. There is significant difference in HRC frequencies between controls and CAD separately for males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.001). The same applies between controls and CAD with DM (males: p < 0.001 and females: p = 0.004), and controls and CAD with HTN (males: p < 0.001 and females: p < 0.001). There is no significant difference in HRC frequencies between the group of CAD with DM and the group of CAD with HTN (males: p = 0.952 and females: p = 0.529). Our findings point to the increased degree of recessive homozygosity and decreased variability in both genders of CAD patients versus controls, indicating the potential genetic predisposition for CAD.
Modeling the Friction Boundary Layer of an Entire Brake Pad with an Abstract Cellular Automaton
Authors: Ostermeyer Georg-Peter , Merlis Joshua H.
Published: May 2018

The principle energy exchange of a brake system occurs in the tribological boundary layer between the pad and the disc. The associated phenomena are primarily responsible for the dynamics of brake systems. The wear debris forms flat contact structures, or “patches,” which carry the majority of the normal load in the system and are highly influential on the friction behavior of the system. A new simulation tool is presented, which is capable of rapidly performing simulations of the contact between an entire brake pad and disc. The “Abstract Cellular Automaton” simulations accurately model the patch coverage state of a brake pad surface based on the system’s load history. This can be used to simulate the complex dissipation phenomena within the tribological contact of the entire pad, including time-dependent local friction coefficients, wear and wear debris transport, and vibrational effects on highly differing scales.
Magnetoresistance Effect and the Applications for Organic Spin Valves Using Molecular Spacers
Authors: Yao Xiannian , Duan Qingqing , Tong Junwei , Chang Yufang , Zhou Lianqun , Qin Gaowu , Zhang Xianmin
Published: May 2018

Organic spin devices utilizing the properties of both spin and charge inherent in electrons have attracted extensive research interest in the field of future electronic device development. In the last decade, magnetoresistance effects, including giant magetoresistance and tunneling magnetoresistance, have been observed in organic spintronics. Significant progress has been made in understanding spin-dependent transport phenomena, such as spin injection or tunneling, manipulation, and detection in organic spintronics. However, to date, materials that are effective for preparing organic spin devices for commercial applications are still lacking. In this report, we introduce basic knowledge of the fabrication and evaluation of organic spin devices, and review some remarkable applications for organic spin valves using molecular spacers. The current bottlenecks that hinder further enhancement for the performance of organic spin devices is also discussed. This report presents some research ideas for designing organic spin devices operated at room temperature.
Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Pd-Doped ZrCoBi Half-Heusler Compounds
Authors: Zhao Degang , Zuo Min , Bo Lin , Wang Yongpeng
Published: May 2018

In this study, n-type Pd-doped ZrCo1-xPdxBi (x = 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09) half-Heusler samples were prepared by arc-melting and rapid hot-pressing sintering. The thermoelectric properties of ZrCo1-xPdxBi samples were analyzed and discussed. The results showed that the electrical properties of ZrCo1-xPdxBi, including electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient, increase due to the substitution of Pd on Co site. The lattice thermal conductivity of ZrCo1-xPdxBi is markedly decreased because of the Pd/Co substitution. A minimum κL of 5.0 W/mK for ZrCo0.91Pd0.09Bi is achieved at 800 K. The figure of merit of ZrCo1-xPdxBi is boosted due to the depressed lattice thermal conductivity and the improved power factor. The highest value of figure of merit reaches 0.23 for ZrCo0.97Pd0.03Bi half-Heusler compound at 800 K.
Use of the Adjoint Method for Controlling the Mechanical Vibrations of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Pappalardo Carmine Maria , Guida Domenico
Published: May 2018

In this work, the analytical derivation and the computer implementation of the adjoint method are described. The adjoint method can be effectively used for solving the optimal control problem associated with a large class of nonlinear mechanical systems. As discussed in this investigation, the adjoint method represents a broad computational framework, rather than a single numerical algorithm, in which the control problem for nonlinear dynamical systems can be effectively formulated and implemented employing a set of advanced analytical methods as well as an array of well-established numerical procedures. A detailed theoretical derivation and a comprehensive description of the numerical algorithm suitable for the computer implementation of the methodology used for performing the adjoint analysis are provided in the paper. For this purpose, two important cases are analyzed in this work, namely the design of a feedforward control scheme and the development of a feedback control architecture. In this investigation, the control problem relative to the mechanical vibrations of a nonlinear oscillator characterized by a generalized Van der Pol damping model is considered in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the computational algorithm based on the adjoint method by means of numerical experiments.
Effect of Aqueous Media on the Recovery of Scandium by Selective Precipitation
Authors: Yagmurlu Bengi , Dittrich Carsten , Friedrich Bernd
Published: May 2018

This research presents a novel precipitation method for scandium (Sc) concentrate refining from bauxite residue leachates and the effect of aqueous media on this triple-stage successive precipitation process. The precipitation pattern and the precipitation behavior of the constituent elements was investigated using different precipitation agents in three major mineral acid media, namely, H2SO4, HNO3, and HCl in a comparative manner. Experimental investigations showed behavioral similarities between HNO3 and HCl media, while H2SO4 media was different from them because of the nature of the formed complexes. NH4OH was found to be the best precipitation agent in every leaching media to remove Fe(III) with low Sc co-precipitation. To limit Sc loss from the system, Fe(III) removal was divided into two steps, leading to more than 90% of Fe(III) removal at the end of the process. Phosphate concentrates were produced in the final step of the precipitation process with dibasic phosphates which have a strong affinity towards Sc. Concentrates containing more than 50% of ScPO4 were produced in each case from the solutions after Fe(III) removal, as described. A flow diagram of the selective precipitation process is proposed for these three mineral acid media with their characteristic parameters.
Towards Representative Metallurgical Sampling and Gold Recovery Testwork Programmes
Authors: Dominy Simon C. , O’Connor Louisa , Glass Hylke J. , Purevgerel Saranchimeg , Xie Yuling
Published: May 2018

When developing a process flowsheet, the risks in achieving positive financial outcomes are minimised by ensuring representative metallurgical samples and high quality testwork. The quality and type of samples used are as important as the testwork itself. The key characteristic required of any set of samples is that they represent a given domain and quantify its variability. There are those who think that stating a sample(s) is representative makes it representative without justification. There is a need to consider both (1) in-situ and (2) testwork sub-sample representativity. Early ore/waste characterisation and domain definition are required, so that sampling and testwork protocols can be designed to suit the style of mineralisation in question. The Theory of Sampling (TOS) provides an insight into the causes and magnitude of errors that may occur during the sampling of particulate materials (e.g., broken rock) and is wholly applicable to metallurgical sampling. Quality assurance/quality control (QAQC) is critical throughout all programmes. Metallurgical sampling and testwork should be fully integrated into geometallurgical studies. Traditional metallurgical testwork is critical for plant design and is an inherent part of geometallurgy. In a geometallurgical study, multiple spatially distributed small-scale tests are used as proxies for process parameters. These will be validated against traditional testwork results. This paper focusses on sampling and testwork for gold recovery determination. It aims to provide the reader with the background to move towards the design, implementation and reporting of representative and fit-for-purpose sampling and testwork programmes. While the paper does not intend to provide a definitive commentary, it critically assesses the hard-rock sampling methods used and their optimal collection and preparation. The need for representative sampling and quality testwork to avoid financial and intangible losses is emphasised.
Fabrication of High Gas Barrier Epoxy Nanocomposites: An Approach Based on Layered Silicate Functionalized by a Compatible and Reactive Modifier of Epoxy-Diamine Adduct
Authors: Wei Ran , Wang Xiaoqun , Zhang Xu , Chen Chen , Du Shanyi
Published: May 2018

To solve the drawbacks of poor dispersion and weak interface in gas barrier nanocomposites, a novel epoxy-diamine adduct (DDA) was synthesized by reacting epoxy monomer DGEBA with curing agent D400 to functionalize montmorillonite (MMT), which could provide complete compatibility and reactivity with a DGEBA/D400 epoxy matrix. Thereafter, sodium type montmorillonite (Na-MMT) and organic-MMTs functionalized by DDA and polyether amines were incorporated with epoxy to manufacture nanocomposites. The effects of MMT functionalization on the morphology and gas barrier property of nanocomposites were evaluated. The results showed that DDA was successfully synthesized, terminating with epoxy and amine groups. By simulating the small-angle neutron scattering data with a sandwich structure model, the optimal dispersion/exfoliation of MMT was observed in a DDA-MMT/DGEBA nanocomposite with a mean radius of 751 Å, a layer thickness of 30.8 Å, and only two layers in each tactoid. Moreover, the DDA-MMT/DGEBA nanocomposite exhibited the best N2 barrier properties, which were about five times those of neat epoxy. Based on a modified Nielsen model, it was clarified that this excellent gas barrier property was due to the homogeneously dispersed lamellas with almost exfoliated structures. The improved morphology and barrier property confirmed the superiority of the adduct, which provides a general method for developing gas barrier nanocomposites.
Syzygium Cordatum Hochst. ex Krauss: An Overview of Its Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Maroyi Alfred
Published: May 2018

Syzygium cordatum is a valuable medicinal plant in the materia medica of east and southern Africa. The aim of this study was to review the botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological properties of S. cordatum. Relevant literature search was carried out using internet sources such as ACS, Web of Science, Wiley, SpringerLink, Scopus, Mendeley, Google Scholar, Pubmed, SciFinder, BioMed Central, Science Direct and Elsevier. Other literature sources were conference papers, book chapters, books, theses and websites. The leaves, roots, bark and fruits of S. cordatum are used as ethnomedicines against 24 human diseases such as gastro-intestinal disorders, burns, sores, wounds, colds, cough, respiratory complaints, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis, fever and malaria. Several phytochemical compounds including alkaloids, anthocyanidin, essential oils, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanidin, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, simple sugars, terpenoids and triterpenoid have been identified from S. cordatum. Pharmacological evaluations revealed that S. cordatum is characterized by several biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrheal, anti-sexually transmitted infections, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial and anti-proteus. These pharmacological findings lend credence to the traditional ethnomedicinal uses and ethnopharmacological importance of S. cordatum. Future research on the species should identify the biological compounds, their mode of action and physiological pathways and clinical relevance.
Liposomes as Gene Delivery Vectors for Human Placental Cells
Authors: Valero Lucie , Alhareth Khair , Espinoza Romero Jenifer , Viricel Warren , Leblond Jeanne , Chissey Audrey , Dhotel Hélène , Roques Caroline , Campiol Arruda Danielle , Escriou Virginie , Mignet Nathalie , Fournier Thierry , Andrieux Karine
Published: May 2018

Nanomedicine as a therapeutic approach for pregnancy-related diseases could offer improved treatments for the mother while avoiding side effects for the fetus. In this study, we evaluated the potential of liposomes as carriers for small interfering RNAs to placental cells. Three neutral formulations carrying rhodamine-labelled siRNAs were evaluated on an in vitro model, i.e., human primary villous cytotrophoblasts. siRNA internalization rate from lipoplexes were compared to the one in the presence of the lipofectamine reagent and assessed by confocal microscopy. Results showed cellular internalization of nucleic acid with all three formulations, based on two cationic lipids, either DMAPAP or CSL-3. Moreover, incubation with DMAPAP+AA provided a rate of labelled cells as high as with lipofectamine (53 ± 15% and 44 ± 12%, respectively) while being more biocompatible. The proportion of cells which internalized siRNA were similar when using DMAPAP/DDSTU (16 ± 5%) and CSL-3 (22 ± 5%). This work highlights that liposomes could be a promising approach for gene therapy dedicated to pregnant patients.
Lipid-Lowering Effect of the Pleurotus eryngii (King Oyster Mushroom) Polysaccharide from Solid-State Fermentation on Both Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells and Zebrafish Models
Authors: Wei Hua , Yue Shang , Zhang Shizhu , Lu Ling
Published: May 2018

Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor in inducing fatty liver, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular diseases. Previous studies have verified that polysaccharides from fruiting bodies (PEPE) of Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom) are capable of decreasing the lipid content. In this study, the P. eryngii polysaccharide is obtained by solid-state fermentation (PESF) using lignocellulosic wastes, corn-cobs and wheat bran. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays indicate that PESF has a similar composition to that of PEPE. Meanwhile, PESF has no detectable toxicity and is able to significantly inhibit foam-cell formation in murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Further verification indicates that PESF has lipid-lowering effects during the lipid absorption phase in a zebrafish hyperlipidemia model. Our findings suggest that the P. eryngii polysaccharide from solid-state fermentation (PESF) can be used as a valuable lipid-lowering food additive or raw materials for producing lipid-lowering drugs.
Optical Waveguide Tunable Phase Delay Lines Based on the Superior Thermo-Optic Effect of Polymer
Authors: Kim Sung-Moon , Park Tae-Hyun , Huang Guanghao , Oh Min-Cheol
Published: May 2018

Strong thermo-optic effect of polymers is useful for fabricating tunable phase-delay devices with low power consumption and wide tuning range. However, if the temperature change is increased to extend the tuning range, an attenuation of the guided light is accompanied by the refractive index gradient across the waveguide core. For three different waveguide structures, in this study, the optimal structure of the device for a variable phase delay line was found by investigating the attenuation and interference phenomena accompanying phase modulation. By improving the uniformity of thermal distribution across the waveguide core, a phase delay of 130π rad was obtained with an output attenuation less than 0.5 dB.
Predicting Tropical Tree Species Richness from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Time Series: The Devil Is Perhaps Not in the Detail
Authors: Pouteau Robin , Gillespie Thomas W. , Birnbaum Philippe
Published: May 2018

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from remote sensing is a common explanatory variable inputted in correlative biodiversity models in the form of descriptive statistics summarizing complex time series. Here, we hypothesized that a single meaningful remotely-sensed scene can provide better prediction of species richness than any usual multi-scene statistics. We tested this idea using a 15-year time series of six-day composite MODIS NDVI data combined with field measurements of tree species richness in the tropical biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia. Although some overall, seasonal, annual and monthly statistics appeared to successfully correlate with tree species richness in New Caledonia, a range of individual scenes were found to provide significantly better predictions of both the overall tree species richness (|r| = 0.68) and the richness of large trees (|r| = 0.91). A preliminary screening of the NDVI-species richness relationship within each time step can therefore be an effective and straightforward way to maximize the accuracy of NDVI-based correlative biodiversity models.
Compressive Sound Speed Profile Inversion Using Beamforming Results
Authors: Choo Youngmin , Seong Woojae
Published: May 2018

Sound speed profile (SSP) significantly affects acoustic propagation in the ocean. In this work, the SSP is inverted using compressive sensing (CS) combined with beamforming to indicate the direction of arrivals (DOAs). The travel times and the positions of the arrivals can be approximately linearized using their Taylor expansion with the shape function coefficients that parameterize the SSP. The linear relation between the travel times/positions and the shape function coefficients enables CS to reconstruct the SSP. The conventional objective function in CS is modified to simultaneously exploit the information from the travel times and positions. The SSP is estimated using CS with beamforming of ray arrivals in the SWellEx-96 experimental environment, and the performance is evaluated using the correlation coefficient and mean squared error (MSE) between the true and recovered SSPs, respectively. Five hundred synthetic SSPs were generated by randomly choosing the SSP dictionary components, and more than 80 percent of all the cases have correlation coefficients over 0.7 and MSE along depth is insignificant except near the sea surface, which shows the validity of the proposed method.
Energy Aware Cluster-Based Routing in Flying Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Aadil Farhan , Raza Ali , Khan Muhammad Fahad , Maqsood Muazzam , Mehmood Irfan , Rho Seungmin
Published: May 2018

Flying ad-hoc networks (FANETs) are a very vibrant research area nowadays. They have many military and civil applications. Limited battery energy and the high mobility of micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent their two main problems, i.e., short flight time and inefficient routing. In this paper, we try to address both of these problems by means of efficient clustering. First, we adjust the transmission power of the UAVs by anticipating their operational requirements. Optimal transmission range will have minimum packet loss ratio (PLR) and better link quality, which ultimately save the energy consumed during communication. Second, we use a variant of the K-Means Density clustering algorithm for selection of cluster heads. Optimal cluster heads enhance the cluster lifetime and reduce the routing overhead. The proposed model outperforms the state of the art artificial intelligence techniques such as Ant Colony Optimization-based clustering algorithm and Grey Wolf Optimization-based clustering algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in term of number of clusters, cluster building time, cluster lifetime and energy consumption.
A Sequential Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter for Attitude Estimation Using Vector Observations
Authors: Qin Fangjun , Chang Lubin , Jiang Sai , Zha Feng
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a sequential multiplicative extended Kalman filter (SMEKF) is proposed for attitude estimation using vector observations. In the proposed SMEKF, each of the vector observations is processed sequentially to update the attitude, which can make the measurement model linearization more accurate for the next vector observation. This is the main difference to Murrell’s variation of the MEKF, which does not update the attitude estimate during the sequential procedure. Meanwhile, the covariance is updated after all the vector observations have been processed, which is used to account for the special characteristics of the reset operation necessary for the attitude update. This is the main difference to the traditional sequential EKF, which updates the state covariance at each step of the sequential procedure. The numerical simulation study demonstrates that the proposed SMEKF has more consistent and accurate performance in a wide range of initial estimate errors compared to the MEKF and its traditional sequential forms.
The Barriers for Voluntary Environmental Management Systems—The Case of EMAS in Hospitals
Authors: Seifert Christin
Published: May 2018

The adoption of formal environmental management systems (EMS) according to EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) represents a voluntary approach that aims to increase corporate environmental performance. Though EMAS can offer several advantages for organizations, registration numbers are falling. In the hospital sector, the dissemination of EMAS is low. The question arises as to what hinders hospitals when planning, implementing, and maintaining such voluntary environmental management initiatives. The results from interviews with environmental managers in EMAS registered hospitals reveal problems such as high initial effort for creation of the required documents, or lacking knowledge and staff awareness. The barriers are presented in a model synthesizing the problems chronologically on the organizational, group, and individual level. The challenges for the adoption of EMAS as a voluntary environmental management approach in hospitals are discussed. This paper contributes by creating an understanding of the barriers organizations might face when implementing an EMS. Thus, measures to actively manage and overcome barriers can be developed by organizations, consultants, reviewers, policy makers, and researchers.
An Extended HITS Algorithm on Bipartite Network for Features Extraction of Online Customer Reviews
Authors: Liu Chen , Tang Li , Shan Wei
Published: May 2018

How to acquire useful information intelligently in the age of information explosion has become an important issue. In this context, sentiment analysis emerges with the growth of the need of information extraction. One of the most important tasks of sentiment analysis is feature extraction of entities in consumer reviews. This paper first constitutes a directed bipartite feature-sentiment relation network with a set of candidate features-sentiment pairs that is extracted by dependency syntax analysis from consumer reviews. Then, a novel method called MHITS which combines PMI with weighted HITS algorithm is proposed to rank these candidate product features to find out real product features. Empirical experiments indicate the effectiveness of our approach across different kinds and various data sizes of product. In addition, the effect of the proposed algorithm is not the same for the corpus with different proportions of the word pair that includes the “bad”, “good”, “poor”, “pretty good”, “not bad” these general collocation words.
History, Distribution, and Potential of the Olive Industry in China: A Review
Authors: Su ChunJiang , Sun Junfeng , Zhu Wanze , Peng Li
Published: May 2018

China, as a non-Mediterranean country with non-Mediterranean climate, is taking olive cultivation as an important part of its agricultural development. In order to highlight some important facts about the history, status, distribution, and trends of the olive industry in China, we performed analyses based on Internet databases, online GIS software, and scientific papers. Results show that the olive industries have been concentrated in several key areas in Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, and Hubei. However, the business scope of olive enterprises is still narrow, the scale of enterprises is generally small, and individual or family management of farmers plays an important role. Thus, increased investment and policies are needed to enhance their capacities of R&D and production, and Chinese investigators should carry out socio-economic studies at the microcosmic level and take the initiative to innovate the products by cooperating with people in the same professions worldwide.
Current Status of Mycotoxin Contamination of Food Commodities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nleya Nancy , Adetunji Modupeade , Mwanza Mulunda
Published: May 2018

Agricultural products, especially cereal grains, serve as staple foods in sub-Saharan Africa. However, climatic conditions in this region can lead to contamination of these commodities by moulds, with subsequent production of mycotoxins posing health risks to both humans and animals. There is limited documentation on the occurrence of mycotoxins in sub-Saharan African countries, leading to the exposure of their populations to a wide variety of mycotoxins through consumption of contaminated foods. This review aims at highlighting the current status of mycotoxin contamination of food products in Zimbabwe and recommended strategies of reducing this problem. Zimbabwe is one of the African countries with very little information with regards to mycotoxin contamination of its food commodities, both on the market and at household levels. Even though evidence of multitoxin occurrence in some food commodities such as maize and other staple foods exist, available published research focuses only on Aspergillus and Fusarium mycotoxins, namely aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone (ZEA). Occurrence of mycotoxins in the food chain has been mainly associated with poor agricultural practices. Analysis of mycotoxins has been done mainly using chromatographic and immunological methods. Zimbabwe has adopted European standards, but the legislation is quite flexible, with testing for mycotoxin contamination in food commodities being done voluntarily or upon request. Therefore, the country needs to tighten its legislation as well as adopt stricter standards that will improve the food safety and security of the masses.
A Community-Directed Integrated Strongyloides Control Program in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Miller Adrian , Young Elizebeth L. , Tye Valarie , Cody Robert , Muscat Melody , Saunders Vicki , Smith Michelle L. , Judd Jenni A. , Speare Rick
Published: May 2018

This paper describes two phases of a community-directed intervention to address strongyloidiasis in the remote Aboriginal community of Woorabinda in central Queensland, Australia. The first phase provides the narrative of a community-driven ‘treat-and-test’ mass drug administration (MDA) intervention that was co-designed by the Community Health Service and the community. The second phase is a description of the re-engagement of the community in order to disseminate the key factors for success in the previous MDA for Strongyloides stercoralis, as this information was not shared or captured in the first phase. During the first phase in 2004, there was a high prevalence of strongyloidiasis (12% faecal examination, 30% serology; n = 944 community members tested) that resulted in increased morbidity and at least one death in the community. Between 2004–2005, the community worked in partnership with the Community Health Service to implement a S. stercoralis control program, where all of the residents were treated with oral ivermectin, and repeat doses were given for those with positive S. stercoralis serology. The community also developed their own health promotion campaign using locally-made resources targeting relevant environmental health problems and concerns. Ninety-two percent of the community residents participated in the program, and the prevalence of strongyloidiasis at the time of the ‘treat-and-test’ intervention was 16.6% [95% confidence interval 14.2–19.3]. The cure rate after two doses of ivermectin was 79.8%, based on pre-serology and post-serology tests. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of local Aboriginal leadership and governance and a high level of community involvement in this successful mass drug administration program to address S. stercoralis. The commitment required of these leaders was demanding, and involved intense work over a period of several months. Apart from controlling strongyloidiasis, the community also takes pride in having developed and implemented this program. This appears to be the first community-directed S. stercoralis control program in Australia, and is an important part of the national story of controlling infectious diseases in Indigenous communities.
Primordial Regular Black Holes: Thermodynamics and Dark Matter
Authors: Pacheco José Antonio de Freitas
Published: May 2018

The possibility that dark matter particles could be constituted by extreme regular primordial black holes is discussed. Extreme black holes have zero surface temperature, and are not subjected to the Hawking evaporation process. Assuming that the common horizon radius of these black holes is fixed by the minimum distance that is derived from the Riemann invariant computed from loop quantum gravity, the masses of these non-singular stable black holes are of the order of the Planck mass. However, if they are formed just after inflation, during reheating, their initial masses are about six orders of magnitude higher. After a short period of growth by the accretion of relativistic matter, they evaporate until reaching the extreme solution. Only a fraction of 3.8 × 10−22 of relativistic matter is required to be converted into primordial black holes (PBHs) in order to explain the present abundance of dark matter particles.