bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
List-Decoding Capacity of the Gaussian Arbitrarily-Varying Channel
Authors: Hosseinigoki Fatemeh , Kosut Oliver
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we determine the capacity of the Gaussian arbitrarily-varying channel with a (possibly stochastic) encoder and a deterministic list-decoder under the average probability of error criterion. We assume that both the legitimate and the adversarial signals are restricted by their power constraints. We also assume that there is no path between the adversary and the legitimate user but the adversary knows the legitimate user’s code. We show that for any list size L, the capacity is equivalent to the capacity of a point-to-point Gaussian channel with noise variance increased by the adversary power, if the adversary has less power than L times the transmitter power; otherwise, the capacity is zero. In the converse proof, we show that if the adversary has enough power, then the decoder can be confounded by the adversarial superposition of several codewords while satisfying its power constraint with positive probability. The achievability proof benefits from a novel variant of the Csiszár-Narayan method for the arbitrarily-varying channel.
Adsorption Capacity of Organic Compounds Using Activated Carbons in Zinc Electrowinning
Authors: Park Jung Eun , Kim Eun Ju , Park Mi-Jung , Lee Eun Sil
Published: June 2019

The influence of adsorbate (D2EPHA and kerosene) on the process of zinc electrowinning from sulfuric acid electrolytes was analyzed. The main objective was to critically compare three factors: (1) Three types of activated carbon (AC); (2) adsorption temperatures and contact time; and (3) zinc recovery efficiency. The results showed that organic components reduced the efficiency of zinc recovery. Moreover, wood-based ACs had a higher adsorption capacity than coal- and coconut-based ACs. To maintain a removal efficiency of 99% or more, wood-based ACs should constitute at least 60% of the adsorbate. The temperature of adsorption did not affect the removal efficiency. Additionally, the feeding rate of adsorbate in the solvent was inversely proportional to the removal efficiency. A feeding rate of the liquid pump of over 3 mL/min rapidly increased the delta pressure. For the same contact time, 99% of adsorbate removal occurred at 1 mL/min compared to approximately 97% at 0.5 mL/min. In the presence of 100 mg/L zinc, with increasing adsorbate from 0–5%, the recovery efficiency of zinc decreased from 100% to 0% and the energy consumption increased from 0.0017–0.003 kwh/kg zinc. Considering the energy consumption and zinc deposit mass, 0.1% of the adsorbate is recommended for zinc electrowinning.
Erratum: Chen, B., et al. Risk Assessment for the Power Grid Dispatching Process Considering the Impact of Cyber Systems. Energies 2019, 12, 1084
Authors: Chen Biyun , Chen Haoying , Zhang Yiyi , Zhao Junhui , Manla Emad
Published: June 2019

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Accurate Assessment of Decoupled OLTC Transformers to Optimize the Operation of Low-Voltage Networks
Authors: Rodríguez del Nozal Álvaro , Romero-Ramos Esther , Trigo-García Ángel Luis
Published: June 2019

Voltage control in active distribution networks must adapt to the unbalanced nature of most of these systems, and this requirement becomes even more apparent at low voltage levels. The use of transformers with on-load tap changers is gaining popularity, and those that allow different tap positions for each of the three phases of the transformer are the most promising. This work tackles the exact approach to the voltage optimization problem of active low-voltage networks when transformers with on-load tap changers are available. A very rigorous approach to the electrical model of all the involved components is used, and common approaches proposed in the literature are avoided. The main aim of the paper is twofold: to demonstrate the importance of being very rigorous in the electrical modeling of all the components to operate in a secure and effective way and to show the greater effectiveness of the decoupled on-load tap changer over the usual on-load tap changer in the voltage regulation problem. A low-voltage benchmark network under different load and distributed generation scenarios is tested with the proposed exact optimal solution to demonstrate its feasibility.
A Model Predictive Control Design for Power Generation Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines
Authors: Rosini Alessandro , Palmieri Alessandro , Lanzarotto Damiano , Procopio Renato , Bonfiglio Andrea
Published: June 2019

The new electric power generation scenario, characterized by growing variability due to the greater presence of renewable energy sources (RES), requires more restrictive dynamic requirements for conventional power generators. Among traditional power generators, gas turbines (GTs) can regulate the output electric power faster than any other type of plant; therefore, they are of considerable interest in this context. In particular, the dynamic performance of a GT, being a highly nonlinear and complex system, strongly depends on the applied control system. Proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers are the current standard for GT control. However, since such controllers have limitations for various reasons, a model predictive control (MPC) was designed in this study to enhance GT performance in terms of dynamic behavior and robustness to model uncertainties. A comparison with traditional PID-based controllers and alternative model-based control approaches (feedback linearization control) found in the literature demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Effects of Soils from Different Forest Types on the Growth of the Invasive Plant Phytolacca americana
Authors: Chen Peng-Dong , Hou Yu-Ping , Zhuge Yan-Hui , Wei Wei , Huang Qiao-Qiao
Published: June 2019

Due to increasing globalization and human disturbance, plant invasion has become a worldwide concern. Soil characteristics associated with the vegetation of recipient communities affect plant invasion success to a great extent. However, the relative importance of soil biotic and abiotic factors of different recipient communities in resisting plant invasion is not fully understood. We hypothesized that natural forest soils can better resist plant invasion than can plantation soils, that the allelopathic legacy of resident trees in soil plays a role in resisting invasive plants, and that late-successional soils have a strong effect. We examined the effects of soil and litter collected from four natural forests at successional stages and one Robinia pseudoacacia Linn. plantation in eastern China on the growth of Phytolacca americana L., which is a highly invasive species across China, and explored the individual effects of soil nutrients, allelochemicals, and soil microbes. We found that allelopathic activity of natural forest soils can effectively resist P. americana invasion, and that low level of nutrients, especially of phosphorus, in the soils might be potential limiting factors for the plant growth. The profound conditioning of soil resources by exotic R. pseudoacacia based on tree traits (including allelopathy) facilitated further P. americana invasion. Allelochemicals from forest litter inhibited the germination of P. americana seeds, but pH played a major role in P. americana growth when these substances entered the soil. However, we have no evidence that late-successional forest soils exhibit strong allelopathy toward P. americana. The present study will help to further our understanding of the mechanism of community resistance to invasion.
Characterization of Polyphenolic Compounds in Cantaloupe Melon By-Products
Authors: Vella Filomena Monica , Cautela Domenico , Laratta Bruna
Published: June 2019

The Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.), which includes several crops of great economic importance worldwide, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, and it is well recognized for culinary and medicinal purposes. The high fruit consumption produces a large quantity of waste materials, such as peels and seeds that are still rich in molecules like polyphenols, carotenoids, and other biologically active components that possess a positive influence on human health and wellness. A sustainable development in agro-food and agro-industry sectors could come through the reutilization and valorization of these wastes, which in turn, could result in reducing their environmental impact. The current study provides a biochemical characterization of cantaloupe by-products, peels and seeds, through evaluating total polyphenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, and tannins content. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was assessed in order to understand potential benefits as natural antioxidants. Overall, the peel extract revealed the highest radical’s scavenging and reducing activities, moreover, it showed higher polyphenolic content than seed extract as revealed by both cromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses. The results of the present study indicate that the melon residues are a good source of natural phytochemicals useful for many purposes, such as ingredients for nutraceutic, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries, development of functional ingredients and new foods, and production of fertilizers and animal feed.
A Spatially Explicit Comparison of Quantitative and Categorical Modelling Approaches for Mapping Seabed Sediments Using Random Forest
Authors: Misiuk Benjamin , Diesing Markus , Aitken Alec , Brown Craig J. , Edinger Evan N. , Bell Trevor
Published: June 2019

Seabed sediment composition is an important component of benthic habitat and there are many approaches for producing maps that convey sediment information to marine managers. Random Forest is a popular statistical method for thematic seabed sediment mapping using both categorical and quantitative supervised modelling approaches. This study compares the performance and qualities of these Random Forest approaches to predict the distribution of fine-grained sediments from grab samples as one component of a multi-model map of sediment classes in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut, Canada. The second component predicts the presence of coarse substrates from underwater video. Spatial and non-spatial cross-validations were conducted to evaluate the performance of categorical and quantitative Random Forest models and maps were compared to determine differences in predictions. While both approaches seemed highly accurate, the non-spatial cross-validation suggested greater accuracy using the categorical approach. Using a spatial cross-validation, there was little difference between approaches—both showed poor extrapolative performance. Spatial cross-validation methods also suggested evidence of overfitting in the coarse sediment model caused by the spatial dependence of transect samples. The quantitative modelling approach was able to predict rare and unsampled sediment classes but the flexibility of probabilistic predictions from the categorical approach allowed for tuning to maximize extrapolative performance. Results demonstrate that the apparent accuracies of these models failed to convey important differences between map predictions and that spatially explicit evaluation strategies may be necessary for evaluating extrapolative performance. Differentiating extrapolative from interpolative prediction can aid in selecting appropriate modelling methods.
The Impact of Various Promotional Activities on Ebola Prevention Behaviors and Psychosocial Factors Predicting Ebola Prevention Behaviors in the Gambia Evaluation of Ebola Prevention Promotions
Authors: Gamma Anna E. , Slekiene Jurgita , Mosler Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2019

The outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) from 2014 to 2016 is over. However, several outbreaks of contagious diseases have already arisen and will recur. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EVD prevention promotions in the Gambia and to assess the psychosocial factors that steer three behaviors: handwashing with soap, calling the Ebola Hotline, and not touching a person who might be suffering from EVD. In 2015, data were gathered from 498 primary care providers. The questionnaire was based on psychosocial factors from the risks, attitudes, norms, abilities, and self-regulation (RANAS) model. Three promotional activities were significantly associated with psychosocial factors of handwashing and, thus, with increased handwashing behavior: the home visit, posters, and info sheets. Norm factors, especially the perception of what other people do, had a great impact on handwashing with soap and on calling the Ebola Hotline. The perceived certainty that a behavior will prevent a disease was a predictor for all three protection behaviors. Commitment to the behavior emerged as especially relevant for the intention to call the Ebola Hotline and for not touching a person who might be suffering from EVD. Health behavior change programs should rely on evidence to target the right psychosocial factors and to maximize their effects on prevention behaviors, especially in emergency contexts.
Sulfuryl Fluoride Poisonings in Structural Fumigation, a Highly Regulated Industry—Potential Causes and Solutions
Authors: Barreau Tracy , Hoshiko Sumi , Kreutzer Rick , Smorodinsky Svetlana , Talarico John
Published: June 2019

Structural fumigations using sulfuryl fluoride for the extermination of dry-wood termites are conducted by the thousands in California and other warm-weather states. Sulfuryl fluoride is an odorless gas that targets the nervous system and can cause respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and death. Structural voids or compartments such as wall sockets, crawl spaces, cabinets, or cells in air mattresses may create ongoing exposure after a structure has been certified as safe. The authors describe a case of potential sulfuryl fluoride exposure to a family following home fumigation. Despite regulation, sulfuryl fluoride poisonings from structural fumigations continue to occur. This article examines the physical characteristics of sulfuryl fluoride and the regulatory oversight of its application, in an effort to understand how and why these poisonings happen. Increasing aeration times of fumigated structures, overseeing monitoring efficacy, and using technology to capture clearance data could reduce sulfuryl fluoride exposure and illness.
Understanding an Environmental Health Risk: Investigating Asthma Risk Perception in Ontario Youth Sport
Authors: Cardwell Francesca S. , Elliott Susan J.
Published: June 2019

The environment, broadly defined, plays a significant role in shaping human health. Understanding how environmental health risks are perceived by different people, in different places, and at different times is critical to their management. Using a place-based conceptual framework, this research investigates asthma risk perception determinants and outcomes amongst organized team sport stakeholders in Ontario. Two online surveys (coaches, n = 94; parents of athletes diagnosed with allergic disease, n = 90) were conducted. Binary regression was used to investigate determinants of risk perception. Asthma ranked seventh of 17 health hazards by coaches (23% ranked as high) and parents (34%), and determinants of risk included trigger knowledge, risk exposure, propensity for risk, indicators of trust, and socioeconomic variables (e.g., gender). As policy-makers look to manage health risks in sport, considering the risk profiles of different stakeholders (e.g., coaches, parents of vulnerable athletes), as well as the characteristics of the places in which risk is experienced, is critical to improving environment and health management in organized youth team sports.
Analyzing Municipal Solid Waste Treatment Scenarios in Rapidly Urbanizing Cities in Developing Countries: The Case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kazuva Emmanuel , Zhang Jiquan
Published: June 2019

Currently, large quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW) in many cities of the developing countries are being dumped in informal or formal but unregulated dumpsites that threaten the ecological environment and general public health. The situation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is of particular concern and is further challenged by a rapidly growing population and urbanization without adequate waste management systems. Current MSW treatment options have been selected based on the judgment and the experience of individuals with authority while underestimating the role of scientifically derived techniques. This study analyzes the most efficient waste treatment options, particularly scenarios with the lowest economic and environmental costs (EcC and EnC, respectively). It uses 12 years (2006–2017) of MSW management data and compares potential waste treatment options for the identified waste streams. A total of 108 different scenarios were designed, and a multi-criteria analysis method was applied to enable the identification of 11 scenarios with acceptable EcCs and EnCs. These formed an initial decision matrix of aggregation dominance that was then categorized into four groups, each represented by the most ideal point. Finally, the dominant scenario that formed the core for all considered options was found. It costs around $274,100 USD while saving about 1585 metric tons (MT) of CO2 emissions daily. This suggests that after all the MSW generated in the city is collected and segregated, organic waste should be composted whilst plastic, paper, glass, and ferrous metal should be recycled. After treatment, other waste will go to some form of landfill. Sustainable management of MSW in this city and others with similar conditions should consider particular local conditions and could use the methods and the findings of this study as a starting point.
Evaluating Urban Bicycle Infrastructures through Intersubjectivity of Stress Sensations Derived from Physiological Measurements
Authors: Werner Christian , Resch Bernd , Loidl Martin
Published: June 2019

A continued shift of human mobility towards sustainable and active mobility modes is a major concern for society in order to reduce the human contribution to climate change as well as to improve liveability and health in urban environments. For this change to succeed, non-motorized modes of transport need to become more attractive. Cycling can play a substantial role for short to medium distances, but perceived safety and stress levels are still major concerns for cyclists. Therefore, a quantitative assessment of cyclists’ stress sensations constitutes a valuable input for urban planning and for optimized routing providing low-stress routes. This paper aims to investigate stress sensations of cyclists through quantifying physiological measurements and their spatial correlation as an intersubjective indicator for perceived bikeability. We developed an automated workflow for stress detection and aggregation, and validated it in a case study in the city of Salzburg, Austria. Our results show that measured stress generally matches reported stress perception and can thus be considered a valuable addition to mobility planning processes.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer-Induced Sleep Disruption
Authors: Walker William H. , Borniger Jeremy C.
Published: June 2019

Sleep is essential for health. Indeed, poor sleep is consistently linked to the development of systemic disease, including depression, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairments. Further evidence has accumulated suggesting the role of sleep in cancer initiation and progression (primarily breast cancer). Indeed, patients with cancer and cancer survivors frequently experience poor sleep, manifesting as insomnia, circadian misalignment, hypersomnia, somnolence syndrome, hot flushes, and nightmares. These problems are associated with a reduction in the patients’ quality of life and increased mortality. Due to the heterogeneity among cancers, treatment regimens, patient populations and lifestyle factors, the etiology of cancer-induced sleep disruption is largely unknown. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the pathways linking cancer and the brain and how this leads to altered sleep patterns. We describe a conceptual framework where tumors disrupt normal homeostatic processes, resulting in aberrant changes in physiology and behavior that are detrimental to health. Finally, we discuss how this knowledge can be leveraged to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancer-associated sleep disruption, with special emphasis on host-tumor interactions.
Development and Optimization of Expression, Purification, and ATPase Assay of KaiC for Medium-Throughput Screening of Circadian Clock Mutants in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Ouyang Dongyan , Furuike Yoshihiko , Mukaiyama Atsushi , Ito-Miwa Kumiko , Kondo Takao , Akiyama Shuji
Published: June 2019

The slow but temperature-insensitive adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis reaction in KaiC is considered as one of the factors determining the temperature-compensated period length of the cyanobacterial circadian clock system. Structural units responsible for this low but temperature-compensated ATPase have remained unclear. Although whole-KaiC scanning mutagenesis can be a promising experimental strategy, producing KaiC mutants and assaying those ATPase activities consume considerable time and effort. To overcome these bottlenecks for in vitro screening, we optimized protocols for expressing and purifying the KaiC mutants and then designed a high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a multi-channel high-precision temperature controller to assay the ATPase activity of multiple KaiC mutants simultaneously at different temperatures. Through the present protocol, the time required for one KaiC mutant is reduced by approximately 80% (six-fold throughput) relative to the conventional protocol with reasonable reproducibility. For validation purposes, we picked up three representatives from 86 alanine-scanning KaiC mutants preliminarily investigated thus far and characterized those clock functions in detail.
Stem Cell Therapies in Kidney Diseases: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Rota Cinzia , Morigi Marina , Imberti Barbara
Published: June 2019

The prevalence of renal diseases is emerging as a public health problem. Despite major progress in supportive therapy, mortality rates among patients remain high. In an attempt to find innovative treatments to stimulate kidney regeneration, stem cell-based technology has been proposed as a potentially promising strategy. Here, we summarise the renoprotective potential of pluripotent and adult stem cell therapy in experimental models of acute and chronic kidney injury and we explore the different mechanisms at the basis of stem cell-induced kidney regeneration. Specifically, cell engraftment, incorporation into renal structures, or paracrine activities of embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells as well as mesenchymal stem cells and renal precursors are analysed. We also discuss the relevance of stem cell secretome-derived bioproducts, including soluble factors and extracellular vesicles, and the option of using them as cell-free therapy to induce reparative processes. The translation of the experimental results into clinical trials is also addressed, highlighting the safety and feasibility of stem cell treatments in patients with kidney injury.
Neuroendocrine Aspects of Skin Aging
Authors: Bocheva Georgeta , Slominski Radomir M. , Slominski Andrzej T.
Published: June 2019

Skin aging is accompanied by a gradual loss of function, physiological integrity and the ability to cope with internal and external stressors. This is secondary to a combination of complex biological processes influenced by constitutive and environmental factors or by local and systemic pathologies. Skin aging and its phenotypic presentation are dependent on constitutive (genetic) and systemic factors. It can be accelerated by environmental stressors, such as ultraviolet radiation, pollutants and microbial insults. The skin’s functions and its abilities to cope with external stressors are regulated by the cutaneous neuroendocrine systems encompassing the regulated and coordinated production of neuropeptides, neurohormones, neurotransmitters and hormones, including steroids and secosteroids. These will induce/stimulate downstream signaling through activation of corresponding receptors. These pathways and corresponding coordinated responses to the stressors decay with age or undergo pathological malfunctions. This affects the overall skin phenotype and epidermal, dermal, hypodermal and adnexal functions. We propose that skin aging can be attenuated or its phenotypic presentation reversed by the topical use of selected factors with local neurohormonal activities targeting specific receptors or enzymes. Some of our favorite factors include melatonin and its metabolites, noncalcemic secosteroids and lumisterol derivatives, because of their low toxicity and their desirable local phenotypic effects.
Scavenging of Retinoid Cation Radicals by Urate, Trolox, and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-Tocopherols
Authors: Rozanowska Malgorzata , Edge Ruth , Land Edward J. , Navaratnam Suppiah , Sarna Tadeusz , Truscott T. George
Published: June 2019

Retinoids are present in human tissues exposed to light and under increased risk of oxidative stress, such as the retina and skin. Retinoid cation radicals can be formed as a result of the interaction between retinoids and other radicals or photoexcitation with light. It has been shown that such semi-oxidized retinoids can oxidize certain amino acids and proteins, and that α-tocopherol can scavenge the cation radicals of retinol and retinoic acid. The aim of this study was to determine (i) whether β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols can also scavenge these radicals, and (ii) whether tocopherols can scavenge the cation radicals of another form of vitamin A—retinal. The retinoid cation radicals were generated by the pulse radiolysis of benzene or aqueous solution in the presence of a selected retinoid under oxidizing conditions, and the kinetics of retinoid cation radical decays were measured in the absence and presence of different tocopherols, Trolox or urate. The bimolecular rate constants are the highest for the scavenging of cation radicals of retinal, (7 to 8) × 109 M−1·s−1, followed by retinoic acid, (0.03 to 5.6) × 109 M−1·s−1, and retinol, (0.08 to 1.6) × 108 M−1·s−1. Delta-tocopherol is the least effective scavenger of semi-oxidized retinol and retinoic acid. The hydrophilic analogue of α-tocopherol, Trolox, is substantially less efficient at scavenging retinoid cation radicals than α-tocopherol and urate, but it is more efficient at scavenging the cation radicals of retinoic acid and retinol than δ-tocopherol. The scavenging rate constants indicate that tocopherols can effectively compete with amino acids and proteins for retinoid cation radicals, thereby protecting these important biomolecules from oxidation. Our results provide another mechanism by which tocopherols can diminish the oxidative damage to the skin and retina and thereby protect from skin photosensitivity and the development and/or progression of changes in blinding retinal diseases such as Stargardt’s disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Toxicity of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Sm. Essential Oil to the Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Rehman Junaid U. , Wang Mei , Yang Yupei , Liu Yongbei , Li Bin , Qin Yan , Wang Wei , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: June 2019

Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Smith is an evergreen, woody climbing plant that is widely distributed throughout southwest mainland China. Extracts of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various diseases, like cancer and dermatosis, and as an anodyne to relieve pain, while the leaves are used to treat eczema. In the current study, the toxicity of essential oil from its stem (EOKC) was studied against two strains of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius). Essential oil from the plant was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The major compound identified was β-caryophyllene (24.73%), followed by caryophyllene oxide (5.91%), α-humulene (3.48%), and β-pinene (2.54%). Preliminary screening was performed by topically delivering a 1 µL droplet of the treatments dissolved in acetone. At 24 h after treatment, the EOKC induced mortality rates of 61.9% and 66.7% in the Bayonne and Ft. Dix strains, respectively, at 100 µg/bug. Four major compounds—β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and β-pinene—were selected based on their availability and were subjected to topical, residual, and fumigation methods. When applied topically, only β-caryophyllene induced high toxicity in both strains. None of the selected compounds induced significant toxicity in the residual and fumigation methods.
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Definitive versus Standard Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy in Patients with Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Ko Yousang , Kim Changwhan , Park Yong , Mo Eun-Kyung , Moon Jin-Wook , Park Sunghoon , Sim Yun , Hong Ji , Baek Moon
Published: June 2019

Although it is necessary to culture Mycobacterium tuberculosis from tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL) patients for definitive therapy, based on the drug-sensitivity test (DST), substantial cases remain culture-negative. Limited data are available regarding the treatment outcomes after standard anti-tuberculosis therapy in culture-negative TBL. The aim of this study was to compare the recurrence rates between definitive anti-tuberculosis therapy, based on DST and standard anti-tuberculosis therapy in culture-negative TBL. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed from 2011 to 2015 in South Korea. The study population was divided into two groups according to treatment type. A total of 234 patients with TBL were analyzed, who were treated with definitive (84 patients) and standard anti-tuberculosis (150 patients) therapy, respectively. During a 28.0 (24.0–43.0) month follow-up period, nine cases (3.8%) had recurrence of TB after treatment completion. The recurrence rate was not significantly different between the two groups (2/84, 2.4% in definitive anti-tuberculosis therapy group versus 7/150, 4.7% in standard anti-tuberculosis therapy group, p = 0.526). The recurrence in all nine cases was diagnosed as clinical recurrence rather than microbiological recurrence. Therefore, culture-negative TBL can be treated with standard anti-TB medication, although DST is not available but clinically stable after initiation of treatment.
A Scientific Overview of Smartphone Applications and Electronic Devices for Weight Management in Adults
Authors: Holzmann Sophie Laura , Holzapfel Christina
Published: June 2019

Worldwide, there are rising trends in overweight and obesity. Therefore, novel digital tools are discussed to improve health-related behaviors. The use of smartphone applications (apps) and wearables (e.g., activity trackers) for self-monitoring of diet and physical activity might have an impact on body weight. By now, the scientific evaluation of apps and wearables for weight management is limited. Although some intervention studies have already investigated the efficacy of aforementioned digital tools on weight management, there are no clear recommendations for its clinical and therapeutic use. Besides the lack in long-term randomized controlled trials, there are also concerns regarding the scientific quality of apps and wearables (e.g., no standards for development and evaluation). Therefore, the objective of present work is: (1) To address challenges and concerns regarding the current digital health market and (2) to provide a selective overview about intervention studies using apps and activity trackers for weight-related outcomes. Based on cited literature, the efficacy of apps and wearables on weight management is assessed. Finally, it is intended to derive potential recommendations for practical guidance.
Determining Land Management Zones Using Pedo-Geomorphological Factors in Potential Degraded Regions to Achieve Land Degradation Neutrality
Authors: Keshavarzi Ali , Kumar Vinod , Bottega Eduardo Leonel , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: June 2019

The proper delineation of site-specific management zones is very important in the agricultural land management of potentially degraded areas. There is a necessity for the development of prospective tools in management plans to correctly understand the land degradation processes. In order to accomplish this, we present a pedo-geomorphological approach using soil texture, land elevation and flow vector aspects to distinguish different management zones and to discretize soil micronutrients. To achieve this goal, we conducted the study in the Neyshabur plain, Northeast Iran. For data collection, grid sampling (500 × 500 m) was used with 70 specific points. Soil samples were collected in triplicates from various sites as composite samples (0–30 cm) to analyse clay, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe. Using the altitude information (obtained with GPS at each sampling point), flow vectors were also modelled for all selected points. Based on the values of altitude, flow vectors and clay, management zones were delimited using geographic information systems. The best data organization was obtained from the combination of clay + elevation + flow vector attributes, generating two different management zones. In this circumstance, the lowest fuzzy performance index (FPI) and modified partition entropy (MPE) values were generated. It can be observed that the management zone 1 (MZ1) is located in the areas with a lower elevation and higher content of clay. On the other hand, the MZ2 was characterized by areas with a higher elevation and lower clay content. This study concluded that the design of management zones, using pedo-geomorphological information could reduce the time and cost of sampling necessary to assess potentially degraded areas of land.
Nanotribological Performance Factors for Aqueous Suspensions of Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Relation to Macroscale Lubricity
Authors: Acharya Biplav , Pardue Tyler N. , Su Liangliang , Smirnov Alex I. , Brenner Donald W. , Krim Jacqueline
Published: June 2019

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements of nanotribological properties of statistically diverse materials combinations of nanoparticles and substrate electrodes in aqueous suspensions are reported and compared to macroscale measurements of the same materials combinations for a subset of the nanoparticle combinations. Four ceramic nanoparticles, TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3, and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and ten substrate materials (Au, Al, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pt, SiO2, Al2O3, and SS304) were studied. The QCM technique was employed to measure frequency and motional resistance changes upon introduction of nanoparticles into the water surrounding its liquid-facing electrode. This series of experiments expanded prior studies that were often limited to a single nanoparticle - solid liquid combination. The variations in QCM response from one nanoparticle to another are observed to be far greater than the variation from one substrate to another, indicating that the nanoparticles play a larger role than the substrates in determining the frictional drag force levels. The results were categorized according to the direction of the frequency and motional resistance changes and candidate statistical performance factors for the datasets were generated. The performance factors were employed to identify associations between the QCM atomic scale results and the macroscale friction coefficient measurements. Macroscale measurements of friction coefficients for selected systems document that reductions (increases) in motional resistance to shear, as measured by the QCM, are linked to decreases (increases) in macroscale friction coefficients. The performance factors identified in the initial study therefore appear applicable to a broader set of statistically diverse samples. The results facilitate full statistical analyses of the data for identification of candidate materials properties or materials genomes that underlie the performance of nanoparticle systems as lubricants.
Towards High-Throughput Chemobehavioural Phenomics in Neuropsychiatric Drug Discovery
Authors: Henry Jason , Wlodkowic Donald
Published: June 2019

Identifying novel marine-derived neuroactive chemicals with therapeutic potential is difficult due to inherent complexities of the central nervous system (CNS), our limited understanding of the molecular foundations of neuro-psychiatric conditions, as well as the limited applications of effective high-throughput screening models that recapitulate functionalities of the intact CNS. Furthermore, nearly all neuro-modulating chemicals exhibit poorly characterized pleiotropic activities often referred to as polypharmacology. The latter renders conventional target-based in vitro screening approaches very difficult to accomplish. In this context, chemobehavioural phenotyping using innovative small organism models such as planarians and zebrafish represent powerful and highly integrative approaches to study the impact of new chemicals on central and peripheral nervous systems. In contrast to in vitro bioassays aimed predominantly at identification of chemicals acting on single targets, phenotypic chemobehavioural analysis allows for complex multi-target interactions to occur in combination with studies of polypharmacological effects of chemicals in a context of functional and intact milieu of the whole organism. In this review, we will outline recent advances in high-throughput chemobehavioural phenotyping and provide a future outlook on how those innovative methods can be utilized for rapidly screening and characterizing marine-derived compounds with prospective applications in neuropharmacology and psychosomatic medicine.
The Influence of Different Cholecalciferol Supplementation Regimes on 25(OH) Cholecalciferol, Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Smelt Hendrika J.M. , Pouwels Sjaak , Smulders Johannes F.
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives: Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining physiological calcium balance, and is also a pivotal element in the formation of bone structure. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a wide array of clinical symptoms. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are quite common prior to and after bariatric surgery, and therefore we have evaluated the effects of two different cholecalciferol supplementation regimes on serum calcium, 25(OH) cholecalciferol, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective matched cohort study, two different cholecalciferol supplementation regimes were compared. Group A consisted of 50 patients who had 1000 mg calcium and 800 IU cholecalciferol. In Group B, 50 patients had 1000 mg calcium and 800 IU cholecalciferol with an additional 1 mL liquid cholecalciferol (50,000 IU) monthly. The primary outcome was the effects on blood serum levels of calcium, 25(OH) cholecalciferol, and PTH. Results: In group A and group B, there were significant increases in 25(OH) cholecalciferol, with a higher delta in favor of group B (for all three p < 0.001). A decrease was seen in PTH (p < 0.001), and no differences were measured in calcium levels in both groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that an additional 1 mL cholecalciferol (50,000 IU) monthly can result in less biochemically 25(OH) cholecalciferol deficient patients after bariatric surgery. No effects were seen on the calcium balance. However, larger randomized clinical trials need to be done to assess the effects on clinical outcomes like bone health and fracture risk.
Reduction of Inflammation and Colon Injury by a Spearmint Phenolic Extract in Experimental Bowel Disease in Mice
Authors: Direito Rosa , Rocha João , Lima Ana , Gonçalves Maria Margarida , Duarte Maria Paula , Mateus Vanessa , Sousa Catarina , Fernandes Adelaide , Pinto Rui , Boavida Ferreira Ricardo , Sepodes Bruno , Figueira Maria-Eduardo
Published: June 2019

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) encompasses both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, known to be connected to an enlarged risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is a Mediterranean plant used as an aromatic agent, and studies have mainly focused on the essential oil suggesting an anti-inflammatory activity. This work aimed to perform a preliminary screening of the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of a spearmint phenolic extract in an acute inflammation model, in a chronic inflammation model of colitis, and also study the effects in vitro on a colon cancer model. Methods: Spearmint extract was administered to rats of a paw oedema model (induced by carrageenan) and to mice from a TNBS-induced colitis model in parallel with studies using HT-29 CRC cells. Results: Administration of the extract led to reduced paw inflammation, reduction of colon injury and inflammation, with attenuation of histological markers, and reduction of iNOS expression. It repressed the in vitro movement of HT-29 cells in a wound healing assay. Conclusions: These findings suggest that spearmint extract exhibits acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity and is able to inhibit migration of cancer cells, suggesting a potential role in the supplementary therapy of IBD patients.
Statistical Analysis of the Combined ECAP and Heat Treatment for Recycling Aluminum Chips Without Remelting
Authors: Krolo Jure , Lela Branimir , Dumanić Ivana , Kozina Franjo
Published: June 2019

The main aim of this paper is to present an environmentally friendly method for aluminum recycling. Development of new recycling technologies in order to increase scrap reuse potential and CO2 emission savings are of the main importance for aluminum circular economy. In this paper, aluminum chips waste was recycled without any remelting phase in order to increase energy and material savings. The presented process is usually called solid state recycling or direct recycling. Solid state recycling process consists of chips cleaning, cold pre-compaction and hot direct extrusion followed by a combination of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and heat treatment. Influence of holding time during solid solution treatment and both artificial aging time and temperature on mechanical properties of the recycled EN AW 6082 aluminum chips were investigated. A comprehensive number of the experiments were performed utilizing design of experiments approach and response surface methodology. Regression models were developed for describe the influence of heat treatment parameters for presented solid state recycling process on mechanical properties of the recycled samples. Utilizing novel procedure high quality recycled samples were obtained with mechanical properties comparable with commercially produced EN AW 6082 aluminum alloy in T6 temper condition. Metallographic analysis of the recycled samples was also performed.
Effect of Final Electromagnetic Stirring Parameters on Central Cross-Sectional Carbon Concentration Distribution of High-Carbon Square Billet
Authors: Wan Yong , Li Menghua , Chen Liangjun , Wu Yichao , Li Jie , Pan Hongbo , Zhong Wei
Published: June 2019

The effect of final electromagnetic stirring parameters, with current intensity increasing from 300 A to 400 A and frequency increasing from 4 Hz to 12 Hz, on the electromagnetic forces and carbon concentration distribution of the central cross section of a 70 steel square billet have been studied. Along the center line of the liquid core zone, current intensity of 400 A and frequency of 8 Hz achieve the maximum electromagnetic force at the position 48 mm away from the billet edge among the 10 groups of stirring parameters. Nevertheless, along diagonal of the liquid core zone, the electromagnetic force near the diagonal center is the greatest and the current intensity of 280 A and frequency of 12 Hz obtain the maximum electromagnetic force. The optimal final electromagnetic stirring (F-EMS) parameter to uniform the central cross-sectional carbon concentration and minimize the center carbon segregation of 70 steel billet was obtained with a current intensity of 280 A and frequency of 12 Hz. Under this stirring parameter, the area ratios of carbon concentrations of 0.66 wt%, 0.70 wt% and 0.74 wt% in the middle of the billet cross section reached 28.5%, 56.9% and 10.9%, respectively. Moreover, the carbon segregation indexes for all sampling points were in the range of 0.92–1.05.
Simultaneous Synthesis of Vitamins D2, D4, D5, D6, and D7 from Commercially Available Phytosterol, β-Sitosterol, and Identification of Each Vitamin D by HSQC NMR
Authors: Komba Shiro , Kotake-Nara Eiichi , Tsuzuki Wakako
Published: June 2019

We succeeded in simultaneously synthesizing the vitamin D family, vitamins D2, D4, D5, D6, and D7, from β-sitosterol, which is sold as a commercially available reagent from Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. It is officially sold as a mixture of four phytosterols {β-sitosterol (40–45%), campesterol (20–30%), stigmasterol, and brassicasterol}. Owing to this, we anticipated that, using this reagent, various vitamin D analogs could be synthesized simultaneously. We also synthesized vitamin D3 from pure cholesterol and analyzed and compared all vitamin D analogs (D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, and D7) by HSQC NMR. We succeeded in clearly demonstrating the difference in the NMR chemical shifts for each vitamin D analog.
Slip and Magnetic Attraction Effects in a Microrobot with Magnetic-Wheels and Skid-Steering
Authors: Takeda Munehisa , Shimoyama Isao
Published: June 2019

This study investigated slip and magnetic attraction effects in a skid-steered magnetic-wheeled microrobot. The dynamics of the microrobot were derived by considering the slip and magnetic attraction of the wheels. In addition, the slip characteristics of the magnetic wheels were measured using an evaluation apparatus built for this purpose. A simulation program for driving performance was developed as well. Simulations indicated that the turning characteristics of the skid-steered wheeled microrobot degrade because the gripping force decreases due to the decrease in weight with decreasing size. However, the turning characteristics of a skid-steered microrobot can be improved with the magnetic attraction of magnetic wheels. A 5 mm × 9 mm × 6.5 mm skid-steered microrobot with four magnetic wheels was fabricated, and the measured performance was consistent with the simulation results. The differences in driving performance were clarified between a microrobot with column-type magnetic wheels and one with barrel-type magnetic wheels, as well as between forward and backward motion.
A MEMS Micro-g Capacitive Accelerometer Based on Through-Silicon-Wafer-Etching Process
Authors: Rao Kang , Wei Xiaoli , Zhang Shaolin , Zhang Mengqi , Hu Chenyuan , Liu Huafeng , Tu Liang-Cheng
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a micromachined micro-g capacitive accelerometer with a silicon-based spring-mass sensing element. The displacement changes of the proof mass are sensed by an area-variation-based capacitive displacement transducer that is formed by the matching electrodes on both the movable proof mass die and the glass cover plate through the flip-chip packaging. In order to implement a high-performance accelerometer, several technologies are applied: the through-silicon-wafer-etching process is used to increase the weight of proof mass for lower thermal noise, connection beams are used to reduce the cross-sensitivity, and the periodic array area-variation capacitive displacement transducer is applied to increase the displacement-to-capacitance gain. The accelerometer prototype is fabricated and characterized, demonstrating a scale factor of 510 mV/g, a noise floor of 2 µg/Hz1/2 at 100 Hz, and a bias instability of 4 µg at an averaging time of 1 s. Experimental results suggest that the proposed MEMS capacitive accelerometer is promising to be used for inertial navigation, structural health monitoring, and tilt measurement applications.