bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Mechanisms for Piezoelectric-Based Energy Harvesters
Authors: Elahi Hassan , Eugeni Marco , Gaudenzi Paolo
Published: July 2018

From last few decades, piezoelectric materials have played a vital role as a mechanism of energy harvesting, as they have the tendency to absorb energy from the environment and transform it to electrical energy that can be used to drive electronic devices directly or indirectly. The power of electronic circuits has been cut down to nano or micro watts, which leads towards the development of self-designed piezoelectric transducers that can overcome power generation problems and can be self-powered. Moreover, piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) can reduce the need for batteries, resulting in optimization of the weight of structures. These mechanisms are of great interest for many researchers, as piezoelectric transducers are capable of generating electric voltage in response to thermal, electrical, mechanical and electromagnetic input. In this review paper, Fluid Structure Interaction-based, human-based, and vibration-based energy harvesting mechanisms were studied. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative analysis of existing PEH mechanisms has been carried out.
A Cost-Effective Methodology for Sizing Solar PV Systems for Existing Irrigation Facilities in Chile
Authors: Barrueto Guzmán Aldo , Barraza Vicencio Rodrigo , Ardila-Rey Jorge Alfredo , Núñez Ahumada Eduardo , González Araya Arturo , Arancibia Moreno Gerardo
Published: July 2018

In the last five years, the Chilean Ministries of Agriculture and Energy developed a national strategy to incorporate renewable energies into various economic sectors. Since 2013, more than 1500 off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, with power ranging from 1 kW to 3 kW, were installed to drive existing irrigation systems in small and medium-sized farms for the exportation of fresh fruit. A net billing regulation was also implemented in 2014. This study shows a cost-effective methodology for the sizing of solar PV systems for existing irrigation facilities in Chile, in an effort to improve the competitiveness of the fresh-fruit industry. The same methodology may also be implemented in other Latin American countries. The article presents the analysis of four projects (two in the Atacama Region, and two in the Maule Region). The baseline situation of the four units was studied, as well as the energy-efficient actions that may be applied, in addition to the recommended characteristics of the selected PV system to drive the irrigation systems of small fresh-fruit farms. Off-grid and on-grid solar PV systems were analyzed, including some particularities of the Chilean regulations. The required water demand of the irrigation systems and their corresponding pressure heads were also determined. The electricity demand of the system was calculated, and the PV system was designed for an optimal irrigation system. Additionally, an economical assessment was made for two years. In the first year, the cost effectiveness of energy-efficient actions was evaluated for the irrigation system, and it was found that they had paybacks of approximately two years. In the second year, the implementation of a PV system in each demonstrative unit was evaluated. The on-grid solar PV system performed better than the off-grid system, with evaluated paybacks of approximately 12 years. Finally, some recommendations for a well-designed on-grid solar PV system were made on the basis of it lasting over 25 years, with an adequate operation and maintenance plan.
A Framework for the Selection of Optimum Offshore Wind Farm Locations for Deployment
Authors: Mytilinou Varvara , Lozano-Minguez Estivaliz , Kolios Athanasios
Published: July 2018

This research develops a framework to assist wind energy developers to select the optimum deployment site of a wind farm by considering the Round 3 available zones in the UK. The framework includes optimization techniques, decision-making methods and experts’ input in order to support investment decisions. Further, techno-economic evaluation, life cycle costing (LCC) and physical aspects for each location are considered along with experts’ opinions to provide deeper insight into the decision-making process. A process on the criteria selection is also presented and seven conflicting criteria are being considered for implementation in the technique for the order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) method in order to suggest the optimum location that was produced by the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGAII). For the given inputs, Seagreen Alpha, near the Isle of May, was found to be the most probable solution, followed by Moray Firth Eastern Development Area 1, near Wick, which demonstrates by example the effectiveness of the newly introduced framework that is also transferable and generic. The outcomes are expected to help stakeholders and decision makers to make better informed and cost-effective decisions under uncertainty when investing in offshore wind energy in the UK.
Multiscale Frictional Properties of Cotton Fibers: A Review
Authors: Hosseinali Farzad , Thomasson J. Alex
Published: July 2018

This review discusses the important concept of cotton fiber friction at both the macro- and nanoscale. First, the technological importance of fiber friction and its role in fiber breakage during fiber processing is discussed. Next, previous studies on frictional properties of cotton fibers are reviewed and different experimental procedures to measure friction between fibers or against another surface are evaluated. Friction models developed to explain friction process during various experimental procedures are considered and their limitations are discussed. Since interpretation of friction processes at the macroscale can be challenging (mainly due to difficulties in analyzing the multiple asperities in contact), a separate section is devoted to surveying studies on the emerging field of single-asperity friction experiments with atomic force microscope (AFM). Special attention is given to studies on nanoscale frictional characteristics of rough viscoelastic surfaces (e.g., plant cuticular biopolymers and cotton fibers). Due to the close relationship between friction and adhesion hysteresis at the nanoscale, adhesion studies with AFM on viscoelastic surfaces are also reviewed. Lastly, recommendations are made for future research in the field of frictional properties of cotton fibers.
Experimental Study on the Aerodynamic Sealing of Air Curtains
Authors: Viegas João , Oliveira Fernando , Aelenei Daniel
Published: July 2018

Controlling the air quality is of the utmost importance in today’s buildings. Vertical air curtains are often used to separate two different climatic zones with a view to reduce heat transfer. In fact, this research work proposes an air curtain aimed to ensure a proper separation between two zones, a clean one and a contaminated one. The methodology of this research includes: (i) small-scale tests on water models to ensure that the contamination does not pass through the air curtain, and (ii) an analytical development integrating the main physical characteristics of plane jets. In the solution developed, the airflow is extracted from the contaminated compartment to reduce the curtain airflow rejected to the exterior of the compartment. In this research work, it was possible to determine the minimum exhaust flow necessary to ensure the aerodynamic sealing of the air curtain. This article addresses the methodology used to perform the small-scale water tests and the corresponding results.
The Resurgence of Home-Based Primary Care Models in the United States
Authors: Schuchman Mattan , Fain Mindy , Cornwell Thomas
Published: July 2018

This article describes the forces behind the resurgence of home-based primary care (HBPC) in the United States and then details different HBPC models. Factors leading to the resurgence include an aging society, improved technology, an increased emphasis on home and community services, higher fee-for-service payments, and health care reform that rewards value over volume. The cost savings come principally from reduced institutional care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. HBPC targets the most complex and costliest patients in society. An interdisciplinary team best serves this high-need population. This remarkable care model provides immense provider satisfaction. HBPC models differ based on their mission, target population, geography, and revenue structure. Different missions include improved care, reduced costs, reduced readmissions, and teaching. Various payment structures include fee-for-service and value-based contracts such as Medicare Shared Savings Programs, Medicare capitation programs, or at-risk contracts. Future directions include home-based services such as hospital at home and the expansion of the home-based workforce. HBPC is an area that will continue to expand. In conclusion, HBPC has been shown to improve the quality of life of home-limited patients and their caregivers while reducing health care costs.
Growth, Water-Use Efficiency, Stomatal Conductance, and Nitrogen Uptake of Two Lettuce Cultivars Grown under Different Percentages of Blue and Red Light
Authors: Clavijo-Herrera Jonathan , Van Santen Edzard , Gómez Celina
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to characterize growth, water-use efficiency (WUE), stomatal conductance (gs), SPAD index values, and shoot nitrogen uptake of two lettuce cultivars grown under different percentages of blue and red light. The treatments evaluated were 100% red; 7% blue + 93% red; 26% blue + 74% red; 42% blue + 58% red; 66% blue + 34% red; and 100% blue. Broad-spectrum (19% blue, 43% green, and 38% red) light was used to observe the effects of wavelength interactions. All of the treatments provided an average daily light integral (DLI) of 17.5 mol·m‒2·d‒1 (270 ± 5 µmol·m‒2·s‒1 over an 18-h photoperiod). The experiment was replicated three times over time; each terminated 21 days after treatment initiation. Leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), and SPAD index had a similar response in that all of the parameters increased with up to 66% blue light, and slightly decreased or remained constant with 100% blue light. In contrast, leaf number, shoot dry mass, and WUE generally decreased in response to blue light. Conversely, for every 10% increase in blue light, gs increased by 10 mmol·m‒2·s‒1. Nitrogen uptake was unaffected by light quality. Our findings indicate that when grown under different blue and red photon flux ratios, the WUE of lettuce significantly decreases under higher blue light, which could be attributed to a reduction in plant growth (leaf number and dry mass), and an increase in gs. However, green light within broad-spectrum lamps might counteract blue-light mediated effects on gs and WUE in lettuce.
Oral Symptoms and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in People with Rare Diseases in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wiemann Sabrina , Frenzel Baudisch Nicolas , Jordan Rainer A. , Kleinheinz Johannes , Hanisch Marcel
Published: July 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to collect information on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in people with rare diseases. Methods: A questionnaire comprising free text questions and the German version of the standardized Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire on OHRQoL was developed. All participants who indicated oral symptoms in the questionnaire were included in a cluster analysis. Different cluster analyses were performed (Ward’s, k-Means) to find symptom profile groups in the data. Results: A total of 484 questionnaires with 96 rare diseases were included in the study. The most reported symptoms were anomalies of the tooth formation, dysgnathia, changes in number of the teeth, and malocclusions. The OHIP mean values of the five resulting symptom clusters ranged from 15.1 to 19.9, which is very high compared to the general population in Germany, which has a mean value of 4.09. Discussion: All investigated symptoms show a negative association with OHRQoL, but the strongest were for symptoms of the oral mucosa and periodontal diseases. All the symptoms described in this cluster analysis can lead to considerably higher mean values of the OHIP total score among people with rare disease and thus to worse OHRQoL than reported in the general population.
Role of Damage Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules (DAMPs) in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH)
Authors: Chaudhry Shafqat Rasul , Hafez Ahmad , Rezai Jahromi Behnam , Kinfe Thomas Mehari , Lamprecht Alf , Niemelä Mika , Muhammad Sajjad
Published: July 2018

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) represents only a small portion of all strokes, but accounts for almost half of the deaths caused by stroke worldwide. Neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling can successfully obliterate the bleeding aneurysms, but ensuing complications such as cerebral vasospasm, acute and chronic hydrocephalus, seizures, cortical spreading depression, delayed ischemic neurological deficits, and delayed cerebral ischemia lead to poor clinical outcomes. The mechanisms leading to these complications are complex and poorly understood. Early brain injury resulting from transient global ischemia can release molecules that may be critical to initiate and sustain inflammatory response. Hence, the events during early brain injury can influence the occurrence of delayed brain injury. Since the damage associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) might be the initiators of inflammation in the pathophysiology of aSAH, so the aim of this review is to highlight their role in the context of aSAH from diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and drug therapy monitoring perspectives. DAMPs represent a diverse and a heterogenous group of molecules derived from different compartments of cells upon injury. Here, we have reviewed the most important DAMPs molecules including high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), S100B, hemoglobin and its derivatives, extracellular matrix components, IL-1α, IL-33, and mitochondrial DNA in the context of aSAH and their role in post-aSAH complications and clinical outcome after aSAH.
Identification of Long Non-Coding RNAs Related to Skeletal Muscle Development in Two Rabbit Breeds with Different Growth Rate
Authors: Kuang Liangde , Lei Min , Li Congyan , Zhang Xiangyu , Ren Yongjun , Zheng Jie , Guo Zhiqiang , Zhang Cuixia , Yang Chao , Mei Xiuli , Fu Min , Xie Xiaohong
Published: July 2018

Skeletal muscle development plays an important role in muscle quality and yield, which decides the economic value of livestock. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be associated with skeletal muscle development. However, little is revealed about the function of lncRNAs in rabbits’ muscle development. LncRNAs and mRNAs in two rabbit breeds (ZIKA rabbits (ZKR) and Qixin rabbits (QXR)) with different growth rates at three developmental stages (0 day, 35 days, and 84 days after birth) were researched by transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified for two rabbit breeds at the same stages by DESeq package. Co-expression correlation analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were performed to construct lncRNA–mRNA pairs. To explore the function of lncRNAs, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of co-expression mRNAs in lncRNA–mRNA pairs were performed. In three comparisons, there were 128, 109, and 115 differentially expressed lncRNAs, respectively. LncRNAs TCONS_00013557 and XR_518424.2 differentially expressed in the two rabbit breeds might play important roles in skeletal muscle development, for their co-expressed mRNAs were significantly enriched in skeletal muscle development related GO terms. This study provides potentially functional lncRNAs in skeletal muscle development of two rabbit breeds and might be beneficial to the production of rabbits.
Pharmacokinetic Comparisons of Multiple Triterpenic Acids from Jujubae Fructus Extract Following Oral Delivery in Normal and Acute Liver Injury Rats
Authors: Li Yao , Guo Sheng , Ren Quanjin , Wei Dandan , Zhao Ming , Su Shulan , Tang Zhishu , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: July 2018

Jujubae Fructus, the dried fruit of Ziziphus jujuba, has been used as Chinese medicine and food for centuries. Triterpenic acids have been found to be the major bioactive constituents in Jujubae Fructus responsible for their hepatoprotective activity in previous phytochemical and biological studies, while few pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted. To reveal the kinetics of the triterpenic acids under the pathological liver injury state, an established ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry method was applied for the simultaneous quantitation of seven triterpenic acids (ceanothic acid, epiceanothic acid, pomonic acid, alphitolic acid, maslinic acid, betulinic acid, and betulonic acid) in plasma samples of normal and acute liver injury rats induced by CCl4. The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the pharmacokinetic parameters of seven triterpenic acids between model and normal groups. The AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ of epiceanothic acid (5227 ± 334 μg⋅h/L vs. 1478 ± 255 μg⋅h/L and 6127 ± 423 μg⋅h/L vs. 1482 ± 255 μg⋅h/L, respectively) and pomonic acid (4654 ± 349 μg⋅h/L vs. 1834 ± 225 μg⋅h/L and 4776 ± 322 μg⋅h/L vs. 1859 ± 230 μg⋅h/L, respectively) in model rats were significantly higher than those in normal rats, and the CLz/F of them were significantly decreased (0.28 ± 0.02 L/h/kg vs. 1.36 ± 0.18 L/h/kg and 19.96 ± 1.30 L/h/kg vs. 53.15 ± 5.60 L/h/kg, respectively). In contrast, the above parameters for alphitolic acid, betulinic acid and betulonic acid exhibited the quite different trend. This pharmacokinetic research might provide useful information for the clinical usage of triterpenic acids from Jujubae Fructus.
Potential for Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing in the Differential Diagnosis of Gynaecological Malignancies
Authors: Perrone Anna Myriam , Girolimetti Giulia , Procaccini Martina , Marchio Lorena , Livi Alessandra , Borghese Giulia , Porcelli Anna Maria , De Iaco Pierandrea , Gasparre Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

In the event of multiple synchronous gynecological lesions, a fundamental piece of information to determine patient management, prognosis, and therapeutic regimen choice is whether the simultaneous malignancies arise independently or as a result of metastatic dissemination. An example of synchronous primary tumors of the female genital tract most frequently described are ovarian and endometrial cancers. Surgical findings and histopathological examination aimed at resolving this conundrum may be aided by molecular analyses, although they are too often inconclusive. High mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variability and its propensity to accumulate mutations has been proposed by our group as a tool to define clonality. We showed mtDNA sequencing to be informative in synchronous primary ovarian and endometrial cancer, detecting tumor-specific mutations in both lesions, ruling out independence of the two neoplasms, and indicating clonality. Furthermore, we tested this method in another frequent simultaneously detected gynecological lesion type, borderline ovarian cancer and their peritoneal implants, which may be monoclonal extra-ovarian metastases or polyclonal independent masses. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the potential use of mtDNA sequencing in distinguishing independent and metastatic lesions in gynecological cancers, and to compare the efficiency of molecular analyses currently in use with this novel method.
Role of Arginine 117 in Substrate Recognition by Human Cytochrome P450 2J2
Authors: Lafite Pierre , André François , Graves Joan P. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Dansette Patrick M. , Mansuy Daniel
Published: July 2018

The influence of Arginine 117 of human cytochrome P450 2J2 in the recognition of ebastine and a series of terfenadone derivatives was studied by site-directed mutagenesis. R117K, R117E, and R117L mutants were produced, and the behavior of these mutants in the hydroxylation of ebastine and terfenadone derivatives was compared to that of wild-type CYP2J2. The data clearly showed the importance of the formation of a hydrogen bond between R117 and the keto group of these substrates. The data were interpreted on the basis of 3D homology models of the mutants and of dynamic docking of the substrates in their active site. These modeling studies also suggested the existence of a R117-E222 salt bridge between helices B’ and F that would be important for maintaining the overall folding of CYP2J2.
Self-Assembly in Polyoxometalate and Metal Coordination-Based Systems: Synthetic Approaches and Developments
Authors: Passadis Stamatis , Kabanos Themistoklis A. , Song Yu-Fei , Miras Haralampos N.
Published: July 2018

Utilizing new experimental approaches and gradual understanding of the underlying chemical processes has led to advances in the self-assembly of inorganic and metal–organic compounds at a very fast pace over the last decades. Exploitation of unveiled information originating from initial experimental observations has sparked the development of new families of compounds with unique structural characteristics and functionalities. The main source of inspiration for numerous research groups originated from the implementation of the design element along with the discovery of new chemical components which can self-assemble into complex structures with wide range of sizes, topologies and functionalities. Not only do self-assembled inorganic and metal–organic chemical systems belong to families of compounds with configurable structures, but also have a vast array of physical properties which reflect the chemical information stored in the various “modular” molecular subunits. The purpose of this short review article is not the exhaustive discussion of the broad field of inorganic and metal–organic chemical systems, but the discussion of some representative examples from each category which demonstrate the implementation of new synthetic approaches and design principles.
Scheduling Approach for the Simulation of a Sustainable Resource Supply Chain
Authors: Strubelt Henning , Trojahn Sebastian , Lang Sebastian , Nahhas Abdulrahman
Published: July 2018

The general goal of waste management is to conserve resources and avoid negative environmental impacts. This paper deals with the optimization of logistics processes at an underground waste storage site by means of solving scheduling issues and reducing setup times, with the help of a simulation model. Specific to underground waste storage is the fact that it is often only a side business to actual mining. With limited capacity and resources, all legal requirements must be met, while the business should still be profitable. This paper discusses the improvement of a logistical system’s performance using machine scheduling approaches with the support of a plant simulation model. The process sequence is determined by means of a priority index. Genetic algorithms are then applied to improve the priority index to further increase performance. Results of the simulation model show that the performance of the logistics system can be increased by up to 400 percent, ensuring adequate system performance for current as well as future demand without changes to the system’s capacities and resources.
Existence of Solutions for Fractional Integro-Differential Equations with Non-Local Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bazgir Hamed , Ghazanfari Bahman
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we study the existence of solutions for a new class of boundary value problems of non-linear fractional integro-differential equations. The existence result is obtained with the aid of Schauder type fixed point theorem while the uniqueness of solution is established by means of contraction mapping principle. Then, we present some examples to illustrate our results.
Overview on the Antihypertensive and Anti-Obesity Effects of Secondary Metabolites from Seaweeds
Authors: Seca Ana M. L. , Pinto Diana C. G. A.
Published: July 2018

Hypertension and obesity are two significant factors that contribute to the onset and exacerbation of a cascade of mechanisms including activation of the sympathetic and renin-angiotensin systems, oxidative stress, release of inflammatory mediators, increase of adipogenesis and thus promotion of systemic dysfunction that leads to clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. Seaweeds, in addition to their use as food, are now unanimously acknowledged as an invaluable source of new natural products that may hold noteworthy leads for future drug discovery and development, including in the prevention and/or treatment of the cardiovascular risk factors. Several compounds including peptides, phlorotannins, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and sterols, isolated from brown, red and green macroalgae exhibit significant anti-hypertensive and anti-obesity properties. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances on bioactive pure compounds isolated from different seaweed sources focusing on their potential use as drugs to treat or prevent hypertension and obesity. On the other hand, although it is obvious that macroalgae represent promising sources of antihypertensive and anti-obesity compounds, it is also clear that further efforts are required to fully understand their cellular mechanisms of action, to establish structure-inhibition relationships and mainly to evaluate them in pre-clinical and clinical trials.
A Combined Approach of NMR and Mass Spectrometry Techniques Applied to the α-Cyclodextrin/Moringin Complex for a Novel Bioactive Formulation †
Authors: Mathiron David , Iori Renato , Pilard Serge , Soundara Rajan Thangavelu , Landy David , Mazzon Emanuela , Rollin Patrick , Djedaïni-Pilard Florence
Published: July 2018

Moringin, obtained via enzymatic conversion of the glucosinolate precursor glucomoringin, is an uncommon member of the isothiocyanate class, and has been proven to possess a broad range of biological activities such as antitumor activity, protection against neurodegenerative disorders and bactericidal effects. Since moringin is weakly soluble in water and unstable in aqueous medium, cyclodextrins (CDs) were considered for the development of a new moringin formulation, with a view to improving its solubility and stability in aqueous solution for use as an anti-inflammatory. A combined structural study using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is reported, highlighting the formation of a 1:1 α-CD/moringin inclusion complex. The association constant K was determined (1300 M−1 at 300 K). Completion of the structural characterization was performed by T-ROESY and MS/MS experiments, which evidenced the mode of penetration of moringin into α-CD. Finally, the “chaperone-like” properties of α-CD with respect to the stability of moringin have been highlighted.
Development of Conjugate Addition of Lithium Dialkylcuprates to Thiochromones: Synthesis of 2-Alkylthiochroman-4-ones and Additional Synthetic Applications
Authors: Bass Shekinah A. , Parker Dynasty M. , Bellinger Tania J. , Eaton Aireal S. , Dibble Angelica S. , Koroma Kaata L. , Sekyi Sylvia A. , Pollard David A. , Guo Fenghai
Published: July 2018

Lithium dialkylcuprates undergo conjugate addition to thiochromones to afford 2-alkylthiochroman-4-ones in good yields. This approach provide an efficient and general synthetic approach to privileged sulfur-containing structural motifs and valuable precursors for many pharmaceuticals, starting from common substrates-thiochromones. Good yields of 2-alkyl-substituted thiochroman-4-ones are attained with lithium dialkylcuprates, lithium alkylcyanocuprates or substoichiometric amount of copper salts. The use of commercially available inexpensive alkyllithium reagents will expedite the synthesis of a large library of 2-alkyl substituted thiochroman-4-ones for additional synthetic applications.
Synthesis of Nitrogen-Rich Polymers by Click Polymerization Reaction and Gas Sorption Property
Authors: Song Jing-Ru , Duan Wen-Gui , Li Dian-Peng
Published: July 2018

Microporous organic polymers (MOPs) are promising materials for gas sorption because of their intrinsic and permanent porosity, designable framework, and low density. The introduction of nitrogen-rich building block in MOPs will greatly enhance the gas sorption capacity. Here, we report the synthesis of MOPs from the 2,4,6-tris(4-ethynylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine unit and aromatic azides linkers by click polymerization reaction. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solid-state 13C CP-MAS (Cross Polarization-Magic Angle Spinning) NMR confirm the formation of the polymers. CMOP-1 and CMOP-2 exhibit microporous networks with a BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area of 431 m2·g−1 and 406 m2·g−1 and a narrow pore size distribution under 1.2 nm. Gas sorption isotherms including CO2 and H2 were measured. CMOP-1 stores a superior CO2 level of 1.85 mmol·g−1 at 273 K/1.0 bar, and an H2 uptake of up to 2.94 mmol·g−1 at 77 K/1.0 bar, while CMOP-2, with its smaller surface area, shows a lower CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.64 mmol·g−1 and an H2 uptake of 2.48 mmol·g−1. In addition, I2 vapor adsorption was tested at 353 K. CMOP-1 shows a higher gravimetric load of 160 wt%. Despite the moderate surface area, the CMOPs display excellent sorption ability for CO2 and I2 due to the nitrogen-rich content in the polymers.
Phytochemical Screening of Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Extracts by UPLC-QTOF-MS and Evaluation of their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: St-Pierre Annabelle , Blondeau Dorian , Lajeunesse André , Bley Julien , Bourdeau Nathalie , Desgagné-Penix Isabel
Published: July 2018

The continual emergence of pathogen resistance is a recurring challenge and pushes for the development of antimicrobial compounds. Here, we investigated compounds from quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) as potential antimicrobial agents. Several extractions using different solvents were realized, and corresponding antimicrobial activity was tested against eight microorganisms. Results revealed that polar extraction solvents including water, ethanol and methanol gave the best extraction yields (>15.07%). Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) demonstrated that water extracts had the best antimicrobial activity by a weak to moderate inhibition of growth of all eight tested microorganisms in addition to having a bactericidal effect on three of them. The quaking aspen methanol extract also displayed antimicrobial activity but to a lower level than the water extract. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) analysis led to the identification of 92 compounds, mainly polyphenols in both extracts, with 22 molecules previously known for their antimicrobial properties. According to the relative abundance, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5.44% in methanol extract) and kaempferol (5.03% in water extract) were the most abundant antimicrobial compounds. Among antimicrobial molecules identified, nine were from the flavonoid family. The results of our study demonstrate the interest of using quaking aspen as source of antimicrobial compounds.
Assessment of the Sensitizing Potential of Proteins in BALB/c Mice: Comparison of Three Protocols of Intraperitoneal Sensitization
Authors: Arámburo-Galvez Jesús Gilberto , Sotelo-Cruz Norberto , Flores-Mendoza Lilian Karem , Gracia-Valenzuela Martina Hilda , Chiquete-Elizalde Francisco Iván Rodolfo , Espinoza-Alderete Jesús Guadalupe , Trejo-Martínez Humberto , Canizalez-Román Vicente Adrián , Ontiveros Noé , Cabrera-Chávez Francisco
Published: July 2018

Most food allergy cases are associated with a limited group of allergens. This could be attributed to an increased ability of some foods to sensitize and trigger allergic reactions. However, there are no validated animal models to evaluate the sensitizing or allergenic potentials of proteins. Our aim was to evaluate three protocols of adjuvant-free intraperitoneal sensitization that differ in the time points for sample collection (days 14, 28 and 35 from beginning of the sensitization) and also in the number of immunizations (2, 5 and 3, respectively). Ovalbumin (OVA; 0.05 mg), cow milk proteins (CMP; 0.025, 0.05 and 0.25 mg), and potato acid phosphatase (PAP; low allergenic protein; 250.0 mg) were administered intraperitoneally (ip) to BALB/c mice (n = 4–6) and the protein-specific IgE and IgG antibody responses were evaluated using ELISA. Additional serum protein-specific IgE antibodies evaluations were carried out after IgG depletion. Anti-OVA IgE antibodies were detected in mice from all three protocols. The responses were higher in the group of mice that underwent the 28-day protocol than in those that underwent the 14- or 35-day protocols (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Anti-CMP IgE antibodies were detected in both the 14- and 28-day protocols, but the response was higher in the group that underwent the 28-day protocol (p < 0.001). The anti-CMP IgE antibody response detection was improved after serum IgG depletion (p < 0.001). Anti-PAP IgE antibodies were not detected. Mice with undetectable serum levels of protein-specific IgE triggered anti-OVA, -CMP, and -PAP IgG responses. An adjuvant-free 28-day protocol with five ip immunizations seems appropriate for evaluation of the inherent sensitizing or allergenic capacity of the studied proteins. Reproducible results were obtained utilizing the BALB/c mouse strain. Inter-laboratory studies including a larger number of proteins should be carried out to validate this model.
Inheritance and Genetic Mapping of the Reduced Height (Rht18) Gene in Wheat
Authors: Grant Nathan P. , Mohan Amita , Sandhu Devinder , Gill Kulvinder S.
Published: July 2018

Short-statured plants revolutionized agriculture during the 1960s due to their ability to resist lodging, increased their response to fertilizers, and improved partitioning of assimilates which led to yield gains. Of more than 21 reduced-height (Rht) genes reported in wheat, only three—Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b, and Rht8—were extensively used in wheat breeding programs. The remaining reduced height mutants have not been utilized in breeding programs due to the lack of characterization. In the present study, we determined the inheritance of Rht18 and developed a genetic linkage map of the region containing Rht18. The height distribution of the F2 population was skewed towards the mutant parent, indicating that the dwarf allele (Rht18) is semi-dominant over the tall allele (rht18). Rht18 was mapped on chromosome 6A between markers barc146 and cfd190 with a genetic distance of 26.2 and 17.3 cM, respectively. In addition to plant height, agronomically important traits, like awns and tiller numbers, were also studied in the bi-parental population. Although the average tiller number was very similar in both parents, the F2 population displayed a normal distribution for tiller number with the majority of plants having phenotype similar to the parents. Transgressive segregation was observed for plant height and tiller number in F2 population. This study enabled us to select a semi-dwarf line with superior agronomic characteristics that could be utilized in a breeding program. The identification of SSRs associated with Rht18 may improve breeders’ effectiveness in selecting desired semi-dwarf lines for developing new wheat cultivars.
Seasonal Growth of Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss.: Summer Dormancy Is Associated with Loss of the Permissive Epigenetic Marker Dimethyl H3K4 and Extensive Reduction in Proteins Involved in Basic Cell Functions
Authors: Khadka Janardan , Yadav Narendra S. , Granot Gila , Grafi Gideon
Published: July 2018

Plants thriving in desert environments are suitable for studying mechanisms for plant survival under extreme seasonal climate variation. We studied epigenetic mechanisms underlying seasonal growth cycles in the desert plant Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss., which was previously shown to be deficient in repressive markers of di-methyl and tri-methyl H3K9 and their association with factors regulating basic cell functions. We showed a contingent association between rainfall and seasonal growth and the epigenetic marker of dimethyl H3K4, which disappears upon entry into the dry season and the acquisition of a dormant state. DNA methylation is not affected by a lack of H3K9 di-methyl and tri-methyl. Changes in methylation can occur between the wet and dry season. Proteome analysis of acid soluble fractions revealed an extensive reduction in ribosomal proteins and in proteins involved in chloroplasts and mitochondrial activities during the dry seasons concomitantly with up-regulation of molecular chaperone HSPs. Our results highlight mechanisms underlying Z. dumosum adaptation to seasonal climate variation. Particularly, summer dormancy is associated with a loss of the permissive epigenetic marker dimethyl H3K4, which might facilitate genome compaction concomitantly with a significant reduction in proteins involved in basic cell functions. HSP chaperones might safeguard the integrity of cell components.
The UK Scholarly Communication Licence: Attempting to Cut through the Gordian Knot of the Complexities of Funder Mandates, Publisher Embargoes and Researcher Caution in Achieving Open Access
Authors: Baldwin Julie , Pinfield Stephen
Published: July 2018

Whilst take-up of open access (OA) in the UK is growing rapidly due partly to a number of funder mandates, managing the complexities of balancing compliance with these mandates against restrictive publisher policies and ingrained academic priorities, has resulted in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) often struggling with confused researchers, complex workflows, and rising costs. In order to try to address this situation, the UK Scholarly Communication Licence (UK-SCL) was formulated to bypass the root causes of many of these challenges by implementing a licensing mechanism for multiple-mandate compliance in one single policy. This is the first empirical study to focus on the genesis of the UK-SCL and how its implementation has been conceived thus far. A qualitative research method was used, taking the form of 14 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from the initiative across the UK. The results indicate that those working within UK HEIs are concerned with the complexity of the current OA policy landscape and are frustrated with the inertia within the current system, which has resulted in higher costs, further publisher restrictions, and has not addressed the underlying tensions in academic culture. The UK-SCL is seen by its initiators as a way to achieve further transition towards OA and take back some element of control of the content produced at their institutions. The study concludes by modelling the ways in which the UK-SCL is intended to impact relationships between key stakeholders, and discussing possible implementation futures.
Very Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Complex Land Cover Mapping Using Multispectral Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Mahdianpari Masoud , Salehi Bahram , Rezaee Mohammad , Mohammadimanesh Fariba , Zhang Yun
Published: July 2018

Despite recent advances of deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in various computer vision tasks, their potential for classification of multispectral remote sensing images has not been thoroughly explored. In particular, the applications of deep CNNs using optical remote sensing data have focused on the classification of very high-resolution aerial and satellite data, owing to the similarity of these data to the large datasets in computer vision. Accordingly, this study presents a detailed investigation of state-of-the-art deep learning tools for classification of complex wetland classes using multispectral RapidEye optical imagery. Specifically, we examine the capacity of seven well-known deep convnets, namely DenseNet121, InceptionV3, VGG16, VGG19, Xception, ResNet50, and InceptionResNetV2, for wetland mapping in Canada. In addition, the classification results obtained from deep CNNs are compared with those based on conventional machine learning tools, including Random Forest and Support Vector Machine, to further evaluate the efficiency of the former to classify wetlands. The results illustrate that the full-training of convnets using five spectral bands outperforms the other strategies for all convnets. InceptionResNetV2, ResNet50, and Xception are distinguished as the top three convnets, providing state-of-the-art classification accuracies of 96.17%, 94.81%, and 93.57%, respectively. The classification accuracies obtained using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) are 74.89% and 76.08%, respectively, considerably inferior relative to CNNs. Importantly, InceptionResNetV2 is consistently found to be superior compared to all other convnets, suggesting the integration of Inception and ResNet modules is an efficient architecture for classifying complex remote sensing scenes such as wetlands.
Uncertainty Characterisation of Mobile Robot Localisation Techniques using Optical Surveying Grade Instruments
Authors: McLoughlin Benjamin J. , Pointon Harry A. G. , McLoughlin John P. , Shaw Andy , Bezombes Frederic A.
Published: July 2018

Recent developments in localisation systems for autonomous robotic technology have been a driving factor in the deployment of robots in a wide variety of environments. Estimating sensor measurement noise is an essential factor when producing uncertainty models for state-of-the-art robotic positioning systems. In this paper, a surveying grade optical instrument in the form of a Trimble S7 Robotic Total Station is utilised to dynamically characterise the error of positioning sensors of a ground based unmanned robot. The error characteristics are used as inputs into the construction of a Localisation Extended Kalman Filter which fuses Pozyx Ultra-wideband range measurements with odometry to obtain an optimal position estimation, all whilst using the path generated from the remote tracking feature of the Robotic Total Station as a ground truth metric. Experiments show that the proposed method yields an improved positional estimation compared to the Pozyx systems’ native firmware algorithm as well as producing a smoother trajectory.
Parameter Estimation of Signal-Dependent Random Noise in CMOS/CCD Image Sensor Based on Numerical Characteristic of Mixed Poisson Noise Samples
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Guangyi , Xu Jiangtao
Published: July 2018

Parameter estimation of Poisson-Gaussian signal-dependent random noise in the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor/charge-coupled device image sensor is a significant step in eliminating noise. The existing estimation algorithms, which are based on finding homogeneous regions, acquire the pair of the variances of noise and the intensities of every homogeneous region to fit the linear or piecewise linear curve and ascertain the noise parameters accordingly. In contrast to the existing algorithms, in this study, the Poisson noise samples of all homogeneous regions in every block image are pieced together to constitute a larger sample following the mixed Poisson noise distribution; then, the mean and variance of the mixed Poisson noise sample are deduced. Next, the mapping function among the noise parameters to be estimated—variance of Poisson-Gaussian noise and that of Gaussian noise corresponding to the stitched region in every block image—is constructed. Finally, the unbiased estimations of noise parameters are calculated from the mapping functions of all the image blocks. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method can obtain lower mean absolute error values of estimated noise parameters than the conventional ones.
Design and Validation of an FPGA-Based Configurable Transcranial Doppler Neurofeedback System for Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Rey Beatriz , Rodríguez Alejandro , Lloréns-Bufort Enrique , Tembl José , Muñoz Miguel Ángel , Montoya Pedro , Herrero-Bosch Vicente , Monzo Jose M.
Published: July 2018

Neurofeedback is a self-regulation technique that can be applied to learn to voluntarily control cerebral activity in specific brain regions. In this work, a Transcranial Doppler-based configurable neurofeedback system is proposed and described. The hardware configuration is based on the Red Pitaya board, which gives great flexibility and processing power to the system. The parameter to be trained can be selected between several temporal, spectral, or complexity features from the cerebral blood flow velocity signal in different vessels. As previous studies have found alterations in these parameters in chronic pain patients, the system could be applied to help them to voluntarily control these parameters. Two protocols based on different temporal lengths of the training periods have been proposed and tested with six healthy subjects that were randomly assigned to one of the protocols at the beginning of the procedure. For the purposes of the testing, the trained parameter was the mean cerebral blood flow velocity in the aggregated data from the two anterior cerebral arteries. Results show that, using the proposed neurofeedback system, the two groups of healthy volunteers can learn to self-regulate a parameter from their brain activity in a reduced number of training sessions.
A Practical Approach for High Precision Reconstruction of a Motorcycle Trajectory Using a Low-Cost Multi-Sensor System
Authors: Smaiah Sarra , Sadoun Rabah , Elouardi Abdelhafid , Larnaudie Bruno , Bouaziz Samir , Boubezoul Abderahmane , Vincke Bastien , Espié Stéphane
Published: July 2018

Motorcycle drivers are considered among the most vulnerable road users, as attested by the number of crashes increasing every year. The significant part of the fatalities relates to “single vehicle” loss of control in bends. During this investigation, a system based on an instrumented multi-sensor platform and an algorithmic study was developed to accurately reconstruct motorcycle trajectories achieved when negotiating bends. This system is used by the French Gendarmerie in order to objectively evaluate and to examine the way riders take their bends in order to better train riders to adopt a safe trajectory and to improve road safety. Data required for the reconstruction are acquired using a motorcycle that has been fully instrumented (in VIROLO++ Project) with several redundant sensors (reference sensors and low-cost sensors) which measure the rider actions (roll, steering) and the motorcycle behavior (position, velocity, acceleration, odometry, heading, and attitude). The proposed solution allowed the reconstruction of motorcycle trajectories in bends with a high accuracy (equal to that of fixed point positioning). The developed algorithm will be used by the French Gendarmerie in order to objectively evaluate and examine the way riders negotiate bends. It will also be used for initial training and retraining in order to better train riders to learn and estimate a safe trajectory and to increase the safety, efficiency and comfort of motorcycle riders.