bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailoring Characteristics of PEDOT:PSS Coated on Glass and Plastics by Ultrasonic Substrate Vibration Post Treatment
Authors: Gholampour Nadia , Brian Dominikus , Eslamian Morteza
Published: September 2018

In this work, we excited as-spun wet films of PEDOT:PSS by ultrasonic vibration with varying frequency and power. This is a low-cost and facile technique for tailoring the structural and surface characteristics of solution-processed thin films and coatings. We deposited the coatings on both rigid and flexible substrates and performed various characterization techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmittance, electrical conductivity, and contact angle measurements, to understand how the ultrasonic vibration affects the coating properties. We found that as a result of ultrasonic vibration, PEDOT:PSS sheet conductivity increases up to five-fold, contact angle of water on PEDOT:PSS increases up to three-fold, and PEDOT:PSS roughness on glass substrates substantially decreases. Our results affirm that ultrasonic vibration can favor phase separation of PEDOT and PSS and rearrangement of PEDOT-rich charge transferring grains. In addition to providing a systematic study on the effect of ultrasonic frequency and power on the film properties, this work also proves that the ultrasonic vibration is a novel method to manipulate and tailor a wide range of properties of solution-processed thin films, such as compactness, chain length and arrangement of polymer molecules, conductivity, and surface wettability. This ultrasonication method can serve organic, printed and flexible electronics.
Improving Performance and Mitigating Fault Attacks Using Value Prediction
Authors: Sheikh Rami , Cammarota Rosario
Published: September 2018

We present Value Prediction for Security (VPsec), a novel hardware-only framework to counter fault attacks in modern microprocessors, while preserving the performance benefits of Value Prediction (VP.) VP is an elegant and hitherto mature microarchitectural performance optimization, which aims to predict the data value ahead of the data production with high prediction accuracy and coverage. Instances of VPsec leverage the state-of-the-art Value Predictors in an embodiment and system design to mitigate fault attacks in modern microprocessors. Specifically, VPsec implementations re-architect any baseline VP embodiment with fault detection logic and reaction logic to mitigate fault attacks to both the datapath and the value predictor itself. VPsec also defines a new mode of execution in which the predicted value is trusted rather than the produced value. From a microarchitectural design perspective, VPsec requires minimal hardware changes (negligible area and complexity impact) with respect to a baseline that supports VP, it has no software overheads (no increase in memory footprint or execution time), and it retains most of the performance benefits of VP under realistic attacks. Our evaluation of VPsec demonstrates its efficacy in countering fault attacks, as well as its ability to retain the performance benefits of VP on cryptographic workloads, such as OpenSSL, and non-cryptographic workloads, such as SPEC CPU 2006/2017.
Cell-Based Methods for Determination of Efficacy for Candidate Therapeutics in the Clinical Management of Cancer
Authors: Gordon Jenna L. , Brown Mark A. , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: September 2018

Determination of therapeutic efficacy is a major challenge in developing treatment options for cancer. Prior to in vivo studies, candidate therapeutics are evaluated using cell-based in vitro methods to assess their anti-cancer potential. This review describes the utility and limitations of evaluating therapeutic efficacy using human tumor-derived cell lines. Indicators for therapeutic efficacy using tumor-derived cell lines include cell viability, cell proliferation, colony formation, cytotoxicity, cytostasis, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Cell panel screens, 3D tumor spheroid models, drug-drug/drug-radiation combinatorial analysis, and invasion/migration assays reveal analogous in vitro information. In animal models, cellular assays can assess tumor micro-environment and therapeutic delivery. The utility of tumor-derived cell lines for efficacy determination is manifest in numerous commercially approved drugs that have been applied in clinical management of cancer. Studies reveal most tumor-derived cell lines preserve the genomic signature of the primary tumor source and cell line-based data is highly predictive of subsequent clinical studies. However, cell-based data often disregards natural system components, resulting in cell autonomous outcomes. While 3D cell culture platforms can counter such limitations, they require additional time and cost. Despite the limitations, cell-based methods remain essential in early stages of anti-cancer drug development.
Judicious Use of Lipid Lowering Agents in the Management of NAFLD
Authors: Iqbal Umair , Perumpail Brandon J. , John Nimy , Sallam Sandy , Shah Neha D. , Kwong Waiyee , Cholankeril George , Kim Donghee , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: September 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of histological features, including steatosis, steatohepatitis with balloon degeneration, and hepatic fibrosis leading to cirrhosis. In patients with advanced liver damage, NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are components of metabolic syndrome and are commonly associated with NAFLD. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with NAFLD. Therefore, it is important to pre-emptively identify and proactively treat conditions like hyperlipidemia in an effort to favorably modify the risk factors associated with cardiovascular events in patients with NAFLD. The management of hyperlipidemia has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and improve histological damage/biochemical abnormalities associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a subset of NAFLD with advance liver damage. There are no formal guidelines available regarding the use of anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, as prospective data are lacking. The focus of this article is to discuss the utility of lipid-lowering drugs in patients with NAFLD.
The Effect of Commercially Available Endodontic Cements and Biomaterials on Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Pluripotent-Like Stem Cells
Authors: Maher Atari , Núñez-Toldrà Raquel , Carrio Neus , Ferres-Padro Eduard , Ali Hamad , Montori Sheyla , Al Madhoun Ashraf
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study is to compare the osteogenic differentiation capacity of the dental pulp pluripotent-like stem cells (DPPSCs) using conditional media pretreated with ProRoot-MTA, Biodentine (BD) or the newly manufactured pure Portland cement Med-PZ (MZ). DPPSCs, isolated from human third molars, are the most relevant cell model to draw conclusions about the role of biomaterials on dental tissue regeneration. Cytotoxicity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium deposition analysis were evaluated at different differentiation time points. Gene expression of key osteogenic markers (RUNX2, Collagen I and Osteocalcin) was determined by qRT-PCR analysis. The osteogenic capacity of cells cultured in conditioned media prepared from MZ or MTA cements was comparable. BD conditioned media supported cell proliferation but failed to induce osteogenesis. Relative to controls and other cements, high osteogenic gene expression was observed in cultures pre-treated with the novel endodontic cement MZ. In conclusion, the in vitro behavior of a MZ- endodontic cement was evaluated, showing similar enhanced cell proliferation compared to other commercially available cements but with an enhanced osteogenic capacity with prospective potential as a novel cement for endodontic treatments.
A Review of Physical Layer Security Techniques for Internet of Things: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Sun Li , Du Qinghe
Published: September 2018

With the uninterrupted revolution of communications technologies and the great-leap-forward development of emerging applications, the ubiquitous deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) is imperative to accommodate constantly growing user demands and market scales. Communication security is critically important for the operations of IoT. Among the communication security provisioning techniques, physical layer security (PLS), which can provide unbreakable, provable, and quantifiable secrecy from an information-theoretical point of view, has drawn considerable attention from both the academia and the industries. However, the unique features of IoT, such as low-cost, wide-range coverage, massive connection, and diversified services, impose great challenges for the PLS protocol design in IoT. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the PLS techniques toward IoT applications. The basic principle of PLS is first briefly introduced, followed by the survey of the existing PLS techniques. Afterwards, the characteristics of IoT are identified, based on which the challenges faced by PLS protocol design are summarized. Then, three newly-proposed PLS solutions are highlighted, which match the features of IoT well and are expected to be applied in the near future. Finally, we conclude the paper and point out some further research directions.
Photonic Discrete-time Quantum Walks and Applications
Authors: Neves Leonardo , Puentes Graciana
Published: September 2018

We present a review of photonic implementations of discrete-time quantum walks (DTQW) in the spatial and temporal domains, based on spatial- and time-multiplexing techniques, respectively. Additionally, we propose a detailed novel scheme for photonic DTQW, using transverse spatial modes of single photons and programmable spatial light modulators (SLM) to manipulate them. Unlike all previous mode-multiplexed implementations, this scheme enables simulation of an arbitrary step of the walker, only limited, in principle, by the SLM resolution. We discuss current applications of such photonic DTQW architectures in quantum simulation of topological effects and the use of non-local coin operations based on two-photon hybrid entanglement.
Hierarchical Information Entropy System Model for TWfMS
Authors: Han Qiang , Yang Deren
Published: September 2018

Under the infrastructure of three gradually deepening layers consisting of System, Service and Software, the information entropy of the Trustworthy Workflow Management System (TWfMS) will evolve from being more precise to more undetermined, due to a series of exception event X occurring on certain components (ExCs), along with the life cycle of TWfMS, experienced in its phased original, as-is, to-be, and agile-consistent stages, and recover, more precisely again, by turning back to the original state from the agile-consistent stage, due to its self-autonomous improvement. With a special emphasis on the system layer, to assure the trustworthiness of WfMS, this paper firstly introduces the preliminary knowledge of the hierarchical information entropy model with correlation theories. After illustrating the fundamental principle, the transformation rule is deduced, step by step, followed by a case study, which is conducive to generating discussions and conclusions in the different research areas of TWfMS. Overall, in this paper, we argue that the trustworthiness maintenance of WfMS could be analyzed and computational, through the viewpoint that all the various states of TWfMS can be considered as the transformation between WfMS and its trustworthiness compensate components, whose information entropy fluctuate repeatedly and comply with the law of the dissipative structure system.
Challenges and Opportunities of Load Frequency Control in Conventional, Modern and Future Smart Power Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Alhelou Hassan Haes , Hamedani-Golshan Mohamad-Esmail , Zamani Reza , Heydarian-Forushani Ehsan , Siano Pierluigi
Published: September 2018

Power systems are the most complex systems that have been created by men in history. To operate such systems in a stable mode, several control loops are needed. Voltage frequency plays a vital role in power systems which need to be properly controlled. To this end, primary and secondary frequency control loops are used to control the frequency of the voltage in power systems. Secondary frequency control, which is called Load Frequency Control (LFC), is responsible for maintaining the frequency in a desirable level after a disturbance. Likewise, the power exchanges between different control areas are controlled by LFC approaches. In recent decades, many control approaches have been suggested for LFC in power systems. This paper presents a comprehensive literature survey on the topic of LFC. In this survey, the used LFC models for diverse configurations of power systems are firstly investigated and classified for both conventional and future smart power systems. Furthermore, the proposed control strategies for LFC are studied and categorized into different control groups. The paper concludes with highlighting the research gaps and presenting some new research directions in the field of LFC.
Assessment of Capacitance for Self-Excited Induction Generator in Sustaining Constant Air-Gap Voltage under Variable Speed and Load
Authors: Sharma Ashish , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: September 2018

The concept of a Self-Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) has introduced the concept of the placement of an induction machine for power generation in an isolated mode with external capacitance. The produced output voltage and generated frequency in an SEIG greatly depends on speed, load, and terminal capacitance. To maintain constant air-gap voltage against a varying speed and load, a corresponding supply of reactive power through capacitors is needed. The selection of the required capacitance while there is continuous variation of vital parameters needs a rigorous random-selection method. In this paper, an intelligent selection of suitable additional capacitance has been made by using the Fuzzy Logic Technique for a Three-Phase 5.0 HP SEIG. Additional capacitance in the range of 14.79–22.47 μF is compulsory under a varying load of 427−101 ohms, and additional capacitance in the range of 13.70–22.59 μF is essential for a varying speed of 1349 to 1672 RPM. With this promising result, we propose the implementation of this intelligent technique in place of analytical and standard methods for capacitance selection.
Arc Voltage and Current Characteristics in Low-Voltage Direct Current
Authors: Kim Wooho , Kim Yong-Jung , Kim Hyosung
Published: September 2018

Recently, Low-Voltage DC (direct current) distribution systems have received high lights according to the expansion of DC generations and DC loads such as photovoltaics (PV) generations, electric vehicles (EVs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), computers, DC homes, etc. Low-Voltage DC distribution systems have optimistic perspectives since DC has various good aspects compared to alternating current (AC). However, ensuring safety of human and electric facility in Low-Voltage DC is not easy because of arc generation and difficulty of arc-extinguishing. This paper constructs a low-voltage DC circuit and studies the arc interruption that occurs when separating electrodes from where load currents flow. Also, arc extinguishers are experimented upon and analysed in various levels of source voltage and load currents conditions. Voltage and current characteristics for arc interruption are identified based on experimental results, and we establish the electric generation for arc interruption. Further, the voltage–current characteristics and the correlation of arc during arc duration time arc are verified, and the voltage–current equation and DC arc resistance model for the breaking arc are developed.
The Way Forward in Quantifying Extended Exergy Efficiency
Authors: Manso Ricardo , Sousa Tânia , Domingos Tiago
Published: September 2018

Extended exergy accounting (EEA) is a methodology which estimates the extended exergy cost (EEC) of a product or a service or the extended exergy efficiency (EEE) of a country or economic sector taking into account materials, energy, labour, capital, and environmental impact. The use of EEA results for policy or planning purposes has been hampered by: (1) the lack of data to quantify the EEC of most of the inputs, making it almost impossible to quantify the EEC of a product or service and (2) the lack of a conceptual framework to quantify in a consistent way the exergy of labour and capital. In this paper, we make a review of past studies to identify, synthesize, and discuss the different EEA methods. We identified 3 different EEA methods, that we further compare using the Portuguese Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery (AFF) sector from 2000 to 2012. The equivalent exergies of labour and capital estimated for the AFF sector vary widely among the three EEA methodologies. We propose and test a new EEA methodology to estimate EEE which accounts for these fluxes in a more restricted scope but more consistently and that includes the Environmental Benefit (EB) that represents the capability of the forestry to capture carbon dioxide. Results show that the EEE of the Portuguese AFF sector has increased by 32% from 2000 to 2012.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Development of Smart Distribution Networks
Authors: Ghiani Emilio , Serpi Alessandro , Pilloni Virginia , Sias Giuliana , Simone Marco , Marcialis Gianluca , Armano Giuliano , Pegoraro Paolo Attilio
Published: September 2018

Electric power systems are experiencing relevant changes involving the growing penetration of distributed generation and energy storage systems, the introduction of electric vehicles, the management of responsive loads, the proposals for new energy markets and so on. Such an evolution is pushing a paradigm shift that is one of the most important challenges in power network design: the management must move from traditional planning and manual intervention to full “smartization” of medium and low voltage networks. Peculiarities and criticalities of future power distribution networks originate from the complexity of the system which includes both the physical aspects of electric networks and the cyber aspects, like data elaboration, feature extraction, communication, supervision and control; only fully integrated advanced monitoring systems can foster this transition towards network automation. The design and development of such future networks require distinct kinds of expertise in the industrial and information engineering fields. In this context, this paper provides a comprehensive review of current challenges and multidisciplinary interactions in the development of smart distribution networks. The aim of this paper is to discuss, in an integrated and organized manner, the state of the art while focusing on the need for interaction between different disciplines and highlighting how innovative and future-proof outcomes of both research and practice can only emerge from a coordinated design of all the layers in the smart distribution network architecture.
Large-Signal Stability Modeling for the Grid-Connected VSC Based on the Lyapunov Method
Authors: Shakerighadi Bahram , Ebrahimzadeh Esmaeil , Blaabjerg Frede , Leth Bak Claus
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a Lyapunov-based method is used in order to determine the stability boundaries of the grid-connected voltage source converter (VSC). To do so, a state space model of the VSC is used to form the Lyapunov function of the system. Then, by using the eigenvalues of the Lyapunov function, the system stability boundaries will be determined. It is shown that the grid-connected VSC works in its stable mode when all of its Lyapunov function’s eigenvalues are positive. The proposed model validity is tested by time-domain simulation. Simulation results show that the method is credible in determining the stability margin of the grid-connected VSC.
Application of Wind as a Renewable Energy Source for Passive Cooling through Windcatchers Integrated with Wing Walls
Authors: Nejat Payam , Jomehzadeh Fatemeh , Hussen Hasanen , Calautit John , Abd Majid Muhd
Published: September 2018

Generally, two-third of a building’s energy is consumed by heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. One green alternative for conventional air conditioner systems is the implementation of passive cooling. Wing walls and windcatchers are two prominent passive cooling techniques which use wind as a renewable resource for cooling. However, in low wind speed regions and climates, the utilization of natural ventilation systems is accompanied by serious uncertainties. The performance of ventilation systems can be potentially enhanced by integrating windcatchers with wing walls. Since previous studies have not considered this integration, in the first part of this research the effect of this integration on the ventilation performance was assessed and the optimum angle was revealed. However, there is still gap of this combination; thus, in the second part, the impact of wing wall length on the indoor air quality factors was evaluated. This research implemented a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to address the gap. The CFD simulation was successfully validated with experimental data from wind tunnel tests related to the previous part. Ten different lengths from 10 cm to 100 cm were analyzed and it was found that the increase in wing wall length leads to a gradual reduction in ventilation performance. Hence, the length does not have a considerable influence on the indoor air quality factors. However, the best performance was seen in 10 cm, that could provide 0.8 m/s for supply air velocity, 790 L/s for air flow rate, 39.5 1/h for air change rate, 107 s for mean age of air and 92% for air change effectiveness.
Experimental Research on the Structural Behavior of Fractured Coal under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Xue Dongjie , Zhou Hongwei , Liu Jianfeng , Zhou Jie , Liu Yintong , Zhao Yongwei , Zhang Liao
Published: September 2018

Tests of the effects of uniaxial compression on the structural behavior of fractured coals were conducted. The structural behavior is different from the material behavior of intact samples and the discontinuous behavior based on the block theory. It is a macro response of continuous-discontinuous behavior in coal with varied fracture structure geometry, and includes the material behavior with cracking and contact behavior with sliding. The structural behavior is studied based on the complete stress-strain curve, the material parameters, i.e. elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and compression strength, and the structural integrity parameters, i.e. longitudinal and shear wave velocity, and the physical parameter, i.e. density. All the parameters are compared with the different fracture patterns. Various types of parameter degradation damage are defined to describe the structural characteristics with the different fracture patterns. They shows the effective relation of damage with strength. Furthermore, the mechanisms of the structural modulus degradation, structural failure deformation, and structural strength evolution are discussed. The results show that the post-peak behavior can be defined as the structural behavior. With the structural formation-reloading failure cycle, the mutual conversion changes between structural geometry instability and stability, and the characteristics are stress drops or stress platforms generated by structural rebalance. It is pointed out that the post-peak unloading is a macro response of the structural geometry. It includes the recovery of elastic strain and structural resilience strain, and structural stress drop.
Mine Strata Pressure Characteristics and Mechanisms in Gob-Side Entry Retention by Roof Cutting under Medium-Thick Coal Seam and Compound Roof Conditions
Authors: Ma Xingen , He Manchao , Wang Jiong , Gao Yubing , Zhu Daoyong , Liu Yuxing
Published: September 2018

Coal is among the most important energy sources, and gob-side entry retention by roof cutting (GERRC) is an innovative non-pillar mining technique that can effectively increase coal recovery rates and avoid coal wastage. To investigate the characteristics of mine strata pressure using the GERRC technique, a field case study under conditions involving a medium-thick coal seam and a compound roof was performed, and the mine strata behavior mechanisms were studied by theoretical analysis. Field monitoring shows that the distributions of the weighting step and strength along the longwall working face are asymmetrical. The periodic weighting length on the entry retaining side is longer than that on the other sides of the longwall working face, and the average increase is appropriately 4 m. Compared to the other sides of the longwall, on the entry retaining side, the periodic weighting strength is weaker, the average pressure is reduced by 2.1 MPa, and the peak pressure is reduced by 10.2 MPa. The lateral distance affected by roof cutting along the longwall is approximately 29.75 m, and the closer to the cutting slit, the more significant the roof cutting effect is. The retained entry becomes stable when it is more than 230 m behind the mining face, and the final cross section of the retained entry can meet the reuse demand of the next mining face. Theoretical analysis shows that the roof pressure mechanism in GERRC can be explained using cantilever beam theory. Within the area affected by roof cutting, the thickness of the immediate roof increases, and the suspension plate length of the roof immediately behind the longwall decreases. Then, the gangue pile in the goaf behind the longwall formed by the immediate roof’s collapse and expansion can support the main roof and other overlying strata much better. Therefore, the rotational breaking angle of the main roof is smaller, the periodic weighting step strength increases, and the periodic weighting decreases. According to the structural state of the surrounding rocks during the entire entry retaining process, the retained entry can be divided into coal support, dynamic pressure and stable entry areas.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations of the Interactions between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures in Shale Formations
Authors: Chang Xin , Guo Yintong , Zhou Jun , Song Xuehang , Yang Chunhe
Published: September 2018

Natural fractures (NFs) have been recognized as the dominant factors that increase hydraulic fracture complexity and reservoir productivity. However, the interactions between hydraulic and natural fractures are far from being fully understood. In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model based on the displacement discontinuity method (DDM) has been developed and used to investigate the interaction between hydraulic and pre-existing natural fractures. The inelastic deformation, e.g., stick, slip and separation, of the geologic discontinuities is captured by a special friction joint element called Mohr-Coulomb joint element. The dynamic stress transfer mechanisms between the two fracture systems and the possible location of secondary tensile fracture that reinitiates along the opposite sides of the NF are discussed. Furthermore, the model results are validated by a series of large tri-axial hydraulic fracture (HF) tests. Both experimental and numerical results showed that the displacements and stresses along the NFs are all in highly dynamic changes. When the HF is approaching the NF, the HF tip can exert remote compressional and shear stresses on the NF interface, which results in the debonding of the NF. The location and value of the evoked stress is a function of the far-field horizontal differential stress, inclination angle of the NF, and the net pressure used in fracturing. For a small approaching angle, the stress peak is located farther away from the intersection point, so an offset fracture is more likely to be generated. The cemented strength of the NF also has an important influence on the interaction mechanism. Weakly bonded NF surfaces increase the occurrence of a shear slippage, but for a moderate strength NF, the hybrid failure model with both tensile and shear failures, and conversion may appear.
Preface: Special Issue on Innovative Processes and Technologies for the Management of Hazardous Waste
Authors: Tudor Terry , Vaccari Mentore
Published: September 2018

As economies grow in developing countries, waste generation rates are increasing steadily [1]. [...]
Macronutrient Stocks in Scots Pine Stands of Different Densities
Authors: Węgiel Andrzej , Bielinis Ernest , Polowy Krzysztof
Published: September 2018

A positive nutrient balance is crucial to sustaining forest productivity. Differences in stand densities usually mean different aboveground biomass stocks and different proportions of tree compartments. These differences can be reflected in the different macronutrient stocks between stands of different densities, because various tree compartments have different element concentrations. In this study, 82-year-old stands of Scots pine were compared, and specifically, the concentrations of the elements in tree compartments and the amounts of macronutrients in aboveground biomass were compared. The nutrients considered in this study were nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. A positive correlation between stand density and the level of stored macronutrients was found for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This result means that forest managers can influence nutrient balances by regulating stand densities or by harvesting methods (SOH: stem-only harvesting or WTH: whole-tree harvesting).
The Beauchamps of Warwick and Their Use of Arms
Authors: Clemmensen Steen
Published: September 2018

Coats of arms have, from their first appearance, been one of the primary visual expressions of a person’s lineage and indirectly of status. Individual members of a lineage had a choice: They could use the arms adopted by an ancestor with or without a mark of difference; or they could adopt one of their own design. Several systems for marking difference have been described, but evidence for a family tradition is usually sparse and spotty. The factors and forces limiting a choice are not known. The use of arms by the broader family of the Beauchamp, Earls of Warwick, is an example of how different branches used primary changes of design, as well as the use of smallish figures for secondary difference. The variants of the Beauchamp arms have previously been presented, but only documented in select individual cases. In this article, the problems of evidence, description, and assignment are discussed, in relation to anonymous or similar named individuals of different branches and generations. Seals and entries in armorials are reviewed, and marks of difference used by, or attributed to, individuals are documented.
Comparison of Product Carbon Footprint Protocols: Case Study on Medium-Density Fiberboard in China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wang Weifeng , Yang Hongqiang
Published: September 2018

Carbon footprint (CF) analysis is widely used to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of a product during its life cycle. A number of protocols, such as Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2050, GHG Protocol Product Standard (GHG Protocol), and ISO 14067 Carbon Footprint of Products (ISO 14067), have been developed for CF calculations. This study aims to compare the criteria and implications of the three protocols. The medium-density fiberboard (MDF) (functional unit: 1 m3) has been selected as a case study to illustrate this comparison. Different criteria, such as the life cycle stage included, cut-off criteria, biogenic carbon treatment, and other requirements, were discussed. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) for MDF was conducted. The CF values were −667.75, −658.42, and 816.92 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) with PAS 2050, GHG protocol, and ISO 14067, respectively. The main reasons for the different results obtained were the application of different cut-off criteria, exclusion rules, and the treatment of carbon storage. A cradle-to-grave assessment (end-of-life scenarios: landfill and incineration) was also performed to identify opportunities for improving MDF production. A sensitivity analysis to assess the implications of different end-of-life disposals was conducted, indicating that landfill may be preferable from a GHG standpoint. The comparison of these three protocols provides insights for adopting appropriate methods to calculate GHG emissions for the MDF industry. A key finding is that for both LCA practitioners and policy-makers, PAS 2050 is preferentially recommended to assess the CF of MDF.
Effect of a 12-Week Online Walking Intervention on Health and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Frensham Lauren J. , Parfitt Gaynor , Dollman James
Published: September 2018

Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of experiencing physical and psychological ill-effects following cancer treatment. Rural cancer survivors are at a greater risk of future health problems following a cancer diagnosis compared to their urban counterparts. Physical activity has been targeted as a health promotion priority in cancer survivors. Research indicates that a large portion of cancer survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. The purpose of this quasi-randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of an online 12-week walking intervention designed for cancer survivors, and to explore its impact on physical health indicators and quality of life outcomes. Steps Toward Improving Diet and Exercise among cancer survivors (STRIDE) is an online resource designed according to Social Cognitive Theory and Self Determination Theory, based on individualized step goal setting. Measures of physiology, physical fitness, and quality of life were taken at the baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up in an Intervention group (n = 46) and active Control group (n = 45). The Control group was provided with a pedometer but did not have access to the online program. Three-factor repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that there were improvements in physical fitness (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), waist girth (p < 0.01), mental health (p < 0.05), social functioning (p < 0.01), and general health (p < 0.01), but an increase in bodily pain (p < 0.01), from the baseline to week 12 and the three-month follow-up, irrespective of group allocation. Pedometer interventions, delivered with or without online support and step goal setting, show promise for improving the overall health of cancer survivors, at least in the short term.
‘Sustainable’ Rather Than ‘Subsistence’ Food Assistance Solutions to Food Insecurity: South Australian Recipients’ Perspectives on Traditional and Social Enterprise Models
Authors: Booth Sue , Pollard Christina , Coveney John , Goodwin-Smith Ian
Published: September 2018

South Australian (SA) food charity recipients’ perspectives were sought on existing services and ideas for improvement of food assistance models to address food insecurity. Seven focus groups were conducted between October and November 2017 with 54 adults. Thematically analysed data revealed five themes: (1) Emotional cost and consequences of seeking food relief; (2) Dissatisfaction with inaccessible services and inappropriate food; (3) Returning the favour—a desire for reciprocity; (4) Desiring help beyond food; and, (5) “It’s a social thing”, the desire for social interaction and connection. Findings revealed that some aspects of the SA food assistance services were disempowering for recipients. Recipients desired more empowering forms of food assistance that humanise their experience and shift the locus of control and place power back into their hands. Some traditional models, such as provision of supermarket vouchers, empower individuals by fostering autonomy and enabling food choice in socially acceptable ways. Improvement in the quality of existing food assistance models, should focus on recipient informed models which re-dress existing power relations. Services which are more strongly aligned with typical features of social enterprise models were generally favoured over traditional models. Services which are recipient-centred, strive to empower recipients and provide opportunities for active involvement, social connection and broader support were preferred.
Priorization of River Restoration by Coupling Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) Models in the Taizi River Basin, Northern China
Authors: Fan Juntao , Li Mengdi , Guo Fen , Yan Zhenguang , Zheng Xin , Zhang Yuan , Xu Zongxue , Wu Fengchang
Published: September 2018

Identifying priority zones for river restoration is important for biodiversity conservation and catchment management. However, limited data due to the difficulty of field collection has led to research to better understand the ecological status within a catchment and develop a targeted planning strategy for river restoration. To address this need, coupling hydrological and machine learning models were constructed to identify priority zones for river restoration based on a dataset of aquatic organisms (i.e., algae, macroinvertebrates, and fish) and physicochemical indicators that were collected from 130 sites in September 2014 in the Taizi River, northern China. A process-based model soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) was developed to model the temporal-spatial variations in environmental indicators. A support vector machine (SVM) model was applied to explore the relationships between aquatic organisms and environmental indicators. Biological indices among different hydrological periods were simulated by coupling SWAT and SVM models. Results indicated that aquatic biological indices and physicochemical indicators exhibited apparent temporal and spatial patterns, and those patterns were more evident in the upper reaches compared to the lower reaches. The ecological status of the Taizi River was better in the flood season than that in the dry season. Priority zones were identified for different hydrological seasons by setting the target values for ecological restoration based on biota organisms, and the results suggest that hydrological conditions significantly influenced restoration prioritization over other environmental parameters. Our approach could be applied in other seasonal river ecosystems to provide important preferences for river restoration.
Cancer Health Literacy and Willingness to Participate in Cancer Research and Donate Bio-Specimens
Authors: Echeverri Margarita , Anderson David , Nápoles Anna María , Haas Jacqueline M. , Johnson Marc E. , Serrano Friar Sergio A.
Published: September 2018

Although it has been well documented that poor health literacy is associated with limited participation in cancer clinical trials, studies assessing the relationships between cancer health literacy (CHL) and participation in research among diverse populations are lacking. In this study, we examined the relationship between CHL and willingness to participate in cancer research and/or donate bio-specimens (WPRDB) among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites. Participants completed the Cancer Health Literacy Test and the Multidimensional Cancer Literacy Questionnaire. Total-scale and subscale scores, frequencies, means, and distributions were computed. Analyses of variance, the Bonferroni procedure, and the Holm method were used to examine significant differences among groups. Cronbach’s alphas estimated scales’ internal consistency reliability. Significant interactions were found between race/ethnicity, gender, and CHL on WPRDB scales and subscale scores, even after education and age were taken into account. Our study confirms that CHL plays an important role that should be considered and researched further. The majority of participants were more willing to participate in non-invasive research studies (surveys, interviews, and training) or collection of bio-specimens (saliva, check cells, urine, and blood) and in studies led by their own healthcare providers, and local hospitals and universities. However, participants were less willing to participate in more-invasive studies requiring them to take medications, undergo medical procedures or donate skin/tissues. We conclude that addressing low levels of CHL and using community-based participatory approaches to address the lack of knowledge and trust about cancer research among diverse populations may increase not only their willingness to participate in research and donate bio-specimens, but may also have a positive effect on actual participation rates.
Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Philippe Réginald , Urbach Valerie
Published: September 2018

In cystic fibrosis (CF), impaired airway surface hydration (ASL) and mucociliary clearance that promote chronic bacterial colonization, persistent inflammation, and progressive structural damage to the airway wall architecture are typically explained by ion transport abnormalities related to the mutation of the gene coding for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel. However, the progressive and unrelenting inflammation of the CF airway begins early in life, becomes persistent, and is excessive relative to the bacterial burden. Intrinsic abnormalities of the inflammatory response in cystic fibrosis have been suggested but the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. This review aims to give an overview of the recent advances in the understanding of the defective resolution of inflammation in CF including the abnormal production of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (lipoxin and resolvin) and their impact on the pathogenesis of the CF airway disease.
Chronic Insulin Infusion Down-Regulates Circulating and Urinary Nitric Oxide (NO) Levels Despite Molecular Changes in the Kidney Predicting Greater Endothelial NO Synthase Activity in Mice
Authors: Fluitt Maurice B. , Rizvi Sophia , Li Lijun , Alunan Ashley , Lee Hwal , Tiwari Swasti , Ecelbarger Carolyn M.
Published: September 2018

Insulin therapy is often needed to overcome insulin receptor resistance in type 2 diabetes; however, the impact of providing additional insulin to already hyperinsulinemic subjects is not clear. We infused male TALLYHO/Jng (TH) mice (insulin resistant) with insulin (50 U/kg·bw/d) or vehicle (control) by osmotic minipump for 14 days. One group of insulin-infused mice was switched to 4% NaCl diet (high-sodium diet, HSD) in the second week. Blood chemistry revealed a significantly higher anion gap and blood sodium concentrations with insulin infusion, i.e., relative metabolic acidosis. Systolic BP and heart rate were slightly (~5 mm Hg) higher in insulin-infused versus control mice. HSD resulted in a modest and transient rise in mean arterial blood pressure (BP), relative to control or insulin-infused, normal-NaCl-fed mice. In kidney, insulin infusion: (1) increased total and phosphorylated (serine-1177) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) band densities; (2) reduced band density of the uncoupled form of eNOS; and (3) increased renal homogenate nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Despite this, plasma and urine levels of nitrates plus nitrites (NOx) fell with insulin infusion, by day 14 (40–50%) suggesting worsening of resistance. Overall, insulin infusion ramps up the cellular means in kidney to increase vasodilatory and natriuretic NO, but in the long term may be associated with worsening of insulin receptor resistance.
Upregulation of Myocardial and Vascular Phosphodiesterase 9A in A Model of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Priksz Daniel , Bombicz Mariann , Varga Balazs , Kurucz Andrea , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Balla Jozsef , Toth Attila , Papp Zoltan , Szilvassy Zoltan , Juhasz Bela
Published: September 2018

Atherosclerosis is strongly associated with cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Besides microvascular dysfunction and diminishment of the cardiac nitric oxide-Protein Kinase G (NO-PKG) pathway, recent evidence suggests that phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) enzyme has an unfavorable role in pathological changes. Here, we characterized a rabbit model that shows cardiac dysfunction as a result of an atherogenic diet, and examined the myocardial PDE9A signaling. Rabbits were divided into Control (normal diet) and HC (atherogenic diet) groups. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Vascular function was assessed, along with serum biomarkers. Histological stains were conducted, expression of selected proteins and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were determined. Signs of diastolic dysfunction were shown in HC animals, along with concentric hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Endothelial function was diminished in HC rabbits, along with marked reduction in the aortic lumen, and increased left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) pressures. A significant increase was shown in myocardial PDE9A levels in HC animals with unchanged vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation and cGMP levels. Upregulation of PDE9A may be associated with early stage of cardiac dysfunction in atherosclerotic conditions. Since PDE9A is involved in cGMP degradation and in deactivation of the cardioprotective PKG signaling pathway, it may become an encouraging target for future investigations in atherosclerotic diseases.
Bioactive Peptides from Germinated Soybean with Anti-Diabetic Potential by Inhibition of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV, α-Amylase, and α-Glucosidase Enzymes
Authors: González-Montoya Marcela , Hernández-Ledesma Blanca , Mora-Escobedo Rosalva , Martínez-Villaluenga Cristina
Published: September 2018

Functional foods containing peptides offer the possibility to modulate the absorption of sugars and insulin levels to prevent diabetes. This study investigates the potential of germinated soybean peptides to modulate postprandial glycaemic response through inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), salivary α-amylase, and intestinal α-glucosidases. A protein isolate from soybean sprouts was digested by pepsin and pancreatin. Protein digest and peptide fractions obtained by ultrafiltration (<5, 5–10 and >10 kDa) and subsequent semipreparative reverse phase liquid chromatography (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were screened for in vitro inhibition of DPP-IV, α-amylase, maltase, and sucrase activities. Protein digest inhibited DPP-IV (IC50 = 1.49 mg/mL), α-amylase (IC50 = 1.70 mg/mL), maltase, and sucrase activities of α-glucosidases (IC50 = 3.73 and 2.90 mg/mL, respectively). Peptides of 5–10 and >10 kDa were more effective at inhibiting DPP-IV (IC50 = 0.91 and 1.18 mg/mL, respectively), while peptides of 5–10 and <5 kDa showed a higher potency to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidases. Peptides in F1, F2, and F3 were mainly fragments from β-conglycinin, glycinin, and P34 thiol protease. The analysis of structural features of peptides in F1–F3 allowed the tentative identification of potential antidiabetic peptides. Germinated soybean protein showed a promising potential to be used as a nutraceutical or functional ingredient for diabetes prevention.