bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocrosslinkable Trehalose Derivatives Carrying Mesogenic Groups: Synthesis, Characterization, and in Vitro Evaluation for Fibroblast Attachment
Authors: Yano Shinya , Teramoto Naozumi , Shimasaki Toshiaki , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2016

A photocrosslinkable trehalose derivative carrying mesogenic groups was synthesized by esterification reactions. The derivative (TC-HBPHA) was synthesized by the reaction of partially cinnamoyl-modified trehalose (TC4) with 4-(4-hexyloxybenzoyloxy)phenoxy-6-oxohexanoic acid (HBPHA) as a mesogenic unit. TC-HBPHA showed a nematic liquid crystalline mesophase at a temperature range from 150 °C to 175 °C in the heating process under observation with a polarized optical microscope. The dimerization of the cinnamoyl groups of TC-HBPHA by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation was monitored by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The photocrosslinked film was obtained after the UV irradiation of TC-HBPHA, and it kept the liquid crystalline mesophase at almost the same temperature range. Fibroblast cells cultured on the photocrosslinked TC-HBPHA proliferated as well as on the polystyrene culture plate, indicating that the film has no toxicity. Interestingly, some cells on photocrosslinked TC-HBPHA had a spindle shape and aligned characteristically.
A Smart pH-Responsive Three Components Luminescent Hydrogel
Authors: Li Yibao , Liu Wei , Cheng Linxiu , Huang Ping , Peng Yu , Wu Yongquan , Li Xun , Li Xiaokang , Fan Xiaolin
Published: September 2016

In this study, we report a novel three-component luminescent hydrogel, which is composed of amino acid derivatives (N,N′-di valine-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid, NVPD), riboflavin (RF), and melamine (MM). The three-component hydrogel is attributed to multiple hydrogen bonds and the strong π-π stacking interaction between these molecules. Based on the strong hydrogen bonding of the gelator, when the reversible process between the gel and the solution take places it changes the pH of the system from 6.1 to 10.6. In addition, green fluorescence could be the emissive of the hydrogel under 498 nm and the conversion process of the aggregation state repeated reversibly by altering the value of ambient pH. This pH-responsive luminescent gel may display potential for use in nano pH sensors.
Dynamics of a Marine Turbine for Deep Ocean Currents
Authors: Chang Ling-Yuan , Chen Falin , Tseng Kuo-Tung
Published: September 2016

For most of the ocean currents, such as the Kuroshio at east Taiwan, the Gulf Stream at east Florida and the Agulhas Current at southeast Africa, the depth of the seabed is generally deeper than one hundred meters, some waters of which can even reach one thousand meters. In such deep waters, the design of the turbine, as well as the anchoring system shall have special features so that existing ocean engineering technologies can be applied and the engineering cost can be lowered. Thus, as regards design, in addition to the analysis of the interaction between turbine and current, priority shall also be given to the design of the anchoring system of the turbine. To address the concerns, the authors propose an ocean turbine featured as follows: (1) it can be anchored in deep waters with a single cable; (2) it can generate high power in a current of moderate flow speed while producing low drag; (3) it can be self-balanced against current disturbance; (4) it is shrouded to enhance power efficiency; (5) the dynamic variations due to the interaction between the turbine and current are small. All of these features are confirmed with the computational results, leading to a detailed design of the turbine structure. If the easy-to-install high-efficiency shrouded turbines, having the capability to self-balance and requiring minimum maintenance effort, are successfully developed, the power supply pressure in Taiwan can be greatly alleviated. The Kuroshio was chosen as the typical current for the present dynamic analysis because, firstly, the flow characteristics of Kuroshio are similar to those of other large-scale currents mentioned above, and secondly, the data of Kuroshio are highly available to us so that a thorough analysis can be done.
Flow Chamber System for the Statistical Evaluation of Bacterial Colonization on Materials
Authors: Menzel Friederike , Conradi Bianca , Rodenacker Karsten , Gorbushina Anna , Schwibbert Karin
Published: September 2016

Biofilm formation on materials leads to high costs in industrial processes, as well as in medical applications. This fact has stimulated interest in the development of new materials with improved surfaces to reduce bacterial colonization. Standardized tests relying on statistical evidence are indispensable to evaluate the quality and safety of these new materials. We describe here a flow chamber system for biofilm cultivation under controlled conditions with a total capacity for testing up to 32 samples in parallel. In order to quantify the surface colonization, bacterial cells were DAPI (4`,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole)-stained and examined with epifluorescence microscopy. More than 100 images of each sample were automatically taken and the surface coverage was estimated using the free open source software g’mic, followed by a precise statistical evaluation. Overview images of all gathered pictures were generated to dissect the colonization characteristics of the selected model organism Escherichia coli W3310 on different materials (glass and implant steel). With our approach, differences in bacterial colonization on different materials can be quantified in a statistically validated manner. This reliable test procedure will support the design of improved materials for medical, industrial, and environmental (subaquatic or subaerial) applications.
Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Ta2N Nanoceramic Coating in Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Cheng Jian , Xu Jiang , Liu Lin , Jiang Shuyun
Published: September 2016

In order to improve the corrosion and wear resistance of biomedical Ti-6Al-4V implants, a Ta2N nanoceramic coating was synthesized on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate by the double glow discharge plasma process. The Ta2N coating, composed of fine nanocrystals, with an average grain size of 12.8 nm, improved the surface hardness of Ti-6Al-4V and showed good contact damage tolerance and good adhesion strength to the substrate. The corrosion resistance of the Ta2N coating in Ringer’s physiological solution at 37 °C was evaluated by different electrochemical techniques: potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiostatic polarization and capacitance measurements (Mott-Schottky approach). The evolution of the surface composition of the passive films at different applied potentials was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the Ta2N coating showed higher corrosion resistance than both commercially pure Ta and uncoated Ti-6Al-4V in this solution, because of the formed oxide film on the Ta2N coating having a smaller carrier density (Nd) and diffusivity (Do) of point defects. The composition of the surface passive film formed on the Ta2N coating changed with the applied potential. At low applied potentials, the oxidation of the Ta2N coating led to the formation of tantalum oxynitride (TaOxNy) but, subsequently, the tantalum oxynitride (TaOxNy) could be chemically converted to Ta2O5 at higher applied potentials.
Bioprospecting Red Sea Coastal Ecosystems for Culturable Microorganisms and Their Antimicrobial Potential
Authors: Al-Amoudi Soha , Essack Magbubah , Simões Marta , Bougouffa Salim , Soloviev Irina , Archer John , Lafi Feras , Bajic Vladimir
Published: September 2016

Microorganisms that inhabit unchartered unique soil such as in the highly saline and hot Red Sea lagoons on the Saudi Arabian coastline, represent untapped sources of potentially new bioactive compounds. In this study, a culture-dependent approach was applied to three types of sediments: mangrove mud (MN), microbial mat (MM), and barren soil (BS), collected from Rabigh harbor lagoon (RHL) and Al-Kharrar lagoon (AKL). The isolated bacteria were evaluated for their potential to produce bioactive compounds. The phylogenetic characterization of 251 bacterial isolates based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, supported their assignment to five different phyla: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Planctomycetes. Fifteen putative novel species were identified based on a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to other strain sequences in the NCBI database, being ≤98%. We demonstrate that 49 of the 251 isolates exhibit the potential to produce antimicrobial compounds. Additionally, at least one type of biosynthetic gene sequence, responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites, was recovered from 25 of the 49 isolates. Moreover, 10 of the isolates had a growth inhibition effect towards Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas syringae. We report the previously unknown antimicrobial activity of B. borstelensis, P. dendritiformis and M. salipaludis against all three indicator pathogens. Our study demonstrates the evidence of diverse cultured microbes associated with the Red Sea harbor/lagoon environments and their potential to produce antimicrobial compounds.
Influence of Annealing on the Microstructures and Oxidation Behaviors of Al8(CoCrFeNi)92, Al15(CoCrFeNi)85, and Al30(CoCrFeNi)70 High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Butler Todd , Weaver Mark
Published: September 2016

The understanding of the oxidation behaviors of as-cast and annealed high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is currently limited. This work systematically investigates the influence of annealing on the microstructures and oxidation behaviors of AlCoCrFeNi-based HEAs. Annealing was found to alter the distribution of Al-rich phases which caused a change in the oxidation mechanisms. In general, all three of the investigated HEAs displayed some degree of transient oxidation at 1050 °C that was later followed by protective, parabolic oxide growth. The respective oxidation behaviors are discussed relative to existing oxide formation models for Ni–Cr–Al alloys.
Deformation Characteristic and Constitutive Modeling of 2707 Hyper Duplex Stainless Steel under Hot Compression
Authors: Li Huabing , Jiao Weichao , Feng Hao , Li Xinxu , Jiang Zhouhua , Li Guoping , Wang Lixin , Fan Guangwei , Han Peide
Published: September 2016

Hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of 2707 hyper duplex stainless steel (HDSS) were investigated through hot compression tests in the temperature range of 900–1250 °C and strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1. The results showed that the flow behavior strongly depended on strain rate and temperature, and flow stress increased with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature. At lower temperatures, many precipitates appeared in ferrite and distributed along the deformation direction, which could restrain processing of discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DRX) because of pinning grain boundaries. When the temperature increased to 1150 °C, the leading softening behaviors were dynamic recovery (DRV) in ferrite and discontinuous DRX in austenite. When the temperature reached 1250 °C, softening behavior was mainly DRV in ferrite. The increase of strain rate was conducive to the occurrence of discontinuous DRX in austenite. A constitutive equation at peak strain was established and the results indicated that 2707 HDSS had a higher Q value (569.279 kJ·mol−1) than other traditional duplex stainless steels due to higher content of Cr, Mo, Ni, and N. Constitutive modeling considering strain was developed to model the hot deformation behavior of 2707 HDSS more accurately, and the correlation coefficient and average absolute relative error were 0.992 and 5.22%, respectively.
Investigation of Platinum-Group Minerals (PGM) from Othrys Chromitites (Greece) Using Superpanning Concentrates
Authors: Tsikouras Basilios , Ifandi Elena , Karipi Sofia , Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Hatzipanagiotou Konstantin
Published: September 2016

Platinum-group minerals were concentrated using superpanning from two composite chromitite samples, which were collected from two old mines within the Othrys ophiolite. This method allows for the recovery of a broad spectrum of these rare and fine-grained minerals, and helps to better identify them and interpret their origin. Major differences between the east and west Othrys ophiolites were determined, probably as a result of their different origin and evolution. Primary Os-, Ir-, and Ru-bearing platinum-group minerals (IPGM)-alloys and the Rh-, Pt- and Pd-bearing platinum-group minerals (PPGM) occur only in the east Othrys chromitite, indicating an evolution from initially low fS2 conditions at shallower mantle levels with the subsequent implication of a S-saturated ascending fluid. In contrast, the absence of primary IPGM-alloys in west Othrys chromitite indicates that S saturation had been attained. The presence of erlichmanite suggests that sulphur fugacity eventually increased significantly in both suites. Substantial fluctuations of a fluid phase, likely related to serpentinising fluids, modified the platinum-group minerals (PGM) assemblage of west Othrys, and resulted in a large diversity of secondary PGM minerals. The limited number of secondary species developed in the east Othrys indicate that secondary processes were also different in the two suites.
Insoluble-Bound Phenolics in Food
Authors: Shahidi Fereidoon , Yeo JuDong
Published: September 2016

This contribution provides a review of the topic of insoluble-bound phenolics, especially their localization, synthesis, transfer and formation in plant cells, as well as their metabolism in the human digestive system and corresponding bioactivities. In addition, their release from the food matrix during food processing and extraction methods are discussed. The synthesis of phenolics takes place mainly at the endoplasmic reticulum and they are then transferred to each organ through transport proteins such as the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporter at the organ’s compartment membrane or via transport vesicles such as cytoplasmic and Golgi vesicles, leading to the formation of soluble and insoluble-bound phenolics at the vacuole and cell wall matrix, respectively. This part has not been adequately discussed in the food science literature, especially regarding the synthesis site and their transfer at the cellular level, thus this contribution provides valuable information to the involved scientists. The bound phenolics cannot be absorbed at the small intestine as the soluble phenolics do (5%–10%), thus passing into the large intestine and undergoing fermentation by a number of microorganisms, partially released from cell wall matrix of foods. Bound phenolics such as phenolic acids and flavonoids display strong bioactivities such as anticancer, anti-inflammation and cardiovascular disease ameliorating effects. They can be extracted by several methods such as acid, alkali and enzymatic hydrolysis to quantify their contents in foods. In addition, they can also be released from the cell wall matrix during food processing procedures such as fermentation, germination, roasting, extrusion cooking and boiling. This review provides critical information for better understanding the insoluble-bound phenolics in food and fills an existing gap in the literature.
Suitable DNA Barcoding for Identification and Supervision of Piper kadsura in Chinese Medicine Markets
Authors: Yu Ning , Gu Hong , Wei Yulong , Zhu Ning , Wang Yanli , Zhang Haiping , Zhu Yue , Zhang Xin , Ma Chao , Sun Aidong
Published: September 2016

Piper kadsura is a vine-like medicinal plant which is widely used in clinical treatment. However, P. kadsura is often substituted by other materials in the markets, thereby causing health risks. In this study, 38 P. kadsura samples and eight sequences from GenBank, including a closely-related species and common adulterants were collected. This study aimed to identify an effective DNA barcode from four popular DNA loci for P. kadsura authentication. The success rates of PCR amplification, sequencing, and sequence acquisition of matK were 10.5%, 75%, and 7.9%, respectively; for rbcL they were 89.5%, 8.8%, and 7.9%, respectively; ITS2 rates were 86.8%, 3.0%, and 2.6%, respectively, while for psbA-trnH they were all 100%, which is much higher than for the other three loci. The sequences were aligned using Muscle, genetic distances were computed using MEGA 5.2.2, and barcoding gap was performed using TAXON DNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed that psbA-trnH could clearly distinguish P. kadsura from its closely related species and the common adulterant. psbA-trnH was then used to evaluate the fake proportions of P. kadsura. Results showed that 18.4% of P. kadsura samples were fake, indicating that adulterant species exist in the Chinese markets. Two-dimensional DNA barcoding imaging of P. kadsura was conducted, which was beneficial to the management of P. kadsura. We conclude that the psbA-trnH region is a powerful tool for P. kadsura identification and supervision in the current medicine markets.
Ethnic Differences in the Food Intake Patterns and Its Associated Factors of Adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Nurul-Fadhilah , Teo Pey , Foo Leng
Published: September 2016

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the ethnic differences in dietary patterns and its association with socio-economic, dietary and lifestyle practices among adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: A population-based study of 454 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years was included. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary patterns and three dietary patterns were identified based on the principal component analysis method. Results: Malay adolescents had significantly higher scores for the Western-based food pattern and local-based food pattern, whereas Chinese adolescents showed higher scores for the healthy-based food pattern. Multivariate analyses show that age and physical activity (PA) levels were positively associated with healthy-based food pattern in Malay (All, p < 0.001), whereas higher consumption of eating-out from home (EatOut) (p = 0.014) and fast food (p = 0.041) were negatively associated. High weekly breakfast skipping (p < 0.001) and EatOut (p = 0.003) were positively associated with a Western-based pattern, whereas age (p < 0.001) and household income (p = 0.005) were negatively associated. Higher frequency of daily snacking (p = 0.013) was positively associated with local-based food pattern. For Chinese adolescents, age (p < 0.001), PA levels (p < 0.001) and maternal education level (p = 0.035) showed positive associations with the healthy-based pattern, whereas high EatOut (p = 0.001) and fast food intakes (p = 0.001) were negatively associated. Higher weekly consumption of EatOut (p = 0.007), fast food (p = 0.023) and carbonated beverages (p = 0.023), and daily snacking practice (p = 0.004) were positively associated with higher Western-based food pattern, whereas age (p = 0.004) was inversely associated. Conclusion: This study showed that there were significant differences in dietary patterns and its association factors between Malay and Chinese adolescents. More importantly, these findings suggest that unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices could increase the risk of adherence to unhealthy Western-based food pattern that is high in fat, sugar and salt contents, and, consequently, increase the risk of developing obesity and metabolic-related disorders during these critical years of growth.
Water Intake in a Sample of Greek Adults Evaluated with the Water Balance Questionnaire (WBQ) and a Seven-Day Diary
Authors: Athanasatou Adelais , Malisova Olga , Kandyliari Aikaterini , Kapsokefalou Maria
Published: September 2016

Awareness on the importance of hydration in health has created an unequivocal need to enrich knowledge on water intake of the general population and on the contribution of beverages to total water intake. We evaluated in the past water intake in a sample of Greek adults using two approaches. In study A, volunteers completed the Water Balance Questionnaire (WBQ), a food frequency questionnaire, designed to evaluate water intake (n = 1092; 48.1% males; 43 ± 18 years). In study B, a different population of volunteers recorded water, beverage, and food intake in seven-day diaries (n = 178; 51.1% males; 37 ± 12 years). Herein, data were reanalyzed with the objective to reveal the contribution of beverages in total water intake with these different methodologies. Beverage recording was grouped in the following categories: Hot beverages; milk; fruit and vegetable juices; caloric soft drinks; diet soft drinks; alcoholic drinks; other beverages; and water. Total water intake and water intake from beverages was 3254 (SE 43) mL/day and 2551 (SE 39) mL/day in study A; and 2349 (SE 59) mL/day and 1832 (SE 56) mL/day in study B. In both studies water had the highest contribution to total water intake, approximately 50% of total water intake, followed by hot beverages (10% of total water intake) and milk (5% of total water intake). These two approaches contribute information on water intake in Greece and highlight the contribution of different beverages; moreover, they point out differences in results obtained from different methodologies attributed to limitations in their use.
Statistical and Spectral Features of Corrugated Seafloor Shaped by the Hans Glacier in Svalbard
Authors: Tegowski Jaroslaw , Trzcinska Karolina , Kasprzak Marek , Nowak Jaroslaw
Published: September 2016

High-resolution images of the seabed obtained with the use of hydroacoustic measurements allow a detailed identification of inaccessible seabed areas such as the Hans Glacier foreland in the Hornsund Fjord on Spitsbergen. Analyses presented in the paper were carried out on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the bay’s seafloor exposed in the process of deglaciation, obtained from bathymetric data recorded by a multibeam echosounder. The main objective of this study was to show the relevance of the autocorrelation length parameter used to describe the roughness of the bottom surface based on the example of seafloor postglacial forms in the Hans Glacier foreland. The resulting parameter reflects the scale of the terrain roughness, which varies between geomorphologic forms. Maps of the autocorrelation length were derived from successive tiles of the data, overlapping by 90%. Based on this, the two-dimensional Fourier transform (2D FFT) was successively conducted, and the power spectral density and autocorrelation were calculated following the Wiener–Khinchin theorem. The thus obtained parameter describes the scale of the glacial bay seafloor roughness, which was assigned to the geomorphological features observed.
Spectral-Spatial Classification of Hyperspectral Images Using Joint Bilateral Filter and Graph Cut Based Model
Authors: Wang Yi , Song Haiwei , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2016

Hyperspectral image classification can be achieved by modeling an energy minimization problem on a graph of image pixels. In this paper, an effective spectral-spatial classification method for hyperspectral images based on joint bilateral filtering (JBF) and graph cut segmentation is proposed. In this method, a novel technique for labeling regions obtained by the spectral-spatial segmentation process is presented. Our method includes the following steps. First, the probabilistic support vector machines (SVM) classifier is used to estimate probabilities belonging to each information class. Second, an extended JBF is employed to perform image smoothing on the probability maps. By using our JBF process, salt-and-pepper classification noise in homogeneous regions can be effectively smoothed out while object boundaries in the original image are better preserved as well. Third, a sequence of modified bi-labeling graph cut models is constructed for each information class to extract the desirable object belonging to the corresponding class from the smoothed probability maps. Finally, a classification map is achieved by merging the segmentation maps obtained in the last step using a simple and effective rule. Experimental results based on three benchmark airborne hyperspectral datasets with different resolutions and contexts demonstrate that our method can achieve 8.56%–13.68% higher overall accuracies than the pixel-wise SVM classifier. The performance of our method was further compared to several classical hyperspectral image classification methods using objective quantitative measures and a visual qualitative evaluation.
Engaging with the Canopy—Multi-Dimensional Vegetation Mark Visualisation Using Archived Aerial Images
Authors: Verhoeven Geert , Vermeulen Frank
Published: September 2016

Using Montarice in central Adriatic Italy as a case study, this paper focuses on the extraction of the spectral (i.e., plant colour) and geometrical (i.e., plant height) components of a crop canopy from archived aerial photographs, treating both parameters as proxies for archaeological prospection. After the creation of orthophotographs and a canopy height model using image-based modelling, new archaeological information is extracted from this vegetation model by applying relief-enhancing visualisation techniques. Through interpretation of the resulting data, a combination of the co-registered spectral and geometrical vegetation dimensions clearly add new depth to interpretative mapping, which is typically based solely on colour differences in orthophotographs.
A Hybrid Algorithm for Missing Data Imputation and Its Application to Electrical Data Loggers
Authors: Turrado Concepción , Sánchez Lasheras Fernando , Calvo-Rollé José , Piñón-Pazos Andrés-José , Melero Manuel , De Cos Juez Francisco
Published: September 2016

The storage of data is a key process in the study of electrical power networks related to the search for harmonics and the finding of a lack of balance among phases. The presence of missing data of any of the main electrical variables (phase-to-neutral voltage, phase-to-phase voltage, current in each phase and power factor) affects any time series study in a negative way that has to be addressed. When this occurs, missing data imputation algorithms are required. These algorithms are able to substitute the data that are missing for estimated values. This research presents a new algorithm for the missing data imputation method based on Self-Organized Maps Neural Networks and Mahalanobis distances and compares it not only with a well-known technique called Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) but also with an algorithm previously proposed by the authors called Adaptive Assignation Algorithm (AAA). The results obtained demonstrate how the proposed method outperforms both algorithms.
Real-Time Deflection Monitoring for Milling of a Thin-Walled Workpiece by Using PVDF Thin-Film Sensors with a Cantilevered Beam as a Case Study
Authors: Luo Ming , Liu Dongsheng , Luo Huan
Published: September 2016

Thin-walled workpieces, such as aero-engine blisks and casings, are usually made of hard-to-cut materials. The wall thickness is very small and it is easy to deflect during milling process under dynamic cutting forces, leading to inaccurate workpiece dimensions and poor surface integrity. To understand the workpiece deflection behavior in a machining process, a new real-time nonintrusive method for deflection monitoring is presented, and a detailed analysis of workpiece deflection for different machining stages of the whole machining process is discussed. The thin-film polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensor is attached to the non-machining surface of the workpiece to copy the deflection excited by the dynamic cutting force. The relationship between the input deflection and the output voltage of the monitoring system is calibrated by testing. Monitored workpiece deflection results show that the workpiece experiences obvious vibration during the cutter entering the workpiece stage, and vibration during the machining process can be easily tracked by monitoring the deflection of the workpiece. During the cutter exiting the workpiece stage, the workpiece experiences forced vibration firstly, and free vibration exists until the amplitude reduces to zero after the cutter exits the workpiece. Machining results confirmed the suitability of the deflection monitoring system for machining thin-walled workpieces with the application of PVDF sensors.
A Novel Slope Method for Measurement of Fluid Density with a Micro-cantilever under Flexural and Torsional Vibrations
Authors: Zhao Libo , Hu Yingjie , Hebibul Rahman , Ding Jianjun , Wang Tongdong , Xu Tingzhong , Liu Xixiang , Zhao Yulong , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: September 2016

A novel method, which was called a slope method, has been proposed to measure fluid density by the micro-cantilever sensing chip. The theoretical formulas of the slope method were discussed and established when the micro-cantilever sensing chip was under flexural and torsional vibrations. The slope was calculated based on the fitted curve between the excitation and output voltages of sensing chip under the nonresonant status. This measuring method need not sweep frequency to find the accurate resonant frequency. Therefore, the fluid density was measured easily based on the calculated slope. In addition, the micro-cantilver was drived by double sided excitation and free end excitation to oscillate under flexural and torsional vibrations, respectively. The corresponding experiments were carried out to measure the fluid density by the slope method. The measurement results were also analyzed when the sensing chip was under flexural and torsional nonresonant vibrations separately. The measurement accuracies under these vibrations were all better than 1.5%, and the density measuring sensitivity under torsional nonresonant vibration was about two times higher than that under flexural nonresonant vibration.
Orientation-Dependent Displacement Sensor Using an Inner Cladding Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: Yang Tingting , Qiao Xueguang , Rong Qiangzhou , Bao Weijia
Published: September 2016

An orientation-dependent displacement sensor based on grating inscription over a fiber core and inner cladding has been demonstrated. The device comprises a short piece of multi-cladding fiber sandwiched between two standard single-mode fibers (SMFs). The grating structure is fabricated by a femtosecond laser side-illumination technique. Two well-defined resonances are achieved by the downstream both core and cladding fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). The cladding resonance presents fiber bending dependence, together with a strong orientation dependence because of asymmetrical distribution of the “cladding” FBG along the fiber cross-section.
A Microflow Cytometer with a Rectangular Quasi-Flat-Top Laser Spot
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , You Zheng
Published: September 2016

This work develops a microflow cytometer, based on a microfluidic chip for three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic focusing and a binary optical element (BOE) for shaping and homogenizing a laser beam. The microfluidic chip utilizes sheath flows to confine the sample flow along the channel centerline with a narrow cross section. In addition to hydrodynamic focusing, secondary flows are generated to strengthen the focusing in the vertical direction. In experiments, the chip was able to focus the sample flow with cross sections of 15 μm high and 8–30 μm wide at 5 m/s, under the condition of the sample flow rates between 10 and 120 μL/min. Instead of using the conventional elliptical Gaussian spot for optical detection, we used a specially designed BOE and obtained a 50 μm × 10 μm rectangular quasi-flat-top spot. The microflow cytometer combining the chip and the BOE was tested to count 3, 5, and 7 μm fluorescence microbeads, and the experimental results were comparable to or better than those derived from two commercial instruments.
Machine-Learning Based Channel Quality and Stability Estimation for Stream-Based Multichannel Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rehan Waqas , Fischer Stefan , Rehan Maaz
Published: September 2016

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become more and more diversified and are today able to also support high data rate applications, such as multimedia. In this case, per-packet channel handshaking/switching may result in inducing additional overheads, such as energy consumption, delays and, therefore, data loss. One of the solutions is to perform stream-based channel allocation where channel handshaking is performed once before transmitting the whole data stream. Deciding stream-based channel allocation is more critical in case of multichannel WSNs where channels of different quality/stability are available and the wish for high performance requires sensor nodes to switch to the best among the available channels. In this work, we will focus on devising mechanisms that perform channel quality/stability estimation in order to improve the accommodation of stream-based communication in multichannel wireless sensor networks. For performing channel quality assessment, we have formulated a composite metric, which we call channel rank measurement (CRM), that can demarcate channels into good, intermediate and bad quality on the basis of the standard deviation of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and the average of the link quality indicator (LQI) of the received packets. CRM is then used to generate a data set for training a supervised machine learning-based algorithm (which we call Normal Equation based Channel quality prediction (NEC) algorithm) in such a way that it may perform instantaneous channel rank estimation of any channel. Subsequently, two robust extensions of the NEC algorithm are proposed (which we call Normal Equation based Weighted Moving Average Channel quality prediction (NEWMAC) algorithm and Normal Equation based Aggregate Maturity Criteria with Beta Tracking based Channel weight prediction (NEAMCBTC) algorithm), that can perform channel quality estimation on the basis of both current and past values of channel rank estimation. In the end, simulations are made using MATLAB, and the results show that the Extended version of NEAMCBTC algorithm (Ext-NEAMCBTC) outperforms the compared techniques in terms of channel quality and stability assessment. It also minimizes channel switching overheads (in terms of switching delays and energy consumption) for accommodating stream-based communication in multichannel WSNs.
Neutralization of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type E by a Humanized Antibody
Authors: Derman Yağmur , Selby Katja , Miethe Sebastian , Frenzel André , Liu Yvonne , Rasetti-Escargueil Christine , Avril Arnaud , Pelat Thibaut , Urbain Remi , Fontayne Alexandre , Thullier Philippe , Sesardic Dorothea , Lindström Miia , Hust Michael , Korkeala Hannu
Published: September 2016

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) cause botulism and are the deadliest naturally-occurring substances known to humans. BoNTs have been classified as one of the category A agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating their potential use as bioweapons. To counter bio-threat and naturally-occurring botulism cases, well-tolerated antibodies by humans that neutralize BoNTs are relevant. In our previous work, we showed the neutralizing potential of macaque (Macaca fascicularis)-derived scFv-Fc (scFv-Fc ELC18) by in vitro endopeptidase immunoassay and ex vivo mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm assay by targeting the light chain of the botulinum neurotoxin type E (BoNT/E). In the present study, we germline-humanized scFv-Fc ELC18 into a full IgG hu8ELC18 to increase its immunotolerance by humans. We demonstrated the protection and prophylaxis capacity of hu8ELC18 against BoNT/E in a mouse model. A concentration of 2.5 ng/mouse of hu8ELC18 protected against 5 mouse lethal dose (MLD) in a mouse protection assay and complete neutralization of 1 LD50 of pure BoNT/E toxin was achieved with 8 ng of hu8ELC18 in mouse paralysis assay. Furthermore, hu8ELC18 protected mice from 5 MLD if injected up to 14 days prior to intraperitoneal BoNT/E administration. This newly-developed humanized IgG is expected to have high tolerance in humans.
Tetanus Neurotoxin Neutralizing Antibodies Screened from a Human Immune scFv Antibody Phage Display Library
Authors: Wang Han , Yu Rui , Fang Ting , Yu Ting , Chi Xiangyang , Zhang Xiaopeng , Liu Shuling , Fu Ling , Yu Changming , Chen Wei
Published: September 2016

Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) produced by Clostridium tetani is one of the most poisonous protein substances. Neutralizing antibodies against TeNT can effectively prevent and cure toxicosis. Using purified Hc fragments of TeNT (TeNT-Hc) as an antigen, three specific neutralizing antibody clones recognizing different epitopes were selected from a human immune scFv antibody phage display library. The three antibodies (2-7G, 2-2D, and S-4-7H) can effectively inhibit the binding between TeNT-Hc and differentiated PC-12 cells in vitro. Moreover, 2-7G inhibited TeNT-Hc binding to the receptor via carbohydrate-binding sites of the W pocket while 2-2D and S-4-7H inhibited binding of the R pocket. Although no single mAb completely protected mice from the toxin, they could both prolong survival when challenged with 20 LD50s (50% of the lethal dose) of TeNT. When used together, the mAbs completely neutralized 1000 LD50s/mg Ab, indicating their high neutralizing potency in vivo. Antibodies recognizing different carbohydrate-binding pockets could have higher synergistic toxin neutralization activities than those that recognize the same pockets. These results could lead to further production of neutralizing antibody drugs against TeNT and indicate that using TeNT-Hc as an antigen for screening human antibodies for TeNT intoxication therapy from human immune antibody library was convenient and effective.
Mutations et progrès de l'agriculture en Pays basque de France
Authors: Viers Georges
Published: September 2016

Laborantxaren aldakete eta aintzinamenduak Iparraldean. Iparraldeko lurraren emaitza lehena da belarra. Emaitza horren gatik eta ohidux-ak badirelakotz, eremu guziak hazkuntzari buruz baliatuak dira xuscenski edo artoarem bitartez. Arto laborantxa biltzen da ipar eki aldean. Hori erabiltzen da azinden janaritzat eta hazitako. Bertzetan, eremu gehienak pentzeak dira. Hori, ardi esnadun hazkuntza aberats (artaldea doblatu da hogoi urtez) eta behi hazkuntzari briruz. Behia, haragi emaitzarenzat hazten delarik. Aberriaren araberan, jendearen jocritea bi aldiz hemekiago egiten da. Bi arrazoin gertakari horrentzat : ardi esnearen merkatu ona eta euskaldun jendeak ekartzen dion atxikimendua bere lurrari. Jende hauen bizi nahiak eta larreen labakitzeak iduri on bat emaiten diote baserritar bazterreri. Hala nola desberdintasun haundia badén mendi frantses frangorekin.
La vallée des Aldudes, un système coutumier confronté à l'espace et au temps
Authors: Castro Isabelle , Pailhé Pierre
Published: September 2016

Dans la vallée des Aldudes, le système coutumier réglait la vie sociale et la gestion de l'espace jusqu'au milieu du XXe siècle. Par la suite, les évolutions économiques et démographiques ont fortement remis en question cette domination. Cependant, le système nouveau qui se met en place actuellement tâche d'établir un pont entre la société moderne et la tradition, au travers d'un renouveau culturel basque qui anime la vallée. L' « Etxe », c'est-à-dire la « maison », reste ainsi l'élément de référence autour duquel s'organise ce système rénové.
Le périmètre d'irrigation de Verdun sur Garonne
Authors: Doucet Maurice
Published: September 2016

Le périmètre d'irrigation de Verdun sur Garonne (Tarn-et-Garonne), mis en place, de 1959 à 1984, par la Compagnie d'aménagement des Coteaux de Gascogne, regroupe sept réseaux collectifs sur les terrasses de rive gauche de la Garonne, dans un espace agricole homogène. L'eau provient principalement de la Garonne au moyen de deux stations de pompage. Deux lacs collinaires complètent l'approvisionnement dans les hauts niveaux. Chaque exploitant a le choix de sa technique d'irrigation. L'irrigation est un fait structurel qui s'est inscrit dans la mutation de l'agriculture locale, caractérisée par une concentration de terres, une expansion considérable de la culture du tournesol et surtout de celle du maïs (90% de la surface irriguée), une progression du rendement du maïs. L'irrigation a contribué à l'arrêt du déclin démographique par le maintien ou la création d'emplois directement ou indirectement liés à l'agriculture. Mais cet essor est menacé par la chute des prix agricoles et par une pénurie d'eau due autant à une succession d'épisodes de sécheresse qu'à une augmentation des prélèvements par les agriculteurs du bassin de la Garonne.
IT integration, operations flexibility and performance: An empirical study
Authors: Caracuel Martínez María Esther , Arias Aranda Daniel , Gutiérrez Gutiérrez Leopoldo
Published: September 2016

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between IT implementation and performance with manufacturing flexibility based on a sample drawn from a set of manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach: The relationships were analyzed using structural equations modeling (SEM) using EQS 6.2 software. Previously, an explanatory factor analysis confirmed one-dimensionality of the scales, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to evaluate its internal consistency and a confirmatory factor analysis was run to observe scales’ validity.Findings: This research proves a significant positive and direct effect of IT implementation on operations performance with 4 out of 6 flexibility dimensions (Machine, Labour, Material handling and Volume). Mix and Routing flexibility dimensions show no significant impact on firm performance.Research limitations/implications: It is necessary to be cautious when generalizing these findings, as service firms were not part of the sample even when statistical results prove robustness suggesting that the findings are quite reliable. Some flexibility dimensions show no significant impact in performance (Routing and Mix flexibility). This is consistent with the fact that these flexibility dimensions act as variability absorbers within the manufacturing process.Originality/value: This research proves a significant positive and direct effect of IT implementation on operations performance. Results show not only the links between IT implementation and operations performance, but also the magnitude of every impact. The model considers IT integration as the degree of alignment that existing technology resources in a firm have with the business strategy, in terms of importance and support for this strategy.
Analysis of IT infrastructure flexibility impacts on IT-Business strategic alignment
Authors: Isal Yugo , Pikarti Gayuh , Hidayanto Achmad , Putra Edson
Published: September 2016

Purpose: To explore the impacts of IT infrastructure flexibility components (connectivity, modularity, compatibility, and IT personnel flexibility) on IT-business strategic alignment using Luftman’s strategic alignment maturity model.Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was developed using 5-points Likert scale. The questionnaire was distributed to companies in Indonesia, where 48 companies filled the questionnaire completely. The data were analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) approach using WarpPLS version 3.0.Findings: This research found that amongst four components of IT infrastructure flexibility, only compatibility that gives a positive and significant impact to IT-business strategic alignment. This finding is remarkably in contrast to what had been found by Chung et al (2003) in which connectivity, modularity and IT personnel flexibility showed a positive impact on strategic alignment while compatibility did not.  Research limitations: This research used small sample size. More respondents are required to obtain more general conclusions. Practical implications: The findings of this study can be input for IT investment initiatives by first focusing on compatibility aspect of IT infrastructure which is considered having the most significant influence on strategic alignment.Originality/value: Previous study investigated IT infrastructure flexibility as a single concept, whereas our research investigated the components of IT infrastructure flexibility and their impact on strategic alignment.
The China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS)
Authors: Yao Xiaoxia , Zhu Qiang , Liu Juanjuan
Published: September 2016

The China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS), approved by the State Council and headed by the Ministry of Education, is a public service system within “Project 211”. It is also a nationwide academic library resource sharing consortium. CALIS has as its goal the integration of academic library resources and services, and the development of higher educational digital libraries, so that it can consistently serve both higher education and basic education and promote global academic communication. CALIS plans to accomplish these goals by means of advanced technology based on the resources and services of member libraries, information service institutions, education and research institutions, and various information service websites.
Scholarly Learning Commons
Authors: Chen Jin , Lan Xiaoyuan , Huang Qinling , Dong Jue , Chen Chen
Published: September 2016

First, this chapter analyzes the theoretical research on the effects of Scholarly Learning Commons (SLC) in China from the perspectives of concept, instance analysis, and ideas for construction. The results can be summarized in the following three stages of SLC development in China: preliminarily integrated stage, double fusion stage, and highly integrated stage. With this structure and the concept of being “user-centered,” this chapter concludes that Chinese academic libraries mainly adopt two methods of building an SLC: independent construction by libraries, and joint construction with other units of the university. Finally, this chapter demonstrates construction strategies, elements, and service in SLCs, and it shows five typical cases of SLC construction in Chinese academic libraries.
The Construction and Development of the Academic Digital Library of Chinese Ancient Collections
Authors: Long Xiao , Yao Boyue
Published: September 2016

The Academic Digital Library of Chinese Ancient Collections (ADLCAC) is a cooperative project which originated at Peking University Library of Ancient Collection in 2000. The project is one of the largest databases of ancient Chinese materials among global academic institutions which was created to connect large-scale academic libraries with ancient collections, and to expand the number of ancient materials and full-text image databases held by China's universities. This section introduces its development history, member libraries, resources, service mechanism, characteristics, and future development.
The Construction and Development of Academic Library Digital Special Subject Databases
Authors: Rao Yan , Zhang Yaolei
Published: September 2016

One important component of digital academic library construction is to sort out the unique or rare resources from academic institutions by digitalizing and organizing them by themes. Building special subject databases is an important sub-project under CALIS. Throughout the continued construction and development of Phases I, II and III, a large number of special subject databases have been built. These databases are not only important digital resources that strengthen discipline development, but they are also rich special data resources of digital libraries for higher education in China. By reviewing the development path of the CALIS Special Subject Collection, this chapter will cover the management mechanism, technical platform, standards, social benefits, and philosophy behind it.