bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Composites with Electrophoretically Deposited Carbon Nanotubes for In Situ Sensing of Deformation and Damage
Authors: Murray Colleen M. , Doshi Sagar M. , Sung Dae Han , Thostenson Erik T.
Published: June 2020

As composites are used increasingly in structural components, novel techniques for detecting micro-scale damage are required. Their nanoscale size and high aspect ratio allow carbon nanotubes to create electrically conductive pathways that enable sensing. In this work, carbon nanotubes are deposited onto glass fabric using electrophoretic deposition to create hierarchical composites. Polyethylenimine functionalized carbon nanotubes are deposited from an aqueous dispersion using an electric field. Symmetric cross-ply composites are investigated as a model system to demonstrate the ability to detect incipient damage and transverse microcracks. The specimens are subjected to tensile loading, and a resistance increase is observed because of two key mechanisms—A reversible change in nanotube-nanotube tunneling gaps due to elastic straining of the network and a permanent severing of paths in the conducting network due to formation of transverse cracks in the 90° plies. By analyzing the electrical response, the damage state can be identified. Acoustic emission sensors are used to validate the results. The strength and Young’s modulus of the composites with integrated carbon nanotubes are similar to the control specimens. Crack density measurements using edge replication reveal that transverse cracking can be suppressed, demonstrating multi-functionality with improved damage tolerance and integrated sensing.
A DVD-MoS2/Ag2S/Ag Nanocomposite Thiol-Conjugated with Porphyrins for an Enhanced Light-Mediated Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Girardi Leonardo , Blanco Matías , Agnoli Stefano , Rizzi Gian , Granozzi Gaetano
Published: June 2020

We have recently demonstrated in a previous work an appreciable photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) behavior towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of a MoS2/Ag2S/Ag nanocomposite electrochemically deposited on a commercial writable Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), consisting therefore on an interesting strategy to convert a common waster product in an added-value material. Herein, we present the conjugation of this MoS2/Ag2S/Ag-DVD nanocomposite with thiol-terminated tetraphenylporphyrins, taking advantage of the grafting of thiol groups through covalent S-S bridges, for integrating the well-known porphyrins photoactivity into the nanocomposite. Moreover, we employ two thiol-terminated porphyrins with different hydrophilicity, demonstrating that they either suppress or improve the PEC-HER performance of the overall hybrid, as a function of the molecule polarity, sustaining the concept of a local proton relay. Actually, the active polar porphyrin—MoS2/Ag2S/Ag-DVD hybrid material presented, when illuminated, a better HER performance, compared to the pristine nanocomposite, since the porphyrin may inject photoelectrons in the conduction band of the semiconductors at the formed heterojunction, presenting also a stable operational behavior during overnight chopped light chronoamperometric measurement, thanks to the robust bond created.
Application of Nanostructured Carbon-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors for Screening of Emerging Pharmaceutical Pollutants in Waters and Aquatic Species: A Review
Authors: Torrinha Álvaro , Oliveira Thiago M. B. F. , Ribeiro Francisco W.P. , Correia Adriana N. , Lima-Neto Pedro , Morais Simone
Published: June 2020

Pharmaceuticals, as a contaminant of emergent concern, are being released uncontrollably into the environment potentially causing hazardous effects to aquatic ecosystems and consequently to human health. In the absence of well-established monitoring programs, one can only imagine the full extent of this problem and so there is an urgent need for the development of extremely sensitive, portable, and low-cost devices to perform analysis. Carbon-based nanomaterials are the most used nanostructures in (bio)sensors construction attributed to their facile and well-characterized production methods, commercial availability, reduced cost, high chemical stability, and low toxicity. However, most importantly, their relatively good conductivity enabling appropriate electron transfer rates—as well as their high surface area yielding attachment and extraordinary loading capacity for biomolecules—have been relevant and desirable features, justifying the key role that they have been playing, and will continue to play, in electrochemical (bio)sensor development. The present review outlines the contribution of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerene, carbon nanofibers, carbon black, carbon nanopowder, biochar nanoparticles, and graphite oxide), used alone or combined with other (nano)materials, to the field of environmental (bio)sensing, and more specifically, to pharmaceutical pollutants analysis in waters and aquatic species. The main trends of this field of research are also addressed.
Optical-Based Thickness Measurement of MoO3 Nanosheets
Authors: Puebla Sergio , Mariscal-Jiménez Antonio , Galán Rosalía Serna , Munuera Carmen , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: June 2020

Considering that two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum trioxide has acquired more attention in the last few years, it is relevant to speed up thickness identification of this material. We provide two fast and non-destructive methods to evaluate the thickness of MoO3 flakes on SiO2/Si substrates. First, by means of quantitative analysis of the apparent color of the flakes in optical microscopy images, one can make a first approximation of the thickness with an uncertainty of ±3 nm. The second method is based on the fit of optical contrast spectra, acquired with micro-reflectance measurements, to a Fresnel law-based model that provides an accurate measurement of the flake thickness with ±2 nm of uncertainty.
Effects of Acute Cocoa Supplementation on Postprandial Apolipoproteins, Lipoprotein Subclasses, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes after a High-Fat Meal
Authors: Davis Dustin W. , Tallent Rickelle , Navalta James W. , Salazar Anthony , Lyons Timothy J. , Basu Arpita
Published: June 2020

Dyslipidemia and inflammation exacerbate postprandial metabolic stress in people with diabetes. Acute dietary supplementation with polyphenols shows promise in improving postprandial metabolic stress in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cocoa is a rich source of dietary polyphenols with demonstrated cardioprotective effects in adults without diabetes. To date, the acute effects of cocoa on postprandial lipids and inflammation have received little attention in the presence of T2D. This report expands on our earlier observation that polyphenol-rich cocoa, given as a beverage with a fast-food-style, high-fat breakfast, increased postprandial high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults with T2D. We now test whether polyphenol-rich cocoa modulated postprandial apolipoproteins (Apo-A1, B), non-esterified fatty acids, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-derived lipoprotein subclass profiles, and select biomarkers of inflammation following the same dietary challenge. We found that cocoa decreased NMR-derived concentrations of total very low-density lipoprotein and chylomicron particles and increased the concentration of total HDL particles over the 6-hour postprandial phase. Serum interleukin-18 was decreased by cocoa vs. placebo. Thus, polyphenol-rich cocoa may alleviate postprandial dyslipidemia and inflammation following a high-fat dietary challenge in adults with T2D. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01886989.
Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Resistance Training: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover
Authors: Ranchal-Sanchez Antonio , Diaz-Bernier Victor Manuel , De La Florida-Villagran Candelaria Alonso , Llorente-Cantarero Francisco Jesus , Campos-Perez Julian , Jurado-Castro Jose Manuel
Published: June 2020

The ingestion of beetroot juice (BJ) has been associated with improvements in physical performance in endurance sports, however the literature on resistance training (RT) is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of BJ compared to a placebo (PLA) on muscular endurance and movement concentric velocity during RT. Twelve healthy men performed an incremental RT test (back squat and bench press) with three sets, at 60%, 70%, and 80% of their repetition maximum (1-RM). Movement velocity variables, total number of repetitions performed until concentric failure, blood lactate, and ratings of perceived effort post-training were measured. A higher number of repetitions were recorded with BJ compared to those with PLA (13.8 ± 14.4; p < 0.01; effect size (ES) = 0.6). Differences were found at 60% 1-RM (9 ± 10; p < 0.05; ES = 0.61) and 70% 1-RM (3.1 ± 4.8; p < 0.05; ES = 0.49), however, no differences were found at 80% 1-RM (1.7 ± 1; p = 0.12; ES = 0.41). A greater number of repetitions was performed in back squat (13.4 ± 13; p < 0.01; ES = 0.77), but no differences were observed in bench press (0.4 ± 5.1; p = 0.785; ES = 0.03). No differences were found for the rest of the variables (p > 0.05). Acute supplementation of BJ improved muscular endurance performance in RT.
Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure with High Dose of Arginine Impact on Circulating Mediators of Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka , Gramacki Artur , Wawrzyniak-Gramacka Edyta , Tylutka Anna , Hertmanowska Natalia , Kasperska Anna , Czuba Miłosz
Published: June 2020

Intermittent exposure to hypoxia (IHE) increases production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species which, as signalling molecules, participate in tissue injury–repair–regeneration cascade. The process is also stimulated by arginine whose bioavailability is a limiting factor for NO synthesis. The effects of IHE in combination with arginine (Arg) intake on myogenesis and angiogenesis mediators were examined in a randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Blood samples were collected from 38 elite athletes on the 1st, 7th and 14th days during the training camp. The oral doses of arginine (2 × 6 g/day) and/or IHE using hypoxicator GO2Altitude (IHE and Arg/IHE) were applied. Serum NO and H2O2 concentrations increased significantly and were related to muscle damage (CK activity >900 IU/mL) in IHE and Arg/IHE compared to placebo. The changes in NO and H2O2 elevated the levels of circulating growth factors such as HGF, IHG-1, PDGFBB, BDNF, VEGF and EPO. Modification of the lipid profile, especially reduced non-HDL, was an additional beneficial effect of hypoxic exposure with arginine intake. Intermittent hypoxic exposure combined with high-dose arginine intake was demonstrated to affect circulating mediators of injury–repair–regeneration. Therefore, a combination of IHE and arginine seems to be a potential therapeutic and non-pharmacological method to modulate the myogenesis and angiogenesis in elite athletes.
Human Recombinant FSH and Its Biosimilars: Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Bergandi Loredana , Canosa Stefano , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Paschero Carlotta , Gennarelli Gianluca , Silvagno Francesca , Benedetto Chiara , Revelli Alberto
Published: June 2020

Exogenous human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH), either derived from extraction and purification from the urine or obtained by recombinant technology in the form of follitropin α, β and δ (rFSH), has been used for decades in the treatment of infertility. The main applications of FSH treatment in the woman have been, and still are, ovulation induction in oligo-anovulatory subjects, and stimulation of the development of a cohort of follicles in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the last years, two biosimilars of follitropin alfa, rFSH compounds structurally and functionally similar to the originator, have been approved and marketed for clinical use in Europe. Moreover, some other rFSH biosimilars are currently under investigation. The objective of this article is to review the available evidences comparing the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of rFSH follitropin alpha originator with its biosimilars, discussing the clinical trials that allowed biosimilars to get registration and marketing authorization.
TLD1433-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy with an Optical Surface Applicator in the Treatment of Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Chamberlain Sarah , Cole Houston D. , Roque John , Bellnier David , McFarland Sherri A. , Shafirstein Gal
Published: June 2020

Intra-operative photodynamic therapy (IO-PDT) in combination with surgery for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma has shown promise in improving overall survival in patients. Here, we developed a PDT platform consisting of a ruthenium-based photosensitizer (TLD1433) activated by an optical surface applicator (OSA) for the management of residual disease. Human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell viability was assessed after treatment with TLD1433-mediated PDT illuminated with either 532- or 630-nm light with a micro-lens laser fiber. This TLD1433-mediated PDT induced an EC50 of 1.98 μM (J/cm2) and 4807 μM (J/cm2) for green and red light, respectively. Cells were then treated with 10 µM TLD1433 in a 96-well plate with the OSA using two 2-cm radial diffusers, each transmitted 532 nm light at 50 mW/cm for 278 s. Monte Carlo simulations of the surface light propagation from the OSA computed light fluence (J/cm2) and irradiance (mW/cm2) distribution. In regions where 100% loss in cell viability was measured, the simulations suggest that >20 J/cm2 of 532 nm was delivered. Our studies indicate that TLD1433-mediated PDT with the OSA and light simulations have the potential to become a platform for treatment planning for IO-PDT.
Metastatic Lobular Breast Cancer Mimicking Colitis
Authors: Reis Figueiredo Renata , Strava Correa Tatiana , dos Anjos Carlos Henrique , Bender Kohnert Seidler Heinrich
Published: June 2020

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer diagnosed in women in the world regardless of race or ethnicity. About 10% of invasive breast carcinomas are lobular subtype. The loss of the E-caderin expression that occurs in lobular carcinoma leads to a higher risk of metastases in membranes (meningeal, pleural, peritoneum) and gastrointestinal and/or endobronchial mucous, which may lead to several odd symptomatology. We report a 79 years old female patient with lobular breast cancer associated to CDH1 germline mutation. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2016 after noticing a right-armpit nodule whose pathological examination demonstrated an immunohistochemistry profile compatible with lobular breast carcinoma metastasis and had estrogen receptors 98%, progesterone receptors < 1%, ki67 25%, negative her2 score. Family history of only one paternal uncle with stomach cancer. After two lines of hormone therapy, she had disease progression and started oral chemotherapy with capecitabine. In a few weeks, the patient had refractory diarrhea. At the beginning, it was defined like colitis chemotherapy related. However, the clinical features showed necessity of further investigation. Then, she was diagnosed with CDH1 germline mutation after massive progression at gastrointestinal mucous. This case made possible to inform the family about risk of germline mutation and necessity of genetic counseling.
A Novel 2-D Geometry Reconstruction Approach for Space Debris via Interpolation-Free Operation under Low SNR Conditions
Authors: Luo Xi , Guo Lixin , Li Dong , Liu Hongqing , Qin Mengyi
Published: June 2020

Two unsolved key issues in inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging for non-cooperative rapidly spinning targets including high computational complexity and poor imaging performance in the case of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are addressed in this work. In the strip-map imaging mode of SAR, it is well known that azimuth spatial invariant characteristics exist, and inspired by this, we propose a fast ISAR imaging approach for spinning targets. Our approach involves two steps. First, a precise analytic expression in the range-Doppler (RD) domain is produced using the principle of stationary phase (POSP). Second, a novel interpolation kernel function is designed to remove two-dimensional (2-D) spatial-variant phase errors, and the corresponding fast implementation steps that only require Fourier transform and multiplications are also presented. Finally, a well-focused ISAR image is obtained by compensating the azimuth high-order terms. Compared with current imaging methods, our approach avoids multi-dimensional search and interpolation operations and exploits the 2-D coherent integrated gain; the proposed method is of low computational cost and robustness in the low SNR condition. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is confirmed by numerically simulated experiments.
Mapping Winter Wheat with Combinations of Temporally Aggregated Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 Data in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Xu Feng , Li Zhaofu , Zhang Shuyu , Huang Naitao , Quan Zongyao , Zhang Wenmin , Liu Xiaojun , Jiang Xiaosan , Pan Jianjun , Prishchepov Alexander V.
Published: June 2020

Winter wheat is one of the major cereal crops in China. The spatial distribution of winter wheat planting areas is closely related to food security; however, mapping winter wheat with time-series finer spatial resolution satellite images across large areas is challenging. This paper explores the potential of combining temporally aggregated Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI data available via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform for mapping winter wheat in Shandong Province, China. First, six phenological median composites of Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI reflectance measures were generated by a temporal aggregation technique according to the winter wheat phenological calendar, which covered seedling, tillering, over-wintering, reviving, jointing-heading and maturing phases, respectively. Then, Random Forest (RF) classifier was used to classify multi-temporal composites but also mono-temporal winter wheat development phases and mono-sensor data. The results showed that winter wheat could be classified with an overall accuracy of 93.4% and F1 measure (the harmonic mean of producer’s and user’s accuracy) of 0.97 with temporally aggregated Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 data were combined. As our results also revealed, it was always good to classify multi-temporal images compared to mono-temporal imagery (the overall accuracy dropped from 93.4% to as low as 76.4%). It was also good to classify Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI imagery combined instead of classifying them individually. The analysis showed among the mono-temporal winter wheat development phases that the maturing phase’s and reviving phase’s data were more important than the data for other mono-temporal winter wheat development phases. In sum, this study confirmed the importance of using temporally aggregated Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI data combined and identified key winter wheat development phases for accurate winter wheat classification. These results can be useful to benefit on freely available optical satellite data (Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI) and prioritize key winter wheat development phases for accurate mapping winter wheat planting areas across China and elsewhere.
A Multi-Sensor Fusion Framework Based on Coupled Residual Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Li Hao , Ghamisi Pedram , Rasti Behnood , Wu Zhaoyan , Shapiro Aurelie , Schultz Michael , Zipf Alexander
Published: June 2020

Multi-sensor remote sensing image classification has been considerably improved by deep learning feature extraction and classification networks. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-sensor fusion framework for the fusion of diverse remote sensing data sources. The novelty of this paper is grounded in three important design innovations: 1- a unique adaptation of the coupled residual networks to address multi-sensor data classification; 2- a smart auxiliary training via adjusting the loss function to address classifications with limited samples; and 3- a unique design of the residual blocks to reduce the computational complexity while preserving the discriminative characteristics of multi-sensor features. The proposed classification framework is evaluated using three different remote sensing datasets: the urban Houston university datasets (including Houston 2013 and the training portion of Houston 2018) and the rural Trento dataset. The proposed framework achieves high overall accuracies of 93.57%, 81.20%, and 98.81% on Houston 2013, the training portion of Houston 2018, and Trento datasets, respectively. Additionally, the experimental results demonstrate considerable improvements in classification accuracies compared with the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Assessing the Performance of ICESat-2/ATLAS Multi-Channel Photon Data for Estimating Ground Topography in Forested Terrain
Authors: Xing Yanqiu , Huang Jiapeng , Gruen Armin , Qin Lei
Published: June 2020

As a continuation of Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-1 (ICESat-1), the ICESat-2/Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) employs a micro-pulse multi-beam photon counting approach to produce photon data for measuring global terrain. Few studies have assessed the accuracy of different ATLAS channels in retrieving ground topography in forested terrain. This study aims to assess the accuracy of measuring ground topography in forested terrain using different ATLAS channels and the correlation between laser intensity parameters, laser pointing angle parameters, and elevation error. The accuracy of ground topography measured by the ATLAS footprints is evaluated by comparing the derived Digital Terrain Model (DTM) from the ATL03 (Global Geolocated Photon Data) and ATL08 (Land and Vegetation Height) products with that from the airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR). Results show that the ATLAS product performed well in the study area at all laser intensities and laser pointing angles, and correlations were found between the ATLAS DTM and airborne LiDAR DTM (coefficient of determination––R2 = 1.00, root mean squared error––RMSE = 0.75 m). Considering different laser intensities, there is a significant correlation between the tx_pulse_energy parameter and elevation error. With different laser pointing angles, there is no significant correlation between the tx_pulse_skew_est, tx_pulse_width_lower, tx_pulse_width_upper parameters and the elevation error.
Brain-Computer Interface-Based Humanoid Control: A Review
Authors: Chamola Vinay , Vineet Ankur , Nayyar Anand , Hossain Eklas
Published: June 2020

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) acts as a communication mechanism using brain signals to control external devices. The generation of such signals is sometimes independent of the nervous system, such as in Passive BCI. This is majorly beneficial for those who have severe motor disabilities. Traditional BCI systems have been dependent only on brain signals recorded using Electroencephalography (EEG) and have used a rule-based translation algorithm to generate control commands. However, the recent use of multi-sensor data fusion and machine learning-based translation algorithms has improved the accuracy of such systems. This paper discusses various BCI applications such as tele-presence, grasping of objects, navigation, etc. that use multi-sensor fusion and machine learning to control a humanoid robot to perform a desired task. The paper also includes a review of the methods and system design used in the discussed applications.
Motion Detection Using Tactile Sensors Based on Pressure-Sensitive Transistor Arrays
Authors: Jang Jiuk , Jun Yoon Sun , Seo Hunkyu , Kim Moohyun , Park Jang-Ung
Published: June 2020

In recent years, to develop more spontaneous and instant interfaces between a system and users, technology has evolved toward designing efficient and simple gesture recognition (GR) techniques. As a tool for acquiring human motion, a tactile sensor system, which converts the human touch signal into a single datum and executes a command by translating a bundle of data into a text language or triggering a preset sequence as a haptic motion, has been developed. The tactile sensor aims to collect comprehensive data on various motions, from the touch of a fingertip to large body movements. The sensor devices have different characteristics that are important for target applications. Furthermore, devices can be fabricated using various principles, and include piezoelectric, capacitive, piezoresistive, and field-effect transistor types, depending on the parameters to be achieved. Here, we introduce tactile sensors consisting of field-effect transistors (FETs). GR requires a process involving the acquisition of a large amount of data in an array rather than a single sensor, suggesting the importance of fabricating a tactile sensor as an array. In this case, an FET-type pressure sensor can exploit the advantages of active-matrix sensor arrays that allow high-array uniformity, high spatial contrast, and facile integration with electrical circuitry. We envision that tactile sensors based on FETs will be beneficial for GR as well as future applications, and these sensors will provide substantial opportunities for next-generation motion sensing systems.
JLVEA: Lightweight Real-Time Video Stream Encryption Algorithm for Internet of Things
Authors: Yun Junhyeok , Kim Mihui
Published: June 2020

Along with the recent growth of Internet of Things (IoT) security camera market, there have been a number of personal information leakage incidents from security attacks targeting such cameras. Therefore, a permutation-based video encryption algorithm was proposed to secure video streams in low-performance processors such as IoT security cameras. However, existing permutation-based video encryption algorithms are vulnerable to known-plaintext attacks since they use the same permutation list for every frame. Moreover, situation deduction based on the color composition is possible. In this paper, we propose a new permutation-based video encryption algorithm that updates the permutation list for every frame using a crypto secure pseudo-random number generator without significantly increasing memory usage. By doing so, the algorithm becomes robust to known-plaintext attacks, which has been a common problem with existing permutation-based video encryption algorithms. In addition, color channel separation can prevent attackers from deducing situations through color composition. Pre-compression encryption is applied to make the algorithm robust to data loss because of packet loss. We implement the proposed algorithm and conduct an experiment to show its performance in terms of probability of data loss because of packet loss, encryption speed, and memory usage.
Indirect Sensing of Lower Aliphatic Ester Using Atomic Gold Decorated Polyaniline Electrode
Authors: Chakraborty Parthojit , Chien Yu-An , Chang Tso-Fu Mark , Sone Masato , Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: June 2020

Novel sensing materials have been formed by decorating polyaniline conducting polymers with atomic gold clusters where the number of atoms is precisely defined. Such materials exhibit unique electrocatalytic properties of electrooxidation to aliphatic alcohols, although analytes with other functional groups have not been studied. This paper reports a study of cyclic voltammetric patterns obtained with bi-atomic gold nanocomposite response to analytes with other functional groups for sensor applications. Principal component analysis shows separation among normal-propanol, iso-propanol and ethyl formate/ethanol groups. Indirect sensing of ethyl formate is demonstrated by electrooxidation of the product upon hydrolysis in alkaline medium. Voltammograms of ethyl formate are studied in gaseous phases.
A Low-Cost, Open Source Monitoring System for Collecting High Temporal Resolution Water Use Data on Magnetically Driven Residential Water Meters
Authors: Bastidas Pacheco Camilo J. , Horsburgh Jeffery S. , Tracy Robb J.
Published: June 2020

We present a low-cost (≈$150) monitoring system for collecting high temporal resolution residential water use data without disrupting the operation of commonly available water meters. This system was designed for installation on top of analog, magnetically driven, positive displacement, residential water meters and can collect data at a variable time resolution interval. The system couples an Arduino Pro microcontroller board, a datalogging shield customized for this specific application, and a magnetometer sensor. The system was developed and calibrated at the Utah Water Research Laboratory and was deployed for testing on five single family residences in Logan and Providence, Utah, for a period of over 1 month. Battery life for the device was estimated to be over 5 weeks with continuous data collection at a 4 s time interval. Data collected using this system, under ideal installation conditions, was within 2% of the volume recorded by the register of the meter on which they were installed. Results from field deployments are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, functionality, and applicability of the system. Results indicate that the device is capable of collecting data at a temporal resolution sufficient for identifying individual water use events and analyzing water use at coarser temporal resolutions. This system is of special interest for water end use studies, future projections of residential water use, water infrastructure design, and for advancing our understanding of water use timing and behavior. The system’s hardware design and software are open source, are available for potential reuse, and can be customized for specific research needs.
The Outcome of Porcine Foetal Infection with Bungowannah Virus Is Dependent on the Stage of Gestation at Which Infection Occurs. Part 1: Serology and Virology
Authors: Finlaison Deborah S. , Kirkland Peter D.
Published: June 2020

Bungowannah virus is a novel porcine pestivirus identified in a disease outbreak in Australia in 2003. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of infection of the pregnant pig with this virus. Twenty-four pregnant pigs were infected at days 35, 55, 75 or 90 of gestation. Blood, tonsillar and rectal swabs were collected from each pig at birth and then weekly until euthanasia or death. Tissues were sampled at necropsy. Viral load was measured by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and antibody levels in serum by peroxidase-linked immunoassay. Bungowannah virus was detected in the serum and excretions of all infected pigs at birth regardless of the stage of gestation at which infection occurred. Persistent infections occurred following infection prior to the development of foetal immunocompetence. Unexpectedly some animals infected at day 55 of gestation later cleared the virus and seroconverted. Viraemia and viral shedding resolved quickest following infection in late gestation.
Viral Membrane Fusion and the Transmembrane Domain
Authors: Barrett Chelsea T. , Dutch Rebecca Ellis
Published: June 2020

Initiation of host cell infection by an enveloped virus requires a viral-to-host cell membrane fusion event. This event is mediated by at least one viral transmembrane glycoprotein, termed the fusion protein, which is a key therapeutic target. Viral fusion proteins have been studied for decades, and numerous critical insights into their function have been elucidated. However, the transmembrane region remains one of the most poorly understood facets of these proteins. In the past ten years, the field has made significant advances in understanding the role of the membrane-spanning region of viral fusion proteins. We summarize developments made in the past decade that have contributed to the understanding of the transmembrane region of viral fusion proteins, highlighting not only their critical role in the membrane fusion process, but further demonstrating their involvement in several aspects of the viral lifecycle.
microRNA-99a Restricts Replication of Hepatitis C Virus by Targeting mTOR and De Novo Lipogenesis
Authors: Lee Eun Byul , Sung Pil Soo , Kim Jung-Hee , Park Dong Jun , Hur Wonhee , Yoon Seung Kew
Published: June 2020

In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-99a (miR-99a) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and lipogenesis in hepatocytes. Cell-culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) infection caused down-regulation of miR-99a in Huh-7 cells, and the relative levels of miR-99a were significantly lower in the sera of the HCV-infected patients than in those of healthy controls. Transfection of miR-99a-5p mimics resulted in a decrease in the intracellular and secreted HCV RNA levels. It also caused a decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein level and phosphorylation of its downstream targets in HCV-replicating cells. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c expression and intracellular lipid accumulation decreased when either miR-99a-5p mimics or si-mTOR was transfected in oleic acid-treated Huh-7 cells. Overexpression of mTOR rescued HCV RNA replication and lipid droplet accumulation in miR-99a-5p mimics-transfected HCV replicon cells. Our data demonstrated that miR-99a ameliorates intracellular lipid accumulation by regulating mTOR/SREBP-1c and causes inefficient replication and packaging of intracellular HCV.
Women Jazz Instrumentalists in Turkey within the Context of Gender
Authors: İLBİ Deniz , KARAOL Esra
Published: June 2020

In this work, women jazz musicians in Turkey have been examined within the gender studies context. The purpose of this research, of which its theoretical frame was formed with a socio-musicological approach, via female musicians who are active in jazz music in Turkey, is to research and form a descriptive analysis by asking questions, such as: how gender roles affect women's careers, what steps female musicians have to go through in a sector dominated by men in order to be seen and which roles are attributed to women in jazz. Due to the fact that women jazz musicians who play instruments are a minority, the scope of the subject has been limited to ‘women jazz instrumentalists in Turkey’, and in-depth interviews were conducted with selected sources within this context. The boundaries of the research topic were determined by the conducted interviews, and utilizing the feminist theory, qualitative research methods were used. With this research, an effort was made at forming a systematic reference about female jazz musicians, which was previously not found in a thorough academic research before in Turkey. The people selected for the examination of their status in the field of jazz were seen as a starting point for the research of the subject, and following the transcription of their interviews, an attempt was made to determine the causes and conclusions of gender inequalities within jazz music in Turkey. Using the implications and the results gathered during the research, there was an intention to place an emphasis on the recognition of women jazz instrumentalists beyond what's known. In conclusion, in this paper, in order to provide support to studies of musicology with a feminist approach, up to date observations were made with the examination of women jazz instrumentalists in Turkey within the gender context.
The Development of an American Sound: From the Perspective of Twentieth Century Masters, Aaron Copland & Leonard Bernstein
Authors: KİRK Erin
Published: June 2020

As musicologists and scholars of American art music, we are forever indebted to Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein for their music, their conducting, teaching, and lecturing, and especially for their writings. It is still a relatively recent phenomenon in the history of music to possess writings from composers that explain, not only their own works, but their perspective on all aspects of the musical world in which they lived. One significant topic which both Copland and Bernstein addressed was the process by which a uniquely American sound began to develop and shape the music of the twentieth century.Through a thorough examination of their writings, supporting research from other scholars, and original analysis of key musical works, this article will trace the beginnings of a nationalistic thread in American art music and identify the musical traits that communicate such nationalism. Both Copland and Bernstein identified influential figures in the development of an American sound, such as Antonin Dvorák, Nadia Boulanger, Charles Ives, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Virgil Thomson, William Schuman, Roy Harris, and Carlos Chávez. Also, jazz, folk music, and Latin American music were highly influential to the art music of the twentieth century.Looking back throughout history, there is rarely one defining moment when music changes completely. It is usually a combination of many and varied factors that occur throughout a period of time. In this study, identifying the causes and influences in the development of an American nationalistic sound, we have the distinct benefit of taking cues from some of the most influential figures in twentieth century art music who blessed musicians, music-lovers, and scholars with their words, eloquently bringing to light the serendipitous events that created the art music of the last century.
Comparative characteristics of neurotic disorders connected with HIV infection in injecting drug users and non-injecting drug users
Authors: Novikov V. , Khritinin D.
Published: June 2020

The clinical forms and manifestations of neurotic disorders observed in HIV-infected individuals, their syndrome structure is considered in this article. It is found that drug use contributes to the early comorbidity of neurotic disorders due to personality, exogenous and organic impairments caused by HIV infection.
Quality of medical care: some problems and solutions
Authors: Karavaev Valery , Filosofova Marina
Published: June 2020

the article observes the issues of improving the quality of medical care provided in medical organizations, the role of experts in this issue and other reserve opportunities for optimizing the Russian health care and improving the treatment and diagnostic process.
Justification of approaches to the prevention of occupational and work-related diseases in workers during production and use of artificial mineral fibers
Authors: Valeyeva E. , Galimova R. , Kopytenkova O. , Distanova A.
Published: June 2020

Improvement of the quality of working environment by creating safe working conditions, identification and classification of risks are the basic principles for the prevention of occupational and work-related diseases in workers during production and use of artificial mineral fibers. The most important stage of prevention is therapeutic and preventive measures, including prevention of occupational skin neoplasms in the production of continuous glass fiber, prevention of dusty lung diseases when using mineral wool, vibration- and noise-induced diseases, organization of therapeutic and preventive nutrition.
Risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Komleva N. , Dolich V. , Zaikina I. , Danilov A. , Chekhonatskiy A. , Suyetenkov D.
Published: June 2020

Digestive diseases are a very common pathology in children and adolescents. Analysis of risk factors for the development of diseases of the digestive system and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in students of professional educational organizations are presented in the article. 265 students of vocational education organizations aged 15 to 18 years were examined. The study design was a one-time cross-sectional study (active screening). Standardized formalized maps were used (complaints, medical history, physical examination results, regime and nature of diets, lifestyle and social and economic aspects were studied) to assess frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) – an internationally validated questionnaire for the study of quality of life developed by the Hassle Company (division of Astra) – was used to study gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical data processing was carried out using «MS Excel 2002» program. The study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of bioethics, after receiving informed consent of adolescents and their parents. A number of adolescents who previously have been diagnosed with diseases of the digestive system are found; gastrointestinal symptoms are systematized and analyzed (symptom group according to the scales abdominal pain, reflux, dyspepsia diarrhoea, constipation) using the GSRS questionnaire; main risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases characteristic of adolescents are studied: (the nature and regime of diet, smoking, consumption of alcohol), awareness of students about the main factors of a healthy lifestyle were examined as results of the study. The results of the study must be taken into account when developing and implementing preventive and hygiene and educational measures that are aimed at maintaining health and improving the quality of life of the population and require an interdisciplinary approach.
Data analysis of social hygiene monitoring in russian regions determining environmental and hygienic safety for population
Authors: Klepikov O. , Eprintsev S. , Shekoyan S.
Published: June 2020

Data of the Federal Information Fund for Social Hygiene Monitoring conducted on the basis of the Federal Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor have been analyzed to assess environmental risks, as well as to develop environmental safety system as a factor for sustainable development of the territory in the regions of the Russian Federation. Atmospheric air pollution in Russian regions was evaluated by content of priority pollutants. Ranking of Russian regions according to the quality of drinking water supply was carried out. The possibility of using Federal Information Fund for Social Hygiene Monitoring as an integral part of the model for optimizing the social and environmental conditions of populated areas is estimated.
MESOCYCLONE OBSERVATION BY MULTI-PARAMETER METEOROLOGICAL RADAR
Authors: Denisenkov D.A. , Zhukov V.Y. , Shchukin G.G.
Published: June 2020

The article deals in detail with the case of observation of a cloud array characterized by a large (15 km) height of the upper boundary of cloud cover and the presence of areas with radar reflectivity of more than 60 dBZ by the DMRL-S meteorological radar installed in Valday (Novgorod region). Integrated application of the estimates of all measured parameters makes it possible to identify in this array the area where a rare weather phenomenon - a supercell - develops. The fact of formation of the hail area of large size is ascertained. It leads to the effect of depolarization attenuation - negative values of differential reflectivity of the echo signal of the meteorological targets. The coordinates of vertical flows are determined by analyzing data on the cross-correlation coefficient of polarization constituents of received signal. Then the obtained result is compared with the one obtained by means of estimations of the average radial velocity of particles, their much coincidence being shown. At an altitude of 5 km, areas with sharp local speed changes are observed, indicating the existence of strong vortices. Sequential analysis of the data obtained during the whole time of existence of the supercell leads to identification of a zone 5 km in diameter with a “jump” of magnitude radial velocity of particles in a layer 1 km high at a distance of 100 km. The scale of this zone, its location and the magnitudes of the parameters of the signal received from it indicate the formation of another rare weather phenomenon in it – the mesocyclone
ANALISIS FRAMING PEMBERITAAN PEMBANGUNAN POJOK DILAN PADA MEDIA PIKIRAN-RAKYAT.COM.COM DAN NEWS.DETIK.COM/JAWABARAT
Authors: Muzakkir Musniyah Ayunita , Fitriawan Rana Akbari
Published: June 2020

Pembangunan Pojok Dilan menjadi isu yang menimbulkan polemik pro dan kontra di tengah-tengah masyarakat Kota Bandung. Karena terdapat nilai berita dari isu pembangunan Pojok Dilan ini, maka media-media lokal seperti pikiran-rakyat.com.com dan news.detik.com/jawabarat mengangkat pemberitaan ini. Dua media tersebut tentu memiliki perbedaan dalam mengkonstruksi realitas yang ada. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana media online pikiran-rakyat.com.com dan news.detik.com/jawabarat membingkai berita terkait pembangunan Pojok Dilan di Bandung menggunakan framing model Zhondang Pan dan Gerald M. Kosicki. Dalam penelitian ini, digunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan paradigma konstruksionis. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah pembingkaian berita yang berbeda dari dua media tersebut. Pikiran-rakyat.com.com cenderung menonjolkan narasumber utama yaitu Ridwan Kamil selaku Gubernur Jawa Barat sekaligus penggagas Pojok Dilan sehingga terlihat keberpihakan dari pikiran-rakyat.com.com. Sedangkan news.detik.com/jawabarat terlihat lebih memihak pada kepentingan publik ditandai dengan pemilihan narasumber yang variatif dan condong untuk menunjukkan sikap penolakan dalam pembangunan Pojok Dilan.
Penyajian Ruang Pameran Sejarah Berteknologi Augmented Reality pada Museum Gedung Sate Bandung
Authors: Nazhar Ryanty Derwentyana , Rosid Yosep Sulaeman
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini membahas mengenai penyajian sebuah ruang pameran yang didukung oleh media penyampaian digital augmented reality (AR). Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah observasi lapangan dan dokumentasi sebagai data yang dianalisa. Terdapat beberapa jenis media digital yang dapat diaplikasikan pada museum untuk memberikan informasi dengan cara yang menarik, informatif dan interaktif untuk pengguna, salah satunya adalah augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality merupakan teknologi yang menggabungkan sebuah lingkungan nyata dengan dunia maya dalam bentuk citra tiga dimensi yang disajikan dalam layar. Penulis melakukan pengamatan mengenai penerapan teknologi AR pada  ruang pameran sejarah  di  museum Gedung Sate. Teknologi tersebut menyebabkan pengunjung dapat menikmati  ruangan yang disajikan dengan dua cara, yaitu yang dapat dinikmati secara nyata (real) dan ruangan yang ditangkap oleh visual pengunjung secara maya/virtual, walaupun berada pada ruangan yang sama. Di ruang ini pengunjung dapat mengambil peran tidak hanya sebagai audiens namun juga sebagai  'pemain' (pemeran).Pemanfaatan media digital dalam museum berguna  untuk menunjang ketertarikan masyarakat dalam mencari informasi dengan lebih interaktif dan intuitif. Pemanfaatan penerapan media digital sebagai metode penyampaian informasi pada museum dapat meningkatkan nilai edukasi, dan juga menarik minat pengunjung untuk mempelajari sejarah dengan cara yang menyenangkan
Anatomical characterization of the roots, leaves and culms of Guadua weberbaueri in different growing environments
Authors: Rodrigues Yasmin Alves , Santos Sebastião Kennon , Costa Frederico H. S. , Oliveira Junior Joao Bosco , Barbosa Said Bezerra , Lobao Moises Silveira , Alcântara Berenice Kussumoto de
Published: June 2020

There has been increasing interest in the use of bamboo for a variety of purposes. In the western Amazon region, specifically in the state of Acre, Brazil, native bamboo (Guadua weberbaueri Pilg.) grows in great abundance, which calls attention to its possible sustainable exploitation. Thus, this project aims to perform the anatomical characterization of the culms, leaves and roots of G. weberbaueri in different environments, both inside and along the border of a forest. For the analysis, samples were collected from culms, leaves and roots at the Zoobotanical Park of Federal University of Acre, and permanent slides were visualized by optical microscopy. We observed that the vascular bundles of the central leaf veins were wider in leaves from the border of the forest than in those from inside the forest. In contrast, the study of root anatomy showed differences in the diameter measurements of the xylem vessel elements, which were larger in those inside the forest than those from the border of the forest. The vascular bundles of culms did not present a difference, although a new characteristic found in this species is described.