Pseudo‐3D RSSI‐based WSN localization algorithm using linear regression

Receiver Strength Signal Indication based Wireless Sensor Networks offer a cheap solution for location‐aware applications. For a final breakthrough these systems need fast deployment and easy auto‐configuration. In this study, we use the real‐life iMinds test bed to expand a two‐dimensional localization algorithm to the pseudo third dimension with very low additional computational time. Our experiments show that this fast three‐dimensional algorithm has no outliers and avoids manual calibration. Our algorithm has lower position errors than a maximum likelihood algorithm with a mean square error cost function. Furthermore, with non‐parametric statistical tests, we show that our previously designed two‐dimensional preprocessing performs equally well in pseudo‐three dimensions: the preprocessing reduces the position error in a statistically significant way.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Flow characteristics of fresh air discharged from a ventilation duct for mine ventilation

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology - Regarding mine ventilation in a tunnel with one mining face, the turbulent flow structure and Mean age of air (MAA) of fresh air discharged from the...     

The effect of the viscosity ratio of dispersed phase to matrix on the rheological,morphological, and mechanical properties of polymer blends containing a LCP

The effect of the viscosity ratio of the dispersed LCP phase to the polystyrene/poly(phenylene oxide) (PS/PPO) thermoplastic matrix on the rheological, morphological, and resultant mechanical properties of the LCP blends was investigated. The viscosity of PS/PPO is largely dependent on the blend composition, so that different levels of viscosity ratios of dispersed LCP phase to PS/PPO thermoplastic matrix are obtained by using PS/PPO premixtures of different blend ratios as a thermoplastic matrix. When the viscosity of the LCP dispersed phase is lower than that of the thermoplastic matrix, finely distributed fibril structure of LCP is obtained. Tensile modulus of injection molded specimens show a positive deviation from the additive rule when the viscosity ratio (η_LCP/η_matrix) is smaller than unity. These improvements in tensile modulus are attributed to the formation of finely distributed LCP fibrils. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Migratory behaviour of adult fast-growing brown trout (Salmo trutta,L.) In relation to water flow in a regulated Norwegian river

The migration pattern of spawners of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in relation to water flow was analysed by radio-tracking in the regulated River Gudbrandsdalslågen, Norway. During the upstream spawning migration in the high flow period, trout (2–12 kg) were caught, tagged and released 15 km downstream of a fish ladder at the Hunderfossen waterfall. The released fish displayed a systematic and directional upstream movement to the outlet of the tunnel from the hydroelectricity plant. In autumn and winter there is a minimum water discharge of 20–2 m³/s on p.s. in the river between the dam and the outlet of the tunnel, which has a discharge of 200–300 m³/s. When the water flowing over the Hunderfossen dam decreased to 20 m³/s, the ascent of brown trout up the river stopped and fish periodically entered the power plant tunnel. To determine the flow necessary to attract fish into the spawning reach above the tunnel outlet, two experiments were undertaken using 12 and 17 radio-tagged trout. In the first experiment, 60 m³/s of water released for 24 h resulted in the migration of 50% of the trout up the river. The second experiment, releasing 60 m³/s for 24 h, followed by 30 m³/s for 24 h two days later, resulted in the migration of 60% of the trout. Only one fish ascended the river at a flow of 30 m³/s. It is recommended that a repeated release of water at 60 m³/s is made in periods of minimum water discharge to save the spawning migration. The results demonstrate the advantage of using radio-tracking in experiments dealing with fish migration in relation to water-flow management.     

A New Strategy to Preserve and Assess Oxygen Consumption in Murine Tissues

Mitochondrial dysfunctions are implicated in several pathologies, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological diseases, as well as in cancer and aging. These metabolic alterations are usually assessed in human or murine samples by mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymatic assays, by measuring the oxygen consumption of intact mitochondria isolated from tissues, or from cells obtained after physical or enzymatic disruption of the tissues. However, these methodologies do not maintain tissue multicellular organization and cell-cell interactions, known to influence mitochondrial metabolism. Here, we develop an optimal model to measure mitochondrial oxygen consumption in heart and lung tissue samples using the XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer (Seahorse) and discuss the advantages and limitations of this technological approach. Our results demonstrate that tissue organization, as well as mitochondrial ultrastructure and respiratory function, are preserved in heart and lung tissues freshly processed or after overnight conservation at 4 °C. Using this method, we confirmed the repeatedly reported obesity-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart and extended it to the lungs. We set up and validated a new strategy to optimally assess mitochondrial function in murine tissues. As such, this method is of great potential interest for monitoring mitochondrial function in cohort samples.     

Label-Free Study of the Global Cell Behavior during Exposure to Environmental Radiofrequency Fields in the Presence or Absence of Pro-Apoptotic or Pro-Autophagic Treatments

It remains controversial whether exposure to environmental radiofrequency signals (RF) impacts cell status or response to cellular stress such as apoptosis or autophagy. We used two label-free techniques, cellular impedancemetry and Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM), to assess the overall cellular response during RF exposure alone, or during co-exposure to RF and chemical treatments known to induce either apoptosis or autophagy. Two human cell lines (SH-SY5Y and HCT116) and two cultures of primary rat cortex cells (astrocytes and co-culture of neurons and glial cells) were exposed to RF using an 1800 MHz carrier wave modulated with various environmental signals (GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications, 2G signal), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, 3G signal), LTE (Long-Term Evolution, 4G signal, and Wi-Fi) or unmodulated RF (continuous wave, CW). The specific absorption rates (S.A.R.) used were 1.5 and 6 W/kg during DHM experiments and ranged from 5 to 24 W/kg during the recording of cellular impedance. Cells were continuously exposed for three to five consecutive days while the temporal phenotypic signature of cells behavior was recorded at constant temperature. Statistical analysis of the results does not indicate that RF-EMF exposure impacted the global behavior of healthy, apoptotic, or autophagic cells, even at S.A.R. levels higher than the guidelines, provided that the temperature was kept constant.     

Lysophosphatidylserine Induces MUC5AC Production via the Feedforward Regulation of the TACE-EGFR-ERK Pathway in Airway Epithelial Cells in a Receptor-Independent Manner

Lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS) is an amphipathic lysophospholipid that mediates a broad spectrum of inflammatory responses through a poorly characterized mechanism. Because LysoPS levels can rise in a variety of pathological conditions, we sought to investigate LysoPS’s potential role in airway epithelial cells that actively participate in lung homeostasis. Here, we report a previously unappreciated function of LysoPS in production of a mucin component, MUC5AC, in the airway epithelial cells. LysoPS stimulated lung epithelial cells to produce MUC5AC via signaling pathways involving TACE, EGFR, and ERK. Specifically, LysoPS- dependent biphasic activation of ERK resulted in TGF-α secretion and strong EGFR phosphorylation leading to MUC5AC production. Collectively, LysoPS induces the expression of MUC5AC via a feedback loop composed of proligand synthesis and its proteolysis by TACE and following autocrine EGFR activation. To our surprise, we were not able to find a role of GPCRs and TLR2, known LyoPS receptors in LysoPS-induced MUC5AC production in airway epithelial cells, suggesting a potential receptor-independent action of LysoPS during inflammation. This study provides new insight into the potential function and mechanism of LysoPS as an emerging lipid mediator in airway inflammation.     

Resveratrol analogue,HS-1793, inhibits inflammatory mediator release from macrophages by interfering with the TLR4 mediated NF-κB activation

Food Science and Biotechnology - Resveratrol is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, high-dose resveratrol is required for optimal anti-inflammatory effects. HS-1793 is a derivative...     

The catalysis of the Ruff oxidative degradation of aldonic acids by titanium‐containing zeolites

Ti‐BEA and Ti‐FAU, obtained by post‐synthesis treatment, and TS‐1, obtained by direct hydrothermal synthesis, have been tested as catalysts for the Ruff oxidative degradation of calcium d‐gluconate to d‐arabinose using diluted hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Only large‐pore zeolites Ti‐BEA and Ti‐FAU were found to be active. It was shown, in particular, that a very rapid leaching of titanium occurred and that the titanium species present in the solution were responsible for the catalytic activity observed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.