bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Extraction and Enzymatic Properties of Cell-Envelope Proteinases from a Novel Wild Lactobacillus plantarum LP69
Authors: Chen He , Huang Jie , Cao Binyun , Chen Li , Song Na , Lei Ni
Published: August 2018

Lactobacilli cell-envelope proteinases (CEPs) have been widely used in the development of new streams of blockbuster nutraceuticals because of numerous biopharmaceutical potentials; thus, the development of viable methods for CEP extraction and the improvement of extraction efficiency will promote their full-scale application. In this study, CEP from a novel wild Lactobacillus plantarum LP69 was released from cells by incubating in calcium-free buffer. The extraction conditions of CEP were optimized by response surface methodology with the enzyme activity and specific activity as the detective marker. The optimal extraction conditions were: time of 80 min, temperature of 39 °C and buffer pH of 6.5. Under these conditions, enzyme activity and specific activity were (23.94 ± 0.86) U/mL and (1.37 ± 0.03) U/mg, respectively, which were well matched with the predicted values (22.12 U/mL and 1.36 U/mg). Optimal activity of the crude CEP occurred at pH 8.0 and 40 °C. It is a metallopeptidase, activated by Ca2+, inhibited by Zn2+ and ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid, and a serine proteinase which is inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Kinetic studies showed that CEP from LP69 could hydrolyze whey protein, lactoglobulin and casein. Our study improves the extraction efficiency of CEPs from LP69, providing the reference for their industrial development.
Modification to L-H Kinetics Model and Its Application in the Investigation on Photodegradation of Gaseous Benzene by Nitrogen-Doped TiO2
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhang Jun , Liu Wenxiu , Wang Qi , Cao Wenbin
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model has been used to investigate the kinetics of photodegradation of gaseous benzene by nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) at 25 °C under visible light irradiation. Experimental results show that the photoreaction coefficient kpm increased from 3.992 × 10−6 mol·kg−1·s−1 to 11.55 × 10−6 mol·kg−1·s−1 along with increasing illumination intensity. However, the adsorption equilibrium constant KL decreased from 1139 to 597 m3·mol−1 when the illumination intensity increased from 36.7 × 104 lx to 75.1 × 104 lx, whereas it was 2761 m3·mol−1 in the absence of light. This is contrary to the fact that KL should be a constant if the temperature was fixed. This phenomenon can be attributed to the breaking of the adsorption-desorption equilibrium by photocatalytically decomposition. To compensate for the disequilibrium of the adsorption-desorption process, photoreaction coefficient kpm was introduced to the expression of KL and the compensation form was denoted as Km. KL is an indicator of the adsorption capacity of TiO2 while Km is only an indicator of the coverage ratio of TiO2 surface. The modified L-H model has been experimentally verified so it is expected to be used to predict the kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene.
CEP55 Promotes Cell Motility via JAK2–STAT3–MMPs Cascade in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Minjing , Gao Ju , Li Defang , Yin Yancun
Published: August 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and has a poor prognosis. Novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HCC are thus urgently needed. CEP55 plays a crucial role in regulating physical cytokinesis. Whether, and how, CEP55 contributes to HCC development remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that CEP55 is abnormally upregulated in HCC tissue, and these high levels of CEP55 are closely related to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. Knockdown of CEP55 expression significantly inhibits HCC cell migration and invasion. We also demonstrate that CEP55 physiologically interacts with JAK2 and promotes its phosphorylation; thus, it is a novel regulator of JAK2–STAT3 signaling and its target genes MMP2/9. Finally, blocking JAK2 or STAT3 blunts the stimulation of migration and invasion due to CEP55 overexpression. In summary, our results suggest that CEP55, as an oncogene, promotes HCC cell migration and invasion through regulating JAK2–STAT3–MMPs signaling.
TNFSF14/LIGHT, a Non-Canonical NF-κB Stimulus, Induces the HIF Pathway
Authors: D’Ignazio Laura , Batie Michael , Rocha Sonia
Published: August 2018

Non-canonical NF-κB signalling plays important roles in the development and function of the immune system but it also is deregulated in a number of inflammatory diseases. Although, NF-κB and HIF crosstalk has been documented, this has only been described following canonical NF-κB stimulation, involving RelA/p50 and the HIF-1 dimer. Here, we report that the non-canonical inducer TNFSF14/LIGHT leads to HIF induction and activation in cancer cells. We demonstrate that only HIF-2α is induced at the transcriptional level following non-canonical NF-κB activation, via a mechanism that is dependent on the p52 subunit. Furthermore, we demonstrate that p52 can bind to the HIF-2α promoter in cells. These results indicate that non-canonical NF-κB can lead to HIF signalling implicating HIF-2α as one of the downstream effectors of this pathway in cells.
A Review of Conductive Metal Nanomaterials as Conductive, Transparent, and Flexible Coatings, Thin Films, and Conductive Fillers: Different Deposition Methods and Applications
Authors: Naghdi Samira , Rhee Kyong Yop , Hui David , Park Soo Jin
Published: August 2018

With ever-increasing demand for lightweight, small, and portable devices, the rate of production of electronic and optoelectronic devices is constantly increasing, and alternatives to the current heavy, voluminous, fragile, conductive and transparent materials will inevitably be needed in the future. Conductive metal nanomaterials (such as silver, gold, copper, zinc oxide, aluminum, and tin) and carbon-based conductive materials (carbon nanotubes and graphene) exhibit great promise as alternatives to conventional conductive materials. Successfully incorporating conductive nanomaterials into thin films would combine their excellent electrical and optical properties with versatile mechanical characteristics superior to those of conventional conductive materials. In this review, the different conductive metal nanomaterials are introduced, and the challenges facing methods of thin film deposition and applications of thin films as conductive coatings are investigated.
Neutron RTOF Stress Diffractometer FSD at the IBR-2 Pulsed Reactor
Authors: Bokuchava Gizo
Published: August 2018

The diffraction of thermal neutrons is a powerful tool for investigations of residual stresses in various structural materials and bulk industrial products due to the non-destructive character of the method and high penetration depth of neutrons. Therefore, for conducting experiments in this research field, the neutron Fourier stress diffractometer FSD has been constructed at the IBR-2 pulsed reactor in FLNP JINR (Dubna, Russia). Using a special correlation technique at the long-pulse neutron source, a high resolution level of the instrument has been achieved (Δd/d ≈ 2 ÷ 4 × 10−3) over a wide range of interplanar spacing dhkl at a relatively short flight distance between the chopper and sample position (L = 5.55 m). The FSD design satisfies the requirements of a high luminosity, high resolution, and specific sample environment. In this paper, the current status of the FSD diffractometer is reported and examples of performed experiments are given.
A Modular Timber Construction System for the Sustainable Vertical Extension of Office Buildings
Authors: Dind Aleksis , Lufkin Sophie , Rey Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

Most European cities are facing urban densification issues. In this context, a solution to create usable spaces without additional pressure on land consists in the vertical extension of existing buildings. Given their abundance in the building stock, tertiary buildings offer an important potential. The paper introduces the Working Space project, which aims to develop an innovative, modular and prefabricated timber construction system adapted to the vertical extension of existing office buildings. The dimensions of the system can be adjusted to a great variety of structural grids and allows for any new typological organisation. Based on the principles of bioclimatic architecture, the extension’s envelope provides high-performance insulation, a smart management of passive solar gains, natural ventilation and free cooling, but also offers large surfaces dedicated to photovoltaic energy production and urban biodiversity. The system is made up of eco-friendly, local materials with very low environmental impact. The project’s outcomes are presented at a variety of scales, from urban design to construction details, as well as the outputs of an extensive life cycle assessment including the induced mobility impacts. Finally, the paper introduces a first application of this innovative architectural concept, which is currently being completed in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Marking Vertices to Find Graph Isomorphism Mapping Based on Continuous-Time Quantum Walk
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Yi , Lu Kai , Wang Xiaoping , Liu Kai
Published: August 2018

The isomorphism problem involves judging whether two graphs are topologically the same and producing structure-preserving isomorphism mapping. It is widely used in various areas. Diverse algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem in polynomial time, with the help of quantum walks. Some of these algorithms, however, fail to find the isomorphism mapping. Moreover, most algorithms have very limited performance on regular graphs which are generally difficult to deal with due to their symmetry. We propose IsoMarking to discover an isomorphism mapping effectively, based on the quantum walk which is sensitive to topological structures. Firstly, IsoMarking marks vertices so that it can reduce the harmful influence of symmetry. Secondly, IsoMarking can ascertain whether the current candidate bijection is consistent with existing bijections and eventually obtains qualified mapping. Thirdly, our experiments on 1585 pairs of graphs demonstrate that our algorithm performs significantly better on both ordinary graphs and regular graphs.
Consequences of Industry 4.0 in Business and Economics
Authors: Maresova Petra , Soukal Ivan , Svobodova Libuse , Hedvicakova Martina , Javanmardi Ehsan , Selamat Ali , Krejcar Ondrej
Published: August 2018

The introduction of information technology into all aspects of our lives has brought forth qualitative and quantitative changes on such a large scale that this process has come to be known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. The aim of this paper is to fill in the gaps and provide an overview of studies dealing with Industry 4.0 from the business and economic perspectives. A scoping review is performed regarding business, microeconomic and macroeconomic economic problems. Four investigators performed a literature search of the Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. The selected period spanned from 2014 to 2018, and the following keywords were used for the search: Industry 4.0, economics, economic development, production economics, and financial sector. A total of 2275 results were returned. In all, 67 full papers were screened. Results obtained from the relevant studies were, furthermore, divided into the following categories: work and skills development; economy growth and macroeconomic aspect; sustainability; intelligent manufacturing; policy; and change in business processes. Findings show that the aspects of work and skills development, smart technology adoption, intelligent manufacturing, and digitalization are very well described. The government and its policies usually play the role of a needed supportive element. Usually studies lack a coherent view of the topic in question and solve partial questions.
Effects of Teachers’ Professional Knowledge and Their Use of Three-Dimensional Physical Models in Biology Lessons on Students’ Achievement
Authors: Förtsch Sonja , Förtsch Christian , Von Kotzebue Lena , Neuhaus Birgit J.
Published: August 2018

Using three-dimensional physical models elaborately in their learning, students can develop high-level understanding of models and modeling in science, thereby attaining higher achievement. However, there are in the literature few indications of how teachers should use three-dimensional physical models in instruction and whether teachers’ professional knowledge is a prerequisite for teaching with elaborate use of models. Therefore, our study used a mixed-methods approach to analyze the effects of biology teachers’ domain-specific pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and content knowledge (CK) on students’ achievement mediated by elaborate model use (ELMO). Our quantitative sample comprised 36 German secondary school teachers whose lessons on the topic of neurobiology were videotaped twice (N = 72 lessons). Teachers completed professional knowledge tests on their PCK and CK. Students’ achievement was measured using pre- and post-knowledge tests. Our qualitative analysis involved five selected teachers according to aspects of ELMO. The results of our study indicated that teachers’ PCK and CK had no direct effect on students’ achievement. However, teachers’ PCK had a significant indirect and positive effect on students’ achievement mediated by ELMO. The findings of our study can provide teachers and researchers examples of how to implement biology instruction with elaborate use of three-dimensional physical models.
Effects of Modeling Instruction Professional Development on Biology Teachers’ Scientific Reasoning Skills
Authors: Stammen Andria N. , Malone Kathy L. , Irving Karen E.
Published: August 2018

International assessments have revealed that students in numerous nations lack scientific reasoning skills. Science teachers who support students’ scientific skill development through the use of authentic practices provide students with tools needed for success in future science courses. Teachers training focused on pedagogy that supports student scientific reasoning development is particularly important as some studies have also suggested that pre-service teachers have a tendency to display a lack of scientific reasoning skills. Additionally, few studies exist that assess teachers’ scientific reasoning skills, including the effectiveness of professional development to strengthen teacher scientific reasoning abilities over time. To help fill this gap, this study examines the effects of a Modeling Instruction in a biology workshop on teachers’ scientific reasoning skills. In addition to teacher interviews, focus groups, and writing samples, data from Lawson’s Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning (LCTSR) were collected from teachers before and after the workshop. The results suggest that the three-week Modeling Instruction in the biology workshop contributed to gains in in-service teachers’ scientific reasoning, and thus provides evidence that the teachers in this study are more prepared to help develop similar skills with their own students as they engage in the Modeling Instruction curriculum.
Analog Memristive Characteristics and Conditioned Reflex Study Based on Au/ZnO/ITO Devices
Authors: Cheng Tiedong , Rao Jingjing , Tang Xingui , Yang Lirong , Liu Nan
Published: August 2018

As the fourth basic electronic component, the application fields of the memristive devices are diverse. The digital resistive switching with sudden resistance change is suitable for the applications of information storage, while the analog memristive devices with gradual resistance change are required in the neural system simulation. In this paper, a transparent device of ZnO films deposited by the magnetron sputtering on indium tin oxides (ITO) glass was firstly prepared and found to show typical analog memristive switching behaviors, including an I–V curve that exhibits a ‘pinched hysteresis loops’ fingerprint. The conductive mechanism of the device was discussed, and the LTspice model was built to emulate the pinched hysteresis loops of the I–V curve. Based on the LTspice model and the Pavlov training circuit, a conditioned reflex experiment has been successfully completed both in the computer simulation and the physical analog circuits. The prepared device also displayed synapses-like characteristics, in which resistance decreased and gradually stabilized with time under the excitation of a series of voltage pulse signals.
High Frequency Transformer’s Parasitic Capacitance Minimization for Photovoltaic (PV) High-Frequency Link-Based Medium Voltage (MV) Inverter
Authors: Himanshu  , Singh Harsimran , Kumar Pandiyan Sathish , Ali Muhammad Umair , Lee Ho Yeong , Khan Muhammad Adil , Park Gwan Soo , Kim Hee-Je
Published: August 2018

The high-frequency-based medium voltage (MV) inverter is used in renewable energy power sources for power transmission. However, power quality is compromised as a result of the increase in common mode noise currents by the high inter-winding parasitic capacitance in high-frequency link transformers. This fast voltage transient response leads to harmonic distortion and transformer overheating, which causes power supply failure or many other electrical hazards. This paper presents a comparative study between conventional and modified toroid transformer designs for isolated power supply. A half bridge high-frequency (10 kHz) MV DC–AC inverter was designed along with power source; a 680 W solar module renewable system was built. An FEM-simulation with Matlab-FFT analysis was used to determine the core flux distribution and to calculate the total harmonics distortion (THD). A GWInstek LCR meter and Fluke VT04A measured the inter-winding capacitance and temperature in all four transformer prototypes, respectively. The modified design of a toroid ferrite core transformer offers more resistance to temperature increase without the use of any cooling agent or external circuitry, while reducing the parasitic capacitance by 87%. Experiments were conducted along with a mathematical derivation of the inter-winding capacitance to confirm the validity of the approach.
Productive Efficiency of Energy-Aware Data Centers
Authors: Fernández-Cerero Damián , Fernández-Montes Alejandro , Velasco Francisco
Published: August 2018

Information technologies must be made aware of the sustainability of cost reduction. Data centers may reach energy consumption levels comparable to many industrial facilities and small-sized towns. Therefore, innovative and transparent energy policies should be applied to improve energy consumption and deliver the best performance. This paper compares, analyzes and evaluates various energy efficiency policies, which shut down underutilized machines, on an extensive set of data-center environments. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is then conducted for the detection of the best energy efficiency policy and data-center characterization for each case. This analysis evaluates energy consumption and performance indicators for natural DEA and constant returns to scale (CRS). We identify the best energy policies and scheduling strategies for high and low data-center demands and for medium-sized and large data-centers; moreover, this work enables data-center managers to detect inefficiencies and to implement further corrective actions.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Spray Characteristics of Diesel and Gasoline in a Constant Volume Chamber
Authors: Lee Moo-Yeon , Lee Gee-Soo , Kim Chan-Jung , Seo Jae-Hyeong , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the spray characteristics of diesel and gasoline under various ambient conditions. Ambient conditions were simulated, ranging from atmospheric conditions to high pressure and temperature conditions such as those inside a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Spray tip penetration and spray cross-sectional area were calculated in liquid and vapor spray development. In addition, initial spray development and end of injection near nozzle were visualized microscopically, to study spray atomization characteristics. Three injection pressures of 50 MPa, 100 MPa, and 150 MPa were tested. The ambient temperature was varied from 300 K to 950 K, and the ambient density was maintained between 1 kg/m3 and 20 kg/m3. Gasoline and diesel exhibited similar liquid penetration and spray cross-sectional area at every ambient density condition under non-evaporation. As the ambient temperature increased, liquid penetration length and spray area of both fuels’ spray were shortened and decreased by fuel evaporation near the spray boundary. However, the two fuels were characterized by different slopes in the decrement trend of spray area as the ambient temperature increased. The decrement slope trend coincided considerably with the distillation curve characteristics of the two fuels. Vapor spray boundary of gasoline and diesel was particularly similar, despite the different amount of fuel evaporation. It was assumed that the outer spray boundary of gasoline and diesel is always similar when using the same injector and injection conditions. In microscopic spray visualization, gasoline spray displayed a more unstable and asymmetric spray shape, with more dispersed and distributed fuel ligaments during initial spray development. Large amounts of fuel vapor cloud were observed near the nozzle at the end of the injection process with gasoline. Some amounts of this vapor cloud were attributed to the evaporation of residual fuel in the nozzle sac.
An LQR-Based Controller Design for an LCL-Filtered Grid-Connected Inverter in Discrete-Time State-Space under Distorted Grid Environment
Authors: Tran Thuy Vi , Yoon Seung-Jin , Kim Kyeong-Hwa
Published: August 2018

In order to alleviate the negative impacts of harmonically distorted grid conditions on inverters, this paper presents a linear quadratic regulator (LQR)-based current control design for an inductive-capacitive-inductive (LCL)-filtered grid-connected inverter. The proposed control scheme is constructed based on the internal model (IM) principle in which a full-state feedback controller is used for the purpose of stabilization and the integral terms as well as resonant terms are augmented into a control structure for the reference tracking and harmonic compensation, respectively. Additionally, the proposed scheme is implemented in the synchronous reference frame (SRF) to take advantage of the simultaneous compensation for both the negative and positive sequence harmonics by one resonant term. Since this leads to the decrease of necessary resonant terms by half, the computation effort of the controller can be reduced. With regard to the full-state feedback control approach for the LCL-filtered grid connected inverter, additional sensing devices are normally required to measure all of the system state variables. However, this causes a complexity in hardware and high implementation cost for measurement devices. To overcome this challenge, this paper presents a discrete-time current full-state observer that uses only the information from the control input, grid-side current sensor, and grid voltage sensor to estimate all of the system state variables with a high precision. Finally, an optimal linear quadratic control approach is introduced for the purpose of choosing optimal feedback gains, systematically, for both the controller and full-state observer. The simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the effectiveness and validity of the proposed control scheme.
MPPT and SPPT Control for PV-Connected Inverters Using Digital Adaptive Hysteresis Current Control
Authors: Nguyen-Van Triet , Abe Rikiya , Tanaka Kenji
Published: August 2018

Most PV systems are usually controlled by a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to maximize the generated electrical power. However, the maximum power is often unstable and depends on the solar irradiance and temperature. This makes it difficult to control the power grid supply-demand balance due to fluctuations caused by the increase of renewable and variable PV systems. This paper proposes a new control algorithm for a PV-connected inverter called Specified Power Point Tracking (SPPT) control in addition to the conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control. The PV system is controlled to generate the maximum power or a specified power depending on the electricity transactions comes from the electricity trading system. A high-speed FPGA-based digital adaptive hysteresis current control method, which has fast and stable response and simple structure comparing with the popular Sine-triangle Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) method, is proposed to implement the MPPT and SPPT control. The adaptive hysteresis current band is calculated adaptively to improve a disadvantage of the classical fixed band hysteresis current control on the varying switching frequency. A reference current used in the adaptive hysteresis current control is calculated such that the output power of the PV-connected inverter is maximized in the MPPT control or is maintained at a given value in the SPPT control. The experimental and simulation results show that the PV-connected inverter under the proposed control algorithm generates the desired power almost exactly and yields stable and fast response despite the varying irradiance.
A Decentralized Local Flexibility Market Considering the Uncertainty of Demand
Authors: Esmat Ayman , Usaola Julio , Moreno Mª
Published: August 2018

The role of the distribution system operator (DSO) is evolving with the increasing possibilities of demand management and flexibility. Rather than implementing conventional approaches to mitigate network congestions, such as upgrading existing assets, demand flexibility services have been gaining much attention lately as a solution to defer the need for network reinforcements. In this paper, a framework for a decentralized local market that enables flexibility services trading at the distribution level is introduced. This market operates on two timeframes, day-ahead and real-time and it allows the DSO to procure flexibility services which can help in its congestion management process. The contribution of this work lies in considering the uncertainty of demand during the day-ahead period. As a result, we introduce a probabilistic process that supports the DSO in assessing the true need of obtaining flexibility services based on the probability of congestion occurrence in the following day of operation. Besides being able to procure firm flexibility for high probable congestions, a new option is introduced, called the right-to-use option, which enables the DSO to reserve a specific amount of flexibility, to be called upon later if necessary, for congestions that have medium probabilities of taking place. In addition, a real-time market for flexibility trading is presented, which allows the DSO to procure flexibility services for unforeseen congestions with short notice. Also, the effect of the penetration level of flexibility on the DSO’s total cost is discussed and assessed. Finally, a case study is carried out for a real distribution network feeder in Spain to illustrate the impact of the proposed flexibility framework on the DSO’s congestion management process.
An Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of Transgenic Triploid Populus tomentosa in Field Condition
Authors: Guo Qi , Lu Nan , Luo Zijing , Sun Yuhan , Jin Shaowu , Wang Shaoming , Guo Zhimin , Li Feifei , Chen Shouyi , Zhang Wanke , Ji Qingju , Li Yun
Published: August 2018

Populus tomentosa grow rapidly, but are salt susceptible. To quickly and efficiently gain new poplar breeds with better salt resistance, a DREB transcription factor derived from Atriplex hortensis was transformed into triploid Populus tomentosa by our lab, which significantly improved the salt tolerance of host plants. However, environmental impacts of transgenic plants must be assessed before large-scale cultivation in China. Here, we conducted a field trial of AhDREB1 transgenic and non-transgenic triploid Populus tomentosa to assess the impact of transgenic trees on rhizospheric soil microbial communities and allelopathic activity of leaves. No significant differences in the number of soil microbes present were detected between the transgenic lines and the non-transgenic controls. The allelopathic activity of leaves from both the transgenic and non-transgenic lines varied with sampling time, but did not differ significantly between the transgenic and non-transgenic lines. These results indicate that the impact on the environment of AhDREB1 transgenic P. tomentosa did not differ significantly from that of the non-transformed controls for the variables observed in this field trial. We also investigated the persistence of AhDREB1 genes in decomposing transgenic poplar leaf on the soil under natural conditions for five months, and our data indicated that fragments of the genetically modified DNA were not detectable in the field after more than two months. We used a triphenyl tetrazolium chloride test (TTC) (or pollen germination method) and hybridization to test the pollen viability and fertility, respectively, of the transgenic and non-transgenic trees and the results showed that the pollen viability of both the transgenic and non-transgenic trees was extremely low in 2016; the receptor plant may have been sterile.
Impacts of a High Nitrogen Load on Foliar Nutrient Status, N Metabolism, and Photosynthetic Capacity in a Cupressus lusitanica Mill. Plantation
Authors: Li Ruirui , Lu Yi , Wan Fuxu , Wang Yiming , Pan Xiaocheng
Published: August 2018

At present, anthropogenic nitrogen deposition has dramatically increased worldwide and has shown negative impacts on temperate/boreal forest ecosystems. However, it remains unclear how an elevated N load affects plant growth in the relatively N-rich subtropical forests of Southern China. To address this question, a study was conducted in a six-year-old Cupressus lusitanica Mill. plantation at the Scientific Research and Teaching Base of Nanjing Forestry University, with N addition levels of N0 (0 kg ha−1 year−1), N1 (24 kg ha−1 year−1), N2 (48 kg ha−1 year−1), N3 (72 kg ha−1 year−1), N4 (96 kg ha−1 year−1), and N5 (120 kg ha−1 year−1). Leaf physiological traits associated with foliar nutrient status, photosynthetic capacity, pigment, and N metabolites were measured. The results showed that (1) N addition led to significant effects on foliar N, but had no marked effects on K concentration. Furthermore, remarkable increases of leaf physiological traits including foliar P, Ca, Mg, and Mn concentration; photosynthetic capacity; pigment; and N metabolites were always observed under low and middle-N supply. (2) High N supply notably decreased foliar P, Ca, and Mg concentration, but increased foliar Mn content. Regarding the chlorophyll, photosynthetic capacity, and N metabolites, marked declines were also observed under high N inputs. (3) Redundancy analysis showed that the net photosynthesis rate was positively correlated with foliar N, P, Ca, Mg, and Mn concentration; the Mn/Mg ratio; and concentrations of chlorophyll and N metabolites, while the net photosynthesis rate was negatively correlated with foliar K concentration and N/P ratios. These findings suggest that excess N inputs can promote nutrient imbalances and inhibit the photosynthetic capacity of Cupressus lusitanica Mill., indicating that high N deposition could threaten plant growth in tropical forests in the future. Meanwhile, further study is merited to track the effects of high N deposition on the relationship between foliar Mn accumulation and photosynthesis in Cupressus lusitanica Mill.
Gas Fermentation Enhancement for Chemolithotrophic Growth of Cupriavidus necator on Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Yu Jian , Munasinghe Pradeep
Published: August 2018

Cupriavidus necator, a facultative hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium, was grown on carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen for value-added products. High cell density and productivity were the goal of gas fermentation, but limited by gas substrates because of their low solubility in the aqueous medium solution. Enhancement of gas fermentation was investigated by (i) adding n-hexadecane as a gas vector to increase the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) and gas solubility, (ii) growing C. necator under a raised gas pressure, and (iii) using cell mass hydrolysates as the nutrients of chemolithotrophic growth. In contrast to previous studies, little positive but negative effects of the gas vector were observed on gas mass transfer and cell growth. The gas fermentation could be significantly enhanced under a raised pressure, resulting in a higher growth rate (0.12 h−1), cell density (18 g L−1), and gas uptake rate (200 mmole L−1 h−1) than a fermentation under atmospheric pressure. The gain, however, was not proportional to the pressure increase as predicted by Henry’s law. The hydrolysates of cell mass were found a good source of nutrients and the organic nitrogen was equivalent to or better than ammonium nitrogen for chemolithotrophic growth of C. necator on carbon dioxide.
A Hierarchical Mapping System for Flat Identifier to Locator Resolution Based on Active Degree
Authors: Liu Jianqiang , Huo Shuai , Wang Yi
Published: August 2018

Overloading of IP address semantics appeals for a new network architecture based on Identifier (ID)/Locator separation. The challenge of Identifier (ID)/Locator separation is how to solve the scalability and efficiency challenges of identity-to-location resolution. By analyzing the requirements of the Identifier (ID)/Locator separation protocol, this paper proposes a hierarchical mapping architecture on active-degree (HMAA). This HMAA was divided into three levels: active local level, neutral transfer level, and inert global level. Each mapping item is dynamically allocated to different levels to ensure minimizing delay according to its activity characteristics. The top layer CHORD is constructed by the Markov Decision Process, which can keep consistency between the physical topology and the logical topology. The simulation results on delay time show that HMAA can satisfy the scalability and efficiency requirements of an Identifier (ID)/Locator separation network.
Smart Collection of Real-Time Vehicular Mobility Traces
Authors: Ibadah Nisrine , Minaoui Khalid , Rziza Mohammed , Oumsis Mohammed , Benavente-Peces César
Published: August 2018

Mobility trace techniques makes possible drawing the behaviors of real-life movement which shape wireless networks mobility whereabouts. In our investigation, several trace mobility models have been collected after the devices’ deployment. The main issue of this classical procedure is that it produces uncompleted records due to several unpredictable problems occurring during the deployment phase. In this paper, we propose a new procedure aimed at collecting traces while deployment phase failures are avoided, which improves the reliability of data. The introduced procedure makes possible the complete generation of traces with a minimum amount of damage without the need to recover mobile devices or lose them, as it is the case in previous mobility traces techniques. Based on detecting and correcting all accidental issues in real time, the proposed trace scanning offers a set of relevant information about the vehicle status which was collected during seven months. Furthermore, the proposed procedure could be applied to generate vehicular traces. Likewise, it is suitable to record/generate human and animal traces. The research outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the smart collection algorithm based on the proposed trace mobility model.
Determination and Characterization of the Wool Fiber Yield of Kenyan Sheep Breeds: An Economically Sustainable Practical Approach for Kenya
Authors: Memon Hafeezullah , Wang Hua , Langat Enock Kiptoo
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper is to study wool fiber resources from Kenya that have been obtained from different breeds in order to characterize the basic properties of their wool to help improve the economic value of Kenyan wool. The Kenyan sheep industry has received less attention in terms of research and development when compared with large livestock. Wool quality and yield are essential to obtaining good returns in the international market. This study was conducted to analyze the wool yields and qualitative index of Kenyan sheep. The wool samples were taken from 95 crossbreed Dorper sheep comprising 23 males and 72 females between the ages of one and five years. Wool samples from the shoulders, flanks, back belly and legs were taken for analysis. The mean fleece weight was 2.04 ± 0.06 kg, with coefficient of variation of 37% for all the selected sheep; the average for the males was 2.06 ± 0.06 kg and the average for females was 2.02 ± 0.08 kg. The variation in the fleece weight was in the range of 0.7–3.3 kg. The yield percentages and impurities were analyzed and reported. The wide variations in fleece weight, the increase in sheep population and the trend of raw wool export suggests that there is potential for improving economic traits. Kenya can obtain trade benefits related to the wool industry by becoming a member of International Wool Trade Organization and by following economically sustainable practical approaches. It is essential to have good international and regional cooperation with countries that can share knowledge and training as well as marketing and information.
Reinforcement Systems for Carbon Concrete Composites Based on Low-Cost Carbon Fibers
Authors: Böhm Robert , Thieme Mike , Wohlfahrt Daniel , Wolz Daniel Sebastian , Richter Benjamin , Jäger Hubert
Published: August 2018

Carbon concrete polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/lignin-based carbon fiber (CF) composites are a new promising material class for the building industry. The replacement of the traditional heavy and corroding steel reinforcement by carbon fiber (CF)-based reinforcements offers many significant advantages: a higher protection of environmental resources because of lower CO2 consumption during cement production, a longer lifecycle and thus, much less damage to structural components and a higher degree of design freedom because lightweight solutions can be realized. However, due to cost pressure in civil engineering, completely new process chains are required to manufacture CF-based reinforcement structures for concrete. This article describes the necessary process steps in order to develop CF reinforcement: (1) the production of cost-effective CF using novel carbon fiber lines, and (2) the fabrication of CF rebars with different geometry profiles. It was found that PAN/lignin-based CF is currently the promising material with the most promise to meet future market demands. However, significant research needs to be undertaken in order to improve the properties of lignin-based and PAN/lignin-based CF, respectively. The CF can be manufactured to CF-based rebars using different manufacturing technologies which are developed at a prototype level in this study.
Recipes for Determining Doneness in Poultry Do Not Provide Appropriate Information Based on US Government Guidelines
Authors: Chambers Edgar , Godwin Sandria , Terry Taylor
Published: August 2018

Research has shown that consumers use unsafe food handling practices when preparing poultry, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness such as salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis. Recipes from cookbooks, magazines, and the internet commonly are used as sources for consumers to prepare food in homes and the expectation is that food will be safe when prepared. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), using a thermometer properly is the only way to accurately check for doneness of poultry. The objective of this study was to assess poultry recipes, including recipes for whole birds and poultry parts, to determine if food safety information concerning thermometer use was included within the recipe. Poultry recipes (n = 474) were collected from 217 cookbooks, 28 magazines, 59 websites, and seven blogs. Approximately 33.5% of the recipes contained a specific temperature for doneness, with 73% of those cooked to ≥165 °F/74 °C, as recommended by USDA. Ninety-four percent of recipes used cooking time and about half of the recipes used visual measurements, such as color or juices running clear, to determine doneness. This study showed that most recipes do not contain appropriate information to assure safe cooking of poultry by consumers. Modifying recipes by adding food safety information, such as thermometer use and proper temperatures, could increase the use of proper food preparation behaviors by consumers.
Golgi Reassembly and Stacking Protein (GRASP) Participates in Vesicle-Mediated RNA Export in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Peres da Silva Roberta , Martins Sharon de Toledo , Rizzo Juliana , Dos Reis Flavia C. G. , Joffe Luna S. , Vainstein Marilene , Kmetzsch Livia , Oliveira Débora L. , Puccia Rosana , Goldenberg Samuel , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Alves Lysangela R.
Published: August 2018

Golgi reassembly and stacking protein (GRASP) is required for polysaccharide secretion and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans. In fungal species, extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in the export of polysaccharides, proteins and RNA. In the present work, we investigated if EV-mediated RNA export is functionally connected with GRASP in C. neoformans using a graspΔ mutant. Since GRASP-mediated unconventional secretion involves autophagosome formation in yeast, we included the atg7Δ mutant with defective autophagic mechanisms in our analysis. All fungal strains exported EVs but deletion of GRASP or ATG7 profoundly affected vesicular dimensions. The mRNA content of the graspΔ EVs differed substantially from that of the other two strains. The transcripts associated to the endoplasmic reticulum were highly abundant transcripts in graspΔ EVs. Among non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), tRNA fragments were the most abundant in both mutant EVs but graspΔ EVs alone concentrated 22 exclusive sequences. In general, our results showed that the EV RNA content from atg7Δ and WT were more related than the RNA content of graspΔ, suggesting that GRASP, but not the autophagy regulator Atg7, is involved in the EV export of RNA. This is a previously unknown function for a key regulator of unconventional secretion in eukaryotic cells.
A Framework of Industrialized Building Assessment in China Based on the Structural Equation Model
Authors: Jiang Lei , Li Zhongfu , Li Long , Li Tiankun , Gao Yunli
Published: August 2018

Compared with the conventional building, the industrialized building (IB) promotes the sustainable development of the construction industry, which will become a growth trend in the future. Nevertheless, the progress of industrialized building is intimately affected through the scientific evaluating mechanism, which still requires more research. Thus, this study establishes a conceptual framework of industrialized building assessment (IBA), which is validated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The impact between efficiency and the other five dimensions are studied by the structural equations model (SEM). The findings indicated that the conceptual framework is valid, and the efficiency has a positive impact on economic factors, livability, safety, environmental factors, and social benefits. Consequently, the improvement of efficiency has turned out to be the primary issue for improving the growth of the industrialized building. This research explores the basic framework of industrialized building assessment and provides a basis to establish a comprehensive and precise industrial building evaluation mechanism in the near future.
Human Papillomavirus-16 DNA Quantitation Differentiates High-Grade Anal Neoplasia
Authors: Agsalda-Garcia Melissa , Shieh Tiffany , Chuang Eleanore , Loi Nicholas , Milne Cris , Fang Rui , Lim Eunjung , Killeen Jeffrey , Shiramizu Bruce
Published: August 2018

Background: Due to their higher rates of anal dysplasia/cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals are recommended to undergo anal dysplasia screening, which consists of anal cytology (AC) and high resolution anoscopy (HRA) with anal biopsy (AB) after abnormal AC result. However, AC variability limits its usefulness. Our objective was to evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 DNA quantitation as part of the screening algorithm. Methods: HPV-16 was detected in AC specimens from 75 HIV-positive participants using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. AB results were available from 18/44 patients who had abnormal AC. Statistical tests included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Kappa coefficient tests. Results: HPV-16 copy numbers differed significantly across AC (p = 0.001) and AB grades (p = 0.009). HPV-16 ≥ 65 copies/cell predicted high-grade AB (p = 0.04). Using this cut-off in comparison to AB, it had better specificity (1.00) than AC (0.75) and specificity (0.77) than qualitative HPV-16 detection (0.38). Also, the Kappa coefficient of the cut-off (κ = 0.649) was higher than AC (κ = 0.557) and qualitative HPV-16 detection (κ = 0.258) to AB. Conclusion: Higher HPV-16 copy numbers corresponded to higher AC and AB grades, suggesting the importance of HPV burden on disease stage. Furthermore, HPV-16 ≥ 65 copies/cell distinguished high-grade disease and demonstrated better sensitivity, specificity, and agreement with AB than AC or qualitative HPV-16 detection. These results support the potential use of HPV quantitation in conjunction with AC in anal dysplasia screening.
The DPSIR Model for Environmental Risk Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
Authors: Kazuva Emmanuel , Zhang Jiquan , Tong Zhijun , Si Alu , Na Li
Published: August 2018

Environmental risk has become an area of major concern and research, drawing special attention. This study on the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of Dar es Salaam Municipal Solid Waste comes at a time when the Government of Tanzania is becoming increasingly concerned about dealing with high levels of pollution from municipal solid waste (MSW). The paper employed the Driving force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to establish an environmental risk indicator system and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to calculate and analyze risk values, based on the actual situation of MSW in the city of Dar es Salaam. It lists several measures that have been taken in response to the current significantly high levels of pollution, which have assisted in maintaining the environmental risk index (ERI) at a medium level (0.4–0.6) during the period from 2006–2017. However, these measures have not been adequate enough to manage the external pressure. The ERI has been increasing gradually, calling for timely formulation of demand-specific waste management policies to reduce the possibility of reaching the critical point in near future. With the use of the DPSIR model for ERA, this study has become highly valuable, providing empirical justification to reduce environmental risk from MSW, which is one of the main sources of environmental pollution in the urban areas of developing countries.