bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of the Amount of Ice Melt Using Three Different Methods: A Contribution to the International Hydrological Decade
Authors: Wendler Gerd , Ishikawa N.
Published: September 2017

In the summer of 1972, the amount of ice melt obtained by stake measurements on the McCall Glacier, Brooks Range, was compared with the discharge of a small controlled run-off site, and with heat balance calculations. For daily values the agreement was not always good; however, for the 11 d period for which the study was carried out, the agreement can be considered as excellent. The amount of ice melt calculated from run-off and heat balance gave 3.5 and 1.2% higher values, respectively, than the direct measurements. This is encouraging, insofar as it suggests that it may be possible to calculate the combined ice, water, and heat balance for the glacier as a whole.
Snow-Slope Stabili1y – A Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Conway H. , Abrahamson J.
Published: September 2017

Measurements of snow properties across and down snow slopes have been used to calculate a safety margin — the difference between the basal shear strength and the applied static stress. Areas of basal deficit exist when the applied shear stress exceeds the basal shear strength (the safety margin is negative), and basal areas are pinned when the safety margin is positive. As the size of deficit increases, stresses within the overlying slab also increase, and these may be sufficient to cause an avalanche.

Measurements made on five slopes (four of which had avalanched) were characterized by considerable spatial variability, and the safety margin has been treated as a random function which varies over the slope. Statistical models of Vanmarcke (1977[a], 1983) have been applied to determine the most likely size of deficit required for avalanching (95% confidence). In one case, an avalanche occurred when the length of deficit was only 2.9 m, and in the other cases the length was always less than 7 m. This size of deficit is small compared with the total area of many avalanche slopes which suggests that avalanches initiate from small zones of deficit, and makes it difficult to locate a deficit with just a few tests.

The optimum sampling interval and number of tests required to yield an adequate estimate of the statistical parameters of the safety margin are also discussed.
Bed Topography and Mass-Balance Distribution of Columbia Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A., Determined from Sequential Aerial Photography
Authors: Rasmussen L. A.
Published: September 2017

An internally consistent data set of geometry and flow variables for the lower part of Columbia Glacier, south-central Alaska, is derived entirely from vertical aerial photography. The principle of mass conservation is imposed on the data in the form of a centered finite-difference approximation of the continuity equation. It is applied on a 120-node section of a square grid covering the 15 km long, high-velocity stretch ending at the grounded, heavily calving terminus of this large glacier.

Photography was obtained 22 times between June 1977 and September 1981. Surface altitudes on the dates of the flights and the displacement vectors between pairs of flights were determined photogrammetrically. Natural features on the glacier surface were sufficiently prominent and enduring to be followed from the date of one flight to the next.

Because both the altitude points and displacement vectors were irregularly positioned spatially, interpolation was necessary to get values on the grid nodes. The points had already been subjected to the method of optimum interpolation to get surface altitudes on the grid nodes. The displacement vectors are subjected here to a constrained–interpolation method to get velocity vectors at the grid nodes that are consistent, through the continuity equation, with the other variables.

The other variables needed to achieve closure of the variable set are bed topography and mass-balance distribution. The latter was taken to be a separate linear function of altitude for each time interval. Values for bed altitudes at 120 nodes and two coefficients of each 21 balance functions were inferred as the 162 model parameters in a non-linear minimization problem having 4305 observed velocity components as its data.
Snaefell, East Iceland
Authors: Jennings J. N.
Published: September 2017

The morphology of Snaefell, East Iceland, and the state of its glaciers in 1937 are described. There are four small glaciers. Two of these exist in well-developed cirques incised into the lavas, tuffs and breccias of this Pleistocene volcano. The third receives ice from a summit ice cap, while the fourth also receives ice from the same source as well as lying in a cirque. The firn line in 1937 is put between 1350 and 1500 m. so that the mass balance of the glaciers is unlikely to have been favourable, although only one showed any abandoned moraines. An explanation of the varying glacial modification of the different slopes of Snaefell is suggested in terms of structural trends, shading from the sun and snow-drifting.
Brittle Fracture of Ice at 77 K
Authors: Parameswaran V. R. , Jones Stephen J.
Published: September 2017

Laboratory-grown single crystals, both pure and HF-doped, and pure polycrystals of ice, as well as natural, columnar-grained ice from the River St Lawrence, have been deformed in uniaxial compression at 77 K at strain-rates between 10-5 and 10-3 s-1. Brittle fracture was observed, with stress-strain curves similar to those found for rocks at room temperature. The first cracks appeared at low stresses, ≈0.3 MN m-2, in agreement with theory, but the failure or fracture stress was high ≈50 MN m-2. The ratio of experimental to theoretical strength was o.28. HF doping of the single crystals had no effect at this temperature.
Commencement and Development Processes of Flow Unsteadiness at Tip Clearance Region of a Low Speed Axial Compressor Rotor Blade Row
Authors: Zeinali Marhamat , Abbasi Sarallah , Hajizadeh Aghdam Abolfazl
Published: September 2017

Commencement and development processes of unsteadiness, caused by blade row tip leakage flow in a low speed axial compressor, are investigated and results are presented in this paper. Analyses are based on results obtained through numerical simulation of unsteady three dimensional viscous flows. Discretization of the Navier-Stokes’s equations has been carried out based on upwind second-order scheme and k-ω-SST turbulence modeling was used for estimation of eddy viscosity.Three different circumstances, including design point and two near stall conditions are considered for investigation and discussion. Tip leakage flow frequency spectrums were examined through surveying instantaneous static pressure signals imposed on the blades surfaces. Focusing on time dependent flow structure results signified existence of some pressure peaks at near stall conditions. These regions, which are created as a result of interaction between main inflow and tip leakage flow, lead to occurrence of self-induced unsteadiness. However, at design condition, flow is more affected by the main inflow instead of the tip leakage flow. By occurrence of self-induced unsteadiness, which occurs at near stall condition, tip leakage vortex flow starts to fluctuate at a frequency about the blade passing frequency. Further decrease in the flow rate up to a specified value showed no significant variations in the leakage flow frequency, but, on the other hand, magnified amplitudes of this unsteadiness.
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Executive Function During Exercise and Recovery in Normobaric Hypoxia
Authors: Stavres Jon , Gerhart Hayden D. , Kim Jung-Hyun , Glickman Ellen L. , Seo Yongsuk
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia and exercise each exhibit opposing effects on executive function, and the mechanisms for this are not entirely clear. This study examined the influence of cerebral oxygenation and perfusion on executive function during exercise and recovery in normobaric hypoxia
(NH) and normoxia (N).METHODS: There were 18 subjects who completed cycling trials in NH (12.5% FIo2) and N (20.93% FIo2). Right prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAbv)
were collected during executive function challenges [mathematical processing and running memory continuous performance task (RMCPT)] at baseline, following 30 min of acclimation, during 20 min of cycling (60% Vo2max), and at 1, 15, 30, and 45 min following exercise.RESULTS:
Results indicated effects of time for Math, RMCPT, and O2Hb; but not for MCAbv. Results also indicated effects of condition for O2Hb. Math scores were improved by 8.0% during exercise and remained elevated at 30 min of recovery (12.5%), RMCPT scores significantly improved
at all time points (7.5–11.9%), and O2Hb increased by 662.2% and 440.9% during exercise in N and NH, respectively, and remained elevated through 15 min of recovery in both conditions.DISCUSSION: These results support the influence of PFC oxygenation and perfusion
on executive function during exercise and recovery in N and NH.Stavres J, Gerhart HD, Kim J-H, Glickman EL, Seo Y. Cerebral hemodynamics and executive function during exercise and recovery in normobaric hypoxia. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2017; 88(10):911–917.
Rarefication Effects on Jet Impingement Loads
Authors: Cai Shiying , Cai Chunpei , Zhang Kai , Li Jun
Published: September 2017

Rarefication effects on jet impingement loads are studied by comparing recent new formulas at the collisionless flow limit and numerical simulations. The jet exit size is finite, and can be either planar or round. In the simulations, the jets have different degrees of rarefication, with a Knudsen (Kn) number ranging from 0 to infinity; i.e., the jet flows can be continuum, collisional, or collisionless. The comparison results indicate that (1) the new surface load formulas are accurate at the collisionless flow limit; (2) in general, the formulas offer upper limits for the peak loads; (3) however, it is improper to assert that local loads always decrease. The new formulas can offer fast estimations of impingement loads. This may be quite helpful for applications in space engineering by significantly reducing the amount of simulations and experiment costs. Those expressions explicitly include non-dimensional parameters, and their contribution and influence on the loads can be studied in a systematic manner (e.g., with a swift parameter study).
Mediatorless Impedance Studies with Titanium Dioxide Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection
Authors: Abdul Halim Nur , Lee Yook , Marugan Radha , Hashim Uda
Published: September 2017

An impedimetric-based biosensor constructed using gold nanoparticles (AuNP) entrapped within titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection is the main feature of this research. The matrix of the biosensor employed the surface of TiO2, which was previously modified with an amine terminal group using 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) at a low temperature to create a ready to immobilise surface for the biosensor application. Hemoglobin (Hb), which exhibits peroxidase-like activity, was used as the bioreceptor in the biosensor to detect H2O2 in solution. The analysis was carried out using an alternative impedance method, in which the biosensor exhibited a wide linear range response between 1 × 10−4 M and 1.5 × 10−2 M and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10−5 M without a redox mediator.
An Efficient Advantage Distillation Scheme for Bidirectional Secret-Key Agreement
Authors: Feng Yan , Jiang Xue-Qin , Hou Jia , Wang Hui-Ming , Yang Yi
Published: September 2017

The classical secret-key agreement (SKA) scheme includes three phases: (a) advantage distillation (AD), (b) reconciliation, and (c) privacy amplification. Define the transmission rate as the ratio between the number of raw key bits obtained by the AD phase and the number of transmitted bits in the AD. The unidirectional SKA, whose transmission rate is 0 . 5, can be realized by using the original two-way wiretap channel as the AD phase. In this paper, we establish an efficient bidirectional SKA whose transmission rate is nearly 1 by modifying the two-way wiretap channel and using the modified two-way wiretap channel as the AD phase. The bidirectional SKA can be extended to multiple rounds of SKA with the same performance and transmission rate. For multiple rounds of bidirectional SKA, we have provided the bit error rate performance of the main channel and eavesdropper’s channel and the secret-key capacity. It is shown that the bit error rate (BER) of the main channel was lower than the eavesdropper’s channel and we prove that the transmission rate was nearly 1 when the number of rounds was large. Moreover, the secret-key capacity C s was from 0 . 04 to 0 . 1 as the error probability of channel was from 0 . 01 to 0 . 15 in binary symmetric channel (BSC). The secret-key capacity was close to 0 . 3 as the signal-to-noise ratio increased in the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel.
The Effect of Access to Information and Communication Technology on Household Labor Income: Evidence from One Laptop Per Child in Uruguay
Authors: Marandino Joaquin , Wunnava Phanindra
Published: September 2017

This paper examines the effect of the One Laptop Per Child program in Uruguay (Plan Ceibal) on household labor income. Since 2007, the Uruguayan government has delivered one laptop to every child and teacher in public primary schools. This program has considerably increased access to information technology within households, as evidenced by parents’ utilization of said technology. Households in the department of Florida received laptops in 2007, while those in the department of Canelones received them in 2009. Therefore, using data from Household Surveys from the National Institute of Statistics in Uruguay, a difference-in-difference model is estimated to capture the effect of the plan of giving laptops on labor income. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive effect of the plan on household labor income for households below median income, specifically, those at the 10th and 20th quantiles. Such findings suggest that the program has greater potential when targeted to low-income households, where parents possess lower computer skills.
Design and Modelling of a Bidirectional Front-End for Resonating Sensors Based on Pseudo Floating Gate Amplifier
Authors: Marchetti Luca , Berg Yngvar , Azadmehr Mehdi
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we characterize and model a bidirectional front-end based on pseudo-floating gate amplifier (PFGA) for actuation and read-out of resonating sensors. The basic idea consists of swapping the power supply of the PFGA in order to change the directionality of the front-end. A detailed description of the system has been discussed in this paper and supported by simulations and measurement results. A prototype has been fabricated using discrete components and tested with a real transducer (Murata MA40S4) and a Butterworth Van Dyke (BvD) load, which has proved to be proved to be a well approximated model for resonant sensors. The bidirectional amplifier has been implemented with the integrated circuit CD4007UB, which is a commercial discrete component containing low leakage MOSFET. The values chosen for the BvD load are R b = 330 Ω , L m = 60 mH, C s = 450 pF, C E = 2 . 2 nF, which are approximately the same values of the lumped parameters reported in the data-sheet of the real sensor. This transducer is characterized by a nominal resonant frequency of 40 kHz. Measurement results show good fitting with the models developed in this work and the possibility to predict the sensor response by using the BvD load.
Study and Analysis of an Intelligent Microgrid Energy Management Solution with Distributed Energy Sources
Authors: Ganesan Swaminathan , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Varadarajan Ramesh , Subramaniam Umashankar , Mihet-Popa Lucian
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a robust energy management solution which will facilitate the optimum and economic control of energy flows throughout a microgrid network is proposed. The increased penetration of renewable energy sources is highly intermittent in nature; the proposed solution demonstrates highly efficient energy management. This study enables precise management of power flows by forecasting of renewable energy generation, estimating the availability of energy at storage batteries, and invoking the appropriate mode of operation, based on the load demand to achieve efficient and economic operation. The predefined mode of operation is derived out of an expert rule set and schedules the load and distributed energy sources along with utility grid.
Hierarchical Distributed Motion Control for Multiple Linear Switched Reluctance Machines
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yuan Jianping , Luo Jianjun , Wu Xiaoyu , Qiu Li , Pan J.F.
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates a distributed, coordinated motion control network based on multiple direct-drive, linear switched reluctance machines (LSRMs). A hierarchical, two-level synchronization control strategy is proposed for the four LSRMs based motion control network. The high-level, reference signals agreement algorithm is first employed to correct the asynchronous behaviors of the position commands. Then, the low-level tracking synchronization method is applied for the collaborative position control of the four LSRMs. The proposed two-level, fault-tolerant control strategy eliminates the asynchrony of the reference signals and it also guarantees the coordinated tracking control performance of the four LSRMs. Experimental results demonstrate that effective coordinated tracking control can be ensured, based on the successful agreement of reference signals and an absolute tracking error falling within 2 mm can be achieved.
Design and Numerical Simulations of a Flow Induced Vibration Energy Converter for Underwater Mooring Platforms
Authors: Tian Wenlong , Mao Zhaoyong , Zhao Fuliang
Published: September 2017

Limited battery energy restricts the duration of the underwater operation of underwater mooring platforms (UMPs). In this paper, a flow-induced vibration energy converter (FIVEC) is designed to produce power for the UMPs and extend their operational time. The FIVEC is equipped with a thin plate to capture the kinetic energy in the vortices shed from the surface of the UMP. A magnetic coupling (MC) is applied for the non-contacting transmission of the plate torque to the generators so that the friction loss can be minimized. In order to quantify and evaluate the performance of the FIVEC, two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed. Simulations are based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and the shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulent model is utilized. The CFD method is firstly validated using existing experimental data. Then the influences of plate length and system damping on the performance of the FIVEC are evaluated. The results show that the device has a maximum averaged power coefficient of 0.0520 (13.86 W) in the considered situations. The results also demonstrate the feasibility of this energy converter plan.
Investigating the Plasma-Assisted and Thermal Catalytic Dry Methane Reforming for Syngas Production: Process Design, Simulation and Evaluation
Authors: Delikonstantis Evangelos , Scapinello Marco , Stefanidis Georgios
Published: September 2017

The growing surplus of green electricity generated by renewable energy technologies has fueled research towards chemical industry electrification. By adapting power-to-chemical concepts, such as plasma-assisted processes, cheap resources could be converted into fuels and base chemicals. However, the feasibility of those electrified processes at large scale has not been investigated yet. Thus, the current work strives to compare, for first time in the literature, plasma-assisted production of syngas, from CH4 and CO2 (dry methane reforming), with thermal catalytic dry methane reforming. Specifically, both processes are conceptually designed to deliver syngas suitable for methanol synthesis (H2/CO ≥ 2 in mole). The processes are simulated in the Aspen Plus process simulator where different process steps are investigated. Heat integration and equipment cost estimation are performed for the most promising process flow diagrams. Collectively, plasma-assisted dry methane reforming integrated with combined steam/CO2 methane reforming is an effective way to deliver syngas for methanol production. It is more sustainable than combined thermal catalytic dry methane reforming with steam methane reforming, which has also been proposed for syngas production of H2/CO ≥ 2; in the former process, 40% more CO2 is captured, while 38% less H2O is consumed per mol of syngas. Furthermore, the plasma-assisted process is less complex than the thermal catalytic one; it requires higher amount of utilities, but comparable capital investment.
Modeling a Hybrid Microgrid Using Probabilistic Reconfiguration under System Uncertainties
Authors: Moradi Hadis , Esfahanian Mahdi , Abtahi Amir , Zilouchian Ali
Published: September 2017

A novel method for a day-ahead optimal operation of a hybrid microgrid system including fuel cells, photovoltaic arrays, a microturbine, and battery energy storage in order to fulfill the required load demand is presented in this paper. In the proposed system, the microgrid has access to the main utility grid in order to exchange power when required. Available municipal waste is utilized to produce the hydrogen required for running the fuel cells, and natural gas will be used as the backup source. In the proposed method, an energy scheduling is introduced to optimize the generating unit power outputs for the next day, as well as the power flow with the main grid, in order to minimize the operational costs and produced greenhouse gases emissions. The nature of renewable energies and electric power consumption is both intermittent and unpredictable, and the uncertainty related to the PV array power generation and power consumption has been considered in the next-day energy scheduling. In order to model uncertainties, some scenarios are produced according to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, and microgrid optimal energy scheduling is analyzed under the generated scenarios. In addition, various scenarios created by MC simulations are applied in order to solve unit commitment (UC) problems. The microgrid’s day-ahead operation and emission costs are considered as the objective functions, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to solve the optimization problem. Overall, the proposed model is capable of minimizing the system costs, as well as the unfavorable influence of uncertainties on the microgrid’s profit, by generating different scenarios.
A Blended SPS-ESPS Control DAB-IBDC Converter for a Standalone Solar Power System
Authors: Sathishkumar P. , Himanshu  , Piao Shengxu , Khan Muhammad , Kim Do-Hyun , Kim Min-Soo , Jeong Dong-Keun , Lee Cheewoo , Kim Hee-Je
Published: September 2017

In sustainable energy applications, standalone solar power systems are mostly preferred for self-powered energy zones. In all standalone renewable power systems, batteries are still preferred as the common energy storage device. On the other hand, batteries are not applicable for high peak power demand applications because of their low power density. A supercapacitor is a preferable high-power density energy storage device for high peak power applications. A 2 kW, 50 kHz digital control dual active bridge isolated bi-directional dc-dc converter (DAB-IBDC) was developed for interfacing the supercapacitor bank in standalone solar power system. This paper proposes a blended SPS-ESPS digital control algorithm for a DAB-IBDC converter instead of using a traditional single-phase shift (SPS) control algorithm, which is commonly used for large input to output voltage varying applications. This proposed blended SPS-ESPS control algorithm achieved high power conversion efficiency during a large input to output voltage variation, over a traditional phase shift control algorithm by reducing the back-power flow and current stress in a circuit. This system also achieved maximum power point for solar modules and enhanced rapid charging-discharging for a supercapacitor bank. Both SPS and the blended SPS-ESPS control algorithms were verified experimentally using 2 kW DAB-IBDC topology implemented with standalone power system that combination of 2000 W input solar module and 158 Wh supercapacitor bank.
Experimental Model Development of Oxygen-Enriched Combustion Kinetics on Porous Coal Char and Non-Porous Graphite
Authors: Kim Gyeong-Min , Kim Jong-Pil , Lisandy Kevin , Jeon Chung-Hwan
Published: September 2017

The effect of oxygen-enriched air on low-rank coal char combustion was experimentally investigated. In this work, a coal-heating reactor equipped with a platinum wire mesh in the reaction chamber was used to analyze the combustion temperature, reaction time, and reaction kinetics. Increasing the oxygen content of the primary combustion air increased the combustion temperature and decreased the reaction time. As the oxygen content increased from 21% to 30%, the average temperature increased by 47.72 K at a setup temperature of 1673 K, and the reaction time decreased by 30.22% at the same temperature. The graphite sample exhibited similar trends in temperature and reaction time, although the degree of change was smaller because the pores produced during char devolatilization expanded the active surface available for oxidation of the char sample. A mathematical model was used to define the intrinsic kinetics of the reaction. As the oxygen content increased from 21% to 30%, the reaction rate of the low-rank coal char increased. These results were also compared with those of the graphite sample.
Geostatistical Three-Dimensional Modeling of a Tight Gas Reservoir: A Case Study of Block S6 of the Sulige Gas Field, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Jinliang , Liu Longlong , Wang Ruoshan
Published: September 2017

In this study, three-dimensional (3-D) geostatistical models were constructed to quantify distributions of sandstone and mudstone. We propose a new method that employs weight coefficients to balance the sandstone and mudstone data from irregular well patterns during stochastic modeling. This new method begins with classifying well groups according to well distribution patterns; areas with similar well distribution patterns are classified within the same zone. Then, the distributions of sandstone and mudstone for each zone are simulated separately using the sequential indicator simulation (SIS) method, and the relevant variogram parameters for each zone are computed. In this paper, we used block S6 of the Sulige Gas Field in Ordos Basin in China as a case study. We evaluated the quality of each set of parameters through the vacuation checking method; certain wells were removed to generate equiprobable realizations using different seed numbers. Subsequently, the variogram parameters for the entire S6 area were obtained by assigning different weight coefficients to the parameters of each zone. Finally, a quality assessment of the sandstone and mudstone models of the S6 area was conducted using the horizontal wells, which were not involved in the stochastic modeling process. The results show that these variogram parameters, which were calculated using weight coefficients, are reliable.
Revisiting Wildland Fire Fuel Quantification Methods: The Challenge of Understanding a Dynamic, Biotic Entity
Authors: Duff Thomas , Keane Robert , Penman Trent , Tolhurst Kevin
Published: September 2017

Wildland fires are a function of properties of the fuels that sustain them. These fuels are themselves a function of vegetation, and share the complexity and dynamics of natural systems. Worldwide, the requirement for solutions to the threat of fire to human values has resulted in the development of systems for predicting fire behaviour. To date, regional differences in vegetation and independent fire model development has resulted a variety of approaches being used to describe, measure and map fuels. As a result, widely different systems have been adopted, resulting in incompatibilities that pose challenges to applying research findings and fire models outside their development domains. As combustion is a fundamental process, the same relationships between fuel and fire behaviour occur universally. Consequently, there is potential for developing novel fuel assessment methods that are more broadly applicable and allow fire research to be leveraged worldwide. Such a movement would require broad cooperation between researchers and would most likely necessitate a focus on universal properties of fuel. However, to truly understand fuel dynamics, the complex biotic nature of fuel would also need to remain a consideration—particularly when looking to understand the effects of altered fire regimes or changing climate.
Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.): Genome Structure and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kaila Tanvi , Chaduvla Pavan , Rawal Hukam , Saxena Swati , Tyagi Anshika , Mithra S. , Solanke Amolkumar , Kalia Pritam , Sharma T. , Singh N. , Gaikwad Kishor
Published: September 2017

Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), also known as guar, belongs to the family Leguminosae, and is an annual herbaceous legume. Guar is the main source of galactomannan for gas mining industries. In the present study, the draft chloroplast genome of clusterbean was generated and compared to some of the previously reported legume chloroplast genomes. The chloroplast genome of clusterbean is 152,530 bp in length, with a quadripartite structure consisting of large single copy (LSC) and small single copy (SSC) of 83,025 bp and 17,879 bp in size, respectively, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,790 bp in size. The chloroplast genome contains 114 unique genes, which includes 78 protein coding genes, 30 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs genes, and 2 pseudogenes. It also harbors a 50 kb inversion, typical of the Leguminosae family. The IR region of the clusterbean chloroplast genome has undergone an expansion, and hence, the whole rps19 gene is included in the IR, as compared to other legume plastid genomes. A total of 220 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected in the clusterbean plastid genome. The analysis of the clusterbean plastid genome will provide useful insights for evolutionary, molecular and genetic engineering studies.
Effects of Cellular Methylation on Transgene Expression and Site-Specific Integration of Adeno-Associated Virus
Authors: Chanda Diptiman , Hensel Jonathan , Higgs Jerome , Grover Rajat , Kaza Niroop , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan
Published: September 2017

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic event that affects not only cellular gene expression but that also has the potential to influence bacterial and viral DNA in their host-dependent functions. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome contains a high degree of CpG sequences capable of methylation in its terminal repeat sequences, which are the sole elements retained in AAV-based vectors used in gene therapy. The present study determined the influence of methylation status of the host cell on wild type (wt) AAV integration and recombinant (r) AAV transgene expression in HeLa cells. Results of the study indicated that hypo-methylation significantly enhanced both wtAAV chromosomal integration and transgene expression of rAAV. A direct influence of methylation on AAV integration was further confirmed by methylating the AAVS1 integration sites prior to viral infection with DNA trans-complementation assay. These results signify the importance of epigenetic status of target cells as one of the key factors in long-term transgene expression in AAV gene therapy.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Biosynthesis and Deactivation of Gibberellin-Dioxygenases Gene Family in Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze
Authors: Pan Cheng , Tian Kunhong , Ban Qiuyan , Wang Leigang , Sun Qilu , He Yan , Yang Yuanfei , Pan Yuting , Li Yeyun , Jiang Jiayue , Jiang Changjun
Published: September 2017

Gibberellins (GAs), a class of diterpenoid phytohormones, play a key role in regulating diverse processes throughout the life cycle of plants. Bioactive GA levels are rapidly regulated by Gibberellin-dioxygenases (GAox), which are involved in the biosynthesis and deactivation of gibberellin. In this manuscript, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis was carried out to find all GAox in Camellia sinensis. For the first time in a tea plant, 14 CsGAox genes, containing two domains, DIOX_N (PF14226) and 2OG-FeII_Oxy, were identified (PF03171). These genes all belong to 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODD), including four CsGA20ox (EC: 1.14.11.12), three CsGA3ox (EC: 1.14.11.15), and seven CsGA2ox (EC: 1.14.11.13). According to the phylogenetic classification as in Arabidopsis, the CsGAox genes spanned five subgroups. Each CsGAox shows tissue-specific expression patterns, although these vary greatly. Some candidate genes, which may play an important role in response to external abiotic stresses, have been identified with regards to patterns, such as CsGA20ox2, CsGA3ox2, CsGA3ox3, CsGA2ox1, CsGA2ox2, and CsGA2ox4. The bioactive GA levels may be closely related to the GA20ox, GA3ox and GA2ox genes. In addition, the candidate genes could be used as marker genes for abiotic stress resistance breeding in tea plants.
Monoclonal Antibodies in Preclinical EAE Models of Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schmitz Katja , Geisslinger Gerd , Tegeder Irmgard
Published: September 2017

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are promising therapeutics in multiple sclerosis and multiple new candidates have been developed, hence increasing the need for some agreement for preclinical mAb studies. We systematically analyzed publications of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) studies showing effects of monoclonal antibodies. A PubMed search retrieved 570 records, out of which 122 studies with 253 experiments were eligible based on experimental design, number of animals and presentation of time courses of EAE scores. Analysis of EAE models, treatment schedules, single and total doses, routes of administration, and onset of treatment from pre-immunization up to 35 days after immunization revealed high heterogeneity. Total doses ranged from 0.1 to 360 mg/kg for observation times of up to 35 days after immunization. About half of experiments (142/253) used total doses of 10–70 mg/kg. Employing this range, we tested anti-Itga4 as a reference mAb at varying schedules and got no, mild or substantial EAE-score reductions, depending on the mouse strain and onset of the treatment. The result agrees with the range of outcomes achieved in 10 reported anti-Itga4 experiments. Studies comparing low and high doses of various mAbs or early vs. late onset of treatment did not reveal dose-effect or timing-effect associations, with a tendency towards better outcomes with preventive treatments starting within the first week after immunization. The systematic comparison allows for extraction of some “common” design characteristics, which may be helpful to further assess the efficacy of mAbs and role of specific targets in preclinical models of multiple sclerosis.
Process and Pitfalls of Sperm Cryopreservation
Authors: Rozati Hamoun , Handley Thomas , Jayasena Channa
Published: September 2017

Sperm cryopreservation has been utilized routinely for over 40 years to preserve fertility in men undergoing cancer therapy and allow conception for infertile couples. This article provides a concise and up-to-date review of the literature and covers the latest advances in sperm cryopreservation and its array of clinical indications. Over recent years, the scope of clinical indications used for sperm cryopreservation has expanded widely. Consequently, more patient groups are eligible for sperm freezing, requiring specialist resources and higher running costs. Although sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer therapy is readily available in many countries, referral rates by oncology specialists and levels of patient engagement with cryopreservation services are both reported as low. Furthermore, sperm banking continues to raise ethical issues such whether sperm donation should be anonymous and whether sperm can be utilized posthumously by the surviving partner without consent from the patient. This review focuses on the technological advances and ethical controversies in sperm cryopreservation, and how better understanding of these issues could lead to improved access to fertility preserving treatment for patients.
Crystal Structure of Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-phosphine Oxide
Authors: Veinot Alex , Ramgoolam Ketnavi , Giffin Nick , Masuda Jason
Published: September 2017

The single crystal structure of bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phosphine oxide has been determined. All interatomic distances and angles can be considered normal. The aryl substituents adopt an intermediate configuration when compared to both sterically unhindered (e.g., diphenylphosphine oxide) and congested (e.g., bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)phosphine oxide) secondary phosphine oxides, illustrating the influence of steric congestion on the molecular structure.
Large Electrocaloric Effect in Lead-Free (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 Ceramics Prepared via Citrate Route
Authors: Shi Jing , Zhu Rongfeng , Liu Xing , Fang Bijun , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Luo Haosu
Published: September 2017

The 1 wt % Li-doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (BCZT-Li) ceramics prepared by the citrate method exhibit improved phase purity, densification and electrical properties, which provide prospective possibility to develop high-performance electrocaloric materials. The electrocaloric effect was evaluated by phenomenological method, and the BCZT-Li ceramics present large electrocaloric temperature change ∆T, especially large electrocaloric responsibility ξ = ∆Tmax/∆Emax, which can be comparable to the largest values reported in the lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. The excellent electrocaloric effect is considered as correlating with the coexistence of polymorphic ferroelectric phases, which are detected by the Raman spectroscopy. The large ξ value accompanied by decreased Curie temperature (around 73 °C) of the BCZT-Li ceramics prepared by the citrate method presents potential applications as the next-generation solid-state cooling devices.
On the Role of Processing Parameters in Producing Recycled Aluminum AA6061 Based Metal Matrix Composite (MMC-AlR) Prepared Using Hot Press Forging (HPF) Process
Authors: Ahmad Azlan , Lajis Mohd , Yusuf Nur
Published: September 2017

Solid-state recycling, which involves the direct recycling of scrap metal into bulk material using severe plastic deformation, has emerged as a potential alternative to the conventional remelting and recycling techniques. Hot press forging has been identified as a sustainable direct recycling technique that has fewer steps and maintains excellent material performance. An experimental investigation was conducted to explore the hardness and density of a recycled aluminum-based metal matrix composite by varying operating temperature and holding time. A mixture of recycled aluminum, AA6061, and aluminum oxide were simultaneously heated to 430, 480, and 530 °C and forged for 60, 90, and 120 min. We found a positive increase in microhardness and density for all composites. The hardness increased approximately 33.85%, while density improved by about 15.25% whenever the temperature or the holding time were increased. Based on qualitative analysis, the composite endures substantial plastic deformation due to the presence of hardness properties due to the aluminum oxide embedded in the aluminum matrix. These increases were significantly affected by the operating temperature; the holding time also had a subordinate role in enhancing the metal matrix composite properties. Furthermore, in an effort to curb the shortage of primary resources, this study reviewed the promising performance of secondary resources produced by using recycled aluminum and aluminum oxide as the base matrix and reinforcement constituent, respectively. This study is an outline for machining practitioners and the manufacturing industry to help increase industry sustainability with the aim of preserving the Earth for our community in the future.
3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Enhances the Level of Reduced Glutathione via the Nrf2-Mediated Pathway in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Ki , Hyun Yu , Hewage Susara Ruwan , Piao Mei , Kang Kyoung , Kang Hee , Koh Young , Ahn Mee , Hyun Jin
Published: September 2017

A natural bromophenol found in seaweeds, 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB), has been shown to possess antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which BDB protects skin cells subjected to oxidative stress. The effect of BDB on the protein and mRNA levels of glutathione-related enzymes and the cell survival of human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) was investigated. BDB treatment increased the protein and mRNA levels of glutathione synthesizing enzymes and enhanced the production of reduced glutathione in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, BDB activated NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and promoted its localization into the nucleus by phosphorylating its up-stream signaling proteins, extracellular signal–regulated kinase and protein kinase B. Thus, BDB increased the production of reduced glutathione and established cellular protection against oxidative stress via an Nrf2-mediated pathway.
Nematicidal Activity of 3-Acyltetramic Acid Analogues Against Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Lee Hyo-Rim , Lee Sung-Chan , Lee Ji-Eun , Seo Seon-Mi , Jeong Yong-Chul , Jung Chan-Sik , Moloney Mark , Park Il-Kwon
Published: September 2017

Among 98 3-acyltetramic acid analogues, compounds 1c, 2c, 2f and 2g, showed >90% nematicidal activity against the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus at a 10 μg/mL concentration. The nematicidal activities of compounds 1d, 1h, and 2k were a little lower at 88.0%, 85.8%, and 57.2% at a 10 μg/mL concentration, respectively. The nematicidal activity of emamection benzoate, widely used in Korea for the prevention of pine wilt disease, was 32.3% at a 10 μg/mL concentration. Other 3-acyltetramic acid analogues showed less than 30% nematicidal activity. A structure-activity relationship study indicated that the chain length of the C-acyl substituent was very important for high nematicidal activity. All active compounds had C13H27 or C11H23 acyl substituents, in two closely related groups with the common physicochemical properties of a polar surface area 57.6A2, PSA (polar surface area) 7.8–8.6% and ClogP (calculated partition coefficient) 5.1–5.9 and a polar surface area 75–84A2, PSA 11.1–11.6% and ClogP 4.7–5.1, respectively. Our study indicates that active 3-acyltetramic acid analogues could have potential as lead compounds for developing novel pine wood nematode control agents.
Studying the Structural Significance of Galectin Design by Playing a Modular Puzzle: Homodimer Generation from Human Tandem-Repeat-Type (Heterodimeric) Galectin-8 by Domain Shuffling
Authors: Ludwig Anna-Kristin , Michalak Malwina , Shilova Nadya , André Sabine , Kaltner Herbert , Bovin Nicolai , Kopitz Jürgen , Gabius Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2017

Tissue lectins are emerging (patho)physiological effectors with broad significance. The capacity of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins to form functional complexes with distinct cellular glycoconjugates is based on molecular selection of matching partners. Engineering of variants by changing the topological display of carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) provides tools to understand the inherent specificity of the functional pairing. We here illustrate its practical implementation in the case of human tandem-repeat-type galectin-8 (Gal-8). It is termed Gal-8 (NC) due to presence of two different CRDs at the N- and C-terminal positions. Gal-8N exhibits exceptionally high affinity for 3′-sialylated/sulfated β-galactosides. This protein is turned into a new homodimer, i.e., Gal-8 (NN), by engineering. The product maintained activity for lactose-inhibitable binding of glycans and glycoproteins. Preferential association with 3′-sialylated/sulfated (and 6-sulfated) β-galactosides was seen by glycan-array analysis when compared to the wild-type protein, which also strongly bound to ABH-type epitopes. Agglutination of erythrocytes documented functional bivalency. This result substantiates the potential for comparative functional studies between the variant and natural Gal-8 (NC)/Gal-8N.
Two-Sided Surface Oxidized Cellulose Membranes Modified with PEI: Preparation, Characterization and Application for Dyes Removal
Authors: Wang Wei , Bai Qian , Liang Tao , Bai Huiyu , Liu Xiaoya
Published: September 2017

Porous regenerated cellulose (RC) membranes were prepared with cotton linter pulp as a raw material. These membranes were first oxidized on both sides by a modified (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation system using a controlled oxidation reaction technique. Then, the oxidized RC membranes were functionalized with polyethylenimine (PEI) via the glutaraldehyde crosslinking method to obtain bifunctional (carboxyl and amino) porous RC membranes, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis and zeta potential measurement. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the tests of the mechanical properties and permeability characteristics of modified RC membranes demonstrated that the porous structure and certain mechanical properties could be retained. The adsorption performance of the modified membranes towards dyes was subsequently investigated. The modified membranes displayed good adsorption capacities, rapid adsorption equilibrium and removal efficiencies towards both anionic (xylenol orange (XO)) and cationic (methylene blue (MB)) dyes, making them suitable bioadsorbents for wastewater treatment.
A Wearable and Wireless Gas-Sensing System Using Flexible Polymer/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Films
Authors: Chiou Jin-Chern , Wu Chin-Cheng
Published: September 2017

In this study, an integrated flexible gas sensor was developed based on a polymer/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite film by using Bluetooth wireless communication/interface technology. Polymer/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite films were deposited over a polyimide flexible substrate for building a gas sensor array by using a drop-casting method. Sensor response was acquired through interdigitated electrodes and multi-channel sensor boards, which were linked to a Bluetooth wireless transceiver. Additionally, a double-spiral-shaped heater was built into the backside of the gas sensor array as a thermostat to protect it from the influence of ambient temperature. Multi-channel sensing responses were read on a display screen via a smartphone application (app). The advantages of this system include light weight, low cost, highly integrated sensors, wireless telecommunication, and real-time functioning. Thus, it is a promising candidate for deployment in a wearable gas-sensing system used to study air pollution.