bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bending Behavior of a Wrought Magnesium Alloy Investigated by the In Situ Pinhole Neutron Diffraction Method
Authors: Wu Wei , Stoica Alexandru D. , Yu Dunji , Frost Matthew J. , Skorpenske Harley D. , An Ke
Published: August 2018

The tensile twinning and detwinning behaviors of a wrought magnesium alloy have been investigated during in situ four-point bending using the state-of-the-art high spatial resolution pinhole neutron diffraction (PIND) method. The PIND method allowed us to resolve the tensile twinning/detwinning and lattice strain distributions across the bending sample during a loading-unloading sequence with a 0.5 mm step size. It was found that the extensive tensile twinning and detwinning occurred near the compression surface, while no tensile twinning behavior was observed in the middle layer and tension side of the bending sample. During the bending, the neutral plane shifted from the compression side to the tension side. Compared with the traditional neutron diffraction mapping method, the PIND method provides more detailed information inside the bending sample due to a higher spatial resolution.
The Potential of Drones and Sensors to Enhance Detection of Archaeological Cropmarks: A Comparative Study Between Multi-Spectral and Thermal Imagery
Authors: Agudo Paula Uribe , Pajas Jorge Angás , Pérez-Cabello Fernando , Redón Jaime Vicente , Lebrón Beatriz Ezquerra
Published: August 2018

This paper presents experimentation carried out at the Roman Republican city of La Caridad (Teruel, Spain), where different tools have been applied to obtain multispectral and thermal aerial images to enhance detection of archaeological cropmarks. Two different drone systems were used: a Mikrokopter designed by Tecnitop SA (Zaragoza, Spain) and an eBee produced by SenseFly Company (Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland). Thus, in this study, we have combined in-house manufacturing with commercial products. Six drone sensors were tested and compared in terms of their ability to identify buried remains in archaeological settlements by means of visual recognition. The sensors have different spectral ranges and spatial resolutions. This paper compares the images captured with different spectral range sensors to test the potential of this technology for archaeological benefits. The method used for the comparison of the tools has been based on direct visual inspection, as in traditional aerial archaeology. Through interpretation of the resulting data, our aim has been to determine which drones and sensors obtained the best results in the visualization of archaeological cropmarks. The experiment in La Caridad therefore demonstrates the benefit of using drones with different sensors to monitor archaeological cropmarks for a more cost-effective assessment, best spatial resolution and digital recording of buried archaeological remains.
Intelligent Control for Unmanned Aerial Systems with System Uncertainties and Disturbances Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Jafari Mohammad , Xu Hao
Published: August 2018

Stabilizing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) under complex environment including system uncertainties, unknown noise and/or disturbance is so challenging. Therefore, this paper proposes an adaptive neural network based intelligent control method to overcome these challenges. Based on a class of artificial neural network, named Radial Basis Function (RBF) networks an adaptive neural network controller is designed. To handle the unknown dynamics and uncertainties in the system, firstly, we develop a neural network based identifier. Then, a neural network based controller is generated based on both the identified model of the system and the linear or nonlinear controller. To ensure the stability of the system during its online training phase, the linear or nonlinear controller is utilized. The learning capability of the proposed intelligent controller makes it a promising approach to take system uncertainties, noises and/or disturbances into account. The satisfactory performance of the proposed intelligent controller is validated based on the computer based simulation results of a benchmark UAS with system uncertainties and disturbances, such as wind gusts disturbance.
An Evaluation of the Functioning of Cooling Systems in the Polish Coal Mine Industry
Authors: Szlązak Nikodem , Obracaj Dariusz , Swolkień Justyna
Published: August 2018

Underground excavations in which an airflow is present are affected by both natural and technological sources of heat. As a result, the air flowing through the mine excavations is characterised by high temperatures, which—combined with high humidity—causes microclimatic conditions to deteriorate. Bad microclimatic conditions affect miners underground, causing a reduction of perception, concentration, attention, and perceptiveness. This negative influence of temperature and humidity on the human body is referred to as the climatic hazard. For this reason, the design of ventilation and air conditioning systems to be implemented in underground mining plants is an issue of increasing significance. This article investigates the performance of cooling systems in the Polish hard-coal mining industry. Based on the conducted research on air-cooling installations in six hard-coal mines, the actual efficiency of air-cooling is presented. The calculated values of cooling power were compared with the design intent. The obtained results have allowed identifying with greater precision the factors that diminish the efficiency of cooling systems in the mining plants under analysis. These factors may be treated on equal terms with key performance indicators (KPIs), which can be used to monitor the performance of cooling system components and to provide managers with high-level indicators on which decisions can be based.
Experimental Study on Sensitivity of Porosity to Pressure and Particle Size in Loose Coal Media
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Zhang Nong , Pan Dongjiang , Qian Deyu , An Yanpei , Yuan Yuxin , Xiang Zhe , Wang Yang
Published: August 2018

A new experimental method for characterizing the porosity of loose media subjected to overburden pressure is proposed based on the functional relationships between porosity, true density, and bulk density. This method is used to test the total porosity of loose coal particles from the Guobei coal mine in Huaibei mining area, China, in terms of the influence of pressure and particle size on total porosity. The results indicate that the total porosity of loose coal under 20 MPa in situ stress is about 10.22%. The total porosity and pressure obey an attenuated exponential function, while the total porosity and particle size obey a power function. The total porosity of the loose coal is greatly reduced and the sensitivity is high with increased pressure when stress levels are low (shallow burial conditions). However, total porosity is less sensitive to pressure at higher stress when burial conditions are deep. The effect of particle size on the total porosity reduction rate in loose coal is not significant, regardless of low- or high-pressure conditions; i.e., the sensitivity is low. The total porosity remains virtually unchanged as particle size changes when pressure exceeds 20 MPa. Overall, the sensitivity of total porosity to pressure is found to be significantly higher than sensitivity to particle size.
A Modified Firefly Algorithm with Rapid Response Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Systems under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Huang Yu-Pei , Ye Cheng-En , Chen Xiang
Published: August 2018

A rapid response optimization technique for photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) under partial shading conditions (PSCs) is proposed in this study. To improve the solar MPPT tracking speed for rapidly-changing environmental conditions and to prevent the conventional firefly algorithm (FA) from becoming trapped at the local peaks and oscillations during the search process, a novel fusion algorithm, named the modified firefly algorithm (MFA), is proposed. The MFA integrates and modifies the processes of two algorithms, namely the firefly algorithm with neighborhood attraction (NaFA) and simplified firefly algorithm (SFA). A modified attraction process for the NaFA is used in the first iteration to avoid trapping at local maximum power points (LMPPs). In addition, in order to improve the convergence speed, the attractiveness factor of the attraction process is designed to be related to the power and position difference of the fireflies. Furthermore, the number of fireflies is designed to decrease in proportion with the iterations in the modified SFA process. Results from both the simulations and evaluations verify that the proposed algorithm offers rapid response with high accuracy and efficiency when encountering PSCs. In addition, the MFA can avoid becoming trapped at LMPPs and ease the oscillations during the search process. Consequently, the proposed method could be considered to be one of the most promising substitutes for existing approaches. In addition, the proposed method is adaptable to different types of solar panels and different system formats with specifically designed parameters.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Biosolids from Waste Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Bhatt Dhananjay , Shrestha Ankita , Dahal Raj Kumar , Acharya Bishnu , Basu Prabir , MacEwen Richard
Published: August 2018

The high moisture content of biosolid from a wastewater treatment plant limits its use for agriculture and energy applications. This limitation could be obviated by hydrothermal carbonization, which requires less energy compared to other thermochemical treatment processes, and results in stabilized solid hydrochar product. The present study examined this option by hydrothermally treating the biosolid at three temperatures (180, 200 and 220 °C) for 30 min, and at 200 °C for 15, 30 and 60 min. An increase of 50% in the heating value of the biosolid was obtained after this carbonization. A reduction in the nitrogen concentration in hydrochar was noted with an increase in phosphorus concentration, but potassium concentration remained largely unchanged. Additionally, the carbon to nitrogen ratio in the hydrochar product was higher than the biosolid that makes it suitable for agriculture applications. The chemical oxygen demand of the process water was in the range of 83,000 to 96,000 mg/L. The study thus provides insight into high-value products that can be generated by the hydrothermal carbonization of biosolids.
Historical Evolution of the Wave Resource and Energy Production off the Chilean Coast over the 20th Century
Authors: Ulazia Alain , Penalba Markel , Rabanal Arkaitz , Ibarra-Berastegi Gabriel , Ringwood John , Sáenz Jon
Published: August 2018

The wave energy resource in the Chilean coast shows particularly profitable characteristics for wave energy production, with relatively high mean wave power and low inter-annual resource variability. This combination is as interesting as unusual, since high energetic locations are usually also highly variable, such as the west coast of Ireland. Long-term wave resource variations are also an important aspect when designing wave energy converters (WECs), which are often neglected in resource assessment. The present paper studies the long-term resource variability of the Chilean coast, dividing the 20th century into five do-decades and analysing the variations between the different do-decades. To that end, the ERA20C reanalysis of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is calibrated versus the ERA-Interim reanalysis and validated against buoy measurements collected in different points of the Chilean coast. Historical resource variations off the Chilean coast are compared to resource variations off the west coast in Ireland, showing a significantly more consistent wave resource. In addition, the impact of historical wave resource variations on a realistic WEC, similar to the Corpower device, is studied, comparing the results to those obtained off the west coast of Ireland. The annual power production off the Chilean coast is demonstrated to be remarkably more regular over the 20th century, with variations of just 1% between the different do-decades.
Structure, Diversity, and Carbon Stocks of the Tree Community of Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Nero Bertrand Festus , Callo-Concha Daniel , Denich Manfred
Published: August 2018

Urban forestry has the potential to address many urban environmental and sustainability challenges. Yet in Africa, urban forest characterization and its potential to contribute to human wellbeing are often neglected or restrained. This paper describes the structure, diversity, and composition of an urban forest and its potential to store carbon as a means of climate change mitigation and adaptation in Kumasi. The vegetation inventory included a survey of 470,100-m2 plots based on a stratified random sampling technique and six streets ranging from 50 m to 1 km. A total of 3757 trees, comprising 176 species and 46 families, were enumerated. Tree abundance and species richness were left skewed and unimodally distributed based on diameter at breast height (DBH). Trees in the diameter classes >60 cm together had the lowest species richness (17%) and abundance (9%), yet contributed more than 50% of the total carbon stored in trees within the city. Overall, about 1.2 million tonnes of carbon is captured in aboveground components of trees in Kumasi, with a mean of 228 t C ha−1. Tree density, DBH, height, basal area, aboveground carbon storage, and species richness were significantly different among green spaces (p < 0.05). The diversity was also significantly different among urban zones (p < 0.0005). The DBH distribution of trees followed a modified reverse J-shaped model. The urban forest structure and composition is quite unique. The practice of urban forestry has the potential to conserve biological diversity and combat climate change. The introduction of policies and actions to support the expansion of urban forest cover and diversity is widely encouraged.
Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Standardized Photosynthetic Parameters under Different Environmental Conditions for Young Planted Larix olgensis Henry Trees
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Fengri
Published: August 2018

Understanding the spatial and seasonal variations in leaf physiology is critical for accurately modeling the carbon uptake, physiological processes and growth of entire canopies and stands. For a 17-year-old Larix olgensis Henry plantation, vertical whorl-by-whorl sampling and analyses of seasonally repeated measurements of major photosynthetic parameters were conducted, and the correlations between photosynthetic parameters and environmental conditions, leaf morphological traits and spatial position within the crown were analyzed. According to the correlations, the photosynthetic parameters were standardized based on the environmental conditions to avoid the influence of the changing environment on the patterns of spatial and seasonal variations of photosynthetic parameters. The results showed that the standardized light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (SPmax), standardized dark respiration (SRd) and standardized stomatal conductance under saturated light (Sgs-sat) were all negatively related to the relative depth into the crown (RDINC) throughout the growing season. However, their vertical patterns were different during the development of the phenological phase. In addition, different gradients of environmental conditions also influenced the values and the range of the vertical variation in photosynthesis. High temperature and low humidity usually resulted in smaller values and weaker vertical variations of SPmax and Sgs-sat, but larger values and more obvious vertical variations in SRd. SPmax and Sgs-sat usually exhibited a parabolic seasonal pattern in different vertical positions within the crown; however, SRd generally followed a concave pattern. These seasonal patterns were all weaker with increasing RDINC. Different environments also exhibited a significant influence on the seasonal patterns of photosynthesis. We suggested that standardization is necessary before analyzing spatial and seasonal variations. A single environmental condition could not represent the spatial and seasonal patterns under all gradients of the environment. Spatial and seasonal variations should be simultaneously analyzed because they are related to each other.
Drought Sensitiveness on Forest Growth in Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands
Authors: Peña-Gallardo Marina , Vicente-Serrano Sergio M. , Camarero J. Julio , Gazol Antonio , Sánchez-Salguero Raúl , Domínguez-Castro Fernando , El Kenawy Ahmed , Beguería-Portugés Santiago , Gutiérrez Emilia , De Luis Martin , Sangüesa-Barreda Gabriel , Novak Klemen , Rozas Vicente , Tíscar Pedro A. , Linares Juan C. , Martínez del Castillo Edurne , Ribas Matamoros Montserrat , García-González Ignacio , Silla Fernando , Camisón Álvaro , Génova Mar , Olano José M. , Longares Luis A. , Hevia Andrea , Galván J. Diego
Published: August 2018

Drought is one of the key natural hazards impacting net primary production and tree growth in forest ecosystems. Nonetheless, tree species show different responses to drought events, which make it difficult to adopt fixed tools for monitoring drought impacts under contrasting environmental and climatic conditions. In this study, we assess the response of forest growth and a satellite proxy of the net primary production (NPP) to drought in peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands, a region characterized by complex climatological, topographical, and environmental characteristics. Herein, we employed three different indicators based on in situ measurements and satellite image-derived vegetation information (i.e., tree-ring width, maximum annual greenness, and an indicator of NPP). We used seven different climate drought indices to assess drought impacts on the tree variables analyzed. The selected drought indices include four versions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI, Palmer Hydrological Drought Index (PHDI), Z-index, and Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI)) and three multi-scalar indices (Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and Standardized Precipitation Drought Index (SPDI)). Our results suggest that—irrespective of drought index and tree species—tree-ring width shows a stronger response to interannual variability of drought, compared to the greenness and the NPP. In comparison to other drought indices (e.g., PDSI), and our results demonstrate that multi-scalar drought indices (e.g., SPI, SPEI) are more advantageous in monitoring drought impacts on tree-ring growth, maximum greenness, and NPP. This finding suggests that multi-scalar indices are more appropriate for monitoring and modelling forest drought in peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Effects of Pitch-Based Short Carbon Fibers on the Workability, Unit Weight, and Air Content of Mortar Composite
Authors: Safiuddin Md. , Abdel-Sayed George , Hearn Nataliya
Published: August 2018

Pitch is a viscoelastic polymer material consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons. It is used to produce carbon fibers with sheet-like crystal structures. The aim of the work presented in this paper was to evaluate the effects of pitch-based short carbon fibers on the workability, unit weight, and air content of freshly mixed mortar composite. Experimental investigation was carried out on five different types of mortar composite, including a control mortar. Four mortar composites were prepared including pitch-based short carbon fibers with 1–4% volume contents. The fresh mortar composites were tested to determine their slump, inverted slump cone flow (flow time, mass flow, and volume flow), unit weight, and air content. In addition, the correlation between the slump and flow time of various mortar composites was determined. It was found that the slump decreased with the increasing volume content of carbon fibers. The flow time of mortar composite increased, and therefore its mass flow and volume flow decreased with a greater volume content of carbon fibers. The slump was strongly correlated with the flow time, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9782. Furthermore, the unit weight of the fresh mortar composite decreased due to the incorporation of carbon fibers. However, amongst the different carbon fiber reinforced mortar composites, the mortar with 3% fiber volume content provided the highest unit weight. The air content results were consistent with the unit weight results. The change in air content of various mortar composites followed a trend reciprocal to that of unit weights. When the overall effects of carbon fibers were compared, it was observed that the fiber volume content higher than 3% resulted in a significantly low workability and provided a much lower unit weight with greater entrapped air content.
Evaluation of Nutritional and Technological Attributes of Whole Wheat Based Bread Fortified with Chia Flour
Authors: Sayed-Ahmad Bouchra , Talou Thierry , Straumite Evita , Sabovics Martins , Kruma Zanda , Saad Zeinab , Hijazi Akram , Merah Othmane
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of wheat bread fortification with varied levels (2%, 4%, and 6%) of chia seed powder (full fat) and cakes (defatted, residue after oil extraction). Chia flour was added to whole wheat bread rich in vital wheat gluten for the first time. The breadcrumbs were assessed for their antioxidant activity, nutritional content, textural properties, color, and sensory profiles. The addition of chia seed powder, particularly in high levels, was more effective in improving antioxidant activity compared to bread fortified with chia cakes. Bread supplementation with chia flour improves its nutritional value, especially in the case of chia cakes. A higher moisture content and lower hardness were observed after bread fortification, the influence was more evident with the defatted cake than with seed powder. Fortification with chia flour led to darker breads without significantly affecting their global acceptability. However, the fortified bread showed better values than control in terms of sensory profile. These results suggest that the addition of chia seed powder and defatted cake can enhance the overall whole wheat bread quality. Our results also highlight that bread making could be an unconventional alternative for the exploitation of defatted chia seed.
Relieving Tensions Related to the Dark Matter Interpretation of the Fermi-LAT Data
Authors: Chan Man Ho
Published: August 2018

Recently, many studies indicate that the GeV gamma ray excess signal from the central Milky Way can be best explained by ∼40–50 GeV dark matter annihilating via the b b ¯ channel. However, this model appears to be disfavored by the recent Fermi-LAT data for dwarf spheroidal galaxies and the constraint from synchrotron radiation. In this article, we describe a consistent picture to relieve the tensions between the dark matter annihilation model and the observations. We show that a baryonic feedback process is the key to alleviate the tensions and the ∼40–50 GeV dark matter model is still the best one to account for the GeV gamma ray excess in the Milky Way.
Mechanical Properties and Structures of Clay-Polyelectrolyte Blend Hydrogels
Authors: Takeno Hiroyuki , Nagai Shiori
Published: August 2018

Our recent studies have shown that the hydrogels prepared by blending clay, a dispersant of clay, and a polyelectrolyte (sodium polyacrylate (PAAS)) possess excellent mechanical properties. In order to clarify the mechanism of the toughness, we have so far investigated the effects of the composition, molecular mass of the polymer, and kinds of polymers on the mechanical properties. This study has focused upon the mechanical properties and structures of the clay/PAAS gels using three kinds of smectite clay minerals such as synthetic hectorite (laponite XLG), saponite (sumecton-SA), montmorillonite (kunipia-F), whose particle size becomes larger according to the sequence. Laponite/PAAS and sumecton/PAAS gels were quite tough for high compression, whereas kunipia-F/PAAS did not gelate. In comparison between sumecton/PAAS gel and laponite/PAAS gel, the mechanical property of the former gel was poorer than that of the latter gel due to the inhomogeneous distribution of clay platelets in the gel. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering experiments revealed that their clay platelets laid down in the stretching direction under elongation. Furthermore, it was found that sumecton/PAAS gel under elongation was arranged with an interparticle distance of ~6.3 nm in the direction perpendicular to the stretching. Such local ordering under elongation may originate in local aggregation of sumecton platelets in the original state without elongation.
FDHE-IW: A Fast Approach for Detecting High-Order Epistasis in Genome-Wide Case-Control Studies
Authors: Tuo Shouheng
Published: August 2018

Detecting high-order epistasis in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) is of importance when characterizing complex human diseases. However, the enormous numbers of possible single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) combinations and the diversity among diseases presents a significant computational challenge. Herein, a fast method for detecting high-order epistasis based on an interaction weight (FDHE-IW) method is evaluated in the detection of SNP combinations associated with disease. First, the symmetrical uncertainty (SU) value for each SNP is calculated. Then, the top-k SNPs are isolated as guiders to identify 2-way SNP combinations with significant interaction weight values. Next, a forward search is employed to detect high-order SNP combinations with significant interaction weight values as candidates. Finally, the findings were statistically evaluated using a G-test to isolate true positives. The developed algorithm was used to evaluate 12 simulated datasets and an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) dataset and was shown to perform robustly in the detection of some high-order disease-causing models.
A Quantitative Comparison of Exoplanet Catalogs
Authors: Bashi Dolev , Helled Ravit , Zucker Shay
Published: August 2018

In this study, we investigated the differences between four commonly-used exoplanet catalogs (exoplanet.eu; exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu; openexoplanetcatalogue.com; exoplanets.org) using a Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test. We found a relatively good agreement in terms of the planetary parameters (mass, radius, period) and stellar properties (mass, temperature, metallicity), although a more careful analysis of the overlap and unique parts of each catalog revealed some differences. We quantified the statistical impact of these differences and their potential cause. We concluded that although statistical studies are unlikely to be significantly affected by the choice of catalog, it would be desirable to have one consistent catalog accepted by the general exoplanet community as a base for exoplanet statistics and comparison with theoretical predictions.
Selenium, Mercury, and Their Molar Ratio in Sportfish from Drinking Water Reservoirs
Authors: Johnson Tara K. B. , LePrevost Catherine E. , Kwak Thomas J. , Cope W. Gregory
Published: August 2018

Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulates in aquatic ecosystems and may pose a risk to humans who consume fish. Selenium (Se) has the ability to reduce Hg toxicity, but the current guidance for human consumption of fish is based on Hg concentration alone. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between Se and Hg in freshwater sportfish, for which there is a paucity of existing data. We collected three species of fish from different trophic positions from two drinking water reservoirs in central North Carolina, USA, to assess Hg and Se concentrations in relation to fish total length and to compare two measures of the protective ability of Se, the Se:Hg molar ratio and Se health benefit value (HBVSe), to current guidance for Hg. According to the Se:Hg molar ratio, all of the low trophic position fish sampled and the middle trophic position fish sampled from one of the reservoirs were safe for consumption. The same number of fish were considered safe using the HBVSe. More fish were deemed unsafe when using the Se:Hg molar ratio and HBVSe than were considered unsafe when using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Hg threshold. These findings suggest that the measures of Se protection may be unnecessarily conservative or that the USEPA Hg threshold may not be sufficiently protective of human health, especially the health of sensitive populations like pregnant or nursing mothers and young children. Future examination of the Se:Hg molar ratio and HBVSe from a variety of fish tissue samples would help refine the accuracy of these measures so that they may be appropriately utilized in ecological and human health risk assessment.
Exploring the Influence of Built Environment on Car Ownership and Use with a Spatial Multilevel Model: A Case Study of Changchun, China
Authors: Wang Xiaoquan , Shao Chunfu , Yin Chaoying , Zhuge Chengxiang
Published: August 2018

Although the impacts of built environment on car ownership and use have been extensively studied, limited evidence has been offered for the role of spatial effects in influencing the interaction between built environment and travel behavior. Ignoring the spatial effects may lead to misunderstanding the role of the built environment and providing inconsistent transportation policies. In response to this, we try to employ a two-step modeling approach to investigate the impacts of built environment on car ownership and use by combining multilevel Bayesian model and conditional autocorrelation (CAR) model to control for spatial autocorrelation. In the two-step model, the predicting car ownership status in the first-step model is used as a mediating variable in the second-step car use model. Taking Changchun as a case study, this paper identifies the presence of spatial effects in influencing the effects of built environment on car ownership and use. Meanwhile, the direct and cascading effects of built environment on car ownership and use are revealed. The results show that the spatial autocorrelation exists in influencing the interaction between built environment and car dependency. The results suggest that it is necessary for urban planners to pay attention to the spatial effects and make targeted policy according to local land use characteristics.
Spatial Clustering of Dengue Fever Incidence and Its Association with Surrounding Greenness
Authors: Huang Chi-Chieh , Tam Tuen Yee Tiffany , Chern Yinq-Rong , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Chen Nai-Tzu , Wu Chih-Da
Published: August 2018

With more than 58,000 cases reported by the country’s Centers for Disease Control, the dengue outbreaks from 2014 to 2015 seriously impacted the southern part of Taiwan. This study aims to assess the spatial autocorrelation of the dengue fever (DF) outbreak in southern Taiwan in 2014 and 2015, and to further understand the effects of green space (such as forests, farms, grass, and parks) allocation on DF. In this study, two different greenness indexes were used. The first green metric, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), was provided by the long-term NASA MODIS satellite NDVI database, which quantifies and represents the overall vegetation greenness. The latest 2013 land use survey GIS database completed by the National Land Surveying and Mapping Center was obtained to access another green metric, green land use in Taiwan. We first used Spearman’s rho to find out the relationship between DF and green space, and then three spatial autocorrelation methods, including Global Moran’s I, high/low clustering, and Hot Spot were employed to assess the spatial autocorrelation of DF outbreak. In considering the impact of social and environmental factors in DF, we used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to further clarify the relationship between different types of green land use and dengue cases. Results of spatial autocorrelation analysis showed a high aggregation of dengue epidemic in southern Taiwan, and the metropolitan areas were the main hotspots. Results of correlation analysis and GLMM showed a positive correlation between parks and dengue fever, and the other five green space metrics and land types revealed a negative association with DF. Our findings may be an important asset for improving surveillance and control interventions for dengue.
Developments in the Research Base on Reducing Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke
Authors: Wynne Olivia , Bonevski Billie
Published: August 2018

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Which School Community Agents Influence Adolescents’ Motivational Outcomes and Physical Activity? Are More Autonomy-Supportive Relationships Necessarily Better?
Authors: Sevil Javier , García-González Luis , Abós Ángel , Generelo Lanaspa Eduardo , Aibar Solana Alberto
Published: August 2018

The first aim of this work was to examine the independent influence of students’ perceived autonomy support for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), from different school community agents, on motivational outcomes in a LTPA context and objective PA levels. Using both a variable- and person-centered approach, the second aim was to examine how different combinations of autonomy-support were associated with students’ motivational outcomes in a LTPA context and PA levels. A sample of 178 secondary students (M = 13.26 ± 0.64) participated in the study. Autonomy support for LTPA from the PE teacher, mother, father, and peers were the only agents that significantly and positively predicted motivational outcomes in a LTPA context and PA levels. While the two- and three-way interactions of some of these four significant sources significantly increased the explained variance of some motivational outcomes, the plots revealed that the lowest values of motivational outcomes were associated with low values of perceived autonomy support. A cluster analysis revealed five profiles. The “high autonomy support” group reported the most optimal outcomes, whereas the “low autonomy support” group showed the opposite pattern. However, mixed autonomy support profiles did not differ in any of the outcomes. The adoption of a whole-of-school approach seems decisive to empower adolescents to be active in and out of school.
Reproductive Function in a Population of Young Faroese Men with Elevated Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Perfluorinated Alkylate Substances (PFAS)
Authors: Petersen Maria Skaalum , Halling Jónrit , Jørgensen Niels , Nielsen Flemming , Grandjean Philippe , Jensen Tina Kold , Weihe Pál
Published: August 2018

Semen quality may be adversely affected by exposure to environmental chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) that are persistent and may act as endocrine disrupting compounds. The aim of this study was to explore whether PCBs or PFASs exposure were associated with abnormalities in semen quality or reproductive hormones in Faroese men. This population based cross-sectional study includes 263 Faroese men (24–26 years) who delivered a semen sample for assessment of sperm concentration, total sperm count, semen volume, morphology and motility. A blood sample was drawn and analyzed for reproductive hormones, PCBs and PFASs. Exposure to ∑PCBs and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was positively associated with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In addition, total testosterone (T) was positively associated with ∑PCB. Both PCBs and PFOS appear to lead to increased SHBG, perhaps mediated via the liver. The higher total T associated with PCB may represent a compensatory adaption to elevated SHBG levels to maintain an unchanged free testosterone concentration. The positive association to LH for both PCBs and PFOS may indicate a direct adverse effect on the testosterone producing Leydig cells.
Hyperspectral Data and Machine Learning for Estimating CDOM, Chlorophyll a, Diatoms, Green Algae and Turbidity
Authors: Keller Sina , Maier Philipp M. , Riese Felix M. , Norra Stefan , Holbach Andreas , Börsig Nicolas , Wilhelms Andre , Moldaenke Christian , Zaake André , Hinz Stefan
Published: August 2018

Inland waters are of great importance for scientists as well as authorities since they are essential ecosystems and well known for their biodiversity. When monitoring their respective water quality, in situ measurements of water quality parameters are spatially limited, costly and time-consuming. In this paper, we propose a combination of hyperspectral data and machine learning methods to estimate and therefore to monitor different parameters for water quality. In contrast to commonly-applied techniques such as band ratios, this approach is data-driven and does not rely on any domain knowledge. We focus on CDOM, chlorophyll a and turbidity as well as the concentrations of the two algae types, diatoms and green algae. In order to investigate the potential of our proposal, we rely on measured data, which we sampled with three different sensors on the river Elbe in Germany from 24 June–12 July 2017. The measurement setup with two probe sensors and a hyperspectral sensor is described in detail. To estimate the five mentioned variables, we present an appropriate regression framework involving ten machine learning models and two preprocessing methods. This allows the regression performance of each model and variable to be evaluated. The best performing model for each variable results in a coefficient of determination R 2 in the range of 89.9% to 94.6%. That clearly reveals the potential of the machine learning approaches with hyperspectral data. In further investigations, we focus on the generalization of the regression framework to prepare its application to different types of inland waters.
Telocinobufagin, a Novel Cardiotonic Steroid, Promotes Renal Fibrosis via Na+/K+-ATPase Profibrotic Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kennedy David J. , Khalaf Fatimah K. , Sheehy Brendan , Weber Malory E. , Agatisa-Boyle Brendan , Conic Julijana , Hauser Kayla , Medert Charles M. , Westfall Kristen , Bucur Philip , Fedorova Olga V. , Bagrov Alexei Y. , Tang W. H. Wilson
Published: August 2018

Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) are Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) ligands that are elevated in volume-expanded states and associated with cardiac and renal dysfunction in both clinical and experimental settings. We test the hypothesis that the CTS telocinobufagin (TCB) promotes renal dysfunction in a process involving signaling through the NKA α-1 in the following studies. First, we infuse TCB (4 weeks at 0.1 µg/g/day) or a vehicle into mice expressing wild-type (WT) NKA α-1, as well as mice with a genetic reduction (~40%) of NKA α-1 (NKA α-1+/−). Continuous TCB infusion results in increased proteinuria and cystatin C in WT mice which are significantly attenuated in NKA α-1+/− mice (all p < 0.05), despite similar increases in blood pressure. In a series of in vitro experiments, 24-h treatment of HK2 renal proximal tubular cells with TCB results in significant dose-dependent increases in both Collagens 1 and 3 mRNA (2-fold increases at 10 nM, 5-fold increases at 100 nM, p < 0.05). Similar effects are seen in primary human renal mesangial cells. TCB treatment (100 nM) of SYF fibroblasts reconstituted with cSrc results in a 1.5-fold increase in Collagens 1 and 3 mRNA (p < 0.05), as well as increases in both Transforming Growth factor beta (TGFb, 1.5 fold, p < 0.05) and Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF, 2 fold, p < 0.05), while these effects are absent in SYF cells without Src kinase. In a patient study of subjects with chronic kidney disease, TCB is elevated compared to healthy volunteers. These studies suggest that the pro-fibrotic effects of TCB in the kidney are mediated though the NKA-Src kinase signaling pathway and may have relevance to volume-overloaded conditions, such as chronic kidney disease where TCB is elevated.
Two Different Strategies to Enhance Osseointegration in Porous Titanium: Inorganic Thermo-Chemical Treatment Versus Organic Coating by Peptide Adsorption
Authors: Ortiz-Hernandez Monica , Rappe Katrin S. , Molmeneu Meritxell , Mas-Moruno Carles , Guillem-Marti Jordi , Punset Miquel , Caparros Cristina , Calero Jose , Franch Jordi , Fernandez-Fairen Mariano , Gil Javier
Published: August 2018

In this study, highly-interconnected porous titanium implants were produced by powder sintering with different porous diameters and open interconnectivity. The actual foams were produced using high cost technologies: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), and spark plasma sintering, and the porosity and/or interconnection was not optimized. The aim was to generate a bioactive surface on foams using two different strategies, based on inorganic thermo-chemical treatment and organic coating by peptide adsorption, to enhance osseointegration. Porosity was produced using NaCl as a space holder and polyethyleneglicol as a binder phase. Static and fatigue tests were performed in order to determine mechanical behaviors. Surface bioactivation was performed using a thermo-chemical treatment or by chemical adsorption with peptides. Osteoblast-like cells were cultured and cytotoxicity was measured. Bioactivated scaffolds and a control were implanted in the tibiae of rabbits. Histomorphometric evaluation was performed at 4 weeks after implantation. Interconnected porosity was 53% with an average diameter of 210 µm and an elastic modulus of around 1 GPa with good mechanical properties. The samples presented cell survival values close to 100% of viability. Newly formed bone was observed inside macropores, through interconnected porosity, and on the implant surface. Successful bone colonization of inner structure (40%) suggested good osteoconductive capability of the implant. Bioactivated foams showed better results than non-treated ones, suggesting both bioactivation strategies induce osteointegration capability.
Kinesin-2 Controls the Motility of RAB5 Endosomes and Their Association with the Spindle in Mitosis
Authors: Pupo Emanuela , Avanzato Daniele , Scianna Marco , Oldani Amanda , Serini Guido , Lanzetti Letizia
Published: August 2018

RAB5 is a small GTPase that belongs to the wide family of Rab proteins and localizes on early endosomes. In its active GTP-bound form, RAB5 recruits downstream effectors that, in turn, are responsible for distinct aspects of early endosome function, including their movement along microtubules. We previously reported that, at the onset of mitosis, RAB5positive vesicles cluster around the spindle poles and, during metaphase, move along spindle microtubules. RNAi-mediated depletion of the three RAB5 isoforms delays nuclear envelope breakdown at prophase and severely affects chromosome alignment and segregation. Here we show that depletion of the Kinesin-2 motor complex impairs long-range movement of RAB5 endosomes in interphase cells and prevents localization of these vesicles at the spindle during metaphase. Similarly to the effect caused by RAB5 depletion, functional ablation of Kinesin-2 delays nuclear envelope breakdown resulting in prolonged prophase. Altogether these findings suggest that endosomal transport at the onset of mitosis is required to control timing of nuclear envelope breakdown.
The Maize WRKY Transcription Factor ZmWRKY40 Confers Drought Resistance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Chang-Tao , Ru Jing-Na , Liu Yong-Wei , Yang Jun-Feng , Li Meng , Xu Zhao-Shi , Fu Jin-Dong
Published: August 2018

Abiotic stresses restrict the growth and yield of crops. Plants have developed a number of regulatory mechanisms to respond to these stresses. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that play essential roles in multiple plant processes, including abiotic stress response. At present, little information regarding drought-related WRKY genes in maize is available. In this study, we identified a WRKY transcription factor gene from maize, named ZmWRKY40. ZmWRKY40 is a member of WRKY group II, localized in the nucleus of mesophyll protoplasts. Several stress-related transcriptional regulatory elements existed in the promoter region of ZmWRKY40. ZmWRKY40 was induced by drought, high salinity, high temperature, and abscisic acid (ABA). ZmWRKY40 could rapidly respond to drought with peak levels (more than 10-fold) at 1 h after treatment. Overexpression of ZmWRKY40 improved drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis by regulating stress-related genes, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in transgenic lines was reduced by enhancing the activities of peroxide dismutase (POD) and catalase (CAT) under drought stress. According to the results, the present study may provide a candidate gene involved in the drought stress response and a theoretical basis to understand the mechanisms of ZmWRKY40 in response to abiotic stresses in maize.
Bombyx mori Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase: Knockdown Inhibits Cell Growth and Proliferation via Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Zhao Erhu , Jiang Xiaolan , Cui Hongjuan
Published: August 2018

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway, is the fourth enzyme of pyrimidine synthesis and is used to oxidize dihydroorotate and hence to orotat. We cloned and characterized here the dhod of silkworms, Bombyx mori. The full-length cDNA sequence of dhod is 1339 bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 1173 bp that encoded a 390 amino acid protein. And two domains were involved in the Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase amino acid sequence of silkworms, Bombyx mori (BmDHODH), namely a DHO_dh domain and a transmembrane domain in N-termina. The silkworm dhod is expressed throughout development and in nine tissues. Moreover, knockdown of the silkworm dhod gene reduced cell growth and proliferation through G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Similarly, DHODH inhibitor (leflunomide) also reduced cell growth and proliferation, with a significant decrease of cyclin B and cdk2. DHODH is the fourth enzyme of pyrimidine synthesis, so we also found that leflunomide can inhibit, at least in part, the endomitotic DNA replication in silk glands cells. These findings demonstrate that downregulation of BmDHODH inhibits cell growth and proliferation in silkworm cells, and the endomitotic DNA replication in silk gland cells.
Decomposition of d- and f-Shell Contributions to Uranium Bonding from the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules: Application to Uranium and Uranyl Halides
Authors: Tanti Jonathan , Lincoln Meghan , Kerridge Andy
Published: August 2018

The electronic structures of a series of uranium hexahalide and uranyl tetrahalide complexes were simulated at the density functional theoretical (DFT) level. The resulting electronic structures were analyzed using a novel application of the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) by exploiting the high symmetry of the complexes to determine 5f- and 6d-shell contributions to bonding via symmetry arguments. This analysis revealed fluoride ligation to result in strong bonds with a significant covalent character while ligation by chloride and bromide species resulted in more ionic interactions with little differentiation between the ligands. Fluoride ligands were also found to be most capable of perturbing an existing electronic structure. 5f contributions to overlap-driven covalency were found to be larger than 6d contributions for all interactions in all complexes studied while degeneracy-driven covalent contributions showed significantly greater variation. σ-contributions to degeneracy-driven covalency were found to be consistently larger than those of individual π-components while the total π-contribution was, in some cases, larger. Strong correlations were found between overlap-driven covalent bond contributions, U–O vibrational frequencies, and energetic stability, which indicates that overlap-driven covalency leads to bond stabilization in these complexes and that uranyl vibrational frequencies can be used to quantitatively probe equatorial bond covalency. For uranium hexahalides, degeneracy-driven covalency was found to anti-correlate with bond stability.