bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effects of Bortezomib-OV Therapy and Anti-Invasive Strategies in Glioblastoma: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Kim Yangjin , Lee Junho , Lee Donggu , Othmer Hans G.
Published: February 2019

It is well-known that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the regulation of tumor growth and the efficacy of anti-tumor therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of combination therapies, using oncolytic viruses (OVs) in conjunction with proteosome inhibitors for the treatment of glioblastoma, but the role of the TME in such therapies has not been studied. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model for combination therapies based on the proteosome inhibitor bortezomib and the oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV), with the goal of understanding their roles in bortezomib-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and how the balance between apoptosis and necroptosis is affected by the treatment protocol. We show that the TME plays a significant role in anti-tumor efficacy in OV combination therapy, and illustrate the effect of different spatial patterns of OV injection. The results illustrate a possible phenotypic switch within tumor populations in a given microenvironment, and suggest new anti-invasion therapies.
Outpatient Cancer Care Delivery in the Context of E-Oncology: A French Perspective on “Cancer outside the Hospital Walls”
Authors: Bertucci François , Le Corroller-Soriano Anne-Gaëlle , Monneur-Miramon Audrey , Moulin Jean-François , Fluzin Sylvain , Maraninchi Dominique , Gonçalves Anthony
Published: February 2019

In oncology, the treatment of patients outside of hospitals has become imperative due to an increasing number of patients who are older and live longer, along with issues such as medical desertification, oncologist hyperspecialization, and difficulties in financing mounting health expenditures. Treatments have become less “invasive”, with greater precision and efficiency. Patients can therefore receive most of their care outside of hospitals. The development of e-health can address these new imperatives. In this letter, we describe the different e-health tools and their potential clinical impacts in oncology, as already reported at every level of care, including education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. A few randomized studies have yet demonstrated the clinical benefit. We also comment on issues and limits of “cancer outside the hospital walls” from the point of view of patients, health care professionals, health facilities, and public authorities. Care providers in hospitals and communities will have to adapt to these changes within well-coordinated networks in order to better meet patient expectations regarding increasing education and personalizing management. Ultimately, controlled studies should aim to definitively demonstrate areas of interest, benefits, and incentives, for not only patients, but also caregivers (formal and informal) and health care providers, health care facilities, and the nation.
Recent Advances in C–H Bond Functionalization with Ruthenium-Based Catalysts
Authors: Singh Keisham
Published: February 2019

The past decades have witnessed rapid development in organic synthesis via catalysis, particularly the reactions through C–H bond functionalization. Transition metals such as Pd, Rh and Ru constitute a crucial catalyst in these C–H bond functionalization reactions. This process is highly attractive not only because it saves reaction time and reduces waste,but also, more importantly, it allows the reaction to be performed in a highly region specific manner. Indeed, several organic compounds could be readily accessed via C–H bond functionalization with transition metals. In the recent past, tremendous progress has been made on C–H bond functionalization via ruthenium catalysis, including less expensive but more stable ruthenium(II) catalysts. The ruthenium-catalysed C–H bond functionalization, viz. arylation, alkenylation, annulation, oxygenation, and halogenation involving C–C, C–O, C–N, and C–X bond forming reactions, has been described and presented in numerous reviews. This review discusses the recent development of C–H bond functionalization with various ruthenium-based catalysts. The first section of the review presents arylation reactions covering arylation directed by N–Heteroaryl groups, oxidative arylation, dehydrative arylation and arylation involving decarboxylative and sp3-C–H bond functionalization. Subsequently, the ruthenium-catalysed alkenylation, alkylation, allylation including oxidative alkenylation and meta-selective C–H bond alkylation has been presented. Finally, the oxidative annulation of various arenes with alkynes involving C–H/O–H or C–H/N–H bond cleavage reactions has been discussed.
Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propylene Using Promoter-Free Hierarchical Pt/Silicalite-1 Nanosheets
Authors: Wannapakdee Wannaruedee , Yutthalekha Thittaya , Dugkhuntod Pannida , Rodponthukwaji Kamonlatth , Thivasasith Anawat , Nokbin Somkiat , Witoon Thongthai , Pengpanich Sitthiphong , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: February 2019

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is the extensive pathway to produce propylene, which is as a very important chemical building block for the chemical industry. Various catalysts have been developed to increase the propylene yield over recent decades; however, an active site of monometallic Pt nanoparticles prevents them from achieving this, due to the interferences of side-reactions. In this context, we describe the use of promoter-free hierarchical Pt/silicalite-1 nanosheets in the PDH application. The Pt dispersion on weakly acidic supports can be improved due to an increase in the metal-support interaction of ultra-small metal nanoparticles and silanol defect sites of hierarchical structures. This behavior leads to highly selective propylene production, with more than 95% of propylene selectivity, due to the complete suppression of the side catalytic cracking. Moreover, the oligomerization as a side reaction is prevented in the presence of hierarchical structures due to the shortening of the diffusion path length.
Electrodeposited Nanostructured CoFe2O4 for Overall Water Splitting and Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Bhoyate Sanket , Zhao Chen , Kahol Pawan K. , Kostoglou Nikolaos , Mitterer Christian , Hinder Steven J. , Baker Mark A. , Constantinides Georgios , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Rebholz Claus , Gupta Ram K.
Published: February 2019

To contribute to solving global energy problems, a multifunctional CoFe2O4 spinel was synthesized and used as a catalyst for overall water splitting and as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The ultra-fast one-step electrodeposition of CoFe2O4 over conducting substrates provides an economic pathway to high-performance energy devices. Electrodeposited CoFe2O4 on Ni-foam showed a low overpotential of 270 mV and a Tafel slope of 31 mV/dec. The results indicated a higher conductivity for electrodeposited compared with dip-coated CoFe2O4 with enhanced device performance. Moreover, bending and chronoamperometry studies suggest excellent durability of the catalytic electrode for long-term use. The energy storage behavior of CoFe2O4 showed high specific capacitance of 768 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g and maintained about 80% retention after 10,000 cycles. These results demonstrate the competitiveness and multifunctional applicability of the CoFe2O4 spinel to be used for energy generation and storage devices.
Preparation and Catalytic Performance of Metal-Rich Pd Phosphides for the Solvent-Free Selective Hydrogenation of Chloronitrobenzene
Authors: Lu Chunshan , Zhu Qianwen , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Qiangqiang , Nie Juanjuan , Feng Feng , Zhang Qunfeng , Ma Lei , Han Wenfeng , Li Xiaonian
Published: February 2019

A facile synthesis method of palladium phosphide supported on the activated carbon was developed. The effects of Pd precursors for phosphatization, phosphatization temperature, and the ratio of hypophosphite/Pd on the generation of palladium phosphide were investigated, and a generation mechanism of the Pd3P crystal structure is proposed. The results demonstrate that only PdO, rather than Pd or PdCl2, can transform into Pd phosphide without damage to the activated carbon. The penetration of P into the Pd particle can dramatically improve the dispersion of Pd species particles on the activated carbon. The generation of Pd phosphide greatly depends on the phosphatization temperature and the ratio of hypophosphite/Pd. An intact Pd3P crystal structure was obtained when the ratio of hypophosphite/Pd reached 32 and the phosphatization temperature was above 400 °C. The Pd3P supported on the activated carbon exhibited superior catalytic performance in terms of the hydrogenation of halonitrobenzenes to haloanilines because it had few L acids and B acids sites and could not generate deficient-electron active hydrogen atoms as electrophiles.
Systematic Review of the Current Status of Human Sarcoma Cell Lines
Authors: Hattori Emi , Oyama Rieko , Kondo Tadashi
Published: February 2019

Sarcomas are rare mesenchymal malignant tumors with unique biological and clinical features. Given their diversity, heterogeneity, complexity, and rarity, the clinical management of sarcomas is quite challenging. Cell lines have been used as indispensable tools for both basic research and pre-clinical studies. However, empirically, sarcoma cell lines are not readily available. To understand the present status of sarcoma cell lines and identify their current challenges, we systematically reviewed reports on sarcoma cell lines. We searched the cell line database, Cellosaurus, and categorized the sarcoma cell lines according to the WHO classification. We identified the number and availability of sarcoma cell lines with a specific histology. We found 844 sarcoma cell lines in the Cellosaurus database, and 819 of them were named according to the WHO classification. Among the 819 cell lines, 36 multiple and nine single cell lines are available for histology. No cell lines were reported for 133 of the histological subtypes. Among the 844 cell lines, 148 are currently available in public cell banks, with 692 already published. We conclude that there needs to be a larger number of cell lines, with various histological subtypes, to better benefit sarcoma research.
Synthesis and Morphological Characterization of Nanoporous Aluminum Oxide Films by Using a Single Anodization Step
Authors: Bruera Florencia Alejandra , Kramer Gustavo Raúl , Vera María Laura , Ares Alicia Esther
Published: February 2019

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films play an important role in nanotechnology due to their easily adjustable morphological properties and wide range of applications. Thus, a deep and systematic characterization of the morphological properties of these coatings is essential. The most important variables in the synthesis of nanoporous AAO films include the anodization voltage, nature, concentration and temperature of the electrolyte, which, combined, result in pores of different sizes and geometries. In the present work, AA 1050 alloy was used to synthesize AAO films, using 0.3 and 0.9 M oxalic acid as the electrolyte and combining different electrolyte temperatures (20, 30 and 40 °C) and anodizing voltages (30, 40 and 60 V), with the aim to correlate the morphological properties of the coatings with the synthesis parameters of a single anodization step. The coatings obtained were characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, determining pore diameter, interpore distance, pore density and coating thickness. The results showed that, by varying the anodic synthesis conditions, it is possible to obtain coatings with a pore diameter between 21 and 97 nm, an interpore distance between 59 and 138 nm, pore density between 2.8 × 1010 and 5.4 × 109 pores/cm2 and thicknesses between 15 and 145 µm. In this way, the right combination of synthesis variables allows synthesizing AAO coatings with morphological characteristics best suited to each particular application.
Surfactant-Free Electroless Codeposition of Ni–P–MoS2/Al2O3 Composite Coatings
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhu Yongwei , Shen Qi , Jin Meifu , Zhong Gaoyan , Hou Zhiwei , Zhao Xiao , Wang Shuncai , Yang Shoufeng
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the influence of an inorganic Al2O3 layer over MoS2 particles on the tribological performance of electroless Ni–P–MoS2/Al2O3 composite coatings fabricated without using surfactants. The Al2O3-coated MoS2 particles were prepared by a heterogeneous nucleation process. The dry sliding tests of the composite coatings were tested against a WC ball. SEM was used to observe the surface morphology of particles, composite coatings, and worn surfaces. The results indicate that the coverage of an Al2O3 coating on MoS2 particles significantly affects the surface morphology, frictional coefficient and wear loss of the composite coatings. The incorporation of Al2O3-coated MoS2 particles with lower coverage (up to 7% of Al2O3) could obtain compact surface structure of composite coatings, which contribute to reduced wear loss. However, higher coverage would lead to loose surface structure of the composite coatings, and thus increase their wear loss.
A Study on the Characteristics of Cu–Mn–Dy Alloy Resistive Thin Films
Authors: Lee Ho-Yun , He Chi-Wei , Lee Ying-Chieh , Wu Da-Chuan
Published: February 2019

Cu–Mn–Dy resistive thin films were prepared on glass and Al2O3 substrates, which was achieved by co-sputtering the Cu–Mn alloy and dysprosium targets. The effects of the addition of dysprosium on the electrical properties and microstructures of annealed Cu–Mn alloy films were investigated. The composition, microstructural and phase evolution of Cu–Mn–Dy films were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. All Cu–Mn–Dy films showed an amorphous structure when the annealing temperature was set at 300 °C. After the annealing temperature was increased to 350 °C, the MnO and Cu phases had a significant presence in the Cu–Mn films. However, no MnO phases were observed in Cu–Mn–Dy films at 350 °C. Even Cu–Mn–Dy films annealed at 450 °C showed no MnO phases. This is because Dy addition can suppress MnO formation. Cu–Mn alloy films with 40% dysprosium addition that were annealed at 300 °C exhibited a higher resistivity of ~2100 μΩ·cm with a temperature coefficient of resistance of –85 ppm/°C.
The Mechanism of High-Strength Quenching-Partitioning-Tempering Martensitic Steel at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhu Maoyuan , Lan Bitong , Liu Ping , Li Wei , Rong Yonghua
Published: February 2019

High-strength medium-carbon martensitic steel was heat treated through a quenching-partitioning-tempering (Q-P-T) treatment. Both the mechanism for improved ductility and the high temperature stability of austenite were investigated. The Q-P-T martensitic steel showed good products of strength and elongation (PSE) at various deformation temperatures ranging within 25–350 °C. The optimum PSE value (>57,738 MPa%) was achieved at 200 °C. The microstructure of the Q-P-T steel is constituted of laths martensite with dislocations, retained austenite located within lath martensite and small niobium carbides (NbC), and/or transitional ε-carbides that precipitated in the lath martensite. The good ductility can be mainly attributed to the laminar-like austenite that remained within the lath-martensite. The austenite can effectively enhance ductility through the effect of dislocation absorption by the retained austenite and through transformation-induced plasticity. The relationship between the microstructures and mechanical properties was investigated at high deformation temperatures.
Recent Advances on Carrier and Exciton Self-Trapping in Strontium Titanate: Understanding the Luminescence Emissions
Authors: Crespillo Miguel , Graham Joseph , Agulló-López Fernando , Zhang Yanwen , Weber William
Published: February 2019

An up-to-date review on recent results for self-trapping of free electrons and holes, as well as excitons, in strontium titanate (STO), which gives rise to small polarons and self-trapped excitons (STEs) is presented. Special attention is paid to the role of carrier and exciton self-trapping on the luminescence emissions under a variety of excitation sources with special emphasis on experiments with laser pulses and energetic ion-beams. In spite of the extensive research effort, a definitive identification of such localized states, as well as a suitable understanding of their operative light emission mechanisms, has remained lacking or controversial. However, promising advances have been recently achieved and are the objective of the present review. In particular, significant theoretical advances in the understanding of electron and hole self-trapping are discussed. Also, relevant experimental advances in the kinetics of light emission associated with electron-hole recombination have been obtained through time-resolved experiments using picosecond (ps) laser pulses. The luminescence emission mechanisms and the light decay processes from the self-trapped excitons are also reviewed. Recent results suggest that the blue emission at 2.8 eV, often associated with oxygen vacancies, is related to a transition from unbound conduction levels to the ground singlet state of the STE. The stabilization of small electron polarons by oxygen vacancies and its connection with luminescence emission are discussed in detail. Through ion-beam irradiation experiments, it has recently been established that the electrons associated with the vacancy constitute electron polaron states (Ti3+) trapped in the close vicinity of the empty oxygen sites. These experimental results have allowed for the optical identification of the oxygen vacancy center through a red luminescence emission centered at 2.0 eV. Ab-initio calculations have provided strong support for those experimental findings. Finally, the use of Cr-doped STO has offered a way to monitor the interplay between the chromium centers and oxygen vacancies as trapping sites for the electron and hole partners resulting from the electronic excitation.
Threefold Spiral Structure Constructed by 1D Chains of [[M(NCS)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n (M = Fe, Co; bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane)
Authors: Tokinobu Satoshi , Dote Haruka , Nakashima Satoru
Published: February 2019

Assembled complexes [[M(NCS)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n (M = Fe, Co; bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) have been synthesized because [Fe(NCBH3)2(bpa)2·biphenyl]n has a novel threefold spiral structure and shows stepwise spin-crossover phenomenon. We attempted to obtain spiral structures for [[Fe(NCS)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n and [[Co(NCS)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n using a one-step diffusion method, while the reported spiral structure of [[Fe(NCBH3)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n was obtained by diffusion method after synthesizing Fe(II)-pyridine complex. X-ray structural analysis revealed that [[Fe(NCS)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n and [[Co(NCS)2(bpa)2]·biphenyl]n had a chiral propeller structure of pyridines around the central metal, and they had a novel spiral structure and chiral space group P3121 without the presence of chiral auxiliaries. It was shown that the host 1D chain, having a chiral propeller structure of pyridines around the central metal along with its concerted interaction with an atropisomer of biphenyl, made a threefold spiral structure.
Impact of Gut Dysbiosis on Neurohormonal Pathways in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jazani Nima H. , Savoj Javad , Lustgarten Michael , Lau Wei Ling , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: February 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide major health problem. Traditional risk factors for CKD are hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have identified gut dysbiosis as a novel risk factor for the progression CKD and its complications. Dysbiosis can worsen systemic inflammation, which plays an important role in the progression of CKD and its complications such as cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effects of the normal gut microbiota, and then elaborate on how alterations in the biochemical environment of the gastrointestinal tract in CKD can affect gut microbiota. External factors such as dietary restrictions, medications, and dialysis further promote dysbiosis. We discuss the impact of an altered gut microbiota on neuroendocrine pathways such as the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, the production of neurotransmitters and neuroactive compounds, tryptophan metabolism, and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Finally, therapeutic strategies including diet modification, intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics are reviewed.
Roles of PI3K/AKT/GSK3 Pathway Involved in Psychiatric Illnesses
Authors: Matsuda Satoru , Ikeda Yuka , Murakami Mutsumi , Nakagawa Yukie , Tsuji Ai , Kitagishi Yasuko
Published: February 2019

Psychiatric illnesses may be qualified to the cellular impairments of the function for survival or death in neurons, which may consequently appear as abnormalities in the neuroplasticity. The molecular mechanism has not been well understood, however, it seems that PI3K, AKT, GSK3, and their downstream molecules have crucial roles in the pathogenesis. Through transducing cell surviving signal, the PI3K/AKT/GSK3 pathway may organize an intracellular central network for the action of the synaptic neuroplasticity. In addition, the pathways may also regulate cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis. Several lines of evidence have supported a role for this signaling network underlying the development and treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Indeed, the discovery of molecular biochemical phenotypes would represent a breakthrough in the research for effective treatment. In this review, we summarize advances on the involvement of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3 pathways in cell signaling of neuronal cells. This study may provide novel insights on the mechanism of mental disorder involved in psychiatric illnesses and would open future opportunity for contributions suggesting new targets for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.
Dense U-net Based on Patch-Based Learning for Retinal Vessel Segmentation
Authors: Wang Chang , Zhao Zongya , Ren Qiongqiong , Xu Yongtao , Yu Yi
Published: February 2019

Various retinal vessel segmentation methods based on convolutional neural networks were proposed recently, and Dense U-net as a new semantic segmentation network was successfully applied to scene segmentation. Retinal vessel is tiny, and the features of retinal vessel can be learned effectively by the patch-based learning strategy. In this study, we proposed a new retinal vessel segmentation framework based on Dense U-net and the patch-based learning strategy. In the process of training, training patches were obtained by random extraction strategy, Dense U-net was adopted as a training network, and random transformation was used as a data augmentation strategy. In the process of testing, test images were divided into image patches, test patches were predicted by training model, and the segmentation result can be reconstructed by overlapping-patches sequential reconstruction strategy. This proposed method was applied to public datasets DRIVE and STARE, and retinal vessel segmentation was performed. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), accuracy (Acc), and area under each curve (AUC) were adopted as evaluation metrics to verify the effectiveness of proposed method. Compared with state-of-the-art methods including the unsupervised, supervised, and convolutional neural network (CNN) methods, the result demonstrated that our approach is competitive in these evaluation metrics. This method can obtain a better segmentation result than specialists, and has clinical application value.
Texas–Mexico Border vs. Non-Border School Districts’ Growth Trajectory of High-Stakes Reading Performance: A Multi-Level Approach
Authors: Tang Shifang , Wang Zhuoying , Min Yue
Published: February 2019

This study focuses on comparing the growth trajectory of border and non-border school districts regarding their fifth-grade students’ performance on a standardized reading test. Using a growth hierarchical linear model, we investigated the effect of time, school location, and their interaction on students’ reading performance through the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) reading test in five recent school years. It was found that border school students lagged behind in reading at the initial stage when STAAR was first administered. As time went by, the gap between border and non-border district students’ reading performance remained. Implications for teaching pedagogy and research are discussed regarding the preparation of border district students to become bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate.
What Affects Middle School Students’ English Anxiety in the EFL Context? Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Choi Naya , No Boram , Jung Suji , Lee San Eun
Published: February 2019

This paper examines what affects adolescents’ English anxiety in the English as Foreign Langauage (EFL) context. A total of 414 adolescents in South Korea participated in the study and the AMOS 20.0 was used in structural equation modeling for statistical analysis. The results are as follows. Girls showed a higher level of English anxiety and self-directed learning ability than boys. Second, adolescents’ English self-efficacy had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between parental pressure expectation and English anxiety. Third, parental pressure expectation had a significant effect on English anxiety through self-directed learning and English self-efficacy. Fourth, a gender difference in the paths of the models was significant. This provides supporting evidence to many educators and parents for the implementation of effective support practices for adolescents who learn English in EFL contexts similar to Korea to reduce thier English anxiety.
A Novel MFDFA Algorithm and Its Application to Analysis of Harmonic Multifractal Features
Authors: Li Jiming , Ma Xinyan , Zhao Meng , Cheng Xuezhen
Published: February 2019

A power grid harmonic signal is characterized as having both nonlinear and nonstationary features. A novel multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) algorithm combined with the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) theory and template movement is proposed to overcome some shortcomings in the traditional MFDFA algorithm. The novel algorithm is used to study the multifractal feature of harmonic signals at different frequencies. Firstly, the signal is decomposed and the characteristics of wavelet transform multiresolution analysis are employed to obtain the components at different frequency bands. After this, the local fractal characteristic of the components is studied by utilizing the novel MFDFA algorithm. The experimental results show that the harmonic signals exhibit obvious multifractal characteristics and that the multifractal intensity is related to the signal frequency. Compared with the traditional MFDFA algorithm, the proposed method is more stable in curve fitting and can extract the multifractal features more accurately.
Fault Tolerant Control of DFIG-Based Wind Energy Conversion System Using Augmented Observer
Authors: Wang Xu , Shen Yanxia
Published: February 2019

An augmented sliding mode observer is proposed to solve the actuator fault of an uncertain wind energy conversion system (WECS), which can estimate the system state and reconstruct the actuator faults. Firstly, the mathematical model of the WECS is established, and the non-linear term in the state equation is separated as the uncertain part of the system. Then, the states of the system are augmented, and the actuator fault is considered as part of the augmented state. The augmented sliding mode observer is designed to estimate the system state and actuator fault. A robust fault-tolerant controller is designed to ensure the reliable input of the WECS, maintain the stability of the fault system and maximize the acquisition of wind energy. The numerical simulation results verify the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Potential Economic Impacts of Allocating More Land for Bioenergy Biomass Production in Virginia
Authors: Ochuodho Thomas O. , Alavalapati Janaki R. R. , Lal Pankaj , Agyeman Domena A. , Wolde Bernabas , Burli Pralhad
Published: February 2019

The growing attention to renewable energy and rural development has created greater demand for production of biomass feedstock for bioenergy. However, forest growth rates and the amount of land in most existing forests may not be sufficient to sustainably supply the forest biomass required to support existing forest products industries and the expanding bioenergy industry. Additionally, concerns about agricultural land use competition have dampened expansion of biomass production on agricultural land base. One of the ways to meet the growing forest biomass feedstock demand for bioenergy production is by allocating currently marginal non-forested land for growing bioenergy feedstocks. In Virginia, about 80% of forestland is under nonindustrial private forest ownership. The land use allocation decisions of these private owners are critical for the supply of the forest biomass feedstock to support bioenergy production. We apply a computable general equilibrium model to assess the economy-wide impacts of forestland owners’ willingness to plant pine on non-forested land for woody bioenergy in Virginia. We consider three counterfactual scenarios of biomass feedstock supply increase as intermediate demand for bioenergy production based on forestland owners’ willingness to accept biomass bid prices to set aside more non-forested land for biomass production in Virginia under general equilibrium conditions. Overall, the results show an increase in social welfare and household utility but a marginal decline in GDP. However, increased demand of biomass from logging sector depressed the manufacturing sector (the wood manufacturing sub-sector particularly), which also relies on the logging sector for its intermediate inputs. Results from this study provide insights into the bioenergy land use competition debate, and pathways towards sustainable bioenergy feedstock supply.
3D-CNN-Based Fused Feature Maps with LSTM Applied to Action Recognition
Authors: Arif Sheeraz , Wang Jing , Ul Hassan Tehseen , Fei Zesong
Published: February 2019

Human activity recognition is an active field of research in computer vision with numerous applications. Recently, deep convolutional networks and recurrent neural networks (RNN) have received increasing attention in multimedia studies, and have yielded state-of-the-art results. In this research work, we propose a new framework which intelligently combines 3D-CNN and LSTM networks. First, we integrate discriminative information from a video into a map called a ‘motion map’ by using a deep 3-dimensional convolutional network (C3D). A motion map and the next video frame can be integrated into a new motion map, and this technique can be trained by increasing the training video length iteratively; then, the final acquired network can be used for generating the motion map of the whole video. Next, a linear weighted fusion scheme is used to fuse the network feature maps into spatio-temporal features. Finally, we use a Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) encoder-decoder for final predictions. This method is simple to implement and retains discriminative and dynamic information. The improved results on benchmark public datasets prove the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Spatio-Temporal Transcriptional Dynamics of Maize Long Non-Coding RNAs Responsive to Drought Stress
Authors: Pang Junling , Zhang Xia , Ma Xuhui , Zhao Jun
Published: February 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in plant stress response. Here, we report a genome-wide lncRNA transcriptional analysis in response to drought stress using an expanded series of maize samples collected from three distinct tissues spanning four developmental stages. In total, 3488 high-confidence lncRNAs were identified, among which 1535 were characterized as drought responsive. By characterizing the genomic structure and expression pattern, we found that lncRNA structures were less complex than protein-coding genes, showing shorter transcripts and fewer exons. Moreover, drought-responsive lncRNAs exhibited higher tissue- and development-specificity than protein-coding genes. By exploring the temporal expression patterns of drought-responsive lncRNAs at different developmental stages, we discovered that the reproductive stage R1 was the most sensitive growth stage with more lncRNAs showing altered expression upon drought stress. Furthermore, lncRNA target prediction revealed 653 potential lncRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) pairs, among which 124 pairs function in cis-acting mode and 529 in trans. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the targets were significantly enriched in molecular functions related to oxidoreductase activity, water binding, and electron carrier activity. Multiple promising targets of drought-responsive lncRNAs were discovered, including the V-ATPase encoding gene, vpp4. These findings extend our knowledge of lncRNAs as important regulators in maize drought response.
A Review of Epigenetics of PTSD in Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions
Authors: Blacker Caren J. , Frye Mark A. , Morava Eva , Kozicz Tamas , Veldic Marin
Published: February 2019

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an acquired psychiatric disorder with functionally impairing physiological and psychological symptoms following a traumatic exposure. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors act together to determine both an individual’s susceptibility to PTSD and its clinical phenotype. In this literature review, we briefly review the candidate genes that have been implicated in the development and severity of the PTSD phenotype. We discuss the importance of the epigenetic regulation of these candidate genes. We review the general epigenetic mechanisms that are currently understood, with examples of each in the PTSD phenotype. Our focus then turns to studies that have examined PTSD in the context of comorbid psychiatric disorders or associated social and behavioral stressors. We examine the epigenetic variation in cases or models of PTSD with comorbid depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. We reviewed the literature that has explored epigenetic regulation in PTSD in adverse childhood experiences and suicide phenotypes. Finally, we review some of the information available from studies of the transgenerational transmission of epigenetic variation in maternal cases of PTSD. We discuss areas pertinent for future study to further elucidate the complex interactions between epigenetic modifications and this complex psychiatric disorder.
Intraspecific Length Variation and Shell Thickness of the Ostracod Cyprideis torosa (Jones, 1850) as a Potential Tool for Palaeosalinity Characterization
Authors: Berndt Christopher , Frenzel Peter , Çiner Attila
Published: February 2019

Cyprideis torosa (Jones) is a common ostracod species in brackish waters of large parts of the world. The species appears in, but it is not restricted to, marginal marine areas, and it thus plays a significant role in identifying variable impacts between the marine and terrestrial realms as its carapace changes phenotypically under various conditions. This variability could be a highly valuable source of information in palaeoecology. We use valves of this species living in different lagoonal and lacustrine environments of the Kızılırmak Delta at the Turkish Black Sea coast since the Mid-Holocene. By measuring the valve sizes of adult individuals and A-1 instars and documenting the thickness classes of the adult shells we found a good positive correlation between the size of female valves and the prevailing salinity (correlation coefficient: 0.56), while such a correlation is lacking for ontogenetic stage A-1. No changes of the height/length ratio of the valves were recognizable along the salinity gradient. Shells are significantly thicker under relatively stable, higher saline conditions, but thinner in highly variable and low saline deltaic lakes. Both morphological features, size and shell thickness of C. torosa (Cyprideis torosa), are thus potential tools to give palaeo-environmental information, especially in C. torosa-dominated, low diversity marginal marine environments.
Using Size and Composition to Assess the Quality of Lunar Impact Glass Ages
Authors: Nguyen Pham , Zellner Nicolle
Published: February 2019

Determining the impact chronology of the Moon is an important yet challenging problem in planetary science even after decades of lunar samples and other analyses. In addition to crater counting statistics, orbital data, and dynamical models, well-constrained lunar sample ages are critical for proper interpretation of the Moon’s impact chronology. To understand which properties of lunar impact glasses yield well-constrained ages, we evaluated the compositions and sizes of 119 Apollo 14, 15, 16, and 17 impact glass samples whose compositions and 40Ar/39Ar ages have already been published, and we present new data on 43 others. These additional data support previous findings that the composition and size of the glass are good indicators of the quality of the age plateau derived for each sample. We have further constrained those findings: Glasses of ≥200 μm with a fraction of non-bridging oxygens (X(NBO)) of ≥0.23 and a K2O (wt%) of ≥0.07 are prime candidates for argon analyses and more likely to yield well-constrained 40Ar/39Ar ages. As a result, science resulting from impact glass analyses is maximized while analytical costs per glass are minimized. This has direct implications for future analyses of glass samples for both those in the current lunar collection and those that have yet to be collected.
Cross-Correlation and Cross-Spectral Analysis of the Hydrographs in the Northern Part of the Dinaric Karst of Croatia
Authors: Pavlić Krešimir , Parlov Jelena
Published: February 2019

Correlation and cross-spectral analysis of hydrographs was performed on the karst area of the mountainous section of the Kupa River in two time periods. Since there are karst aquifers in this area that is a part of strategic groundwater reserves of potable water, such an analysis could give better insight into the behavior of these aquifers. The functions used to describe karst aquifers are the cross-correlation function, coherence function, gain function, and phase function. The outcomes of the analysis results were very similar in the two analyzed periods, suggesting that differences in input signals between these two periods do not affect the aquifer function as a system filter. The results of this research suggest that the aquifer and overburden layer characteristics have a much stronger influence than the change of input signal on the runoff regime in the considered period.
Modelling of a Large Landslide Problem under Water Level Fluctuation—Model Calibration and Verification
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhao Chenyang , Hölter Raoul , Datcheva Maria , Alimardani Lavasan Arash
Published: February 2019

In past centuries, reservoir landslides have been always a threat that brought a big loss in lives and properties. The phenomena that have decisive influence on the landslide instability are quite complex and the importance of each of them for the stability of a particular landslide differs. Therefore, it is extremely important to distinguish between the effects that different phenomena have and to identify those that dominate the behaviour of the studied landslide. The aim of the present study is to investigate the behaviour under the river level fluctuation of a large landslide in China, namely the Huangtupo landslide. A 2D numerical model of a selected part of the Huangtupo landslide is created and a series of fully coupled hydro-mechanical simulations have been conducted to investigate the landslide behaviour under different influencing factors (e.g., mechanical incidents, water head, soil water permeability, etc.). Furthermore, both local and global sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the importance of these influencing factors and to select the most influential model parameters. Thereafter, back analysis is employed to calibrate the model against real field data. Finally, the capability of the calibrated model is evaluated and the results show that it can simulate appropriately the long-term behaviour of the landslide after the river level reaches its maximal level.
Illicit Motherhood: Recrafting Postcolonial Feminist Resistance in Edna O’Brien’s The Love Object and Jhumpa Lahiri’s Hell-Heaven
Authors: Roy Dibyadyuti
Published: February 2019

Cultural constructions of passive motherhood, especially within domestic spaces, gained currency in India and Ireland due to their shared colonial history, as well as the influence of anti-colonial masculinist nationalism on the social imaginary of these two nations. However, beginning from the latter half of the nineteenth century, postcolonial literary voices have not only challenged the traditional gendering of public and private spaces but also interrogated docile constructions of womanhood, particularly essentialized representations of maternity. Domestic spaces have been critical narrative motifs in these postcolonial texts through simultaneously embodying patriarchal domination but also as sites where feminist resistance can be actualized by “transgress(ing) traditional views of … the home, as a static immobile place of oppression”. This paper, through a comparative analysis of maternal characters in Edna O’Brien’s The Love Object and Jhumpa Lahiri’s Hell-Heaven, argues that socially disapproved/illicit relationships in these two representative postcolonial Irish and Indian narratives function as matricentric feminist tactics that subvert limiting notions of both domestic spaces and gendered liminal postcolonial subjectivities. I highlight that within the context of male-centered colonial and nationalist literature, the trope of maternity configures the domestic-space as the “rightful place” for the existence of the feminine entity. Thus, when postcolonial feminist fiction reverses this tradition through constructing the “home and the female-body” as sites of possible resistance, it is a counter against dual oppression: both colonialism and patriarchy. My intervention further underscores the need for sustained conversations between the literary output of India and Ireland, within Postcolonial Literary Studies, with a particular acknowledgement for space and gender as pivotal categories in the “cultural analysis of empire”.
Conventional Rehabilitation Therapy Versus Telerehabilitation in Cardiac Patients: A Comparison of Motivation, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life
Authors: Spindler Helle , Leerskov Kasper , Joensson Katrine , Nielsen Gitte , Andreasen Jan Jesper , Dinesen Birthe
Published: February 2019

Telerehabilitation (TR) has gained attention as a promising rehabilitation format. Our study examined how patients responded to TR and whether it provided adequate support for their lifestyle changes and self-care efforts when compared to conventional rehabilitation (CR). Cardiac patients (n = 136) were randomly assigned to a TR or CR group. The TR group was provided with relevant health care technology for a period of three months, and both groups filled in questionnaires on their motivation for lifestyle changes and self-care psychological distress, and quality of life at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients in both groups were found to be equally motivated for lifestyle changes and self-care (p < 0.05) and they experienced similar levels of psychological distress and quality of life. TR is comparable to conventional rehabilitation in motivating patients, preventing psychological distress and improving quality of life. Although we observed an initial increase in autonomous motivation in the telerehabilitation group, this positive difference in motivation does not last over time. As such, neither rehabilitation format seems able to ensure long-term motivation. Therefore, TR may serve as a viable replacement for conventional rehabilitation when considered relevant. Further research is needed to enhance long-term motivation, and maybe telerehabilitation can help to achieve this.
Advanced Hepatitis C Virus Replication PDE Models within a Realistic Intracellular Geometric Environment
Authors: Knodel Markus M. , Targett-Adams Paul , Grillo Alfio , Herrmann Eva , Wittum Gabriel
Published: February 2019

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA replication cycle is a dynamic intracellular process occurring in three-dimensional space (3D), which is difficult both to capture experimentally and to visualize conceptually. HCV-generated replication factories are housed within virus-induced intracellular structures termed membranous webs (MW), which are derived from the Endoplasmatic Reticulum (ER). Recently, we published 3D spatiotemporal resolved diffusion–reaction models of the HCV RNA replication cycle by means of surface partial differential equation (sPDE) descriptions. We distinguished between the basic components of the HCV RNA replication cycle, namely HCV RNA, non-structural viral proteins (NSPs), and a host factor. In particular, we evaluated the sPDE models upon realistic reconstructed intracellular compartments (ER/MW). In this paper, we propose a significant extension of the model based upon two additional parameters: different aggregate states of HCV RNA and NSPs, and population dynamics inspired diffusion and reaction coefficients instead of multilinear ones. The combination of both aspects enables realistic modeling of viral replication at all scales. Specifically, we describe a replication complex state consisting of HCV RNA together with a defined amount of NSPs. As a result of the combination of spatial resolution and different aggregate states, the new model mimics a cis requirement for HCV RNA replication. We used heuristic parameters for our simulations, which were run only on a subsection of the ER. Nevertheless, this was sufficient to allow the fitting of core aspects of virus reproduction, at least qualitatively. Our findings should help stimulate new model approaches and experimental directions for virology.
Characterization and Source Identification of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Air in Xi’an: Based on a Five-Year Study
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhang Chengzhong , Han Deming , Ji Zheng
Published: February 2019

In order to assess polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) atmospheric pollution levels in Xi’an, air samples were collected using a large flow air sampler from July 2008 to April 2013. In total, 134 samples were collected and 12 PBDE congeners were detected. Total PBDE concentrations (both gaseous and particulate phase) were 36.38–1054 pg/m3, with an average of 253.2 ± 198.4 pg/m3. BDE-209 was identified as the main PBDE component, with a corresponding concentration of 0.00–1041 pg/m3, accounting for 89.4% of total PBDEs. Principal component analysis results showed that PBDEs in Xi’an’s atmosphere mainly originated from commercial products containing penta-BDE, octa-BDE, and deca-BDE. The relative natural logarithm for partial pressure (RP) of PBDEs (gaseous phase) was calculated using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. The gas flow trajectories at high, middle, and low RP values were analyzed by applying the backward trajectory model. These data indicated that the difference between trajectory distribution and concentration load on trajectories was huge under different RP values. PBDE concentrations (gaseous phase) weighted trajectory showed that the central and southwestern parts of Henan Province and the northwestern area of Hubei Province exhibited the darkest colors, and the daily average concentration contribution of PBDEs to the receiving point was >9 pg/m3, which indicates that these areas might be the main potential source areas of PBDEs in Xi’an’s atmosphere.