bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Effects of Fused-Deposition Modeling (FDM) Processing Parameters on Flexural Properties of ULTEM 9085 using Designed Experiment
Authors: Gebisa Aboma , Lemu Hirpa
Published: March 2018

Fused-deposition modeling (FDM), one of the additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, is an advanced digital manufacturing technique that produces parts by heating, extruding and depositing filaments of thermoplastic polymers. The properties of FDM-produced parts apparently depend on the processing parameters. These processing parameters have conflicting advantages that need to be investigated. This article focuses on an investigation into the effect of these parameters on the flexural properties of FDM-produced parts. The investigation is carried out on high-performance ULTEM 9085 material, as this material is relatively new and has potential application in the aerospace, military and automotive industries. Five parameters: air gap, raster width, raster angle, contour number, and contour width, with a full factorial design of the experiment, are considered for the investigation. From the investigation, it is revealed that raster angle and raster width have the greatest effect on the flexural properties of the material. The optimal levels of the process parameters achieved are: air gap of 0.000 mm, raster width of 0.7814 mm, raster angle of 0°, contour number of 5, and contour width of 0.7814 mm, leading to a flexural strength of 127 MPa, a flexural modulus of 2400 MPa, and 0.081 flexural strain.
Subsurface Damage in Polishing Process of Silicon Carbide Ceramic
Authors: Gu Yan , Zhu Wenhui , Lin Jieqiong , Lu Mingming , Kang Mingshuo
Published: March 2018

Subsurface damage (SSD) in the polishing process of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic presents one of the most significant challenges for practical applications. In this study, the theoretical models of SSD depth are established on the basis of the material removal mechanism and indentation fracture mechanics in the SiC ceramic polishing process. In addition, the three-dimensional (3D) models of single grit polishing are also developed by using the finite element simulation; thereby, the dynamic effects of different process parameters on SSD depth are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the material removal was mainly in brittle mode when the cutting depth was larger than the critical depth of the brittle material. The SSD depth increased as the polishing depth and abrasive grain size increased, and decreased with respect to the increase in polishing speed. The experimental results suggested a good agreement with the theoretical simulation results in terms of SSD depth as a function of polishing depth, spindle speed, and abrasive grain size. This study provides a mechanistic insight into the dependence of SSD on key operational parameters in the polishing process of SiC ceramic.
Hybrid Reinforced Magnesium Matrix Composites (Mg/Sic/GNPs): Drilling Investigation
Authors: Abdulgadir Mustafa , Demir Bilge , Turan Muhammet
Published: March 2018

The machinability of graphene-reinforced magnesium-based hybrid nanocomposites produced through the application of powder metallurgy method has not been completely reported. This article presents an experimental investigation on the thrust force, the surface roughness (Ra), and drilled surfaces characteristics in the drilling process of a Mg/SiC/GNPs (magnesium matrix based silicon carbide and graphene nanoplatelets) hybrid magnesium matrix composite. The hybrid composite material was produced through the application of a powder metallurgy method. The experiments were carried out with uncoated, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) coated tungsten carbide drill bits at three levels of cutting speeds (30, 40, and 50 m/min), and three different levels of feed rate (0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mm/rev) under dry machining conditions. Taguchi’s L27 (33) orthogonal array and S/N ratio were used to optimize the optimal parameters for thrust force and surface roughness. The experimental results indicated that the thrust force and the surface roughness were extremely dependent on a particular type of drill bits, feed rate, and cutting speed. The feed rate parameter is known to have a significant influence on the surface finish.
Surface Analysis of Uncoated and PVD Coated Punch at the Hole-Flanging Process
Authors: Tomáš Miroslav , Džupon Miroslav , Evin Emil , Spišák Emil
Published: March 2018

This paper researches the surface condition and wear on the hole-flanging punch when producing a flanged Ø7 mm hole in a steel strip S355J2 + N (1.0577) with a thickness of 3 mm. The hole was flanged by a punch with a defined geometry known as a tangent ogive and described via a caliber radius head (CRH) ratio. During the process, wear of the punch made of hardened tool steel 1.3343 appeared after 20,000 strokes. Thus, a multipurpose coating TiCN-MP deposited via Lateral Rotating Arc-Cathode technology was applied on the punch to extend the punch lifetime. The coated punch was polished to remove droplets after deposition process. By applying TiCN-MP coating, 120,000 strokes were applied to reach the same wear as for the uncoated tool steel. The surface of the punch made of the hardened tool steel for uncoated and PVD coated conditions was researched by scanning electron microscopy after wear, and an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was done to identify components of bonded material. In addition, the normal pressure on the punch active surface was studied via a numerical simulation of the hole-flanging process. The position of the high normal pressure is well correlated to the position of the adhesive wear for the uncoated and coated punches.
Deformation of Red Blood Cells, Air Bubbles, and Droplets in Microfluidic Devices: Flow Visualizations and Measurements
Authors: Bento David , Rodrigues Raquel , Faustino Vera , Pinho Diana , Fernandes Carla , Pereira Ana , Garcia Valdemar , Miranda João , Lima Rui
Published: March 2018

Techniques, such as micropipette aspiration and optical tweezers, are widely used to measure cell mechanical properties, but are generally labor-intensive and time-consuming, typically involving a difficult process of manipulation. In the past two decades, a large number of microfluidic devices have been developed due to the advantages they offer over other techniques, including transparency for direct optical access, lower cost, reduced space and labor, precise control, and easy manipulation of a small volume of blood samples. This review presents recent advances in the development of microfluidic devices to evaluate the mechanical response of individual red blood cells (RBCs) and microbubbles flowing in constriction microchannels. Visualizations and measurements of the deformation of RBCs flowing through hyperbolic, smooth, and sudden-contraction microchannels were evaluated and compared. In particular, we show the potential of using hyperbolic-shaped microchannels to precisely control and assess small changes in RBC deformability in both physiological and pathological situations. Moreover, deformations of air microbubbles and droplets flowing through a microfluidic constriction were also compared with RBCs deformability.
Charge-Controlled Synthetic Hyaluronan-Based Cell Matrices
Authors: Hegger Patricia , Kupka Julia , Minsky Burcu , Laschat Sabine , Boehm Heike
Published: March 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a highly charged and hydrated network in which different cells in vertebrate tissues are embedded. Hydrogels as minimal ECM mimetics with a controlled chemistry offer the opportunity to vary material properties by varying the negative network charge. In this paper, a synthetic biology model of the ECM based on natural and highly negatively charged polyelectrolyte hyaluronic acid (HA) is characterized with specific emphasis on its charge-related bioactivity. Therefore, the thiol-Michael addition click reaction is used to produce HA hydrogels with defined network structure and charge density. The presented hydrogels show enzymatic degradability and cell attachment. These properties depend on both covalent and electrostatic interactions within the hydrogel network. Furthermore, no unspecific or specific attachment of proteins to the presented hydrogels is observed. In addition, these fundamental insights into charge-related ECM behavior and the influence of electrostatic properties could also lead to innovations in existing biomedical products.
Magnetic Graphene Oxide for Dual Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Lu Yu-Jen , Lin Pin-Yi , Huang Pei-Han , Kuo Chang-Yi , Shalumon K.T. , Chen Mao-Yu , Chen Jyh-Ping
Published: March 2018

To develop a pH-sensitive dual targeting magnetic nanocarrier for chemo-phototherapy in cancer treatment, we prepared magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) by depositing Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles on graphene oxide (GO) through chemical co-precipitation. MGO was modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetuximab (CET, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody) to obtain MGO-PEG-CET. Since EGFR was highly expressed on the tumor cell surface, MGO-PEG-CET was used for dual targeted delivery an anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The physico-chemical properties of MGO-PEG-CET were fully characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and superconducting quantum interference device. Drug loading experiments revealed that DOX adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm with a maximal drug loading capacity of 6.35 mg/mg, while DOX release was pH-dependent with more DOX released at pH 5.5 than pH 7.4. Using quantum-dots labeled nanocarriers and confocal microscopy, intracellular uptakes of MGO-PEG-CET by high EGFR-expressing CT-26 murine colorectal cells was confirmed to be more efficient than MGO. This cellular uptake could be inhibited by pre-incubation with CET, which confirmed the receptor-mediated endocytosis of MGO-PEG-CET. Magnetic targeted killing of CT-26 was demonstrated in vitro through magnetic guidance of MGO-PEG-CET/DOX, while the photothermal effect could be confirmed in vivo and in vitro after exposure of MGO-PEG-CET to near-infrared (NIR) laser light. In addition, the biocompatibility tests indicated MGO-PEG-CET showed no cytotoxicity toward fibroblasts and elicited minimum hemolysis. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of MGO-PEG-CET/DOX toward CT-26 cells was 1.48 µg/mL, which was lower than that of MGO-PEG/DOX (2.64 µg/mL). The IC50 value could be further reduced to 1.17 µg/mL after combining with photothermal therapy by NIR laser light exposure. Using subcutaneously implanted CT-26 cells in BALB/c mice, in vivo anti-tumor studies indicated the relative tumor volumes at day 14 were 12.1 for control (normal saline), 10.1 for DOX, 9.5 for MGO-PEG-CET/DOX, 5.8 for MGO-PEG-CET/DOX + magnet, and 0.42 for MGO-PEG-CET/DOX + magnet + laser. Therefore, the dual targeting MGO-PEG-CET/DOX could be suggested as an effective drug delivery system for anticancer therapy, which showed a 29-fold increase in therapeutic efficacy compared with control by combining chemotherapy with photothermal therapy.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Current Strategies to Map and Characterize R-Loops
Authors: Vanoosthuyse Vincent
Published: March 2018

R-loops are evolutionarily conserved three-stranded structures that result from the formation of stable DNA:RNA hybrids in the genome. R-loops have attracted increasing interest in recent years as potent regulators of gene expression and genome stability. In particular, their strong association with severe replication stress makes them potential oncogenic structures. Despite their importance, the rules that govern their formation and their dynamics are still controversial and an in-depth description of their direct impact on chromatin organization and DNA transactions is still lacking. To better understand the diversity of R-loop functions, reliable, accurate, and quantitative mapping techniques, as well as functional assays are required. Here, I review the different approaches that are currently used to do so and to highlight their individual strengths and weaknesses. In particular, I review the advantages and disadvantages of using the S9.6 antibody to map R-loops in vivo in an attempt to propose guidelines for best practices.
Hypoxia-Induced MicroRNA-210 Targets Neurodegenerative Pathways
Authors: Watts Michelle , Williams Sarah , Nithianantharajah Jess , Claudianos Charles
Published: March 2018

Hypoxia-regulated microRNA-210 (miR-210) is a highly conserved microRNA, known to regulate various processes under hypoxic conditions. Previously we found that miR-210 is also involved in honeybee learning and memory, raising the questions of how neural activity may induce hypoxia-regulated genes and how miR-210 may regulate plasticity in more complex mammalian systems. Using a pull-down approach, we identified 620 unique target genes of miR-210 in humans, among which there was a significant enrichment of age-related neurodegenerative pathways, including Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. We have also validated that miR-210 directly regulates various identified target genes of interest involved with neuronal plasticity, neurodegenerative diseases, and miR-210-associated cancers. This data suggests a potentially novel mechanism for how metabolic changes may couple plasticity to neuronal activity through hypoxia-regulated genes such as miR-210.
Mechanical Measurement System and Precision Analysis for Tactile Property Evaluation of Porous Polymeric Materials
Authors: Yao Bao-Guo , Peng Yun-Liang , Yang Yun-Juan
Published: March 2018

Tactile properties are one of the most important attributes of porous polymeric materials such as textiles, comprising a subjective evaluation index for textile materials and functional clothing, primarily affecting the sensation of comfort during the wearing of a garment. A new test method was proposed, and a mechanical measurement system was developed to objectively characterize the tactile properties of porous polymeric materials by simulating the dynamic contact processes during human skin contact with the materials and in consideration of different aspects of tactile sensations. The measurement system can measure the bending, compression, friction, and thermal transfer properties in one apparatus, and is capable of associating the objective measurements with the subjective tactile sensations. The test and evaluation method, the components of the mechanical measurement system, the definition and grading method of the evaluation indices, and the neural network prediction model from objective test results to subjective sensations of tactile properties were presented. The experiments were conducted for the objective tests and correlation tests. Seven types of porous polymeric sheet materials from seven categories for the tactile properties were cut to a size of 200 mm × 200 mm and tested. Each index of tactile properties was significantly different (P < 0.05) between different sheet materials. The correlations of bending, compression, friction, and thermal transfer properties with Kawabata KES test methods were analyzed. An intra-laboratory test was conducted and an analysis of the variance was performed to determine the critical differences of within laboratory precisions of the measurement system. This mechanical measurement system provides a method and system for objective measurement and evaluation of tactile properties of porous polymeric sheet materials in industrial application.
Finite Element Analysis of Three-Dimensional (3D) Auxetic Textile Composite under Compression
Authors: Zeng Jifang , Hu Hong
Published: March 2018

This paper reports a finite element (FE) analysis of three-dimensional (3D) auxetic textile composite by using commercial software ANSYS 15 under compression. The two-dimensional (2D) FE model was first developed and validated by experiment. Then, the validated model was used to evaluate effects of structural parameters and constituent material properties. For the comparison, 3D non-auxetic composite that was made with the same constituent materials and structural parameters, but with different yarn arrangement in the textile structure was also analyzed at the same time. The analysis results showed that the auxetic and non-auxetic composites have different compression behaviors and the auxetic composite has better the energy absorption capacity than the non-auxetic composite under the same compression stress. The study has provided us a guidance to design and fabricate auxetic composites with the required mechanical behavior by appropriately selecting structural parameters and constituent materials.
Proteomics Analysis to Assess the Role of Mitochondria in BRCA1-Mediated Breast Tumorigenesis
Authors: Concolino Antonio , Olivo Erika , Tammè Laura , Fiumara Claudia , De Angelis Maria , Quaresima Barbara , Agosti Valter , Costanzo Francesco , Cuda Giovanni , Scumaci Domenica
Published: March 2018

Mitochondria are the organelles deputed to energy production, but they are also involved in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis, playing a role in altered energy metabolism in cancer cells. Mitochondrial metabolism is connected with several mitochondrial pathways such as ROS signaling, Ca2+ homeostasis, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. These pathways are merged in an interactive super-network that seems to play a crucial role in cancer. Germline mutations of the BRCA1 gene account for 5–10% of breast cancers and confer a risk of developing the disease 10- to 20-fold much higher than in non-carriers. By considering metabolic networks that could reconcile both genetic and non-genetic causal mechanisms in BRCA1 driven tumorigenesis, we herein based our study on the hypothesis that BRCA1 haploinsufficiency might drive metabolic rewiring in breast epithelial cells, acting as a push toward malignant transformation. Using 2D-DIGE we analyzed and compared the mitochondrial proteomic profile of sporadic breast cancer cell line (MCF7) and BRCA1 mutated breast cancer cell line (HCC1937). Image analysis was carried out with Decider Software, and proteins differentially expressed were identified by LC-MS/MS on a quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer Q-Exactive. Ingenuity pathways analysis software was used to analyze the fifty-three mitochondrial proteins whose expression resulted significantly altered in response to BRCA1 mutation status. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and oxidative phosphorylation, and energy production and nucleic acid metabolism were, respectively, the canonical pathway and the molecular function mainly affected. Western blotting analysis was done to validate the expression and the peculiar mitochondrial compartmentalization of specific proteins such us HSP60 and HIF-1α. Particularly intriguing is the correlation between BRCA1 mutation status and HIF-1α localization into the mitochondria in a BRCA1 dependent manner. Data obtained led us to hypothesize an interesting connection between BRCA1 and mitochondria pathways, capable to trigger metabolic changes, which, in turn, sustain the high energetic and anabolic requirements of the malignant phenotype.
House Church: Investigating Chinese Urban Christians’ Choice of Religious Practicing Site in Wuhan, China
Authors: Han Junqiang , Meng Yingying , Qin Siqi
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we discuss the reasons why urban Christians choose certain sites for religious activities and explain the rapid development of house churches in urban areas in China from the perspective of individual Christians, through survey data obtained by the Chinese Urban Research Center for Ethnic and Religious Affairs Management in the city of Wuhan. We found that Christians who attend religious activities in urban house churches are generally younger in age, higher in education level, and more likely to be working in independent, private, or foreign-invested enterprises. Further investigation reveals that “Three-Self churches” are few in number and poorly planned geographically, resulting in very limited service abilities, thus being far from satisfactory for all believers. Moreover, the activities of such churches are unvaried and lack attractiveness. On the other hand, in house churches, Christians are able to build tight-knit social networks and house churches are more competitively aware in the “religious market”, leading some urban Christians to choose house churches, thereby inciting the fast development of house churches in Chinese urban areas.
Precise Large Deviations for Subexponential Distributions in a Multi Risk Model
Authors: Konstantinides Dimitrios
Published: March 2018

The precise large deviations asymptotics for the sums of independent identical random variables when the distribution of the summand belongs to the class S ∗ of heavy tailed distributions is studied. Under mild conditions, we extend the previous results from the paper Denisov et al. (2010) to asymptotics that are valid uniformly over some time interval. Finally, we apply the main result on the multi-risk model introduced by Wang and Wang (2007).
Analyzing the Risks Embedded in Option Prices with rndfittool
Authors: Barletta Andrea , Santucci de Magistris Paolo
Published: March 2018

This paper introduces a new computational tool for the analysis of the risks embedded in a set of prices of European-style options. The software enables the estimation of the risk-neutral density (RND) from the observed option prices by means of orthogonal polynomial expansions. Orthogonal polynomials offer a viable alternative to more standard techniques based on interpolation and estimation of the second-order derivatives of option prices. The app rndfittool is available on GitHub and its usage is illustrated with examples based on real data.
An Automatic Sparse Pruning Endmember Extraction Algorithm with a Combined Minimum Volume and Deviation Constraint
Authors: Li Huali , Liu Jun , Yu Haicong
Published: March 2018

In this paper, an automatic sparse pruning endmember extraction algorithm with a combined minimum volume and deviation constraint (SPEEVD) is proposed. The proposed algorithm can adaptively determine the number of endmembers through a sparse pruning method and, at the same time, can weaken the noise interference by a minimum volume and deviation constraint. A non-negative matrix factorization solution based on the projection gradient is mathematically applied to solve the combined constrained optimization problem, which makes sure that the convergence is steady and robust. Experiments were carried out on both simulated data sets and real AVIRIS data sets. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method does not require a predetermined endmember number, but it still manifests an improvement in both the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and the endmember spectra, compared to the other state-of-the-art methods, most of which need an accurate pre-estimation of endmember number.
Are Changes in Physical Work Capacity Induced by High-Intensity Functional Training Related to Changes in Associated Physiologic Measures?
Authors: Crawford Derek , Drake Nicholas , Carper Michael , DeBlauw Justin , Heinrich Katie
Published: March 2018

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a novel exercise intervention that may test body systems in a balanced and integrated fashion by challenging individuals’ abilities to complete mechanical work. However, research has not previously determined if physical work capacity is unique to traditional physiologic measures of fitness. Twenty-five healthy men and women completed a six-week HIFT intervention with physical work capacity and various physiologic measures of fitness assessed pre- and post-intervention. At baseline, these physiologic measures of fitness (e.g., aerobic capacity) were significantly associated with physical work capacity and this relationship was even stronger at post-intervention assessment. Further, there were significant improvements across these physiologic measures in response to the delivered intervention. However, the change in these physiologic measures failed to predict the change in physical work capacity induced via HIFT. These findings point to the potential utility of HIFT as a unique challenge to individuals’ physiology beyond traditional resistance or aerobic training. Elucidating the translational impact of increasing work capacity via HIFT may be of great interest to health and fitness practitioners ranging from strength/conditioning coaches to physical therapists.
Update of the INPRO Methodology in the Area of Waste Management
Authors: Phillips Jon , Korinny Andriy , Depisch Frank , Drace Zoran
Published: March 2018

Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on the results of thorough, comprehensive, and unbiased assessment. To minimize the influence of human factors on assessment results, a systematic methodological approach for the evaluation of the sustainability of nuclear energy systems has been developed in the IAEA INPRO section based on the experience acquired in different countries. The methodology comprises several areas of a nuclear energy system (NES) assessment including the area of waste management. In this area it defines three major issues relevant to sustainability and the nine corresponding criteria to be used as assessment tools. Assessment of sustainability in the area of waste management is a part of the holistic system assessment to be performed to make reasonable judgments on sustainability.
Identification and Prioritisation of Risk Factors in R&D Projects Based on an R&D Process Model
Authors: Shin Junseok , Lee Sungjoo , Yoon Byungun
Published: March 2018

Although the importance of risk management and failure management has been emphasized in many organizations for sustainable development, most of the related studies have dealt with manufacturing or service processes, rather than R&D processes. Since R&D projects have high uncertainty in schedule and the quality of output, more attention should be paid to manage the risks of R&D activities. Thus, this paper proposes a systemic approach to performing R&D failure and risk management in the R&D process. To these ends, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is employed, and is modified to meet the specific features of R&D activities with a stage-gate model that can identify the failure modes in each stage of the R&D process model. In addition, a process to prioritize the risks of R&D failure is suggested to support a decision-making process in R&D management, by applying the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). The proposed approach is applied to a case of R&D process of a software development company, in order to illustrate its validity. This paper can help R&D managers to identify and cope with the risks in the R&D process by employing a systematic method.
Leveraging Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture via Desalination: Evidence from a Macro-Data Case Study in Israel
Authors: Raveh Eran , Ben-Gal Alon
Published: March 2018

Israel has been a global frontrunner in (a) irrigation water application efficiency; (b) utilization of non-conventional (recycled and brackish) water supplies containing salts for irrigation; and recently (c) large-scale seawater desalination to provide water. Irrigation with water high in salts in many dry regions has been shown to be non-sustainable, mostly due to contamination of soils, subsoils, and groundwater resulting from the application and leaching of salts. We hypothesized that the move to desalination would reverse prior problematic trends of salinization and provide a path to sustainable irrigated agriculture in Israel and similar environments. To investigate effects of desalination in Israel on the status of salinity trends, we evaluated citrus leaf sodium, chloride, and magnesium in the years since the onset of large-scale national desalination in 2008 and examined fresh produce in the country for sodium and magnesium. We found remarkable reversal of previous trends until 2006, when salinity was found to rise consistently, in the recent data showing decreases of 20, 34, and 30% for Na, Cl, and Mg, respectively. A tendency for Israeli produce to be high in concentrations of salts compared to international standards was also reversed following large-scale desalination. Sodium in Israeli fresh produce is no longer much higher than that expected in equivalent sources in the USA while magnesium is lower in Israel fruits and vegetables compared to USDA standards. We present these results and trends to support the argument that desalination can allow and promote sustainable irrigated agriculture in the world’s dry areas.
The Bio-Based Economy: Dynamics Governing Transition Pathways in the Swedish Forestry Sector
Authors: Bennich Therese , Belyazid Salim , Kopainsky Birgit , Diemer Arnaud
Published: March 2018

A transition to a bio-based economy would entail change in coupled social–ecological systems. These systems are characterised by complexity, giving rise to potential unintended consequences and trade-offs caused by actions aiming to facilitate a transition process. Yet, many of the analyses to date have been focusing on single and predominantly technological aspects of the bio-based economy. The main contribution of our work is to the development of an integrated understanding of potential future transition pathways, with the present paper focusing specifically on terrestrial biological resources derived from the forestry sector in Sweden. Desired change processes identified include a transition to diversified forest management, a structural change in the forestry industry to enable high-value added production, and increased political support for the bio-based economy concept. Hindrances identified include the ability to demonstrate added values for end consumers of novel biomass applications, and uncertainty linked to a perceived high level of polarisation in the forestry debate. The results outline how these different processes are interrelated, allowing for the identification of high order leverage points and interventions to facilitate a transition to a bio-based economy.
Spatial Pattern and Regional Relevance Analysis of the Maritime Silk Road Shipping Network
Authors: Mou Naixia , Liu Caixia , Zhang Lingxian , Fu Xin , Xie Yichun , Li Yong , Peng Peng
Published: March 2018

Under the strategy of “One Belt and One Road”, this paper explores the spatial pattern and the status quo of regional trade relevance of the Maritime Silk Road shipping network. Based on complex network theory, a topological structure map of shipping networks for containers, tankers, and bulk carriers was constructed, and the spatial characteristics of shipping networks were analyzed. Using the mode of spatial arrangement and the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, this paper further analyzes the traffic flow pattern of regional trade of three kinds of goods. It is shown that the shipping network of containers, tankers and bulk carriers are unevenly distributed and have regional agglomeration phenomena. There is a strong correlation between the interior of the region and the adjacent areas, and the port competition is fierce. Among them, the container ships network is the most competitive in the region, while the competitiveness of the tankers network is relatively the lowest. The inter-regional correlation is weak, and a few transit hub ports have obvious competitive advantages. The ports in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia are the most significant. The research results combined with the Maritime Silk Road policy can provide reference for port construction, route optimization, and coordinated development of regional trade, which will help to save time and cost of marine transportation, reduce energy consumption, and promote the sustainable development of marine environment and regional trade on the Maritime Silk Road.
Implementation of PEF Treatment at Real-Scale Tomatoes Processing Considering LCA Methodology as an Innovation Strategy in the Agri-Food Sector
Authors: Arnal Álvaro , Royo Patricia , Pataro Gianpiero , Ferrari Giovanna , Ferreira Víctor , López-Sabirón Ana , Ferreira Germán
Published: March 2018

In Europe, science and innovation are boosting the agri-food sector and, in parallel, are helping to decrease greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and European dependency on non-renewable resources. Currently, it is well-known that this sector contributes to the consumption of energy and material resources, causing significant environmental impacts that require a complex and comprehensive environmental evaluation in order to manage them effectively. This becomes even more complicated when new technologies are reaching the level of technological maturity needed to be installed in the production lines. To address this scientific challenge, the life cycle assessment (LCA) has been used in this paper to evaluate the potential of pulsed electric fields (PEF) technology at an industrial scale to facilitate the steam peeling of tomato fruits. Considering the thermo-physical peeling stage, the LCA has shown that PEF technology is environmentally friendly, because when PEF technology is applied, all the considered environmental indicators improve between 17% and 20%.
Ecosystem Services Management Based on Differentiation and Regionalization along Vertical Gradient in Taihang Mountain, China
Authors: Gao Hui , Fu Tonggang , Liu Jintong , Liang Hongzhu , Han Lipu
Published: March 2018

The regulation and management of ecosystem services are fundamental for sustainable development in mountain areas. Although no obvious vertical band spectrum exists in Taihang Mountain region, vertical differentiation of ecological characteristics in the region is obvious. The ecosystem characteristics of vertical differentiation were analyzed using 4 typical ecological indices (land use, temperature, net primary productivity, and water yield). The ecosystem service functional pattern was determined based on analysis of the ecosystem services value per unit area. The 2 ecosystem critical zones of vertical differentiation (500–600 m and 1400–1500 m) were determined. The mountain area was divided into 3 ecological zones—sub-alpine zone (>1500 m), mid-mountain zone (600–1400 m) and hilly zone (<500 m). The ecosystem services functional pattern was as follows: provisioning services was the main ecosystem services function in the hilly zone, 4 ecosystem service functions were equally important in the mid-mountain zone, regulating, supporting and cultural services were the main ecosystem service functions in the sub-alpine zone. The model of ecosystem service regulation and management in 3 ecological zones was built based on the functional patterns to promote sustainable development.
Assessment of Importance and Characteristics of Biophilic Design Patterns in a Children’s Library
Authors: Lee Hyo , Park Sung
Published: March 2018

This paper stresses the results of a consciousness survey on the characteristics of biophilic design elements and patterns applied within a children’s library. Biophilic design is a sustainable design strategy that intends to bring about positive change in users by integrating and linking people and nature. The aim of this study is to suggest a space design method for children’s libraries, applying several natural elements based on biophilic design patterns. To investigate space design characteristics based on the biophilic design of children’s libraries, we summarized the elements that have been included in patterns of biophilic design in previous studies, and analyzed the characteristics of biophilic design patterns in children’s libraries through case studies. Also, we conducted a questionnaire survey from 261 caregivers of children’s libraries. The conclusions are as follows. First, children’s libraries need to offer an experience of nature, considering a natural ecosystem. Second, children’s libraries need natural shelter space designs and open space designs based on natural elements. Third, children’s libraries need multi-functional space designs that enable reading, rest, gathering, play, performance, and facilitate children of various ages interacting with each other. Fourth, children’s libraries need space designs that can induce interest and experiences by various forms of sensory information created by natural elements. This research intends to find out the priority application method of biophilic design patterns and elements of a children‘s library through a survey of caregivers’ consciousness, and contribute greatly to the potential possibilities of the application of biophilic designs to indoor spaces.
Can Legislation Promote a Circular Economy? A Material Flow-Based Evaluation of the Circular Degree of the Chinese Economy
Authors: Hu Yuan , He Xuan , Poustie Mark
Published: March 2018

The circular economy has been widely developed in China and other countries. However, China has been the most proactive country in upgrading its economic model by enacting a Circular Economy Promotion Law (CEPL). Nearly 10 years have passed since the adoption of the CEPL, and it is thus essential to evaluate the progress of circular economy development to see if the targets have been achieved. Although it is extremely difficult to evaluate the role of the CEPL in the development of a circular economy in China, we think that if we can estimate the circular degree of the Chinese economy and identify the changes of some key indicators before and after the adoption of the CEPL, it will be helpful in judging whether the CEPL has played a key role in promoting the transition of the economic development model. Since the existing circular economy indicators and evaluation systems have focused mainly on the recycling of resources, we designed a methodology based on the material flow that can be used to evaluate the circular degree of the whole national economy. Through a detailed observation of the circular economy indicators of China, we conclude that the CEPL has not yet played a significant role in promoting the circular economy as was previously believed.
The Landau-Lifshitz Equation, the NLS, and the Magnetic Rogue Wave as a By-Product of Two Colliding Regular “Positons”
Authors: Yurov Artyom , Yurov Valerian
Published: March 2018

In this article we present a new method for construction of exact solutions of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation (LLG) for ferromagnetic nanowires. The method is based on the established relationship between the LLG and the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS), and is aimed at resolving an old problem: how to produce multiple-rogue wave solutions of NLS using just the Darboux-type transformations. The solutions of this type—known as P-breathers—have been proven to exist by Dubard and Matveev, but their technique heavily relied on using the solutions of yet another nonlinear equation, the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili I equation (KP-I), and its relationship with NLS. We have shown that in fact one doesn’t have to use KP-I but can instead reach the same results just with NLS solutions, but only if they are dressed via the binary Darboux transformation. In particular, our approach allows us to construct all the Dubard-Matveev P-breathers. Furthermore, the new method can lead to some completely new, previously unknown solutions. One particular solution that we have constructed describes two “positon”-like waves, colliding with each other and in the process producing a new, short-lived rogue wave. We called this unusual solution (in which a rogue wave is begotten after the impact of two solitons) the “impacton”.
Inhibition of Zika Virus Replication by Silvestrol
Authors: Elgner Fabian , Sabino Catarina , Basic Michael , Ploen Daniela , Grünweller Arnold , Hildt Eberhard
Published: March 2018

The Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in 2016 in South America with specific pathogenic outcomes highlighted the need for new antiviral substances with broad-spectrum activities to react quickly to unexpected outbreaks of emerging viral pathogens. Very recently, the natural compound silvestrol isolated from the plant Aglaia foveolata was found to have very potent antiviral effects against the (−)-strand RNA-virus Ebola virus as well as against Corona- and Picornaviruses with a (+)-strand RNA-genome. This antiviral activity is based on the impaired translation of viral RNA by the inhibition of the DEAD-box RNA helicase eukaryotic initiation factor-4A (eIF4A) which is required to unwind structured 5´-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) of several proto-oncogenes and thereby facilitate their translation. Zika virus is a flavivirus with a positive-stranded RNA-genome harboring a 5′-capped UTR with distinct secondary structure elements. Therefore, we investigated the effects of silvestrol on ZIKV replication in A549 cells and primary human hepatocytes. Two different ZIKV strains were used. In both infected A549 cells and primary human hepatocytes, silvestrol has the potential to exert a significant inhibition of ZIKV replication for both analyzed strains, even though the ancestor strain from Uganda is less sensitive to silvestrol. Our data might contribute to identify host factors involved in the control of ZIKV infection and help to develop antiviral concepts that can be used to treat a variety of viral infections without the risk of resistances because a host protein is targeted.
Mutations in the Non-Structural Protein-Coding Sequence of Protoparvovirus H-1PV Enhance the Fitness of the Virus and Show Key Benefits Regarding the Transduction Efficiency of Derived Vectors
Authors: Hashemi Hamidreza , Condurat Alexandra-Larisa , Stroh-Dege Alexandra , Weiss Nadine , Geiss Carsten , Pilet Jill , Cornet Bartolomé Carles , Rommelaere Jean , Salomé Nathalie , Dinsart Christiane
Published: March 2018

Single nucleotide changes were introduced into the non-structural (NS) coding sequence of the H-1 parvovirus (PV) infectious molecular clone and the corresponding virus stocks produced, thereby generating H1-PM-I, H1-PM-II, H1-PM-III, and H1-DM. The effects of the mutations on viral fitness were analyzed. Because of the overlapping sequences of NS1 and NS2, the mutations affected either NS2 (H1-PM-II, -III) or both NS1 and NS2 proteins (H1-PM-I, H1-DM). Our results show key benefits of PM-I, PM-II, and DM mutations with regard to the fitness of the virus stocks produced. Indeed, these mutants displayed a higher production of infectious virus in different cell cultures and better spreading capacity than the wild-type virus. This correlated with a decreased particle-to-infectivity (P/I) ratio and stimulation of an early step(s) of the viral cycle prior to viral DNA replication, namely, cell binding and internalization. These mutations also enhance the transduction efficiency of H-1PV-based vectors. In contrast, the PM-III mutation, which affects NS2 at a position downstream of the sequence deleted in Del H-1PV, impaired virus replication and spreading. We hypothesize that the NS2 protein—modified in H1-PM-I, H1-PM-II, and H1-DM—may result in the stimulation of some maturation step(s) of the capsid and facilitate virus entry into subsequently infected cells.
Identification of a Novel Recombinant Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in China
Authors: Zhou Long , Kang Runmin , Xie Bo , Tian Yiming , Wu Xuan , Lv Xuebin , Yang Xin , Wang Hongning
Published: March 2018

Since the emergence of NADC30-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in China in 2013, PRRSVs have undergone rapid evolution. In this study, a novel variant of PRRSV strain (designated SCcd17) was successfully isolated from piglets with clinical signs in Sichuan Province in China in 2017, and the complete genomic sequence was determined. The genome of this new isolate was 15,015 nucleotides (nt) long, and comparative analysis revealed that SCcd17 exhibited 90.2%, 85.2%, 84.9%, and 84.0% nucleotide similarity to PRRSVs NADC30, JXA1, CH-1a, and VR-2332, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the SCcd17 strain was classified into the NADC30-like sub-genotype, in which all the strains contained the unique discontinuous 131-amino acid deletion in nonstructural protein 2 (nsp2) when compared to VR-2332-like viruses. Notably, extensive amino acid substitutions were observed in nsp2 and a unique single amino acid deletion at position 33 of the GP5 is being described for the first time. Strikingly, recombination analysis revealed that SCcd17 was the result of recombination between the NADC30-like, JXA1-like, and VR-2332-like strains at five recombination breakpoints: nsp1α (nt 641), nsp3 (nt 5141), nsp10 (nt 9521), open reading frame 3 (ORF3) (nt 12,581), and ORF4 (nt 13,021). The genomic data of SCcd17 will be helpful for understanding the role of genomic recombination in the evolution of PRRSV.
The Nothoaspis amazoniensis Complete Mitogenome: A Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Lima Paulo , Vidigal Pedro , Barcelos Rafael , Klein Raphael , Montandon Carlos , Fabres-Klein Mary , Dergam Jorge , Venzal José , Mafra Cláudio
Published: March 2018

The molecular biology era, together with morphology, molecular phylogenetics, bioinformatics, and high-throughput sequencing technologies, improved the taxonomic identification of Argasidae family members, especially when considering specimens at different development stages, which remains a great difficulty for acarologists. These tools could provide important data and insights on the history and evolutionary relationships of argasids. To better understand these relationships, we sequenced and assembled the first complete mitochondrial genome of Nothoaspis amazoniensis. We used phylogenomics to identify the evolutionary history of this species of tick, comparing the data obtained with 26 complete mitochondrial sequences available in biological databases. The results demonstrated the absence of genetic rearrangements, high similarity and identity, and a close organizational link between the mitogenomes of N. amazoniensis and other argasids analyzed. In addition, the mitogenome had a monophyletic cladistic taxonomic arrangement, encompassed by representatives of the Afrotropical and Neotropical regions, with specific parasitism in bats, which may be indicative of an evolutionary process of cospeciation between vectors and the host.
Liver and Pancreas: Do Similar Embryonic Development and Tissue Organization Lead to Similar Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis?
Authors: Ghurburrun Elsa , Borbath Ivan , Lemaigre Frédéric P. , Jacquemin Patrick
Published: March 2018

The liver and pancreas are closely associated organs that share a common embryological origin. They display amphicrine properties and have similar exocrine organization with parenchymal cells, namely, hepatocytes and acinar cells, secreting bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum
via a converging network of bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. Here we compare and highlight the similarities of molecular mechanisms leading to liver and pancreatic cancer development. We suggest that unraveling tumor development in an organ may provide insight into our understanding of carcinogenesis
in the other organ.