bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non-Probabilistic Solution for Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis on Techno-Economic Assessments of Biodiesel Production with Interval Uncertainties
Authors: Tang Zhang-Chun , Xia Yanjun , Xue Qi , Liu Jie
Published: March 2018

Techno-economic assessments (TEA) of biodiesel production may comply with various economic and technical uncertainties during the lifespan of the project, resulting in the variation of many parameters associated with biodiesel production, including price of biodiesel, feedstock price, and rate of interest. Engineers may only collect very limited information on these uncertain parameters such as their variation intervals with lower and upper bound. This paper proposes a novel non-probabilistic strategy for uncertainty analysis (UA) in the TEA of biodiesel production with interval parameters, and non-probabilistic reliability index (NPRI) is employed to measure the economically feasible extent of biodiesel production. A sensitivity analysis (SA) indicator is proposed to assess the sensitivity of NPRI with regard to an individual uncertain interval parameter. The optimization method is utilized to solve NPRI and SA. Results show that NPRI in the focused biodiesel production of interest is 0.1211, and price of biodiesel, price of feedstock, and cost of operating can considerably affect TEA of biodiesel production.
Economic Value Assessment and Optimal Sizing of an Energy Storage System in a Grid-Connected Wind Farm
Authors: Choi Dong , Min Daiki , Ryu Jong-hyun
Published: March 2018

This study identifies the optimal management policy of a given energy storage system (ESS) installed in a grid-connected wind farm in terms of maximizing the monetary benefits and provides guidelines for defining the economic value of the ESS under optimal management policy and selecting the optimal size of the ESS based on economic value. Considering stochastic models for wind power and electricity price, we develop a finite-horizon periodic-review Markov decision process (MDP) model to seek the optimal management policy. We also use a simple optimization model to find the optimal storage capacity and charging/discharging capacity of the ESS. By applying our analytic approach to a real-world grid-connected wind farm located in South Korea, we verify the usefulness of this study. Our numerical study shows that the economic value of the ESS is highly dependent on management policy, wind electricity variability, and electricity price variability. Thus, the optimal size of ESS should be carefully determined based on the locational characteristics and management policy even with limited investments. Furthermore, this study provides a meaningful policy implication regarding how much of a subsidy the government should provide for installing ESS in a wind farm.
Defect Pattern Recognition Based on Partial Discharge Characteristics of Oil-Pressboard Insulation for UHVDC Converter Transformer
Authors: Si Wen , Li Simeng , Xiao Huaishuo , Li Qingquan , Shi Yalin , Zhang Tongqiao
Published: March 2018

The ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission system has advantages in delivering electrical energy over long distance at high capacity. UHVDC converter transformer is a key apparatus and its insulation state greatly affects the safe operation of the transmission system. Partial discharge (PD) characteristics of oil-pressboard insulation under combined AC-DC voltage are the foundation for analyzing the insulation state of UHVDC converter transformers. The defect pattern recognition based on PD characteristics is an important part of the state monitoring of converter transformers. In this paper, PD characteristics are investigated with the established experimental platform of three defect models (needle-plate, surface discharge and air gap) under 1:1 combined AC-DC voltage. The different PD behaviors of three defect models are discussed and explained through simulation of electric field strength distribution and discharge mechanism. For the recognition of defect types when multiple types of sources coexist, the Random Forests algorithm is used for recognition. In order to reduce the computational layer and the loss of information caused by the extraction of traditional features, the preprocessed single PD pulses and phase information are chosen to be the features for learning and test. Zero-padding method is discussed for normalizing the features. Based on the experimental data, Random Forests and Least Squares Support Vector Machine are compared in the performance of computing time, recognition accuracy and adaptability. It is proved that Random Forests is more suitable for big data analysis.
Voltage Distribution–Based Fault Location for Half-Wavelength Transmission Line with Large-Scale Wind Power Integration in China
Authors: Cao Pulin , Shu Hongchun , Yang Bo , An Na , Qiu Dalin , Teng Weiye , Dong Jun
Published: March 2018

Large-scale wind farms are generally far away from load centers, hence there is an urgent need for a large-capacity power transmission scheme for extremely long distances, such as half-wavelength transmission lines (HWTLs), which can usually span thousands of kilometers from large-scale wind farms to load centers. An accurate fault location method for HWTLs is needed to ensure safe and reliable operation. This paper presents the design of a modal voltage distribution–based asynchronous double-end fault location (MVD-ADFL) scheme, in which the phase voltages and currents are transformed to modal components through a Karenbauer transformation matrix. Then, the modal voltage distributions along transmission lines are calculated by voltage and current from double ends. Moreover, the minimums and intersection points of calculated modal voltages from double ends are defined as the fault location estimation. In order to identify incorrect fault location results and reduce calculation errors for the correct ones, air modal and earth modal voltage distributions are applied in the fault location estimations. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach under different fault resistances, distances, and types. Lastly, a real-time digital simulator (RTDS)–based hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test is undertaken to validate the feasibility of implementing the proposed approach.
Control of a Charger/Discharger DC/DC Converter with Improved Disturbance Rejection for Bus Regulation
Authors: Serna-Garcés Sergio , González Montoya Daniel , Ramos-Paja Carlos
Published: March 2018

Stand-alone power systems based on renewable energy sources are widely used for energy generation in remote locations and for distributed generation in urban environments. The DC bus is an essential component of these systems since it enables power transmission between the sources, loads and batteries. The batteries are interfaced with the bus using a charger/discharger DC/DC converter, which is controlled to regulate the DC bus voltage under any operating conditions. This is an important task because unsafe over-voltages and under-voltages in the bus could damage the sources, loads and power converters. This paper proposes a sliding-mode controller for a charger/discharger DC/DC converter with improved disturbance rejection to provide a tight bus voltage regulation for safe operation. The main novelty of this solution is the inclusion of the bus current in the sliding surface, which accelerates the controller response. Moreover, a formal proof of the system global stability is provided, and a detailed process is developed to calculate the controller and implementation parameters. Finally, the proposed solution is validated through simulations and experiments.
An Input-to-State Stability-Based Load Restoration Approach for Isolated Power Systems
Authors: Qin Boyu , Gao Haixiang , Ma Jin , Li Wei , Zomaya Albert
Published: March 2018

An isolated power system (IPS) is usually operated under a bad environment and is influenced by external disturbances. Advanced load restoration technology is an important way to enhance the survivability and reliability of IPS. This paper proposes a fast load restoration approach based on Input-to-State Stability (ISS) theory for IPS. The method can recover load after an outage happens in an IPS under severe perturbations. In the proposed restoration approach, both stability and security constraints are considered based on the ISS theory, which can guarantee the stable and secure operation of IPS during the restoration dynamic process. These constraints have good adaptability for topology transformation and operation status transition of IPS. A heuristic approach to efficiently solve the load restoration problem is proposed, where bisection search is used to check the feasibility of the loads to be restored. Case studies on a typical IPS are used to verify the proposed method.
Economic Impact Evaluation of a Biomass Power Plant Using a Technical Coefficient Pre-Adjustment in Hybrid Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Jongdeepaisal Cholapat , Nasu Seigo
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a new and improved method of hybrid input-output (I-O) to evaluate the economic impact of a biomass power plant’s resource production and consumption. The effect of resource consumption induces a change in an economy’s production structure and alters the technical coefficient of the hybrid I-O table, which should not be changed. Our study examines this problem based on two cases: a small cut-off ratio from the existing industry, in which the change in the technical coefficient can be ignored, and a large cut-off ratio from the existing industry, in which the technical coefficient is amended using the pre-adjustment method. Consequently, the biomass power plant using the large cut-off ratio from the existing industry case contributes about 1114 million yen to the local economy. A comparison of these two cases shows that the error caused by ignorance of the technical coefficient adjustment could result in 291.78 million yen less in total economic production, which is about 36% of the total additional production using the small cut-off ratio from the existing industry case. The losses in total economic production clearly increase in economic sectors that are related to the resource consumption of the biomass power plant.
Performance and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Analysis of Biogas-Fueled Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells for a Sewage Sludge and Food Waste Treatment Facility
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Sung Taehong , Kim Kyung
Published: March 2018

The supply rate goal for new and renewable energy has been set to 20% by 2030 through the expansion of biogas production. The goal to reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions by 37% below the business-as-usual (BAU) level of 851 million by 2030 was set by the Korean Government. However, biogas from corresponding treatment facilities is not used for the purpose of energy production, but is incinerated to raise the temperature of digesters. This study aimed to conduct a simulation of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) hybrid plant using actual biogas operation data, analyzing annual performance. The 2450 kW SOFC system was set to its maximum capacity, with the available amount of biogas and the heat of the exhaust gas used to heat the anaerobic digester, but the amount of digester heat decreased in summer because of high air temperature. Up to 55% of total power usage could be produced via biogas, and a 45% reduction in CO2 was achieved.
Adapting to Climate Change: Lessons from Farmers and Peri-Urban Fringe Residents in South Australia
Authors: Robinson Guy , Bardsley Douglas , Raymond Christopher , Underwood Tegan , Moskwa Emily , Weber Delene , Waschl Nicolette , Bardsley Annette
Published: March 2018

This paper reports on results from two major research projects conducted in South Australia. The first investigates adaptation to climate change in two of the state’s major grain and sheep farming regions, using semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The second uses a postal questionnaire and an internet-based survey of residents in the peri-urban fringes of Adelaide, the state capital, to examine knowledge of and attitudes to climate change and resulting adaptations, especially in the context of increasing risk of wildfires. The research on adaptation to climate change in agriculture focused on formal institutions (e.g., government agencies) and communities of practice (e.g., farm systems groups). Both groups noted that farmers autonomously adapt to various risks, including those induced by climate variability. The types and levels of adaptation varied among individuals partly because of barriers to adaptation, which included limited communication and engagement processes established between formal institutions and communities of practice. The paper discusses possibilities for more effective transfers of knowledge and information on climate change among formal institutions, communities of practice, trusted individual advisors and farmers. Research in the peri-urban fringe revealed that actions taken by individuals to mitigate and/or adapt to climate change were linked to the nature of environmental values held (or ecological worldview) and place attachment. Individuals with a strong place attachment to the study area (the Adelaide Hills) who possessed knowledge of and/or beliefs in climate change were most likely to take mitigating actions. This was also linked to previous experience of major risk from wildfires. The paper concludes by discussing prospects for developing co-management for reducing the impact of climate change across multiple groups in rural and peri-urban areas.
Allocation of Storage Yards in Management Plans in the Amazon by Means of Mathematical Programming
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Evandro , Da Silva Gilson , Orfanó Figueiredo Evandro , Breda Binoti Daniel , Ribeiro de Mendonça Adriano , Moreira Miquelino Eleto Torres Carlos , Macedo Pezzopane José
Published: March 2018

The present study aimed to optimize the location of wood storage yards in forest management for the production of wood in the Brazilian Amazon. The area of forest management studied was 638.17 ha, with 1478 trees selected for harvest with a diameter at breast height of at least 50 cm in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Taking the topography into account—permanent preservation areas, restricted areas, and remaining trees—and using GIS tools, 7896 sites were identified that could be used as wood storage yards. By using mathematical programming techniques, more specifically binary integer linear programming, and based on the classical p-median model, optimal locations for the opening of yards were defined. Four scenarios were proposed combining distance and volume constraints. The scenarios evaluated promoted reductions in infrastructure investment compared with traditional planning. The results showed reductions in the number of forest roads (–6.33%) and trails to extract logs (–15.49%) when compared to traditional planning. The best performing scenario was that with the maximum volume restriction. It was concluded that the application of mathematical programming was able to promote significant gains in the harvest planning of native forests of the Amazon with the potential to reduce environmental damage.
Bioethanol a Microbial Biofuel Metabolite; New Insights of Yeasts Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Selim Khaled , El-Ghwas Dina , Easa Saadia , Abdelwahab Hassan Mohamed
Published: March 2018

Scarcity of the non-renewable energy sources, global warming, environmental pollution, and raising the cost of petroleum are the motive for the development of renewable, eco-friendly fuels production with low costs. Bioethanol production is one of the promising materials that can subrogate the petroleum oil, and it is considered recently as a clean liquid fuel or a neutral carbon. Diverse microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria are able to produce bioethanol on a large scale, which can satisfy our daily needs with cheap and applicable methods. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis are two of the pioneer yeasts in ethanol production due to their abilities to produce a high amount of ethanol. The recent focus is directed towards lignocellulosic biomass that contains 30–50% cellulose and 20–40% hemicellulose, and can be transformed into glucose and fundamentally xylose after enzymatic hydrolysis. For this purpose, a number of various approaches have been used to engineer different pathways for improving the bioethanol production with simultaneous fermentation of pentose and hexoses sugars in the yeasts. These approaches include metabolic and flux analysis, modeling and expression analysis, followed by targeted deletions or the overexpression of key genes. In this review, we highlight and discuss the current status of yeasts genetic engineering for enhancing bioethanol production, and the conditions that influence bioethanol production.
Security Awareness in Software-Defined Multi-Domain 5G Networks
Authors: Suomalainen Jani , Ahola Kimmo , Majanen Mikko , Mämmelä Olli , Ruuska Pekka
Published: March 2018

Fifth generation (5G) technologies will boost the capacity and ease the management of mobile networks. Emerging virtualization and softwarization technologies enable more flexible customization of network services and facilitate cooperation between different actors. However, solutions are needed to enable users, operators, and service providers to gain an up-to-date awareness of the security and trustworthiness of 5G systems. We describe a novel framework and enablers for security monitoring, inferencing, and trust measuring. The framework leverages software-defined networking and big data technologies to customize monitoring for different applications. We present an approach for sharing security measurements across administrative domains. We describe scenarios where the correlation of multi-domain information improves the accuracy of security measures with respect to two threats: end-user location tracking and Internet of things (IoT) authentication storms. We explore the security characteristics of data flows in software networks dedicated to different applications with a mobile network testbed.
Meat Quality Derived from High Inclusion of a Micro-Alga or Insect Meal as an Alternative Protein Source in Poultry Diets: A Pilot Study
Authors: Altmann Brianne , Neumann Carmen , Velten Susanne , Liebert Frank , Mörlein Daniel
Published: March 2018

The effects on meat quality resulting from alternative dietary protein sources (Spirulina and Hermetia meal) in poultry diets are studied to determine the overall suitability of these ingredients considering state-of-the-art packaging practices—highly oxygenated modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx MAP). We monitored standard slaughterhouse parameters, such as live weight, carcass weight, dressed yield, and pH at 20 min and 24 h post mortem. In addition, we studied the effects that 3 and 7-day storage in HiOx MAP has on the overall product physico-chemical and sensory properties. In addition to previously supported effects of HiOx MAP, we found that meat quality could be improved when Spirulina replaces 50% of the soy protein in broiler diets; however, this substitution results in a dark reddish-yellowish meat colour. On the other hand, the substitution with Hermetia larval meal results in a product that does not differ from the standard fed control group, with the exception that the breast filet has a more intense flavour that decreases over storage time. All-in-all Spirulina and Hermetia meal have the potential to replace soybean meal in broiler diets without deteriorating meat quality.
A Comparative Study of Multiwavelength Blazar Variability on Decades to Minutes Timescales
Authors: Goyal Arti
Published: March 2018

Multiwavelength blazar variability is produced by noise-like processes with the power-law form of power spectral density (PSD). We present the results of our detailed investigation of multiwavelength ( γ -ray and optical) light curves covering decades to minutes timescales, of two BL Lac objects namely, PKS 0735+178 and OJ 287. The PSDs are derived using discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method. Our systematic approach reveals that OJ 287 is, on average, more variable than PKS 0735+178 at both optical and γ -ray energies on the corresponding time scales. On timescales shorter than ∼10 days, due to continuous and dense monitoring by the Kepler satellite, a steepening of power spectrum is observed for OJ 287. This indicates the necessity of an intermittent process generating variability on intra-night timescales for OJ 287.
Metagenomic Insights into the Phylogenetic and Metabolic Diversity of the Prokaryotic Community Dwelling in Hypersaline Soils from the Odiel Saltmarshes (SW Spain)
Authors: Vera-Gargallo Blanca , Ventosa Antonio
Published: March 2018

Hypersaline environments encompass aquatic and terrestrial habitats. While only a limited number of studies on the microbial diversity of saline soils have been carried out, hypersaline lakes and marine salterns have been thoroughly investigated, resulting in an aquatic-biased knowledge about life in hypersaline environments. To improve our understanding of the assemblage of microbes thriving in saline soils, we assessed the phylogenetic diversity and metabolic potential of the prokaryotic community of two hypersaline soils (with electrical conductivities of ~24 and 55 dS/m) from the Odiel saltmarshes (Spain) by metagenomics. Comparative analysis of these soil databases with available datasets from salterns ponds allowed further identification of unique and shared traits of microbial communities dwelling in these habitats. Saline soils harbored a more diverse prokaryotic community and, in contrast to their aquatic counterparts, contained sequences related to both known halophiles and groups without known halophilic or halotolerant representatives, which reflects the physical heterogeneity of the soil matrix. Our results suggest that Haloquadratum and certain Balneolaeota members may preferentially thrive in aquatic or terrestrial habitats, respectively, while haloarchaea, nanohaloarchaea and Salinibacter may be similarly adapted to both environments. We reconstructed 4 draft genomes related to Bacteroidetes, Balneolaeota and Halobacteria and appraised their metabolism, osmoadaptation strategies and ecology. This study greatly improves the current understanding of saline soils microbiota.
Problematic Use of the Internet and Smartphones in University Students: 2006–2017
Authors: Carbonell Xavier , Chamarro Andrés , Oberst Ursula , Rodrigo Beatriz , Prades Mariona
Published: March 2018

It has been more than a decade since a concern about the addictive use of the Internet and mobile phones was first expressed, and its possible inclusion into the lists of mental disorders has recently become a popular topic of scientific discussion. Thus, it seems to be a fitting moment to investigate the prevalence of this issue over time. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of the perception of problematic Internet and smartphone use in young people over the period 2006–2017. To this end, a questionnaire on Internet use habits and two questionnaires on the negative consequences of Internet and smartphone use were administered to a sample of 792 university students. The scores were then compared with the results of former studies that had used these questionnaires. The perception of problematic Internet and mobile phone use has increased over the last decade, social networks are considered responsible for this increase, and females are perceived to be more affected than males. The current study shows how strong smartphone and Internet addiction and social media overlap. Participants from 2017 report higher negative consequences of both Internet and mobile phone use than those from 2006, but long-term observations show a decrease in problematic use after a sharp increase in 2013. We conclude that the diagnosis of technological addictions is influenced by both time and social and culture changes.
Assessment of Multiple GNSS Real-Time SSR Products from Different Analysis Centers
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Li Zishen , Wang Liang , Wang Xiaoming , Yuan Hong
Published: March 2018

The real-time State Space Representation (SSR) product of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) orbit and clock is one of the most essential corrections for real-time precise point positioning (PPP). In this work, the performance of current SSR products from eight analysis centers were assessed by comparing it with the final product and the accuracy of real-time PPP. Numerical results showed that (1) the accuracies of the GPS SSR product were better than 8 cm for the satellite orbit and 0.3 ns for the satellite clock; (2) the accuracies of the GLONASS (GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema) SSR product were better than 10 cm for orbit RMS (Root Mean Square) and 0.6 ns for clock STD (Standard Deviation); and (3) the accuracies of the BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) and Galileo SSR products from CLK93 were about 14.54 and 4.42 cm for the orbit RMS and 0.32 and 0.18 ns for the clock STD, respectively. The simulated kinematic PPP results obtained using the SSR products from CLK93 and CLK51 performed better than those using other SSR products; and the accuracy of PPP based on all products was better than 6 and 10 cm in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The real-time kinematic PPP experiment carried out in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, China indicated that the SSR product CLK93 from Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) had a better performance than CAS01. Moreover, the PPP with GPS + BDS dual systems had a higher accuracy than those with only a GPS single system.
Insulin-Sensitizer Effects of Fenugreek Seeds in Parallel with Changes in Plasma MCH Levels in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Kiss Rita , Szabó Katalin , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Somodi Sándor , Kovács Péter , Szabó Zoltán , Németh József , Priksz Dániel , Kurucz Andrea , Juhász Béla , Szilvássy Zoltán
Published: March 2018

In developed, developing and low-income countries alike, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases, the severity of which is substantially a consequence of multiple organ complications that occur due to long-term progression of the disease before diagnosis and treatment. Despite enormous investment into the characterization of the disease, its long-term management remains problematic, with those afflicted enduring significant degradation in quality-of-life. Current research efforts into the etiology and pathogenesis of T2DM, are focused on defining aberrations in cellular physiology that result in development of insulin resistance and strategies for increasing insulin sensitivity, along with downstream effects on T2DM pathogenesis. Ongoing use of plant-derived naturally occurring materials to delay the onset of the disease or alleviate symptoms is viewed by clinicians as particularly desirable due to well-established efficacy and minimal toxicity of such preparations, along with generally lower per-patient costs, in comparison to many modern pharmaceuticals. A particularly attractive candidate in this respect, is fenugreek, a plant that has been used as a flavouring in human diet through recorded history. The present study assessed the insulin-sensitizing effect of fenugreek seeds in a cohort of human volunteers, and tested a hypothesis that melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) acts as a critical determinant of this effect. A test of the hypothesis was undertaken using a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp approach to assess insulin sensitivity in response to oral administration of a fenugreek seed preparation to healthy subjects. Outcomes of these evaluations demonstrated significant improvement in glucose tolerance, especially in patients with impaired glucose responses. Outcome data further suggested that fenugreek seed intake-mediated improvement in insulin sensitivity correlated with reduction in MCH levels.
PEO-PPO-PEO Tri-Block Copolymers for Gene Delivery Applications in Human Regenerative Medicine—An Overview
Authors: Rey-Rico Ana , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: March 2018

Lineal (poloxamers or Pluronic®) or X-shaped (poloxamines or Tetronic®) amphiphilic tri-block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) have been broadly explored for controlled drug delivery in different regenerative medicine approaches. The ability of these copolymers to self-assemble as micelles and to undergo sol-to-gel transitions upon heating has endowed the denomination of “smart” or “intelligent” systems. The use of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers as gene delivery systems is a powerful emerging strategy to improve the performance of classical gene transfer vectors. This review summarizes the state of art of the application of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers in both nonviral and viral gene transfer approaches and their potential as gene delivery systems in different regenerative medicine approaches.
Emerging Roles of p53 Family Members in Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Itahana Yoko , Itahana Koji
Published: March 2018

Glucose is the key source for most organisms to provide energy, as well as the key source for metabolites to generate building blocks in cells. The deregulation of glucose homeostasis occurs in various diseases, including the enhanced aerobic glycolysis that is observed in cancers, and insulin resistance in diabetes. Although p53 is thought to suppress tumorigenesis primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence in response to stress, the non-canonical functions of p53 in cellular energy homeostasis and metabolism are also emerging as critical factors for tumor suppression. Increasing evidence suggests that p53 plays a significant role in regulating glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, the p53 family members p63 and p73, as well as gain-of-function p53 mutants, are also involved in glucose metabolism. Indeed, how this protein family regulates cellular energy levels is complicated and difficult to disentangle. This review discusses the roles of the p53 family in multiple metabolic processes, such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, aerobic respiration, and autophagy. We also discuss how the dysregulation of the p53 family in these processes leads to diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Elucidating the complexities of the p53 family members in glucose homeostasis will improve our understanding of these diseases.
The Role of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Lawrence Jessica , Nho Richard
Published: March 2018

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent pathway is one of the most integral pathways linked to cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. This pathway is dysregulated in a variety of diseases, including neoplasia, immune-mediated diseases, and fibroproliferative diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. The mTOR kinase is frequently referred to as the master regulator of this pathway. Alterations in mTOR signaling are closely associated with dysregulation of autophagy, inflammation, and cell growth and survival, leading to the development of lung fibrosis. Inhibitors of mTOR have been widely studied in cancer therapy, as they may sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy. Studies also suggest that mTOR inhibitors are promising modulators of fibroproliferative diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF). Therefore, mTOR represents an attractive and unique therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the pathological role of mTOR kinase in pulmonary fibrosis and examine how mTOR inhibitors may mitigate fibrotic progression.
Cell-Penetrating Function of the Poly(ADP-Ribose) (PAR)-Binding Motif Derived from the PAR-Dependent E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Iduna
Authors: Koo Ja-Hyun , Yoon Heeseok , Kim Won-Ju , Cha Donghun , Choi Je-Min
Published: March 2018

Iduna is a poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR)-dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates cellular responses such as proteasomal degradation and DNA repair upon interaction with its substrate. We identified a highly cationic region within the PAR-binding motif of Iduna; the region was similar among various species and showed amino acid sequence similarity with that of known cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). We hypothesized that this Iduna-derived cationic sequence-rich peptide (Iduna) could penetrate the cell membrane and deliver macromolecules into cells. To test this hypothesis, we generated recombinant Iduna-conjugated enhanced green fluorescent protein (Iduna-EGFP) and its tandem-repeat form (d-Iduna-EGFP). Both Iduna-EGFP and d-Iduna-EGFP efficiently penetrated Jurkat cells, with the fluorescence signals increasing dose- and time-dependently. Tandem-repeats of Iduna and other CPPs enhanced intracellular protein delivery efficiency. The delivery mechanism involves lipid-raft-mediated endocytosis following heparan sulfate interaction; d-Iduna-EGFP was localized in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm, and its residence time was much longer than that of other controls such as TAT and Hph-1. Moreover, following intravenous administration to C57/BL6 mice, d-Iduna-EGFP was efficiently taken up by various tissues, including the liver, spleen, and intestine suggesting that the cell-penetrating function of the human Iduna-derived peptide can be utilized for experimental and therapeutic delivery of macromolecules.
The Modulatory Roles of N-glycans in T-Cell-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Chien Ming-Wei , Fu Shin-Huei , Hsu Chao-Yuan , Liu Yu-Wen , Sytwu Huey-Kang
Published: March 2018

Glycosylation is a ubiquitous posttranslational modification of proteins that occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi. N-glycans and mucin-type O-glycans are achieved via a series of glycohydrolase- and glycosyltransferase-mediated reactions. Glycosylation modulates immune responses by regulating thymocyte development and T helper cell differentiation. Autoimmune diseases result from an abnormal immune response by self-antigens and subsequently lead to the destruction of the target tissues. The modification of N-glycans has been studied in several animal models of T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes and highlights the modulatory effects of N-glycosylation in several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Information Ecology in the Context of General Ecology
Authors: Burgin Mark , Zhong Yixin
Published: March 2018

The ecological approach studied in this paper is a new level of information studies. It allows for achieving a better understanding of information processes in society as well as more efficient creation of information processing systems. At first, in Section 2, we describe and analyze ecological studies in different areas ranging from biology to technology to sociology to knowledge and information. Then, in Section 3, we present elements of general ecology building methodological and philosophical foundation for information ecology. In Section 4 and Section 5, we elaborate a concise definition of information ecology and further develop information ecology as a methodological base for information studies in general based on the concepts and principles of the general theory of information.
Blind Channel Estimation for FBMC/OQAM Systems Based on Subspace Approach
Authors: Wang Han , Liao Jianqing , Xu Lingwei , Wang Xianpeng
Published: March 2018

The conventional channel estimation schemes for filter bank multicarrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (FBMC/OQAM) systems are mainly based on preamble methods. However, the utilization of preamble for channel estimation decreases the system’s spectrum efficiency. In this paper, we propose a modified subspace blind channel estimation method for FBMC/OQAM systems. The proposed method distinguishes itself from previously preamble based methods by utilizing spatial diversity technique to introduce data redundancy for blind channel estimation, which leads to high spectral utilization. Thus, the proposed method can provide significant root mean square error (RMSE) performance improvement compared to conventional preamble based methods at high SNRs. Simulation results verify the validity of the proposed method in FBMC/OQAM systems.
Utilizing Provenance in Reusable Research Objects
Authors: Yuan Zhihao , Ton That Dai Hai , Kothari Siddhant , Fils Gabriel , Malik Tanu
Published: March 2018

Science is conducted collaboratively, often requiring the sharing of knowledge about computational experiments. When experiments include only datasets, they can be shared using Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) or Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs). An experiment, however, seldom includes only datasets, but more often includes software, its past execution, provenance, and associated documentation. The Research Object has recently emerged as a comprehensive and systematic method for aggregation and identification of diverse elements of computational experiments. While a necessary method, mere aggregation is not sufficient for the sharing of computational experiments. Other users must be able to easily recompute on these shared research objects. Computational provenance is often the key to enable such reuse. In this paper, we show how reusable research objects can utilize provenance to correctly repeat a previous reference execution, to construct a subset of a research object for partial reuse, and to reuse existing contents of a research object for modified reuse. We describe two methods to summarize provenance that aid in understanding the contents and past executions of a research object. The first method obtains a process-view by collapsing low-level system information, and the second method obtains a summary graph by grouping related nodes and edges with the goal to obtain a graph view similar to application workflow. Through detailed experiments, we show the efficacy and efficiency of our algorithms.
Multi-Scale Assessments of Cardiac Electrophysiology Reveal Regional Heterogeneity in Health and Disease
Authors: Lipovsky Catherine , Brumback Brittany , Khandekar Aditi , Rentschler Stacey
Published: March 2018

The left and right ventricles of the four-chambered heart have distinct developmental origins and functions. Chamber-specific developmental programming underlies the differential gene expression of ion channel subunits regulating cardiac electrophysiology that persists into adulthood. Here, we discuss regional specific electrical responses to genetic mutations and cardiac stressors, their clinical correlations, and describe many of the multi-scale techniques commonly used to analyze electrophysiological regional heterogeneity.
An Estimate of Severe and Chronic Fungal Diseases in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kemaykin Vadim , Tabinbaev Nariman , Khudaibergenova Mahira , Olifirovich Anastasia , Abdrakhmanova Layzzat , Denning David , Klimko Nikolai
Published: March 2018

Our work aimed to generate a preliminary estimation of severe and chronic fungal diseases in the Republic of Kazakhstan with a model proposed by LIFE (Leading International Fungal Education). Calculations were carried out on data from 2015. Published results of studies of mycoses in Kazakhstan were identified; in the absence of national data from the scientific literature, the frequency of life-threatening and serious mycoses in defined groups of patients at risk from other countries were taken into account. We also used analogous estimations of mycoses in the Russian Federation. We estimate that 300,824 patients (1.7% of the population) were affected by severe and chronic mycotic diseases. There were an estimated 15,172 cases of acute mycoses, notably tinea capitis in children (11,847), Pneumocystis pneumonia and invasive candidiasis, and 285,652 of chronic fungal diseases. The most frequent were chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (273,258 cases) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (6231). There is uncertainty about the prevalence of asthma in adults; the official number is 12,478 patients, but a prevalence estimate of 1.47% from a WHO consortium yields a prevalence of ~170,000 affected. We have used the official figures to generate the prevalence of fungal asthma, but it is likely to be a significant underestimate. Conclusion: Results of investigation indicate significant prevalence of severe and chronic mycoses in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Existence of Solution, Filippov’s Theorem and Compactness of the Set of Solutions for a Third-Order Differential Inclusion with Three- Point Boundary Conditions
Authors: Rezaiguia Ali , Kelaiaia Smail
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we study a third-order differential inclusion with three-point boundary conditions. We prove the existence of a solution under convexity conditions on the multi-valued right-hand side; the proof is based on a nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type. We also study the compactness of the set of solutions and establish some Filippov’s- type results for this problem.
Prey-Predator Model with a Nonlocal Bistable Dynamics of Prey
Authors: Banerjee Malay , Mukherjee Nayana , Volpert Vitaly
Published: March 2018

Spatiotemporal pattern formation in integro-differential equation models of interacting populations is an active area of research, which has emerged through the introduction of nonlocal intra- and inter-specific interactions. Stationary patterns are reported for nonlocal interactions in prey and predator populations for models with prey-dependent functional response, specialist predator and linear intrinsic death rate for predator species. The primary goal of our present work is to consider nonlocal consumption of resources in a spatiotemporal prey-predator model with bistable reaction kinetics for prey growth in the absence of predators. We derive the conditions of the Turing and of the spatial Hopf bifurcation around the coexisting homogeneous steady-state and verify the analytical results through extensive numerical simulations. Bifurcations of spatial patterns are also explored numerically.
Conversion of Squid Pens to Chitosanases and Proteases via Paenibacillus sp. TKU042
Authors: Doan Chien , Tran Thi , Nguyen Van , Nguyen Anh , Wang San-Lang
Published: March 2018

Chitosanases and proteases have received much attention due to their wide range of applications. Four kinds of chitinous materials, squid pens, shrimp heads, demineralized shrimp shells and demineralized crab shells, were used as the sole carbon and nitrogen (C/N) source to produce chitosanases, proteases and α-glucosidase inhibitors (αGI) by four different strains of Paenibacillus. Chitosanase productivity was highest in the culture supernatants using squid pens as the sole C/N source. The maximum chitosanase activity of fermented squid pens (0.759 U/mL) was compared to that of fermented shrimp heads (0.397 U/mL), demineralized shrimp shells (0.201 U/mL) and demineralized crab shells (0.216 U/mL). A squid pen concentration of 0.5% was suitable for chitosanase, protease and αGI production via Paenibacillus sp. TKU042. Multi-purification, including ethanol precipitation and column chromatography of Macro-Prep High S as well as Macro-Prep DEAE (diethylaminoethyl), led to the isolation of Paenibacillus sp. TKU042 chitosanase and protease with molecular weights of 70 and 35 kDa, respectively. For comparison, 16 chitinolytic bacteria, including strains of Paenibacillus, were investigated for the production of chitinase, exochitinase, chitosanase, protease and αGI using two kinds of chitinous sources.
Marine Bacterial Polysaccharide EPS11 Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth via Blocking Cell Adhesion and Stimulating Anoikis
Authors: Cao Ruobing , Jin Weihua , Shan Yeqi , Wang Ju , Liu Ge , Kuang Shan , Sun Chaomin
Published: March 2018

Tumor cells that acquire metastatic potential have developed resistance to anoikis, a cell death process, after detachment from their primary site to the second organ. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of a novel marine bacterial polysaccharide EPS11 which exerts its cytotoxic effects through affecting cancer cell adhesion and anoikis. Firstly, we found that EPS11 could significantly affect cell proliferation and block cell adhesion in A549 cells. We further demonstrated that the expression of several cell adhesion associated proteins is downregulated and the filiform structures of cancer cells are destroyed after EPS11 treatment. Interestingly, the destruction of filiform structures in A549 cells by EPS11 is in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory tendency is very consistent with that observed in the cell adhesion assay, which confirms that filiform structures play important roles in modulating cell adhesion. Moreover, we showed that EPS11 induces apoptosis of A549 cells through stimulating βIII-tubulin associated anoikis: (i) EPS11 inhibits the expression of βIII-tubulin in both transcription and translation levels; and (ii) EPS11 treatment dramatically decreases the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB or AKT), a critical downstream effector of βIII-tubulin. Importantly, EPS11 evidently inhibits the growth of A549-derived tumor xenografts in vivo. Thus, our results suggest that EPS11 may be a potential candidate for human non-small cell lung carcinoma treatment via blocking filiform structure mediated adhesion and stimulating βIII-tubulin associated anoikis.
Role of Polyamines in Immune Cell Functions
Authors: Hesterberg Rebecca , Cleveland John , Epling-Burnette Pearlie
Published: March 2018

The immune system is remarkably responsive to a myriad of invading microorganisms and provides continuous surveillance against tissue damage and developing tumor cells. To achieve these diverse functions, multiple soluble and cellular components must react in an orchestrated cascade of events to control the specificity, magnitude and persistence of the immune response. Numerous catabolic and anabolic processes are involved in this process, and prominent roles for l-arginine and l-glutamine catabolism have been described, as these amino acids serve as precursors of nitric oxide, creatine, agmatine, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, nucleotides and other amino acids, as well as for ornithine, which is used to synthesize putrescine and the polyamines spermidine and spermine. Polyamines have several purported roles and high levels of polyamines are manifest in tumor cells as well in autoreactive B- and T-cells in autoimmune diseases. In the tumor microenvironment, l-arginine catabolism by both tumor cells and suppressive myeloid cells is known to dampen cytotoxic T-cell functions suggesting there might be links between polyamines and T-cell suppression. Here, we review studies suggesting roles of polyamines in normal immune cell function and highlight their connections to autoimmunity and anti-tumor immune cell function.