bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Localization and Regulation of Expression of the PLET1 Gene in Porcine Placenta
Authors: Teng Liu , Hong Linjun , Liu Ruize , Chen Ran , Li Xinyun , Yu Mei
Published: December 2016

The placenta expressed transcript 1 (PLET1) gene, which is expressed in placentas of pigs and mice, has been found to have a potential role in trophoblast cell fate decision in mice. Results of this study showed that the porcine PLET1 mRNA and protein were expressed exclusively in trophoblast cells on Days 15, 26, 50, and 95 of gestation (gestation length in the pig is 114 days), indicating that the PLET1 could be a useful marker for porcine trophoblast cells. Additionally, PLET1 protein was found to be redistributed from cytoplasm to the apical side of trophoblast cells as gestation progresses, which suggests a role of PLET1 in the establishment of a stable trophoblast and endometrial epithelial layers. In addition, two transcripts that differ in the 3′ UTR length but encode identical protein were identified to be generated by the alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA), and the expression of PLET1-L transcript was significantly upregulated in porcine placentas as gestation progresses. Furthermore, we demonstrated the interaction between the miR-365-3p and PLET1 gene using luciferase assay system. Our findings imply an important role of PLET1 in the placental development in pigs.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Associated with Choroidal Detachment by Vitreous iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Profiling
Authors: Wu Zhifeng , Ding Nannan , Yu Mengxi , Wang Ke , Luo Shasha , Zou Wenjun , Zhou Ying , Yan Biao , Jiang Qin
Published: December 2016

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment (RRDCD) is a complicated and serious type of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In this study, we identified differentially expressed proteins in the vitreous humors of RRDCD and RRD using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) combined with nano-liquid chromatography-electrospray ion trap-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS) and bioinformatic analysis. Our result shows that 103 differentially expressed proteins, including 54 up-regulated and 49 down-regulated proteins were identified in RRDCD. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that most of the differentially expressed proteins were extracellular．The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested that proteins related to complement and coagulation cascades were significantly enriched. iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling reveals that complement and coagulation cascades and inflammation may play important roles in the pathogenesis of RRDCD. This study may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of RRDCD and offer potential opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of RRDCD.
Improving MMS Performance during Infrastructure Surveys through Geometry Aided Design
Authors: Cahalane Conor , Lewis Paul , McElhinney Conor , McNerney Eimear , McCarthy Tim
Published: December 2016

A Mobile Mapping System (MMS) equipped with laser scanners can collect large volumes of LiDAR data in a short time frame and generate complex 3D models of infrastructure. The performance of the automated algorithms that are developed to extract the infrastructure elements from the point clouds and create these models are largely dependent on the number of pulses striking infrastructure in these clouds. Mobile Mapping Systems have evolved accordingly, adding more and higher specification scanners to achieve the required high point density, however an unanswered question is whether optimising system configuration can achieve similar improvements at no extra cost. This paper presents an approach for improving MMS performance for infrastructure surveys through consideration of scanner orientation, scanner position and scanner operating parameters in a methodology referred to as Geometry Aided Design. A series of tests were designed to measure point cloud characteristics such as point density, point spacing and profile spacing. Three hypothetical MMSs were benchmarked to demonstrate the benefit of Geometry Aided Design for infrastructure surveys. These tests demonstrate that, with the recommended scanner configuration, a MMS, operating one high specification scanner and one low specification scanner, is capable of comparable performance with two high-end systems when benchmarked against a selection of planar, multi-faced and cylindrical targets, resulting in point density improvements in some cases of up to 400%.
Fabrication of Porous Materials from Natural/Synthetic Biopolymers and Their Composites
Authors: Sampath Udeni , Ching Yern , Chuah Cheng , Sabariah Johari , Lin Pai-Chen
Published: December 2016

Biopolymers and their applications have been widely studied in recent years. Replacing the oil based polymer materials with biopolymers in a sustainable manner might give not only a competitive advantage but, in addition, they possess unique properties which cannot be emulated by conventional polymers. This review covers the fabrication of porous materials from natural biopolymers (cellulose, chitosan, collagen), synthetic biopolymers (poly(lactic acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) and their composite materials. Properties of biopolymers strongly depend on the polymer structure and are of great importance when fabricating the polymer into intended applications. Biopolymers find a large spectrum of application in the medical field. Other fields such as packaging, technical, environmental, agricultural and food are also gaining importance. The introduction of porosity into a biomaterial broadens the scope of applications. There are many techniques used to fabricate porous polymers. Fabrication methods, including the basic and conventional techniques to the more recent ones, are reviewed. Advantages and limitations of each method are discussed in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the pore characteristics of biomaterials used for various applications. This review can aid in furthering our understanding of the fabrication methods and about controlling the porosity and microarchitecture of porous biopolymer materials.
An Evaluation of a Borided Layer Formed on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy by Means of SMAT and Low-Temperature Boriding
Authors: Yao Quantong , Sun Jian , Fu Yuzhu , Tong Weiping , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a nanocrystalline surface layer without impurities was fabricated on Ti-6Al-4V alloy by means of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The grain size in the nanocrystalline layer is about 10 nm and grain morphology displays a random crystallographic orientation distribution. Subsequently, the low-temperature boriding behaviors (at 600 °C) of the SMAT sample, including the phase composition, microstructure, micro-hardness, and brittleness, were investigated in comparison with those of coarse-grained sample borided at 1100 °C. The results showed that the boriding kinetics could be significantly enhanced by SMAT, resulting in the formation of a nano-structured boride layers on Ti-6Al-4V alloy at lower temperature. Compared to the coarse-grained boriding sample, the SMAT boriding sample exhibits a similar hardness value, but improved surface toughness. The satisfactory surface toughness may be attributed to the boriding treatment that was carried out at lower temperature.
Dietary Keratan Sulfate from Shark Cartilage Modulates Gut Microbiota and Increases the Abundance of Lactobacillus spp.
Authors: Shang Qingsen , Li Qinying , Zhang Meifang , Song Guanrui , Shi Jingjing , Jiang Hao , Cai Chao , Hao Jiejie , Li Guoyun , Yu Guangli
Published: December 2016

Keratan sulfate (KS) represents an important family of glycosaminoglycans that are critical in diverse physiological processes. Recently, accumulating evidence has provided a wealth of information on the bioactivity of KS, which established it as an attractive candidate for drug development. However, although KS has been widely explored, less attention has been given to its effect on gut microbiota. Therefore, given that gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in health homeostasis and disease pathogenesis, we investigated here in detail the effect of KS on gut microbiota by high-throughput sequencing. As revealed by heatmap and principal component analysis, the mice gut microbiota was readily altered at different taxonomic levels by intake of low (8 mg/kg) and high dosage (40 mg/kg) of KS. Interestingly, KS exerted a differing effect on male and female microbiota. Specifically, KS induced a much more drastic increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in female (sixteen-fold) versus male mice (two-fold). In addition, combined with alterations in gut microbiota, KS also significantly reduced body weight while maintaining normal gut homeostasis. Altogether, we first demonstrated a sex-dependent effect of KS on gut microbiota and highlighted that it may be used as a novel prebiotic for disease management.
Investigating Sterol and Redox Regulation of the Ion Channel Activity of CLIC1 Using Tethered Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Al Khamici Heba , Hossain Khondker , Cornell Bruce , Valenzuela Stella
Published: December 2016

The Chloride Intracellular Ion Channel (CLIC) family consists of six conserved proteins in humans. These are a group of enigmatic proteins, which adopt both a soluble and membrane bound form. CLIC1 was found to be a metamorphic protein, where under specific environmental triggers it adopts more than one stable reversible soluble structural conformation. CLIC1 was found to spontaneously insert into cell membranes and form chloride ion channels. However, factors that control the structural transition of CLIC1 from being an aqueous soluble protein into a membrane bound protein have yet to be adequately described. Using tethered bilayer lipid membranes and electrical impedance spectroscopy system, herein we demonstrate that CLIC1 ion channel activity is dependent on the type and concentration of sterols in bilayer membranes. These findings suggest that membrane sterols play an essential role in CLIC1’s acrobatic switching from a globular soluble form to an integral membrane form, promoting greater ion channel conductance in membranes. What remains unclear is the precise nature of this regulation involving membrane sterols and ultimately determining CLIC1’s membrane structure and function as an ion channel. Furthermore, our impedance spectroscopy results obtained using CLIC1 mutants, suggest that the residue Cys24 is not essential for CLIC1’s ion channel function. However Cys24 does appear important for optimal ion channel activity. We also observe differences in conductance between CLIC1 reduced and oxidized forms when added to our tethered membranes. Therefore, we conclude that both membrane sterols and redox play a role in the ion channel activity of CLIC1.
Formation and Corrosion Resistance of Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating on Equal-Channel Angular Pressed AZ91D Mg Alloy
Authors: Ma Aibin , Lu Fumin , Zhou Qi , Jiang Jinghua , Song Dan , Chen Jianqing , Zheng Yuxi
Published: December 2016

A commercial AZ91D Mg alloy, after bulk grain refinement by various passes of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP), was selected for micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in silicate electrolyte, corrosion testing in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution and morphology analyses. The results showed that a large number of ECAP passes resulted in the homogeneous ultrafine-grained (UFG) Mg substrate with broken second-phases. The high-energy defects in the ECAPed samples lowered the anodizing potential of the MAO process, but the partial discharge was severe for those samples below eight passes. Increasing the ECAP pass, the compactness and thickness of the MAO coating first decreased and then increased. Due to the compact coating and the existence of Mg2SiO4, the coated alloy with 16 ECAP passes has a lower corrosion rate and a larger Rt value. Besides the well-known strengthening-toughening effect, grain refinement via multi-pass ECAP can improve surface protection of the MAO coating on the UFG Mg alloy.
Superior Strength of Austenitic Steel Produced by Combined Processing, including Equal-Channel Angular Pressing and Rolling
Authors: Karavaeva Marina , Abramova Marina , Enikeev Nariman , Raab Georgy , Valiev Ruslan
Published: December 2016

Enhancement in the strength of austenitic steels with a small content of carbon can be achieved by a limited number of methods, among which is ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure formation. This method is especially efficient with the use of severe plastic deformation (SPD) processing, which significantly increases the contribution of grain-boundary strengthening, and also involves a combination of the other strengthening factors (work hardening, twins, etc.). In this paper, we demonstrate that the use of SPD processing combined with conventional methods of deformation treatment of metals, such as rolling, may lead to additional strengthening of UFG steel. In the presented paper we analyze the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Cr–Ni stainless austenitic steel after a combined deformation. We report on substantial increases in the strength properties of this steel, resulting from a consecutive application of SPD processing via equal-channel angular pressing and rolling at a temperature of 400 °C. This combined loading yields a strength more than 1.5 times higher than those produced by either of these two techniques used separately.
Non-Lithographic Silicon Micromachining Using Inkjet and Chemical Etching
Authors: Hoshian Sasha , Gaspar Cristina , Vasara Teemu , Jahangiri Farzin , Jokinen Ville , Franssila Sami
Published: December 2016

We introduce a non-lithographical and vacuum-free method to pattern silicon. The method combines inkjet printing and metal assisted chemical etching (MaCE); we call this method “INKMAC”. A commercial silver ink is printed on top of a silicon surface to create the catalytic patterns for MaCE. The MaCE process leaves behind a set of silicon nanowires in the shape of the inkjet printed micrometer scale pattern. We further show how a potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet etching process can be used to rapidly etch away the nanowires, producing fully opened cavities and channels in the shape of the original printed pattern. We show how the printed lines (width 50–100 µm) can be etched into functional silicon microfluidic channels with different depths (10–40 µm) with aspect ratios close to one. We also used individual droplets (minimum diameter 30 µm) to produce cavities with a depth of 60 µm and an aspect ratio of two. Further, we discuss using the structured silicon substrate as a template for polymer replication to produce superhydrophobic surfaces.
Adsorption Behavior of Cd2+ and Zn2+ onto Natural Egyptian Bentonitic Clay
Authors: Burham Nagwa , Sayed Mahmoud
Published: December 2016

In the present work, an Egyptian bentonitic clay sample has been structurally characterized using different techniques such as XRD, IR, SEM, and EDX analyses then evaluated as a sorbent for heavy metal ions removal. The characterization results showed that the clay sample is in the bentonite form with montmorillonite and kaolinite as mixed-clay minerals. The specific surface area (SSA) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined using methylene blue test and they were found to be 367 m2/g and of 85 meq/100 g, respectively. The applicability of this clay sample for Cd (II) and Zn (II) removal from aqueous media was tested using batch procedures. Experimental parameters affecting the removal process were analyzed to get optimum conditions for the process. The experimental kinetic data were fitted very well to pseudo-second order with very high correlation coefficients. The Freundlich model appeared to correlate the adsorption data much better than Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacities of 8.2 and 9.45 mg/g for Cd2+ and Zn2+, respectively. Successful application of the studied adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+ and Zn2+ ions from natural water samples greatly supports its potential for practical application.
A Novel Two-Step Liquid-Liquid Extraction Procedure Combined with Stationary Phase Immobilized Human Serum Albumin for the Chiral Separation of Cetirizine Enantiomers along with M and P Parabens
Authors: Chmielewska Aleksandra , Konieczna Lucyna , Bączek Tomasz
Published: December 2016

The research into the separation of drug enantiomers is closely related to the safety and efficiency of the drugs. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and validated HPLC method to analyze cetirizine enantiomers. In the case of liquid dosage forms, besides the active substance in large amounts there are usually also inactive ingredients such as methyl- and propylparaben. Unfortunately, these compounds can interfere with the analyte, inter alia during chiral separation of the analyte enantiomers. The proposed innovative two-step liquid-liquid extraction procedure allowed for the determination of cetirizine enantiomers (along with M and P parabens) also in liquid dosage forms. The main focus of this study was the chromatographic activity of cetirizine dihydrochloride on the proteinate-based chiral stationary phase. The chromatographic separation of cetirizine enantiomers was performed on an immobilized human serum albumin (HSA) column for the first time. Measurements were performed at a wavelength of 227 nm. Under optimal conditions, baseline separation of two enantiomers was obtained with 1.43 enantioseparation factor (α) and 1.82 resolution (Rs). Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the selected pharmaceutical formulations.
Supercritical CO2 Foaming of Radiation Cross-Linked Isotactic Polypropylene in the Presence of TAIC
Authors: Yang Chen-Guang , Wang Mou-Hua , Zhang Ming-Xing , Li Xiao-Hu , Wang Hong-Long , Xing Zhe , Ye Lin-Feng , Wu Guo-Zhong
Published: December 2016

Since the maximum foaming temperature window is only about 4 °C for supercritical CO2 (scCO2) foaming of pristine polypropylene, it is important to raise the melt strength of polypropylene in order to more easily achieve scCO2 foaming. In this work, radiation cross-linked isotactic polypropylene, assisted by the addition of a polyfunctional monomer (triallylisocyanurate, TAIC), was employed in the scCO2 foaming process in order to understand the benefits of radiation cross-linking. Due to significantly enhanced melt strength and the decreased degree of crystallinity caused by cross-linking, the scCO2 foaming behavior of polypropylene was dramatically changed. The cell size distribution, cell diameter, cell density, volume expansion ratio, and foaming rate of radiation-cross-linked polypropylene under different foaming conditions were analyzed and compared. It was found that radiation cross-linking favors the foamability and formation of well-defined cell structures. The optimal absorbed dose with the addition of 2 wt % TAIC was 30 kGy. Additionally, the foaming temperature window was expanded to about 8 °C, making the handling of scCO2 foaming of isotactic polypropylene much easier.
Chemical Variability and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus spp. Essential Oils
Authors: Barbosa Luiz , Filomeno Claudinei , Teixeira Robson
Published: December 2016

Many plant species produce mixtures of odorous and volatile compounds known as essential oils (EOs). These mixtures play important roles in Nature and have been utilized by mankind for different purposes, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, aromatherapy, and food flavorants. There are more than 3000 EOs reported in the literature, with approximately 300 in commercial use, including the EOs from Eucalyptus species. Most EOs from Eucalyptus species are rich in monoterpenes and many have found applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food flavorants, and perfumes. Such applications are related to their diverse biological and organoleptic properties. In this study, we review the latest information concerning the chemical composition and biological activities of EOs from different species of Eucalyptus. Among the 900 species and subspecies of the Eucalyptus genus, we examined 68 species. The studies associated with these species were conducted in 27 countries. We have focused on the antimicrobial, acaricidal, insecticidal and herbicidal activities, hoping that such information will contribute to the development of research in this field. It is also intended that the information described in this study can be useful in the rationalization of the use of Eucalyptus EOs as components for pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications as well as food preservatives and flavorants.
Stereoselective Fluorescence Quenching in the Electron Transfer Photooxidation of Nucleobase-Related Azetidines by Cyanoaromatics
Authors: Fraga-Timiraos Ana , Rodríguez-Muñiz Gemma , Peiro-Penalba Vicente , Miranda Miguel , Lhiaubet-Vallet Virginie
Published: December 2016

Electron transfer involving nucleic acids and their derivatives is an important field in bioorganic chemistry, specifically in connection with its role in the photo-driven DNA damage and repair. Four-membered ring heterocyclic oxetanes and azetidines have been claimed to be the intermediates involved in the repair of DNA (6-4) photoproduct by photolyase. In this context, we examine here the redox properties of the two azetidine isomers obtained from photocycloaddition between 6-aza-1,3-dimethyluracil and cyclohexene. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence experiments using a series of photoreductants and photooxidants have been run to evaluate the efficiency of the electron transfer process. Analysis of the obtained quenching kinetics shows that the azetidine compounds can act as electron donors. Additionally, it appears that the cis isomer is more easily oxidized than its trans counterpart. This result is in agreement with electrochemical studies performed on both azetidine derivatives.
Geometry Constrained N-(5,6,7-Trihydroquinolin-8-ylidene)arylaminopalladium Dichloride Complexes: Catalytic Behavior toward Methyl Acrylate (MA), Methyl Acrylate-co-Norbornene (MA-co-NB) Polymerization and Heck Coupling
Authors: Zeng Yanning , Mahmood Qaiser , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: December 2016

A new pair of plladium complexes (Pd4 and Pd5) ligated with constrained N-(5,6,7-trihydroquinolin-8-ylidene)arylamine ligands have been prepared and well characterized by 1H-, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopies as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structure of Pd4 and Pd5 in solid state have also been determined by X-ray diffraction, showing slightly distorted square planar geometry around the palladium metal center. All complexes Pd1–Pd5 are revealed highly efficient catalyst in methyl acrylate (MA) polymerization as well as methyl acrylate/norbornene (MA/NB) copolymerization. In the case of MA polymerization, as high as 98.4% conversion with high molecular weight up to 6282 kg·mol−1 was achieved. Likewise, Pd3 complex has good capability to incorporate about 18% NB content into MA polymer chains. Furthermore, low catalyst loadings (0.002 mol %) of Pd4 or Pd5 are able to efficiently mediate the coupling of haloarenes with styrene affording up to 98% conversion.
Isothermal Cold Crystallization, Heat Resistance, and Tensile Performance of Polylactide/Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer (PLA/TPEE) Blends: Effects of Annealing and Reactive Compatibilizer
Authors: Wang Sisi , Pang Sujuan , Pan Lisha , Xu Nai , Li Tan
Published: December 2016

The combined influences of crystallinity and reactive compatibilizer—a multifunctional epoxide (ADR)—on morphology, tensile performance, and heat resistance of polylactide/thermoplastic polyester elastomer (PLA/TPEE) (80/20) blends were investigated. Annealing involved an isothermal cold crystallization of PLA matrix was performed to increase crystallinity of the samples. First, isothermal cold crystallization kinetics were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry measurement. It was found that the addition of ADR decreased the crystallization rate of the samples. The maximum crystallinity of the annealed samples also decreased from 40% to 34% while ADR loading increased from zero to 1.0 phr. Furthermore, influence of crystallinity on mechanical performances of the PLA/TPEE sample was researched. The heat resistance of the sample showed a significant enhancement while increasing its crystallinity. Meanwhile, the tensile ductility of the crystallized PLA/TPEE sample became very poor due to the embrittlement with increased crystallinity and the incompatibility between PLA and TPEE. However, the annealed PLA/TPEE/ADR samples with high crystallinity kept a higher tensile ductility because ADR greatly improved the interfacial compatibility. Differences in tensile fracture behaviors of the quenched and annealed PLA/TPEE samples with and without ADR were discussed in detail. At last, crystallized PLA/TPEE/ADR blends with excellent heat resistance and high tensile ductility were obtained by annealing and reactive compatibilization.
Polyetheretherketone Hybrid Composites with Bioactive Nanohydroxyapatite and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Fillers
Authors: Liu Chen , Chan Kai , Shen Jie , Liao Cheng , Yeung Kelvin , Tjong Sie
Published: December 2016

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) hybrid composites reinforced with inorganic nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) were prepared by melt-compounding and injection molding processes. The additions of nHA and MWNT to PEEK were aimed to increase its elastic modulus, tensile strength, and biocompatibility, rendering the hybrids suitable for load-bearing implant applications. The structural behavior, mechanical property, wettability, osteoblastic cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the PEEK/nHA-MWNT hybrids were studied. X-ray diffraction and SEM observation showed that both nHA and MWNT fillers are incorporated into the polymer matrix of PEEK-based hybrids. Tensile tests indicated that the elastic modulus of PEEK can be increased from 3.87 to 7.13 GPa by adding 15 vol % nHA and 1.88 vol % MWNT fillers. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the PEEK/(15% nHA)-(1.88% MWNT) hybrid were 64.48 MPa and 1.74%, respectively. Thus the tensile properties of this hybrid were superior to those of human cortical bones. Water contact angle measurements revealed that the PEEK/(15% nHA)-(1.88% MWNT) hybrid is hydrophilic due to the presence of nHA. Accordingly, hydrophilic PEEK/(15% nHA)-(1.88% MWNT) hybrid promoted the adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on its surface effectively on the basis of cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, MTT assay, WST-1 assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, and Alizarin red staining tests. Thus the PEEK/(15% nHA)-(1.88% MWNT) hybrid has the potential to be used for fabricating load-bearing bone implants.
The One and the Many in Bonaventure Exemplarity Explained
Authors: Johnson Junius
Published: December 2016

The category of exemplarity, which holds a central place in Bonaventure’s thought, is in many ways a certain type of solution to the problem of the many and the one. Bonaventure’s account of the relationship between the created many and the uncreated original on which they are all based is in many ways like the account that Augustine gives; but he both greatly expands upon the Augustinian account and expands it in directions that prepare for the Christocentrism that will mark the rest of his theological work. This article will explicate Bonaventure’s treatment of this issue on the basis of his two most extended conversations, in the first book of his commentary on Lombard’s Sentences and in the Disputed Questions on the Knowledge of Christ.
Returning Home to the Advaitic Self: Svāmī Rāma Tīrtha and His American Audiences
Authors: Barua Ankur
Published: December 2016

A recurring theme in the Advaita Vedānta traditions is the necessity of empirical purification through means such as the cultivation of virtues, the study of the Vedas, and so on, even though the transcendental self has never been subject to any form of bondage. The traditions seek to mitigate this paradox by employing the vocabulary of a shift across the ‘levels’ of truth—while the worldly self is, empirically speaking, moving towards the goal of realization, from the transcendental perspective, the self never loses its eternal nature. We will explore how Svāmī Rāma Tīrtha (1873–1906) addressed this theme of the recovery of one’s essential self in his lectures to some American audiences between 1902 and 1904. Drawing on some of the vocabularies of Swami Vivekananda, who had presented a ‘Practical Vedānta’ to Western audiences in the late 1890s, Rāma Tīrtha developed an Advaitic form of self-realization that is practically engaged with the world and, according to him, is the spiritual quest of humanity across all boundaries.
Feasibility of Small Wind Turbines in Ontario: Integrating Power Curves with Wind Trends
Authors: Ashtine Masaō , Bello Richard , Higuchi Kaz
Published: December 2016

Micro-scale/small wind turbines, unlike larger utility-scale turbines, produce electricity at a rate of 300 W to 10 kW at their rated wind speed and are typically below 30 m in hub-height. These wind turbines have much more flexibility in their costs, maintenance and siting, owing to their size, and can provided wind energy in areas much less suited for direct supply to the grid system. In the future under climate change, the energy landscape will likely shift from the present centralized electricity generation and delivery system to a more distributed and locally-generated electricity and delivery system. In the new system configuration, the role of relatively small sustainable electricity generators like small wind turbines will likely become more prominent. However, the small wind industry has been substantially slow to progress in Ontario, Canada, and there is much debate over its viability in a growing energy dependent economy. This study seeks to demonstrate the performance of a small wind turbine, and speculate on its potential power output and trend over Ontario historically over the last 33 years using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data. We assessed the efficiency of a Bergey Excel 1 kW wind turbine at the pre-established Kortright Centre for Conservation test site, located north of Toronto. Using a novel approach, the Bergey optimized power curve was incorporated with reanalysis data to establish power output across Ontario at three-hour resolution. Small turbine-based wind power around the Great Lakes and eastern James Bay increased during winter and fall, contributing up to 10% of the annual electricity demand in some regions in Ontario. We purport that increases in power output are driven by long-term reductions in sea and lake ice concentrations affecting atmospheric stability in surrounding regions.
Taking the Step towards a More Dynamic View on Raw Material Criticality: An Indicator Based Analysis for Germany and Japan
Authors: Glöser-Chahoud Simon , Tercero Espinoza Luis , Walz Rainer , Faulstich Martin
Published: December 2016

Due to mounting concerns about the security of raw material supplies, numerous studies dealing with the quantification of supply risks and material criticality at the national level have been carried out in previous years. Regarding these studies, most approaches are indicator based static screening methods analyzing large numbers of raw materials and identifying those which are most critical for an economy. The majority of these screening methods quantify supply risks and vulnerabilities for one base year without taking into account temporal changes. Dynamic approaches for specific raw materials analyzing affected value chains in detail have been introduced recently; however, these studies do not intend to provide a screening of larger numbers of commodities. In this paper, we present a simple dynamic screening approach to assess raw material criticality at the country level building upon methods from innovation economics. The indicators applied in this study are only based on broadly available production and trade data, which makes this approach relatively easy to apply. We test our methodology on the example of Germany and Japan—two economies with highly specialized industries and low domestic raw material deposits, and, hence, high import dependency. The results are comparable to those of previously conducted multi indicator based static screening methods. However, they provide additional insight into temporal developments over the previous decade.
A Modified Aerosol Free Vegetation Index Algorithm for Aerosol Optical Depth Retrieval Using GOSAT TANSO-CAI Data
Authors: Zhong Guosheng , Wang Xiufeng , Tani Hiroshi , Guo Meng , Chittenden Anthony , Yin Shuai , Sun Zhongyi , Matsumura Shinji
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we introduced a new algorithm for retrieving aerosol optical depth (AOD) over land, from the Cloud and Aerosol Imager (CAI), which is one of the instruments on the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) for detecting and correcting cloud and aerosol interference. We used the GOSAT and AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) collocated data from different regions over the globe to analyze the relationship between the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance in the shortwave infrared (1.6 μm) band and the surface reflectance in the red (0.67 μm) band. Our results confirmed that the relationships between the surface reflectance at 0.67 μm and TOA reflectance at 1.6 μm are not constant for different surface conditions. Under low AOD conditions (AOD at 0.55 μm < 0.1), a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based regression function for estimating the surface reflectance of 0.67 μm band from the 1.6 μm band was summarized, and it achieved good performance, proving that the reflectance relations of the 0.67 μm and 1.6 μm bands are typically vegetation dependent. Since the NDVI itself is easily affected by aerosols, we combined the advantages of the Aerosol Free Vegetation Index (AFRI), which is aerosol resistant and highly correlated with regular NDVI, with our regression function, which can preserve the various correlations of 0.67 μm and 1.6 μm bands for different surface types, and developed a new surface reflectance and aerosol-free NDVI estimation algorithm, which we named the Modified AFRI1.6 algorithm. This algorithm was applied to AOD retrieval, and the validation results for our algorithm show that the retrieved AOD has a consistent relationship with AERONET measurements, with a correlation coefficient of 0.912, and approximately 67.7% of the AOD retrieved data were within the expected error range (± 0.1 ± 0.15AOD(AERONET)).
Hyperspectral Sensors as a Management Tool to Prevent the Invasion of the Exotic Cordgrass Spartina densiflora in the Doñana Wetlands
Authors: Bustamante Javier , Aragonés David , Afán Isabel , Luque Carlos , Pérez-Vázquez Andrés , Castellanos Eloy , Díaz-Delgado Ricardo
Published: December 2016

We test the use of hyperspectral sensors for the early detection of the invasive dense-flowered cordgrass (Spartina densiflora Brongn.) in the Guadalquivir River marshes, Southwestern Spain. We flew in tandem a CASI-1500 (368–1052 nm) and an AHS (430–13,000 nm) airborne sensors in an area with presence of S. densiflora. We simplified the processing of hyperspectral data (no atmospheric correction and no data-reduction techniques) to test if these treatments were necessary for accurate S. densiflora detection in the area. We tested several statistical signal detection algorithms implemented in ENVI software as spectral target detection techniques (matched filtering, constrained energy minimization, orthogonal subspace projection, target-constrained interference minimized filter, and adaptive coherence estimator) and compared them to the well-known spectral angle mapper, using spectra extracted from ground-truth locations in the images. The target S. densiflora was easy to detect in the marshes by all algorithms in images of both sensors. The best methods (adaptive coherence estimator and target-constrained interference minimized filter) on the best sensor (AHS) produced 100% discrimination (Kappa = 1, AUC = 1) at the study site and only some decline in performance when extrapolated to a new nearby area. AHS outperformed CASI in spite of having a coarser spatial resolution (4-m vs. 1-m) and lower spectral resolution in the visible and near-infrared range, but had a better signal to noise ratio. The larger spectral range of AHS in the short-wave and thermal infrared was of no particular advantage. Our conclusions are that it is possible to use hyperspectral sensors to map the early spread S. densiflora in the Guadalquivir River marshes. AHS is the most suitable airborne hyperspectral sensor for this task and the signal processing techniques target-constrained interference minimized filter (TCIMF) and adaptive coherence estimator (ACE) are the best performing target detection techniques that can be employed operationally with a simplified processing of hyperspectral images.
Estimating Daily Maximum and Minimum Land Air Surface Temperature Using MODIS Land Surface Temperature Data and Ground Truth Data in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Noi Phan , Kappas Martin , Degener Jan
Published: December 2016

This study aims to evaluate quantitatively the land surface temperature (LST) derived from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) MOD11A1 and MYD11A1 Collection 5 products for daily land air surface temperature (Ta) estimation over a mountainous region in northern Vietnam. The main objective is to estimate maximum and minimum Ta (Ta-max and Ta-min) using both TERRA and AQUA MODIS LST products (daytime and nighttime) and auxiliary data, solving the discontinuity problem of ground measurements. There exist no studies about Vietnam that have integrated both TERRA and AQUA LST of daytime and nighttime for Ta estimation (using four MODIS LST datasets). In addition, to find out which variables are the most effective to describe the differences between LST and Ta, we have tested several popular methods, such as: the Pearson correlation coefficient, stepwise, Bayesian information criterion (BIC), adjusted R-squared and the principal component analysis (PCA) of 14 variables (including: LST products (four variables), NDVI, elevation, latitude, longitude, day length in hours, Julian day and four variables of the view zenith angle), and then, we applied nine models for Ta-max estimation and nine models for Ta-min estimation. The results showed that the differences between MODIS LST and ground truth temperature derived from 15 climate stations are time and regional topography dependent. The best results for Ta-max and Ta-min estimation were achieved when we combined both LST daytime and nighttime of TERRA and AQUA and data from the topography analysis.
Analysis of Extracting Prior BRDF from MODIS BRDF Data
Authors: Zhang Hu , Jiao Ziti , Dong Yadong , Du Peng , Li Yang , Lian Yi , Cui Tiejun
Published: December 2016

Many previous studies have attempted to extract prior reflectance anisotropy knowledge from the historical MODIS Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) product based on land cover or Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data. In this study, the feasibility of the method is discussed based on MODIS data and archetypal BRDFs. The BRDF is simplified into six archetypal BRDFs that represent different reflectance anisotropies. Five-year time series of MODIS BRDF data over three tiles are classified into six BRDF archetype classes according to the Anisotropy Flat indeX (AFX). The percentage of each BRDF archetype class in different land cover classes or every 0.1-NDVI interval is determined. Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectances (NBARs) and NDVIs simulated from different archetypal BRDFs and the same multi-angular observations are compared to MODIS results to study the effectiveness of the method. The results show that one land cover type, or every 0.1-NDVI interval, contains all the potential BRDF shapes and that one BRDF archetypal class makes up no more than 40% of all data. Moreover, the differences between the NBARs and NDVIs simulated from different archetypal BRDFs are insignificant. In terms of the archetypal BRDF method and MODIS BRDF product, this study indicates that the land cover or NDVI is not necessarily related to surface reflectance anisotropy.
Chlorophyll-a Estimation Around the Antarctica Peninsula Using Satellite Algorithms: Hints from Field Water Leaving Reflectance
Authors: Zeng Chen , Xu Huiping , Fischer Andrew
Published: December 2016

Ocean color remote sensing significantly contributes to our understanding of phytoplankton distribution and abundance and primary productivity in the Southern Ocean (SO). However, the current SO in situ optical database is still insufficient and unevenly distributed. This limits the ability to produce robust and accurate measurements of satellite-based chlorophyll. Based on data collected on cruises around the Antarctica Peninsula (AP) on January 2014 and 2016, this research intends to enhance our knowledge of SO water and atmospheric optical characteristics and address satellite algorithm deficiency of ocean color products. We collected high resolution in situ water leaving reflectance (±1 nm band resolution), simultaneous in situ chlorophyll-a concentrations and satellite (MODIS and VIIRS) water leaving reflectance. Field samples show that clouds have a great impact on the visible green bands and are difficult to detect because NASA protocols apply the NIR band as a cloud contamination threshold. When compared to global case I water, water around the AP has lower water leaving reflectance and a narrower blue-green band ratio, which explains chlorophyll-a underestimation in high chlorophyll-a regions and overestimation in low chlorophyll-a regions. VIIRS shows higher spatial coverage and detection accuracy than MODIS. After coefficient improvement, VIIRS is able to predict chlorophyll a with 53% accuracy.
Standardization, Calibration, and Evaluation of Tantalum-Nano rGO-SnO2 Composite as a Possible Candidate Material in Humidity Sensors
Authors: Karthick Subbiah , Lee Han-Seung , Kwon Seung-Jun , Natarajan Rethinam , Saraswathy Velu
Published: December 2016

The present study focuses the development and the evaluation of humidity sensors based on reduced graphene oxide—tin oxide (rGO-SnO2) nanocomposites, synthesized by a simple redox reaction between GO and SnCl2. The physico-chemical characteristics of the nanocomposites were analyzed by XRD, TEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The formation of SnO2 crystal phase was observed through XRD. The SnO2 crystal phase anchoring to the graphene sheet was confirmed through TEM images. For the preparation of the sensors, tantalum substrates were coated with the sensing material. The sensitivity of the fabricated sensor was studied by varying the relative humidity (RH) from 11% to 95% over a period of 30 days. The dependence of the impedance and of the capacitance with RH of the sensor was measured with varying frequency ranging from 1 kHz to 100 Hz. The long-term stability of the sensor was measured at 95% RH over a period of 30 days. The results proved that rGO-SnO2 nanocomposites are an ideal conducting material for humidity sensors due to their high sensitivity, rapid response and recovery times, as well as their good long-term stability.
Concrete Infill Monitoring in Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes Using a PZT-Based Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight Method
Authors: Luo Mingzhang , Li Weijie , Hei Chuang , Song Gangbing
Published: December 2016

Concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes (CFFTs) have attracted interest for their structural applications in corrosive environments. However, a weak interfacial strength between the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube and the concrete infill may develop due to concrete shrinkage and inadequate concrete compaction during concrete casting, which will destroy the confinement effect and thereby reduce the load bearing capacity of a CFFT. In this paper, the lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based ultrasonic time-of-flight (TOF) method was adopted to assess the concrete infill condition of CFFTs. The basic idea of this method is that the velocity of the ultrasonic wave propagation in the FRP material is about half of that in concrete material. Any voids or debonding created along the interface between the FRP tube and the concrete will delay the arrival time between the pairs of PZT transducers. A comparison of the arrival times of the PZT pairs between the intact and the defected CFFT was made to assess the severity of the voids or the debonding. The feasibility of the methodology was analyzed using a finite-difference time-domain-based numerical simulation. Experiments were setup to validate the numerical results, which showed good agreement with the numerical findings. The results showed that the ultrasonic time-of-flight method is able to detect the concrete infill condition of CFFTs.
Energy-Efficient Scheduling Problem Using an Effective Hybrid Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Yin Lvjiang , Li Xinyu , Lu Chao , Gao Liang
Published: December 2016

Nowadays, manufacturing enterprises face the challenge of just-in-time (JIT) production and energy saving. Therefore, study of JIT production and energy consumption is necessary and important in manufacturing sectors. Moreover, energy saving can be attained by the operational method and turn off/on idle machine method, which also increases the complexity of problem solving. Thus, most researchers still focus on small scale problems with one objective: a single machine environment. However, the scheduling problem is a multi-objective optimization problem in real applications. In this paper, a single machine scheduling model with controllable processing and sequence dependence setup times is developed for minimizing the total earliness/tardiness (E/T), cost, and energy consumption simultaneously. An effective multi-objective evolutionary algorithm called local multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (LMOEA) is presented to tackle this multi-objective scheduling problem. To accommodate the characteristic of the problem, a new solution representation is proposed, which can convert discrete combinational problems into continuous problems. Additionally, a multiple local search strategy with self-adaptive mechanism is introduced into the proposed algorithm to enhance the exploitation ability. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by instances with comparison to other multi-objective meta-heuristics such as Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2), Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (OMOPSO), and Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Decomposition (MOEA/D). Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LMOEA algorithm outperforms its counterparts for this kind of scheduling problems.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Smart House Applied Real Time Pricing Systems
Authors: Miyazato Yasuaki , Tahara Hayato , Uchida Kosuke , Celestino Muarapaz Cirio , Motin Howlader Abdul , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: December 2016

A smart house generally has a Photovoltaic panel (PV), a Heat Pump (HP), a Solar Collector (SC) and a fixed battery. Since the fixed battery can buy and store inexpensive electricity during the night, the electricity bill can be reduced. However, a large capacity fixed battery is very expensive. Therefore, there is a need to determine the economic capacity of fixed battery. Furthermore, surplus electric power can be sold using a buyback program. By this program, PV can be effectively utilized and contribute to the reduction of the electricity bill. With this in mind, this research proposes a multi-objective optimization, the purpose of which is electric demand control and reduction of the electricity bill in the smart house. In this optimal problem, the Pareto optimal solutions are searched depending on the fixed battery capacity. Additionally, it is shown that consumers can choose what suits them by comparing the Pareto optimal solutions.