bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigallocatechin Gallate-Modified Gelatins with Different Compositions Alter the Quality of Regenerated Bones
Authors: Hara Eiki , Honda Yoshitomo , Suzuki Osamu , Tanaka Tomonari , Matsumoto Naoyuki
Published: October 2018

Bone quality is a significant indicator of the result of bone treatments. However, information regarding the quality of regenerated bones is limited. The study investigates the effect of different compositions of vacuum heated epigallocatechin gallate-modified gelatins sponge (vhEGCG-GS) on the quality of regenerated bones in critical size defects (9 mm) of rat calvariae. Five different compositions of vhEGCG-GSs containing the same amount of EGCG and different amounts of gelatin were tested. Following four weeks after implantation, the harvested regenerated bones were evaluated by using micro-computed tomography analysis, histological evaluation (hematoxylin-eosin and Villaneueva Goldner staining), picrosirius red-staining with polarized microscopic observation for collagen maturation, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy microscopy and imaging analysis for mineral-matrix ratio. The results indicated that increasing content of gelatin in the vhEGCG-GSs promoted bone and osteoid formation but yielded porous bones. Furthermore, tissue mineral density decreased and the maximum mineral-matrix ratio increased. In contrast, vhEGCG-GSs containing smaller amount of gelatin formed mature collagen matrix in the regenerated bones. These results suggest that the alteration of composition of vhEGCG-GSs affected the bone forming capability and quality of regenerated bone and provides valuable insight for the fabrication of new bone substitute materials.
Anti-Angiogenic miR-222, miR-195, and miR-21a Plasma Levels in T1DM Are Improved by Metformin Therapy, Thus Elucidating Its Cardioprotective Effect: The MERIT Study
Authors: Ahmed Fahad W. , Bakhashab Sherin , Bastaman Inda T. , Crossland Rachel E. , Glanville Michael , Weaver Jolanta U.
Published: October 2018

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reduced life expectancy. We thus hypothesized that anti-angiogenic miRs are increased in T1DM, and the cardioprotective effect of metformin is mediated via reducing those miRs. In an open label, case-controlled study, 23 T1DM patients without CVD were treated with metformin for eight weeks (TG), matched with nine T1DM patients on standard treatment (SG) and 23 controls (CG). Plasma miR-222, miR-195, miR-21a and miR-126 were assayed by real-time RT-qPCR. The results were correlated with: endothelial function (RHI), circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) (vascular repair marker, CD45dimCD34+VEGFR2+ cells) and circulating endothelial cells (cECs) (vascular injury marker, CD45dimCD34+CD133-CD144+ cells). miR-222, miR-195 and miR-21a were higher in T1DM than CG; p = 0.009, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0001, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between logmiR-222 and logRHI (p < 0.05) and a direct correlation between logmiR-222 and logCD34+ (p < 0.05) in TG. Metformin reduced miR-222, miR-195 and miR-21a levels in TG; p = 0.007, p = 0.002 p = 0.0012, respectively. miRs remained unchanged in SG. miR-126 was similar in all groups. There was a positive association between changes in logmiR-222 and logcECs after metformin in TG (p < 0.05). Anti-angiogenic miRs are increased in T1DM. Metformin has cardioprotective effects through downregulating miR-222, miR-195 and miR-21a, beyond improving glycemic control.
Inhibition of LINE-1 Retrotransposition by Capsaicin
Authors: Nishikawa Yuki , Nakayama Ryota , Obika Shunsuke , Ohsaki Eriko , Ueda Keiji , Honda Tomoyuki
Published: October 2018

Long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) is a non-long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon that constitutes approximately 17% of the human genome. Since approximately 100 copies are still competent for retrotransposition to other genomic loci, dysregulated retrotransposition of L1 is considered to be a major risk factor of endogenous mutagenesis in humans. Thus, it is important to find drugs to regulate this process. Although various chemicals are reportedly capable of affecting L1 retrotransposition, it is poorly understood whether phytochemicals modulate L1 retrotransposition. Here, we screened a library of compounds that were derived from phytochemicals for reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibition with an in vitro RT assay. We identified capsaicin as a novel RT inhibitor that also suppressed L1 retrotransposition. The inhibitory effect of capsaicin on L1 retrotransposition was mediated neither through its receptor, nor through its modulation of the L1 promoter and/or antisense promoter activity, excluding the possibility that capsaicin indirectly affected L1 retrotransposition. Collectively, capsaicin suppressed L1 retrotransposition most likely by inhibiting the RT activity of L1 ORF2p, which is the L1-encoded RT responsible for L1 retrotransposition. Given that L1-mediated mutagenesis can cause tumorigenesis, our findings suggest the potential of capsaicin for suppressing cancer development.
PR/SET Domain Family and Cancer: Novel Insights from The Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Sorrentino Anna , Federico Antonio , Rienzo Monica , Gazzerro Patrizia , Bifulco Maurizio , Ciccodicola Alfredo , Casamassimi Amelia , Abbondanza Ciro
Published: October 2018

The PR/SET domain gene family (PRDM) encodes 19 different transcription factors that share a subtype of the SET domain [Su(var)3-9, enhancer-of-zeste and trithorax] known as the PRDF1-RIZ (PR) homology domain. This domain, with its potential methyltransferase activity, is followed by a variable number of zinc-finger motifs, which likely mediate protein–protein, protein–RNA, or protein–DNA interactions. Intriguingly, almost all PRDM family members express different isoforms, which likely play opposite roles in oncogenesis. Remarkably, several studies have described alterations in most of the family members in malignancies. Here, to obtain a pan-cancer overview of the genomic and transcriptomic alterations of PRDM genes, we reanalyzed the Exome- and RNA-Seq public datasets available at The Cancer Genome Atlas portal. Overall, PRDM2, PRDM3/MECOM, PRDM9, PRDM16 and ZFPM2/FOG2 were the most mutated genes with pan-cancer frequencies of protein-affecting mutations higher than 1%. Moreover, we observed heterogeneity in the mutation frequencies of these genes across tumors, with cancer types also reaching a value of about 20% of mutated samples for a specific PRDM gene. Of note, ZFPM1/FOG1 mutations occurred in 50% of adrenocortical carcinoma patients and were localized in a hotspot region. These findings, together with OncodriveCLUST results, suggest it could be putatively considered a cancer driver gene in this malignancy. Finally, transcriptome analysis from RNA-Seq data of paired samples revealed that transcription of PRDMs was significantly altered in several tumors. Specifically, PRDM12 and PRDM13 were largely overexpressed in many cancers whereas PRDM16 and ZFPM2/FOG2 were often downregulated. Some of these findings were also confirmed by real-time-PCR on primary tumors.
Gene Therapy Approaches to Biological Pacemakers
Authors: Farraha Melad , Kumar Saurabh , Chong James , Cho Hee Cheol , Kizana Eddy
Published: October 2018

Bradycardia arising from pacemaker dysfunction can be debilitating and life threatening. Electronic pacemakers serve as effective treatment options for pacemaker dysfunction. They however present their own limitations and complications. This has motivated research into discovering more effective and innovative ways to treat pacemaker dysfunction. Gene therapy is being explored for its potential to treat various cardiac conditions including cardiac arrhythmias. Gene transfer vectors with increasing transduction efficiency and biosafety have been developed and trialed for cardiovascular disease treatment. With an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving pacemaker development, several gene therapy targets have been identified to generate the phenotypic changes required to correct pacemaker dysfunction. This review will discuss the gene therapy vectors in use today along with methods for their delivery. Furthermore, it will evaluate several gene therapy strategies attempting to restore biological pacing, having the potential to emerge as viable therapies for pacemaker dysfunction.
Effect of Resin Rich Veil Cloth Layers on the Uniaxial Tensile Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Fiber Metal Laminates
Authors: Dhaliwal Gurpinder S. , Newaz Golam M.
Published: October 2018

The influence of stacking sequence and resin rich (polyester veil cloth) layers, which were used to improve the adhesion between carbon fiber/epoxy (CFRP) and aluminum layers (AL), on the uniaxial tensile response of carbon fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (CARALL) was investigated in this research study. The metal volume fraction was varied to prepare two types of CARALL laminates having a 3/2 configuration with the help of a vacuum press without using any adhesive film. Numerical simulations were performed by utilizing commercially available finite element (FE) code, LS-Dyna to predict the tensile response of these laminates with initialization of predicted thermal residual stresses that developed during curing of laminates. Delamination failure was considered in the numerical simulation by utilizing the well-known B-K mixed-mode damage propagation model. It was found that addition of epoxy resin rich (polyester veil cloth) layers used for enhancement of interfacial bond adhesion and to ensure no separation between AL-CFRP layers increased the tensile strength of CARALL laminates.
Pressure Effect on Elastic Constants and Related Properties of Ti3Al Intermetallic Compound: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Zeng Xianshi , Peng Rufang , Yu Yanlin , Hu Zuofu , Wen Yufeng , Song Lin
Published: October 2018

Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, the elastic constants and some of the related physical quantities, such as the bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli, Poisson’s ratio, anisotropic factor, acoustic velocity, minimum thermal conductivity, and Debye temperature, are reported in this paper for the hexagonal intermetallic compound Ti 3 Al. The obtained results are well consistent with the available experimental and theoretical data. The effect of pressure on all studied parameters was investigated. By the mechanical stability criteria under isotropic pressure, it is predicted that the compound is mechanically unstable at pressures above 71.4 GPa. Its ductility, anisotropy, and Debye temperature are enhanced with pressure.
Incipient Bulk Polycrystal Plasticity Observed by Synchrotron In-Situ Topotomography
Authors: Proudhon Henry , Guéninchault Nicolas , Forest Samuel , Ludwig Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present a comprehensive 4D study of the early stage of plastic deformation in a polycrystalline binary AlLi alloy. The entire microstructure is mapped with X-ray diffraction contrast tomography, and a set of bulk grains is further studied via X-ray topotomography during mechanical loading. The observed contrast is analyzed with respect to the slip system activation, and the evolution of the orientation spread is measured as a function of applied strain. The experimental observations are augmented by the mechanical response predicted by crystal plasticity finite element simulations to analyze the onset of plasticity in detail. Simulation results show a general agreement of the individual slip system activation during loading and that comparison with experiments at the length scale of the grains may be used to fine tune the constitutive model parameters.
Photoactuated Properties of Acetylene-Congeners Non-Metallic Dyes and Molecular Design for Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Nan , Lin Xiaochen , Liu Jinglin , Li Yuanzuo , Yang Yanhui
Published: October 2018

This paper theoretically simulated (using DFT and TD-DFT in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent) the photodynamic properties of three non-metallic dye molecules with D-π-A1-π-A2 structure. The total photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) could be evaluated by the following parameters: the geometric structures, the electronic structures, and the absorption spectra, the analyses of charge difference density (CDD) and natural bond orbitals (NBO), the analyses of ionization potential (IP) and electron affinity (EA) from electronic contribution capacity, the reorganization energies ( λ h , λ e , and λ t o t a l ), and the chemical reaction parameter (h, ω, ω − , and ω + ) for intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) processing, the excited lifetime (τ) and the vertical dipole moment ( μ n o r m o l ). The ∆ G i n j e c t , the ∆ G d y e r e g e n , the light harvesting efficiencies (LHE) and the excited lifetime (τ) were used to explain experimental J S C . The experimental trend of V O C was explained by the calculation of ∆ E C B and μ n o r m o l . Moreover, the 15 dyes were designed by adding the electron-donor groups (–OH, –NH2, and –OCH3) and the electron-acceptor groups (–CF3, –F, and –CN) to the LS-387 molecular skeleton, which improved electronic contribution, intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and optoelectronic performance.
Tunable Adhesion for Bio-Integrated Devices
Authors: Yu Zhaozheng , Cheng Huanyu
Published: October 2018

With the rapid development of bio-integrated devices and tissue adhesives, tunable adhesion to soft biological tissues started gaining momentum. Strong adhesion is desirable when used to efficiently transfer vital signals or as wound dressing and tissue repair, whereas weak adhesion is needed for easy removal, and it is also the essential step for enabling repeatable use. Both the physical and chemical properties (e.g., moisture level, surface roughness, compliance, and surface chemistry) vary drastically from the skin to internal organ surfaces. Therefore, it is important to strategically design the adhesive for specific applications. Inspired largely by the remarkable adhesion properties found in several animal species, effective strategies such as structural design and novel material synthesis were explored to yield adhesives to match or even outperform their natural counterparts. In this mini-review, we provide a brief overview of the recent development of tunable adhesives, with a focus on their applications toward bio-integrated devices and tissue adhesives.
Design of a New α-1-C-Alkyl-DAB Derivative Acting as a Pharmacological Chaperone for β-Glucocerebrosidase Using Ligand Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Nakagome Izumi , Kato Atsushi , Yamaotsu Noriyuki , Yoshida Tomoki , Ozawa Shin-ichiro , Adachi Isao , Hirono Shuichi
Published: October 2018

Some point mutations in β-glucocerebrosidase cause either improper folding or instability of this protein, resulting in Gaucher disease. Pharmacological chaperones bind to the mutant enzyme and stabilize this enzyme; thus, pharmacological chaperone therapy was proposed as a potential treatment for Gaucher disease. The binding affinities of α-1-C-alkyl 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB) derivatives, which act as pharmacological chaperones for β-glucocerebrosidase, abruptly increased upon elongation of their alkyl chain. In this study, the primary causes of such an increase in binding affinity were analyzed using protein–ligand docking and molecular dynamics simulations. We found that the activity cliff between α-1-C-heptyl-DAB and α-1-C-octyl-DAB was due to the shape and size of the hydrophobic binding site accommodating the alkyl chains, and that the interaction with this hydrophobic site controlled the binding affinity of the ligands well. Furthermore, based on the aromatic/hydrophobic properties of the binding site, a 7-(tetralin-2-yl)-heptyl-DAB compound was designed and synthesized. This compound had significantly enhanced activity. The design strategy in consideration of aromatic interactions in the hydrophobic pocket was useful for generating effective pharmacological chaperones for the treatment of Gaucher disease.
Towards an Evidence-Based Recommendation for a Balanced Breakfast—A Proposal from the International Breakfast Research Initiative
Authors: Gibney Michael J. , Barr Susan I. , Bellisle France , Drewnowski Adam , Fagt Sisse , Hopkins Sinead , Livingstone Barbara , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Moreno Luis , Smith Jessica , Vieux Florent , Thielecke Frank , Masset Gabriel
Published: October 2018

The International Breakfast Research Initiative (IBRI) set out to derive nutritional recommendations for a balanced breakfast using a standardized analysis of national nutrition surveys from Canada, Denmark, France, Spain, UK and the US. In all countries, the frequency of breakfast consumption by age was high and U-shaped with children and older adults having a higher frequency of breakfast consumption. Breakfast contributed 16% to 21% of daily energy intake. In all countries, breakfast was a carbohydrate- and nutrient-rich meal, providing more carbohydrates (including sugars), thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and less vitamin A, fats and sodium relative to its contribution to daily energy intakes. Breakfast consumers were stratified by tertiles of the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) index, used as a measure of diet quality. Breakfast intakes associated with the top tertile of NRF, along with the Codex Alimentarius international food standards and World Health Organization (WHO) diet guidelines, were used to derive the proposed nutrient recommendations. The goal was to preserve the nutrient density of existing breakfasts, while addressing concerns regarding added sugars, saturated fats, dietary fiber, and vitamin D. This initiative is unique in seeking to derive nutrient recommendations for a specific meal using the observed nutritional profile of such meal.
Legume Protein Consumption and the Prevalence of Legume Sensitization
Authors: Smits Mark , Le Thuy-My , Welsing Paco , Houben Geert , Knulst André , Verhoeckx Kitty
Published: October 2018

Sensitization and allergy to legumes can be influenced by different factors, such as exposure, geographical background, and food processing. Sensitization and the allergic response to legumes differs considerably, however, the reason behind this is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate if there is a correlation between legume protein consumption and the prevalence of legume sensitization. Furthermore, the association between sensitization to specific peanut allergens and their concentration in peanut is investigated. Legume sensitization data (peanut, soybean, lupin, lentil, and pea) from studies were analyzed in relation to consumption data obtained from national food consumption surveys using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS), and What We Eat in America—Food Commodity Intake Database (WWEIA-FCID) databases. Data were stratified for children <4 years, children 4–18 years, and adults. Sufficient data were available for peanut to allow for statistical analysis. Analysis of all age groups together resulted in a low correlation between peanut sensitization and relative peanut consumption (r = 0.407), absolute peanut consumption (r = 0.468), and percentage of peanut consumers (r = 0.243). No correlation was found between relative concentrations of Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 in peanut and sensitization to these peanut allergens. The results indicate that the amount of consumption only plays a minor role in the prevalence of sensitization to peanut. Other factors, such as the intrinsic properties of the different proteins, processing, matrix, frequency, timing and route of exposure, and patient factors might play a more substantial role in the prevalence of peanut sensitization.
Aptamer-iRNAs as Therapeutics for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Soldevilla Mario M. , Meraviglia-Crivelli de Caso Daniel , Menon Ashwathi P. , Pastor Fernando
Published: October 2018

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA or ssRNA) that bind and recognize their targets with high affinity and specificity due to their complex tertiary structure. Aptamers are selected by a method called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). This method has allowed the selection of aptamers to different types of molecules. Since then, many aptamers have been described for the potential treatment of several diseases including cancer. It has been described over the last few years that aptamers represent a very useful tool as therapeutics, especially for cancer therapy. Aptamers, thanks to their intrinsic oligonucleotide nature, present inherent advantages over other molecules, such as cell-based products. Owing to their higher tissue penetrability, safer profile, and targeting capacity, aptamers are likely to become a novel platform for the delivery of many different types of therapeutic cargos. Here we focus the review on interfering RNAs (iRNAs) as aptamer-based targeting delivered agents. We have gathered the most reliable information on aptamers as targeting and carrier agents for the specific delivery of siRNAs, shRNA, microRNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) published in the last few years in the context of cancer therapy.
The Delivery Challenge in Neurodegenerative Disorders: The Nanoparticles Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Authors: De la Torre Cristina , Ceña Valentín
Published: October 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the main causes of disability and dependency among elderly people. AD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive and irreversible cognitive impairment, whose etiology is unclear because of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology. A global view of the AD pathophysiology is described in order to understand the need for an effective treatment and why nanoparticles (NPs) could be an important weapon against neurodegenerative diseases by solving the general problem of poor delivery into the central nervous system (CNS) for many drugs. Drug delivery into the CNS is one of the most challenging objectives in pharmaceutical design, due to the limited access to the CNS imposed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the use of NPs as delivery systems for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in models of AD.
Quantification of Cardiomyocyte Beating Frequency Using Fourier Transform Analysis
Authors: Reno Allison , Hunter Andrew W. , Li Yang , Ye Tong , Foley Ann C.
Published: October 2018

Pacemaker cardiomyocytes of the sinoatrial node (SAN) beat more rapidly than cells of the working myocardium. Beating in SAN cells responds to β-adrenergic and cholinergic signaling by speeding up or slowing, respectively. Beat rate has traditionally been assessed using voltage or calcium sensitive dyes, however these may not reflect the true rate of beating because they sequester calcium. Finally, in vitro differentiated cardiomyocytes sometimes briefly pause during imaging giving inaccurate beat rates. We have developed a MATLAB automation to calculate cardiac beat rates directly from video clips based on changes in pixel density at the edges of beating areas. These data are normalized to minimize the effects of secondary movement and are converted to frequency data using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). We find that this gives accurate beat rates even when there are brief pauses in beating. This technique can be used to rapidly assess beating of cardiomyocytes in organoid culture. This technique could also be combined with field scanning techniques to automatically and accurately assess beating within a complex cardiac organoid.
Preparation and Characterization of Hot Melt Copolyester (PBTI) Ultrafine Particles and Their Effect on the Anti-Pilling Performance of Polyester/Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Huang Zhichao , Chen Wenxing
Published: October 2018

An ultrafine particle aqueous-phase system of hot melt copolyester was prepared by an inverse emulsion–precipitation method. Laser particle size analysis showed that the diameter of the obtained copolyester particles was mostly distributed between 20 and 100 nm. The structure of the copolymer was characterized by FT–IR and 1H-NMR, and the melting point of the particles was determined to be 125 °C, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Intrinsic viscosity analysis showed that the particle intrinsic viscosity decreased by 6.73% compared with that of the original copolyester. Polyester/cotton woven fabrics were padded with the ultrafine copolyester particles at different concentrations, and the corresponding SEM showed that the fibers were well bonded to each other. The pilling test results showed that these ultrafine copolyester granules improved the pilling performance of the polyester/cotton woven fabrics to a grade of 4.5–5.
Preparation of Microparticles Capable of Glucose-Induced Insulin Release under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Yoshida Kentaro , Awaji Kazuma , Shimizu Seira , Iwasaki Miku , Oide Yuki , Ito Megumi , Dairaku Takenori , Ono Tetsuya , Kashiwagi Yoshitomo , Sato Katsuhiko
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-sensitive layer-by-layer films were prepared based on combining phenyl boronic acid (PBA)-modified poly(allylamine) (PAH) with shikimic acid (SA)-modified-PAH through boronate ester bonds. These PBA-PAH/SA-PAH multilayer films could be prepared in aqueous solutions at pH 7.4 and 9.0 in the presence of NaCl. It is believed that the electrostatic repulsion between the SA-PAH and PBA-PAH was diminished and the formation of ester bonds between the SA and PBA was promoted in the presence of NaCl. These films readily decomposed in the presence of H2O2 because the boronate ester bonds were cleaved by an oxidation reaction. In addition, SA-PAH/PBA-PAH multilayer films combined with glucose oxidase (GOx) were decomposed in the presence of glucose because GOx catalyzes the oxidation of D-glucose to generate H2O2. The surfaces of CaCO3 microparticles were coated with PAH/GOx/(SA-PAH/PBA-PAH)5 films that absorbed insulin. A 1 mg quantity of these particles released up to 10 μg insulin in the presence 10 mM glucose under physiological conditions.
Mapping and Forecasting Onsets of Harmful Algal Blooms Using MODIS Data over Coastal Waters Surrounding Charlotte County, Florida
Authors: Karki Sita , Sultan Mohamed , Elkadiri Racha , Elbayoumi Tamer
Published: October 2018

Over the past two decades, persistent occurrences of harmful algal blooms (HAB; Karenia brevis) have been reported in Charlotte County, southwestern Florida. We developed data-driven models that rely on spatiotemporal remote sensing and field data to identify factors controlling HAB propagation, provide a same-day distribution (nowcasting), and forecast their occurrences up to three days in advance. We constructed multivariate regression models using historical HAB occurrences (213 events reported from January 2010 to October 2017) compiled by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and validated the models against a subset (20%) of the historical events. The models were designed to capture the onset of the HABs instead of those that developed days earlier and continued thereafter. A prototype of an early warning system was developed through a threefold exercise. The first step involved the automatic downloading and processing of daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua products using SeaDAS ocean color processing software to extract temporal and spatial variations of remote sensing-based variables over the study area. The second step involved the development of a multivariate regression model for same-day mapping of HABs and similar subsequent models for forecasting HAB occurrences one, two, and three days in advance. Eleven remote sensing variables and two non-remote sensing variables were used as inputs for the generated models. In the third and final step, model outputs (same-day and forecasted distribution of HABs) were posted automatically on a web map. Our findings include: (1) the variables most indicative of the timing of bloom propagation are bathymetry, euphotic depth, wind direction, sea surface temperature (SST), ocean chlorophyll three-band algorithm for MODIS [chlorophyll-a OC3M] and distance from the river mouth, and (2) the model predictions were 90% successful for same-day mapping and 65%, 72% and 71% for the one-, two- and three-day advance predictions, respectively. The adopted methodologies are reliable at a local scale, dependent on readily available remote sensing data, and cost-effective and thus could potentially be used to map and forecast algal bloom occurrences in data-scarce regions.
Conductometric Soot Sensors: Internally Caused Thermophoresis as an Important Undesired Side Effect
Authors: Hagen Gunter , Spannbauer Christoph , Feulner Markus , Kita Jaroslaw , Müller Andreas , Moos Ralf
Published: October 2018

Particulate matter sensors are of interest for application in the exhaust of any combustion processes, especially for automotive aftertreatment systems. Conductometric soot sensors have been serialized recently. They comprise planar interdigital electrodes (IDE) on an insulating substrate. Between the IDEs, a voltage is applied. Soot deposition is accelerated by the resulting electric field due to electrophoresis. With increasing soot deposition, the conductance between the IDE increases. The timely derivative of the conductance can serve as a sensor signal, being a function of the deposition rate. An increasing voltage between the IDE would be useful for detecting low particle exhausts. In the present study, the influence of the applied voltage and the sensor temperature on the soot deposition is investigated. It turned out that the maximum voltage is limited, since the soot film is heated by the resulting current. An internally caused thermophoresis that reduces the rate of soot deposition on the substrate follows. It reduces both the linearity of the response and the sensitivity. These findings may be helpful for the further development of conductometric soot sensors for automotive exhausts, probably also to determine real driving emissions of particulate matter.
Blocking-Free ELISA Using a Gold Nanoparticle Layer Coated Commercial Microwell Plate
Authors: Huang Ruijia , Zhang Ke , Zhu Guoshuai , Sun Zhencheng , He Songliang , Chen Wenwen
Published: October 2018

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) show extensive application in immunoassays, to detect and monitor protein biomarkers in clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, the time required and its multiple steps limit its application. We take advantage of a polyethyleneimine (PEI) gold nanoparticle (GNP) coated microwell plate to perform blocking-free ELISA, in which no nonspecific protein adsorption appears on the GNP layer. If the PEI-GNP coated microwell plate and immobilization of captured antibodies on the plate are prepared in advance, such as using an ELISA kit, the whole ELISA process can be finished in less than 2 h. Meanwhile, we have ensured that the GNP layer can preserve the precision and good linearity of ELISA without causing negative effects on the plate.
Design and Modeling of a MEMS Dual-Backplate Capacitive Microphone with Spring-Supported Diaphragm for Mobile Device Applications
Authors: Peña-García Néstor N. , Aguilera-Cortés Luz A. , González-Palacios Max A. , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Herrera-May Agustín L.
Published: October 2018

New mobile devices need microphones with a small size, low noise level, reduced cost and high stability respect to variations of temperature and humidity. These characteristics can be obtained using Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) microphones, which are substituting for conventional electret condenser microphones (ECM). We present the design and modeling of a capacitive dual-backplate MEMS microphone with a novel circular diaphragm (600 µm diameter and 2.25 µm thickness) supported by fifteen polysilicon springs (2.25 µm thickness). These springs increase the effective area (86.85% of the total area), the linearity and sensitivity of the diaphragm. This design is based on the SUMMiT V fabrication process from Sandia National Laboratories. A lumped element model is obtained to predict the electrical and mechanical behavior of the microphone as a function of the diaphragm dimensions. In addition, models of the finite element method (FEM) are implemented to estimate the resonance frequencies, deflections, and stresses of the diaphragm. The results of the analytical models agree well with those of the FEM models. Applying a bias voltage of 3 V, the designed microphone has a bandwidth from 31 Hz to 27 kHz with 3 dB sensitivity variation, a sensitivity of 34.4 mV/Pa, a pull-in voltage of 6.17 V and a signal to noise ratio of 62 dBA. The results of the proposed microphone performance are suitable for mobile device applications.
Modeling Network-Controlled Device-to-Device Communications in SimuLTE
Authors: Nardini Giovanni , Virdis Antonio , Stea Giovanni
Published: October 2018

In Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), network-controlled device-to-device (D2D) communications allow User Equipments (UEs) to communicate directly, without involving the Evolved Node-B in data relaying, while the latter still retains control of resource allocation. The above paradigm allows reduced latencies for the UEs and increased resource efficiency for the network operator, and is therefore foreseen to support several services, from Machine-to-machine to vehicular communications. D2D communications introduce research challenges that might affect the performance of applications and upper-layer protocols, hence simulations represent a valuable tool for evaluating these aspects. However, simulating D2D features might pose additional computational burden to the simulation environment. To this aim, a careful modeling is required to reduce computational overhead. In this paper, we describe our modeling of network-controlled D2D communications in SimuLTE, a system-level LTE-A simulation library based on OMNeT++. We describe the core modeling choices of SimuLTE, and show how these allow an easy extension to D2D communications. Moreover, we describe in detail the modeling of specific problems arising with D2D communications, such as scheduling with frequency reuse, connection mode switching and broadcast transmission. We document the computational efficiency of our modeling choices, showing that simulation of D2D communications is not more complex than simulation of classical cellular communications of comparable scale. Results show that the heaviest computational burden of D2D communication lies in estimating the Sidelink channel quality. We show that SimuLTE allows one to evaluate the interplay between D2D communication and end-to-end performance of UDP- and TCP-based services. Moreover, we assess the accuracy of using a binary interference model for frequency reuse, and we evaluate the trade-off between speed of execution and accuracy in modeling the reception probability.
Collectively Building a Sustainable Sharing Economy Based on Trust and Regulation
Authors: Penz Elfriede , Hartl Barbara , Hofmann Eva
Published: October 2018

The articles in this Special Issue on the sharing economy’s role in fostering sustainability comprise eight contributions to answer how trust and regulation shape relations of providers and consumers. We identify indispensable aspects of the sharing economy to show its potential in fostering sustainability. This is in some contrast to existing definitions and applications of sharing economy business models, which do not place sustainability in their focus. The studies employ a variety of methods, covering quantitative and qualitative research to investigate building of communities on the consumer side, as well as trust-building and implementation of regulations in the interaction between providers and consumers in Asia and Europe. Some areas in the sharing economy foster sustainability, some foster social cohesion and in the end build social capital, but others focus at first sight on convenience and lifestyle.
Fish Value Chain and Its Impact on Rural Households’ Income: Lessons Learned from Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Abebe Ejigu , Azadi Hossein
Published: October 2018

These days, one of the global challenges is the growing demand for food. To be more specific, seafood bases play a key role in filling the nutritional requirements of human beings. In Africa (Ethiopia) the public expenses to improve productive capacity in aquatic food are increasing. Additionally, the expenses in dams and in fishers’ capacity building have increased households’ engagement in the fishery sector in Ethiopia. Cooperatives’ productive capacity has been strengthened by the government and other non-government organizations with the supply of fishing boats, refrigerators, fish nets and other office supplies. However, the effect of such public expenses in bringing changes in the households’ livelihood and welfare has never been assessed in this study area. This paper aims to investigate what motivates the households to fish and assess the effect of fisheries on the households’ livelihood and welfare. A structured survey consisting of 313 rural households was administered using trained enumerators in two kebeles located close to the Tekeze dam, Northern Ethiopia. The result indicates that socioeconomic characteristics, such as age (young), sex, education, and active family size were driving the households to fishing. Access to market and access to support are driving farmers to fisheries. There is a significant difference in fishing households’ income which is higher than non-fishing households. The results also indicate that there are lesser income inequalities among fishery households operating in cooperatives compared to private fishery households.
Intelligent Multi-Objective Public Charging Station Location with Sustainable Objectives
Authors: Liu Qi , Liu Jiahao , Liu Dunhu
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates a multi-objective charging station location model with the consideration of the triple bottom line principle for green and sustainable development from economic, environmental and social perspectives. An intelligent multi-objective optimization approach is developed to handle this problem by integrating an improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) process and an entropy weight method-based evaluation process. The MOPSO process is utilized to obtain a set of Pareto optimal solutions, and the entropy weight method-based evaluation process is utilized to select the final solution from Pareto optimal solutions. Numerical experiments are conducted based on large-scale GPS data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively solve the problem investigated. Moreover, the comparison of single-objective and multi-objective models validates the efficiency and necessity of the proposed multi-objective model in public charging station location problems.
Evaluating the Interconnectedness of the Sustainable Development Goals Based on the Causality Analysis of Sustainability Indicators
Authors: Dörgő Gyula , Sebestyén Viktor , Abonyi János
Published: October 2018

Policymaking requires an in-depth understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between the sustainable development goals. However, due to the complex nature of socio-economic and environmental systems, this is still a challenging task. In the present article, the interconnectedness of the United Nations (UN) sustainability goals is measured using the Granger causality analysis of their indicators. The applicability of the causality analysis is validated through the predictions of the World3 model. The causal relationships are represented as a network of sustainability indicators providing the opportunity for the application of network analysis techniques. Based on the analysis of 801 UN indicator types in 283 geographical regions, approximately 4000 causal relationships were identified and the most important global connections were represented in a causal loop network. The results highlight the drastic deficiency of the analysed datasets, the strong interconnectedness of the sustainability targets and the applicability of the extracted causal loop network. The analysis of the causal loop networks emphasised the problems of poverty, proper sanitation and economic support in sustainable development.
Climatic Suitability of the Geographic Distribution of Stipa breviflora in Chinese Temperate Grassland under Climate Change
Authors: Lv Xiaomin , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: October 2018

Stipa breviflora, a dominant species of Chinese temperate grassland, is vulnerable to climate change. A quantitative description of the changes in the geographic distribution of S. breviflora under climate change can provide a reference for potential changes in Chinese temperate grassland and the necessary countermeasures to cope with climate change. In this study, the relationship between the geographic distribution of S. breviflora and the climate, and its inter-decadal change in geographic distribution and climatic suitability from 1961 to 2040 were investigated. The results showed that S. breviflora’s geographic distribution could be simulated very well by the MaxEnt model, and its climatic suitability could be divided into four levels—most suitable, medium suitable, less suitable, and unsuitable areas—based on its existence probability from the MaxEnt model. In the past 50 years, the total climate-suitable area for S. breviflora’s potential geographical distribution exhibited an obvious increase and a trend of northward expansion, which was larger than the current distribution area. The total climate-suitable area would increase by about 6.7% and decrease by 11.5% from 2011–2040 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, respectively; however, the most suitable area increased and moved to western areas of Tibet, Qinghai, and Ningxia. The results revealed that the distribution area of S. breviflora still has greater potential for expansion.
Fragility Assessments of Multi-Story Piping Systems within a Seismically Isolated Low-Rise Building
Authors: Ryu Yonghee , Kwag Shinyoung , Ju Bu‐Seog
Published: October 2018

A successful, advanced safety design method for building and piping structures is related to its functionality and sustainability in beyond-design-basis events such as extremely strong ground motions. This study develops analytical models of seismically isolated building-piping systems in which multi-story piping systems are installed in non-isolated and base-isolated, low-rise buildings. To achieve the sustainable design of a multi-story piping system subjected to strong ground motions, Triple Friction Pendulum (TFP) elements, specifically TFP bearings, were incorporated into the latter building structure. Then, a seismic fragility analysis was performed in consideration of the uncertainty of the seismic ground motions, and the piping fragilities for the seismically non-isolated and the base-isolated building models were quantified. Here, the failure probability of the piping system in the non-isolated building was greater than that in the seismically isolated building. The seismic isolation design of the building improved the sustainability and functionality of the piping system by significantly reducing the seismic energy of extreme ground motions which was input to the building structure itself.
Minimization of Logistics Cost and Carbon Emissions Based on Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wu Daqing , Huo Jiazhen , Zhang Gefu , Zhang Weihua
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to simultaneously minimize logistics costs and carbon emissions. For this purpose, a mathematical model for a three-echelon supply chain network is created considering the relevant constraints such as capacity, production cost, transport cost, carbon emissions, and time window, which will be solved by the proposed quantum-particle swarm optimization algorithm. The three-echelon supply chain, consisting of suppliers, distribution centers, and retailers, is established based on the number and location of suppliers, the transport method from suppliers to distribution centers, and the quantity of products to be transported from suppliers to distribution centers and from these centers to retailers. Then, a quantum-particle swarm optimization is described as its performance is validated with different benchmark functions. The scenario analysis validates the model and evaluates its performance to balance the economic benefit and environmental effect.
Underdetermined Blind Source Separation Combining Tensor Decomposition and Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Xie Yuan , Xie Kan , Yang Junjie , Xie Shengli
Published: October 2018

Underdetermined blind source separation (UBSS) is a hot topic in signal processing, which aims at recovering the source signals from a number of observed mixtures without knowing the mixing system. Recently, expectation-maximization algorithm shows a great potential in the UBSS. However, the final separation results depend strongly on the parameter initialization, leading to poor separation performance. In this paper, we propose an effective algorithm that combines tensor decomposition and nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). In the proposed algorithm, we first employ tensor decomposition to estimate the mixing matrix, and NMF source model is used to estimate the source spectrogram factors. Then a series of iterations are derived to update the model parameters. At the same time, the spatial images of source signals are estimated with Wiener filters constructed from the learned parameters. Therefore, time-domain sources can be obtained through inverse short-time Fourier transform. Finally, plenty of experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of our proposed algorithm over the compared algorithms.
The Main Risk Factors of Nipah Disease and Its Risk Analysis in China
Authors: Yu Jiarong , Lv Xinbo , Yang Zijun , Gao Shengbin , Li Changming , Cai Yumei , Li Jinming
Published: October 2018

Nipah disease is a highly fatal zoonosis which is caused by the Nipah virus. The Nipah virus is a BSL-4 virus with fruit bats being its natural host. It is mainly prevalent in Southeast Asia. The virus was first discovered in 1997 in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Currently, it is mainly harmful to pigs and humans with a high mortality rate. This study describes the route of transmission of the Nipah virus in different countries and analyzes the possibility of the primary disease being in China and the method of its transmission to China. The risk factors are analyzed for different susceptible populations to Nipah disease. The aim is to improve people’s risk awareness and prevention and control of the disease and reduce its risk of occurring and spreading in China.