bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relevance of Foreshocks in Earthquake Triggering: A Statistical Study
Authors: Lippiello Eugenio , Godano Cataldo , de Arcangelis Lucilla
Published: February 2019

An increase of seismic activity is often observed before large earthquakes. Events responsible for this increase are usually named foreshock and their occurrence probably represents the most reliable precursory pattern. Many foreshocks statistical features can be interpreted in terms of the standard mainshock-to-aftershock triggering process and are recovered in the Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence ETAS model. Here we present a statistical study of instrumental seismic catalogs from four different geographic regions. We focus on some common features of foreshocks in the four catalogs which cannot be reproduced by the ETAS model. In particular we find in instrumental catalogs a significantly larger number of foreshocks than the one predicted by the ETAS model. We show that this foreshock excess cannot be attributed to catalog incompleteness. We therefore propose a generalized formulation of the ETAS model, the ETAFS model, which explicitly includes foreshock occurrence. Statistical features of aftershocks and foreshocks in the ETAFS model are in very good agreement with instrumental results.
Information Thermodynamics for Time Series of Signal-Response Models
Authors: Auconi Andrea , Giansanti Andrea , Klipp Edda
Published: February 2019

The entropy production in stochastic dynamical systems is linked to the structure of their causal representation in terms of Bayesian networks. Such a connection was formalized for bipartite (or multipartite) systems with an integral fluctuation theorem in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 180603 (2013)]. Here we introduce the information thermodynamics for time series, that are non-bipartite in general, and we show that the link between irreversibility and information can only result from an incomplete causal representation. In particular, we consider a backward transfer entropy lower bound to the conditional time series irreversibility that is induced by the absence of feedback in signal-response models. We study such a relation in a linear signal-response model providing analytical solutions, and in a nonlinear biological model of receptor-ligand systems where the time series irreversibility measures the signaling efficiency.
Equivalent Circuit Model Construction and Dynamic Flow Optimization Based on Zinc–Nickel Single-Flow Battery
Authors: Yao Shouguang , Sun Xiaofei , Xiao Min , Cheng Jie , Shen Yaju
Published: February 2019

Based on the zinc–nickel single-flow battery, a generalized electrical simulation model considering the effects of flow rate, self-discharge, and pump power loss is proposed. The results compared with the experiment show that the simulation results considering the effect of self-discharge are closer to the experimental values, and the error range of voltage estimation during charging and discharging is between 0% and 3.85%. In addition, under the rated electrolyte flow rate and different charge–discharge currents, the estimation of Coulomb efficiency by the simulation model is in good agreement with the experimental values. Electrolyte flow rate is one of the parameters that have a great influence on system performance. Designing a suitable flow controller is an effective means to improve system performance. In this paper, the genetic algorithm and the theoretical minimum flow multiplied by different flow factors are used to optimize the variable electrolyte flow rate under dynamic SOC (state of charge). The comparative analysis results show that the flow factor optimization method is a simple means under constant charge–discharge power, while genetic algorithm has better performance in optimizing flow rate under varying (dis-)charge power and state of charge condition in practical engineering.
Economic Efficiency of the Internet of Things Solution in the Energy Industry: A Very High Voltage Frosting Case Study
Authors: Maryska Milos , Doucek Petr , Sladek Pavel , Nedomova Lea
Published: February 2019

This article deals with the deployment of an Internet of Things (IoT) technology within the energy industry (energy distribution) in the Czech Republic. The first part of the article is devoted to an assessment of the perspectives for developing IoT applications and implementing them within the economy, and then examines how the principles of multi-criteria decision-making are used to select IoT technologies for deployment in the energy industry. The selection of technology is also followed by the selection of the specific application with the highest potential benefit for the company using such a method to select the technology. The selection solution is demonstrated and further discussed from the technological and financial standpoints and illustrated via the example of choosing among two alternatives for a real-world application, very high voltage (VHV) frosting (in electric power transmission engineering, which is usually considered as any voltage between 52,000 and 300,000 V). The application solution is analyzed by how it relates to the direct vs indirect measurement of glaze ice. The result of this technical and financial analysis was that the direct glaze ice measurement variant is clearly the more advantageous one. The direct-measurement variant has a three-year payoff period, compared to six years for indirect measurement. Further, the benefits from the direct-measurement variant are 2.25 times larger than the other variant, and the five-year net profit value amounts to a profit for the direct-measurement variant while it results in a financial loss for the indirect-measurement variant. The recommended variant is to measure the icing of VHV lines directly.
Interpretation of Four Unique Phenomena and the Mechanism in Unsteady Flow Separation Controls
Authors: Lu Weiyu , Huang Guoping , Wang Jinchun , Yang Yuxuan
Published: February 2019

Unsteady flow separation controls are effective in suppressing flow separations. However, the unique phenomena in unsteady separation control, including frequency-dependent, threshold, location-dependent, and lock-on effects, are not fully understood. Furthermore, the mechanism of the effectiveness that lies in unsteady flow controls remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to interpret further the unique phenomena and mechanism in unsteady flow separation controls. First, numerical simulation and some experimental results of a separated curved diffuser using pulsed jet flow control are discussed to show the four unique phenomena. Second, the bases of unsteady flow control, flow instability, and free shear flow theories are introduced to elucidate the unique phenomena and mechanism in unsteady flow separation controls. Subsequently, with the support of these theories, the unique phenomena of unsteady flow control are interpreted, and the mechanisms hidden in the phenomena are revealed.
Optimal Control for Hybrid Energy Storage Electric Vehicle to Achieve Energy Saving Using Dynamic Programming Approach
Authors: Pan Chaofeng , Liang Yanyan , Chen Long , Chen Liao
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the efficiency characteristics of battery, super capacitor (SC), direct current (DC)-DC converter and electric motor in a hybrid power system of an electric vehicle (EV) are analyzed. In addition, the optimal efficiency model of the hybrid power system is proposed based on the hybrid power system component’s models. A rule-based strategy is then proposed based on the projection partition of composite power system efficiency, so it has strong adaptive adjustment ability. Additionally. the simulation results under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) condition show that the efficiency of rule-based strategy is higher than that of single power system. Furthermore, in order to explore the maximum energy-saving potential of hybrid power electric vehicles, a dynamic programming (DP) optimization method is proposed on the basis of the establishment of the whole hybrid power system, which takes into account various energy consumption factors of the whole system. Compared to the battery-only EV based on simulation results, the hybrid power system controlled by rule-based strategy can decrease energy consumption by 13.4% in line with the NEDC condition, while the power-split strategy derived from the DP approach can reduce energy consumption by 17.6%. The results show that compared with rule-based strategy, the optimized DP strategy has higher system efficiency and lower energy consumption.
Development of Sky Luminance and Daylight Illuminance Prediction Methods for Lighting Energy Saving in Office Buildings
Authors: Kim Chul-Ho , Kim Kang-Soo
Published: February 2019

Accurately predicting indoor illuminance from daylight during the early stages of building design is an important factor in saving energy and the costs associated with lighting. The objective of this study was to predict sky luminance distribution using the Commission Internationale de l’éclairage (CIE) standard sky model, and propose a method that can be used to predict indoor illuminance. Results obtained from the proposed prediction method were compared and verified with simulation values obtained by Desktop Radiance. From the CIE overcast sky, the zenith/horizon ratio was 3:1. From the CIE clear sky, the luminance value was highest around the sun. In contrast, the luminance value was lowest in the opposite direction of the sun when the angle between the sun and sky elements was 90°. In addition, this study suggested an indoor illuminance prediction method by applying the effects of sky luminance, direct sunlight, and wall reflection elements. When the proposed equation’s calculation results were compared with Desktop Radiance simulation’s value in overcast and clear sky, all statistically analysis (R2, MBE, Cv(RMSE), t-value, p-value) satisfied each standard and showed high correlations. Consequently, it was established that the predicted indoor illuminance obtained from the proposed prediction method was accurate and can be used to predict the level of indoor illuminance. The results further revealed that it is possible to calculate indoor illuminance when installing blinds, by substituting variable values of visible light transmittance (VLT).
Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis of the Renewable Energy Industry in Indonesia
Authors: Widya Yudha Satya , Tjahjono Benny
Published: February 2019

The development of renewable energy in Indonesia is still in a relatively fledgling state, yet it is forecast to increase. The Government of Indonesia has formulated and implemented several strategic programs, compiled under several binding frameworks, namely the National Energy Policy and the General Plan for National Energy. The government is committed internationally to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions. However, unearthing the dynamics of renewable and sustainable energy in Indonesia requires a detailed stakeholder analysis of all relevant and major actors. This paper aims to provide a stakeholder analysis of actors in the renewable and sustainable energy sector in Indonesia as a whole, using a Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) analysis methodology. The results have indicated that existing policies are not yet perfect, given that the renewable energy industry is still quite minimal, especially in the current conditions of falling oil prices. In the future, it is hoped that the government can formulate a breakthrough policy to improve existing policies in the renewable energy sector, such as by giving ease to investors in the renewable energy sector, including the effective and efficient supply chain management of renewable energy.
Climate Change Impacts on Pinus pinea L. Silvicultural System for Cone Production and Ways to Contour Those Impacts: A Review Complemented with Data from Permanent Plots
Authors: A. Freire João , C. Rodrigues Gonçalo , Tomé Margarida
Published: February 2019

Umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) cones take three years to develop. With the increasing frequency of extreme droughts, water available for trees has decreased—climate change is a reality. The cone’s survival in its first two years of development and the average cone weight during its last year of maturation is affected, thus, reducing kernel quantity and quality. Climate change has resulted in forest fires becoming an inescapable issue in forest management planning. A literature review was carried out, focusing, on one hand, the predicted climatic changes for the Mediterranean basin and, on the other hand, the umbrella pine silvicultural mechanisms at tree, stand, and landscape levels that may help to face these constraints. Finally, the Portuguese case was focused, describing the management practices that are being adopted to achieve, even when the period of cone formation and growth include dry years, one to six tons of cones per hectare per year in adult stands.
Vehicle Politeness in Driving Situations
Authors: Lee Jae-Gil , Lee Kwan Min , Ryu Seoung-Ho
Published: February 2019

Future vehicles are becoming more like driving partners instead of mere machines. With the application of advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs), vehicles perform driving tasks while drivers monitor the functioning states of vehicles. This change in interaction requires a deliberate consideration of how vehicles should present driving-related information. As a way of encouraging drivers to more readily accept instructions from vehicles, we suggest the use of social rules, such as politeness, in human-vehicle interaction. In a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment, we test the effects of vehicle politeness (plain vs. polite) on drivers’ interaction experiences in two operation situations (normal vs. failure). The results indicate that vehicle politeness improves interaction experience in normal working situations but impedes the experience in failure situations. Specifically, in normal situations, vehicles with polite instructions are highly evaluated for social presence, politeness, satisfaction and intention to use. Theoretical and practical implications on politeness research and speech interaction design are discussed.
Developing an Internationalization Strategy Using Diffusion Modeling: The Case of Greater Amberjack
Authors: Nijssen Edwin J. , Reinders Machiel J. , Krystallis Athanasios , Tacken Gemma
Published: February 2019

For farmers of new fish species, market adoption is needed in order to grow a viable business. Farmers may try to sell the new species in their firms’ domestic markets, but they might also look at other markets. However, as markets are becoming more global and competitors more international, considering internationalization may be a necessity rather than a choice. Using diffusion modelling, and based on results of an online supermarket experiment, the innovation and imitation parameters are estimated and diffusion curves for five countries predicted in an attempt to determine the best lead market for introducing fillets of farmed greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). The production capacity consequences of implementing different internationalization strategies (i.e. “sprinkler” and “waterfall”) were also explored. A waterfall strategy refers to the sequential introduction of a product in different markets, whereas the sprinkler strategy concerns the simultaneous introduction of a product in multiple international markets. Since a sprinkler approach requires many resources and the ability to quickly ramp up production capacity, a waterfall approach appears more suitable for farmers of greater amberjack. Italy and Spain appear to be the best lead markets for greater amberjack farmers to enter first.
Investigating the DNA-Binding Site for VirB, a Key Transcriptional Regulator of Shigella Virulence Genes, Using an In Vivo Binding Tool
Authors: Karney Monika , McKenna Joy , Weatherspoon-Griffin Natasha , Karabachev Alexander , Millar Makensie , Potocek Eliese , Wing Helen
Published: February 2019

The transcriptional anti-silencing and DNA-binding protein, VirB, is essential for the virulence of Shigella species and, yet, sequences required for VirB-DNA binding are poorly understood. While a 7-8 bp VirB-binding site has been proposed, it was derived from studies at a single VirB-dependent promoter, icsB. Our previous in vivo studies at a different VirB-dependent promoter, icsP, found that the proposed VirB-binding site was insufficient for regulation. Instead, the required site was found to be organized as a near-perfect inverted repeat separated by a single nucleotide spacer. Thus, the proposed 7-8 bp VirB-binding site needed to be re-evaluated. Here, we engineer and validate a molecular tool to capture protein-DNA binding interactions in vivo. Our data show that a sequence organized as a near-perfect inverted repeat is required for VirB-DNA binding interactions in vivo at both the icsB and icsP promoters. Furthermore, the previously proposed VirB-binding site and multiple sites found as a result of its description (i.e., sites located at the virB, virF, spa15, and virA promoters) are not sufficient for VirB to bind in vivo using this tool. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Human Genetic Adaptation to High Altitude: Evidence from the Andes
Authors: Julian Colleen G. , Moore Lorna G.
Published: February 2019

Whether Andean populations are genetically adapted to high altitudes has long been of interest. Initial studies focused on physiological changes in the O2 transport system that occur with acclimatization in newcomers and their comparison with those of long-resident Andeans. These as well as more recent studies indicate that Andeans have somewhat larger lung volumes, narrower alveolar to arterial O2 gradients, slightly less hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstrictor response, greater uterine artery blood flow during pregnancy, and increased cardiac O2 utilization, which overall suggests greater efficiency of O2 transfer and utilization. More recent single nucleotide polymorphism and whole-genome sequencing studies indicate that multiple gene regions have undergone recent positive selection in Andeans. These include genes involved in the regulation of vascular control, metabolic hemostasis, and erythropoiesis. However, fundamental questions remain regarding the functional links between these adaptive genomic signals and the unique physiological attributes of highland Andeans. Well-designed physiological and genome association studies are needed to address such questions. It will be especially important to incorporate the role of epigenetic processes (i.e., non-sequence-based features of the genome) that are vital for transcriptional responses to hypoxia and are potentially heritable across generations. In short, further exploration of the interaction among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors in shaping patterns of adaptation to high altitude promises to improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying human adaptive potential and clarify its implications for human health.
Semantic Representation and Location Provenance of Cultural Heritage Information: the National Gallery Collection in London
Authors: Padfield Joseph , Kontiza Kalliopi , Bikakis Antonis , Vlachidis Andreas
Published: February 2019

This paper describes a working example of semantically modelling cultural heritage information and data from the National Gallery collection in London. The paper discusses the process of semantically representing and enriching the available cultural heritage data, and reveals the challenges of semantically expressing interrelations and groupings among the physical items, the venue and the available digital resources. The paper also highlights the challenges in the creation of the conceptual model of the National Gallery as a Venue, which aims to i) describe and understand the correlation between the parts of a building and the whole; ii) to record and express the semantic relationships among the building components with the building as a whole; and iii) to be able to record the accurate location of objects within space and capture their provenance in terms of changes of location. The outcome of this research is the CrossCult venue ontology, a fully International Committee for Documentation Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC-CRM) compliant structure developed in the context of the CrossCult project. The proposed ontology attempts to model the spatial arrangements of the different types of cultural heritage venues considered in the project: from small museums to open air archaeological sites and whole cities.
Shedding Light on Vitamin D Status and Its Complexities during Pregnancy, Infancy and Childhood: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Di Marco Nelfio , Kaufman Jonathan , Rodda Christine P.
Published: February 2019

Ensuring that the entire Australian population is Vitamin D sufficient is challenging, given the wide range of latitudes spanned by the country, its multicultural population and highly urbanised lifestyle of the majority of its population. Specific issues related to the unique aspects of vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy and infancy further complicate how best to develop a universally safe and effective public health policy to ensure vitamin D adequacy for all. Furthermore, as Australia is considered a “sunny country”, it does not yet have a national vitamin D food supplementation policy. Rickets remains very uncommon in Australian infants and children, however it has been recognised for decades that infants of newly arrived immigrants remain particularly at risk. Yet vitamin D deficiency rickets is entirely preventable, with the caveat that when rickets occurs in the absence of preexisting risk factors and/or is poorly responsive to adequate treatment, consideration needs to be given to genetic forms of rickets.
Examining the Walking Accessibility, Willingness, and Travel Conditions of Residents in Saudi Cities
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Tauhidur , Nahiduzzaman Kh. Md.
Published: February 2019

Rapid urban expansion and population growth in Saudi cities over the past four decades have increased vehicular accidents and traffic congestion and have impacted the daily walking conditions of the residents. Walking has various health and environmental benefits. In North American and European countries, three factors have been found to motivate a resident to walk within their community: their accessibility to community social and business facilities, their perception and willingness, and the safety conditions of the roads and sidewalks within their community for walking. This study examined these factors and their role in the walking habits of the residents in the neighborhoods of Doha and Dana districts in Saudi Arabia’s eastern city of Dhahran. Data were collected through field observations and by randomly sampling and interviewing 200 residents. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and SPSS statistical software were used for data analysis. The results show that most of the community facilities are randomly placed in the districts. Mosques are the closest facility to each resident with an average accessibility distance of 242m. Almost 43% of the respondents prefer daily walking while the rest are hesitant due to hot weather during summer and narrow and poorly designed sidewalks. The sidewalks were also found to be blocked by trees, street signals, and illegally parked vehicles. Future studies should explore the accessibility to facilities, willingness, climate, and health conditions of the residents, and the road and sidewalk conditions for walking in other cities of the Kingdom.
A One-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study on the Health Profile of Hikikomori Living in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuen John W. M. , Wong Victor C. W. , Tam Wilson W. S. , So Ka Wing , Chien Wai Tong
Published: February 2019

Background: A prospective cohort study was conducted to follow-up on 104 participants on their changes of social, psychological and physical health as exposed to the hikikomori lifestyle. Methods: Participants were interviewed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months by administering a set of questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Results: All three health domains of hikikomori were significantly improved over the follow-up period as evidenced by: (1) increased social network scores from 2.79 ± 1.80 to 3.09 ± 1.87, (2) decreased perceived stress scores from 21.18 ± 5.87 to 20.11 ± 5.79, and (3) reduced blood pressure levels from 118/75 to 115/71 and waist-to-hip ratios. Almost half of the participants have recovered from hikikomori by returning to the workforce in society; however, the health improvements were dominant in those that remained as hikikomori and were associated with the gradual swapping of exercise practices from light to moderate level strength. Conclusions: With intended exposure to social worker engagement, physical assessments of the cohort study triggered the social workers to encourage participants to do more exercises, which in turn enhanced their awareness of health modification towards a better health. Engagement of social workers could be considered as part of the intended exposure for all participants, which suggested social work intervention was effective in helping hikikomori recovery.
Flow Dynamics and Contaminant Transport in Y-Shaped River Channel Confluences
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Li Lingqi , Hua Zulin , Tu Qile , Yang Ting , Zhang Yuan
Published: February 2019

River channel confluences are widespread in natural rivers. Understanding their unique hydrodynamic characteristics and contaminant transport rules may facilitate the rational and effective treatment of the water environment. In this study, we considered the Xitiaoxi River Basin as the research area, and a well-designed flume was established based on the extracted water system features. Hydrodynamically, in the Y-shaped confluence channel the flow velocity was easy to separate at the confluence, and a low flow velocity region appeared in the two branches. The spiral flow mainly flowed counterclockwise to the downstream region and the spiral trend increased as the discharge ratio decreased. The spiral flow and its effect on the transport and blending of contaminants were distinct between Y-shaped and asymmetrical river confluences. Based on the flow dynamics test, a set of pollutant discharge devices and a multi-point electrolytic conductivity meter were employed to research the mixing rule for pollutants. A high concentration zone for pollutants was likely to occur near the intersection, and the contaminant concentration band after the confluence was first compressed and then diffused. In particular, line source discharge in the left branch and the point source discharge in the inner bank of the left branch and in the outer bank of the right branch were dominant, and were conducive to the detection and treatment of pollutants.
Function-Based Search of Place Using Theoretical, Empirical and Probabilistic Patterns
Authors: Papadakis Emmanuel , Baryannis George , Petutschnig Andreas , Blaschke Thomas
Published: February 2019

Searching for places rather than traditional keyword-based search represents significant challenges. The most prevalent method of addressing place-related queries is based on place names but has limited potential due to the vagueness of natural language and its tendency to lead to ambiguous interpretations. In previous work we proposed a system-oriented logic-based formalization of place that goes beyond place names by introducing composition patterns of place which enable function-based search of space. In this study, we introduce flexibility into these patterns in terms of what is included when describing the spatial composition of a place using two distinct approaches, based on modal and probabilistic logic. Additionally, we propose a novel automated process of extracting these patterns relying on both theoretical and empirical knowledge, using statistical and spatial analysis and statistical relational learning. The proposed methodology is exemplified through the use case of locating all areas within London that support shopping-related functionality. Results show that the newly introduced patterns can identify more relevant areas, additionally offering a more fine-grained representation of the level of support of the required functionality.
Increased TGF-β and BMP Levels and Improved Chondrocyte-Specific Marker Expression In Vitro under Cartilage-Specific Physiological Osmolarity
Authors: Tan Timur Ufuk , Caron Marjolein , van den Akker Guus , van der Windt Anna , Visser Jenny , van Rhijn Lodewijk , Weinans Harrie , Welting Tim , Emans Pieter , Jahr Holger
Published: February 2019

During standard expansion culture (i.e., plasma osmolarity, 280 mOsm) human articular chondrocytes dedifferentiate, making them inappropriate for autologous chondrocyte implantation to treat cartilage defects. Increasing the osmolarity of culture media to physiological osmolarity levels of cartilage (i.e., 380 mOsm), increases collagen type II (COL2A1) expression of human articular chondrocytes in vitro, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. We hypothesized that TGF-β superfamily signaling may drive expression of COL2A1 under physiological osmolarity culture conditions. Human articular chondrocytes were cultured in cytokine-free medium of 280 or 380 mOsm with or without siRNA mediated TGF-β2 knockdown (RNAi). Expression of TGF-β isoforms, and collagen type II was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. TGF-β2 protein secretion was evaluated using ELISA and TGF-β bioactivity was determined using an established reporter assay. Involvement of BMP signaling was investigated by culturing human articular chondrocytes in the presence or absence of BMP inhibitor dorsomorphin and BMP bioactivity was determined using an established reporter assay. Physiological cartilage osmolarity (i.e., physosmolarity) most prominently increased TGF-β2 mRNA expression and protein secretion as well as TGF-β bioactivity. Upon TGF-β2 isoform-specific knockdown, gene expression of chondrocyte marker COL2A1 was induced. TGF-β2 RNAi under physosmolarity enhanced TGF-β bioactivity. BMP bioactivity increased upon physosmotic treatment, but was not related to TGF-β2 RNAi. In contrast, dorsomorphin inhibited COL2A1 mRNA expression in human articular chondrocytes independent of the osmotic condition. Our data suggest a role for TGF-β superfamily member signaling in physosmolarity-induced mRNA expression of collagen type II. As physosmotic conditions favor the expression of COL2A1 independent of our manipulations, contribution of other metabolic, post-transcriptional or epigenetic factors cannot be excluded in the underlying complex and interdependent regulation of marker gene expression. Dissecting these molecular mechanisms holds potential to further improve future cell-based chondral repair strategies.
ZafA Gene Is Important for Trichophyton mentagrophytes Growth and Pathogenicity
Authors: Dai Pengxiu , Lv Yangou , Gao Yongping , Gong Xiaowen , Zhang Yihua , Zhang Xinke
Published: February 2019

Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a common fungal pathogen that causes human and animal dermatophytosis. Previous studies have shown that zinc deficiency inhibits T. mentagrophytes growth, and the ZafA gene of T. mentagrophytes can code the functionally similar zinc finger transcriptional factor that can promote zinc ion absorption; however, the impact of ZafA on virulence and pathogenicity remains undetermined. To assess its gene function, the ZafA mutant, ZafA-hph, and the ZafA complemented strain, ZafA+bar, were constructed via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analyses were used to confirm the disruption. In vitro growth capacity and virulence analyses comparing ZafA-hph with wild-type T. mentagrophytes and ZafA+bar showed that ZafA-hph’s growth performance, reproduction ability, and zinc ion absorption capacity were significantly lower than the wild-type T. mentagrophytes and ZafA+bar. ZafA-hph also showed weak hair biodegradation ability and animal pathogenicity. Thus, the significant decrease in T. mentagrophytes’ growth ability and virulence was due to a lack of the zinc-responsive activity factor rather than the transformation process. This study confirmed that the T. mentagrophytes’ zinc-responsive activity factor plays important roles in the pathogen’s growth, reproduction, zinc ion absorption, and virulence. This factor is important and significant for effectively preventing and controlling T. mentagrophytes infections.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Effects of Drought Stress on Gene Expression in Diploid Potato Genotype P3-198
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Liu Jie , Xu Jianfei , Duan Shaoguang , Wang Qianru , Li Guangcun , Jin Liping
Published: February 2019

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the three most important food crops worldwide; however, it is strongly affected by drought stress. The precise molecular mechanisms of drought stress response in potato are not very well understood. The diploid potato genotype P3-198 has been verified to be highly resistant to drought stress. Here, a time-course experiment was performed to identify drought resistance response genes in P3-198 under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced stress using RNA-sequencing. A total of 1665 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were specifically identified, and based on gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, the transcription factor activity, protein kinase activity, and the plant hormone signal transduction process were significantly enriched. Annotation revealed that these DEGs mainly encode transcription factors, protein kinases, and proteins related to redox regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and osmotic adjustment. In particular, genes encoding abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent signaling molecules were significantly differentially expressed, which revealed the important roles of the ABA-dependent signaling pathway in the early response of P3-198 to drought stress. Quantitative real-time PCR experimental verification confirmed the differential expression of genes in the drought resistance signaling pathway. Our results provide valuable information for understanding potato drought-resistance mechanisms, and also enrich the gene resources available for drought-resistant potato breeding.
Transcriptome Analysis of Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) in Response to Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu Infestation
Authors: Zhu Cancan , Shi Fenghou , Chen Yu , Wang Min , Zhao Yuqiang , Geng Guomin
Published: February 2019

Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) can be infested by Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, resulting in gall formation and yield losses. Research on the control of gall wasps using genomics approaches is rarely reported. We used RNA-seq to investigate the dynamic changes in the genes of a chestnut species (C. mollissima B.) during four gall-formation stages caused by D. kuriphilus. A total of 21,306 genes were annotated by BLAST in databases. Transcriptome comparison between different gall-formation stages revealed many genes that were differentially expressed compared to the control. Among these, 2410, 7373, 6294, and 9412 genes were differentially expressed in four gall-formation stages: initiation stage (A), early growth stage (B), late growth stage (C), and maturation stage (D), respectively. Annotation analysis indicated that many metabolic processes (e.g., phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, plant–pathogen interaction) were affected. Interesting genes encoding putative components of signal transduction, stress response, and transcription factors were also differentially regulated. These genes might play important roles in response to D. kuriphilus gall formation. These new data on the mechanism by which D. kuriphilus infests chestnuts could help improve chestnut resistance.
Short-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Trephination with a Platelet Rich Plasma Intrameniscal Injection for the Repair of Degenerative Meniscal Lesions. A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Kaminski Rafal , Maksymowicz-Wleklik Marta , Kulinski Krzysztof , Kozar-Kaminska Katarzyna , Dabrowska-Thing Agnieszka , Pomianowski Stanislaw
Published: February 2019

Meniscal tears are the most common orthopaedic injuries, with chronic lesions comprising up to 56% of cases. In these situations, no benefit with surgical treatment is observed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous intrameniscal platelet rich plasma (PRP) application to complement repair of a chronic meniscal lesion. This single centre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 72 patients. All subjects underwent meniscal trephination with or without concomitant PRP injection. Meniscal non-union observed in magnetic resonance arthrography or arthroscopy were considered as failures. Patient related outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed. The failure rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the PRP augmented group (70% vs. 48%, P = 0.04). Kaplan-Meyer analysis for arthroscopy-free survival showed significant reduction in the number of performed arthroscopies in the PRP augmented group. A notably higher percentage of patients treated with PRP achieved minimal clinically significant difference in visual analogue scale (VAS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) symptom scores. Our trial indicates that percutaneous meniscal trephination augmented with PRP results in a significant improvement in the rate of chronic meniscal tear healing and this procedure decreases the necessity for arthroscopy in the future (8% vs. 28%, P = 0.032).
Serum MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Hepatitis C: Preliminary Evidence of a MicroRNA Panel for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Weis Anna , Marquart Louise , Calvopina Diego A. , Genz Berit , Ramm Grant A. , Skoien Richard
Published: February 2019

Early diagnosis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) remain clinical priorities. In this pilot study, we assessed serum microRNA (miRNA) expression to distinguish cirrhosis and HCC, alone and in combination with the aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI), Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Sixty CHC patients were subdivided into 3 cohorts: Mild disease (fibrosis stage F0-2; n = 20); cirrhosis (n = 20); and cirrhosis with HCC (n = 20). Circulating miRNA signatures were determined using a liver-specific real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) microarray assessing 372 miRNAs simultaneously. Differentially-expressed miRNA candidates were independently validated using qRT-PCR. Serum miRNA-409-3p was increased in cirrhosis versus mild disease. In HCC versus cirrhosis, miRNA-486-5p was increased, whereas miRNA-122-5p and miRNA-151a-5p were decreased. A logistic regression model-generated panel, consisting of miRNA-122-5p + miRNA-409-3p, distinguished cirrhosis from mild disease (area under the curve, AUC = 0.80; sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 70%; p < 0.001). When combined with FIB-4 or APRI, performance was improved with AUC = 0.89 (p < 0.001) and 0.87 (p < 0.001), respectively. A panel consisting of miRNA-122-5p + miRNA-486-5p + miRNA-142-3p distinguished HCC from cirrhosis (AUC = 0.94; sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 95%; p < 0.001), outperforming AFP (AUC = 0.64, p = 0.065). Serum miRNAs are differentially expressed across the spectrum of disease severity in CHC. MicroRNAs have great potential as diagnostic biomarkers in CHC, particularly in HCC where they outperform the only currently-used biomarker, AFP.
Enhanced Expression of QTL qLL9/DEP1 Facilitates the Improvement of Leaf Morphology and Grain Yield in Rice
Authors: Fu Xue , Xu Jing , Zhou Mengyu , Chen Minmin , Shen Lan , Li Ting , Zhu Yuchen , Wang Jiajia , Hu Jiang , Zhu Li , Gao Zhenyu , Dong Guojun , Guo Longbiao , Ren Deyong , Chen Guang , Lin Jianrong , Qian Qian , Zhang Guangheng
Published: February 2019

In molecular breeding of super rice, it is essential to isolate the best quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes of leaf shape and explore yield potential using large germplasm collections and genetic populations. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used, which was derived from a cross between the following parental lines: hybrid rice Chunyou84, that is, japonica maintainer line Chunjiang16B (CJ16); and indica restorer line Chunhui 84 (C84) with remarkable leaf morphological differences. QTLs mapping of leaf shape traits was analyzed at the heading stage under different environmental conditions in Hainan (HN) and Hangzhou (HZ). A major QTL qLL9 for leaf length was detected and its function was studied using a population derived from a single residual heterozygote (RH), which was identified in the original population. qLL9 was delimitated to a 16.17 kb region flanked by molecular markers C-1640 and C-1642, which contained three open reading frames (ORFs). We found that the candidate gene for qLL9 is allelic to DEP1 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), sequence comparison, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated Cas9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing techniques. To identify the effect of qLL9 on yield, leaf shape and grain traits were measured in near isogenic lines (NILs) NIL-qLL9CJ16 and NIL-qLL9C84, as well as a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) CSSL-qLL9KASA with a Kasalath introgressed segment covering qLL9 in the Wuyunjing (WYJ) 7 backgrounds. Our results showed that the flag leaf lengths of NIL-qLL9C84 and CSSL-qLL9KASA were significantly different from those of NIL-qLL9CJ16 and WYJ 7, respectively. Compared with NIL-qLL9CJ16, the spike length, grain size, and thousand-grain weight of NIL-qLL9C84 were significantly higher, resulting in a significant increase in yield of 15.08%. Exploring and pyramiding beneficial genes resembling qLL9C84 for super rice breeding could increase both the source (e.g., leaf length and leaf area) and the sink (e.g., yield traits). This study provides a foundation for future investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the source–sink balance and high-yield potential of rice, benefiting high-yield molecular design breeding for global food security.
Methionine Augments Antioxidant Activity of Rice Protein during Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Zhengxuan , Liang Mingcai , Cai Liang , Yang Lin
Published: February 2019

To elucidate the influence of methionine, which is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid, on the antioxidant activity of rice protein (RP), methionine was added to RP (RM). The addition of methionine to RM0.5, RM1.0, RM1.5, RM2.0, and RM2.5 was 0.5-, 1.0-, 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-fold of methionine of RP, respectively. Using the in vitro digestive system, the antioxidant capacities of scavenging free radicals (superoxide; nitric oxide; 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, ABTS), chelating metal (iron), and reducing power were investigated in the hydrolysates of RP and RMs. Upon pepsin-pancreatin digestion, the weakest antioxidant capacity was produced by RP. With the addition of methionine, RMs exhibited more excellent responses to free radical scavenging activities and reducing power than RP, whereas RMs did not produce the marked enhancements in iron chelating activity as compared to RP. The present study demonstrated that RMs differently exerted the free radical scavenging activities that emerged in the protein hydrolysates, in which the strongest scavenging capacities for ABTS, superoxide, and nitric oxide were RM1.5, RM2.0, and RM2.5, respectively. Results suggested that the availability of methionine is a critical factor to augment antioxidant ability of RP in the in vitro gastrointestinal tract.
Design and Comparative Study of Advanced Adaptive Control Schemes for Position Control of Electronic Throttle Valve
Authors: Humaidi Amjad J. , Hameed Akram H.
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the performance of two different adaptive control schemes for controlling the angular position of an electronic throttle (ET) plate. The adaptive backstepping controller and adaptive sliding mode backstepping controller are the controllers under consideration. The control design based on these adaptive controllers is firstly addressed and the stability analysis of each controller has been presented and the convergence of both position and estimation errors for both controllers have been proved. A comparison study of the performance of both controllers has been conducted in terms of system transient characteristics and the behavior of their associated adaptive gain. The simulation has been implemented within the environment of the MATLAB package.
Recovery of Molybdenum Precursor Material in the Cyclotron-Based Technetium-99m Production Cycle
Authors: Skliarova Hanna , Buso Paolo , Carturan Sara , Rossi Alvarez Carlos , Cisternino Sara , Martini Petra , Boschi Alessandra , Esposito Juan
Published: February 2019

A closed-loop technology aiming at recycling the highly 100Mo-enriched molybdenum target material has been developed in the framework of the international research efforts on the alternative, cyclotron-based 99mTc radionuclide production. The main procedure steps include (i) 100Mo-based target manufacturing; (ii) irradiation under proton beam; (iii) dissolution of 100Mo layer containing 9×Tc radionuclides (produced by opened nuclear reaction routes) in concentrated H2O2 solution; and (iv) Mo/Tc separation by the developed radiochemical module, from which the original 100Mo comes as the “waste” alkaline aqueous fraction. Conversion of the residual 100Mo molybdates in this fraction into molybdic acids and MoO3 has been pursued by refluxing in excess of HNO3. After evaporation of the solvent to dryness, the molybdic acids and MoO3 may be isolated from NaNO3 by exploiting their different solubility in water. When dried in vacuum at 40 °C, the combined aqueous fractions provided MoO3 as a white powder. In the last recovery step MoO3 has been reduced using a temperature-controlled reactor under hydrogen overpressure. An overall recovery yield of ~90% has been established.
Proton Radiography by Multiple Coulomb Scattering with Nuclear Emulsion Detectors
Authors: Braccini Saverio , Carzaniga Tommaso , Pisegna Giulia , Scampoli Paola
Published: February 2019

The possibility of performing proton radiography by using the proton angular spread due to Coulomb multiple scattering was investigated, for the first time, with an emulsion film detector. Two different phantoms were irradiated with the therapeutic proton beam at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland. The first one is a simple polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) block having two different thicknesses (4 cm and 3 cm), and the second one is a PMMA cube with five aluminum rods embedded along a diagonal. Only one emulsion film was needed to perform the radiography, an important issue as the analysis of this kind of detector is time-consuming. Furthermore, the method showed an enhanced contrast when high atomic-number materials are traversed. This gives an advantage, when compared to proton range radiography.