bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Analysis of the lncRNA and mRNA Transcriptome Revealed Genes and Pathways Potentially Involved in the Anther Abortion of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Li Yuqing , Qin Tengfei , Dong Na , Wei Chunyan , Zhang Yaxin , Sun Runrun , Dong Tao , Chen Quanjia , Zhou Ruiyang , Wang Qinglian
Published: November 2019

Cotton plays an important role in the economy of many countries. Many studies have revealed that numerous genes and various metabolic pathways are involved in anther development. In this research, we studied the differently expressed mRNA and lncRNA during the anther development of cotton between the cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) line, C2P5A, and the maintainer line, C2P5B, using RNA-seq analysis. We identified 17,897 known differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, and 865 DE long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that corresponded to 1172 cis-target genes at three stages of anther development using gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment of DE mRNAs; and cis-target genes of DE lncRNAs probably involved in the degradation of tapetum cells, microspore development, pollen development, and in the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of the anther cell wall in cotton. Of these DE genes, LTCONS_00105434, LTCONS_00004262, LTCONS_00126105, LTCONS_00085561, and LTCONS_00085561, correspond to cis-target genes Ghir_A09G011050.1, Ghir_A01G005150.1, Ghir_D05G003710.2, Ghir_A03G016640.1, and Ghir_A12G005100.1, respectively. They participate in oxidative phosphorylation, flavonoid biosynthesis, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, fatty acid biosynthesis, and MAPK signaling pathway in plants, respectively. In summary, the transcriptomic data indicated that DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were related to the anther development of cotton at the pollen mother cell stage, tetrad stage, and microspore stage, and abnormal expression could lead to anther abortion, resulting in male sterility of cotton.
Pyruvate Kinase M2 Expression: A Potential Metabolic Biomarker to Differentiate Endometrial Precancer and Cancer that is Associated with Poor Outcomes in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Lai Yu-Ju , Chou Yu-Ching , Lin Yi-Jia , Yu Mu-Hsien , Ou Yu-Che , Chu Po-Wei , Wu Chia-Chun , Wang Yu-Chi , Chao Tai-Kuang
Published: November 2019

Background: Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a regulator of the processes of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, but the roles that it plays in endometrial cancer remain largely unknown. This study evaluated the PKM2 expression in normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma, and its prognostic value was investigated in endometrial carcinoma patients. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective review was conducted to examine the immunohistochemical PKM2 distribution in 206 endometrium samples from biopsies or hysterectomies. The immunoreactivity of PKM2 was divided into groups of low and high scores according to the extent and intensity of staining. Results: Intense cytoplasmic staining was observed for the PKM2 protein in malignant endometrial lesions. A high PKM2 score was observed in many endometrial carcinoma samples (50.0%), but there was a low percentage in endometrial atypical hyperplasia (12.5%). High PKM2 expression was not found in the normal endometrium (0.0%) nor endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (0.0%). The PKM2 protein score was significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma samples than premalignant endometrial lesions (p < 0.001). Notably, higher PKM2 scores in cases of endometrial carcinoma correlated with poor overall survival (p = 0.006), and the hazard ratio for death was 3.40 (95% confidence interval, 1.35–8.56). Conclusions: Our results indicate that the prevalence of PKM2high tumor cells in endometrial carcinoma is significantly associated with worse prognostic factors and favors a poor prognosis. The expression of PKM2 is also a potential histopathological biomarker for use in the differential diagnosis of malignant and premalignant endometrial lesions.
Examining the Factor Structure of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in a Multi-Ethnic Working Population in Singapore
Authors: Dunleavy Gerard , Bajpai Ram , Comiran Tonon André , Chua Ai Ping , Cheung Kei Long , Soh Chee-Kiong , Christopoulos Georgios , de Vries Hein , Car Josip
Published: November 2019

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a widely used measure for assessing sleep impairment. Although it was developed as a unidimensional instrument, there is much debate that it contains multidimensional latent constructs. This study aims to investigate the dimensionality of the underlying factor structure of the PSQI in a multi-ethnic working population in Singapore. The PSQI was administered on three occasions (baseline, 3 months and 12 months) to full-time employees participating in a workplace cohort study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) investigated the latent factor structure of the scale at each timepoint. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the model identified by EFA, and additionally evaluated it against a single factor and a three-factor model. The EFA identified a two-factor model with similar internal consistency and goodness-of-fit across each timepoint. In the CFA, the two- and three-factor models were both superior to the unidimensional model. The two- and three-factor models of the PSQI were reliable, consistent and provided similar goodness-of-fit over time, and both models were superior to the unidimensional measure. We recommend using the two-factor model to assess sleep characteristics in working populations in Singapore, given that it performs as well as the three-factor model and is simpler compared to the latter.
Rapid Biodegradation of the Organophosphorus Insecticide Chlorpyrifos by Cupriavidus nantongensis X1T
Authors: Shi Taozhong , Fang Liancheng , Qin Han , Chen Yifei , Wu Xiangwei , Hua Rimao
Published: November 2019

Chlorpyrifos was one of the most widely used organophosphorus insecticides and the neurotoxicity and genotoxicity of chlorpyrifos to mammals, aquatic organisms and other non-target organisms have caused much public concern. Cupriavidus nantongensis X1T, a type of strain of the genus Cupriavidus, is capable of efficiently degrading 200 mg/L of chlorpyrifos within 48 h. This is ~100 fold faster than Enterobacter B-14, a well-studied chlorpyrifos-degrading bacterial strain. Strain X1T can tolerate high concentrations (500 mg/L) of chlorpyrifos over a wide range of temperatures (30–42 °C) and pH values (5–9). RT-qPCR analysis showed that the organophosphorus hydrolase (OpdB) in strain X1T was an inducible enzyme, and the crude enzyme isolated in vitro could still maintain 75% degradation activity. Strain X1T can simultaneously degrade chlorpyrifos and its main hydrolysate 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol. TCP could be further metabolized through stepwise oxidative dechlorination and further opening of the benzene ring to be completely degraded by the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The results provide a potential means for the remediation of chlorpyrifos- contaminated soil and water.
Pre-evacuation Time Estimation Based Emergency Evacuation Simulation in Urban Residential Communities
Authors: Chen Jiayan , Yu Jia , Wen Jiahong , Zhang Chuanrong , Yin Zhan’e , Wu Jianping , Yao Shenjun
Published: November 2019

The timely and secure evacuation of an urban residential community is crucial to residents’ safety when emergency events happen. This is different to evacuation of office spaces or schools, emergency evacuation in residential communities must consider the pre-evacuation time. The importance of estimating evacuation time components has been recognized for approximately 40 years. However, pre-evacuation time is rarely discussed in previous community-scale emergency evacuation studies. This paper proposes a new method that estimates the pre-evacuation time, which makes the evacuation simulation in urban residential communities more realistic. This method integrates the residents’ pre-evacuation behavior data obtained by surveys to explore the influencing factors of pre-evacuation time and builds a predictive model to forecast pre-evacuation times based on the Random Forest algorithm. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to find the critical parameters in evacuation simulations. The results of evacuation simulations in different scenarios can be compared to identify potential evacuation problems. A case study in Luoshanqicun Community, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China, was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. The simulation results showed that the pre-evacuation times have significant impacts on the simulation procedure, including the total evacuation time, the congestion time and the congestion degree. This study can help to gain a deeper understanding of residents’ behaviors under emergencies and improve emergency managements of urban communities.
Examining the Mental Well-Being of Australian Sport Coaches
Authors: Carson Fraser , Malakellis Mary , Walsh Julia , Main Luana C. , Kremer Peter
Published: November 2019

Background: Research has highlighted the multitude of factors that are negatively associated with coach mental well-being but has failed to investigate how the determinants of mental well-being can affect the coach both positively and negatively. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate levels of mental well-being among sport coaches and assess whether areas of work life—specifically workload and control—are related to levels of mental well-being. Method: An online survey comprising demographic and coaching experience details, the Areas of Work Life Scale (AWS), and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale was completed by 464 Australian coaches involved in a range of sports. Differences in coach mental well-being according to key demographic and coaching-related subgroups were assessed using separate t-test and ANOVA analyses and the magnitude of effects was determined using Cohen’s d and the eta-squared (ή2) statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to examine relationships between both workload and control and mental well-being after controlling for age, gender, coaching setting and weekly coaching activity. Results: The findings indicate poorer mental well-being among both male and younger coaches and indicate that coach mental well-being is related to the ability to self-manage the workload associated with their role as a coach as well as greater autonomy over coaching-related tasks and activities. Specifically, a one-unit increase in AWS workload and AWS control were associated with ~three- and ~four-unit increases in coach mental well-being, respectively. Conclusion: Greater provision of resources and education is required to assist coaches to manage their own mental well-being, while being supported by the organisation they coach for. Enabling coaches to balance their coaching requirements and to have control over their environment will improve their ability to constantly coach at a high standard.
Metabolically Active Brown Adipose Tissue Is Found in Adult Subjects with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Eriksson Olof , Selvaraju Ram Kumar , Berglund Marie , Espes Daniel
Published: November 2019

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by the loss of insulin-producing cells and hence insulin secretion and metabolic control. In addition to insulin, there are a number of hormones and cytokines that influence metabolism, and many of these can be secreted from brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, the presence and activity of BAT in T1D have not been studied, despite the fact that preclinical studies have shown that transplantation of BAT in mouse models of T1D can restore metabolic control. The metabolic activity of BAT, white adipose tissue (WAT), and skeletal muscle was investigated in patients with T1D (n = 11) by 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT after cold stimulation. Functional BAT was detected in 4 out of 11 individuals with T1D with a prevalence of 36%. The glucose utilization rate in the supraclavicular BAT regions ranged from 0.75–38.7 µmol × min−1 × 100 g−1. The glucose utilization per gram tissue was higher in BAT when compared with both WAT (p = 0.049) and skeletal muscle (p = 0.039). However, no correlation between BAT activity and metabolic control or insulin requirements was found. In conclusion, for the first time, cold-induced BAT was detected in patients with T1D with a wide range in metabolic activity. Contrary to findings in animal models, the metabolic activity of BAT had negligible impact on insulin requirements or metabolic control in T1D under normal physiological conditions.
Altered Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in Peripheral Blood of South African Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dias Stephanie , Adam Sumaiya , Rheeder Paul , Louw Johan , Pheiffer Carmen
Published: November 2019

Increasing evidence implicate altered DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This exploratory study probed the association between GDM and peripheral blood DNA methylation patterns in South African women. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling was conducted in women with (n = 12) or without (n = 12) GDM using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip array. Functional analysis of differentially methylated genes was conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A total of 1046 CpG sites (associated with 939 genes) were differentially methylated between GDM and non-GDM groups. Enriched pathways included GDM-related pathways such as insulin resistance, glucose metabolism and inflammation. DNA methylation of the top five CpG loci showed distinct methylation patterns in GDM and non-GDM groups and was correlated with glucose concentrations. Of these, one CpG site mapped to the calmodulin-binding transcription activator 1 (CAMTA1) gene, which have been shown to regulate insulin production and secretion and may offer potential as an epigenetic biomarker in our population. Further validation using pyrosequencing and conducting longitudinal studies in large sample sizes and in different populations are required to investigate their candidacy as biomarkers of GDM.
Configurable Distributed Data Management for the Internet of the Things
Authors: Kefalakis Nikos , Roukounaki Aikaterini , Soldatos John
Published: November 2019

One of the main challenges in modern Internet of Things (IoT) systems is the efficient collection, routing and management of data streams from heterogeneous sources, including sources with high ingestion rates. Despite the existence of various IoT data streaming frameworks, there is still no easy way for collecting and routing IoT streams in efficient and configurable ways that are easy to be implemented and deployed in realistic environments. In this paper, we introduce a programmable engine for Distributed Data Analytics (DDA), which eases the task of collecting IoT streams from different sources and accordingly, routing them to appropriate consumers. The engine provides also the means for preprocessing and analysis of data streams, which are two of the most important tasks in Big Data analytics applications. At the heart of the engine lies a Domain Specific Language (DSL) that enables the zero-programming definition of data routing and preprocessing tasks. This DSL is outlined in the paper, along with the middleware that supports its runtime execution. As part of the paper, we present the architecture of the engine, as well as the digital models that it uses for modelling data streams in the digital world. We also discuss the validation of the DDA in several data intensive IoT use cases in industrial environments, including use cases in pilot productions lines and in several real-life manufacturing environments. The latter manifest the configurability, programmability and flexibility of the DDA engine, as well as its ability to support practical applications.
An Optically Transparent Metasurface-Based Resonant Cavity Fed by Patch Antenna for Improved Gain
Authors: Li Qinlong , Chen Xiaoming , Hu Xin
Published: November 2019

An optically transparent metasurface (MS) is proposed to design a resonant cavity fed by a patch antenna operating at 5.6 GHz. In the proposed MS, a transparent micro metal mesh conductive (MMMC) film is used as the transparent conducting film (TCF), and it has a high optical transmittance of more than 75% and a low sheet resistance of 0.7 Ω/sq. The MS is composed of a layer of glass substrate and a layer of MMMC film. The unit cell of MS consists of a square patch using MMMC film patterned on a square glass substrate. The transparent MS, patch antenna, ground plane, and air-filled half-wavelength cavity form a resonant cavity antenna, to achieve an improved gain. The MS is designed, optimized and analyzed using the EM simulation software CST. Results show that the MS can improve the simulated boresight gain from 4.7 to 13.2 dBi by 8.5 dB, without affecting the impedance bandwidth (IMBW) much. The losses of MS with different values of sheet resistance are also studied, showing the MS using MMMC with sheet resistance of 0.7 Ω/sq has very small losses.
Microstructures and Properties of Ceramic Fibers of h-BN Containing Amorphous Si3N4
Authors: Tan Jing , Ge Min , Yu Shouquan , Lu Zhenxi , Zhang Weigang
Published: November 2019

Composite ceramic fibers comprising about 80 wt% boron nitride (h-BN) and 20 wt% Si3N4 were fabricated through melt-spinning, electron-beam curing, and pyrolysis up to 1600 °C in atmospheres of NH3 and N2, using a mixture of poly[tri(methylamino)borazine] (PBN) and polysilazane (PSZ). By analyzing the microstructure and composition of the pyrolyzed ceramic fibers, we found the formation of binary phases including crystalline h-BN and amorphous Si3N4. Further investigations confirmed that this heterogeneous microstructure can only be formed when the introduced ratio of Si3N4 is below 30% in mass. The mean modulus and tensile strength of the fabricated composite fibers were about 90 GPa and 1040 MPa, twice the average of the pure h-BN fiber. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent of the composite fibers is 3.06 and 2.94 × 10−3.
Oil Leakage Evaluation for Selection of Emulsion-Based Non-Curable Synthetic Polymer Rubberized Gel (ENC-SPRG) as Waterproofing Material in Underground Structures
Authors: Kim Dong-bum , Choi Su-young , Park Jin-sang , He Xing-Yang , Oh Sang-Keun
Published: November 2019

A revised oil leakage evaluation regime is proposed in response to the oil leakage problems of emulsion-based non-curable synthetic polymer rubberized gel (ENC-SPRG) used as a waterproofing material in concrete slabs of residential underground structures. Oil leakage from ENC-SPRG can cause significant economic and environmental damage. As ENC-SPRG waterproofing material is relatively new in the global waterproofing market, a systematic quality control for ENC-SPRG products being manufactured and exported globally is currently non-existent. For the selection of optimal ENC-SPRG, six assessment parameters comprised of averaged and daily average oil leakage mass, averaged and daily average filler content settlement, oil leakage area, and oil leakage duration are proposed. Five ENC-SPRG product specimens are tested to obtain the property values of each parameter. The property values derived from the test results are compared between the tested ENC-SPRG product specimens. With the demonstration of this evaluation regime, a quantified method for a comparative assessment of ENC-SPRG type waterproofing materials is established.
Probing the Interactions of Sulfur-Containing Histidine Compounds with Human Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase
Authors: Milito Alfonsina , Brancaccio Mariarita , Lisurek Michael , Masullo Mariorosario , Palumbo Anna , Castellano Immacolata
Published: November 2019

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a cell surface enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism and maintenance of redox homeostasis. High expression of GGT on tumor cells is associated with an increase of cell proliferation and resistance against chemotherapy. GGT inhibitors that have been evaluated in clinical trials are too toxic for human use. We have previously identified ovothiols, 5(Nπ)-methyl-thiohistidines of marine origin, as non-competitive-like inhibitors of GGT that are more potent than the known GGT inhibitor, 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), and are not toxic for human embryonic cells. We extended these studies to the desmethylated form of ovothiol, 5-thiohistidine, and confirmed that this ovothiol derivative also acts as a non-competitive-like GGT inhibitor, with a potency comparable to ovothiol. We also found that both 5-thiohistidine derivatives act as reversible GGT inhibitors compared to the irreversible DON. Finally, we probed the interactions of 5-thiohistidines with GGT by docking analysis and compared them with the 2-thiohistidine ergothioneine, the physiological substrate glutathione, and the DON inhibitor. Overall, our results provide new insight for further development of 5-thiohistidine derivatives as therapeutics for GGT-positive tumors.
A Phenolic Acid Decarboxylase-Based All-Enzyme Hydrogel for Flow Reactor Technology
Authors: Mittmann Esther , Gallus Sabrina , Bitterwolf Patrick , Oelschlaeger Claude , Willenbacher Norbert , Niemeyer Christof M. , Rabe Kersten S.
Published: November 2019

Carrier-free enzyme immobilization techniques are an important development in the field of efficient and streamlined continuous synthetic processes using microreactors. Here, the use of monolithic, self-assembling all-enzyme hydrogels is expanded to phenolic acid decarboxylases. This provides access to the continuous flow production of p-hydroxystyrene from p-coumaric acid for more than 10 h with conversions ≥98% and space time yields of 57.7 g·(d·L)−1. Furthermore, modulation of the degree of crosslinking in the hydrogels resulted in a defined variation of the rheological behavior in terms of elasticity and mesh size of the corresponding materials. This work is addressing the demand of sustainable strategies for defunctionalization of renewable feedstocks.
The Degradative Capabilities of New Amycolatopsis Isolates on Polylactic Acid
Authors: Decorosi Francesca , Exana Maria Luna , Pini Francesco , Adessi Alessandra , Messini Anna , Giovannetti Luciana , Viti Carlo
Published: November 2019

Polylactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic synthesized from lactic acid, has a broad range of applications owing to its excellent proprieties such as a high melting point, good mechanical strength, transparency, and ease of fabrication. However, the safe disposal of PLA is an emerging environmental problem: it resists microbial attack in environmental conditions, and the frequency of PLA-degrading microorganisms in soil is very low. To date, a limited number of PLA-degrading bacteria have been isolated, and most are actinomycetes. In this work, a method for the selection of rare actinomycetes with extracellular proteolytic activity was established, and the technique was used to isolate four mesophilic actinomycetes with the ability to degrade emulsified PLA in agar plates. All four strains—designated SO1.1, SO1.2, SNC, and SST—belong to the genus Amycolatopsis. The PLA-degrading capability of the four strains was investigated by testing their ability to assimilate lactic acid, fragment PLA polymers, and deteriorate PLA films. The strain SNC was the best PLA degrader—it was able to assimilate lactic acid, constitutively cleave PLA, and form a thick and widespread biofilm on PLA film. The activity of this strain extensively eroded the polymer, leading to a weight loss of 36% in one month in mesophilic conditions.
Molecular Investigation of CO2/CH4 Competitive Adsorption and Confinement in Realistic Shale Kerogen
Authors: Zhou Wenning , Zhang Zhe , Wang Haobo , Yang Xu
Published: November 2019

The adsorption behavior and the mechanism of a CO2/CH4 mixture in shale organic matter play significant roles to predict the carbon dioxide sequestration with enhanced gas recovery (CS-EGR) in shale reservoirs. In the present work, the adsorption performance and the mechanism of a CO2/CH4 binary mixture in realistic shale kerogen were explored by employing grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Specifically, the effects of shale organic type and maturity, temperature, pressure, and moisture content on pure CH4 and the competitive adsorption performance of a CO2/CH4 mixture were investigated. It was found that pressure and temperature have a significant influence on both the adsorption capacity and the selectivity of CO2/CH4. The simulated results also show that the adsorption capacities of CO2/CH4 increase with the maturity level of kerogen. Type II-D kerogen exhibits an obvious superiority in the adsorption capacity of CH4 and CO2 compared with other type II kerogen. In addition, the adsorption capacities of CO2 and CH4 are significantly suppressed in moist kerogen due to the strong adsorption strength of H2O molecules on the kerogen surface. Furthermore, to characterize realistic kerogen pore structure, a slit-like kerogen nanopore was constructed. It was observed that the kerogen nanopore plays an important role in determining the potential of CO2 subsurface sequestration in shale reservoirs. With the increase in nanopore size, a transition of the dominated gas adsorption mechanism from micropore filling to monolayer adsorption on the surface due to confinement effects was found. The results obtained in this study could be helpful to estimate original gas-in-place and evaluate carbon dioxide sequestration capacity in a shale matrix.
Controlled Growth of BiSI Nanorod-Based Films through a Two-Step Solution Process for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Choi Yong Chan , Hwang Eunjeong
Published: November 2019

Pb-based hybrid perovskite solar cells, despite their advantages, face challenges in commercialization. In recent years, Bi-based chalcohalides are being considered as potential alternative candidates, however, their current device efficiency remains unsatisfactory. Herein, a two-step solution method is developed and applied to the fabrication of BiSI films. The method consists of the formation of Bi2S3 (step I) and its conversion to BiSI (step II). The Bi2S3 was fabricated by a thiol-amine solution process and the BiSI conversion was achieved by chemical reaction between the as-formed Bi2S3 and BiI3. It was found that the formation of BiSI was highly dependent on the Bi:S molar ratio of the Bi2O3-thiourea solution and the number of times of step I. The as-fabricated BiSI film had an optical band gap of 1.61 eV and exhibited nanorod morphology. In addition, the electronic structure is explored and discussed for solar cells applications.
Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Vascular Endothelial Function in Participants with Prehypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Odai Tamami , Terauchi Masakazu , Kato Kiyoko , Hirose Asuka , Miyasaka Naoyuki
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on blood pressure and vascular endothelial function in middle-aged Japanese adults with prehypertension. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 6 men and 24 women aged 40–64 years old. The participants were randomized to receive tablets containing either low-dose (200 mg/day) or high-dose (400 mg/day) GSPE, or placebo, for 12 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and other cardiovascular parameters were measured before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. The mean SBP in the high-dose group significantly decreased by 13 mmHg after 12 weeks (P = 0.028), although FMD did not change. In an ad hoc analysis of non-smoking participants (n = 21), the mean SBP, DBP, stiffness parameter β, distensibility, incremental elastic modulus (Einc), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) also significantly improved in the high-dose group after 12 weeks. Changes in Einc and PWV from baseline to 12 weeks were significantly greater in the high-dose group than in the placebo group (Einc, P = 0.023; PWV, P = 0.03). GSPE consumption could help maintain vascular elasticity and normal blood pressure in this population.
Comparison of Dietary Micronutrient Intakes by Body Weight Status among Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic Black Women Aged 19–39 Years: An Analysis of NHANES 2003–2014
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Zhu Xiangzhu , Fulda Kimberly G. , Chen Shande , Tao Meng-Hua
Published: November 2019

The objective of the current study was to examine micronutrient intake from foods in women of childbearing age and to better understand potential nutritional problems varied by body weight status in minority women. A sample of women aged 19–39 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003–2014 was analyzed. Dietary intakes of 13 micronutrients were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Mexican-American and non-Hispanic Black women were categorized into normal/under-weight, overweight, or obese groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Mexican-American and non-Hispanic Black women had lower dietary intakes for vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, and D, folate, calcium, and magnesium than non-Hispanic Whites. Among Mexican-Americans, obese women had the lowest dietary intake of vitamins A, B2, C and D. Obese non-Hispanic Black women had significantly lower dietary intakes of iron and zinc than their normal/under-weight counterparts. Comparable percentages (>30%) of Mexican-American and non-Hispanic Black women had dietary intake less than the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for several key nutrients including vitamin A, C and D, folate, calcium and magnesium, and the percentages varied by body weight status. These results indicate micronutrient inadequacies persist among and within racial/ethnic and body weight groups.
Tunable Structure and Properties of Segmented Thermoplastic Polyurethanes as a Function of Flexible Segment
Authors: Asensio Manuel , Costa Victor , Nohales Andrés , Bianchi Otávio , Gómez Clara M
Published: November 2019

Segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes (PUs) were synthetized using macrodiols with different functional groups (carbonate, ester, and /or ether) as a segment with a molar mass of 1000 and 2000 g/mol, and 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-butanediol as a rigid segment. The polyurethanes obtained reveal a wide variation of microphase separation degree that is correlated with mechanical properties and retention of tensile properties under degradation by heat, oil, weather, and water. Different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to determine rigid-flexible segments’ phase behaviour. Retention of tensile properties determines the stability of the samples under different external factors. This work reveals that pure polycarbonate-based macrodiols induce the highest degree of phase miscibility, better tensile properties, hardness shore A, and retention of tensile properties under external agents.
Efficient Mild Organosolv Lignin Extraction in a Flow-Through Setup Yielding Lignin with High β-O-4 Content
Authors: Zijlstra Douwe S. , Analbers Coen A. , de Korte Joren , Wilbers Erwin , Deuss Peter J.
Published: November 2019

Current lignin fractionation methods use harsh conditions that alter the native lignin structure, resulting in a recalcitrant material which is undesired for downstream processing. Milder fractionation processes allow for the isolation of lignins that are high in β-aryl ether (β-O-4) content, however, at reduced extraction efficiency. The development of improved lignin extraction methods using mild conditions is therefore desired. For this reason, a flow-through setup for mild ethanosolv extraction (120 °C) was developed. The influence of acid concentration, ethanol/water ratio, and the use of other linear alcohol co-solvents on the delignification efficiency and the β-O-4 content were evaluated. With walnut shells as model feedstock, extraction efficiencies of over 55% were achieved, yielding lignin with a good structural quality in terms of β-O-4 linking motifs (typically over 60 per 100 aromatic units). For example, lignin containing 66 β-O-4 linking motifs was obtained with an 80:20 n-propanol/water ratio, 0.18 M H2SO4 with overall a good extraction efficiency of 57% after 5 h. The majority of the lignin was extracted in the first 2 hours and this lignin showed the best structural quality. Compared to batch extractions, both higher lignin extraction efficiency and higher β-O-4 content were obtained using the flow setup.
Perfume Encapsulation via Vapor Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Ammendola Mario , Rodrigo Gomez Raul , Garcia Valls Ricard
Published: November 2019

In this study we explored the implementation of the vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) to produce cellulose acetate microcapsules for the encapsulation of a complex mix of fragrances. VIPS is a technique used for membrane preparation, but barely mentioned for microencapsulation. We compared the products from VIPS and a more common microencapsulation process, the immersion precipitation technique (IPS). The capsules prepared via VIPS show a core-shell structure with a thin polymeric shell surrounding the internally empty space, conversely to those produced via IPS, showing an incomplete spherical morphology. This can be attributed to a better control of the precipitation rate of the encapsulation material in the non-solvent thanks to the longer exposition time to the vapor. The activity and encapsulation efficiency of the capsules, obtained through TGA analysis, reached a maximum of ≈75% and ≈90%, respectively. Moreover, a growing trend between the initial active concentration and the encapsulation efficiency is noticed.
Numerical Simulation of the Raceway Zone in Melter Gasifier of COREX Process
Authors: Sun Ye , Chen Ren , Zhang Zuoliang , Wu Guoxi , Zhang Huishu , Li Lingling , Liu Yan , Li Xiaoliang , Huang Yan
Published: November 2019

The physical and chemical processes in the raceway zone of the COREX melter–gasifier express are similar to those inside the blast furnace. Based on the research achievements on blast furnaces, the unsteady numerical simulation of a gas-solid two-phase in the raceway was carried out by using computational fluid software. The formation process of the raceway in the COREX melter–gasifier was simulated. The shape and size of the raceway were obtained. Then, the effect of gas flow on the depth and height of the raceway was analyzed in this paper.
Learning Control Policies of Driverless Vehicles from UAV Video Streams in Complex Urban Environments
Authors: Inder Katie , De Silva Varuna , Shi Xiyu
Published: November 2019

The way we drive, and the transport of today are going through radical changes. Intelligent mobility envisions to improve the efficiency of traditional transportation through advanced digital technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things. Central to the development of intelligent mobility technology is the emergence of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) where vehicles are capable of navigating environments autonomously. For this to be achieved, autonomous vehicles must be safe, trusted by passengers, and other drivers. However, it is practically impossible to train autonomous vehicles with all the possible traffic conditions that they may encounter. The work in this paper presents an alternative solution of using infrastructure to aid CAVs to learn driving policies, specifically for complex junctions, which require local experience and knowledge to handle. The proposal is to learn safe driving policies through data-driven imitation learning of human-driven vehicles at a junction utilizing data captured from surveillance devices about vehicle movements at the junction. The proposed framework is demonstrated by processing video datasets captured from uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from three intersections around Europe which contain vehicle trajectories. An imitation learning algorithm based on long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is proposed to learn and predict safe trajectories of vehicles. The proposed framework can be used for many purposes in intelligent mobility, such as augmenting the intelligent control algorithms in driverless vehicles, benchmarking driver behavior for insurance purposes, and for providing insights to city planning.
A Model-Checking-Based Framework for Analyzing Ambient Assisted Living Solutions
Authors: Kunnappilly Ashalatha , Marinescu Raluca , Seceleanu Cristina
Published: November 2019

Since modern ambient assisted living solutions integrate a multitude of assisted-living functionalities, out of which some are safety critical, it is desirable that these systems are analyzed at their design stage to detect possible errors. To achieve this, one needs suitable architectures that support the seamless design of the integrated assisted-living functions, as well as capabilities for the formal modeling and analysis of the architecture. In this paper, we attempt to address this need, by proposing a generic integrated ambient assisted living system architecture, consisting of sensors, data collection, local and cloud processing schemes, and an intelligent decision support system, which can be easily extended to suit specific architecture categories. Our solution is customizable, therefore, we show three instantiations of the generic model, as simple, intermediate, and complex configurations, respectively, and show how to analyze the first and third categories by model checking. Our approach starts by specifying the architecture, using an architecture description language, in our case, the Architecture Analysis and Design Language, which can also account for the probabilistic behavior of such systems, and captures the possibility of component failure. To enable formal analysis, we describe the semantics of the simple and complex architectures within the framework of timed automata. We show that the simple architecture is amenable to exhaustive model checking by employing the UPPAAL tool, whereas for the complex architecture we resort to statistical model checking for scalability reasons. In this case, we apply the statistical extension of UPPAAL, namely UPPAAL SMC. Our work paves the way for the development of formally assured future ambient assisted living solutions.
Tensor-Based Subspace Tracking for Time-Delay Estimation in GNSS Multi-Antenna Receivers
Authors: Garcez Caio C. R. , de Lima Daniel Valle , Miranda Ricardo Kehrle , Mendonça Fábio , da Costa João Paulo C. L. , de Almeida André L. F. , de Sousa Rafael T.
Published: November 2019

Although Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers currently achieve high accuracy when processing their geographic location under line of sight (LOS), multipath interference and noise degrades the accuracy considerably. In order to mitigate multipath interference, receivers based on multiple antennas became the focus of research and technological development. In this context, tensor-based approaches based on Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) models have been proposed in the literature, providing optimum performance. State-of-the-art techniques for antenna array based GNSS receivers compute singular value decomposition (SVD) for each new sample, implying into a high computational complexity, being, therefore, prohibitive for real-time applications. Therefore, in order to reduce the computational complexity of the parameter estimates, subspace tracking algorithms are essential. In this work, we propose a tensor-based subspace tracking framework to reduce the overall computational complexity of the highly accurate tensor-based time-delay estimation process.
Real-Time Pedestrian Flow Analysis Using Networked Sensors for a Smart Subway System
Authors: Hwang Sewoong , Lee Zoonky , Kim Jonghyuk
Published: November 2019

The application of smart city technologies requires new data analysis methods to interpret the voluminous data collected. In this study, we first analyzed the transfer behavior of subway pedestrians using the fingerprinting technique using data collected by more than 100 MAC (Media Access Control) ID sensors installed in a congested subway station serving two subway lines. We then developed a model that employs an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based methodology, the cumulative visibility of moving objects (CVMO), to present the data in such a manner that it could be used to address pedestrian flow issues in this real-world implementation of smart city technology. The MAC ID location data collected during a three-month monitoring period were mapped using the fingerprinting wireless location sensing method to display the congestion situation in real time. Furthermore we developed a model that can inform immediate response to identified conditions. In addition, we formulated several schemes for disbursing congestion and improving pedestrian flow using behavioral economics, and then confirmed their effectiveness in a follow-up monitoring period. The proposed pedestrian flow analysis method cannot only solve pedestrian congestion, but can also help to prevent accidents and maintain public order.
Symmetric Identities for Carlitz-Type Higher-Order Degenerate (p,q)-Euler Numbers and Polynomials
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Won , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this paper is to investigate some interesting symmetric identities for Carlitz-type higher-order degenerate ( p , q ) -Euler numbers, and polynomials. At first, the Carlitz-type higher-order degenerate ( p , q ) -Euler numbers and polynomials are defined. We give few new symmetric identities for Carlitz-type higher-order degenerate ( p , q ) -Euler numbers and polynomials.
Solution Approaches for the Management of the Water Resources in Irrigation Water Systems with Fuzzy Costs
Authors: Sanchis Raquel , Díaz-Madroñero Manuel , López-Jiménez P. Amparo , Pérez-Sánchez Modesto
Published: November 2019

Currently, the management of water networks is key to increase their sustainability. This fact implies that water managers have to develop tools that ease the decision-making process in order to improve the efficiency of irrigation networks, as well as their exploitation costs. The present research proposes a mathematical programming model to optimize the selection of the water sources and the volume over time in water networks, minimizing the operation costs as a function of the water demand and the reservoir capacity. The model, which is based on fuzzy methods, improves the evaluation performed by water managers when they have to decide about the acquisition of the water resources under uncertain costs. Different fuzzy solution approaches have been applied and assessed in terms of model complexity and computational efficiency, showing the solution accomplished for each one. A comparison between different methods was applied in a real water network, reaching a 20% total cost reduction for the best solution.
Feasibility of Multi-Year Forecast for the Colorado River Water Supply: Time Series Modeling
Authors: Plucinski Brian , Sun Yan , Wang S.-Y. Simon , Gillies Robert R. , Eklund James , Wang Chih-Chia
Published: November 2019

The future of the Colorado River water supply (WS) affects millions of people and the US economy. A recent study suggested a cross-basin correlation between the Colorado River and its neighboring Great Salt Lake (GSL). Following that study, the feasibility of using the previously developed multi-year prediction of the GSL water level to forecast the Colorado River WS was tested. Time-series models were developed to predict the changes in WS out to 10 years. Regressive methods and the GSL water level data were used for the depiction of decadal variability of the Colorado River WS. Various time-series models suggest a decline in the 10-year averaged WS since 2013 before starting to increase around 2020. Comparison between this WS prediction and the WS projection published in a 2012 government report (derived from climate models) reveals a widened imbalance between supply and demand by 2020, a tendency that is confirmed by updated WS observation. Such information could aid in management decision-making in the face of near-future water shortages.
PERANAN PARTNERSHIPS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FOR SEAS OF EAST ASIA (PEMSEA) MELALUI PROGRAM INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (ICM) DALAM PENGENDALIAN KERUSAKAN EKOSISTEM TERUMBU KARANG DI INDONESIA
Authors: Rakhmawati Rizki
Published: November 2019

This study aims to determine the role of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) through Integrated Coastal Management Program (ICM) for Controlling the Damages of the Coral Reefs Ecosystem in Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. Researcher attempted to analyze the purpose of doing damage control program in coral reef ecosystems that occur in coastal areas Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. Author of the research methods used in this study is descriptive analysis method. Most of the datas have been gathered through library research, online data retrieval, documentation, interviews and observation. The results showed that the implementation of ICM in Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi, West Java has involved many sectors related to the management of the Marine and Coastal regions in Palabuhanratu Sukabumi, West Java, with the implementation of several development projects in the coastal region of Palbuhanratu since 2003. But technically still have not made a direct attempt to address the damage to the coral reefs that occur in Palabuhanratu because of the constraints faced. Efforts made in the control of coral reef damage is in the form of outreach to the local community Palabuhanratu coast of Kenya, West Java since 2004.
PERAN AIESEC LOCAL COMMITTEE (LC) BANDUNG DALAM MENDUKUNG PENCAPAIAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
Authors: Putri Claudia Karina
Published: November 2019

As an International Non-Governmental Organization, AIESEC Bandung is supporting the achievement of SDGs. There are   various activities of AIESEC Bandung, both internship programs and social projects that have an impact on achieving SDGs. In addition, AIESEC Bandung has carried out internships and social projects long before the SDGs were issued. After the SDGs were issued, AIESEC Bandung then included SDGs goals and targets relevant to the AIESEC Bandung social project. Based on the results of interviews and literature studies, it can be seen that there are various social projects in AIESEC Bandung that help achieve SDGs, such as the Sampurasun, I Green, Social Entrepreneur, Impacting, Malala and I Care for Disabled projects. Both project participants and project partners feel the positive results of these social projects. The activities of AIESEC Bandung which continue to take place every year also make this activity sustainable. Even so, there are still many improvements that must be improved by AIESEC Bandung to support the achievement of SDGs, such as social project sustainability issues, difficulties in finding partners and the absence of cooperation with the government.