bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of ‘Impact’ Crabgrass
Authors: Bouton Joseph H. , Motes Brian , Trammell Michael A. , Butler Twain J.
Published: October 2018

Impact (Reg. No. CV‐283, PI 687328) crabgrass [Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler] was developed by the Noble Research Institute, LLC, and released in 2016. Selections were made from ‘Red River’ by recurrent phenotypic selection for late flowering and high individual plant yield. In Ardmore, OK, trials in 2014 and 2015, Impact headed significantly later than Red River and the early‐maturing cultivar Quick‐n‐Big. This later maturity produced in vitro true dry matter digestibility numerically greater than Red River and significantly greater than Quick‐n‐Big (697 g kg−1 vs. 685 and 665 g kg−1, respectively, across 11 harvests) and lower neutral detergent fiber (635 g kg−1 vs. 654 g kg−1) than Quick‐n‐Big. In Oklahoma, there were no consistent differences in monthly or total dry matter yields in Impact compared with Red River (Impact ranged from 9160 to 19,764 kg ha−1, depending on year and location), but Impact yielded higher during most late‐season harvest dates (mid‐August–early October) compared with Quick‐n‐Big. At Vashti, TX, during 2014, Impact produced more monthly forage and total dry matter yield than both Red River and Quick‐n‐Big. In Mississippi and Tennessee, cultivar differences were similar to Oklahoma results. Impact demonstrated summer animal gains of 0.78 kg d−1 and total season gains of 230 kg ha−1. It is high yielding and should be broadly adapted as annual summer pasture throughout the south‐central and southeastern United States.
Registration of Arkot 0611, Arkot 0617, and Arkot 0712 Cotton Germplasm Lines
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Cook Charles , Jones Don C.
Published: October 2018

Arkot 0611 (Reg. No. GP‐1035, PI 687864), Arkot 0617 (Reg. No. GP‐1037, PI 687866), and Arkot 0712 (Reg. No. GP‐1036, PI 687865) are conventional germplasm lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) in April 2018. The lines were released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes with enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host plant resistance, and fiber properties. They share one common parent, DX25105N, a privately developed line made available to AAES by a Memorandum of Agreement. All three lines produced equal or higher lint yields than ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ over 4 yr and at four test sites in Arkansas. Over all test sites, Arkot 0611 produced 10 and 22% higher lint yields than DP 393 and UA48, respectively. Both Arkot 0617 and Arkot 0712 produced 12% more lint than UA48. Lint percentage, seed per hectare, fibers per seed, and fiber density of each line were greater than UA48 and equal to or greater than DP 393. Compared with the check cultivars, all three lines were earlier maturing, but Arkot 0611 and Arkot 0617 tended to have taller plants. All three lines produced more dense leaf pubescence and bract trichomes than either check cultivar. Fiber quality of Arkot 0611 was inferior to either check, and fiber quality of Arkot 0617 and Arkot 0712 was higher than DP 393 but lower than UA48. The DX250105N parent of these lines increases the genetic diversity with the AAES cotton breeding program and broadens the available cotton germplasm pool.
Pendidikan Anak Jalanan Dalam Paradigma Teo-Antropo-Sosiosentris
Authors: Agung Subekti Mohoammad Yusuf , Fauzi Moh. Mansur
Published: October 2018

Problem tentang anak jalanan tidak hanya menjadi tugas pemerintah, tetapi semua elemen masyarakat juga memiliki peran mendampingi, mengarahkan dan memberikan pendidikan yang memadahi. Salah satu paradigma yang ditawarkan dalam pendidikan bagi anak jalanan adalah paradigma teo-antropo-sosiosentris. Paradigma ini berupaya membahas tentang makna pendidikan yang berbasis pada Tao (ketuhanan/keilahian) bahwa manusia secara fitrah-nya adalah sebagai hamba (abd) Allah, antropo (kemanusiaan) dan sosio (kemasyarakatan). Paradigma ini berusaha melihat bagaimana fenomena anak jalanan dan pendidikannya jika ditinjau dari aspek ketuhanan, kemanusiaan dan juga kemasyarakatan yang ketiganya saling mendukung satu dengan yang lain.
Survey on Food Preferences of University Students: from Tradition to New Food Customs?
Authors: Conti Cecilia , Costa Annamaria , Balzaretti Claudia Maria , Russo Vincenzo , Tedesco Doriana Eurosia Angela
Published: October 2018

Humankind currently consumes more resources than our planet is able to generate. In our web survey, we investigated insects and earthworms, as a possible future food source. We targeted the survey to university students, as the possible future consumers and trendsetters of new food. A total of 3556 university students (18–29 years old) completed it. The aims of this study were to evaluate participants’ food preferences and their willingness to taste foods containing terrestrial invertebrates. Data were processed using Cronbach’s alfa to assess the reliability of each constructs. The food preferences showed pizza-focaccia and pasta at the highest rankings, followed by fruit and vegetables. Males have a higher preference for any kind of animal protein source. Gender influenced food preference and willingness to eat food with insect or earthworm ingredients. The results indicated that students were prone to consider novel food into the Italian diet and to familiarize with them in the future. Insects/earthworms were more accepted in salty snacks. Highlighting the essential amino-acids daily requirements of a snack with earthworm meal did not improve the willingness to taste it. Information and awareness of future global food demand can play a fundamental role in accepting new food.
Bacillus Pumilus Strain TUAT-1 and Nitrogen Application in Nursery Phase Promote Growth of Rice Plants under Field Conditions
Authors: Win Khin Thuzar , Oo Aung Zaw , Ohkama-Ohtsu Naoko , Yokoyama Tadashi
Published: October 2018

The aims of this study were to boost growth attributes, yield, and nutrient uptake of rice in paddy fields using a combination of Bacillus pumilus strain TUAT-1 biofertilizer and different nitrogen (N) application rates in nursery boxes. Bacillus pumilus strain TUAT-1 was applied as an inoculant biofertilizer in conjunction with different rates of N fertilizer to rice seedlings in a nursery. Plant growth and yield parameters were evaluated at two stages: in 21-day-old nursery seedlings and in mature rice plants growing in a paddy field. Inoculation with TUAT-1 significantly increased the seedling growth and root morphology of 21-day-old nursery seedlings. There was a marked increase in chlorophyll content, plant height, number of tillers, and tiller biomass of rice plants with the use of TUAT-1 and N fertilizers alone, and their combinations, at the maximum tillering stage in the field. The combination of TUAT-1 and 100% N (farmer recommended rate of N) resulted in the greatest tiller number and biomass at the maximum tillering stage, and positively affected other growth attributes and yield. The growth and yield were similar in the TUAT-1 + 50% N and 100% N (uninoculated) treatments, because TUAT-1 promoted root development, which increased nutrient uptake from the soil. These results suggest that the B. pumilus strain TUAT-1 has a potential to enhance the nutritional uptake of rice by promoting the growth and development of roots.
Effects of Astaxanthin on the Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: McCall Buckley , McPartland Connor K. , Moore Reece , Frank-Kamenetskii Anastasia , Booth Brian W.
Published: October 2018

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a marine-based ketocarotenoid; an accessory pigment in plants in that it has many different potential functions. ASX is an antioxidant that is notably more potent than many other antioxidants. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-reducing properties to potentially reduce the incidence of cancer or inhibit the expansion of tumor cells. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ASX would inhibit proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. We found that application of ASX significantly reduced proliferation rates and inhibited breast cancer cell migration compared to control normal breast epithelial cells. Based on these results, further investigation of the effects of ASX on not only breast cancer cells, but other forms of tumor cells, should be carried out.
Single Trace Analysis on Constant Time CDT Sampler and Its Countermeasure
Authors: Kim Suhri , Hong Seokhie
Published: October 2018

The Gaussian sampler is an integral part in lattice-based cryptography as it has a direct connection to security and efficiency. Although it is theoretically secure to use the Gaussian sampler, the security of its implementation is an open issue. Therefore, researchers have started to investigate the security of the Gaussian sampler against side-channel attacks. Since the performance of the Gaussian sampler directly affects the performance of the overall cryptosystem, countermeasures considering only timing attacks are applied in the literature. In this paper, we propose the first single trace power analysis attack on a constant-time cumulative distribution table (CDT) sampler used in lattice-based cryptosystems. From our analysis, we were able to recover every sampled value in the key generation stage, so that the secret key is recovered by the Gaussian elimination. By applying our attack to the candidates submitted to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), we were able to recover over 99% of the secret keys. Additionally, we propose a countermeasure based on a look-up table. To validate the efficiency of our countermeasure, we implemented it in Lizard and measure its performance. We demonstrated that the proposed countermeasure does not degrade the performance.
Enhancement of Ultrasonic Guided Wave Signals Using a Split-Spectrum Processing Method
Authors: Pedram Seyed Kamran , Mudge Peter , Gan Tat-Hean
Published: October 2018

Ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) systems are broadly utilised in several industry sectors where the structural integrity is of concern, in particular, for pipeline inspection. In most cases, the received signal is very noisy due to the presence of unwanted wave modes, which are mainly dispersive. Hence, signal interpretation in this environment is often a challenging task, as it degrades the spatial resolution and gives a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The multi-modal and dispersive nature of such signals hampers the ability to detect defects in a given structure. Therefore, identifying a small defect within the noise level is a challenging task. In this work, an advanced signal processing technique called split-spectrum processing (SSP) is used firstly to address this issue by reducing/removing the effect of dispersive wave modes, and secondly to find the limitation of this technique. The method compared analytically and experimentally with the conventional approaches, and showed that the proposed method substantially improves SNR by an average of 30 dB. The limitations of SSP in terms of sensitivity to small defects and distances are also investigated, and a threshold has been defined which was comparable for both synthesised and experimental data. The conclusions reached in this work paves the way to enhance the reliability of UGW inspection.
Assessment of Protein-Rich Cheese Whey Waste Stream as a Nutrients Source for Low-Cost Mixed Microbial PHA Production
Authors: Oliveira Catarina S. S. , Silva Marisa O. D. , Silva Carlos E. , Carvalho Gilda , Reis Maria A. M.
Published: October 2018

The critical step in the mixed microbial cultures (MMC) polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production process is the selection of an MMC enriched in an efficient PHA-accumulating organism, usually requiring growth-nutrients supplementation. This study aimed at assessing cheese whey (CW) proteins as a source of nitrogen for PHA-producing MMC, thus eliminating or reducing the need for nutrients supplementation. The selection reactor, operated with fermented CW, under a feast–famine regime, was initially supplemented with ammonia–nitrogen in a C/N ratio of 100/15 (Cmol/Nmmol), which was gradually reduced until eliminated, in order to select a culture capable of using CW proteins nitrogen. Decreasing nitrogen supplementation from a C/N ratio of 100/10 to 100/7.5 lead to significant microbial community changes, and reduced the MMC PHA-storing capacity, storage yield, and PHA productivity, decreasing by 30%, and over 45%, respectively. The PHA-storing capacity further deteriorated as nitrogen supplementation was reduced, despite increased protein-uptake. Results show that a culture enriched in PHA-accumulators capable of using proteins as sole nitrogen source could not be attained. In conclusion, this work reports for the first time that an easily bioavailable nitrogen source is required for efficiently selecting PHA-accumulating cultures. Based on the results obtained from this work, a pilot scale plant (two reactors of 100 L) fed with cheese whey for production of PHA is currently being successfully operated under the scope of the YPACK EU project, in which the selection reactor is supplemented with nitrogen (ammonia) from a total C/N ratio of 100/10.
Ranking Authors in an Academic Network Using Social Network Measures
Authors: Bibi Fizza , Khan Hikmat , Iqbal Tassawar , Farooq Muhammad , Mehmood Irfan , Nam Yunyoung
Published: October 2018

Online social networks are widely used platforms that enable people to connect with each other. These social media channels provide an active communication platform for people, and they have opened new venues of research for the academic world and business. One of these research areas is measuring the influential users in online social networks; and the same is true for academic networks where finding influential authors is an area of interest. In an academic network, citation count, h-index and their variations are used to find top authors. In this article, we propose the adoption of established social network measures, including centrality and prestige, in an academic network to compute the rank of authors. For the empirical analysis, the widely-used dataset of the Digital Bibliography and Library Project (DBLP) is exploited in this research, and the micro-level properties of the network formed in the DBLP co-authorship network are studied. Afterwards, the results are computed using social network measures and evaluated using the standard ranking performance evaluation measures, including Kendall correlation, Overlapping Similarlity (OSim) and Spearman rank-order correlation. The results reveal that the centrality measures are significantly correlated with the citation count and h-index. Consequently, social network measures have potential to be used in an academic network to rank the authors.
A Two-Decade Anthropogenic and Biogenic Isoprene Emissions Study in a London Urban Background and a London Urban Traffic Site
Authors: Khan M. Anwar H. , Schlich Billie-Louise , Jenkin Michael E. , Shallcross Beth M. A. , Moseley Katherine , Walker Catherine , Morris William C. , Derwent Richard G. , Percival Carl J. , Shallcross Dudley E.
Published: October 2018

A relationship between isoprene and 1,3-butadiene mixing ratios was established to separate the anthropogenic and biogenic fractions of the measured isoprene in London air in both urban background (Eltham) and urban traffic (Marylebone Road) areas over two decades (1997–2017). The average daytime biogenic isoprene mixing ratios over this period reached 0.09 ± 0.04 ppb (Marylebone Road) and 0.11 ± 0.06 ppb (Eltham) between the period of 6:00 to 20:00 local standard time, contributing 40 and 75% of the total daytime isoprene mixing ratios. The average summertime biogenic isoprene mixing ratios for 1997–2017 are found to be 0.13 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.04 ppb which contribute 50 and 90% of the total summertime isoprene mixing ratios for Marylebone Road and Eltham, respectively. Significant anthropogenic isoprene mixing ratios are found during night-time (0.11 ± 0.04 ppb) and winter months (0.14 ± 0.01 ppb) at Marylebone Road. During high-temperature and high-pollution events (high ozone) there is a suggestion that ozone itself may be directly responsible for some of the isoprene emission. By observing the positive correlation between biogenic isoprene levels with temperature, photosynthetically active radiation and ozone mixing ratios during heatwave periods, the Cobb-Douglas production function was used to obtain a better understanding of the abiotic factors that stimulate isoprene emission from plants. Other reasons for a correlation between ozone and isoprene are discussed. The long-term effects of urban stressors on vegetation were also observed, with biogenic isoprene mixing ratios on Marylebone Road dropping over a 20-year period regardless of the sustained biomass levels.
Genistein Loaded Nanofibers Protect Spinal Cord Tissue Following Experimental Injury in Rats
Authors: Ismail Mohamed , Ibrahim Sara , El-Amir Azza , EL-Rafei Amira M. , Allam Nageh K. , Abdellatif Ahmed
Published: October 2018

Innovative drug-delivery systems offer a unique approach to effectively provide therapeutic drug dose over the needed time to achieve better tissue protection and enhanced recovery. The hypothesis of the current study was to test the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of genistein and nanofibers on the spinal cord tissue following experimental spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats were treated post SCI with genistein that is loaded on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) nanofibers as an implantable drug-delivery system. SCI caused marked oxidative damage and inflammation, as is evident by the reduction in the super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in injured spinal cord tissue, as well as the significant increase in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Treatment of rats post SCI with genistein and CS/PVA nanofibers improved most of the above-mentioned biochemical parameters and shifted them toward the control group values. Genistein induced an increase in the activity of SOD and the level of IL-10, while causing a decrease in NO, MDA, and TNF-α in injured spinal cord tissue. Genistein and CS/PVA nanofibers provide a novel combination for treating inflammatory nervous tissue conditions, especially when combined as an implantable drug-delivery system.
Lipopolysaccharide Challenge Reveals Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pham Grace S. , Mathis Keisa W.
Published: October 2018

Crosstalk between the brain and innate immune system may be dysregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with dysautonomia and aberrant inflammation. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is an endogenous neuro-endocrine-immune pathway that can regulate inflammation following activation of vagal afferents. We hypothesized that chronic inflammatory processes in SLE are in part due to HPA axis dysfunction, at the level of either the afferent vagal-paraventricular nuclei (PVN) interface, the anterior pituitary, and/or at the adrenal glands. To study this, we challenged female control and SLE mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and measured c-Fos expression as an index of neuronal activation, plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) as an index of anterior pituitary function, and plasma corticosterone as an index of adrenal function. We found that c-Fos expression in the PVN, and plasma ACTH and corticosterone were comparable between unchallenged SLE and control mice. PVN c-Fos was increased similarly in control and SLE mice three hours after LPS challenge; however, there were no changes in plasma ACTH amongst any experimental groups post inflammatory challenge. Plasma corticosterone was markedly increased in LPS-challenged SLE mice compared to their vehicle-treated counterparts, but not in controls. Paradoxically, following LPS challenge, brain and spleen TNF-α were elevated in LPS-challenged SLE mice despite heightened plasma corticosterone. This suggests that, despite normal c-Fos expression in the PVN and activation of the HPA axis following LPS challenge, this cumulative response may not adequately defend SLE mice against inflammatory stimuli, leading to abnormally heightened innate immune responses and peripheral inflammation.
Ammonia Plasma-Catalytic Synthesis Using Low Melting Point Alloys
Authors: Shah Javishk R. , Harrison Joshua M. , Carreon Maria L.
Published: October 2018

The Haber-Bosch process has been the commercial benchmark process for ammonia synthesis for more than a century. Plasma-catalytic synthesis for ammonia production is theorized to have a great potential for being a greener alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. However, the underlying reactions for ammonia synthesis still require some detailed study especially for radiofrequency plasmas. Herein, the use of inductively coupled radiofrequency plasma for the synthesis of ammonia when employing Ga, In and their alloys as catalysts is presented. The plasma is characterized using emission spectroscopy and the surface of catalysts using Scanning Electron Microscope. A maximum energy yield of 0.31 g-NH3/kWh and energy cost of 196 MJ/mol is achieved with Ga-In (0.6:0.4 and 0.2:0.8) alloy at 50 W plasma power. Granular nodes are observed on the surface of catalysts indicating the formation of the intermediate GaN.
Ion Flotation of La3+, Cd2+, and Cs+ using Monorhamnolipid Collector
Authors: Hogan David E. , Curry Joan E. , Maier Raina M.
Published: October 2018

Water scarcity is a global issue that is expected to continue increasing in importance in the coming decades. Reclaimed water is one important source available to meet future needs. The reclamation process for wastewaters, particularly from industrial sources, involves the need to remove low-level contaminants. Here we report the efficacy of an ion flotation process that uses the biosurfactant monorhamnolipid as a metal collector to recover Cs+, Cd2+, and La3+ from water. These elements were tested at collector-to-colligend ratios of 2, 5, and 10. The collector-to-colligend ratio and metal valence play a large role in determining flotation success with removal efficiencies varying widely. The maximum removal efficiency for the metals when floated individually were 46.2, 99.8, and 98.6% for Cs+, Cd2+, and La3+, respectively. When mixed together at near equimolar concentrations removal efficiencies were 39.4, 98.4, and 88.1%, respectively. Removal efficiency for Cs+, Cd2+, and La3+ were up to 49.9, 99.5, and 51.5% when mixed at a ratio of 200:10:1, whereas conditional stability constants predict a removal order of La3+ > Cd2+> Cs+. Future research should examine parameters, including pH and ionic strength, that may affect the flotation process as well as actual metal-contaminated waste streams to evaluate the usefulness of this technology.
Vector Control Strategy for Halbach Linear Motor Implemented in a Commercial Control Hardware
Authors: Díaz-Pérez Lucía C. , Albajez José A. , Torralba Marta , Yagüe-Fabra José A.
Published: October 2018

Halbach linear motors are selected as actuators in positioning stages because they present numerous advantages in precision engineering. These motors generate a horizontal and a vertical force. Whereas the horizontal force is used to perform the movement, the vertical force can be leveraged for the levitation of the moving part of the stage. This paper proposes a vector control strategy that enables the positioning of the motor while regulating the generated vertical force. In contrast to other research projects, this work implements the control strategy in a commercial control hardware. The use of commercial hardware facilitates the applicability and replication of the developed control strategy. The selected hardware is a generic Digital Motor Control Kit of Texas Instruments. The hardware implementation of the control strategy is analysed in detail in order to understand and optimize the control system. The developed control is first validated by simulation, where the error contributors are included. Then, an experimental validation is carried out. The results demonstrate that the control strategy enables the positioning of the motor along its complete operating range and the regulation of the vertical force when the motor is static, as well as while it is moving to a target position.
Frosting Phenomenon and Frost-Free Technology of Outdoor Air Heat Exchanger for an Air-Source Heat Pump System in China: An Analysis and Review
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Guanmin , Zhang Aiqun , Jin Yinhan , Ru Ruirui , Tian Maocheng
Published: October 2018

Frost layer on the outdoor air heat exchanger surface in an air-source heat pump (ASHP) can decrease the system coefficient of performance (COP). Although the common defrosting and anti-frosting methods can improve the COP, the periodic defrosting not only reduces the system energy efficiency but also deteriorates the indoor environment. To solve these problems, it is necessary to clearly understand the frosting phenomenon and to achieve the system frost-free operation. This paper focused firstly on the analyses of frosting pathways and frosting maps. Followed by summarizing the characteristics of frost-free technologies. And then the performances of two types of frost-free ASHP (FFASHP) systems were reviewed, and the exergy and economic analysis of a FFASHP heating system were carried out. Finally, the existing problems related to the FFASHP technologies were proposed. Results show that the existing frosting maps need to be further improved. The FFASHP systems can not only achieve continuous frost-free operation but reduce operating cost. And the total COP of the FFASHP heating system is approximately 30–64% higher than that of the conventional ASHP system under the same frosting conditions. However, the investment cost of the FFASHP system increases, and its reliability also needs further field test in a wider frosting environment. In the future, combined with a new frosting map, the control strategy for the FFASHP system should be optimized.
Determination of Long Horizontal Borehole Height in Roofs and Its Application to Gas Drainage
Authors: Wang Gang , Fan Cheng , Xu Hao , Liu Xuelin , Wang Rui
Published: October 2018

Accurately determining the height of the gas-guiding fracture zone in the overlying strata of the goaf is the key to find the height of the long horizontal borehole in the roof. In order to determine the height, in this study we chose the 6306 working face of Tangkou Coal Mine in China as a research example and used both the theoretical model and discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulation to find the height of the gas-guiding fracture zone and applied the height to drill a long horizontal borehole in the roof of the 6303 working face. Furthermore, the borehole was utilized to deep into the roof for coalbed methane drainage and the results were compared with conventional gas drainage measures from other aspects. The height of the gas-guiding fracture zone was found to be 48.57 m in theoretical model based on the bulk coefficient and the void ratio and to be 51.19 m in the DEM numerical simulation according to the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of porosity. Taking both the results of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation into consideration, we determined that gas-guiding fracture zone is 49.88 m high and applied it to drill a long horizontal borehole deep into the roof in the 6303 working face field. Compared with conventional gas drainage measures, we found that the long horizontal borehole has the high stability, high efficiency and strong adaptability for methane drainage.
PV System Design and Flight Efficiency Considerations for Fixed-Wing Radio-Controlled Aircraft—A Case Study
Authors: Kranjec Bojan , Sladic Sasa , Giernacki Wojciech , Bulic Neven
Published: October 2018

The list of photovoltaic (PV) applications grows longer every day with high consideration for system efficiency. For instance, in spite of many recent PV aircraft designs, aircraft propulsion was mainly reserved for nonelectric motors. Lately, the Solar Impulse flight across the world shows the possibilities of larger PV powered electric aircraft. In order to obtain this goal efficiency of flight, PV conversion, power converters and electric drives have to be maximized. These demands led to a 63.4 m wingspan. The purpose of this paper is to present that PV power could be used for improving the performance of fixed-wing radio-controlled aircrafts with smaller wingspans (1 m). In order to improve the performance of battery powered electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a model without PV cells (commercial Li-ion battery powered UAV) was compared with UAV powered both from battery and PV modules. This work shows details about Boost DC/DC converter and PV system design for small size fixed-wing electric UAVs, investigating the possibility of the application of PV powered drones, as well. Theoretical findings involving efficiency improvements have been confirmed by measurements combining the improvements in electrical engineering, microcontroller application and aerodynamics.
Adequacy Assessment of Wind Integrated Generating Systems Incorporating Demand Response and Battery Energy Storage System
Authors: Teh Jiashen
Published: October 2018

The demand response and battery energy storage system (BESS) will play a key role in the future of low carbon networks, coupled with new developments of battery technology driven mainly by the integration of renewable energy sources. However, studies that investigate the impacts of BESS and its demand response on the adequacy of a power supply are lacking. Thus, a need exists to address this important gap. Hence, this paper investigates the adequacy of a generating system that is highly integrated with wind power in meeting load demand. In adequacy studies, the impacts of demand response and battery energy storage system are considered. The demand response program is applied using the peak clipping and valley filling techniques at various percentages of the peak load. Three practical strategies of the BESS operation model are described in this paper, and all their impacts on the adequacy of the generating system are evaluated. The reliability impacts of various wind penetration levels on the generating system are also explored. Finally, different charging and discharging rates and capacities of the BESS are considered when evaluating their impacts on the adequacy of the generating system.
Detection and Monitoring of Insecticide Resistance Mutations in Anopheles gambiae: Individual vs. Pooled Specimens
Authors: Mavridis Konstantinos , Wipf Nadja , Müller Pie , Traoré Mohamed , Muller Gunter , Vontas John
Published: October 2018

Bioassays and molecular diagnostics are routinely used for the monitoring of malaria vector populations to support insecticide resistance management (IRM), guiding operational decisions on which insecticides ought to be used for effective vector control. Previously developed TaqMan assays were optimised to distinguish the wild-type L1014 from the knockdown resistance (kdr) point mutations 1014F and 1014S (triplex reaction), and the N1575 wild-type from the point mutation 1575Y (duplex reaction). Subsequently, artificial pools of Anopheles gambiae (An. gambiae) specimens with known genotypes of L1014F, L1014S, and N1575Y were created, nucleic acids were extracted, and kdr mutations were detected. These data were then used to define a linear regression model that predicts the allelic frequency within a pool of mosquitoes as a function of the measured ΔCt values (Ct mutant − Ct wild type probe). Polynomial regression models showed r2 values of >0.99 (p < 0.05). The method was validated with populations of variable allelic frequencies, and found to be precise (1.66–2.99%), accurate (3.3–5.9%), and able to detect a single heterozygous mosquito mixed with 9 wild type individuals in a pool of 10. Its pilot application in field-caught samples showed minimal differences from individual genotyping (0.36–4.0%). It allowed the first detection of the super-kdr mutation N1575Y in An. gambiae from Mali. Using pools instead of individuals allows for more efficient resistance allele screening, facilitating IRM.
Compliance with 24-h Movement Behaviour Guidelines among Belgian Pre-School Children: The ToyBox-Study
Authors: De Craemer Marieke , McGregor Duncan , Androutsos Odysseas , Manios Yannis , Cardon Greet
Published: October 2018

The 24-h day—containing physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep—in pre-school children has not yet been extensively investigated. The aim of the current study was to investigate pre-schoolers’ compliance with the 24-h movement behaviour guidelines (i.e., three hours/day total physical activity, a maximum of one hour/day of screen time and 10–13 h sleep/night). In total, 595 pre-schoolers (53.3% boys, mean age: 4.2 years) provided complete data for the three behaviours. Physical activity was objectively measured with accelerometers, while screen time and sleep were parent-reported through questionnaires. The proportion of pre-schoolers complying with the 24-h movement behaviour guidelines was calculated on weekdays and on weekend days. Low compliance rates were found: 10.1% on weekdays and only 4.3% on weekend days. The majority of pre-schoolers complied with the sleep duration guidelines (>90% on weekdays and weekend days), followed by the screen time guidelines (61% on weekdays and 28% on weekend days). The lowest compliance rates were found for physical activity (<20% on weekdays and weekend days). Overall, low percentages of pre-schoolers complying with the 24-h movement behaviour guidelines were found, and the lowest compliance was found for physical activity.
River Management for Local Governments in China: From Public to Private
Authors: Liu Jiangfan , Xue Xiongzhi
Published: October 2018

The Public and Private Partnership (PPP) model has been used to provide public services and goods. In China, local governments are willing to use the PPP model in many public services, such as integrated river management (IRM) projects, due to ease fiscal budget and the improved access to technology from the private sector. However, there has not been any specific discussion in the literature for applying the PPP model to IRM projects. In this study, we find that the PPP model results in the non-standardization of IRM projects. Our research paper builds the PPP operation framework for IRM projects. Our findings suggest that while the environmental quality evaluation system created in contracts for government payment seems to be optimal for protecting the public interest, it actually strains the partnership between the two parties and so its implementation should be considered on a case by case basis. Since the history of IRM projects using the PPP model is short, the actual performances of these types of projects has not yet been demonstrated. Local governments should be cautious about adopting the PPP model for such projects, and private companies should be cautious about their involvement. Our research will garner more scholarly attention to the application of the PPP model in complex projects.
Mapping Frictions Inhibiting Bicycle Commuting
Authors: Pajarito Diego , Gould Michael
Published: October 2018

Urban cycling is a sustainable transport mode that many cities are promoting. However, few cities are taking advantage of geospatial technologies to represent and analyse cycling mobility based on the behavioural patterns and difficulties faced by cyclists. This study analyses a geospatial dataset crowdsourced by urban cyclists using an experimental, mobile geo-game. Fifty-seven participants recorded bicycle trips during one week periods in three cities. By aggregating them, we extracted not only the cyclists’ preferred streets but also the frictions faced during cycling. We successfully identified 284 places potentially having frictions: 71 in Münster, Germany; 70 in Castelló, Spain; and 143 in Valletta, Malta. At such places, participants recorded bicycle segments at lower speeds indicating a deviation from an ideal cycling scenario. We describe the potential frictions inhibiting bicycle commuting with regard to the distance to bicycle paths, surrounding infrastructure, and location in the urban area.
Molecular and Immunohistochemical Markers with Prognostic and Predictive Significance in Liver Metastases from Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Lopez Gianluca , Boggio Francesca , Ferrero Stefano , Fusco Nicola , Del Gobbo Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Despite the significant recent achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), the prognosis of these patients has currently plateaued. During the past few years, the opportunity to consider multiple treatment modalities (including surgery and other locoregional treatments, systemic therapy, and targeted therapy) led to the research of novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers in CRC liver metastases (CRCLM) patients. In this review, we seek to describe the current state of knowledge of CRCLM biomarkers and to outline impending clinical perspectives, in particular focusing on the cutting-edge tools available for their characterization.
Nucleic Acid-Dependent Structural Transition of the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminal Appended Domain of Human Lysyl-tRNA Synthetase
Authors: Kwon Soon Bin , Yu Ji Eun , Park Chan , Lee Jiseop , Seong Baik L.
Published: October 2018

Eukaryotic lysyl-tRNA synthetases (LysRS) have an N-terminal appended tRNA-interaction domain (RID) that is absent in their prokaryotic counterparts. This domain is intrinsically disordered and lacks stable structures. The disorder-to-order transition is induced by tRNA binding and has implications on folding and subsequent assembly into multi-tRNA synthetase complexes. Here, we expressed and purified RID from human LysRS (hRID) in Escherichia coli and performed a detailed mutagenesis of the appended domain. hRID was co-purified with nucleic acids during Ni-affinity purification, and cumulative mutations on critical amino acid residues abolished RNA binding. Furthermore, we identified a structural ensemble between disordered and helical structures in non-RNA-binding mutants and an equilibrium shift for wild-type into the helical conformation upon RNA binding. Since mutations that disrupted RNA binding led to an increase in non-functional soluble aggregates, a stabilized RNA-mediated structural transition of the N-terminal appended domain may have implications on the functional organization of human LysRS and multi-tRNA synthetase complexes in vivo.
Protein Quality Control in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Cancer
Authors: Moon Hye Won , Han Hye Gyeong , Jeon Young Joo
Published: October 2018

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential compartment of the biosynthesis, folding, assembly, and trafficking of secretory and transmembrane proteins, and consequently, eukaryotic cells possess specialized machineries to ensure that the ER enables the proteins to acquire adequate folding and maturation for maintaining protein homeostasis, a process which is termed proteostasis. However, a large variety of physiological and pathological perturbations lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, which is referred to as ER stress. To resolve ER stress and restore proteostasis, cells have evolutionary conserved protein quality-control machineries of the ER, consisting of the unfolded protein response (UPR) of the ER, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy. Furthermore, protein quality-control machineries of the ER play pivotal roles in the control of differentiation, progression of cell cycle, inflammation, immunity, and aging. Therefore, severe and non-resolvable ER stress is closely associated with tumor development, aggressiveness, and response to therapies for cancer. In this review, we highlight current knowledge in the molecular understanding and physiological relevance of protein quality control of the ER and discuss new insights into how protein quality control of the ER is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, which could contribute to therapeutic intervention in cancer.
δ-Tocotrienol, Isolated from Rice Bran, Exerts an Anti-Inflammatory Effect via MAPKs and PPARs Signaling Pathways in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Shen Junjun , Yang Tao , Xu Youzhi , Luo Yi , Zhong Xinyue , Shi Limin , Hu Tao , Guo Tianyi , Nie Ying , Luo Feijun , Lin Qinlu
Published: October 2018

δ-Tocotrienol, an important component of vitamin E, has been reported to possess some physiological functions, such as anticancer and anti-inflammation, however their molecular mechanisms are not clear. In this study, δ-tocotrienol was isolated and purified from rice bran. The anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of δ-tocotrienol against lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activated pro-inflammatory mediator expressions in RAW264.7 cells were investigated. Results showed that δ-tocotrienol significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-6) production and blocked the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). δ-Tocotrienol repressed the transcriptional activations and translocations of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), which were closely related with downregulated cytokine expressions. Meanwhile, δ-tocotrienol also affected the PPAR signal pathway and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect. Taken together, our data showed that δ-tocotrienol inhibited inflammation via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signalings in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
A Novel Antithrombotic Protease from Marine Worm Sipunculus Nudus
Authors: Ge Ya-Hui , Chen Yan-Yan , Zhou Gui-Sheng , Liu Xin , Tang Yu-Ping , Liu Rui , Liu Pei , Li Na , Yang Jie , Wang Jing , Yue Shi-Jun , Zhou Huiping , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: October 2018

Sipunculus nudus, an old marine species, has great potential for use as functional seafood due to its various bioactivities. Its potential antithrombotic activity pushed us to isolate the bio-active components bio-guided by tracking fibrinolytic activity. As a result, a novel protease named as SK (the kinase obtained from S. nudus) was obtained, which possessed a molecular weight of 28,003.67 Da and 15 N-terminal amino acid sequences of PFPVPDPFVWDTSFQ. SK exerted inhibitory effects on thrombus formation through improving the coagulation system with dose-effect relationship within a certain range. Furthermore, in most cases SK got obviously better effect than that of urokinase. With the help of untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics profiling, arachidonic acid, sphingolipid, and nicotinate and nicotinamide mechanism pathways were found to be important pathways. They revealed that the effect mechanism of SK on common carotid arterial thrombosis induced by FeCl3 was achieved by inhibiting vessel contraction, platelet aggregation, adhesion, and release, correcting endothelial cell dysfunction and retarding process of thrombus formation. This study demonstrated SK was a promising thrombolytic agent on the basis of its comprehensive activities on thrombosis, and it should get further exploitation and utilization.
A Disposable Photovoltaic Patch Controlling Cellular Microenvironment for Wound Healing
Authors: Jang Hyeon-Ki , Oh Jin Young , Jeong Gun-Jae , Lee Tae-Jin , Im Gwang-Bum , Lee Ju-Ro , Yoon Jeong-Kee , Kim Dong-Ik , Kim Byung-Soo , Bhang Suk Ho , Lee Tae Il
Published: October 2018

Electrical stimulation (ES) is known to affect the wound healing process by modulating skin cell behaviors. However, the conventional clinical devices that can generate ES for promoting wound healing require patient hospitalization due to large-scale of the extracorporeal devices. Herein, we introduce a disposable photovoltaic patch that can be applied to skin wound sites to control cellular microenvironment for promoting wound healing by generating ES. In vitro experiment results show that exogenous ES could enhance cell migration, proliferation, expression of extracellular matrix proteins, and myoblast differentiation of fibroblasts which are critical for wound healing. Our disposable photovoltaic patches were attached to the back of skin wound induced mice. Our patch successfully provided ES, generated by photovoltaic energy harvested from the organic solar cell under visible light illumination. In vivo experiment results show that the patch promoted cutaneous wound healing via enhanced host-inductive cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and protein synthesis which is critical for wound healing process. Unlike the current treatments for wound healing that engage passive healing processes and often are unsuccessful, our wearable photovoltaic patch can stimulate regenerative activities of endogenous cells and actively contribute to the wound healing processes.
DNA Methylation as a Biomarker of Treatment Response Variability in Serious Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review Focused on Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Goud Alladi Charanraj , Etain Bruno , Bellivier Frank , Marie-Claire Cynthia
Published: October 2018

So far, genetic studies of treatment response in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression have returned results with limited clinical utility. A gene × environment interplay has been proposed as a factor influencing not only pathophysiology but also the treatment response. Therefore, epigenetics has emerged as a major field of research to study the treatment of these three disorders. Among the epigenetic marks that can modify gene expression, DNA methylation is the best studied. We performed a systematic search (PubMed) following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA guidelines for preclinical and clinical studies focused on genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation in the context of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and major depressive disorder. Out of the 112 studies initially identified, we selected 31 studies among them, with an emphasis on responses to the gold standard treatments in each disorder. Modulations of DNA methylation levels at specific CpG sites have been documented for all classes of treatments (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants). The heterogeneity of the models and methodologies used complicate the interpretation of results. Although few studies in each disorder have assessed the potential of DNA methylation as biomarkers of treatment response, data support this hypothesis for antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and antidepressants.
The Anticancer Properties of Cordycepin and Their Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Yoon So Young , Park Soo Jung , Park Yoon Jung
Published: October 2018

Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi that has been used for traditional herbal remedies. It contains various bioactive ingredients including cordycepin. Cordycepin, also known as 3-deoxyadenosine, is a major compound and has been suggested to have anticancer potential. The treatment of various cancer cells with cordycepin in effectively induces cell death and retards their cancerous properties. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Recent evidence has shed light on the molecular pathways involving cysteine-aspartic proteases (caspases), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β). Furthermore, the pathways are mediated by putative receptors, such as adenosine receptors (ADORAs), death receptors (DRs), and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This review provides the molecular mechanisms by which cordycepin functions as a singular or combinational anticancer therapeutic agent.