bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Length of Residence is Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Foreign-English Teachers in Korea
Authors: Obiang-Obounou Brice
Published: December 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that involve the heart and blood vessels. Acculturation is associated with CVD risk factors among immigrants in Western countries. In this study, the association between acculturation and CVD risk factors was examined among English teachers from Europe and the USA living in Korea. English teachers were defined as those who reported their profession as “English Teacher”. Only English teachers from Europe (UK, and Ireland, n = 81) and North America (Canada and USA, n = 304) were selected. The length of residence and eating Korean ethnic food were used as proxy indicators for acculturation. Gender was associated with hypertension: 17.6% of males self-reported to have the cardiovascular risk factor when compared to females (7.4%). The length of residence in Korea was associated with hypertension (p = 0.045), BMI (p = 0.028), and physical inactivity (p = 0.046). English teachers who had been residing in Korea for more than five years were more likely to report hypertension (OR = 2.16; p = 0.011), smoking (OR = 1.51; p = 0.080), and overweight/obesity (OR = 1.49; p = 0.009) than participants who had been living in Korea for less than five years. This study found evidence of the healthy immigrant effect and less favorable cardiovascular risk profiles among English teachers who have lived in Korea for over five years.
Lipid Metabolism and Lipid Droplets in Pancreatic Cancer and Stellate Cells
Authors: Sunami Yoshiaki , Rebelo Artur , Kleeff Jörg
Published: December 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the second deadliest cancer by 2030, and the overall 5-year survival rate is currently less than 7%. Cancer cells frequently exhibit reprogramming of their metabolic activity. It is increasingly recognized that aberrant de novo lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism are both associated with the development and progression of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. In this review, the current knowledge about lipid metabolism and lipid droplets in pancreatic cancer is discussed. In the first part, molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism and roles of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism which are relevant for pancreatic cancer research are presented. Further, preclinical studies and clinical trials with drugs/inhibitors targeting cancer metabolic systems in cancer are summarized. An increase of our knowledge in lipid metabolism in pancreatic cancer cells and in tumor stroma is important for developing novel strategies of future individualized therapies of pancreatic cancer.
Synergistic Effect of Addition of Fillers on Properties of Interior Waterborne UV-Curing Wood Coatings
Authors: Yan Xiaoxing , Qian Xingyu , Lu Rong , Miyakoshi Tetsuo
Published: December 2017

A waterborne ultraviolet (UV)-curing coating was prepared on the surface of wood materials with modification of talcum powder and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When the waterborne UV-curing coatings on the surface of wood materials (WUVCW) was radiated for 1 min by UV (λ = 365 nm) and dried at 40 °C for 10 min, it showed good hardness, adhesion, and impact strength, with controlling the talcum content of 2.0% and CaCO3 content of 1.0%, respectively. When the content of talcum powder was higher than 2%, the mechanical properties and gloss of the WUVCW decreased, and when the talcum powder of WUVCW increase to more than 5%, a matte surface appeared after curing. When CaCO3 and talcum powder were present at the same time, the mechanical properties of WUVCW were better than those of only CaCO3 or talcum powder.
Personalizing the Fitting of Hearing Aids by Learning Contextual Preferences From Internet of Things Data
Authors: Johansen Benjamin , Petersen Michael , Korzepa Maciej , Larsen Jan , Pontoppidan Niels , Larsen Jakob
Published: December 2017

The lack of individualized fitting of hearing aids results in many patients never getting the intended benefits, in turn causing the devices to be left unused in a drawer. However, living with an untreated hearing loss has been found to be one of the leading lifestyle related causes of dementia and cognitive decline. Taking a radically different approach to personalize the fitting process of hearing aids, by learning contextual preferences from user-generated data, we in this paper outline the results obtained through a 9-month pilot study. Empowering the user to select between several settings using Internet of things (IoT) connected hearing aids allows for modeling individual preferences and thereby identifying distinct coping strategies. These behavioral patterns indicate that users prefer to switch between highly contrasting aspects of omnidirectionality and noise reduction dependent on the context, rather than relying on the medium “one size fits all” program frequently provided by default in hearing health care. We argue that an IoT approach facilitated by the usage of smartphones may constitute a paradigm shift, enabling continuous personalization of settings dependent on the changing context. Furthermore, making the user an active part of the fitting solution based on self-tracking may increase engagement and awareness and thus improve the quality of life for hearing impaired users.
Improved Stability and Photoluminescence Yield of Mn2+-Doped CH3NH3PbCl3 Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Li Xianli , Guo Yan , Luo Binbin
Published: December 2017

Organic–inorganic CH3NH3PbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) doped with Mn2+, CH3NH3PbxMn1−xCl3, have been successfully prepared using a reprecipitation method at room temperature. Structural and morphological characterizations reveal that the CH3NH3PbxMn1−xCl3 PNCs with cubic phase transforms from particles to cubes and increases in size from 16.2 ± 4.4 nm in average diameter to 25.3 ± 7.2 nm in cubic length after the addition of Mn2+ precursor. The CH3NH3PbxMn1−xCl3 PNCs exhibit a weak exciton emission at ~405 nm with a low absolute quantum yield (QY) of around 0.4%, but a strong Mn2+ dopant emission at ~610 nm with a high QY of around 15.2%, resulting from efficient energy transfer from the PNC host to the Mn2+ dopant via the 4T1→6A1 transition. In addition, the thermal and air stability of CH3NH3PbxMn1−xCl3 PNCs are improved due to the passivation with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), which is important for applications such as light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Fog Computing: Enabling the Management and Orchestration of Smart City Applications in 5G Networks
Authors: Santos José , Wauters Tim , Volckaert Bruno , De Turck Filip
Published: December 2017

Fog computing extends the cloud computing paradigm by placing resources close to the edges of the network to deal with the upcoming growth of connected devices. Smart city applications, such as health monitoring and predictive maintenance, will introduce a new set of stringent requirements, such as low latency, since resources can be requested on-demand simultaneously by multiple devices at different locations. It is then necessary to adapt existing network technologies to future needs and design new architectural concepts to help meet these strict requirements. This article proposes a fog computing framework enabling autonomous management and orchestration functionalities in 5G-enabled smart cities. Our approach follows the guidelines of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) NFV MANO architecture extending it with additional software components. The contribution of our work is its fully-integrated fog node management system alongside the foreseen application layer Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fog protocol based on the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocol for the exchange of application service provisioning information between fog nodes. Evaluations of an anomaly detection use case based on an air monitoring application are presented. Our results show that the proposed framework achieves a substantial reduction in network bandwidth usage and in latency when compared to centralized cloud solutions.
Paths of Cultural Systems
Authors: Ballonoff Paul
Published: December 2017

A theory of cultural structures predicts the objects observed by anthropologists. We here define those which use kinship relationships to define systems. A finite structure we call a partially defined quasigroup (or pdq, as stated by Definition 1 below) on a dictionary (called a natural language) allows prediction of certain anthropological descriptions, using homomorphisms of pdqs onto finite groups. A viable history (defined using pdqs) states how an individual in a population following such history may perform culturally allowed associations, which allows a viable history to continue to survive. The vector states on sets of viable histories identify demographic observables on descent sequences. Paths of vector states on sets of viable histories may determine which histories can exist empirically.
Analysis and Optimization of Trapezoidal Grooved Microchannel Heat Sink Using Nanofluids in a Micro Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Ruijin , Wang Wen , Wang Jiawei , Zhu Zefei
Published: December 2017

It is necessary to control the temperature of solar cells for enhancing efficiency with increasing concentrations of multiple photovoltaic systems. A heterogeneous two-phase model was established after considering the interacting between temperature, viscosity, the flow of nanofluid, and the motion of nanoparticles in the nanofluid, in order to study the microchannel heat sink (MCHS) using Al2O3-water nanofluid as coolant in the photovoltaic system. Numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the thermal performance of MCHS with a series of trapezoidal grooves. The numerical results showed us that, (1) better thermal performance of MCSH using nanofluid can be achieved from a heterogeneous two-phase model than that from single-phase model; (2) The effects of flow field, volume fraction, nanoparticle size on the heat transfer enhancement in MCHS were interpreted by a non-dimensional parameter NBT (i.e., ratio of Brownian diffusion and thermophoretic diffusion). In addition, the geometrical parameters of MCHS and the physical parameters of the nanofluid were optimized. This can provide a sound foundation for the design of MCHS.
Sets of Sustainable Development Indicators in Vietnam: Status and Solutions
Authors: Ngo Dang Tri , Tran Thuy Chi , Tran Van Y. , Nguyen Thanh Tuan
Published: December 2017

There are some sets of sustainable development indicators (SDIs) at different regional scales and the Millennium development goals indicators (MDGIs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGIs) are employed in Vietnam. Actually, building and applying SDIs have faced different difficulties and this has led to a reduction in their value. Solutions to improve SDIs have been proposed and completed. This paper aims to review the SDIs, MDGIs, and SDGIs in Vietnam and to propose recommendations for building and effectively applying them in practice in Vietnam. Two national SDIs, one regional SDI, one local SDI, and some provincial SDIs, in addition to the results of MDGIs/SDGIs implementation, were analyzed. The common limitation of Government promulgated SDIs was found to not be feasible as they are applied in practice. Proposed solutions are building pilot SDIs for specific regions in Vietnam based on UN guidelines from 2007 and calculating practical values of SDIs for pilot regions, subsequently recommending relevant authorities in Vietnam to change or adjust promulgated SDIs. The experiences of procedure used to develop the pilot SDIs and effective handing over the usage of SDIs to stakeholders should also be considered when developing the sustainable development goals indicators in the future.
Remaining Useful Life Estimation of Aircraft Engines Using a Modified Similarity and Supporting Vector Machine (SVM) Approach
Authors: Chen Zhongzhe , Cao Shuchen , Mao Zijian
Published: December 2017

As the main power source for aircrafts, the reliability of an aero engine is critical for ensuring the safety of aircrafts. Prognostics and health management (PHM) on an aero engine can not only improve its safety, maintenance strategy and availability, but also reduce its operation and maintenance costs. Residual useful life (RUL) estimation is a key technology in the research of PHM. According to monitored performance data from the engine’s different positions, how to estimate RUL of an aircraft engine by utilizing these data is a challenge for ensuring the engine integrity and safety. In this paper, a framework for RUL estimation of an aircraft engine is proposed by using the whole lifecycle data and performance-deteriorated parameter data without failures based on the theory of similarity and supporting vector machine (SVM). Moreover, a new state of health indicator is introduced for the aircraft engine based on the preprocessing of raw data. Finally, the proposed method is validated by using 2008 PHM data challenge competition data, which shows its effectiveness and practicality.
The Lubricity of Ternary Fuel Mixture Blends as a Way to Assess Diesel Engine Durability
Authors: Azad Abul , Rasul Mohammad , Sharma Subhash , Khan Mohammad
Published: December 2017

The study deals with the lubrication characteristics of ternary fuel mixture blends to assess diesel engine durability by using better performing fuels, namely Mandarin Crambe and Paraffin (ManCr_Pa) and Avocado Bush nut and Paraffin (AvBn_Pa). Tribological parameters of friction coefficient, wear, and lubrication stability were measured to assess the impact of these fuels on engine durability. The tests were conducted on a four-ball tribotester using the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D4172 standard; friction coefficient and wear scar diameter for the fuels were measured. The wear scar surface morphology of the ball metals was evaluated by a high-performance scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray SEM/EDX analysis. The corrosive behaviour of the fuels was also assessed by evaluating images from the SEM/EDX tests. Finally, the engine durability, reliability, and longevity were also evaluated based on the measured tribological parameters.
A Real-Time Accurate Model and Its Predictive Fuzzy PID Controller for Pumped Storage Unit via Error Compensation
Authors: Zhou Jianzhong , Zhao Zhigao , Zhang Chu , Li Chaoshun , Xu Yanhe
Published: December 2017

Model simulation and control of pumped storage unit (PSU) are essential to improve the dynamic quality of power station. Only under the premise of the PSU models reflecting the actual transient process, the novel control method can be properly applied in the engineering. The contributions of this paper are that (1) a real-time accurate equivalent circuit model (RAECM) of PSU via error compensation is proposed to reconcile the conflict between real-time online simulation and accuracy under various operating conditions, and (2) an adaptive predicted fuzzy PID controller (APFPID) based on RAECM is put forward to overcome the instability of conventional control under no-load conditions with low water head. Respectively, all hydraulic factors in pipeline system are fully considered based on equivalent lumped-circuits theorem. The pretreatment, which consists of improved Suter-transformation and BP neural network, and online simulation method featured by two iterative loops are synthetically proposed to improve the solving accuracy of the pump-turbine. Moreover, the modified formulas for compensating error are derived with variable-spatial discretization to improve the accuracy of the real-time simulation further. The implicit RadauIIA method is verified to be more suitable for PSUGS owing to wider stable domain. Then, APFPID controller is constructed based on the integration of fuzzy PID and the model predictive control. Rolling prediction by RAECM is proposed to replace rolling optimization with its computational speed guaranteed. Finally, the simulation and on-site measurements are compared to prove trustworthy of RAECM under various running conditions. Comparative experiments also indicate that APFPID controller outperforms other controllers in most cases, especially low water head conditions. Satisfying results of RAECM have been achieved in engineering and it provides a novel model reference for PSUGS.
Toward Complete Utilization of Miscanthus in a Hot-Water Extraction-Based Biorefinery
Authors: Wang Kuo-Ting , Jing Chengyan , Wood Christopher , Nagardeolekar Aditi , Kohan Neil , Dongre Prajakta , Amidon Thomas , Bujanovic Biljana
Published: December 2017

Miscanthus (Miscanthus sp. Family: Poaceae) was hot-water extracted (two h, at 160 °C) at three scales: laboratory (Parr reactor, 300 cm3), intermediate (M/K digester, 4000 cm3), and pilot (65 ft3-digester, 1.841 × 106 cm3). Hot-water extracted miscanthus, hydrolyzate, and lignin recovered from hydrolyzate were characterized and evaluated for potential uses aiming at complete utilization of miscanthus. Effects of scale-up on digester yield, removal of hemicelluloses, deashing, delignification degree, lignin recovery and purity, and cellulose retention were studied. The scale-dependent results demonstrated that before implementation, hot-water extraction (HWE) should be evaluated on a scale larger than a laboratory scale. The production of energy-enriched fuel pellets from hot-water extracted miscanthus, especially in combination with recovered lignin is recommended, as energy of combustion increased gradually from native to hot-water extracted miscanthus to recovered lignin. The native and pilot-scale hot-water extracted miscanthus samples were also subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using a cellulase-hemicellulase cocktail, to produce fermentable sugars. Hot-water extracted biomass released higher amount of glucose and xylose verifying benefits of HWE as an effective pretreatment for xylan-rich lignocellulosics. The recovered lignin was used to prepare a formaldehyde-free alternative to phenol-formaldehyde resins and as an antioxidant. Promising results were obtained for these lignin valorization pathways.
Research on Strategies and Methods Suppressing Permanent Magnet Demagnetization in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Based on a Multi-Physical Field and Rotor Multi-Topology Structure
Authors: Li Lin , Li Weili , Li Dong , Li Jinyang , Fan Yu
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with sleeves on the rotor outer surface is investigated. The purpose of sleeves is to fix the permanent magnets and protect them from being destroyed by the large centrifugal force. However, the sleeve material characteristics have a great influence on the PMSM, and therewith, most of the rotor eddy-current losses are generated in the rotor sleeve, which could increase the device temperature and even cause thermal demagnetization of the magnets. Thus, a sleeve scheme design with low eddy-current losses is necessary, and a method suppressing the local temperature peak of permanent magnets is presented. The 3-D electromagnetic finite element model of a 12.5 kW, 2000 r/min PMSM with a segmented sleeve is established, and the electromagnetic field is calculated by using the finite element method. The results show the effectiveness of the presented method in reducing the eddy current losses in the rotor. Using the thermal method, it can be found that the maximum temperature position and zone of permanent magnet will change. Thus, some strategies are comparatively analyzed in order to obtain the change rule of the position and zone. The obtained conclusions may provide a useful reference for the design and research of PMSMs.
Development and Analysis of a Novel Spherical 2-Degree-of-Freedom (2-DOF) Hybrid Stepping Motor
Authors: Lu Binglin , Xu Yanliang
Published: December 2017

A novel spherical two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) hybrid stepping motor is proposed in this paper, which has a simple and compact mechanical structure and is easy to manufacture, assemble, control and apply. The motor is composed of two sub-motors, each of which is a hybrid stepping type with an arc-shaped stator and a specially designed bearing structure. The rotational axes of these two sub-motors cross at the sphere center, and this structure enables the 2-DOF motor to move in any direction. Due to the mutual influence of permanent magnet (PM) leakage flux between the two sub-motors, the 3-D magnetic field distribution inside the motor becomes more complex, and thus the 2-D equivalent magnetic field analysis method is proposed, with two types of 2-D equivalent motor models established. The accurate one can take into account of the PM leakage flux influence yet is only suitable for solving motor’s static and steady state problem, whilst the simplified one can solve all the problems and is applicable for the more typical situation where the PM leakage flux influence can be almost neglected via optimal structure design. A prototype of the proposed spherical 2-DOF motor with outside diameter of 50 mm is newly manufactured and experimented to validate the feasibility of motor’s operational principle, and the accuracy of both 2-D equivalent motor models is verified by the 3-D finite element analysis (3-D FEA) calculation results. Based on the 2-D equivalent motor models, the 2-D FEA is employed for the performance analysis, such as no-load back electromotive force (EMF), tooth-layer permeance harmonics, detent torque, pull-out torque, unbalanced force, etc., which is characterized by time- saving, high accuracy and good versatility.
Overview of Green Building Material (GBM) Policies and Guidelines with Relevance to Indoor Air Quality Management in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: December 2017

The objective of this paper was to offer a preliminary overview of Taiwan’s success in green building material (GBM) efforts through legal systems and promotion measures, which are relevant to the contribution to indoor air quality (IAQ) due to sustainability and health issues. In the first part of the paper, the IAQ regulations are summarized to highlight the second nation (i.e., Taiwan) around the world in IAQ management by the law. In addition, the permissible exposure limits (PEL) in Taiwan for airborne hazardous substances were first promulgated in 1974 to deal with occupational health issues in the workplace environment. In the second part of the paper, the developing status of the GBM in Taiwan is analyzed to unravel its connection with the Indoor Air Quality Management Act (IAQMA), promulgated on 23 November 2011. By the end of September 2017, a total of 645 GBM labels have been conferred, covering over 5000 green products. Due to the effectiveness of source control, the healthy GBM occupies most of the market, accounting for about 75%. The IAQMA, which took force in November 2012, is expected to significantly increase the use of healthy GBM in new building construction and remodeling, especially in low formaldehyde (HCHO)/volatile organic compound (VOC)-emitting products.
A Simple Model for the Viscosity of Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Pal Rajinder
Published: December 2017

A new model is proposed for the viscosity of Pickering emulsions at low shear rates. The model takes into consideration the increase in the effective volume fraction of droplets, due to the presence of an interfacial layer of solid nanoparticles at the oil-water interface. The model also considers aggregation of droplets and eventual jamming of Pickering emulsion at high volume fraction of dispersed phase. According to the proposed model, the relative viscosity of a Pickering emulsion at low shear rates is dependent on three factors: contact angle, ratio of bare droplet radius to solid nanoparticle radius, and the volume fraction of bare droplets. For a given radius of nanoparticles, the relative viscosity of a Pickering emulsion increases with the decrease in bare droplet radius. For O/W Pickering emulsions, the relative viscosity decreases with the increase in contact angle. The W/O Pickering emulsion exhibits an opposite behavior in that the relative viscosity increases with the increase in contact angle. The proposed model describes the experimental viscosity data for Pickering emulsions reasonably well.
Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Tsunami Source Models for Reproducing Tsunami Inundation Features
Authors: Adriano Bruno , Hayashi Satomi , Koshimura Shunichi
Published: December 2017

A powerful tsunami triggered by the Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake struck the northern Pacific coast of Japan in 2011, destroying several coastal communities in Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Fukushima Prefecture. Here, we investigate a new spatio-temporal slip model (model B) developed by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. This slip model was compared against the non-uniform slip model estimated using tsunami waveform data (model A). We focused our analysis on two areas that were destroyed by the tsunami. The town of Onagawa and the coastal Sendai Plain area were selected because they were located in front of the epicentre, where the most significant slips were registered. Our simulation results revealed that the spatio-temporal slip distribution better replicated the observed data. Regarding the tsunami waveforms from the coastal tide gauge station and offshore stations, the Cabinet Office’s slip model showed an approximately 30% better accuracy relative to the non-uniform slip model. Furthermore, by comparing the local inundation features at two locations with unique topographic and coastal morphological characteristics, we also found that model B better replicated the measured inundation depths. Finally, considering that tsunami-induced damage is a direct function of various inundation features such as the flow depth and flow velocity, this new slip model can generate more realistic damage scenarios for future tsunami assessments.
Differences between Dual Users and Switchers Center around Vaping Behavior and Its Experiences Rather than Beliefs and Attitudes
Authors: Adriaens Karolien , Van Gucht Dinska , Baeyens Frank
Published: December 2017

(1) Background: Many smokers completely switch to vaping (switchers), whereas others use e-cigarettes (e-cigs) alongside tobacco cigarettes (dual users). To the extent that dual users substantially lower the number of cigarettes, they will reduce health risks from smoking. However, from a medical point of view, exclusive vaping is preferable to dual use; (2) Methods: Using an online questionnaire we assessed behavioral, cognitive and attitudinal aspects of e-cig use in smoking and ex-smoking vapers; (3) Results: Our sample consisted of 19% dual users and 81% switchers. Before e-cig initiation, both groups smoked on average 22 cigarettes per day (CPD). After e-cig initiation, dual users decreased tobacco consumption by 82% and were low-to-moderately cigarette dependent. Both groups had been vaping for on average 22 months, were highly e-cig dependent, used state-of-the-art e-cigs, nicotine concentrations of 4–8 mg/mL and often flavors other than tobacco. Dual users used substantially less e-liquid per week than switchers but reported a similar number of puffs/day, experienced less e-cig efficacy, more practical problems, more negative and less positive consequences, and endorsed smoking reduction (rather than quitting) as a more important reason to start vaping. For both groups, e-cig risk perception was low and little stigmatization was experienced. Dual users preferred tobacco cigarettes in stressful situations and when rapid nicotine uptake is required. E-cigs were preferred where cigarettes are prohibited and to reduce second-hand smoke; (4) Conclusions: Differences between dual users and switchers center around variables proximal to the vaping behavior and its experienced effects rather than hinging on more general vaping-related beliefs and attitudes.
Pollution from Fossil-Fuel Combustion is the Leading Environmental Threat to Global Pediatric Health and Equity: Solutions Exist
Authors: Perera Frederica
Published: December 2017

Fossil-fuel combustion by-products are the world’s most significant threat to children’s health and future and are major contributors to global inequality and environmental injustice. The emissions include a myriad of toxic air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the most important human-produced climate-altering greenhouse gas. Synergies between air pollution and climate change can magnify the harm to children. Impacts include impairment of cognitive and behavioral development, respiratory illness, and other chronic diseases—all of which may be “seeded“ in utero and affect health and functioning immediately and over the life course. By impairing children’s health, ability to learn, and potential to contribute to society, pollution and climate change cause children to become less resilient and the communities they live in to become less equitable. The developing fetus and young child are disproportionately affected by these exposures because of their immature defense mechanisms and rapid development, especially those in low- and middle-income countries where poverty and lack of resources compound the effects. No country is spared, however: even high-income countries, especially low-income communities and communities of color within them, are experiencing impacts of fossil fuel-related pollution, climate change and resultant widening inequality and environmental injustice. Global pediatric health is at a tipping point, with catastrophic consequences in the absence of bold action. Fortunately, technologies and interventions are at hand to reduce and prevent pollution and climate change, with large economic benefits documented or predicted. All cultures and communities share a concern for the health and well-being of present and future children: this shared value provides a politically powerful lever for action. The purpose of this commentary is to briefly review the data on the health impacts of fossil-fuel pollution, highlighting the neurodevelopmental impacts, and to briefly describe available means to achieve a low-carbon economy, and some examples of interventions that have benefited health and the economy.
Forecasting the Amount of Waste-Sewage Water Discharged into the Yangtze River Basin Based on the Optimal Fractional Order Grey Model
Authors: LI Shuliang , Meng Wei , Xie Yufeng
Published: December 2017

With the rapid development of the Yangtze River economic belt, the amount of waste-sewage water discharged into the Yangtze River basin increases sharply year by year, which has impeded the sustainable development of the Yangtze River basin. The water security along the Yangtze River basin is very important for China, It is something aboutwater security of roughly one-third of China’s population and the sustainable development of the 19 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions among the Yangtze River basin. Therefore, a scientific prediction of the amount of waste-sewage water discharged into Yangtze River basin has a positive significance on sustainable development of industry belt along with Yangtze River basin. This paper builds the fractional DWSGM(1,1)(DWSGM(1,1) model is short for Discharge amount of Waste Sewage Grey Model for one order equation and one variable) model based on the fractional accumulating generation operator and fractional reducing operator, and calculates the optimal order of “r” by using particle swarm optimization(PSO)algorithm for solving the minimum average relative simulation error. Meanwhile, the simulation performance of DWSGM(1,1)model with the optimal fractional order is tested by comparing the simulation results of grey prediction models with different orders. Finally, the optimal fractional order DWSGM(1,1)grey model is applied to predict the amount of waste-sewage water discharged into the Yangtze River basin, and corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are put forward through analyzing and comparing the prediction results. This paper has positive significance on enriching the fractional order modeling method of the grey system.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Mediated through Binding Androgen Receptor Are Associated with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sakkiah Sugunadevi , Wang Tony , Zou Wen , Wang Yuping , Pan Bohu , Tong Weida , Hong Huixiao
Published: December 2017

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can mimic natural hormone to interact with receptors in the endocrine system and thus disrupt the functions of the endocrine system, raising concerns on the public health. In addition to disruption of the endocrine system, some EDCs have been found associated with many diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, infertility, asthma, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. EDCs that binding androgen receptor have been reported associated with diabetes mellitus in in vitro, animal, and clinical studies. In this review, we summarize the structural basis and interactions between androgen receptor and EDCs as well as the associations of various types of diabetes mellitus with the EDCs mediated through androgen receptor binding. We also discuss the perspective research for further understanding the impact and mechanisms of EDCs on the risk of diabetes mellitus.
Comparison Study on the Estimation of the Spatial Distribution of Regional Soil Metal(loid)s Pollution Based on Kriging Interpolation and BP Neural Network
Authors: Jia Zhenyi , Zhou Shenglu , Su Quanlong , Yi Haomin , Wang Junxiao
Published: December 2017

Soil pollution by metal(loid)s resulting from rapid economic development is a major concern. Accurately estimating the spatial distribution of soil metal(loid) pollution has great significance in preventing and controlling soil pollution. In this study, 126 topsoil samples were collected in Kunshan City and the geo-accumulation index was selected as a pollution index. We used Kriging interpolation and BP neural network methods to estimate the spatial distribution of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) pollution in the study area. Additionally, we introduced a cross-validation method to measure the errors of the estimation results by the two interpolation methods and discussed the accuracy of the information contained in the estimation results. The conclusions are as follows: data distribution characteristics, spatial variability, and mean square errors (MSE) of the different methods showed large differences. Estimation results from BP neural network models have a higher accuracy, the MSE of As and Cd are 0.0661 and 0.1743, respectively. However, the interpolation results show significant skewed distribution, and spatial autocorrelation is strong. Using Kriging interpolation, the MSE of As and Cd are 0.0804 and 0.2983, respectively. The estimation results have poorer accuracy. Combining the two methods can improve the accuracy of the Kriging interpolation and more comprehensively represent the spatial distribution characteristics of metal(loid)s in regional soil. The study may provide a scientific basis and technical support for the regulation of soil metal(loid) pollution.
A Hydrological Sensor Web Ontology Based on the SSN Ontology: A Case Study for a Flood
Authors: Wang Chao , Chen Nengcheng , Wang Wei , Chen Zeqiang
Published: December 2017

Accompanying the continuous development of sensor network technology, sensors worldwide are constantly producing observation data. However, the sensors and their data from different observation platforms are sometimes difficult to use collaboratively in response to natural disasters such as floods for the lack of semantics. In this paper, a hydrological sensor web ontology based on SSN ontology is proposed to describe the heterogeneous hydrological sensor web resources by importing the time and space ontology, instantiating the hydrological classes, and establishing reasoning rules. This work has been validated by semantic querying and knowledge acquiring experiments. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed ontology and its potential to grow into a more comprehensive ontology for hydrological monitoring collaboratively. In addition, this method of ontology modeling is generally applicable to other applications and domains.
Exploring the Impact of Seasonality on Urban Land-Cover Mapping Using Multi-Season Sentinel-1A and GF-1 WFV Images in a Subtropical Monsoon-Climate Region
Authors: Zhou Tao , Zhao Meifang , Sun Chuanliang , Pan Jianjun
Published: December 2017

The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of seasonality on urban land-cover mapping and to explore better classification accuracy by using multi-season Sentinel-1A and GF-1 wide field view (WFV) images, and the combinations of both types of images in subtropical monsoon-climate regions in Southeast China. We obtained multi-season Sentinel-1A and GF-1 WFV images, as well as the combinations of both data, by using a support vector machine (SVM) and a random forest (RF) classifier. The backscatter intensity, texture, and interference-coherence images were extracted from Sentinel-1A images, and different combinations of these Sentinel-1A-derived images were used to evaluate their ability to map urban land cover. The results showed that the performance of winter images was better than that of any other season, while the summer images performed the worst. Higher classification accuracy was achieved by using multi-season images, and satisfactory classification results were obtained when using Sentinel-1A images from only three seasons. The best classification result was achieved using a combination of all Sentinel-1A data from all four seasons and GF-1 WFV data from winter, with an overall accuracy of up to 96.02% and a kappa coefficient reaching 0.9502. The performance of textures was slightly better than that of the backscatter-intensity images. Although the coherence data performed the worst, it was still able to distinguish urban impervious surfaces well. In addition, the overall classification accuracy of RF was better than that of SVM.
Exploring the Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia through RNA Sequencing of the Periaqueductal Gray
Authors: Hu Man-Li , Zhu Hong-Mei , Zhang Qiu-Lin , Liu Jing-Jing , Ding Yi , Zhong Ju-Ming , Vodyanoy Vitaly , Ding Ming-Xing
Published: December 2017

Electroacupuncture (EA) can relieve various pains. However, its mechanism in terms of the transcriptome is still not well-known. To explore the full profile of EA-induced molecular modification in the central nerve system, three twins of goats were selected for a match-paired experiment: EA stimulation (60 Hz, 30 min) and none-EA (control). Goats in the EA group showed an increased (p < 0.05) nociceptive threshold compared with the control goats. Experimental goats were sacrificed at 4 h of the experiment, and the periaqueductal grays were harvested for RNA sequencing. As a result, 2651 differentially expressed genes (1803 up-regulated and 848 down-regulated genes) were found and enriched in 30 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and 149 gene ontology terms. EA-regulated five neuropeptide genes (proenkephalin, proopiomelanocortin, preprodynorphin, diazepam-binding inhibitor and proprotein convertase 1 inhibitor) were validated with quantitative PCR. Furthermore, up-regulated glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, GABA transporters, synaptotagmins or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes might contribute to EA-induced analgesia through regulating the glutamatergic synapse, GABAergic synapse, MAPKs, ribosome or ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. Our findings reveal a full profile of molecular modification in response to EA and provide a solid experimental framework for exploring the mechanisms underlying EA-induced analgesia.
Recombinant Zika NS1 Protein Secreted from Vero Cells Is Efficient for Inducing Production of Immune Serum Directed against NS1 Dimer
Authors: Viranaicken Wildriss , Ndebo Alexia , Bos Sandra , Souque Philippe , Gadea Gilles , El-Kalamouni Chaker , Krejbich-Trotot Pascale , Charneau Pierre , Desprès Philippe , Roche Marjolaine
Published: December 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that recently emerged in the South Pacific, Americas, and Caribbean islands, where the larger epidemics were documented. ZIKV infection in humans is responsible for neurological disorders and microcephaly. Flavivirus NS1 is a non-structural glycoprotein that is expressed on the cell surface and secreted as a hexameric lipoprotein particle. Intracellular NS1 exists as a dimer that is required for viral replication, whereas the secreted NS1 hexamer interacts with host factors, leading to pathophysiological conditions. In an effort to dispose of specific anti-ZIKV NS1 immune serum, Vero cells were transduced with a lentiviral vector containing the NS1 gene from an epidemic strain of ZIKV. We showed that stably transduced Vero/ZIKV NS1 cell clone was efficient in the secretion of recombinant NS1 oligomer. Immunization of adult rat with purified extracellular NS1 developed anti-ZIKV antibodies that specifically react with the NS1 dimer produced in human cells infected with African and Asian strains of ZIKV. The rat antibody against ZIKV NS1 dimer is a reliable biological tool that enables the immunological detection of secreted NS1 from host-cells infected with ZIKV.
Carbon Catabolite Repression in Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Zheng Wenhui , Islam Waqar , Arif Muhammad , Abubakar Yakubu , Wang Zonghua , Lu Guodong
Published: December 2017

Carbon Catabolite Repression (CCR) has fascinated scientists and researchers around the globe for the past few decades. This important mechanism allows preferential utilization of an energy-efficient and readily available carbon source over relatively less easily accessible carbon sources. This mechanism helps microorganisms to obtain maximum amount of glucose in order to keep pace with their metabolism. Microorganisms assimilate glucose and highly favorable sugars before switching to less-favored sources of carbon such as organic acids and alcohols. In CCR of filamentous fungi, CreA acts as a transcription factor, which is regulated to some extent by ubiquitination. CreD-HulA ubiquitination ligase complex helps in CreA ubiquitination, while CreB-CreC deubiquitination (DUB) complex removes ubiquitin from CreA, which causes its activation. CCR of fungi also involves some very crucial elements such as Hexokinases, cAMP, Protein Kinase (PKA), Ras proteins, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Adenylate cyclase, RcoA and SnfA. Thorough study of molecular mechanism of CCR is important for understanding growth, conidiation, virulence and survival of filamentous fungi. This review is a comprehensive revision of the regulation of CCR in filamentous fungi as well as an updated summary of key regulators, regulation of different CCR-dependent mechanisms and its impact on various physical characteristics of filamentous fungi.
Novel Application of Cultured Epithelial Autografts (CEA) with Expanded Mesh Skin Grafting Over an Artificial Dermis or Dermal Wound Bed Preparation
Authors: Akita Sadanori , Hayashida Kenji , Yoshimoto Hiroshi , Fujioka Masaki , Senju Chikako , Morooka Shin , Nishimura Gozo , Mukae Nobuhiko , Kobayashi Kazuo , Anraku Kuniaki , Murakami Ryuichi , Hirano Akiyoshi , Oishi Masao , Ikenoya Shintaro , Amano Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Hiroshi ,   Nagasaki University plastic surgeons group
Published: December 2017

Cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) with highly expanded mesh skin grafts were used for extensive adult burns covering more than 30% of the total body surface area. A prospective study on eight patients assessed subjective and objective findings up to a 12-month follow-up. The results of wound healing for over 1:6 mesh plus CEA, gap 1:6 mesh plus CEA, and 1:3 mesh were compared at 3, 6, and 12 months using extensibility, viscoelasticity, color, and transepidermal water loss by a generalized estimating equation (GEE) or generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). No significant differences were observed among the paired treatments at any time point. At 6 and 12 months, over 1:6 mesh plus CEA achieved significantly better expert evaluation scores by the Vancouver and Manchester Scar Scales (p < 0.01). Extended skin grafting plus CEA minimizes donor resources and the quality of scars is equal or similar to that with conventional low extended mesh slit-thickness skin grafting such as 1:3 mesh. A longitudinal analysis of scars may further clarify the molecular changes of scar formation and pathogenesis.
Sexually Dimorphic Outcomes after Neonatal Stroke and Hypoxia-Ischemia
Authors: Charriaut-Marlangue Christiane , Besson Valérie , Baud Olivier
Published: December 2017

Cohort studies have demonstrated a higher vulnerability in males towards ischemic and/or hypoxic-ischemic injury in infants born near- or full-term. Male sex was also associated with limited brain repair following neonatal stroke and hypoxia-ischemia, leading to increased incidence of long-term cognitive deficits compared to females with similar brain injury. As a result, the design of pre-clinical experiments considering sex as an important variable was supported and investigated because neuroprotective strategies to reduce brain injury demonstrated sexual dimorphism. While the mechanisms underlining these differences between boys and girls remain unclear, several biological processes are recognized to play a key role in long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes: gonadal hormones across developmental stages, vulnerability to oxidative stress, modulation of cell death, and regulation of microglial activation. This review summarizes the current evidence for sex differences in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic and/or ischemic brain injury, considering the major pathways known to be involved in cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with damages of the developing brain.
Differential Selective Pressures Experienced by the Aurora Kinase Gene Family
Authors: Seeling Joni , Farmer Alexis , Mansfield Adam , Cho Hyuk , Choudhary Madhusudan
Published: December 2017

Aurora kinases (AKs) are serine/threonine kinases that are essential for cell division. Humans have three AK genes: AKA, AKB, and AKC. AKA is required for centrosome assembly, centrosome separation, and bipolar spindle assembly, and its mutation leads to abnormal spindle morphology. AKB is required for the spindle checkpoint and proper cytokinesis, and mutations cause chromosome misalignment and cytokinesis failure. AKC is expressed in germ cells, and has a role in meiosis analogous to that of AKB in mitosis. Mutation of any of the three isoforms can lead to cancer. AK proteins possess divergent N- and C-termini and a conserved central catalytic domain. We examined the evolution of the AK gene family using an identity matrix and by building a phylogenetic tree. The data suggest that AKA is the vertebrate ancestral gene, and that AKB and AKC resulted from gene duplication in placental mammals. In a nonsynonymous/synonymous rate substitution analysis, we found that AKB experienced the strongest, and AKC the weakest, purifying selection. Both the N- and C-termini and regions within the kinase domain experienced differential selection among the AK isoforms. These differentially selected sequences may be important for species specificity and isoform specificity, and are therefore potential therapeutic targets.