bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONVENTIONAL MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION BROADCAST INTEGRATION AND THE INTERNET TO PRIVATE BROADCAST RADIO
Authors: Harliantara Harliantara , Susilo Daniel
Published: August 2019

Radio broadcasting is the oldest electronic media. It is nearly a century of its existence  and tries to keep the existence of overcoming tough competition by the presence of other media. In general, the motivation to exist is influenced by survival factors broadcasters themselves. Recently, it emerged new technologies and methods of distribution that has a profound effect on the way in which the audience listening to radio through the Internet. In the process of radio communications, conventional radio broadcasters have added internet media. The study recommends the meaning communication process in media integration on conventional radio and the internet as a media convergence.

This study used qualitative approach that still has not been done to the study of conventional media of communication broadcast integration and the internet to private broadcast radio with the data collection conducted through field observations, interviews, and documentation. In this study, the researcher selected resource persons who were aware of the radio broadcasting situation. The determinations of informants were interviewed by purposively, which chosen by consideration and specific purposes. Data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis. The data obtained from various sources, using data collection techniques (triangulation), and it carried out continuously until the data saturated. The researcher also analyzed the data with the process of arranging data order, organized them with the interpretation, provided a significant meaning to the analysis, as well as an explaining description to the pattern of dimensions. The process was carried out with data analysis techniques to perform three (3) aspects in a systematic analysis of data reduction, data display, and conclusion.

This study confirms that the meaning of the communication process of conventional media of communication broadcast integration and the internet as media convergence to become crucial in improving the knowledge of radio broadcasting at the present and in the future. Besides that, the study found that the current radio broadcasting, in addition to broadcast in the form of sound or noise, it also broadcasts in live streaming or podcasts streamed over the Internet (network) in the form of voice, text, images and video.
PROSES DIFUSI INOVASI E-AGRIBUSINESS : REGOPANTES PADA END-USER KOMODITAS PERTANIAN DI JABODETABEK
Authors: Meydora Eki Yoan
Published: August 2019

This study analyzes the information dissemination process of RegoPantes, an e-agribusiness innovation to connect farmers to agricultural commodity users directly, thus cutting the long chain of distribution. RegoPantes is a platform developed by 8villages to help farmers receive fair price for every agricultural commodity they sell, with the aim to help improve the farmer welfare.  The purpose of this study is to identify constraints faced by diffusion agencies that disseminate information about RegoPantes to the public specifically housewives as end users of agricultural commodities. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods to provide an in-depth understanding of the diffusion of RegoPantes. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and document studies. Based on the result of research known that 8villages chose a public relations approach that included press relations in disseminating information about RegoPantes. Although there have been many publications from various media, the adoption of innovations by end users of agricultural commodities is still not optimal.
Bastard Cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum L.) Resistance to Tribenuron-Methyl and Iodosulfuron-Methyl-Sodium in Spain and Alternative Herbicides for Its Control
Authors: Pardo Gabriel , Marí Ana I. , Aibar Joaquín , Vilaplana Lluïsa , Cirujeda Alicia
Published: August 2019

Complaints about the lack of control of Rapistrum rugosum with tribenuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium in winter cereals in Northeastern Spain motivated this study. During 2015–2018, greenhouse trials were conducted to test the responses of two possibly resistant (R1 and R2) and two susceptible populations to both active ingredients to determine the response of these populations to alternative herbicides. In the first trial that was repeated twice, populations were treated with both active ingredients (three rates, six replicates), and the lack of control confirmed resistance both times. The second trial was conducted on the self-pollinated progeny of the initial populations (13 rates, 6 replicates) to confirm the heritable character of resistance and to determine the resistance factors related to survival and biomass. Resistance factors based on biomass were 188 and 253 for tribenuron-methyl and 42 and 26 for iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium for R1 and R2, respectively, confirming the strong resistance of the progeny. In the third trial, nine active ingredients (a.i.) registered for broadleaved weed control in winter cereals were tested on the four populations (two rates, four replicates). All the alternative herbicides, except florasulam, results in important phytotoxicity to all tested populations, with 100% efficacy for several a.i. This work is the first report of R. rugosum that is resistant to iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and the first report in Europe of R. rugosum that is resistant to tribenuron-methyl.
Anti-Inflammatory State in Arabian Horses Introduced to the Endurance Training
Authors: Witkowska-Piłaszewicz Olga , Bąska Piotr , Czopowicz Michał , Żmigrodzka Magdalena , Szarska Ewa , Szczepaniak Jarosław , Nowak Zuzanna , Winnicka Anna , Cywińska Anna
Published: August 2019

Development of an anti-inflammatory state during physical training has been postulated in both human and equine athletes, but it is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether endurance training changes pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles within a 20-week training season in young inexperienced endurance horses. Nine Arabian horses were examined in this prospective 20-week follow-up study. Blood samples were analysed 5 times monthly, at rest and after training sessions. Routine haematological examinations were performed. Cytokine patterns including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 mRNA expression using Real Time-PCR, and serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, INFγ, TNF-α, and IL-10 by ELISA test were determined. During endurance training, the most significant decrease in post-exercise cytokine type 1 levels (TNFα and IL-β) occurred within 20 weeks, beginning from the 3rd month of training. IL-6 serum level decreased after the 4th month. The results suggest that endurance training can induce advanced overall anti-inflammatory response as an adaptation to increasing workload.
Benefits of Animal Exposure on Veterinary Students’ Understanding of Equine Behaviour and Self-Assessed Equine Handling Skills
Authors: Guinnefollau Lauréline , Gee Erica K. , Bolwell Charlotte F. , Norman Elizabeth J. , Rogers Chris W.
Published: August 2019

Horses are one of the most dangerous animals veterinarians have to work with. For many veterinary students, their first exposure to horses occurs during practical classes. To evaluate the level of knowledge students have of equine behaviour and their equine handling competency when entering the programme, 214 veterinary students (1st and 4th year) were recruited to participate in a questionnaire. Participants were asked to choose one out of 12 terms that best represented the affective state of a horse in a picture, and to self-assess their equine handling skills. Half (n = 56/115) of the first-year students correctly interpreted the horse’s behaviour. The majority had (1) a poor understanding of equine learning mechanisms and (2) poor self-rated equine handling skills. A history of pet ownership (p = 0.027) and the presence of horses on their family property (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with a correct understanding of equine behaviour. Fourth-year students were three times more likely to accurately interpret the horse’s behaviour (p = 0.01) and rated their handling skills higher than first-year students (p = 0.006). These results suggest that previous animal experience confers a considerable advantage to interpret equine behaviour and highlight the critical importance of practical training in the veterinary programme.
Phase Extraction from Single Interferogram Including Closed-Fringe Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kando Daichi , Tomioka Satoshi , Miyamoto Naoki , Ueda Ryosuke
Published: August 2019

In an optical measurement system using an interferometer, a phase extracting technique from interferogram is the key issue. When the object is varying in time, the Fourier-transform method is commonly used since this method can extract a phase image from a single interferogram. However, there is a limitation, that an interferogram including closed-fringes cannot be applied. The closed-fringes appear when intervals of the background fringes are long. In some experimental setups, which need to change the alignments of optical components such as a 3-D optical tomographic system, the interval of the fringes cannot be controlled. To extract the phase from the interferogram including the closed-fringes we propose the use of deep learning. A large amount of the pairs of the interferograms and phase-shift images are prepared, and the trained network, the input for which is an interferogram and the output a corresponding phase-shift image, is obtained using supervised learning. From comparisons of the extracted phase, we can demonstrate that the accuracy of the trained network is superior to that of the Fourier-transform method. Furthermore, the trained network can be applicable to the interferogram including the closed-fringes, which is impossible with the Fourier transform method.
Two-Step Plasma Treatment on Sputtered and Electroplated Cu Surfaces for Cu-To-Cu Bonding Application
Authors: Seo Hankyeol , Park Hae Sung , Kim Sarah Eunkyung
Published: August 2019

The technology trends of next generation electronic packaging are moving toward heterogeneous 3D packaging systems. One of the key processes of 3D packaging system is Cu-to-Cu bonding, which is highly dependent on the planarized, activated, and oxygen-free Cu surface. A two-step plasma treatment is studied to form a Cu surface that does not react with oxygen and improves the Cu bonding interface quality at low bonding temperature (300 °C). In this study, the effects of two-step plasma treatment on both sputtered and electroplated Cu surfaces were evaluated through structural, chemical, and electrical analysis. The Cu bonding interface was studied by scanning acoustic tomography analysis after the thermocompression bonding process. Both sputtered and electroplated Cu thin films had the preferred orientation of (111) plane, but sputtered Cu exhibited larger grains than the electroplated Cu. As a result, the roughness of sputtered Cu was lower, and the resistivity was higher than that of electroplated Cu. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, the sputtered Cu formed more copper nitrides and fewer copper oxides than the electroplated Cu. A significant improvement in bonding quality at the Cu bonded interface was observed in sputtered Cu.
Combining Performance Testing and Metadata Models to Support Fault Detection and Diagnostics in Smart Buildings
Authors: Markoska Elena , Johansen Aslak , Kjærgaard Mikkel Baun , Lazarova-Molnar Sanja , Jradi Muhyiddine , Jørgensen Bo Nørregaard
Published: August 2019

Performance testing of components and subsystems of buildings is a promising practice for increasing energy efficiency and closing gaps between intended and actual performance of buildings. A typical shortcoming of performance testing is the difficulty of linking a failing test to a faulty or underperforming component. Furthermore, a failing test can also be linked to a wrongly configured performance test. In this paper, we present Building Metadata Performance Testing (BuMPeT), a method that addresses this shortcoming by using building metadata models to extend performance testing with fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) capabilities. We present four different procedures that apply BuMPeT to different data sources and components. We have applied the proposed method to a case study building, located in Denmark, to test its capacity and benefits. Additionally, we use two real case scenarios to showcase examples of failing performance tests in the building, as well as discovery of causes of underperformance. Finally, to examine the limits to the benefits of the applied procedure, a detailed elaboration of a hypothetical scenario is presented. Our findings demonstrate that the method has potential and it can serve to increase the energy efficiency of a wide range of buildings.
Tumor Uptake of Triazine Dendrimers Decorated with Four, Sixteen, and Sixty-Four PSMA-Targeted Ligands: Passive versus Active Tumor Targeting
Authors: Lim Jongdoo , Guan Bing , Nham Kien , Hao Guiyang , Sun Xiankai , Simanek Eric E.
Published: August 2019

Various glutamate urea ligands have displayed high affinities to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is highly overexpressed in prostate and other cancer sites. The multivalent versions of small PSMA-targeted molecules are known to be even more efficiently bound to the receptor. Here, we employ a well-known urea-based ligand, 2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-ureido] pentanedioic acid (DUPA) and triazine dendrimers in order to study the effect of molecular size on multivalent targeting in prostate cancer. The synthetic route starts with the preparation of a dichlorotriazine bearing DUPA in 67% overall yield over five steps. This dichlorotriazine reacts with G1, G3, and G5 triazine dendrimers bearing a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) group for 64Cu-labeling at the core to afford poly(monochlorotriazine) intermediates. Addition of 4-aminomethylpiperidine (4-AMP) and the following deprotection produce the target compounds, G1-(DUPA)4, G3-(DUPA)16, and G5-(DUPA)64. These targets include 4/16/64 DUPA groups on the surface and a DOTA group at the core, respectively. In vitro cell assay using PC3-PIP (PSMA positive) and PC3-FLU (PSMA negative) cells reveals that G1-(DUPA)4 has the highest PC3-PIP to PC3-FLU uptake ratio (10-fold) through the PSMA-mediated specific uptake. While G5-(DUPA)64 displayed approximately 12 times higher binding affinity (IC50 23.6 nM) to PC3-PIP cells than G1-(DUPA)4 (IC50 282.3 nM) as evaluated in a competitive binding assay, the G5 dendrimer also showed high non-specific binding to PC3-FLU cells. In vivo uptake of the 64Cu-labeled dendrimers was also evaluated in severe combined inmmunodeficient (SCID) mice bearing PC3-PIP and PC3-FLU xenografts on each shoulder, respectively. Interestingly, quantitative imaging analysis of positron emission tomograph (PET) displayed the lowest tumor uptake in PC3-PIP cells for the midsize dendrimer G3-(DUPA)16 (19.4 kDa) (0.66 ± 0.15%ID/g at 1 h. p.i., 0.64 ± 0.11%ID/g at 4 h. p.i., and 0.67 ± 0.08%ID/g at 24 h. p.i.). Through the specific binding of G1-(DUPA)4 to PSMA, the smallest dendrimer (5.1 kDa) demonstrated the highest PC3-PIP to muscle and PC3-PIP to PC3-FLU uptake ratios (17.7 ± 5.5 and 6.7 ± 3.0 at 4 h p.i., respectively). In addition, the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect appeared to be an overwhelming factor for tumor uptake of the largest dendrimer G5-(DUPA)64 as the uptake was at a similar level irrelevant to the PSMA expression.
Seismic Behaviour of EC8-Compliant Moment Resisting and Concentrically Braced Frames
Authors: Costanzo Silvia , Tartaglia Roberto , Di Lorenzo Gianmaria , De Martino Attilio
Published: August 2019

The design procedure codified within current Eurocode 8 for dissipative moment resisting and concentrically braced frames have led to the design of massive systems characterized in the most of cases by poor energy dissipation capacity. The research activity presented in the current paper addresses the identification of the main criticisms and fallacies in the current EN 1998-1 for those seismic-resistant typologies. In this regard, the design provisions and codified rules for both moment resisting frames (MRFs) and chevron concentrically braced frames (CCBFs) are critically discussed and numerically investigated. Static and incremental dynamic analyses were performed on a set of 3 and 6-story frames designed compliant to EN 1998-1. The results from the numerical analyses are reported and discussed.
PD-L1 Induction by Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived Factors in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Inoue Chihiro , Miki Yasuhiro , Saito Ryoko , Hata Shuko , Abe Jiro , Sato Ikuro , Okada Yoshinori , Sasano Hironobu
Published: August 2019

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exert various effects upon biological behaviours of cancer. In this study, we examined the correlation of CAFs with the intra-tumoural immune system in the lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment. We studied 27 and 113 cases of lung adenocarcinoma tentatively as Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. The patients in Cohort 1 received epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) for recurrent lung adenocarcinoma. α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a surrogate marker for CAFs, was examined by immunohistochemistry. We then examined the effects of CAFs isolated from lung cancer tissues on programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. No significant associations were detected between α-SMA status and the ratios of CD8/CD4 and Foxp3/CD8 in Cohort 1. However, α-SMA status was significantly associated with PD-L1 status in both Cohorts 1 and 2. Conditioned medium of CAFs significantly induced PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549, PC-9, and H1975. Among the cytokines examined by antibody array, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) increased PD-L1 mRNA expression in these cell lines. CXCL2 is therefore considered to have a potential to induce PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells as a result of an interaction between carcinoma cells and CAFs. These findings did firstly demonstrate that CAFs indirectly influenced tumour immunity through increasing PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells.
In-Situ Construction of 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/BiOCl Heterostructure with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for N2 Fixation and Phenol Degradation
Authors: Guo Li , Han Xuanxuan , Zhang Kailai , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Qiang , Wang Danjun , Fu Feng
Published: August 2019

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation and pollutants degradation at ambient temperature and pressure as a clean and efficient means represents a sustainable direction. In this paper, novel two-dimensional (2D) ZnIn2S4/2D BiOCl (ZIS/BOC) nanosheets heterostructures were successfully synthesized by in-situ solvothermal techniques. XPS and TEM results showed the formation of heterostructure. The photocatalytic properties of these materials were further studied by degradating phenol and nitrogen fixation under visible light irradiation. In particular, heterostructure obtained with a mass ratio of 0.5 wt % of ZnIn2S4 had a good application prospect and can achieve 77.4% phenol degradation rate within 6 h and a rate of ammonium production of 14.6 µmol∙gcat−1·h−1. The reaction rate of 0.5 wt % ZIS/BOC heterostructure exhibited 8.6 and 2.6 times relative to BiOCl for the degradation of phenol and nitrogen fixation, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the collaboration of low recombination rate of photo-generated carriers and enhanced visible light absorption. Based on capture experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques, the main active species that may appear in photocatalytic systems were explored, and the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism was also proposed appropriately. This strategy will open up new ideas for the design and manufacture of more energy-efficient materials with high photocatalytic activity.
MMP14 in Sarcoma: A Regulator of Tumor Microenvironment Communication in Connective Tissues
Authors: Gonzalez-Molina Jordi , Gramolelli Silvia , Liao Zehuan , Carlson Joseph W. , Ojala Päivi M. , Lehti Kaisa
Published: August 2019

Sarcomas are deadly malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin occurring at all ages. The expression and function of the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 is closely related to the mesenchymal cell phenotype, and it is highly expressed in most sarcomas. MMP14 regulates the activity of multiple extracellular and plasma membrane proteins, influencing cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) communication. This regulation mediates processes such as ECM degradation and remodeling, cell invasion, and cancer metastasis. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the biology of MMP14 in sarcomas will shed light on the mechanisms controlling the key processes in these diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the function and regulation of MMP14 and we discuss their relationship with clinical and pre-clinical MMP14 data in both adult and childhood sarcomas.
Differential Effects of Extracellular Vesicles of Lineage-Specific Human Pluripotent Stem Cells on the Cellular Behaviors of Isogenic Cortical Spheroids
Authors: Marzano Mark , Bejoy Julie , Cheerathodi Mujeeb R. , Sun Li , York Sara B. , Zhao Jing , Kanekiyo Takahisa , Bu Guojun , Meckes David G. , Li Yan
Published: August 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to a variety of signaling processes and the overall physiological and pathological states of stem cells and tissues. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have unique characteristics that can mimic embryonic tissue development. There is growing interest in the use of EVs derived from hiPSCs as therapeutics, biomarkers, and drug delivery vehicles. However, little is known about the characteristics of EVs secreted by hiPSCs and paracrine signaling during tissue morphogenesis and lineage specification. Methods: In this study, the physical and biological properties of EVs isolated from hiPSC-derived neural progenitors (ectoderm), hiPSC-derived cardiac cells (mesoderm), and the undifferentiated hiPSCs (healthy iPSK3 and Alzheimer’s-associated SY-UBH lines) were analyzed. Results: Nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy results indicate that hiPSC-derived EVs have an average size of 100–250 nm. Immunoblot analyses confirmed the enrichment of exosomal markers Alix, CD63, TSG101, and Hsc70 in the purified EV preparations. MicroRNAs including miR-133, miR-155, miR-221, and miR-34a were differently expressed in the EVs isolated from distinct hiPSC lineages. Treatment of cortical spheroids with hiPSC-EVs in vitro resulted in enhanced cell proliferation (indicated by BrdU+ cells) and axonal growth (indicated by β-tubulin III staining). Furthermore, hiPSC-derived EVs exhibited neural protective abilities in Aβ42 oligomer-treated cultures, enhancing cell viability and reducing oxidative stress. Our results demonstrate that the paracrine signaling provided by tissue context-dependent EVs derived from hiPSCs elicit distinct responses to impact the physiological state of cortical spheroids. Overall, this study advances our understanding of cell‒cell communication in the stem cell microenvironment and provides possible therapeutic options for treating neural degeneration.
The Differences in the Proteome Profile of Cannabidiol-Treated Skin Fibroblasts following UVA or UVB Irradiation in 2D and 3D Cell Cultures
Authors: Gęgotek Agnieszka , Atalay Sinemyiz , Domingues Pedro , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: August 2019

Cannabidiol (CBD), as the only phytocannabinoid that has no psychoactive effect, has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and thus might be suggested as a cytoprotective compound against UV-induced metabolic changes in skin cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the level of protective CBD activity by evaluating the proteomic profile of 2D and 3D cultured skin fibroblasts models following exposure to UVA and UVB radiation. The CBD cytoprotective effect against UV-induced damage in 2D and 3D cultured fibroblasts were different. The main alterations focus on the range of cell reaction and involved different proteins associated with various molecular functions. In the 2D cultured cells, following UV radiation, the major changes were associated with proteins involved in antioxidant response and inflammation, while, in the 3D cultured fibroblasts, CBD action against UV induced changes were mainly associated with the activation of signalling pathways. Therefore, the knowledge of the CBD action in a multilayer skin cells model allowed for the prediction of changes in cell-cell interactions and skin cell metabolism. Knowledge about the lower protective effect of CBD in 3D cultured fibroblasts should be taken into account during the design of UV light protection.
Endoglin Trafficking/Exosomal Targeting in Liver Cells Depends on N-Glycosylation
Authors: Meurer Steffen , Wimmer Almut Elisabeth , van de Leur Eddy , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: August 2019

Injury of the liver involves a wound healing partial reaction governed by hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts. Individual members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily including TGF-β itself and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) exert diverse and partially opposing effects on pro-fibrogenic responses. Signaling by these ligands is mediated through binding to membrane integral receptors type I/type II. Binding and the outcome of signaling is critically modulated by Endoglin (Eng), a type III co-receptor. In order to learn more about trafficking of Eng in liver cells, we investigated the membranal subdomain localization of full-length (FL)-Eng. We could show that FL-Eng is enriched in Caveolin-1-containing sucrose gradient fractions. Since lipid rafts contribute to the pool of exosomes, we could consequently demonstrate for the first time that exosomes isolated from cultured primary hepatic stellate cells and its derivatives contain Eng. Moreover, via adenoviral overexpression, we demonstrate that all liver cells have the capacity to direct Eng to exosomes, irrespectively whether they express endogenous Eng or not. Finally, we demonstrate that block of N-glycosylation does not interfere with dimerization of the receptor, but abrogates the secretion of soluble Eng (sol-Eng) and prevents exosomal targeting of FL-Eng.
Hyperglycemia-Induced Aberrant Cell Proliferation; A Metabolic Challenge Mediated by Protein O-GlcNAc Modification
Authors: Nagy Tamás , Fisi Viktória , Frank Dorottya , Kátai Emese , Nagy Zsófia , Miseta Attila
Published: August 2019

Chronic hyperglycemia has been associated with an increased prevalence of pathological conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, or various disorders of the immune system. In some cases, these associations may be traced back to a common underlying cause, but more often, hyperglycemia and the disturbance in metabolic balance directly facilitate pathological changes in the regular cellular functions. One such cellular function crucial for every living organism is cell cycle regulation/mitotic activity. Although metabolic challenges have long been recognized to influence cell proliferation, the direct impact of diabetes on cell cycle regulatory elements is a relatively uncharted territory. Among other “nutrient sensing” mechanisms, protein O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification emerged in recent years as a major contributor to the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia. An increasing amount of evidence suggest that O-GlcNAc may significantly influence the cell cycle and cellular proliferation. In our present review, we summarize the current data available on the direct impact of metabolic changes caused by hyperglycemia in pathological conditions associated with cell cycle disorders. We also review published experimental evidence supporting the hypothesis that O-GlcNAc modification may be one of the missing links between metabolic regulation and cellular proliferation.
Local-Scale Bat Guild Activity Differs with Rice Growth Stage at Ground Level in the Philippines
Authors: Sedlock Jodi L. , Stuart Alexander M. , Horgan Finbarr G. , Hadi Buyung , Como Jacobson Angela , Alviola Phillip A. , Alvarez James D. V.
Published: August 2019

High-flying insectivorous bats, as wide-ranging generalist insectivores, are valuable consumers of high-altitude migrating pests of rice in Southeast Asia. Here, we documented the behavior of relatively low-flying bats over irrigated rice to elucidate their potential role as predators of rice-associated pest insects in the Philippines. Specifically, we tested the local-scale effects of rice stage, particularly seedling and late vegetative stages, and time of night on acoustic activity of bats foraging near ground level within three functional guilds (based on foraging distance from background clutter). We also monitored bat activity from two 50 m-high towers to assess the vertical extent of relatively low-flying guilds, as well as document high-flying bat guild presence and temporal behavior. At ground level, the most active guild biased their activity and feeding over early growth stage fields, but also foraged at tower level. Activity of the bat guild adept at foraging closest to vegetation did not vary with time of night or rice stage and was absent from tower recordings. High-flying bats were predictably rare at rice level, but exhibited high foraging intensity at 50 m. Given the well-documented, sequential arrival of insect guilds with growth stage, these data suggest that at ground level edge-space bats may be important consumers of detritivores (e.g., mosquitoes). Moreover, our data suggest that just as habitat heterogeneity enhances the services of arthropod predators, these management practices also enhance bat activity and, presumably, their contribution to pest suppression.
Toward a Comfortable Driving Experience for a Self-Driving Shuttle Bus
Authors: Bae Il , Moon Jaeyoung , Seo Jeongseok
Published: August 2019

The convergence of mechanical, electrical, and advanced ICT technologies, driven by artificial intelligence and 5G vehicle-to-everything (5G-V2X) connectivity, will help to develop high-performance autonomous driving vehicles and services that are usable and convenient for self-driving passengers. Despite widespread research on self-driving, user acceptance remains an essential part of successful market penetration; this forms the motivation behind studies on human factors associated with autonomous shuttle services. We address this by providing a comfortable driving experience while not compromising safety. We focus on the accelerations and jerks of vehicles to reduce the risk of motion sickness and to improve the driving experience for passengers. Furthermore, this study proposes a time-optimal velocity planning method for guaranteeing comfort criteria when an explicit reference path is given. The overall controller and planning method were verified using real-time, software-in-the-loop (SIL) environments for a real-time vehicle dynamics simulation; the performance was then compared with a typical planning approach. The proposed optimized planning shows a relatively better performance and enables a comfortable passenger experience in a self-driving shuttle bus according to the recommended criteria.
Supercritical CO2 Exposure-Induced Surface Property, Pore Structure, and Adsorption Capacity Alterations in Various Rank Coals
Authors: Liu Zhenjian , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Xiaoqian , Wu Tengfei , Du Xidong
Published: August 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been used to replace coal seam gas for recovery enhancement and carbon sequestration. To better understand the alternations of coal seam in response to CO2 sequestration, the properties of four different coals before and after supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) exposure at 40 °C and 16 MPa were analyzed with Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), low-pressure nitrogen, and CO2 adsorption methods. Further, high-pressure CO2 adsorption isotherms were performed at 40 °C using a gravimetric method. The results indicate that the density of functional groups and mineral matters on coal surface decreased after ScCO2 exposure, especially for low-rank coal. With ScCO2 exposure, only minimal changes in pore shape were observed for various rank coals. However, the micropore specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume increased while the values for mesopore decreased as determined by low-pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption. The combined effects of surface property and pore structure alterations lead to a higher CO2 adsorption capacity at lower pressures but lower CO2 adsorption capacity at higher pressures. Langmuir model fitting shows a decreasing trend in monolayer capacity after ScCO2 exposure, indicating an elimination of the adsorption sites. The results provide new insights for the long-term safety for the evaluation of CO2-enhanced coal seam gas recovery.
Impact of Price–Quantity Uncertainties and Risk Aversion on Energy Retailer’s Pricing and Hedging Behaviors
Authors: Xiang Haitao , Kong Ying , Chan Wai Kin Victor , Chiang Sum Wai
Published: August 2019

The joint uncertainties of wholesale price and end-user demand quantity often poses huge pricing challenges to energy retailers. However, the literature lacks analysis of such uncertainties’ impacts on retailer pricing behaviors and possible hedging behaviors. To study these impacts, this paper proposes four models: a risk-averse or a risk-neutral retailer deciding retail price with or without forward contract. We present closed-form solutions for these four models on optimal retail price, as well as optimal forward position (if allowed). We propose a novel approach of volatility decomposition to describe the relationship between behaviors and different volatility sources. Comparative statics gives detailed analysis of the pricing and hedging behaviors in both uncertainties, as well as their correlation. We obtain profit distributions using Monte Carlo simulations in the context of the California Electricity Market. Results show that the price and quantity uncertainties and their correlation create significant differences in the retailer’s behaviors, and the determinants of these differences are different. In addition, forward contract increases expected profit and decreases profit volatility for risk-averse retailers simultaneously. These results could serve as a benchmark for analyses of deregulated, imperfect energy markets coupled with contingent financial markets under both price and quantity uncertainties.
Peaking Compensation Mechanism for Thermal Units and Virtual Peaking Plants Union Promoting Curtailed Wind Power Integration
Authors: Wang Tianliang , Jiang Xin , Jin Yang , Song Dawei , Yang Meng , Zeng Qingshan
Published: August 2019

As the installed capacity of wind power increases rapidly, how to promote wind power curtailment (WPC) integration has become a concern. The surface and underlying causes of wind power curtailment are insufficient peaking capability of the power system and imperfect peaking compensation mechanisms, respectively. Therefore, this paper proposes a peaking compensation mechanism uniting supply side and demand side to enhance system peaking capability. Firstly, through incentive and fairness analysis, the interest relationship of peaking subjects is researched based on game theory, and the peaking contribution on supply/demand side is quantified by Pearson correlation coefficients. Secondly, based on clustering analysis, the potential of system peaking providers are explored adequately, supply-side thermal units are divided into deep peaking clusters, and demand-side demand response (DR) resources are integrated into virtual peaking plants (VPP). Accordingly, a two-stage wind-thermal-VPP coordination optimization model is built to dispatch peaking providers. Furtherly, a two-layer peaking compensation allocation method considering peaking contribution and peaking enthusiasm is proposed to encourage peaking providers and mitigate “combination explosion”. Simulation results indicate that the proposed mechanism effectively promotes the enthusiasm of union peaking and the integration of WPC.
Direct Matrix Converter Topologies with Model Predictive Current Control Applied as Power Interfaces in AC, DC, and Hybrid Microgrids in Islanded and Grid-Connected Modes
Authors: Gontijo Gustavo , Soares Matheus , Tricarico Thiago , Dias Robson , Aredes Mauricio , Guerrero Josep
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an analysis of a new application of different direct matrix converter topologies used as power interfaces in AC, DC, and hybrid microgrids, with model predictive current control. Such a combination of a converter and control strategy leads to a high power quality microgrid voltage, even with a low power quality main grid voltage and even during the connection and disconnection of a variety of loads and generation sources to the microgrids. These robust systems are suitable for applications in which sensitive loads are to be supplied and these loads are connected close to distributed-generation sources with inherent intermittent behavior. The authors also propose the use of new direct matrix converter configurations with a reduced number of switches in order to achieve reduced cost, reduced failure rate, and higher reliability, which are very desirable in microgrids. Finally, the authors also introduce new hybrid direct matrix converter topologies that provide interesting options for the islanded operation of the microgrids with the use of a battery system. In other words, the proposed hybrid direct matrix converters result in flexible hybrid microgrid configurations integrating DC and AC devices with high power quality and high power supply reliability.
Economic Solution of the Tri-Generation System Using Photovoltaic-Thermal and Ground Source Heat Pump for Zero Energy Building (ZEB) Realization
Authors: Bae Sangmu , Nam Yujin , da Cunha Ivor
Published: August 2019

The zero energy building (ZEB) is being introduced as a new energy policy in the building sector. Accordingly, to realize the ZEB, renewable energy systems that can produce energy are essential. Various hybrid systems are being proposed to develop a more efficient system than individual renewable energy systems, among which tri-generation systems are attracting attention. In this study, in order to find an economic solution of a tri-generation system for the realization of ZEB, the simulation model using the dynamic energy analysis code was constructed and a feasibility study was conducted. Moreover, the conventional design method and the design method for ZEB realization were proposed, and the return on investment (ROI) was calculated according to four local conditions and two design methods. As a result of energy analysis, the energy self-sufficiency (ES) in Seoul, Ulsan, Ottawa and Toronto were calculated as 62%, 65.1%, 57.7%, and 60.2%, respectively. Moreover, results of feasibility analysis compared to a conventional system showed that the payback period of the tri-generation system in South Korea was within 13 years, and Canada was within 10 years.
Research on SWIM Services Dynamic Migration Method
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Zhou Shengyan , Liu Liang , Lei Jin
Published: August 2019

Air traffic management (ATM) plays an important role in maintaining and promoting air traffic safety, maintaining air traffic order and ensuring smooth air traffic. As the core of air traffic management, it is essential to ensure the safe and stable operation of system-wide information management (SWIM). Facing the complex and ever-changing network environment, a SWIM services dynamic migration method is proposed in this paper. This method combines SWIM core services to select destination nodes and migrate services. The experiment proves that the method can hide the service node while ensuring service continuity and increase the difficulty of malicious detection. By comparing with others, this method is more suitable for SWIM in terms of invulnerability. The throughput and delay performance of the method can meet the needs of SWIM.
Severe Fire Danger Index: A Forecastable Metric to Inform Firefighter and Community Wildfire Risk Management
Authors: Jolly W. , Freeborn Patrick , Page Wesley , Butler Bret
Published: August 2019

Despite major advances in numerical weather prediction, few resources exist to forecast wildland fire danger conditions to support operational fire management decisions and community early-warning systems. Here we present the development and evaluation of a spatial fire danger index that can be used to assess historical events, forecast extreme fire danger, and communicate those conditions to both firefighters and the public. It uses two United States National Fire Danger Rating System indices that are related to fire intensity and spread potential. These indices are normalized, combined, and categorized based on a 39-yr climatology (1979–2017) to produce a single, categorical metric called the Severe Fire Danger Index (SFDI) that has five classes; Low, Moderate, High, Very High, and Severe. We evaluate the SFDI against the number of newly reported wildfires and total area burned from agency fire reports (1992–2017) as well as daily remotely sensed numbers of active fire pixels and total daily fire radiative power for large fires (2003–2016) from the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) across the conterminous United States. We show that the SFDI adequately captures geographic and seasonal variations of fire activity and intensity, where 58% of the eventual area burned reported by agency fire records, 75.2% of all MODIS active large fire pixels, and 81.2% of all fire radiative power occurred when the SFDI was either Very High or Severe (above the 90th percentile). We further show that SFDI is a strong predictor of firefighter fatalities, where 97 of 129 (75.2%) burnover deaths from 1979 to 2017 occurred when SFDI was either Very High or Severe. Finally, we present an operational system that uses short-term, numerical weather predictions to produce daily SFDI forecasts and show that 76.2% of all satellite active fire detections during the first 48 h following the ignition of nine high-profile case study fires in 2017 and 2018 occurred under Very High or Severe SFDI conditions. The case studies indicate that the extreme weather events that caused tremendous damage and loss of life could be mapped ahead of time, which would allow both wildland fire managers and vulnerable communities additional time to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions. Ultimately, this simple metric can provide critical decision support information to wildland firefighters and fire-prone communities and could form the basis of an early-warning system that can improve situational awareness and potentially save lives.
Statistical Structure and Deviations from Equilibrium in Wavy Channel Turbulence
Authors: Khan Saadbin , Jayaraman Balaji
Published: August 2019

The structure of turbulent flow over non-flat surfaces is a topic of major interest in practical applications in both engineering and geophysical settings. A lot of work has been done in the fully rough regime at high Reynolds numbers where the effect on the outer layer turbulence structure and the resulting friction drag is well documented. It turns out that surface topology plays a significant role on the flow drag especially in the transitional roughness regime and therefore, is hard to characterize. Survey of literature shows that roughness function depends on the interaction of roughness height, flow Reynolds number, and topology shape. In addition, if the surface topology contains large enough scales then it can impact the outer layer dynamics and in turn modulate the total frictional force. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying drag increase from systematically varied surface undulations in order to better interpret quantifications based on mean statistics such as roughness function. In this study, we explore the mechanisms that modulate the turbulence structure over a two-dimensional (2D) sinusoidal wavy surface with a fixed amplitude, but varying slopes that are sufficiently small to generate only intermittent flow separation. To accomplish this, we perform a set of highly resolved direct numerical simulations (DNS) to model the turbulent flow between two infinitely wide 2D wavy plates at a friction Reynolds number, R e τ = 180 , which represents modest scale separation. We pursue two different but related flavors of analysis. The first one adopts a roughness characterization flavor of such wavy surfaces. The second one focuses on understanding the nonequilibrium near-surface turbulence structure and their impact on roughness characterization. Analysis of the different statistical quantifications show strong dependence on wave slope for the roughness function indicating drag increase due to enhanced turbulent stresses resulting from increased production of vertical velocity variance from the surface undulations.
Molecular Characterization and Functional Study of Insulin-Like Androgenic Gland Hormone Gene in the Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Shi Linlin , Han Shuxin , Fei Jiamin , Zhang Long , Ray Jonathan W , Wang Weimin , Li Yanhe
Published: August 2019

The androgenic gland (AG) is a male-specific endocrine organ that controls the primary and secondary sexual characteristics in male crustaceans. More evidence indicates that the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone gene (IAG) is the key male sexual differentiation factor, particularly the application of RNA interference (RNAi) technology on IAG. In this study, the full-length cDNA of IAG (termed PcIAG) was isolated from the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii. Tissue distribution analysis showed that in addition to its expression in the AG of male P. clarkii, PcIAG was widely expressed in female tissues and other male tissues. The PcIAG protein was detected in the reproductive and nervous systems of adult male P. clarkii. Additionally, RNAi results showed that the PcIAG expression could be silenced efficiently, and the male sperm maturation and release possibly present a transient adverse interference at lower doses (0.1 μg/g and 1 μg/g) of PcIAG–dsRNA (PcIAG double-stranded RNA). Dramatically, the expression level of PcIAG increased sharply shortly after the injection of higher doses (5 μg/g and 10 μg/g) of PcIAG–dsRNA, which might accelerate the maturation and release of sperm. Moreover, the expression of PcSxl (P. clarkii Sex-lethal) was detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) after the injection of PcIAG–dsRNA to explore whether the PcIAG gene regulates the PcSxl gene, and we found that the PcIAG did not directly regulate PcSxl in P. clarkii. The study could help accelerate the progress of PcIAG functional research and provide a useful reference for the single-sex selective breeding of P. clarkii.
Hydrological hazard estimation for the municipality of Yautepec de Zaragoza, Morelos, Mexico
Authors: Zúñiga Emmanuel , Novelo-Casanova David A.
Published: August 2019

The hydrological hazard for the municipality of Yautepec de Zaragoza, State of Morelos, Mexico, is evaluated considering the overflow process of the rivers located in the Yautepec sub-basin. Different scenarios of hydrological hazard were generated to identify those areas with high flood potential using hydraulic modeling for three return periods (Rp) of 50, 100 and 500 years based on statistical analysis of the maximum annual discharge of the Yautepec hydrometric station. We used the Hec-Ras software and geographic information systems (GIS) to model the different flood scenarios. Our results indicate that 10% (1.5 km2) of the total urban area of the municipality will be flooded for a return period of 50 years. About 12% (1.8 km2) of the territory will be affected by flood for a Rp of 100 years. For a Rp of 500 years, approximately 13.5% (2.1 km2) of the municipality’s area will be flooded. Spatially, the central and southern regions of the municipality will be affected by flood heights greater than 1 m for Rp of 100 and 500 years. The northern zone will have heights of less than 0.50 m for Rp of 50 years. Our results can be used as a tool to prevent and reduce the impact of future floods in the municipality of Yautepec de Zaragoza.