bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in PM2.5 Variations between Urban and Rural Areas over Eastern China from 2001 to 2015
Authors: Lin Changqing , Lau Alexis , Li Ying , Fung Jimmy , Li Chengcai , Lu Xingcheng , Li Zhiyuan
Published: August 2018

To more effectively reduce population exposure to PM2.5, control efforts should target densely populated urban areas. In this study, we took advantage of satellite-derived PM2.5 data to assess the difference in PM2.5 variations between urban and rural areas over eastern China during the past three Five-Year Plan (FYP) periods (2001–2015). The results show that urban areas experienced less of a decline in PM2.5 concentration than rural areas did in more than half of the provinces during the 11th FYP period (2006–2010). In contrast, most provinces experienced a greater reduction of PM2.5 concentration in urban areas than in rural areas during the 10th and 12th FYP periods (2001–2005 and 2011–2015, respectively). During the recent 12th FYP period, the rates of decline in PM2.5 concentration in urban areas were more substantial than in rural areas by as much as 1.5 μg·m−3·year−1 in Beijing and 2.0 μg·m−3·year−1 in Tianjin. These results suggest that the spatial difference in PM2.5 change was conducive to a reduction in the population exposure to PM2.5 in most provinces during recent years.
The Methylation Status of the Epigenome: Its Emerging Role in the Regulation of Tumor Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth, and Potential for Drug Targeting
Authors: Pirola Luciano , Ciesielski Oskar , Balcerczyk Aneta
Published: August 2018

Approximately 50 years ago, Judah Folkman raised the concept of inhibiting tumor angiogenesis for treating solid tumors. The development of anti-angiogenic drugs would decrease or even arrest tumor growth by restricting the delivery of oxygen and nutrient supplies, while at the same time display minimal toxic side effects to healthy tissues. Bevacizumab (Avastin)—a humanized monoclonal anti VEGF-A antibody—is now used as anti-angiogenic drug in several forms of cancers, yet with variable results. Recent years brought significant progresses in our understanding of the role of chromatin remodeling and epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Many inhibitors of DNA methylation as well as of histone methylation, have been successfully tested in preclinical studies and some are currently undergoing evaluation in phase I, II or III clinical trials, either as cytostatic molecules—reducing the proliferation of cancerous cells—or as tumor angiogenesis inhibitors. In this review, we will focus on the methylation status of the vascular epigenome, based on the genomic DNA methylation patterns with DNA methylation being mainly transcriptionally repressive, and lysine/arginine histone post-translational modifications which either promote or repress the chromatin transcriptional state. Finally, we discuss the potential use of “epidrugs” in efficient control of tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis.
Influence of Natural and Artificial Weathering on the Colour Change of Different Wood and Wood-Based Materials
Authors: Kržišnik Davor , Lesar Boštjan , Thaler Nejc , Humar Miha
Published: August 2018

The importance of the aesthetic performance of wood is increasing and the colour is one of the most important parameters of aesthetics, hence the colour stability of twelve different wood-based materials was evaluated by several in-service and laboratory tests. The wood used for wooden façades and decking belongs to a group of severely exposed surfaces. Discolouration of wood in such applications is a long-known phenomenon, which is a result of different biotic and abiotic causes. The ongoing in-service trial started in October 2013, whilst a laboratory test mimicking seasonal exposure was performed in parallel. Samples were exposed to blue stain fungi (Aureobasidium pullulans and Dothichiza pithyophila) in a laboratory test according to the EN 152 procedure. Afterwards, the same samples were artificially weathered and re-exposed to the same blue stain fungi for the second time. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the synergistic effect of weathering and staining. The broader aim of the study was to determine the correlation factors between artificial and natural weathering and to compare laboratory and field test data of fungal disfigurement of various bio-based materials. During the four years of exposure, the most prominent colour changes were determined on decking. Respective changes on the façade elements were significantly less prominent, being the lest evident on the south and east façade. The results showed that there are positive correlations between natural weathering and the combination of artificial weathering and blue staining. Hence, the artificial weathering of wood-based materials in the laboratory should consist of two steps, blue staining and artificial weathering, in order to simulate colour changes.
Sustainability of Forest Cover under Climate Change on the Temperate-Continental Xeric Limits
Authors: Mátyás Csaba , Berki Imre , Bidló András , Csóka György , Czimber Kornél , Führer Ernő , Gálos Borbála , Gribovszki Zoltán , Illés Gábor , Hirka Anikó , Somogyi Zoltán
Published: August 2018

Climate change particularly threatens the xeric limits of temperate-continental forests. In Hungary, annual temperatures have increased by 1.2 °C–1.8 °C in the last 30 years and the frequency of extreme droughts has grown. With the aim to gain stand-level prospects of sustainability, we have used local forest site variables to identify and project effects of recent and expected changes of climate. We have used a climatic descriptor (FAI index) to compare trends estimated from forest datasets with climatological projections; this is likely for the first time such a comparison has been made. Four independent approaches confirmed the near-linear decline of growth and vitality with increasing hot droughts in summer, using sessile oak as model species. The correlation between droughts and the expansion of pest and disease damages was also found to be significant. Projections of expected changes of main site factors predict a dramatic rise of future drought frequency and, consequently, a substantial shift of forest climate classes, especially at low elevation. Excess water-dependent lowland forests may lose supply from groundwater, which may change vegetation cover and soil development processes. The overall change of site conditions not only causes economic losses, but also challenges long-term sustainability of forest cover at the xeric limits.
Developing and Applying Geographical Synthetic Estimates of Health Literacy in GP Clinical Systems
Authors: Rowlands Gill , Whitney David , Moon Graham
Published: August 2018

Background: Low health literacy is associated with poorer health. Research has shown that predictive models of health literacy can be developed; however, key variables may be missing from systems where predictive models might be applied, such as health service data. This paper describes an approach to developing predictive health literacy models using variables common to both “source” health literacy data and “target” systems such as health services. Methods: A multilevel synthetic estimation was undertaken on a national (England) dataset containing health literacy, socio-demographic data and geographical (Lower Super Output Area: LSOA) indicators. Predictive models, using variables commonly present in health service data, were produced. An algorithm was written to pilot the calculations in a Family Physician Clinical System in one inner-city area. The minimum data required were age, sex and ethnicity; other missing data were imputed using model values. Results: There are 32,845 LSOAs in England, with a population aged 16 to 65 years of 34,329,091. The mean proportion of the national population below the health literacy threshold in LSOAs was 61.87% (SD 12.26). The algorithm was run on the 275,706 adult working-age people in Lambeth, South London. The algorithm could be calculated for 228,610 people (82.92%). When compared with people for whom there were sufficient data to calculate the risk score, people with insufficient data were more likely to be older, male, and living in a deprived area, although the strength of these associations was weak. Conclusions: Logistic regression using key socio-demographic data and area of residence can produce predictive models to calculate individual- and area-level risk of low health literacy, but requires high levels of ethnicity recording. While the models produced will be specific to the settings in which they are developed, it is likely that the method can be applied wherever relevant health literacy data are available. Further work is required to assess the feasibility, accuracy and acceptability of the method. If feasible, accurate and acceptable, this method could identify people requiring additional resources and support in areas such as medical practice.
Impact of Wearing Graduated Compression Stockings on Psychological and Physiological Responses during Prolonged Sitting
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Takiguchi Chieko , Kirihara Yoko , Horiuchi Yukari
Published: August 2018

We investigated the impact of wearing vs. not wearing graduated compression stockings on psychological and physiological responses in 18 healthy young people (12 men and six women) during 3 h prolonged sitting. Profiled of Mood States (POMS) scores did not show marked differences between with and without stockings. A 3 h sit significantly decreased saliva cortisol in both conditions; with no differences between conditions. Wearing stockings suppressed a subjective uncomfortable sensation (e.g., pain; fatigue; swelling) in the lower limbs, as assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Increase in heart rate at 1 h and 3 h was significantly greater without than with stockings. In addition, high-frequency oscillations (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz), used as an indicator of parasympathetic nerve activity, showed higher values with than without stockings throughout the 3 h sitting period—significantly higher at 1 h. When data for both conditions were pooled pre-to-post changes in saliva cortisol were positively associated with higher uncomfortable sensations of VAS in the lower limbs and negatively associated with changes in the Vigor subscale of POMS. Collectively, these findings suggest that wearing graduated compression stockings may benefit from subjective comfort and increased parasympathetic nerve activity.
RNA Interference-Mediated Knockdown of Male Fertility Genes in the Queensland Fruit Fly Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Cruz Carlos , Tayler Alison , Whyard Steve
Published: August 2018

The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, is Australia’s most important horticultural pest. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been used to control this species for decades, using radiation to sterilize males before field-release. This method of sterilization can potentially reduce the insects’ abilities to compete for mates. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) techniques were examined for their potential to sterilize male B. tryoni without adversely affecting mating competitiveness. B. tryoni adults were injected or fed double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting spermatogenesis genes (tssk1, topi and trxt); quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR analyses confirmed that transcript levels were reduced 60–80% for all three genes following injections. Feeding produced a significant gene knockdown for tssk1 and trxt after three days, but interestingly, two genes (trxt and topi) produced an excess of transcripts after 10 days of feeding. Despite these fluctuations in transcript levels, all three dsRNAs impacted the fecundity of treated males, with tssk1- and topi-dsRNA-treated males producing 75% fewer viable offspring than the negative controls. Mating competition assays demonstrated that dsRNA-treated males can actively compete with untreated males. These findings suggest that RNAi technology could serve as an alternative to radiation as a means of sterilizing these insects in an SIT program.
Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Macro-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Pavement Application
Authors: Zhou Xiangming , Kastiukas Gediminas , Lantieri Claudio , Tataranni Piergiorgio , Vaiana Rosolino , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: August 2018

Macro-encapsulated phase change material (PCM) lightweight aggregates (ME-LWA) were produced and evaluated for their mechanical and thermal properties in road engineering applications. The ME-LWAs were first characterised in terms of their physical and geometrical properties. Then, the ME-LWAs were investigated in detail by applying the European Standards of testing for the Bulk Crushing Test and the Polished Stone Value (PSV) coefficient as well as Micro-Deval and laboratory profilometry. In addition, the thermal performance for possible construction of smart pavements with the inclusion of ME-LWAs for anti-ice purposes was determined. The crushing resistance of the ME-LWAs was improved, while their resistance to polishing was reduced. Thermal analysis of the encapsulated PCM determined it to possess excellent thermal stability and a heat storage capacity of 30.43 J/g. Based on the research findings, the inclusion of ME-LWAs in surface pavement layers could be considered a viable solution for the control of surface temperatures in cold climates. Road safety and maintenance could benefit in terms of reduced ice periods and reduced treatments with salts and other anti-ice solutions.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Cold-Rolled Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steel
Authors: Pan Zhiyi , Gao Bo , Lai Qingquan , Chen Xuefei , Cao Yang , Liu Manping , Zhou Hao
Published: August 2018

A new processing route to produce Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase steel has been proposed, involving cold-rolling and subsequent intercritical annealing of a fibrous ferrite–martensite starting structure. Ultrafine-grained DP (UFG-DP) steel with an average ferrite grain size of about ~2.7 μm and an average martensite island size of ~2.9 μm was achieved. Tensile testing revealed superior mechanical properties (the ultimate tensile strength of 1267 MPa and uniform elongation of 8.2%) for the new DP steel in comparison with the fibrous DP steels. The superior mechanical properties are attributed to the influence of microstructure refinement on the work-hardening and fracture behavior.
The Use of Microfluidic Technology for Cancer Applications and Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Kulasinghe Arutha , Wu Hanjie , Punyadeera Chamindie , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi
Published: August 2018

There is growing awareness for the need of early diagnostic tools to aid in point-of-care testing in cancer. Tumor biopsy remains the conventional means in which to sample a tumor and often presents with challenges and associated risks. Therefore, alternative sources of tumor biomarkers is needed. Liquid biopsy has gained attention due to its non-invasive sampling of tumor tissue and ability to serially assess disease via a simple blood draw over the course of treatment. Among the leading technologies developing liquid biopsy solutions, microfluidics has recently come to the fore. Microfluidic platforms offer cellular separation and analysis platforms that allow for high throughout, high sensitivity and specificity, low sample volumes and reagent costs and precise liquid controlling capabilities. These characteristics make microfluidic technology a promising tool in separating and analyzing circulating tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring. In this review, the characteristics of three kinds of circulating tumor markers will be described in the context of cancer, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). The review will focus on how the introduction of microfluidic technologies has improved the separation and analysis of these circulating tumor markers.
Antioxidant Potential of Hemp and Flax Fibers Depending on Their Chemical Composition
Authors: Zimniewska Malgorzata , Rozańska Wanda , Gryszczynska Agnieszka , Romanowska Barbara , Kicinska-Jakubowska Anna
Published: August 2018

Flax and hemp fibers are known as textile raw materials with pro-health properties. This paper presents results of research aimed at investigating the antioxidant activity of the fibers in order to explain a mechanism for the favorable influence of textiles made of these fibers when in contact with human skin. The study presents a new approach in evaluation of textile fibers in terms of their inherent pro-health properties. Antioxidant properties of flax and hemp fibers were tested with the use of FRAP and DPPH methods. The content of phenolic acids: syringic, sinapinic, p-coumaric and ferulic acid was determined with the use of HPLC. The results proved that the antioxidant activity of the tested fibers depends on a type and variety of fibrous plants, a method of fiber extraction and subsequent stages of preliminary processing of the fibers. Both decorticated flax and hemp fibers showed higher antioxidant activity in comparison to the fibers obtained with other extraction methods, while decorticated flax of different varieties presented the highest value of the FRAP. Wet methods of fiber extraction and processing caused reduction of phenolic acids content and significantly lower values of the FRAP and DPPH.
DPP-IV Inhibitory Potentials of Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from the Seeds of Lens culinaris: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Analyses
Authors: Kim Bo-Ram , Kim Hyo Young , Choi Inhee , Kim Jin-Baek , Jin Chang Hyun , Han Ah-Reum
Published: August 2018

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), a new target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, degrades incretins such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. DPP-IV inhibitors shorten the inactivation of GLP-1, permitting the incretin to stimulate insulin release, thereby combating hyperglycemia. In our ongoing search for new DPP-IV inhibitors from medicinal plants and foods, three flavonol glycosides (1–3) were isolated from the seeds of Lens culinaris Medikus (Fabaceae) and tested for their DPP-IV–inhibitory activity. We demonstrated for the first time, that compounds 1–3 inhibited DPP-IV activity in a concentration-dependent manner in our in vitro bioassay system. In addition, molecular docking experiments of compounds 1–3 within the binding pocket of DPP-IV were conducted. All investigated compounds readily fit within the active sites of DPP-IV, in low-energy conformations characterized by the flavone core structure having optimal electrostatic attractive interactions with the catalytic triad residues of DPP-IV.
Kinetic Resolution of Racemic 2-Hydroxyamides Using a Diphenylacetyl Component as an Acyl Source and a Chiral Acyl-Transfer Catalyst
Authors: Murata Takatsugu , Kawanishi Tatsuya , Sekiguchi Akihiro , Ishikawa Ryo , Ono Keisuke , Nakata Kenya , Shiina Isamu
Published: August 2018

Various optically active 2-hydroxyamide derivatives are produced based on the kinetic resolution of racemic 2-hydroxyamides with a diphenylacetyl component and (R)-benzotetramisole ((R)-BTM), a chiral acyl-transfer catalyst, via asymmetric esterification and acylation. It was revealed that a tertiary amide can be used with this novel protocol to achieve high selectivity (22 examples; s-value reaching over 250). The resulting chiral compounds could be transformed into other useful structures while maintaining their chirality.
Morusin Functions as a Lipogenesis Inhibitor as Well as a Lipolysis Stimulator in Differentiated 3T3-L1 and Primary Adipocytes
Authors: Lee Mi Rim , Kim Ji Eun , Choi Jun Young , Park Jin Ju , Kim Hye Ryeong , Song Bo Ram , Park Ji Won , Kang Mi Ju , Choi Young Whan , Kim Kyung Mi , Hwang Dae Youn
Published: August 2018

Conflicting results for morusin activity during adipogenic differentiation are reported in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and cancer cells. To elucidate the influence of morusin on fat metabolism, their anti-obesity effects and molecular mechanism were investigated in 3T3-L1 cells and primary adipocytes. Morusin at a dose of less than 20 µM does not induce any significant change in the viability of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 adipocytes stimulated with 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 1 µM dexamethasone, 10 µg/mL insulin in DMEM containing 10% FBS (MDI)-significantly reduces in a dose-dependent manner after morusin treatment. The phosphorylation level of members in the MAP kinase signaling pathway under the insulin receptor downstream also decrease significantly in the MDI + morusin-treated group compared to MDI + vehicle-treated group. Also, the expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ and C/EBPα) and lipogenic proteins (aP2 and FAS) are significantly attenuated by exposure to the compound in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, the decrease in the G0/G1 arrest of cell cycle after culturing in MDI medium was dramatically recovered after co-culturing in MDI + 20 µM morusin. Moreover, morusin treatment induces glycerol release in the primary adipocytes of SD rats and enhances lipolytic protein expression (HSL, ATGL, and perilipin) in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Overall, the results of the present study provide strong evidence that morusin inhibits adipogenesis by regulating the insulin receptor signaling, cell cycle and adipogenic protein expression as well as stimulating lipolysis by enhancing glycerol release and lipolytic proteins expression.
Narrative Review of New Methods for Assessing Food and Energy Intake
Authors: Archundia Herrera M. Carolina , Chan Catherine B.
Published: August 2018

Dietary self-report instruments are essential to nutritional analysis in dietetics practice and their use in research settings has facilitated numerous important discoveries related to nutrition, health and chronic diseases. An important example is obesity, for which measuring changes in energy intake is critical for assessing efficacy of dietary interventions. However, current methods, including counting calories, estimating portion size and using food labels to estimate human energy intake have considerable constraints; consequently, research on new methodologies/technologies has been encouraged to mitigate the present weaknesses. The use of technologies has prompted innovation in dietary analysis. In this review, the strengths and limitations of new approaches have been analyzed based on ease of use, practical limitations, and statistical evaluation of reliability and validity. Their utility is discussed through the lens of the 4Ms of Obesity Assessment and Management, which has been used to evaluate root causes of obesity and help select treatment options.
Impact of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Its Components on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Glucose Control, and Body Weight in People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Vitale Marilena , Masulli Maria , Calabrese Ilaria , Rivellese Angela , Bonora Enzo , Signorini Stefano , Perriello Gabriele , Squatrito Sebastiano , Buzzetti Raffaella , Sartore Giovanni , Babini Anna , Gregori Giovanna , Giordano Carla , Clemente Gennaro , Grioni Sara , Dolce Pasquale , Riccardi Gabriele , Vaccaro Olga ,   On behalf of the TOSCA.IT Study Group
Published: August 2018

This study evaluates the relation of a Mediterranean dietary pattern and its individual components with the cardiovascular risk factors profile, plasma glucose and body mass index (BMI) in people with type 2 diabetes. We studied 2568 participants at 57 diabetes clinics. Diet was assessed with the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) questionnaire, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with the relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED). A high compared to a low score was associated with a better quality of diet and a greater adherence to the nutritional recommendations for diabetes. However, even in the group achieving a high score, only a small proportion of participants met the recommendations for fiber and saturated fat (respectively 17% and 30%). Nonetheless, a high score was associated with lower values of plasma lipids, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and BMI. The relationship of the single food items components of the rMED score with the achievement of treatment targets for plasma lipids, blood pressure, glucose, and BMI were also explored. The study findings support the Mediterranean dietary model as a suitable model for type 2 diabetes and the concept that the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean diet lie primarily in its synergy among various nutrients and foods rather than on any individual component.
Synergistic Effects of Multiple Environmental Factors on Degradation of Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber Seals
Authors: Lou Weitao , Zhang Weifang , Jin Tingzhu , Liu Xuerong , Dai Wei
Published: August 2018

Degradation tests of hydrogenated nitrile rubber seals, often used as sealing components in hydraulic systems, were conducted under the free and compression state in air and hydraulic oil at three elevated temperatures for several days to investigate the synergistic effects among three factors. The crosslinking and chain scission reactions both occurred simultaneously at higher temperature during the degradation process, and crosslinking predominated for most cases. Additionally, the synergistic effect between compression stress and hydraulic oil further slowed the degradation rate by limiting oxygen access. However, the higher temperature and hydraulic oil both promoted the formation of oxidation products, whereas the compression stress restrained the formation of amide groups. The fracture morphology results show that the defects gradually formed on the fracture surface, especially for the uncompressed specimens. The increase of the compression set aged in air was more than that in hydraulic oil, implying the more serious degradation. Moreover, rubber seals under the synthetic effect of three environmental factors presented the minimum degradation level. The degradation of the compressed and uncompressed specimens exposed to hydraulic oil is more serious than that of specimens exposed to air.
A Robust Fabrication Method for Amphiphilic Janus Particles via Immobilization on Polycarbonate Microspheres
Authors: Mani Karthik Ananth , Yaakov Noga , Itzhaik Alkotzer Yafit , Zelikman Evgeni , Mechrez Guy
Published: August 2018

Immobilizing particles on beads, fibers, or filaments, when only one side is exposed to the reaction medium and therefore can be selectively functionalized, is a scalable and easy to control strategy for the fabrication of amphiphilic Janus particles. Here we describe a new, robust method for the fabrication of amphiphilic Janus particles based on immobilization of polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) particles on polycarbonate (PC), a high impact-resistance polymer with superior mechanical properties. The immobilization of the particles on the PC microspores is performed via inverse solvent displacement method. PMSQ particles are added to a PC solution in tetrahydrofuran (THF), a good solvent for PC. The solution is then precipitated by the introduction of aqueous surfactant solution (antisolvent for PC) under an ultrasonic field. It is important to note that THF and water are miscible and do not form emulsion. During precipitation, PMSQ particles are assembled onto the surface of the PC spherical precipitates/microspheres. The exposed hemispheres of the PMSQ particles are then selectively silanized by (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to introduce amine groups on their surface. To increase the polarity of the functionalized hemispheres, the amine groups are further modified to introduce carboxyl groups. SEM characterization confirms the fine embedment of PMSQ particles onto the PC microspheres. Covalent attachment of silica nanoparticles (NPs) to the functionalized hemispheres of the resulting particles along with fluorescent confocal microscopy conclusively prove the successful fabrication of amphiphilic Janus particles. The immobilization of particles onto highly rigid polymeric microspheres such as PC may pave the way for the development of a robust fabrication procedure with high resistance to temperature fluctuations and harsh mixing conditions that can arise during preparation. This method can be implemented toward a large variety of other synthetic commercial polymers such as polyamide, polyether sulfones, Polyether, ether ketone, or similar.
Coordinated Control Model of Main-Signal and Pre-Signal for Intersections with Dynamic Waiting Lanes
Authors: Zhao Chen , Chang Yulin , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2018

In order to alleviate the problem of the oversaturation of intersections, a traffic control method using a main-signal and pre-signals to periodically control the direction of dynamic waiting lanes was proposed in this paper. Based on the research on vehicle delay at intersections with dynamic waiting lanes and constraint relationships among a set of timing elements of the main-signal and pre-signal, a coordinated control model of a main-signal and pre-signal was built to minimize the average delay. Finally, a case study was performed to show that the proposed model is feasible. The objective optimization was performed by using a genetic algorithm to determine the main-signal and pre-signal timing scheme of the case study intersection, and then the average delay before and after installing dynamic waiting lanes was calculated and analyzed. The proposed method was found to be effective in reducing the intersection delay by 31.8% compared with the present situation of the intersection. Subsequently, the traffic volumes in the directions with dynamic waiting lanes installed were changed. It was demonstrated that with increasing traffic volumes, the effectiveness of the model to reduce intersection delay would be significant.
Dynamics and Functional Potential of Stormwater Microorganisms Colonizing Sand Filters
Authors: Fraser Andrea Naimah , Zhang Yue , Sakowski Eric Gregory , Preheim Sarah Pacocha
Published: August 2018

Stormwater management is increasingly relying on engineered infiltration systems (EIS) to reduce the volume and improve the quality of managed stormwater. Yet, EIS in the field will be colonized by a diverse array of environmental microorganisms that change the physiochemical properties of the EIS and provide a habitat for microorganisms with harmful or beneficial qualities. Understanding factors influencing the composition and stability of microbial communities could open up strategies for more efficient management of stormwater. Here, we analyzed the potential pathogenic and metabolic capabilities of stormwater microorganisms colonizing idealized EIS (i.e., sand columns) under laboratory conditions over time. The diversity of microbial communities was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and potential pathogens and denitrifying microbes were identified from taxonomic match to known species. Denitrification potential as determined by nosZ abundance was also assessed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction PCR. Our findings demonstrate that replicate microbial communities colonizing sand columns change in a similar way over time, distinct from control columns and the source community. Potential pathogens were initially more abundant on the columns than in the stormwater but returned to background levels by 24 days after inoculation. The conditions within sand columns select for potential denitrifying microorganisms, some of which were also potential pathogens. These results demonstrate that a diverse suite of stormwater microorganisms colonize sand filters, including a transient population of potential pathogens and denitrifiers. Manipulating the inoculating microbial community of EIS could prove an effective mechanism for changing both potential pathogens and denitrifying bacteria.
Effect of TSS Removal from Stormwater by Mixed Media Column on T-N, T-P, and Organic Material Removal
Authors: Kim Hoi Jin , Choi Jae-Woo , Kim Tae-Han , Park Jong-Sup , An Byungryul
Published: August 2018

The water quality of a waterbody influenced by stormwater runoff was tested in a lab-scale setting by filtration. The filtration bed was packed with two or three types of media, sand, bottom ash (BA), and woodchips (WC), and tested with three hydraulic conductivities (HCs). Five pollutants—namely, total suspended solids (TSS): BOD, COD, T-N, and T-P, were analyzed and compared. The application of sand-bottom ash (S-BA) and bottom ash-sand (BA-S) media types showed the highest removal efficiencies for TSS, BOD, COD, T-N, and T-P, respectively. Among the five pollutants, TSS achieved the highest removal efficiency for any of the filter media, which was up to 93% for the S-BA and decreased to 72% with an increase in HC, followed by T-P > BOD > COD = T-N. The maximum removal efficiency values of BOD and COD were obtained at 67% and 52%, respectively, indicating that BOD removal was always higher than COD removal. Due to the low C:N and high HC, biodegradation was disregarded during filtration. Based on the different removal forms of T-P compared with TSS, adsorption would be involved in the removal of dissolved T-P by BA.
The Warm Neptunes around HD 106315 Have Low Stellar Obliquities
Authors: Zhou George , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Vanderburg Andrew , Quinn Samuel N. , Irwin Jonathan , Huang Chelsea X. , Latham David W. , Bieryla Allyson , Esquerdo Gilbert A. , Berlind Perry , Calkins Michael L.
Published: August 2018

We present the obliquity of the warm Neptune HD 106315c measured via a series of spectroscopic transit observations. HD 106315c is a 4.4 R
Earth warm Neptune orbiting a moderately rotating late F star with a period of 21.05 days. HD 106315 also hosts a 2.5 R
Earth super-Earth on a 9.55 day orbit. Our Doppler tomographic analyses of four transits observed by the Magellan/MIKE, HARPS, and TRES facilities find HD 106315c to be in a low stellar obliquity orbit, consistent with being well aligned with the spin axis of the host star at

. We suggest, via dynamical N-body simulations, that the two planets in the system must be coplanar, and thus are both well aligned with the host star. HD 106315 is only the fourth warm Neptune system with obliquities measured. All warm Neptune systems have been found in well aligned geometries, consistent with the interpretation that these systems are formed in situ in the inner protoplanetary disk, and also consistent with the majority of Kepler multi-planet systems that are in low obliquity orbits. With a transit depth of 1.02 mmag, HD 106315c is among the smallest planets to have been detected in transit spectroscopy, and we discuss its detection in the context of TESS and the next generations of spectrographs.
Magnetic Waves Excited by Newborn Interstellar Pickup Ions Measured by the Voyager Spacecraft from 1 to 45 au. I. Wave Properties
Authors: Hollick Sophia J. , Smith Charles W. , Pine Zackary B. , Argall Matthew R. , Joyce Colin J. , Isenberg Philip A. , Vasquez Bernard J. , Schwadron Nathan A. , Sokół Justyna M. , Bzowski Maciej , Kubiak Marzena A.
Published: August 2018

We have surveyed the Voyager magnetic field data from launch through 1990 in search of low-frequency waves that are excited by newborn interstellar pickup ions (PUIs). During this time the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft reached 43.5 and 33.6 au, respectively. The use of daily spectrograms permits us to perform a thorough search of the data. We have identified 637 different data intervals that show evidence of waves excited by either pickup He+, H+, or both, and these intervals extend to the furthest distances in the years studied. To compare wave features against more typical interplanetary observations, we also employ 1675 data intervals spanning the same years that do not contain wave signatures and use these as control intervals. While the majority of wave events display the classic spectral characteristics of waves due to PUIs, including left-hand polarization in the spacecraft frame, a significant number of the events are right-hand polarized in the spacecraft frame. We have no complete explanation for this result, but we do show that right-handed waves are seen when the local magnetic field is nonradial.
The Importance of Quantum Pressure of Fuzzy Dark Matter on Lyα Forest
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Kuo Jui-Lin , Liu Hantao , Tsai Yue-Lin Sming , Cheung Kingman , Chu Ming-Chung
Published: August 2018

With recent Lyα forest data from BOSS and XQ-100, some studies suggested that the lower mass limit on the fuzzy dark matter (FDM) particles is lifted up to

. However, such a limit was obtained by ΛCDM simulations with the FDM initial condition and the quantum pressure (QP) was not taken into account, which could have generated non-trivial effects in large-scale structures. We investigate the QP effects in cosmological simulations systematically, and find that the QP leads to further suppression of the matter power spectrum at small scales, as well as the halo mass function in the low-mass end. We estimate the suppressing effect of QP in the 1D flux power spectrum of Lyα forest and compare it with data from BOSS and XQ-100. The rough uncertainties of thermal gas properties in the flux power spectrum model calculation were discussed. We conclude that more systematic studies, especially with QP taken into account, are necessary to constrain FDM particle mass using Lyα forest.
Sub-arcsecond Kinematic Structure of the Outflow in the Vicinity of the Protostar in L483
Authors: Oya Yoko , Sakai Nami , Watanabe Yoshimasa , López-Sepulcre Ana , Ceccarelli Cecilia , Lefloch Bertrand , Yamamoto and Satoshi
Published: August 2018

The bipolar outflow associated with the Class 0 low-mass protostellar source (IRAS 18148–0440) in L483 has been studied in the CCH and CS line emission at 245 and 262 GHz, respectively. Sub-arcsecond resolution observations of these lines have been conducted with ALMA. Structures and kinematics of the outflow cavity wall are investigated in the CS line, and are analyzed by using a parabolic model of an outflow. We constrain the inclination angle of the outflow to be from 75° to 90°, i.e., the outflow is blowing almost perpendicular to the line of sight. Comparing the outflow parameters derived from the model analysis with those of other sources, we confirm that the opening angle of the outflow and the gas velocity on its cavity wall correlate with the dynamical timescale of the outflows. Moreover, a hint of a rotating motion of the outflow cavity wall is found. Although the rotation motion is marginal, the specific angular momentum of the gas on the outflow cavity wall is evaluated to be comparable to or twice that of the infalling-rotating envelope of L483.
New Oe Stars in LAMOST DR5
Authors: Li 李 Guang-Wei 广伟 , Shi Jian-Rong , Yanny Brian , Bai Zhong-Rui , Yu Si-Cheng , Dong Yi-qiao , Lei Ya-Juan , Yuan Hai-Long , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yong-Heng
Published: August 2018

Stars of spectral type Oe are very rare. To date, only 13 Oe stars have been identified within our Galaxy. In this paper, we present six new Oe stars and four new B0e stars found in LAMOST DR5. Repeated spectral observations of the same Oe stars show some emission-line variability. The Hβ emission of TYC 4801-17-1 shows rapid V/R variation. Phase lags in the V/R ratio of TYC 4801-17-1 spectra are also seen. We found that the unusual O4.5 star RL 128 is an Oe star with variable Hα intensity and its Ca ii triplet emission appears when Hα emission reaches maximum intensity. These newly identified early-type Oe and B0e stars significantly increase the known sample.
Black Hole and Neutron Star Binary Mergers in Triple Systems: Merger Fraction and Spin–Orbit Misalignment
Authors: Liu Bin , Lai Dong
Published: August 2018

Black hole (BH) mergers driven by gravitational perturbations of external companions constitute an important class of formation channels for merging BH binaries detected by LIGO. We have studied the orbital and spin evolution of binary BHs in triple systems, where the tertiary companion excites large eccentricity in the inner binary through Lidov–Kozai oscillations, causing the binary to merge via gravitational radiation. Using the single-averaged and double-averaged secular dynamics of triples (where the equations of motion are averaged over the inner orbit and both orbits, respectively), we perform a large set of numerical integrations to determine the merger window (the range of companion inclinations that allows the inner binary to merge within ∼10 Gyr) and the merger fraction as a function of various system parameters (e.g., the binary masses m
1, m
2 and initial semimajor axis a
0, the mass, semimajor axis, and eccentricity

of the outer companion). For typical BH binaries (

and a
0 ≳ 10 au), the merger fraction increases rapidly with e
out because of the octupole perturbation, ranging from ∼1% at

to 10%–20% at e
out = 0.9. We derive analytical expressions and approximate scaling relations for the merger window and merger fraction for systems with negligible octupole effect, and apply them to neutron star binary mergers in triples. We also follow the spin evolution of the BHs during the companion-induced orbital decay, where de Sitter spin precession competes with Lidov–Kozai orbital precession/nutation. Starting from aligned spin axes (relative to the orbital angular momentum axis), a wide range of final spin–orbit misalignment angle θ
sl
f can be generated when the binary enters the LIGO sensitivity band. For systems where the octupole effect is small (such as those with m
1 ≃ m
2 or e
out ∼ 0), the distribution of

peaks around 90°. As the octupole effect increases, a more isotropic distribution of final spin axis is produced. Overall, merging BH binaries produced by Lidov–Kozai oscillations in triples exhibit a unique distribution of the effective (mass-weighted) spin parameter χ
eff; this may be used to distinguish this formation channel from other dynamical channels.
Age Determinations of the Hyades, Praesepe, and Pleiades via MESA Models with Rotation
Authors: Gossage Seth , Conroy Charlie , Dotter Aaron , Choi Jieun , Rosenfield Philip , Cargile Philip , Dolphin Andrew
Published: August 2018

The Hyades, Praesepe, and Pleiades are well-studied stellar clusters that anchor important secondary stellar age indicators. Recent studies have shown that main sequence turn off based ages for these clusters may depend on the degree of rotation in the underlying stellar models. Rotation induces structural instabilities that can enhance the chemical mixing of a star, extending its fuel supply. In addition, rotation introduces a modulation of the star’s observed magnitude and color due to the effects of gravity darkening. We aim to investigate the extent to which stellar rotation affects the age determination of star clusters. We utilize the MESA stellar evolution code to create models that cover a range of rotation rates corresponding to Ω/Ωc = 0.0–0.6 in 0.1 dex steps, allowing the assessment of variations in this dimension. The statistical analysis package, MATCH, is employed to derive ages and metallicities by fitting our MESA models to Tycho B

T
, V

T
, and 2MASS J, K

s
color–magnitude diagrams. We find that the derived ages are relatively insensitive to the effects of rotation. For the Hyades, Praesepe, and Pleiades clusters, we derive ages based on synthetic populations that model a distribution of rotation rates or a fixed rate. Across each case, the derived ages tend to agree roughly within errors, near 680, 590, and 110–160 Myr for the Hyades, Praesepe, and Pleiades clusters, respectively. These ages are in agreement with Li depletion boundary-based ages and previous analyses that used nonrotating isochrones. Our methods do not provide a strong constraint on the metallicities of these clusters.
A Coincidence Search for Cosmic Neutrino and Gamma-Ray Emitting Sources Using IceCube and Fermi-LAT Public Data
Authors: Turley C. F. , Fox D. B. , Keivani A. , DeLaunay J. J. , Cowen D. F. , Mostafá M. , Solares H. A. Ayala , Murase K.
Published: August 2018

We present results of an archival coincidence analysis between Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) gamma-ray data and public neutrino data from the IceCube neutrino observatory’s 40-string (IC 40) and 59-string (IC 59) observing runs. Our analysis has the potential to detect either a statistical excess of neutrino + gamma-ray (ν + γ) emitting transients or, alternatively, individual high gamma-multiplicity events, as might be produced by a neutrino observed by IceCube coinciding with a LAT-detected gamma-ray burst. Dividing the neutrino data into three data sets by hemisphere (IC 40, IC 59-North, and IC 59-South), we construct uncorrelated null distributions by Monte Carlo scrambling of the neutrino data sets. We carry out signal-injection studies against these null distributions, demonstrating sensitivity to individual ν + γ events of sufficient gamma-ray multiplicity, and to ν + γ transient populations responsible for >13% (IC 40), >9% (IC 59-North), or >8% (IC 59-South) of the gamma-coincident neutrinos observed in these data sets, respectively. Analyzing the unscrambled neutrino data, we identify no individual high-significance neutrino + high gamma-multiplicity events and no significant deviations from the test statistic null distributions. However, we observe a similar and unexpected pattern in the IC 59-North and IC 59-South residual distributions that we conclude reflects a possible correlation (p = 7.0%) between IC 59 neutrino positions and persistently bright portions of the Fermi gamma-ray sky. This possible correlation should be readily testable using eight years of further data already collected by IceCube. We are currently working with Astrophysical Multimessenger Observatory Network (AMON) partner facilities to generate low-latency ν + γ alerts from Fermi-LAT gamma-ray and IceCube and ANTARES neutrino data and distribute these in real time to AMON follow-up partners.
Magnetic Waves Excited by Newborn Interstellar Pickup Ions Measured by the Voyager Spacecraft from 1 to 45 au. III. Observation Times
Authors: Hollick Sophia J. , Smith Charles W. , Pine Zackary B. , Argall Matthew R. , Joyce Colin J. , Isenberg Philip A. , Vasquez Bernard J. , Schwadron Nathan A. , Sokół Justyna M. , Bzowski Maciej , Kubiak Marzena A.
Published: August 2018

In our companion papers we analyze 637 intervals of magnetic wave activity observed by the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft from its launch in 1977 through the end of 1990. We argue that these waves originate from cyclotron resonance with newborn interstellar pickup He+ and H+. As the list of wave events is long and potentially useful to other researchers, we take this opportunity to list the times of those wave events here, along with their heliocentric location, ellipticity (often referred to as polarization), and whether thermal ion data is available from the PLS instrument. A brief overview of the analysis contained within the companion papers is also provided.