bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of an Improved Material-Drilling Power Model to Support Energy Management of Drilling Processes
Authors: Jia Shun , Yuan Qingwen , Cai Wei , Yuan Qinghe , Liu Conghu , Lv Jingxiang , Zhang Zhongwei
Published: August 2018

Drilling processes, as some of the most widely used machining processes in the manufacturing industry, play an important role in manufacturing process energy-saving programs. However, research focus on energy modeling of drilling processes, especially for the modeling of material-drilling power, are really scarce. To bridge this gap, an improved material-drilling power model is proposed in this paper. The obtained material-drilling power model can improve the accuracy of the material-drilling power and lay a good foundation for energy modeling and optimization of drilling processes. Finally, experimental studies were carried out on an XHK-714F CNC machining center (Hangzhou HangJi Machine Tool Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China) and a JTVM6540 CNC milling machine (Jinan Third Machine Tool Co., Ltd., Jinan, China). The results showed that predictive accuracies with the proposed model are generally higher than 96% for all the test cases.
Effect of Sodium Chloride and Thiourea on Pollutant Formation during Combustion of Plastics
Authors: Iñiguez María , Conesa Juan , Fullana Andrés
Published: August 2018

Thermal decomposition of different samples containing a mixture of plastics (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon) combined with NaCl and metal oxides (Fe2O3, CuO) was studied under an air atmosphere at 850 °C using a reactor, followed by analysis of the evolved products. Combustion runs were performed to study how the presence of such compounds influences the production of pollutants. Here, we report the analyses of the emissions of the main gases, as well as volatiles and semivolatiles, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated benzenes and phenols, and polybrominated phenols. Results show that the production of chlorinated pollutants did not increase in the presence of NaCl, but the presence of other metals during the decomposition led to the production of a great amount of pollutants. In this regard, the emission of chlorinated phenols increased from 110 to ca. 250 mg/kg when the sample included a small quantity of a transition metal oxide. Additionally, the presence of an inhibitor—thiourea (TUA)—was tested. Results confirm that adding TUA to the sample reduced these emissions to a considerable extent, with the emission of chlorinated phenols amounting to 65 mg/kg.
Energy-Efficient Clusters for Object Tracking Networks
Authors: Fan Yang-Hsin
Published: August 2018

Smart cities have hundreds of thousands of devices for tracking data on crime, the environment, and traffic (such as data collected at crossroads and on streets). This results in higher energy usage, as they are recording information persistently and simultaneously. Moreover, a single object tracking device, on a corner at an intersection for example has a limited scope of view, so more object tracking devices are added to broaden the view. As an increasing number of object tracking devices are constructed on streets, their efficient energy consumption becomes a significant issue. This work is concerned with decreasing the energy required to power these systems, and proposes energy-efficient clusters (EECs) of object tracking systems to achieve energy savings. First, we analyze a current object tracking system to establish an equivalent model. Second, we arrange the object tracking system in a cluster structure, which facilitates the evaluation of energy costs. Third, the energy consumption is assessed as either dynamic or static, which is a more accurate system for determining energy consumption. Fourth, we analyze all possible scenarios of the object’s location and the resulting energy consumption, and derive a number of formulas for the fast computation of energy consumption. Finally, the simulation results are reported. These results show the proposed EEC is an effective way to save energy, compared with the energy consumption benchmarks of current technology.
The Synergies of Shared Autonomous Electric Vehicles with Renewable Energy in a Virtual Power Plant and Microgrid
Authors: Iacobucci Riccardo , McLellan Benjamin , Tezuka Tetsuo
Published: August 2018

The introduction of shared autonomous electric vehicles (SAEVs), expected within the next decade, can transform the car into a service, accelerate electrification of the transport sector, and allow for large scale control of electric vehicle charging. In this work, we investigate the potential for this system to provide aggregated storage when combined with intermittent renewable energy sources. We develop a simulation methodology for the optimization of vehicle charging in the context of a virtual power plant or microgrid, with and without grid connection or distributed dispatchable generators. The model considers aggregate storage availability from vehicles based on transport patterns taking into account the necessary vehicle redistribution. We investigate the case of a grid-connected VPP with rooftop solar and the case of a isolated microgrid with solar, wind, and dispatchable generation. We conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to study the effect of several parameters on the results for both cases.
An Experimental Investigation of Thermal Characteristics of Phase Change Material Applied to Improve the Isothermal Operation of a Refrigerator
Authors: Lee Seok-Joon , Park Seul-Hyun
Published: August 2018

We investigated the thermal performance of a refrigerator with a functional duct unit (FDU) which was charged with a phase change material (PCM) and designed to replace the existing expandable polystyrene (EPS) duct unit. Since the performance of the FDU is dependent upon the thermal characteristics of the PCM, the eutectic water–salt solution as the PCM was prepared and tested to optimize the thermal characteristics. The thermal properties of the PCM were examined by the T-history method. When the PCM contained 1 wt.% eutectic molten salt compounds, the phase change temperature was approximately −0.5 °C, the supercooling temperature was approximately −2.9 °C, and the latent heat was 304.9 kJ/kg. Compared with other PCMs of different eutectic molten salt concentrations, this PCM was found to have the most appropriate thermal properties for the FDU. Therefore, the PCM with 1 wt.% eutectic molten salt compounds was used in the FDU, which was installed in a 200 L top-mounted freezer (TMF). For a quantitative comparison of the operational performance, an FDU and an EPS duct were installed alternately in a refrigerator operated under the same conditions and analyzed in terms of internal temperature variation and operational characteristics. When the EPS duct was replaced by the FDU, the temperature deviation measured during a defrosting operation was observed to become smaller. Moreover, during a power outage, the refrigerator with the FDU released heat owing to the phase change of the PCM, thereby preventing temperature rise inside the refrigerator.
Analysis of the Variability of Wave Energy Due to Climate Changes on the Example of the Black Sea
Authors: Saprykina Yana , Kuznetsov Sergey
Published: August 2018

An analysis of the variability of wave climate and energy within the Black Sea for the period 1960–2011 was made using field data from the Voluntary Observing Ship Program. Methods using wavelet analysis were applied. It was determined that the power flux of wave energy in the Black Sea fluctuates: the highest value is 4.2 kW/m, the lowest is 1.4 kW/m. Results indicate significant correlations among the fluctuations of the average annual wave heights, periods, the power flux of wave energy, and teleconnection patterns of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR). It was revealed that, in positive phases of long-term periods of AMO (50–60 years) as well as PDO, NAO, and AO (40 years), a decrease of wave energy was observed; however, an increase in wave energy was observed in the positive phase of a 15-year period of NAO and AO. The positive phase of changes of EA/WR for periods 50–60, 20–25, and 13 years led to an increase of wave energy. The approximation functions of the oscillations of the average annual wave heights, periods, and the power flux of wave energy for the Black Sea are proposed.
Prospecting for Oleaginous and Robust Chlorella spp. for Coal-Fired Flue-Gas-Mediated Biodiesel Production
Authors: Kim Bohwa , Praveenkumar Ramasamy , Choi Eunji , Lee Kyubock , Jeon Sang Goo , Oh You-Kwan
Published: August 2018

Prospecting for robust and high-productivity strains is a strategically important step in the microalgal biodiesel process. In this study, 30 local strains of Chlorella were evaluated in photobioreactors for biodiesel production using coal-fired flue-gas. Three strains (M082, M134, and KR-1) were sequentially selected based on cell growth, lipid content, and fatty acid composition under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. Under autotrophic conditions, M082 and M134 showed comparable lipid contents (ca. 230 mg FAME [fatty acid methyl esters derived from microalgal lipids]/g cell) and productivities (ca. 40 mg FAME/L·d) versus a reference strain (KR-1) outdoors with actual flue-gas (CO2, 13%). Interestingly, under mixotrophic conditions, M082 demonstrated, along with maximal lipid content (397 mg FAME/g cell), good tolerance to high temperature (40 °C). Furthermore, the fatty acid methyl esters met important international standards under all of the tested culture conditions. Thus, it was concluded that M082 can be a feedstock of choice for coal-fired, flue-gas-mediated biodiesel production.
Spatial Variation in Canopy Structure across Forest Landscapes
Authors: Hardiman Brady S. , LaRue Elizabeth A. , Atkins Jeff W. , Fahey Robert T. , Wagner Franklin W. , Gough Christopher M.
Published: August 2018

Forest canopy structure (CS) controls many ecosystem functions and is highly variable across landscapes, but the magnitude and scale of this variation is not well understood. We used a portable canopy LiDAR system to characterize variation in five categories of CS along N = 3 transects (140–800 m long) at each of six forested landscapes within the eastern USA. The cumulative coefficient of variation was calculated for subsegments of each transect to determine the point of stability for individual CS metrics. We then quantified the scale at which CS is autocorrelated using Moran’s I in an Incremental Autocorrelation analysis. All CS metrics reached stable values within 300 m but varied substantially within and among forested landscapes. A stable point of 300 m for CS metrics corresponds with the spatial extent that many ecosystem functions are measured and modeled. Additionally, CS metrics were spatially autocorrelated at 40 to 88 m, suggesting that patch scale disturbance or environmental factors drive these patterns. Our study shows CS is heterogeneous across temperate forest landscapes at the scale of 10 s of meters, requiring a resolution of this size for upscaling CS with remote sensing to large spatial scales.
Should I Stay or Go: Rural Ageing, a Time for Reflection
Authors: Anderson Emily M. , Larkins Sarah , Beaney Sarah , Ray Robin A.
Published: August 2018

(1) Background: Studies have shown that older people prefer to continue living in their own home and community as they age; however this is dependent upon available services and social support. In Australia about two thirds of people will age at home. The Australian Government provides home care packages to support ageing in place yet in rural areas not all services are available. The lack of employment opportunities in rural areas often results in family residing at a distance reducing available social support. This study aims to evaluate informal social support and its influence on ageing in place amongst older people in three Australian rural communities in Australia. (2) Methods: A multiple embedded case study was undertaken in three diverse rural communities. Eleven older rural residents ageing in place aged 65+ were interviewed about their ageing experience and plans for their future in the light of available social support along with 15 members of their social networks. Social networks were then visually depicted with the use of ecomaps and network members were interviewed. (3) Results show that kin and non-kin social networks support ageing in place however ageing is a time of change and reflection. (4) Conclusions: There is a need for more discussion within these networks when it comes to future planning.
Home- and Car-Based Rules in Foster Care Settings to Reduce Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Before and after Romanian National Clean Air Legislation
Authors: Foley Kristie , Ferencz Lorand , Meghea Cristian , Abram Zoltan , Pénzes Melinda , Fogarasi-Grenczer Andrea , Balazs Peter , Schmidt Lorand
Published: August 2018

Background: To evaluate changes in smoke free rules in the foster care system after the implementation of the Romanian national clean air law. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire among foster care employees (n = 599) was conducted in 58 foster care homes during 2014 (n = 295) and 51 homes during 2016 (n = 304). We estimated the absolute difference in the proportion of employees who stated that smoke free rules existed before and after national clean air legislation. Results: There was an absolute increase in 4 of 5 smoke free measures after the law: bans on non-cigarette tobacco products (n = 169 to 206, +10.6%), non-smoking on premises for adults (n = 142 to 202, +18.3%), and for children (n = 201 to 239, +10.3%), and no smoking in cars to transport children (n = 194 to 227, +9%). There was a significant increase in the perception of outdoor bans that prohibit employees from smoking on foster care home premises (AOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.14–4.38). The increase in the perception of indoor smoking bans did not change. Conclusion: The national law may have had a spillover influence by strengthening smoke free rules in unregulated spaces. Nonetheless, foster care home rules could be further enhanced, particularly in cars that transport children.
Ecological Public Health and Participatory Planning and Assessment Dilemmas: The Case of Water Resources Management
Authors: Volenzo Tom Elijah , Odiyo John
Published: August 2018

Water is a key driver for socio-economic development, livelihoods and ecosystem integrity. This is reflected in the emergence of unified paradigms such as Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and the weight accorded to it in the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. This paper interrogated the effectiveness of existing participatory planning and assessment models adapted from IWRM model on water quality and public health at community level. The analysis was built around public health ecology perspective and drew useful lessons from critique of basin wide integrated Modeling approaches and existing community participatory models envisaged under Water Users Associations (WUA) in South Africa. We extended the use of political ecology lenses to ecological public health through use of communication for development approaches, to argue that public health risk reduction and resilience building in community water projects require the use of innovative analytical and conceptual lenses that unbundle cognitive biases and failures, as well as, integrate and transform individual and collective agency. The study concludes that the inherent “passive participation” adapted from IWRM model fail to adequately address water quality and public health dimensions in its pillars. Since water quality has direct bearing on disaster risks in public health, building a coherent mitigatory vision requires the adoption of active participatory assessment and planning models that incorporate livelihoods, agency, social learning dynamics and resilience through recognition of communication for development approaches in community empowerment.
Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Child Cognitive, Behavioral, and Motor Development
Authors: Gibson Elizabeth A. , Siegel Eva Laura , Eniola Folake , Herbstman Julie Beth , Factor-Litvak Pam
Published: August 2018

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) flame retardants are environmental chemicals that cross the placenta during pregnancy and have shown evidence of neurotoxicity. As the in utero period is a sensitive developmental window, such exposure may result in adverse childhood outcomes. Associations between in utero PBDE exposure and neurodevelopment are found in animal models and increasingly in human population studies. Here, we review the epidemiological evidence of the association between prenatal exposure to PBDEs and motor, cognitive, and behavioral development in infants and children. Published work suggests a negative association between PBDE concentrations and neurodevelopment despite varying PBDE congeners measured, bio-specimen matrix used, timing of the biological sampling, geographic location of study population, specific developmental tests used, age of children at time of testing, and statistical methodologies. This review includes 16 published studies that measured PBDE exposure in maternal blood during pregnancy or in cord blood at delivery and performed validated motor, cognitive, and/or behavioral testing at one or more time during childhood. We evaluate possible mediation through PBDE-induced perturbations in thyroid function and effect measure modification by child sex. While the majority of studies support an adverse association between PBDEs and neurodevelopment, additional research is required to understand the mechanism of action, possibly through the perturbations in thyroid function either in the pregnant woman or in the child, and the role of biologically relevant effect modifiers such as sex.
Clients’ Experience and Satisfaction of Utilizing Healthcare Services in a Community Based Health Insurance Program in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Abdur Razzaque , Sultana Marufa , Ahmed Sayem , Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Morton Alec , Khan Jahangir A.M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Community-based health insurance is recognized as a promising tool for health system improvement for low-income people that improves the health status of enrolees and enhances productivity and labor supply. The experience and opinion of the clients who utilized health services through the insurance scheme are important for improving healthcare services, shaping health policies and providing feedback on the quality, availability, and responsiveness of healthcare services. However, studies focusing on clients’ satisfaction provided by the health insurance scheme are still limited globally. Objective: To address this knowledge gap, this current study attempted to measure the degree of clients’ satisfaction towards healthcare services and insurance scheme, based on their experience of health care which will serve the future reference point to implement potential quality improvement initiatives of community-based health insurance program. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted within the catchment area of a community-based health insurance pilot program named Labor Association for Social Protection (LASP) during April–June 2014 to compare the evaluation of healthcare services provided by LASP scheme. In the descriptive analyses, the characteristics of the study participants were presented regarding frequency and the percentages with 95% confidence interval. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted between the satisfaction score of each indicator and overall satisfaction score; multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with overall health scheme satisfaction. Results: The overall satisfaction mean score was 4.17 ± 0.04 (95% CI: 4.08–4.26) out of 5.00. The most satisfied domains were related to the diagnostic services (4.46 ± 0.98), explanation about the prescribed medicine (4.23 ± 0.81), the surrounding environment of healthcare facility (4.21 ± 0.70) and the behavior of health personnel toward clients (4.18 ± 0.73). Conclusions: Our study observed that the overall satisfaction level towards health services is quite favorable, but satisfaction scores can still be improved. These findings could contribute towards developing and designing the healthcare services packages of community-based health scheme which is in line with the health care financing strategy of Bangladesh as well as the recommendation of the World Health Organization for developing social health insurance as part of path to Universal Health Coverage.
Relationships of Lower Lung Fibrosis, Pleural Disease, and Lung Mass with Occupational, Household, Neighborhood, and Slate Roof-Dense Area Residential Asbestos Exposure
Authors: Kang Dongmug , Kim Yu-Young , Shin Minseung , Lee Min-Su , Bae Hee-Joo , Kim Se-Yeong , Kim Young-Ki
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between various asbestos exposure routes and asbestos-related disorders (ARDs). The study population comprised 11,186 residents of a metropolitan city who lived near asbestos factories, shipyards, or in slate roof-dense areas. ARDs were determined from chest X-rays indicating lower lung fibrosis (LFF), pleural disease (PD), and lung masses (LMs). Of the subjects, 11.2%, 10.4%, 67.2% and 8.3% were exposed to asbestos via occupational, household, neighborhood, and slate roof routes, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of PD from household exposure (i.e., living with asbestos-producing workers) was 1.9 (95% confidence interval: 0.9–4.2), and those of LLF and PD from neighborhood exposure, or residing near asbestos factories) for <19 or >20 years, or near a mine, were 4.1 (2.8–5.8) and 4.8 (3.4–6.7), 8.3 (5.5–12.3) and 8.0 (5.5–11.6), and 4.8 (2.7–8.5) and 9.0 (5.6–14.4), respectively. The ORs of LLF, PD, and LM among those residing in slate-dense areas were 5.5 (3.3–9.0), 8.8 (5.6–13.8), and 20.5 (10.4–40.4), respectively. Substantial proportions of citizens residing in industrialized cities have potentially been exposed to asbestos, and various exposure routes are associated with the development of ARDs. Given the limitations of this study, including potential confounders such as socioeconomic status, further research is needed.
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Pesticide Exposure in Male Coffee Farmworkers of the Jarabacoa Region, Dominican Republic
Authors: Hutter Hans-Peter , Khan Abdul Wali , Lemmerer Kathrin , Wallner Peter , Kundi Michael , Moshammer Hanns
Published: August 2018

Intensive agrochemical use in coffee production in the Global South has been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of pesticide exposure in male farmworkers in the Dominican Republic comparing conventional farming using pesticides to organic farming. Furthermore, feasibility of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCA) for field studies under difficult local conditions was tested. In a cross-sectional field study, pesticide exposed (sprayers) and non-exposed male workers on coffee plantations were interviewed about exposure history, and pesticide application practices. Buccal cells were sampled, and BMCA was applied to assess potential effects on cell integrity. In total, 38 pesticide-exposed and 33 non-exposed workers participated. Eighty-four and 87%, respectively, of the pesticide-exposed respondents did not use masks or gloves at all. All biomarkers from the BMCA were significantly more frequent among exposed workers—odds ratio for micronucleated cells: 3.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–7.4) or karyolysis: 1.3 (1.1–1.5). Buccal cells as sensitive markers of toxic oral or respiratory exposures proved feasible for challenging field studies. Our findings indicate that the impact of pesticide use is not restricted to acute effects on health and wellbeing, but also points to long-term health risks. Therefore, occupational safety measures including training and protective clothing are needed, as well as encouragement towards minimal application of pesticides and more widespread use of organic farming.
Aircraft Noise and Psychological Ill-Health: The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in France
Authors: Baudin Clémence , Lefèvre Marie , Champelovier Patricia , Lambert Jacques , Laumon Bernard , Evrard Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2018

Background: The effects of aircraft noise on psychological ill-health have not been largely investigated and remain to be discussed. No study has been performed in France on the health effects of aircraft noise. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between aircraft noise in dB and in terms of annoyance and psychological ill-health in populations living near airports in France. Methods: A total of 1244 individuals older than 18 and living near three French airports (Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Lyon–Saint-Exupéry and Toulouse–Blagnac) were randomly selected to participate in the study. Information about their personal medical history and socioeconomic and lifestyle factors was collected by means of a face-to-face questionnaire performed at their place of residence by an interviewer. Psychological ill-health was evaluated with the 12-item version of the General Heath Questionnaire (GHQ-12). For each participant, outdoor aircraft noise exposure in dB was estimated by linking their home address to noise maps. Objective noise exposure in dB was considered to be the primary exposure of interest. Four noise indicators referring to three different periods of the day were derived and used for the statistical analyses: Lden, LAeq,24hr, LAeq,6hr–22hr, and Lnight. Noise annoyance and noise sensitivity were the secondary risk factors of interest. Logistic regression models were used with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The participation rate in the study was 30%. Approximately 22% of the participants were considered to have psychological ill-health according to the GHQ-12. No direct association was found between exposure to aircraft noise in dB and psychological ill-health. However, annoyance due to aircraft noise and noise sensitivity were both significantly associated with psychological ill-health. Moreover, a gradient was evidenced between annoyance and psychological ill-health, with increasing ORs from 1.79 (95% CI 1.06–3.03) for people who were not all annoyed to 4.00 (95% CI 1.67–9.55) for extremely annoyed people.Conclusions: These findings confirm the results of previous studies, suggesting there is no direct association between aircraft noise exposure in dB and psychological ill-health, but there is a significant relationship between noise sensitivity or annoyance due to aircraft noise and psychological ill-health. This supports the hypothesis that psychological aspects, such as noise annoyance and noise sensitivity, play important roles in the association between environmental noise and adverse effects on health. However, further studies are necessary in order to better understand the links between these variables.
Physicians’ Workloads in China: 1998–2016
Authors: Fu Yanhong , Schwebel David C. , Hu Guoqing
Published: August 2018

Background: Physicians play a primary role in patients’ health. Heavy workloads can threaten the health of physicians and their patients. This study examined workload changes among physicians in Chinese health institutions from 1998–2016. Methods: This study examined data from the online China Statistical Yearbook of 1999–2017, which is released annually by the National Bureau of Statistics of the People’s Republic of China. Three relevant and available indicators were retrieved: (1) number of physicians, (2) number of patient visits and (3) number of inpatient admissions. Patient visits per physician and inpatient admissions per physician from 1998–2016 were calculated to approximate physician workloads in Chinese health institutions. Results: Between 1998 and 2016, patient visits per physician in China increased by 135% and inpatient admissions per physician rose by 184%. Both indicators demonstrate a stabilizing trend in the most recent five years, including a slight decrease (7%) in patient visits per physician since 2012. Conclusions: Physician workload increased dramatically for Chinese physicians from 1998–2016, a trend that could potentially threaten physicians’ health and the quality of patient care. The findings highlight the importance of interventions and efforts to relieve physician workloads in China.
Decision Analysis of Disturbance Management in the Process of Medical Supplies Transportation after Natural Disasters
Authors: Shi Yuhe , He Zhenggang
Published: August 2018

Public health emergencies, such as casualties and epidemic spread caused by natural disasters, have become important factors that seriously affect social development. Special medical supplies, such as blood and vaccines, are important public health medical resources, and the cold-chain distribution of medical supplies is in a highly unstable environment after a natural disaster that is easily affected by disturbance events. This paper innovatively studies the distribution optimization of medical supplies after natural disasters from the perspective of disturbance management. A disturbance management model for medical supplies distribution is established from two dimensions: time and cost. In addition, a hybrid genetic algorithm is introduced to solve the model. Disturbance recovery schemes with different weight coefficients are obtained through the actual numerical experiments, and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. Finally, we discuss the formulation of weight coefficients in the case of emergency distribution and general distribution, which provide a reference for emergency decisions in disturbance events.
Effects of Highway-Related Pollutant on the Groundwater Quality of Turfy Swamps in the Changbai Mountain Area
Authors: Wang Hong , Nie Lei , Xu Yan , Du Chao , Zhang Tao , Wang Yuzheng
Published: August 2018

Transportation activities such as fuel consumption, vehicle wear and road deicing can detrimentally affect the groundwater quality of fragile roadside wetland environments including. Nineteen parameters (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg, As, pH, TDS, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, NO3− and F−) were determined in groundwater samples from turfy swamps impacted by highway traffic from Jiangyuan (JY), Longquan (LQ), and Huangsongdian (HSD). Our results indicate that the metals Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, the ions Na+, K+ and Cl− in groundwater were negatively affected by highway transportation, and the maximum affected distance of these pollutants varied from 15 to 100 m. The content of most of these pollutants in roadside groundwater decreased exponentially with the distance from the highway, as did the heavy metal pollution index HPI and Cd. The values of HPI and Cd in these three sites ranged from 46.8 to 78.4 and −4.9 to −2.9, respectively. The low pollution levels of heavy metals are related to the strong adsorption capacity of turfy soil towards metals. In any case, road transport activities increased the Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Na+, K+ and Cl− content in roadside groundwater in turfy swamp. With the increase of highway operation time, it will inevitably have a great influence on the groundwater quality of these wetlands. Therefore, the long-term monitoring is necessary to protect the sustainable development of turfy swamp.
Sepiolite-Based Adsorbents for the Removal of Potentially Toxic Elements from Water: A Strategic Review for the Case of Environmental Contamination in Hunan, China
Authors: Wang Zhenghua , Liao Lina , Hursthouse Andrew , Song Na , Ren Bozhi
Published: August 2018

The last few decades have seen rapid industrialization and urban development in many regions globally; with associated pollution by potentially toxic elements; which have become a threat to human health and the food chain. This is particularly prevalent in a number of regions in China that host multiple mineral resources and are important agricultural locations. Solutions to protect contamination of the food chain are more effective and sustainable if locally sourced materials are available; and in this context; we review the potential of local (sepiolite) mineral deposits to treat water contamination in the Hunan Municipality; central south China; widely recognized for significant environmental pollution issues (particularly by Hg; Cd; Pb; and Cr) and the high agricultural productivity of the region. Sepiolite is an abundant fibrous clay mineral with modest to good adsorption properties and extensive industrial process applications. It shows reasonable performance as an adsorbent for element removal. In addition; a number of surface modification strategies are available that improve this capability. We review these studies; focused on sorption reaction mechanisms and regeneration potential; with a view to present options for a localized and effective economic strategy for future application.
Fabrication of Surfactant-Enhanced Metal Oxides Catalyst for Catalytic Ozonation Ammonia in Water
Authors: Liu Chen , Chen Yunnen , Guo Lin , Li Chang
Published: August 2018

The new surfactant-enhanced metal oxides composite catalysts have been prepared using solid state method and characterized by the N2-adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Catalytic activity of the synthesized powders has been investigated in the liquid-phase catalytic ozonation ammonia nitrogen (NH4+) (50 mg/L). Especially, the effect of parameters such as optimum molar ratio for metal salt, NaOH and surfactants, temperature, and time of calcinations was also considered. Leveraging both high catalytic activity in NH4+ degradation and more harmless selectivity for gaseous nitrogen, the CTAB/NiO catalyst is the best among 24 tested catalysts, which was generated by calcining NiCl2·6H2O, NaOH, and CTAB under the molar ratio 1:2.1:0.155 at 300 °C for 2 h. With CTAB/NiO, NH4+ removal rate was 95.93% and gaseous nitrogen selectivity was 80.98%, under the conditions of a pH of 9, ozone flow of 12 mg/min, dosage of catalyst 1.0 g/L, reaction time 120 min, and magnetic stirring speed 600 r/min in room temperature.
Investigations of the Copper Peptide Hepcidin-25 by LC-MS/MS and NMR
Authors: Abbas Ioana , Vranic Marija , Hoffmann Holger , El-Khatib Ahmed , Montes-Bayón María , Möller Heiko , Weller Michael
Published: August 2018

Hepcidin-25 was identified as the main iron regulator in the human body, and it by binds to the sole iron-exporter ferroportin. Studies showed that the N-terminus of hepcidin is responsible for this interaction, the same N-terminus that encompasses a small copper(II)-binding site known as the ATCUN (amino-terminal Cu(II)- and Ni(II)-binding) motif. Interestingly, this copper-binding property is largely ignored in most papers dealing with hepcidin-25. In this context, detailed investigations of the complex formed between hepcidin-25 and copper could reveal insight into its biological role. The present work focuses on metal-bound hepcidin-25 that can be considered the biologically active form. The first part is devoted to the reversed-phase chromatographic separation of copper-bound and copper-free hepcidin-25 achieved by applying basic mobile phases containing 0.1% ammonia. Further, mass spectrometry (tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the copper-peptide. Lastly, a three-dimensional (3D) model of hepcidin-25 with bound copper(II) is presented. The identification of metal complexes and potential isoforms and isomers, from which the latter usually are left undetected by mass spectrometry, led to the conclusion that complementary analytical methods are needed to characterize a peptide calibrant or reference material comprehensively. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR), inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) and chiral amino acid analysis (AAA) should be considered among others.
In Vitro Comparison of 2D-Cell Culture and 3D-Cell Sheets of Scleraxis-Programmed Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Primary Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells for Tendon Repair
Authors: Hsieh Chi-Fen , Yan Zexing , Schumann Ricarda G. , Milz Stefan , Pfeifer Christian G. , Schieker Matthias , Docheva Denitsa
Published: August 2018

The poor and slow healing capacity of tendons requires novel strategies to speed up the tendon repair process. Hence, new and promising developments in tendon tissue engineering have become increasingly relevant. Previously, we have established a tendon progenitor cell line via ectopic expression of the tendon-related basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Scleraxis (Scx) in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC-Scx). The aim of this study was to directly compare the characteristics of hMSC-Scx cells to that of primary human tendon stem/progenitors cells (hTSPCs) via assessment of self-renewal and multipotency, gene marker expression profiling, in vitro wound healing assay and three-dimensional cell sheet formation. As expected, hTSPCs were more naive than hMSC-Scx cells because of higher clonogenicity, trilineage differentiation potential, and expression of stem cell markers, as well as higher mRNA levels of several gene factors associated with early tendon development. Interestingly, with regards to wound healing, both cell types demonstrate a comparable speed of scratch closure, as well as migratory velocity and distance in various migration experiments. In the three-dimensional cell sheet model, hMSC-Scx cells and hTSPCs form compact tendinous sheets as histological staining, and transmission electron microscopy shows spindle-shaped cells and collagen type I fibrils with similar average diameter size and distribution. Taken together, hTSPCs exceed hMSC-Scx cells in several characteristics, namely clonogenicity, multipotentiality, gene expression profile and rates of tendon-like sheet formation, whilst in three-dimensional cell sheets, both cell types have comparable in vitro healing potential and collagenous composition of their three-dimensional cell sheets, making both cell types a suitable cell source for tendon tissue engineering and healing.
Effects of Different Pollens on Primary Metabolism and Lignin Biosynthesis in Pear
Authors: Li Shumei , Su Xueqiang , Abdullah Muhammad , Sun Yanming , Li Guohui , Cheng Xi , Lin Yi , Cai Yongping , Jin Qing
Published: August 2018

To investigate the effect of pollination on the fruit quality of ‘Dangshan Su’ pear, ‘Dangshan Su’ was fertilized by the pollen of ‘Wonhwang’ (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai.) (DW) and ‘Jingbaili’ (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim.) (DJ). The analysis of primary metabolites was achieved through untargeted metabolomics, and the quantitative analysis of intermediate metabolites of lignin synthesis was undertaken using targeted metabolomics. The untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The results showed that the metabolite content was significantly different between DW and DJ. Compared with that in DJ, the sugar and amino acid content in DW was higher and the fatty acid content was lower at 47 days after pollination (DAPs), and the sugar, amino acid, and fatty acid content in DW was lower at 63 DAPs. The intermediate metabolites of lignin synthesis were analyzed using the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model, and the differential metabolites at 47 DAPs were p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapaldehyde, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol. The differential significant metabolite at 63 DAPs was p-coumaric acid. At 47 DAPs and 63 DAPs, the p-coumaric acid level was significantly different, and the p-coumaric acid content was positively correlated with lignin synthesis. The pollination pollen affects the quality of ‘Dangshan Su’ pear fruit through regulation of the sugar, amino acid, and fatty acid content; at the same time, regulating the levels of intermediate metabolites of lignin synthesis, especially the p-coumaric acid content, to affect lignin synthesis ultimately affects the stone cell content and improves the quality of the pears.
Diosgenin Glucoside Protects against Spinal Cord Injury by Regulating Autophagy and Alleviating Apoptosis
Authors: Chen Xian-Bing , Wang Zi-Li , Yang Qing-Yu , Zhao Fang-Yu , Qin Xiao-Li , Tang Xian-E , Du Jun-Long , Chen Zong-Hai , Zhang Kui , Huang Fei-Jun
Published: August 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic lesion of central nervous system (CNS) with only a limited number of restorative therapeutic options. Diosgenin glucoside (DG), a major bioactive ingredient of Trillium tschonoskii Max., possesses neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic functions. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic benefit and underlying mechanisms of DG treatment in SCI. We found that in Sprague-Dawley rats with traumatic SCI, the expressions of autophagy marker Light Chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin1 were decreased with concomitant accumulation of autophagy substrate protein p62 and ubiquitinated proteins, indicating an impaired autophagic activity. DG treatment, however, significantly attenuated p62 expression and upregulated the Rheb/mTOR signaling pathway (evidenced as Ras homolog enriched in brain) due to the downregulation of miR-155-3p. We also observed significantly less tissue injury and edema in the DG-treated group, leading to appreciable functional recovery compared to that of the control group. Overall, the observed neuroprotection afforded by DG treatment warrants further investigation on its therapeutic potential in SCI.
Antibacterial Mechanism of Gloverin2 from Silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Qian , Guo Pengchao , Wang Zhan , Liu Huawei , Zhang Yunshi , Jiang Shan , Han Wenzhe , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping
Published: August 2018

Gloverin is one of the glycine-rich antimicrobial peptide exclusively found in Lepidoptera insects. It is generally activated through the innate immune system in insects. In this study, recombinant Gloverin2 from Bombyx mori (BmGlv2) was synthesized using a prokaryotic expression system. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that the recombinant BmGlv2 has random coil structure, which is relatively stable at the temperatures ranging from 15 to 82.5 °C. Antimicrobial activity analysis revealed that BmGlv2 significantly inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli JM109 and Pseudomonas putida, by disrupting cell integrity. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses suggested that BmGlv2 absorbed on the cell surface after incubation, which might be the first step in the antibacterial process. Our results also proved that the cell wall component lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induce a conformational change in BmGlv2 from a random coil to α-helix. Subsequently, α-helical BmGlv2 would recruit more BmGlv2 and form higher aggregation state. Collectively, these findings expand our understanding of antibacterial mechanism of BmGlv2.
Arabidopsis Heat Stress-Induced Proteins Are Enriched in Electrostatically Charged Amino Acids and Intrinsically Disordered Regions
Authors: Alvarez-Ponce David , Ruiz-González Mario , Vera-Sirera Francisco , Feyertag Felix , Perez-Amador Miguel , Fares Mario
Published: August 2018

Comparison of the proteins of thermophilic, mesophilic, and psychrophilic prokaryotes has revealed several features characteristic to proteins adapted to high temperatures, which increase their thermostability. These characteristics include a profusion of disulfide bonds, salt bridges, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions, and a depletion in intrinsically disordered regions. It is unclear, however, whether such differences can also be observed in eukaryotic proteins or when comparing proteins that are adapted to temperatures that are more subtly different. When an organism is exposed to high temperatures, a subset of its proteins is overexpressed (heat-induced proteins), whereas others are either repressed (heat-repressed proteins) or remain unaffected. Here, we determine the expression levels of all genes in the eukaryotic model system Arabidopsis thaliana at 22 and 37 °C, and compare both the amino acid compositions and levels of intrinsic disorder of heat-induced and heat-repressed proteins. We show that, compared to heat-repressed proteins, heat-induced proteins are enriched in electrostatically charged amino acids and depleted in polar amino acids, mirroring thermophile proteins. However, in contrast with thermophile proteins, heat-induced proteins are enriched in intrinsically disordered regions, and depleted in hydrophobic amino acids. Our results indicate that temperature adaptation at the level of amino acid composition and intrinsic disorder can be observed not only in proteins of thermophilic organisms, but also in eukaryotic heat-induced proteins; the underlying adaptation pathways, however, are similar but not the same.
Unraveling the Pathways to Neuronal Homeostasis and Disease: Mechanistic Insights into the Role of RNA-Binding Proteins and Associated Factors
Authors: Ravanidis Stylianos , Kattan Fedon-Giasin , Doxakis Epaminondas
Published: August 2018

The timing, dosage and location of gene expression are fundamental determinants of brain architectural complexity. In neurons, this is, primarily, achieved by specific sets of trans-acting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their associated factors that bind to specific cis elements throughout the RNA sequence to regulate splicing, polyadenylation, stability, transport and localized translation at both axons and dendrites. Not surprisingly, misregulation of RBP expression or disruption of its function due to mutations or sequestration into nuclear or cytoplasmic inclusions have been linked to the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as fragile-X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. This review discusses the roles of Pumilio, Staufen, IGF2BP, FMRP, Sam68, CPEB, NOVA, ELAVL, SMN, TDP43, FUS, TAF15, and TIA1/TIAR in RNA metabolism by analyzing their specific molecular and cellular function, the neurological symptoms associated with their perturbation, and their axodendritic transport/localization along with their target mRNAs as part of larger macromolecular complexes termed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules.
Association between Obesity and Circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels: Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sandrini Leonardo , Di Minno Alessandro , Amadio Patrizia , Ieraci Alessandro , Tremoli Elena , Barbieri Silvia S.
Published: August 2018

Reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the brain as well as mutations in BDNF gene and/or of its receptor are associated to obesity in both human and animal models. However, the association between circulating levels of BDNF and obesity is still not defined. To answer this question, we performed a meta-analysis carrying out a systematic search in electronic databases. Ten studies (307 obese patients and 236 controls) were included in the analysis. Our data show that obese patients have levels of BDNF similar to those of controls (SMD: 0.01, 95% CI: −0.28, 0.30, p = 0.94). The lack of difference was further confirmed both in studies in which BDNF levels were assessed in serum (MD: −0.93 ng/mL, 95% CI: −3.34, 1.48, p = 0.45) and in plasma (MD: 0.15 ng/mL, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.39, p = 0.23). Data evaluation has shown that some bias might affect BDNF measurements (e.g., subject recruitment, procedures of sampling, handling, and storage), leading to a difficult interpretation of the results. Standardization of the procedures is still needed to reach strong, affordable, and reliable conclusions.