bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and optimization of cogging torque in stator permanent magnet axial-field flux-switched hybrid excitation motor based on RSM-CS algorithm
Authors: Cao Guanghua , Wang Chen , Huang Jinlin
Published: November 2017

The cogging torque in stator permanent magnets axial-field flux-switched hybrid excitation motor (SPMAFHEM) is larger than the traditional PM machine because of the flux focusing. In order to reduce cogging torque and improve the performance of the motor, the analytic expression of the SPMAFHEM cogging torque is deduced by energy perturbation method and the influence of the structure parameters on cogging torque is researched. Based on response surface methodology (RSM) and FEM, the mathematical model of cogging torque response surface between stator slot arc width, rotor tooth inclination angle, and shape coefficient of permanent magnet is obtained, then the cuckoo search algorithm (CS) is used to search the optimum solution. The accuracy is examined by 3D FEM and experiments using prototype experimental platform. The results show that the cogging torque has been reduced by 82.5%.
Reconstruction of acoustic inhomogeneous property in Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Wenlong , Zhang Xueying , Wang Hongbin , Zhao Mingkang , Li Zixiu , Xu Jinzhao , Xu Jiayue , Cui Kun , Shi Xun , Tan Chunxiao , Xu Guizhi
Published: November 2017

Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction (MAT-MI) is a hybrid imaging modality proposed to reconstruct the electrical impedance property in biological tissue with high spatial resolution. The tissue in most parts of human body has inhomogeneous acoustic properties, which will significantly affect the propagations of ultrasound waves. And then it leads to potential distortion and blurring of the acoustic source and conductivity images in the reconstruction. The purpose of this paper is to reconstruct both the acoustic source and conductivity distribution in an acoustically heterogeneous medium. And a new algorithm is presented based on the generalized finite element method (GFEM) and inhomogeneous time reversal method. We established an acoustic inhomogeneous model, in which different regions of the model the acoustic signals spread with different speeds. The numerical simulation experiments showed feasibility of the new method. Then we applied the proposed algorithm to reconstruct the conductivity of a gel phantom with our MAT-MI system. The experimental results indicate that the acoustic inhomogeneity of tissues in terms of speed variation can be reconstructed in the process of MAT-MI imaging.
Design of a novel energy-saving contactor using two-phase magnetic material
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Fang Liwei , Zhao Wenliang , Bai Baodong , Kwon Byung-Il
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a design scheme for a novel energy-saving contactor using two-phase magnetic material is presented. A magnetization model using two-phase magnetic material was built with mathematical modeling and the theory of the Preisach model. The conversion mechanism was analyzed in order to reveal the relationship between the remanence and coercivity. The manufacturing process of the material is also described. Based on the differences between the transformation characteristics of the two-phase magnetic material in the permanent magnet and the soft magnetic field, an energy-saving contactor was designed by using two-phase magnetic material based on the remnant magnetism of 75 Oe. The simulation and experiment results show that the proposed energy-saving contactor functions well.
Multi-physics modeling and multi-objective optimization of the bearing disassembly based on induction heating
Authors: Zhang Weichen , Chen Feng , Wang Jiawei
Published: November 2017

An electro-magneto-thermo-elastic coupled model is proposed for the transient simulation of large bearing disassembly based on the induction heating technique. The computational complexity of the coupled model is decreased with a proposed semi-analytical method for calculating the displacement of the cylindrical workpieces under the temperature load. Based on the proposed method, the multivariate analysis with respect to the source location, the operating frequency and the source power is carried out to realize the optimization with the objective of minimizing the energy consumption and the disassembly time. The efficiency and validity of the proposed model are verified by the numerical tests.
A precise adaptive cell method for eddy-current problems based on constitutive matrix recovery technique
Authors: Bai Xubin , Chen Feng , Wang Jiawei
Published: November 2017

An Adaptive Cell Method (ACM) is proposed for high-precision simulation of eddy-current problems on the uniform coarse grid. The calculation error of the Cell Method (CM) is analyzed to draw the conclusion that the discretization of the constitutive equations is the main error source. The spirit of the ACM is to decrease the discretization error by using the constitutive matrix recovery technique without refining the grid. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach are verified by the numerical tests.
Spatial Optimization of Agricultural Land Use Based on Cross-Entropy Method
Authors: Hao Lina , Su Xiaoling , Singh Vijay , Ayantobo Olusola
Published: November 2017

An integrated optimization model was developed for the spatial distribution of agricultural crops in order to efficiently utilize agricultural water and land resources simultaneously. The model is based on the spatial distribution of crop suitability, spatial distribution of population density, and agricultural land use data. Multi-source remote sensing data are combined with constraints of optimal crop area, which are obtained from agricultural cropping pattern optimization model. Using the middle reaches of the Heihe River basin as an example, the spatial distribution of maize and wheat were optimized by minimizing cross-entropy between crop distribution probabilities and desired but unknown distribution probabilities. Results showed that the area of maize should increase and the area of wheat should decrease in the study area compared with the situation in 2013. The comprehensive suitable area distribution of maize is approximately in accordance with the distribution in the present situation; however, the comprehensive suitable area distribution of wheat is not consistent with the distribution in the present situation. Through optimization, the high proportion of maize and wheat area was more concentrated than before. The maize area with more than 80% allocation concentrates on the south of the study area, and the wheat area with more than 30% allocation concentrates on the central part of the study area. The outcome of this study provides a scientific basis for farmers to select crops that are suitable in a particular area.
The Effect of Logging and Strip Cutting on Forest Floor Light Condition and Following Change
Authors: Inada Tomoya , Kitajima Kaoru , Hardiwinoto Suryo , Kanzaki Mamoru
Published: November 2017

We monitored changes in light conditions at a primary forest and two managed forest sites (one with line planting) after reduced-impact logging in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We also assessed the effect of the light conditions on seedlings in the planting lines. Hemispherical photographs were taken over a period of 31 months in three 50 × 50-m quadrats at each site and in three 100-m transects along the planting lines. The location of each photo was categorized according to the corresponding type of disturbance, including skid trails, logging gaps, and planting lines. Following logging, the level of canopy openness (CO) increased at both managed forest sites and did not differ significantly between the two. However, CO was greater in skid trails and logging gaps than in planting lines. After 31 months, the mean level of CO at each managed site had decreased significantly due to the establishment of new seedlings. Correlations between changes in CO and the growth of planted seedlings suggested that growth was inhibited by the invasion of the new species. However, the level of CO along the planting lines was greater than that at other disturbed locations. A high level of CO promoted invasion by new species that colonized the space. Line planting may influence forest dynamics and maintain a high level of CO.
Variable-Weighted Linear Combination Model for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: Case Study in the Shennongjia Forestry District, China
Authors: Chen Wei , Han Hongxing , Huang Bin , Huang Qile , Fu Xudong
Published: November 2017

A landslide susceptibility map plays an essential role in urban and rural planning. The main purpose of this study is to establish a variable-weighted linear combination model (VWLC) and assess its potential for landslide susceptibility mapping. Firstly, different objective methods are employed for data processing rather than the frequently-used subjective judgments: K-means clustering is used for classification; binarization is introduced to determine buffer length thresholds for locational elements (road, river, and fault); landslide area density is adopted as the contribution index; and a correlation analysis is conducted for suitable factor selection. Secondly, considering the dimension changes of the preference matrix varying with the different locations of the mapping cells, the variable weights of each optimal factor are determined based on the improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP). On this basis, the VWLC model is established and applied to regional landslide susceptibility mapping for the Shennongjia Forestry District, China, where shallow landslides frequently occur. The obtained map is then compared with a map using the traditional WLC, and the results of the comparison show that VWLC is more reasonable, with a higher accuracy, and can be used anywhere that has the same or similar geological and topographical conditions.
An Opportunistic Routing for Data Forwarding Based on Vehicle Mobility Association in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wang Leilei , Chen Zhigang , Wu Jia
Published: November 2017

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have emerged as a new powerful technology for data transmission between vehicles. Efficient data transmission accompanied with low data delay plays an important role in selecting the ideal data forwarding path in VANETs. This paper proposes a new opportunity routing protocol for data forwarding based on vehicle mobility association (OVMA). With assistance from the vehicle mobility association, data can be forwarded without passing through many extra intermediate nodes. Besides, each vehicle carries the only replica information to record its associated vehicle information, so the routing decision can adapt to the vehicle densities. Simulation results show that the OVMA protocol can extend the network lifetime, improve the performance of data delivery ratio, and reduce the data delay and routing overhead when compared to the other well-known routing protocols.
Rethinking the Americans with Disabilities Act’s Insurance Safe Harbor
Authors: Blake Valarie
Published: November 2017

Despite the importance of access to healthcare for the disabled, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made little inroads in reducing disability-based discrimination by health insurers in the United States. One reason is undoubtedly the ADA’s insurance safe harbor, which explicitly permits insurers to discriminate on the basis of disability in health insurance so long as the differential treatment is supported by actuarial data and is not just intended to disadvantage the disabled. While the safe harbor’s harms are somewhat limited by the advent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they are not entirely neutralized. This article argues that there are both practical and principled reasons for amending the ADA to remove the insurance safe harbor. Practically speaking, the ADA could prove a useful tool to challenge aspects of the ACA that place the disabled at a disadvantage, but the insurance safe harbor limits this reach in meaningful ways. From a more principled or philosophical lens, the insurance safe harbor is a law that perpetuates stigma against the disabled and that no longer reflects the views of American society. For these reasons, and many others, a rethinking of the ADA’s insurance safe harbor is necessary and timely.
Ultra Thin Poly-Si Nanosheet Junctionless Field-Effect Transistor with Nickel Silicide Contact
Authors: Lin Yu-Ru , Tsai Wan-Ting , Wu Yung-Chun , Lin Yu-Hsien
Published: November 2017

This study demonstrated an ultra thin poly-Si junctionless nanosheet field-effect transistor (JL NS-FET) with nickel silicide contact. For the nickel silicide film, two-step annealing and a Ti capping layer were adopted to form an ultra thin uniform nickel silicide film with low sheet resistance (Rs). The JL NS-FET with nickel silicide contact exhibited favorable electrical properties, including a high driving current (>107A), subthreshold slope (186 mV/dec.), and low parasitic resistance. In addition, this study compared the electrical characteristics of JL NS-FETs with and without nickel silicide contact.
Application of Chitosan, Chitooligosaccharide, and Their Derivatives in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ouyang Qian-Qian , Zhao Shannon , Li Si-Dong , Song Cai
Published: November 2017

Classic hypotheses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include cholinergic neuron death, acetylcholine (ACh) deficiency, metal ion dynamic equilibrium disorder, and deposition of amyloid and tau. Increased evidence suggests neuroinflammation and oxidative stress may cause AD. However, none of these factors induces AD independently, but they are all associated with the formation of Aβ and tau proteins. Current clinical treatments based on ACh deficiency can only temporarily relieve symptoms, accompanied with many side-effects. Hence, searching for natural neuroprotective agents, which can significantly improve the major symptoms and reverse disease progress, have received great attention. Currently, several bioactive marine products have shown neuroprotective activities, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects with low toxicity and mild side effects in laboratory studies. Recently, chitosan (CTS), chitooligosaccharide (COS) and their derivatives from exoskeletons of crustaceans and cell walls of fungi have shown neuroprotective and antioxidative effects, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition, anti-HIV and anti-inflammatory properties. With regards to the hypotheses of AD, the neuroprotective effect of CTS, COS, and their derivatives on AD-like changes in several models have been reported. CTS and COS exert beneficial effects on cognitive impairments via inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. They are also a new type of non-toxic β-secretase and AChE inhibitor. As neuroprotective agents, they could reduce the cell membrane damage caused by copper ions and decrease the content of reactive oxygen species. This review will focus on their anti-neuroinflammation, antioxidants and their inhibition of β-amyloid, acetylcholinesterase and copper ions adsorption. Finally, the limitations and future work will be discussed.
Rapid Prototyping of Plastic Lab-on-a-Chip by Femtosecond Laser Micromachining and Removable Insert Microinjection Molding
Authors: Martínez Vázquez Rebeca , Trotta Gianluca , Volpe Annalisa , Bernava Giuseppe , Basile Vito , Paturzo Melania , Ferraro Pietro , Ancona Antonio , Fassi Irene , Osellame Roberto
Published: November 2017

We have introduced a new hybrid fabrication method for lab-on-a-chip devices through the combination of femtosecond laser micromachining and removable insert micro-injection molding. This method is particularly suited for the fast prototyping of new devices, while maintaining a competitive low cost. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we designed, fabricated, and tested a completely integrated flow cytometer coupled to a portable media device. The system operation was tested with fluorescent plastic micro-bead solutions ranging from 100 beads/μL to 500 beads/μL. We demonstrated that this hybrid lab-on-a-chip fabrication technology is suitable for producing low-cost and portable biological microsystems and for effectively bridging the gap between new device concepts and their mass production.
Chokeberry Pomace as a Determinant of Antioxidant Parameters Assayed in Blood and Liver Tissue of Polish Merino and Wrzosówka Lambs
Authors: Lipińska Paulina , Atanasov Atanas , Palka Marek , Jóźwik Artur
Published: November 2017

Despite being a plant by-product, chokeberry pomace is believed to exert some therapeutic effects because it is one of the richest sources of highly bioavailable non-enzymatic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the functionality of bioactive compounds present in the Aronia melanocarpa pomace (chokeberry) based on enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters related to the active defence of liver and blood against the effects of oxidative stress. The experiment was conducted with 48 lambs of two breeds—Polish Merino and Wrzosówka. Experimental groups were administered the basic feed with the addition of 150 g or 300 g of black chokeberry pomace per each kg of the complete feed. The activities of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), peptides (glutathione, glutathione disulfide), and a lipid peroxidation indicator (malondialdehyde), as well as the capacity of non-enzymatic antioxidants were investigated. The results proved a strong effect of bioactive compounds contained in the black chokeberry pomace on the estimated parameters. The inclusion of chokeberry pomace in feed mixtures brought many benefits linked with the antioxidative protection. Parameters responsible for the oxidative status were significantly modified despite the commonly-held view about a limited possibility of transferring phenolic compounds to the organs.
Green Ultrasound versus Conventional Synthesis and Characterization of Specific Task Pyridinium Ionic Liquid Hydrazones Tethering Fluorinated Counter Anions: Novel Inhibitors of Fungal Ergosterol Biosynthesis
Authors: Rezki Nadjet , Al-Sodies Salsabeel , Shreaz Sheikh , Shiekh Rayees , Messali Mouslim , Raja Vaseem , Aouad Mohamed
Published: November 2017

A series of specific task ionic liquids (ILs) based on a pyridiniumhydrazone scaffold in combination with hexafluorophosphate (PF6−), tetrafluoroboron (BF4−) and/or trifluoroacetate (CF3COO−) counter anion, were designed and characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. The reactions were conducted under both conventional and green ultrasound procedures. The antifungal potential of the synthesized compounds 2–25 was investigated against 40 strains of Candida (four standard and 36 clinical isolates). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) of the synthesized compounds were in the range of 62.5–2000 μg/mL for both standard and oral Candida isolates. MIC90 results showed that the synthesized 1-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-4-(2-(4-fluorobenzylidene)hydrazinecarbonyl)-pyridin-1-ium hexafluorophosphate (11) was found to be most effective, followed by 4-(2-(4-fluorobenzylidene)hydrazinecarbonyl)-1-(2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-pyridin-1-ium hexafluorophosphate (14) and 1-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4-(2-(4-fluorobenzylidene)hydrazinecarbonyl)pyridin-1-ium hexafluorophosphate (8). All the Candida isolates showed marked sensitivity towards the synthesized compounds. Ergosterol content was drastically reduced by more active synthesized compounds, and agreed well with MIC90 values. Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) results showed that the red colored fluorescent dye enters the test agent treated cells, which confirms cell wall and cell membrane damage. The microscopy results obtained suggested membrane-located targets for the action of these synthesized compounds. It appears that the test compounds might be interacting with ergosterol in the fungal cell membranes, decreasing the membrane ergosterol content and ultimately leading to membrane disruption as visible in confocal results. The present study indicates that these synthesized compounds show significant antifungal activity against Candida which forms the basis to carry out further in vivo experiments before their clinical use.
Erratum: Carrasco-Sánchez, V.; et al. Removal of 4-Ethylphenol and 4-Ethylguaiacol with Polyaniline-Based Compounds in Wine-Like Model Solutions and Red Wine. Molecules 2015, 20(8), 14312–14325
Authors: Carrasco-Sánchez Verónica , John Amalraj , Marican Adolfo , Santos Leonardo , Laurie V.
Published: November 2017

n/a
PSN-PC: A Novel Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Peptide from the Skin Secretion of Phyllomedusa-camba with Cytotoxicity on Human Lung Cancer Cell
Authors: Wu Xianhui , Pan Jinhuo , Wu Yue , Xi Xinping , Ma Chengbang , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Chen Tianbao
Published: November 2017

Peptides derived from amphibian skin secretion are promising drug prototypes for combating widespread infection. In this study, a novel peptide belonging to the phylloseptin family of antimicrobial peptides was isolated from the skin secretion of the Phyllomedusa camba, namely phylloseptin-PC (PSN-PC). The biosynthetic precursor was obtained by molecular cloning and the mature peptide sequence was confirmed through tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragmentation sequencing in the skin secretion. The synthetic replicate exhibited a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans at concentrations of 2, 2, 8, 32 and 2 µM, respectively. It also showed the capability of eliminating S. aureus biofilm with a minimal biofilm eradication concentration of 8 µM. The haemolysis of this peptide was not significant at low concentrations but had a considerable increase at high concentrations. Additionally, this peptide showed an anti-proliferation effect on the non-small cell lung cancer cell line (NCI-H157), with low cytotoxicity on the human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1). The discovery of the novel peptide may provide useful clues for new drug discoveries.
Yarrowia lipolytica Extracellular Lipase Lip2 as Biocatalyst for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone
Authors: Barrera-Rivera Karla , Martínez-Richa Antonio
Published: November 2017

Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) is a “non-conventional” yeast that is capable of producing important metabolites. One of the most important products that is secreted by this microorganism is lipase, a ubiquitous enzyme that has considerable industrial potential and can be used as a biocatalyst in the pharmaceutical, food, and environmental industries. In this work, Yarrowia lipolytica lipase (YLL) was immobilized on Lewatit and Amberlite beads and is used in the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters in the presence of different organic solvents. YLL immobilized on Amberlite XAD7HP had the higher protein adsorption (96%) and a lipolytic activity of 35 U/g. Lewatit VPOC K2629 has the higher lipolytic activity (805 U/g) and 92% of protein adsorption. The highest molecular weight (Mn 10,685 Da) was achieved at 90 °C using YLL that was immobilized on Lewatit 1026 with decane as solvent after 60 h and 100% of monomer conversion.
Antimicrobial Abietane-Type Diterpenoids from Plectranthus punctatus
Authors: Abdissa Negera , Frese Marcel , Sewald Norbert
Published: November 2017

Four new para-benzoquinone containing abietane-type diterpenoids (1–4) along with thirteen known diterpenoids (5–17) were isolated from the roots of Plectranthus punctatus. The structures of the compounds were established by detailed spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. The compounds were tested for their antibacterial and cytotoxic activity and showed significant inhibitory activity against all bacterial strains used, with compounds 6, 8, 10, and 11 showing an inhibition zone for Staphylococcus warneri even greater than the reference drug, gentamycin.
Characteristics of Multifunctional, Eco-Friendly Lignin-Al2O3 Hybrid Fillers and Their Influence on the Properties of Composites for Abrasive Tools
Authors: Klapiszewski Łukasz , Jamrozik Artur , Strzemiecka Beata , Koltsov Iwona , Borek Bartłomiej , Matykiewicz Danuta , Voelkel Adam , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: November 2017

The main aim of the present study was the preparation and comprehensive characterization of innovative additives to abrasive materials based on functional, pro-ecological lignin-alumina hybrid fillers. The behavior of lignin, alumina and lignin-Al2O3 hybrids in a resin matrix was explained on the basis of their surface and application properties determined by inverse gas chromatography, the degree of adhesion/cohesion between components, thermomechanical and rheological properties. On the basis of the presented results, a hypothetical mechanism of interactions between lignin and Al2O3 as well as between lignin-Al2O3 hybrids and phenolic resins was proposed. It was concluded that lignin compounds can provide new, promising properties for a phenolic binder combining the good properties of this biopolymer as a plasticizer and of alumina as a filler improving mechanical and thermal properties. The use of such materials may be relatively non-complicated and efficient way to improve the performance of bonded abrasive tools.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of N,N-Disubstituted-4-Arylthiazole-2-Methylamine Derivatives as Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Xinran , Lin Xuehua , Xu Xuanqi , Li Wei , Hao Lijuan , Liu Chunchi , Zhao Dongmei , Cheng Maosheng
Published: November 2017

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been identified as a potential target for cardiovascular disease (CVD) for its important role in the reverse cholesteryl transfer (RCT) process. In our previous work, compound 5 was discovered as a moderate CETP inhibitor. The replacement of the amide linker by heterocyclic aromatics and then a series of N,N-substituted-4-arylthiazole-2-methylamine derivatives were designed by utilizing a conformational restriction strategy. Thirty-six compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their CETP inhibitory activities. Structure-activity relationship studies indicate that electron donor groups substituted ring A, and electron-withdrawing groups at the 4-position of ring B were critical for potency. Among these compounds, compound 30 exhibited excellent CETP inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.79 ± 0.02 μM) in vitro and showed an acceptable metabolic stability.
Syntheses of Novel 4-Substituted N-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine-3-sulfonamide Derivatives with Potential Antifungal Activity
Authors: Szafrański Krzysztof , Sławiński Jarosław , Kędzia Anna , Kwapisz Ewa
Published: November 2017

Candidiasis represent a serious threat for patients with altered immune responses. Therefore, we have undertaken the synthesis of compounds comprising a pyridine-3-sulfonamide scaffold and known antifungally active 1,2,4-triazole substituents. Thus a series of novel 4-substituted N-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine-3-sulfonamides have been synthesized by multistep reactions starting from 4-chloropyridine-3-sulfonamide via N′-cyano-N-[(4-substitutedpyridin-3-yl)sulfonyl]carbamimidothioates which were further converted with hydrazine hydrate to the corresponding 1,2,4-triazole derivatives 26–36. The final compounds were evaluated for antifungal activity against strains of the genera Candida, Geotrichum, Rhodotorula, and Saccharomycess isolated from patients with mycosis. Many of them show greater efficacy than fluconazole, mostly towards Candida albicans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa species, with MIC values ≤ 25 µg/mL. A docking study of the most active compounds 26, 34 and 35 was performed showing the potential mode of binding to Candida albicans lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Also in vitro cytotoxicity of selected compounds have been evaluated on the NCI-60 cell line panel.
Nutritional Therapies in Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG)
Authors: Witters Peter , Cassiman David , Morava Eva
Published: November 2017

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of more than 130 inborn errors of metabolism affecting N-linked, O-linked protein and lipid-linked glycosylation. The phenotype in CDG patients includes frequent liver involvement, especially the disorders belonging to the N-linked protein glycosylation group. There are only a few treatable CDG. Mannose-Phosphate Isomerase (MPI)-CDG was the first treatable CDG by high dose mannose supplements. Recently, with the successful use of d-galactose in Phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1)-CDG, other CDG types have been trialed on galactose and with an increasing number of potential nutritional therapies. Current mini review focuses on therapies in glycosylation disorders affecting liver function and dietary intervention in general in N-linked glycosylation disorders. We also emphasize now the importance of early screening for CDG in patients with mild hepatopathy but also in cholestasis.
Interfacial Properties of Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Composites by Different Methods for Adding Nano Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Wang Cuicui , Yu Xian , Smith Lee , Wang Ge , Cheng Haitao , Zhang Shuangbao
Published: November 2017

The focus of this study was to observe the effect of nano calcium carbonate (CaCO3) modification methods on bamboo fiber (BF) used in BF-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites manufactured by extrusion molding. Two methods were used to introduce the nano CaCO3 into the BF for modification; the first was blending modification (BM) and the second was impregnation modification (IM). In order to determine the effects of the modification methods, the water absorption, surface free energy and interfacial properties of the unmodified composites were compared to those of the composites made from the two modification methods. The results revealed that the percentage increase in the weight of the composite treated by nano CaCO3 decreased and that of the IMBF/HDPE composite was the lowest over the seven months of time. The results obtained by the acid-base model according to the Lewis and Owens-Wendt- Rabel-Kaelble (OWRK) equations indicated that the surface energy of the composites was between 40 and 50 mJ/m2. When compared to the control sample, the maximum storage modulus (E′max) of the BMBF/HDPE and IMBF/HDPE composites increased 1.43- and 1.53-fold, respectively. The values of the phase-to-phase interaction parameter B and the k value of the modified composites were higher than those of the unmodified composites, while the apparent activation energy Ea and interface parameter A were lower in the modified composites. It can be concluded that nano CaCO3 had an effect on the interfacial properties of BF-reinforced HDPE composites, and the interface bonding between IMBF and HDPE was greatest among the composites.
Predicting Top-of-Atmosphere Thermal Radiance Using MERRA-2 Atmospheric Data with Deep Learning
Authors: Kleynhans Tania , Montanaro Matthew , Gerace Aaron , Kanan Christopher
Published: November 2017

Image data from space-borne thermal infrared (IR) sensors are used for a variety of applications, however they are often limited by their temporal resolution (i.e., repeat coverage). To potentially increase the temporal availability of thermal image data, a study was performed to determine the extent to which thermal image data can be simulated from available atmospheric and surface data. The work conducted here explored the use of Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) developed by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to predict top-of-atmosphere (TOA) thermal IR radiance globally at time scales finer than available satellite data. For this case study, TOA radiance data was derived for band 31 (10.97 μ m) of the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Two approaches have been followed, namely an atmospheric radiative transfer forward modeling approach and a supervised learning approach. The first approach uses forward modeling to predict TOA radiance from the available surface and atmospheric data. The second approach applied four different supervised learning algorithms to the atmospheric data. The algorithms included a linear least squares regression model, a non-linear support vector regression (SVR) model, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and a convolutional neural network (CNN). This research found that the multi-layer perceptron model produced the lowest overall error rates with an root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.36 W/m 2 ·sr· μ m when compared to actual Terra/MODIS band 31 image data. These studies found that for radiances above 6 W/m 2 ·sr· μ m, the forward modeling approach could predict TOA radiance to within 12 percent, and the best supervised learning approach can predict TOA to within 11 percent.
Measurement of the Earth Radiation Budget at the Top of the Atmosphere—A Review
Authors: Dewitte Steven , Clerbaux Nicolas
Published: November 2017

The Earth Radiation Budget at the top of the atmosphere quantifies how the Earth gains energy from the Sun and loses energy to space. It is of fundamental importance for climate and climate change. In this paper, the current state-of-the-art of the satellite measurements of the Earth Radiation Budget is reviewed. Combining all available measurements, the most likely value of the Total Solar Irradiance at a solar minimum is 1362 W/m 2, the most likely Earth albedo is 29.8%, and the most likely annual mean Outgoing Longwave Radiation is 238 W/m 2. We highlight the link between long-term changes of the Outgoing Longwave Radiation, the strengthening of El Nino in the period 1985–1997 and the strengthening of La Nina in the period 2000–2009.
Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge during Land Application Process in China: A Review
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wang Xian-qing , Wang Dong-fang
Published: November 2017

The safe disposal of sewage sludge during the process of municipal wastewater treatment has become one of the major concerns of increased production. Land application was thought of as a more economical method for sewage sludge disposal than landfill and incineration. However, the presence of heavy metals in sewage sludge restricted the use of land application. The environmental risk of heavy metals was dependent on their contents, chemical speciations, and soil characteristics. Composting and chemical immobilization were the commonly used methods to immobilize the heavy metals in sewage sludge. The immobilization mechanism and speciation transformation of heavy metals during the composting process were presented. Aluminosilicate, phosphorus-bearing materials, basic compounds, and sulfides were reviewed as the commonly used chemical immobilizing agents. The problems that occur during the immobilization process were also discussed. The combination of different methods and the modification of chemical immobilizing agents both improved the fixation effect on heavy metals.
Cyanobacterial Nitrogen Fixation Influences the Nitrogen Removal Efficiency in a Constructed Wetland
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Jia Xin , Yan Liang , Wang Jinzhi , Kang Xiaoming , Cui Lijuan
Published: November 2017

Nitrogen removal efficiency in constructed wetlands (CW) is influenced by multiple environmental factors. However, little is known about the role of cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation in affecting nitrogen removal efficiency. This study investigated how cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation affects the efficiency, at which a CW removes nitrogen from an associated artificial lake (AL) in Beijing. For this purpose, we measured cell densities of N-fixing and non-N-fixing cyanobacteria, the aquatic nitrogen fixation rate (RNfix), and the concentration of various nitrogen fractions over the growing season (April–November) of 2014 in both AL and CW. We found that the removal of particulate organic nitrogen (PON) contributed to >90% of the total nitrogen removal in the CW. The removal efficiency of PON was lower during August–October (55.45 ± 27.49%) than during April–July (68.86 ± 8.83%). Phytoplankton proliferation in summer, as one of the main sources of PON, may have exceeded the capacity of the CW and led to declines in PON removal efficiency. RNfix peaked in July–October (3–169 ng N·L−1·h−1) and was positively correlated with both PON concentration and the cell density of N-fixing Anabaena sp. over the growing season, suggesting that aquatic nitrogen fixation (primarily in the AL) may increase PON and thereby reduce the its removal efficiency in the CW.
Runoff Simulation by SWAT Model Using High-Resolution Gridded Precipitation in the Upper Heihe River Basin, Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ruan Hongwei , Zou Songbing , Yang Dawen , Wang Yuhan , Yin Zhenliang , Lu Zhixiang , Li Fang , Xu Baorong
Published: November 2017

The scarcity and uneven distribution of precipitation stations in the inland river basins of the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau restrict the application of the distributed hydrological model and spatial analysis of water balance component characteristics. This study used the upper Heihe River Basin as a case study, and daily gridded precipitation data with 3 km resolution based on the spatial interpolation of gauged stations and a regional climate model were used to construct a soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model. The aim was to validate the precision of high-resolution gridded precipitation for hydrological simulation in data-scarce regions; a scale transformation method was proposed by building virtual stations and calculating the lapse rate to overcome the defects of the SWAT model using traditional precipitation station data. The gridded precipitation was upscaled from the grid to the sub-basin scale to accurately represent sub-basin precipitation input data. A satisfactory runoff simulation was achieved, and the spatial variability of water balance components was analysed. Results show that the precipitation lapse rate ranges from 40 mm/km to 235 mm/km and decreases from the southeastern to the northwestern areas. The SWAT model achieves monthly runoff simulation compared with gauged runoff from 2000 to 2014; the determination coefficients are higher than 0.71, the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies are higher than 0.76, and the percentage bias is controlled within ±15%. Meadow and sparse vegetation are the major water yield landscapes, and the elevation band from 3500 m to 4500 m is the major water yield area. Precipitation and evapotranspiration present a slightly increasing trend, whereas water yield and soil water content present a slightly decreasing trend. This finding indicates that the high-resolution gridded precipitation data fully depict its spatial heterogeneity, and scale transformation significantly promotes the application of the distributed hydrological model in inland river basins. The spatial variability of water balance components can be quantified to provide references for the integrated assessment and management of basin water resources in data-scarce regions.
What We Learned in Kindergarten: Five Tips for Collaboration in Oncology
Authors: Arnaout A. , Joy A. A. , Juliao M. , Clemons M.
Published: November 2017

Ask any colleague how she or he is, and the answer is invariably a shrug of the shoulders and the word “busy.”[...]
Period Variations for the Cepheid VZ Cyg
Authors: Sirorattanakul Krittanon , Engle Scott , Pepper Joshua , Wells Mark , Laney Clifton D. , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Stassun Keivan G.
Published: November 2017

The Cepheid Period–Luminosity law is a key rung on the extragalactic distance ladder. However, numerous Cepheids are known to undergo period variations. Monitoring, refining, and understanding these period variations allows us to better determine the parameters of the Cepheids themselves and of the instability strip in which they reside, and to test models of stellar evolution. VZ Cyg, a classical Cepheid pulsating at ∼4.864 days, has been observed for over 100 years. Combining data from literature observations, the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) transit survey, and new targeted observations with the Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT) at Kitt Peak, we find a period change rate of dP/dt = −0.0642 ± 0.0018 s yr−1. However, when only the recent observations are examined, we find a much higher period change rate of dP/dt = −0.0923 ± 0.0110 s yr−1. This higher rate could be due to an apparent long-term (P ≈ 26.5 years) cyclic period variation. The possible interpretations of this single Cepheid’s complex period variations underscore both the need to regularly monitor pulsating variables and the important benefits that photometric surveys such as KELT can have on the field. Further monitoring of this interesting example of Cepheid variability is recommended to confirm and better understand the possible cyclic period variations. Further, Cepheid timing analyses are necessary to fully understand their current behaviors and parameters, as well as their evolutionary histories.
Radial Velocities of 41 Kepler Eclipsing Binaries
Authors: Matson Rachel A. , Gies Douglas R. , Guo Zhao , Williams Stephen J.
Published: November 2017

Eclipsing binaries are vital for directly determining stellar parameters without reliance on models or scaling relations. Spectroscopically derived parameters of detached and semi-detached binaries allow us to determine component masses that can inform theories of stellar and binary evolution. Here we present moderate resolution ground-based spectra of stars in close binary systems with and without (detected) tertiary companions observed by NASA’s Kepler mission and analyzed for eclipse timing variations. We obtain radial velocities and spectroscopic orbits for five single-lined and 35 double-lined systems, and confirm one false positive eclipsing binary. For the double-lined spectroscopic binaries, we also determine individual component masses and examine the mass ratio

distribution, which is dominated by binaries with like-mass pairs and semi-detached classical Algol systems that have undergone mass transfer. Finally, we constrain the mass of the tertiary component for five double-lined binaries with previously detected companions.
The Structure of the Young Star Cluster NGC 6231. II. Structure, Formation, and Fate
Authors: Kuhn Michael A. , Getman Konstantin V. , Feigelson Eric D. , Sills Alison , Gromadzki Mariusz , Medina Nicolás , Borissova Jordanka , Kurtev Radostin
Published: November 2017

The young cluster NGC 6231 (stellar ages ∼2–7 Myr) is observed shortly after star formation activity has ceased. Using the catalog of 2148 probable cluster members obtained from Chandra, VVV, and optical surveys (Paper I), we examine the cluster’s spatial structure and dynamical state. The spatial distribution of stars is remarkably well fit by an isothermal sphere with moderate elongation, while other commonly used models like Plummer spheres, multivariate normal distributions, or power-law models are poor fits. The cluster has a core radius of 1.2 ± 0.1 pc and a central density of ∼200 stars pc−3. The distribution of stars is mildly mass segregated. However, there is no radial stratification of the stars by age. Although most of the stars belong to a single cluster, a small subcluster of stars is found superimposed on the main cluster, and there are clumpy non-isotropic distributions of stars outside ∼4 core radii. When the size, mass, and age of NGC 6231 are compared to other young star clusters and subclusters in nearby active star-forming regions, it lies at the high-mass end of the distribution but along the same trend line. This could result from similar formation processes, possibly hierarchical cluster assembly. We argue that NGC 6231 has expanded from its initial size but that it remains gravitationally bound.
A 2500 deg2 CMB Lensing Map from Combined South Pole Telescope and Planck Data
Authors: Omori Y. , Chown R. , Simard G. , Story K. T. , Aylor K. , Baxter E. J. , Benson B. A. , Bleem L. E. , Carlstrom J. E. , Chang C. L. , Cho H-M. , Crawford T. M. , Crites A. T. , Haan T. de , Dobbs M. A. , Everett W. B. , George E. M. , Halverson N. W. , Harrington N. L. , Holder G. P. , Hou Z. , Holzapfel W. L. , Hrubes J. D. , Knox L. , Lee A. T. , Leitch E. M. , Luong-Van D. , Manzotti A. , Marrone D. P. , McMahon J. J. , Meyer S. S. , Mocanu L. M. , Mohr J. J. , Natoli T. , Padin S. , Pryke C. , Reichardt C. L. , Ruhl J. E. , Sayre J. T. , Schaffer K. K. , Shirokoff E. , Staniszewski Z. , Stark A. A. , Vanderlinde K. , Vieira J. D. , Williamson R. , Zahn O.
Published: November 2017

We present a cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing map produced from a linear combination of South Pole Telescope (SPT) and Planck temperature data. The 150 GHz temperature data from the 2500 deg2 SPT-SZ survey is combined with the Planck 143 GHz data in harmonic space to obtain a temperature map that has a broader ℓ coverage and less noise than either individual map. Using a quadratic estimator technique on this combined temperature map, we produce a map of the gravitational lensing potential projected along the line of sight. We measure the auto-spectrum of the lensing potential

, and compare it to the theoretical prediction for a ΛCDM cosmology consistent with the Planck 2015 data set, finding a best-fit amplitude of

. The null hypothesis of no lensing is rejected at a significance of 24σ. One important use of such a lensing potential map is in cross-correlations with other dark matter tracers. We demonstrate this cross-correlation in practice by calculating the cross-spectrum,

, between the SPT+Planck lensing map and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) galaxies. We fit

to a power law of the form

with a, L
0, and b fixed, and find

, which is marginally lower, but in good agreement with

, the best-fit amplitude for the cross-correlation of Planck-2015 CMB lensing and WISE galaxies over ∼67% of the sky. The lensing potential map presented here will be used for cross-correlation studies with the Dark Energy Survey, whose footprint nearly completely covers the SPT 2500 deg2 field.
Signature of a Newborn Black Hole from the Collapse of a Supra-massive Millisecond Magnetar
Authors: Chen Wei , Xie Wei , Lei Wei-Hua , Zou Yuan-Chuan , Lü Hou-Jun , Liang En-Wei , Gao He , Wang Ding-Xiong
Published: November 2017

An X-ray plateau followed by a steep decay (“internal plateau”) has been observed in both long and short gamma-ray burst (GRBs), implying that a millisecond magnetar operates in some GRBs. The sharp decay at the end of the plateau, marking the abrupt cessation of the magnetar’s central engine, has been considered the collapse of a supra-massive magnetar into a black hole (BH) when it spins down. If this “internal plateau” is indeed evidence of a magnetar central engine, the natural expectation in some candidates would be a signature from the newborn BH. In this work, we find that GRB 070110 is a particular case which shows a small X-ray bump following its “internal plateau.” We interpret the plateau as a spin-down supra-massive magnetar and the X-ray bump as fallback BH accretion. This indicates that a newborn BH is likely active in some GRBs. Therefore, GRB 070110-like events may provide further support to the magnetar central engine model and enable us to investigate the properties of the magnetar as well as the newborn BH.