bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Determinants of the Impact and the Grid Capability to Evaluate and Improve Grid Resilience from Extreme Weather Event
Authors: Jufri Fauzan Hanif , Kim Jun-Sung , Jung Jaesung
Published: November 2017

Concerns about the power outages caused by extreme weather events have led the study of grid resilience. Among the grid resilience studies, this paper presents an overview to evaluate and improve grid resilience through the analysis of determinants of the impact and the grid capability. The impact is determined by the extreme weather events, grid exposure, and grid vulnerability. Whereas, the determinants of the grid capability are physical durability, operational versatility, and rehabilitation capacity. Conceptual knowledge for quantifying the impact and the grid capability is also presented. Then, some improvement strategies to reduce the impact and to improve the grid capability based on their determinants are discussed. The study of the impact and the grid capability provides a preliminary guideline to plan appropriate grid resilience improvement strategies.
Time Effect of Water Injection on the Mechanical Properties of Coal and Its Application in Rockburst Prevention in Mining
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Xu Guang , Zhang Chong , Kong Biao , Qian Jifa , Zhu Dong , Wei Mingyao
Published: November 2017

Coal seam water injection is widely used to prevent rockbursts in coal mines, and the duration of water injection is an important parameter related to the effectiveness of rockburst prevention, making it of practical importance to optimize the effective water injection duration. This paper presents the test results of the mechanical properties and pore structure of samples with different soaking time, obtained from a working face where rockburst occurred. Soaking time changes the mechanical properties of samples, and this time effect differs with the coal size (from centimeter to nanometer size). Results of numerical simulation and on-site tests in the Changgouyu coal mine demonstrated that water injection can effectively soften coal bodies and release or transfer stresses, and the time effect of water injection on rock prevention and control is apparent.
Wind Power Ramp Events Prediction with Hybrid Machine Learning Regression Techniques and Reanalysis Data
Authors: Cornejo-Bueno Laura , Cuadra Lucas , Jiménez-Fernández Silvia , Acevedo-Rodríguez Javier , Prieto Luis , Salcedo-Sanz Sancho
Published: November 2017

Wind Power Ramp Events (WPREs) are large fluctuations of wind power in a short time interval, which lead to strong, undesirable variations in the electric power produced by a wind farm. Its accurate prediction is important in the effort of efficiently integrating wind energy in the electric system, without affecting considerably its stability, robustness and resilience. In this paper, we tackle the problem of predicting WPREs by applying Machine Learning (ML) regression techniques. Our approach consists of using variables from atmospheric reanalysis data as predictive inputs for the learning machine, which opens the possibility of hybridizing numerical-physical weather models with ML techniques for WPREs prediction in real systems. Specifically, we have explored the feasibility of a number of state-of-the-art ML regression techniques, such as support vector regression, artificial neural networks (multi-layer perceptrons and extreme learning machines) and Gaussian processes to solve the problem. Furthermore, the ERA-Interim reanalysis from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is the one used in this paper because of its accuracy and high resolution (in both spatial and temporal domains). Aiming at validating the feasibility of our predicting approach, we have carried out an extensive experimental work using real data from three wind farms in Spain, discussing the performance of the different ML regression tested in this wind power ramp event prediction problem.
Genetic Differentiation and Population Genetic Structure of the Chinese Endemic Dipteronia Oliv. Revealed by cpDNA and AFLP Data
Authors: Bai Guoqing , Zhou Tao , Zhang Xiao , Chen Xiaodan , Yang Jia , Li Zhonghu , Zhao Guifang
Published: November 2017

Dipteronia Oliv. is an endangered genus found in China with two species, D. sinensis and D. dyeriana. Previous morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular studies have suggested that D. dyeriana is a species related to D. sinensis. However, it is unclear how the two species diverged and whether gene flow exists between these two species. Here, we performed a molecular study at the population level to characterize genetic differentiation and decipher the phylogeographic history for Dipteronia species based on newly sequenced chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) date retrieved from our previous studies. No haplotype was shared between the two species in the cpDNA network. However, the phylogenetic analysis suggested that a haplotype found in D. sinensis (H4) showed a closer relationship with haplotypes of D. dyeriana. Based on our estimated time of divergence, these two cpDNA haplotype lineages of Dipteronia diverged at about 31.19 Ma. Furthermore, two genetic clusters with asymmetric gene flow were supported based on the structure analysis, which corresponded with the two Dipteronia species, and we also detected a low level of asymmetric gene flow between these two species according to the MIGRATE analysis using AFLP data. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, c.21 kya BP), the genus’ predicted distribution was more or less similar to that at present, which was also supported by the mismatch analyses that showed no population expansion of the two Dipteronia populations after the LGM. The combined cpDNA and AFLP data revealed significant genetic differentiation between the two Dipteronia species with asymmetric gene flow, which can be explained by the varying phylogeographical histories of these two species.
Horizontal Cellular Oscillations Caused by Time-Periodic Resonant Thermal Forcing in Weakly Nonlinear Darcy-Bénard Convection
Authors: Jais Ibrahim M. , Rees D. Andrew S.
Published: November 2017

The onset of Rayleigh-Bénard convection in a horizontally unbounded saturated porous medium is considered. Particular attention is given to the stability of weakly nonlinear convection between two plane horizontal surfaces heated from below. The primary aim is to study the effects on postcritical convection of having small amplitude time-periodic resonant thermal forcing. Amplitude equations are derived using a weakly nonlinear theory and they are solved in order to understand how the flow evolves with changes in the Darcy-Rayleigh number and the forcing frequency. When convection is stationary in space, it is found to consist of one of two different types depending on its location in parameter space: either a convection pattern where each cell rotates in the same way for all time with a periodic variation in amplitude (Type I) or a pattern where each cell changes direction twice within each forcing period (Type II). Asymptotic analyses are also performed (i) to understand the transition between convection of types I and II; (ii) for large oscillation frequencies and (iii) for small oscillation frequencies. In a large part of parameter space the preferred pattern of convection when the layer is unbounded horizontally is then shown to be one where the cells oscillate horizontally—this is a novel form of pattern selection for Darcy-Bénard convection.
Effects of 1.8 GHz Radiofrequency Fields on the Emotional Behavior and Spatial Memory of Adolescent Mice
Authors: Zhang Jun-Ping , Zhang Ke-Ying , Guo Ling , Chen Qi-Liang , Gao Peng , Wang Tian , Li Jing , Guo Guo-Zhen , Ding Gui-Rong
Published: November 2017

The increasing use of mobile phones by teenagers has raised concern about the cognitive effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields. In this study, we investigated the effects of 4-week exposure to a 1.8 GHz RF field on the emotional behavior and spatial memory of adolescent male mice. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test, while depression-like behavior was evaluated by sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The spatial learning and memory ability were evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) experiments. The levels of amino acid neurotransmitters were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The histology of the brain was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. It was found that the depression-like behavior, spatial memory ability and histology of the brain did not change obviously after RF exposure. However, the anxiety-like behavior increased in mice, while, the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and aspartic acid (Asp) in cortex and hippocampus significantly decreased after RF exposure. These data suggested that RF exposure under these conditions do not affect the depression-like behavior, spatial memory and brain histology in adolescent male mice, but it may however increase the level of anxiety, and GABA and Asp were probably involved in this effect.
Predicting Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition Behaviors Using Social Cognitive Theory: Cross-Sectional Survey among Undergraduate Students in Chongqing, China
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Pu Yang , Sharma Manoj , Rao Yunshuang , Cai Yilin , Zhao Yong
Published: November 2017

(1) Background: Generally suggested public health measures to reduce obesity were to limit television (TV) viewing, enhance daily physical activities, enable the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake. This study analyzed the extent to which selected social cognitive theory constructs can predict these behaviors among Chinese undergraduate students. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1976 undergraduate students from six universities in Chongqing, China. A self-administered five-point Likert common physical activity and nutrition behavior scale based on social cognitive theory was utilized. (3) Results: This study included 687 (34.77%) males and 1289 (65.23%) females. A total of 60.14% of the students engaged in exercise for less than 30 min per day. Approximately 16.5% of the participants spent at least 4 h watching TV and sitting in front of a computer daily. Approximately 79% of the participants consumed less than five cups of fruit and vegetables daily. Undergraduate students who had high self-efficacy scores had more leisure time physical activities. Those who have high expectation scores had considerable time watching TV and sitting in front of a computer. Undergraduate students who had high expectation and self-efficacy scores had substantially low consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Those who had high self-efficacy scores consumed considerable amounts of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, the type of university, BMI group, gender, age, lack of siblings, and grade level were associated with the aforementioned four behaviors. (4) Conclusion: Physical inactivity and unhealthy nutrition behaviors are common among undergraduate students. This study used social cognitive theory to provide several implications for limiting the TV viewing, enhancing daily physical activities, consuming fruit and vegetables, and reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake among undergraduate students.
Sleep, Health and Wellness at Work: A Scoping Review
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Garbarino Sergio
Published: November 2017

Many occupational factors may interfere with sleep. Sleep disturbances can, in turn, endanger the health and safety of workers. This rapid review of the literature identifies the main factors that alter the quantity and quality of sleep, indicates the effects these alterations have on the wellbeing of workers and suggests some health promotion measures.
Benefits of Multidimensional Measures of Child Well Being in China
Authors: Gatenio Gabel Shirley , Zhang Yiwei
Published: November 2017

In recent decades, measures of child well-being have evolved from single dimension to multidimensional measures. Multi-dimensional measures deepen and broaden our understanding of child well-being and inform us of areas of neglect. Child well-being in China today is measured through proxy measures of household need. This paper discusses the evolution of child well-being measures more generally, explores the benefits of positive indicators and multiple dimensions in formulating policy, and then reviews efforts to date by the Chinese government, researchers, and non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations to develop comprehensive multidimensional measures of child well-being in China. The domains and their potential interactions, as well as data sources and availability, are presented. The authors believe that child well-being in China would benefit from the development of a multidimensional index and that there is sufficient data to develop such an index.
Spatiotemporal Association of Real-Time Concentrations of Black Carbon (BC) with Fine Particulate Matters (PM2.5) in Urban Hotspots of South Korea
Authors: Kim Sungroul , Yu Sol , Yun Dongmin
Published: November 2017

We evaluated the spatiotemporal distributions of black carbon (BC) and particulate matters with aerodynamic diameters of less than 2.5 m (PM2.5) concentrations at urban diesel engine emission (DEE) hotspots of South Korea. Concentrations of BC and PM2.5 were measured at the entrance gate of two diesel bus terminals and a train station, in 2014. Measurements were conducted simultaneously at the hotspot (Site 1) and at its adjacent, randomly selected, residential areas, apartment complex near major roadways, located with the same direction of 300 m (Site 2) and 500 m (Site 3) away from Site 1 on 4 different days over the season, thrice per day; morning (n = 120 measurements for each day and site), evening (n = 120), and noon (n = 120). The median (interquartile range) PM2.5 ranged from 12.6 (11.3–14.3) to 60.1 (47.0–76.0) μg/m3 while those of BC concentrations ranged from 2.6 (1.9–3.7) to 6.3 (4.2–10.3) μg/m3. We observed a strong relationship of PM2.5 concentrations between sites (slopes 0.89–0.9, the coefficient of determination 0.89–0.96) while the relationship for BC concentrations between sites was relatively weak (slopes 0.76–0.85, the coefficient of determination 0.54–0.72). PM2.5 concentrations were changed from 4% to 140% by unit increase of BC concentration, depending on site and time while likely supporting the necessity of monitoring of BC as well as PM2.5, especially at urban DEE related hotspot areas.
Omics Approaches for Identifying Physiological Adaptations to Genome Instability in Aging
Authors: Edifizi Diletta , Schumacher Björn
Published: November 2017

DNA damage causally contributes to aging and age-related diseases. The declining functioning of tissues and organs during aging can lead to the increased risk of succumbing to aging-associated diseases. Congenital syndromes that are caused by heritable mutations in DNA repair pathways lead to cancer susceptibility and accelerated aging, thus underlining the importance of genome maintenance for withstanding aging. High-throughput mass-spectrometry-based approaches have recently contributed to identifying signalling response networks and gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the physiological adaptations occurring upon unrepaired DNA damage. The insulin-like signalling pathway has been implicated in a DNA damage response (DDR) network that includes epidermal growth factor (EGF)-, AMP-activated protein kinases (AMPK)- and the target of rapamycin (TOR)-like signalling pathways, which are known regulators of growth, metabolism, and stress responses. The same pathways, together with the autophagy-mediated proteostatic response and the decline in energy metabolism have also been found to be similarly regulated during natural aging, suggesting striking parallels in the physiological adaptation upon persistent DNA damage due to DNA repair defects and long-term low-level DNA damage accumulation occurring during natural aging. These insights will be an important starting point to study the interplay between signalling networks involved in progeroid syndromes that are caused by DNA repair deficiencies and to gain new understanding of the consequences of DNA damage in the aging process.
View Point: Semaphorin-3E: An Emerging Modulator of Natural Killer Cell Functions?
Authors: Alamri Abdulaziz , Soussi Gounni Abdelilah , Kung Sam
Published: November 2017

Semaphorin-3E (Sema-3E) is a member of a large family of proteins originally identified as axon guidance cues in neural development. It is expressed in different cell types, such as immune cells, cancer cells, neural cells, and epithelial cells. Subsequently, dys-regulation of Sema-3E expression has been reported in various biological processes that range from cancers to autoimmune and allergic diseases. Recent work in our laboratories revealed a critical immunoregulatory role of Sema-3E in experimental allergic asthma. We further speculate possible immune modulatory function(s) of Sema-3E on natural killer (NK) cells.
Midkine and NANOG Have Similar Immunohistochemical Expression Patterns and Contribute Equally to an Adverse Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyun-Min , Kang Young-Hoon , Byun June-Ho , Jang Si-Jung , Rho Gyu-Jin , Lee Jong-Sil , Park Bong-Wook
Published: November 2017

To increase the overall survival rate and obtain a better prognosis for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, the detection of more effective and reliable tumor prognostic markers is needed. This study is focused on the analysis of correlation between the clinicopathological features of OSCCs and the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression patterns of MIDKINE (MK) and NANOG. Sixty-two primary OSCC patients were selected and their pretreatment biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed for the MK and NANOG proteins. The IHC expression patterns, clinicopathological features, and overall survival rates were assessed to identify any correlations. MK and NANOG showed significantly similar IHC expression patterns: both demonstrated enhanced expression in histologically high-grade and clinically late-stage OSCCs. Weak or negative expression of MK and NANOG was correlated with negative neck node metastasis. Clinicopathologically, late tumor stage, neck node metastasis, high-grade tumor, and palliative treatment groups showed significantly lower overall survival rates. The enhanced expression of MK and NANOG was associated with lower overall survival rates. In particular, enhanced co-detection of MK and NANOG showed significant correlation with poor prognosis. In conclusion, enhanced IHC expression patterns of MK and NANOG in OSCC patients was significantly associated with lower overall survival rates and unfavorable clinicopathological features. These results demonstrate that analysis of IHC expression patterns of MK and NANOG in pretreatment biopsy specimens during the work-up period can provide a more definitive prognosis prediction for each OSCC patient that can help clinicians to develop a more precise individual treatment modality.
The Molecular and Phenotypic Basis of the Glioma Invasive Perivascular Niche
Authors: Diksin Mohammed , Smith Stuart , Rahman Ruman
Published: November 2017

Gliomas are devastating brain cancers that have poor prognostic outcomes for their patients. Short overall patient survival is due to a lack of durable, efficacious treatment options. Such therapeutic difficulties exist, in part, due to several glioma survival adaptations and mechanisms, which allow glioma cells to repurpose paracrine signalling pathways and ion channels within discreet microenvironments. These Darwinian adaptations facilitate invasion into brain parenchyma and perivascular space or promote evasion from anti-cancer defence mechanisms. Ultimately, this culminates in glioma repopulation and migration at distances beyond the original tumour site, which is a considerable obstacle for effective treatment. After an era of failed phase II trials targeting individual signalling pathways, coupled to our increasing knowledge of glioma sub-clonal divergence, combinatorial therapeutic approaches which target multiple molecular pathways and mechanisms will be necessary for better treatment outcomes in treating malignant gliomas. Furthermore, next-generation therapy which focuses on infiltrative tumour phenotypes and disruption of the vascular and perivascular microenvironments harbouring residual disease cells offers optimism for the localised control of malignant gliomas.
G2/M-Phase Checkpoint Adaptation and Micronuclei Formation as Mechanisms That Contribute to Genomic Instability in Human Cells
Authors: Kalsbeek Danî , Golsteyn Roy
Published: November 2017

One of the most common characteristics of cancer cells is genomic instability. Recent research has revealed that G2/M-phase checkpoint adaptation—entering mitosis with damaged DNA—contributes to genomic changes in experimental models. When cancer cells are treated with pharmacological concentrations of genotoxic agents, they undergo checkpoint adaptation; however, a small number of cells are able to survive and accumulate micronuclei. These micronuclei harbour damaged DNA, and are able to replicate and reincorporate their DNA into the main nucleus. Micronuclei are susceptible to chromothripsis, which is a phenomenon characterised by extensively rearranged chromosomes that reassemble from pulverized chromosomes in one cellular event. These processes contribute to genomic instability in cancer cells that survive a genotoxic anti-cancer treatment. This review provides insight into checkpoint adaptation and its connection to micronuclei and possibly chromothripsis. Knowledge about these mechanisms is needed to improve the poor cancer treatment outcomes that result from genomic instability.
Discovering the Deregulated Molecular Functions Involved in Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Carcinoma Using a Data-Driven, Function-Based Analysis
Authors: Chang Chia-Ming , Yang Yi-Ping , Chuang Jen-Hua , Chuang Chi-Mu , Lin Tzu-Wei , Wang Peng-Hui , Yu Mu-Hsien , Chang Cheng-Chang
Published: November 2017

The clinical characteristics of clear cell carcinoma (CCC) and endometrioid carcinoma EC) are concomitant with endometriosis (ES), which leads to the postulation of malignant transformation of ES to endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma (EAOC). Different deregulated functional areas were proposed accounting for the pathogenesis of EAOC transformation, and there is still a lack of a data-driven analysis with the accumulated experimental data in publicly-available databases to incorporate the deregulated functions involved in the malignant transformation of EOAC. We used the microarray gene expression datasets of ES, CCC and EC downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI GEO) database. Then, we investigated the pathogenesis of EAOC by a data-driven, function-based analytic model with the quantified molecular functions defined by 1454 Gene Ontology (GO) term gene sets. This model converts the gene expression profiles to the functionome consisting of 1454 quantified GO functions, and then, the key functions involving the malignant transformation of EOAC can be extracted by a series of filters. Our results demonstrate that the deregulated oxidoreductase activity, metabolism, hormone activity, inflammatory response, innate immune response and cell-cell signaling play the key roles in the malignant transformation of EAOC. These results provide the evidence supporting the specific molecular pathways involved in the malignant transformation of EAOC.
Modulation of Cell Death Pathways by Hepatitis C Virus Proteins in Huh7.5 Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Masalova Olga , Lesnova Ekaterina , Solyev Pavel , Zakirova Natalia , Prassolov Vladimir , Kochetkov Sergey , Ivanov Alexander , Kushch Alla
Published: November 2017

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic liver disease leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV infection triggers various types of cell death which contribute to hepatitis C pathogenesis. However, much is still unknown about the impact of viral proteins on them. Here we present the results of simultaneous immunocytochemical analysis of markers of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis in Huh7.5 cells expressing individual HCV proteins or their combinations, or harboring the virus replicon. Stable replication of the full-length HCV genome or transient expression of its core, Е1/Е2, NS3 and NS5B led to the death of 20–47% cells, 72 h posttransfection, whereas the expression of the NS4A/B, NS5A or NS3-NS5B polyprotein did not affect cell viability. HCV proteins caused different impacts on the activation of caspases-3, -8 and -9 and on DNA fragmentation. The structural core and E1/E2 proteins promoted apoptosis, whereas non-structural NS4A/B, NS5A, NS5B suppressed apoptosis by blocking various members of the caspase cascade. The majority of HCV proteins also enhanced autophagy, while NS5A also induced necrosis. As a result, the death of Huh7.5 cells expressing the HCV core was induced via apoptosis, the cells expressing NS3 and NS5B via autophagy-associated death, and the cells expressing E1/E2 glycoproteins or harboring HCV the replicon via both apoptosis and autophagy.
A Blood Meal Enhances Innexin mRNA Expression in the Midgut, Malpighian Tubules, and Ovaries of the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Calkins Travis , Piermarini Peter
Published: November 2017

Mosquitoes are vectors of pathogens that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Female mosquitoes transmit these pathogens while taking a blood meal, which most species require to produce eggs. The period after a blood meal is a time of extreme physiological change that requires rapid coordination of specific tissues. Gap junctions (GJ) are intercellular channels that aid in the coordination of cells within tissues via the direct transfer of certain small molecules and ions between cells. Evolutionarily distinct groups of proteins form the gap junctions of vertebrate and invertebrate animals (connexins and innexins, respectively). Aedes aegypti mosquitoes possess six genes encoding innexins: inx1, inx2, inx3, inx4, inx7, and inx8. The goal of this study was to identify potential roles of innexins in the physiology of mosquitoes after a blood meal by using qPCR to quantify their mRNA expression in adult females at 3 h and 24 h post-blood meal (PBM) relative to non-blood-fed controls. We found that at 24 h PBM, expression levels of inx2, inx3, and inx4 mRNAs increased; inx2 was the most highly upregulated innexin in key tissues associated with blood-meal digestion and egg production (i.e., the midgut and ovaries, respectively). However, knocking down inx2 mRNA levels by over 75% via RNA interference had no significant effect on fecundity. Altogether, our results suggest that a blood meal influences the molecular expression of innexins in mosquitoes, but their specific physiological roles remain to be elucidated.
Preliminary Tests and Results Concerning Integration of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 OLI for Crop Monitoring
Authors: Lessio Andrea , Fissore Vanina , Borgogno-Mondino Enrico
Published: November 2017

The Sentinel-2 data by European Space Agency were recently made available for free. Their technical features suggest synergies with Landsat-8 dataset by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), especially in the agriculture context were observations should be as dense as possible to give a rather complete description of macro-phenology of crops. In this work some preliminary results are presented concerning geometric and spectral consistency of the two compared datasets. Tests were performed specifically focusing on the agriculture-devoted part of Piemonte Region (NW Italy). Geometric consistencies of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 datasets were tested “absolutely” (in respect of a selected reference frame) and “relatively” (one in respect of the other) by selecting, respectively, 160 and 100 well distributed check points. Spectral differences affecting at-the-ground reflectance were tested after images calibration performed by dark object subtraction approach. A special focus was on differences affecting derivable NDVI and NDWI spectral indices, being the most widely used in the agriculture remote sensing application context. Results are encouraging and suggest that this approach can successfully enter the ordinary remote sensing-supported precision farming workflow.
What’s (Not) on the Map: Landscape Features from Participatory Sketch Mapping Differ from Local Categories Used in Language
Authors: Wartmann Flurina , Purves Ross
Published: November 2017

Participatory mapping of local land use as the basis for planning and decision-making has become widespread around the globe. However, still relatively little is known about the conceptual underpinnings of geographic information produced through participatory mapping in given cultural and linguistic settings. In this paper, we therefore address the seemingly simple question of what is (not) represented on maps through an exploratory case study comparing land use categories participants represented on sketch maps with categories elicited through more language-focused ethnographic fieldwork. To explore landscape categorization, we conducted sketch mapping with 29 participants and in-depth ethnographic fieldwork with 19 participants from the Takana indigenous people in the Bolivian Amazon. Sketch mapping resulted in 74 different feature types, while we elicited 156 landscape categories used in language, of which only 23 overlapped with feature types from the sketch mapping. Vegetation categories were highly diversified in language but seldom represented on maps, while more obviously anthropogenic features were represented on sketch maps. Furthermore, participants seldom drew culturally important landscape categories such as fallow plots or important plant harvesting sites on maps, with important potential consequences for natural resource management.
Statistical Analysis on the Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Guo Shengfeng , Liu Ruoyu , Jiang Xianquan , Zhang Hongju , Zhang Dingfei , Wang Jingfeng , Pan Fusheng
Published: November 2017

Knowledge of statistical characteristics of mechanical properties is very important for the practical application of structural materials. Unfortunately, the scatter characteristics of magnesium alloys for mechanical performance remain poorly understood until now. In this study, the mechanical reliability of magnesium alloys is systematically estimated using Weibull statistical analysis. Interestingly, the Weibull modulus, m, of strength for magnesium alloys is as high as that for aluminum and steels, confirming the very high reliability of magnesium alloys. The high predictability in the tensile strength of magnesium alloys represents the capability of preventing catastrophic premature failure during service, which is essential for safety and reliability assessment.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerization Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline Films Doped with and without Iodine
Authors: Park Choon-Sang , Jung Eun , Kim Dong , Kim Do , Lee Hyung-Kun , Shin Bhum , Lee Dong , Tae Heung-Sik
Published: November 2017

Although polymerized aniline (polyaniline, PANI) with and without iodine (I2) doping has already been extensively studied, little work has been done on the synthesis of PANI films using atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) deposition. Therefore, this study characterized pure and I2-doped PANI films synthesized using an advanced APP polymerization system. The I2 doping was conducted ex-situ and using an I2 chamber method following the APP deposition. The pure and I2-doped PANI films were structurally analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) studies. When increasing the I2 doping time, the plane and cross-sectional SEM images showed a decrease in the width and thickness of the PANI nanofibers, while the AFM results showed an increase in the roughness and grain size of the PANI films. Moreover, the FT-IR, XPS, and ToF-SIMS results showed an increase in the content of oxygen-containing functional groups and C=C double bonds, yet decrease in the C–N and C–H bonds when increasing the I2 doping time due to the reduction of hydrogen in the PANI films via the I2. To check the suitability of the conductive layer for polymer display applications, the resistance variations of the PANI films grown on the interdigitated electrode substrates were also examined according to the I2 doping time.
Thermally-Induced Crack Evaluation in H13 Tool Steel
Authors: Abdulhadi Hassan , Ahmad Syarifah , Ismail Izwan , Ishak Mahadzir , Mohammed Ghusoon
Published: November 2017

This study reported the effect of thermal wear on cylindrical tool steel (AISI H13) under aluminum die-casting conditions. The AISIH13 steels were immersed in the molten aluminum alloy at 700 °C before water-quenching at room temperature. The process involved an alternating heating and cooling of each sample for a period of 24 s. The design of the immersion test apparatus stylistically simulated aluminum alloy dies casting conditions. The testing phase was performed at 1850, 3000, and 5000 cycles. The samples were subjected to visual inspection after each phase of testing, before being examined for metallographic studies, surface crack measurement, and hardness characteristics. Furthermore, the samples were segmented and examined under optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The areas around the crack zones were additionally examined under Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS). The crack’s maximum length and Vickers hardness profiles were obtained; and from the metallographic study, an increase in the number of cycles during the testing phase resulted in an increase in the surface crack formation; suggesting an increase in the thermal stress at higher cycle numbers. The crack length of Region I (spherically shaped) was about 47 to 127 µm, with a high oxygen content that was analyzed within 140 µm from the surface of the sample. At 700 °C, there is a formation of aluminum oxides, which was in contact with the surface of the H13 sample. These stresses propagate the thermal wear crack length into the tool material of spherically shaped Region I and cylindrically shape Region II, while hardness parameters presented a different observation. The crack length of Region I was about 32% higher than the crack length of Region II.
In Situ Characterization of Inconel 718 Post-Dynamic Recrystallization within a Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Zouari Meriem , Logé Roland , Bozzolo Nathalie
Published: November 2017

Microstructure evolution within the post-dynamic regime following hot deformation was investigated in Inconel 718 samples with different dynamically recrystallized volume fractions and under conditions such that no δ-phase particles were present. In situ annealing treatments carried out to mimic post-dynamic conditions inside the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) chamber suggest the occurrence of both metadynamic and static recrystallization mechanisms. Static recrystallization was observed in addition to metadynamic recrystallization, only when the initial dynamically recrystallized volume fraction was very small. The initial volume fraction of dynamically recrystallized grains appears to be decisive for subsequent microstructural evolution mechanisms and kinetics. In addition, the formation of annealing twins is observed along with the growth of recrystallized grains, but then the twin density decreases as the material enters the capillarity-driven grain growth regime.
Effect of Fly Ash Addition on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of AA6063 Alloy Reinforcement
Authors: Mohammed Razzaq Alaa , Majid Dayang , Ishak Mohamad , Basheer Uday
Published: November 2017

Aluminum-fly ash particulate-reinforced composites (AA6063-FA) have been used in various engineering fields, such as automotive and aerospace industries, due to their low density and good mechanical properties. There are many fabrication techniques available to manufacture these composites according to matrix and reinforcement materials. The compocasting technique for the fabrication of the AA6063 matrix composite reinforced with fly ash particles is the focus of this research. Fly ash content was in the range of 0–12 wt % in increasing increments of 2%. Fly ash particles were added to the molten AA6063 alloy until they were completely blended and cooled down just below the liquidus to keep the slurry in the semi-solid state. After this, the molten AA6063-FA composites were cast into prepared cast iron molds. Bulk density and apparent porosity measurements, Charpy impact testing, Vickers microhardness measurements, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS) elemental mapping were used to evaluate these materials. The results showed that an increase in the fly ash content in the melted leads results in an increase in the microhardness and porosity in the composites. In contrast, the bulk density and Charpy impact energy of the composites decreased with an increase in the fly ash content.
Development of a Novel Degradation-Controlled Magnesium-Based Regeneration Membrane for Future Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) Therapy
Authors: Lin Da-Jun , Hung Fei-Yi , Lee Hung-Pang , Yeh Ming-Long
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the ECO-friendly Mg-5Zn-0.5Zr (ECO505) alloy for application in dental-guided bone regeneration (GBR). The microstructure and surface properties of biomedical Mg materials greatly influence anti-corrosion performance and biocompatibility. Accordingly, for the purpose of microstructure and surface modification, heat treatments and surface coatings were chosen to provide varied functional characteristics. We developed and integrated both an optimized solution heat-treatment condition and surface fluoride coating technique to fabricate a Mg-based regeneration membrane. The heat-treated Mg regeneration membrane (ARRm-H380) and duplex-treated regeneration membrane group (ARRm-H380-F24 h) were thoroughly investigated to characterize the mechanical properties, as well as the in vitro corrosion and in vivo degradation behaviors. Significant enhancement in ductility and corrosion resistance for the ARRm-H380 was obtained through the optimized solid-solution heat treatment; meanwhile, the corrosion resistance of ARRm-H380-F24 h showed further improvement, resulting in superior substrate integrity. In addition, the ARRm-H380 provided the proper amount of Mg-ion concentration to accelerate bone growth in the early stage (more than 80% new bone formation). From a specific biomedical application point of view, these research results point out a successful manufacturing route and suggest that the heat treatment and duplex treatment could be employed to offer custom functional regeneration membranes for different clinical patients.
Antibacterial Activity of the Non-Cytotoxic Peptide (p-BthTX-I)2 and Its Serum Degradation Product against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Santos-Filho Norival , Fernandes Rafaela , Sgardioli Bruna , Ramos Matheus , Piccoli Julia , Camargo Ilana , Bauab Tais , Cilli Eduardo
Published: November 2017

Antimicrobial peptides can be used systemically, however, their susceptibility to proteases is a major obstacle in peptide-based therapeutic development. In the present study, the serum stability of p-BthTX-I (KKYRYHLKPFCKK) and (p-BthTX-I)2, a p-BthTX-I disulfide-linked dimer, were analyzed by mass spectrometry and analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antimicrobial activities were assessed by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) using cation-adjusted Mueller–Hinton broth. Furthermore, biofilm eradication and time-kill kinetics were performed. Our results showed that p-BthTX-I and (p-BthTX-I)2 were completely degraded after 25 min. Mass spectrometry showed that the primary degradation product was a peptide that had lost four lysine residues on its C-terminus region (des-Lys12/Lys13-(p-BthTX-I)2), which was stable after 24 h of incubation. The antibacterial activities of the peptides p-BthTX-I, (p-BthTX-I)2, and des-Lys12/Lys13-(p-BthTX-I)2 were evaluated against a variety of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. Des-Lys12/Lys13-(p-BthTX-I)2 and (p-BthTX-I)2 degraded Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Additionally, both the peptides exhibited bactericidal activities against planktonic S. epidermidis in time-kill assays. The emergence of bacterial resistance to a variety of antibiotics used in clinics is the ultimate challenge for microbial infection control. Therefore, our results demonstrated that both peptides analyzed and the product of proteolysis obtained from (p-BthTX-I)2 are promising prototypes as novel drugs to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
HPLC Analysis and Biochemical Characterization of LOX from Eschscholtzia californica Cham.
Authors: Kollárová Renáta , Holková Ivana , Rauová Drahomíra , Bálintová Barbora , Mikuš Peter , Obložinský Marek
Published: November 2017

Background: Plant lipoxygenases (LOXs, EC 1.13.11.12) are involved in lipid degradation, regulation of growth and development, senescence, and defence reactions. LOX represents the starting enzyme of the octadecanoid pathway. The aim of the work was to purify LOX from California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica Cham.), to determine its biochemical properties and to identify and quantify the products of LOX reaction with unsaturated fatty acids. Methods: LOX from California poppy seedlings was purified by hydrophobic chromatography (Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B) and by ion-exchange chromatography (Q-Sepharose). The isolated LOX was incubated with linoleic acid used as a substrate. The HPLC experiments were performed with the Agilent Technologies 1050 series HPLC system. For the preparative separation of a mixture of hydroxy fatty acids from the sample matrix, the RP-HPLC method was used (column 120-5 Nucleosil C18). Then, the NP-HPLC analysis (separation, identification, and determination) of hydroxy fatty acid isomers was carried out on a Zorbax Rx-SIL column. Results: The purified LOX indicates the presence of a nontraditional plant enzyme with dual positional specificity (a ratio of 9- and 13-hydroperoxide products 1:1), a relative molecular mass of 85 kDa, a pH optimum of 6.5, an increasing activity stimulation by CaCl2 till 2 mM, and a high substrate reactivity to linoleic acid with kinetic values of KM 2.6 mM and Vmax 3.14 μM/min/mg. Conclusions: For the first time, the LOX from California poppy seedlings was partially purified and the biochemical properties of the enzyme were analyzed. A dual positional specificity of the LOX found from California poppy seedlings is in agreement with the results obtained for LOXs isolated from other Papaveraceaes. A 1:1 ratio of 9-/13-HODE is attractive for the simultaneous investigation of both biotic stress responses (indicated by the 9-HODE marker) and the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid and jasmonates (indicated by the 13-HODE marker).
9,10-Dihydrophenanthrene with Two Spiro(dibenzocycloheptatriene) Units: A Highly Strained Caged Hydrocarbon Exhibiting Reversible Electrochromic Behavior
Authors: Ishigaki Yusuke , Hayashi Yuki , Sugawara Kazuma , Shimajiri Takuya , Nojo Wataru , Katoono Ryo , Suzuki Takanori
Published: November 2017

The title dispiro hydrocarbon 1 was designed as a new electrochromic material. This multiply clamped hexaphenylethane-type electron donor was prepared from 2,2’-diiodobiphenyl via biphenyl-2,2’-diylbis(dibenzotropylium) 22+ salt. X-ray analysis of 1 revealed a highly strained structure as reflected by an elongated “ethane” bond [bond length: 1.6665(17) Å] and nearly eclipsed conformation. The weakened bond was cleaved upon two-electron oxidation to regenerate the deeply colored dication 22+. The reversible interconversion between 1 and 22+ is accompanied not only by a drastic color change but also by C–C bond formation/cleavage. Thus, the voltammogram showed a pair of well-separated redox waves, which is characteristic of “dynamic redox (dyrex)” behavior. The tetrahydro derivative of 1 with two units of spiro(dibenzocycloheptadiene), which suffers from more severe steric congestion, was also prepared. The crystallographically determined bond length for the central C–C bond [1.705(4) Å] is greatest among the values reported for 9,9,10,10-tetraaryl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene derivatives.
First-Row Late Transition Metals for Catalytic Alkene Hydrofunctionalisation: Recent Advances in C-N, C-O and C-P Bond Formation
Authors: Bezzenine-Lafollée Sophie , Gil Richard , Prim Damien , Hannedouche Jérôme
Published: November 2017

This review provides an outline of the most noteworthy achievements in the area of C-N, C-O and C-P bond formation by hydroamination, hydroalkoxylation, hydrophosphination, hydrophosphonylation or hydrophosphinylation reaction on unactivated alkenes (including 1,2- and 1,3-dienes) promoted by first-row late transition metal catalytic systems based on manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc. The relevant literature from 2009 until mid-2017 has been covered.
Lanthanide Photoluminescence in Heterometallic Polycyanidometallate-Based Coordination Networks
Authors: Chorazy Szymon , Wyczesany Maciej , Sieklucka Barbara
Published: November 2017

Solid-state functional luminescent materials arouse an enormous scientific interest due to their diverse applications in lighting, display devices, photonics, optical communication, low energy scintillation, optical storage, light conversion, or photovoltaics. Among all types of solid luminophors, the emissive coordination polymers, especially those based on luminescent trivalent lanthanide ions, exhibit a particularly large scope of light-emitting functionalities, fruitfully investigated in the aspects of chemical sensing, display devices, and bioimaging. Here, we present the complete overview of one of the promising families of photoluminescent coordination compounds, that are heterometallic d–f cyanido-bridged networks composed of lanthanide(3+) ions connected through cyanide bridges with polycyanidometallates of d-block metal ions. We are showing that the combination of cationic lanthanide complexes of selected inorganic and organic ligands with anionic homoligand [M(CN)x]n− (x = 2, 4, 6 and 8) or heteroligand [M(L)(CN)4]2− (L = bidentate organic ligand, M = transition metal ions) anions is the efficient route towards the emissive coordination networks revealing important optical properties, including 4f-metal-centred visible and near-infrared emission sensitized through metal-to-metal and/or ligand-to-metal energy transfer processes, and multi-coloured photoluminescence switchable by external stimuli such as excitation wavelength, temperature, or pressure.