bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Control of Air Conditioning Loads for Consuming Distributed Energy Sources
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Zhang Xinyi , Zhou Bowen
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to tap the potential of air conditioning loads (ACLs) for consuming photovoltaic power (PV) and wind power (WP). By fully considering different thermal comfort of different users, an ACL twice-clustered model based on different ACL parameters and users tolerance values (UTV) is built. Then, a two-stage ACL control method based on both temperature control (TC) and switch control (SC) is proposed, which achieves rapid control of ACLs as well as diminishing users’ discomfort. Widely existent communication time delay in ACL control network causes obvious control error, which leads to ACL consumption deviation from the target. Therefore, on the basis of analyzing errors and impacts of ACLs caused by communication time delay, this paper proposes a time delay compensation method based on a network predictive control system. Applying the ACLs clustered model and the control method into consuming PV and WP, a dual-stage consumption model considering communication time delay is established. Simulations of the PV and WP consumption effects based on ACLs clusters are conducted, and the influence of SC cycle and outdoor temperature on the simulation results are analyzed. The simulation results demonstrate the validity of the model and the methods proposed in this paper, showing a strong adaptability in different circumstances.
New Power Quality Indices for the Assessment of Waveform Distortions from 0 to 150 kHz in Power Systems with Renewable Generation and Modern Non-Linear Loads
Authors: Alfieri Luisa , Bracale Antonio , Larsson Anders
Published: October 2017

The widespread use of power electronics converters, e.g., to interface renewable generation systems with the grid or to supply some high-efficiency loads, has caused increased levels of waveform distortions in the modern distribution system. Voltage and current waveforms include spectral components from 0 kHz to 150 kHz, characterized by a non-uniform time-frequency behavior. This wide interval of frequencies is currently divided into “low-frequency” (from 0 kHz to 2 kHz) and “high-frequency” (from 2 kHz to 150 kHz). While the low-frequencies have been exhaustively investigated in the relevant literature and are covered by adequate standardization, studies for the high-frequencies have been addressed only in the last decade to fill current regulatory gaps. In this paper, new power quality (PQ) indices for the assessment of waveform distortions from 0 kHz to 150 kHz are proposed. Specifically, some currently available indices have been properly modified in order to extend their application also to wide-spectrum waveforms. In the particular case of waveform distortions due to renewable generation, numerical applications prove that the proposed indices are useful tools for the characterization of problems (e.g., overheating, equipment malfunctioning, losses due to skin effects, hysteresis losses or eddy current losses) in cases of both low-frequency and high-frequency distortions.
Application of Biotechnology in the Conservation of the Genus Castanea
Authors: Corredoira Elena , Martínez Mª , Cernadas Mª , San José Mª
Published: October 2017

Castanea is a hardwood forest genus of considerable agro-economic importance for both timber and nut production. Chestnuts are one of the most significant nut crops in the temperate zone. However, this species is threatened by pollution, social factors, economical changes, and two major fungal diseases: ink disease (Phytophthora spp.), and chestnut blight canker (Cryphonectria parasitica). Similar to other wood species, chestnuts are difficult to propagate both generatively by seed and vegetatively by means of grafting or cuttings. Biotechnological methods such as in vitro culture have been developed in the last few years as an alternative to conventional vegetative propagation. Biotechnology plays a very important role not only in the propagation of selected individuals (being used at a commercial level), but also in its short-term preservation, and offers the possibility of preserving the propagated material in the medium-term (cold storage) or long-term using cryopreservation.
Ecosystem Service Supply and Capacity on U.S. Family Forestlands
Authors: Caputo Jesse , Butler Brett
Published: October 2017

Individuals and families collectively own more than 118 million ha of forestland in the USA. Using data from the USDA Forest Service’s National Woodland Owners Survey (NWOS), we characterize ecosystem services being produced on family forests as well as the beneficiaries who enjoy them. Approximately half of family forest owners provide one or more provisioning services. With the exception of logs, the provisioning services provided by the majority of owners are enjoyed directly by owners or their close associates (i.e., family, friends, and neighbors). Similarly, while more than half of family forest owners have provided recreational opportunities, a cultural service, to their close associates, fewer than 6% of owners have sold or provided recreational services to the general public. Regulating and supporting services are linked to the maintenance of long-term forest cover. Greater than 80% of family forest owners desire to maintain the forested condition of their land, whereas a much smaller percentage of these owners have entered into conservation easements or have collected money for conservation purposes. In addition, many owners have engaged in activities expected to increase the future capacity of their land to provide multiple ecosystem services, both excludable and non-excludable.
Stand Dynamics and Biomass Increment in a Lucidophyllous Forest over a 28-Year Period in Central Japan
Authors: Chen Siyu , Komiyama Akira , Kato Shogo , Cao Ruoming , Yoshitake Shinpei , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki
Published: October 2017

Secondary lucidophyllous forest is one of the dominant forests in human-dominated subtropical/warm-temperate regions in East Asia. There were few direct monitoring techniques to elucidate the following hypotheses: (a) self-thinning may govern the stand development process and (b) wood production decline can be observed during secondary succession in a lucidophyllous forest. We conducted a long-term study at a permanent plot in central Japan, since 1989. The forest consists mainly of Castanopsis cuspidata in a canopy layer, Cleyera japonica, and Eurya japonica in a subtree layer. During the 28-year period, the basal area of the stand significantly increased due to the growth of C. cuspidata, from 29.18 ± 1.84 (87.8% of total) to 38.71 ± 2.22 m2 ha−1 (91.9%), while the stem density of C. cuspidata significantly decreased from 666 ± 13 to 404 ± 10 stems ha−1 in proportion to accumulating biomass (117.8 to 166.6 ton ha−1). The annual woody net primary production ranged from 2.40 ± 0.13 to 3.93 ± 0.33 ton ha−1 year−1 as a nearly 70-year-old forest. There was no age-related decline of woody net primary production (NPP) was found during secondary succession, and the growth of individual tree still increased when the self-thinning process governed the stand.
“Their Packaging Has Always Been Like a Power”: A Qualitative Study of U.S. Smokers’ Perceptions of Cigarette Pack Visual Design Features to Inform Product Regulation
Authors: Lee Joseph , Averett Paige , Blanchflower Tiffany , Landi Nunzio , Gregory Kyle
Published: October 2017

Cigarette packaging matters to consumer behavior. However, it is less clear which changes to packaging design would be salient for adult smokers. Such information is critically important to regulators in the United States who are charged with reviewing new tobacco products for their impact on population health. In this qualitative study, U.S. adult smokers (n = 33) participated in six telephone-based focus groups in March 2017. Separate groups were comprised of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) participants; participants with less than four years of post-secondary education; a mix of LGB and straight participants; and, the general population. All groups were purposely selected for diversity. Open thematic coding identified salient design elements used on cigarette packaging. Smokers articulated design elements’ use, meaning, and links with consumer behaviors. Three themes were identified: (1) the power of color, (2) supporting color with other design elements (e.g., logos/images, typography, the pack itself), and (3) the combined product brand experience of multiple design elements. Participants linked design elements to product characteristics and to consumer behavior (e.g., purchase). As the Food and Drug Administration is charged with regulating tobacco products, these findings suggest the importance of considering the cigarette pack part of the characteristics of a product.
Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Nordic Walking in a Natural Mountain Environment
Authors: Grainer Alessandro , Zerbini Livio , Reggiani Carlo , Marcolin Giuseppe , Steele James , Pavei Gaspare , Paoli Antonio
Published: October 2017

Background: Interest around Nordic Walking (NW) has increased in recent years. However, direct comparisons of NW with normal walking (W), particularly in ecologically valid environments is lacking. The aim of our study was to compare NW and W, over long distances in a natural mountain environment. Methods: Twenty one subjects (13 male/8 female, aged 41 ± 12 years, body mass index BMI 24.1 ± 3.7), walked three distinct uphill paths (length 2.2/3.4/7 km) with (NW) or without (W) walking poles over two separate days. Heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE), step length (SL), walking speed (WS), total steps number (SN) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. Results: HR (+18%) and EE (+20%) were higher in NW than in W whilst RPE was similar. SN (−12%) was lower and SL (+15%) longer in NW. WS was higher (1.64 vs. 1.53 m s−1) in NW. Conclusions: Our data confirm that, similarly to previous laboratory studies, differences in a range of walking variables are present between NW and W when performed in a natural environment. NW appears to increase EE compared to W, despite a similar RPE. Thus, NW could be a useful as aerobic training modality for weight control and cardiorespiratory fitness.
China’s Insurance Regulatory Reform, Corporate Governance Behavior and Insurers’ Governance Effectiveness
Authors: Li Huicong , Zhang Hongliang , Tsai Sang-Bing , Qiu Aichao
Published: October 2017

External regulation is an important mechanism to improve corporate behavior in emerging markets. China’s insurance governance regulation, which began to supervise and guide insurance corporate governance behavior in 2006, has experienced a complex process of reform. This study tested our hypotheses with a sample of 85 firms during 2010–2011, which was obtained by providing a questionnaire to all of China’s shareholding insurance companies. The empirical study results generally show that China’s insurance governance effectiveness has significantly improved through strict regulation. Insurance corporate governance can improve business acumen and risk-control ability, but no significant evidence was found to prove its influence on profitability, as a result of focusing less attention on governance than on management. State ownership is associated with higher corporate governance effectiveness than non-state ownership. Listed companies tend to outperform non-listed firms, and life insurance corporate governance is more effective than that of property insurers. This study not only contributes to the comprehensive understanding of corporate governance effectiveness but also to the literature by highlighting the effect of corporate governance regulation in China’s insurance industry and other emerging economies of the financial sector.
Trends and Weekly Cycles in a Large Swiss Emergency Centre: A 10 Year Period at the University Hospital of Bern
Authors: Braun Christian , Gnägi Cornelia , Klukowska-Rötzler Jolanta , Ahmad Sufian , Ricklin Meret , Exadaktylos Aristomenis
Published: October 2017

Popular demand for high quality care has increased in recent years. This is also the case for medical services and support at all times of the day and night is nowadays required. During the last ten years, there has been a marked increase in the demands on hospital emergency hospitals, particularly in the Western industrialized countries. The present retrospective study investigates how the demands on a large Swiss university centre have changed over a period of 10 years. Patient numbers are differentiated by age, gender, nationality, weekday and mode of referral. A retrospective analysis was performed of the data of the patients admitted to the Emergency Centre of Bern University Medical Hospital (Inselspital) during the ten-year period from 2004 up to and including 2013 and who were treated as emergencies. A total of 264,272 patients were included in the study. It was shown that there was an uninterrupted annual increase from 23,555 patients in 2004 to 34,918 patients in 2013 (+48%). Most patients came to the Emergency Centre on Mondays, followed by Fridays. Because of the marked increase in life expectancy and the resulting demographic changes, there has been a marked increase in the number of older patients coming to the Emergency Centre for acute medical care. It was found that there were disproportionately high numbers of patients aged 20 to 49 years who were not Swiss citizens. In contrast, most patients over 60 were Swiss. In the coming years, emergency centres will have to adapt to the continued increase in patient numbers. This trend will continue, so that it is essential to consider the sociodemographic structure of a region when planning the availability of emergency medical care.
Transnational Dynamics Amid Poor Regulations: Taiwan’s Asbestos Ban Actions and Experiences
Authors: Wu Harry Yi-Jui , Lin Ro-Ting , Wang Jung-Der , Cheng Yawen
Published: October 2017

This article describes the history of the asbestos use regulation process in Taiwan and the associated factors leading to its total ban in 2018. Despite the long history of asbestos mining and manufacturing since the Japanese colonial period, attempts to understand the impact of asbestos on the health of the population and to control its use did not emerge until the early 1980s. We attempted to investigate the driving forces and obstructions involved in asbestos regulations by reviewing available public sources and scientific journal articles and conducting interviews with key propagators of the asbestos regulation and ban. Correlation between asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases has already been established; however, authorities have been unable to effectively regulate the extensive application of asbestos in various light industries that support economic growth since the 1960s. More stringent regulations on asbestos use in industries and an eventual ban were caused indirectly by appeals made by visionary scholars and healthcare professionals but also due to the subsidence of asbestos-related industries. With the elucidation of factors that affect asbestos regulation and ban, a thorough long-term healthcare plan for the neglected victims of asbestos-related diseases and upstream measures for policy change must be developed.
Dampness and Moisture Problems in Norwegian Homes
Authors: Becher Rune , Høie Anja Hortemo , Bakke Jan Vilhelm , Holøs Sverre Bjørn , Øvrevik Johan
Published: October 2017

The occurrence of dampness and mold in the indoor environment is associated with respiratory-related disease outcomes. Thus, it is pertinent to know the magnitude of such indoor environment problems to be able to estimate the potential health impact in the population. In the present study, the moisture damage in 10,112 Norwegian dwellings was recorded based on building inspection reports. The levels of moisture damage were graded based on a condition class (CC), where CC0 is immaculate and CC1 acceptable (actions not required), while CC2 and CC3 indicate increased levels of damage that requires action. Of the 10,112 dwellings investigated, 3125 had verified moisture or mold damage. This amounts to 31% of the surveyed dwellings. Of these, 27% had CC2 as the worst grade, whereas 4% had CC3 as the worst grade level. The room types and building structures most prone to moisture damage were (in rank order) crawl spaces, basements, un-insulated attics, cooling rooms, and bathrooms. The high proportion of homes with moisture damage indicate a possible risk for respiratory diseases in a relatively large number of individuals, even if only the more extensive moisture damages and those located in rooms where occupants spend the majority of their time would have a significant influence on adverse health effects.
Overview of the OGC CDB Standard for 3D Synthetic Environment Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Saeedi Sara , Liang Steve , Graham David , Lokuta Michael , Mostafavi Mir
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in sensor and platform technologies, such as satellite systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), manned aerial platforms, and ground-based sensor networks have resulted in massive volumes of data being produced and collected about the earth. Processing, managing, and analyzing these data is one of the main challenges in 3D synthetic representation used in modeling and simulation (M&S) of the natural environment. M&S devices, such as flight simulators, traditionally require a variety of different databases to provide a synthetic representation of the world. M&S often requires integration of data from a variety of sources stored in different formats. Thus, for simulation of a complex synthetic environment, such as a 3D terrain model, tackling interoperability among its components (geospatial data, natural and man-made objects, dynamic and static models) is a critical challenge. Conventional approaches used local proprietary data models and formats. These approaches often lacked interoperability and created silos of content within the simulation community. Therefore, open geospatial standards are increasingly perceived as a means to promote interoperability and reusability for 3D M&S. In this paper, the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) CDB Standard is introduced. “CDB” originally referred to Common DataBase, which is currently considered as a name with no abbreviation in the OGC community. The OGC CDB is an international standard for structuring, modeling, and storing geospatial information required in high-performance modeling and simulation applications. CDB defines the core conceptual models, use cases, requirements, and specifications for employing geospatial data in 3D M&S. The main features of the OGC CDB Standard are described as the run-time performance, full plug-and-play interoperable geospatial data store, usefulness in 3D and dynamic simulation environment, ability to integrate proprietary and open-source data formats. Furthermore, compatibility with the OGC standards baseline reduces the complexity of discovering, transforming, and streaming geospatial data into the synthetic environment and makes them more widely acceptable to major geospatial data/software producers. This paper includes an overview of OGC CDB version 1.0, which defines a conceptual model and file structure for the storage, access, and modification of a multi-resolution 3D synthetic environment data store. Finally, this paper presents a perspective of future versions of the OGC CDB and what the steps are for humanizing the OGC CDB standard with the other OGC/ISO standards baseline.
TGF-β-Induced Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Fibrotic Diseases
Authors: Pardali Evangelia , Sanchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , Gomez-Puerto Maria , Ten Dijke Peter
Published: October 2017

Fibrotic diseases are characterized by net accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in affected organs leading to their dysfunction and ultimate failure. Myofibroblasts have been identified as the cells responsible for the progression of the fibrotic process, and they originate from several sources, including quiescent tissue fibroblasts, circulating CD34+ fibrocytes and the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts. Several studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells can transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells through a process termed endothelial- mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and that this can give rise to activated myofibroblasts involved in the development of fibrotic diseases. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has a central role in fibrogenesis by modulating the fibroblast phenotype and function, inducing myofibroblast transdifferentiation and promoting matrix accumulation. In addition, TGF-β by inducing EndMT may further contribute to the development of fibrosis. Despite extensive investigation of the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases, no effective treatment strategies are available. Delineation of the mechanisms responsible for initiation and progression of fibrotic diseases is crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of the disease. In this review, we summarize the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway and EndMT in the development of fibrotic diseases and discuss their therapeutic potential.
Quantitative Phosphoproteomic Analysis Provides Insight into the Response to Short-Term Drought Stress in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus Roots
Authors: Sun Huigai , Xia Bolin , Wang Xue , Gao Fei , Zhou Yijun
Published: October 2017

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that negatively affects plant growth and development. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is an ecologically important shrub in the mid-Asia desert region and used as a model for abiotic tolerance research in trees. Protein phosphorylation participates in the regulation of various biological processes, however, phosphorylation events associated with drought stress signaling and response in plants is still limited. Here, we conducted a quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis of the response of A. mongolicus roots to short-term drought stress. Data are available via the iProx database with project ID IPX0000971000. In total, 7841 phosphorylation sites were found from the 2019 identified phosphopeptides, corresponding to 1060 phosphoproteins. Drought stress results in significant changes in the abundance of 103 phosphopeptides, corresponding to 90 differentially-phosphorylated phosphoproteins (DPPs). Motif-x analysis identified two motifs, including [pSP] and [RXXpS], from these DPPs. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis showed that the DPPs were mainly involved in signal transduction and transcriptional regulation, osmotic adjustment, stress response and defense, RNA splicing and transport, protein synthesis, folding and degradation, and epigenetic regulation. These drought-corresponsive phosphoproteins, and the related signaling and metabolic pathways probably play important roles in drought stress signaling and response in A. mongolicus roots. Our results provide new information for understanding the molecular mechanism of the abiotic stress response in plants at the posttranslational level.
Roles of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Aromatase-Dependent Cell Proliferation in Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Miki Yasuhiro , Hata Shuko , Ono Katsuhiko , Suzuki Takashi , Ito Kiyoshi , Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Sasano Hironobu
Published: October 2017

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and its expression is influenced by environmental compounds, such as 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and β-naphthoflavone (β-NF). AhR and its downstream genes, such as CYP1A1, are considered to play a pivotal role in xenobiotic responses. AhR signaling has also been proposed to mediate osteogenesis in experimental animals, but its details have remained unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined the possible roles of AhR in human bone. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AhR was detected in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We then screened AhR-target genes using a microarray analysis in human osteoblastic hFOB cells. Results of microarray and subsequent PCR analysis did reveal that estrogen metabolizing and synthesizing enzymes, such as CYP1B1 and aromatase, were increased by 3-MC in hFOB and osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63. The subsequent antibody cytokine analysis also demonstrated that interleukin-1β and -6 expression was increased by 3-MC and β-NF in hFOB cells and these interleukins were well known to induce aromatase. We then examined the cell proliferation rate of hFOB and MG-63 cells co-treated with 3-MC and testosterone as an aromatase substrate. The status of cell proliferation in both hFOB and MG-63 cells was stimulated by 3-MC and testosterone treatment, which was also inhibited by an estrogen blocker, aromatase inhibitor, or AhR antagonist. These findings indicated that AhR could regulate estrogen synthesis and metabolism in bone tissues through cytokine/aromatase signaling.
Impact of Natural Compounds on DNA Methylation Levels of the Tumor Suppressor Gene RASSF1A in Cancer
Authors: Dammann Reinhard , Richter Antje , Jiménez Adriana , Woods Michelle , Küster Miriam , Witharana Chamindri
Published: October 2017

Epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) is a fundamental event in the pathogenesis of human cancer. This silencing is accomplished by aberrant chromatin modifications including DNA hypermethylation of the gene promoter. One of the most frequently hypermethylated TSG in human cancer is the Ras Association Domain Family 1A (RASSF1A) gene. Aberrant methylation of RASSF1A has been reported in melanoma, sarcoma and carcinoma of different tissues. RASSF1A hypermethylation has been correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Reactivation of epigenetically silenced TSG has been suggested as a therapy in cancer treatment. In particular, natural compounds isolated from herbal extracts have been tested for their capacity to induce RASSF1A in cancer cells, through demethylation. Here, we review the treatment of cancer cells with natural supplements (e.g., methyl donors, vitamins and polyphenols) that have been utilized to revert or prevent the epigenetic silencing of RASSF1A. Moreover, we specify pathways that were involved in RASSF1A reactivation. Several of these compounds (e.g., reseveratol and curcumin) act by inhibiting the activity or expression of DNA methyltransferases and reactive RASSF1A in cancer. Thus natural compounds could serve as important agents in tumor prevention or cancer therapy. However, the exact epigenetic reactivation mechanism is still under investigation.
Cold Treatment Induces Transient Mitochondrial Fragmentation in Arabidopsis thaliana in a Way that Requires DRP3A but not ELM1 or an ELM1-Like Homologue, ELM2
Authors: Arimura Shin-ichi , Kurisu Rina , Sugaya Hajime , Kadoya Naoki , Tsutsumi Nobuhiro
Published: October 2017

The number, size and shape of polymorphic plant mitochondria are determined at least partially by mitochondrial fission. Arabidopsis mitochondria divide through the actions of a dynamin-related protein, DRP3A. Another plant-specific factor, ELM1, was previously shown to localize DRP3A to mitochondrial fission sites. Here, we report that mitochondrial fission is not completely blocked in the Arabidopsis elm1 mutant and that it is strongly manifested in response to cold treatment. Arabidopsis has an ELM1 paralogue (ELM2) that seems to have only a limited role in mitochondrial fission in the elm1 mutant. Interestingly, cold-induced mitochondrial fragmentation was also observed in the wild-type, but not in a drp3a mutant, suggesting that cold-induced transient mitochondrial fragmentation requires DRP3A but not ELM1 or ELM2. DRP3A: GFP localized from the cytosol to mitochondrial fission sites without ELM1 after cold treatment. Together, these results suggest that Arabidopsis has a novel, cold-induced type of mitochondrial fission in which DRP3A localizes to mitochondrial fission sites without the involvement of ELM1 or ELM2.
The NAC Transcription Factor Gene OsY37 (ONAC011) Promotes Leaf Senescence and Accelerates Heading Time in Rice
Authors: El Mannai Yousra , Akabane Kenta , Hiratsu Keiichiro , Satoh-Nagasawa Namiko , Wabiko Hiroetsu
Published: October 2017

Leaf senescence is an important physiological process involving the degradation of a number of metabolites and their remobilization to new reproductive and storage organs. NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) transcription factors are reported as important regulators of the senescence process. Here, we describe the identification and functional characterization of the NAC transcription factor gene, OsY37 (Oryza sativa Yellow37, ONAC011) obtained from Oryza sativa cv. indica, and japonica. We created transgenic plants expressing the OsY37 gene under the control of a strong and constitutive CaMV35S promoter. The resulting transgenic plants overexpressing OsY37 gene showed early heading and precocious senescence phenotype of flag leaves compared with wild-type plants. By contrast, blocking the function of this gene via RNAi (RNA interference) and CRES-T (Chimeric Repressor Silencing Technology) technology, delayed both heading time and leaf senescence. Furthermore, knockdown of OsY37 expression caused dwarfism and high accumulation of chlorophyll during the vegetative phase. Irrespective of early or delayed senescence, transgenic plants showed reduced grain yields. Our results indicate that OsY37 acts as a positive regulator of heading and senescence during the reproductive phase in rice. In addition, OsY37 may be involved in plant development and grain yield.
Additive Manufacturing, Cloud-Based 3D Printing and Associated Services—Overview
Authors: Baumann Felix , Roller Dieter
Published: October 2017

Cloud Manufacturing (CM) is the concept of using manufacturing resources in a service-oriented way over the Internet. Recent developments in Additive Manufacturing (AM) are making it possible to utilise resources ad-hoc as replacements for traditional manufacturing resources in case of spontaneous problems in the established manufacturing processes. In order to be of use in these scenarios, the AM resources must adhere to a strict principle of transparency and service composition in adherence to the Cloud Computing (CC) paradigm. With this review, we provide an overview of CM, AM and relevant domains as well as presenting the historical development of scientific research in these fields, from 2002 to 2016. Part of this work is also a meta-review on the domain to further detail its development and structure.
Non-Uniform Laser Surface Texturing of an Un-Tapered Square Pad for Tribological Applications
Authors: Ancona Antonio , Joshi Gagandeep , Volpe Annalisa , Scaraggi Michele , Lugarà Pietro , Carbone Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

Femtosecond laser surface micro-texturing has emerged as a promising technology to enhance the tribological properties of different kinds of electromechanical devices. In this research paper, we have exploited the intrinsic flexibility and micrometric accuracy of femtosecond laser ablation to realize complex micro-structural modifications on the surface of a laboratory prototype of a steel thrust bearing (un-tapered) pad. The Bruggeman Texture Hydrodynamics theory (BTH) is employed for the design of the anisotropic and non-uniform texture maximizing the thrust load of the pad prototype. The preliminary experimental results, reported in this work, show that the non-uniform micro-texture largely affects the friction characteristics of the contact. In particular, in agreement with the BTH predictions, the tribo-system shows friction properties that are strongly sensitive to the direction of the sliding speed, as a consequence of the micro-fluid dynamics which are designed to occur only in a specific sliding direction. We suggest that the joint action of virtual prototyping (BTH lubrication theory) and ultrafast laser micro-prototyping can lead to unconventional and impressive results in terms of enhanced or tailored contact mechanics properties of the generic lubricated tribopair.
Development of Useful Biomaterial for Bone Tissue Engineering by Incorporating Nano-Copper-Zinc Alloy (nCuZn) in Chitosan/Gelatin/Nano-Hydroxyapatite (Ch/G/nHAp) Scaffold
Authors: Forero Juan , Roa Eduardo , Reyes Juan , Acevedo Cristian , Osses Nelson
Published: October 2017

Ceramic and metallic nanoparticles can improve the mechanical and biological properties of polymeric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE). In this work, nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and nano-copper-zinc alloy (nCuZn) were added to a chitosan/gelatin (Ch/G) scaffold in order to investigate the effects on morphological, physical, and biocompatibility properties. Scaffolds were fabricated by a freeze-drying technique using different pre-freezing temperatures. Microstructure and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), glass transition (Tg) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cell growth was estimated by MTT assay, and biocompatibility was examined in vitro and in vivo by histochemistry analyses. Scaffolds and nanocomposite scaffolds presented interconnected pores, high porosity, and pore size appropriate for BTE. Tg of Ch/G scaffolds was diminished by nanoparticle inclusion. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) cells loaded in the Ch/G/nHAp/nCuZn nanocomposite scaffold showed suitable behavior, based on cell adhesion, cell growth, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as a marker of osteogenic differentiation, and histological in vitro cross sections. In vivo subcutaneous implant showed granulation tissue formation and new tissue infiltration into the scaffold. The favorable microstructure, coupled with the ability to integrate nanoparticles into the scaffold by freeze-drying technique and the biocompatibility, indicates the potential of this new material for applications in BTE.
Bionic Design, Materials and Performance of Bone Tissue Scaffolds
Authors: Wu Tong , Yu Suihuai , Chen Dengkai , Wang Yanen
Published: October 2017

Design, materials, and performance are important factors in the research of bone tissue scaffolds. This work briefly describes the bone scaffolds and their anatomic structure, as well as their biological and mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, we reviewed the characteristics of metal materials, inorganic materials, organic polymer materials, and composite materials. The importance of the bionic design in preoperative diagnosis models and customized bone scaffolds was also discussed, addressing both the bionic structure design (macro and micro structure) and the bionic performance design (mechanical performance and biological performance). Materials and performance are the two main problems in the development of customized bone scaffolds. Bionic design is an effective way to solve these problems, which could improve the clinical application of bone scaffolds, by creating a balance between mechanical performance and biological performance.
Modeling Calculation and Synthesis of Alumina Whiskers Based on the Vapor Deposition Process
Authors: Gong Wei , Li Xiang-Cheng , Zhu Bo-Quan
Published: October 2017

This study simulated the bulk structure and surface energy of Al2O3 based on the density of states (DOS) and studied the synthesis and microstructure of one-dimensional Al2O3 whiskers. The simulation results indicate that the (001) surface has a higher surface energy than the others. The growth mechanism of Al2O3 whiskers follows vapor–solid (VS) growth. For the (001) surface with the higher surface energy, the driving force of crystal growth would be more intense in the (001) plane, and the alumina crystal would tend to grow preferentially along the direction of the (001) plane from the tip of the crystal. The Al2O3 grows to the shape of whisker with [001] orientation, which is proved both through modeling and experimentation.
Solutions Modulo p of Gauss–Manin Differential Equations for Multidimensional Hypergeometric Integrals and Associated Bethe Ansatz
Authors: Varchenko Alexander
Published: October 2017

We consider the Gauss–Manin differential equations for hypergeometric integrals associated with a family of weighted arrangements of hyperplanes moving parallel to themselves. We reduce these equations modulo a prime integer p and construct polynomial solutions of the new differential equations as p-analogs of the initial hypergeometric integrals. In some cases, we interpret the p-analogs of the hypergeometric integrals as sums over points of hypersurfaces defined over the finite field Fp. This interpretation is similar to the classical interpretation by Yu. I. Manin of the number of points on an elliptic curve depending on a parameter as a solution of a Gauss hypergeometric differential equation. We discuss the associated Bethe ansatz.
Algal Foams Applied in Fixed-Bed Process for Lead(II) Removal Using Recirculation or One-Pass Modes
Authors: Wang Shengye , Vincent Thierry , Faur Catherine , Guibal Eric
Published: October 2017

The incorporation of brown algae into biopolymer beads or foams for metal sorption has been previously reported. However, the direct use of these biomasses for preparing foams is a new approach. In this study, two kinds of porous foams were prepared by ionotropic gelation using algal biomass (AB, Laminaria digitata) or alginate (as the reference) and applied for Pb(II) sorption. These foams (manufactured as macroporous discs) were packed in filtration holders (simulating fixed-bed column) and the system was operated in either a recirculation or a one-pass mode. Sorption isotherms, uptake kinetics and sorbent reuse were studied in the recirculation mode (analogous to batch system). In the one-pass mode (continuous fixed-bed system), the influence of parameters such as flow rate, feed metal concentration and bed height were investigated on both sorption and desorption. In addition, the effect of Cu(II) on Pb(II) recovery from binary solutions was also studied in terms of both sorption and desorption. Sorption isotherms are well fitted by the Langmuir equation while the pseudo-second order rate equation described well both sorption and desorption kinetic profiles. The study of material regeneration confirms that the reuse of the foams was feasible with a small mass loss, even after 9 cycles. In the one-pass mode, for alginate foams, a slower flow rate led to a smaller saturation volume, while the effect of flow rate was less marked for AB foams. Competitive study suggests that the foams have a preference for Pb(II) over Cu(II) but cannot selectively remove Pb(II) from the binary solution.
Electrospun Phospholipid Fibers as Micro-Encapsulation and Antioxidant Matrices
Authors: Shekarforoush Elhamalsadat , Mendes Ana , Baj Vanessa , Beeren Sophie , Chronakis Ioannis
Published: October 2017

Electrospun phospholipid (asolectin) microfibers were investigated as antioxidants and encapsulation matrices for curcumin and vanillin. These phospholipid microfibers exhibited antioxidant properties which increased after the encapsulation of both curcumin and vanillin. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the total phenolic content (TPC) of curcumin/phospholipid and vanillin/phospholipid microfibers remained stable over time at different temperatures (refrigerated, ambient) and pressures (vacuum, ambient). 1H-NMR confirmed the chemical stability of both encapsulated curcumin and vanillin within phospholipid fibers. Release studies in aqueous media revealed that the phenolic bioactives were released mainly due to swelling of the phospholipid fiber matrix over time. The above studies confirm the efficacy of electrospun phospholipid microfibers as encapsulation and antioxidant systems.
ProLanGO: Protein Function Prediction Using Neural Machine Translation Based on a Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Cao Renzhi , Freitas Colton , Chan Leong , Sun Miao , Jiang Haiqing , Chen Zhangxin
Published: October 2017

With the development of next generation sequencing techniques, it is fast and cheap to determine protein sequences but relatively slow and expensive to extract useful information from protein sequences because of limitations of traditional biological experimental techniques. Protein function prediction has been a long standing challenge to fill the gap between the huge amount of protein sequences and the known function. In this paper, we propose a novel method to convert the protein function problem into a language translation problem by the new proposed protein sequence language “ProLan” to the protein function language “GOLan”, and build a neural machine translation model based on recurrent neural networks to translate “ProLan” language to “GOLan” language. We blindly tested our method by attending the latest third Critical Assessment of Function Annotation (CAFA 3) in 2016, and also evaluate the performance of our methods on selected proteins whose function was released after CAFA competition. The good performance on the training and testing datasets demonstrates that our new proposed method is a promising direction for protein function prediction. In summary, we first time propose a method which converts the protein function prediction problem to a language translation problem and applies a neural machine translation model for protein function prediction.
A DFT Study of the Geometrical, Spectroscopical and Reactivity Properties of Diindolylmethane-Phenylboronic Acid Hybrids
Authors: Fragoso-Medina Amira , Escobedo-González René , Nicolás-Vázquez María , Arroyo-Razo Gabriel , Noguez-Córdova María , Miranda-Ruvalcaba René
Published: October 2017

The structure of the ortho-, meta- and para- hybrid diindolylmethane-phenylboronic acids and their interactions were optimized with by a quantum chemical method, using density functional theory at the (DFT) level. Thus, infrared bands were assigned based on the scaled theoretical wavenumbers by correlating the respective experimental data of the molecules. In addition, the corresponding 1H-/13C-/11B-NMR experimental and theoretical chemical shifts were correlated. The target molecules showed a poor treatment of the OH shifts in the GIAO method due to the absence of explicit solvent effects in these calculations; therefore, they were explicitly considered with acetone molecules. Moreover, the electron density at the hydrogen bond critical point increased, generating stabilization energy, from weak to moderate or weak to strong, serving as an indicator of the strength of the hydrogen bond between the different intermolecular interactions. Finally, some properties related to the reactive behavior of the target molecules associated with their cytotoxic effects and metabolic pathways were also calculated.
Solvent-Free Addition of Indole to Aldehydes: Unexpected Synthesis of Novel 1-[1-(1H-Indol-3-yl) Alkyl]-1H-Indoles and Preliminary Evaluation of Their Cytotoxicity in Hepatocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Tocco Graziella , Zedda Gloria , Casu Mariano , Simbula Gabriella , Begala Michela
Published: October 2017

New 1-[1-(1H-indol-3-yl) alkyl]-1H-indoles, surprisingly, have been obtained from the addition of indole to a variety of aldehydes under neat conditions. CaO, present in excess, was fundamental for carrying out the reaction with paraformaldehyde. Under the same reaction conditions, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes afforded only classical bis (indolyl) aryl indoles. In this paper, the role of CaO, together with the regiochemistry and the mechanism of the reaction, are discussed in detail. The effect of some selected 3,3′- and 1,3′-diindolyl methane derivatives on cell proliferation of the hepatoma cell line FaO was also evaluated.
Health-Promoting Phytochemicals from 11 Mustard Cultivars at Baby Leaf and Mature Stages
Authors: Frazie Marissa , Kim Moo , Ku Kang-Mo
Published: October 2017

Mustard is a Brassica vegetable that provides a number of phytonutrients. However, the phytonutrient profile of mustard has been relatively limited. We analyzed the glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products, carotenoids, total anthocyanin and phenolic contents, and antioxidant capacity of the leaves of 11 mustard cultivars grown in a greenhouse at the baby leaf and mature stages. An aliphatic glucosinolate sinigrin and its hydrolysis products allyl isothiocyanate and 1-cyano-2,3-epithiopropane were the major phytonutrients in the mustard leaves. Carotenoids β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin were detected. We found phytonutrient concentration and their change with plant growth were cultivar-dependent. The %RDA value for vitamin A calculated using β-carotene content and retinol activity equivalents suggests that mustard cultivars used in this study can be a good source of vitamin A. Phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity also varied among cultivars and between physiological stages. Our results suggest that mustard leaves are rich in various phytochemicals and their composition depends on cultivar and the physiological stage. This is the first report on phytochemical composition in various mustard cultivars at different physiological stages.
Heat Shock Protein-Inducing Property of Diarylheptanoid Containing Chalcone Moiety from Alpinia katsumadai
Authors: Nam Joo-Won , Lee Yun-Sil
Published: October 2017

A new diarylheptanoid containing a chalcone moiety, katsumain H (1), was isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai. The structure was elucidated using a combination of 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry data analysis. The absolute configurations of C-3, C-5, and C-7 in 1 were assigned based on its optical rotation and after comparing its NMR chemical shifts with those of its diastereoisomers, katsumain E and katsumain F, which were previously isolated from this plant and characterized. In this study, the stimulatory effects of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated on heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), and HSP70. Compounds 1 and 2 increased the expression of HSF1 (1.056- and 1.200-fold, respectively), HSP27 (1.312- and 1.242-fold, respectively), and HSP70 (1.234- and 1.271-fold, respectively), without increased cytotoxicity.
PMA-Induced THP-1 Macrophage Differentiation is Not Impaired by Citrate-Coated Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Gatto Francesca , Cagliani Roberta , Catelani Tiziano , Guarnieri Daniela , Moglianetti Mauro , Pompa Pier , Bardi Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

The innate immune system consists of several complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. During inflammatory responses, blood-circulating monocytes are driven to the sites of inflammation, where they differentiate into tissue macrophages. The research of novel nanomaterials applied to biomedical sciences is often limited by their toxicity or dangerous interactions with the immune cell functions. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have shown efficient antioxidant properties within several cells, but information on their potential harmful role in the monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation process is still unknown. Here, we studied the morphology and the release of cytokines in PMA-differentiated THP-1 pre-treated with 5 nm PtNPs. Although NP endocytosis was evident, we did not find differences in the cellular structure or in the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared to cells differentiated in PtNP-free medium. However, the administration of PtNPs to previously differentiated THP-1 induced massive phagocytosis of the PtNPs and a slight metabolism decrease at higher doses. Further investigation using undifferentiated and differentiated neutrophil-like HL60 confirmed the harmlessness of PtNPs with non-adherent innate immune cells. Our results demonstrate that citrate-coated PtNPs are not toxic with these immune cell lines, and do not affect the PMA-stimulated THP-1 macrophage differentiation process in vitro.