bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Strategy for Accurate Locating of Voltage Sag Sources in Smart Distribution Networks with Inverter-Interfaced Distributed Generators
Authors: Chen Rusi , Lin Tao , Bi Ruyu , Xu Xialing
Published: November 2017

With the aid of power quality monitoring systems (PQMSs), accurate locating of voltage sag sources, which has important significance for guiding maintenance personnel in finding and repairing faults as well as improving power supply reliability, has been becoming a new research hotspot. However, existing methods have unsatisfactory locating accuracy due to the integration of distributed generators (DGs) and fault resistance. In this paper, a novel strategy for accurately locating voltage sag sources in smart distribution networks is proposed. Based on inverse theory, which is well applied in geophysics, the accurate location issue is treated as a two-step optimization model. It aims at making the distribution of voltage phasors and current phasors obtained by theoretical short-circuit calculation match those actually observed as closely as possible. To guarantee the feasibility of the strategy, the effect of inverter-interfaced DGs (IIDGs) which are the main form of DG is considered in the short-circuit calculations. To guarantee the location accuracy of the strategy, fault resistance is treated as an optimization variable in the two-step optimization model to eliminate estimation error of fault resistance. Via two modified IEEE benchmarks with different scales, the validity and the superiorities in applicability and accuracy of the proposed strategy are verified.
Charging Characteristics of Lithium Ion Battery Using Semi-Solar Modules of Polymer:Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Song Myeonghun , Lee Sooyong , Kim Dohan , Lee Chulyeon , Jeong Jaehoon , Seo Jooyeok , Kim Hwajeong , Song Dong-Ik , Kim Donghyun , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: November 2017

The combination of lithium ion battery (LIB) and organic (polymer) solar cells is expected to deliver versatile self-rechargeable portable energy sources, but less attention has been paid to the charging characteristics of LIB-using polymer solar cells. Here we demonstrate that the LIB packs, which were prepared by using lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and graphite as a cathode and an anode, respectively, can be effectively charged by semi-solar modules of polymer:fullerene solar cells, of which bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layers are composed of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM). Results showed that the performance of semi-solar modules was not much degraded by connecting four single solar cells in series or in parallel, but their output power density was noticeably reduced by extending the number of single cells up to eight. The charging test disclosed that the output current density is of importance to speed up the LIB charging at the same output voltage.
Private Forest Governance, Public Policy Impacts: The Forest Stewardship Council in Russia and Brazil
Authors: Sundstrom Lisa , Henry Laura
Published: November 2017

Under what conditions do private forest governance standards influence state policy and behavior to become more oriented toward sustainability? We argue that governance schemes targeting firms may indirectly shape state behavior, even when designed to bypass state regulation. Through an examination of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in Russia and Brazil, we find that the FSC has influenced domestic rhetoric, laws, and enforcement practices. FSC has had a more disruptive and consequential impact on Russia’s domestic forest governance; in Brazil, earlier transnational environmental campaigns had already begun to shift domestic institutions toward sustainability. Based on interview data and textual analysis of FSC and government documents, we identify the mechanisms of indirect FSC influence on states—professionalization, civil society mobilization, firm lobbying, and international market pressure, and argue that they are likely to be activated under conditions of poor and decentralized governance, overlapping and competing regulations and high foreign market demand for exports.
Development and Validation of an Ultrasensitive Procalcitonin Sandwich Immunoassay
Authors: Carcamo Yañez Viviana , Göpfert Jens , Otto Markus , Tumani Hayrettin , Peter Andreas , Joos Thomas
Published: November 2017

Procalcitonin (PCT) is well established as a highly specific biomarker for the detection of bacterial infections and sepsis. However, the currently available diagnostic tests are not able to detect very low or very early increases of PCT or even baseline levels in healthy individuals or patients with non-bacterial infections. In order to be able to detect these very low concentrations of PCT, a sandwich immunoassay was developed using high sensitivity Single Molecule Array technology (Simoa). The assay was thoroughly validated and applied to analyze human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from patients with bacterial or viral meningitis as well as CSF, serum, and K2 EDTA plasma from healthy control subjects. A 50-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the current gold standard assays was achieved, which was sensitive enough for the detection of baseline PCT levels. Both serum and CSF showed significantly elevated PCT levels in patients with bacterial meningitis compared to patients with viral meningitis and the healthy control group. Procalcitonin concentration levels for patients with viral meningitis and the control group could be measured, but were not significantly different. The determination of PCT in the low pg·mL−1 range could help to improve the monitoring of bacterial infectious diseases, as PCT level changes could be detected earlier.
Comment on Zheng et al. Association between Promoter Methylation of Gene ERCC3 and Benzene Hematotoxicity. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 921
Authors: Moshammer Hanns , Poteser Michael
Published: November 2017

Benzene is an established carcinogenic substance [1,2].[...]
The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Flowering Plants
Authors: Štorchová Helena
Published: November 2017

The interactions between mitochondria and nucleus substantially influence plant development, stress response and morphological features. The prominent example of a mitochondrial-nuclear interaction is cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), when plants produce aborted anthers or inviable pollen. The genes responsible for CMS are located in mitochondrial genome, but their expression is controlled by nuclear genes, called fertility restorers. Recent explosion of high-throughput sequencing methods enabled to study transcriptomic alterations in the level of non-coding RNAs under CMS biogenesis. We summarize current knowledge of the role of nucleus encoded regulatory non-coding RNAs (long non-coding RNA, microRNA as well as small interfering RNA) in CMS. We also focus on the emerging data of non-coding RNAs encoded by mitochondrial genome and their possible involvement in mitochondrial-nuclear interactions and CMS development.
Nucleic Acid Aptamers: Emerging Applications in Medical Imaging, Nanotechnology, Neurosciences, and Drug Delivery
Authors: Röthlisberger Pascal , Gasse Cécile , Hollenstein Marcel
Published: November 2017

Recent progresses in organic chemistry and molecular biology have allowed the emergence of numerous new applications of nucleic acids that markedly deviate from their natural functions. Particularly, DNA and RNA molecules—coined aptamers—can be brought to bind to specific targets with high affinity and selectivity. While aptamers are mainly applied as biosensors, diagnostic agents, tools in proteomics and biotechnology, and as targeted therapeutics, these chemical antibodies slowly begin to be used in other fields. Herein, we review recent progress on the use of aptamers in the construction of smart DNA origami objects and MRI and PET imaging agents. We also describe advances in the use of aptamers in the field of neurosciences (with a particular emphasis on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases) and as drug delivery systems. Lastly, the use of chemical modifications, modified nucleoside triphosphate particularly, to enhance the binding and stability of aptamers is highlighted.
Dysregulated Collagen Homeostasis by Matrix Stiffening and TGF-β1 in Fibroblasts from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients: Role of FAK/Akt
Authors: Giménez Alícia , Duch Paula , Puig Marta , Gabasa Marta , Xaubet Antoni , Alcaraz Jordi
Published: November 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aggressive disease in which normal lung parenchyma is replaced by a stiff dysfunctional scar rich in activated fibroblasts and collagen-I. We examined how the mechanochemical pro-fibrotic microenvironment provided by matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 cooperates in the transcriptional control of collagen homeostasis in normal and fibrotic conditions. For this purpose we cultured fibroblasts from IPF patients or control donors on hydrogels with tunable elasticity, including 3D collagen-I gels and 2D polyacrylamide (PAA) gels. We found that TGF-β1 consistently increased COL1A1 while decreasing MMP1 mRNA levels in hydrogels exhibiting pre-fibrotic or fibrotic-like rigidities concomitantly with an enhanced activation of the FAK/Akt pathway, whereas FAK depletion was sufficient to abrogate these effects. We also demonstrate a synergy between matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 that was positive for COL1A1 and negative for MMP1. Remarkably, the COL1A1 expression upregulation elicited by TGF-β1 alone or synergistically with matrix stiffening were higher in IPF-fibroblasts compared to control fibroblasts in association with larger FAK and Akt activities in the former cells. These findings provide new insights on how matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 cooperate to elicit excessive collagen-I deposition in IPF, and support a major role of the FAK/Akt pathway in this cooperation.
Thermodynamic Properties and Reversible Hydrogenation of LiBH4–Mg2FeH6 Composite Materials
Authors: Li Guanqiao , Matsuo Motoaki , Takagi Shigeyuki , Chaudhary Anna-Lisa , Sato Toyoto , Dornheim Martin , Orimo Shin-ichi
Published: November 2017

In previous studies, complex hydrides LiBH4 and Mg2FeH6 have been reported to undergo simultaneous dehydrogenation when ball-milled as composite materials (1 − x)LiBH4 + xMg2FeH6. The simultaneous hydrogen release led to a decrease of the dehydrogenation temperature by as much as 150 K when compared to that of LiBH4. It also led to the modified dehydrogenation properties of Mg2FeH6. The simultaneous dehydrogenation behavior between stoichiometric ratios of LiBH4 and Mg2FeH6 is not yet understood. Therefore, in the present work, we used the molar ratio x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75, and studied the isothermal dehydrogenation processes via pressure–composition–isothermal (PCT) measurements. The results indicated that the same stoichiometric reaction occurred in all of these composite materials, and x = 0.5 was the molar ratio between LiBH4 and Mg2FeH6 in the reaction. Due to the optimal composition ratio, the composite material exhibited enhanced rehydrogenation and reversibility properties: the temperature and pressure of 673 K and 20 MPa of H2, respectively, for the full rehydrogenation of x = 0.5 composite, were much lower than those required for the partial rehydrogenation of LiBH4. Moreover, the x = 0.5 composite could be reversibly hydrogenated for more than four cycles without degradation of its H2 capacity.
Experimental Exploration of Metal Cable as Reinforcement in 3D Printed Concrete
Authors: Bos Freek , Ahmed Zeeshan , Jutinov Evgeniy , Salet Theo
Published: November 2017

The Material Deposition Method (MDM) is enjoying increasing attention as an additive method to create concrete mortar structures characterised by a high degree of form-freedom, a lack of geometrical repetition, and automated construction. Several small-scale structures have been realised around the world, or are under preparation. However, the nature of this construction method is unsuitable for conventional reinforcement methods to achieve ductile failure behaviour. Sometimes, this is solved by combining printing with conventional casting and reinforcing techniques. This study, however, explores an alternative strategy, namely to directly entrain a metal cable in the concrete filament during printing to serve as reinforcement. A device is introduced to apply the reinforcement. Several options for online reinforcement media are compared for printability. Considerations specific to the manufacturing process are discussed. Subsequently, pull-out tests on cast and printed specimens provide an initial characterisation of bond behaviour. Bending tests furthermore show the potential of this reinforcement method. The bond stress of cables in printed concrete was comparable to values reported for smooth rebar but lower than that of the same cables in cast concrete. The scatter in experimental results was high. When sufficient bond length is available, ductile failure behaviour for tension parallel to the filament direction can be achieved, even though cable slip occurs. Further improvements to the process should pave the way to achieve better post-crack resistance, as the concept in itself is feasible.
Krylov Implicit Integration Factor Methods for Semilinear Fourth-Order Equations
Authors: Machen Michael , Zhang Yong-Tao
Published: November 2017

Implicit integration factor (IIF) methods were developed for solving time-dependent stiff partial differential equations (PDEs) in literature. In [Jiang and Zhang, Journal of Computational Physics, 253 (2013) 368–388], IIF methods are designed to efficiently solve stiff nonlinear advection–diffusion–reaction (ADR) equations. The methods can be designed for an arbitrary order of accuracy. The stiffness of the system is resolved well, and large-time-step-size computations are achieved. To efficiently calculate large matrix exponentials, a Krylov subspace approximation is directly applied to the IIF methods. In this paper, we develop Krylov IIF methods for solving semilinear fourth-order PDEs. As a result of the stiff fourth-order spatial derivative operators, the fourth-order PDEs have much stricter constraints in time-step sizes than the second-order ADR equations. We analyze the truncation errors of the fully discretized schemes. Numerical examples of both scalar equations and systems in one and higher spatial dimensions are shown to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency and stability of the methods. Large time-step sizes that are of the same order as the spatial grid sizes have been achieved in the simulations of the fourth-order PDEs.
Comparison of Seven Texture Analysis Indices for Their Applicability to Stereological Correction of Mineral Liberation Assessment in Binary Particle Systems
Authors: Ueda Takao , Oki Tatsuya , Koyanaka Shigeki
Published: November 2017

An effective correction method for stereological bias is required because of the importance of accurate assessment of mineral liberation of ore particles. Stereological bias is error caused by the estimation of a three-dimensional liberation state based on two-dimensional sectional measurements. Recent studies have proposed a stereological correction method based on sectional particle texture analysis, which employs numerical particle models. However, the applicability of this method to unfamiliar particle systems, with different shape and texture characteristics from the numerical particle model, has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, the viability of the method for examination of the internal structure and shape of unfamiliar particles, was assessed using four types of particle systems, based on combinations of two types of internal structures (Boolean and Voronoi) and two types of particle shapes (spherical and irregular). Seven different texture analysis indices were utilized for composition distribution correction with regard to each of the four types of particle systems. The results suggested that a model based on the angular second moment and/or entropy, employed by the spatial gray level dependence method, showed the greatest viability for assessment of unfamiliar particle internal structure and/or shape.
Critical Review on the Significance of Olive Phytochemicals in Plant Physiology and Human Health
Authors: Gouvinhas Irene , Machado Nelson , Sobreira Carla , Domínguez-Perles Raúl , Gomes Sónia , Rosa Eduardo , Barros Ana
Published: November 2017

Olive oil displays remarkable organoleptic and nutritional features, which turn it into a foodstuff appreciated by consumers, and a basic component of the Mediterranean diet. Indeed, the noticed benefits of including olive oil in the diet have been assigned to the presence of diverse bioactive compounds with different molecular structures. These compounds confer a wide range of biological properties to this food matrix, including the prevention of distinct human diseases as well as the modulation of their severity. The most relevant bioactive compounds present in olive oil correspond to benzoic and cinnamic acids, phenolic alcohols and secoiridoids, and also flavonoids. Over the last decades, several studies, devoted to gaining a further insight into the relative contribution of the separate groups and individual compounds for their biological activities, have been conducted, providing relevant information on structure–activity relationships. Therefore, this paper critically reviews the health benefits evidenced by distinct phenolic compounds found in olive oils, thus contributing to clarify the relationship between their chemical structures and biological functions, further supporting their interest as essential ingredients of wholesome foods.
DNA G-Wire Formation Using an Artificial Peptide is Controlled by Protease Activity
Authors: Usui Kenji , Okada Arisa , Sakashita Shungo , Shimooka Masayuki , Tsuruoka Takaaki , Nakano Shu-ichi , Miyoshi Daisuke , Mashima Tsukasa , Katahira Masato , Hamada Yoshio
Published: November 2017

The development of a switching system for guanine nanowire (G-wire) formation by external signals is important for nanobiotechnological applications. Here, we demonstrate a DNA nanostructural switch (G-wire <--> particles) using a designed peptide and a protease. The peptide consists of a PNA sequence for inducing DNA to form DNA–PNA hybrid G-quadruplex structures, and a protease substrate sequence acting as a switching module that is dependent on the activity of a particular protease. Micro-scale analyses via TEM and AFM showed that G-rich DNA alone forms G-wires in the presence of Ca2+, and that the peptide disrupted this formation, resulting in the formation of particles. The addition of the protease and digestion of the peptide regenerated the G-wires. Macro-scale analyses by DLS, zeta potential, CD, and gel filtration were in agreement with the microscopic observations. These results imply that the secondary structure change (DNA G-quadruplex <--> DNA/PNA hybrid structure) induces a change in the well-formed nanostructure (G-wire <--> particles). Our findings demonstrate a control system for forming DNA G-wire structures dependent on protease activity using designed peptides. Such systems hold promise for regulating the formation of nanowire for various applications, including electronic circuits for use in nanobiotechnologies.
Growth, Gastrointestinal Tolerance and Stool Characteristics of Healthy Term Infants Fed an Infant Formula Containing Hydrolyzed Whey Protein (63%) and Intact Casein (37%): A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wu Shang-Ling , Ding Ding , Fang Ai-Ping , Chen Pei-Yan , Chen Si , Jing Li-Peng , Chen Yu-Ming , Zhu Hui-Lian
Published: November 2017

To investigate whether healthy term infants, fed an infant formula containing hydrolyzed whey protein (HWP-F, hydrolyzed whey/intact casein =63/37), differ in growth, gastrointestinal tolerance and stool characteristics from those fed an infant formula containing intact whey protein (IWP-F, intact whey/intact casein =61/39) or breast milk. Healthy term infants, born within 14 days of the study’s commencement, were randomly assigned to be fed IWP-F or HWP-F until 13 weeks of age, and breast-fed (BF) infants were enrolled as a reference group. Anthropometric measurements, gastrointestinal tolerance indexes and stool characteristics were assessed at baseline, and 7 and 13 weeks of age. There were no significant differences in any growth measurements and the occurrence of crying, spit-up and difficult defecation among the three feeding groups during the study period. However, daily feeding frequency was consistently lower in the formula-fed infants than in the BF group throughout the study (p < 0.05), and infants in the HWP-F group consumed more formula than those in the IWP-F group at 7 and 13 weeks of age (p ≤ 0.002). The HWP-F-fed infants had more similar stool characteristics to the breast-fed infants than infants in the IWP-F group at 13 weeks of age, regardless of frequency, volume, color or consistency of stool. This study demonstrates that the HWP-F could support the normal growth of healthy term infants, to a comparable extent to that of breast-fed infants during the first three months of life. Moreover, stool characteristics of HWP-F-fed infants are much closer to breast-fed infants than IWP-F-fed infants, but no significant gastrointestinal tolerance improvement was observed in HWP-F group.
Does Perception of Dietary Fiber Mediate the Impact of Nutrition Knowledge on Eating Fiber-Rich Bread?
Authors: Królak Maria , Jeżewska-Zychowicz Marzena , Sajdakowska Marta , Gębski Jerzy
Published: November 2017

The average daily intake of fiber is still too low in relation to nutritional recommendations, as was found in several studies. Therefore, it is necessary to recommend ways to increase fiber intake in the diet. Increasing the consumption of bread rich in fiber as a substitute of white bread is one of the ways to increase fiber intake. The aim of this study was to find out whether nutrition knowledge and perception of dietary fiber affected the frequency of eating wholemeal bread and white bread fortified with fiber. The data were collected in 2014 through a cross-sectional quantitative survey that was performed under the Bioproduct project among a group of 1013 Polish adults. The associations between variables were investigated using multiple regression analysis. The respondents’ general knowledge on nutrition influenced their knowledge on fiber intake (correlation coefficient r = 0.30). Respondents with a greater knowledge perceived higher benefits of consuming cereal products that were fortified with fiber (r = 0.78), and attached greater importance to the information on the label (r = 0.39) as well. The nutrition knowledge determined the familiarity with fiber-enriched bread and the consumption of this product (r = 0.40) to a greater degree than the frequency of wholemeal bread consumption (r = −0.10). The respondents’ perception of dietary fiber was observed to play a partial mediation role between the knowledge on nutrition and the consumption of both kinds of breads, suggesting that it can be an important predictor of bread consumption. To increase the consumption of bread that is rich in fiber, emphasis should be laid on specific information on fiber, referring to food products as well as on individual’s perception of those products. The said information should be reinforced along with overall communication regarding nutrition to influence the bread-related decisions.
A Correlation Study of DHA Intake Estimated by a FFQ and Concentrations in Plasma and Erythrocytes in Mid- and Late Pregnancy
Authors: Zhou Yu-Bo , Li Hong-Tian , Trasande Leonardo , Wang Lin-Lin , Zhang Ya-Li , Si Ke-Yi , Bai Man-Xi , Liu Jian-Meng
Published: November 2017

Adequate docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the optimal growth and development of the fetus. Maternal DHA content fluctuates during pregnancy. The correlation of DHA content with dietary intake might be varied over the course of pregnancy. We aimed to compare the dietary DHA intake, estimated by a DHA-specific semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) against its blood content, among mid- and late-term pregnant women. A total of 804 Chinese pregnant women completed the tailored FFQ and provided fasting venous blood samples. Dietary DHA intake (mg/day) in the previous month was calculated from the FFQ using Chinese Food Composition Table. DHA concentrations (weight percent of total fatty acids) in plasma and erythrocytes were measured by capillary gas chromatography. Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) between DHA intake and its relative concentrations were calculated. After adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, stage of pregnancy, parity, education level, ethnicity, and annual family income per capita, the correlation coefficients of DHA intake with its concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were 0.35 and 0.33, respectively (p < 0.001). The correlations were relatively stronger among women in late pregnancy (rs = 0.44 in plasma and 0.39 in erythrocytes) than those in mid-pregnancy (rs = 0.25 and 0.26). The significant correlations were consistently observed in subgroups stratified by regions, except for erythrocytes in women living in a coastland area. Multiple regression analyses also indicated significant positive linear correlations between DHA intake and its plasma or erythrocytes concentrations (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary DHA intake, estimated by the FFQ, was positively correlated with its concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes in Chinese pregnant women, especially for women in late pregnancy, with the exception of the erythrocytes of those living in a coastland area.
Equilibrium Melting Temperature of Polymorphic Poly(l-lactide) and Its Supercooling Dependence on Growth Kinetics
Authors: Zhang Ri-Chao , Sun Dan , Lu Ai , Zhong Meiling , Xiong Guangyao , Wan Yizao
Published: November 2017

In this study, the isothermal crystallization process of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) has been investigated using in situ XRD, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Linear and nonlinear extrapolation methods have been deployed to estimate the equilibrium melting temperature ( T m 0 ), which is used for analyzing the supercooling dependence of the PLLA spherulitic growth rate (G). A double-melting behavior observed for PLLA under crystallization Tc < 120 °C has been attributed to the formation of both α′ and α crystals. The T m 0 values of both α′ and α crystals have been evaluated using the linear method (172.8 °C) and nonlinear method (196.4 °C), with the nonlinear estimate being 23.6 °C higher. A discontinuity in the temperature dependence of spherulite growth rate is observed around 128.3 °C. Regime II–III transition is found to occur at 128.3 °C when T m 0 = 196.4 °C as estimated by the nonlinear extrapolation method.
Analyzing How Governance of Material Efficiency Affects the Environmental Performance of Product Flows: A Comparison of Product Chain Organization of Swedish and Dutch Metal Packaging Flows
Authors: Lindkvist Mathias , Baumann Henrikke
Published: November 2017

Environmental governance is commonly performed through recycling, but its effects are often difficult to predict. Studies have covered the environmental impacts and organizational structures of recycling and other circular economy governance, but only to a small degree related organization to environmental performance. We have therefore explored a methodological contribution for better understanding. We have applied and tested a hybrid, socio-material, approach, a product chain organization (PCO) study, in a comparison of governance of metal packaging product flows in Sweden and the Netherlands. A PCO study is a systematic and nuanced exploration of how nets of actions and actors shape environmental impacts. We identified that the policies in the two countries have focused on combined recycling rates, which has indicated superior Dutch governance. We, however, have discerned how various actions have been environmentally relevant, regarding inaccurate statistics, combining of waste streams, and consumption. We conclude that the test case on packaging shows how a PCO study can complement other approaches with a nuanced understanding of the environmental effects of governance toward a circular economy.
An Evaluation of Four MODIS Collection 6 Aerosol Products in a Humid Subtropical Region
Authors: Zhang Ming , Huang Bo , He Qingqing
Published: November 2017

Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth (AOD) products have been widely used to characterize the temporal variations and spatial distributions of atmospheric aerosols. In the present study, we evaluate the performance of four Terra and Aqua MODIS Collection 6 (C6) quality assured AOD products in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, a humid subtropical region. The 10 km AOD products retrieved by the Dark Target (DT) and Deep Blue (DB) algorithms, the merged DT/DB (DTDB) 10 km product, and the DT 3 km AOD product were obtained for 2006–2015. These products were compared with Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations, and with each other. The Terra- and Aqua-derived AODs are quantitatively similar. However, there are significant differences among the four AOD products. The DT 10 km product correlates more closely with AERONET AOD observations than does the DB 10 km product. The latter tends to underestimate the AOD, whereas the former typically overestimates it for highly urbanized areas. The DTDB 10 km product is mainly derived from the DT 10 km product; it does not provide a gap-filled data set, because valid DB 10 km retrievals are not included in the merged product even when DT 10 km retrievals are unavailable. Therefore, the DT/DB merging protocol should be improved. The DT 3 km AOD product closely mimics the DT 10 km product; however, it contains fewer data than the DT 10 km product over water-contaminated areas. In addition, although the quality assured AOD products are recommended for use in quantitative applications by the MODIS aerosol science team, the sampling frequency of these products is generally lower than 25%. Thus, the sampling issues of these products should be considered in humid subtropical areas.
Monitoring Thermal Pollution in Rivers Downstream of Dams with Landsat ETM+ Thermal Infrared Images
Authors: Ling Feng , Foody Giles , Du Hao , Ban Xuan , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Yihang , Du Yun
Published: November 2017

Dams play a significant role in altering the spatial pattern of temperature in rivers and contribute to thermal pollution, which greatly affects the river aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the temporal and spatial variation of thermal pollution caused by dams is important to prevent or mitigate its harmful effect. Assessments based on in-situ measurements are often limited in practice because of the inaccessibility of water temperature records and the scarcity of gauges along rivers. By contrast, thermal infrared remote sensing provides an alternative approach to monitor thermal pollution downstream of dams in large rivers, because it can cover a large area and observe the same zone repeatedly. In this study, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) thermal infrared imagery were applied to assess the thermal pollution caused by two dams, the Geheyan Dam and the Gaobazhou Dam, located on the Qingjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River downstream of the Three Gorges Reservoir in Central China. The spatial and temporal characteristics of thermal pollution were analyzed with water temperatures estimated from 54 cloud-free Landsat ETM+ scenes acquired in the period from 2000 to 2014. The results show that water temperatures downstream of both dams are much cooler than those upstream of both dams in summer, and the water temperature remains stable along the river in winter, showing evident characteristic of the thermal pollution caused by dams. The area affected by the Geheyan Dam reaches beyond 20 km along the downstream river, and that affected by the Gaobazhou Dam extends beyond the point where the Qingjiang River enters the Yangtze River. Considering the long time series and global coverage of Landsat ETM+ imagery, the proposed technique in the current study provides a promising method for globally monitoring the thermal pollution caused by dams in large rivers.
Effects of Infrared Optical Trapping on Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a Microfluidic System
Authors: Pilát Zdeněk , Jonáš Alexandr , Ježek Jan , Zemánek Pavel
Published: November 2017

Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) represents a very popular single-celled eukaryotic model organism which has been studied extensively by various methods and whose genome has been completely sequenced. It was also among the first living organisms that were manipulated by optical tweezers and it is currently a frequent subject of optical micromanipulation experiments. We built a microfluidic system for optical trapping experiments with individual cells and used it for the assessment of cell tolerance to phototoxic stress. Using optical tweezers with the wavelength of 1064 nm, we trapped individual Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells for 15 min and, subsequently, observed their stress response in specially designed microfluidic chambers over time periods of several hours by time-lapse video-microscopy. We determined the time between successive bud formations after the exposure to the trapping light, took account of damaged cells, and calculated the population doubling period and cell areas for increasing trapping power at a constant trapping time. Our approach represents an attractive, versatile microfluidic platform for quantitative optical trapping experiments with living cells. We demonstrate its application potential by assessing the limits for safe, non-invasive optical trapping of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with infrared laser light.
Visual Positioning Indoors: Human Eyes vs. Smartphone Cameras
Authors: Wu Dewen , Chen Ruizhi , Chen Liang
Published: November 2017

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and their related applications are now developing at a rapid pace. Indoor positioning will be one of the core technologies that enable AI applications because people spend 80% of their time indoors. Humans can locate themselves related to a visually well-defined object, e.g., a door, based on their visual observations. Can a smartphone camera do a similar job when it points to an object? In this paper, a visual positioning solution was developed based on a single image captured from a smartphone camera pointing to a well-defined object. The smartphone camera simulates the process of human eyes for the purpose of relatively locating themselves against a well-defined object. Extensive experiments were conducted with five types of smartphones on three different indoor settings, including a meeting room, a library, and a reading room. Experimental results shown that the average positioning accuracy of the solution based on five smartphone cameras is 30.6 cm, while that for the human-observed solution with 300 samples from 10 different people is 73.1 cm.
Young People and Audiovisual Technologies in Rural Chiloé/Buta Wapi Chilwe: A Personal Path toward a Decolonizing Doing
Authors: Sobrado Natalia
Published: November 2017

The aim of this essay is to present my experience attempting to practice some ideas of decolonial thinking within a doctoral research project. In 2010, I lived in a Williche Community in Chiloé/Buta Wapi Chilwe. As a retribution for the possibility of conducting my research there, I fulfilled several tasks defined by the Community’s Health Team. A project revolving around expressive creation with children and teenagers arose: The Weche Folil. After presenting some key features of my personal trajectory and those of the regional context in which Weche Folil is grounded; I propose to think of this project as a practice that points toward the subversion of ways of thinking, feeling and being which express the colonial dimension. I understand coloniality as a key dimension of our collective existence featured by inequality, arrogance, and pain. Love, time, dedication and caring are at the hearth of this decolonizing doing. Ambivalences, contradictions and paradoxes are also part of it. This personal account may be of interest for researchers who are planning to work among indigenous peoples, especially in rural settings and in Chiloé.
Retrieval of Sea Surface Temperature from MODIS Data in Coastal Waters
Authors: Cavalli Rosa
Published: November 2017

Accurate measurements of sea surface temperature retrieved from remote images is a fundamental need for monitoring ocean and coastal waters. This study proposes a method for retrieving accurate measurements of SST in coastal waters. The method involves the estimation of effect of total suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration on the value of sea surface emissivity (SSE) and the inclusion of this effect in SSE value that is put into SST calculation. Data collected in three Italian coastal waters were exploited to obtain SSTskin and SSE values and to analyze SPM effects on SSE value. The method was tested on MODIS images. Satellite measurements of SST obtained with current operational algorithm, which does not require SSE value as explicit input, were compared with in situ values of SSTskin and RMSD is equal to 1.13 K. Moreover, SST data were retrieved with an algorithm for retrieving SST measurements from MODIS data, which allows the inclusion of SSE value with SPM effect. These data were compared with in situ values of SSTskin, and RMSD is equal to 0.68 K.
Gauge Non-Invariant Higher-Spin Currents in AdS4
Authors: Smirnov Pavel , Vasiliev Mikhail
Published: November 2017

Conserved currents of any spin t > 0 built from bosonic symmetric massless gauge fields of arbitrary integer spins s 1 + s 2 > t in A d S 4 are found. Analogous to the case of 4 d Minkowski space, currents considered in this paper are not gauge invariant, but generate gauge-invariant conserved charges.
Quality of Roof-Harvested Rainwater as a Function of Environmental and Air Pollution Factors in a Coastal Mediterranean City (Haifa, Israel)
Authors: Friedler Eran , Gilboa Yael , Muklada Hussein
Published: November 2017

The quality of roof-harvested rainwater in a Mediterranean climate, which is characterised by dry summers and erratic wet winters, was studied. The effects of environmental factors (rain depth, length of dry period between consecutive rain events, time since the beginning of the rainy season, roof type, wind speed, and wind direction) and air pollution parameters (O3, SO2, NO2, NO, PM2.5, and PM2.5–10) on roof runoff quality were studied. Three roofs of three common types (concrete, steel sheets, and tiles) were constructed. Roof-generated runoff was collected over two rainy seasons (>50 rain events) and were analysed for presence of metals, chemical and physical constituents, and faecal coliforms (a total of 23 parameters). Rain depth and runoff volume from each roof were recorded for each rain event. Most parameters examined complied with the Israeli potable water regulations. A stepwise multivariate linear regression established a significant effect of roof type on runoff pollutant concentrations, especially for ones generated by the roof material itself (e.g., Ca from the concrete roof and Zn from roof tiles). A significant effect of various air pollutants on the quality of roof-runoff water was found, as explained by rain washing off pollutants that accumulated in the atmosphere during the antecedent dry period. Both O3 and PM2.5–10 affected 17 quality parameters each. Rain depth affected only four out of the 23 water quality variables. In contrast, the length of the dry period between consecutive rain events was an important factor, affecting 12 roof-runoff quality variables.
The Behavior Associated to Death from External Causes in Elderly People in Brazil
Authors: Fixina Eliana Barreto , Maia Eulalia Maria Chaves , Ribeiro Dario De Queiroz
Published: November 2017

METHODS: This is an ecological study that aimed to understand the behaviour of deaths from external causes in the population older than 60 years old in all Brazilian states. The data was collected using the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and from the SUS Informatics Department organized in historic series from 1995 to 2010.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to deny that deaths from external causes in elder citizens is not in an increasing and statistically significant tendency in most Brazilian states. This brings preoccupation about the issue, since discussions on the subjects are limited in the country, which makes this study good for future references in the field.
ALMA CO(3-2) Observations of Star-forming Filaments in a Gas-poor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy
Authors: Consiglio S. Michelle , Turner Jean L. , Beck Sara , Meier David S. , Silich Sergiy , Zhao Jun-Hui
Published: November 2017

We report ALMA observations of 12CO(3-2) and 13CO(3-2) in the gas-poor dwarf galaxy NGC 5253. These 0.″3(5.5 pc) resolution images reveal small, dense molecular gas clouds that are located in kinematically distinct extended filaments. Some of the filaments appear to be falling into the galaxy and may be fueling its current star formation. The most intense CO(3–2) emission comes from the central ∼100 pc region centered on the luminous radio-infrared H ii region known as the supernebula. The CO(3–2) clumps within the starburst region are anti-correlated with Hα on ∼5 pc scales, but are well-correlated with radio free–free emission. Cloud D1, which enshrouds the supernebula, has a high 12CO/13CO ratio, as does another cloud within the central 100 pc starburst region, possibly because the clouds are hot. CO(3–2) emission alone does not allow determination of cloud masses as molecular gas temperature and column density are degenerate at the observed brightness, unless combined with other lines such as 13CO.
The Circumstellar Disk HD 169142: Gas, Dust, and Planets Acting in Concert?*
Authors: Pohl A. , Benisty M. , Pinilla P. , Ginski C. , Boer J. de , Avenhaus H. , Henning Th. , Zurlo A. , Boccaletti A. , Augereau J.-C. , Birnstiel T. , Dominik C. , Facchini S. , Fedele D. , Janson M. , Keppler M. , Kral Q. , Langlois M. , Ligi R. , Maire A.-L. , Ménard F. , Meyer M. , Pinte C. , Quanz S. P. , Sauvage J.-F. , Sezestre É. , Stolker T. , Szulágyi J. , Boekel R. van , Plas G. van der , Villenave M. , Baruffolo A. , Baudoz P. , Mignant D. Le , Maurel D. , Ramos J. , Weber L.
Published: November 2017

HD 169142 is an excellent target for investigating signs of planet–disk interaction due to previous evidence of gap structures. We perform J-band (∼1.2 μm) polarized intensity imaging of HD 169142 with VLT/SPHERE. We observe polarized scattered light down to 0.″16 (∼19 au) and find an inner gap with a significantly reduced scattered-light flux. We confirm the previously detected double-ring structure peaking at 0.″18 (∼21 au) and 0.″56 (∼66 au) and marginally detect a faint third gap at 0.″70–0.″73 (∼82–85 au). We explore dust evolution models in a disk perturbed by two giant planets, as well as models with a parameterized dust size distribution. The dust evolution model is able to reproduce the ring locations and gap widths in polarized intensity but fails to reproduce their depths. However, it gives a good match with the ALMA dust continuum image at 1.3 mm. Models with a parameterized dust size distribution better reproduce the gap depth in scattered light, suggesting that dust filtration at the outer edges of the gaps is less effective. The pileup of millimeter grains in a dust trap and the continuous distribution of small grains throughout the gap likely require more efficient dust fragmentation and dust diffusion in the dust trap. Alternatively, turbulence or charging effects might lead to a reservoir of small grains at the surface layer that is not affected by the dust growth and fragmentation cycle dominating the dense disk midplane. The exploration of models shows that extracting planet properties such as mass from observed gap profiles is highly degenerate.
Revealing Black Holes with Gaia
Authors: Breivik Katelyn , Chatterjee Sourav , Larson Shane L.
Published: November 2017

We estimate the population of black holes with luminous stellar companions (BH-LCs) in the Milky Way (MW) observable by Gaia. We evolve a realistic distribution of BH-LC progenitors from zero-age to the current epoch taking into account relevant physics, including binary stellar evolution, BH-formation physics, and star formation rate, in order to estimate the BH-LC population in the MW today. We predict that Gaia will discover between 3800 and 12,000 BH-LCs by the end of its

mission, depending on BH natal kick strength and observability constraints. We find that the overall yield, and distributions of eccentricities and masses of observed BH-LCs, can provide important constraints on the strength of BH natal kicks. Gaia-detected BH-LCs are expected to have very different orbital properties compared to those detectable via radio, X-ray, or gravitational-wave observations.
All-cause Healthcare Costs and Mortality in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis with Lung Involvement
Authors: Fischer Aryeh , Kong Amanda M. , Swigris Jeffrey J. , Cole Ashley L. , Raimundo Karina
Published: November 2017

Objective.

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often develop interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The effect of ILD and PAH on healthcare costs among patients with SSc is not well described. The objective of this analysis was to describe healthcare costs in patients with newly diagnosed SSc and SSc patients newly diagnosed with ILD and/or PAH in the United States.

Methods.

This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental healthcare claims databases from 2003 to 2014. Based on International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification diagnosis codes on medical claims, patients were classified into 3 groups: incident SSc, SSc with incident ILD (SSc-ILD), and SSc with incident PAH (SSc-PAH). Patients were required to have continuous enrollment for 5 years to measure all-cause healthcare costs. Costs (adjusted to US$) were reported overall and by service type and year following diagnosis. Because of the overlap between groups, statistical comparisons were not conducted.

Results.

There were 1957 patients with incident SSc, 219 with incident SSc-ILD, and 108 patients with incident SSc-PAH. Average (mean ± SD) all-cause healthcare costs over followup were higher for patients with incident SSc-ILD ($191,107 ± $322,193) or patients with incident SSc-PAH ($254,425 ± $240,497), compared to patients with incident SSc ($101,839 ± $167,155). Average annual costs over the 5-year period ranged from $18,513 to $23,268 for patients with incident SSc, from $31,285 to $55,446 for patients with incident SSc-ILD, and from $44,454 to $63,320 for patients with incident SSc-PAH. Costs tended to be the highest in the fifth year of followup.

Conclusion.

Among patients with SSc, ILD and PAH can result in substantial increases in healthcare costs.
La construction des catégories du service public dans un pays émergent : les conflits de la concession de l'eau à Buenos Aires
Authors: Schneier-Madanes Graciela
Published: November 2017

Résumé La concession de l’eau de Buenos Aires (9 millions d’habitants et la plus grande au monde) à Suez-Lyonnaise des eaux en 1993 est considérée ici comme un « espace laboratoire » pour l’analyse des transformations de la gestion urbaine en Amérique Latine provoquées par le recours au secteur privé dans l’opération des services. Les conflits provoqués par la mise en place du plan d’expansion et les nouvelles formes de tarification sont analysés comme un de ces mécanismes socio-économiques qui contribuent à de nouvelles constructions de la notion de service public par l’introduction de la notion de service universel et de la participation des usagers.