bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of Idea-Inspire 4.0 on analogical transfer of concepts
Authors: Siddharth L. , Chakrabarti Amaresh
Published: October 2018

The biological domain has the potential to offer a rich source of analogies to solve engineering design problems. However, due to the complexity embedded in biological systems, adding to the lack of structured, detailed, and searchable knowledge bases, engineering designers find it hard to access the knowledge in the biological domain, which therefore poses challenges in understanding the biological concepts in order to apply these concepts to engineering design problems. In order to assist the engineering designers in problem-solving, we report, in this paper, a web-based tool called Idea-Inspire 4.0 that supports analogical design using two broad features. First, the tool provides access to a number of biological systems using a searchable knowledge base. Second, it explains each one of these biological systems using a multi-modal representation: that is, using function decomposition model, text, function model, image, video, and audio. In this paper, we report two experiments that test how well the multi-modal representation in Idea-Inspire 4.0 supports understanding and application of biological concepts in engineering design problems. In one experiment, we use Bloom's method to test “analysis” and “synthesis” levels of understanding of a biological system. In the next experiment, we provide an engineering design problem along with a biological-analogous system and examine the novelty and requirement-satisfaction (two major indicators of creativity) of resulting design solutions. In both the experiments, the biological system (analogue) was provided using Idea-Inspire 4.0 as well as using a conventional text-image representation so that the efficacy of Idea-Inspire 4.0 is tested using a benchmark.
Importation of psychrotolerant fungi to Antarctica associated with wooden cargo packaging
Authors: Hughes Kevin A. , Misiak Marta , Ulaganathan Yogabaanu , Newsham Kevin K.
Published: October 2018

The harsh climatic conditions and low levels of human activity in Antarctica, relative to other regions, means few non-native species have established. However, the risk of introductions is becoming greater as human activity increases. Non-native microorganisms can be imported to Antarctica in association with fresh food, cargo and personal clothing, but the likelihood of their establishment is not well understood. In January 2015, a wooden packing crate, heavily contaminated with fungi, was imported by aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Rothera Research Station, Antarctica.Mucor racemosusBull. and two strains ofTrichoderma viridescens(A.S. Horne & H.S. Will.) Jaklitsch & Samuels were isolated from the wood. Measurements of hyphal extension rates indicated that all three strains were psychrotolerant and capable of growth at 4°C, withM. racemosusgrowing at 0°C. The imported fungi could grow at rates equivalent to, or faster than, species isolated from Antarctic soils, suggesting that low temperature may not be a limiting factor for establishment. It is recommended that wood heat-treatment standards, equivalent to those described in the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, are employed by national operators importing cargo into Antarctica, and that treated wood is adequately stored to prevent fungal contamination prior to transportation.
Time-varying associations of racial discrimination and adjustment among Chinese-heritage adolescents in the United States and Canada
Authors: Juang Linda P. , Shen Yishan , Costigan Catherine L. , Hou Yang
Published: October 2018

The aim of our study was twofold: to examine (a) whether the link between racial discrimination and adjustment showed age-related changes across early to late adolescence for Chinese-heritage youth and (b) whether the age-related associations of the discrimination–adjustment link differed by gender, nativity, and geographical region. We pooled two independently collected longitudinal data sets in the United States and Canada (N= 498, ages 12–19 at Wave 1) and used time-varying effect modeling to show that discrimination is consistently associated with poorer adjustment across all ages. These associations were stronger at certain ages, but for males and females, first- and second-generation adolescents, and US and Canadian adolescents they differed. There were stronger relations between discrimination and adjustment in early adolescence for males compared to females, in middle adolescence for first-generation compared to second-generation adolescents, and in early adolescence for US adolescents compared to Canadian adolescents. In general, negative implications for adjustment associated with discrimination diminished across the span of adolescence for females, second-generation, and US and Canadian adolescents, but not for males or first-generation adolescents. The results show that the discrimination–adjustment link must be considered with regard to age, gender, nativity, and region, and that attention to discrimination in early adolescence may be especially important.
Antioxidant and developmental capacity of retinol on thein vitroculture of rabbit embryos
Authors: Elomda Ahmed M. , Saad Mohamed F. , Saeed Ayman M. , Elsayed Ashraf , Abass Ahmed O. , Safaa Hosam M. , Mehaisen Gamal M. K.
Published: October 2018

Oxidative stress is a major cause of defective embryo development duringin vitroculture. Retinoids are recognized as non-enzymatic antioxidants and may have an important role in the regulation of cell differentiation and vertebrate development. However, there are not enough reports discussing the antioxidant and developmental capacity of retinoids, including retinol (RT), on thein vitrodevelopment of embryos recovered from livestock animals, particularly in rabbit species. Therefore, morula embryos obtained from nulliparous Red Baladi rabbit does were cultured for 48 h in TCM199 medium in the absence of RT (control group) or in the presence of RT at concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 nM. The developmental capacity to the hatched blastocyst stage, the antioxidant biomarker assay and the expression of several selected genes were analyzed in each RT group. The data show that RT significantly (P<0.001) promoted the embryo hatchability rate at the concentration of 1000 nM to 69.44% versus 29.71% for the control. The activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the RT groups than in the control group, while the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were significantly (P<0.05) higher following treatment with RT. Furthermore, RT treatment considerably upregulated the relative expression of gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), POU class 5 homeobox 1 (POU5F1) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) genes compared with the control group. The current study highlights the potential effects of RT as antioxidant in the culture medium on thein vitrodevelopment of rabbit embryos.
Onlinebasierte Leseförderung für Grundschüler: Das Konzept „Meister Cody – Namagi“
Authors: Huemer Sini , Moll Kristina , Schulte-Körne Gerd
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Beitrag wird die Entwicklung eines onlinebasierten Lese-Förderprogrammes „Meister Cody – Namagi“ vorgestellt. Das Ziel des Programmes ist die Verbesserung der Vorläuferfertigkeiten des Lesens und Rechtschreibens, sowie eine symptomorientierte Leseförderung. Der Leitgedanke für die Entwicklung war das Zusammenfügen von zwei unterschiedlichen Traditionen: eine feste Verankerung in kognitionspsychologischen, forschungsbasierten Modellen zur Lese-Rechtschreibentwicklung und die Berücksichtigung von Elementen der digitalen Lernspiele. Individuelle Adaptivität sowohl im Hinblick auf die Übungsmaterialien innerhalb von einzelnen Aufgaben als auch in der Auswahl der Übungsbereiche war ein wichtiges Entwicklungsprinzip des Programmes. Durch die spielerischen Merkmale des Programmes, wie z.B. eine fantasievolle Rahmengeschichte und Belohnungen, soll vor allem die Motivation der Kinder gefördert werden. Zum Schluss des Beitrages werden die ersten qualitativen Rückmeldungen von den Benutzern und die nächsten Entwicklungsschritte berichtet.
Diagnostik von Schriftsprachkompetenz bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Schneider Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Es wird ein Überblick über neuere diagnostische Verfahren zur Erfassung der Lese- und Rechtschreibleistung gegeben. Dieser verdeutlicht, dass in den letzten Jahren eine Reihe von Gruppentests zur Erfassung der Lesefertigkeit (Dekodiergeschwindigkeit und –genauigkeit) sowie des Leseverständnisses bei Schulkindern entwickelt wurden. Nachdem in diesem Bereich lange Zeit kaum geeignete Tests verfügbar waren, kann hier von eine einer grundlegenden Verbesserung der Lage ausgegangen werden, wie die Kurzbeschreibung der Verfahren verdeutlicht. Die schon seit geraumer Zeit vergleichsweise günstige Situation im Bereich der Rechtschreibdiagnostik wurde durch die Entwicklung neuerer (und ebenfalls kurz skizzierter) Verfahren weiter optimiert. Erst seit wenigen Jahren sind Verfahren zur Erfassung des Lernverlaufs und zur Online-Erfassung von Schriftsprachkompetenz verfügbar. Auf diese wird abschließend ebenfalls kurz eingegangen.
Computerbasierte Lernverlaufsdiagnostik
Authors: Souvignier Elmar
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Lernverlaufsdiagnostik ist ein Ansatz, bei dem anhand wiederholter Leistungsmessung diagnostische Information zur Wirksamkeit von Unterrichts- und Förderangeboten zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Zentral für die Implementation des Ansatzes sind ein Höchstmaß an Einfachheit und Praxistauglichkeit und gleichzeitig eine hohe psychometrische Güte der Testverfahren. Eine internetbasierte Umsetzung wie bei dem hier vorgestellten quop-Verfahren löst diese Anforderungen ein. Evaluationsstudien belegen die Wirksamkeit des Einsatzes computerbasierter Lernverlaufsdiagnostik, wobei Informations- und Fortbildungsangebote für Lehrkräfte zu dem Ansatz formativen Assessments in aller Regel hilfreich sind.
Cenozoic Sediment Provenance in the Northern Great Plains Corresponds to Four Episodes of Tectonic and Magmatic Events in the Central North American Cordillera
Authors: Li Lin , Fan Majie
Published: October 2018

Detrital zircon U‐Pb provenance in the northern Great Plains reveals histories of drainage reorganization of the paleo‐Missouri River in response to Cenozoic tectonic and magmatic processes in the central North American Cordillera. During the latest Cretaceous, sediment provenance was confined to the Cordilleran hinterland in central Idaho and southwestern Montana, probably due to the existence of a subtle paleohydraulic divide in northwestern Montana. During the early to middle Paleocene, the paleodrainage was expanded to cover the Belt Supergroup in northwestern Montana in response to the eastward propagation of the Cordilleran thrust belt. During the late Paleocene to early Eocene, the final movement of the thrust belt and the initial extension of the Cordilleran hinterland shifted the drainage divide to the orogenic front and caused focused erosion of the upper Lower to Upper Cretaceous rocks to the east. During the middle Eocene to early Oligocene, a significant increase of Archean grains suggests renewed exhumation of the Laramide province and sediment delivery by the paleo‐Yellowstone River originated in the central Rocky Mountains. The presence of middle Eocene to early Oligocene zircons during this stage also suggests headwater erosion of the paleo‐Upper Missouri River into the Dillion volcanic field in southwestern Montana. These interpretations indicate that a drainage pattern similar to that of the modern Missouri River was established during middle Eocene to early Oligocene time. The detrital zircon maximum depositional ages also improve the chronostratigraphic framework of the Paleogene strata. Our study demonstrates that orogenic processes can be well archived in sedimentary records far away from orogenic systems.
Pol μ dGTP mismatch insertion opposite T coupled with ligation reveals promutagenic DNA repair intermediate
Authors: Çağlayan Melike , Wilson Samuel H.
Published: October 2018

Incorporation of mismatched nucleotides during DNA replication or repair leads to transition or transversion mutations and is considered as a predominant source of base substitution mutagenesis in cancer cells. Watson-Crick like dG:dT base pairing is considered to be an important source of genome instability. Here we show that DNA polymerase (pol) μ insertion of 7,8-dihydro-8′-oxo-dGTP (8-oxodGTP) or deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) into a model double-strand break DNA repair substrate with template base T results in efficient ligation by DNA ligase. These results indicate that pol μ-mediated dGTP mismatch insertion opposite template base T coupled with ligation could be a feature of mutation prone nonhomologous end joining during double-strand break repair.
A molecular-genetic and imaging-genetic approach to specific comprehension difficulties in children
Authors: Li Miao , Malins Jeffrey G. , DeMille Mellissa M. C. , Lovett Maureen W. , Truong Dongnhu T. , Epstein Katherine , Lacadie Cheryl , Mehta Chintan , Bosson-Heenan Joan , Gruen Jeffrey R. , Frijters Jan C. ,   the GRaD Study Consortium, Boada Richard , Gottwald Stephanie , Hill Dina , Jacobson Lisa A. , Mahone E. Mark , Willcutt Erik G. , Wolf Maryanne
Published: October 2018

Children with poor reading comprehension despite typical word reading skills were examined using neuropsychological, genetic, and neuroimaging data collected from the Genes, Reading and Dyslexia Study of 1432 Hispanic American and African American children. This unexpected poor comprehension was associated with profound deficits in vocabulary, when compared to children with comprehension skills consistent with their word reading. Those with specific comprehension difficulties were also more likely to have RU2Short alleles of READ1 regulatory variants of DCDC2, strongly associated with reading and language difficulties. Subjects with RU2Short alleles showed stronger resting state functional connectivity between the right insula/inferior frontal gyrus and the right supramarginal gyrus, even after controlling for potentially confounding variables including genetic ancestry and socioeconomic status. This multi-disciplinary approach advances the current understanding of specific reading comprehension difficulties, and suggests the need for interventions that are more appropriately tailored to the specific comprehension deficits of this group of children.
Effects of Thymoquinone on radiation enteritis in mice
Authors: Hou Qinlian , Liu Linlin , Dong Yinping , Wu Jing , Du Liqing , Dong Hui , Li Deguan
Published: October 2018

Radiation enteritis is an old but emerging question induced by the application of radiation. However, no effective drugs for radiation enteritis in clinic. In this study, we found that thymoquinone (TQ) could mitigate intestinal damages induced by irradiation. After exposure to irradiation, TQ-treated improved the irradiated mice survival rate, ameliorated intestinal injury and increased the numbers of intestinal crypts. Furthermore, Lgr5+ ISCs and their daughter cells, including Vil1+ enterocytes, Ki67+ cells and lysozyme+ Paneth cells, were all significantly increased with TQ treatment. In addition, P53, γH2AX, caspase8, caspase9 and caspase3 expression were all reduced by TQ. Our data showed that TQ modulated DNA damages and decreased the apoptosis in the small intestine. TQ might be used for radiation enteritis treatment.
Characterizing the protective effects of SHLP2, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, in macular degeneration
Authors: Nashine Sonali , Cohen Pinchas , Nesburn Anthony B. , Kuppermann Baruch D. , Kenney M. Cristina
Published: October 2018

Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are rapidly emerging therapeutic targets to combat development of neurodegenerative diseases. SHLP2 (small humanin-like peptide 2) is a newly discovered MDP that is coded from the MT-RNR2 (Mitochondrially encoded 16S rRNA) gene in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). In the current study, we examined the biological consequences of treatment with exogenously-added SHLP2 in an in vitro human transmitochondrial age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ARPE-19 cell model. In AMD cells, we observed significant down-regulation of the MDP-coding MT-RNR2 gene, and remarkably reduced levels of all five oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex I-V protein subunits that are involved in the electron transport chain; these results suggested mitochondrial toxicity and abnormal OXPHOS complex protein subunits’ levels in AMD cells. However, treatment of AMD cells with SHLP2: (1) restored the normal levels of OXPHOS complex protein subunits, (2) prevented loss of viable cells and mitochondria, (3) increased the number of mtDNA copies, (4) induced anti-apoptotic effects, and (5) attenuated amyloid-β-induced cellular and mitochondrial toxicity. Cumulatively, our findings established the protective role of SHLP2 in AMD cells in vitro. In conclusion, this novel study supports the merit of SHLP2 in the treatment of AMD, a primary retinal disease that is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly population in the United States as well as worldwide.
Spotlight on islands: on the origin and diversification of an ancient lineage of the Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus in the western Pontine Islands
Authors: Senczuk Gabriele , Havenstein Katja , Milana Valentina , Ripa Chiara , De Simone Emanuela , Tiedemann Ralph , Castiglia Riccardo
Published: October 2018

Groups of proximate continental islands may conceal more tangled phylogeographic patterns than oceanic archipelagos as a consequence of repeated sea level changes, which allow populations to experience gene flow during periods of low sea level stands and isolation by vicariant mechanisms during periods of high sea level stands. Here, we describe for the first time an ancient and diverging lineage of the Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus from the western Pontine Islands. We used nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences of 156 individuals with the aim of unraveling their phylogenetic position, while microsatellite loci were used to test several a priori insular biogeographic models of migration with empirical data. Our results suggest that the western Pontine populations colonized the islands early during their Pliocene volcanic formation, while populations from the eastern Pontine Islands seem to have been introduced recently. The inter-island genetic makeup indicates an important role of historical migration, probably due to glacial land bridges connecting islands followed by a recent vicariant mechanism of isolation. Moreover, the most supported migration model predicted higher gene flow among islands which are geographically arranged in parallel. Considering the threatened status of small insular endemic populations, we suggest this new evolutionarily independent unit be given priority in conservation efforts.
Spatiotemporal dynamics and risk factors for human Leptospirosis in Brazil
Authors: Baquero Oswaldo Santos , Machado Gustavo
Published: October 2018

Leptospirosis is an emerging neglected tropical disease with a worldwide significant global health burden. Between 2000 and 2016, there were 63,302 cases of human leptospirosis and 6,064 deaths reported in Brazil. We modeled the spatiotemporal risk dynamics of human leptospirosis morbidity and lethality, and attributed an easily interpretable risk-based priority index (PI) for all Brazilian federative units to suggest improvements to the national surveillance system. We also developed a conceptual framework of causality and estimated the effects of environmental and socioeconomic determinants of morbidity and lethality. Spatiotemporal risk patterns of morbidity and lethality differed. For morbidity, the pattern was mainly spatial, whereas lethality was mainly explained by the spatiotemporal interaction. The hypothesized causal model explained a relevant fraction of the heterogeneity in the spatial and spatiotemporal interaction patterns. The increase in soil moisture, precipitation, poverty, and the decrease in the proportion of urban households, acted as risk factors. The increase in the proportion of households in which waste is directly collected and in temperature were preventive factors. The structured temporal trend was increasing for morbidity and decreasing for lethality. In terms of morbidity, it was clear that the prioritization should be focused in a couple of states, mainly Acre. In terms of lethality, the allocation of resources need not be as asymmetric, but there was nonetheless a prioritization order. The proposed approach can be used to characterize spatiotemporal dynamics of other diseases and to inform decision makers.
Stressful conditions reveal decrease in size, modification of shape but relatively stable asymmetry in bumblebee wings
Authors: Gerard Maxence , Michez Denis , Debat Vincent , Fullgrabe Lovina , Meeus Ivan , Piot Niels , Sculfort Ombeline , Vastrade Martin , Smagghe Guy , Vanderplanck Maryse
Published: October 2018

Human activities can generate a wide variety of direct and indirect effects on animals, which can manifest as environmental and genetic stressors. Several phenotypic markers have been proposed as indicators of these stressful conditions but have displayed contrasting results, depending, among others, on the phenotypic trait measured. Knowing the worldwide decline of multiple bumblebee species, it is important to understand these stressors and link them with the drivers of decline. We assessed the impact of several stressors (i.e. natural toxin-, parasite-, thermic- and inbreeding- stress) on both wing shape and size and their variability as well as their directional and fluctuating asymmetries. The total data set includes 650 individuals ofBombus terrestris(Hymenoptera: Apidae). Overall wing size and shape were affected by all the tested stressors. Except for the sinigrin (e.g. glucosinolate) stress, each stress implies a decrease of wing size. Size variance was affected by several stressors, contrary to shape variance that was affected by none of them. Although wing size directional and fluctuating asymmetries were significantly affected by sinigrin, parasites and high temperatures, neither directional nor fluctuating shape asymmetry was significantly affected by any tested stressor. Parasites and high temperatures led to the strongest phenotype modifications. Overall size and shape were the most sensitive morphological traits, which contrasts with the common view that fluctuating asymmetry is the major phenotypic marker of stress.
Integrated and efficient diffusion-relaxometry using ZEBRA
Authors: Hutter Jana , Slator Paddy J. , Christiaens Daan , Teixeira Rui Pedro A. G. , Roberts Thomas , Jackson Laurence , Price Anthony N. , Malik Shaihan , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: October 2018

The emergence of multiparametric diffusion models combining diffusion and relaxometry measurements provides powerful new ways to explore tissue microstructure, with the potential to provide new insights into tissue structure and function. However, their ability to provide rich analyses and the potential for clinical translation critically depends on the availability of efficient, integrated, multi-dimensional acquisitions. We propose a fully integrated sequence simultaneously sampling the acquisition parameter spaces required for T1 and T2* relaxometry and diffusion MRI. Slice-level interleaved diffusion encoding, multiple spin/gradient echoes and slice-shuffling are combined for higher efficiency, sampling flexibility and enhanced internal consistency. In-vivo data was successfully acquired on healthy adult brains. Obtained parametric maps as well as clustering results demonstrate the potential of the technique to provide eloquent data with an acceleration of roughly 20 compared to conventionally used approaches. The proposed integrated acquisition, which we call ZEBRA, offers significant acceleration and flexibility compared to existing diffusion-relaxometry studies, and thus facilitates wider use of these techniques both for research-driven and clinical applications.
Physiological changes for drought resistance in different species of Phyllanthus
Authors: Filho Elenilson G. Alves , Braga Luiza N. , Silva Lorena Mara A. , Miranda Fábio R. , Silva Ebenézer O. , Canuto Kirley M. , Miranda Maria Raquel , de Brito Edy S. , Zocolo Guilherme J.
Published: October 2018

The Phyllanthus genus is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and present several pharmacological applications. Drought is a restrictive factor for crop development and production, and is becoming a severe problem in many regions of the world. The species Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus niruri were subjected to drought stress for varying periods of time (0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days), and afterwards, leaves were collected and evaluated for physiological and biochemical responses, such as oxidative stress markers and drought-associated defense mechanisms. Results show that P. amarus has an endogenously higher level of variables of the oxidative/antioxidant metabolism, and P. niruri presents the most significant changes in those variables when compared to control and stressed plants. For both Phyllanthus species, drought stress induces higher levels of organic acids such as malic, succinic, and citric acids, and amino acids such as proline, GABA, alanine, and valine. Moreover, P. niruri plants respond with greater glucose and corilagin contents. Therefore, considering the evaluated metabolic changes, P. amarus is better adapted to drought-stress, while P. niruri presents an acclimation strategy that increases the corilagin levels induced by short-term drought stress.
Novel Classification of Early-stage Systemic Hypertensive Changes in Human Retina Based on OCTA Measurement of Choriocapillaris
Authors: Takayama Kei , Kaneko Hiroki , Ito Yasuki , Kataoka Keiko , Iwase Takeshi , Yasuma Tetsuhiro , Matsuura Toshiyuki , Tsunekawa Taichi , Shimizu Hideyuki , Suzumura Ayana , Ra Eimei , Akahori Tomohiko , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: October 2018

The traditional classification of hypertensive retinopathy was based on the Keith–Wagener–Barker (KWB) grading, which is a subjective scaling system, and it is difficult to distinguish between the first and second grades. Retinal and choroidal vasculatures are affected by systemic hypertension, although retinal vasculature changes with age, axial length, intraocular pressure, and retinal diseases. It is necessary to establish a new objective method to assess hypertensive vascular changes. In the present study, we have examined the vasculature of the macular choriocapillaris in order to establish a new objective method to assess hypertensive vascular changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Choriocapillaris vessel density (VD), vessel length, and vessel diameter index in a 3 × 3 mm macular area were measured by OTCA in a total of 567 volunteers (361 healthy subjects and 206 subjects with systemic hypertension) who attended a basic health check-up. Ocular factors, systemic factors, and medications were evaluated. We detected significant differences in normative choriocapillaris vasculature between the left and right eyes in 53 healthy subjects and revealed correlations between age, intraocular pressure, axial length, and choriocapillaris vasculature in 308 healthy subjects. Normative foveal VD was correlated with age only and the efficiency was weak. The analysis of 206 right eyes (KWB grade 0, 159 eyes; grade 1, 35 eyes; and grade 2, 12 eyes) revealed that foveal VD was strongly correlated with KWB grade only (P < 0.001). This is the first report suggesting that OCTA for foveal choriocapillaris measurement by OCTA would might provide the advantage of evaluating be objective method for evaluating the progression of systemic hypertension.
Selective interactions between diverse STEs organize the ANT-C Hox cluster
Authors: Li Mo , Ma Zhibo , Roy Sharmila , Patel Sapna K. , Lane Derrick C. , Duffy Carly R. , Cai Haini N.
Published: October 2018

The three-dimensional organization of the eukaryotic genome is important for its structure and function. Recent studies indicate that hierarchies of chromatin loops underlie important aspects of both genomic organization and gene regulation. Looping between insulator or boundary elements interferes with enhancer-promoter communications and limits the spread active or repressive organized chromatin. We have used the SF1 insulator in the Drosophila Antennapedia homeotic gene complex (ANT-C) as a model to study the mechanism and regulation of chromatin looping events. We reported previously that SF1 tethers a transient chromatin loop in the early embryo that insulates the Hox gene Sex comb reduce from the neighbor non-Hox gene fushi tarazu for their independent regulation. To further probe the functional range and connectivity of SF1, we used high-resolution chromosomal conformation capture (3C) to search for SF1 looping partners across ANT-C. We report here the identification of three distal SF1 Tether Elements (STEs) located in the labial, Deformed and Antennapedia Hox gene regions, extending the range of SF1 looping network to the entire complex. These novel STEs are bound by four different combinations of insulator proteins and exhibit distinct behaviors in enhancer block, enhancer-bypass and boundary functions. Significantly, the six STEs we identified so far map to all but one of the major boundaries between repressive and active histone domains, underlining the functional relevance of these long-range chromatin loops in organizing the Hox complex. Importantly, SF1 selectively captured with only 5 STEs out of ~20 sites that display similar insulator binding profiles, indicating that presence of insulator proteins alone is not sufficient to determine looping events. These findings suggest that selective interaction among diverse STE insulators organize the Drosophila Hox genes in the 3D nuclear space.
Efficient difunctional photocatalyst prepared in situ from Prussian blue analogues for catalytic water oxidation and visible-light absorption
Authors: Guo Jia , Li Hui , Wang Di , Zhang Liugen , Ma Yuhua , Akram Naeem , Zhang Yi , Wang Jide
Published: October 2018

Co(OH)2-modified CuO (Co(OH)2/CuO) nanoparticles serve as both visible-light-driven water oxidation catalysts and visible-light-absorption centers.
Development of online-storage inner-recycling counter-current chromatography for the preparative separation of complex components of alkylphenols from sarcotesta of Ginkgo biloba L.
Authors: Wang Daijie , Song Xiangyun , Yan Huijiao , Guo Mengmeng , Fu Ruiming , Jiang Hailong , Zhu Heng , Wang Xiao
Published: October 2018

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) is becoming an effective and non-absorptive separation method from natural products.
Synthesis of tetraphenylethylene-based conjugated microporous polymers for detection of nitroaromatic explosive compounds
Authors: Namgung Ho , Lee Jeong Jun , Gwon Young Jin , Lee Taek Seung
Published: October 2018

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) containing tetraphenylethylene (TPE) were synthesized via the Suzuki coupling polymerization.
Visible-light-driven H2production and decomposition of 4-nitrophenol over nickel phosphides
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhao Lanhua , Wang Haixia , Lai Hua , Peng Gang , Li Junhua , Yi Zhengji , Chen Kang
Published: October 2018

Amorphous nickel phosphide (Ni2P) was synthesized by a simple precipitation method. The nickel phosphide was used to produce H2from water with Eosin Y as sensitizer and degrade 4-nitrophenol under visible light illumination.
Enhanced ionic conductivity in halloysite nanotube-poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrolytes for solid-state lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lun Peiqi , Chen Zilong , Zhang Zhenbao , Tan Shaozao , Chen Dengjie
Published: October 2018

The special structure of HNTs and the further formation of amorphous PVDF contribute to the enhancement of the Li+transfer.
Associations Between Manual Dexterity and Language Ability in School-Age Children
Authors: Obeid Rita , Brooks Patricia J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

We aimed to determine whether individual differences in manual dexterity are associated with specific language skills (nonword repetition, receptive vocabulary, and receptive grammar) after controlling for nonverbal abilities (visual–spatial working memory and intelligence).

Method

We assessed manual dexterity using the pegboard task and examined relationships with verbal and nonverbal abilities in a diverse community sample of children (N= 63, mean age = 8;2 [year;months], range: 6;0–10;8) varying in language ability (Comprehensive Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition core language scoreM= 105, range: 62–126; Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003).

Results

Correlational analyses indicated significant relationships between manual dexterity and performance on tests of nonword repetition, receptive vocabulary, receptive grammar, and nonverbal intelligence, after controlling for multiple comparisons. In regression analyses, manual dexterity remained a significant predictor of nonword repetition after controlling for nonverbal abilities and age. In contrast, manual dexterity was no longer significant in predicting receptive vocabulary or grammar when nonverbal intelligence was included as a factor in the model.

Conclusions

These findings build on prior work implicating poor fine motor control in child language disorders by identifying a robust relationship between manual dexterity and nonword repetition. Relationships between manual dexterity and receptive language abilities appear to be indirect and mediated by nonword repetition. For clinicians, the results underscore the importance of screening children with poor fine motor control for concomitant language impairments.
Fabrication of hybrid nanostructured surface for reduction of surface reflectance
Authors: Arjyajyoti Goswami , Aravindan Sivanandam , Rao Paruchuri Venkatewara
Published: October 2018

A combination of nanohole array and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) was fabricated on the c‐Si substrate. The substrate is then optically characterised through reflectance spectra. Reduction in reflectance around 68.91% was observed in the wavelength range of 300–1100 nm for the hybrid nanostructured surface. The reduction in reflectance is attributed to a gradual change in refractive index owing to the nanohole array and the localised surface plasmon resonance of the Au NPs.
An alternative stable solution for the Kepler-419 system, obtained with the use of a genetic algorithm
Authors: Carpintero D. D. , Melita M.
Published: October 2018

Context. The mid-transit times of an exoplanet may be nonperiodic. The variations in the timing of the transits with respect to a single period, that is, the transit timing variations (TTVs), can sometimes be attributed to perturbations by other exoplanets present in the system, which may or may not transit the star.

Aims. Our aim is to compute the mass and the six orbital elements of an nontransiting exoplanet, given only the central times of transit of the transiting body. We also aim to recover the mass of the star and the mass and orbital elements of the transiting exoplanet, suitably modified in order to decrease the deviation between the observed and the computed transit times by as much as possible.

Methods. We have applied our method, based on a genetic algorithm, to the Kepler-419 system.

Results. We were able to compute all 14 free parameters of the system, which, when integrated in time, give transits within the observational errors. We also studied the dynamics and the long-term orbital evolution of the Kepler-419 planetary system as defined by the orbital elements computed by us, in order to determine its stability.
NELIOTA: The wide-field, high-cadence, lunar monitoring system at the prime focus of the Kryoneri telescope
Authors: Xilouris E. M. , Bonanos A. Z. , Bellas-Velidis I. , Boumis P. , Dapergolas A. , Maroussis A. , Liakos A. , Alikakos I. , Charmandaris V. , Dimou G. , Fytsilis A. , Kelley M. , Koschny D. , Navarro V. , Tsiganis K. , Tsinganos K.
Published: October 2018

We present the technical specifications and first results of the ESA-funded, lunar monitoring project “NELIOTA” (NEO Lunar Impacts and Optical TrAnsients) at the National Observatory of Athens, which aims to determine the size-frequency distribution of small near-Earth objects (NEOs) via detection of impact flashes on the surface of the Moon. For the purposes of this project a twin camera instrument was specially designed and installed at the 1.2 m Kryoneri telescope utilizing the fast-frame capabilities of scientific Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor detectors (sCMOS). The system provides a wide field-of-view (17.0′ × 14.4′) and simultaneous observations in two photometric bands (RandI), reaching limiting magnitudes of 18.7 mag in 10 s in both bands at a 2.5 signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) level. This makes it a unique instrument that can be used for the detection of NEO impacts on the Moon, as well as for any astronomy projects that demand high-cadence multicolor observations. The wide field-of-view ensures that a large portion of the Moon is observed, while the simultaneous, high-cadence, monitoring in two photometric bands makes possible the determination of the temperatures of the impacts on the Moon’s surface and the validation of the impact flashes from a single site. Considering the varying background level on the Moon’s surface we demonstrate that the NELIOTA system can detect NEO impact flashes at a 2.5 S/N level of ∼12.4 mag in theI-band andR-band for observations made at low lunar phases (∼0.1). We report 31 NEO impact flashes detected during the first year of the NELIOTA campaign. The faintest flash was at 11.24 mag in theR-band (about two magnitudes fainter than ever observed before) at lunar phase 0.32. Our observations suggest a detection rate of 1.96 ×  10−7events km−2h−1.
Responsiveness comparison between a lift-type and drag-type rotor in waves
Authors: Yang Yingchen , Jenet Fredrick , Jimenez Deyanira , Benavides Brandon , Cerda Jesus , Lopez Angel
Published: October 2018

Our recent progress on development of a vertical-axis unidirectional rotary wave energy converter (WEC) is discussed in this work. The WEC features a vertical-axis rotor that preforms unidirectional rotation in waves. The vertical axis arrangement makes the WEC respond well to waves from any direction with no realignment needs. And, the unidirectional behavior of the rotor promises no wave-frequency discrimination, which is in comparison to reciprocating WECs that employ the resonant principle and are very frequency-specific. In our earlier proof-of-concept studies, we have successfully demonstrated two types of rotor designs: a lift type employing hydrofoil blades and a drag type using cup blades. In the present work, the two rotor types were further explored experimentally by employing more rotor configurations and blade shapes. The focus was on revealing the rotor responsiveness in simulated waves under a freewheeling condition. The experimental results were compared between a lift-type and drag-type rotor. The comparison provided in-depth understanding on common features of the two rotor types and major differences between them. The yielded research findings will directly guide the development of a prototype vertical-axis unidirectional WEC.
Energy optimization of chillers by automating a Cooling System
Authors: Sánchez Wilson E. , Robayo Bryan L. , Rodríguez Pablo E. , Salazar Martha E. , Jácome Santiago , Mullo Alvaro S.
Published: October 2018

This publication presents the work done on energy optimization of a group of chillers by automating the cooling system of blowing dies in an industry that is entrusted with the manufacture of plastic containers. In a first stage, the preliminary study on the energy analysis of the old system, where each chiller was in charge of cooling a specific group of blow moulding machines, without taking into account whether or not the blow moulding machines are working, is detailed; subsequent to this, the implementation of the automated cooling system was carried out, where all chillers were centralized in a machine room, automation was carried out with a Siemens S7-1200 PLC, switching the chillers on and off is based on the total thermal capacity required by the blow moulding machines. Finally, the energy analysis of the new cooling system was carried out, where the results were compared, and conclusions were drawn.
Design and Implementation of a Parabolic Cylinder Collector with Solar Tracking to obtain hot water
Authors: Sánchez Wilson E. , Jiménez Mario P. , Mantilla Carlos A. , Toro José M. , Villa Miguel A. , Sinchiguano Germánico
Published: October 2018

This investigation describes the design and implementation of a parabolic trough solar collector (PCC) with solar tracking to obtain hot water. The solar radiation available at the installation site is analyzed, followed by the design and construction of the mechanical system, making a series of calculations for the dimensioning of the reflective base, and a stress and deflection analysis of the structure is performed to verify the feasibility of the design in the ANSYS software. An analysis of the solar tracking system is performed, which is dimensioned from the PCC structure to determine the type of solar tracker to implement; The charging system, consisting of a solar panel and a battery, is dimensioned for the power supply of the tracking system; as a last point, for the heating system is determined the amount of water that is able to heat the system from the energy analysis at the installation site, the heating system is based on placing a Heat Pipe, in the focus of the parabola to receive the solar rays reflected by the collector and heat exchange to the water from a thermowell where the heat pipe condenser enters, finally tests are carried out in the PCC implemented obtaining a global efficiency of 16.37%.
Synthesis of hexamethylene diisocyanate-functionalized graphene oxide for solar cell applications
Authors: Luceño J A , Díez-Pascual A M , Peña R , García-Díaz P
Published: October 2018

Graphene (G), an allotrope of carbon with exceptional optical, electronic, thermal and mechanical properties, and its oxidized form graphene oxide (GO), show huge potential for a broad range of applications. In particular, their high conductivity, transparency, flexibility, and abundance make them suitable for polymer solar cells (PSCs). However, their insolubility in common organic solvents hinders their applications. Consequently, novel functionalization approaches are pursued. The present work is devoted to the preparation of hexamethylene diisocyante-functionalized graphene oxide (HDI-GO). The synthesized nanomaterial shows a highly hydrophobic nature and can be dispersed in organic non-polar solvents, hence is a prospective candidate to be combined with conjugated polymers for solar cell applications.
Study on the Key Problems of UHVAC/DC Power Grids with New Generation Large Synchronous Condenser
Authors: Fan Xiao , Kunpeng Zhou , Tao Wang , Kan Cao , Yuze Rao
Published: October 2018

In order to cope with the great pressure caused by the gradually exhaustion of fossil energy and environmental protection and climate warming, the development and application of the renewable energy has become an important foundation and development direction in the field of energy. However, due to the impact of energy and resource endowment, China’s load center and renewable energy base into the characteristics of long-range reverse distribution, the use of long-distance large-capacity transmission potential is necessary. With the “strong DC system and weak AC system” problem of the company power grid is increasingly prominent, the higher demand of dynamic reactive power support is put forward in the UHV DC power transmission project. Then, the large-capacity dynamic reactive power of new generation synchronous condenser is large-scale built up in the UHV DC/AC power system.

Due to the high requirement of response speed and capacity in the UHV DC power transmission, the structure, dynamic characteristics, excitation control and relay protection and other aspects of the large synchronous condenser are different from generators and traditional synchronous condenser. Based on this, the dynamic reactive power demand of UHV DC power system is analyzed in this paper. Then, the main situation of large synchronous condenser is considered. In addition, the key points of the excitation control system and protection system are also discussed in this paper. There are important theoretical and practical significance for the safe and reliable operation of the UHV DC/AC power system.
A New Distribution System Performance Approach to the Switch Allocation Problem Under Smart Grid Framework
Authors: Zaki Hatem , Swief R.A. , Abdel-Salam T.S. , Mostafa M.A.M.
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a new vision of the Distribution System Switch Allocation problem considering new system performance measures. The mathematical model has been rebuilt with a new aggregated multi-objective formula, minimizing a newly developed performance index while achieving minimum annual energy lost. A new practical weighted combined system performance index, consisting of Reliability, Resiliency and Vulnerability, is applied and tested to be used by utilities replacing the common simple reliability index combination. The new model uses mixed integer design variables to determine the number, location and status of switches. A set of eight logical and technical constraints was applied to provide the best description of the real existing system constraints. A new algorithm of checking the system radial topology is also applied to the problem. The problem was solved using the Genetic Algorithm and was tested on a 54-bus real distribution test system, deemed more complicated than the test systems found in literature, to demonstrate its validity and effectiveness in real life systems.
Improved Human Thermal Comfort with Indoor PCM-Enhanced Tiles in Living Spaces in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Touma Albert Al , Ouahrani Djamel
Published: October 2018

Al-Majlis is the living space in residential buildings of the Arabian Gulf, and is where occupants spend most of their time. For this reason, the human thermal comfort in this space is of extreme importance and is often compromised due to hot outdoor weather conditions. In contrast with many thermal discomfort mitigation methods in outdoor environments, which become unadvisable in indoor spaces, this study investigates the effect of adding PCM-enhanced tiles to portions of the indoor envelope on the occupant’s thermal comfort and the space cooling energy demand. A simulation model of a space with tight building envelope in Qatar was developed on EnergyPlus with and without the addition of PCM-enhanced tiles. The selected country is a representative location of the Arabian Gulf. Considering different occupant’s positions, the addition of the tiles with PCM on their back was found to moderate the mean radiant temperature, operative temperature, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD), all of which signify an improvement in the human thermal comfort. Lastly, this change in the indoor envelope was found to save 3.3% of the space daily thermal cooling energy demand during one harsh summer representative day.