bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation into Off-Design Performance of a S-CO2 Turbine Based on Concentrated Solar Power
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Yuqi , Xie Yonghui
Published: November 2018

Research on concentrated solar power (CSP) plants has been increasing in recent years. Supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) has been applied to solar power plants due to its promising physical properties. S-CO2 has a relatively low critical temperature of 31.1 °C and owns high density in the supercritical region. Hence, it is a vital working fluid in the application of low temperature heat source and miniature power equipment. Due to the fact that solar power system has a constantly changing heat source according to season and weather, a satisfactory off-design performance is necessary for the turbine in a solar power system. In this work, a S-CO2 radial-inflow turbine based on CSP is designed. A thorough numerical analysis of the turbine is then performed. To investigate the off-design performance of this turbine, three types of nozzle profiles with different leading edge diameters are adopted. Mach number, temperature and pressure distribution are covered to present the off-design effect with different nozzle profiles. Moreover, the relation of output power, mass flow rate and efficiency with different leading edge diameter (LED) are analyzed. Results show that different LED has a vital influence on the aerodynamic characteristics and off-design performance of the S-CO2 turbine based on CSP. In addition, the designed turbine with LED = 4 mm can obtain the highest mass flow rate and output power. While the turbine with LED = 10 mm provides slightly better off-design efficiency for CSP plants.
Study on Vibration Transmission among Units in Underground Powerhouse of a Hydropower Station
Authors: Lian Jijian , Wang Hongzhen , Wang Haijun
Published: November 2018

Research on the safety of powerhouse in a hydropower station is mostly concentrated on the vibration of machinery structure and concrete structure within a single unit. However, few studies have been focused on the vibration transmission among units. Due to the integrity of the powerhouse and the interaction, it is necessary to study the vibration transmission mechanism of powerhouse structure among units. In this paper, field structural vibration tests are conducted in an underground powerhouse of a hydropower station on Yalong River. Additionally, the simplified mechanical models are established to explain the transmission mechanism theoretically. Moreover, a complementary finite element (FE) model is built to replicate the testing conditions for comprehensive analysis. The field tests results show that: (1) the transmission of lateral-river vibration is greater than those of longitude-river vibration and vertical vibration; (2) the vibration transmission of the vibrations that is caused by the low frequency tail fluctuation is basically equal to that of the vibrations caused by rotation of hydraulic generator. The transmission mechanism is demonstrated by the simplified mechanical models and is verified by the FE results. This study can provide guidance for further research on the vibration of underground powerhouse structure.
Saving Energy in the Transportation Sector: An Analysis of Modified Bitumen Application Based on Marshall Test
Authors: Raheel Shah Syyed Adnan , Arshad Hunain , Waqar Ahsan , Saeed Muhammad Hasnain , Hafeez Salman , Mansoor Junaid , Sadiq Abdullah Naveed , Malik Muhammad Asad
Published: November 2018

Energy consumption and material production are two major factors associated with the road construction industry. Worldwide, millions of tons of hot mix asphalt production consume a huge amount of fuel as an energy source in terms of quantity and cost to achieve the standard temperature of up to 170 °C during the mixing process. Modification of bitumen can not only reduce its usage but also the consumption of energy (fuel) during the asphalt mix production process at low temperatures. This study provides a method to save energy by proposing the addition of bitumen modifier in the road construction sector. Furthermore, to make it compatible with the field conditions for road construction, stability analysis is executed on the prepared samples by partially replacing the bitumen with polyurethane foam (PUF) and plastic waste (PW) (at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%). Experimental results demonstrate a reasonable saving in the amount of energy (33%) and material (40% bitumen) used and showed that similar strength of developed asphalt mix can be achieved using PUF. An extensive calculation concludes that these savings could make a huge difference in construction economics of mega road infrastructure projects, especially during an energy crisis.
Multi-Attribute Group-Decision on a Construction Diversion Scheme for Hydropower Projects Based on Perception Utility
Authors: Liu Dawei , Hu Zhigen , Guo Wencheng
Published: November 2018

The multi-attribute and group-decision problem in the selection of a construction diversion scheme for large hydropower projects often involves multi-decision subjects and schemes. Each scheme includes multiple attributes, and the attribute values and weights are multi-attribute group decision-making problems with interval numbers. In this study, a new method for solving the multi-attribute group-decision problem is proposed by integrating regret theory, negotiation gathering theory, and the Monte Carlo simulation technique. Firstly, decision-makers’ comprehensive perception utility for each scheme is calculated based on the regret theory. Then, non-uniform and fuzzy opinion of different decision subjects are negotiated and gathered, and negotiation intervals of the attribute weights are calculated through group negotiation gathering theory. Moreover, fuzzy complementary judgment matrixes describing an excellent degree of the diversion schemes are obtained by conducting Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the alternative diversion schemes are sorted in terms of their priorities, and the reliability of the sorting procedure is confirmed. The multi-attribute group-decision problem in the selection of a construction diversion scheme for Jinping I Hydropower Station is effectively solved by the proposed method. The proposed method is reliable and may significantly contribute to engineering decision-making.
Evaluation of the Air Oxygen Enrichment Effects on Combustion and Emissions of Natural Gas/Diesel Dual-Fuel Engines at Various Loads and Pilot Fuel Quantities
Authors: Papagiannakis Roussos G. , Rakopoulos Dimitrios C. , Rakopoulos Constantine D.
Published: November 2018

The use of natural gas (NG) as supplement of the normal diesel fuel in compression ignition (CI) environments (Natural Gas/Diesel Dual-Fuel, NG/DDF), seems to present an answer towards reducing soot or particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in existing and future diesel engine vehicles. The benefits for the environment can be even higher, as recently NG quality gas can be produced from biomass (bio-methane or bio-CNG or ‘green gas’). However, this engine type where the main fuel is the gaseous one and the diesel liquid fuel constitutes the ignition source (pilot), experiences higher specific energy consumption (SEC), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) emissions compared to the conventional (normal) diesel one, with these adverse effects becoming more apparent under partial load operation conditions. Apart from using bio-fuels as pilot fuel, it is anticipated that air oxygen enrichment—addition of oxygen in the intake air—can mitigate (at least partly) the associated negative results, by accelerating the burning rate and reducing the ignition delay. Therefore, the present work strives to investigate the effects of various degrees of oxygen enrichment on the combustion, performance, and emissions of such a NG/DDF engine, operated under various loads and pilot (diesel fuel) quantities. The study is carried out by using an in-house, comprehensive, computational model, which is a two-zone (phenomenological) one. The accuracy of the modeling results are tested by using related experimental data from the literature, acquired in an experimental investigation conducted on a naturally aspirated, light-duty, NG/DDF engine. The computational study is extended to include various pilot fuel quantities, attempting to identify the influence of the examined parameters and witness advantages and disadvantages. The study results demonstrate that the air oxygen enrichment reduces the specific energy consumption and CO emissions, by accelerating the burning rate and reducing the ignition delay (as revealed by the cylinder pressure and rate of heat release diagrams), without impairing seriously the soot and NO emissions. The conclusions of the specific investigation are much useful, particularly if wished to identify the optimum combination of the parameters under examination for improving the overall performance of existing CI engines functioning under natural gas/diesel fuel operating mode.
Investigation of an Innovative Cascade Cycle Combining a Trilateral Cycle and an Organic Rankine Cycle (TLC-ORC) for Industry or Transport Application
Authors: Yu Xiaoli , Li Zhi , Lu Yiji , Huang Rui , Roskilly Anthony Paul
Published: November 2018

An innovative cascade cycle combining a trilateral cycle and an organic Rankine cycle (TLC-ORC) system is proposed in this paper. The proposed TLC-ORC system aims at obtaining better performance of temperature matching between working fluid and heat source, leading to better overall system performance than that of the conventional dual-loop ORC system. The proposed cascade cycle adopts TLC to replace the High-Temperature (HT) cycle of the conventional dual-loop ORC system. The comprehensive comparisons between the conventional dual-loop ORC and the proposed TLC-ORC system have been conducted using the first and second law analysis. Effects of evaporating temperature for HT and Low-Temperature (LT) cycle, as well as different HT and LT working fluids, are systematically investigated. The comparisons of exergy destruction and exergy efficiency of each component in the two systems have been studied. Results illustrate that the maximum net power output, thermal efficiency, and exergy efficiency of a conventional dual-loop ORC are 8.8 kW, 18.7%, and 50.0%, respectively, obtained by the system using cyclohexane as HT working fluid at THT,evap = 470 K and TLT,evap = 343 K. While for the TLC-ORC, the corresponding values are 11.8 kW, 25.0%, and 65.6%, obtained by the system using toluene as a HT working fluid at THT,evap = 470 K and TLT,evap = 343 K, which are 34.1%, 33.7%, and 31.2% higher than that of a conventional dual-loop ORC.
Assessing the Factors Impacting on the Reliability of Wind Turbines via Survival Analysis—A Case Study
Authors: Ozturk Samet , Fthenakis Vasilis , Faulstich Stefan
Published: November 2018

The failure of wind turbines is a multi-faceted problem and its monetary impact is often unpredictable. In this study, we present a novel application of survival analysis on wind turbine reliability, including accounting for previous failures and the history of scheduled maintenance. We investigated the operational, climatic and geographical factors that affect wind turbine failure and modeled the risk rate of wind turbine failure based on data from 109 turbines in Germany operating for a period of 19 years. Our analysis showed that adequately scheduled maintenance can increase the survival of wind turbine systems and electric subsystems up to 2.8 and 3.8 times, respectively, compared to the systems without scheduled maintenance. Geared-drive wind turbines and their electrical systems were observed to have 1.2- and 1.4- times higher survival, respectively, compared to direct-drive turbines and their electrical systems. It was also found that the survival of frequently-failing wind turbine components, such as switches, was worse in geared-drive than in direct-drive wind turbines. We show that survival analysis is a useful tool to guide the reduction of the operating and maintenance costs of wind turbines.
Estimating Relative Efficiency of Electricity Consumption in 42 Countries during the Period of 2008–2017
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Luu Quoc-Chien , Nguyen Thi-Kim-Lien
Published: November 2018

Augmentation of electrical equipment is pushing for an increase in energy supply sources all over the world, as electricity consumption (EC) typically rises with growing populations. The value of EC reveals economic development and degree of emissions. Therefore, this research uses the undesirable outputs model in data envelopment analysis (DEA) for estimating relative efficiency of electricity consumption in 42 countries from 2008 to 2017. According to the principle of an undesirable outputs model and studied objectives, variables are selected that included population and EC as inputs, gross domestic product (GDP) as desirable output, and carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) as undesirable outputs. The empirical results indicate that 420 terms of 42 countries during the period of 2008–2017 have 102 efficient and 310 inefficient terms. Moreover, the interplay level between input and output factors every year is presented via scores. The study suggests the effect of EC to human life and propounds the emission status to look for directions to overcome inefficient terms.
Study on Dehumidification Performance of a Multi-Stage Internal Cooling Solid Desiccant Adsorption Packed Bed
Authors: Yang Wansheng , Ren Jiayun , Lin Zhongqi , Wang Zhangyuan , Zhao Xudong
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the solid desiccant adsorption packed bed with a three-stage internal cooling (ICSPB) has been proposed to improve the dehumidification efficiency and make a comparison with that of non-internal cooling. To investigate the performance of the ICSPB, the dehumidification capacity, dehumidification efficiency, water content of solid desiccant, moisture ratio of solid desiccant, temperature of solid desiccant and inlet and outlet air temperature difference were discussed in different conditions of inlet air and supplying water temperature. It was found that the dehumidification performance of the bed with internal cooling could be improved greatly in the low temperature and low humidity conditions, while in the high temperature and humid, the improvement was not obvious. With internal cooling, the dehumidification efficiency and the water content of the solid desiccant could be improved 59.69% and 110.7%, respectively, and the temperature of solid desiccant could be reduced 2.2 °C when the ICSPB operated at the inlet air temperature of 20 °C, inlet humidity of 55%, and water temperature of 14 °C. Moreover, the dehumidification performance at each stage of ICSPB was studied. It was found that, the first stage played the most important role in the dehumidification process. In addition, the calculation models that can be used to predict the moisture ratio and the temperature of solid desiccant were established on the test results.
Multi-Country Analysis on Energy Savings in Buildings by Means of a Micro-Solar Organic Rankine Cycle System: A Simulation Study
Authors: Arteconi Alessia , Del Zotto Luca , Tascioni Roberto , Mahkamov Khamid , Underwood Chris , Cabeza Luisa F. , Maldonado Jose Miguel , Manca Roberto , Mintsa André C. , Bartolini Carlo M. , Gimbernat Toni , Botargues Teresa , Halimic Elvedin , Cioccolanti Luca
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the smart management of buildings energy use by means of an innovative renewable micro-cogeneration system is investigated. The system consists of a concentrated linear Fresnel reflectors solar field coupled with a phase change material thermal energy storage tank and a 2 kWe/18 kWth organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system. The microsolar ORC was designed to supply both electricity and thermal energy demand to residential dwellings to reduce their primary energy use. In this analysis, the achievable energy and operational cost savings through the proposed plant with respect to traditional technologies (i.e., condensing boilers and electricity grid) were assessed by means of simulations. The influence of the climate and latitude of the installation was taken into account to assess the performance and the potential of such system across Europe and specifically in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, U.K., and Sweden. Results show that the proposed plant can satisfy about 80% of the overall energy demand of a 100 m2 dwelling in southern Europe, while the energy demand coverage drops to 34% in the worst scenario in northern Europe. The corresponding operational cost savings amount to 87% for a dwelling in the south and at 33% for one in the north.
Community Perceptions of Ecosystem Services and the Management of Mt. Marsabit Forest in Northern Kenya
Authors: Ouko Caroline A. , Mulwa Richard , Kibugi Robert , Owuor Margaret A. , Zaehringer Julie G. , Oguge Nicholas O.
Published: November 2018

Identifying and characterizing ecosystem services (ES) has been shown to have an important role in sustainable natural resource management. However, understanding communities’ perspectives is critical in determining opportunities and constraints for ES management in multi-use landscapes. To do so, a study was conducted around Mt. Marsabit forest, a multiuse landscape in Kenya. Using stratification, participants from 11 administrative locations adjacent to the forest were selected. A total of 265 households were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The study analyzed local communities’ perceptions of ES derived from the forest and their involvement in its management. Respondents identified trees, forage, water, fallback land cultivation, aesthetic enjoyment, and shade as key services derived from the forest. However, overexploitation of forest resources has led to degradation. Degradation and insecurity were perceived as the major threats to the ecosystem. The local communities were minimally involved in developing governance structures or management of this forest. Family size, education level, and age were important predictors of level of involvement in management. Lack of involvement in the forest management may have largely contributed to the unsustainable extraction of resources by local communities. We suggest that meaningful engagement of communities in the management of this forest will be critical to its sustainability.
Application of Bioactive Coatings Based on Chitosan and Propolis for Pinus spp. Protection against Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Silva-Castro Iosody , Diez Julio Javier , Martín-Ramos Pablo , Pinto Glória , Alves Artur , Martín-Gil Jesús , Martín-García Jorge
Published: November 2018

Pine pitch canker (PPC) is a major threat to pine forests worldwide because of the extensive tree deaths, reduced growth, and degradation of timber quality caused by it. Furthermore, the aggressive fungus responsible for this disease (Fusarium circinatum) can also infect pine seeds, causing damping-off in young seedlings. This study proposes an approach based on coating treatments consisting of natural products to ensure seed protection. Seeds from two pine species (the most sensitive to this disease, Pinus radiata D. Don, and a more resistant one, Pinus sylvestris L.) were coated with single and binary mixtures of low and medium molecular weight chitosan and/or ethanolic-propolis extract. The germination rate, pre- and post-emergence mortality, total phenolic content, and radical scavenging activity were assessed. All treatments, and especially the one based on chitosan oligomers, had a beneficial impact on P. sylvestris seedlings, significantly enhancing survival rates and displaying a positive influence on the total phenolic content and on the seedlings’ radical scavenging activity. Conversely, non-significant negative effects on germination percentages were observed in the case of P. radiata seeds. The proposed treatments show promise for the protection of P. sylvestris seedlings against PPC.
Long-Term Thinning Does not Significantly Affect Soil Water-Stable Aggregates and Diversity of Bacteria and Fungi in Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) Plantations in Eastern China
Authors: Cheng Xiangrong , Xing Wenli , Yuan Haijing , Yu Mukui
Published: November 2018

Soil structure and microbial communities are sensitive to forest disturbance. However, little is known about the long-term effects of forest thinning on water-stable aggregates (WSA), and the community composition and diversity of soil microorganisms. In this study, we investigated soil chemical properties, WSA, and communities of bacteria and fungi in conventionally managed Chinese fir plantation stands and repeatedly thinned plantation stands with medium and high tree densities 18 years after the thinning treatments. The distribution patterns of WSA fractions were similar in the three thinning treatments. The mass proportion was the highest in the macro-aggregates fraction, followed by the clay + silt fraction, and it was the lowest in the micro-aggregates fraction. The soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations in different WSA fractions decreased with decreasing aggregate size. The WSA fractions, stability, and aggregate-associated carbon were not significantly different among the three treatments 18 years after the thinning treatments. The total nitrogen concentration of the macro-aggregates fraction was significantly higher in the stands thinned intensively than in the conventionally managed stands. The abundance of minor bacteria and fungi species was different, although no significant differences were observed in the overall bacterial and fungal composition and diversity between the three treatments. Our results indicate that, compared with the conventionally managed stands, soil WSA stability and soil microbial communities in repeatedly thinned Chinese fir stands may recover over one rotation of Chinese fir plantation and that this is accompanied by the recovery of stand growth and soil nutrition.
Beer–The Importance of Colloidal Stability (Non-Biological Haze)
Authors: Mastanjević Kristina , Krstanović Vinko , Lukinac Jasmina , Jukić Marko , Vulin Zdravko , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: November 2018

Today’s beer differs in many ways from the original hazy brew made from grains and water left in the sun to ferment. The development of brewing procedures introduced filtration and colloidal stabilization as key elements in beer preservation and stability. Colloidal stability of beer is the most important factor in beer quality. Colloidal particles significantly shorten beer’s storage time, but most importantly, also influence its appearance. Colloidal stabilization involves one or more procedures that are applied at different stages during production and result in colloidal stability of the final product. Beer is considered to be colloidal stable if it can be stored for several months at 25 °C without exhibiting any changes in composition or other properties; specifically, beer has to be able to remain clear without any signs of precipitation. Since colloidal stability is of primary importance for the consumer, retail requirements have resulted in many solutions for this issue. Stabilization agents have to be reliable during the filtration and stabilization processes. Additionally, renewable agents are highly desirable. The level of colloidal stability required depends on the desired storage time and temperature after the beer has been packed. Consumers have higher and higher expectations that the industry has to follow.
Nucleotide Modifications Decrease Innate Immune Response Induced by Synthetic Analogs of snRNAs and snoRNAs
Authors: Stepanov Grigory , Zhuravlev Evgenii , Shender Victoria , Nushtaeva Anna , Balakhonova Evgenia , Mozhaeva Elena , Kasakin Marat , Koval Vladimir , Lomzov Alexander , Pavlyukov Marat , Malyants Irina , Zhorov Mikhail , Kabilova Tatyana , Chernolovskaya Elena , Govorun Vadim , Kuligina Elena , Semenov Dmitry , Richter Vladimir
Published: November 2018

Short nuclear regulatory RNAs play a key role in the main stages of maturation of the precursors of the major RNA species. Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) form the core of the spliceosome and are responsible for the splicing of pre-mRNA molecules. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) direct post-transcriptional modification of pre-rRNAs. A promising strategy for the development of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) mimicking molecules is the introduction of modified nucleotides, which are normally present in natural ncRNAs, into the structure of synthetic RNAs. We have created a set of snoRNAs and snRNA analogs and studied the effect of base modifications, specifically, pseudouridine (Ψ) and 5-methylcytidine (m5C), on the immune-stimulating and cytotoxic properties of these RNAs. Here, we performed a whole-transcriptome study of the influence of synthetic snoRNA analogs with various modifications on gene expression in human cells. Moreover, we confirmed the role of PKR in the recognition of snoRNA and snRNA analogs using the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technique. We believe that the data obtained will contribute to the understanding of the role of nucleotide modification in ncRNA functions, and can be useful for creating the agents for gene regulation based on the structure of natural snoRNAs and snRNAs.
Ferromagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Rock Magnetic Characterization of Fossil Coral Skeletons in Ishigaki Islands, Japan
Authors: Kumagai Yuho , Nakamura Norihiro , Sato Tetsuro , Oka Toshitaka , Oda Hirokuni
Published: November 2018

Skeletons of hermatypic corals (e.g., Porites) might have enormous potential as a high-resolution paleomagnetic recorder owing to their rapid and continuous growth over hundreds of years at a rate of up to 2 cm/year, although typical corals show an extremely weak intensity of remanence and low stability. We found that coral tsunami boulders with negligible amounts of calcite on Ishigaki Island show a measurable intensity of remanence; thus, we attempted to characterize the magnetic assemblages in this coral skeleton to determine whether it is of biogenic or detrital magnetite using first-order reversal curve (FORC) measurements, ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy, and petrological observations through field-emission type scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with an acid treatment. The FMR derivative spectra of coral skeleton samples represent multiple derivative maxima and extended low-field absorption, indicating the presence of intact biogenic magnetite chains. FORC diagrams represent a “central ridge” signature with a vertical spread. These FMR and FORC features indicate the magnetization of these coral skeletons that are mainly created using intact biogenic magnetites and mixtures of grains from collapsed biogenic magnetites, pseudo-single domain grains, and multi-domain grains such as detrital magnetite. FE-SEM observations confirm the presence of a chain-like structure of iron oxides corresponding to the features of biogenic magnetite. Therefore, the magnetic mineral assemblage in coralline boulders from Ishigaki Island consists of dominant biogenic-origin single-domain magnetite and a trace amount of detrital component, indicating that fossil coral skeletons in Ishigaki Island have potential for utilization in paleomagnetic studies.
From Interethnic Alliances to the “Magical Negro”: Afro-Asian Interactions in Asian Latin American Literature
Authors: López-Calvo Ignacio
Published: November 2018

This essay studies Afro-Asian sociocultural interactions in cultural production by or about Asian Latin Americans, with an emphasis on Cuba and Brazil. Among the recurrent characters are the black slave, the china mulata, or the black ally who expresses sympathy or even marries the Asian character. This reflects a common history of bondage shared by black slaves, Chinese coolies, and Japanese indentured workers, as well as a common history of marronage. These conflicts and alliances between Asians and blacks contest the official discourse of mestizaje (Spanish-indigenous dichotomies in Mexico and Andean countries, for example, or black and white binaries in Brazil and the Caribbean) that, under the guise of incorporating the other, favored whiteness while attempting to silence, ignore, or ultimately erase their worldviews and cultures.
Reproductive Factors and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion in the Jinchang Cohort
Authors: Hu Xiaobin , Miao Miao , Bai Yana , Cheng Ning , Ren Xiaowei
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between female reproductive status and risk of spontaneous abortion among female workers in the Jinchang Cohort. This study used data obtained from a baseline survey of the Jinchang Cohort Study of female workers in Jinchang Industry, the largest nickel production company in China. A standardized, structured questionnaire was used to collect the health status of 18,834 female workers employed by the company from 2011 to 2013. Spearman grade correlation analysis and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between female reproductive status and risk of spontaneous abortion. The incidence rate of spontaneous abortion was 6.89%, and fatigue was associated with the risk of spontaneous abortion. The number of pregnancies, age at primary birth and age at the last pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (rs = 0.190, p = 0.000; rs = 0.092, p = 0.000; rs = 0.061, p = 0.000; respectively). In addition, there was a negative correlation between the number of artificial abortions and spontaneous abortions (rs = −0.129, p = 0.000). Female reproductive status was associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in this cohort. More studies are needed to confirm this observed association.
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Due to Blue Water Consumption in China from Production and Consumption Perspectives
Authors: Liu Jing , Wu Mengyang , Yu Zhongbo
Published: November 2018

Current environmental impact analyses are mainly focused on land, soil, energy, and material consumption, while studies regarding blue water consumption are scarce. Based on the water footprint concept, this study evaluates the impacts of blue water consumption on human health, ecosystem quality, and water resources in China from the production and consumption perspective, respectively. The results indicate that environmental impacts due to blue water consumption in China were 15.82 × 106 DALY (disability-adjusted life years), 96.54 × 109 m2∙year, and 175.20 × 109 MJ, and provinces such as Xinjiang, Shandong, and Hebei could be targets for achieving smaller environmental impacts in the future. More than 80% of environmental impacts were related to the agricultural sector. In terms of agricultural production, about 70% of the environmental impacts were related to product export. Measures such as the shift of the agricultural production pattern from water-intensive crops and animal products toward less water-intensive ones, the increase of agricultural water use efficiency, and the adoption of water-saving technologies could contribute to smaller environmental impacts. In terms of agricultural consumption, more than 95% of the environmental impacts were related to agricultural products produced locally. The focus was on increasing awareness of the importance of saving water and whether products were imported from regions with relatively small environmental impacts.
Emerging Ergonomics Issues and Opportunities in Mining
Authors: Dempsey Patrick G. , Kocher Lydia M. , Nasarwanji Mahiyar F. , Pollard Jonisha P. , Whitson Ashley E.
Published: November 2018

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline that investigates the interactions between humans and systems to optimize both human and system performance for worker safety, health, and productivity. Ergonomics is frequently involved either in the design of emerging technologies or in strategies to alleviate unanticipated human performance problems with emerging technologies. This manuscript explores several such emerging issues and opportunities in the context of the mining sector. In mining, the equipment, tools, and procedures have changed considerably and continue to change. Body-worn technology provides a number of opportunities to advance the safety and health of miners, while teleoperation and autonomous mining equipment stand to benefit significantly from ergonomics applications in other sectors. This manuscript focuses on those issues and opportunities that can impact the safety and health of miners in the near term.
An Epidemiological Analysis of Head Injuries in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu I-Lin , Li Chung-Yi , Chu Da-Chen , Chien Li-Chien
Published: November 2018

Traumatic head injuries occur frequently in Taiwan, having catastrophic consequences for the victims, their families, and society as a whole. However, little is known about the risk factors at the population level in Taiwan. The primary aim of this study was to obtain more information on these variables and their relationships. Another aim was to analyze the effects of independent variables such as sex, age, residency, pre-existing conditions, mechanisms of injury, associated injuries, and severity on the probability of in-hospital death. Using the 2007–2008 total admissions claim dataset from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system, total admissions due to acute head injury were selected for further analysis. The obtained data included patient demographics and trauma hospitalization rate. A total of 99,391 patients were admitted with head injury, 48,792 of which had moderate-to-severe head injury. There were 4935 cases recorded as in-hospital mortality and the standardized in-hospital mortality rate was 10.7 deaths per 100,000 person-years. The mortality rate increased with age. After adjustments, male sex, age older than 54 years, living in a rural area, lower monthly income, a Charlson comorbidity index greater than one, being a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle, fall from a height, and having significant chest, abdominal, or lower extremity injury increased the risk of death during admission. This population-based analysis provides information about the incidence rate and death rate for admissions in Taiwan due to acute head injury and the factors that affect in-hospital mortality. Our results that highlight the risk factors for adverse outcome can help us prevent or improve rural area trauma care of head injury patients in the future.
BCPA {N,N′-1,4-Butanediylbis[3-(2-chlorophenyl)acrylamide]} Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation through Increased Retention of Peptidyl-Prolyl cis-trans Isomerase Never in Mitosis A-Interacting 1
Authors: Cho Eugene , Lee Jin-Kyung , Lee Jee-Young , Chen Zhihao , Ahn Sun-Hee , Kim Nam Doo , Kook Min-Suk , Min Sang Hyun , Park Byung-Ju , Lee Tae-Hoon
Published: November 2018

Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance of osteoclast and osteoblast activities and it is characterized by enhanced osteoclast formation and function. Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase never in mitosis A (NIMA)-interacting 1 (Pin1) is a key mediator of osteoclast cell-cell fusion via suppression of the dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). We found that N,N′-1,4-butanediylbis[3-(2-chlorophenyl)acrylamide] (BCPA) inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. In addition, BCPA attenuated the reduction of Pin1 protein during osteoclast differentiation without changing Pin1 mRNA levels. BCPA repressed the expression of osteoclast-related genes, such as DC-STAMP and osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), without altering the mRNA expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) and cellular oncogene fos (c-Fos). Furthermore, Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive mononuclear cells were significantly decreased by BCPA treatment compared to treatment with the Pin1 inhibitor juglone. These data suggest that BCPA can inhibit osteoclastogenesis by regulating the expression of the DC-STAMP osteoclast fusion protein by attenuating Pin1 reduction. Therefore, BCPA may be used to treat osteoporosis.
Automated Intracellular Calcium Profiles Extraction from Endothelial Cells Using Digital Fluorescence Images
Authors: Sanchez-Tecuatl Marcial , Vargaz-Guadarrama Ajelet , Ramirez-Cortes Juan Manuel , Gomez-Gil Pilar , Moccia Francesco , Berra-Romani Roberto
Published: November 2018

Endothelial cells perform a wide variety of fundamental functions for the cardiovascular system, their proliferation and migration being strongly regulated by their intracellular calcium concentration. Hence it is extremely important to carefully measure endothelial calcium signals under different stimuli. A proposal to automate the intracellular calcium profiles extraction from fluorescence image sequences is presented. Digital image processing techniques were combined with a multi-target tracking approach supported by Kalman estimation. The system was tested with image sequences from two different stimuli. The first one was a chemical stimulus, that is, ATP, which caused small movements in the cells trajectories, thereby suggesting that the bath application of the agonist does not generate significant artifacts. The second one was a mechanical stimulus delivered by a glass microelectrode, which caused major changes in cell trajectories. The importance of the tracking block is evidenced since more accurate profiles were extracted, mainly for cells closest to the stimulated area. Two important contributions of this work are the automatic relocation of the region of interest assigned to the cells and the possibility of data extraction from big image sets in efficient and expedite way. The system may adapt to different kind of cell images and may allow the extraction of other useful features.
Reactive Oxygen Species Induces Lipid Droplet Accumulation in HepG2 Cells by Increasing Perilipin 2 Expression
Authors: Jin Yi , Tan Yanjie , Chen Lupeng , Liu Yan , Ren Zhuqing
Published: November 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the world’s most common liver disease. The disease can develop liver fibrosis or even carcinomas from the initial hepatic steatosis, and this process is influenced by many factors. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as potent oxidants in cells, have been reported previously to play an important role in the development of NAFLD progression via promoting neutral lipid accumulation. Here, we found that ROS can promote lipid droplet formation in hepatocytes by promoting perilipin2 (PLIN2) expression. First, we used different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to treat HepG2 cells and found that the number of lipid droplets in the cells increased, however also that this effect was dose-independent. Then, the mRNA level of several lipid droplet-associated genes was detected with hydrogen peroxide treatment and the expression of PLIN2, PLIN5, and FSP27 genes was significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05). We overexpressed PLIN2 in HepG2 cells and found that the lipid droplets in the cells were markedly increased. Interference with PLIN2 inhibits ROS-induced lipid droplet formation, revealing that PLIN2 is a critical factor in this process. We subsequently analyzed the regulatory pathway and protein interaction network that is involved in PLIN2 and found that PLIN2 can regulate intracellular lipid metabolism through the PPARα/RXRA and CREB/CREBBP signaling pathways. The majority of the data indicated the correlation between hydrogen peroxide-induced PLIN2 and lipid droplet upregulation. In conclusion, ROS up-regulates the expression of PLIN2 in hepatocytes, whereas PLIN2 promotes the formation of lipid droplets resulting in lipid accumulation in liver tissues.
Transcriptional Landscape of PARs in Epithelial Malignancies
Authors: Nag Jeetendra Kumar , Bar-Shavit Rachel
Published: November 2018

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of cell receptors, act as important regulators of diverse signaling pathways. Our understanding of the impact of GPCRs in tumors is emerging, yet there is no therapeutic platform based on GPCR driver genes. As cancer progresses, it disrupts normal epithelial organization and maintains the cells outside their normal niche. The dynamic and flexible microenvironment of a tumor contains both soluble and matrix-immobilized proteases that contribute to the process of cancer advancement. An example is the activation of cell surface protease-activated receptors (PARs). Mammalian PARs are a subgroup of GPCRs that form a family of four members, PAR1–4, which are uniquely activated by proteases found in the microenvironment. PAR1 and PAR2 play central roles in tumor biology, and PAR3 acts as a coreceptor. The significance of PAR4 in neoplasia is just beginning to emerge. PAR1 has been shown to be overexpressed in malignant epithelia, in direct correlation with tumor aggressiveness, but there is no expression in normal epithelium. In this review, the involvement of key transcription factors such as Egr1, p53, Twist, AP2, and Sp1 that control PAR1 expression levels specifically, as well as hormone transcriptional regulation by both estrogen receptors (ER) and androgen receptors (AR) are discussed. The cloning of the human protease-activated receptor 2; Par2 (hPar2) promoter region and transcriptional regulation of estrogen (E2) via binding of the E2–ER complex to estrogen response elements (ERE) are shown. In addition, evidence that TEA domain 4 (TEAD4) motifs are present within the hPar2 promoter is presented since the YAP oncogene, which plays a central part in tumor etiology, acts via the TEAD4 transcription factor. As of now, no information is available on regulation of the hPar3 promoter. With regard to hPar4, only data showing CpG methylation promoter regulation is available. Characterization of the PAR transcriptional landscape may identify powerful targets for cancer therapies.
Intravenous Delivery of piggyBac Transposons as a Useful Tool for Liver-Specific Gene-Switching
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Ishihara Masayuki , Watanabe Satoshi , Ando Naoko , Ohtsuka Masato , Sato Masahiro
Published: November 2018

Hydrodynamics-based gene delivery (HGD) is an efficient method for transfecting plasmid DNA into hepatocytes in vivo. However, the resulting gene expression is transient, and occurs in a non-tissue specific manner. The piggyBac (PB) transposon system allows chromosomal integration of a transgene in vitro. This study aimed to achieve long-term in vivo expression of a transgene by performing hepatocyte-specific chromosomal integration of the transgene using PB and HGD. Using this approach, we generated a novel mouse model for a hepatic disorder. A distinct signal from the reporter plasmid DNA was discernible in the murine liver approximately two months after the administration of PB transposons carrying a reporter gene. Then, to induce the hepatic disorder, we first administered mice with a PB transposon carrying a CETD unit (loxP-flanked stop cassette, diphtheria toxin-A chain gene, and poly(A) sites), and then with a plasmid expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of a liver-specific promoter. We showed that this system can be used for in situ manipulation and analysis of hepatocyte function in vivo in non-transgenic (Tg) animals.
Nonlinear Cellular Mechanical Behavior Adaptation to Substrate Mechanics Identified by Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Mollaeian Keyvan , Liu Yi , Bi Siyu , Wang Yifei , Ren Juan , Lu Meng
Published: November 2018

Cell–substrate interaction plays an important role in intracellular behavior and function. Adherent cell mechanics is directly regulated by the substrate mechanics. However, previous studies on the effect of substrate mechanics only focused on the stiffness relation between the substrate and the cells, and how the substrate stiffness affects the time-scale and length-scale of the cell mechanics has not yet been studied. The absence of this information directly limits the in-depth understanding of the cellular mechanotransduction process. In this study, the effect of substrate mechanics on the nonlinear biomechanical behavior of living cells was investigated using indentation-based atomic force microscopy. The mechanical properties and their nonlinearities of the cells cultured on four substrates with distinct mechanical properties were thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, the actin filament (F-actin) cytoskeleton of the cells was fluorescently stained to investigate the adaptation of F-actin cytoskeleton structure to the substrate mechanics. It was found that living cells sense and adapt to substrate mechanics: the cellular Young’s modulus, shear modulus, apparent viscosity, and their nonlinearities (mechanical property vs. measurement depth relation) were adapted to the substrates’ nonlinear mechanics. Moreover, the positive correlation between the cellular poroelasticity and the indentation remained the same regardless of the substrate stiffness nonlinearity, but was indeed more pronounced for the cells seeded on the softer substrates. Comparison of the F-actin cytoskeleton morphology confirmed that the substrate affects the cell mechanics by regulating the intracellular structure.
Newly Identified Essential Amino Acids Affecting Chlorella ellipsoidea DGAT1 Function Revealed by Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Sun Baocheng , Guo Xuejie , Fan Chengming , Chen Yuhong , Wang Jingqiao , Hu Zanmin
Published: November 2018

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG), the most important form of energy storage in plants. Some residues have previously been proven to be crucial for DGAT1 activity. In this study, we used site-directed mutagenesis of the CeDGAT1 gene from Chlorella ellipsoidea to alter 16 amino acids to investigate effects on DGAT1 function. Of the 16 residues (L482R, E542R, Y553A, G577R, R579D, Y582R, R596D, H603D, H609D, A624R, F629R, S632A, W650R, A651R, Q658H, and P660R), we newly identified 5 (L482, R579, H603, A651, and P660) as being essential for DGAT1 function and 7 (E542, G577, R596, H609, A624, S632, and Q658) that significantly affect DGAT1 function to different degrees, as revealed by heterologous expression of the mutants in yeast strain INVSc1. Importantly, compared with CeDGAT1, expression of the mutant CeDGAT1Y553A significantly increased the total fatty acid and TAG contents of INVSc1. Comparison among CeDGAT1Y553A, GmDGAT1Y341A, AtDGAT1Y364A, BnDGAT1Y347A, and BoDGAT1Y352A, in which tyrosine at the position corresponding to the 553rd residue in CeDGAT1 is changed into alanine, indicated that the impact of changing Y to A at position 553 is specific for CeDGAT1. Overall, the results provide novel insight into the structure and function of DGAT1, as well as a mutant gene with high potential for lipid improvement in microalgae and plants.