bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invariant Solutions for a Class of Perturbed Nonlinear Wave Equations
Authors: Ahmed Waheed , Zaman F. , Saleh Khairul
Published: November 2017

Approximate symmetries of a class of perturbed nonlinear wave equations are computed using two newly-developed methods. Invariant solutions associated with the approximate symmetries are constructed for both methods. Symmetries and solutions are compared through discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
A Comparative Study of Neural Networks and ANFIS for Forecasting Attendance Rate of Soccer Games
Authors: Şahin Mehmet , Erol Rızvan
Published: November 2017

The main purpose of this study was to develop and apply a neural network (NN) approach and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model for forecasting the attendance rates at soccer games. The models were designed based on the characteristics of the problem. Past real data was used. Training data was used for training the models, and the testing data was used for evaluating the performance of the forecasting models. The obtained forecasting results were compared to the actual data and to each other. To evaluate the performance of the models, two statistical indicators, Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE), were used. Based on the results, the proposed neural network approach and the ANFIS model were shown to be effective in forecasting attendance at soccer games. The neural network approach performed better than the ANFIS model. The main contribution of this study is to introduce two effective techniques for estimating attendance at sports games. This is the first attempt to use an ANFIS model for that purpose.
Antibacterial Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus: Killing Kinetics, Selection for Resistance, and Potential Cellular Target
Authors: Le Phuc , Desbois Andrew
Published: November 2017

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3), are attracting interest as possible new topical antibacterial agents, particularly due to their potency and perceived safety. However, relatively little is known of the underlying mechanism of antibacterial action of EPA or whether bacteria can develop resistance quickly against this or similar compounds. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to determine the mechanism of antibacterial action of EPA and investigate whether bacteria could develop reduced susceptibility to this fatty acid upon repeated exposure. Against two common Gram-positive human pathogens, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, EPA inhibited bacterial growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 64 mg/L, while minimum bactericidal concentrations were 64 mg/L and 128 mg/L for B. cereus and S. aureus, respectively. Both species were killed completely in EPA at 128 mg/L within 15 min at 37 °C, while reduced bacterial viability was associated with increased release of 260-nm-absorbing material from the bacterial cells. Taken together, these observations suggest that EPA likely kills B. cereus and S. aureus by disrupting the cell membrane, ultimately leading to cell lysis. Serial passage of the strains in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of EPA did not lead to the emergence or selection of strains with reduced susceptibility to EPA during 13 passages. This present study provides data that may support the development of EPA and other fatty acids as antibacterial agents for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Pseudane-VII Isolated from Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2 Ameliorates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kim Mi , Jung Inae , Lee Jong , Na Ju , Kim Woo , Kim Young-Ok , Park Yong-Duk , Lee Jun
Published: November 2017

The ocean is a rich resource of flora, fauna, food, and biological products. We found a wild-type bacterial strain, Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2, from marine water and isolated various secondary metabolites. Pseudane-VII is a compound isolated from the Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2 metabolite that possesses anti-melanogenic activity. Inflammation is a response of the innate immune system to microbial infections. Macrophages have a critical role in fighting microbial infections and inflammation. Recent studies reported that various compounds derived from natural products can regulate immune responses including inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of pseudane-VII in macrophages are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of pseudane-VII. In present study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was significantly decreased by pseudane-VII treatment at 6 μM. Moreover, pseudane-VII treatment dose-dependently reduced mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including inos, cox-2, il-1β, tnf-α, and il-6 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Pseudane-VII also diminished iNOS protein levels and IL-1β secretion. In addition, Pseudane-VII elicited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting ERK, JNK, p38, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB-p65 phosphorylation. Consistently, pseudane-VII was also shown to inhibit the LPS-stimulated release of IL-1β and expression of iNOS in mice. These results suggest that pseudane-VII exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated macrophage activation via inhibition of ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings may provide new approaches in the effort to develop anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Diverse Secondary Metabolites from the Marine-Derived Fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii F31-1
Authors: Chen Yan-Xiu , Xu Meng-Yang , Li Hou-Jin , Zeng Kun-Jiao , Ma Wen-Zhe , Tian Guo-Bao , Xu Jun , Yang De-Po , Lan Wen-Jian
Published: November 2017

By adding l-tryptophan and l-phenylalanine to GPY medium, twenty-eight compounds, including amides, polyketides, a sesquiterpenoid, a diterpenoid, a meroterpenoid, diketopiperazines, β-carbolines, fumiquinazolines, and indole alkaloids, were discovered from the marine-derived fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii F31-1, demonstrating the tremendous biosynthetic potential of this fungal strain. Among these compounds, four amides dichotomocejs A–D (1–4), one polyketide dichocetide A (5), and two diketopiperazines dichocerazines A–B (15 and 16) are new. The structures of these new compounds were determined by interpreting detailed spectroscopic data as well as calculating optical rotation values and ECD spectra. Obviously, Dichotomomyces cejpii can effectively use an amino acid-directed strategy to enhance the production of nitrogen-containing compounds. Dichotomocej A (1) displayed moderate cytotoxicity against the human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line RD with an IC50 value of 39.1 µM, and pityriacitrin (22) showed moderate cytotoxicity against the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT116 with an IC50 value of 35.1 µM.
Cucumarioside A2-2 Causes Macrophage Activation in Mouse Spleen
Authors: Pislyagin Evgeny , Manzhulo Igor , Gorpenchenko Tatiana , Dmitrenok Pavel , Avilov Sergey , Silchenko Alexandra , Wang Yun-Ming , Aminin Dmitry
Published: November 2017

The immunomodulatory effect of triterpene glycoside cucumarioside A2-2 (CA2-2), isolated from the Far Eastern sea cucumber Cucumaria japonica, was compared with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on mouse spleen. It has been shown that the intraperitoneal (i.p.) glycoside administration leads to increased spleen macrophage activating markers iba-1, IL-1β, iNOs, ROS and NO formation, with additional change of macrophage phenotype to M1. The mass spectrometry profiles of peptide/protein were obtained using MALDI-TOF-MS on the different parts of spleen sections isolated by laser mircodissection techniques. It was found that i.p. stimulation of animals with CA2-2 leads to marked changes in the intensity of the characteristic peaks of spleen peptides/proteins, primarily in red pulp.
Discovery of Novel Bromophenol Hybrids as Potential Anticancer Agents through the Ros-Mediated Apoptotic Pathway: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Wang Li-Jun , Guo Chuan-Long , Li Xiang-Qian , Wang Shuai-Yu , Jiang Bo , Zhao Yue , Luo Jiao , Xu Kuo , Liu Hua , Guo Shu-Ju , Wu Ning , Shi Da-Yong
Published: November 2017

A series of bromophenol hybrids with N-containing heterocyclic moieties were designed, and their anticancer activities against a panel of five human cancer cell lines (A549, Bel7402, HepG2, HCT116 and Caco2) using MTT assay in vitro were explored. Among them, thirteen compounds (17a, 17b, 18a, 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, and 23b) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the tested cancer cell lines. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of bromophenol derivatives were discussed. The promising candidate compound 17a could induce cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and induce apoptosis in A549 cells, as well as caused DNA fragmentations, morphological changes and ROS generation by the mechanism studies. Furthermore, compound 17a suppression of Bcl-2 levels (decrease in the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and down-regulation in the expression levels of Bcl-2) in A549 cells were observed, along with activation caspase-3 and PARP, which indicated that compound 17a induced A549 cells apoptosis in vitro through the ROS-mediated apoptotic pathway. These results might be useful for bromophenol derivatives to be explored and developed as novel anticancer drugs.
Effects of Porosity, Heat Input and Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TIG Welded Joints of AA6082-T6
Authors: Wang Bo , Xue Songbai , Ma Chaoli , Wang Jianxin , Lin Zhongqiang
Published: November 2017

Various heat input conditions and post-weld heat treatments were adopted to investigate the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded joints of AA6082-T6 with porosity defects. The results show that the fracture location is uncertain when an as-welded joint has porosities in the weld zone (WZ), and overaging in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) at the same time. When the fracture of the as-welded joint occurs in the HAZ, the total heat input has a linear relation with the tensile strength of the joint. An excess heat input induces the overgrowth of Mg2Si precipitates in HAZ and the coarsening of α-Al grains in WZ, resulting in a decrease in the microhardness of the corresponding areas. After artificial aging treatment, the tensile strength of the welded joint is increased by approximately 9–13% as compared to that of as-welded joint, and fracture also occurs in HAZ. In contrast, for solution treated and artificial aging treated joint, fracture occurs suddenly at the rising phase of the tensile curve due to porosity defects throughout the weld metal. Furthermore, the eutectic Si particles of WZ coarsen and spheroidize after solution treatment and artificial aging treatment, due to the diffusion of Si to the surface of the original Si phases when soaking at high temperature.
Influence of the Composition of the Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution on the Corrosion Behavior of AZ31 and AZ61 Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Tkacz Jakub , Slouková Karolína , Minda Jozef , Drábiková Juliána , Fintová Stanislava , Doležal Pavel , Wasserbauer Jaromír
Published: November 2017

The electrochemical corrosion characteristics of AZ31 and AZ61 magnesium alloys were analyzed in terms of potentiodynamic tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The influence of the solution composition and material surface finish was examined also through the analysis of corrosion products created on the samples’ surface after electrochemical measurements in terms of scanning electron microscopy using energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Obtained data revealed the differences in the response of the magnesium alloys to enriched Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution—HBSS+ (with Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions) and Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution—HBSS (without Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions). Both examined alloys exhibited better corrosion resistance from the thermodynamic and kinetic point of view in the enriched HBSS+. AZ61 magnesium alloy reached higher values of polarization resistance than AZ31 magnesium alloy in both the used corrosion solutions. Phosphate-based corrosion products were characteristic for the AZ31 and AZ61 alloys tested in the HBSS (without Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions). The combination of phosphate-based corrosion products and clusters of MgO and Mg(OH)2 was typical for the surface of samples tested in the enriched HBSS+ (with Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions). Pitting corrosion attack was observed only in the case of enriched HBSS+.
Experimental Investigation on Electric Current-Aided Laser Stake Welding of Aluminum Alloy T-Joints
Authors: Zhang Xinge , Li Liqun , Chen Yanbin , Yang Zhaojun , Zhu Xiaocui
Published: November 2017

In the present study, aluminum alloy T-joints were welded using the laser stake-welding process. In order to improve the welding quality of the T-joints, an external electric current was used to aid the laser stake-welding process. The effects of the process parameters on the weld morphology, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the welded joints were analyzed and discussed in detail. The results indicate that the aided electric current should be no greater than a certain maximum value. Upon increasing the aided electric current, the weld width at the skin and stringer faying surface obviously increased, but there was an insignificant change in the penetration depth. Furthermore, the electric current and pressing force should be chosen to produce an expected weld width at the faying surface, whereas the laser power and welding speed should be primarily considered to obtain an optimal penetration depth. The tensile shear specimens failed across the faying surface or failed in the weld zone of the skin. The specimens that failed in the weld of the skin could resist a higher tensile shear load compared with specimens that failed across the faying surface. The microstructural observations and microhardness results demonstrated that the tensile shear load capacity of the aluminum alloy welded T-joint was mainly determined by the weld width at the faying surface.
Mechanism and Kinetics of the Reduction of Hematite to Magnetite with CO–CO2 in a Micro-Fluidized Bed
Authors: Yu Jianwen , Han Yuexin , Li Yanjun , Gao Peng , Li Wenbo
Published: November 2017

The mechanism and kinetics of the reduction of hematite to magnetite in a laboratory-scale, micro-fluidized bed reactor were isothermally investigated. The procedure consisted of the isothermal heating in a flow of a 20%CO–80%CO2 mixture at temperatures from 500 °C to 600 °C. It was found that the Avrami–Erofe’ev model of nucleation and 1D growth (n = 1.58) successfully described the phase transition of hematite to magnetite, and the value of activation energy ΔEa of the reaction was estimated to be 48.70 kJ/mol. The microstructure properties for specimens with different conversion degrees were analyzed using the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the magnetite nuclei were needle-like, and the hematite specimens became thoroughly porous after complete reduction to magnetite. The physical and chemical processes of the reaction were also discussed.
The Complete Amomum kravanh Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Commelinids
Authors: Wu Mingli , Li Qing , Hu Zhigang , Li Xiwen , Chen Shilin
Published: November 2017

Amomum kravanh is an important edible and medicinal herb, the dried fruits of which are widely used in traditional herbal medicine as cardamom. We sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. kravanh with herbgenomics technologies. The size of the A. kravanh cp genome was 162,766 bp, which consisted of long (LSC; 87,728 bp) and short (SSC; 15,390 bp) single-copy regions, separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; 29,824 bp). The genome encoded 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs and four rRNAs. A total of 299 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the A. kravanh cp genome, which provides an effective method to study species identification and population genetics of the medicinal plant. Moreover, one complement, 12 forward, 12 palindrome and two reverse repeats were detected. Comparative cp genome sequence analysis of four Zingiberaceae species indicated that their intergenic spacers are highly divergent, although the gene order, gene content and genome structure differed only minimally. In particular, there was a remarkable expansion of the IR regions in the A. kravanh cp genome. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supported a sister relationship between A. kravanh and Alpinia zerumbet. This study identified the unique characteristics of the A. kravanh cp genome and might provide valuable information for future studies aiming for Amomum identification, and provide insights into the taxonomy of the commelinids.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hearing Loss
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Liu Xiangguo , Xu Zhigang
Published: November 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays important roles in coordinating protein biosynthesis and secretion in the cell. Accumulation of misfolded and/or unfolded proteins in the ER causes ER stress and the so-called unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR alleviates ER stress through blocking protein synthesis and activating expression of chaperone genes, whereas prolonged UPR could induce cell death. Recent research has showed that ER stress and UPR are involved in hearing loss. Accordingly, animal experiments showed that chemical chaperones or ER stress inducers alleviate environment-related hearing loss, whereas ER stress inhibitor has been used to treat certain types of hereditary deafness. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the detailed mechanisms of how ER stress contributes to the loss of auditory function, which will help us to eventually develop ER-stress-related treatment of various types of deafness.
Zwitter-Ionic Polymer Applied as Electron Transportation Layer for Improving the Performance of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Qiaoyun , Li Zhendong , Dong Bin , Zhou Yi , Song Bo
Published: November 2017

A zwitter-ionic polymer poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (denoted by PSBMA) was employed as an electron transportation layer (ETL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM). PSBMA is highly soluble in trifluoroethanol, showing an orthogonal solubility to the solvent of the active layer in the preparation of multilayered PSCs. Upon introduction of PSBMA, the short circuit current and as a consequence the power conversion efficiency of the corresponding PSCs are dramatically improved, which can be because of the relatively high polarity of PSBMA compared with the other ETLs. This study demonstrated that zwitter-ionic polymer should be a competitive potential candidate of ETLs in PSCs.
Effects of External Digital Elevation Model Inaccuracy on StaMPS-PS Processing: A Case Study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Du Yanan , Feng Guangcai , Li Zhiwei , Peng Xing , Zhu Jianjun , Ren Zhengyong
Published: November 2017

External Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) with different resolutions and accuracies cause different topographic residuals in differential interferograms of Multi-temporal InSAR (MTInSAR), especially for the phase-based StaMPS-PS. The PS selection and deformation parameter estimation of StaMPS-PS are closely related to the spatially uncorrected error, which is directly affected by external DEMs. However, it is still far from clear how the high resolution and accurate external DEM affects the results of the StaMPS-PS (e.g., PS selection and deformation parameter calculation) on different platforms (X band TerraSAR, C band ENVISAT ASAR and L band ALOS/PALSAR1). In this study, abundant synthetic tests are performed to assess the influences of external DEMs on parameter estimations, such as the mean deformation rate and the deformation time-series. Real SAR images, covering Shenzhen city in China, are also selected to analyze the PS selection and distribution as well as to validate the results of synthetic tests. The results show that the PS points selected by the 5 m TanDEM-X DEM are 10.32%, 4.25% and 0.34% more than those selected by the 30 m SRTM DEM at X, C and L bands SAR platforms, respectively, when a multi-look geocoding operation is adopted for X band in the SRTM DEM case. We also find that the influences of external DEMs on the mean deformation rate are not significant and are inversely proportional to the wavelength of the satellite platforms. The standard deviations of the mean deformation rate difference for the X, C and L bands are 0.54, 0.30 and 0.10 mm/year, respectively. Similarly, the influences of external DEMs on the deformation time-series estimation for the three platforms are also slight, except for local artifacts whose root-mean-square error (RMSE) ≥ 6 mm. Based on these analyses, some implications and suggestions for external DEMs on StaMPS-PS processing are discussed and provided.
A Pattern Recognition Approach to Acoustic Emission Data Originating from Fatigue of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Tang Jialin , Soua Slim , Mares Cristinel , Gan Tat-Hean
Published: November 2017

The identification of particular types of damage in wind turbine blades using acoustic emission (AE) techniques is a significant emerging field. In this work, a 45.7-m turbine blade was subjected to flap-wise fatigue loading for 21 days, during which AE was measured by internally mounted piezoelectric sensors. This paper focuses on using unsupervised pattern recognition methods to characterize different AE activities corresponding to different fracture mechanisms. A sequential feature selection method based on a k-means clustering algorithm is used to achieve a fine classification accuracy. The visualization of clusters in peak frequency−frequency centroid features is used to correlate the clustering results with failure modes. The positions of these clusters in time domain features, average frequency−MARSE, and average frequency−peak amplitude are also presented in this paper (where MARSE represents the Measured Area under Rectified Signal Envelope). The results show that these parameters are representative for the classification of the failure modes.
A Review of Hybrid Fiber-Optic Distributed Simultaneous Vibration and Temperature Sensing Technology and Its Geophysical Applications
Authors: Miah Khalid , Potter David
Published: November 2017

Distributed sensing systems can transform an optical fiber cable into an array of sensors, allowing users to detect and monitor multiple physical parameters such as temperature, vibration and strain with fine spatial and temporal resolution over a long distance. Fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems have been developed for various applications with varied spatial resolution, and spectral and sensing range. Rayleigh scattering-based phase optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) for vibration and Raman/Brillouin scattering-based OTDR for temperature and strain measurements have been developed over the past two decades. The key challenge has been to find a methodology that would enable the physical parameters to be determined at any point along the sensing fiber with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, yet within acceptable frequency range for dynamic vibration, and temperature detection. There are many applications, especially in geophysical and mining engineering where simultaneous measurements of vibration and temperature are essential. In this article, recent developments of different hybrid systems for simultaneous vibration, temperature and strain measurements are analyzed based on their operation principles and performance. Then, challenges and limitations of the systems are highlighted for geophysical applications.
Smart Collaborative Caching for Information-Centric IoT in Fog Computing
Authors: Song Fei , Ai Zheng-Yang , Li Jun-Jie , Pau Giovanni , Collotta Mario , You Ilsun , Zhang Hong-Ke
Published: November 2017

The significant changes enabled by the fog computing had demonstrated that Internet of Things (IoT) urgently needs more evolutional reforms. Limited by the inflexible design philosophy; the traditional structure of a network is hard to meet the latest demands. However, Information-Centric Networking (ICN) is a promising option to bridge and cover these enormous gaps. In this paper, a Smart Collaborative Caching (SCC) scheme is established by leveraging high-level ICN principles for IoT within fog computing paradigm. The proposed solution is supposed to be utilized in resource pooling, content storing, node locating and other related situations. By investigating the available characteristics of ICN, some challenges of such combination are reviewed in depth. The details of building SCC, including basic model and advanced algorithms, are presented based on theoretical analysis and simplified examples. The validation focuses on two typical scenarios: simple status inquiry and complex content sharing. The number of clusters, packet loss probability and other parameters are also considered. The analytical results demonstrate that the performance of our scheme, regarding total packet number and average transmission latency, can outperform that of the original ones. We expect that the SCC will contribute an efficient solution to the related studies.
Environmental Activity of Mining Industry Leaders in Poland in Line with the Principles of Sustainable Development
Authors: Woźniak Justyna , Pactwa Katarzyna
Published: November 2017

As mining companies reveal more and more public information about themselves, the behaviour fosters a better image. This article aims to present two industry leaders in the context of environmental requirements they have met (status at the end of 2015), acting in compliance with the general principles of a socially responsible business. The choice of KGHM (Kombinat Gorniczo-Hutniczy Miedzi) companies (copper ores and other accompanying elements) CG PGE (Capital Group Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A.) (lignite) was dictated by their significant share in the mining industry in Poland. The environmental aspects of the integrated monthly reports were listed and grouped in detail in accordance with the applicable Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and GRI G4 Mining and Metals guidelines. The values of environmental indicators have been analysed over the years, including inter alia data concerning gas emissions, that is, CO2, SOx, NOx, PM or generated waste and sewage. Also, with regard to the environmental aspect of the work, energy consumption in companies is presented together with the characteristics of the fuel balance. The final part of the article compares the value of the revenues to the budgets of local government units (communes) from the operating fee paid by entrepreneurs and expenditures of these municipalities on environmental protection, as additional support by these entities (2013–2015).
Impact of Tourism Growth on the Changing Landscape of a World Heritage Site: Case of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Authors: Leong Ceelia , Takada Jun-ichi , Hanaoka Shinya , Yamaguchi Shinobu
Published: November 2017

Rapid tourism development adversely impacts and negatively transforms World Heritage Sites. This study aimed at examining how tourism growth has impacted the built environment of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR through an empirical approach. Luang Prabang has received a critical warning from World Heritage Committee for the escalating development pressure on its vulnerable landscape. Hence, this study examined two aspects: (1) the spatial pattern of the increase of touristic usage; and (2) the relation between the increase of touristic usage and the significant changes in the built environment. For this, geographical information systems (GIS) are combined with statistical methods such as logistic regression and chi-square test of independence. The results affirmed that the change from other types of usage to touristic usage in existing buildings has a higher chance to occur along riverbank areas than in the middle of the peninsula in the core heritage area. Change to touristic usage is also related with three significant changes in the built environment, namely: (1) change from other types of architecture to Lao traditional architecture; (2) change from modern to traditional roof materials; and (3) change from traditional to modern building materials. This indicates that the increase in touristic usage has contributed to strengthening the heritage elements of the landscape.
Climate Variability and Change in Bihar, India: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Crop Production
Authors: Tesfaye Kindie , Aggarwal Pramod , Mequanint Fasil , Shirsath Paresh , Stirling Clare , Khatri-Chhetri Arun , Rahut Dil
Published: November 2017

Climate change and associated uncertainties have serious direct and indirect consequences for crop production and food security in agriculture-based developing regions. Long-term climate data analysis can identify climate risks and anticipate new ones for planning appropriate adaptation and mitigation options. The aim of this study was to identify near-term (2030) and mid-term (2050) climate risks and/or opportunities in the state of Bihar, one of India’s most populous and poorest states, using weather data for 30 years (1980–2009) as a baseline. Rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, and evapotranspiration will all increase in the near- and mid-term periods relative to the baseline period, with the magnitude of the change varying with time, season and location within the state. Bihar’s major climate risks for crop production will be heat stress due to increasing minimum temperatures in the rabi (winter) season and high minimum and maximum temperatures in the spring season; and intense rainfall and longer dry spells in the kharif (monsoon) season. The increase in annual and seasonal rainfall amounts, and extended crop growing period in the kharif season generally provide opportunities; but increasing temperature across the state will have considerable negative consequences on (staple) crops by affecting crop phenology, physiology and plant-water relations. The study helps develop site-specific adaptation and mitigation options that minimize the negative effects of climate change while maximizing the opportunities.
Drivers of Labor-Related Indicators across Diverse Mediterranean Fisheries
Authors: Gee Jennifer , Pinello Dario , Polymeros Konstantinos
Published: November 2017

This regional case study is focused on employment, remuneration and labor productivity, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between labor productivity and other labor-related indicators and macroeconomic conditions in Italy, Egypt, Lebanon and Greece. Its value lies in the high degree of consistency and comparability of the data, owing to a shared data collection methodology. This has allowed for the compilation of both national and regional comparisons. The data is treated in two groups—the first group consists of national data that considers all the active vessels in a country; the second group focuses on the trawl segments of Italy and Egypt. These two countries present an interesting case study because they are so different in terms of labor productivity and remuneration performance. For instance, in Italy labor shortages have caused a shift in fishing strategies towards less labor-intensive operations to maintain the socioeconomic sustainability of the fisheries, while in Egypt macroeconomic conditions have resulted in a larger labor pool and strong incentives to work in the fisheries sector. The regional study demonstrates that labor-related indicators are interconnected and there is an inversely proportional relationship between labor productivity and remuneration and employment levels. This relationship necessitates a combined analysis. The results across and between the countries were compared, with particular attention given to labor productivity and remuneration in the respective countries with a discussion centred around the potential drivers of labor productivity.
The Power Paradox: Implicit and Explicit Power Motives, and the Importance Attached to Prosocial Organizational Goals in SMEs
Authors: Hermans Julie , Slabbinck Hendrik , Vanderstraeten Johanna , Brassey Jacqueline , Dejardin Marcus , Ramdani Dendi , Van Witteloostuijn Arjen
Published: November 2017

We examine the fundamental tension between explicit and implicit power motives; and their combined impact on the importance attached to prosocial organizational goals in small businesses (SMEs). We show that key decision-makers with a dominant implicit power motive attach more importance to the prosocial goals of job creation and taking care of the environment in their businesses. However, we reveal that this positive relationship is moderated by their explicit power motive. Once decision-makers in SMEs consciously seek for power, the positive relationship is neutralized. With these results, we highlight the conceptual and methodological differences between implicit and explicit power motives. We could obtain these results because we developed and validated an innovative implicit motive measure—the Shortened Pictorial Attitude Implicit Association Test (SPA-IAT). Contrary to the currently available implicit motive measures, the SPA-IAT is fast and easy to use and analyze, which makes this novel instrument well suited for research in business settings.
A Flood Risk Assessment Model for Companies and Criteria for Governmental Decision-Making to Minimize Hazards
Authors: Ryu Jieun , Yoon Eun Joo , Park Chan , Lee Dong Kun , Jeon Seong Woo
Published: November 2017

Flood risks in the industrial sector and economic damages are increasing because of climate change. In addition to changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change; factors that increase flood damage include infrastructure deterioration and lack of storage facilities. Therefore; it is necessary for companies and the government to actively establish flood management policies. However; no evaluation method is currently available to determine which items should be invested in first by small and medium-sized enterprises that have limited finances. Because the government should make comprehensive and fair decisions; the purpose of this study is to propose priority investment risk items and an assessment method to decide which companies should be invested in first in flood risk management due to climate change. The multispatial scale of the method takes both the location and characteristics of the company into account. Future climate change scenarios were used to evaluate the changing patterns of flood risks. We developed the relative Flood Risk Assessment for Company (FRAC model) methodology to support the government’s policymaking. This method was applied to four companies belonging to four different industries and three risk items were derived that are likely to harm the company owing to flooding.
Investigating the Role of Virtual Reality in Planning for Sustainable Smart Cities
Authors: Jamei Elmira , Mortimer Michael , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Horan Ben , Stojcevski Alex
Published: November 2017

With rapid population growth, urban designers face tremendous challenges to accommodate the increasing size of the population in urban areas while simultaneously considering future environmental, social, and economic impacts. A “smart city” is an urban development vision that integrates multiple information and communication technologies to manage the assets of a city, including its information systems, transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management systems, and other community services provided by a local department. The goal of creating a smart city is to improve the quality of life of citizens by using technology and by addressing the environmental, social, cultural, and physical needs of a society. Data modeling and data visualization are integral parts of planning a smart city, and planning professionals currently seek new methods for real-time simulations. The impact analysis of “what-if scenarios” frequently takes a significant amount of time and resources, and virtual reality (VR) is a potential tool for addressing these challenges. VR is a computer technology that replicates an environment, whether real or imagined, and simulates the physical presence and environment of a user to allow for user interaction. This paper presents a review of the capacity of VR to address current challenges in creating, modeling, and visualizing smart cities through material modeling and light simulation in a VR environment. This study can assist urban planners, stakeholders, and communities to further understand the roles of planning policies in creating a smart city, particularly in the early design stages. The significant roles of technologies, such as VR, in targeting real-time simulations and visualization requirements for smart cities are emphasized.
Denoising and Feature Extraction Algorithms Using NPE Combined with VMD and Their Applications in Ship-Radiated Noise
Authors: Li Yuxing , Li Yaan , Chen Xiao , Yu Jing
Published: November 2017

A new denoising algorithm and feature extraction algorithm that combine a new kind of permutation entropy (NPE) and variational mode decomposition (VMD) are put forward in this paper. VMD is a new self-adaptive signal processing algorithm, which is more robust to sampling and noise, and also can overcome the problem of mode mixing in empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and ensemble EMD (EEMD). Permutation entropy (PE), as a nonlinear dynamics parameter, is a powerful tool that can describe the complexity of a time series. NPE, a new version of PE, is interpreted as distance to white noise, which shows a reverse trend to PE and has better stability than PE. In this paper, three kinds of ship-radiated noise (SN) signal are decomposed by VMD algorithm, and a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMF) are obtained. The NPEs of all the IMFs are calculated, the noise IMFs are screened out according to the value of NPE, and the process of denoising can be realized by reconstructing the rest of IMFs. Then the reconstructed SN signal is decomposed by VMD algorithm again, and one IMF containing the most dominant information is chosen to represent the original SN signal. Finally, NPE of the chosen IMF is calculated as a new complexity feature, which constitutes the input of the support vector machine (SVM) for pattern recognition of SN. Compared with the existing denoising algorithms and feature extraction algorithms, the effectiveness of proposed algorithms is validated using the numerical simulation signal and the different kinds of SN signal.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Reveals Specific Interaction Sites between Scorpion Toxins and Kv1.2 Channel: Implications for Design of Highly Selective Drugs
Authors: Yuan Shouli , Gao Bin , Zhu Shunyi
Published: November 2017

The Kv1.2 channel plays an important role in the maintenance of resting membrane potential and the regulation of the cellular excitability of neurons, whose silencing or mutations can elicit neuropathic pain or neurological diseases (e.g., epilepsy and ataxia). Scorpion venom contains a variety of peptide toxins targeting the pore region of this channel. Despite a large amount of structural and functional data currently available, their detailed interaction modes are poorly understood. In this work, we choose four Kv1.2-targeted scorpion toxins (Margatoxin, Agitoxin-2, OsK-1, and Mesomartoxin) to construct their complexes with Kv1.2 based on the experimental structure of ChTx-Kv1.2. Molecular dynamics simulation of these complexes lead to the identification of hydrophobic patches, hydrogen-bonds, and salt bridges as three essential forces mediating the interactions between this channel and the toxins, in which four Kv1.2-specific interacting amino acids (D353, Q358, V381, and T383) are identified for the first time. This discovery might help design highly selective Kv1.2-channel inhibitors by altering amino acids of these toxins binding to the four channel residues. Finally, our results provide new evidence in favor of an induced fit model between scorpion toxins and K+ channel interactions.
Analysis of Dynamic Spatiotemporal Changes in Actual Evapotranspiration and Its Associated Factors in the Pearl River Basin Based on MOD16
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Yangbo
Published: November 2017

Evapotranspiration is an important part of the hydrological cycle, surface energy balance and global climate system. Due to spatial heterogeneity, the trends in actual evapotranspiration (ET) and its associated factors vary in different regions. Because direct measurements of ET are limited over large areas, remote sensing provides an efficient method of ET spatial analysis, and standard data products are available at the global scale. This study uses the monthly MOD16 ET dataset and daily meteorological data to analyze the dynamic spatiotemporal changes in ET and its associated factors in the Pearl River Basin (PRB) from 2000 to 2014. The results of the study are as follows. (1) Over time and space, annual ET exhibited a slight increasing trend from 2000 to 2014, with an average value of approximately 946.56 mm/a. ET considerably varied at the monthly and seasonal scales, and in July displayed the highest monthly ET of approximately 119.57 mm, accounting for 36.37% of the annual ET. (2) ET displayed obvious spatial heterogeneity. Specifically, the west was a low-ET region, and moderate and high ET values were interspersed in the central and eastern PRB. Moreover, the rate of change of ET ranged from −13.99 mm/a to 12.81 mm/a in space, and 46.25% of the basin exhibited an increasing trend. (3) Dynamic changes in ET were mainly associated with temperature and relative humidity (RH). Additionally, energy-related elements and wind speed were positively correlated with ET, and temperature was the most influential factor of ET in some months (February–March and September–November). RH was the most important factor in other months but negatively correlated with ET in June and July. Affected by the actual environmental condition, qualitative changes were observed in the correlation between RH and ET in different months. The positive and negative spatial correlations between ET and its associated factors changed in different regions and in different months, and the changes mainly occurred from northwest to southwest.
Knockdown of Long Noncoding RNA LUCAT1 Inhibits Cell Viability and Invasion by Regulating miR-375 in Glioma
Authors: Gao Yan-Sheng , Liu Xian-Zhi , Zhang Yong-Gang , Liu Xian-Jin , Li Ling-Zhen
Published: November 2017

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as new gene regulators and prognostic markers in several cancers, including glioma. Here we focused on lncRNA LUCAT1 on the progression of glioma. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of LUCAT1 and miR-375 in glioma tissues and cells. MTT and Transwell invasion assays were performed to determine the function of LUCAT1 in glioma progression. The bioinformatics tool DIANA was used to predict the targets of LUCAT1. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation between LUCAT1 and miR-375. In the present study, we showed that LUCAT1 was substantially upregulated in glioma tissues and cells. LUCAT1 inhibition significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. Subsequently, DIANA showed that miR-375 was predicted to contain the complementary binding sites to LUCAT1. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-375 directly targeted LUCAT1. In addition, we found that miR-375 was downregulated in glioma tissues and negatively correlated with LUCAT1 expression in glioma tissues. Furthermore, the results showed that miR-375 could rescue the function of LUCAT1 in glioma progression. The lncRNA LUCAT1 was critical for the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells by regulating miR-375. Our findings indicated that LUCAT1 might offer a potential novel therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.
Lanthanides or Dust in Kilonovae: Lessons Learned from GW170817
Authors: Gall Christa , Hjorth Jens , Rosswog Stephan , Tanvir Nial R. , Levan Andrew J.
Published: November 2017

The unprecedented optical and near-infrared lightcurves of the first electromagnetic counterpart to a gravitational-wave source, GW170817, a binary neutron star merger, exhibited a strong evolution from blue to near-infrared (a so-called “kilonova” or “macronova”). The emerging near-infrared component is widely attributed to the formation of r-process elements that provide the opacity to shift the blue light into the near-infrared. An alternative scenario is that the light from the blue component gets extinguished by dust formed by the kilonova and subsequently is re-emitted at near-infrared wavelengths. We test here this hypothesis using the lightcurves of AT 2017gfo, the kilonova accompanying GW170817. We find that of the order of

of carbon is required to reproduce the optical/near-infrared lightcurves as the kilonova fades. This putative dust cools from ∼2000 K at ∼4 days after the event to ∼1500 K over the course of the following week, thus requiring dust with a high condensation temperature, such as carbon. We contrast this with the nucleosynthetic yields predicted by a range of kilonova wind models. These suggest that at most

of carbon is formed. Moreover, the decay in the inferred dust temperature is slower than that expected in kilonova models. We therefore conclude that in current models of the blue component of the kilonova, the near-infrared component in the kilonova accompanying GW170817 is unlikely to be due to dust.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism – Whether and When To Start Treatment?
Authors: Cojić Milena , Cvejanov-Kezunović Ljiljana
Published: November 2017

Subclinical hypothyroidism represents a state with increased values of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal values of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The disorder is asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is made based on the results of laboratory findings when the level of TSH reaches values above 4.0 mU/l. It is still subject to debate whether patients with subclinical hypothyroidism are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric and neuromuscular disorders. Studies have shown that the appearance of general symptoms and complications are more common in patients whose values of TSH are above 10 mU/l. Therefore, the initiation of therapy with levothyroxine, which is the foundation of substitution therapy, is advised in patients whose TSH is >10 mU/l. As for patients whose values of TSH are from 4.0 to 10.0 mU/l and who make up 90% of the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, further research is needed to determine the effects of the disorder and levothyroxine therapy on the health. Until then, the introduction of the substitution therapy in patients with TSH which is <10 mU/l should be considered in the case of the presence of general symptoms, anti-thyroid antibodies, increased lipids and other risk factors, goitre, pregnancy, ovarian dysfunction and infertility.