bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It’s not just power generation: The positive effect of building integrated photovoltaic design on architecture
Authors: Xiaolei A Ju , Yongfei B Lu , Junnan C Guo
Published: August 2019

From the perspective of solar photovoltaic power generation system and the building integration, studied the practical application and functionality of the PV tile, Aluminium Honeycomb panel PV Components, Vacuum Glass PV Components and FRP Board PV Components. Five positive effects of photovoltaic system on buildings are summarized: beautifying building facades, replacing original building components, upgrading or expanding the building use function, improving the building use comfort and improving the building energy saving effect.
The potential of phase change energy storage for office cooling load shifting
Authors: Cunha J P , Eames P C
Published: August 2019

An analysis of the performance of four cooling approaches to meet daytime office cooling requirements for an open plan office was undertaken using a finite-volume model implemented in Matlab. The four cooling approaches simulated were: a conventional HVAC system (A), using extra ventilation on demand (B), using cool night time air to charge a store with RT15 (C) and charging a store with RT8HC using night time off peak electricity (D). Charging the thermal store with cool night time air reduced the yearly cooling demand by 39% compared to the conventional HVAC cooling system. Mechanical ventilation on demand achieved a reduction of 34% compared to the same conventional system. Using off peak electricity to charge the PCM store achieved a reduction of 15%, and successfully shifted daily cooling demands into night time operation during spring and autumns months. Due to the high capital cost of the thermal stores, the lowest cost of energy was obtained using extra ventilation on demand, with a cost of 84.45£/MWh for an assumed 20-years of operation.
The analysis on applicability of hourly horizontal diffuse radiation estimation model of Shanghai Zone
Authors: Cao Qimeng , Yang Liu , Yu Ying
Published: August 2019

For shading design and energy consumption simulation, hourly diffuse radiation data is necessary. In order to estimate the total solar radiation on surfaces with different spatial orientations, the knowledge of all components on the horizontal plane is required. Available measured data is, however, typically less. The 2004-2013 year’s measured data of Shanghai were localized revising of three categories models, comparing the measured data and estimation data by the correlation coefficient and error index. The results show that the three types of models have high accuracy at higher solar altitude and the accuracy of multi parameter logistic function is best. For stations with only daily solar radiation data, the third types of models can be used to calculate hourly diffuse solar radiation.
Improvement of Airtightness for Lightweight Prefabricated Building Envelope through Optimized Design of Panel Joints
Authors: Lin Zhenghao , Song Yehao , Han Dongchen
Published: August 2019

Airtightness of building envelope is a key factor affecting the indoor comfort, air quality, structural durability and energy efficiency, especially for the lightweight prefabricated building systems aiming to achieve the nearly zero energy goals. For panelised systems, the air mainly leaks through the openings and panel joints. However, most current studies concentrate on the airtightness of the former ones, such as windows and doors, studies on joint design are relatively rare. As a result, this study firstly proposes two joint prototypes, the straight joints and the special-shaped joints, with various design parameters. Secondly, the air infiltration volume for different joints are simulated and calculated by the CFD method. Besides, the volume was further compared to find out the optimized joint design. Finally, the airtightness requirements of Passivhaus are used to evaluate the performance of the optimized tongue and groove joint with the conventional straight ones. The results prove that the well-designed joints deliver better airtightness especially for the high-performance standard buildings.
Relationship between thermal conductivity and adhesive distribution of phenol-formaldehyde visualized with x-ray computed tomography on sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D.Don) heartwood plywood
Authors: Ferrtikasari N , Tanaka T , Yamada M
Published: August 2019

The relationship of transverse thermal conductivity of non-resin region and resin-rich region in softwood plywood with various relative resin thicknesses in lumen of softwood has been determined theoritically. Futhermore, Interest in influence of adhesive penetration on adhesive bond performance and adhesive behavior has been evident by using microscopy technique and X-ray apparatus for several decades. Therefore, the relationship between thermal conductivity and adhesive distribution on softwood plywood product is needed to reveal as the development of material properties by visualizing X-ray CT apparatus. Micro Focus X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) was used to analyse the adhesive distribution of sugi heartwood plywood for different amount of glue spreading rates which were applied on the veneer surface. Four plywood samples (5-ply) were produced by spreading the phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesive on the veneer surface (dimension 450 mm× 450 mm× 3.81 mm) as much 0, 75, 150, and 225 g/m2 of glue spreading rates. All the veneer samples were conditioned 30 days under 20°C and 65% RH before plywood manufacturing. The veneer samples were dried at 60 temperature 60°C for 24 hours before pressing by cold press apparatus, the plywood samples were pressed (1 MPa) for 20 minutes and hot press apparatus at 125°C for 19 minutes. The analysis of thermal conductivity apparatus followed standards are JIS A 1412 and ASTM- C518. The plywood samples (dimension 200 mm× 200 mm ×thickness mm) in air dried condition were put on among plates of thermal conductivity apparatus for 40 minutes for each sample to obtain the thermal conductivity values. The results seemed to indicate that the thermal conductivity increases with increasing amount of glue spreading rates. By visualizing with the X-ray CT was revealed that the largest amount of glue spreading rate (225 g/m2) had the highest distribution of PF adhesive penetrated within the lathe checks of veneer sheet compared to 150, 75, and 0 g/m2. Furthermore, increasing of the adhesive distribution into the lathe checks of veneer increased the plywood density. According to the results, we suggested that the X-ray CT images analysis was powerful to reveal the relationship between the thermal conductivity and the adhesive distribution.
Thermal Properties of Isocyanate as Particleboard’s Adhesive
Authors: Nuryawan A , Alamsyah E M
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal properties of isocyanate as particleboard adhesives. In this study, thermal properties of the isocyanate was investigated particularly its curing behavior either using water or wood with a temperature range from 25 to 500°C using thermal analyzer (Mettler Toledo). When isocyanate is used as the binder in particleboard system, the reactive –NCO group reacted with water (because wood is a hygroscopic material and contains free water and bound water) and also with the –OH group from wood. Sample of isocyanate was H3M purchased from PT. Polichemie Asia Pacific and wood particle was Eucalyptus sp. taken from PT. Toba Pulp Lestari. About 10 mg of the mixture either isocyanate with water or wood in various weight ratios were scanned at four different heating rates (2.5; 5; 10; and 20°C/min). Results of this study showed isocyanate cured either using water or moisture wood particle indicated by the Tp or peak temperature on the thermograms of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). However when isocyanate reacted with wood particle, the Tp emerged more than two which indicated isocyanate also reacted with wood components. Furthermore, values of enthalpy seemed irregular probably due to different structures and compositions of wood particle. This influence, however, was masked by the moisture present in the wood (free and bound water), because water was much easier to react with isocyanate than were the –OH within the wood particle. It was suggested to calculate activation energy since the heating rates used up to four and to understand whether water, wood particle, or both affected the main reaction mechanism among isocyanate, water within the wood (free and bound water), or wood components.
Study of Bee Forage Based on Bee Bread From 4 Species of Honeybees in Teaching Forest Hasanuddin University
Authors: Sadapotto A , Juniastuti  , Budiaman
Published: August 2019

This study was intend to know and to identify bee forage in bee bread from honeybee in Teaching forest Hasanuddin University. Study method used in this study was survey method and identification of plant species were done in Plantation Industry Laboratory. There were 2 stage of the study i.e. collecting sample of bee bread from 4 species of honeybee (Apis cerana, Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata and Trigona sp) and identification of pollen in Plantation Industry Laboratory. Study results indicate that there were 20 pollen species i.e. banana (Musa paradisiaca), papaya (Carica papaya), Mango (Mangifera indica) puteri malu (Mimosa pudica), eggplant (Solanum tovarum), sangitan (Sambucus javanica), water apple (Syzgium aqueum), candlenut (Aleurites moluccana), jatropha (Jatropha curcas), euphorbia (Ephorbia milii), guava (Psidium guajava), Acacia (Acacia mangium), sugar palm (Arenga pinnata), nusa indah (Mussaenda pubescens), chili (Capsicum annum), puspa (Schima wallichii), coconut (Cocos nucifera), corn (Zea mays), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and Piperaceae. The highesr bee bread from 4 species of honeybee pollen was sugarpalm (Arenga pinnata) with percentage 15,08%. The lowest bee bread was guava (Psidium guajava) with percentage 0,09%. The most pollen collecting was Trigona sp with 10 plant species.
Effect of Layer Structure on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Binderless Composite Plywood
Authors: Saad S , Yunianti A D , Suhasman S
Published: August 2019

Binderless composite plywood has been developed to produce formaldehyde-free composite product. Our previous research has shown that the application of oxidation treatment can be applied in the manufacture of composite plywood without adhesive. Presence of veneer in solid sheet are potentially to complicate in the oxidation process due to the reaction was very affected by accessibility of chemical component of raw materials. The main objective of this study was to determine characteristic of binderless composite plywood of Sengon wood. Variations in the physical and mechanichal properties with respect to veneer layer construction and oxidant composition of veneer and particle were analyzed.. Composite plywood were produced consist of various layers, they were 3, 5, and 7 layers means each type using 2, 3, and 4 veneers layers respectively. There were four oxidant composition between veneer and particles, namely 1 : 3, 1 : 4, 1 : 5 and 1 : 6. The results showed that the differences of composite plywood structure layers affect the characteristics of produced composite plywood. 7-layer structure and 1 : 3 of oxidant composition was the optimum combination to produce composite plywood with the best characteristics.
Colourability of Wood and Its Effect on Bonding Strength of Laminated Wood for Handicraft Material
Authors: Dewindiani N W , Suhasman  , Yunianti A D
Published: August 2019

The wood has a high decorative value that can be turned into handicraft products. To optimize the use of small dimensions wood, handicraft products can be made into laminated wood. An attempt to improve the aesthetic value of wood is by adding dyes into the wood. This study aimed to analyse the ability of Gmelina arborea (hardwood) and Pinus merkusii (softwood) to absorb dyes and the effect of dyeing on bonding strength of laminated wood. Wood planks members (lamellae) that form laminated wood were soaked into direct dyes liquid with soaking time of 0 hours, 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours. The results showed retention and penetration dyes of Pinus merkusii ranged between 0.00013 g/cm3-0.0003 g/cm3 and 2.98%-8.22%, while retention and penetration of Gmelina arborea ranged between 0.00004 g/cm3-0.00018 g/cm3 and 1.59%-4.77%. Retention and penetration tend to increase at dyeing time up to 12 hours. Bonding strength of Pinus merkusii ranged between 26.61 kg/cm2-90.05 kg/cm2 while bonding strength of Gmelina arborea ranged between 66.97 kg/cm2-96.12 kg/cm2. Based on the result of statistical analysis, type of wood, and the coloration have a real effect on bonding strength of laminated wood. Based on the consideration of resource, efficiency and the results of statistical analysis, 6 hours of dyeing is more efficient in planning of laminated wood material for handicraft products.
The Characteristic of Binderless Com-Ply Made from Paraserianthes falcataria
Authors: Suhasman S , Yunianti A D , Saad S
Published: August 2019

Oxidation treatment to activate the chemical components of wood to be able to produce bond formation between the particles have been successfully applied in the manufacture of binderless particleboard. Produced particleboard has a high internal bond strength, however, it has a low modulus of rupture. To improve the bending strength, addition of veneer layers on both surfaces are needed. This product is called as com-ply. Because of low accessibility of chemical component of veneer layer compared to particles, then the possibility activation of the chemical components of veneer is still questioned. This study was aimed to investigate the possibility application of oxidation treatment to produce com-ply and to determine the optimum oxidant proportion between particles as the core layer and veneer as surfaces layers. Wood species that used to produce both of particle and veneer were sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria). Oxidant levels proportion that used were; 1 : 2, 1 : 3, 1 : 4, 1 : 5, 1 : 6, 1 : 7, and 1 : 0 w/w (veneer : particle). The results showed that the manufacturing of binderless com-ply using oxidation treatment was possible to be applied. Optimum oxidant level proportion between veneer and particle was 1 : 6 w/w. The produced com-ply fulfill the JIS A 5908 2003.
Experience modulates an insect’s response to anthropogenic noise
Authors: Gallego-Abenza Mario , Mathevon Nicolas , Wheatcroft David
Published: August 2019

In response to anthropogenic noise, vertebrates express modified acoustic communication signals either through individual plasticity or local population adaptation. In contrast, how insects respond to this stressor is poorly studied. Field crickets Gryllus bimaculatus use acoustic signals to attract and locate mates and are commonly found in noisy roadside environments, offering a powerful system to study the effects of anthropogenic noise on insect communication. Rapid repetition of sexual calls (chirps) is essential to attract females, but calling incurs energetic costs and attracts predators. As a result, males are predicted to reduce calling rates when background noise is high. Here, we combine observations and experimental playbacks to show that the responses of field cricket males to anthropogenic noise also depend on their previous experience with passing cars. First, we show that males living on highway edges decrease their chirp rate in response to passing cars. To assess whether this behavioral response depends on previous exposure to car noise, we then broadcast recordings of car noise to males located at different distances from the road and, therefore, with different previous exposure to car noise. Although all tested individuals responded to broadcasted traffic noise, males closest to the road decreased their chirp rate less than individuals calling further from the road. These results suggest that regular exposure to anthropogenic noise may decrease individuals’ sensitivity and behavioral responses to noise, allowing them to maintain effective signaling rates. Behavioral plasticity modulated by experience may thus allow some insect species to cope with human-induced environmental stressors.
Individual foraging variation drives social organization in bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Methion Séverine , Díaz López Bruno
Published: August 2019

Identifying foraging variation within a population and assessing its relationship with social structure is essential to increase knowledge about the evolution of social systems. Here, we investigated individual foraging variation in bottlenose dolphins and its potential influence on their social organization. We used generalized affiliation indices and applied social network analysis to data collected over four consecutive years of research in a coastal area subject to significant use and pressure by humans. Our findings revealed variation in foraging behavior among individual bottlenose dolphins, which in turn shapes their social organization. Our results indicated that individuals that frequently foraged within human-altered areas (i.e., shellfish farms) exhibited weaker Strength, Reach, and Affinity compared to others. These bottlenose dolphins profit from a reliable and easily located food source, which may increase their energy intake and interindividual competition. In contrast, individuals that foraged less frequently within the shellfish farms occupied a central position within the network and exhibited strong associations. These individuals may benefit from increased cooperation and reduced intragroup competition, thus increasing learning and information sharing, as they may face a patchy and irregular distribution of prey. We also demonstrated that bottlenose dolphins preferred to affiliate with other individuals with similar foraging strategies (i.e., homophily), which could promote, through time, a segregation of the population into behaviorally distinct groups. These findings provide valuable insight into the evolution of bottlenose dolphin social systems and their response to human-induced changes in the marine environment.
PuttingTheir Guns on the Scale: Constitution-Making in Burma/Myanmar under Military Command
Authors: Kyaw Nyi Nyi
Published: August 2019

The process of making the present Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Burma/Myanmar under the military dictatorship State Law and Order Restoration Council/State Peace and Development Council (SLORC/SPDC) from 1993 through to 2007 is rightly viewed as an undemocratic, repressive process. Both the citizens of Myanmar and the international community generally had no say in the whole process. Thus, the process may be viewed as one of resistance by the SLORC/SPDC against global constitution-making norms and practices, on the one hand, and local democratic politicians and groups, on the other hand. The Constitution that came into operation in January 2011 admittedly has highly undemocratic content. However, it undeniably has some democratic content that started bearing fruit, eventually culminating in the winning, in the November 2015 general election, and the coming to power of, the National League for Democracy party in March 2016. I trace the constitution making in Burma/Myanmar by expanding the time frame of analysis until 2016 and revisit the ‘resistance’ argument. Then I posit that the process is a double-pronged strategy by the SLORC/SPDC to, first, resist global and local pressures with the intention of, later, engaging with them when the time was perceived to be right and conducive to their interests.
Highlights of the 14th International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Hyafil Fabien , Jaber Wael A , Neglia Danilo
Published: August 2019

The 14th International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac Computed Tomography was held from 12 May to 14 May 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. In this article, the three Congress Programme Committee Chairs summarize selected highlights of the presented abstracts and lectures.
The history of IgG glycosylation and where we are now
Authors: Cobb Brian A
Published: August 2019

IgG glycosylation is currently at the forefront of both immunology and glycobiology, likely due in part to the widespread and growing use of antibodies as drugs. For over four decades, it has been recognized that the conserved N-linked glycan on asparagine 297 found within the second Ig domain of the heavy chain (CH2) that helps to comprise Fc region of IgG plays a special role in IgG structure and function. Changes in galactosylation, fucosylation and sialylation are now well-established factors, which drive differential IgG function, ranging from inhibitory/anti-inflammatory to activating complement and promoting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Thus, if we are to truly understand how to design and deploy antibody-based drugs with maximal efficacy and evaluate proper vaccine responses from a protective and functional perspective, a deep understanding of IgG glycosylation is essential. This article is intended to provide a comprehensive review of the IgG glycosylation field and the impact glycans have on IgG function, beginning with the earliest findings over 40 years ago, in order to provide a robust foundation for moving forward.
Benefits of physical activity not affected by air pollution: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Shengzhi , Cao Wangnan , Qiu Hong , Ran Jinjun , Lin Hualiang , Shen Chen , Siu-Yin Lee Ruby , Tian Linwei
Published: August 2019

Background

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial to human health, whereas long-term exposure to air pollution is harmful. However, their combined effects remain unclear. We aimed to estimate the combined (interactive) mortality effects of PA and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) among older adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

Participants aged ≥65 years from the Elderly Health Service Cohort (n = 66 820) reported their habitual PA at baseline (1998–2001) and were followed up till 31 December 2011. We used a satellite-based spatiotemporal model to estimate PM2.5 concentration at the residential address for each participant. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the interaction between habitual PA and long-term exposure to PM2.5 on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. We tested for additive interaction by estimating relative excess risk due to interaction and multiplicative interaction employing P-value for the interaction term.

Results

The death risks were inversely associated with a higher volume of PA and were positively associated with long-term exposure to PM2.5. The benefits of PA were more pronounced for participation in traditional Chinese exercise (e.g. Tai Chi) and aerobic exercise (e.g. cycling). We found little evidence of interaction between PA (volume and type) and long-term exposure to PM2.5 on either additive or multiplicative scales.

Conclusions

In this cohort of older Chinese adults, PA may decrease the risk of mortality, be it in areas of relatively good or bad air quality. The beneficial mortality effects of habitual PA outweighed the detrimental effects of long-term exposure to air pollution in Hong Kong.
Large-time dynamics in complex networks of reaction–diffusion systems applied to a panic model
Authors: Cantin Guillaume , Aziz-Alaoui M A , Verdière Nathalie
Published: August 2019

This paper is devoted to the analysis of the asymptotic behaviour of a complex network of reaction–diffusion systems for a geographical model, which was proposed recently, in order to better understand behavioural reactions of individuals facing a catastrophic event. After stating sufficient conditions for the problem to admit a positively invariant region, we establish energy estimates and prove the existence of a family of exponential attractors. We explore the influence of the size of the network on the nature of those attractors, in correspondence with the geographical background. Numerical simulations illustrate our theoretical results and show the various possible dynamics of the problem.
Vectors: recognising the challenge and reducing neglect
Authors: Hemingway Janet
Published: August 2019

Vector control is essential for the prevention and reduction of malaria transmission and is increasingly recognised as a key element of several neglected tropical disease (NTD) elimination programmes. Very few vector control interventions have a strong evidence base for their public health impact, and those that do are insecticide-based and threatened by resistance. The pipeline of new interventions and new insecticides is being filled and several are undergoing randomised controlled trials. If these are subsequently to be used sustainably, interventions will need to be combined. The major challenge will be to generate the evidence base and funding to achieve this sustainable combination at the country level. Unless this is done, the selection pressure for resistance to the new generation of vector control tools is likely to rapidly reduce our ability to control insect vectors in the foreseeable future.
How Do Prior Rulings Affect Future Disputes?
Authors: Kucik Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

International dispute systems are often designed so that dispute body rulings do not set precedent. Yet governments have incentives to learn from prior decisions. Past rulings convey important information about how the law is applied. This is especially true in the World Trade Organization (WTO), where disputes frequently occur between the same members and over the same issues. I argue that case law increases the likelihood of early settlement. This helps explain why fifty percent of WTO cases end prior to a formal ruling. I use new data on the direction of ruling on each legal claim made in the first 450 WTO disputes. The results show that litigants are significantly more likely to settle early given the presence of previous legal decisions.
Oleic acid in the absence of a PPARγ agonist increases adipogenic gene expression in bovine muscle satellite cells1
Authors: Li Xiang Z , Yan Yan , Zhang Jun F , Sun Jian F , Sun Bin , Yan Chang G , Choi Seong H , Johnson Bradley J , Kim Jong K , Smith Stephen B
Published: August 2019

We hypothesized that oleic acid (OA) in the absence of a thiazolidinedione (i.e., a synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ [PPARγ] agonist) would increase adipogenic gene expression in bovine muscle satellite cells (BSC). The BSC were cultured in differentiation medium containing 10 µM ciglitazone (CI), 100 µM OA, or 100 µM OA plus 10 µM CI (CI-OA). Control (CON) BSC were cultured only in differentiation media (containing 2% horse serum). The presence of myogenin, desmin, and paired box 7 proteins was confirmed in the BSC by immunofluorescence staining, demonstrating that we had isolated myogenic cells. The OA BSC had lesser paired box 3 (Pax3) and myogenic differentiation 1 expression but greater Pax7 and mygogenin (MYOG) expression (P < 0.05), than the CON BSC. The CI BSC had greater Pax3, Pax7, and MYOG expression than CON BSC (P < 0.05), suggesting that CI would promote BSC myogenesis under pro-myogenic conditions (i.e., when cultured with horse serum). However, both the OA and CI treatments upregulated the expression of PPARγ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and C/EBPß, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, lipoprotein lipase, and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3 gene expression, as well as media adiponectin concentration (P < 0.05). The CI, OA, and CI-OA treatments also increased triacylglycerol and lipid droplet accumulation, in spite of upregulation (relative to CON BSC) of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha-1, perilipin 2 (PLIN2), and PLIN3 in BSC and downregulation of G protein-coupled protein receptor 43, acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 3, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (P < 0.05). These results indicate that OA in the absence of a synthetic PPARγ agonist can effectively increase adipogenic gene expression in BSC.
Estimation of in situ anisotropy parameters from two perpendicular walkaway VSP lines in South Pars field
Authors: Abedi Mohammad Mahdi , Rashidi Fard Mahtab , Riahi Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2019

Vertical phase slowness and polarization angle are the in situ parameters of P-wave propagation that can be derived from walkaway vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data. To use these data for estimating anisotropy parameters, we obtain an explicit equation of vertical slowness as a function of polarization angle for P-wave propagation in transversely isotropic with vertical symmetry axis (VTI) media. We use this equation to estimate anisotropy parameters of a target layer in the South Pars field, Iran. This field is one of the world's largest gas fields. We show that the orthorhombic symmetry is a reasonable assumption for this layer, providing some geological and petrophysical information. Two walkaway VSP lines along the symmetry axes of the presumed orthorhombic layer are used to estimate its parameters. Seven is the maximum number of parameters that can be estimated using P-wave data in this acquisition pattern. Of those estimated parameters are six of the Tsvankin style parameters for orthorhombic media, plus an approximate combination of two others that define vertical S-wave splitting. We show that a previous method, which is based on weak anisotropy approximation, leads to considerable errors, even in models where the magnitude of anisotropy parameters do not exceed 0.1. We design a numerical experiment to study the reliability of the estimated parameters by the exact approach and show the importance of acquisition pattern in this regard. To show applicability, these parameters are used to estimate the in situ fracture properties of the studied layer.
A ‘nodemap’ to sustainable maize roots: linking nitrogen and water uptake improvements
Authors: Lagunas Beatriz , Dodd Ian C , Gifford Miriam L
Published: August 2019

This article comments on:

Guo H, York LM. 2019. Maize with fewer nodal roots allocates mass to more lateral and deep roots that improve nitrogen uptake and shoot growth. Journal of Experimental Botany70, 5299–5309.

Yang JT, Schneider HM, Brown KM, Lynch JP. 2019. Genotypic variation and nitrogen stress effects on root anatomy in maize are node-specific. Journal of Experimental Botany70, 5311–5325.
Horizontal Transfer of Promiscuous Activity from Nonphotosynthetic Bacteria Contributed to Evolution of Chlorophyll Degradation Pathway
Authors: Obata Daichi , Takabayashi Atsushi , Tanaka Ryouichi , Tanaka Ayumi , Ito Hisashi
Published: August 2019

The relationship between enzymes and substrates does not perfectly match the “lock and key” model, because enzymes act on molecules other than their true substrate in different catalytic reactions. Such biologically nonfunctional reactions are called “promiscuous activities.” Promiscuous activities are apparently useless, but they can be an important starting point for enzyme evolution. It has been hypothesized that enzymes with low promiscuous activity will show enhanced promiscuous activity under selection pressure and become new specialists through gene duplication. Although this is the prevailing scenario, there are two major problems: 1) it would not apply to prokaryotes because horizontal gene transfer is more significant than gene duplication and 2) there is no direct evidence that promiscuous activity is low without selection pressure. We propose a new scenario including various levels of promiscuous activity throughout a clade and horizontal gene transfer. STAY-GREEN (SGR), a chlorophyll a—Mg dechelating enzyme, has homologous genes in bacteria lacking chlorophyll. We found that some bacterial SGR homologs have much higher Mg-dechelating activities than those of green plant SGRs, while others have no activity, indicating that the level of promiscuous activity varies. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that a bacterial SGR homolog with high dechelating activity was horizontally transferred to a photosynthetic eukaryote. Some SGR homologs acted on various chlorophyll molecules that are not used as substrates by green plant SGRs, indicating that SGR acquired substrate specificity after transfer to eukaryotes. We propose that horizontal transfer of high promiscuous activity is one process of new enzyme acquisition.
USP11 acts as a histone deubiquitinase functioning in chromatin reorganization during DNA repair
Authors: Ting Xia , Xia Lu , Yang Jianguo , He Lin , Si Wenzhe , Shang Yongfeng , Sun Luyang
Published: August 2019

How chromatin dynamics is regulated to ensure efficient DNA repair remains to be understood. Here, we report that the ubiquitin-specific protease USP11 acts as a histone deubiquitinase to catalyze H2AK119 and H2BK120 deubiquitination. We showed that USP11 is physically associated with the chromatin remodeling NuRD complex and functionally involved in DNA repair process. We demonstrated that USP11-mediated histone deubiquitination and NuRD-associated histone deacetylation coordinate to allow timely termination of DNA repair and reorganization of the chromatin structure. As such, USP11 is involved in chromatin condensation, genomic stability, and cell survival. Together, these observations indicate that USP11 is a chromatin modifier critically involved in DNA damage response and the maintenance of genomic stability.
RsaC sRNA modulates the oxidative stress response of Staphylococcus aureus during manganese starvation
Authors: Lalaouna David , Baude Jessica , Wu Zongfu , Tomasini Arnaud , Chicher Johana , Marzi Stefano , Vandenesch François , Romby Pascale , Caldelari Isabelle , Moreau Karen
Published: August 2019

The human opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus produces numerous small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) for which functions are still poorly understood. Here, we focused on an atypical and large sRNA called RsaC. Its length varies between different isolates due to the presence of repeated sequences at the 5′ end while its 3′ part is structurally independent and highly conserved. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing (MAPS) and quantitative differential proteomics, sodA mRNA was identified as a primary target of RsaC sRNA. SodA is a Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase involved in oxidative stress response. Remarkably, rsaC gene is co-transcribed with the major manganese ABC transporter MntABC and, consequently, RsaC is mainly produced in response to Mn starvation. This 3′UTR-derived sRNA is released from mntABC-RsaC precursor after cleavage by RNase III. The mature and stable form of RsaC inhibits the synthesis of the Mn-containing enzyme SodA synthesis and favors the oxidative stress response mediated by SodM, an alternative SOD enzyme using either Mn or Fe as co-factor. In addition, other putative targets of RsaC are involved in oxidative stress (ROS and NOS) and metal homeostasis (Fe and Zn). Consequently, RsaC may balance two interconnected defensive responses, i.e. oxidative stress and metal-dependent nutritional immunity.
Ecology of Pseudodiaptomus annandalei in tropical aquaculture ponds with emphasis on the limitation of production
Authors: GrØnning Josephine , Doan Nam X , Dinh Nguyet T , Dinh Khuong V , Nielsen Torkel Gissel
Published: August 2019

The calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus annandalei is used as live feed in aquaculture because of its nutritional value and the ability to cope with environmental fluctuations in outdoor ponds. However, little knowledge exists on its ecology. Here we investigated the ecology of P. annandalei in an aquaculture pond in Vietnam. Temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a and biomass of protozoans and copepods were monitored every other day for 1 month. Experiments on protozoan growth and grazing by P. annandalei were also conducted. Copepod fecal pellet production and temperature-dependent egg hatching rates were likewise quantified. Despite very high phytoplankton biomass, biomass of P. annandalei was surprisingly low. Copepod production was estimated from three independent methods: clearance, weight-specific egg production rate (SEP) and specific fecal pellet production rate. SEP proved to be accurate to predict the in situ population growth in the pond. A simple model for production of P. annandalei based on SEP was developed. Our study extends our knowledge of how environmental conditions in the pond may affect the population dynamics and production of copepods. The results have important implications for pond managements ensuring stable copepod production and harvest.
Revisiting the Epistemic Regress of Dispositions
Authors: Kodaj Daniel
Published: August 2019

Pandispositionalists have not refuted the charge that their ideology precludes knowledge of the external world. Their replies boil down to the claim that some dispositions (viz introspectively accessible properties of epistemic subjects) can be detected without the mediation of their effects. But this reply is ineffective if the regress is restated in terms of mind-independent domains of science.
SELECTION OF SUITABLE SAMPLING TOOL FOR RELIABLE SOIL SAMPLING NOT ONLY AFTER RADIOLOGICAL ACCIDENT
Authors: Setnička Michal , Kroupa Tomáš , Čtvrtečková Alena , Marek René
Published: August 2019

The objective of this research was to develop a sampling protocol for contaminated soils after a large radiological accident. One of the criteria for good sampling method is reproducibility and accuracy of large number of samples collected in short time. Members of the chemical laboratories of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic (FRS CR), which are included in Radiation Monitoring Network, tested four tools in different soil types. More than 100 samples were collected. Root auger and square soil sampler seem to be the best for reliable soil sampling. Modifications of the root auger decreased of relative error of sampling to 7.5%. The root auger is recommended as a first-choice sampling tool based on: (1) ease, (2) operator safety, (3) collection of a representative sample (4) applicability to most soil types and (5) enabling collection of depth-discrete samples.
RADIATION MONITORING SYSTEM USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICELS
Authors: Lüley Jakub , Čerba Štefan , Vrban Branislav , Osuský Filip , Sľuka Ondrej
Published: August 2019

Even with the very low probability of events leading to leakage of radioactive particles outside the nuclear facility (<10−4 per reactor per year), R&D of systems that could mitigate the impact of these events cannot be neglected. For such a purpose, the RMS-00x radiation monitoring system could be used, which is a modular system covering the functionality of dose rate measurement, air sampling and radiation map creation without requiring the human personnel to be present at the measurement site. Before this system is used in real conditions, its components must be thoroughly calibrated, based on certified measurement equipment and state-of-art simulation tools. This article deals with the description of the RMS-00x sensor modules and demonstrates their functionality in combination with unmanned aerial vehicle. In addition, demonstration of the use of the developed technology was carried out as part of the regular emergency planning and preparedness of Nuclear Power Plant Jaslovské Bohunice (EBO) nuclear power plant on 26 October 2017.
POSTAL TLD AUDIT OF HETEROGENEITY CORRECTIONS IN RADIOTHERAPY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Kapuciánová Michaela , Ekendahl Daniela
Published: August 2019

In the Czech Republic, a more advanced version of postal audit in radiotherapy (RT) is available. It covers dose measurements with thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLD) in more complex conditions of irradiation, when dose distribution is affected by heterogeneities in the irradiated volume. Relative deviation between doses measured with TLDs and doses stated by RT centre should not exceed 3%. During 2015–2017, all Czech RT centres equipped with modern linear accelerators were subjected to this more advanced TLD audit. A total of  70% of participants complied with the limit of 3% in the first round of this audit.
Race and Virulence Analysis of Puccinia triticina in China in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Zhang Lin , Shi Congcong , Li Lingrui , Li Min , Meng Qingfang , Yan Hongfei , Liu Daqun
Published: August 2019

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is an important fungal disease of wheat in China. To study races of the pathogen in China, leaf rust samples were collected from 14 provinces in 2014 and 15 provinces in 2015. From the samples, 494 single-uredinial isolates were derived from the 2014 collection and 649 from the 2015 collection. These isolates were tested on 40 near-isogenic lines of Thatcher carrying single leaf rust resistance genes. From the isolates, 84 races were identified in 2014 and 65 races in 2015. Races THTT (22.1%), THTS (19.6%), THJT (8.7%), PHTT (4.9%), and PHJT (3.6%) were the most common races in 2014, and THTT (28.4%), THTS (12.8%), THJT (11.6%), THJS (9.9%), and PHTT (9.7%) were the most frequent in 2015. All of these races were avirulent to resistance genes Lr9 and Lr24. THTT and THTS, the most frequent races in both years, were widely distributed throughout the country. The frequencies of isolates with virulence to Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2c, Lr3, Lr16, Lr26, Lr11, Lr17, LrB, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr2b, Lr3bg, Lr14b, Lr32, Lr33, and Lr50 were over 80%, whereas the frequencies of virulence to Lr9, Lr19, Lr25, Lr28, Lr29, and Lr47 were less than 3.5%. In the present study, all isolates were avirulent to Lr24 and Lr38. The race analysis and individual virulence frequencies provide guidance to breeders in choosing leaf rust resistance genes for use in breeding programs.
Physeal fractures of the distal femur: does a lower threshold for surgery lead to better outcomes?
Authors: Adams Alexander J. , Mahmoud Mahmoud A.H. , Wells Lawrence , Flynn John M. , Arkader Alexandre
Published: August 2019

Distal femur physeal fractures are known to have a high incidence of complications. Our previous reported experience (pre-2007) showed a 40% complication risk, which prompted changes in our approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the complication rate and outcome after implementation of these changes. This is a retrospective study of children with distal femur physeal fractures treated at a level 1 pediatric trauma center between 2007 and 2016. Patient demographics, fracture patterns, treatment and outcomes including complications and its risk factors were recorded and analyzed. We compared current results with our previously reported multicenter cohort (n = 73). Patients were male in majority (57/70) with a mean age of 13 ± 4 years. Fractures were most commonly Salter–Harris Type 2 (49/70) and displaced (59/70) on presentation, although neither characteristic was associated with complications. Most patients (63/70) were treated surgically, and the overall complication incidence was 36% (25/70), including growth arrest in 20 patients. The pre-2007 cohort was statistically significantly younger (P < 0.001) and was more commonly treated nonoperatively (P < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in complication incidence between studies (36% versus 40%, respectively, P = 0.751). Despite a lower threshold for surgery for distal femur physeal fractures in the past decade, the complication rate is still high and unchanged at 40%, and presenting patients are older. There were no new prognostic factors that showed statistically significant association with subsequent complications; however, patients with high-energy injury mechanisms and greater fracture displacements did have higher complication rates. These results demonstrate the inherent high complication risk for these injuries. Level of Evidence: III.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Multilevel Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease
Authors: Scott-Young Matthew , McEntee Laurence , Zotti Mario , Schram Ben , Furness James , Rathbone Evelyne , Hing Wayne
Published: August 2019

Study Design.

Case series

Objective.

The aim of this study was to assess the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient satisfaction of multilevel lumbar total disc arthroplasty (TDA) for symptomatic multilevel degenerative disc disease (MLDDD).

Summary of Background Data.

TDA has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of symptomatic single level degenerative disc disease. There is minimal PROMs data on the mid- to long-term outcomes of multilevel TDA constructs.

Methods.

Prospectively collected PROMs were analyzed from patients receiving multilevel TDA for symptomatic MLDDD. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months, then yearly. PROMs included patient satisfaction, Visual Analog Score back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.

Results.

One hundred twenty-two patients (77 men, 45 women) who had preoperative and at least 24-month follow-up data were included. The average age was 42 ± 8.2 years (range 21–61) and mean follow-up 7.8 years (range 2–10). The majority received two-level TDA, except two patients (1.6%) who received three-level TDA. The two- to three-level TDA's were at the levels L3–4, L4–5, and L5-S1, whereas most two levels (n = 110, 90.2%) were at L4–5 and L5-S1; the remainder (n = 10, 8.2%) being at L3–4 and L4–5. Implants used were Charité (DePuy Spine, Raynham, MA) in 119 patients (240 levels) and InMotion (DePuy Spine) in 3 patients (6 levels). Improvement in pain and disability scores were both clinically and statistically significant (P < 0.001), and this improvement was sustained in those patients over the course of their follow-up. Ninety-two percent of patients reported good or excellent satisfaction with treatment at final review.

Conclusion.

Multilevel TDA constructs for MLDDD demonstrate favorable and sustained clinical outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up.

Level of Evidence: 4
Utility of Thoracolumbar Low-Dose CT With Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction for Measuring Pedicle Diameter Using a Radiation Dose Less Than a One-Time Lumbar X-Ray
Authors: Masamoto Kazutaka , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Otsuki Bungo , Hara Kentaro , Fukushima Yasuhiro , Koizumi Koji , Shimizu Takayoshi , Shimizu Yu , Morizane Kazuaki , Murata Koichi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: August 2019

Study Design.

Retrospective.

Objective.

To evaluate the image quality of low-radiation-dose computed tomography (LD-CT) of the thoracolumbar spine, using model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) for measuring pedicle diameter.

Summary of Background Data.

MBIR can drastically reduce radiation dose but its utility in spine surgery planning is unknown.

Methods.

We identified patients (mean age, 70.5 ± 13.3 yrs) who incidentally underwent both standard-radiation-dose CT (SD-CT) with hybrid iterative reconstruction and LD-CT with MBIR of the thoracolumbar spine within 2 years. We compared radiation dose, subjective image sharpness, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio for the two tests. Additionally, inner pedicle diameters were measured on SD-CT (DSD) and LD-CT (DLD), and statistically compared.

Results.

We included 24 CT and 84 pedicles for each CT group. The radiation dose of LD-CT estimated by volume CT dose index was 1.21 ± 0.42 mGy, one-sixth the dose of SD-CT. The effective dose of LD-CT was 0.58 ± 0.31 mSv, equivalent to or less than that of a one-time lumbar X-ray in a previous report. LD-CT was significantly inferior in subjective image sharpness for the contour of vertebrae and trabecular structure, but superior for signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio. The intra-rater reliability (intra-RR) and inter-RR for DLD were 0.985 and 0.892, respectively, comparable to those of DSD. DLD was consistently 0.30 mm smaller than DSD when compared within the same pedicle, regardless of pedicle diameter.

Conclusion.

LD-CT with MBIR produced a radiation dose equivalent to a one-time lumbar X-ray and provided excellent images for measuring pedicle diameter. LD-CT can be a substitute for SD-CT when planning spine surgery if the relationship between DSD and DLD is sufficiently understood.

Level of Evidence: 3