bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C/EBPβ Promotes STAT3 Expression and Affects Cell Apoptosis and Proliferation in Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Yuan Xiaolong , Zhou Xiaofeng , He Yingting , Zhong Yuyi , Zhang Ailing , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Hao , Li Jiaqi
Published: June 2018

Previous studies suggest that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) play an essential role in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) for mammalian follicular development. Several C/EBPβ putative binding sites were previously predicted on the STAT3 promoter in mammals. However, the molecular regulation of C/EBPβ on STAT3 and their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis remain virtually unexplored in GCs. Using porcine GCs as a model, the 5′-deletion, luciferase report assay, mutation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Annexin-V/PI staining and EdU assays were applied to investigate the molecular mechanism for C/EBPβ regulating the expression of STAT3 and their effects on the cell proliferation and apoptosis ability. We found that over and interfering with the expression of C/EBPβ significantly increased and decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of STAT3, respectively. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that C/EBPβ directly bound at −1397/−1387 of STAT3 to positively regulate the mRNA and protein expressions of STAT3. Both C/EBPβ and STAT3 were observed to inhibit cell apoptosis and promote cell proliferation. Furthermore, C/EBPβ might enhance the antiapoptotic and pro-proliferative effects of STAT3. These results would be of great insight in further exploring the molecular mechanism of C/EBPβ and STAT3 on the function of GCs and the development of ovarian follicles in mammals.
Application of Sensitivity Analysis for Process Model Calibration of Natural Hazards
Authors: Chow Candace , Ramirez Jorge , Keiler Margreth
Published: June 2018

Sensitivity analysis (SA) describes how varying inputs to a model subsequently varies its outputs. Its inclusion can support the systematic calibration of numerical models to back-calculate intensity properties of past torrent events that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to collect during their occurrence. Sensitivity analysis for model calibration is assessed with the back-calculation of a known torrent event. In particular, FLO-2D, a cell-based numerical model, is used to simulate the 2005 debris flow event that occurred in Brienz, Switzerland. Under 4000 simulations were completed with ranges of physically reasonable parameter values. Model results were compared in 3-dimensions with both sediment deposition extents (x, y) and estimated deposition heights (z) from available post-event images. The comparisons highlighted that more accurate input and validation data, namely the flow behavior of hazardous processes and post-event deposition heights, are required to produce stronger agreements between simulated and observed results. Furthermore, the application of SA for model calibration supports systematic exploration of large parameter spaces characteristic of complex phenomena like natural hazard events. These findings demonstrated how important model input factors can be identified, which provide guidance for future data collection efforts to capture both the rheology and the spatial distribution of hazards more accurately.
Regional Landslide Potential Mapping in Earthquake-Prone Areas of Kepahiang Regency, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia
Authors: Hadi Arif Ismul , Brotopuspito Kirbani Sri , Pramumijoyo Subagyo , Hardiyatmo Hary Christady
Published: June 2018

Kepahiang regency is an area above the Musi segment of the Sumatran fault system. This condition makes the study area prone to natural disasters such as landslides in the slope area caused by earthquakes due to tectonic plate movement. The objective of this study was to locate potential landslide areas in earthquake-prone areas of Kepahiang regency, Bengkulu province, Indonesia. We performed horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analysis and simple additive weighting (SAW) methods to accomplish the goal. The acquisition of field data involved a broad band seismometer PASI Gemini-2 (triaxial geophone). The microtremor data recorded in the field were then analyzed by the wave spectrum. The results showed that the landslide potential in the study area could be divided into three categories, i.e., low, medium, and high potential. Areas with high potential should be more aware of the threat of landslides, especially in population-dense areas. The greatest threat in the study area is an earthquake along Sumatra’s active fault. An earthquake that occurs in a very steep, landslide-prone area can increase risk and trigger a landslide.
A Health System’s Journey toward Better Population Health through Empanelment and Panel Management
Authors: McGough Peter , Chaudhari Vandna , El-Attar Suzanne , Yung Pamela
Published: June 2018

The USA is steadily moving towards a health system that emphasizes ‘wellness’ over ‘sickness’ care. An effective wellness program utilizes a ‘population health’ approach that ensures that all patients who seek care from a health system receive the services recommended by evidence and best practice. This means attending not just to patients who are seen for care, but also to patients who have not yet been seen. A key strategy for population health is empanelment and panel management for patients in primary care. This article relates the experience of UW (University of Washington) Medicine in implementing such a program.
Cost and Affordability of Diets Modelled on Current Eating Patterns and on Dietary Guidelines, for New Zealand Total Population, Māori and Pacific Households
Authors: Mackay Sally , Buch Tina , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Goodwin Rawinia , Korohina Erina , Funaki-Tahifote Mafi , Lee Amanda , Swinburn Boyd
Published: June 2018

The affordability of diets modelled on the current (less healthy) diet compared to a healthy diet based on Dietary Guidelines was calculated for population groups in New Zealand. Diets using common foods were developed for a household of four for the total population, Māori and Pacific groups. Māori and Pacific nutrition expert panels ensured the diets were appropriate. Each current (less healthy) diet was based on eating patterns identified from national nutrition surveys. Food prices were collected from retail outlets. Only the current diets contained alcohol, takeaways and discretionary foods. The modelled healthy diet was cheaper than the current diet for the total population (3.5% difference) and Pacific households (4.5% difference) and similar in cost for Māori households (0.57% difference). When the diets were equivalent in energy, the healthy diet was more expensive than the current diet for all population groups (by 8.5% to 15.6%). For households on the minimum wage, the diets required 27% to 34% of household income, and if receiving income support, required 41–52% of household income. Expert panels were invaluable in guiding the process for specific populations. Both the modelled healthy and current diets are unaffordable for some households as a considerable portion of income was required to purchase either diet. Policies are required to improve food security by lowering the cost of healthy food or improving household income.
Impact of Indoor Physical Environment on Learning Efficiency in Different Types of Tasks: A 3 × 4 × 3 Full Factorial Design Analysis
Authors: Xiong Lilin , Huang Xiao , Li Jie , Mao Peng , Wang Xiang , Wang Rubing , Tang Meng
Published: June 2018

Indoor physical environments appear to influence learning efficiency nowadays. For improvement in learning efficiency, environmental scenarios need to be designed when occupants engage in different learning tasks. However, how learning efficiency is affected by indoor physical environment based on task types are still not well understood. The present study aims to explore the impacts of three physical environmental factors (i.e., temperature, noise, and illuminance) on learning efficiency according to different types of tasks, including perception, memory, problem-solving, and attention-oriented tasks. A 3 × 4 × 3 full factorial design experiment was employed in a university classroom with 10 subjects recruited. Environmental scenarios were generated based on different levels of temperature (17 °C, 22 °C, and 27 °C), noise (40 dB(A), 50 dB(A), 60 dB(A), and 70 dB(A)) and illuminance (60 lx, 300 lx, and 2200 lx). Accuracy rate (AC), reaction time (RT), and the final performance indicator (PI) were used to quantify learning efficiency. The results showed ambient temperature, noise, and illuminance exerted significant main effect on learning efficiency based on four task types. Significant concurrent effects of the three factors on final learning efficiency was found in all tasks except problem-solving-oriented task. The optimal environmental scenarios for top learning efficiency were further identified under different environmental interactions. The highest learning efficiency came in thermoneutral, relatively quiet, and bright conditions in perception-oriented task. Subjects performed best under warm, relatively quiet, and moderately light exposure when recalling images in the memory-oriented task. Learning efficiency peaked to maxima in thermoneutral, fairly quiet, and moderately light environment in problem-solving process while in cool, fairly quiet and bright environment with regard to attention-oriented task. The study provides guidance for building users to conduct effective environmental intervention with simultaneous controls of ambient temperature, noise, and illuminance. It contributes to creating the most suitable indoor physical environment for improving occupants learning efficiency according to different task types. The findings could further supplement the present indoor environment-related standards or norms with providing empirical reference on environmental interactions.
Impacts of Water Stress on Forest Recovery and Its Interaction with Canopy Height
Authors: Xu Peipei , Zhou Tao , Yi Chuixiang , Luo Hui , Zhao Xiang , Fang Wei , Gao Shan , Liu Xia
Published: June 2018

Global climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events, which can affect the functioning of forest ecosystems. Because human activities such as afforestation and forest attributes such as canopy height may exhibit considerable spatial differences, such differences may alter the recovery paths of drought-impacted forests. To accurately assess how climate affects forest recovery, a quantitative evaluation on the effects of forest attributes and their possible interaction with the intensity of water stress is required. Here, forest recovery following extreme drought events was analyzed for Yunnan Province, southwest China. The variation in the recovery of forests with different water availability and canopy heights was quantitatively assessed at the regional scale by using canopy height data based on light detection and ranging (LiDAR) measurements, enhanced vegetation index data, and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) data. Our results indicated that forest recovery was affected by water availability and canopy height. Based on the enhanced vegetation index measures, shorter trees were more likely to recover than taller ones after drought. Further analyses demonstrated that the effect of canopy height on recovery rates after drought also depends on water availability—the effect of canopy height on recovery diminished as water availability increased after drought. Additional analyses revealed that when the water availability exceeded a threshold (SPEI > 0.85), no significant difference in the recovery was found between short and tall trees (p > 0.05). In the context of global climate change, future climate scenarios of RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 showed more frequent water stress in Yunnan by the end of the 21st century. In summary, our results indicated that canopy height casts an important influence on forest recovery and tall trees have greater vulnerability and risk to dieback and mortality from drought. These results may have broad implications for policies and practices of forest management.
Vibrio Species in Wastewater Final Effluents and Receiving Watershed in South Africa: Implications for Public Health
Authors: Okeyo Allisen N. , Nontongana Nolonwabo , Fadare Taiwo O. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: June 2018

Wastewater treatment facilities in South Africa are obliged to make provision for wastewater effluent quality management, with the aim of securing the integrity of the surrounding watersheds and environments. The Department of Water Affairs has documented regulatory parameters that have, over the years, served as a guideline for quality monitoring/management purposes. However, these guidelines have not been regularly updated and this may have contributed to some of the water quality anomalies. Studies have shown that promoting the monitoring of the current routinely monitored parameters (both microbial and physicochemical) may not be sufficient. Organisms causing illnesses or even outbreaks, such as Vibrio pathogens with their characteristic environmental resilience, are not included in the guidelines. In South Africa, studies that have been conducted on the occurrence of Vibrio pathogens in domestic and wastewater effluent have made it apparent that these pathogens should also be monitored. The importance of effective wastewater management as one of the key aspects towards protecting surrounding environments and receiving watersheds, as well as protecting public health, is highlighted in this review. Emphasis on the significance of the Vibrio pathogen in wastewater is a particular focus.
The Influence of Phosphogypsum Addition on Phosphorus Release in Biochemical Treatment of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Chernysh Yelizaveta , Balintova Magdalena , Plyatsuk Leonid , Holub Marian , Demcak Stefan
Published: June 2018

The paper is focused on the research of biochemical treatment of sewage sludge and phosphogypsum under sulphate-reducing conditions with a phosphorus release process. The theoretical foundations of the work were based on the biochemical formalization using the principles of autocatalysis of natural systems. During the experimental research for the control of physicochemical parameters of the process spectroquantic, X-ray fluorescence analysis and other techniques were used. A schematic model of the dephosphatation process under anaerobic stabilization of sewage sludge and phosphogypsum was developed. The increase of phosphogypsum dosage had a close correlation with the release of phosphate ions. At the stimulating action of the phosphogypsum additive, a 2.5–5.0-fold increase in soluble phosphate concentration was observed. The rational dose of phosphogypsum was determined. Along with an increase the ratio of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)/phosphogypsum to 0.1, an increase in the phosphate ions in solution was observed. A further increase in the ratio of COD/phosphogypsum did not affect the concentration of phosphate ions in solution.
Taking One’s Own Life in Hospital? Patients and Health Care Professionals Vis-à-Vis the Tension between Assisted Suicide and Suicide Prevention in Switzerland
Authors: Reiter-Theil Stella , Wetterauer Charlotte , Frei Irena Anna
Published: June 2018

In Switzerland, the practice of lay right-to-die societies (RTDS) organizing assisted suicide (AS) is tolerated by the state. Patient counseling and accompaniment into the dying process is overtaken by RTDS lay members, while the role of physicians may be restricted to prescribing the mortal dose after a more or less rigorous exploration of the patient’s decisional capacity. However, Swiss health care facilities and professionals are committed to providing suicide prevention. Despite the liberal attitude in society, the legitimacy of organized AS is ethically questioned. How can health professionals be supported in their moral uncertainty when confronted with patient wishes for suicide? As an approach towards reaching this objective, two ethics policies were developed at the Basel University Hospital to offer orientation in addressing twofold and divergent duties: handling requests for AS and caring for patients with suicidal thoughts or after a suicide attempt. According to the Swiss tradition of “consultation” (“Vernehmlassung”), controversial views were acknowledged in the interdisciplinary policy development processes. Both institutional policies mirror the clash of values and suggest consistent ways to meet the challenges: respect and tolerance regarding a patient’s wish for AS on the one hand, and the determination to offer help and prevent harm by practicing suicide prevention on the other. Given the legal framework lacking specific norms for the practice of RTDS, orientation is sought in ethical guidelines. The comparison between the previous and newly revised guideline of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences reveals, in regard to AS, a shift from the medical criterion, end of life is near, to a patient rights focus, i.e., decisional capacity, consistent with the law. Future experience will show whether and how this change will be integrated into clinical practice. In this process, institutional ethics policies may—in addition to the law, national guidelines, or medical standards—be helpful in addressing conflicting duties at the bedside. The article offers an interdisciplinary theoretical reflection with practical illustration.
Observing Maternal Restriction of Food with 3–5-Year-Old Children: Relationships with Temperament and Later Body Mass Index (BMI)
Authors: Farrow Claire V. , Haycraft Emma , Blissett Jacqueline M.
Published: June 2018

Overt parental restriction of food has previously been associated with child weight; however, most research has relied on self-reported feeding behaviour, or observations which give little opportunity to observe restriction of food. Using a novel lab-based observational technique to increase the opportunity to observe maternal feeding restriction, we explored the relationships between maternal restriction, child responses to restriction and child temperament with child body mass index (BMI) Z-scores over time. Sixty-two mother child dyads were recruited to the study when their children were aged 3–5 years and were followed up 2 years later (N = 39 dyads). Families were observed during a feeding interaction in the laboratory where cookies were offered with the main meal to increase the opportunity for maternal restriction of food. Feeding observations were coded and child temperament and BMI were measured. Controlling for current child BMI Z-scores, greater maternal verbal and physical restriction of food at 3–5 years was related to higher child BMI Z-scores at 5–7 years. More emotional children were less likely to experience restriction and less likely to accept attempts to restrict their food intake. Further research should consider children’s reactions to parental feeding behaviours in greater depth and explore how feeding practices interact with child temperament in the prediction of changes in child weight.
Macrophage MicroRNAs as Therapeutic Targets for Atherosclerosis, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cancer
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Zhu Mengyu , Schober Andreas
Published: June 2018

Macrophages play a crucial role in the innate immune system and contribute to a broad spectrum of pathologies in chronic inflammatory diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play important roles in macrophage functions by regulating macrophage polarization, lipid metabolism and so on. Thus, miRNAs represent promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets in immune disorders. In this review, we will summarize the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and cancer by modulating macrophage phenotypes, which has been supported by in vivo evidence.
Nuclear Receptor Regulation of Aquaglyceroporins in Metabolic Organs
Authors: Tardelli Matteo , Claudel Thierry , Bruschi Francesca Virginia , Trauner Michael
Published: June 2018

Nuclear receptors, such as the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma and alpha (PPAR-γ, -α), are major metabolic regulators in adipose tissue and the liver, where they govern lipid, glucose, and bile acid homeostasis, as well as inflammatory cascades. Glycerol and free fatty acids are the end products of lipid droplet catabolism driven by PPARs. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of 13 small transmembrane proteins, facilitate the shuttling of water, urea, and/or glycerol. The peculiar role of AQPs in glycerol transport makes them pivotal targets in lipid metabolism, especially considering their tissue-specific regulation by the nuclear receptors PPARγ and PPARα. Here, we review the role of nuclear receptors in the regulation of glycerol shuttling in liver and adipose tissue through the function and expression of AQPs.
Internet of Things: Building the New Digital Society
Authors: Chaouchi Hakima , Bourgeau Thomas
Published: June 2018

Digital era has revolutionized human society during the last century[...]
A Top-Down Approach to Building Battery-Less Self-Powered Systems for the Internet-of-Things
Authors: Yahya Farah B. , Lukas Christopher J. , Calhoun Benton H.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a top-down methodology for designing battery-less systems for the Internet-of-Things (IoT). We start by extracting features from a target IoT application and the environment in which it will be deployed. We then present strategies to translate these features into design choices that optimize the system and improve its reliability. We look into how to use these features to build the digital sub-system by determining the blocks to implement, the digital architecture, the clock rate of the system, the memory capacity, and the low power states. We also review how these features impact the choice of energy harvesting power management units.
Effects of Vanadium on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of High Chromium Cast Iron Hardfacing Layer by Electroslag Surfacing
Authors: Wang Hao , Yu Sheng Fu , Khan Adnan Raza , Huang An Guo
Published: June 2018

The 3.6C-20Cr-Fe-(0–2.32)V high chromium cast iron (HCCI) hardfacing layers were deposited on low alloy steel by electroslag surfacing. The microstructure of hardfacing layers were observed and the carbide types, size and area fraction were measured. In addition, the hardness and wear resistance were tested. Results show that the interface between hardfacing layer and low alloy steel is defect free. 3.6C-20Cr-Fe hardfacing layer contains primary carbides and eutectic. Increasing V wt % in the hardfacing layer, primary carbides are decreasing by increasing eutectic along with martensite formation. For 1.50 wt % of V, the microstructure contains a lot of eutectic and a little of martensite. For 2.32 wt % of V, primary austenite formed, the microstructure is primary austenite, eutectic and a little of martensite. In the V alloyed hardfacing layers, V has strong affinity with carbon than chromium, hence V can replace a part of Cr in M7C3 and (Cr4.4–4.7Fe2.1–2.3V0.2–0.5)C3 type carbides are formed. When the V is 2.32 wt %, (Cr0.23V0.77)C carbides are formed in the hardfacing layer. The hardness and wear resistance are improved by increasing V from 0 to 1.50 wt %. However, when the V is 2.32 wt %, the primary austenite has reduced the hardness and wear resistance of hardfacing layer.
Liquid Biopsy in Colorectal Cancer-Current Status and Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Norcic Gregor
Published: June 2018

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent solid malignancies worldwide. The treatment is either surgical or multimodal and depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Accurate disease assessment is thus of great importance for choosing the most optimal treatment strategy. However, the standard means of disease assessment by radiological imaging or histopathological analysis of the removed tumor tissue lack the sensitivity in detecting the early systemic spread of the disease. To overcome this deficiency, the concept of liquid biopsy from the peripheral blood of patients has emerged as a new, very promising diagnostic tool. In this article, we provide an overview of the current status of clinical research on liquid biopsy in colorectal cancer. We also highlight the clinical situations in which the concept might be of the greatest benefit for the management of colorectal cancer patients in the future.
Effect of Ammonium Chloride on the Efficiency with Which Copper Sulfate Activates Marmatite: Change in Solution Composition and Regulation of Surface Composition
Authors: Zhang Shengdong , Feng Dongxia , Tong Xiong , Yang Bo , Xie Xian
Published: June 2018

Zinc sulfide minerals are the primary choice for zinc extraction and marmatite is one of the two most common zinc sulphide minerals (sphalerite and marmatite), therefore it is of great significance to study and optimize the flotation of marmatite. To improve the activation of copper sulfate on marmatite, a method involving the addition of ammonium chloride is devised. The method has been proven to be an effective way of improving the activation efficiency of copper sulfate towards marmatite under alkaline conditions. The strengthening mechanism was studied using micro-flotation, adsorption test, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and by analyzing changes in solution composition. Flotation test results show that the activation effect of the copper sulfate towards marmatite is enhanced with the addition of ammonium chloride. According to the results of the adsorption measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, when the marmatite surface is activated using copper sulfate with added ammonia chloride, it adsorbs more copper sulfide and less copper hydroxide and zinc hydroxide. These changes in surface composition are believed to occur via the following process: NH3(aq) promotes the dissolution of zinc hydroxide and then facilitates the conversion of surface copper hydroxide to copper sulfide. In addition, the occurrence of Cu(NH3)n2+ can promote the adsorption of copper ions (Cu2+ can be stored as Cu(NH3)n2+ via complexation, and then, when the concentration of copper ions decreases, Cu2+ can be released through the decompositionof Cu(NH3)n2+. Hence, the copper ion concentration can be maintained and this can facilitate the adsorption of Cu2+ on marmatite). Based on a comprehensive analysis of all our results, we propose that adding ammonium chloride to the copper sulfate changes the solution components (i.e., the presence of NH3(aq) and Cu(NH3)n2+) and then regulates the surface composition of marmatite. The change in surface composition improves the hydrophobicity of mineral surface and this leads to an improvement in activation of marmatite.
Novel Uridine Glycoconjugates, Derivatives of 4-Aminophenyl 1-Thioglycosides, as Potential Antiviral Compounds
Authors: Krol Ewelina , Pastuch-Gawolek Gabriela , Chaubey Binay , Brzuska Gabriela , Erfurt Karol , Szewczyk Boguslaw
Published: June 2018

A novel series of uridine glycoconjugates, derivatives of 4-aminophenyl 1-thioglycosides, was designed and synthesized. All compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV), two important human and animal viral pathogens for which new or improved therapeutic options are needed. The antiviral activity of all synthesized compounds was confirmed using pseudo-plaque reduction assays in which a significant arrest of CSFV and HCV growth was observed in the presence of these compounds. Two of the synthesized compounds, 9 and 12, displayed a significant inhibitory effect on HCV and CSFV propagation with IC50 values of 4.9 and 13.5 µM for HCV and 4.2 and 4 µM for CSFV, respectively, with low cytotoxicity. Using various infection and replication models, we have shown that both compounds were able to significantly reduce viral genome replication by up to 90% with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. A structure activity analysis of the synthesized compounds showed that the high antiviral activity was attributed to the hydrophobicity of glycoconjugates and the introduction of elements capable to coordinate metal ions into the spacer connecting the sugar and uridine moiety, which can be useful in the development of new antiviral compounds in the future.
Synergistic Effects of Resveratrol and Pyrimethanil against Botrytis cinerea on Grape
Authors: Xu Dandan , Yu Ge , Xi Pinggen , Kong Xiangyu , Wang Qi , Gao Lingwang , Jiang Zide
Published: June 2018

Botrytis cinerea is the pathogen of gray mold disease affecting a wide range of plant hosts, with consequential economic losses worldwide. The increased frequency of fungicide resistance of the pathogen challenges its disease management, and thus the development of alternative control strategies are urgently required. In this study, we showed excellent synergistic interactions between resveratrol and pyrimethanil. Significant synergistic values were recorded by the two-drug combination on the suppression of mycelial growth and conidia germination of B. cinerea. The combination of resveratrol and pyrimethanil caused malformation of mycelia. Moreover, the inoculation assay was conducted on table grape and consistent synergistic suppression of the two-drug combination was found in vivo. Our findings first revealed that the combination of resveratrol and pyrimethanil has synergistic effects against resistant B. cinerea and support the potential use of resveratrol as a promising adjuvant on the control of gray mold.
Preparation and Characterization of α-Zinc Molybdate Catalyst: Efficient Sorbent for Methylene Blue and Reduction of 3-Nitrophenol
Authors: Oudghiri-Hassani Hicham , Rakass Souad , Abboudi Mostafa , Mohmoud Ahmed , Al Wadaani Fahd
Published: June 2018

Zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) was prepared by thermal decomposition of an oxalate complex under a controlled temperature of 500 °C. Analyses of the oxalate complex were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). On the other hand, analyses of the synthesized zinc molybdate were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller technique (BET). The efficiency of the synthesized catalyst was tested with the reduction reaction of 3-nitrophenol (3-NP), and was also applied as a sorbent for methylene blue dye (MB) in aqueous solutions. The catalytic test of zinc molybdate shows a very high activity. The concentration reduction progress and adsorption of the dye were followed by an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer.
Carbon Nitride Materials as Efficient Catalyst Supports for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Jorge Ana Belen , Dedigama Ishanka , Miller Thomas S. , Shearing Paul , Brett Daniel J. L. , McMillan Paul F.
Published: June 2018

Carbon nitride materials with graphitic to polymeric structures (gCNH) were investigated as catalyst supports for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers using IrO2 nanoparticles as oxygen evolution electrocatalyst. Here, the performance of IrO2 nanoparticles formed and deposited in situ onto carbon nitride support for PEM water electrolysis was explored based on previous preliminary studies conducted in related systems. The results revealed that this preparation route catalyzed the decomposition of the carbon nitride to form a material with much lower N content. This resulted in a significant enhancement of the performance of the gCNH-IrO2 (or N-doped C-IrO2) electrocatalyst that was likely attributed to higher electrical conductivity of the N-doped carbon support.
Functionalized Tyrosinase-Lignin Nanoparticles as Sustainable Catalysts for the Oxidation of Phenols
Authors: Capecchi Eliana , Piccinino Davide , Delfino Ines , Bollella Paolo , Antiochia Riccarda , Saladino Raffaele
Published: June 2018

Sustainable catalysts for the oxidation of phenol derivatives under environmentally friendly conditions were prepared by the functionalization of lignin nanoparticles with tyrosinase. Lignin, the most abundant polyphenol in nature, is the main byproduct in the pulp and paper manufacturing industry and biorefinery. Tyrosinase has been immobilized by direct adsorption, encapsulation, and layer-by-layer deposition, with or without glutaraldehyde reticulation. Lignin nanoparticles were found to be stable to the tyrosinase activity. After the enzyme immobilization, they showed a moderate to high catalytic effect in the synthesis of catechol derivatives, with the efficacy of the catalyst being dependent on the specific immobilization procedures.
Classification of Bitter Orange Essential Oils According to Fruit Ripening Stage by Untargeted Chemical Profiling and Machine Learning
Authors: Taghadomi-Saberi Saeedeh , Mas Garcia Sílvia , Allah Masoumi Amin , Sadeghi Morteza , Marco Santiago
Published: June 2018

The quality and composition of bitter orange essential oils (EOs) strongly depend on the ripening stage of the citrus fruit. The concentration of volatile compounds and consequently its organoleptic perception varies. While this can be detected by trained humans, we propose an objective approach for assessing the bitter orange from the volatile composition of their EO. The method is based on the combined use of headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) and artificial neural networks (ANN) for predictive modeling. Data obtained from the analysis of HS-GC-MS were preprocessed to select relevant peaks in the total ion chromatogram as input features for ANN. Results showed that key volatile compounds have enough predictive power to accurately classify the EO, according to their ripening stage for different applications. A sensitivity analysis detected the key compounds to identify the ripening stage. This study provides a novel strategy for the quality control of bitter orange EO without subjective methods.
A Sensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor Based on PAMAM Dendrimer-Encapsulated Au for Detection of Norfloxacin in Animal-Derived Foods
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Min , Zhao Yaoshuai , Pan Mingfei , Gu Ying , Sheng Wei , Fang Guozhen , Wang Shuo
Published: June 2018

In this work, a sensitive electrochemical immunosensor has been reported for the determination of norfloxacin in animal-derived foods. The poly (amidoamine) dendrimer encapsulated gold nanoparticles (PAMAM-Au) played dual roles in the proposed sensing platform which not only accelerated the electron transfer process of sensing, but also increased the efficiency of the immobilized antibody. The HRP-labeled antigen, as the signal labels in the immunosensor, was introduced to catalyze the following reaction of the substrate hydroquinone with the aid of H2O2 in the competitive reaction. On the basis of the signal amplification of PAMAM-Au, the signal intensity was linearly related to the concentration of norfloxacin in the range of 1 μg·L−1–10 mg·L−1. All the results showed that the proposed strategy with low LOD (0.3837 μg·L−1) and favorable recovery (91.6–106.1%) in the practical sample, and it could provide a suitable protocol for norfloxacin detection in animal-derived foods with high sensitivity, good accuracy, and stability.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Meteorological Elements in the North China District of China during 1960–2015
Authors: Ti Jinsong , Yang Yuhao , Yin Xiaogang , Liang Jing , Pu Liangliang , Jiang Yulin , Wen Xinya , Chen Fu
Published: June 2018

The North China District (NCD) is one of the main grain production regions in China. The double cropping system of irrigation has been leading to the groundwater table decline at the speed of 1–2 m per year. Climate change leads to uncertainty surrounding the future of the NCD agricultural system, which will have great effects on crop yields and crop water demands. In this research, the Meteorological dataset from 54 weather station sites over the period 1960–2015 were collected to quantify the long-term spatial and temporal trends of meteorological data, including daily minimum temperature (Tmin), maximum temperature (Tmax), precipitation, solar radiation, reference evapotranspiration (ET0), and aridity index (AI). The results show that the long-term wheat and maize growing season and annual average air temperatures (Tmin and Tmax) showed strong north to south increasing trends throughout the NCD. The average annual precipitation was 632.9 mm across the NCD, more than 70% of which was concentrated in the maize growing season. The regional average annual ET0 was 1026.1 mm, which was 531.2 and 497.4 mm for the wheat and maize growing season, respectively. The regional precipitation decreased from northwest to southeast in each growing season and annual timescale. The funnel areas have lower precipitation and higher ET0 than the regional average, which may lead to the mining of the groundwater funnel area. The regional average annual AI is 0.63, which lies in the humid class. For temporal analysis, the regional average trends in annual Tmin, Tmax, solar radiation, ET0, precipitation, and AI were 0.37 °C/10a, 0.15 °C/10a, −0.28 MJ/day/m2/10a, −2.98 mm/10a, −12.04 mm/10a, and 0.005/10a, respectively. The increasing trend of temperature and the decreasing trend of solar radiation may have a negative effect on the regional food security. The funnel area AI showed a significant increasing trend for the winter wheat growing season and a decreasing trend for maize, which indicated that more irrigation will be needed for the maize growing season and the winter fallow policy may lead to the increasing trend precipitation being wasted. Analyzing the growing season and the annual meteorological elements of the spatiotemporal trends can help us better understand the influence of climate change on the natural resources and agricultural development in both the past and the future, and will provide us with invaluable information for the modification of cropping patterns to protect the regional and national water and food security.
Adaptation Strategies of the Hydrosocial Cycles in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Arahuetes Ana , Hernández María , Rico Antonio M.
Published: June 2018

The Spanish Mediterranean region has been affected by several factors over the years (climatic conditions of aridity, high water demands, rapid and intense urban and population growth, climate change), that have generated a negative water balance whereby water resources are unable to meet the demand. Diversifying supply sources by resorting to new resources has been a necessity that has stimulated the expansion and integration of non-conventional water sources (desalination and reuse of reclaimed water) and sustainable solutions. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the adaptation strategies that have been developed in Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja in order to adjust their hydrosocial cycles to development and future scenarios. The theoretical analysis developed in this paper is corroborated by the study of the hydrosocial cycle evolution of three cities in the southeast of Spain, and the adaptive measures that the different stakeholders involved in the cycle have developed in each of them. The input and output of the systems are accounted for with information provided by the management companies in each of the phases (urban consumption; treated, reused and desalinated volumes), which highlight how the diversification of resources and the incorporation of non-conventional resources have been essential for adaptation.
Assessing Environmental Flow Targets Using Pre-Settlement Land Cover: A SWAT Modeling Application
Authors: Zeiger Sean J. , Hubbart Jason A.
Published: June 2018

Determining environmental flow requirements to sustain aquatic ecosystem health remains a challenge. The purpose of this research was to quantify the extent of current flow alterations relative to baseline hydrologic conditions of a simulated historic flow regime prior to anthropogenic flow disturbance (i.e., pre-settlement flows). Results allowed assessment of the efficacy of environmental flow targets based on pre-settlement land cover in a contemporary mixed-land-use catchment (i.e., urban, agricultural, and forested). Pre-settlement flows were simulated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Pre-settlement land cover, based on soil physical characteristics, was used to simulate pre-settlement flows with the SWAT model. Environmental flow targets were calculated for each flow element of a historic flow regime (magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change). Urban (20% of watershed area) and agricultural development (42% of watershed area) were correlated to decreased median daily stream flow by 0.8 m3 s−1 (percent difference = −115%), increased maximum daily flow by 22 m3 s−1 (percent difference = 13%), and a 34% increase in daily flow variability. High flow frequency increased by 45–76% following development. Results highlight a need for consideration of environmental flow targets appropriate for watersheds already modified by existing land use, and point to a need for long-term, broad-scale, and persistent efforts to develop achievable environmental flow recommendations, particularly in rapidly urbanizing mixed-land-use watersheds.
Variability of Short-Term Diel Water Temperature Amplitudes in a Mountain Lake
Authors: Choiński Adam , Strzelczak Agnieszka
Published: June 2018

This paper presents an analysis of the variability of short-term water temperature amplitudes in Lake Morskie Oko, situated in the Tatra Mountains National Park, which makes the human impact on the lake very limited. The objective of the study was to determine to what extent an increase in depth contributes to suppressing daily water temperature amplitudes. It was shown, among other things, that water temperature amplitudes were the lowest in the period of occurrence of the ice cover, higher in the period of occurrence of other (than ice cover) ice phenomena, and the highest in the case of their lack. The analysis of profiles of water temperature amplitudes (in the case of lack of ice phenomena) resulted in determination of their six types. A strong correlation was observed in which the effect of mean daily air temperature and the effect of wind on water level amplitudes are considerably lower during the occurrence of ice phenomena in comparison to the period when the water surface is free from such phenomena. It was demonstrated that the near-bottom waters in Lake Morskie Oko are very stable in terms of temperature. The short transition period from ice cover to free water surface was determined to be very important, because it constitutes a threshold in the effect of air temperature and wind on changes in thermal dynamics of water (in this case expressed in amplitude values). Finally, proposals are presented for future expansion of the scope of research on water temperature amplitudes. This work is important, because the amplitudes were investigated not only at the surface of the lake, but also at its bottom, and also during the ice cover period, when the lake was isolated from the atmospheric influences. This study may contribute to better understanding of the lake water temperature responses to climate change and thus to more accurate prediction these patterns in lake globally. Moreover, understanding of changes in water temperature is closely related to the variability of its heat resources, and these in the future may be used on a large scale. In the case of a mountain lake such as Morskie Oko, the heat of water may be used, for example, for heating tourist shelters.
Structuring Quality Experiences for Event Participants
Authors: Stricklin Melyssa-Anne , Ellis Gary D.
Published: June 2018

We conducted an experiment to examine effects of different ways of structuring an event on quality of experience of participants. Video depictions of four versions of a tailgate event were distributed to a sample of 1,276 university students via the internet. Each video depiction represented
one of the four conditions resulting from crossing customer service quality ("technical structuring techniques;" good vs. poor) with "experience industry" techniques that have been widely discussed in the tourism, event, leisure, and recreation literature ("artistic structuring techniques;"
provided vs. not provided). The set of technical structuring techniques included reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness. The set of artistic structuring techniques included use of a clear and pervasive theme, personalization, inclusion of multisensory elements, and
absence of negative cues. After viewing one of the four randomly assigned videos from a role-playing perspective, participants completed measures of perceived value of the event, delight, and depth of structured experience. Results indicated that each of the two factors (technical structuring
techniques and artistic structuring techniques) increase quality of experience.
ADAPTIVE STABLE CONTROL OF MANIPULATOR SYSTEM BASED ON IMMERSION AND INVARIANCE
Authors: Wang Huapeng , Jiang Nan , Liu Ting , Cao Yangyang
Published: June 2018

This work focused on the manipulator system containing uncertainties, and proposes an immersion and invariance (I&I) control strategy, in order to avoid the damage on the mechanical and the operation object caused by parameter uncertainty. A stable target system with lower dimension than the manipulator system was chosen to design the control law and estimation laws of uncertain parameters. Then finding an invariant and attractive manifold in state space with internal dynamics a copy of the desired closed-loop dynamics. Finally, design a control law that can steer the state of the system sufficiently close to the manifold. The immersion and invariance adaptive control does not rely on certainty equivalence. The whole uncertain parameter estimations are the sum of two terms. One is obtained by an iterative law like the traditional adaptive backstepping method. On the other hand, a nonlinear function is introduced. The role of this additional term makes the parameter estimations more exible and effective. Lyapunov function is not necessary for the process of designing adaptive controllers. So immersion and invariance can effectively avoid the 'computing expansion' of backstepping method. Compared with the traditional adaptive methods, simulation results show that the proposed immersion and invariance adaptive controller can improve the system performance, including dynamic response, stability and accuracy of parameter estimations.
Measuring the Value of the Hubble Constant “à la Refsdal”
Authors: Grillo C. , Rosati P. , Suyu S. H. , Balestra I. , Caminha G. B. , Halkola A. , Kelly P. L. , Lombardi M. , Mercurio A. , Rodney S. A. , Treu T.
Published: June 2018

Realizing Refsdal’s original idea from 1964, we present estimates of the Hubble constant that are complementary to, and potentially competitive with, those of other cosmological probes. We use the observed positions of 89 multiple images, with extensive spectroscopic information, from 28 background sources and the measured time delays between the images S1–S4 and SX of supernova “Refsdal” (z = 1.489), which were obtained thanks to Hubble Space Telescope deep imaging and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer data. We extend the strong-lensing modeling of the Hubble Frontier Fields galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223 (z = 0.542), published by Grillo et al. (2016), and explore different ΛCDM models. Taking advantage of the lensing information associated to the presence of very close pairs of multiple images at various redshifts, and to the extended surface brightness distribution of the SN Refsdal host, we can reconstruct the total mass-density profile of the cluster very precisely. The combined dependence of the multiple-image positions and time delays on the cosmological parameters allows us to infer the values of H
0 and Ωm with relative (1σ) statistical errors of, respectively, 6% (7%) and 31% (26%) in flat (general) cosmological models, assuming a conservative 3% uncertainty on the final time delay of image SX and, remarkably, no priors from other cosmological experiments. Our best estimate of H
0, based on the model described in this work, will be presented when the final time-delay measurement becomes available. Our results show that it is possible to utilize time delays in lens galaxy clusters as an important alternative tool for measuring the expansion rate and the geometry of the universe.