bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind-Thermal-Nuclear-Storage Combined Time Division Power Dispatch Based on Numerical Characteristics of Net Load
Authors: Sui Xin , Lu Shengyang , He Hai , Zhao Yuting , Hu Shubo , Liu Ziqian , Gu Hong , Sun Hui
Published: January 2020

In order to satisfy the strategic needs of energy sustainable development, renewable energy has developed rapidly and the power systems have been transformed to a new generation of power systems. In the renewable energy power generation technologies, the fastest developing wind power generation are highly intermittent and fluctuating. When high penetration of renewable power connects to the power grid and participates in the system dispatch, there will be more difficulties and challenges in the energy balance control. In this paper, a wind-thermal-nuclear-storage combined time division power dispatch strategy based on numerical characteristics of net load is proposed, where a specific thermal generating mode and an unconventional nuclear generating mode are discussed. In the strategy, the dispatch time division method is introduced in detail and the sample entropy theory is used to calculate the net load complexity. An adaptive thermal generating mode is determined according to the numerical characteristics of the net load. The nuclear generating modes of constant power operation, time division operation, and net load tracking time division operation are compared and analyzed, respectively. Finally, the wind-thermal-nuclear-storage combined time division power dispatch strategy aiming at decreasing the ramping power of thermal generators is achieved, and the increasing of the participation of pumped storage and improving of the continuous and steady operation time of thermal generators are realized. The experiment simulation is developed on an actual provincial power system in the northeast of China. The results verify that the thermal generator ramping power in the case based on SampEn are reduced, and the participation of pumped storage is improved. When both of the thermal generating mode and nuclear generating mode are according to the changing of net loads, the ramping powers of thermal generators are further decreased.
Multi-Scale Analysis and Pattern Recognition of Ultrasonic Signals of PD in a Liquid/Solid Composite of an Oil-Filled Terminal
Authors: Wang Yulong , Zhang Xiaohong , Li Yancheng , Li Lili , Gao Junguo , Guo Ning
Published: January 2020

In order to analyze the partial discharge (PD) characteristics of a liquid/solid composite medium in an oil-filled submarine cable terminal; we have designed five discharge models including needle-plate, plate-to-plate air gap, surface, slide-flash and suspension potential. At the same time, the ultrasonic signals of PD have been extracted through the typical fault model research platform of oil-filled submarine cable equipment. First, we use SureShrink threshold wavelet denoising to suppress the ultrasonic signal noise. Secondly, through the multi-scale analysis of the signal, the energy distribution maps of five different types of PD are obtained; the analysis found that needle-plate discharge, suspension discharge, and slide-flash discharge have better resolution; and plate-to-plate air gap discharge and creeping discharge have similar characteristics and are not easy to distinguish. Finally, we designed six characteristic parameters of the ultrasound signal, and screened three feature quantities by a back propagation (BP) neural network to distinguish between plate-to-plate air gap discharge and surface discharge. In summary, the method of combining multi-scale analysis and neural networks is used to distinguish the five discharge types by extracting the characteristic values of the characteristic signals.
An Experimental Study on the Jet Pressure Performance of Organ–Helmholtz (O-H), Self-Excited Oscillating Nozzles
Authors: Wang Xiaochuan , Li Yueqin , Hu Yi , Ding Xiaolong , Xiang Meijing , Li Deng
Published: January 2020

To make a better application of the self-excited oscillation jet, a compound organ–Helmholtz oscillation nozzle (OH nozzle) was designed to generate better pulse effects in the present study. The effects of geometric parameters on pressure characteristics of self-excited oscillation jets were investigated experimentally. The geometric parameters of OH nozzles were determined based on the design principle of the organ-pipe and Helmholtz nozzles. Various types of OH nozzles were tested to obtain the relationship between oscillation pressure and geometric parameters. Experimental results showed that some structural parameters are sensitive to the pump pressure, while others are not. The optimum geometric optimum parameters were obtained based on experimental results. The peak pressure and pressure pulsation amplitude are closely related to the target distance. The peak pressure decreases sharply with target distance at first and decreases with a further increase of the target distance. The peak pressure becomes stable beyond a certain range of target distance. With the increase of the target distance, the pressure pulsation amplitude increases at first and then decreases. The optimum target distance was determined based on experimental results to achieve better pulsation performance and has a value of 20 mm in the present study.
On the Conceptual Design of Novel Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Manente Giovanni , Costa Mário
Published: January 2020

The supercritical CO2 power cycle (s-CO2) is receiving much interest in the utilization of waste heat sources in the medium-to-high temperature range. The low compression work and highly regenerative layout result in high thermal efficiencies, even at moderate turbine inlet temperatures. The capability of heat extraction from the waste heat source is, however, limited because the heat input takes place over a limited temperature range close to the maximum cycle temperature. Accordingly, novel s-CO2 layouts have been recently proposed, aimed at increasing the heat extraction from the heat source while preserving as much as possible the inherently high thermal efficiency. Among these, the most promising ones feature dual expansion, dual recuperation, and partial heating. This work concentrates on the conceptual design of these novel s-CO2 layouts using a systematic approach based on the superimposition of elementary thermodynamic cycles. The overall structure of the single flow split with dual expansion (also called cascade), partial heating, and dual recuperated cycles is decomposed into elementary Brayton cycles to identify the building blocks for the achievement of a high performance in the utilization of waste heat sources. A thermodynamic optimization is set up to compare the performance of the three novel layouts for utilization of high temperature waste heat at 600 °C. The results show that the single flow split with a dual expansion cycle provides 3% and 15% more power compared to the partial heating and dual recuperated cycles, respectively, and 40% more power compared to the traditional single recuperated cycle used as the baseline. The separate evaluation of thermal efficiency and heat recovery effectiveness shows the main reasons behind the achievement of the highest performance, which are peculiar to each novel layout.
Seismic Data Denoising Based on Sparse and Low-Rank Regularization
Authors: Li Shu , Yang Xi , Liu Haonan , Cai Yuwei , Peng Zhenming
Published: January 2020

Seismic denoising is a core task of seismic data processing. The quality of a denoising result directly affects data analysis, inversion, imaging and other applications. For the past ten years, there have mainly been two classes of methods for seismic denoising. One is based on the sparsity of seismic data. This kind of method can make use of the sparsity of seismic data in local area. The other is based on nonlocal self-similarity, and it can utilize the spatial information of seismic data. Sparsity and nonlocal self-similarity are important prior information. However, there is no seismic denoising method using both of them. To jointly use the sparsity and nonlocal self-similarity of seismic data, we propose a seismic denoising method using sparsity and low-rank regularization (called SD-SpaLR). Experimental results showed that the SD-SpaLR method has better performance than the conventional wavelet denoising and total variation denoising. This is because both the sparsity and the nonlocal self-similarity of seismic data are utilized in seismic denoising. This study is of significance for designing new seismic data analysis, processing and inversion methods.
Knowledge about the Final Disposal of Nuclear Fuel in Sweden: Surveys to Members of Parliament and Citizens
Authors: Palm Jenny
Published: January 2020

In 2011, the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) applied for a permit to construct a disposal facility. The Swedish government is expected to make a decision in 2020. Three surveys have been conducted to investigate how informed the Swedish Members of Parliament (MP) and the citizens are in these issues. The first study with the MPs was done in 2013, the second in 2016 and the one with the citizens was conducted in the winter of 2018/2019. The results show that most MPs and half of the citizens were aware of the ongoing permission process. Rather surprisingly, there were more politicians and citizens who knew about the suggestions to use copper canisters, than knew the suggested location. In general, nuclear waste was seen as an important issue by all respondents. A majority of the MPs and the citizens believed that Sweden can dispose the waste in a safe manner. Among the citizens, the trust in politicians’ decisions on where and how to build a final repository were low and more trust was put into scientists and experts. Half of the citizens wanted to see a phase out of nuclear power, over half of the MPs meant that the repository should be designed so that the withdrawal of nuclear waste can be done.
Effects of Packer Locations on Downhole Electric Heater Performance: Experimental Test and Economic Analysis
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Zhendong , Sun Youhong , Lü Xiaoshu , Wang Yuan , Deng Sunhua , Li Qiang
Published: January 2020

A downhole electric heater, which reduces heat loss along a heat insulation pipe, is a key apparatus used to ignite oil shale underground. Downhole heaters working together with packers can improve the heating efficiency of high-temperature gases, while different packer locations will directly affect the external air temperature of the heater shell and, subsequently, the performance and total cost of the downhole heaters. A device was developed to simulate the external conditions of heater shells at different packer locations. Then, the effects of external air temperature on the performance of a downhole heater with pitches of 50, 160, and 210 mm were experimentally studied. In the test, results indicated that the heater with a packer at its outlet had an accelerated heating rate in the initial stage and decreased temperature in the final stage. Additionally, the lowest heating rod surface temperature and highest comprehensive performance were achieved with minimal irreversible loss and lower total cost when using a downhole electric heater with a packer set at its outlet. In addition, the downhole electric heater with a helical pitch of 50 mm and a packer at its outlet was more effective than other schemes in the high Reynolds number region. These findings are beneficial for shortening the oil production time in oil shale in situ pyrolysis and heavy oil thermal recovery.
Thermofluid Modelling of Large-Scale Orchards for Optimal Design and Control of Active Frost Prevention Systems
Authors: Atam Ercan , Hong Se-Woon , Arteconi Alessia
Published: January 2020

Accurate modelling and simulation of temperature dynamics in large-scale orchards is important in many aspects, including: (i) for the calculation of minimum energy required to be used in optimal design of active frost prevention energy systems (fully renewable or partially renewable) to prevent freezing of fruit flowers, buds, or leaves; (ii) for testing frost prevention control systems before real-implementation which regulate active heating systems inside orchards targeted to prevent frost. To that end, in this study, first, a novel and sophisticated parametric computational thermofluid dynamics (CTFD) model for orchard air thermal dynamics for different orchard parameters (such as fruit type, climate, number of trees, their sizes, and distance between them) and boundary/initial conditions was developed and validated with field data from the literature. Next, the use of the developed parametric CTFD model was demonstrated through a case study to calculate the minimal thermal energy required to prevent frost under different frost levels in a test Prunus armeniaca orchard located in Malatya, Turkey, which is the world capital for dry apricot production.
Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Associated With Differentially Expressed Genes Regulated Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Within Flower Color Chimera of Ornamental Tree Prunus mume
Authors: Jiang Liangbao , Zhang Man , Ma Kaifeng
Published: January 2020

DNA methylation is one of the best-studied epigenetic modifications involved in many biological processes. However, little is known about the epigenetic mechanism for flower color chimera of Prunus mume (Japanese apricot, mei). Using bisulfate sequencing and RNA sequencing, we analyzed the white (FBW) and red (FBR) petals collected from an individual tree of Japanese apricot cv. ‘Fuban Tiaozhi’ mei to reveal the different changes in methylation patterns associated with gene expression leading to significant difference in anthocyanins accumulation of FBW (0.012 ± 0.005 mg/g) and FBR (0.078 ± 0.013 mg/g). It was found that gene expression levels were positively correlated with DNA methylation levels within gene-bodies of FBW and FBR genomes; however, negative correlations between gene expression and DNA methylation levels were detected within promoter domains. In general, the methylation level within methylome of FBW was higher; and in total, 4,618 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 1,212 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected from FBW vs. FBR. We also identified 82 DMR-associated DEGs, and 13 of them, including PmBAHD, PmCYP450, and PmABC, were playing critical roles in phenylalanine metabolism pathway, glycosyltransferase activity, and ABC transporter. The evidence exhibited DNA methylation may regulate gene expression resulting in flower color chimera of Japanese apricot.
A Survey in Natural Forest Ecosystems of Vietnam Reveals High Diversity of both New and Described Phytophthora Taxa including P. ramorum
Authors: Jung Thomas , Scanu Bruno , Brasier Clive , Webber Joan , Milenković Ivan , Corcobado Tamara , Tomšovský Michal , Pánek Matěj , Bakonyi József , Maia Cristiana , Bačová Aneta , Raco Milica , Rees Helen , Pérez-Sierra Ana , Horta Jung Marília
Published: January 2020

In 2016 and 2017, surveys of Phytophthora diversity were performed in 25 natural and semi-natural forest stands and 16 rivers in temperate and subtropical montane and tropical lowland regions of Vietnam. Using baiting assays from soil samples and rivers and direct isolations from naturally fallen leaves, 13 described species, five informally designated taxa and 21 previously unknown taxa of Phytophthora were isolated from 58 of the 91 soil samples (63.7%) taken from the rhizosphere of 52 of the 64 woody plant species sampled (81.3%) in 20 forest stands (83.7%), and from all rivers: P. capensis, P. citricola VII, VIII, IX, X and XI, P. sp. botryosa-like 2, P. sp. meadii-like 1 and 2, P. sp. tropicalis-like 2 and P. sp. multivesiculata-like 1 from Phytophthora major phylogenetic Clade 2; P. castaneae and P. heveae from Clade 5; P. chlamydospora, P. gregata, P. sp. bitahaiensis-like and P. sp. sylvatica-like 1, 2 and 3 from Clade 6; P. cinnamomi (Pc), P. parvispora, P. attenuata, P. sp. attenuata-like 1, 2 and 3 and P. ×heterohybrida from Clade 7; P. drechsleri, P. pseudocryptogea, P. ramorum (Pr) and P. sp. kelmania from Clade 8, P. macrochlamydospora, P. sp. ×insolita-like, P. sp. ×kunnunara-like, P. sp. ×virginiana-like s.l. and three new taxa, P. sp. quininea-like, P. sp. ×Grenada 3-like and P. sp. ×Peru 4-like, from Clade 9; and P. sp. gallica-like 1 and 2 from Clade 10. The A1 and A2 mating types of both Pc and Pr co-occurred. The A2 mating type of Pc was associated with severe dieback of montane forests in northern Vietnam. Most other Phytophthora species, including Pr, were not associated with obvious disease symptoms. It is concluded that (1) Vietnam is within the center of origin of most Phytophthora taxa found including Pc and Pr, and (2) Phytophthora clades 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are native to Indochina.
Characterization of Old Wine Yeasts Kept for Decades under a Zero-Emission Maintenance Regime
Authors: Matti Katrin , Bernardi Beatrice , Brezina Silvia , Semmler Heike , von Wallbrunn Christian , Rauhut Doris , Wendland Jürgen
Published: January 2020

All laboratories dealing with microbes have to develop a strain maintenance regime. While lyophilization based on freeze-drying may be feasible for large stock centers, laboratories around the world rely on cryopreservation and freezing of stocks at −80 °C. Keeping stocks at these low temperatures requires investments of several thousand kW/h per year. We have kept yeast stocks for several decades at room temperature on agar slants in glass reagent tubes covered with vaspar and sealed with cotton plugs. They were part of the Geisenheim Yeast Breeding Center stock collection that was started in the 19th century, well before −80 °C refrigeration technology was invented. Of these stocks, 60 tubes were analyzed and around one-third of them could be regrown. The strains were typed by sequencing of rDNA PCR fragments. Based on BlastN analyses, twelve of the strains could be assigned to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two to S. kudriavzevii, and the others to Meyerozyma and Candida. The strains were used in white wine fermentations and compared to standard wine yeasts Uvaferm/GHM (Geisenheim) and Lalvin EC1118. Even with added nitrogen, the strains exhibited diverse fermentation curves. Post-fermentation aroma analyses and the determination of residual sugar and organic acid concentrations indicated that some strains harbor interesting flavor characteristics, surpassing current standard yeast strains. Thus, old strain collections bear treasures for direct use either in wine fermentations or for incorporation in yeast breeding programs aimed at improving modern wine yeasts. Furthermore, this provides evidence that low-cost/long-term culture maintenance at zero-emission levels is feasible.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Assays to Study Mitotic Recombination Outcomes
Authors: Hylton Hannah M. , Lucas Bailey E. , Petreaca Ruben C.
Published: January 2020

The fission yeast—Schizosaccharomyces pombe—has emerged as a powerful tractable system for studying DNA damage repair. Over the last few decades, several powerful in vivo genetic assays have been developed to study outcomes of mitotic recombination, the major repair mechanism of DNA double strand breaks and stalled or collapsed DNA replication forks. These assays have significantly increased our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the DNA damage response pathways. Here, we review the assays that have been developed in fission yeast to study mitotic recombination.
Genome-Wide Association Study and Subsequent Exclusion of ATCAY as a Candidate Gene Involved in Equine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy Using Two Animal Models
Authors: Hales Erin N , Esparza Christina , Peng Sichong , Dahlgren Anna R , Peterson Janel M , Miller Andrew D , Finno Carrie J
Published: January 2020

Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology. Clinical signs of neurological deficits develop within the first year of life in vitamin E (vitE) deficient horses. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out using 670,000 SNP markers in 27 case and 42 control Quarter Horses. Two markers, encompassing a 2.5 Mb region on ECA7, were associated with the phenotype (p = 2.05 × 10-7 and 4.72 × 10-6). Within this region, caytaxin (ATCAY) was identified as a candidate gene due to its known role in Cayman Ataxia and ataxic/dystonic phenotypes in mouse models. Whole-genome sequence data in four eNAD/EDM and five unaffected horses identified 199 associated variants within the ECA7 region. MassARRAY® genotyping was performed on these variants within the GWAS population. The three variants within ATCAY were not concordant with the disease phenotype. No difference in expression or alternative splicing was identified using qRT-PCR in brainstem across the ATCAY transcript. Atcayji-hes mice were then used to conduct functional analysis in a second animal model. Histologic lesions were not identified in the central nervous system of Atcayji-hes mice. Additionally, supplementation of homozygous Atcayji-hes mice with 600 IU/day of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate (vitE) during gestation, lactation, and adulthood did not improve the phenotype. ATCAY has therefore been excluded as a candidate gene for eNAD/EDM.
Ring 1 and YY1 Binding Protein is Expressed in Murine Spermatocytes but Dispensable for Spermatogenesis
Authors: He Zhen , Yan Rong-Ge , Zhang Xiao-Na , Yang Qi-En
Published: January 2020

Spermatogenesis is a complex cellular-differentiation process that relies on the precise regulation of gene expression in spermatogonia, meiotic, and postmeiotic germ cells. The Ring 1 and YY1 binding protein (Rybp) is a member of the mammalian polycomb-group (PcG) protein family that plays multifunctional roles in development. Previous findings indicate that Rybp may function as an important regulator of meiosis. However, its expression in the testes and function in spermatogenesis have not been examined. In this study, we investigated Rybp expression in postnatal mouse testes using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. We also examined the function of Rybp in spermatogenesis by using a conditional-knockout approach. Results showed that the relative expression of Rybp mRNA was significantly upregulated in the testes of postnatal day (PD) 6 mice. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that Rybp was enriched in the spermatocytes. Surprisingly, a conditional deletion of Rybp in fetal germ cells did not affect the fertility or normal development of spermatogenic cells. Further analysis revealed that Rybp deletion resulted in a decreased expression of meiosis-related genes, but that meiosis progression was normal. Together, these findings suggest that Rybp expression was enriched in spermatocytes, but that it was not required for spermatogenesis.
Mitochondrial DNA: A Key Regulator of Anti-Microbial Innate Immunity
Authors: Kausar Saima , Yang Liqun , Abbas Muhammad Nadeem , Hu Xin , Zhao Yongju , Zhu Yong , Cui Hongjuan
Published: January 2020

During the last few years, mitochondrial DNA has attained much attention as a modulator of immune responses. Due to common evolutionary origin, mitochondrial DNA shares various characteristic features with DNA of bacteria, as it consists of a remarkable number of unmethylated DNA as 2′-deoxyribose cytidine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) islands. Due to this particular feature, mitochondrial DNA seems to be recognized as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern by the innate immune system. Under the normal physiological situation, mitochondrial DNA is enclosed in the double membrane structure of mitochondria. However, upon pathological conditions, it is usually released into the cytoplasm. Growing evidence suggests that this cytosolic mitochondrial DNA induces various innate immune signaling pathways involving NLRP3, toll-like receptor 9, and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling, which participate in triggering downstream cascade and stimulating to produce effector molecules. Mitochondrial DNA is responsible for inflammatory diseases after stress and cellular damage. In addition, it is also involved in the anti-viral and anti-bacterial innate immunity. Thus, instead of entire mitochondrial importance in cellular metabolism and energy production, mitochondrial DNA seems to be essential in triggering innate anti-microbial immunity. Here, we describe existing knowledge on the involvement of mitochondrial DNA in the anti-microbial immunity by modulating the various immune signaling pathways.
Rewriting Human History and Empowering Indigenous Communities with Genome Editing Tools
Authors: Fox Keolu , Rallapalli Kartik Lakshmi , Komor Alexis C.
Published: January 2020

Appropriate empirical-based evidence and detailed theoretical considerations should be used for evolutionary explanations of phenotypic variation observed in the field of human population genetics (especially Indigenous populations). Investigators within the population genetics community frequently overlook the importance of these criteria when associating observed phenotypic variation with evolutionary explanations. A functional investigation of population-specific variation using cutting-edge genome editing tools has the potential to empower the population genetics community by holding “just-so” evolutionary explanations accountable. Here, we detail currently available precision genome editing tools and methods, with a particular emphasis on base editing, that can be applied to functionally investigate population-specific point mutations. We use the recent identification of thrifty mutations in the CREBRF gene as an example of the current dire need for an alliance between the fields of population genetics and genome editing.
The Potential Health Risk Associated with Edible Vegetables Grown on Cr(VI) Polluted Soils
Authors: Oruko Ongon’g Richard , Edokpayi Joshua N. , Msagati Titus A. M. , Tavengwa Nikita T. , Ijoma Grace N. , Odiyo John O.
Published: January 2020

This study reports on the assessment of the growth potential of five edible vegetables, which were grown in Cr(VI) spiked soils. The vegetable plants that were used in this study were Vigna angularis, Cicer arietinum, Spinacia oleracea, Amaranthus dubius Thell and Phaseolus vulgaris. Dried ground samples from roots, stems and leaves were analysed for various oxidation states of Cr. The daily intake of chromium, hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) methods were employed to assess the potential human health risks posed by these Cr oxidation states through vegetable consumption. The results showed that Vigna angularis was the only vegetable that germinated in highly concentrated Cr(VI) in the simulated soil (456 mg/kg). The highest total chromium (ChT) bioaccumulated in the roots was found in Phaseolus vulgaris at 0.8. The highest ChT translocation factor in the stem was that of Cicer arietinum and Vigna angularis at 0.30. The same plants translocated the highest ChT to the leaf at 0.7. A child or an adult consuming such contaminated Cicer arietinum vegetables were likely to take in between 508 and 785 mg/day of ChT, which are above the World Health Organisation guidelines of 220 and 340 mg/day, respectively. The highest HQ was found in Cicer arietinum at 8.7 and 13.4 for adults and children, respectively. The same species of plants also had high HI at 17.4 and 27.2 for adults and children, respectively. This indicated that consumers of the edible vegetables grown in Cr(VI) rich soils may be exposed to health risks, and the children were more likely to be vulnerable to these adverse effects than the adults.
A Dynamic Shelter Location and Victim Resettlement Model Considering Equitable Waiting Costs
Authors: Wang Donghai , Xi Menghao , Chen Yingzhen
Published: January 2020

Catastrophic natural disasters cause devastating damage and leave a huge number of homeless people. Waiting for resettlement in a post-disaster environment brings human suffering, which is defined by waiting cost in this paper. Taking into account waiting cost and fairness consideration simultaneously, a mixed integer linear programming model is constructed for the multiperiod location-allocation process. Two fairness indicators are incorporated to guarantee both the whole-process equity and the periodic equity. The model is implemented in the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) and solved by the CPLEX solver. An illustrative example is provided to explain the model characteristics. Furthermore, a case study of the Yushu earthquake is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the model to practical problems.
Adsorption Properties of Polyethersulfone-Modified Attapulgite Hybrid Microspheres for Bisphenol A and Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Yu Jian , Shen Hao , Liu Bin
Published: January 2020

In this paper, attapulgite purified by acid heat was employed, and millimeter polyethersulfone-modified attapulgite hybrid microspheres were prepared. The effects of mixed bisphenol A (BPA) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) solution on the modified attapulgite doping ratio, initial solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contaminant concentration, and temperature were studied. The experimental results showed that BPA and SMX compete in the adsorption process, and the hybrid microspheres preferentially select the BPA molecules (anionic endocrine disruptors) compared to the SMX. The adsorption process in the mixed solution conforms to the quasi-secondary-order kinetic model. The adsorption of BPA and SMX by hybrid microspheres is more consistent with the extended Langmuir adsorption thermodynamic model, and the adsorption of BPA + SMX is more in line with the Langmuir adsorption thermodynamic model. At 25 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity of hybrid microspheres for BPA and SMX was 102.04 and 12.80 μmol·g−1, respectively, and the maximum adsorption of BPA + SMX was 112.36 μmol·g−1. After five regenerations, the removal effect of the hybrid microspheres on the endocrine disruptors remained above 95%.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Burnout Syndrome among Primary Health Care Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Merces Magno Conceição das , Coelho Julita Maria Freitas , Lua Iracema , Silva Douglas de Souza e , Gomes Antonio Marcos Tosoli , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini , Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Lago Sueli Bonfim , Santana Amália Ivine Costa , Silva Dandara Almeida Reis da , Servo Maria Lúcia Silva , Sobrinho Carlito Lopes Nascimento , Marques Sergio Corrêa , Figueiredo Virgínia Paiva , Peres Ellen Marcia , Souza Marcio Costa de , França Luiz Carlos Moraes , Maciel Deborah Monize Carmo , Peixoto Álvaro Rafael Santana , Couto Pablo Luiz Santos , Maia Marília de Souza , Marinho Márcia Cristina Graça , França Silvana Lima Guimarães , Guimarães Claudia Franco , Santos Klaus Araujo , Barreto Fábio Lisboa , Castro Janaína de Oliveira , Santos Milene Pereira de Souza , Coutinho Milena Oliveira , Passos Kleyton Góes , Tosta Maciel Roberto Rodrigues Bandeira , Camelier Fernanda Warken Rosa , Júnior Argemiro D’Oliveira
Published: January 2020

The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with Burnout Syndrome (BS) in Primary Health Care (PHC) nursing professionals from the state of Bahia, Brazil. A multicentre, cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in a cluster sample among 1125 PHC Nursing professionals during the years 2017 and 2018. We used a questionnaire that included sociodemographic, labor and lifestyle variables and the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale to identify BS. The associations were evaluated using a robust Poisson regression with the hierarchical selection of the independent variables. The prevalence of BS was 18.3% and the associated factors were ethnicity (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.62, confidence interval (CI) 95% = 0.47–0.83), residence (PR = 2.35, CI 95% = 1.79–3.09), economic situation (PR = 1.40, CI 95% = 1.06–1.86), satisfaction with current occupation (PR = 1.75, CI 95% = 1.31–2.33), (PR = 1.60, CI 95% = 1.23–2.08), rest (PR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.41–2.37), technical resources and equipment (PR = 1.37, CI 95% = 1.06–1.77), night shift (PR = 1.49, CI 95% = 1.14–1.96), physical activity practice (PR = 1.72; CI 95% = 1.28–2.31), smoking (PR = 1.82, CI 95% = 1.35–2.45), and satisfaction with physical form (PR = 1.34, CI 95% = 1.01–179). Strategies are needed to prevent BS, with an emphasis on implementing worker health programs in the context of PHC.
Validation and Adaptation of the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport Scale to the Spanish context of Physical Education
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Alias Antonio , Gallardo Ana M. , García-Tascón Marta , Aguilar-Parra José M.
Published: January 2020

Physical education (PE), by its own characteristics, is a subject where social communication is especially promoted. However, it is necessary to have tools that evaluate the social behaviour of students during PE classes. For this reason, we propose to validate and adapt the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport Scale to the Spanish context of PE classes. The study involved 1081 students aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.83; SD = 1.27). The psychometric properties of the Prosocial Behavior Scale were analyzed through several statistical analyses. The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis and the exploratory factorial analysis supported the internal structure of the questionnaire. In addition, the scale was invariant to gender. Cronbach’s alpha values were higher than 0.70 in the factors and sub-factors, finally showing adequate levels of temporal stability. Taking into account the results achieved in the present study, PE teachers have an effective tool to assess the social and antisocial behaviour of their students’ students during PE classes.
Cross Sectional Study on Exposure to BPA and Phthalates and Semen Parameters in Men Attending a Fertility Center
Authors: Caporossi Lidia , Alteri Alessandra , Campo Giovanni , Paci Enrico , Tranfo Giovanna , Capanna Silvia , Papaleo Enrico , Pigini Daniela , Viganò Paola , Papaleo Bruno
Published: January 2020

Among the possible risk factors for male reproduction, exposure to phthalates and alkylphenols is widely documented. This study evaluated the possible association between chemical exposure and the quality of the seminal fluid of 105 subjects in a fertility clinic. The urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites (monoethylphthalate, MEP; monobenzylphthalate, MBzP; mono n-butylphthalate, MnBP; mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, MEHP; mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, MEHHP; mono-n-octylphthalate, MnOP; mono-isononylphthalate, MiNP) and bisphenol A (BPA), were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry HPLC/MS/MS. The regression analysis showed that the semen volume was positively associated with MnBP, MnOP and BPA levels while was negatively associated with MiNP levels. The sperm concentration had a significant inverse relationship with MEP levels. A negative association was found between the use of plastic containers for food storage (p = 0.037) and semen volume (3.06 vs. 2.30 mL as average values, never vs daily). A significant positive correlation emerged (p < 0.005) between the consumption of canned food and the levels of BPA (2.81 vs. 0.14 µg/g creat as average values, daily vs. never) and between the use of perfumes and levels of MEP (389.86 vs. 48.68 µg/g creat, as average values, daily vs. never). No further statistically significant associations were found, even considering the working activity. Some evidence emerged about the possible link between exposure and seminal fluid quality: further case/control or prospective studies will allow us to confirm this causality hypothesis.
A Computational Biomechanics Human Body Model Coupling Finite Element and Multibody Segments for Assessment of Head/Brain Injuries in Car-To-Pedestrian Collisions
Authors: Yu Chao , Wang Fang , Wang Bingyu , Li Guibing , Li Fan
Published: January 2020

It has been challenging to efficiently and accurately reproduce pedestrian head/brain injury, which is one of the most important causes of pedestrian deaths in road traffic accidents, due to the limitations of existing pedestrian computational models, and the complexity of accidents. In this paper, a new coupled pedestrian computational biomechanics model (CPCBM) for head safety study is established via coupling two existing commercial pedestrian models. The head–neck complex of the CPCBM is from the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS, Toyota Central R&D Laboratories, Nagakute, Japan) (Version 4.01) finite element model and the rest of the parts of the body are from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO, The Hague, The Netherlands) (Version 7.5) multibody model. The CPCBM was validated in terms of head kinematics and injury by reproducing three cadaveric tests published in the literature, and a correlation and analysis (CORA) objective rating tool was applied to evaluate the correlation of the related signals between the predictions using the CPCBM and the test results. The results show that the CPCBM head center of gravity (COG) trajectories in the impact direction (YOZ plane) strongly agree with the experimental results (CORA ratings: Y = 0.99 ± 0.01; Z = 0.98 ± 0.01); the head COG velocity with respect to the test vehicle correlates well with the test data (CORA ratings: 0.85 ± 0.05); however, the correlation of the acceleration is less strong (CORA ratings: 0.77 ± 0.06). No significant differences in the behavior in predicting the head kinematics and injuries of the tested subjects were observed between the TNO model and CPCBM. Furthermore, the application of the CPCBM leads to substantial reduction of the computation time cost in reproducing the pedestrian head tissue level injuries, compared to the full-scale finite element model, which suggests that the CPCBM could present an efficient tool for pedestrian brain-injury research.
The Role of Spatial Context Information in the Generalization of Geographic Information: Using Reducts to Indicate Relevant Attributes
Authors: Fiedukowicz Anna
Published: January 2020

Generalization of geographic information enables cognition and understanding not only of objects and phenomena located in space but also the relations and processes between them. The automation of this process requires formalization of cartographic knowledge, including information on the spatial context of objects. However, the question remains which information is crucial to the decisions regarding the generalization (in this paper: selection) of objects. The article presents and compares the usability of three methods based on rough set theories (rough set theory, dominance-based rough set theory, fuzzy rough set theory) that facilitate the designation of the attributes relevant to a decision. The methods are using different types (levels of measurements) of attributes. The author determines reducts and their cores (common elements) that show the relevance of attributes stemming from the spatial context. The fuzzy rough set theory method proved the least useful, whereas the rough set theory and dominance-based rough set theory methods seem to be recommendable (depending on the governing level of measurement).
Neurogenesis and Specification of Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Nguyen-Ba-Charvet Kim Tuyen , Rebsam Alexandra
Published: January 2020

Across all species, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the first retinal neurons generated during development, followed by the other retinal cell types. How are retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) able to produce these cell types in a specific and timely order? Here, we will review the different models of retinal neurogenesis proposed over the last decades as well as the extrinsic and intrinsic factors controlling it. We will then focus on the molecular mechanisms, especially the cascade of transcription factors that regulate, more specifically, RGC fate. We will also comment on the recent discovery that the ciliary marginal zone is a new stem cell niche in mice contributing to retinal neurogenesis, especially to the generation of ipsilateral RGCs. Furthermore, RGCs are composed of many different subtypes that are anatomically, physiologically, functionally, and molecularly defined. We will summarize the different classifications of RGC subtypes and will recapitulate the specification of some of them and describe how a genetic disease such as albinism affects neurogenesis, resulting in profound visual deficits.
Regulation of CFTR Biogenesis by the Proteostatic Network and Pharmacological Modulators
Authors: Estabrooks Samuel , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal inherited disease among Caucasians in North America and a significant portion of Europe. The disease arises from one of many mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTR. The most common disease-associated allele, F508del, along with several other mutations affect the folding, transport, and stability of CFTR as it transits from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane, where it functions primarily as a chloride channel. Early data demonstrated that F508del CFTR is selected for ER associated degradation (ERAD), a pathway in which misfolded proteins are recognized by ER-associated molecular chaperones, ubiquitinated, and delivered to the proteasome for degradation. Later studies showed that F508del CFTR that is rescued from ERAD and folds can alternatively be selected for enhanced endocytosis and lysosomal degradation. A number of other disease-causing mutations in CFTR also undergo these events. Fortunately, pharmacological modulators of CFTR biogenesis can repair CFTR, permitting its folding, escape from ERAD, and function at the cell surface. In this article, we review the many cellular checkpoints that monitor CFTR biogenesis, discuss the emergence of effective treatments for CF, and highlight future areas of research on the proteostatic control of CFTR.
Overexpression of Rice Expansin7 (Osexpa7) Confers Enhanced Tolerance to Salt Stress in Rice
Authors: Jadamba Chuluuntsetseg , Kang Kiyoon , Paek Nam-Chon , Lee Soo In , Yoo Soo-Cheul
Published: January 2020

Expansins are key regulators of cell-wall extension and are also involved in the abiotic stress response. In this study, we evaluated the function of OsEXPA7 involved in salt stress tolerance. Phenotypic analysis showed that OsEXPA7 overexpression remarkably enhanced tolerance to salt stress. OsEXPA7 was highly expressed in the shoot apical meristem, root, and the leaf sheath. Promoter activity of OsEXPA7:GUS was mainly observed in vascular tissues of roots and leaves. Morphological analysis revealed structural alterations in the root and leaf vasculature of OsEXPA7 overexpressing (OX) lines. OsEXPA7 overexpression resulted in decreased sodium ion (Na+) and accumulated potassium ion (K+) in the leaves and roots. Under salt stress, higher antioxidant activity was also observed in the OsEXPA7-OX lines, as indicated by lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and increased antioxidant activity, when compared with the wild-type (WT) plants. In addition, transcriptional analysis using RNA-seq and RT-PCR revealed that genes involved in cation exchange, auxin signaling, cell-wall modification, and transcription were differentially expressed between the OX and WT lines. Notably, salt overly sensitive 1, which is a sodium transporter, was highly upregulated in the OX lines. These results suggest that OsEXPA7 plays an important role in increasing salt stress tolerance by coordinating sodium transport, ROS scavenging, and cell-wall loosening.
DM1 Phenotype Variability and Triplet Repeat Instability: Challenges in the Development of New Therapies
Authors: Tomé Stéphanie , Gourdon Geneviève
Published: January 2020

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a complex neuromuscular disease caused by an unstable cytosine thymine guanine (CTG) repeat expansion in the DMPK gene. This disease is characterized by high clinical and genetic variability, leading to some difficulties in the diagnosis and prognosis of DM1. Better understanding the origin of this variability is important for developing new challenging therapies and, in particular, for progressing on the path of personalized treatments. Here, we reviewed CTG triplet repeat instability and its modifiers as an important source of phenotypic variability in patients with DM1.
Molecular Psychiatry: Trends and Study Examples
Authors: Rein Theo , Fries Gabriel R.
Published: January 2020

In contrast to about 20–30 years ago, the concept that psychiatric diseases have a molecular basis is now widely accepted [...]
Ergosterol Peroxide from the Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum Inhibits Differentiation and Lipid Accumulation of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Jeong Yong-Un , Park Young-Jin
Published: January 2020

Ergosterol peroxide is a natural compound of the steroid family found in many fungi, and it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antiviral activities. The anti-obesity activity of several edible and medicinal mushrooms has been reported, but the effect of mushroom-derived ergosterol peroxide on obesity has not been studied. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of ergosterol peroxide on the inhibition of triglyceride synthesis at protein and mRNA levels and differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Ergosterol peroxide inhibited lipid droplet synthesis of differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), the major transcription factors of differentiation, and also the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), which promotes the activity of PPARγ, resulting in inhibition of differentiation. It further inhibited the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), fatty acid translocase (FAT), and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), which are lipogenic factors. In addition, it inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) involved in cell proliferation and activation of early differentiation transcription factors in the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) stage. As a result, ergosterol peroxide significantly inhibited the synthesis of triglycerides and differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, and is, therefore, a possibile prophylactic and therapeutic agent for obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Mast Cells: Fascinating but Still Elusive after 140 Years from Their Discovery
Authors: Varricchi Gilda , Marone Gianni
Published: January 2020

Some of the basic characteristics of tissue mast cells were described over 140 years ago by Paul Ehrlich, the founder of modern immunology [...]