bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Degraded Optical Fiber Sheaths on Thermal Aging Characteristics of Transformer Oil
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Jiang Shuo , Fan Xiaozhou , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2018

With the development of fiber optic sensing technology, optical fiber sensors have been widely used in online monitoring of power transformers. To investigate the influence of aging fiber sheaths on transformer oil, two kinds of special optical fibers with thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) and poly tetra fluoroethylene (PTFE) as sheaths underwent thermally accelerated aging in transformer oil at 130 °C. The volume resistivity, dielectric dissipation factor (DDF), and breakdown voltage of the oil were measured to indicate insulation strength. The water content and acid value of the oil were measured and fitted to predict the aging tends. The thermal aging characteristics of the oil were quantitatively compared and results showed two kinds of optical fibers could exacerbate all the physical and chemical parameters of oil, and the TPEE sheath had a more significant impact on the oil. The reasons contributing to such phenomenon were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both TPEE and PTFE were depolymerized in high-temperature transformer oils, producing water and small molecule hydrocarbon groups. The accumulation of small hydrocarbon groups promoted positive feedback of pyrolysis in the oil. The free hydrogen produced by oil pyrolysis increased the acidity of the oil, which in turn increased the solubility of the water produced by sheath depolymerization. The chain depolymerization of TPEE was more severe than that of PTFE, further exacerbating the deterioration of TPEE-containing oil.
Conformal Titanyl Phosphate Surface Passivation for Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Kim Jung Kyu
Published: August 2018

A conformal titanyl phosphate passivation with the thickness of ca. 5 nm on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles for enhancing the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen production is described. The phosphate anion species bound to the surface of TiO2 promote the favorable kinetics of photocatalytic activity and influence the catalytic reaction pathway. By using a facile surfactant-assisted sol-gel process, the surface defects of TiO2 associated with deep traps was reduced and passivated by the phosphate anion species to form the titanyl phosphate. The strong bonds between the titanyl phosphate shell and TiO2 core provided a long-term photochemical stability in aqueous electrolytes with enhanced photocatalytic activities. The titanyl phosphate contributed to the production and stabilization of hydroxyl radicals on the surface of photocatalyst, which facilitated the efficient photooxidation of the organic pollutants. Further, enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen production was achieved by the titanyl phosphate modified TiO2 (TP-TiO2). Consequently, the conformal titanyl phosphate passivation enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Comparing to the bare TiO2 nanoparticles, approximately two-fold higher photocatalytic H2 production rate was achieved by the TP-TiO2.
Relay-Enabled Task Offloading Management for Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Liao Yangzhe , Yu Quan , Han Yi , Leeson Mark S.
Published: August 2018

Inspired by the recent developments of the Internet of Things (IoT) relay and mobile edge computing (MEC), a hospital/home-based medical monitoring framework is proposed, in which the intensive computing tasks from the implanted sensors can be efficiently executed by on-body wearable devices or a coordinator-based MEC (C-MEC). In this paper, we first propose a wireless relay-enabled task offloading mechanism that consists of a network model and a computation model. Moreover, to manage the computation resources among all relays, a task offloading decision model and the best task offloading recipient selection function is given. The performance evaluation considers different computation schemes under the predetermined link quality condition regarding the selected vital quality of service (QoS) metrics. After demonstrating the channel characterization and network topology, the performance evaluation is implemented under different scenarios regarding the network lifetime of all relays, network residual energy status, total number of locally executed packets, path loss (PL), and service delay. The results show that data transmission without the offloading scheme outperforms the offload-based technique regarding network lifetime. Moreover, the high computation capacity scenario achieves better performance regarding PL and the total number of locally executed packets.
3D Printed High Gain Complementary Dipole/Slot Antenna Array
Authors: So Kwok Kan , Luk Kwai Man , Chan Chi Hou , Chan Ka Fai
Published: August 2018

By employing the complementary dipole antenna concept to the normal waveguide fed slot radiator, an improved antenna element with wide impedance bandwidth and symmetrical radiation patterns is developed. This is achieved by mounting two additional metallic cuboids on the top of the slot radiator, which is equivalent to adding an electric dipole on top of the magnetic dipole due to the slot radiator. Then, a high-gain antenna array was designed based on the improved element and fabricated, using 3D printing technology, with stable frequency characteristics operated at around 28 GHz. This was followed by metallization via electroplating. Analytical results agree well with the experimental results. The measured operating frequency range for the reflection coefficient ≤−15 dB is from 25.7 GHz to 29.8 GHz; its corresponding fractional impedance bandwidth is 14.8%. The measured gain is approximately 32 dBi, with the 3 dB beamwidth around 4°.
An Analysis of Precipitation Extremes in the Inner Mongolian Plateau: Spatial-Temporal Patterns, Causes, and Implications
Authors: Li Chunlan , Leal Filho Walter , Wang Jun , Fudjumdjum Hubert , Fedoruk Mariia , Hu Richa , Yin Shan , Bao Yuhai , Yu Shan , Hunt Julian
Published: August 2018

To improve how extreme events and climate variations are managed, there is a need to foster a deeper understanding of their interconnections. Consistent with this objective, this paper describes how precipitation extremes change both temporally and spatially in the Inner Mongolian Plateau (IMP), China and explains their causal factors. The paper refers to data collected from 43 meteorological stations in IMP and describes how precipitation extremes formed and how they influence agriculture. Data gathered and presented in this paper may be useful in understanding the extent to which the IMP is being influenced by global environmental change. This study reveals that the eleven precipitation extremes indices, except the number of precipitation days with over 0.5 mm (R0.5), number of heavy precipitation days (R10), and total precipitation in wet days (PRCPTOT), decreased in the IMP between 1959 and 2014, and most of them were non-significant in temporal. But the dry index has a larger magnitude decreasing trend than that of the wet indices, which can indicate that the dry situation was alleviated in IMP during the study interval. This study also indicated that precipitation extremes have strong relationships with elevation, latitude, and longitude. Atmospheric circulation and topography may be further primary reasons which result in the spatial variation characteristics in precipitation extremes over the IMP. Decreases in precipitation extremes, together with human activities such as livestock improvement and ecological restoration programs, has a positive effect in gross output value of agriculture and animal husbandry in the IMP. The results contribute to a deeper insight on the possible impacts of precipitation extremes and support the development of appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies to cope with climate extremes. This paper further proposes science-based policies for grassland protection, agriculture, and animal husbandry on the national or regional and herdsman scales.
Low-Temperature Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Liquid Fuels: Effect of the Cu Particle Size
Authors: De Lucas-Consuegra Antonio , Serrano-Ruiz Juan Carlos , Gutiérrez-Guerra Nuria , Valverde José Luis
Published: August 2018

A novel gas-phase electrocatalytic system based on a low-temperature proton exchange membrane (Sterion) was developed for the gas-phase electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to liquid fuels. This system achieved gas-phase electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 at low temperatures (below 90 °C) over a Cu cathode by using water electrolysis-derived protons generated in-situ on an IrO2 anode. Three Cu-based cathodes with varying metal particle sizes were prepared by supporting this metal on an activated carbon at three loadings (50, 20, and 10 wt %; 50% Cu-AC, 20% Cu-AC, and 10% Cu-AC, respectively). The cathodes were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and their performance towards the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 was subsequently studied. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) containing the cathode with the largest Cu particle size (50% Cu-AC, 40 nm) showed the highest CO2 electrocatalytic activity per mole of Cu, with methyl formate being the main product. This higher electrocatalytic activity was attributed to the lower Cu–CO bonding strength over large Cu particles. Different product distributions were obtained over 20% Cu-AC and 10% Cu-AC, with acetaldehyde and methanol being the main reaction products, respectively. The CO2 consumption rate increased with the applied current and reaction temperature.
Extracellular Vesicles, Ageing, and Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Panagiotou Nikolaos , Neytchev Ognian , Selman Colin , Shiels Paul G.
Published: August 2018

A more comprehensive understanding of the human ageing process is required to help mitigate the increasing burden of age-related morbidities in a rapidly growing global demographic of elderly individuals. One exciting novel strategy that has emerged to intervene involves the use of extracellular vesicles to engender tissue regeneration. Specifically, this employs their molecular payloads to confer changes in the epigenetic landscape of ageing cells and ameliorate the loss of functional capacity. Understanding the biology of extracellular vesicles and the specific roles they play during normative ageing will allow for the development of novel cell-free therapeutic interventions. Hence, the purpose of this review is to summarise the current understanding of the mechanisms that drive ageing, critically explore how extracellular vesicles affect ageing processes and discuss their therapeutic potential to mitigate the effects of age-associated morbidities and improve the human health span.
Family Oncology Caregivers and Relational Health Literacy
Authors: Goldsmith Joy V. , Terui Sachiko
Published: August 2018

Nearly one-third of the U.S. population provides unpaid, informal caregiving to a loved one or friend. Caregiver health literacy involves a complex set of actions and decisions, all shaped by communication. Existing definitions depict health literacy as individuals’ skills in obtaining, understanding, communicating, and applying health information to successfully navigate the health management process. One of the major problems with existing definitions of health literacy is that it disproportionately places responsibilities of health literacy on patients and caregivers. In this conceptual piece, we define and introduce a new model of Relational Health Literacy (RHL) that emphasizes the communicative aspects of health literacy among all stakeholders (patients, caregivers, providers, systems, and communities) and how communication functions as a pathway or barrier in co-creating health care and health management processes. Future directions and recommendations for model development are described.
The Effect of Different Atomic Substitution at Mn Site on Magnetocaloric Effect in Ni50Mn35Co2Sn13 Alloy
Authors: Xing Chengfen , Zhang Hu , Long Kewen , Xiao Yaning , Zhang Hanning , Qiu Zhijie , He Dai , Liu Xingyu , Zhang Yingli , Long Yi
Published: August 2018

The effect of different atomic substitutions at Mn sites on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Ni50Mn35Co2Sn13 alloy has been studied in detail. The substitution of Ni or Co for Mn atoms might lower the Mn content at Sn sites, which would reduce the d-d hybridization between Ni 3d eg states and the 3d states of excess Mn atoms at Sn sites, thus leading to the decrease of martensitic transformation temperature TM in Ni51Mn34Co2Sn13 and Ni50Mn34Co3Sn13 alloys. On the other hand, the substitution of Sn for Mn atoms in Ni50Mn34Co2Sn14 would enhance the p-d covalent hybridization between the main group element (Sn) and the transition metal element (Mn or Ni) due to the increase of Sn content, thus also reducing the TM by stabilizing the parent phase. Due to the reduction of TM, a magnetostructural martensitic transition from FM austenite to weak-magnetic martensite is realized in Ni51Mn34Co2Sn13 and Ni50Mn34Co2Sn14, resulting in a large magnetocaloric effect around room temperature. For a low field change of 3 T, the maximum ∆SM reaches as high as 30.9 J/kg K for Ni50Mn34Co2Sn14. A linear dependence of ΔSM upon μ0H has been found in Ni50Mn34Co2Sn14, and the origin of this linear relationship has been discussed by numerical analysis of Maxwell’s relation.
The DN-6 Neutron Diffractometer for High-Pressure Research at Half a Megabar Scale
Authors: Kozlenko Denis , Kichanov Sergey , Lukin Evgenii , Savenko Boris
Published: August 2018

A neutron diffractometer DN-6 at the IBR-2 high-flux reactor is used for the studies of crystal and magnetic structure of powder materials under high pressure in a wide temperature range. The high neutron flux on the sample due to a parabolic focusing section of a neutron guide and wide solid angle of the detector system enables neutron diffraction experiments with extraordinarily small volumes (about 0.01 mm3) of studied samples. The diffractometer is equipped with high-pressure cells with sapphire and diamond anvils, which allow pressures of up to 50 GPa to be reached. The technical design, main parameters and current capabilities of the diffractometer are described. A brief overview of recently obtained results is given.
On-Site Validation of a Microwave Breast Imaging System, before First Patient Study
Authors: Fasoula Angie , Duchesne Luc , Gil Cano Julio Daniel , Lawrence Peter , Robin Guillaume , Bernard Jean-Gael
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the Wavelia microwave breast imaging system that has been recently installed at the Galway University Hospital, Ireland, for a first-in-human pilot clinical test. Microwave breast imaging has been extensively investigated over the last two decades as an alternative imaging modality that could potentially bring complementary information to state-of-the-art modalities such as X-ray mammography. Following an overview of the main working principles of this technology, the Wavelia imaging system architecture is presented, as are the radar signal processing algorithms that are used in forming the microwave images in which small tumors could be detectable for disease diagnosis. The methodology and specific quality metrics that have been developed to properly evaluate and validate the performance of the imaging system using complex breast phantoms that are scanned at controlled measurement conditions are also presented in the paper. Indicative results from the application of this methodology to the on-site validation of the imaging system after its installation at the hospital for pilot clinical testing are thoroughly presented and discussed. Given that the imaging system is still at the prototype level of development, a rigorous quality assessment and system validation at nominal operating conditions is very important in order to ensure high-quality clinical data collection.
A Hybrid Structure Learning Algorithm for Bayesian Network Using Experts’ Knowledge
Authors: Li Hongru , Guo Huiping
Published: August 2018

Bayesian network structure learning from data has been proved to be a NP-hard (Non-deterministic Polynomial-hard) problem. An effective method of improving the accuracy of Bayesian network structure is using experts’ knowledge instead of only using data. Some experts’ knowledge (named here explicit knowledge) can make the causal relationship between nodes in Bayesian Networks (BN) structure clear, while the others (named here vague knowledge) cannot. In the previous algorithms for BN structure learning, only the explicit knowledge was used, but the vague knowledge, which was ignored, is also valuable and often exists in the real world. Therefore we propose a new method of using more comprehensive experts’ knowledge based on hybrid structure learning algorithm, a kind of two-stage algorithm. Two types of experts’ knowledge are defined and incorporated into the hybrid algorithm. We formulate rules to generate better initial network structure and improve the scoring function. Furthermore, we take expert level difference and opinion conflict into account. Experimental results show that our proposed method can improve the structure learning performance.
Fast and Accurate Memory Simulation by Integrating DRAMSim2 into McSimA+
Authors: Bick Konstantin , Nguyen Duy Thanh , Lee Hyuk-Jae , Kim Hyun
Published: August 2018

Computer architecture simulators play a crucial role in the verification of a new system’s design. However, a single simulator may not be sufficient in covering detailed modeling of the entire system, thereby lacking in the simulation of a specific functionality under investigation. In this case, combining two simulators is necessary to compensate for the drawbacks of a single simulator. This paper proposes the integration of DRAMSim2, a simulator that thoroughly models DDR-SDRAM main memory architecture, into the application-level+ simulator McSimA+. The challenges of achieving an efficient integration, especially the integration of a cycle-accurate simulator into an event-driven environment, are addressed. The combined simulator achieves high accuracy due to cycle-accurate simulation while maintaining high speed and flexibility of the event-driven application-level+ simulator. The new simulator’s overall system performance and the accuracy of the newly-integrated power model are verified against the gem5 simulator.
Designing Constant Modulus Sequences with Good Correlation and Doppler Properties for Simultaneous Polarimetric Radar
Authors: Wang Fulai , Pang Chen , Li Yongzhen , Wang Xuesong
Published: August 2018

Simultaneous polarimetric radar transmits a pair of orthogonal waveforms both of which must have good auto- and cross-correlation properties. Besides, high Doppler tolerance is also required in measuring the highly maneuvering targets. A new method for the design of sequences with good correlation and Doppler properties is proposed. We formulate a fourth-order polynomial, but unconstrained, minimization problem. An iterative algorithm based on the gradient method on the phases is applied to solve it. Numerical results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared to the previous state-of-the-art method.
Power Transfer Efficiency Analysis for Omnidirectional Wireless Power Transfer System Using Three-Phase-Shifted Drive
Authors: Ye Zhaohong , Sun Yue , Liu Xiufang , Wang Peiyue , Tang Chunsen , Tian Hailin
Published: August 2018

In order to implement the omnidirectional wireless power transfer (WPT), a novel three-phase-shifted drive omnidirectional WPT system is proposed. This system is comprised of three independent phase-adjusted excitation sources, three orthogonal transmitting coils, and one planar receiving coil. Based on the mutual coupling theory, the power transfer efficiency is derived and the corresponding control mechanism for maximizing this efficiency is presented. This control mechanism only depends on the currents’ root-mean-square (RMS) values of the three transmitting coils and simple calculations after each location and/or posture change of the receiving coil, which provides the real-time possibility to design an omnidirectional WPT system comparing with the other omnidirectional systems. In aid of computer emulation technique, the efficiency characteristic versus the omnidirectional location and posture of the receiving coil is analyzed, and the analytical results verify the validity of the control mechanism. Lastly, a hardware prototype has been set up, and its omnidirectional power transmission capacity has been successfully verified. The experimental results show that the wireless power is omnidirectional and it can be effectively transmitted to a load even though its receiving coil moves and/or rotates in a 3-D energy region.
Maintenance Factor Identification in Outdoor Lighting Installations Using Simulation and Optimization Techniques
Authors: Ogando-Martínez Ana , López-Gómez Javier , Febrero-Garrido Lara
Published: August 2018

This document addresses the development of a novel methodology to identify the actual maintenance factor of the luminaires of an outdoor lighting installation in order to assess their lighting performance. The method is based on the combined use of Radiance, a free and open-source tool, for the modeling and simulation of lighting scenes, and GenOpt, a generic optimization program, for the calibration of the model. The application of this methodology allows the quantification of the deterioration of the road lighting system and the identification of luminaires that show irregularities in their operation. Values lower than 9% for the error confirm that this research can contribute to the management of street lighting by assessing real road conditions.
An Overview of Energy Scenarios, Storage Systems and the Infrastructure for Vehicle-to-Grid Technology
Authors: Harighi Tohid , Bayindir Ramazan , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Hossain Eklas
Published: August 2018

The increase in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) is one of the most important problems in the world. Decreasing GHG emissions will be a big challenge in the future. The transportation sector uses a significant part of petroleum production in the world, and this leads to an increase in the emission of GHG. The result of this issue is that the population of the world befouls the environment by the transportation system automatically. Electric Vehicles (EV) have the potential to solve a big part of GHG emission and energy efficiency issues such as the stability and reliability of energy. Therefore, the EV and grid relation is limited to the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) or Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) function. Consequently, the grid has temporary energy storage in EVs’ batteries and electricity in exchange for fossil energy in vehicles. The energy actors and their research teams have determined some targets for 2050; hence, they hope to decrease the world temperature by 6 °C, or at least by 2 °C in the normal condition. Fulfilment of these scenarios requires suitable grid infrastructure, but in most countries, the grid does not have a suitable background to apply in those scenarios. In this paper, some problems regarding energy scenarios, energy storage systems, grid infrastructure and communication systems in the supply and demand side of the grid are reviewed.
Challenges of the Non-Conventional Yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus in Winemaking
Authors: Padilla Beatriz , Gil Jose , Manzanares Paloma
Published: August 2018

Nowadays it is widely accepted that non-Saccharomyces yeasts, which prevail during the early stages of alcoholic fermentation, contribute significantly to the character and quality of the final wine. Among these yeasts, Wickerhamomyces anomalus (formerly Pichia anomala, Hansenula anomala, Candida pelliculosa) has gained considerable importance for the wine industry since it exhibits interesting and potentially exploitable physiological and metabolic characteristics, although its growth along fermentation can still be seen as an uncontrollable risk. This species is widespread in nature and has been isolated from different environments including grapes and wines. Its use together with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in mixed culture fermentations has been proposed to increase wine particular characteristics. Here, we review the ability of W. anomalus to produce enzymes and metabolites of oenological relevance and we discuss its potential as a biocontrol agent in winemaking. Finally, biotechnological applications of W. anomalus beyond wine fermentation are briefly described.
Pathogen Species Identification from Metagenomes in Ancient Remains: The Challenge of Identifying Human Pathogenic Species of Trypanosomatidae via Bioinformatic Tools
Authors: Sereno Denis , Dorkeld Franck , Akhoundi Mohammad , Perrin Pascale
Published: August 2018

Accurate species identification from ancient DNA samples is a difficult task that would shed light on the evolutionary history of pathogenic microorganisms. The field of palaeomicrobiology has undoubtedly benefited from the advent of untargeted metagenomic approaches that use next-generation sequencing methodologies. Nevertheless, assigning ancient DNA at the species level is a challenging process. Recently, the gut microbiome analysis of three pre-Columbian Andean mummies (Santiago-Rodriguez et al., 2016) has called into question the identification of Leishmania in South America. The accurate assignment would be important because it will provide some key elements that are linked to the evolutionary scenario for visceral leishmaniasis agents in South America. Here, we recovered the metagenomic data filed in the metagenomics RAST server (MG-RAST) to identify the different members of the Trypanosomatidae family that have infected these ancient remains. For this purpose, we used the ultrafast metagenomic sequence classifier, based on an exact alignment of k-mers (Kraken) and Bowtie2, an ultrafast and memory-efficient tool for aligning sequencing reads to long reference sequences. The analyses, which have been conducted on the most exhaustive genomic database possible on Trypanosomatidae, show that species assignments could be biased by a lack of some genomic sequences of Trypanosomatidae species (strains). Nevertheless, our work raises the issue of possible co-infections by multiple members of the Trypanosomatidae family in these three pre-Columbian mummies. In the three mummies, we show the presence of DNA that is reminiscent of a probable co-infection with Leptomonas seymouri, a parasite of insect’s gut, and Lotmaria.
Prospecting Glacial Ages and Paleoclimatic Reconstructions Northeastward of Nevado Coropuna (16° S, 73° W, 6377 m), Arid Tropical Andes
Authors: Úbeda Jose , Bonshoms Martí , Iparraguirre Joshua , Sáez Lucía , De la Fuente Ramón , Janssen Lila , Concha Ronald , Vásquez Pool , Masías Pablo
Published: August 2018

This work investigates the timing, paleoclimatic framework and inter-hemispheric teleconnections inferred from the glaciers last maximum extension and the deglaciation onset in the Arid Tropical Andes. A study area was selected to the northeastward of the Nevado Coropuna, the volcano currently covered by the largest tropical glacier on Earth. The current glacier extent, the moraines deposited in the past and paleoglaciers at their maximum extension have been mapped. The present and past Equilibrium Line Altitudes (ELA and paleoELA) have been reconstructed and the chlorine-36 ages have been calculated, for preliminary absolute dating of glacial and volcanic processes. The paleoELA depression, the thermometers installed in the study area and the accumulation data previously published allowed development of paleotemperature and paleoprecipitation models. The Coropuna glaciers were in maximum extension (or glacial standstill) ~20–12 ka ago (and maybe earlier). This last maximum extension was contemporary to the Heinrich 2–1 and Younger Dryas events and the Tauca and Coipasa paleolake transgressions on Bolivian Altiplano. The maximum paleoELA depression (991 m) shows a colder (−6.4 °C) and moister climate with precipitation ×1.2–×2.8 higher than the present. The deglaciation onset in the Arid Tropical Andes was 15–11 ka ago, earlier in the most southern, arid, and low mountains and later in the northernmost, less arid, and higher mountains.
Contaminations of Soil and Two Capsicum annuum Generations Irrigated by Reused Urban Wastewater Treated by Different Reed Beds
Authors: Almuktar Suhad A. A. A. N. , Abed Suhail N. , Scholz Miklas
Published: August 2018

Background: In order to save potable water, this study aims to evaluate the contamination of soil and Capsicum annuum L. (chilli) watered with urban wastewater (sewage) pre-treated by various wetland systems. Methods: The appropriateness of wetland outflow for irrigation when applying reused wastewater with high contamination of minerals and pathogens was assessed. The impact of wastewaters pre-treated by various wetlands on soil and harvest was tested in terms of mineral and biological contamination risk. Results: The wetlands met the standards for irrigation water for most water quality variables. However, the thresholds for key water quality parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) exceeded. The highest values for total coliforms, ammonium-nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 157,072 CFU/100 mL, 8.5 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, and 7.0 mg/L, respectively. The harvest was moderately polluted only by zinc according to vegetable quality standards (threshold of 50 mg/kg). Zinc concentrations for Filters 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 were 35.8, 60.6, 65.1, 65.5 and 53.2 mg/kg, respectively. No bacterial contamination was detected. Conclusions: Treatment of domestic wastewater applying constructed wetlands and subsequent recycling of the treated wastewater for irrigation of crops is a good substitute to the traditional application of drinking water for irrigation purposes.
Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic Bioaccessibility of 24 h Duplicate Diet Ingested by Preschool Children Attending Day Care Centers in Brazil
Authors: Leroux Isabelle Nogueira , Ferreira Ana Paula Sacone da Silva , Paniz Fernanda Pollo , Pedron Tatiana , Salles Fernanda Junqueira , Da Silva Fábio Ferreira , Maltez Heloisa França , Batista Bruno Lemos , Olympio Kelly Polido Kaneshiro
Published: August 2018

Lead, known as a metal with high neurotoxicity to children, cadmium, which is a carcinogenic and bioaccumulative contaminant, and arsenic, a class 1 carcinogenic according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, are toxic elements (TEs) whose relevant route of exposure may be diet. We determined the bio-accessible fraction of lead, cadmium, and arsenic from the diet of preschool children from two day care centers (DCC). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 one–four-year-old children from two DCCs where the 24-h duplicate diet samples were collected. The diet samples were analyzed by ICP-MS for lead, cadmium, and arsenic total concentrations (n = 64) and their bio-accessibility were analyzed for a subsample (n = 10). The dietary intake (DI) mean for lead, cadmium, and arsenic were 0.18 ± 0.11 µg kg−1 bw, 0.08 ± 0.04 µg kg−1 bw, and 0.61 ± 0.41 µg kg−1 bw, respectively. All DI calculated for TEs, considering total intake, were found lower than the tolerable limits (TL) (European Union, or World Health Organization, WHO, when applicable) except for one child’s Pb intake. Bio-accessibilities ranged between 0% to 93%, 0% to 103%, and 0% to 69%, for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, respectively. Although DI for TEs has been found lower than TL, these reference values have been recently decreased or withdrawn since it was for lead and arsenic whose TL were withdrawn by WHO.
The Importance of Using Public Health Impact Criteria to Develop Environmental Health Indicators: The Example of the Indoor Environment in New Zealand
Authors: Mason Kylie , Lindberg Kirstin , Read Deborah , Borman Barry
Published: August 2018

Developing environmental health indicators is challenging and applying a conceptual framework and indicator selection criteria may not be sufficient to prioritise potential indicators to monitor. This study developed a new approach for prioritising potential environmental health indicators, using the example of the indoor environment for New Zealand. A three-stage process of scoping, selection, and design was implemented. A set of potential indicators (including 4 exposure indicators and 20 health indicators) were initially identified and evaluated against indicator selection criteria. The health indicators were then further prioritised according to their public health impact and assessed by the five following sub-criteria: number of people affected (based on environmental burden of disease statistics); severity of health impact; whether vulnerable populations were affected and/or large inequalities were apparent; whether the indicator related to multiple environmental exposures; and policy relevance. Eight core indicators were ultimately selected, as follows: living in crowded households, second-hand smoke exposure, maternal smoking at two weeks post-natal, asthma prevalence, asthma hospitalisations, lower respiratory tract infection hospitalisations, meningococcal disease notifications, and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). Additionally, indicators on living in damp and mouldy housing and children’s injuries in the home, were identified as potential indicators, along with attributable burden indicators. Using public health impact criteria and an environmental burden of disease approach was valuable in prioritising and selecting the most important health impacts to monitor, using robust evidence and objective criteria.
Psychological Coping with Job Loss. Empirical Study to Contribute to the Development of Unemployed People
Authors: Navarro-Abal Yolanda , Climent-Rodríguez José Antonio , López-López María José , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: August 2018

Having a job is an essential part of people’s development. Unemployment, on the contrary, is one of the most frustrating experiences of life with greater psychological consequences for people’s lives. In this sense, psychology has contributed to an increase in knowledge about the personal and social experience of unemployment. This article discusses indicators of anxiety and depression in unemployed people, modulating socio-demographic variables, and coping strategies involved in the higher and lower levels of anxiety and depression. For this, a sample of 244 unemployed people who are users of the Career Service Centre of the Andalusian Public Employment Service of the city of Huelva is used for a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. The results show that only 5.7% of the participants do not have depressive symptoms. With regards to anxiety levels, 41.3% of participants have no anxiety. Unemployed people with high anxiety and depression scores have developed maladaptive coping strategies such as substance use, self-blaming, or denial. It is necessary to assess the importance of the unemployment process and the incorporation of appropriate coping strategies that facilitate new integration in the labour market, such as planification, emotional or social support and self-distraction between others.
Situational Use of Child Restraint Systems and Carpooling Behaviors in Parents and Caregivers
Authors: McDonald Catherine C. , Kennedy Erin , Fleisher Linda , Zonfrillo Mark R.
Published: August 2018

Suboptimal compliance with child restraint system (CRS) recommendations can increase risk for injury or death in a motor vehicle crash. The purpose of this study was to examine scenarios associated with incomplete CRS use and non-use in children ages 4–10 years. We used a cross-sectional online survey with a convenience sample of parent/caregivers from the United States, age ≥18 years, with a child age 4–10 years in their home, who could read and spoke English, and drove child ≥6 times in previous three months. We used descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U to describe and compare the distribution of responses to situational use of CRSs among car seat users and booster seat users. We also used descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U to describe and compare the distribution of responses to carpooling items among booster seat users and non-booster seat users. There were significant differences among those who reported most often using booster seats (n = 282) and car seats (n = 127) in situations involving rental cars, driving just around the corner, car too crowded to fit the CRS, not enough CRSs in the vehicle, the CRS is missing from the car, or the child is in someone else’s car without a CRS (p < 0.05). Among those who reported most often using booster seats and who carpooled other children (n = 159), 71.7% (n = 114) always used a booster seat for their own child. When carpooling other children, booster seat users were significantly more likely to use booster seats for other children ages 4–10 than the non-booster seat users (p < 0.01). Continued education and programs surrounding CRS use is critical, particularly for children who should be in booster seats.
Using the Spatial Knowledge of Map Users to Personalize City Maps: A Case Study with Tourists in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Manrique-Sancho María-Teresa , Avelar Silvania , Iturrioz-Aguirre Teresa , Manso-Callejo Miguel-Ángel
Published: August 2018

The aim of personalized maps is to help individual users to read maps and focus on the most task-relevant information. Several approaches have been suggested to develop personalized maps for cities, but few consider the spatial knowledge of its users. We propose the design of “cognitively-aware” personalized maps, which take into account the previous experience of users in the city and how the urban space is configured in their minds. Our aim is to facilitate users’ mental links between maps and city places, stimulating users to recall features of the urban space and to assimilate new spatial knowledge. To achieve this goal, we propose the personalization of maps through a map design process based on user modeling and on inferring personalization guidelines from hand-drawn sketches of urban spaces. We applied this process in an experiment with tourists in Madrid, Spain. We categorized the participants into three types of tourists—“Guided”, “Explorer”, and “Conditioned”—according to individual and contextual factors that can influence their spatial knowledge of the city. We also extracted design guidelines from tourists’ sketches and developed map prototypes. The empirical results seem to be promising for developing personalized city maps that could be produced on-the-fly in the future.
The Insensitivity of TASK-3 K2P Channels to External Tetraethylammonium (TEA) Partially Depends on the Cap Structure
Authors: Concha Guierdy , Bustos Daniel , Zúñiga Rafael , Catalán Marcelo A. , Zúñiga Leandro
Published: August 2018

Two-pore domain K+ channels (K2P) display a characteristic extracellular cap structure formed by two M1-P1 linkers, the functional role of which is poorly understood. It has been proposed that the presence of the cap explains the insensitivity of K2P channels to several K+ channel blockers including tetraethylammonium (TEA). We have explored this hypothesis using mutagenesis and functional analysis, followed by molecular simulations. Our results show that the deletion of the cap structure of TASK-3 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ channel) generates a TEA-sensitive channel with an IC50 of 11.8 ± 0.4 mM. The enhanced sensitivity to TEA displayed by the cap-less channel is also explained by the presence of an extra tyrosine residue at position 99. These results were corroborated by molecular simulation analysis, which shows an increased stability in the binding of TEA to the cap-less channel when a ring of four tyrosine is present at the external entrance of the permeation pathway. Consistently, Y99A or Y205A single-residue mutants generated in a cap-less channel backbone resulted in TASK-3 channels with low affinity to external TEA.
The Pathophysiology of Post-Traumatic Glioma
Authors: Simińska Donata , Kojder Klaudyna , Jeżewski Dariusz , Kojder Ireneusz , Skórka Marta , Gutowska Izabela , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: August 2018

Malignant glioma is a brain tumor with a very high mortality rate resulting from the specific morphology of its infiltrative growth and poor early detection rates. The causes of one of its very specific types, i.e., post-traumatic glioma, have been discussed for many years, with some studies providing evidence for mechanisms where the reaction to an injury may in some cases lead to the onset of carcinogenesis in the brain. In this review of the available literature, we discuss the consequences of breaking the blood–brain barrier and consequences of the influx of immune-system cells to the site of injury. We also analyze the influence of inflammatory mediators on the expression of genes controlling the process of apoptosis and the effect of chemical mutagenic factors on glial cells in the brain. We present the results of experimental studies indicating a relationship between injury and glioma development. However, epidemiological studies on post-traumatic glioma, of which only a few confirm the conclusions of experimental research, indicate that any potential relationship between injury and glioma, if any, is indirect.
Cytokinin at the Crossroads of Abiotic Stress Signalling Pathways
Authors: Pavlů Jaroslav , Novák Jan , Koukalová Vladěna , Luklová Markéta , Brzobohatý Břetislav , Černý Martin
Published: August 2018

Cytokinin is a multifaceted plant hormone that plays major roles not only in diverse plant growth and development processes, but also stress responses. We summarize knowledge of the roles of its metabolism, transport, and signalling in responses to changes in levels of both macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur) and micronutrients (boron, iron, silicon, selenium). We comment on cytokinin’s effects on plants’ xenobiotic resistance, and its interactions with light, temperature, drought, and salinity signals. Further, we have compiled a list of abiotic stress-related genes and demonstrate that their expression patterns overlap with those of cytokinin metabolism and signalling genes.
In Vitro Inhibitory Mechanism Effect of TRAIP on the Function of TRAF2 Revealed by Characterization of Interaction Domains
Authors: Bhat Eijaz Ahmed , Kim Chang Min , Kim Sunghwan , Park Hyun Ho
Published: August 2018

TRAF-interacting protein (TRAIP), a negative regulator of TNF-induced-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation, inhibits adaptor protein TRAF2 by direct interaction and is critical in apoptosis, cell proliferation, antiviral response, and embryonic development. Although the critical function of TRAIP in NF-κB signaling is well-known, the molecular inhibitory mechanism of TRAIP remains unclear. We found that the TRAIP coiled-coil domain altered its stoichiometry between dimer and trimer in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the TRAIP RING domain induced even higher-ordered assembly, which was necessary for interacting with the TRAF-N domain of TRAF2 but not TRAF1. Characterization of the TRAF-N domains of TRAF1 and TRAF2, the tentative TRAIP-binding region of TRAFs, suggested the molecular basis of the inhibitory effect of TRAIP on TRAF2 in NF-κB signaling.
ceRNA Cross-Talk in Paulownia Witches’ Broom Disease
Authors: Fan Guoqiang , Wang Zhe , Zhai Xiaoqiao , Cao Yabing
Published: August 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) are important in the regulation of life activities. However, their function is unclear in Paulownia fortunei. To identify lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNA, and investigate their roles in the infection progress of Paulownia witches’ broom (PaWB) disease, we performed RNA sequencing of healthy and infected P. fortunei. A total of 3126 lncRNAs, 1634 circRNAs, and 550 miRNAs were identified. Among them, 229 lncRNAs, 65 circRNAs, and 65 miRNAs were differentially expressed in a significant manner. We constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, which contains 5 miRNAs, 4 circRNAs, 5 lncRNAs, and 15 mRNAs, all of which were differentially expressed between healthy and infected P. fortunei. This study provides the first catalog of candidate ceRNAs in Paulownia and gives a revealing insight into the molecular mechanism responsible for PaWB.
Porphyrins for Second Order Nonlinear Optics (NLO): An Intriguing History §
Authors: Tessore Francesca , Orbelli Biroli Alessio , Di Carlo Gabriele , Pizzotti Maddalena
Published: August 2018

This short review outlines the main results obtained by our research group over the last 15 years in the field of porphyrins and metal porphyrins for second order nonlinear optics (NLO). This overview aims to provide a general framework of the key factors which affect the second order NLO response of porphyrin chromophores. The pivotal role of the porphyrin ring as π-conjugated linker, the nature of the metal center, the substitution pattern which features the geometrical arrangement of donor and acceptor substituents in the different classes of porphyrin NLO-phores, as well as the aggregation phenomena and the role of solvents are addressed in detail.
The Emerging Role of Pathogenesis of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Chen Chien-Sheng , Yiang Giou-Teng , Cheng Pei-Wen , Chen Yu-Long , Chiu Hsiao-Chen , Liu Kuan-Hung , Lee Wen-Chin , Li Chia-Jung
Published: August 2018

IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune disease induced by fthe ormation of galactose-deficient IgA1 and anti-glycans autoantibody. A multi-hit hypothesis was promoted to explain full expression of IgA nephropathy. The deposition of immune complex resulted in activation of the complement, increasing oxidative stress, promoting inflammatory cascade, and inducing cell apoptosis via mesangio-podocytic-tubular crosstalk. The interlinked signaling pathways of immune-complex-mediated inflammation can offer a novel target for therapeutic approaches. Treatments of IgA nephropathy are also summarized in our review article. In this article, we provide an overview of the recent basic and clinical studies in cell molecular regulation of IgAN for further treatment interventions.
Experimental Study of Macro and Microgeometric Defects in Drilled Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics by Laser Beam Machining
Authors: Mayuet Ares Pedro F. , Vázquez Martínez Juan Manuel , Marcos Bárcena Mariano , Gámez Antonio J.
Published: August 2018

Plastic matrix composite materials are an excellent choice for structural applications where high strength-weight and stiffness-weight ratios are required. These materials are being increasingly used in diverse industrial sectors, particularly in aerospace. Due to the strict tolerances required, they are usually machined with drilling cycles due to the type of mounting through rivets. In this sense, laser beam drilling is presented as an alternative to conventional drilling due to the absence of tool wear, cutting forces, or vibrations during the cutting process. However, the process carries with it other problems that compromise the integrity of the material. One of these is caused by the high temperatures generated during the interaction between the laser and the material. In this work, variance analysis is used to study the influence of scanning speed and frequency on macro geometric parameters, surface quality, and defects (taper and heat affected zone). Also, in order to identify problems in the wall of the drill, stereoscopic optical microscopy (SOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques are used. This experimental procedure reveals the conditions that minimize deviations, defects, and damage in machining holes.