bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Banco de sementes em áreas de caatinga com diferentes graus de antropização no Sertão de Itaparica-PE
Authors: Paz Gyslainne Vanderley da , Silva Kleber Andrade da , Almeida-Cortez Jarcilene Silva de
Published: March 2017

A caatinga é caracterizada por regiões áridas e semi-áridas devido a sua irregularidade de precipitação e caracterizada por longos períodos de estiagem. A investigação do banco de semente presente nessas regiões, além de nos dar informações sobre a flora atual, possibilita predizer um cenário futuro das comunidades vegetais diante de pressões antrópicas. Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar comparativamente a densidade e a composição florística do banco de sementes acumuladas da estação seca provenientes de diferentes áreas de caatinga. Foram selecionadas 14 áreas de caatinga de acordo com grau de antropização, gradiente hídrico e diferentes intensidades de herbivoria nos munincípios de Floresta e Itacuruba, Pernambuco. Foram coletadas 5 amostras de serrapilheira, em 14 parcelas. O material foi levado para casa de vegetação da UFPE, dispostos diretamente em bandejas de isopor, com regas diárias e observado por 3 meses. Foi observado um pico de germinação nas primeiras 4 semanas para o material oriundo de todas as parcelas. Foram identificadas 44 morfoespécies de plântulas de gramíneas, herbáceas e arbóreas. A maior riquezade espécies germinadas foi de herbáceas, bem como as mais abundantes. Não houve diferença signifcativa entre riqueza de espécies e pressão de herbivoria segundo a análise de GLM, mas houve diferença significativa entre a densidade e pressão de herbivoria para todas as distâncias de cursos de água e a partir da análise de NMDL foi observado que só houve diferença significativa entre áreas com curso permanente de água e áreas sem um curso de água próximo (Rglobal = 0.155; p= 0,014).
Physical, physicochemical and taxonomic characterization of Psidium araça Raddi
Authors: Padilha Maria do Rosário Fátima , Shinohara Neide Kazue Sakugawa , Pereira Emanuella de Paula Rodrigues , Pimentel Rejane Magalhães Mendonça , Andrade Samara Alvachian Cardoso , Portela Fábio Henrique , Bernardino Allan Victor Souza
Published: March 2017

New research has stimulated a large reevaluation of species with regards to the use of fruits from native plants. Araçá (a small Brazilian guava-like fruit) is found scattered in the wild in Pernambuco/Brazil. There is a scarcity of detailed studies on such regional fruit trees, especially the Psidium araçá Raddi species, whereas there is an enormous possibility to explore the potential offered by these fruits, such as in the field of gastronomy, where the search for new ingredients and exotic flavors associated with functional properties has been increasing. This article aimed to evaluate the physical, physicochemical, and taxonomic characterization of araçá obtained from different agricultural regions of Pernambuco in order to investigate the possibility of developing new products from this native fruit. The taxonomic identification confirmed that all collected material belonged to the species P. araçá Raddi. The average weight of 7.45 g/fruit was observed. With respect to pH, values between 3.17 and 3.48 were found, and the acidity as a percentage of citric acid was on the order of 0.96% to 0.99%. It was shown that the P. araçá Raddi fruit has a desirable quality for the food industry, presenting excellent conditions for the development of formulations of high commercial value and promising application in the national gastronomy.
O uso da natureza no processo de construção do urbano: quem tem tido direito aos ventos marítimos em Recife-Brasil?
Authors: Moura de Castilho Cláudio Jorge , Teixeira Arthur Felipe De Melo
Published: March 2017

Discute-se o uso da natureza, através da influência do processo de urbanização na circulação natural dos ventos marítimos em Recife, na tentativa de entender a complexidade das relações sociedade-natureza na cidade. Para isso, utilizou-se de uma abordagem metodológica ampla e aberta com base em resultados da revisão bibliográfica executada na construção do projeto de pesquisa sobre o tema. A principal contribuição deste ensaio reside na conclusão de que a gestão urbana deve considerar o “princípio de natureza” no processo contínuo de construção do espaço urbano, senão correr-se-á o risco de consolidar a atual situação de ilha de calor que poderá tornar a vida na cidade insustentável.
Biologia floral e reprodutiva de Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. (Fabaceae) no Parque Zoobotânico de Teresina, Piauí
Authors: De Souza Aguiar Bruno Ayron , Dos Santos Soares Elda Simone , De Andrade Masrua Mariana Lenara , Prado de Oliveira Maria Da Conceição , De Freitas Lopes Ariadna Valentina , De Sousa Gardene Maria
Published: March 2017

Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. é conhecido popularmente como caneleiro, possui hábito arbóreo, caule sulcado, sendo considerada planta símbolo da capital Teresina (PI). O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a biologia floral e Reprodutiva de Cenostigma macrophyllum no Parque Zoobotânico de Teresina, Piauí. Foram selecionados 15 indivíduos e analisados quanto à morfologia e morfometria floral, período de antese, receptividade estigmática, deiscência das anteras, volume de néctar, comportamento dos visitantes florais na eficácia da polinização e o sistema reprodutivo. As flores são monóclinas, dispõem-se em cerca de 81,28±25,74 flores por inflorescência racemosas. Néctar produzido e armazenado no hipanto com média de produção de 1,75 μL. A antese floral teve duração de dois dias, com pétalas totalmente distendidas às 6h, estigma receptivo as 7h e deiscência iniciando as 9h, abrindo em grupos no decorrer do dia. Os polinizadores e pilhadores iniciaram as visitas por volta das 6h até às 17h em flores do primeiro dia de antese forrageando em busca de néctar. Os polinizadores efetivos foram abelhas, com maior frequência (64%), Xylocopa sps, Apis mellifera e Centris sp., que utilizavam a pétala estandarte para acessar o néctar. Os polinizadores ocasionais foram lepidópteros, pois nem sempre contactavam as partes reprodutivas. Como pilhadoras, abelhas Trigona spinipes e o beija-flor Amazilia fimbriata que não tocavam os órgãos reprodutivos ao coletarem néctar. A espécie é Xenogâmica e apresenta sistema reprodutivo dicogâmico protogínico, uma vez que, ocorre a separação temporal de maturação dos verticilos reprodutivos. O Tratamento de escarificação mecânica apresentou maior pontecial para rápida germinação das sementes.
Infestation of Crassostrea cf. brasiliana by boring-polychaete polydorids in estuaries from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Souza José Roberto Botelho de , Bonifacio Paulo Henrique Oliveira , Assis José Eriberto de
Published: March 2017

The presence of polydorids shell-borer and the epifaunal polychaetes on Crassostrea cf. brasiliana were studied in five estuaries in Northeastern Brazil: The prevalence of shell-boring polychaetes in oysters varied significantly, showing dominance of Polydora websteri, with 57% of sampled oysters, and Boccardiella ligerica, with 11%, but the prevalence was significant different among estuaries sampled. Capibaribe River showed the highest infestation, with 81% these mud-blisters, but in Massangana River had no presence of these polychaetes. The linear regression between the number of polychaetes, and the size of oysters was significant, suggesting that infestation increases with age.
Influence of functional traits on the demographic rates of 47 arboreal species in a tropical forest in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Hian De Assis , Lima André Luís Alves de , Lins-e-Silva Ana Carolina Borges , Silva Maria Amanda Menezes , Rodal Maria Jesus Nogueira
Published: March 2017

Influence of functional traits on the demographic rates of 47 arboreal species in a tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. Based on the premise that species use different strategies for acquiring and maintaining resources, it is possible to identify their similarities as determined by particular trade-offs between traits, the present work examined the specific leaf area (SLA), basic wood density (BWD), maximum height (Hmax) and seed shape (SS) of 47 arboreal species in a moist semi-evergreen tropical forest in northeastern Brazil and investigated the influence of those traits on plant mortality rates (MR) and growth (BAG). BWD and Hmax were the best predictors of mortality rates. The factorial analysis explained 70.4% of the total variability, distributed among three factors composed of traits and rates. MR and Hmax were found to be more readily observed when orthogonally rotated by the varimax method, with the first factor explaining 26.9% of the variance. Cluster analyses and principal component analyses, whose matrices contained the variables MR, BAG, SLA, and Hmax for each species, confirmed the discriminant analysis and allowed the identification of four functional groups. The fact that some of the correlations encountered differed from previously published results (such as the negative relationship between maximum height and mortality) may reflect regional climatic seasonality or indicate that this strategy benefits plant species that reach the upper canopy and thus become well-established.
A influência do uso e ocupação do solo na qualidade da água de nascentes - Análise de macroinvertebrados Bentônicos como bioindicadores
Authors: Santos Marilene Oliveira dos , Melo Sandra Maria de
Published: March 2017

Atualmente os ecossistemas aquáticos têm sido alterados de maneira significativa tornando-se necessário o uso de medidas biológicas para monitoramento desses ambientes. Nesta perspectiva, o presente estudo objetivou analisar a influência do uso e ocupação do solo na qualidade da água da sub-bacia do córrego Machado de Melo no município de Araçatuba/SP, utilizando macroinvertebrados bentônicos como bioindicadores. A metodologia foi desenvolvida por meio de geoprocessamento de imagens de satélite, visita in locu e análises laboratoriais. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo revelaram uma diminuição da diversidade de indivíduos diretamente proporcional ao grau do uso e ocupação do solo, evidenciando o seu impacto na qualidade da água em cada estação amostral. Vale ressaltar que os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa poderão subsidiar ações e estratégias para a gestão ambiental de ambientes aquáticos continentais, assegurando a recuperação desses ambientes que constituem importantes elementos na qualidade ambiental.
Biossorção do corante índigo carmim por Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. 1827 (Poales: Poaceae) (Capim elefante)
Authors: Costa do Nascimento Aline Carla , Da Cruz Filho Iranildo José , Felix de Lima Valmir , Nascimento Junior Agrinaldo Jacinto do , Martins Marques Olga , Salgueiro Gondim Manuella Virginia
Published: March 2017

As indústrias têxteis devem tratar seus efluentes antes do descarte em corpos hídricos. Esse tratamento objetiva majoritariamente a remoção de corantes, cuja interação com o meio ambiente pode causar grandes danos a natureza. A Biossorção tem se mostrado muitas vezes uma técnica econômica e eficaz na remoção de boa parte destes corantes. Deste modo propomos aplicar como biossorvente, o Pennisetum purpureum Schumach., 1827 (Poales: Poaceae) (Capim elefante), para tratar   efluentes contendo o corante Índigo Carmim. Os ensaios de remoção do corante foram realizados em batelada nas seguintes condições: variando as temperaturas (30, 40, 60 e 100 ± 2 ºC); agitação constante de 150 rpm; pH 5,5; 0,5 g de biossorvente; e em diferentes concentrações de corante, de 25 a 65 mg·L-1. O mecanismo de biossorção foi bem descrito pelo modelo de Langmuir. A capacidade biossortiva máxima foi de 17,51 mg∙g-1.  A investigação termodinâmica indicou que a biossorção é um processo favorável e espontâneo em temperaturas até 60 ºC, acima disso o sistema apresentou uma redução da capacidade biossortiva. Deste modo, a utilização de Pennisetum purpureum Schumach., 1827 (Poales: Poaceae) como biossorvente para a remoção do corante índigo carmim de efluentes têxteis se mostrou uma   nova alternativa eficaz e econômica
Vegetation fragment influence over urban climate
Authors: Oliveira Tiago Henrique De , Pimentel Rejane Magalhães de Mendonça , Galvíncio Josiclêda Domiciano
Published: March 2017

Vegetated areas are important to provide environmental quality for the human population that lives in the neighborhood and to avoid natural disasters, such as erosion processes. The monitoring of forest fragments and green areas in the urban environment is important to the efficient management of the vegetation. This study aimed to identify the influence of the vegetation over the urban climate. The Leaf Area Index (LAI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and surface temperature were considered to be used to monitoring the air temperature. Different vegetation coverture in distinct areas of a big city, as Recife-PE-Brazil, is responsible for the environmental quality conditions, mainly those related to the air temperature and humidity, providing comfortable conditions for the human population. It is indispensable the monitoring of these vegetated areas to optimize the quality of life in big cities.
Diagnóstico da vegetação remanescente de Mata Atlântica e ecossistemas associados em espaços urbanos
Authors: Dantas Mayara De Sousa , Almeida Nadjacleia Vilar , Medeiros Iara Dos Santos , Silva Milena Dutra da
Published: March 2017

A perda e a fragmentação de habitats constituem uma das principais ameaças a conservação da biodiversidade e aos serviços ambientais prestados. Por intermédio das métricas de Paisagem, as mudanças nos padrões da mancha de remanescentes vegetacionais podem ser mensuradas e monitoradas. A presente pesquisa objetivou realizar o Diagnóstico da Vegetação Remanescente de Mata Atlântica e Ecossistemas Associados em Espaços Urbanos de João Pessoa-Paraíba. Para tal, foram obtidas imagens de satélite RapidEye, adquiridas no GeoCatalógo do Ministério do Meio Ambiente, correspondente ao ano de 2015, dando suporte a elaboração e edição de dados vetoriais. Posteriormente, foi efetuado o cálculo das métricas de paisagem na extensão V-LATE (Vector Based Landscape Analysis Tools Extension), versão gratuita para estudo. Feito isto, foram elaborados mapas temáticos de Borda e o de Índice médio de forma, gerando assim o diagnóstico ambiental da vegetação. A vegetação remanescente de mata atlântica apresenta-se fragmentada em 48 manchas, com área reduzida e uma alta densidade de bordas. O índice médio de forma foi equivalente a 2,698, evidenciando que as manchas apresentaram formatos mais lineares, muitas vezes, não contendo areas-núcleo no interior dos fragmentos. Conclui-se que a vegetação remanescente de mata atlântica em João Pessoa apresentam forma e estrutura que suscitam preocupante grau de fragilidade ambiental, fazendo-se necessária a ampliação das fiscalizações na área, bem a implementação de medidas de recuperação e preservação ambiental.
Density-dependent regulation in a weed Bidens sulphurea (Cav.) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Medeiros Natália De Freitas , Seixas Diana Pacheco , Batista Janaina Correia , Almeida Wanessa Rejane , Santos Jean Carlos
Published: March 2017

The density effects on performance of a weed Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae) were evaluated experimentally. There are very few studies available to improve the process of density-dependent to invasive species. It was used an experimental set-up in which the population of this weed species is partitioned into different density groups (1, 2, 4 and eight plants per pot) based on local conspecific density to investigate density-based population strategies. The difference between the greatest and the lowest density (8 and 1 plant per pot) was considerably high, around 41%, regarding the variables measured (stem height and diameter, leaf number and size). Plants at higher densities have become taller and thinner as a consequence of intraspecific competition. Therefore, the results suggest that the responses of B. sulphurea in dense populations can affect the persistence of population over time. These results may be useful in the future for the biological control of this species..
A North Saami to South Saami Machine Translation Prototype
Authors: Antonsen Lene , Trosterud Trond , Tyers Francis M.
Published: March 2017

The paper describes a rule-based machine translation (MT) system from North to South Saami. The system is designed for a workflow where North Saami functions as pivot language in translation from Norwegian or Swedish. We envisage manual translation from Norwegian or Swedish to North Saami, and thereafter MT to South Saami. The system was aimed at a single domain, that of texts for use in school administration. We evaluated the system in terms of the quality of translations for postediting. Two out of three of the Norwegian to South Saami professional translators found the output of the system to be useful. The evaluation shows that it is possible to make a functioning rule-based system with a small transfer lexicon and a small number of rules and achieve results that are useful for a restricted domain, even if there are substantial differences b etween the languages.
Utilizing Language Technology in the Documentation of Endangered Uralic Languages
Authors: Gerstenberger Ciprian , Partanen Niko , Rießler Michael , Wilbur Joshua
Published: March 2017

The paper describes work-in-progress by the Pite Saami, Kola Saami and Izhva Komi language documentation projects, all of which record new spoken language data, digitize available recordings and annotate these multimedia data in order to provide comprehensive language corpora as databases for future research on and for endangered – and under-described – Uralic speech communities. Applying language technology in language documentation helps us to create more systematically annotated corpora, rather than eclectic data collections. Specifically, we describe a script providing interactivity between different morphosyntactic analysis modules implemented as Finite State Transducers and ELAN, a Graphical User Interface tool for annotating and presenting multimodal corpora. Ultimately, the spoken corpora created in our projects will be useful for scientifically significant quantitative investigations on these languages in the future.
Impacts of Rural Labor Resource Change on the Technical Efficiency of Crop Production in China
Authors: Yin Ning , Wang Yapeng
Published: March 2017

This paper probes effects of the evolvement of labor resources on technical efficiency in crop production in rural China. Based on twelve years of data on crop production of 30 provinces in China, a stochastic frontier production function model is used to measure crop production efficiency in three crop-functional areas—the production area, the consumption area, and the balanced area. Then effects of both quantity and quality change in labor force on technical efficiency in different regions of China are analyzed. Results show that rural China generally has an increasing number of employees shifted to non-agricultural sectors and a decreasing trend of the stock of human capital. However, both these two changes in rural labor force have significantly positive effects on improving crop production efficiency. In addition, China’s technical inefficiency is at an average of 22.2%. Dynamically, the technical efficiencies show a tendency to rise steadily throughout China and in three areas, while the consumption area possesses the highest technical efficiency. Those results may lend some experience for other countries that are currently experiencing rural labor force and economic transition.
Conscientious Objection to Animal Experimentation in Italian Universities
Authors: Baldelli Ilaria , Massaro Alma , Penco Susanna , Bassi Anna , Patuzzo Sara , Ciliberti Rosagemma
Published: March 2017

In Italy, Law 413/1993 states that public and private Italian Institutions, including academic faculties, are obliged to fully inform workers and students about their right to conscientious objection to scientific or educational activities involving animals, hereafter written as “animal CO”. However, little monitoring on the faculties’ compliance with this law has been performed either by the government or other institutional bodies. Based on this premise, the authors have critically reviewed the existing data and compared them with those emerging from their own investigation to discuss limitations and inconsistencies. The results of this investigation revealed that less than half of Italian academic faculties comply with their duty to inform on animal CO. Non-compliance may substantially affect the right of students to make ethical choices in the field of animal ethics and undermines the fundamental right to express their own freedom of thought. The Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, ethics committees and animal welfare bodies should cooperate to make faculties respect this law. Further research is needed to better understand the reasons for the current trend, as well as to promote the enforcement of Law 413/1993 with particular regard to information on animal CO.
A Truly Second-Order and Unconditionally Stable Thermal Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Chen Zhen , Shu Chang , Tan Danielle
Published: March 2017

An unconditionally stable thermal lattice Boltzmann method (USTLBM) is proposed in this paper for simulating incompressible thermal flows. In USTLBM, solutions to the macroscopic governing equations that are recovered from lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) through Chapman–Enskog (C-E) expansion analysis are resolved in a predictor–corrector scheme and reconstructed within lattice Boltzmann framework. The development of USTLBM is inspired by the recently proposed simplified thermal lattice Boltzmann method (STLBM). Comparing with STLBM which can only achieve the first-order of accuracy in time, the present USTLBM ensures the second-order of accuracy both in space and in time. Meanwhile, all merits of STLBM are maintained by USTLBM. Specifically, USTLBM directly updates macroscopic variables rather than distribution functions, which greatly saves virtual memories and facilitates implementation of physical boundary conditions. Through von Neumann stability analysis, it can be theoretically proven that USTLBM is unconditionally stable. It is also shown in numerical tests that, comparing to STLBM, lower numerical error can be expected in USTLBM at the same mesh resolution. Four typical numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the robustness of USTLBM and its flexibility on non-uniform and body-fitted meshes.
Study on Factors for Accurate Open Circuit Voltage Characterizations in Mn-Type Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Somakettarin Natthawuth , Funaki Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2017

Open circuit voltage (OCV) of lithium batteries has been of interest since the battery management system (BMS) requires an accurate knowledge of the voltage characteristics of any Li-ion batteries. This article presents an OCV characteristic for lithium manganese oxide (LMO) batteries under several experimental operating conditions, and discusses factors for accurate OCV determination. A test system is developed for OCV characterization based on the OCV pulse test method. Various factors for the OCV behavior, such as resting period, step-size of the pulse test, testing current amplitude, hysteresis phenomena, and terminal voltage relationship, are investigated and evaluated. To this end, a general OCV model based on state of charge (SOC) tracking is developed and validated with satisfactory results.
Finite Element Simulation of NiTi Umbrella-Shaped Implant Used on Femoral Head under Different Loadings
Authors: Mehrabi Reza , Dorri Milad , Elahinia Mohammad
Published: March 2017

In this study, an umbrella-shaped device that is used for osteonecrosis treatment is simulated. The femoral head is subjected to various complex loadings as a result of a person’s daily movements. Implant devices used in the body are made of shape memory alloy materials because of their remarkable resistance to wear and corrosion, good biocompatibility, and variable mechanical properties. Since this NiTi umbrella-shaped implant is simultaneously under several loadings, a 3-D model of shape memory alloy is utilized to investigate the behavior of the implant under different conditions. Shape memory and pseudo-elasticity behavior of NiTi is analyzed using a numerical model. The simulation is performed within different temperatures and in an isothermal condition with varied and complex loadings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the device under thermal and multi-axial forces via numerically study. Under tensile loading, the most critical points are on the top part of the implant. It is also shown that changes in temperature have a minor effect on the Von Mises stress. Applied forces and torques have significant influence on the femoral head. Simulations results indicate that the top portion of the umbrella is under the most stress when embedded in the body. Consequently, the middle, curved portion of the umbrella is under the least amount of stress.
STAT5-Interacting Proteins: A Synopsis of Proteins that Regulate STAT5 Activity
Authors: Able Ashley , Burrell Jasmine , Stephens Jacqueline
Published: March 2017

Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) are key components of the JAK/STAT pathway. Of the seven STATs, STAT5A and STAT5B are of particular interest for their critical roles in cellular differentiation, adipogenesis, oncogenesis, and immune function. The interactions of STAT5A and STAT5B with cytokine/hormone receptors, nuclear receptors, transcriptional regulators, proto-oncogenes, kinases, and phosphatases all contribute to modulating STAT5 activity. Among these STAT5 interacting proteins, some serve as coactivators or corepressors to regulate STAT5 transcriptional activity and some proteins can interact with STAT5 to enhance or repress STAT5 signaling. In addition, a few STAT5 interacting proteins have been identified as positive regulators of STAT5 that alter serine and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT5 while other proteins have been identified as negative regulators of STAT5 via dephosphorylation. This review article will discuss how STAT5 activity is modulated by proteins that physically interact with STAT5.
A Simple Metallothionein-Based Biosensor for Enhanced Detection of Arsenic and Mercury
Authors: Irvine Gordon , Tan Swee , Stillman Martin
Published: March 2017

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of cysteine-rich proteins whose biological roles include the regulation of essential metal ions and protection against the harmful effects of toxic metals. Due to its high affinity for many toxic, soft metals, recombinant human MT isoform 1a was incorporated into an electrochemical-based biosensor for the detection of As3+ and Hg2+. A simple design was chosen to maximize its potential in environmental monitoring and MT was physically adsorbed onto paper discs placed on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). This system was tested with concentrations of arsenic and mercury typical of contaminated water sources ranging from 5 to 1000 ppb. The analytical performance of the MT-adsorbed paper discs on SPCEs demonstrated a greater than three-fold signal enhancement and a lower detection limit compared to blank SPCEs, 13 ppb for As3+ and 45 ppb for Hg2+. While not being as low as some of the recommended drinking water limits, the sensitivity of the simple MT-biosensor would be potentially useful in monitoring of areas of concern with a known contamination problem. This paper describes the ability of the metal binding protein metallothionein to enhance the effectiveness of a simple, low-cost electrochemical sensor.
Serine/Threonine Kinase 3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinase-1 (PDK1) as a Key Regulator of Cell Migration and Cancer Dissemination
Authors: Di Blasio Laura , Gagliardi Paolo , Puliafito Alberto , Primo Luca
Published: March 2017

Dissecting the cellular signaling that governs the motility of eukaryotic cells is one of the fundamental tasks of modern cell biology, not only because of the large number of physiological processes in which cell migration is crucial, but even more so because of the pathological ones, in particular tumor invasion and metastasis. Cell migration requires the coordination of at least four major processes: polarization of intracellular signaling, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane extension, focal adhesion and integrin signaling and contractile forces generation and rear retraction. Among the molecular components involved in the regulation of locomotion, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has been shown to exert fundamental role. A pivotal node of such pathway is represented by the serine/threonine kinase 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDPK1 or PDK1). PDK1, and the majority of its substrates, belong to the AGC family of kinases (related to cAMP-dependent protein kinase 1, cyclic Guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C), and control a plethora of cellular processes, downstream either to PI3K or to other pathways, such as RAS GTPase-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Interestingly, PDK1 has been demonstrated to be crucial for the regulation of each step of cell migration, by activating several proteins such as protein kinase B/Akt (PKB/Akt), myotonic dystrophy-related CDC42-binding kinases alpha (MRCKα), Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCγ1) and β3 integrin. Moreover, PDK1 regulates cancer cell invasion as well, thus representing a possible target to prevent cancer metastasis in human patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the various mechanisms by which PDK1 controls the cell migration process, from cell polarization to actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion regulation, and finally, to discuss the evidence supporting a role for PDK1 in cancer cell invasion and dissemination.
Solvent-Free Biginelli Reactions Catalyzed by Hierarchical Zeolite Utilizing a Ball Mill Technique: A Green Sustainable Process
Authors: Shahid Ameen , Ahmed Nesreen , Saleh Tamer , Al-Thabaiti Shaeel , Basahel Sulaiman , Schwieger Wilhelm , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: March 2017

A sustainable, green one-pot process for the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) derivatives by a three-component reaction of β-ketoester derivatives, aldehyde and urea or thiourea over the alkali-treated H-ZSM-5 zeolite under ball-milling was developed. Isolation of the product with ethyl acetate shadowed by vanishing of solvent was applied. The hierachical zeolite catalyst (MFI27_6) showed high yield (86%–96%) of DHPMs in a very short time (10–30 min). The recyclability of the catalyst for the subsequent reactions was examined in four subsequent runs. The catalyst was shown to be robust without a detectable reduction in catalytic activity, and high yields of products showed the efficient protocol of the Biginelli reactions.
High-Temperature Corrosion of AlCrSiN Film in Ar-1%SO2 Gas
Authors: Yadav Poonam , Lee Dong , Lin Yue , Zhang Shihong , Kwon Sik
Published: March 2017

AlCrSiN film with a composition of 29.1Al-17.1Cr-2.1Si-51.7N in at. % was deposited on a steel substrate by cathodic arc ion plating at a thickness of 1.8 μm. It consisted of nanocrystalline hcp-AlN and fcc-CrN, where a small amount of Si was dissolved. Corrosion tests were carried out at 800 °C for 5–200 h in Ar-1%SO2 gas. The major corrosion reaction was oxidation owing to the high oxygen affinity of Al and Cr in the film. The formed oxide scale consisted primarily of (Al,Cr)2O3, within which Fe, Si, and S were dissolved. Even after corrosion for 200 h, the thickness of the scale was about 0.7–1.2 μm, indicating that the film had good corrosion resistance in the SO2-containing atmosphere.
The Effects of ACRT on the Growth of ZnTe Crystal by the Temperature Gradient Solution Growth Technique
Authors: Yin Liying , Jie Wanqi , Wang Tao , Zhou Boru , Yang Fan , Nan Ruihua
Published: March 2017

A finite element method is used here to simulate the temperature field, the thermosolutal convection, the solute segregation, and the non-isothermal phase transformation during the growth of ZnTe crystal via the temperature gradient solution growth technique (TGSG) with an accelerated crucible rotation technique (ACRT). Three different trapezoid-wave ACRT sequences are proposed, and their effects are examined from the views of the constitutional supercooling and the mixing of the solution. The solution in front of the growth interface can be fully mixed only during the constant rotation stage of the ACRT when there is a clockwise Ekman flow. An inappropriate ACRT can produce excessively strong clockwise and counterclockwise Ekman flows, and this results in constitutional supercooling in front of the central part of the growth interface at the beginning of the stop stage and in front of the peripheral part at the end of the constant rotation stage. By adjusting the acceleration rate of the ampoule rotation, the appropriate Ekman flows can be obtained to well mix the solution and avoid the constitutional supercooling. An appropriate ACRT sequence is provided, which can facilitate the mixing of the solution, avoid constitutional supercooling, and improve the growth interface morphology.
The Syntheses, Crystal Structure and Luminescence Properties of Cone-Like Octadentate Europium (III) Complexes with Four Short Alkoxy Substituents
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Hirosaki Satoshi , Jalli Venkataprasad , Tsuge Akihiko , Yoza Kenji
Published: March 2017

Treatment of 1-(4′-methoxy or ethoxy phenyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-butanedione with europium (III) chloride in the presence of piperidine resulted in the halide ligands exchange yielded new piperidinium tetrakis{1-(4′-methoxy or ethoxy phenyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-butanedionato} europate (III) complexes 2a and 2b. Complexes 2a and 2b have been characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and FAB-MS, and their absolute structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes 2a and 2b have the monoclinic space groups C2/c (No. 15, 4′-substituent = OCH3) and with P − 1 (No. 2, 4′-substituent = OC2H5), respectively. X-ray analysis results showed that eight coordinate structures of the complexes 2a and 2b have conelike structures, like calix[4]arenes, but their structures were slightly different due to the crystal packing and the existence of the solvent molecule. The complexes 2a and 2b exhibited identical, strong photoluminescence emissions in the solution phase.
The Two-Time Interpretation and Macroscopic Time-Reversibility
Authors: Aharonov Yakir , Cohen Eliahu , Landsberger Tomer
Published: March 2017

The two-state vector formalism motivates a time-symmetric interpretation of quantum mechanics that entails a resolution of the measurement problem. We revisit a post-selection-assisted collapse model previously suggested by us, claiming that unlike the thermodynamic arrow of time, it can lead to reversible dynamics at the macroscopic level. In addition, the proposed scheme enables us to characterize the classical-quantum boundary. We discuss the limitations of this approach and its broad implications for other areas of physics.
Quantum Probabilities as Behavioral Probabilities
Authors: Yukalov Vyacheslav , Sornette Didier
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate that behavioral probabilities of human decision makers share many common features with quantum probabilities. This does not imply that humans are some quantum objects, but just shows that the mathematics of quantum theory is applicable to the description of human decision making. The applicability of quantum rules for describing decision making is connected with the nontrivial process of making decisions in the case of composite prospects under uncertainty. Such a process involves deliberations of a decision maker when making a choice. In addition to the evaluation of the utilities of considered prospects, real decision makers also appreciate their respective attractiveness. Therefore, human choice is not based solely on the utility of prospects, but includes the necessity of resolving the utility-attraction duality. In order to justify that human consciousness really functions similarly to the rules of quantum theory, we develop an approach defining human behavioral probabilities as the probabilities determined by quantum rules. We show that quantum behavioral probabilities of humans do not merely explain qualitatively how human decisions are made, but they predict quantitative values of the behavioral probabilities. Analyzing a large set of empirical data, we find good quantitative agreement between theoretical predictions and observed experimental data.
Compressed Sensing ISAR Reconstruction Considering Highly Maneuvering Motion
Authors: Khwaja Ahmed , Cetin Mujdat
Published: March 2017

In this report, we propose compressed sensing inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging in the presence of highly maneuvering motion using a modified orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) reconstruction algorithm. Unlike existing methods where motion is limited to first- or second-order phase terms, we take into account realistic motion of a maneuvering target that can involve a third-order phase term corresponding to the rate of rotational acceleration. In addition, unlike existing fixed dictionary-based methods, which require designing a large dictionary that needs to take into account all of the possible motion parameters, we propose a modified OMP reconstruction method that requires a dictionary only based on the first-order phase term and estimates the secondand third-order phase terms using an optimization algorithm. Simulation examples and comparison with existing methods show the viability of our approach for imaging moving targets consisting of higher order motion.
Comprehensive Analysis of LCL Filter Interfaced Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter-Based DSTATCOM
Authors: Pandey Ravikant , Tripathi Ravi , Hanamoto Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2017

Three-phase two-level voltage source converters are used for distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) applications and can be replaced by a multilevel inverter. In this paper, an LCL filter interfaced cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter-based (CHBMLI) DSTATCOM is simulated and its performance is analyzed considering the system parameters. The analysis considers factors including the switching frequency, modulation index, and filter parameters of a DSTATCOM system. The LCL filter design and analysis for the low switching frequency operation of CHBMLI is proposed in this paper. Phase shift pulse-width modulation is used for the generation of switching signals. The reference current is generated using synchronous reference frame theory (SRFT) for reactive power and harmonic compensations. The simulation model of the CHBMLI-based DSTATCOM system is developed in MATLAB Simulink. The results are demonstrated for a linear/non-linear load under unbalanced conditions, considering the voltage sag and swell in the system due to a disturbance in the load.
Detoxification of a Lignocellulosic Waste from a Pulp Mill to Enhance Its Fermentation Prospects
Authors: Llano Tamara , Quijorna Natalia , Coz Alberto
Published: March 2017

Detoxification is required for sugar bioconversion and hydrolyzate valorization within the biorefining concept for biofuel or bio-product production. In this work, the spent sulfite liquor, which is the main residue provided from a pulp mill, has been detoxified. Evaporation, overliming, ionic exchange resins, and adsorption with activated carbon or black carbon were considered to separate the sugars from the inhibitors in the lignocellulosic residue. Effectiveness in terms of total and individual inhibitor removals, sugar losses and sugar-to-inhibitor removal ratio was determined. The best results were found using the cation exchange Dowex 50WX2 resin in series with the anion exchange Amberlite IRA-96 resin, which resulted in sugar losses of 24.2% with inhibitor removal of 71.3% of lignosulfonates, 84.8% of phenolics, 82.2% acetic acid, and 100% of furfurals. Apart from exchange resins, the results of evaporation, overliming, adsorption with activated carbon and adsorption with black carbon led to total inhibitor removals of 8.6%, 44.9%, 33.6% and 47.6%, respectively. Finally, some fermentation scenarios were proposed in order to evaluate the most suitable technique or combination of techniques that should be implemented in every case.
Thermal and Stability Investigation of Phase Change Material Dispersions for Thermal Energy Storage by T-History and Optical Methods
Authors: De Paola Maria , Arcuri Natale , Calabrò Vincenza , De Simone Marilena
Published: March 2017

Glauber’s salt (sodium sulphate decahydrate) is a promising phase change material (PCM) for use in the building sector, thanks to its high enthalpy of fusion associated with a proper phase transition temperature. It also offers economic and environmental advantages because it can be obtained as a byproduct from the disposal process of lead batteries. However, due to phenomena of phase segregation and supercooling, Glauber’s salt cannot be used in its pure state and requires the addition of rheological modifiers and nucleating agents. In this work, the initial thermal performances of mixtures based on Glauber’s salt with different compositions are compared by using the T-history method and adopting sonication for mixing, and following the same preparation procedure for all the samples. With fixed composition, the effects of the addition sequence of the reagents are also examined. The analysis carried out by optical methods based on light scattering (Turbiscan equipment) allowed us to identify the kinetics of destabilization for each sample and revealed the need to specify in detail the preparation stages of PCMs, in order to make the composition reproducible in the laboratory and on a wider scale.
The Social Costs of Electricity Generation—Categorising Different Types of Costs and Evaluating Their Respective Relevance
Authors: Samadi Sascha
Published: March 2017

Various electricity generation technologies using different primary energy sources are available. Many published studies compare the costs of these technologies. However, most of those studies only consider plant-level costs and do not fully take into account additional costs that societies may face in using these technologies. This article reviews the literature on the costs of electricity generation technologies, aiming to determine which types of costs are relevant from a societal point of view when comparing generation technologies. The paper categorises the relevant types of costs, differentiating between plant-level, system and external costs as the main categories. It discusses the relevance of each type of cost for each generation technology. The findings suggest that several low-carbon electricity generation technologies exhibit lower social costs per kWh than the currently dominant technologies using fossil fuels. More generally, the findings emphasise the importance of taking not only plant-level costs, but also system and external costs, into account when comparing electricity generation technologies from a societal point of view. The article intends to inform both policymakers and energy system modellers, the latter who may strive to include all relevant types of costs in their models.
Measurement Error Estimation for Capacitive Voltage Transformer by Insulation Parameters
Authors: Chen Bin , Du Lin , Liu Kun , Chen Xianshun , Zhang Fuzhou , Yang Feng
Published: March 2017

Measurement errors of a capacitive voltage transformer (CVT) are relevant to its equivalent parameters for which its capacitive divider contributes the most. In daily operation, dielectric aging, moisture, dielectric breakdown, etc., it will exert mixing effects on a capacitive divider’s insulation characteristics, leading to fluctuation in equivalent parameters which result in the measurement error. This paper proposes an equivalent circuit model to represent a CVT which incorporates insulation characteristics of a capacitive divider. After software simulation and laboratory experiments, the relationship between measurement errors and insulation parameters is obtained. It indicates that variation of insulation parameters in a CVT will cause a reasonable measurement error. From field tests and calculation, equivalent capacitance mainly affects magnitude error, while dielectric loss mainly affects phase error. As capacitance changes 0.2%, magnitude error can reach −0.2%. As dielectric loss factor changes 0.2%, phase error can reach 5′. An increase of equivalent capacitance and dielectric loss factor in the high-voltage capacitor will cause a positive real power measurement error. An increase of equivalent capacitance and dielectric loss factor in the low-voltage capacitor will cause a negative real power measurement error.
Frequency Control Strategy for Black Starts via PMSG-Based Wind Power Generation
Authors: Tang Yi , Dai Jianfeng , Wang Qi , Feng Yixin
Published: March 2017

The use of wind power generation (WPG) as a source for black starts will significantly enhance the resiliency of power systems and shorten their recovery time from blackouts. Given that frequency stability is the most serious issue during the initial recovery period, virtual inertia control can enable wind turbines to provide frequency support to an external system. In this study, a general procedure of WPG participating in black starts is presented, and the key issues are discussed. The adaptability of existing virtual inertia control strategies is analyzed, and improvement work is performed. A new coordinated frequency control strategy is proposed based on the presented improvement work. A local power network with a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based wind farm is modeled and used to verify the effectiveness of the strategy.
REDD+ in West Africa: Politics of Design and Implementation in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Asiyanbi Adeniyi , Arhin Albert , Isyaku Usman
Published: March 2017

This paper analyses the design and implementation of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, conserving and enhancing forest carbon stocks, and sustainably managing forests (REDD+) in the West African region, an important global biodiversity area. Drawing on in-depth interviews, analysis of policy documents and observation of everyday activities, we sought to understand how REDD+ has been designed and implemented in Nigeria and Ghana. We draw on political ecology to examine how, and why REDD+ takes the form it does in these countries. We structure our discussion around three key dimensions that emerged as strong areas of common emphasis in our case studies—capacity building, carbon visibility, and property rights. First, we show that while REDD+ design generally foregrounds an ostensible inclusionary politics, its implementation is driven through various forms of exclusion. This contradictory inclusion–exclusion politics, which is partly emblematic of the neoliberal provenance of the REDD+ policy, is also a contingent reality and a strategy for navigating complexities and pursuing certain interests. Second, we show that though the emergent foci of REDD+ implementation in our case studies align with global REDD+ expectations, they still manifest as historically and geographically contingent processes that reflect negotiated and contested relations among actors that constitute the specific national circumstance of each country. We conclude by reflecting on the importance of our findings for understanding REDD+ projects in other tropical countries.