bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive IoT Node Proposal Using Open Hardware. A Smart Farming Use Case to Monitor Vineyards
Authors: Trilles Sergio , González-Pérez Alberto , Huerta Joaquín
Published: December 2018

The last decade has witnessed a significant reduction in prices and an increased performance of electronic components, coupled with the influence of the shift towards the generation of open resources, both in terms of knowledge (open access), programs (open-source software), and components (open hardware). This situation has produced different effects in today’s society, among which is the empowerment of citizens, called makers, who are themselves able to generate citizen science or build assembly developments. Situated in the context described above, the current study follows a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach. In this way, it attempts to define a conceptual design of an Internet of Things (IoT) node, which is reproducible at both physical and behavioral levels, to build IoT nodes which can cover any scenario. To test this conceptual design, this study proposes a sensorization node to monitor meteorological phenomena. The node is called SEnviro (node) and features different improvements such as: the possibility of remote updates using Over-the-Air (OTA) updates; autonomy, using 3G connectivity, a solar panel, and applied energy strategies to prolong its life; and replicability, because it is made up of open hardware and other elements such as 3D-printed pieces. The node is validated in the field of smart agriculture, with the aim of monitoring different meteorological phenomena, which will be used as input to disease detection models to detect possible diseases within vineyards.
Fault-Tolerant Temperature Control Algorithm for IoT Networks in Smart Buildings
Authors: Casado-Vara Roberto , Vale Zita , Prieto Javier , Corchado Juan M.
Published: December 2018

The monitoring of the Internet of things networks depends to a great extent on the availability and correct functioning of all the network nodes that collect data. This network nodes all of which must correctly satisfy their purpose to ensure the efficiency and high quality of monitoring and control of the internet of things networks. This paper focuses on the problem of fault-tolerant maintenance of a networked environment in the domain of the internet of things. Based on continuous-time Markov chains, together with a cooperative control algorithm, a novel feedback model-based predictive hybrid control algorithm is proposed to improve the maintenance and reliability of the internet of things network. Virtual sensors are substituted for the sensors that the algorithm predicts will not function properly in future time intervals; this allows for maintaining reliable monitoring and control of the internet of things network. In this way, the internet of things network improves its robustness since our fault tolerant control algorithm finds the malfunction nodes that are collecting incorrect data and self-correct this issue replacing malfunctioning sensors with new ones. In addition, the proposed model is capable of optimising sensor positioning. As a result, data collection from the environment can be kept stable. The developed continuous-time control model is applied to guarantee reliable monitoring and control of temperature in a smart supermarket. Finally, the efficiency of the presented approach is verified with the results obtained in the conducted case study.
Deep Learning Based on Multi-Decomposition for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Kim Seon Hyeog , Lee Gyul , Kwon Gu-Young , Kim Do-In , Shin Yong-June
Published: December 2018

Load forecasting is a key issue for efficient real-time energy management in smart grids. To control the load using demand side management accurately, load forecasting should be predicted in the short term. With the advent of advanced measuring infrastructure, it is possible to measure energy consumption at sampling rates up to every 5 min and analyze the load profile of small-scale energy groups, such as individual buildings. This paper presents applications of deep learning using feature decomposition for improving the accuracy of load forecasting. The load profile is decomposed into a weekly load profile and then decomposed into intrinsic mode functions by variational mode decomposition to capture periodic features. Then, a long short-term memory network model is trained by three-dimensional input data with three-step regularization. Finally, the prediction results of all intrinsic mode functions are combined with advanced measuring infrastructure measured in the previous steps to determine an aggregated output for load forecasting. The results are validated by applications to real-world data from smart buildings, and the performance of the proposed approach is assessed by comparing the predicted results with those of conventional methods, nonlinear autoregressive networks with exogenous inputs, and long short-term memory network-based feature decomposition.
Solving the Multi-Objective Optimal Power Flow Problem Using the Multi-Objective Firefly Algorithm with a Constraints-Prior Pareto-Domination Approach
Authors: Chen Gonggui , Yi Xingting , Zhang Zhizhong , Lei Hangtian
Published: December 2018

Known as a multi-objective, large-scale, and complicated optimization problem, the multi-objective optimal power flow (MOOPF) problem tends to be introduced with many constraints. In this paper, compared with the frequently-used penalty function-based method (PFA), a novel constraint processing approach named the constraints-prior Pareto-domination approach (CPA) is proposed for ensuring non-violation of various inequality constraints on dependent variables by introducing the Pareto-domination principle based on the sum of constraint violations. Moreover, for solving the constrained MOOPF problem, the multi-objective firefly algorithm with CPA (MOFA-CPA) is proposed and some optimization strategies, such as the crowding distance calculation and non-dominated sorting based on the presented CPA, are utilized to sustain well-distributed Pareto front (PF). Finally, in order to demonstrate the feasible and effective improvement of MOFA-CPA, a comparison study between MOFA-CPA and MOFA-PFA is performed on two test systems, including three bi-objective optimization cases and three tri-objective optimization cases. The simulation results demonstrate the capability of the MOFA-CPA for obtaining PF with good distribution and superiority of the proposed CPA for dealing with inequality constraints on dependent variables. In addition, some quality indicators are used to evaluate the convergence, distribution, and uniformity of the PFs found by the MOFA-CPA and MOFA-PFA.
Integrated Optimal Dispatch of a Rural Micro-Energy-Grid with Multi-Energy Stream Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yang Jianhua , Wang Weizhou , Zhang Man , Jing Tianjun
Published: December 2018

Due to the randomness of the intermittent distributed energy output and load demand of a micro-energy-grid, micro-sources cannot fully follow the day-ahead micro-energy-grid optimal dispatching plan. Therefore, a micro-energy-grid is difficult to operate steadily and is challenging to include in the response dispatch of a distribution network. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes an integrated optimal dispatch method for a micro-energy-grid based on model predictive control. In the day-ahead optimal dispatch, an optimal dispatch model of a micro-energy-grid is built taking the daily minimum operating cost as the objective function, and the optimal output curve of each micro-source of the next day per hour is obtained. In the real-time dispatch, rolling optimization of the day-ahead optimal dispatching plan is implemented based on model predictive control theory. The real-time state of the system is sampled, and feedback correction of the system is implemented. The influence of uncertain factors in the system is eliminated to ensure steady operation of the system. Finally, the validity and feasibility of the integrated optimal dispatching method are verified by a case simulation analysis.
Oscillation Suppression Method by Two Notch Filters for Parallel Inverters under Weak Grid Conditions
Authors: Yang Ling , Chen Yandong , Wang Hongliang , Luo An , Huai Kunshan
Published: December 2018

With plenty of parallel inverters connected to a weak grid at the point of common coupling (PCC), the impedance coupling interactions between the inverters and the grid are enhanced, which may cause high-frequency harmonic oscillation and further aggravate the system instability. In this paper, a basic technique for inverter output impedance is proposed to suppress the oscillation, showing that the inverter output impedance should be designed relatively high at the harmonic oscillation frequency, while relatively low at other frequencies. On the basis of the proposed technique, two virtual impedances are added to be in parallel and in series with the original inverter output impedance, respectively. Thus, an oscillation suppression method by two notch filters is proposed to realize the virtual impedances and increase the whole system damping. The implementation forms of the virtual impedances are presented by the proposed PCC voltage feedforward and grid-side inductor current feedback with two notch filters. Finally, simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the validity of the proposed control method.
Short-Term Forecasting of Total Energy Consumption for India-A Black Box Based Approach
Authors: Rahman Habeebur , Selvarasan Iniyan , Begum A Jahitha
Published: December 2018

Continual energy availability is one of the prime inputs requisite for the persistent growth of any country. This becomes even more important for a country like India, which is one of the rapidly developing economies. Therefore electrical energy’s short-term demand forecasting is an essential step in the process of energy planning. The intent of this article is to predict the Total Electricity Consumption (TEC) in industry, agriculture, domestic, commercial, traction railways and other sectors of India for 2030. The methodology includes the familiar black-box approaches for forecasting namely multiple linear regression (MLR), simple regression model (SRM) along with correlation, exponential smoothing, Holt’s, Brown’s and expert model with the input variables population, GDP and GDP per capita using the software used are IBM SPSS Statistics 20 and Microsoft Excel 1997–2003 Worksheet. The input factors namely GDP, population and GDP per capita were taken into consideration. Analyses were also carried out to find the important variables influencing the energy consumption pattern. Several models such as Brown’s model, Holt’s model, Expert model and damped trend model were analysed. The TEC for the years 2019, 2024 and 2030 were forecasted to be 1,162,453 MW, 1,442,410 MW and 1,778,358 MW respectively. When compared with Population, GDP per capita, it is concluded that GDP foresees TEC better. The forecasting of total electricity consumption for the year 2030–2031 for India is found to be 1834349 MW. Therefore energy planning of a country relies heavily upon precise proper demand forecasting. Precise forecasting is one of the major challenges to manage in the energy sector of any nation. Moreover forecasts are important for the effective formulation of energy laws and policies in order to conserve the natural resources, protect the ecosystem, promote the nation’s economy and protect the health and safety of the society.
Numerical Investigation of Harvesting Solar Energy and Anti-Icing Road Surfaces Using a Hydronic Heating Pavement and Borehole Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Mirzanamadi Raheb , Hagentoft Carl-Eric , Johansson Pär
Published: December 2018

Hydronic Heating Pavement (HHP) is an environmentally friendly method for anti-icing the roads. The HHP system harvests solar energy during summer, stores it in a Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) and releases the stored energy for anti-icing the road surface during winter. The aims of this study are to investigate: (i) the feasibility of HHP system with low fluid temperature for harvesting solar energy and anti-icing the road surface; and (ii) the long-term operation of the STES. In this study, a Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) is considered to be the STES. The HHP system and the BTES are decoupled from each other and their performances are investigated separately. A hybrid 3D numerical simulation model is developed to analyze the operation of the HHP system. Moreover, a 3D numerical simulation model is made to calculate the temperature evolution at the borehole walls of the BTES. The climate data are obtained from Östersund, a city in the middle of Sweden with long and cold winter periods. Considering the HHP system with the inlet fluid temperature of 4 °C, the road area of 50 m × 3.5 m as well as the BTES with 20 boreholes and 200 m depth, the result showed that the harvested solar energy during summer is 352.1   kWh / ( m 2 · year ) , the required energy for anti-icing the road surface is 81.2   kWh / ( m 2 · year ) and the average temperature variation at the borehole walls after 50 years is +0.5 °C. Installing the HHP system in the road leads to a 1725 h shorter remaining number of hours of slippery condition on the road surface during winter and a 5.1 °C lower temperature on the road surface during summer, compared to a road without the HHP system.
Field Investigation of Hydraulic Fracturing in Coal Seams and Its Enhancement for Methane Extraction in the Southeast Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Zuxun , Wang Hongtu , Deng Bozhi , Li Minghui , Zhang Dongming
Published: December 2018

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective technology for enhancing the extraction of reservoir methane, as proved by field experience and laboratory experiments. However, unlike conventional reservoirs, coal seams had high stress sensitivity and high anisotropy. Therefore, the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing in coal seams needs to be investigated. In this study, hydraulic fracturing was performed at Nantong mine in the southeast Sichuan basin, China. The field investigation indicated that the hydraulic fracturing could significantly enhance the methane extraction rate of boreholes ten times higher than that of normal boreholes in one of the minable coal seams (named #5 coal seam). The performance of hydraulic fracturing in three districts revealed that compared with south flank, the fluid pressure was higher and the injection rate was lower in north flank. The methane extraction rate of south flank was inferior to that of north flank. It indicated hydraulic fracturing had less effect on #5 coal seam in south flank. Moreover, the injection of high-pressure water in coal seams could also drive methane away from boreholes. The methane extraction rate of the test boreholes demonstrated the existence of methane enrichment circles after hydraulic fracturing. It indicated that hydraulic fracturing did act on #5 coal seam in south flank. However, due to the high stress sensitivity of coal seams and the high geo-stress of south flank, the induced artificial fractures in #5 coal seam might close with the decline of the fluid pressure that led to a sharp decline of the methane extraction rate.
Acoustic Wave-Based Method of Locating Tubing Leakage for Offshore Gas Wells
Authors: Liu Di , Fan Jianchun , Wu Shengnan
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a novel acoustic wave-based method for the detection of leakage in downhole tubing of offshore gas wells. The localization model is developed on the basis of analyzing the propagation model of leakage acoustic waves and the critical factors in localization. The proposed method is validated using experimental laboratory investigations that are conducted to locate tubing leakage by setting five holes at different positions on the tubing wall. A detection system is developed for the leakage acoustic waves in the tubing-casing annulus, where one acoustic sensor is installed at the annulus top. Laboratory experimental results show that the depth of downhole leakage can be effectively located by using the proposed localization model. The localization errors are kept at a very low level, and are mainly generated from extracting the characteristic time and calculating annular acoustic velocity. A case study focusing on an offshore gas well is presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method, and to demonstrate that the proposed model can locate the liquid level and leakage points under field conditions. The test can be performed without interrupting the production of gas wells.
The Institutionalization of the Consistency and Comparability Principle in the European Companies
Authors: Avram Viorel , Calu Daniela Artemisa , Dumitru Valentin Florentin , Dumitru Mădălina , Glăvan Mariana Elena , Jinga Gabriel
Published: December 2018

There is a general tendency in reporting nowadays, represented by the institutionalization of the environmental reporting in an increasing number of companies. The novelty of our work resides in the fact that this is the first study which analyses the consistency and comparability of the information included in integrated reports. The objective of this research is to determine to what extent the reporting of the environmental performance indicators, including energy, prescribed by the Global Reporting Initiative’s guidelines is in line with the consistency and comparability principle. We analysed the reports published by the European organisations included in the Pilot Programme of the International Integrated Reporting Council. We used the following methodology. First, we compared the environmental reporting of 2016 from one company to another, splitting the sample in accordance with the industries. Second, we analysed the reporting practices of the environmentally-sensitive companies, including energy, in 2010, 2013 and 2016, in order to analyse the consistency of the information published. The results of the research show that the environmentally-sensitive companies, including energy, publish more information. Also, the score of information consistency is above average. The best consistency level is registered in the Basic Materials industry, followed by Oil & Gas and Industrials. Emissions and energy indicators are the most disclosed. This research is useful to understand how companies apply the consistency and comparability principle in practice. The importance of this article is given by the fact that consistency and comparability improve the quality of the sustainability reporting. Without consistency and comparability the information’s relevance is very low.
Towards By-Product Utilisation of Pea Hulls: Isolation and Quantification of Galacturonic Acid
Authors: Gutöhrlein Friederike , Drusch Stephan , Schalow Sebastian
Published: December 2018

In order to evaluate by-products from food processing as alternative raw materials for pectin extraction, their amount of galacturonic acid (GalA) has to be analysed as a marker for pectin content. In the present study, significant differences in GalA release using different digestion methods are shown for pea hulls, as an example of by-products with a high content of cellulose. Complete digestion of the fibre matrix was assumed for Saeman hydrolysis as a reference protocol. Significantly lower GalA release was achieved by a treatment with trifluoracetic acid (TFA). An alternative treatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at pH 11 followed by an enzymatic digestion at pH 4.5 using a combination of polygalacturonase (Vegazyme M) and cellulase (Celluclast 1.5L) resulted in a similar release of GalA compared to Seaman hydolysis. Pea hull samples, analysed by this alternative protocol, showed on average a GalA content of 11.2%. Therefore, pea hulls may serve as new raw material for pectin extraction.
Beyond Transcription: Fine-Tuning of Circadian Timekeeping by Post-Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Mateos Julieta Lisa , De Leone Maria José , Torchio Jeanette , Reichel Marlene , Staiger Dorothee
Published: December 2018

The circadian clock is an important endogenous timekeeper, helping plants to prepare for the periodic changes of light and darkness in their environment. The clockwork of this molecular timer is made up of clock proteins that regulate transcription of their own genes with a 24 h rhythm. Furthermore, the rhythmically expressed clock proteins regulate time-of-day dependent transcription of downstream genes, causing messenger RNA (mRNA) oscillations of a large part of the transcriptome. On top of the transcriptional regulation by the clock, circadian rhythms in mRNAs rely in large parts on post-transcriptional regulation, including alternative pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA degradation, and translational control. Here, we present recent insights into the contribution of post-transcriptional regulation to core clock function and to regulation of circadian gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Organization of Bone Mineral: The Role of Mineral–Water Interactions
Authors: Von Euw Stanislas , Chan-Chang Tsou-Hsi-Camille , Paquis Caroline , Haye Bernard , Pehau-Arnaudet Gérard , Babonneau Florence , Azaïs Thierry , Nassif Nadine
Published: December 2018

The mechanism (s) that drive the organization of bone mineral throughout the bone extracellular matrix remain unclear. The long-standing theory implicates the organic matrix, namely specific non-collagenous proteins and/or collagen fibrils, while a recent theory proposes a self-assembly mechanism. Applying a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques in wet and dry conditions to bone-like hydroxyapatite nanoparticles that were used as a proxy for bone mineral, we confirm that mature bone mineral particles have the capacity to self-assemble into organized structures. A large quantity of water is present at the surface of bone mineral due to the presence of a hydrophilic, amorphous surface layer that coats bone mineral nanoparticles. These water molecules must not only be strongly bound to the surface of bone mineral in the form of a rigid hydration shell, but they must also be trapped within the amorphous surface layer. Cohesive forces between these water molecules present at the mineral–mineral interface not only hold the mature bone mineral particles together, but also promote their oriented stacking. This intrinsic ability of mature bone mineral particles to organize themselves without recourse to the organic matrix forms the foundation for the development of the next generation of orthopedic biomaterials.
Preliminary Development of a Screening Tool for Pre-Clinical Dysphagia in Community Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Madhavan Aarthi , Carnaby Giselle D. , Chhabria Karishma , Crary Michael A.
Published: December 2018

Evidence suggests that community dwelling older adults (CDOA) are at risk for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). Dysphagia is often unidentified until related morbidities like under nutrition or pneumonia occur. These cases of unidentified dysphagia, prior to any clinical intervention, may be termed ‘pre-clinical dysphagia’. Identifying pre-clinical dysphagia is challenged by the lack of validated tools appropriate for CDOA. This study addresses preliminary development of a novel patient reported outcome (PRO) screening tool for pre-clinical dysphagia. Initially, 34 questions were developed from literature review and expert opinion. Following pilot testing (n = 53), the questionnaire was revised and tested on 335 additional CDOA. Face validity, content validity, item analysis, reliability (internal consistency), and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) measures were completed. Psychometric validation resulted in a 17-question PRO tool. Construct analysis identified a three-factor model that explained 67.345% of the variance. Emergent factors represented swallowing effort, physical function, and cognitive function. The results revealed strong construct validity and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.90). A novel, simple PRO incorporating multiple function domains associated with aging demonstrated strong preliminary psychometric properties. This tool is more comprehensive and aging-focused than existing dysphagia screening tools. Inclusion of multiple domains may be key in early identification of pre-clinical dysphagia.
Prescribed Reading: Reflective Medical Narratives and the Rise of the Medimoir: An Interview with Adam Kay
Authors: Shaw Katy
Published: December 2018

The 21st century has witnessed the rise of a genre of literature that has taken both the reading public and the publishing industry by storm. The ‘medimoir’—or medical memoir—is not in itself a new genre of writing, but has risen to prominence in a contemporary British context of renewed focus on public health and wellbeing, a proliferation of professional confessionals in publishing, and debates about the future of the free-at-point-of-care British National Health Service (NHS). The most prolific medimoir published to date is Adam Kay’s This Is Going to Hurt (2017), a reflective diary that chronicles his time as a trainee gynaecologist in the NHS, and his subsequent exit from medical training in the face of growing personal and political pressures on his profession. This article contextualises and considers the rise of the medimoir, and examines why this genre of medical narrative has become such a critical, literary, and publishing success in the first two decades of the new millennium.
Needs and Barriers of Teen Mothers in Rural Eastern Uganda: Stakeholders’ Perceptions Regarding Maternal/Child Nutrition and Health
Authors: Nabugoomu Josephine , Seruwagi Gloria K , Corbett Kitty , Kanyesigye Edward , Horton Susan , Hanning Rhona
Published: December 2018

For adolescent mothers in rural Eastern Uganda, nutrition and health may be compromised by many factors. Identifying individual and environmental needs and barriers at local levels is important to inform community-based interventions. This qualitative study used interviews based on constructs from social cognitive theory. 101 adolescent mothers, family members, health-related personnel and community workers in Budondo sub-county (Jinja district), eastern Uganda were interviewed. Young mothers had needs, related to going back to school, home-based small businesses; social needs, care support and belonging to their families, employment, shelter, clothing, personal land and animals, medical care and delivery materials. Barriers to meeting their needs included: lack of skills in income generation and food preparation, harsh treatment, pregnancy and childcare costs, lack of academic qualifications, lack of adequate shelter and land, lack of foods to make complementary feeds for infants, insufficient access to medicines, tailored health care and appropriate communications. Using the social cognitive framework, this study identified myriad needs of young mothers and barriers to improving maternal/child nutrition and health. Adolescent-mother-and-child-friendly environments are needed at local levels while continuing to reduce broader socio-cultural and economic barriers to health equity. Findings may help direct future interventions for improved adolescent maternal/child nutrition and health.
From Research-to-Practice: An Adaptation and Dissemination of the COMPASS Program for Home Care Workers
Authors: Olson Ryan , Hess Jennifer A. , Parker Kelsey N. , Thompson Sharon V. , Rameshbabu Anjali , Luther Rhoten Kristy , Marino Miguel
Published: December 2018

The COMmunity of Practice And Safety Support (COMPASS) program was developed to prevent injuries and advance the health and well-being of home care workers. The program integrates elements of peer-led social support groups with scripted team-based programs to help workers learn together, solve problems, set goals, make changes, and enrich their supportive professional network. After a successful pilot study and randomized controlled trial, COMPASS was adapted for the Oregon Home Care Commission’s training system for statewide dissemination. The adapted program included fewer total meetings (7 versus 13), an accelerated meeting schedule (every two weeks versus monthly), and a range of other adjustments. The revised approach was piloted with five groups of workers (total n = 42) and evaluated with pre- and post-program outcome measures. After further adjustments and planning, the statewide rollout is now in progress. In the adaptation pilot several psychosocial, safety, and health outcomes changed by a similar magnitude relative to the prior randomized controlled trial. Preliminary training evaluation data (n = 265) show high mean ratings indicating that workers like the program, find the content useful, and intend to make changes after meetings. Facilitating factors and lessons learned from the project may inform future similar efforts to translate research into practice.
Decomposition Analysis of Factors Affecting Changes in Industrial Wastewater Emission Intensity in China: Based on a SSBM-GMI Approach
Authors: Cheng Yongyi , Lu Liheng , Shao Tianyuan , Shen Manhong , Jin Laiqun
Published: December 2018

This paper investigated the factors driving the changes in industrial wastewater emission intensity (IWEI) across provinces in China. To do this, we proposed a Super-efficiency Slacks-based Measure-Global Malmquist Index (SSBM-GMI) to decompose the change in IWEI into the effects from efficiency change (ECE), technological change (TCE), capital–wastewater substitution (KWE) and labor–wastewater substitution (LWE). The method was applied to conduct an empirical study using Chinese provincial data from 2003–2015. The main findings include the following: firstly, TCE was the dominant driving force behind the reduction in IWEI with an average annual contribution of −6.4% at the national level, followed by KWE (−5.3%), LWE (−1.8%) and ECE (1.2%). Secondly, significant differences exist in the driving factors behind the reduction in IWEI across regions. The reduction in IWEIs in the Northeast area and the Great Northwest area was mainly driven by productivity growth, while the reduction in IWEIs in the other areas was mainly driven by factor substitution. Thirdly, the shortage of KWE and LWE has impeded IWEI reduction in the Great Northwest area, the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River, the Northeast area and the North area. Finally, some particular policy implications were also recommended for reducing industrial wastewater emission in China.
Hydrological Response to Precipitation and Human Activities—A Case Study in the Zuli River Basin, China
Authors: Huang Chenlu , Yang Qinke , Huang Weidong , Zhang Junlong , Li Yuru , Yang Yucen
Published: December 2018

Precipitation and human activities are two essential forcing dynamics that influence hydrological processes. Previous research has paid more attention to either climate and streamflow or vegetation cover and streamflow, but rarely do studies focus on the impact of climate and human activities on streamflow and sediment. To investigate those impacts, the Zuli River Basin (ZRB), a typical tributary basin of the Yellow River in China, was chosen to identify the impact of precipitation and human activities on runoff and sediment discharge. A double mass curve (DMC) analysis and test methods, including accumulated variance analysis, sequential cluster, Lee-Heghnian, and moving t-test methods, were utilized to determine the abrupt change points based on data from 1956 to 2015. Correlation formulas and multiple regression methods were used to calculate the runoff and sediment discharge reduction effects of soil conservation measures and to estimate the contribution rate of precipitation and soil conservation measures to runoff and sediment discharge. Our results show that the runoff reduction effect of soil conservation measures (45%) is greater than the sediment discharge reduction effect (32%). Soil conservation measures were the main factor controlling the 74.5% and 75.0% decrease in runoff and sediment discharge, respectively. Additionally, the contribution rate of vegetation measures was higher than that of engineering measures. This study provides scientific strategies for water resource management and soil conservation planning at catchment scale to face future hydrological variability.
Do Wet-Dry Ratio and Fe-Mn System Affect Oxidation-Reduction Potential Nonlinearly in the Subsurface Wastewater Infiltration Systems?
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Li Haibo , Li Yinghua , Guo Fei , Yang Zhongxin , Bai Jianing
Published: December 2018

To understand characteristics of on-line oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in a subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) under different intermittent influent conditions, ORP among five matrix depths at wet-dry ratios (Rwds) of 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2 with a hydraulic load of 0.10 m3·(m2·d)−1 were monitored. Results showed that the optimal Rwd for the SWIS was 1:1. In that case, ORP at 40 and 65 cm depths changed significantly, by 529 mV and 261 mV, respectively, from the inflow period to the dry period, which was conducive to the recovery of the oxidation environment. It was concluded that ORP varied nonlinearly in strongly aerobic and hypoxic environment. Wastewater was fed into the SWIS at 80 cm and dissolved oxygen diffused at the initial period of one cycle. As a consequence, ORP at 65 cm increased with water content increasing. However, ORP at 40 and 95 cm displayed inverse trends. Moreover, results showed that ORP decreased with Fe2+ and Mn2+ increasing under aerobic conditions (p < 0.05) because Fe2+ and Mn2+ moved with wastewater flow. Effluent met reuse requirements and no clogging was found in the SWIS during the operation.
Characterization of a High PM2.5 Exposure Group in Seoul Using the Korea Simulation Exposure Model for PM2.5 (KoSEM-PM) Based on Time–Activity Patterns and Microenvironmental Measurements
Authors: Hwang Yunhyung , An Jaehoon , Lee Kiyoung
Published: December 2018

The Korea Simulation Exposure Model for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (KoSEM-PM) was developed to estimate population PM2.5 exposure in Korea. The data were acquired based on 59,945 min of the actual microenvironmental PM2.5 measurements and on the time–activity patterns of 8072 residents of Seoul. The aims of the study were to estimate daily PM2.5 exposure of Seoul population, and to determine the characteristics of a high exposure group. KoSEM-PM estimated population exposures by applying the PM2.5 distribution to the matching time–activity patterns at 10-min intervals. The mean personal PM2.5 exposure level of the surveyed subjects in Seoul was 26.0 ± 2.7 µg/m3 (range: 21.0–40.2 µg/m3) in summer. Factors significantly associated with high exposure included day of the week, age, industry sector, job type, and working hours. Individuals surveyed on Saturdays were more likely to be in the high exposure group than those surveyed on weekdays and Sundays. Younger, non-office-working individuals with longer working hours were more likely to be in the high exposure group. KoSEM-PM could be a useful tool to estimate population exposure levels to other region in Korea; to expand its use, microenvironmental measurements are required for other region in Korea.
Loss of Mitochondrial AAA Proteases AFG3L2 and YME1L Impairs Mitochondrial Structure and Respiratory Chain Biogenesis
Authors: Cesnekova Jana , Rodinova Marie , Hansikova Hana , Zeman Jiri , Stiburek Lukas
Published: December 2018

Mitochondrial protein quality control is crucial for the maintenance of correct mitochondrial homeostasis. It is ensured by several specific mitochondrial proteases located across the various mitochondrial subcompartments. Here, we focused on characterization of functional overlap and cooperativity of proteolytic subunits AFG3L2 (AFG3 Like Matrix AAA Peptidase Subunit 2) and YME1L (YME1 like ATPase) of mitochondrial inner membrane AAA (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) complexes in the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and respiratory chain integrity. We demonstrate that loss of AFG3L2 and YME1L, both alone and in combination, results in diminished cell proliferation, fragmentation of mitochondrial reticulum, altered cristae morphogenesis, and defective respiratory chain biogenesis. The double AFG3L2/YME1L knockdown cells showed marked upregulation of OPA1 protein forms, with the most prominent increase in short OPA1 (optic atrophy 1). Loss of either protease led to marked elevation in OMA1 (OMA1 zinc metallopeptidase) (60 kDa) and severe reduction in the SPG7 (paraplegin) subunit of the m-AAA complex. Loss of the YME1L subunit led to an increased Drp1 level in mitochondrial fractions. While loss of YME1L impaired biogenesis and function of complex I, knockdown of AFG3L2 mainly affected the assembly and function of complex IV. Our results suggest cooperative and partly redundant functions of AFG3L2 and YME1L in the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and respiratory chain biogenesis and stress the importance of correct proteostasis for mitochondrial integrity.
Using the 6RLKu Minichromosome of Rye (Secale cereale L.) to Create Wheat-Rye 6D/6RLKu Small Segment Translocation Lines with Powdery Mildew Resistance
Authors: Du Haimei , Tang Zongxiang , Duan Qiong , Tang Shuyao , Fu Shulan
Published: December 2018

Long arms of rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome 6 (6RL) carry powdery mildew resistance genes. However, these sources of resistance have not yet been successfully used in commercial wheat cultivars. The development of small segment translocation chromosomes carrying resistance may result in lines carrying the 6R chromosome becoming more commercially acceptable. However, no wheat-rye 6RL small segment translocation line with powdery mildew resistance has been reported. In this study, a wheat-rye 6RLKu minichromosome addition line with powdery mildew resistance was identified, and this minichromosome was derived from the segment between L2.5 and L2.8 of the 6RLKu chromosome arm. Following irradiation, the 6RLKu minichromosome divided into two smaller segments, named 6RLKumi200 and 6RLKumi119, and these fragments participated in the formation of wheat-rye small segment translocation chromosomes 6DS/6RLKumi200 and 6DL/6RLKumi119, respectively. The powdery mildew resistance gene was found to be located on the 6RLKumi119 segment. Sixteen 6RLKumi119-specific markers were developed, and their products were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide BLAST searches indicated that 14 of the 16 sequences had 91–100% similarity with nine scaffolds derived from 6R chromosome of S. cereale L. Lo7. The small segment translocation chromosome 6DL/6RLKumi119 makes the practical utilization in agriculture of powdery mildew resistance gene on 6RLKu more likely. The nine scaffolds are useful for further studying the structure and function of this small segment.
Studies on the Curing Efficiency and Mechanical Properties of Bis-GMA and TEGDMA Nanocomposites Containing Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Barszczewska-Rybarek Izabela , Chladek Grzegorz
Published: December 2018

Bioactive dimethacrylate composites filled with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) might be used in medical applications, such as dental restorations and bone cements. The composition of bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) mixed in a 60/40 wt% ratio was filled from 25 to 5000 ppm of AgNP. An exponential increase in resin viscosity was observed with an increase in AgNP concentration. Curing was performed by way of photopolymerization, room temperature polymerization, and thermal polymerization. The results showed that the polymerization mode determines the degree of conversion (DC), which governs the ultimate mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Thermal polymerization resulted in a higher DC than photo- and room temperature polymerizations. The DC always decreased as AgNP content increased. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, hardness, and impact strength initially increased, as AgNP concentration increased, and then decreased at higher AgNP loadings. This turning point usually occurred when the DC dropped below 65% and moved toward higher AgNP concentrations, according to the following order of polymerization methods: photopolymerization < room temperature polymerization < thermal polymerization. Water sorption (WS) was also determined. Nanocomposites revealed an average decrease of 16% in WS with respect to the neat polymer. AgNP concentration did not significantly affect WS.
Molecular Identification and Characterization of Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase in Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Sun Chi-Hui , Yang Chin-Ying , Tzen Jason T. C.
Published: December 2018

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) contains abundant secondary metabolites, which are regulated by numerous enzymes. Hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) is involved in the biosynthesis pathways of polyphenols and flavonoids, and it can catalyze the transfer of hydroxyconnamoyl coenzyme A to substrates such as quinate, flavanol glycoside, or anthocyanins, thus resulting in the production of chlorogenic acid or acylated flavonol glycoside. In this study, the CsHCT gene was cloned from the Chin-Shin Oolong tea plant, and its protein functions and characteristics were analyzed. The full-length cDNA of CsHCT contains 1311 base pairs and encodes 436 amino acid sequences. Amino acid sequence was highly conserved with other HCTs from Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus trichocarpa, Hibiscus cannabinus, and Coffea canephora. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that CsHCT is highly expressed in the stem tissues of both tea plants and seedlings. The CsHCT expression level was relatively high at high altitudes. The abiotic stress experiment suggested that low temperature, drought, and high salinity induced CsHCT transcription. Furthermore, the results of hormone treatments indicated that abscisic acid (ABA) induced a considerable increase in the CsHCT expression level. This may be attributed to CsHCT involvement in abiotic stress and ABA signaling pathways.
The Multifaceted Roles of Autophagy in Flavivirus-Host Interactions
Authors: Ke Po-Yuan
Published: December 2018

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process in which intracellular components are eliminated via lysosomal degradation to supply nutrients for organelle biogenesis and metabolic homeostasis. Flavivirus infections underlie multiple human diseases and thus exert an immense burden on public health worldwide. Mounting evidence indicates that host autophagy is subverted to modulate the life cycles of flaviviruses, such as hepatitis C virus, dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus and Zika virus. The diverse interplay between autophagy and flavivirus infection not only regulates viral growth in host cells but also counteracts host stress responses induced by viral infection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of autophagy in the flavivirus life cycle. We also discuss the impacts of virus-induced autophagy on the pathogeneses of flavivirus-associated diseases and the potential use of autophagy as a therapeutic target for curing flavivirus infections and related human diseases.
Biological Aggressiveness of Subclinical No-Mass Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Can Be Reflected by the Expression Profiles of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Triggers
Authors: Szynglarewicz Bartlomiej , Kasprzak Piotr , Donizy Piotr , Biecek Przemyslaw , Halon Agnieszka , Matkowski Rafal
Published: December 2018

Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) have been recently implicated in the process of cancer progression. The aim of this study was to assess how the preoperative expression patterns of EMT biomarkers correlate with the risk of postoperative invasion in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found on stereotactic breast biopsies. N-cadherin, Snail1, and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) immunoreactivity was observed in 8%, 62%, and 38% of tumors, respectively. Snail1 and SPARC expressions were significantly related to N-cadherin expression and to each other. The postoperative upgrading rate was associated with a positive preoperative expression of all biomarkers. Significance of Snail1 and SPARC persisted in multivariate analysis, but the impact of SPARC on invasion was more significant. When these two EMT triggers were considered together, the risk of invasion did not significantly differ between the subtypes of DCIS with single positive expression (SPARC−/Snail1+ vs. SPARC+/Snail1−). However, it was significantly lower in single-positive DCIS when compared to lesions of a double-positive profile (SPARC+/Snail1+). Moreover, there were no cases in the double-negative DCIS (SPARC−/Snail1−), with foci of infiltrating cancer found postoperatively in residual postbiopsy lesions. In contrast, DCIS with a combined high SPARC and Snail1 expression (intermediate or strong) had an invasive component in 66–100% of tumors.
The Cytomegalovirus-Specific IL-21 ELISpot Correlates with Allograft Function of Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lindemann Monika , Korth Johannes , Sun Ming , Xu Shilei , Struve Christoph , Werner Kai , Dornieden Theresa , Horn Peter A. , Witzke Oliver , Wilde Benjamin
Published: December 2018

In kidney transplant recipients, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) is frequently causing infection/reactivation and can trigger allograft rejection. To assess the risk of reactivation, the cellular immune response against CMV is increasingly assessed by cellular in vitro methods, such as the interferon (IFN)-γ ELISpot. In the current study we compared the IFN-γ ELISpot with our newly established CMV-specific ELISpot assays determining IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, granzyme B, and perforin and correlated the results with flow cytometric data and clinical parameters. In 77 kidney transplant recipients, the highest frequency was observed for CMV pp65-specific cells secreting IFN-γ, followed by cells secreting IL-21 (62.9 and 23.2 Δ spot forming cells/105 cells). We observed a positive correlation between the percentage of CMV-specific CD3+ CD4+ CD154+ cells and results of the CMV-specific IL-21 ELISpot (p = 0.002). Results of the CMV pp65-specific IL-21 ELISpot correlated negatively with kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, p = 0.006) and were significantly higher in women (p = 0.005). IL-21, a cytokine involved in aging that is secreted by activated CD4+ T cells, may also impact on allograft function. Thus, the CMV-specific IL-21 ELISpot could become a new tool to assess if CMV seropositivity represents a hazard for the graft.
Sulfonamide Inhibition Studies of a New β-Carbonic Anhydrase from the Pathogenic Protozoan Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Bua Silvia , Haapanen Susanna , Kuuslahti Marianne , Parkkila Seppo , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: December 2018

A newly described β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the pathogenic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, EhiCA, was recently shown to possess a significant catalytic activity for the physiologic CO2 hydration reaction (kcat of 6.7 × 105 s−1 and a kcat/Km of 8.9 × 107 M−1 s−1). A panel of sulfonamides and one sulfamate, some of which are clinically used drugs, were investigated for their inhibitory properties against EhiCA. The best inhibitors detected in the study were 4-hydroxymethyl/ethyl-benzenesulfonamide (KIs of 36–89 nM), whereas some sulfanilyl-sulfonamides showed activities in the range of 285–331 nM. Acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, and dichlorophenamide were less effective inhibitors (KIs of 509–845 nM) compared to other sulfonamides investigated here. As β-CAs are not present in vertebrates, the present study may be useful for detecting lead compounds for the design of more effective inhibitors with potential to develop anti-infectives with alternative mechanisms of action.