bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties Analysis of Oil Shale Waste as Partial Aggregate Replacement in Open Grade Friction Course
Authors: Guo Wei , Guo Xuedong , Chen Xing , Dai Wenting
Published: September 2018

Open graded friction course (OGFC) is a high permeable mixture used to reduce noise, improve friction. However, limitations with the use of OGFC are due to the relatively low strength and stiffness. Therefore, investigating environmental and economic benefits, as well as service life of OGFC technology is the future of the pavement. In this study, a new modified OGFC (SM-OGFC) was prepared by replacing the fine aggregate below 4.75 mm in OGFC with the oil shale waste (OSW), and the silane coupling agent modifier was used to assist modification. The preparation process of SM-OGFC was optimized by central composite design, to obtain an SM-OGFC with the best mechanical properties. The Marshall test, rutting test, −15 °C splitting test, −10 °C beam bending test, immersion Marshall test, spring-thawing stability test, Cantabro test and permeability test were conducted to evaluate the properties of SM-OGFC. The results prove that SM-OGFC has excellent overall performance in comparison with OGFC and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified OGFC. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation illustrates that the unique laminar columnar connected structure and cell-like structure antennae of OSW could be the main reasons why SM-OGFC obtained excellent performance. Furthermore, economic analysis indicated that the SM-OGFC mixture had higher cost effectiveness.
Blacks’ Diminished Return of Education Attainment on Subjective Health; Mediating Effect of Income
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: September 2018

Background: Minorities’ Diminished Return (MDR) can be defined as smaller health gains from socioeconomic status (SES) indicators, such as education attainment among ethnic minorities compared to the majority group. The current study tested whether income explains why Black and White adults differ in the association between education attainment and self-rated health (SRH). Methods: With a cross-sectional design, this study used data from Cycle 5 of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), 2017. With a nationally representative sample, the HINTS study generates results that are generalizable to US adults. This study included 2277 adults who were either non-Hispanic White (n = 1868; 82%) or non-Hispanic Black (n = 409; 18%). The independent variable was education attainment. The dependent variable was SRH, measured using a standard single item. Age, gender, and health insurance status were covariates. Ethnicity was the focal moderator. Income was the mediator. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied for data analysis. Results: Overall, higher education attainment was associated with better SRH, net of covariates. However, a significant interaction between ethnicity and education attainment suggested a smaller SRH gain from education for Blacks compared to Whites. This interaction could be explained by Black–White differences in income. Conclusion: Our study results suggests that labor market preferences may explain smaller effects of education attainment on SRH for Blacks relative to Whites. Given this finding and other studies documenting MDR, policies should reduce labor market discrimination, increasing job opportunities and reducing the racial pay gap for Blacks. Programs should help Blacks compete for prestigious and high-paying jobs.
G9a Correlates with VLA-4 Integrin and Influences the Migration of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Madrazo Elena , Ruano David , Abad Lorea , Alonso-Gómez Estefanía , Sánchez-Valdepeñas Carmen , González-Murillo África , Ramírez Manuel , Redondo-Muñoz Javier
Published: September 2018

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. As ALL progresses, leukemic cells cross the endothelial barrier and infiltrate other tissues. Epigenetic enzymes represent novel therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies, and might contribute to cells’ capacity to migrate across physical barriers. Although many molecules drive this process, the role of the nucleus and its components remain unclear. We report here, for the first time, that the expression of G9a (a histone methyltransferase related with gene silencing) correlates with the expression of the integrin subunit α4 in children with ALL. We have demonstrated that G9a depletion or its inhibition with BIX01294 abrogated the ability of ALL cells to migrate through an endothelial monolayer. Moreover, G9a-depleted and BIX01294-treated cells presented bigger nuclei and more adherent phenotype than control cells on endothelial monolayers. Blocking G9a did not affect the cell cytoskeleton or integrin expression of ALL cell lines, and only its depletion reduced slightly F-actin polymerization. Similarly to the transendothelial migration, G9a inhibition impaired the cell migration induced by the integrin VLA-4 (α4β1) of primary cells and ALL cell lines through narrow spaces in vitro. Our results suggest a cellular connection between G9a and VLA-4, which underlies novel functions of G9a during ALL cell migration.
Cell Group Recognition Method Based on Adaptive Mutation PSO-SVM
Authors: Wang Yue , Meng Xiaochen , Zhu Lianqing
Published: September 2018

The increased volume and complexity of flow cytometry (FCM) data resulting from the increased throughput greatly boosts the demand for reliable statistical methods for the analysis of multidimensional data. The Support Vector Machines (SVM) model can be used for classification recognition. However, the selection of penalty factor c and kernel parameter g in the model has a great influence on the correctness of clustering. To solve the problem of parameter optimization of the SVM model, a support vector machine algorithm of particle swarm optimization (PSO-SVM) based on adaptive mutation is proposed. Firstly, a large number of FCM data were used to carry out the experiment, and the kernel function adapted to the sample data was selected. Then the PSO algorithm of adaptive mutation was used to optimize the parameters of the SVM classifier. Finally, the cell clustering results were obtained. The method greatly improves the clustering correctness of traditional SVM. That also overcomes the shortcomings of PSO algorithm, which is easy to fall into local optimum in the iterative optimization process and has poor convergence effect in dealing with a large number of data. Compared with the traditional SVM algorithm, the experimental results show that, the correctness of the method is improved by 19.38%. Compared with the cross-validation algorithm and the PSO algorithm, the adaptive mutation PSO algorithm can also improve the correctness of FCM data clustering. The correctness of the algorithm can reach 99.79% and the time complexity is relatively lower. At the same time, the method does not need manual intervention, which promotes the research of cell group identification in biomedical detection technology.
A Comparative Study of the Pathogenicity of Fusarium circinatum and other Fusarium Species in Polish Provenances of P. sylvestris L.
Authors: Davydenko Kateryna , Nowakowska Justyna Anna , Kaluski Tomasz , Gawlak Magdalena , Sadowska Katarzyna , García Jorge Martín , Diez Julio Javier , Okorski Adam , Oszako Tomasz
Published: September 2018

The fungal pathogen Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of Pine Pitch Canker (PPC), a disease which seriously affects different species of pine in forests and nurseries worldwide. In Europe, the fungus affects pines in northern Spain and Portugal, and it has also been detected in France and Italy. Here, we report the findings of the first trial investigating the susceptibility of Polish provenances of Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L., to infection by F. circinatum. In a greenhouse experiment, 16 Polish provenances of Scots pine were artificially inoculated with F. circinatum and with six other Fusarium species known to infect pine seedlings in nurseries. All pines proved highly susceptible to PPC and displayed different levels of susceptibility to the other Fusarium spp. tested. The findings obtained indicate the potentially strong threat of establishment of an invasive pathogen such as F. circinatum following unintentional introduction into Poland.
Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels, Calcium Binding Proteins, and Their Interaction in the Pathological Process of Epilepsy
Authors: Xu Jie-Hua , Tang Feng-Ru
Published: September 2018

As an important second messenger, the calcium ion (Ca2+) plays a vital role in normal brain function and in the pathophysiological process of different neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and epilepsy. Ca2+ takes part in the regulation of neuronal excitability, and the imbalance of intracellular Ca2+ is a trigger factor for the occurrence of epilepsy. Several anti-epileptic drugs target voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). Intracellular Ca2+ levels are mainly controlled by VDCCs located in the plasma membrane, the calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) inside the cytoplasm, calcium channels located on the intracellular calcium store (particular the endoplasmic reticulum/sarcoplasmic reticulum), and the Ca2+-pumps located in the plasma membrane and intracellular calcium store. So far, while many studies have established the relationship between calcium control factors and epilepsy, the mechanism of various Ca2+ regulatory factors in epileptogenesis is still unknown. In this paper, we reviewed the function, distribution, and alteration of VDCCs and CBPs in the central nervous system in the pathological process of epilepsy. The interaction of VDCCs with CBPs in the pathological process of epilepsy was also summarized. We hope this review can provide some clues for better understanding the mechanism of epileptogenesis, and for the development of new anti-epileptic drugs targeting on VDCCs and CBPs.
Effect of Surface Roughness on the Bonding Strength and Spring-Back of a CFRP/CR980 Hybrid Composite
Authors: Hwang Ji Hoon , Jin Chul Kyu , Lee Min Sik , Choi Su Won , Kang Chung Gil
Published: September 2018

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is a light and composite material, has a higher specific strength and stiffness than metal materials. However, owing to its low elongation, it is vulnerable to local impacts such as collision. Therefore, hybrid composite materials that can overcome the disadvantages of homogeneous materials by bonding CFRP and metal materials are increasingly popular. In this study, a physical surface treatment sandblast process was applied on a high tensile steel plate (CR980) manufactured by cold rolling to form another surface condition, and the bonding strength with CFRP was measured. In addition, spring-back due to the manufacturing process of the CFRP and CR980 hybrid composite material bonded with different surface roughness was observed. The bonding strength and the spring-back angle of the CFRP/CR980 hybrid composite material tended to increase with the increase in the surface roughness.
“On-Water” Synthesis of Quinazolinones and Dihydroquinazolinones Starting from o-Bromobenzonitrile
Authors: Liu Zibin , Zeng Li-Yan , Li Chao , Yang Fubiao , Qiu Fensheng , Liu Shuwen , Xi Baomin
Published: September 2018

A versatile and practical “on-water” protocol was newly developed to synthesize quinazolinones using o-bromobenzonitrile as a novel starting material. Studies have found that air as well as water plays an important role in synthesis of quinazolinones. Further investigation indicated that dihydroquinazolinones can be prepared with this protocol under the protection of N2. The protocol can be extended to other substrates and various quinazolinones and dihydroquinazolinones were obtained. o-Bromobenzamide, o-aminobenzonitrile, and o-aminobenzamide were also evaluated as starting materials, and the results further proved the versatility of this protocol, especially towards dihydroquinazolinones.
Antioxidant Activity and Neuroprotective Activity of Stilbenoids in Rat Primary Cortex Neurons via the PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wen Haichao , Fu Zheng , Wei Yangji , Zhang Xiaoxu , Ma Liyan , Gu Liwei , Li Jingming
Published: September 2018

Antioxidant activity and neuroprotective activity of three stilbenoids, namely, trans-4-hydroxystilbene (THS), trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxy-stilbene (resveratrol, RES), and trans-3′,4′,3,5-tetrahydroxy-stilbene (piceatannol, PIC), against β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in rat primary cortex neurons were evaluated. THS, RES, and PIC significantly scavenged DPPH• and •OH radicals. All three stilbenoids were able to inhibit Aβ neurotoxicity by decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Specifically, stilbenoids significantly promoted Akt phosphorylation; suppressed Bcl-2/Bax expression; and inhibited caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP cleavage. Molecular docking between stilbenoids with Akt indicated that stilbenoids could form hydrogen bond interactions with the COOH-terminal region of Akt. Additionally, the neuroprotective activity of stilbenoids correlated with the number and position of hydroxyl groups. The lack of meta-dihydroxyl groups on THS did not affect its neuroprotective activity in comparison with RES, whereas the ortho-dihydroxyl moiety on PIC significantly enhanced neuroprotective activity. These results provide new insights into the correlation between the biological activity and chemical structure of stilbenoids.
Synthesis of Spirooxindole-O-Naphthoquinone-Tetrazolo[1,5-a]Pyrimidine Hybrids as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Wu Liqiang , Liu Yunxia , Li Yazhen
Published: September 2018

A series of novel spirooxindole-O-naphthoquinone-tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated as potent antitumor agents. These hybrids exhibited relatively high cytotoxic activity against cancer cell line HepG2 (IC50 = 2.86–36.34 μM), while normal cell line LO2 was less sensitive to these hybrids (IC50 = 36.37–248.39 μM). On the whole, among all the compounds tested, compound 4e, with a mean IC50 value of 2.86 μM, was the most active. The novel hybrids may find their pharmaceutical applications after further investigations.
Suppressive Effects of EGCG on Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wang Ying-Qi , Lu Jian-Liang , Liang Yue-Rong , Li Qing-Sheng
Published: September 2018

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common gynecological cancer worldwide. Although prophylactic vaccination presents the most effective method for cervical cancer prevention, chemotherapy is still the primary invasive intervention. It is urgent to exploit low-toxic natural anticancer drugs on account of high cytotoxicity and side-effects of conventional agents. As a natural product, (-)-epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) has abilities in anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis and pro-apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, EGCG also has pharmaceutical synergistic effects with conventional agents such as cisplatin (CDDP) and bleomycin (BLM). The underlying mechanisms of EGCG suppressive effects on cervical cancer are reviewed in this article. Further research directions and ambiguous results are also discussed.
Wall Thickness of Industrial Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Is Not a Crucial Factor for Their Degradation by Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Masyutin Alexander G. , Bagrov Dmitry V. , Vlasova Irina I. , Nikishin Igor I. , Klinov Dmitry V. , Sychevskaya Ksenia A. , Onishchenko Galina E. , Erokhina Maria V.
Published: September 2018

The propensity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for biodegradation is important for their safe use in medical and technological applications. Here, we compared the oxidative degradation of two samples of industrial-grade MWCNTs—we called them MWCNT-d and MWCNT-t—upon their treatment with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The MWCNTs had a similar inner diameter but they differed about 2-fold in the outer diameter. Electron microscopy combined with morphometric analysis revealed the different degradation of the two types of MWCNTs after their incubation with NaOCl—the thicker MWCNT-d were damaged more significantly than the thinner MWCNT-t. The both types of MWCNTs degraded at the inner side, but only MWCNT-d lost a significant number of the outer graphitic layers. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that both MWCNTs had a similar high defectiveness. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we have shown that the more degradable MWCNT-d contained the same level of oxygen as MWCNT-t, but more metal impurities. The obtained results suggest that the biodegradability of MWCNTs depends not only on the wall thickness but also on the defects and impurities. Thus, the biodegradability can be regulated by the synthesis conditions or the post-synthesis modifications. Such degradation flexibility may be important for both medical and industrial applications.
Improving Electron Extraction Ability and Device Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Compatible PCBM/AZO Electron Transporting Bilayer
Authors: Dong Hang , Pang Shangzheng , Zhang Yi , Chen Dazheng , Zhu Weidong , Xi He , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Jincheng , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue
Published: September 2018

Due to the low temperature fabrication process and reduced hysteresis effect, inverted p-i-n structured perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with the PEDOT:PSS as the hole transporting layer and PCBM as the electron transporting layer have attracted considerable attention. However, the energy barrier at the interface between the PCBM layer and the metal electrode, which is due to an energy level mismatch, limits the electron extraction ability. In this work, an inorganic aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) interlayer is inserted between the PCBM layer and the metal electrode so that electrons can be collected efficiently by the electrode. It is shown that with the help of the PCBM/AZO bilayer, the power conversion efficiency of PSCs is significantly improved, with negligible hysteresis and improved device stability. The UPS measurement shows that the AZO interlayer can effectively decrease the energy offset between PCBM and the metal electrode. The steady state photoluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence, transient photocurrent, and transient photovoltage measurements show that the PSCs with the AZO interlayer have a longer radiative carrier recombination lifetime and more efficient charge extraction efficiency. Moreover, the introduction of the AZO interlayer could protect the underlying perovskite, and thus, greatly improve device stability.
New Methods to Study the Behavior of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in Aprotic Solvents
Authors: Nagy-Szakolczai Anett , Dorkó Zsanett , Tóth Blanka , Horvai George
Published: September 2018

This work presents three new experimental methods for studying molecular imprinting. The electric conductivity measurements of the pre-polymerization mixture of amine templates in an aprotic solvent provide evidence of ionic dissociation of the pre-polymerization complexes. The displacement measurement of the template propranolol from its molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) using a quaternary ammonium ion in toluene, shows that this MIP behaves as an ion exchanger even in a non-polar solvent. The same experiment also shows that template binding to the MIP from toluene involves ionic interaction. The third experimental method introduced here serves to study the models of template binding on MIPs. To this end the binding isotherm of propranolol (PR) has been measured on a polymer mixture consisting of non-imprinted control polymer (NIP) and a stronger binding acidic polymer, respectively. All three methods are suitable for studying several other imprinting systems.
Framing Muslims in the “War on Terror”: Representations of Ideological Violence by Muslim versus Non-Muslim Perpetrators in Canadian National News Media
Authors: Kanji Azeezah
Published: September 2018

This study compared representations of ideological violence by Muslim versus non-Muslim perpetrators in Canadian national news media (the Globe and Mail, National Post, and CBC). Both quantitative and qualitative disparities were examined. Acts of Muslim violence received 1.5 times more coverage, on average, than non-Muslim ones, and thwarted Muslim plots received five times more coverage. Muslim incidents were more likely to be labelled “terrorism” and linked to other episodes of violence, and Muslim perpetrators were more likely to be labelled by their religious and ethno-racial identities. These patterns in representation serve to stabilise the racial formations of the Canadian national security state in the “war on terror”.
Mapping Inter-Annual Land Cover Variations Automatically Based on a Novel Sample Transfer Method
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Wang Cuizhen , Li Hui , Chen Wenlong , Hou Yong
Published: September 2018

Most land cover mapping methods require the collection of ground reference data at the time when the remotely sensed data are acquired. Due to the high cost of repetitive collection of reference data, however, it limits the production of annual land cover maps to a short time span. In order to reduce the mapping cost and to improve the timeliness, an object-based sample transfer (OBST) method was presented in this study. The object-based analysis with strict constrains in area, shape and index values is expected to reduce the accident errors in selecting and transferring samples. The presented method was tested and compared with same-year mapping (SY), cross-year mapping (CY) and multi-index automatic classification (MI). For the study years of 2001–2016, both the overall accuracies (above 90%) and detailed accuracy indicators of the presented method were very close to the SY accuracy and higher than accuracies of CY and MI. With the presented method, the times-series land cover map of Guangzhou, China were derived and analyzed. The results reveal that the city has undergone rapid urban expansion and the pressure on natural resources and environment has increased. These results indicate the proposed method could save considerable cost and time for mapping the spatial-temporal changes of urban development. This suggests great potential for future applications as more satellite observations have become available all over the globe.
New Multi-Keyword Ciphertext Search Method for Sensor Network Cloud Platforms
Authors: Xie Lixia , Wang Ziying , Wang Yue , Yang Hongyu , Zhang Jiyong
Published: September 2018

This paper proposed a multi-keyword ciphertext search, based on an improved-quality hierarchical clustering (MCS-IQHC) method. MCS-IQHC is a novel technique, which is tailored to work with encrypted data. It has improved search accuracy and can self-adapt when performing multi-keyword ciphertext searches on privacy-protected sensor network cloud platforms. Document vectors are first generated by combining the term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) weight factor and the vector space model (VSM). The improved quality hierarchical clustering (IQHC) algorithm then generates document vectors, document indices, and cluster indices, which are encrypted via the k-nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN). MCS-IQHC then returns the top-k search result. A series of experiments proved that the proposed method had better searching efficiency and accuracy in high-privacy sensor cloud network environments, compared to other state-of-the-art methods.
Re-Inventing Community Development: Utilizing Relational Networking and Cultural Assets for Infrastructure Provision
Authors: Che Charles Fonchingong
Published: September 2018

Utilizing relational networking and cultural assets provide an arena for village development associations (VDAs) to fill the gaps in infrastructure in resource-limited communities of Cameroon’s north-west region. This case study interrogates the foundational thesis of relational networking and cultural assets deployed to deal with social development challenges. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with community participants. Purposive sampling was used, and data were analyzed and critically synthesized with comparative literature. Communities increasingly shoulder their own development through a multiplicity of the agency displayed by internal and external stakeholders. The analysis captures a typology of incremental cultural assets, galvanized and re-engineered, promoting a rejuvenated community. A multi-layered approach centered on intersecting elements with unvarying input from community members are perceptible. Though the translational benefits are not clear-cut, relational networking and incremental cultural assets hold the prospect for community transformation in infrastructure provision, for example, supply of fresh water, equipping schools, community halls, and building roads, bridges, and community halls. In the process, social inequality and other barriers of disadvantage are narrowed.
The Impact of Peer Support on the Risk of Future Hospital Readmissions among Older Adults with a Medical Illness and Co-Occurring Depression
Authors: Conner Kyaien O. , Cadet Tamara , Brown Monique J. , Barnett Joshua T.
Published: September 2018

Older adults account for 60% of all preventable hospital readmissions. Although not all readmissions are preventable, evidence indicates that up to 75% of hospital readmissions can be prevented with enhanced patient education, pre-discharge assessment, and effective care upon discharge. Social support, specifically peer support, after discharge from hospital may be a crucial factor in minimizing the risk of preventable hospital readmission. The pilot study reported here evaluated the relationship between peer support and hospital readmissions in a sample of depressed older adults (N = 41) who were recently discharged from hospital due to a medical condition and who simultaneously had an untreated mental health diagnosis of depression. As hypothesized, participants who received the 3-month long peer support intervention were significantly less likely to be readmitted compared to those who did not receive the intervention. Findings from this preliminary information suggest that peer support is a protective factor that can positively affect patient outcomes, reduce the risk of hospital readmission, and reduce depressive symptoms among older adults with health and behavioral health comorbidities.
How Do Verified Emissions Announcements Affect the Comoves between Trading Behaviors and Carbon Prices? Evidence from EU ETS
Authors: Guo Jianfeng , Su Bin , Yang Guang , Feng Lianyong , Liu Yinpeng , Gu Fu
Published: September 2018

Verified emissions announcements are the most influential events in the European Union emissions trading scheme (EU ETS); they reveal demand information and have a significant impact on the carbon market. The extant literature tends to focus on examining the impacts of these verification events on the prices of carbon allowances, while scholars barely discuss how trading behaviors react to the announcements. Moreover, most of the studies are carried out from a macroeconomic perspective. This paper fills this gap by analyzing the impacts of the verified emissions announcements on the comoves of trading behaviors and carbon prices in Phase I (2005–2007) and Phase II (2008–2012). Specifically, we construct GARCH models to investigate the events’ heterogeneous influences in different periods, i.e., the complete periods, the announcement periods, the pre- and post-announcement periods. We observe that the verified emissions announcements boost the volume of compliance trading, particularly in Phase I. Furthermore, we show that the over-allocation of carbon allowances can be even more influential in disturbing the comoves than the verification events. Our microeconomic findings confirm the maturity of EU ETS in Phase II, exhibiting good agreement with the extant macroeconomic literature.
Rescaled Statistics and Wavelet Analysis on Agricultural Drought Disaster Periodic Fluctuations in China from 1950 to 2016
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Yangyang , Tong Linjing , Zhou Weihong , Li Xiaoyu , Li Jianlong
Published: September 2018

An agricultural drought disaster was analyzed with the new insight of rescaled statistics (R/S) and wavelet analysis in this study. The results showed that: (1) the Hurst index of the agricultural disaster area, the inundated area of agricultural drought disaster, and the grain loss was 0.821, 0.874, and 0.953, respectively, indicating that the process of the agricultural drought disaster had stronger positive continuity during the study period; (2) based on the Morlet analysis of the agricultural disaster area, the inundated area of the agricultural drought disaster, and the grain loss of China from 1950 to 2016, the time series of the agricultural drought had multiple time scale features with the periodic variation on a large scale containing the periodic variation on a small scale; and (3) in the last 67 years, the strong wavelet energy spectrum of the agricultural disaster area, the inundated area of the agricultural drought disaster, and the grain loss was at the time scale of ≈22–32 years, ≈24–32 years, and ≈25–32 years, respectively. In addition, the first major period in the agricultural drought disaster area, the inundated area of agricultural drought disaster, and the grain loss had average periods of approximately 16 years, 16 years, and 18 years, respectively.
The 2001–2017 Façade Renovations of Jongno Roadside Commercial Buildings Built in the 1950s–60s: Sustainability of Ordinary Architecture within Regionality
Authors: An Dai Whan , LEE Jae-Young
Published: September 2018

This paper examines 41 roadside commercial buildings of the Jongno region built in the 1950s–60s that received façade renovations between 2001 and 2017. The aim is to show the relations between the forms of renovation and the regionality of the commercial areas, which have been historically formed in the original city center of Seoul, as well as the relation of these connections to the sustainability of ordinary architecture. Because Jongno has been the city center for the 600 years following the Joseon dynasty, the region is still a center for politics, administration, economics, and culture. Specialized commercial areas exist in each region within Jongno, and each of these reflect their own regionality. Within such regionality, the roadside commercial buildings are adapting and changing to fit the times, and regionality is sustained through façade renovation of ordinary architecture. The façade renovations of roadside commercial buildings that reflect such regionality and sustainability do not involve redevelopment through overall demolition, which represents a loss of regionality and history and is conducted undemocratically; rather, the practice should be acknowledged for adding value as past heritage and the simultaneous incorporation of present and future values.
A Multistage Distribution-Generation Planning Model for Clean Power Generation under Multiple Uncertainties—A Case Study of Urumqi, China
Authors: Wang Shen , Huang Guohe , Fan Yurui
Published: September 2018

In this research, a multistagedistribution-generation planning (MDGP) model is developed for clean power generation in the regional distributed generation (DG) power system under multiple uncertainties. The developed model has been applied for sustainable energy system management at Urumqi, China. Various scenarios are designed to reflect variations indemand modes of districts, seasonal limits, potentials of energy replacement, and clean power generation. The model can provide an effective linkage between economic cost and stability of DG power systems. Different power generation schemes would be obtained under different seasonal scenarios and system-failure risk levels. On the other hand, net system costs would be obtained and analyzed. The results indicate that the traditional power generation can be replaced by renewable energy power in DG power systems to satisfy the environmental requestsofthe city of Urumqi. The obtained solutions can help decision-makers get feasible decision alternatives to improve clean power planning in the Urumqi area under various uncertainties.
Study of Hydrodynamic Interference of Vertical-Axis Tidal Turbine Array
Authors: Li Guangnian , Chen Qingren , Gu Hanbin
Published: September 2018

The hydrodynamic interference between tidal turbines must be considered when predicting their overall hydrodynamic performance and optimizing the layout of the turbine array. These factors are of great significance to the development and application of tidal energy. In this paper, the phenomenon of hydrodynamic interference of the tidal turbine array is studied by the hydrodynamic performance forecast program based on an unsteady boundary element model for the vertical-axis turbine array. By changing the relative positions of two turbines in the double turbine array to simulate the arrangement of different turbines, the hydrodynamic interference law between the turbines in the array and the influence of relative positions on the hydrodynamic characteristics in the turbine array are explored. The manner in which the turbines impact each other, the degree of influence, and rules for turbine array arrangement for maximum efficiency of the array will be discussed. The results of this study will provide technical insights to relevant researchers.
Values and Preferences for Domestic Water Use: A Study from the Transboundary River Basin of Mékrou (West Africa)
Authors: Markantonis Vasileios , Dondeynaz Celine , Latinopoulos Dionysis , Bithas Kostas , Trichakis Ioannis , M’Po Yèkambèssoun N’Tcha , Carmona Moreno Cesar
Published: September 2018

Water is indispensable for human life and sufficient domestic use is considered as a regularity in the western world. The conditions are substantially different in African countries where poverty and lack of life-supporting services prevail. The provision of domestic water is an essential problem, which requires action. Τhe lack of sufficient funding for the development of infrastructure supports claims for citizen participation in related costs. However, can citizens pay and to what extend for sufficient water provision? The present study investigates a household’s willingness to pay for domestic water in the transboundary Mékrou River Basin in West Africa (Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger) and explores the payment for domestic water provision to poverty. The paper uses the results of a household survey that was undertaken in the Mekrou basin including a representative sample from all three countries. Based on this survey the paper presents basic socio-economic characteristics of the local population as well as qualitative water provision and management attributes. In the core of the econometric analysis the paper presents the results of the survey’s Contingent Valuation (CV) scenario estimating the households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a domestic water provision. The households of the Mekrou basin are willing to pay 2.81 euro per month in average for a domestic water provision network but this is strongly related with the wealth of households. This finding although it may support the “user pays principle”, it also raises serious questions over the provision of water to poor households.
Evolutionary Characteristics of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Intensity
Authors: Xiang N. B. , Qu Z. N.
Published: September 2018

We use several mathematical methods, such as the continuous wavelet transform, the wavelet coherence (WTC), and the partial wavelet coherence, to investigate the distribution and oscillation periods of the daily interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) intensity as well as the connection between IMF fluctuations and solar activity indices (the magnetic plage strength index and the Mount Wilson sunspot index). The daily IMF intensity generally approximately follows a log-normal distribution that is directly related to the distribution of the active region flux. The short-term periods of the IMF are about 13.7, 27.6, 37.1, and 75.3 days. They are driven by the quasi-periodicity of the magnetic surges on the solar surface. The medium-term periods of 1.07 and 1.82 years need to be derived from the stochastic interaction of local fields and meridional flows, since coronal holes reflect the transport of the magnetic flux on the solar surface and variations in the meridional flow are seen in the heliosphere. The 10.9-year period is the Schwabe solar cycle and is to be mentioned first. The solar cycle variation of the IMF is not thought to be related to weak solar magnetic activity, but is dominated by the strong solar magnetic field activity seen on the disk, because the footpoints of the time-varying component of the interplanetary magnetic flux are rooted in regions that are located near the sources of coronal mass ejections that are related to active regions, while the constant component in the IMF is thought to initially and mainly come from the weak solar magnetic field activity. Finally, the slow variation of the IMF indicates that it may have a period of longer than 50 years.
A Phenomenological Model for the Light Curve of Three Quiescent Low-inclination Dwarf Novae and One Pre-cataclysmic Variable
Authors: Dai 戴 Zhibin 智斌 , Szkody Paula , Kennedy Mark , Su 苏 Jie 杰 , Medagangoda N. Indika , Robinson Edward L. , Garnavich Peter M. , M. De Silva L. Malith
Published: September 2018

We used the light curve code XRBinary to model the quiescent K2 light curves of three low-inclination cataclysmic variables (CVs): 1RXS J0632+2536 (J0632+2536), RZ Leo, TW Vir and the pre-CV WD 1144+011. Optimized light curve models were obtained using a nonlinear fitting code NMfit and visualized by Phoebe 2.0. The disk model of J0632+2536 shows that one hotspot at the edge of the disk is enough to describe its light curve, while the other two dwarf nova (DN): RZ Leo and TW Vir require two hotspots. A typical pre-CV model with a weak irradiation effect for WD 1144+011 can explain its single-hump modulation and the newly observed spectrum confirms its previous classification. The synthetic analyses for the DN clearly indicate that phase zero of the double-hump modulations occurs around the secondary minimum and the primary hump is mainly caused by the hotspot at the edge of the disk. The quiescent disk has a flat temperature distribution with a power index of ∼0.11. The disk model of RZ Leo implies a truncated disk, supporting its previously speculated classification as an intermediate polar (IP). Except for the IP model of RZ Leo, which lacks a component related to the inferred accretion curtain, the models of J0632+2536, TW Vir and WD 1144+011 are consistent with results from the Gaia mission. The derived masses and radii of the secondaries of the three DN are consistent with the semi-empirical relations for CV donor stars, while their effective temperatures are higher than the predictions. Irradiation of the donor stars is investigated to explain this discrepancy.
The Bright and the Slow—GRBs 100724B and 160509A with High-energy Cutoffs at ≲100 MeV
Authors: Vianello G. , Gill R. , Granot J. , Omodei N. , Cohen-Tanugi J. , Longo F.
Published: September 2018

We analyze the prompt emission of GRB 100724B and GRB 160509A, two of the brightest gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) observed by Fermi at ≲MeV energies but surprisingly faint at ≳100 MeV energies. Time-resolved spectroscopy reveals a sharp high-energy cutoff at energies E

c
 ∼ 20–60 MeV for GRB 100724B and E

c
 ∼ 80–150 MeV for GRB 160509A. We first characterize phenomenologically the cutoff and its time evolution. We then fit the data to two models where the high-energy cutoff arises from intrinsic opacity to pair production within the source (τ

γγ
): (i) a Band spectrum with τ

γγ
from the internal-shocks-motivated model of Granot et al. (2008) and (ii) the photospheric model of Gill & Thompson (2014). Alternative explanations for the cutoff, such as an intrinsic cutoff in the emitting electron energy distribution, appear to be less natural. Both models provide a good fit to the data with very reasonable physical parameters, providing an estimate of bulk Lorentz factors in the range Γ ∼ 100–400, on the lower end of what is generally observed in Fermi GRBs. Surprisingly, their lower cutoff energies E

c
compared to other Fermi/LAT GRBs arise not only predominantly from the lower Lorentz factors, but also at a comparable level from differences in variability time, luminosity, and high-energy photon index. Finally, particularly low E

c
values may prevent detection by Fermi/LAT, thus introducing a bias in the Fermi/LAT GRB sample against GRBs with low Lorentz factors or variability times.
Photospheric Response to a Flare
Authors: Wheatland Michael S. , Melrose Donald B. , Mastrano Alpha
Published: September 2018

Flares produce sudden and permanent changes in the horizontal photospheric magnetic field. In particular, flares generally produce increased magnetic shear in the photospheric field along the neutral line. Recent observations also show that flares can produce sudden photospheric motion. We present a model for the observed changes as the response of the photosphere to a large-amplitude shear Alfvén wave propagating down from the corona on either side of the neutral line. The Alfvénic front is assumed to impact the photosphere close to the neutral line first and then successively further away with time, such that the line of impact coincides with the flare ribbon. The wave introduces magnetic shear and velocity shear. The magnetic shear introduced at the photosphere has the same sign on either side of the neutral line, while the velocity shear has the opposite sign. We discuss the possibility that this process is responsible for particle acceleration in flares.
Analytical Description of the Time-dependent Perpendicular Transport of Energetic Particles
Authors: Shalchi A.
Published: September 2018

A fundamental problem in plasma and astrophysics is the motion of energetic and electrically charged particles through a magnetized plasma, e.g., cosmic rays propagating through the interplanetary or interstellar medium. In particular, the motion of particles across a large-scale or guide field is difficult to describe analytically. Recently, an advanced nonlinear theory for perpendicular transport was developed. The theory shows good agreement with simulations and can be used for a variety of synthetic turbulence models. An interesting feature of the latter theory is that it allows for a full time-dependent description of perpendicular transport, including the initial ballistic motion, sub-diffusion, and the recovery of diffusion as soon as there is transverse complexity of the magnetic field. It is the purpose of the current paper to use this theory to derive analytical forms of the time-dependent perpendicular diffusion parameter for different cases. This is useful for a variety of applications, such as studies of shock acceleration and solar modulation.
Survival of Advanced Stage High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patients in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Aluloski Igor , Tanturovski Mile , Jovanovic Rubens , Kostadinova-Kunovska Slavica , Petrusevska Gordana , Stojkovski Igor , Petreska Bojana
Published: September 2018

AIM: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the overall survival of women with advanced stage (Stage IIIA-IV) high-grade serous ovarian cancer in MacedoniaMATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional medical record review of patients diagnosed with advanced stage HGSC. Patients were deemed eligible for inclusion if they were diagnosed with an advanced stage (Stage IIIA-IV) HGSC of the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum between 2009 and 2015.  The data were analyzed in a descriptive fashion and summary statistics were provided, as appropriate. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.RESULTS: A total of 81 eligible patients were identified and included in the study. The average overall survival in the studied cohort was 46.59 months (95%CI = 39.11-54.06). Patients that were optimally debulked and patients that had a platinum-free interval larger than 12 months had significantly longer survival in the current series (p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: the average overall survival of advanced stage HGSC patients in the studied series was 46.59 months (95%CI = 39.11-54.06). Patients aged 65 years or younger tended to live approximately ten months longer than patients older than 65 years, but this difference was not statistically significant. There was no difference in HGSC survival in the groups of patients with grade 2 and grade 3 disease. However, optimal surgical debulking and platinum sensitivity were associated with significantly better overall survival.
Eruptive Basaliomas: ʺWhy we have to Perform Surgery? ʺ Or Said Otherwise: ʺCatch The Metatypical! ʺ
Authors: Temelkova Ivanka , Mangarov Hristo , Tronnier Michael , Terziev Ivan , Tchernev Georgi
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte cancers are malignant diseases with a broad incidence of spread which tends to increase during the last couple of decades. The solar radiation plays a dominant role in the occurrence of BCC, but certain genetic phenotypes appear to be risky from an etiological point of view. Metatypical basal cell carcinoma (MTBCC) is a rare variant of BCC which combines the clinical and histological characteristics of BCC and SCC. Clinically they are indistinguishable from the conventional BCC, and only the histological examination can differentiate them. The MTBCC is a histological subtype which is considered more aggressive due to its ability to produce local recurrences or distant metastases.CASE REPORT: We present a 44-year old patient with multiple BCCs disseminated on the face and body. The biopsy established mixed type histology: three metatypical and four solid BCCs. The lesions were removed via elliptical excision with a field of operational security of 0.5 cm in all directions.CONCLUSIONS: The eruptive (multiple) BCCs are a challenge about the choice of a therapy option. This is because clinically completely identical tumours show different histopathological characteristics, namely those with a tendency to metastasise. Having in mind one of the hypotheses of metatypical BCC emergence - the improper or inadequate radiotherapy (as a choice of therapy) could trigger the transition of a conventional tumour to a metastasising one, the surgical treatment appears to be the most secure treatment method.