bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Image-Based Gamut Analysis of Translucent Digital Ceramic Prints for Coloured Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Schregle Roland , Wittkopf Stephen
Published: February 2018

Colouring the frontglass of photovoltaic (PV) modules via digital ceramic printing aids in concealing the PV modules when integrated into existing building façades as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), while admitting sufficient light to produce electricity. This promotes the visual acceptance and adoption of PV modules as a source of renewable energy in urban environments. The effective colour of the PV laminate is a combination of the transparent colour on glass and the colour of the PV cells. This colour should ideally match the architect’s visual expectations in terms of fidelity, but also in terms of relative PV efficiency as a function of print density. In practice, these requirements are often contradictory, particularly for vivid colours, and the visual results may deviate significantly. This paper presents an objective analysis of how colours appear on ceramically printed frontglass when laminated with a PV module, using an image-based colour acquisition process. Given a set of 1044 nominal colours uniformly distributed in the RGB colour space, each printed in 10 opacities, we quantify the range of effective colours observed when printed on glass and combined with a PV module, and their deviation from the nominals. Our results confirm that the effective colour gamuts are significantly constrained and skewed, depending on the ink volume and glass finish used for printing. In particular, blue–magenta hues cannot be reliably rendered with this process. These insights can serve as guidelines for selecting target colours for BIPV that can be well approximated in practice.
Electrostatic Adsorption of Platinum onto Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers for Nanoparticle Synthesis
Authors: Banerjee Ritubarna , Contreras-Mora Jose , McQuiston Susan , Bolton Brandon , Tavakoli Mehrabadi Bahareh , Regalbuto John
Published: February 2018

Strong Electrostatic Adsorption (SEA) has been demonstrated as a simple, scientific method to prepare well dispersed Pt nanoparticles over typical forms of carbon: activated, black, and graphitic carbons. Many varieties of specialty carbons have been invented in the last few decades including multi-walled nanotubes, nanofibers, graphene nanoplatelets, etc. In this work, we explore whether SEA can be applied to these specialty carbons for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles. Over a number of oxidized and unoxidized multiwalled nanotubes and nanofibers, the point of zero charge (PZC) was measured and the uptake of anionic Pt complexes (Pt hexachloride, [PtCl6]2−, and cationic Pt complexes (platinum tetraammine, [Pt(NH3)4]2+) as functions of final pH were surveyed. Pt nanoparticles on the various supports were synthesized at the optimal pH and were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The specialty carbons displayed volcano-shaped uptake curves typical of electrostatic adsorption for both Pt anions at low pH and Pt cations at high pH. However, the regimes of uptake often did not correspond to the measured PZC, probably due to surface impurities from the carbon manufacturing process. This renders the measured PZC of these specialty carbons unreliable for predicting anion and cation uptake. On the other hand, the anion and cation uptake curves provide an “effective” PZC and do indicate the optimal pH for the synthesis of ultrasmall nanoparticle synthesis. High resolution STEM imaging also showed that with SEA it is possible to disperse nanoparticles on the surface as well as the inner walls of the specialty carbons.
Mg2FeH6 Synthesis Efficiency Map
Authors: Witek Katarzyna , Karczewski Krzysztof , Karpowicz Magdalena , Polanski Marek
Published: February 2018

The influences of the processing parameters on the Mg2FeH6 synthesis yield were studied. Mixtures of magnesium hydride (MgH2) and iron (Fe) were mechanically milled in a planetary ball mill under argon for 0.5-, 1-, 2- and 3-h periods and subsequently sintered at temperatures from 300–500 ∘ C under hydrogen. The reaction yield, phase content and hydrogen storage properties of the received materials were investigated. The morphologies of the powders after synthesis were studied by SEM. The synthesis effectiveness map was presented. The obtained results prove that synthesis parameters, such as the milling time and synthesis temperature, greatly influence the reaction yield and material properties and show that extended mechanical milling may not be beneficial to the reaction efficiency.
Ultra-Wide-Bandwidth Tunable Magnetic Fluid-Filled Hybrid Connected Dual-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Mode Converter
Authors: Yu Yingying , Sun Bo
Published: February 2018

We propose a tunable magnetic fluid-filled hybrid photonic crystal fiber mode converter. Innovative design principles based on the hybrid connected dual-core photonic crystal fiber and magnetically modulated optical properties of magnetic fluid are developed and numerically verified. The mode converter was designed to convert LP11 in the index-guiding core to the LP01 mode in the photonic bandgap-guiding core. By introducing the magnetic fluid into the air-hole located at the center of the photonic bandgap-guiding core, the mode converter can realize a high coupling efficiency and an ultra-wide bandwidth. The coupling efficiency can reach up to 99.9%. At a fixed fiber length, by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field, the coupling efficiency can reach up to 90% and 95% at wavelengths in the ranges of 1.33 µm–1.85 µm and 1.38 µm–1.75 µm, with bandwidth values reaching 0.52 µm and 0.37 µm, respectively. Moreover, it has a good manufacturing flexibility. The mode converter can be used to implement wideband mode-division multiplexing of few-mode optical fiber for high-capacity telecommunications.
Kullback–Leibler Divergence Based Distributed Cubature Kalman Filter and Its Application in Cooperative Space Object Tracking
Authors: Hu Chen , Lin Haoshen , Li Zhenhua , He Bing , Liu Gang
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a distributed Bayesian filter design was studied for nonlinear dynamics and measurement mapping based on Kullback–Leibler divergence. In a distributed structure, the nonlinear filter becomes a challenging problem, since each sensor cannot access the global measurement likelihood function over the whole network, and some sensors have weak observability of the state. To solve the problem in a sensor network, the distributed Bayesian filter problem was converted into an optimization problem by maximizing a posterior method. The global cost function over the whole network was decomposed into the sum of the local cost function, where the local cost function can be solved by each sensor. With the help of the Kullback–Leibler divergence, the global estimate was approximated in each sensor by communicating with its neighbors. Based on the proposed distributed Bayesian filter structure, a distributed cubature Kalman filter (DCKF) was proposed. Finally, a cooperative space object tracking problem was studied for illustration. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can solve the issues of varying communication topology and weak observability of some sensors.
Performance of Segmented Thermoelectric Cooler Micro-Elements with Different Geometric Shapes and Temperature-Dependent Properties
Authors: Badillo-Ruiz Carlos , Olivares-Robles Miguel , Ruiz-Ortega Pablo
Published: February 2018

In this work, the influences of the Thomson effect and the geometry of the p-type segmented leg on the performance of a segmented thermoelectric microcooler (STEMC) were examined. The effects of geometry and the material configuration of the p-type segmented leg on the cooling power ( Q c ) and coefficient of performance ( C O P ) were investigated. The influence of the cross-sectional area ratio of the two joined segments on the device performance was also evaluated. We analyzed a one-dimensional p-type segmented leg model composed of two different semiconductor materials, B i 2 T e 3 and ( B i 0.5 S b 0.5 ) 2 T e 3 . Considering the three most common p-type leg geometries, we studied both single-material systems (using the same material for both segments) and segmented systems (using different materials for each segment). The C O P , Q c and temperature profile were evaluated for each of the modeled geometric configurations under a fixed temperature gradient of Δ T = 30 K. The performances of the STEMC were evaluated using two models, namely the constant-properties material (CPM) and temperature-dependent properties material (TDPM) models, considering the thermal conductivity ( κ ( T ) ), electrical conductivity ( σ ( T ) ) and Seebeck coefficient ( α ( T ) ). We considered the influence of the Thomson effect on C O P and Q c using the TDPM model. The results revealed the optimal material configurations for use in each segment of the p-type leg. According to the proposed geometric models, the optimal leg geometry and electrical current for maximum performance were determined. After consideration of the Thomson effect, the STEMC system was found to deliver a maximum cooling power that was 5.10 % higher than that of the single-material system. The results showed that the inverse system (where the material with a higher Seebeck coefficient is used for the first segment) delivered a higher performance than the direct system, with improvements in the C O P and Q c of 6.67 % and 29.25 % , respectively. Finally, analysis of the relationship between the areas of the STEMC segments demonstrated that increasing the cross-sectional area in the second segment led to improvements in the C O P and Q c of 16.67 % and 8.03 % , respectively.
A Control Approach and Supplementary Controllers for a Stand-Alone System with Predominance of Wind Generation
Authors: Lukasievicz Tiago , Oliveira Ricardo , Torrico César
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a control approach and supplementary controllers for the operation of a hybrid stand-alone system composed of a wind generation unit and a conventional generation unit based on synchronous generator (CGU). The proposed controllers allow the islanded or isolated operation of small power systems with predominance of wind generation. As an advantage and a paradigm shift, the DC-link voltage of the wind unit is controlled by means of a conventional synchronous generator connected to the AC grid of the system. Two supplementary controllers, added to a diesel generator (DIG) and to a DC dump load (DL), are proposed to control the DC-link voltage. The wind generation unit operates in V-f control mode and the DIG operates in PQ control mode, which allows the stand-alone system to operate either in wind-diesel (WD) mode or in wind-only (WO) mode. The strong influence of the wind turbine speed variations in the DC-link voltage is mitigated by a low-pass filter added to the speed control loop of the wind turbine. The proposed control approach does not require the use battery bank and ultra-capacitor to control the DC-link voltage in wind generation units based on fully rated converter.
CAES Systems Integrated into a Gas-Steam Combined Plant: Design Point Performance Assessment
Authors: Salvini Coriolano
Published: February 2018

In the present paper, the performance of an energy storage concept based on the integration of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system into a gas–steam combined cycle (GSCC) plant is investigated. CAES systems featured by different design specifications have been coupled with a commercially available small size GSCC plant. Storage efficiencies up to 65% have been evaluated for CAES design power output ranging from 5 to 10 MW. A techno-economic analysis aimed at assessing plant performance and investment costs has been performed. Despite the relatively high investment costs and the storage efficiency being less than those featuring alternative storage approaches, the proposed system may be considered of interest due to the long-life duration and the established technologies available for the key plant components.
An Improved Energy Management Strategy for Hybrid Energy Storage System in Light Rail Vehicles
Authors: Cheng Long , Wang Wei , Wei Shaoyuan , Lin Hongtao , Jia Zhidong
Published: February 2018

A single-objective optimization energy management strategy (EMS) for an onboard hybrid energy storage system (HESS) for light rail (LR) vehicles is proposed. The HESS uses batteries and supercapacitors (SCs). The main objective of the proposed optimization is to reduce the battery and SC losses while maintaining the SC state of charge (SOC) within specific limits based on the distance between consecutive LR stations. To do this, a series of optimized SOC limits is used to prevent the SC from becoming exhausted prematurely instead of the standard SC SOC penalty term in the cost function. Meanwhile, a rule-based EMS (RB-EMS) is used to give the SCs charging priority over the batteries when the vehicle is braking. Moreover, a simplified method for the optimization is proposed to reduce the computational burden. Simulation and experimental results for the proposed EMS and a standard SC SOC penalty-based cost function optimization are provided to evaluate losses. As a result, it is shown that the proposed EMS, compared with standard SC SOC penalty-based cost function optimization, decreases losses and prevents the SOC from reach the discharging limits.
Intrahousehold Relations and Environmental Entitlements of Land and Livestock for Women in Rural Kano, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Umaru Baba Saadatu , Van der Horst Dan
Published: February 2018

Gender relations mediate access to the environment in a variety of ways, through formal institutions such as customary law or informal social norms operating at the household level. This is particularly so in rural areas of the global south that are highly dependent on natural resources for livelihoods. The environmental entitlements framework is useful in examining the influence of informal institutions on access to environmental resources among differentiated social actors. In this paper, we use the environmental entitlements framework to map entitlements to land and livestock, and explore the capabilities they provide for women in rural northern Nigeria. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of social norms governing marriage and inheritance on women’s entitlements to land and livestock. The study methods were qualitative and used in-depth interviews and household case studies. We find that environmental entitlements of land and livestock for women are mediated by their relationships to men, through marriage or kinship, and through the different intra household arrangements within marriage, including seclusion, non-seclusion, and polygyny. Women are able to gain command of natural resources through negotiations within these relationships and within the wider social norms governing Hausa society. While these institutions can restrict the capabilities women derive from natural resources, women may delay or forgo entitlements as a means of enhancing their wellbeing.
Linear–Quadratic Mean-Field-Type Games: A Direct Method
Authors: Duncan Tyrone , Tembine Hamidou
Published: February 2018

In this work, a multi-person mean-field-type game is formulated and solved that is described by a linear jump-diffusion system of mean-field type and a quadratic cost functional involving the second moments, the square of the expected value of the state, and the control actions of all decision-makers. We propose a direct method to solve the game, team, and bargaining problems. This solution approach does not require solving the Bellman–Kolmogorov equations or backward–forward stochastic differential equations of Pontryagin’s type. The proposed method can be easily implemented by beginners and engineers who are new to the emerging field of mean-field-type game theory. The optimal strategies for decision-makers are shown to be in a state-and-mean-field feedback form. The optimal strategies are given explicitly as a sum of the well-known linear state-feedback strategy for the associated deterministic linear–quadratic game problem and a mean-field feedback term. The equilibrium cost of the decision-makers are explicitly derived using a simple direct method. Moreover, the equilibrium cost is a weighted sum of the initial variance and an integral of a weighted variance of the diffusion and the jump process. Finally, the method is used to compute global optimum strategies as well as saddle point strategies and Nash bargaining solution in state-and-mean-field feedback form.
Re-Arrangements in the Cytoplasmic Distribution of Small RNAs Following the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition in Drosophila Embryos
Authors: Cosacak Mehmet , Yiğit Hatice , Kizil Caghan , Akgül Bünyamin
Published: February 2018

Small ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are known to regulate gene expression during early development. However, the dynamics of interaction between small RNAs and polysomes during this process is largely unknown. To investigate this phenomenon, 0–1 h and 7–8 h Drosophila melanogaster embryos were fractionated on sucrose density gradients into four fractions based on A254 reading (1) translationally inactive messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP), (2) 60S, (3) monosome, and (4) polysome. Comparative analysis of deep-sequencing reads from fractionated and un-fractionated 0–1 h and 7–8 h embryos revealed development-specific co-sedimentation pattern of small RNAs with the cellular translation machinery. Although most micro RNAs (miRNAs) did not have a specific preference for any state of the translational machinery, we detected fraction-specific enrichment of a few miRNAs such as dme-miR-1-3p, -184-3p, 5-5p and 263-5p. More interestingly, we observed changes in the subcellular location of a subset of miRNAs in fractionated embryos despite no measurable difference in their amount in unfractionated embryos. Transposon-derived endo small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were over-expressed in 7–8 h embryos and associated mainly with the mRNP fraction. In contrast, transposon-derived PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA), which were more abundant in 0–1 h embryos, co-sedimented primarily with the polysome fractions. These results suggest that there appears to be a complex interplay among the small RNAs with respect to their polysome-cosedimentation pattern during early development in Drosophila melanogaster.
Enlightening Butterfly Conservation Efforts: The Importance of Natural Lighting for Butterfly Behavioral Ecology and Conservation
Authors: Seymoure Brett
Published: February 2018

Light is arguably the most important abiotic factor for living organisms. Organisms evolved under specific lighting conditions and their behavior, physiology, and ecology are inexorably linked to light. Understanding light effects on biology could not be more important as present anthropogenic effects are greatly changing the light environments in which animals exist. The two biggest anthropogenic contributors changing light environments are: (1) anthropogenic lighting at night (i.e., light pollution); and (2) deforestation and the built environment. I highlight light importance for butterfly behavior, physiology, and ecology and stress the importance of including light as a conservation factor for conserving butterfly biodiversity. This review focuses on four parts: (1) Introducing the nature and extent of light. (2) Visual and non-visual light reception in butterflies. (3) Implications of unnatural lighting for butterflies across several different behavioral and ecological contexts. (4). Future directions for quantifying the threat of unnatural lighting on butterflies and simple approaches to mitigate unnatural light impacts on butterflies. I urge future research to include light as a factor and end with the hopeful thought that controlling many unnatural light conditions is simply done by flipping a switch.
Experimental Investigation of Multi-mode Fiber Laser Cutting of Cement Mortar
Authors: Lee Dongkyoung , Pyo Sukhoon
Published: February 2018

This study successfully applied multi-mode laser cutting with the variation of the laser cutting speed to cement mortar for the first time. The effects of the amount of silica sand in the cement mortar on laser cutting are tested and analyzed. The kerf width and penetration depth of the specimens after laser cutting are investigated. As the laser cutting speed increases, the penetration depth decreases for both cement paste and cement mortar, whereas the kerf width becomes saturated and increases, respectively, for cement paste and cement mortar. Cross sections of the specimens are compared with illustrations. Top-view images of the cement mortar with indicators of the physical characteristics, such as re-solidification, burning, and cracks are examined, and the possible causes of these characteristics are explained. The optical absorption rates of cement-based materials are quantified at wide ranges of wavelength to compare the absorption rates in accordance with the materials compositions. The chemical composition variation before and after laser cutting is also compared by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis. In addition to these observations, material removal mechanisms for cement mortar are proposed.
Synthesis of α-Fe2O3 and Fe-Mn Oxide Foams with Highly Tunable Magnetic Properties by the Replication Method from Polyurethane Templates
Authors: Feng Yuping , Fornell Jordina , Zhang Huiyan , Solsona Pau , Barό Maria , Suriñach Santiago , Pellicer Eva , Sort Jordi
Published: February 2018

Open cell foams consisting of Fe and Fe-Mn oxides are prepared from metallic Fe and Mn powder precursors by the replication method using porous polyurethane (PU) templates. First, reticulated PU templates are coated by slurry impregnation. The templates are then thermally removed at 260 °C and the debinded powders are sintered at 1000 °C under N2 atmosphere. The morphology, structure, and magnetic properties are studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry, respectively. The obtained Fe and Fe-Mn oxide foams possess both high surface area and homogeneous open-cell structure. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) foams are obtained from the metallic iron slurry independently of the N2 flow. In contrast, the microstructure of the FeMn-based oxide foams can be tailored by adjusting the N2 flow. While the main phases for a N2 flow rate of 180 L/h are α-Fe2O3 and FeMnO3, the predominant phase for high N2 flow rates (e.g., 650 L/h) is Fe2MnO4. Accordingly, a linear magnetization versus field behavior is observed for the hematite foams, while clear hysteresis loops are obtained for the Fe2MnO4 foams. Actually, the saturation magnetization of the foams containing Mn increases from 5 emu/g to 52 emu/g when the N2 flow rate (i.e., the amount of Fe2MnO4) is increased. The obtained foams are appealing for a wide range of applications, such as electromagnetic absorbers, catalysts supports, thermal and acoustic insulation systems or wirelessly magnetically-guided porous objects in fluids.
Fatigue Behavior of Porous Ti-6Al-4V Made by Laser-Engineered Net Shaping
Authors: Razavi Nima , Bordonaro Giancarlo , Ferro Paolo , Torgersen Jan , Berto Filippo
Published: February 2018

The fatigue behavior and fracture mechanisms of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V specimens are investigated in this study. Three sets of testing samples were fabricated for the assessment of fatigue life. The first batch of samples was built by using Laser-Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) technology, a Direct Energy Deposition (DED) method. Internal voids and defects were induced in a second batch of samples by changing LENS machine processing parameters. Fatigue performance of these samples is compared to the wrought Ti-6Al-4V samples. The effects of machine-induced porosity are assessed on mechanical properties and results are presented in the form of SN curves for the three sets of samples. Fracture mechanisms are examined by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to characterize the morphological characteristics of the failure surface. Different fracture surface morphologies are observed for porous and non-porous specimens due to the combination of head write speed and laser power. Formation of defects such as pores, unmelted regions, and gas entrapments affect the failure mechanisms in porous specimens. Non-porous specimens exhibit fatigue properties comparable with that of the wrought specimens, but porous specimens are found to show a tremendous reduced fatigue strength.
Singularity Penetration with Unit Delay (SPUD)
Authors: Sands Timothy , Kim Jae , Agrawal Brij
Published: February 2018

This manuscript reveals both the full experimental and methodical details of a most-recent patent that demonstrates a much-desired goal of rotational maneuvers via angular exchange momentum, namely extremely high torque without mathematical singularity and accompanying loss of attitude control while the angular momentum trajectory resides in the mathematical singularity. The paper briefly reviews the most recent literature, and then gives theoretical development for implementing the new control methods described in the patent to compute a non-singular steering command to the angular momentum actuators. The theoretical developments are followed by computer simulations used to verify the theoretical computation methodology, and then laboratory experiments are used for validation on a free-floating hardware simulator. A typical 3/4 CMG array skewed at 54.73° yields 0.15H. Utilizing the proposed singularity penetration techniques, 3H momentum is achieved about yaw, 2H about roll, and 1H about pitch representing performance increases of 1900%, 1233%, and 566% respectfully.
Cancer Targeting and Drug Delivery Using Carbon-Based Quantum Dots and Nanotubes
Authors: Pardo Joel , Peng Zhili , Leblanc Roger
Published: February 2018

Currently cancer treatment is in large part non-specific with respect to treatment. Medication is often harsh on patients, whereby they suffer several undesired side effects as a result. Carbon-based nanoparticles have attracted attention in recent years due to their ability to act as a platform for the attachment of several drugs and/or ligands. Relatively simple models are often used in cancer research, wherein carbon nanoparticles are conjugated to a ligand that is specific to an overexpressed receptor for imaging and drug delivery in cancer treatment. These carbon nanoparticles confer unique properties to the imaging or delivery vehicle due to their nontoxic nature and their high fluorescence qualities. Chief among the ongoing research within carbon-based nanoparticles emerge carbon dots (C-dots) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this review, the aforementioned carbon nanoparticles will be discussed in their use within doxorubicin and gemcitabine based drug delivery vehicles, as well as the ligand-mediated receptor specific targeted therapy. Further directions of research in current field are also discussed.
Separation and Purification of Fructo-Oligosaccharide by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography Coupled with Precolumn Derivatization
Authors: Duan Wenjuan , Ji Wenhua , Wei Yuanan , Zhao Ruixuan , Chen Zijian , Geng Yanling , Jing Feng , Wang Xiao
Published: February 2018

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) coupled with precolumn derivatization was developed for isolating and purifying fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs). Firstly, the total FOSs were precolumn derivatized and then separated by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) with two-phase solvent system petroleum ether–n-butanol–methanol–water (3:2:1:4, v/v). Secondly, the obtained compounds were deacetylated and the fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) with high purity were obtained. Their structures were identified by mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This research successfully established a novel strategy for separation and purification of FOS. There is no doubt that the application of the research will be beneficial for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of products containing FOSs.
Two New Triterpenoids from the Roots of Codonopsis pilosula
Authors: Zheng Tao , Cheng Li-Zhi , Yan Yong-Ming , Liu Bao-Hua , Qin Fu-Ying , Xu Fu-Rong , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: February 2018

Pseudolarolides U and V, two new triterpenoids, and four biogenetically related compounds, pseudolarolides E, F, K, and P were isolated from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data. The regulation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity by all the isolated compounds was evaluated.
Exogenous Melatonin Mitigates Acid Rain Stress to Tomato Plants through Modulation of Leaf Ultrastructure, Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Debnath Biswojit , Hussain Mubasher , Irshad Muhammad , Mitra Sangeeta , Li Min , Liu Shuang , Qiu Dongliang
Published: February 2018

Acid rain (AR) is a serious global environmental issue causing physio-morphological changes in plants. Melatonin, as an indoleamine molecule, has been known to mediate many physiological processes in plants under different kinds of environmental stress. However, the role of melatonin in acid rain stress tolerance remains inexpressible. This study investigated the possible role of melatonin on different physiological responses involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in tomato plants under simulated acid rain (SAR) stress. SAR stress caused the inhibition of growth, damaged the grana lamella of the chloroplast, photosynthesis, and increased accumulation of ROS and lipid peroxidation in tomato plants. To cope the detrimental effect of SAR stress, plants under SAR condition had increased both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant substances compared with control plants. But such an increase in the antioxidant activities were incapable of inhibiting the destructive effect of SAR stress. Meanwhile, melatonin treatment increased SAR-stress tolerance by repairing the grana lamella of the chloroplast, improving photosynthesis and antioxidant activities compared with those in SAR-stressed plants. However, these possible effects of melatonin are dependent on concentration. Moreover, our study suggests that 100-μM melatonin treatment improved the SAR-stress tolerance by increasing photosynthesis and ROS scavenging antioxidant activities in tomato plants.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome of a Key Ancestor of Modern Roses, Rosa chinensis var. spontanea, and a Comparison with Congeneric Species
Authors: Jian Hong-Ying , Zhang Yong-Hong , Yan Hui-Jun , Qiu Xian-Qin , Wang Qi-Gang , Li Shu-Bin , Zhang Shu-Dong
Published: February 2018

Rosa chinensis var. spontanea, an endemic and endangered plant of China, is one of the key ancestors of modern roses and a source for famous traditional Chinese medicines against female diseases, such as irregular menses and dysmenorrhea. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of R. chinensis var. spontanea was sequenced, analyzed, and compared to congeneric species. The cp genome of R. chinensis var. spontanea is a typical quadripartite circular molecule of 156,590 bp in length, including one large single copy (LSC) region of 85,910 bp and one small single copy (SSC) region of 18,762 bp, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,959 bp. The GC content of the whole genome is 37.2%, while that of LSC, SSC, and IR is 42.8%, 35.2% and 31.2%, respectively. The genome encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Seventeen genes in the IR regions were found to be duplicated. Thirty-three forward and five inverted repeats were detected in the cp genome of R. chinensis var. spontanea. The genome is rich in SSRs. In total, 85 SSRs were detected. A genome comparison revealed that IR contraction might be the reason for the relatively smaller cp genome size of R. chinensis var. spontanea compared to other congeneric species. Sequence analysis revealed that the LSC and SSC regions were more divergent than the IR regions within the genus Rosa and that a higher divergence occurred in non-coding regions than in coding regions. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the sampled species of the genus Rosa formed a monophyletic clade and that R. chinensis var. spontanea shared a more recent ancestor with R. lichiangensis of the section Synstylae than with R. odorata var. gigantea of the section Chinenses. This information will be useful for the conservation genetics of R. chinensis var. spontanea and for the phylogenetic study of the genus Rosa, and it might also facilitate the genetics and breeding of modern roses.
Exploration of the Inhibitory Potential of Varespladib for Snakebite Envenomation
Authors: Wang Yiding , Zhang Jing , Zhang Denghong , Xiao Huixiang , Xiong Shengwei , Huang Chunhong
Published: February 2018

Phospholipase A2s (PLA2) is a major component of snake venom with diverse pathologic toxicities and, therefore, a potential target for antivenom therapy. Varespladib was initially designed as an inhibitor of mammal PLA2s, and was recently repurposed to a broad-spectrum inhibitor of PLA2 in snake venom. To evaluate the protective abilities of varespladib to hemorrhage, myonecrosis, and systemic toxicities that are inflicted by different crude snake venoms, subcutaneous ecchymosis, muscle damage, and biochemical variation in serum enzymes derived from the envenomed mice were determined, respectively. Varespladib treatment showed a significant inhibitory effect to snake venom PLA2, which was estimated by IC50 in vitro and ED50 in vivo. In animal models, the severely hemorrhagic toxicity of D. acutus and A. halys venom was almost fully inhibited after administration of varespladib. Moreover, signs of edema in gastrocnemius muscle were remarkably attenuated by administration of varespladib, with a reduced loss of myonecrosis and desmin. Serum levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 1, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase were down-regulated after treatment with varespladib, which indicated the protection to viscera injury. In conclusion, varespladib may be a potential first-line drug candidate in snakebite envenomation first aid or clinical therapy.
Current Application of Capillary Electrophoresis in Nanomaterial Characterisation and Its Potential to Characterise the Protein and Small Molecule Corona
Authors: Chetwynd Andrew , Guggenheim Emily , Briffa Sophie , Thorn James , Lynch Iseult , Valsami-Jones Eugenia
Published: February 2018

Due to the increasing use and production of nanomaterials (NMs), the ability to characterise their physical/chemical properties quickly and reliably has never been so important. Proper characterisation allows a thorough understanding of the material and its stability, and is critical to establishing dose-response curves to ascertain risks to human and environmental health. Traditionally, methods such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Flow Fractionation (FFF) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) have been favoured for size characterisation, due to their wide-availability and well-established protocols. Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) offers a faster and more cost-effective solution for complex dispersions including polydisperse or non-spherical NMs. CE has been used to rapidly separate NMs of varying sizes, shapes, surface modifications and compositions. This review will discuss the literature surrounding the CE separation techniques, detection and NM characteristics used for the analysis of a wide range of NMs. The potential of combining CE with mass spectrometry (CE-MS) will also be explored to further expand the characterisation of NMs, including the layer of biomolecules adsorbed to the surface of NMs in biological or environmental compartments, termed the acquired biomolecule corona. CE offers the opportunity to uncover new/poorly characterised low abundance and polar protein classes due to the high ionisation efficiency of CE-MS. Furthermore, the possibility of using CE-MS to characterise the poorly researched small molecule interactions within the NM corona is discussed.
Epinephrine in Anaphylaxis: Preclinical Study of Pharmacokinetics after Sublingual Administration of Taste-Masked Tablets for Potential Pediatric Use
Authors: Rachid Ousama , Rawas-Qalaji Mutasem , Simons Keith
Published: February 2018

Epinephrine is a life-saving treatment in anaphylaxis. In community settings, a first-aid dose of epinephrine is injected from an auto-injector (EAI). Needle phobia highly contributes to EAI underuse, leading to fatalities—especially in children. A novel rapidly-disintegrating sublingual tablet (RDST) of epinephrine was developed in our laboratory as a potential alternative dosage form. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sublingual bioavailability of epinephrine 30 mg as a potential pediatric dose incorporated in our novel taste-masked RDST in comparison with intramuscular (IM) epinephrine 0.15 mg from EAI, the recommended and only available dosage form for children in community settings. We studied the rate and extent of epinephrine absorption in our validated rabbit model (n = 5) using a cross-over design. The positive control was IM epinephrine 0.15 mg from an EpiPen Jr®. The negative control was a placebo RDST. Tablets were placed under the tongue for 2 min. Blood samples were collected at frequent intervals and epinephrine concentrations were measured using HPLC with electrochemical detection. The mean ± SEM maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 16.7 ± 1.9 ng/mL at peak time (Tmax) of 21 min after sublingual epinephrine 30 mg did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from the Cmax of 18.8 ± 1.9 ng/mL at a Tmax of 36 min after IM epinephrine 0.15 mg. The Cmax of both doses was significantly higher than the Cmax of 7.5 ± 1.7 ng/mL of endogenous epinephrine after placebo. These taste-masked RDSTs containing a 30 mg dose of epinephrine have the potential to be used as an easy-to-carry, palatable, non-invasive treatment for anaphylactic episodes for children in community settings.
Fatigue and Durability of Laminated Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Straps for Bridge Suspenders
Authors: Baschnagel Fabio , Härdi Rea , Triantafyllidis Zafiris , Meier Urs , Terrasi Giovanni
Published: February 2018

Steel cables and suspenders in bridges are at high risk of corrosion-fatigue and in some cases of fretting-fatigue in their anchorages. These factors greatly limit the service stresses of a specific cable system and involve expensive protection measures. In order to investigate the above limitations, the fretting fatigue behaviour of pin-loaded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) straps was studied as models for corrosion-resistant bridge suspenders. Two types of straps were tested: small model straps with a sacrificial CFRP ply and large full-scale straps. In a first phase, five fully laminated and carbon pin-loaded CFRP model straps were subjected to an ultimate tensile strength test. Thereafter, and in order to assess their durability, 20 model straps were subjected to a fretting fatigue test, which was successfully passed by 4 straps. An S-N curve was generated for a load ratio of 0.1 and a frequency of 10 Hz. In a second phase, one full-scale strap was tested for its ultimate tensile strength and two full-scale straps were fatigue-tested. The influence of fretting fatigue loading on the residual mechanical properties of the straps was also assessed, and although fretting fatigue represented an important limitation for laminated CFRP straps, it could be shown that the investigated CFRP tension members can compete with the well-established steel suspenders.
Formulation of Carbopol®/Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s Mucoadhesive Tablets for Buccal Delivery of Hydrocortisone
Authors: Ruiz-Rubio Leire , Alonso María , Pérez-Álvarez Leyre , Alonso Rosa , Vilas Jose , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy
Published: February 2018

Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) has become an excellent alternative to the use of poly(ethylene glycol) in pharmaceutical formulations due to its valuable physicochemical and biological properties. This work presents a formulation of poorly-water soluble drug, hydrocortisone, using interpolymer complexes and physical blends of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s and two Carbopols® (Carbopol 974 and Carbopol 971) for oromucosal administration. The swelling, hydrocortisone release and mucoadhesive properties of a series of tablet formulations obtained by combination of different Carbopols with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s of different molecular weights have been evaluated in vitro.
Utilization of Slaughterhouse Waste in Value-Added Applications: Recent Advances in the Development of Wood Adhesives
Authors: Adhikari Birendra , Chae Michael , Bressler David
Published: February 2018

Globally, slaughterhouses generate large volumes of animal byproducts. While these byproducts are an important resource of industrial protein that could potentially be utilized in various value-added applications, they are currently either underutilized in high-value applications or being used for production of relatively low-value products such as animal feed and pet food. Furthermore, some of the byproducts of animal slaughtering cannot enter food and feed chains and thus their disposal possesses a serious environmental concern. An innovative utilization of the proteinaceous waste generated by slaughterhouses comprises of waste processing to extract proteins, which are then incorporated into industrial processes to produce value-added bio-based products. In this report, we review the current processes for extraction of protein from proteinaceous waste of slaughterhouses, and utilization of the recovered protein in the development of protein-based wood adhesives.
Towards Phosphate Detection in Hydroponics Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensors
Authors: Storer Christopher , Coldrick Zachary , Tate Daniel , Donoghue Jack , Grieve Bruce
Published: February 2018

An interdigitated electrode sensor was designed and microfabricated for measuring the changes in the capacitance of three phosphate selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) formulations, in order to provide hydroponics users with a portable nutrient sensing tool. The MIPs investigated were synthesised using different combinations of the functional monomers methacrylic acid (MAA) and N-allylthiourea, against the template molecules diphenyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, and trimethyl phosphate. A cross-interference study between phosphate, nitrate, and sulfate was carried out for the MIP materials using an inductance, capacitance, and resistance (LCR) meter. Capacitance measurements were taken by applying an alternating current (AC) with a potential difference of 1 V root mean square (RMS) at a frequency of 1 kHz. The cross-interference study demonstrated a strong binding preference to phosphate over the other nutrient salts tested for each formulation. The size of template molecule and length of the functional monomer side groups also determined that a short chain functional monomer in combination with a template containing large R-groups produced the optimal binding site conditions when synthesising a phosphate selective MIP.
Low-Cost Wireless Temperature Measurement: Design, Manufacture, and Testing of a PCB-Based Wireless Passive Temperature Sensor
Authors: Yan Dan , Yang Yong , Hong Yingping , Liang Ting , Yao Zong , Chen Xiaoyong , Xiong Jijun
Published: February 2018

Low-cost wireless temperature measurement has significant value in the food industry, logistics, agriculture, portable medical equipment, intelligent wireless health monitoring, and many areas in everyday life. A wireless passive temperature sensor based on PCB (Printed Circuit Board) materials is reported in this paper. The advantages of the sensor include simple mechanical structure, convenient processing, low-cost, and easiness in integration. The temperature-sensitive structure of the sensor is a dielectric-loaded resonant cavity, consisting of the PCB substrate. The sensitive structure also integrates a patch antenna for the transmission of temperature signals. The temperature sensing mechanism of the sensor is the dielectric constant of the PCB substrate changes with temperature, which causes the resonant frequency variation of the resonator. Then the temperature can be measured by detecting the changes in the sensor’s working frequency. The PCB-based wireless passive temperature sensor prototype is prepared through theoretical design, parameter analysis, software simulation, and experimental testing. The high- and low-temperature sensing performance of the sensor is tested, respectively. The resonant frequency decreases from 2.434 GHz to 2.379 GHz as the temperature increases from −40 °C to 125 °C. The fitting curve proves that the experimental data have good linearity. Three repetitive tests proved that the sensor possess well repeatability. The average sensitivity is 347.45 KHz / ℃ from repetitive measurements conducted three times. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the PCB-based wireless passive sensor, which provides a low-cost temperature sensing solution for everyday life, modern agriculture, thriving intelligent health devices, and so on, and also enriches PCB product lines and applications.
A Survey on Data Storage and Information Discovery in the WSANs-Based Edge Computing Systems
Authors: Ma Xingpo , Liang Junbin , Liu Renping , Ni Wei , Li Yin , Li Ran , Ma Wenpeng , Qi Chuanda
Published: February 2018

In the post-Cloud era, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) has pushed the horizon of Edge computing, which is a new computing paradigm with data processed at the edge of the network. As the important systems of Edge computing, wireless sensor and actuator networks (WSANs) play an important role in collecting and processing the sensing data from the surrounding environment as well as taking actions on the events happening in the environment. In WSANs, in-network data storage and information discovery schemes with high energy efficiency, high load balance and low latency are needed because of the limited resources of the sensor nodes and the real-time requirement of some specific applications, such as putting out a big fire in a forest. In this article, the existing schemes of WSANs on data storage and information discovery are surveyed with detailed analysis on their advancements and shortcomings, and possible solutions are proposed on how to achieve high efficiency, good load balance, and perfect real-time performances at the same time, hoping that it can provide a good reference for the future research of the WSANs-based Edge computing systems.
An Architecture Framework for Orchestrating Context-Aware IT Ecosystems: A Case Study for Quantitative Evaluation
Authors: Park Soojin , Park Sungyong , Park Young
Published: February 2018

With the emergence of various forms of smart devices and new paradigms such as the Internet of Things (IoT) concept, the IT (Information Technology) service areas are expanding explosively compared to the provision of services by single systems. A new system operation concept that has emerged in accordance with such technical trends is the IT ecosystem. The IT ecosystem can be considered a special type of system of systems in which multiple systems with various degrees of autonomy achieve common goals while adapting to the given environment. The single systems that participate in the IT ecosystem adapt autonomously to the current situation based on collected data from sensors. Furthermore, to maintain the services supported by the whole IT ecosystem sustainably, the configuration of single systems that participate in the IT ecosystem also changes appropriately in accordance with the changed situation. In order to support the IT ecosystem, this paper proposes an architecture framework that supports dynamic configuration changes to achieve the goal of the whole IT ecosystem, while ensuring the autonomy of single systems through the collection of data from sensors so as to recognize the situational context of individual participating systems. For the feasibility evaluation of the proposed framework, a simulated example of an IT ecosystem for unmanned forest management was constructed, and the quantitative evaluation results are discussed in terms of the extent to which the proposed architecture framework can continuously provide sustainable services in response to diverse environmental context changes.