bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution Without Genes: A Review
Authors: Ibraimov Abyt
Published: August 2020

Evolution is a proven scientific fact. However, its mechanism is unknown. Modern Synthesis, the generally accepted theory of evolution is centered on species formation and population dynamics. According to Modern Synthesis, genes are considered the material basis of evolution. This circumstance is considered as the main obstacle in elucidating the mechanisms of evolution. It is proposed that any scientific hypothesis trying to explain the evolution of eukaryotes should meet the following requirement: all important evolutionary changes (nucleosomes, mitotic chromosomes, chromosome bands, cell nucleus, eukaryotic cells, sex, species, multicellular and homeothermic organisms, including modern humans) should occur based on one component of the genome. As is known, the genome of eukaryotic organisms consists of two components: euchromatin (coding DNA) and heterochromatin (noncoding DNA). A hypothesis is proposed that the evolution of eukaryotes occurred on the basis of a non-coding part of the genome. Therefore, with the advent of eukaryotic organisms, the material basis of evolution has evolved and noncoding DNAs have begun to play a leading role.
Membrane Bioelectric Properties: a Biophysical approaches to cell physiology- A study revision
Authors: Santos-Filho Sebastião David
Published: August 2020

The contributions of Biophysics scientists measuring aspects of the membrane electricity have been so well thought of that multiple prizes have been given out in this field. The field has generated quantitative findings based on the Goldman field equation and the Nernst equation that provide understanding into the importance of sodium and potassium in cell signaling. The graded and action potentials that bring information in the interior the cell and all over the body are central in the considerations of the brain and the activities of muscle. This work covers the biophysics essential of these process.
Glycemic control may be influenced by climate changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: Bando Hiroshi , Kato Yoshikane , Kanazawa Setsuko , Tanaka Mayumi , Sueki Etsuko , Kanagawa Hiroe , Kawata Takafumi , Kawahito Atsuko , Aihara Aya
Published: August 2020

Authors have continued clinical research on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The trigger of this research was to make notice of elevated HbA1c of younger male diabetics for hot climate in the summer 2018. Enrolled subjects were 89 male patients with T2DM. Methods include the classification of 6 groups by the age, which are 21-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80 and 81-90. HbA1c values in median were calculated for five seasons of 15 months. Basal HbA1c in 6 groups was 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.2%, 6.9% and 7.0%, respectively. Seasonal changes in HbA1c values are as follows: i) groups 21-50 showed highest in the summer, ii) groups 51-70 showed gradually decrease from winter to summer, iii) groups 71-90 showed gradually decrease from winter to autumn, and increase for winter. For seasonal HbA1c changes, influence of hot climate during from spring to summer may be involved for 21-50 years. More activity in spring to summer may be related for 51-70 years. Less exercise and more eating may be observed for 71-90 years. There are not enough analyze for related factors, then further study concerning various biomarkers would be expected.
Daily improvement of glucose variability by Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Authors: Bando Hiroshi , Kato Yoshikane , Kanazawa Setsuko , Tanaka Mayumi , Sueki Etsuko , Kanagawa Hiroe , Kawata Takafumi , Kawahito Atsuko , Aihara Aya
Published: August 2020

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has been recently applied in the clinical diabetic practice. Authors have continued research of glucose variability. In this study, 51 year-old female patient with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was investigated. She has given multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) for long and her recent daily glucose profile was unstable. After applied with FreeStyle Libre, her blood variability was improved with the average glucose from 222 mg/dL to 135 mg/dL, which was partly from her motivation for better diabetic control. Thus, CGM may become a trigger to give beneficial influence for regular lifestyle of the patients.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Variant presenting as Acute Descending Paralysis in Diabetes
Authors: Raj Sumesh , Parameswaran Manoj
Published: August 2020

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute monophasic immune-mediated polyradiculopathy. Neuropathic or radicular pain and dysautonomia are common features in all forms of GBS. Phenotypic variants are hypothesized to be mediated by molecular mimicry targeting peripheral nerve motor axons, with resulting weakness deviating from the classic symmetric “ascending” pattern. Weakness can range from mild to severe flaccid quadriplegia and respiratory failure within days of onset. Urinary retention and gastrointestinal dysfunction are seen in approximately 5% of variant cases. A spectrum of clinical features necessitates the use of laboratory testing and diagnostic modalities to exclude mimics and confirm a diagnosis of GBS. A high clinical suspicion must exist as GBS responds to treatment with plasmapheresis or IVIG. Our patient embodied both a diagnostically challenging presentation and clinical response consistent with variant GBS.
A Comparative Study of Current Methods and Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Shirzadfar Hamidreza , Gordoghli Narsis
Published: August 2020

Osteoporosis is an abnormality that is manifested by a decrease in bone density. People with light skin, fine skeletons, a family history of osteoporosis, smokers, sedentary people and postmenopausal women are more likely to develop the disease. Early diagnosis of this disease can be of great help to improve one's future life course and prevent potential risks. There are currently ways to diagnose the disease that is discussed below. But what is important in this study is how to diagnose the disease further in this study and to use the tools that are least risky for the individual. In this case, almost all people in the community, including children and sick people, can also be tested. The person with the disease will receive early treatment.
INFLUENCE OF THREE MOWING ON PRODUCTIVITY, NUTRITION AND BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF LEGUMES-CEREALS AGROPHYTOCENOSES
Authors: Konovalova Nadezhda , Konovalova Svetlana
Published: August 2020

The article presents the results of research on the influence of agrotechnical techniques on the formation of legume-cereal agrophytocenoses. The research method includes conducting a field experiment on the experimental field of North-West Research Institute of Milk and Grassland Agriculture in the Vologda region. The soil of the experimental site is drained, medium cultivated, sod-podzolic, medium loam. The following varieties have been chosen for carrying out the experiment: Permskiy mestnyy red clover, Dymkovskiy red clover, Vega 87 variegated alfalfa, Sverdlovskaya 37 meadow fescue, Losinka reed fes-cue, Leningradskaya 204 timothy, SibNIISKHOZ 189 awnless brome, VIK 66 pasture ryegrass. As a re-sult of research in 2017–2019, it was found that the share of sown grass species was high regardless of the species composition and method of sowing and ranged from 82.9 to 98.5%. The content of weed vegeta-tion was 1.4–2.0 times higher in grass stands sown under the cover of barley compared to those sown without cover. The yield of grasses was affected by the composition of agrophytocenoses and the number of bites. On average, for two years of use, a grass mixture of the third option was distinguished, including red clover, timothy and reed fescue. It significantly exceeded the yield of the control variant by 0.39 t/ha of dry matter. The method of sowing did not affect the yield of herbage. When you get three grass mow-ing, protein collection increases by 8–24%, and its content in the plant mass — by 20–32% compared to double mowing. Scope – agricultural enterprises of the European North of the Russian Federation.
RETRACTED: Activated Carbons From Winemaking Biowastes for Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitors
Authors: Alcaraz Lorena , Adán-Más Alberto , Arévalo-Cid Pablo , Montemor Maria de Fatima , López Félix A.
Published: August 2020

Revalorizing organic biowaste is critical to achieve a full circular economy, where waste is transformed into resources. One of the main strategies is to produce activated carbons and use them as functional materials for electrochemical energy storage. In this study, winemaking wastes, bagasse (BAG), and cluster stalks (CS) were recovered and used in the preparation of activated carbons by a hydrothermal process. Then, they were chemically activated using KOH and investigated for electrochemical capacitor applications. The activation treatment resulted in microporous structures, characterized by a type I isotherm for low partial pressures (P/P0), and a type IV for higher pressures, as observed by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis, with specific surfaces of 1,861 and 2,662 m2·g−1 for BAG and CS, respectively. These microporous structures were also investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, revealing a high porous degree. Micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements displayed bands associated to disorder of the structure of the carbonaceous material. The electrochemical performance of the resulting materials was investigated for electrochemical energy storage applications, as supercapacitor electrode, in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. These biowaste-derived materials displayed electrochemical double-layer capacitance, with 129 F·g−1 at 10 A·g−1 in the 0.1 to −1.0 V vs. saturated calomel electrode. For that reason, they are pin-pointed as potential negative electrodes for electrochemical double-layer supercapacitors and hybrid or asymmetric supercapacitors.
A Brief Survey of Fixed-Parameter Parallelism
Authors: Abu-Khzam Faisal N. , Al Kontar Karam
Published: August 2020

This paper provides an overview of the field of parameterized parallel complexity by surveying previous work in addition to presenting a few new observations and exploring potential new directions. In particular, we present a general view of how known FPT techniques, such as bounded search trees, color coding, kernelization, and iterative compression, can be modified to produce fixed-parameter parallel algorithms.
The Effect of Deviation Due to the Manufacturing Accuracy in the Parameters of an MPP on Its Acoustic Properties: Trial Production of MPPs of Different Hole Shapes Using 3D Printing
Authors: Sakagami Kimihiro , Kusaka Midori , Okuzono Takeshi , Nakanishi Shinsuke
Published: August 2020

In this study, we discuss the effect of the manufacturing accuracy of a microperforated panel (MPP) produced by 3D printers on acoustic properties through measured and calculated results as a pilot study. The manufacturing costs of MPPs have long been one of their shortcomings; however, with recent developments in the manufacturing process, low-cost MPPs are now available. In a further attempt at reducing the cost, 3D printing techniques have recently been considered. Cases of trial production of MPPs manufactured by 3D printing have been reported. When introducing such new techniques, despite the conventional microdrill procedure, manufacturing accuracy can often become an issue. However, there are few studies reporting the effect of manufacturing accuracy on the acoustic properties in the case of 3D-printed MPPs. Considering this situation, in this pilot study, we attempted to produce MPPs with circular and rectangular perforations using a consumer 3D printer of the additive manufacturing type. The hole sizes of the specimens were measured, and the accuracy was evaluated. The normal incidence absorption coefficient and specific impedance were measured using an impedance tube. The measured results were compared with the theoretical values using Guo’s model. Through these basic studies, the MPPs produced by an additive manufacturing 3D printer demonstrated good sound absorption performance; however, due to the large deviations of parameters, the agreement with the theoretical values was not good, which suggests that it is difficult to predict the acoustic properties of MPPs made by a consumer-grade additive manufacturing 3D printer.
Extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. in Potato Cultivation—Preliminary Research on Biostimulating Effect
Authors: Findura Pavol , Kocira Sławomir , Hara Patryk , Pawłowska Anna , Szparaga Agnieszka , Kangalov Plamen
Published: August 2020

Nowadays the size and quality of potato yields is very important aspect in agriculture, due to the continuous climate change. Plants exposed to abiotic stress need new protection tools such as plant biostimulant. The new definition of this product include plant extracts as novel biostimulants. The aim of the study was to assess whether the extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. would act as classic biostimulants, by affecting metabolic pathways. Since these are pilot studies, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline and polyphenols was chosen as indicators of changes in plants. The experiment was carried out under controlled environmental conditions on a very early cultivar Irys. The obtained results showed that foliar treatment of plants with extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. had a positive effect on the increase of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content and its total concentration in potato leaves. The highest increase in the total chlorophyll content, amounting to 26.27% on average, was observed in plants sprayed with macerate at the dose of 0.6 mL·plant-1. Additionally, an increase in the carotenoids content was observed in plants sprayed with macerate. The study demonstrated that the polyphenols level was largely dependent on the method of extracts production and the dose of the tested extracts. Macerate and infusion applied in a higher dose induced in plants the changes in the concentration of polyphenols. The overall evaluation of the effectiveness of the tested preparations showed higher effectiveness of the macerate for all the analyzed traits.
Edible Green Infrastructure for Urban Regeneration and Food Security: Case Studies from the Campania Region
Authors: Russo Alessio , Cirella Giuseppe T.
Published: August 2020

Ten identified edible green infrastructure (EGI)-related urban regeneration case studies within the Campania region, Italy, are explored in relation to local community development, involvement, and education. Urban space and agriculture are promoted as sustainably planned networks for edible food components and structures. Within an urban ecosystem, city planners are actively promoting urban agriculture after an increase in the availability of unused land. Advantages for public health include stress reduction and physical activity, as well as sustainability of urban gardens by way of far-sighted urban planning. Case studies within the Campania region illustrate EGI know-hows and awareness, and they elucidate upon a number of beneficial reasons for its implementation. Within the Campania region, all five provinces showed positive impacts when using EGI for urban regeneration and well-being. Recent developments from the COVID-19 pandemic are reinforcing a rethink of food security and food supply chains.
Olive Pulp and Exogenous Enzymes Feed Supplementation Effect on the Carcass and Offal in Broilers: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sayehban Peyman , Seidavi Alireza , Dadashbeiki Mohammad , Ghorbani Ahmad , de Araújo Wagner Azis Garcia , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Gabrielli Paolo , Omri Besma , Teixeira Albino Luiz Fernando , Souto Eliana B. , Santini Antonello
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the exploitation and valorization of agricultural food waste and by-products. At the same time, the growing demand by markets worldwide, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, can justify the growing interest in the use of by-products for the poultry industry. Olive pulp is one of the most interesting by-products of olive tree farming (typical of the Mediterranean area), being a good source of many biologically active compounds with antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The presence of processed olive pulp in the diet showed to be effective in increasing the weight of specific carcass and offal traits. This work aims at studying olive pulp as a feed supplement in poultry nutrition, by focusing on the effects on broiler carcass and offal. Olive pulp (OP) is one of the by-products of olive tree farming, being the residue of olive cake after it is dried. To evaluate the effects of OP in a diet supplemented with different levels of a commercial enzyme (ENZ) blend on broiler carcass and offal traits, three hundred male broiler chicks (Ross 308 lineage; one-day-old) were divided into ten treatment groups according to a completely randomized design. The treatments diets contained: unprocessed OP (50 g/kg, 100 g/kg, 50 g/kg with ENZ, 100 g/kg with ENZ), processed OP (50 g/kg, 100 g/kg, 50 g/kg with ENZ, 100 g/kg with ENZ), and control groups (without OP, and without OP with ENZ). The OP processing increased breast percentages in broilers. Supplementation with ENZ did not change any of the studied carcass or offal trait values. The presence of OP (50 g/kg) in broiler diets increased the eviscerated carcass, leg, and neck percentage values. The presence of processed OP (50 g/kg) in the diet showed to be effective in increasing the weight of specific carcass and offal traits.
Water-Soluble Carbon Nanoparticles Improve Seed Germination and Post-Germination Growth of Lettuce under Salinity Stress
Authors: Baz Hanna , Creech Matthew , Chen Jianjun , Gong Haijun , Bradford Kent , Huo Heqiang
Published: August 2020

Seed germination is a critical developmental phase for seedling establishment and crop production. Increasing salinity stress associated with climatic change can pose a challenge for seed germination and stand establishment of many crops including lettuce. Here, we show that water soluble carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) can significantly promote seed germination without affecting seedling growth. Twenty-seven varieties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were screened for sensitivity to germination in 150 and 200 mM NaCl, and six salt-sensitive varieties (Little Gem, Parris Island, Breen, Butter Crunch, Muir, and Jericho) were selected and primed with 0.3% soluble carbon nanoparticles. Pretreatment with CNPs significantly improved seed germination under 150 mM NaCl and high temperature. CNP treatment slightly inhibited the elongation of primary roots but promoted lateral root growth and accumulation of chlorophyll content of seedlings grown under salt stress. Despite different lettuce varieties exhibiting a distinct response to nanoparticle treatments, results from this study indicate that soluble nanoparticles can significantly improve lettuce seed germination under salinity stress, which provide fundamental evidence on the potential of nanoparticles in agricultural application to improve crop yield and quality under stressful conditions.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) Ecotypes from Uganda
Authors: Namazzi Clementine , Sserumaga Julius Pyton , Mugerwa Swidiq , Kyalo Martina , Mutai Collins , Mwesigwa Robert , Djikeng Appolinaire , Ghimire Sita
Published: August 2020

Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) grass is an important tropical forage of African origin that supports millions of livestock and wildlife in the tropics. Overgrazing, conversion of grasslands for crop production and non-agricultural uses, and the introduction of improved forages have threatened the natural diversity of Brachiaria grass in Uganda. This study established a national collection of Brachiaria ecotypes in Uganda and analyzed them for genetic diversity and population structure using 24 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. These markers had a high discriminating ability with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.89 and detected 584 alleles in 99 ecotypes. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a high within populations variance (98%) indicating a high gene exchange or low genetic differentiation (PhiPT = 00.016) among the ecotype populations. The Bayesian model based clustering algorithm showed three allelic pools in Ugandan ecotypes. The principal component analysis (PCA) of ecotypes, and Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree of ecotypes and six commercial cultivars showed three main groups with variable membership coefficients. About 95% of ecotype pairs had Rogers’ genetic distance above 0.75, suggesting most of them were distantly related. This study confirms the high value of these ecotypes in Brachiaria grass conservation and improvement programs in Uganda and elsewhere.
Morphological and Physiological Traits that Explain Yield Response to Drought Stress in Miscanthus
Authors: Malinowska Marta , Donnison Iain , Robson Paul
Published: August 2020

Miscanthus is a high yielding perennial grass capable of high biomass yields with low inputs. Traits associated with yield have been identified in miscanthus, but less is known about the traits associated with sustaining biomass production under drought stress. The commercial hybrid M. × giganteus and high yielding examples from the parental species M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus were grown under well-watered and moderate drought conditions. Growth, morphology, physiology and phenotypic plasticity were analyzed. Functional data were parameterized and a matrix of traits examined for associations with yield, genotype and drought treatment. Phenotypic plasticity was determined, indexes were then calculated to determine the plasticity of trait responses. All genotypes assessed responded to moderate drought stress, and genotypic differences in yield decreased under drought. Genotypes with low tolerance exhibited greater plasticity than highly drought tolerant M. sinensis. In well-watered plants variance in yield was explained by a relatively simple empirical model including stem length and stem number, whereas under drought a more complex model was needed including the addition of leaf area and stomatal conductance data. This knowledge can help us to define ideotypes for drought tolerance and develop miscanthus varieties that sustain high yields across a range of environmental conditions.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of MIKC-Type MADS-Box Gene Family in Punica granatum L.
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Zhao Honglian , Wang Yuying , Zhang Xinhui , Zhao Xueqing , Yuan Zhaohe
Published: August 2020

MADS-box is a critical transcription factor regulating the development of floral organs and plays essential roles in the growth and development of floral transformation, flower meristem determination, the development of male and female gametophytes, and fruit development. In this study, 36 MIKC-type MADS-box genes were identified in the ‘Taishanhong’ pomegranate genome. By utilizing phylogenetic analysis, 36 genes were divided into 14 subfamilies. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the gene structure, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, and the protein interaction networks of the MIKC-type MADS-box family members in pomegranate, and their expressions pattern in different tissues of pomegranate were analyzed. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that the E-class genes (PgMADS03, PgMADS21, and PgMADS27) were highly expressed in floral tissues, while PgMADS29 was not expressed in all tissues, indicating that the functions of the E-class genes were differentiated. PgMADS15 of the C/D-class was the key gene in the development network of pomegranate flower organs, suggesting that PgMADS15 might play an essential role in the peel and inner seed coat development of pomegranate. The results in this study will provide a reference for the classification, cloning, and functional research of pomegranate MADS-box genes.
Productive and Qualitative Traits of Amaranthus Cruentus L.: An Unconventional Healthy Ingredient in Animal Feed
Authors: Gresta Fabio , Meineri Giorgia , Oteri Marianna , Santonoceto Carmelo , Lo Presti Vittorio , Costale Annalisa , Chiofalo Biagina
Published: August 2020

Agronomic traits, oil content, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content were studied on eight A. cruentus accessions cultivated in Southern Italy. A one-way ANOVA model was performed to compare accessions and the Principal Components Analysis was applied to identify patterns in our dataset and highlight similarities and differences. A. cruentus showed valuable seed yield (0.27 kg/m2, on average) comparable to the main tradition cereals used for animal feeding. Seed-oil composition showed significant differences among the accessions. Data showed a higher lipid content than most cereal grains (from 5.6 to 7.3%). Approximately 60% of fatty acids were unsaturated; linoleic fatty acid ranged from 19 to 34%, oleic acid from 29 to 36%, and alfa-linolenic fatty acid from 0.3 to 0.5%, respectively. The saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratio ranged from 0.5 to 0.8, the hypocholesterolemic:hypercholesterolaemic ratio from 1.7 to 2.7, the Atherogenic Index from 0.38 to 0.66, the Thrombogenic Index from 0.85 to 1.48, the total phenolic content from 0.14 to 0.36 mg/g seeds, and the antioxidant activity (DPPH•) from 0.30 to 0.50. The studied seed-oil composition evidenced A. cruentus as a healthy ingredient for animal feed and consequently, as a possible substitute for traditional cereals. Accessions from Mexico and Arizona emerged for their high qualitative traits.
Chemical Profiling and Discrimination of Essential Oils from Six Ferula Species Using GC Analyses Coupled with Chemometrics and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential
Authors: Youssef Fadia S. , Mamatkhanova Munira A. , Mamadalieva Nilufar Z. , Zengin Gokhan , Aripova Salima F. , Alshammari Elham , Ashour Mohamed L.
Published: August 2020

The differences in the composition of essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of six Ferula species viz., F. caratavica (Fc), F. kuchistanica (Fk), F. pseudoreoselinum (Fp), F. samarcandica (Fs), F. tenuisecta (Ft) and F. varia (Fv) were detected both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively using GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. One hundred and six metabolites were identified that account for 92.1, 96.43, 87.43, 95.95, 92.90 and 89.48% of Fc, Fk, Fp, Fs, Ft and Fv whole essential oils, respectively. The data from the GC-MS analyses were subjected to unsupervised pattern recognition chemometric analysis utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) to improve the visualization of such differences among the six species. Fk and Ft are very closely related to each other and were gathered together in one cluster. The antioxidant potential was assessed in vitro using different assays including 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing power (FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum (PM) assays. Ft and Fp exhibited the most notable antioxidant properties as evidenced by their pronounced activities in most of the antioxidant assays performed, followed by Fc. Fk showed the most effective tyrosinase inhibitory potential, which was estimated as 119.67 mgKAE/g oil, while Fp exhibited the most potent α-amylase inhibitory potential, which was equivalent to 2.61 mmol ACAE/g oil. Thus, it was concluded that Ferula species could serve as a promising natural antioxidant drug that could be included in different products and spices to alleviate hyperglycemia and used as a natural ingredient in pharmaceutical cosmetics to counteract hyperpigmentation.
Toxicological Profile of the Pain-Relieving Antioxidant Compound Thioctic Acid in Its Racemic and Enantiomeric Forms
Authors: Lucarini Elena , Trallori Elena , Tomassoni Daniele , Amenta Francesco , Ghelardini Carla , Pacini Alessandra , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

Thioctic acid is a multipotent antioxidant compound existing as dextrorotatory (+), eutomer and naturally occurring and levorotatory (−). It has been proven to help fight many pathologies and is sold as racemate. In agreement with studies claiming a greater biopotency of the eutomer compared to the levorotatory compound, we recently preclinically and clinically showed that (+) thioctic acid is a pain-reliever as effective as double-dosed racemate. We investigated acute and subchronical toxicity of (+/−) thioctic acid, (−) thioctic acid, (+) thioctic acid and (+) salt thioctic acid on Sprague–Dawley rats. For acute toxicity, compounds were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) with a single-injection at 125, 240, 360, 480 µmol/kg, then rodents were tested for motorial coordination and minimum lethal dose (LDmin). A subtoxic dose (360 µmol/kg) was administered i.p. for 15 days and we finally evaluated motorial impairment, glycemia, organ toxicity, and apoptosis state. Acutely administered, the highest doses of all thioctic acid compounds negatively affected motorial ability and (−) thioctic acid LDmin resulted higher than the others. Subchronic administrations caused overall body weight loss, motorial impairment, mass loss in some organs. (+/−) and (−) thioctic acid injections enhanced caspase-3 activity in some organs, (−) enantiomer-treated animals displayed more marked organ toxicity signs. Together with our previous study on the biologic role of enantiomers, these data suggest a therapeutic use of (+) enantiomer-based formulations, thus lowering dose and toxicity without affecting the positive effects brought by the drug.
Antioxidant Effects of PS5, a Peptidomimetic of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1, in Experimental Atherosclerosis
Authors: La Manna Sara , Lopez-Sanz Laura , Bernal Susana , Jimenez-Castilla Luna , Prieto Ignacio , Morelli Giancarlo , Gomez-Guerrero Carmen , Marasco Daniela
Published: August 2020

The chronic activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation and cell proliferation. Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins negatively regulate the JAK/STAT, and SOCS1 possesses a small kinase inhibitory region (KIR) involved in the inhibition of JAK kinases. Several studies showed that KIR-SOCS1 mimetics can be considered valuable therapeutics in several disorders (e.g., diabetes, neurological disorders and atherosclerosis). Herein, we investigated the antioxidant and atheroprotective effects of PS5, a peptidomimetic of KIR-SOCS1, both in vitro (vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages) and in vivo (atherosclerosis mouse model) by analyzing gene expression, intracellular O2•− production and atheroma plaque progression and composition. PS5 was revealed to be able to attenuate NADPH oxidase (NOX1 and NOX4) and pro-inflammatory gene expression, to upregulate antioxidant genes and to reduce atheroma plaque size, lipid content and monocyte/macrophage accumulation. These findings confirm that KIR-SOCS1-based drugs could be excellent antioxidant agents to contrast atherosclerosis.
Improvement of Heterogeneous Transfer Learning Efficiency by Using Hebbian Learning Principle
Authors: Magotra Arjun , Kim Juntae
Published: August 2020

Transfer learning algorithms have been widely studied for machine learning in recent times. In particular, in image recognition and classification tasks, transfer learning has shown significant benefits, and is getting plenty of attention in the research community. While performing a transfer of knowledge among source and target tasks, homogeneous dataset is not always available, and heterogeneous dataset can be chosen in certain circumstances. In this article, we propose a way of improving transfer learning efficiency, in case of a heterogeneous source and target, by using the Hebbian learning principle, called Hebbian transfer learning (HTL). In computer vision, biologically motivated approaches such as Hebbian learning represent associative learning, where simultaneous activation of brain cells positively affect the increase in synaptic connection strength between the individual cells. The discriminative nature of learning for the search of features in the task of image classification fits well to the techniques, such as the Hebbian learning rule—neurons that fire together wire together. The deep learning models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNN), are widely used for image classification. In transfer learning, for such models, the connection weights of the learned model should adapt to new target dataset with minimum effort. The discriminative learning rule, such as Hebbian learning, can improve performance of learning by quickly adapting to discriminate between different classes defined by target task. We apply the Hebbian principle as synaptic plasticity in transfer learning for classification of images using a heterogeneous source-target dataset, and compare results with the standard transfer learning case. Experimental results using CIFAR-10 (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research) and CIFAR-100 datasets with various combinations show that the proposed HTL algorithm can improve the performance of transfer learning, especially in the case of a heterogeneous source and target dataset.
Grounding System Modeling and Evaluation Using Integrated Circuit Based Fast Relaxed Vector Fitting Approach, Considering Soil Ionization
Authors: Fakhraei Maziyar , Mahmoudian Mehrdad , Manuel Godinho Rodrigues Eduardo
Published: August 2020

Since high voltage transmission line towers or wind turbines structures are installed in high-altitude areas, it is essential to achieve a high overvoltage protection system against direct and indirect lightning strikes collisions. The lightning current must be discharged quickly into the protective earth, to prevent the dangerous over-voltages formation and define a reference voltage node. This paper presents a novel model to assess the behavior of the grounding system, based on Pocklington integral equations under lightning magnetic fields and variations in soil ionization, in which an explicit circuit-based vector fitting RLC admittance branches are proposed. The frequency-dependent behavior of grounding system frequency response and soil ionization effect is modeled in time domain, straightly to implement into the electro-magnetic transient program (EMTP). The model verification contains horizontal, vertical, and their combinations of grounding grids to represent the complete investigations under lightning strikes. The harmonic impedance mathematical formulations and principles are derived based on a rational function, that could be applicable on ground potential rise (GPR) investigation.
Rydberg Level Shift due to the Electric Field Generated by Rydberg Atom Collision Induced Ionization in Cesium Atomic Ensemble
Authors: Wang Xin , He Jun , Bai Jiandong , Wang Junmin
Published: August 2020

We experimentally studied the Rydberg level shift caused by the electric field, which is generated by Rydberg atom collision induced ionization in a cesium atomic ensemble. The density of charged particles caused by collisions between Rydberg atoms is changed by controlling the ground-state atomic density and optical excitation process. We measured the Rydberg level shift using Rydberg electromagnetically-induced-transparency (EIT) spectroscopy, and interpreted the physical origin using a semi-classical model. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical simulation. These energy shifts are important for the self-calibrated sensing of microwave field by the employing of Rydberg EIT. Moreover, in contrast to the resonant excitation case, narrow-linewidth spectroscopy with high signal-to-noise ratio would be useful for high-precision measurements.
Editorial for the Special Issue: Computer-Aided Manufacturing and Design
Authors: Zhou Qi , Choi Seung-Kyum , Gorguluarslan Recep M.
Published: August 2020

Recent advancements in computer technology have allowed designers to have direct control over the production process through the help of computer-based tools, creating the possibility of completely integrated design and manufacturing processes [...]
A Research Platform for Autonomous Vehicles Technologies Research in the Insurance Sector
Authors: de Miguel Miguel Ángel , Moreno Francisco Miguel , Marín-Plaza Pablo , Al-Kaff Abdulla , Palos Martín , Martín David , Encinar-Martín Rodrigo , García Fernando
Published: August 2020

This work presents a novel platform for autonomous vehicle technologies research for the insurance sector. The platform has been collaboratively developed by the insurance company MAPFRE-CESVIMAP, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and INSIA of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. The high-level architecture and several autonomous vehicle technologies developed using the framework of this collaboration are introduced and described in this work. Computer vision technologies for environment perception, V2X communication capabilities, enhanced localization, human–machine interaction and self awareness are among the technologies which have been developed and tested. Some use cases that validate the technologies presented in the platform are also presented; these use cases include public demonstrations, tests of the technologies and international competitions for self-driving technologies.
Study of the Effect of Exploiting 3D Semantic Segmentation in LiDAR Odometry
Authors: Moreno Francisco Miguel , Guindel Carlos , Armingol José María , García Fernando
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a study of how the performance of LiDAR odometry is affected by the preprocessing of the point cloud through the use of 3D semantic segmentation. The study analyzed the estimated trajectories when the semantic information is exploited to filter the original raw data. Different filtering configurations were tested: raw (original point cloud), dynamic (dynamic obstacles are removed from the point cloud), dynamic vehicles (vehicles are removed), far (distant points are removed), ground (the points belonging to the ground are removed) and structure (only structures and objects are kept in the point cloud). The experiments were performed using the KITTI and SemanticKITTI datasets, which feature different scenarios that allowed identifying the implications and relevance of each element of the environment in LiDAR odometry algorithms. The conclusions obtained from this work are of special relevance for improving the efficiency of LiDAR odometry algorithms in all kinds of scenarios.
SOC Estimation of a Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Used in Fuel-Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles—Comparative Study of Accuracy and Robustness Performance Based on Statistical Criteria. Part I: Equivalent Models
Authors: Tudoroiu Roxana-Elena , Zaheeruddin Mohammed , Tudoroiu Nicolae , Radu Sorin-Mihai
Published: August 2020

Battery state of charge (SOC) accuracy plays a vital role in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), as it ensures battery safety in a harsh operating environment, prolongs life, lowers the cost of energy consumption, and improves driving mileage. Therefore, accurate SOC battery estimation is the central idea of the approach in this research, which is of great interest to readers and increases the value of its application. Moreover, an accurate SOC battery estimate relies on the accuracy of the battery model parameters and its capacity. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to design, implement and analyze the SOC estimation accuracy of two battery models, which capture the dynamics of a rechargeable SAFT Li-ion battery. The first is a resistor capacitor (RC) equivalent circuit model, and the second is a generic Simscape model. The model validation is based on the generation and evaluation of the SOC residual error. The SOC reference value required for the calculation of residual errors is the value estimated by an ADVISOR 3.2 simulator, one of the software tools most used in automotive applications. Both battery models are of real interest as a valuable support for SOC battery estimation by using three model based Kalman state estimators developed in Part 2. MATLAB simulations results prove the effectiveness of both models and reveal an excellent accuracy.
Inverted Covariate Effects for First versus Mutated Second Wave Covid-19: High Temperature Spread Biased for Young
Authors: Seligmann Hervé , Iggui Siham , Rachdi Mustapha , Vuillerme Nicolas , Demongeot Jacques
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: Here, we characterize COVID-19’s waves, following a study presenting negative associations between first wave COVID-19 spread parameters and temperature. (2) Methods: Visual examinations of daily increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in 124 countries, determined first and second waves in 28 countries. (3) Results: The first wave spread rate increases with country mean elevation, median population age, time since wave onset, and decreases with temperature. Spread rates decrease above 1000 m, indicating high ultraviolet lights (UVs) decrease the spread rate. The second wave associations are the opposite, i.e., spread increases with temperature and young age, and decreases with time since wave onset. The earliest second waves started 5–7 April at mutagenic high elevations (Armenia, Algeria). The second waves also occurred at the warm-to-cold season transition (Argentina, Chile). Second vs. first wave spread decreases in most (77%) countries. In countries with late first wave onset, spread rates better fit second than first wave-temperature patterns. In countries with ageing populations (for example, Japan, Sweden, and Ukraine), second waves only adapted to spread at higher temperatures, not to infect the young. (4) Conclusions: First wave viruses evolved towards lower spread. Second wave mutant COVID-19 strain(s) adapted to higher temperature, infecting younger ages and replacing (also in cold conditions) first wave COVID-19 strains. Counterintuitively, low spread strains replace high spread strains, rendering prognostics and extrapolations uncertain.
Association between Circular RNA CDR1as and Post-Infarction Cardiac Function in Pig Ischemic Heart Failure: Influence of the Anti-Fibrotic Natural Compounds Bufalin and Lycorine
Authors: Mester-Tonczar Julia , Winkler Johannes , Einzinger Patrick , Hasimbegovic Ena , Kastner Nina , Lukovic Dominika , Zlabinger Katrin , Spannbauer Andreas , Traxler Denise , Batkai Sandor , Thum Thomas , Gyöngyösi Mariann
Published: August 2020

Anti-fibrotic therapies are of increasing interest to combat cardiac remodeling and heart failure progression. Recently, anti-fibrotic circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified in human and rodent cardiac tissue. In vivo (rodent) experiments proved cardiac anti-fibrotic effects of the natural compounds bufalin and lycorine by downregulating miRNA-671-5p, associated with a theoretic increase in the tissue level of circRNA CDR1as. Accordingly, we hypothesized that both anti-fibrotic drugs may inhibit focal myocardial fibrosis of the remodeled left ventricle (LV) also in a translational large animal model of heart failure (HF). Domestic pigs were repeatedly treated with subcutaneous injections of either bufalin, lycorine, or saline, (n = 5/group) between days 7–21 post acute myocardial infarction (AMI). At the 2-month follow-up, both bufalin and lycorine led to significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis. Bufalin treatment additionally led to smaller end-diastolic volumes, higher LV ejection fraction (EF), and increased expression of CDR1as of the AMI region. Elevated tissue levels of the circRNA CDR1as in the AMI region of the pig heart correlated significantly with LV and right ventricular EF, LV stroke volume, and negatively with infarct size. In conclusion, we successfully identified the circRNA CDR1as in pig hearts and show a significant association with improved LV and RV function by anti-fibrotic therapies in a translational animal model of HF.
Relationship between Diet, Microbiota, and Healthy Aging
Authors: Sanchez-Morate Elisa , Gimeno-Mallench Lucia , Stromsnes Kristine , Sanz-Ros Jorge , Román-Domínguez Aurora , Parejo-Pedrajas Sergi , Inglés Marta , Olaso Gloria , Gambini Juan , Mas-Bargues Cristina
Published: August 2020

Due to medical advances and lifestyle changes, population life expectancy has increased. For this reason, it is important to achieve healthy aging by reducing the risk factors causing damage and pathologies associated with age. Through nutrition, one of the pillars of health, we are able to modify these factors through modulation of the intestinal microbiota. The Mediterranean and Oriental diets are proof of this, as well as the components present in them, such as fiber and polyphenols. These generate beneficial effects on the body thanks, in part, to their interaction with intestinal bacteria. Likewise, the low consumption of products with high fat content favors the state of the microbiota, contributing to the maintenance of good health.
Endovascular Approaches to the Cavernous Sinus in the Setting of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Dye Justin , Duckwiler Gary , Gonzalez Nestor , Kaneko Naoki , Goldberg Robert , Rootman Daniel , Jahan Reza , Tateshima Satoshi , Szeder Viktor
Published: August 2020

Dural arteriovenous fistulas involving the cavernous sinus can lead to orbital pain, vision loss and, in the setting of associated cortical venous reflux, intracranial hemorrhage. The treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas has primarily become the role of the endovascular surgeon. The venous anatomy surrounding the cavernous sinus and venous sinus thrombosis that is often associated with these fistulas contributes to the complexity of these interventions. The current report gives a detailed description of the alternate endovascular routes to the cavernous sinus based on a single center’s experience as well as a literature review supporting each approach. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and approaches to the cavernous sinus available to the endovascular surgeon is vital to the successful treatment of this condition.
Moisture Redistribution in Full-Scale Wood-Frame Wall Assemblies: Measurements and Engineering Approximation
Authors: Boardman Charles , Glass Samuel , Zelinka Samuel
Published: August 2020

A counter-balanced mass measurement system was constructed to allow measurement of water loss from a full-scale wood-framed wall assembly. Water was injected onto a localized area of paper towel adjacent to the oriented strand board (OSB) wall sheathing. Moisture pins in the OSB and relative humidity/temperature sensors inside the insulated wall cavity monitored conditions as the wall dried out. The wetted OSB area’s moisture content dropped at a faster rate than the total mass of the wall, indicating moisture redistribution within the wall. A simple model was used to calculate overall moisture redistribution, which was characterized using a near-exponential decay function. This simplification of the inherently three-dimensional physics of moisture redistribution could be incorporated into the one-dimensional hygrothermal models often used in research and engineering practice.