bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freezing Tolerance of Lolium multiflorum/Festuca arundinacea Introgression Forms is Associated with the High Activity of Antioxidant System and Adjustment of Photosynthetic Activity under Cold Acclimation
Authors: Augustyniak Adam , Pawłowicz Izabela , Lechowicz Katarzyna , Izbiańska-Jankowska Karolina , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Rapacz Marcin , Perlikowski Dawid , Kosmala Arkadiusz
Published: August 2020

Though winter-hardiness is a complex trait, freezing tolerance was proved to be its main component. Species from temperate regions acquire tolerance to freezing in a process of cold acclimation, which is associated with the exposure of plants to low but non-freezing temperatures. However, mechanisms of cold acclimation in Lolium-Festuca grasses, important for forage production in Europe, have not been fully recognized. Thus, two L. multiflorum/F. arundinacea introgression forms with distinct freezing tolerance were used herein as models in the comprehensive research to dissect these mechanisms in that group of plants. The work was focused on: (i) analysis of cellular membranes’ integrity; (ii) analysis of plant photosynthetic capacity (chlorophyll fluorescence; gas exchange; gene expression, protein accumulation, and activity of selected enzymes of the Calvin cycle); (iii) analysis of plant antioxidant capacity (reactive oxygen species generation; gene expression, protein accumulation, and activity of selected enzymes); and (iv) analysis of Cor14b accumulation, under cold acclimation. The more freezing tolerant introgression form revealed a higher integrity of membranes, an ability to cold acclimate its photosynthetic apparatus and higher water use efficiency after three weeks of cold acclimation, as well as a higher capacity of the antioxidant system and a lower content of reactive oxygen species in low temperature.
Novel SCN5A p.V1429M Variant Segregation in a Family with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Monasky Michelle M. , Micaglio Emanuele , Ciconte Giuseppe , Borrelli Valeria , Giannelli Luigi , Vicedomini Gabriele , Ghiroldi Andrea , Anastasia Luigi , Locati Emanuela T. , Benedetti Sara , Di Resta Chiara , Casari Giorgio , Pappone Carlo
Published: August 2020

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is diagnosed by the presence of an elevated ST-segment and can result in sudden cardiac death. The most commonly found mutated gene is SCN5A, which some argue is the only gene that has been definitively confirmed to cause BrS, while the potential causative effect of other genes is still under debate. While the issue of BrS genetics is currently a hot topic, current knowledge is not able to result in molecular confirmation of over half of BrS cases. Therefore, it is difficult to develop research models with wide potential. Instead, the clinical genetics first need to be better understood. In this study, we provide crucial human data on the novel heterozygous variant NM_198056.2:c.4285G>A (p.Val1429Met) in the SCN5A gene, and demonstrate its segregation with BrS, suggesting a pathogenic effect. These results provide the first disease association with this variant and are crucial clinical data to communicate to basic scientists, who could perform functional studies to better understand the molecular effects of this clinically-relevant variant in BrS.
Y44A Mutation in the Acidic Domain of HIV-2 Tat Impairs Viral Reverse Transcription and LTR-Transactivation
Authors: Szojka Zsófia , Mótyán János András , Miczi Márió , Mahdi Mohamed , Tőzsér József
Published: August 2020

HIV transactivator protein (Tat) plays a pivotal role in viral replication through modulation of cellular transcription factors and transactivation of viral genomic transcription. The effect of HIV-1 Tat on reverse transcription has long been described in the literature, however, that of HIV-2 is understudied. Sequence homology between Tat proteins of HIV-1 and 2 is estimated to be less than 30%, and the main difference lies within their N-terminal region. Here, we describe Y44A-inactivating mutation of HIV-2 Tat, studying its effect on capsid production, reverse transcription, and the efficiency of proviral transcription. Investigation of the mutation was performed using sequence- and structure-based in silico analysis and in vitro experiments. Our results indicate that the Y44A mutant HIV-2 Tat inhibited the activity and expression of RT (reverse transcriptase), in addition to diminishing Tat-dependent LTR (long terminal repeat) transactivation. These findings highlight the functional importance of the acidic domain of HIV-2 Tat in the regulation of reverse transcription and transactivation of the integrated provirions.
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Crowded Environments
Authors: André Alain A. M. , Spruijt Evan
Published: August 2020

Biomolecular condensates play a key role in organizing cellular fluids such as the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Most of these non-membranous organelles show liquid-like properties both in cells and when studied in vitro through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of purified proteins. In general, LLPS of proteins is known to be sensitive to variations in pH, temperature and ionic strength, but the role of crowding remains underappreciated. Several decades of research have shown that macromolecular crowding can have profound effects on protein interactions, folding and aggregation, and it must, by extension, also impact LLPS. However, the precise role of crowding in LLPS is far from trivial, as most condensate components have a disordered nature and exhibit multiple weak attractive interactions. Here, we discuss which factors determine the scope of LLPS in crowded environments, and we review the evidence for the impact of macromolecular crowding on phase boundaries, partitioning behavior and condensate properties. Based on a comparison of both in vivo and in vitro LLPS studies, we propose that phase separation in cells does not solely rely on attractive interactions, but shows important similarities to segregative phase separation.
Increase in Toxicity of Anticancer Drugs by PMTPV, a Claudin-1-Binding Peptide, Mediated via Down-Regulation of Claudin-1 in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Nasako Haruka , Takashina Yui , Eguchi Hiroaki , Ito Ayaka , Ishikawa Yoshinobu , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Endo Satoshi , Ikari Akira
Published: August 2020

Claudin-1 (CLDN1), a tight junctional protein, is highly expressed in lung cancer cells and may contribute to chemoresistance. A drug which decreases CLDN1 expression could be a chemosensitizer for enhancing the efficacy of anticancer drugs, but there is no such drug known. We found that PMTPV, a short peptide, which mimics the structure of second extracellular loop (ECL2) of CLDN1, can reduce the protein level of CLDN1 without affecting the mRNA level in A549 cells derived from human lung adenocarcinoma. The PMTPV-induced decrease in CLDN1 expression was inhibited by monodansylcadaverine, a clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor, and chloroquine, a lysosome inhibitor. Quartz crystal microbalance assay showed that PMTPV can directly bind to the ECL2 of CLDN1. In transwell assay, PMTPV increased fluxes of Lucifer yellow (LY), a paracellular flux marker, and doxorubicin (DXR), an anthracycline anticancer drug, without affecting transepithelial electrical resistance. In three-dimensional spheroid culture, the size and cell viability were unchanged by short peptides, but the fluorescence intensity of hypoxia probe LOX-1 was decreased by PMTPV. PMTPV elevated the accumulation and cytotoxicity of DXR in the spheroids. Similar results were observed by knockdown of CLDN1. Furthermore, the sensitivities to cisplatin (CDDP), docetaxel, and gefitinib were enhanced by PMTPV. The level of CLDN1 expression in CDDP-resistant cells was higher than that in parental A549 cells, which was reduced by PMTPV. PMTPV restored the toxicity to DXR in the CDDP-resistant cells. Our data suggest that PMTPV may become a novel chemosensitizer for lung adenocarcinoma.
Na+, K+-ATPase α Isoforms and Endogenous Cardiac Steroids in Prefrontal Cortex of Bipolar Patients and Controls
Authors: Singh Shiv Vardan , Fedorova Olga V. , Wei Wen , Rosen Haim , Horesh Noa , Ilani Asher , Lichtstein David
Published: August 2020

Bipolar disorder is a chronic multifactorial psychiatric illness that affects the mood, cognition, and functioning of about 1–2% of the world’s population. Its biological basis is unknown, and its treatment is unsatisfactory. The α1, α2, and α3 isoforms of the Na+, K+-ATPase, an essential membrane transporter, are vital for neuronal and glial function. The enzyme and its regulators, endogenous cardiac steroids like ouabain and marinobufagenin, are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, bipolar disorder in particular. Here, we address the hypothesis that the α isoforms of the Na+, K+-ATPase and its regulators are altered in the prefrontal cortex of bipolar disease patients. The α isoforms were determined by Western blot and ouabain and marinobufagenin by specific and sensitive immunoassays. We found that the α2 and α3 isoforms were significantly higher and marinobufagenin levels were significantly lower in the prefrontal cortex of the bipolar disease patients compared with those in the control. A positive correlation was found between the levels of the three α isoforms in all samples and between the α1 isoform and ouabain levels in the controls. These results are in accordance with the notion that the Na+, K+-ATPase-endogenous cardiac steroids system is involved in bipolar disease and suggest that it may be used as a target for drug development.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of the Development of Sepal Morphology in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Shi Meijing , Wang Jing , Zhang Bo , Li Yushun , Wang Jin , El-Sappah Ahmed. H. , Liang Yan
Published: August 2020

Sepal is an important component of the tomato flower and fruit that typically protects the flower in bud and functions as a support for petals and fruits. Moreover, sepal appearance influences the commercial property of tomato nowadays. However, the phenotype information and development mechanism of the natural variation of sepal morphology in the tomato is still largely unexplored. To study the developmental mechanism and to determine key genes related to downward sepal in the tomato, we compared the transcriptomes of sepals between downward sepal (dsp) mutation and the wild-type by RNA sequencing and found that the differentially expressed genes were dominantly related to cell expansion, auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin. dsp mutation affected cell size and auxin, and gibberellins and cytokinin contents in sepals. The results showed that cell enlargement or abnormal cell expansion in the adaxial part of sepals in dsp. As reported, auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin were important factors for cell expansion. Hence, dsp mutation regulated cell expansion to control sepal morphology, and auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin may mediate this process. One ARF gene and nine SAUR genes were dramatically upregulated in the sepal of the dsp mutant, whereas seven AUX/IAA genes were significantly downregulated in the sepal of dsp mutant. Further bioinformatic analyses implied that seven AUX/IAA genes might function as negative regulators, while one ARF gene and nine SAUR genes might serve as positive regulators of auxin signal transduction, thereby contributing to cell expansion in dsp sepal. Thus, our data suggest that 17 auxin-responsive genes are involved in downward sepal formation in the tomato. This study provides valuable information for dissecting the molecular mechanism of sepal morphology control in the tomato.
Toll-Like Receptor 5 of Golden Pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758): Characterization, Promoter Activity and Functional Analysis
Authors: Zhu Ke-Cheng , Wu Meng , Zhang Dian-Chang , Guo Hua-Yang , Zhang Nan , Guo Liang , Liu Bao-Suo , Jiang Shi-Gui
Published: August 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as important pattern recognition receptors, represent a significant component of fish immune systems and play an important role in resisting the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. The TLR5 subfamily contains two types of TLR5, the membrane form of TLR5 (TLR5M) and the soluble form of TLR5 (TLR5S), whose detailed functions have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we first identified two genes, TLR5M (ToTLR5M) and TLR5S (ToTLR5S), from golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). The full-length ToTLR5M and ToTLR5S cDNA are 3644 bp and 2329 bp, respectively, comprising an open reading frame (ORF) of 2673 bp, encoding 890 amino acids, and an ORF of 1935 bp, encoding 644 amino acids. Both the ToTLR5s possess representative TLR domains; however, only ToTLR5M has transmembrane and intracellular TIR domains. Moreover, the transcription of two ToTLR5s was significantly upregulated after stimulation by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and flagellin in both immune-related tissues (liver, intestine, blood, kidney, and skin) and nonimmune-related tissue (muscle). Furthermore, the results of bioinformatic and promoter analysis show that the transcription factors GATA-1 (GATA Binding Protein 1), C/EBPalpha (CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Alpha), and ICSBP (Interferon (IFN) consensus sequence binding protein) may play a positive role in moderating the expression of two ToTLR5s. Overexpression of ToTLR5M and ToTLR5S notably increases NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-B) activity. Additionally, the binding assay revealed that two rToTLR5s can bind specifically to bacteria and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) containing Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio vulnificus, Escherichia coli, Photobacterium damselae, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, LPS, poly(I:C), flagellin, and peptidoglycan (PGN). In conclusion, the present study may help to elucidate the function of ToTLR5M/S and clarify their possible roles in the fish immune response to bacterial infection.
PD-L1 in Systemic Immunity: Unraveling Its Contribution to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Immunotherapy
Authors: Bocanegra Ana , Blanco Ester , Fernandez-Hinojal Gonzalo , Arasanz Hugo , Chocarro Luisa , Zuazo Miren , Morente Pilar , Vera Ruth , Escors David , Kochan Grazyna
Published: August 2020

The use of monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 axis completely changed anticancer treatment strategies. However, despite the significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival of patients undergoing these immunotherapy treatments, the only clinically accepted biomarker with some prediction capabilities for the outcome of the treatment is PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsies. Nevertheless, even when having PD-L1-positive tumors, numerous patients do not respond to these treatments. Considering the high cost of these therapies and the risk of immune-related adverse events during therapy, it is necessary to identify additional biomarkers that would facilitate stratifying patients in potential responders and non-responders before the start of immunotherapies. Here, we review the utility of PD-L1 expression not only in tumor cells but in immune system cells and their influence on the antitumor activity of immune cell subsets.
Oxidant-Induced Alterations in the Adipocyte Transcriptome: Role of the Na,K-ATPase Oxidant Amplification Loop
Authors: Sodhi Komal , Denvir James , Liu Jiang , Sanabria Juan , Chen Yiliang , Silverstein Roy , Xie Zijian , Abraham Nader , Shapiro Joseph
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: Recently we have noted that adipocyte specific expression of the peptide, NaKtide, which was developed to attenuate the Na,K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop, could ameliorate the phenotypical features of uremic cardiomyopathy. We performed this study to better characterize the cellular transcriptomes that are involved in various biological pathways associated with adipocyte function occurring with renal failure. (2) Methods: RNAseq was performed on the visceral adipose tissue of animals subjected to partial nephrectomy. Specific expression of NaKtide in adipocytes was achieved using an adiponectin promoter. To better understand the cause of gene expression changes in vivo, 3T3L1 adipocytes were exposed to indoxyl sulfate (IS) or oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), with and without pNaKtide (the cell permeant form of NaKtide). RNAseq was also performed on these samples. (3) Results: We noted a large number of adipocyte genes were altered in experimental renal failure. Adipocyte specific NaKtide expression reversed most of these abnormalities. High correlation with some cardiac specific phenotypical features was noted amongst groups of these genes. In the murine adipocytes, both IS and oxLDL induced similar pathway changes as were noted in vivo, and pNaKtide appeared to reverse these changes. Network analysis demonstrated tremendous similarities between the network revealed by gene expression analysis with IS compared with oxLDL, and the combined in vitro dataset was noted to also have considerable similarity to that seen in vivo with experimental renal failure. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that the myriad of phenotypical features seen with experimental renal failure may be fundamentally linked to oxidant stress within adipocytes.
Hypothyroidism-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (HIN): Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Options
Authors: Tanase Daniela Maria , Gosav Evelina Maria , Neculae Ecaterina , Costea Claudia Florida , Ciocoiu Manuela , Hurjui Loredana Liliana , Tarniceriu Claudia Cristina , Floria Mariana
Published: August 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging worldwide problem and its association with other metabolic pathologies has been one of the main research topics in the last decade. The aim of this review article is to provide an up-to-date correlation between hypothyroidism and NAFLD. We followed evidence regarding epidemiological impact, immunopathogenesis, thyroid hormone-liver axis, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. After evaluating the influence of thyroid hormone imbalance on liver structure and function, the latest studies have focused on developing new therapeutic strategies. Thyroid hormones (THs) along with their metabolites and thyroid hormone receptor β (THR-β) agonist are the main therapeutic targets. Other liver specific analogs and alternative treatments have been tested in the last few years as potential NAFLD therapy. Finally, we concluded that further research is necessary as well as the need for an extensive evaluation of thyroid function in NAFLD/NASH patients, aiming for better management and outcome.
Interactions between the Intrinsically Disordered Regions of hnRNP-A2 and TDP-43 Accelerate TDP-43′s Conformational Transition
Authors: Chiang Wan-Chin , Lee Ming-Hsuan , Chen Tsai-Chen , Huang Jie-rong
Published: August 2020

Most biological functions involve protein–protein interactions. Our understanding of these interactions is based mainly on those of structured proteins, because encounters between intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are much less studied, regardless of the fact that more than half eukaryotic proteins contain IDRs. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are a large family whose members almost all have IDRs in addition to RNA binding domains. These IDRs, having low sequence similarity, interact, but structural details on these interactions are still lacking. Here, using the IDRs of two RBPs (hnRNA-A2 and TDP-43) as a model, we demonstrate that the rate at which TDP-43′s IDR undergoes the neurodegenerative disease related α-helix-to-β-sheet transition increases in relation to the amount of hnRNP-A2′s IDR that is present. There are more than 1500 RBPs in human cells and most of them have IDRs. RBPs often join the same complexes to regulate genes. In addition to the structured RNA-recognition motifs, our study demonstrates a general mechanism through which RBPs may regulate each other’s functions through their IDRs.
Functional Variation in Dipteran Gut Bacterial Communities in Relation to Their Diet, Life Cycle Stage and Habitat
Authors: Sontowski Rebekka , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: August 2020

True flies and mosquitos (Diptera) live in habitats and consume diets that pose specific demands on their gut bacterial communities (GBCs). Due to diet specializations, dipterans may have highly diverse and species-specific GBCs. Dipterans are also confronted with changes in habitat and food sources over their lifetime, especially during life history processes (molting, metamorphosis). This may prevent the development of a constant species- or diet-specific GBC. Some dipterans are vectors of several human pathogens (e.g., malaria), which interact with GBCs. In this review, we explore the dynamics that shape GBC composition in some Diptera species on the basis of published datasets of GBCs. We thereby focus on the effects of diet, habitats, and life cycle stages as sources of variation in GBC composition. The GBCs reported were more stage-specific than species- or diet-specific. Even though the presence of GBCs has a large impact on the performance of their hosts, the exact functions of GBCs and their interactions with other organisms are still largely unknown, mainly due to the low number of studies to date. Increasing our knowledge on dipteran GBCs will help to design pest management strategies for the reduction of insecticide resistance, as well as for human pathogen control.
Honey Bee Queen Replacement: An Analysis of Changes in the Preferences of Polish Beekeepers through Decades
Authors: Bieńkowska Małgorzata , Łoś Aleksandra , Węgrzynowicz Paweł
Published: August 2020

We conducted a survey on honey bee (Apis mellifera) queen management. Data were collected every year from 1980 to 2018. In total, 2964 questionnaires were collected from all over Poland. We examined the trends by decade timeslot, apiary size, and geographical location. Regardless of the decade and the size of the apiary, on average, above 90% of Polish beekeepers replace old queens with new ones in their colonies. In general, during the observed period, beekeepers replaced almost 52% of their queens, 21% of which were purchased. In the last decade, there was an upward trend in the percentage of beekeepers replacing queens throughout the country. The involvement of purchased queens in colony management is associated with the size of the apiary, and it significantly grows with the number of colonies in the apiary. The percentage of purchased queens went up in all the voivodeships over time. Research and education in this area are needed in order to track the trends and further improve Polish beekeepers’ practices.
WingMesh: A Matlab-Based Application for Finite Element Modeling of Insect Wings
Authors: Eshghi Shahab , Nooraeefar Vahid , Darvizeh Abolfazl , Gorb Stanislav N. , Rajabi Hamed
Published: August 2020

The finite element (FE) method is one of the most widely used numerical techniques for the simulation of the mechanical behavior of engineering and biological objects. Although very efficient, the use of the FE method relies on the development of accurate models of the objects under consideration. The development of detailed FE models of often complex-shaped objects, however, can be a time-consuming and error-prone procedure in practice. Hence, many researchers aim to reach a compromise between the simplicity and accuracy of their developed models. In this study, we adapted Distmesh2D, a popular meshing tool, to develop a powerful application for the modeling of geometrically complex objects, such as insect wings. The use of the burning algorithm (BA) in digital image processing (DIP) enabled our method to automatically detect an arbitrary domain and its subdomains in a given image. This algorithm, in combination with the mesh generator Distmesh2D, was used to develop detailed FE models of both planar and out-of-plane (i.e., three-dimensionally corrugated) domains containing discontinuities and consisting of numerous subdomains. To easily implement the method, we developed an application using the Matlab App Designer. This application, called WingMesh, was particularly designed and applied for rapid numerical modeling of complicated insect wings but is also applicable for modeling purposes in the earth, engineering, mathematical, and physical sciences.
The Antitumor Effect of Heparin is not Mediated by Direct NK Cell Activation
Authors: Rossi Gustavo R. , Gonçalves Jenifer P. , McCulloch Timothy , Delconte Rebecca B. , Hennessy Robert J. , Huntington Nicholas D. , Trindade Edvaldo S. , Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes Fernando
Published: August 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes responsible for the elimination of infected or transformed cells. The activation or inhibition of NK cells is determined by the balance of target cell ligand recognition by stimulatory and inhibitory receptors on their surface. Previous reports have suggested that the glycosaminoglycan heparin is a ligand for the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp30, NKp44 (human), and NKp46 (both human and mouse). However, the effects of heparin on NK cell homeostasis and function remain unclear. Here, we show that heparin does not enhance NK cell proliferation or killing through NK cell activation. Alternatively, in mice models, heparin promoted NK cell survival in vitro and controlled B16-F10 melanoma metastasis development in vivo. In human NK cells, heparin promisingly increased interferon (IFN)-γ production in synergy with IL-12, although the mechanism remains elusive. Our data showed that heparin is not able to increase NK cell cytotoxicity.
Nanocomposite of Graphene Oxide Encapsulated in Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): Pre-Modification, Synthesis, and Latex Stability
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Letian , Meng Shanyu , Lin Hanxue , Correll Melanie , Tong Zhaohui
Published: August 2020

The compatibility of graphene oxide with its dispersion medium (polymer) plays a critical role in the formation of nanocomposite materials with significant property improvements. Environmentally friendly miniemulsion polymerization, which allows a formation of nanoencapsulation in an aqueous phase and high molecular weight polymer/composite production is one promising method. In this study, we screened a series of amphiphilic modifiers and found that the quaternary ammonium (ar-vinyl benzyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride (VBTAC) pending carbon double bonds could effectively modify the graphene oxide (GO) to be compatible with the organophilic monomer. After that, free radical miniemulsion polymerization successfully synthesized stable latex of exfoliated poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ GO nanocomposite. The final latex had an extended storage life and a relatively uniform particle size distribution. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of this latex and its films indicated successful encapsulation of exfoliated nano-dimensional graphene oxide inside a polymer matrix.
Review Papers for Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM)
Authors: McAleer Michael
Published: August 2020

This paper evaluates an editorial and seven invaluable and interesting review papers for the Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM). The topics covered include the rising complexity of bank regulatory capital requirements from global guidelines to their United States (US) implementation, connections among big data, computational science, economics, finance, marketing, management and psychology, factors, outcome, and the solutions of supply chain finance, with a review and future directions, time-varying price-volume relationship, adaptive market efficiency, and a survey of the empirical literature, improved covariance matrix estimation for portfolio risk measurement, stock investment and excess returns, with a critical review in the light of the efficient market hypothesis, and a cross section analysis of country equity returns, and a review of the empirical literature.
Smallholder Agricultural Investment and Productivity under Contract Farming and Customary Tenure System: A Malawian Perspective
Authors: Benjamin Emmanuel Olatunbosun
Published: August 2020

Land tenure security, especially customary residence systems, is found to influence the agricultural investment decision-making and productivity of smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa. However, as country-specific customary residence systems and farming models evolve over time, their impact on food security and livelihood remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of customary residence systems on both agricultural investment (in tea shrubs and agroforestry) and productivity among contracted smallholder tea outgrowers in Southern Malawi. A survey of 228 farmers was conducted in 2018, and a linear probability and ordinary least squared (OLS) models were used for the analysis. The results suggest that matrilocal residence practices positively influence agricultural investment. The study concluded that despite the dominance of matrilineal-matrilocal systems in Southern Malawi, there is a need for policy to address gender gaps in the region because women are still vulnerable and insecure even in these assumed women-friendly customary systems. It is recommended that future research explores other prevailing tenure security systems.
Tearable and Fillable Composite Sponges Capable of Heat Generation and Drug Release in Response to Alternating Magnetic Field
Authors: Hayashi Koichiro , Tokuda Atsuto , Nakamura Jin , Sugawara-Narutaki Ayae , Ohtsuki Chikara
Published: August 2020

Tearable and fillable implants are used to facilitate surgery. The use of implants that can generate heat and release a drug in response to an exogenous trigger, such as an alternating magnetic field (AMF), can facilitate on-demand combined thermal treatment and chemotherapy via remote operation. In this study, we fabricated tearable sponges composed of collagen, magnetite nanoparticles, and anticancer drugs. Crosslinking of the sponges by heating for 6 h completely suppressed undesirable drug release in saline at 37 °C but allowed drug release at 45 °C. The sponges generated heat immediately after AMF application and raised the cell culture medium temperature from 37 to 45 °C within 15 min. Heat generation was controlled by switching the AMF on and off. Furthermore, in response to heat generation, drug release from the sponges could be induced and moderated. Thus, remote-controlled heat generation and drug release were achieved by switching the AMF on and off. The sponges destroyed tumor cells when AMF was applied for 15 min but not when AMF was absent. The tearing and filling properties of the sponges may be useful for the surgical repair of bone and tissue defects. Moreover, these sponges, along with AMF application, can facilitate combined thermal therapy and chemotherapy.
Effect of Aging Time on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in a Cu-Bearing Marine Engineering Steel
Authors: Sun Mingxue , Xu Yang , Wang Jin
Published: August 2020

This study elucidated the structure–property relationship in a Cu-bearing marine engineering steel that was water cooled and then aged at 500 °C for 0.5–3 h. The microstructural features, tensile properties and impact properties were comparatively investigated as a function of aging time. When the aging period was increased, the Cu precipitates underwent coarsening, and a stable face-centered cubic (fcc) formation occurred. Additionally, the tensile properties were significantly improved at the expense of low temperature toughness, which can be attributed to the presence of nano-sized Cu precipitates. The increment of yield strength mainly derived from Cu precipitate–dislocation interaction strengthening effects (232 MPa for 1 h and 199 MPa for 3 h.) during aging process. Therefore, optimization of mechanical properties was achieved by controlling the parameters of aging process. The peak age hardening condition (i.e., at 500 °C for 1 h) resulted in the yield strength of 755 MPa, tensile strength of 812 MPa, elongation of 26.3% and impact energy of 78 J at −80 °C.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Removal via MOFs
Authors: Georgiadis Amvrosios G. , Charisiou Nikolaos , Yentekakis Ioannis V. , Goula Maria A.
Published: August 2020

The removal of the environmentally toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas streams with varying overall pressure and H2S concentration is a long-standing challenge faced by the oil and gas industries. The present work focuses on H2S capture using a relatively new type of material, namely metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), in an effort to shed light on their potential as adsorbents in the field of gas storage and separation. MOFs hold great promise as they make possible the design of structures from organic and inorganic units, but also as they have provided an answer to a long-term challenging objective, i.e., how to design extended structures of materials. Moreover, in designing MOFs, one may functionalize the organic units and thus, in essence, create pores with different functionalities, and also to expand the pores in order to increase pore openings. The work presented herein provides a detailed discussion, by thoroughly combining the existing literature on new developments in MOFs for H2S removal, and tries to provide insight into new areas for further research.
Cement-Modified Loess Base for Intercity Railways: Mechanical Strength and Influencing Factors Based on the Vertical Vibration Compaction Method
Authors: Jiang Yingjun , Li Qilong , Yi Yong , Yuan Kejia , Deng Changqing , Tian Tian
Published: August 2020

Cement-modified loess has been used in the recent construction of an intercity high-speed railway in Xi’an, China. This paper studies the mechanical strength of cement-modified loess (CML) compacted by the vertical vibration compaction method (VVCM). First, the reliability of VVCM in compacting CML is evaluated, and then the effects of cement content, compaction coefficient, and curing time on the mechanical strength of CML are analyzed, establishing a strength prediction model. The results show that the correlation of mechanical strength between the CML specimens prepared by VVCM in the laboratory and the core specimens collected on site is as high as 83.8%. The mechanical strength of CML initially show linear growth with increasing cement content and compaction coefficient. The initial growth in CML mechanical strength is followed by a later period, with mechanical strength growth slowing after 28 days. The mechanical strength growth properties of the CML can be accurately predicted via established strength growth equations. The results of this study can guide the design and construction of CML subgrade.
A Preliminary Characterisation of Innovative Semi-Flexible Composite Pavement Comprising Geopolymer Grout and Reclaimed Asphalt Planings
Authors: Huynh An Thao , Magee Bryan , Woodward David
Published: August 2020

This article considers semi-flexible composite (SFC) pavement materials made with reclaimed asphalt planings (RAP) and geopolymer cement-based grouts. Geopolymer grouts were developed and used to fill the internal void structure of coarse RAP skeletons with varying levels of porosity. The geopolymer grouts were formulated at ambient temperature using industrial by-products to offer economic and environmental savings relative to conventional Portland cement-based grouting systems. They were characterised on flowability, setting time, and compressive strength. The effect of grout and RAP on SFC material performance was evaluated using permeable porosity, compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. SFC performance was significantly influenced by both grout type and RAP content. Improved performance was associated with mixtures of high-flowability/high-strength grout and low RAP content. A practical limitation was identified for combination of grout with low-flowability/fast-setting time and well-compacted RAP skeletons. Solids content exceeding 49% by volume was not feasible, owing to inadequate grout penetration. A suite of SFC materials was produced offering performance levels for a range of practical pavement applications. Preliminary relationships enabling prediction of SFC elastic modulus based on strength and/or ultrasonic pulse velocity test data are given. A pavement design is given using SFC as a sub-base layer for an industrial hardstanding.
Blastfurnace Hybrid Cement with Waste Water Glass Activator: Alkali–Silica Reaction Study
Authors: Kalina Lukáš , Bílek Vlastimil , Bradová Lada , Topolář Libor
Published: August 2020

Hybrid systems represent a new sustainable type of cement combining the properties of ordinary Portland cement and alkali-activated materials. In this study, a hybrid system based on blast furnace slag and Portland clinker was investigated. The economic aspects and appropriate waste management resulted in the usage of technological waste from water glass production (WG-waste) as an alkaline activator. Although the Portland clinker content was very low, the incorporation of this by-product significantly improved the mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the high amount of alkalis in combination with possible reactive aggregates raises concerns about the risk of alkali–silica reaction (ASR). The results obtained from expansion measurement, the uranyl acetate fluorescence method, and microstructure characterization revealed that the undesirable effects of alkali–silica reaction in mortars based on the hydration of hybrid cement are minimal.
Influence of General Mineral Condition on Collagen-Guided Alveolar Crest Augmentation
Authors: Kozakiewicz Marcin , Szymor Piotr , Wach Tomasz
Published: August 2020

The local regeneration of bone defects is regulated by general hormone, enzyme, ion, and vitamin levels. General diseases and dysregulation of the human mineral system can impact this process, even in alveolar crest. The aim of this study is to investigate a relation between bone density, measured in two-dimensional X-rays, and general mineral condition of patients. The study included 42 patients on whom tooth extractions were performed. Data were divided into two groups: the region where collagen scaffold (BRM) was used and the reference region of intact normal bone (REF). Two-dimensional intraoral radiographs were taken in all cases just after the surgery (00 M) and 12 months later (12 M). Thyrotropin (TSH), parathormone (PTH), Ca2+ in serum, HbA1c, vitamin 25(OH)D3, and spine densitometry were checked. Digital texture analysis in MaZda 4.6 software was done. Texture Index (TI: BRM 1.66 ± 0.34 in 00 M, 1.51 ± 0.41 in 12 M, and REF 1.72 ± 0.28) and Bone Index (BI: BRM 0.73 ± 0.17 in 00 M, 0.65 ± 0.22 41 in 12 M, and REF 0.80 ± 0.14) were calculated to evaluate bone regeneration process after 12 months of healing (TI (p < 0.05) and BI (p < 0.01) are lower in BRM 12 M than in REF). This showed a relation between BI and TSH (R2 = 26%, p < 0.05), as well as a between BI and patient age (R2 = 65%, p < 0.001), and a weak relation between TI and TSH level (R2 = 10%, p < 0.05). This study proved that a collagen scaffold can be successfully used in alveolar crest regeneration, especially in patients with a high normal level of TSH in the middle-aged population.
Influence of Rare Earth Element (Y) on Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of Hot Extrusion AZ91 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Cui Yanan , Wang Yonghai , Cui Zhongyu , Qi Wenlong , Wang Jidong , Ju Pengfei , Zhao Yang , Liu Bin , Zhang Tao , Wang Fuhui
Published: August 2020

The influence of rare earth element (RE) Y on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of extruded AZ91 Mg alloy was surveyed via morphology characterization and corrosion performance measurements. The results indicate the corrosion resistance of the transversal section of AZ91 Mg alloy containing Y was improved compared with AZ91 Mg alloy without Y. The corrosion resistance of the longitudinal section of AZ91 Mg alloy with Y was lower than that of AZ91 Mg alloy without Y. The change of corrosion resistance can be attributed to the dispersion and volume fraction of the second phase, the effect of cathodic reduction rate, and the refined second phase.
Reversible Aggregation of Molecular-Like Fluorophores Driven by Extreme pH in Carbon Dots
Authors: Mura Stefania , Stagi Luigi , Ludmerczki Robert , Malfatti Luca , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: August 2020

The origin of carbon-dots (C-dots) fluorescence and its correlation with the dots structure still lack a comprehensive model. In particular, the core-shell model does not always fit with the experimental results, which, in some cases, suggest a molecular origin of the fluorescence. To gain a better insight, we have studied the response of molecular-like fluorophores contained in the C-dots at extreme pH conditions. Citric acid and urea have been employed to synthesize blue and green-emitting C-dots. They show a different emission as a function of the pH of the dispersing media. The photoluminescence has been attributed to molecular-like fluorophores: citrazinic acid and 4-hydroxy-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]-pyridine-1,3,6-(2H,5H)-trione. 3D and time-resolved photoluminescence, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering have been used to determine the aggregation state, quantum yield and emission properties of the C-dots. The dependence of the C-dots blue and green components on the chemical environment indicates that the origin of fluorescence is due to molecular-like fluorophores.
Digit Recognition Based on Specialization, Decomposition and Holistic Processing
Authors: Joseph Michael , Elleithy Khaled
Published: August 2020

With the introduction of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and other classical algorithms, facial and object recognition have made significant progress. However, in a situation where there are few label examples or the environment is not ideal, such as lighting conditions, orientations, and so on, performance is disappointing. Various methods, such as data augmentation and image registration, have been used in an effort to improve accuracy; nonetheless, performance remains far from human efficiency. Advancement in cognitive science has provided us with valuable insight into how humans achieve high accuracy in identifying and discriminating between different faces and objects. These researches help us understand how the brain uses the features in the face to form a holistic representation and subsequently uses it to discriminate between faces. Our objective and contribution in this paper is to introduce a computational model that leverages these techniques, being used by our brain, to improve robustness and recognition accuracy. The hypothesis is that the biological model, our brain, achieves such high efficiency in face recognition because it is using a two-step process. We therefore postulate that, in the case of a handwritten digit, it will be easier for a learning model to learn invariant features and to generate a holistic representation than to perform classification. The model uses a variational autoencoder to generate holistic representation of handwritten digits and a Neural Network(NN) to classify them. The results obtained in this research show the effectiveness of decomposing the recognition tasks into two specialize sub-tasks, a generator, and a classifier.
Waste Segregation FMEA Model Integrating Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set and the PAPRIKA Method
Authors: Carnero María Carmen
Published: August 2020

Segregation is an important step in health care waste management. If done incorrectly, the risk of preventable infections, toxic effects, and injuries to care and non-care staff, waste handlers, patients, visitors, and the community at large, is increased. It also increases the risk of environmental pollution and prevents recyclable waste from being recovered. Despite its importance, it is acknowledged that poor waste segregation occurs in most health care organizations. This study therefore intends to produce, for the first time, a classification of failure modes related to segregation in the Nuclear Medicine Department of a health care organization. This will be done using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), by combining an intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted Euclidean distance operator, and the multicriteria method Potentially All Pairwise RanKings of all possible Alternatives (PAPRIKA). Subjective and objective weights of risk factors were considered simultaneously. The failure modes identified in the top three positions are: improper storage of waste (placing items in the wrong bins), improper labeling of containers, and bad waste management (inappropriate collection periods and bin set-up).
p-Moment Mittag–Leffler Stability of Riemann–Liouville Fractional Differential Equations with Random Impulses
Authors: Agarwal Ravi , Hristova Snezhana , O’Regan Donal , Kopanov Peter
Published: August 2020

Fractional differential equations with impulses arise in modeling real world phenomena where the state changes instantaneously at some moments. Often, these instantaneous changes occur at random moments. In this situation the theory of Differential equations has to be combined with Probability theory to set up the problem correctly and to study the properties of the solutions. We study the case when the time between two consecutive moments of impulses is exponentially distributed. In connection with the application of the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative in the equation, we define in an appropriate way both the initial condition and the impulsive conditions. We consider the case when the lower limit of the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative is fixed at the initial time. We define the so called p-moment Mittag–Leffler stability in time of the model. In the case of integer order derivative the introduced type of stability reduces to the p–moment exponential stability. Sufficient conditions for p–moment Mittag–Leffler stability in time are obtained. The argument is based on Lyapunov functions with the help of the defined fractional Dini derivative. The main contributions of the suggested model is connected with the implementation of impulses occurring at random times and the application of the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative of order between 0 and 1. For this model the p-moment Mittag–Leffler stability in time of the model is defined and studied by Lyapunov functions once one defines in an appropriate way their Dini fractional derivative.
AHP-TOPSIS Inspired Shopping Mall Site Selection Problem with Fuzzy Data
Authors: Ghorui Neha , Ghosh Arijit , Algehyne Ebrahem A. , Mondal Sankar Prasad , Saha Apu Kumar
Published: August 2020

In the consumerist world, there is an ever-increasing demand for consumption in urban life. Thus, the demand for shopping malls is growing. For a developer, site selection is an important issue as the optimal selection involves several complex factors and sub-factors for a successful investment venture. Thus, these tangible and intangible factors can be best solved by the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models. In this study, optimal site selection has been done out of multiple alternative locations in and around the city of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) has been applied for shopping mall site selection. The AHP is used to obtain the crispified weight of factors. Imprecise linguistic terms used by the decision-maker are converted to Triangular Fuzzy Numbers (TFNs). This research used integrated sub-factors fuzzy weights using FAHP to FTOPSIS for ranking of the alternatives. Hardly any research is done with the use of sub-factors. In this study, seven factors and seventeen sub-factors are considered, the authors collected data from different locations with the help of municipal authorities and architects. This work further provides useful guidelines for shopping mall selection in different states and countries.