bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale for the Use of Radiation-Activated Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Tovar Isabel , Guerrero Rosa , López-Peñalver Jesús J. , Expósito José , Ruiz de Almodóvar José Mariano
Published: September 2020

We have previously shown that the combination of radiotherapy with human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) cell therapy significantly reduces the size of the xenotumors in mice, both in the directly irradiated tumor and in the distant nonirradiated tumor or its metastasis. We have also shown that exosomes secreted from MSCs preirradiated with 2 Gy are quantitatively, functionally and qualitatively different from the exosomes secreted from nonirradiated mesenchymal cells, and also that proteins, exosomes and microvesicles secreted by MSCs suffer a significant change when the cells are activated or nonactivated, with the amount of protein present in the exosomes of the preirradiated cells being 1.5 times greater compared to those from nonirradiated cells. This finding correlates with a dramatic increase in the antitumor activity of the radiotherapy when is combined with MSCs or with preirradiated mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs*). After the proteomic analysis of the load of the exosomes released from both irradiated and nonirradiated cells, we conclude that annexin A1 is the most important and significant difference between the exosomes released by the cells in either status. Knowing the role of annexin A1 in the control of hypoxia and inflammation that is characteristic of acute respiratory-distress syndrome (ARDS), we designed a hypothetical therapeutic strategy, based on the transplantation of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells stimulated with radiation, to alleviate the symptoms of patients who, due to pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2, require to be admitted to an intensive care unit for patients with life-threatening conditions. With this hypothesis, we seek to improve the patients’ respiratory capacity and increase the expectations of their cure.
Regulation and Functions of ROP GTPases in Plant–Microbe Interactions
Authors: Engelhardt Stefan , Trutzenberg Adriana , Hückelhoven Ralph
Published: September 2020

Rho proteins of plants (ROPs) form a specific clade of Rho GTPases, which are involved in either plant immunity or susceptibility to diseases. They are intensively studied in grass host plants, in which ROPs are signaling hubs downstream of both cell surface immune receptor kinases and intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors, which activate major branches of plant immune signaling. Additionally, invasive fungal pathogens may co-opt the function of ROPs for manipulation of the cytoskeleton, cell invasion and host cell developmental reprogramming, which promote pathogenic colonization. Strikingly, mammalian bacterial pathogens also initiate both effector-triggered susceptibility for cell invasion and effector-triggered immunity via Rho GTPases. In this review, we summarize central concepts of Rho signaling in disease and immunity of plants and briefly compare them to important findings in the mammalian research field. We focus on Rho activation, downstream signaling and cellular reorganization under control of Rho proteins involved in disease progression and pathogen resistance.
Aberrant Methylation of LINE-1 Transposable Elements: A Search for Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Ponomaryova Anastasia A. , Rykova Elena Y. , Gervas Polina A. , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda V. , Mamedov Ilgar Z. , Azhikina Tatyana L.
Published: September 2020

Cancer remains one of the main causes of human mortality despite significant progress in its diagnostics and therapy achieved in the past decade. Massive hypomethylation of retrotransposons, in particular LINE-1, is considered a hallmark of most malignant transformations as it results in the reactivation of retroelements and subsequent genomic instability. Accumulating data on LINE-1 aberrant methylation in different tumor types indicates its significant role in cancer initiation and progression. However, direct evidence that LINE-1 activation can be used as a cancer biomarker is still limited. The objective of this review was to critically evaluate the published results regarding the diagnostic/prognostic potential of the LINE-1 methylation status in cancer. Our analysis indicates that LINE-1 hypomethylation is a promising candidate biomarker of cancer development, which, however, needs validation in both clinical and laboratory studies to confirm its applicability to different cancer types and/or stages. As LINE-1 is present in multiple cell-free copies in blood, it has advantages over single-copy genes regarding perspectives of using its methylation status as an epigenetic cancer biomarker for cell-free DNA liquid biopsy.
A Simple Differentiation Protocol for Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Basal Forebrain-Like Cholinergic Neurons for Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia Disease Modeling
Authors: Muñoz Sonia Sanz , Engel Martin , Balez Rachelle , Do-Ha Dzung , Cabral-da-Silva Mauricio Castro , Hernández Damian , Berg Tracey , Fifita Jennifer A. , Grima Natalie , Yang Shu , Blair Ian P. , Nicholson Garth , Cook Anthony L. , Hewitt Alex W. , Pébay Alice , Ooi Lezanne
Published: September 2020

The study of neurodegenerative diseases using pluripotent stem cells requires new methods to assess neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration of specific neuronal subtypes. The cholinergic system, characterized by its use of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, is one of the first to degenerate in Alzheimer’s disease and is also affected in frontotemporal dementia. We developed a differentiation protocol to generate basal forebrain-like cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) aided by the use of small molecule inhibitors and growth factors. Ten iPSC lines were successfully differentiated into BFCNs using this protocol. The neuronal cultures were characterised through RNA and protein expression, and functional analysis of neurons was confirmed by whole-cell patch clamp. We have developed a reliable protocol using only small molecule inhibitors and growth factors, while avoiding transfection or cell sorting methods, to achieve a BFCN culture that expresses the characteristic markers of cholinergic neurons.
Ubiquitin, Autophagy and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Watanabe Yoshihisa , Taguchi Katsutoshi , Tanaka Masaki
Published: September 2020

Ubiquitin signals play various roles in proteolytic and non-proteolytic functions. Ubiquitin signals are recognized as targets of the ubiquitin–proteasome system and the autophagy–lysosome pathway. In autophagy, ubiquitin signals are required for selective incorporation of cargoes, such as proteins, organelles, and microbial invaders, into autophagosomes. Autophagy receptors possessing an LC3-binding domain and a ubiquitin binding domain are involved in this process. Autophagy activity can decline as a result of genetic variation, aging, or lifestyle, resulting in the onset of various neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the selective autophagy of neurodegenerative disease-associated protein aggregates via autophagy receptors and discusses its therapeutic application for neurodegenerative diseases.
The Roles of Ubiquitin in Mediating Autophagy
Authors: Yin Zhangyuan , Popelka Hana , Lei Yuchen , Yang Ying , Klionsky Daniel J.
Published: September 2020

Ubiquitination, the post-translational modification essential for various intracellular processes, is implicated in multiple aspects of autophagy, the major lysosome/vacuole-dependent degradation pathway. The autophagy machinery adopted the structural architecture of ubiquitin and employs two ubiquitin-like protein conjugation systems for autophagosome biogenesis. Ubiquitin chains that are attached as labels to protein aggregates or subcellular organelles confer selectivity, allowing autophagy receptors to simultaneously bind ubiquitinated cargos and autophagy-specific ubiquitin-like modifiers (Atg8-family proteins). Moreover, there is tremendous crosstalk between autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Ubiquitination of autophagy-related proteins or regulatory components plays significant roles in the precise control of the autophagy pathway. In this review, we summarize and discuss the molecular mechanisms and functions of ubiquitin and ubiquitination, in the process and regulation of autophagy.
Recent Developments in Coating Technologies for Adsorption Heat Pumps: A Review
Authors: Caprì Angela , Frazzica Andrea , Calabrese Luigi
Published: September 2020

The use of adsorbent heat pumps as heating and cooling systems is particularly relevant thanks to their ability to exploit low-grade heat (e.g., below 90 °C) from renewable energy sources and waste energy streams with prospective applications in several fields, e.g., industrial and residential. Their development began in the 20th century and is still in full evolution. The great interest in their improvement and optimization was determined by some key factors inherent to their sustainability compared to traditional refrigeration systems (e.g., low electricity consumption and the low environmental impact of the employed refrigerants). Recently, strong efforts have been dedicated to increasing the achievable heating/cooling power density of this technology through the development of innovative adsorbent coating technologies. Indeed, the deposition of thin coatings on the surface of the heat exchanger could reduce the heat transfer resistance existing on the adsorbent material side, thus increasing the overall adsorption dynamics. Three main approaches have been assessed, namely a thick consolidated bed, binder-based composite coatings and in situ directly crystallization coatings. This paper provides a brief overview of some of the main achievements related to adsorbent coating technology developments for adsorption heat pump applications.
Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Interstitial Lung Diseases: New Opportunities Linked to Rheumatologist Involvement
Authors: De Lorenzis Enrico , Bosello Silvia Laura , Varone Francesco , Sgalla Giacomo , Calandriello Lucio , Natalello Gerlando , Iovene Bruno , Cicchetti Giuseppe , Gigante Laura , Verardi Lucrezia , Gremese Elisa , Richeldi Luca , Larici Anna Rita
Published: September 2020

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion is the gold standard in the management of interstitial lung disease (ILD). The rheumatologist is not routinely involved in MDT, even if up to 20% of ILD are related to systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD). The study aims to assess the agreement and its variation over time between rheumatologists and pulmonologists in the screening of SARD and between rheumatologists and an MDT extended to rheumatologists (eMDT) in evaluating the progression of SARD. We computed the agreement between the pulmonologist and rheumatologist in the identification of red flags for SARDs of 81 ILD cases and between the rheumatologist alone and eMDT in the confirmation of 70 suspected SARD-ILD progressions. The agreement between rheumatologists and pulmonologists was moderate for the detection of autoimmunity test positivity (κ = 0.475, p < 0.001) and family history of SARD (κ = 0.491, p < 0.001) and fair for the identification of extrapulmonary symptoms (κ = 0.225, p = 0.064) or routine laboratory abnormalities consistent with SARD. The average agreement between the rheumatologist and eMDT in the identification of ILD progression was moderate (κ = 0.436, p < 0.001). The class of agreement improved from the first to the third semester. The average agreement with the rheumatologist ranged from fair to moderate, suggesting that a shared evaluation of SARD-ILD in eMDT could improve the diagnostic work-up and the evaluation of ILD progression.
Reliability of Screening Methods to Diagnose Oral Dryness and Evaluate Saliva Secretion
Authors: Goto Takaharu , Kishimoto Takahiro , Iwawaki Yuki , Fujimoto Keiko , Ishida Yuichi , Watanabe Megumi , Nagao Kan , Ichikawa Tetsuo
Published: September 2020

In this study, we evaluated the reliability and reproducibility of widely implemented salivary flow rate and oral dryness tests. In experiment 1, twenty young and healthy Japanese participants volunteered to participate. For each participant, the oral moisture (OM) level, unstimulated whole saliva volume (U-WSV), and stimulated whole saliva volume (S-WSV) were measured at the same time on two separate days. In experiment 2, twenty-seven patients who were over 65 years of age volunteered to participate. The OM level and U-WSV were measured at the same time on two separate days. In Experiment 1, the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) corresponding to the S-WSV, U-WSV, and OM level were 0.23, 0.28, and 0.16, respectively, for the young participants. In Experiment 2, the ICCs corresponding to the U-WSV/spitting and OM level were 0.83 and 0.12, respectively, for the older participants. The results of Bland–Altman analysis confirmed the absence of systematic error, with the exception of the OM level results in Experiment 2, which indicated systematic bias. In conclusion, we believe that there is currently no consistent and reliable screening test for assessing salivary flow rate and oral dryness, although the spitting test was determined to be highly reliable.
Students’ Self-Efficacy, Causal Attribution Habits and Test Grades
Authors: Hamann Kerstin , Pilotti Maura A. E. , Wilson Bruce M.
Published: September 2020

Why do students vary in their performance on exams? It may be that their test preparation is insufficient because they overestimate their anticipated grade. Our study investigates four issues related to performance on a final examination. First, we analyze whether students’ ability to accurately predict their grade and their subjective confidence in this prediction may account for their grade. Second, we ask whether students at different levels of performance vary in their ability to accurately predict their grade, and if so, whether subjective confidence also differs. Third, we ask whether the accuracy and confidence of learners’ predictions are conditioned by self-efficacy beliefs and causal attribution habits, which serve as indices of motivation for test preparation. Fourth, we ask whether different causal attribution preferences contribute to self-efficacy. We use statistical analysis of data from a general education course at a large public university in the United States. Our results indicate that poor performers’ overestimates are likely to be wishful thinking as they are expressed with low subjective confidence. Self-efficacy is a significant contributor to the inaccuracy of students’ predicted grades and subjective confidence in such predictions. Professors’ understanding of learners’ forecasting mechanisms informs strategies devoted to academic success.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Interventions in Older Adults: A Review
Authors: Sanjuán Miriam , Navarro Elena , Calero M. Dolores
Published: September 2020

(1) Introduction: With older adults, cognitive intervention programs are most often used for preventing or reversing a decline in cognitive functions, but it has been recently noted that there are insufficient high-quality research studies that report the effects of cognitive intervention on the cognitive functioning of older adults. (2) Objective: To analyze the available evidence concerning the effect of cognitive interventions for improving or maintaining the general cognitive status of older adults who present different cognitive levels. (3) Method: a review of studies published between 2010 and 2019 using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Google Scholar, ProQuest and Medline. (4) Results: We selected 13 systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses. The results showed that the cognitive intervention programs improved general cognitive functioning and specific cognitive functions regardless of the initial cognitive level; that cognitive decline was slowed in older persons with dementia; and there was improvement in activities of daily living. Regarding duration of the results, benefits were maintained for periods of 2 months to 5 years. (5) Conclusion: Cognitive interventions have proven effective for maintaining and/or improving cognitive functioning in older adults regardless of their initial cognitive status. Even so, there are few studies that follow up these results to see whether they are maintained in the long term and whether there is transfer to other skills of daily life. However, we were able to observe in the present review how the participants’ cognitive level varied according to sociodemographic differences, and to identify which components of cognitive programs make them more effective. Based on the results found, we highlight the importance of designing cognitive intervention programs that meet these effectiveness criteria, in order to maximize the positive effects of such programs when working with a population of older adults.
Max–Min Fairness Optimization for D2D Communications Coexisting with Cellular Networks
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Giang , Nguyen Xuan Tung , Nguyen Van Son , Chien Trinh Van , Nguyen Tien Hoa , Ro Soonghwan
Published: September 2020

This paper considers a system consisting of a nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based device-to-device (D2D) communication system within a cellular network, in which the time and frequency resources are shared by everyone. In particular, D2D groups that constitute different pairs are assigned to the subchannels that the cellular users occupy. A max–min fairness optimization problem with power budget constraints is formulated and solved in this paper to reduce the mutual interference between the cellular users and D2D devices that substantially impacts that with the worst channel condition. For a low computational complexity solution, we propose the use of the bisection method together with the solution of a system of linear equalities. The proposed algorithm can provide uniformly good service to all of the cellular users and D2D devices in the coverage area by utilizing the minimal total transmit power. The simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in the improvement of the spectral efficiency of the worst user under the different widely used subchannel assignments and pairing techniques.
MFMIS Negative Capacitance FinFET Design for Improving Drive Current
Authors: Min Jinhong , Shin Changhwan
Published: September 2020

The effect of remnant polarization (Pr), coercive electric-field (Ec), and parasitic capacitance of baseline device on the drive current (ION) of a metal-ferroelectric-metal-insulator-semiconductor (MFMIS) negative capacitance FinFET (NC FinFET) was investigated. The internal gate voltage in the MFMIS structure was simulated considering gate leakage current. Using technology computer aided design (TCAD) tool, the device characteristic of 7 nm FinFET was quantitatively estimated, for the purpose of modeling the baseline device of MFMIS NC FinFET. The need for appropriate parasitic capacitance to avoid performance degradation in MFMIS NC FinFET was presented through the internal gate voltage estimation. With an appropriate parasitic capacitance, the effect of Pr and Ec was investigated. In the case of Ec engineering, it is inappropriate to improve the device performance for MFMIS NC FinFET without threshold voltage degradation. Rather than Ec engineering, an adequate Pr value for achieving high ION in MFMIS NC FinFET is suggested.
Task Space Trajectory Planning for Robot Manipulators to Follow 3-D Curved Contours
Authors: Kim Juhyun , Jin Maolin , Park Sang Hyun , Chung Seong Youb , Hwang Myun Joong
Published: September 2020

The demand for robots has increased in the industrial field, where robots are utilized in tasks that require them to move through complex paths. In the motion planning of a manipulator, path planning is carried out to determine a series of the positions of robot end effectors without collision. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out trajectory planning to determine position, velocity, and acceleration over time and to control an actual industrial manipulator. Although several methods have already been introduced for point-to-point trajectory planning, a trajectory plan which moves through multiple knots is required to allow robots to adapt to more complicated tasks. In this study, a trajectory planning based on the Catmull–Rom spline is proposed to allow a robot to move via several points in a task space. A method is presented to assign intermediate velocities and time to satisfy the velocity conditions of initial and final knots. To optimize the motion of the robot, a time-scaling method is presented to minimize the margin between the physical maximum values of velocity and acceleration in real robots and the planned trajectory, respectively. A simulation is then performed to verify that the proposed method can plan the trajectory for moving multiple knots without stopping, and also to check the effects of control parameters. The results obtained show that the proposed methods are applicable to trajectory planning and require less computation compared with the cubic spline method. Furthermore, the robot follows the planned trajectory, and its motion does not exceed the maximum values of velocity and acceleration. An experiment is also executed to prove that the proposed method can be applied to real robotic tasks to dispense glue onto the sole in the shoe manufacturing process. The results from this experiment show that the robot can follow the 3-D curved contour in uniform speed using the proposed method.
An Optimized Digital Watermarking Scheme Based on Invariant DC Coefficients in Spatial Domain
Authors: Ali Musrrat , Ahn Chang Wook , Pant Millie , Kumar Sanoj , Singh Manoj , Saini Deepika
Published: September 2020

Digital watermarking has become an essential and important tool for copyright protection, authentication, and security of multimedia contents. It is the process of embedding a watermark in the multimedia content and its extraction. Block-based discrete cosine transform (DCT) is a widely used method in digital watermarking. This paper proposes a novel blind image watermarking scheme developed in the spatial domain by quantization of invariant direct current (DC) coefficients. The cover image is redistributed and divided into non-overlapped square blocks and then the DC coefficients invariant to rotation, row and column flip operations, without utilization of the DCT transform, are directly calculated in the spatial domain. Utilizing the quantization parameter and watermark information, the modified DC coefficients and the difference between DC and modified DC coefficients are calculated to directly modify the pixel values to embed watermark bits in the spatial domain instead of the DCT domain. Optimal values of the quantization parameter, which plays a significant role in controlling the tradeoff between robustness and invisibility, are calculated through differential evolution (DE), the optimization algorithm. Experimental results, compared with the latest similar schemes, demonstrate the advantages of the proposed scheme.
Forensic Analysis of Fitbit Versa 2 Data on Android
Authors: Yoon Yung Han , Karabiyik Umit
Published: September 2020

The increase in the adoption of wearable fitness trackers has led to their inclusion as valuable evidence used by law enforcement during investigations. The information available in these fitness trackers can be used by law enforcement to prosecute or exonerate an individual. Wearable fitness devices are constantly being released by companies, with new firmware created for each iteration. As technology developers, research and law enforcement must keep pace to take advantage of data that can be used in investigations. The Fitbit line of devices is a popular brand of wearable trackers. This study will investigate what artifacts are generated by the new Fitbit Versa 2 by investigating what data are generated and stored on the smartphone app component of the new device. The artifacts discovered will be related to areas of forensic interest that are relevant to a law enforcement officer or digital forensics practitioner. Previous research and their methodologies used for application and mobile forensics will be used to conduct this research. This study finds the Fitbit Versa 2, and by extension, the Fitbit smartphone application does not store social media message notifications pushed to the tracker by the user’s mobile device. Some credit card information, health-related data, such as heart rate, GPS locations, and other potentially identifying data were found in plaintext. While the exposed data is not enough on its own to pose an immediate serious issue, it can be used as leverage to phish a user for further details.
Neural Network for Low-Memory IoT Devices and MNIST Image Recognition Using Kernels Based on Logistic Map
Authors: Velichko Andrei
Published: September 2020

This study presents a neural network which uses filters based on logistic mapping (LogNNet). LogNNet has a feedforward network structure, but possesses the properties of reservoir neural networks. The input weight matrix, set by a recurrent logistic mapping, forms the kernels that transform the input space to the higher-dimensional feature space. The most effective recognition of a handwritten digit from MNIST-10 occurs under chaotic behavior of the logistic map. The correlation of classification accuracy with the value of the Lyapunov exponent was obtained. An advantage of LogNNet implementation on IoT devices is the significant savings in memory used. At the same time, LogNNet has a simple algorithm and performance indicators comparable to those of the best resource-efficient algorithms available at the moment. The presented network architecture uses an array of weights with a total memory size from 1 to 29 kB and achieves a classification accuracy of 80.3–96.3%. Memory is saved due to the processor, which sequentially calculates the required weight coefficients during the network operation using the analytical equation of the logistic mapping. The proposed neural network can be used in implementations of artificial intelligence based on constrained devices with limited memory, which are integral blocks for creating ambient intelligence in modern IoT environments. From a research perspective, LogNNet can contribute to the understanding of the fundamental issues of the influence of chaos on the behavior of reservoir-type neural networks.
The Role of Hydrogen in Achieving Long Term Japanese Energy System Goals
Authors: Chaube Anshuman , Chapman Andrew , Shigetomi Yosuke , Huff Kathryn , Stubbins James
Published: September 2020

This research qualitatively reviews literature regarding energy system modeling in Japan specific to the future hydrogen economy, leveraging quantitative model outcomes to establish the potential future deployment of hydrogen in Japan. The analysis focuses on the four key sectors of storage, supplementing the gas grid, power generation, and transportation, detailing the potential range of hydrogen technologies which are expected to penetrate Japanese energy markets up to 2050 and beyond. Alongside key model outcomes, the appropriate policy settings, governance and market mechanisms are described which underpin the potential hydrogen economy future for Japan. We find that transportation, gas grid supplementation, and storage end-uses may emerge in significant quantities due to policies which encourage ambitious implementation targets, investment in technologies and research and development, and the emergence of a future carbon pricing regime. On the other hand, for Japan which will initially be dependent on imported hydrogen, the cost of imports appears critical to the emergence of broad hydrogen usage, particularly in the power generation sector. Further, the consideration of demographics in Japan, recognizing the aging, shrinking population and peoples’ energy use preferences will likely be instrumental in realizing a smooth transition toward a hydrogen economy.
The Effect of SMiShing Attack on Security of Demand Response Programs
Authors: Ustundag Soykan Elif , Bagriyanik Mustafa
Published: September 2020

Demand response (DR) is a vital element for a reliable and sustainable power grid. Consumer behavior is a key factor in the success of DR programs. In this study, we focus on how consumer reaction to Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages can disturb the demand response. We present a new type of threat to DR programs using SMS phishing attacks. We follow a holistic approach starting from a risk assessment focusing on DR programs’ notification message security following the Smart Grid Information Security (SGIS) risk methodology. We identify threats, conduct impact analysis, and estimate the likelihood of the attacks for various attacker types and motivations. We implemented deterministic and randomized attack scenarios to demonstrate the success of the attack using a state-of-the-art simulator on the IEEE European Low Voltage Feeder Test System. Simulations show that the attack results in local outages, which may lead to large-scale blackouts with the cascading effect on the power system. We conclude that this is a new type of threat that has been overlooked, and it deserves more attention as mobile devices will continually be part of our lives.
The Spectrum of Proactive, Resilient Multi-Microgrid Scheduling: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Spiegel Michael , Veith Eric , Strasser Thomas
Published: September 2020

Multi-microgrids address the need for a resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective electricity supply by providing a coordinated operation of individual networks. Due to local generation, dynamic network topologies, and islanding capabilities of hosted microgrids or groups thereof, various new fault mitigation and optimization options emerge. However, with the great flexibility, new challenges such as complex failure modes that need to be considered for a resilient operation, appear. This work systematically reviews scheduling approaches which significantly influence the feasibility of mitigation options before a failure is encountered. An in-depth analysis of identified key contributions covers aspects such as the mathematical apparatus, failure models and validation to highlight the current methodical spectrum and to identify future perspectives. Despite the common optimization-based framework, a broad variety of scheduling approaches is revealed. However, none of the key contributions provides practical insights beyond lab validation and considerable effort is required until the approaches can show their full potential in practical implementations. It is expected that the great level of detail guides further research in improving and validating existing scheduling concepts as well as it, in the long run, aids engineers to choose the most suitable options regarding increasingly resilient power systems.
Saccharification Yield through Enzymatic Hydrolysis of the Steam-Exploded Pinewood
Authors: Borand Merve Nazli , Isler Kaya Asli , Karaosmanoglu Filiz
Published: September 2020

Pressure, temperature, and retention time are the most studied parameters in steam explosion pretreatment. However, this work aimed to fix these parameters and to evaluate the influences of several less investigated steam explosion parameters on the saccharification yield in hydrolysis. In this study, firstly, pinewood samples smaller than 200 µm were treated with steam explosion at 190 °C for 10 min. The variable parameters were biomass loading, N2 pressure, and release time. Steam-exploded samples were hydrolyzed with the Trichoderma reesei enzyme for saccharification for 72 h. The sugar content of the resultant products was analyzed to estimate the yield of sugars (such as glucose, xylose, galactose, mannose, and arabinose). The best glucose yield in the pulp was achieved with 4 g of sample, N2 pressure of 0.44 MPa, and short release time (22 s). These conditions gave a glucose yield of 97.72% in the pulp, and the xylose, mannose, galactose, and arabinose yields in the liquid fraction were found to be 85.59%, 87.76%, 86.43%, and 90.3%, respectively.
Experimental Investigation of the Hydrate-Based Gas Separation of Synthetic Flue Gas with 5A Zeolite
Authors: Zang Xiaoya , Zhang Na , Zhou Xuebing , Wan Lihua , Liang Deqing
Published: September 2020

Coal combustion flue gas contains CO2, a greenhouse gas and driver of climate change. Therefore, CO2 separation and removal is necessary. Fortunately, 5A zeolites are highly porous and can be used as a CO2 adsorbent. In addition, they act as nuclei for hydrate formation. In this work, a composite technology, based on the physical adsorption of CO2 by 5A zeolite and hydrate-based gas separation, was used to separate CO2/N2 gas mixtures. The influence of water content, temperature, pressure, and particle size on gas adsorption and CO2 separation was studied, revealing that the CO2 separation ability of zeolite particles sized 150–180 μm was better than that of those sized 380–830 μm at 271.2 K and 273.2 K. When the zeolite particles were 150–180 μm (type-B zeolite) with a water content of 35.3%, the gas consumption per mole of water (ngas/nH2O ) reached the maximum, 0.048, and the CO2 separation ratio reached 14.30%. The CO2 molar concentration in the remaining gas phase (xCO2gas) was lowest at 271.2 K in the type-B zeolite system with a water content of 47.62%. Raman analysis revealed that CO2 preferentially occupied the small hydrate cages and there was a competitive relationship between N2 and CO2.
Impacts of Clear-Cutting of a Boreal Forest on Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide Fluxes
Authors: Vestin Patrik , Mölder Meelis , Kljun Natascha , Cai Zhanzhang , Hasan Abdulghani , Holst Jutta , Klemedtsson Leif , Lindroth Anders
Published: September 2020

The 2015 Paris Agreement encourages stakeholders to implement sustainable forest management policies to mitigate anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The net effects of forest management on the climate and the environment are, however, still not completely understood, partially as a result of a lack of long-term measurements of GHG fluxes in managed forests. During the period 2010–2013, we simultaneously measured carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes using the flux-gradient technique at two clear-cut plots of different degrees of wetness, located in central Sweden. The measurements started approx. one year after clear-cutting, directly following soil scarification and planting. The study focused on robust inter-plot comparisons, spatial and temporal dynamics of GHG fluxes, and the determination of the global warming potential of a clear-cut boreal forest. The clear-cutting resulted in significant emissions of GHGs at both the wet and the dry plot. The degree of wetness determined, directly or indirectly, the relative contribution of each GHG to the total budgets. Faster establishment of vegetation on the wet plot reduced total emissions of CO2 as compared to the dry plot but this was partially offset by higher CH4 emissions. Waterlogging following clear-cutting likely caused both plots to switch from sinks to sources of CH4. In addition, there were periods with N2O uptake at the wet plot, although both plots were net sources of N2O on an annual basis. We observed clear diel patters in CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes during the growing season at both plots, with the exception of CH4 at the dry plot. The total three-year carbon budgets were 4107 gCO2-equivalent m−2 and 5274 gCO2-equivalent m−2 at the wet and the dry plots, respectively. CO2 contributed 91.8% to the total carbon budget at the wet plot and 98.2% at the dry plot. For the only full year with N2O measurements, the total GHG budgets were 1069.9 gCO2-eqvivalents m−2 and 1695.7 gCO2-eqvivalents m−2 at the wet and dry plot, respectively. At the wet plot, CH4 contributed 3.7%, while N2O contributed 7.3%. At the dry plot, CH4 and N2O contributed 1.5% and 7.6%, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of considering the effects of the three GHGs on the climate for any forest management policy aiming at enhancing the mitigation potential of forests.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Thyme, Hemp and Coriander Extracts: A Comparison Study of Maceration, Soxhlet, UAE and RSLDE Techniques
Authors: Palmieri Sara , Pellegrini Marika , Ricci Antonella , Compagnone Dario , Lo Sterzo Claudio
Published: September 2020

Appropriate and standardized techniques for the extraction of secondary metabolites with interesting biological activity from plants are required. In this work, a comparison of different conventional and unconventional extraction techniques (maceration—M, Soxhlet—S, ultrasound assisted extraction—UAE, and rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction—RSLDE) was investigated. Bioactive compounds were extracted from Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Cannabis sativa L. (industrial hemp) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) and chemically characterized for their volatile fraction and polyphenolic content by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV). Linalool (48.19%, RSLDE) and carvacrol (21.30%, M) for thyme, caryophyllene (54.78%, S) and humulene (14.13%, S) for hemp, and linalool (84.16%, RSLDE) for coriander seeds were the main compounds among terpenes, while thyme was the richest source of polyphenols with rosmarinic acid (51.7 mg/g dry extract-S), apigenin (7.6 mg/g dry extract-S), and luteolin (4.1 mg/g dry extract-UAE) being the most abundant. In order to shed light on their potential as natural food preservatives, the biological activity of the extracts was assessed in terms of antioxidant activity (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid—ABTS˙+, ferric reducing antioxidant power—FRAP, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl—DPPH˙ assays) and phenolic content (Folin–Ciocâlteu method). For thyme, Soxhlet extracts showed best performances in FRAP and ABTS˙+ assays (74 mg TE/g dry extract and 134 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively), while Soxhlet and RSLDE extracts recorded similar activity in DPPH˙ (107–109 mg TE/g dry extract). For hemp and coriander, indeed, RSLDE extracts accounted for higher antioxidant activity as evidenced by FRAP (80 mg TE/g dry extract and 18 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively) and ABTS˙+ (557 mg TE/g dry extract and 48 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively) assays. With respect to DPPH˙, the best results were observed for UAE extracts (45 mg TE/g dry extract and 220 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively). Our findings suggest that all the investigated techniques are valid extraction methods to retain bioactive compounds and preserve their activity for application in food and pharmaceutical formulations. Among them, the innovative RSLDE stands out for the slightly higher antioxidant performances of the extracts, coupled with the facility of use and standardization of the extraction process.
Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant, and Inhibitory Activities of Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib and Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm.
Authors: Sritalahareuthai Varittha , Temviriyanukul Piya , On-nom Nattira , Charoenkiatkul Somsri , Suttisansanee Uthaiwan
Published: September 2020

Kadsura spp. in the Schisandraceae family are woody vine plants, which produce edible red fruits that are rich in nutrients and antioxidant activities. Despite their valuable food applications, Kadsura spp. are only able to grow naturally in the forest, and reproduction handled by botanists is still in progress with a very low growth rate. Subsequently, Kadsura spp. were listed as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 2011. Two different Kadsura spp., including Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm. and Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib, are mostly found in northern Thailand. These rare, wild fruits are unrecognizable to outsiders, and there have only been limited investigations into its biological properties. This study, therefore, aimed to comparatively investigate the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory activities against the key enzymes involved in diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) and Alzheimer’s disease (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1)) in different fruit parts (exocarp, mesocarp (edible part), seed, and core) of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm. and Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib. The results suggested that Kadsura spp. extracts were rich in flavonol (quercetin), flavanone (naringenin), anthocyanidins (cyanidin and delphinidin), and anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (kuromanin), cyanidin 3-O-galactoside (ideain), cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside (keracyanin), and cyanidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (cyanin)). These flavonoids were found to be responsible for the high antioxidant activities and key enzyme inhibitions detected in Kadsura spp. extracts. The findings of the present study can support further development of Kadsura spp. as a potential source of phenolics and anti-oxidative agents with health benefits against diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, exocarp and the core of Kadsura spp. exhibited higher phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and key enzyme inhibitory activities compared to the mesocarp and seeds, respectively. This information can promote the use of fruit parts other than the edible mesocarp for future food applications using Kadsura spp. rather than these being wasted.
Effect of Drum-Drying Conditions on the Content of Bioactive Compounds of Broccoli Pulp
Authors: Córdova Constanza , Vivanco Juan P. , Quintero Julián , Mahn Andrea
Published: September 2020

This work studied the effect of drum-rotation frequency, drum temperature, and water-to-pulp ratio in a double-drum drier on the content of sulforaphane, glucoraphanin, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity of broccoli pulp through a multilevel factorial design with one replicate. Drum-drying conditions did not significantly affect sulforaphane content, unlike glucoraphanin, however the poor adherence of broccoli pulp resulted in a final product with undefined shape and heterogeneous color. On the other hand, antioxidant activity was unevenly affected by drying conditions; however, drum-rotation frequency affected it in the same way that phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, showing a concordant behavior. The ascorbic acid content decreased significantly after drying, and it was highly dependent on the experimental factors, resulting in a regression model that explained 90% of its variability. Drum-rotation frequency of 5 Hz, drum temperature of 125 °C, and water-to-pulp ratio of 0.25 resulted in an apparent increase of sulforaphane and phenolic compounds content of 13.7% and 47.6%, respectively. Drum drying has great potential to fabricate dehydrated broccoli-based foods with functional properties. Besides, since drum drying has low investment and operation costs, it represents a very attractive option for the industrialization of broccoli derivatives.
Nutritional, Microbial, and Sensory Evaluation of Complementary Foods Made from Blends of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Edible Insects
Authors: Agbemafle Isaac , Hadzi Doris , Amagloh Francis K. , Zotor Francis B. , Reddy Manju B.
Published: September 2020

Improved formulations of complementary foods (CFs) with animal-source foods (ASFs) is an important strategy to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF). However, ASFs are expensive in many food-insecure settings where edible insects abound. CFs were developed from flours of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and cricket (OFSCri) or palm weevil larvae (OFSPal) or soybean (OFSSoy) in the ratio 7:3. Nutritional and microbial quality of the novel CFs were determined and compared with Weanimix (recommended maize-peanut-soybean blend). Sensory evaluation of porridges was rated on a five-point hedonic scale among 170 Ghanaian mothers. OFSCri (20.33 ± 0.58 g/100 g) and Weanimix (16.08 ± 0.13 g/100 g) met the protein requirement of 15 g/100 g from CFs. Although Fe content was significantly higher for OFSCri (1.17 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), none of the CFs met the recommended levels for Fe. All the CFs were free from Salmonella, and aerobic plate count was significantly below permissible levels. All the CFs were ranked above the minimum threshold (hedonic scale = 3; neither like nor dislike) of likeness for the sensory attributes. Crickets and palm weevil larvae can be blended with OFSP and could be sustainable, culturally appropriate alternative ASFs for IYCF, but long-term studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy.
Allergic Inflammation Alters microRNA Expression Profile in Adipose Tissue in the Rat
Authors: Szczepankiewicz Dawid , Langwiński Wojciech , Kołodziejski Paweł , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek Ewa , Sassek Maciej , Nowakowska Joanna , Chmurzyńska Agata , Nowak Krzysztof W. , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra
Published: September 2020

Adipose tissue is a major source of circulating exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) that are modulators of the immune response in various types of tissues and organs, including airways. Still, no evidence exists if allergic airway inflammation may affect fat tissue inflammation via alterations in the miRNA expression profile. Therefore, we investigated the miRNA expression profile in the adipose tissue upon induced allergic inflammation in the airways in the rat. Brown Norway rats were chronically sensitized to house dust mite extract for seven weeks. Body composition was performed using MiniSpec Plus. The eosinophil count and the total IgE level were determined to confirm the induction of allergic inflammation. MiRNA expression profiling was done using the next-generation sequencing with validation by qPCR. We found that allergic airway inflammation significantly increased fat in adipose tissue, glucose concentration, and the gene expression of adipose tissue-derived proinflammatory peptides (leptin, TNFα). In miRNA-seq analysis, we showed significant differences in the expression of 36 mature miRNAs, three precursors, and two miRNA families in adipose tissue of allergic rats. Two miRNAs—miRNA-151-5p and miRNA-423-3p—showed significantly increased expression in qPCR in adipose tissue and lungs of sensitized animals. Allergic airway inflammation affects fat tissue and alters miRNA expression profile in adipose tissue in the rat.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Streptococcus suis in Response to Ferrous Iron and Cobalt Toxicity
Authors: Jia Mengdie , Wei Man , Zhang Yunzeng , Zheng Chengkun
Published: September 2020

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen causing serious infections in swine and humans. Although metals are essential for life, excess amounts of metals are toxic to bacteria. Transcriptome-level data of the mechanisms for resistance to metal toxicity in S. suis are available for no metals other than zinc. Herein, we explored the transcriptome-level changes in S. suis in response to ferrous iron and cobalt toxicity by RNA sequencing. Many genes were differentially expressed in the presence of excess ferrous iron and cobalt. Most genes in response to cobalt toxicity showed the same expression trends as those in response to ferrous iron toxicity. qRT-PCR analysis of the selected genes confirmed the accuracy of RNA sequencing results. Bioinformatic analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated that ferrous iron and cobalt have similar effects on the cellular processes of S. suis. Ferrous iron treatment resulted in down-regulation of several oxidative stress tolerance-related genes and up-regulation of the genes in an amino acid ABC transporter operon. Expression of several genes in the arginine deiminase system was down-regulated after ferrous iron and cobalt treatment. Collectively, our results suggested that S. suis alters the expression of multiple genes to respond to ferrous iron and cobalt toxicity.