bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPS Inhibits Fatty Acid Absorption in Enterocytes through TNF-α Secreted by Macrophages
Authors: Liu Heyuan , Kai Lixia , Du Huahua , Wang Xinxia , Wang Yizhen
Published: December 2019

Diarrhea, such as steatorrhea, could result from fat absorption disorders, which could be caused by many factors, including Escherichia coli infection. However, it is not clear how E. coli affects fatty acid absorption in animals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as one of the main pathogenic components of E. coli, is the main cause of the virulence of E. coli. Therefore, we used LPS to explore the underlying mechanism of E. coli that causes the inhibition of fatty acid absorption in the intestine. In this study, we found that LPS caused apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in mice. Further, caspase-3 activation caused the inhibition of fatty acid absorption in the intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2). However, direct treatment of LPS did not induce any significant change in fatty acid absorption in IPEC-J2. We then prepared conditioned medium of LPS-treated porcine macrophage cell line (3D4/2) for incubating IPEC-J2, as LPS initiates inflammation by activating immune cells. The conditioned medium decreased fatty acid absorption and caspase-3 activation in IPEC-J2. While inhibiting the activation of caspase-3 in IPEC-J2, conditioned medium no longer caused serious deficiency of fatty acid absorption. As IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in conditioned medium increase significantly, IPEC-J2 was treated with IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, respectively. Only TNF-α induced caspase-3 activation in IPEC-J2. Reducing the secretion of TNF-α in 3D4/2, there was no obvious activation of caspase-3 in IPEC-J2, and fatty acid absorption recovered effectively. Based on the above results, we hold the opinion that LPS does not suppress fatty acid absorption directly in the intestine, but may work on macrophages that secrete cytokines, such as TNF-α, inducing caspase-3 activation and finally leading to the inhibition of fatty acid absorption in intestine.
Grapevine and Ozone: Uptake and Effects
Authors: Fumagalli Ivano , Cieslik Stanislaw , De Marco Alessandra , Proietti Chiara , Paoletti Elena
Published: December 2019

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera, L.) has been long since recognized as an ozone-sensitive plant. Ozone molecules can penetrate grapevine leaf tissues when the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere is high due to air pollution. This causes cell damage and interferes with photosynthetic mechanisms, subsequently slowing down plant growth and resulting in premature leaf senescence. Secondary effects include changes in biochemical processes that affect the chemical composition of the must and are likely to alter the quality of the wine. An experiment was conducted during two grapevine-growing seasons in 2010 and 2011 to gain knowledge of the effect of high ozone levels on the yield and on several biochemical characteristics of the plant which could influence the quality of the final product. These factors are economically important for agricultural production; this is especially true for Italy, which is one of the largest wine producers worldwide. The method used was a facility consisting of open top chambers operated at a vineyard in Angera (northern Italy). This facility permitted the study of the effects of different ozone levels. At the end of the experiment, the grapes were weighed and chemical analyses were carried out in order to understand the effects of ozone on the different characteristics of the grapes and on concentrations of several of its chemical substances. In particular, concentrations of yeast assimilable nitrogen, degrees Brix, pH, tartaric and malic acids, and polyphenols, including resveratrol, were considered, as these influence the quality of the wine. Parameters characterizing the different ozone levels were expressed in terms of ozone exposure (AOT40) and phytotoxic ozone dose (POD). The results showed that high ozone levels affect grapevine weight and thus its yield. In addition, the quality of the wine is affected by reductions of polyphenols which diminish the nutritional benefits of the product. In addition, these reductions cause the wine to have a more aggressive taste. These results emphasize the practical importance of the present study.
Climate Change Impacts on Forest Management: A Case of Korean Oak Wilt
Authors: An Hyunjin , Lee Sangmin , Cho Sung Ju
Published: December 2019

Climate change is expected to affect the occurrence of forest pests. This study depicts a method to measure the impact of damage inflicted by a forest pest like oak wilt as a result of climate change. We determine the damage function considering the factors related to the pest damage and forecast the future damage rate under future climate change. We estimated the damage rate by using the quasi-maximum likelihood estimation (QMLE) and predicted the future damage rate by using representative concentration pathways (RCP) 8.5 data. We assessed the impact of pests on the management income and the rotation age by using a dynamic optimization model. The results show that the damage rate and the affected area from oak wilt would increase under the climate change. In addition, the economic evaluation indicates that altered climate would reduce the management returns and increase uncertainty. However, these outcomes could be alleviated by carrying out the control and prevention measures after the infection occurs.
Cooperative Effects in Surfactant Adsorption Layers at Water/Alkane Interfaces
Authors: Fainerman Valentin B. , Sharipova Altynay A. , Aksenenko Eugene V. , Makievski Alexander V. , Nikolenko Mykola V. , Javadi Aliyar , Aidarova Saule B. , Miller Reinhard
Published: December 2019

In the present work, the properties of dodecyl dimethyl phosphine oxide (C12DMPO) at the water/decane interface are studied and compared with those obtained earlier at the interface to hexane. To simulate the interfacial behavior, a two-component thermodynamic model is proposed, which combines the equation of state and Frumkin isotherm for decane with the reorientation model involving the intrinsic compressibility for the surfactant. In this approach, the surface activity of decane is governed by its interaction with C12DMPO. The theory predicts the influence of decane on the decrease of the surface tension at a very low surfactant concentration for realistic values of the ratio of the adsorbed amounts of decane and surfactant. The surfactant’s distribution coefficient between the aqueous and decane phases is determined. Two types of adsorption systems were used: a decane drop immersed into the C12DMPO aqueous solution, and a water drop immersed into the C12DMPO solution in decane. To determine the distribution coefficient, a method based on the analysis of the transfer of C12DMPO between water and decane is also employed.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Identifies High-Risk Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Normal Echocardiograms and Provides Incremental Prognostic Value
Authors: Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Panopoulos Stylianos , Koutsogeorgopoulou Loukia , Kanoupakis George , Apostolou Dimitrios , Katsifis Gikas , Polychroniadis Michail , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Kolovou Genovefa , Kitas George D. , Mavrogeni Sophie I. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: December 2019

Background: Acute cardiac events are a significant contributor to mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, echocardiographic evaluation may be deceptively normal during an acute presentation. We hypothesized that in diffuse SSc patients presenting with acute cardiac events and a normal echocardiogram, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) would have incremental diagnostic/prognostic value. Methods. 50 consecutive diffuse SSc patients with normal echocardiograms were evaluated using a 1.5T system. A total of 27 (63%) had experienced an acute cardiac event three to tendays before CMR evaluation (rhythm disturbances, angina pectoris, shortness of breath). Left/right ventricular (LV/RV) volumes and ejection fractions (EF), as well as LV mass, the T2-signal ratio, early/late gadolinium enhancement (EGE/LGE), native/post-contrast T1-mapping, T2-mapping and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were compared between the event and no-event groups. Results: No differences were identified in LV/RV volumes/EF/mass. In logistic regression analyses, independent predictors of belonging to the event group were EGE (odds ratio (95% CI): 1.55 (1.06–2.26), p = 0.024), LGE (1.81 (1.23–2.67), p = 0.003), T2 mapping (1.20 (1.06–1.36), p = 0.004) and native/post-contrast T1 mapping (1.17 (1.04–1.32), p = 0.007 and 0.86 (0.75–0.98), p = 0.025). At a median follow-up of ~1.2 years, 42% vs. 11% of the event/no-event group respectively reached a combined endpoint of event occurrence/recurrence or cardiovascular mortality. Of the independent predictors resulting from logistic regression analyses, only LGE (hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.20 (1.11–1.30), p < 0.001), T2-mapping (1.07 (1.01–1.14), p = 0.025) and native T1-mapping (1.08 (1.01–1.15), p = 0.017) independently predicted the combined endpoint. Conclusions: A normal echocardiogram does not preclude myocardial lesions in diffuse SSc patients, which can be detected by CMR especially in symptomatic patients.
Porphyromonas gingivalis, Periodontal and Systemic Implications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fiorillo Luca , Cervino Gabriele , Laino Luigi , D’Amico Cesare , Mauceri Rodolfo , Tozum Tolga Fikret , Gaeta Michele , Cicciù Marco
Published: December 2019

In recent scientific literature, oral infections and systemic manifestations, or correlations between oral health and systemic diseases are a topic of discussion. Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the bacteria implicated in the biofilm formation of bacterial plaque, and plays an important role in the progression of periodontal disease. In this systematic review authors have evaluated the literature of the last 10 years on P. gingivalis and all the systemic implications proven. This study therefore evaluates all the districts of the organism in which this bacterium may have implications. From the results it emerges that P. gingivalis has implications in the onset of different systemic pathologies, including rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular pathologies, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Surely, understanding the mechanisms of diffusion of this bacterium, it would be possible to prevent a series of pathologies. Thus, putting the dentist clinician at the center of prevention for these diseases.
An Energy Community Implementation: The Unical Energy Cloud
Authors: Giordano Andrea , Mastroianni Carlo , Menniti Daniele , Pinnarelli Anna , Sorrentino Nicola
Published: December 2019

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, limiting the effects of climate change and decreasing the environmental, social and economic costs of energy production are some of the main issues related to the sustainable development of modern society. Energy communities, envisioned to enable local energy exchange between consumers and producers of renewable energy, represent a possible scenario towards a cleaner and sustainable energy system. In this paper, an energy community management model called Power Cloud and presented in previous papers is proposed for a real-world practical application at the University of Calabria. In particular, the implementation of the information and communication technology (ICT) architecture and other enabling technologies, such as the nanogrid and the smart energy box, are discussed in detail. The experiment results show that by adopting the Power Cloud management model it is possible to obtain significant savings in terms of energy cost, which provide benefit for a community, such as a university campus.
Tunnel-Free Distributed Mobility Management (DMM) Support Protocol for Future Mobile Networks
Authors: Aman Madeeha , Mahfooz Saeed , Zubair Muhammad , Mukhtar Neelam , Imran Kanwal , Khusro Shah
Published: December 2019

The number of wireless services and devices have remarkably increased, especially since the introduction of smart phones. The population of mobile nodes (MNs) is now exceeding the traditional non-mobile nodes. Mobility is a key factor in mobile core networks as it is responsible for providing continuous communication when a MN is on the move. Currently, a centralized mobile core network architecture is implemented, which has certain limitations. Distributed mobility management (DMM) is often seen as a solution to the problems associated with centralized mobility management (CMM). Address and tunneling management are big challenges for current DMM-based mobility protocols. Keeping in mind the current advancement of mobile network architecture, this paper proposes a novel tunnel-free distributed mobility management support protocol intended for such an evolution. In addition, the performance of the existing DMM IPv6 mobility management protocols in the context of handover latency, handover blocking probability, and data packet loss is analyzed and compared to the proposed framework. The performance analyses show that the proposed tunnel-free method can reduce about 12% of handover latency, 71% of handover blocking probability, and 82% of data packet loss.
Two-Bit Terahertz Encoder Realized by Graphene-Based Metamaterials
Authors: Yin Shan , Shi Xintong , Huang Wei , Zhang Wentao , Hu Fangrong , Qin Zujun , Xiong Xianming
Published: December 2019

Terahertz (THz) technologies have achieved great progress in the past few decades. Developing active devices to control the THz waves is the frontier of THz applications. In this paper, a new scheme of two-bit THz encoder is proposed. Different from the present THz modulators whose spectra at different bands are varied simultaneously, our encoder can realize the individually efficient modulation of every channel. The encoder comprises the double-sided graphene-based metamaterials, in which the graphene structures on each side are connected to the external electrodes individually. The well-designed metamaterials on the front and back sides determine the resonances at two different bands (0.20 THz and 0.33 THz) separately. Through simulating the performance of this device by changing the conductivities of the graphene on each side independently, we demonstrate two-bit encoding realized by the dual-band modulation of transmission amplitude with electronic control, and the modulation depth can reach as high as 79.6%. Our encoder can promote the development of multifunctional and integrated devices, such as frequency division multiplexers and logical circuitry, which will contribute to THz communications.
Hardware-Based Single-Clock-Cycle Edge Detector for a PLC Central Processing Unit
Authors: Czerwinski Robert , Chmiel Miroslaw
Published: December 2019

This article discusses edge detectors implemented in programmable logic controllers. The behaviors of different vendors’ solutions are presented with pros and cons. The trigger functions defined in the IEC 61131-3 standard were analyzed for implementations. The main contribution of this paper is an idea for hardware acceleration of standard trigger functions that enables us to build single-clock-cycle edge detectors. Additionally, the structure for automatic edge detection on every input is shown. The structure with a synthesizable Verilog HDL description is presented. The comparison of the solution with vendor programmable logic controllers (PLCs) proves the effectiveness of the designed hardware-aided unit.
Improved RMS Delay Spread Estimation for mmWave Channels Using Savitzky–Golay Filters
Authors: Miloš Jiří , Blumenstein Jiří , Prokeš Aleš , Mikulášek Tomáš , Mecklenbräuker Christoph
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a novel method for improving the estimation accuracy of the root mean square (RMS) delay spread from the magnitude of the Channel Transfer Function (CTF) is presented. We utilize the level crossing rate metric in the frequency domain, which is based on scalar power measurement. The Savitzky–Golay (S-G) filtering method is used to improve the fidelity of the channel delay spread estimator. The presented concept is simple to implement and inexpensive. The proposed method is tested on the CTF magnitude data measured in the mmWave frequency band at low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).
Efficient FPGA-Based Architecture of the Overlap-Add Method for Short-Time Fourier Analysis/Synthesis
Authors: Bahoura Mohammed
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a simple and efficient FPGA-based architecture of the overlapping/windowing and overlap-add methods for real-time FFT/IFFT-based signal processing algorithms. The analyzed signal is divided into short-time overlapping frames that are windowed before applying Fourier analysis/synthesis. Then, the original signal is reconstructed from the windowed (modified) frames using the overlap-add (OLA) technique. The proposed architecture was implemented on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) using a high-level programming tool in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. Its performance was evaluated on artificial and actual signals using objective metrics.
Unified Predictive Current Control of PMSMs with Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Tang Peng , Dai Yuehong , Li Zhaoyang
Published: December 2019

Predictive current control (PCC) applied on permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) has been developed into mainly three methods: the conventional finite-control-set PCC, the double voltage vectors PCC, and deadbeat PCC. However, each approach has its particular calculation way for voltage vectors selection and respective execution duration. This paper, based on the deadbeat idea, presents a unified predictive current control scheme of PMSMs. Under this scheme, the prior three classes are able to be clearly unified into one frame with lower calculation effort. Furthermore, to cope with problem of parameter mismatch in dq-axis current predictive model, a integrated identification method is proposed. Firstly, data selectors are designed to reject abnormal data of sampling signals, and then the interval-varying multi-innovation least squares algorithm is combined with forgetting factor (V-FF-MILS) to approximate the error terms caused by electromagnetic parameters error. The estimated results are online fed to the model of PMSM to enhance its accuracy. Finally, the processor in loop (PIL) simulation results verify that the proposed integrated scheme has advantages in current control of PMSMs with large-scale parameter uncertainty.
Predictive Control Method Based on Adjacent Vector Confinement Technique for a Three-Phase AC-DC Matrix Converter with High Efficiency
Authors: Jun Eun-Su , Dang Hoang-Long , Kwak Sangshin
Published: December 2019

A model predictive current control method is proposed to reduce switching losses in an AC-DC matrix converter. In the proposed control strategy, several vectors are selected from among all possible switching vectors for a given location of the input current reference. The switching vector that minimizes the cost function is applied to the converter in the next sampling period. The principle of the proposed method involves clamping the selected switches to stop performing the switching operation to minimize the number of switchings in every sampling cycle. The total efficiency of the AC-DC matrix converter under the proposed strategy is 91.2% whereas that of the conventional strategy is 89.7%. In addition, unity-power-factor operation is guaranteed and smooth and sinusoidal waveforms are achieved. Finally, simulation and experimental results are demonstrated to confirm the validity of the proposed control strategy.
Carbon Limitation and Drought Sensitivity at Contrasting Elevation and Competition of Abies pinsapo Forests. Does Experimental Thinning Enhance Water Supply and Carbohydrates?
Authors: Lechuga Victor , Carraro Vinicio , Viñegla Benjamín , Carreira José Antonio , Linares Juan Carlos
Published: December 2019

Stand-level competition and local climate influence tree responses to increased drought at the regional scale. To evaluate stand density and elevation effects on tree carbon and water balances, we monitored seasonal changes in sap-flow density (SFD), gas exchange, xylem water potential, secondary growth, and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) in Abies pinsapo. Trees were subjected to experimental thinning within a low-elevation stand (1200 m), and carbon and water balances were compared to control plots at low and high elevation (1700 m). The hydraulic conductivity and the resistance to cavitation were also characterized, showing relatively high values and no significant differences among treatments. Trees growing at higher elevations presented the highest SFD, photosynthetic rates, and secondary growth, mainly because their growing season was extended until summer. Trees growing at low elevation reduced SFD during late spring and summer while SFD and secondary growth were significantly higher in the thinned stands. Declining NSC concentrations in needles, branches, and sapwood suggest drought-induced control of the carbon supply status. Our results might indicate potential altitudinal shifts, as better performance occurs at higher elevations, while thinning may be suitable as adaptive management to mitigate drought effects in endangered Mediterranean trees.
Patterns of Effective Pollen Dispersal in Larch: Linking Levels of Background Pollination with Pollen Dispersal Kernels
Authors: Burczyk Jarosław , Sandurska Elżbieta , Lewandowski Andrzej
Published: December 2019

Monitoring patterns of mating and pollen dispersal in forest tree populations subjected to nature conservation is essential to understanding the dynamics of their reproductive processes and might be helpful in making management decisions aimed at conserving genetic diversity and integrity over the long term. However, little is known about effective pollen dispersal in natural populations of conifers, particularly in subdominant species such as larch. We investigated patterns of pollen dispersal in the Polish larch population of Świętokrzyski National Park. The studied population was located on Chełmowa Mountain in a forest complex 160 ha in size, which is relatively isolated from other forest stands. We assessed if local pollen dispersal inferred from pollen dispersal kernels could provide indications of the level of background pollination from sources located outside of the forest complex. The analysis focused on two plots, each encompassing 126 adult trees, and seed samples (n = 600) collected from 20 trees. Using 11 nuclear microsatellites and spatially explicit mating models, we identified details of mating patterns. The rate of self-fertilization was low (0.0268). Background pollination was moderate (0.4058), and the mean pollen dispersal was found to be 167 m and 111 m, based on exponential-power and Weibull dispersal kernels, respectively. Specific simulations performed based on the estimated pollen dispersal kernels provided background pollination levels comparable to those observed for real data, suggesting that the pollen contributing to background pollination likely originated from the studied forest complex and not from other surrounding populations. These results confirm the high potential for maintaining the genetic integrity of the larch population and support efforts aimed at promoting regeneration of the stands, either natural or through the artificial planting of seedlings derived from trees growing in the core larch population of the protected area.
Compositional Characterization of Different Industrial White and Red Grape Pomaces in Virginia and the Potential Valorization of the Major Components
Authors: Jin Qing , O’Hair Joshua , Stewart Amanda C. , O’Keefe Sean F. , Neilson Andrew P. , Kim Young-Teck , McGuire Megan , Lee Andrew , Wilder Geoffrey , Huang Haibo
Published: December 2019

To better evaluate potential uses for grape pomace (GP) waste, a comprehensive chemical composition analysis of GP in Virginia was conducted. Eight commercial white and red pomace samples (cv. Viognier, Vidal Blanc, Niagara, Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chambourcin) obtained from different wineries in Virginia, USA were used. For extractives, GPs contained 2.89%–4.66% titratable acids, 4.32%–6.60% ash, 4.62%–12.5% lipids with linoleic acid being the predominant (59.0%–70.9%) fatty acid, 10.4–64.8 g total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalents)/kg GP, 2.09–53.3 g glucose/kg GP, 3.79–52.9 g fructose/kg GP, and trace sucrose. As for non-extractives, GPs contained 25.2%–44.5% lignin, 8.04%–12.7% glucan, 4.42%–7.05% xylan, and trace amounts of galactan, arabinan, and mannan (less than 3% in total). Potential usages of these components were further examined to provide information on better valorization of GP. Considering the valuable extractives (e.g., polyphenols and oil) and non-extractives (e.g., lignin), designing a biorefinery process aiming at fully recover and/or utilize these components is of future significance.
Distribution of Free and Bound Phenolic Compounds in Buckwheat Milling Fractions
Authors: Martín-García Beatriz , Pasini Federica , Verardo Vito , Gómez-Caravaca Ana María , Marconi Emanuele , Caboni Maria Fiorenza
Published: December 2019

Buckwheat is a rich source of phenolic compounds that have shown to possess beneficial effect to reduce some diseases due to their antioxidant power. Phenolic compounds are present in the free and in the bound form to the cell wall that are concentrated mainly in the outer layer (hull and bran). Hull is removed before the milling of buckwheat to obtain flours. In order to evaluate the phenolic composition in dehulled buckwheat milling fractions, it was carried out a determination of free and bound phenolic compounds in dehulled whole buckwheat flour, light flour, bran flour, and middling flour by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). The most abundant free phenolic compounds were rutin and epiafzelchin–epicatechin-O-dimethylgallate, whereas the most abundant bound phenolic compounds were catechin and epicatechin in all buckwheat flours. Besides, the highest content of free phenolic compounds was obtained in bran flour (1249.49 mg/kg d.w.), whereas the greatest bound phenolic content was in middling (704.47 mg/kg d.w.) and bran flours (689.81 mg/kg d.w.). Thus, middling and bran flours are naturally enriched flours in phenolic compounds that could be used to develop functional foods.
Celiac Antigenicity of Ancient Wheat Species
Authors: Malalgoda Maneka , Ohm Jae-Bom , Simsek Senay
Published: December 2019

Ancient grains have gained renewed interest in the last few years due to their perceived nutritional benefits. The goal of this study was to examine the presence of celiac epitopes in different ancient grains and determine differences in the gliadin protein profile of such grains. To investigate celiac epitopes, an untargeted mass spectrometric method was used, and the gliadin protein profile was studied using reverse phase-HPLC. Our findings show that celiac epitopes can be detected in wheat-related ancient grains, such as einkorn, emmer, and Kamut, indicating that these ancient grains have the potential to elicit the immune response associated with celiac disease. Additionally, the results showed that the gliadin protein composition is significantly different between ancient grain species, which could result in varying functional properties in end-use applications.
Land Snails as a Valuable Source of Fatty Acids: A Multivariate Statistical Approach
Authors: Galluzzo Francesco Giuseppe , Cammilleri Gaetano , Ulrici Alessandro , Calvini Rosalba , Pulvirenti Andrea , Lo Cascio Giovanni , Macaluso Andrea , Vella Antonio , Cicero Nicola , Amato Antonella , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: December 2019

The fatty acid (FA) profile of wild Theba pisana, Cornu aspersum, and Eobania vermiculata land snail samples, collected in Sicily (Southern Italy), before and after heat treatment at +100 °C were examined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The results show a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in all of the examined raw snails samples, representing up to 48.10% of the total fatty acids contents, followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The thermal processing of the snail samples examined determined an overall reduction of PUFA levels (8.13%, 7.75%, and 4.62% for T. pisana, C. aspersum and E. vermiculata samples, respectively) and a species-specific variation of saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents. Oleic acid remained the most abundant FA of all of the snails species examined, accounting for up to 29.95% of the total FA content. A relevant decrease of ɷ3/ɷ6 ratio was found only for T. pisana samples. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed a separation of the snail samples in terms of species and heat treatment. The results of this work suggest land snails as a valuable source of MUFA and PUFA contents and boiling as appropriate treatment, according to the maintenance of healthy properties.
Experimental and Modelled Reactions of CO2 and SO2 with Core from a Low Salinity Aquifer Overlying a Target CO2 Storage Complex
Authors: Pearce Julie K. , Dawson Grant K.W. , Sommacal Silvano , Golding Suzanne D.
Published: December 2019

CO2-induced reactions in low salinity aquifers overlying CO2 storage sites are of interest to understand potential reactions or impacts in the possible case of a leak. Previous investigations of overlying aquifers in the context of CO2 storage have focused on pure CO2 streams, however captured industrial CO2 streams may contain ancillary gases, including SO2, O2, NOx, H2S, N2, etc., some of which may be more reactive than CO2 when dissolved in formation water. Eight drill cores from two wells in a low salinity sandstone aquifer that overlies a target CO2 storage complex are characterised for porosity (helium, mercury injection, or micro CT), permeability, and mineral content. The eight Hutton Sandstone cores are variable with porosities of 5.2–19.6%, including carbonaceous mudstones, calcite cemented sandstones, and quartz rich sandstones, common lithologies that may be found generally in overlying aquifers of CO2 storage sites. A chlorite rich sandstone was experimentally reacted with CO2 and low concentrations of SO2 to investigate the potential reactions and possible mineral trapping in the unlikely event of a leak. Micro CT characterisation before and after the reaction indicated no significant change in porosity, although some fines movement was observed that could affect permeability. Dissolved concentrations of Fe, Ca, Mn, Cr, Mg, Rb, Li, Zn, etc., increased during the reaction, including from dissolution of chlorite and trace amounts of ankerite. After ~40 days dissolved concentrations including Fe, Zn, Al, Ba, As and Cr decreased. Chlorite was corroded, and Fe-rich precipitates mainly Fe-Cr oxides were observed to be precipitated on rock surfaces after experimental reaction. Concentrations of Rb and Li increased steadily and deserve further investigation as potential monitoring indicators for a leak. The reaction of chlorite rich sandstone with CO2 and SO2 was geochemically modelled over 10 years, with mainly chlorite alteration to siderite mineral trapping 1.55 kg/m3 of CO2 and removing dissolved Fe from solution. Kaolinite and chalcedony precipitation was also predicted, with minor pyrite precipitation trapping SO2, however no changes to porosity were predicted.
Does Residents’ Satisfaction with the Neighbourhood Environment Relate to Residents’ Self-Rated Health? Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Chen Yiyi , Stephens Mark , Jones Colin A.
Published: December 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the association between satisfaction with two types of green space and residents’ self-rated health by comparing neighbourhood green space (NGS) and community green space (CGS) across spatial dimensions. Method: This study was based on 4291 workers from a large-scale individual survey of inhabitants of Beijing city in 2013. Multilevel ordered logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between residents’ satisfaction with the two types of green spaces and residents’ self-rated health. Results: Residents who are more satisfied with NGS and CGS have higher odds of reporting good self-rated health outcomes. Such effects are more pronounced for residents living close to NGS and tend to decline non-linearly over space. Conclusion: Additional results quantify the differentiated effects on self-rated health between urban and suburban residents. The findings of this study suggest that the effects of residents’ satisfaction with different types of green space on health benefits should be taken into account in the land-use design of green space preservation and development policies.
Clustering Complex Trajectories Based on Topologic Similarity and Spatial Proximity: A Case Study of the Mesoscale Ocean Eddies in the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Huimeng , Du Yunyan , Sun Yong , Liang Fuyuan , Yi Jiawei , Wang Nan
Published: December 2019

Many real-world dynamic features such as ocean eddies, rain clouds, and air masses may split or merge while they are migrating within a space. Topologically, the migration trajectories of such features are structurally more complex as they may have multiple branches due to the splitting and merging processes. Identifying the spatial aggregation patterns of the trajectories could help us better understand how such features evolve. We propose a method, a Global Similarity Measuring Algorithm for the Complex Trajectories (GSMCT), to examine the spatial proximity and topologic similarity among complex trajectories. The method first transforms the complex trajectories into graph structures with nodes and edges. The global similarity between two graph structures (i.e., two complex trajectories) is calculated by averaging their topologic similarity and the spatial proximity, which are calculated using the Comprehensive Structure Matching (CSM) and the Hausdorff distance (HD) methods, respectively. We applied the GSMCT, the HD, and the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) methods to examine the complex trajectories of the 1993–2016 mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea (SCS). Based on the similarity evaluation results, we categorized the complex trajectories across the SCS into four groups, which are similar to the zoning results reported in previous studies, though difference exists. Moreover, the yearly numbers of complex trajectories in the clusters in the northernmost (Cluster 1) and the southernmost SCS (Cluster 4) are almost the same. However, their seasonal variation and migration characteristics are totally opposite. Such new knowledge is very useful for oceanographers of interest to study and numerically simulate the mesoscale ocean eddies in the SCS.
Development of a CityGML Application Domain Extension for Simulating the Building Construction Process
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liu Yunping , Lin Chen , Zhou Liangchen , Lin Bingxian , Che Mingliang
Published: December 2019

Virtual 3D city models can be stored and exchanged in the CityGML open data model. When dynamic phenomena in 3D cities are represented with a CityGML application domain extension (ADE), the objects in CityGML are often used as static background, and it is difficult to represent the evolutionary process of the objects themselves. Although a construction process model in building information modeling (BIM) is available, it cannot efficiently and accurately simulate the building construction process at the city level. Accordingly, employing the arrow diagramming method, we developed a CityGML ADE to represent this process. We extended the hierarchy of the model and proposed the process levels of detail model. Subsequently, we explored a mechanism to associate the construction process and building objects as well as the mechanism to automate construction process transitions. Experiments indicated that the building construction process ADE (BCPADE) could adequately express the characteristics of this process. Compared with the building construction process model in the architecture, engineering, and construction field, BCPADE removes redundant information, i.e., that unrelated to a 3D city. It can adequately express building construction processes at multiple spatiotemporal scales and accurately convey building object behavior during building evolution, such as adding, removal, merging, and change. Such characteristics enable BCPADE to render efficient and accurate simulations of the building construction process at the city level.
Fire Risk Assessment in Dense Urban Areas Using Information Fusion Techniques
Authors: Masoumi Zohreh , van L.Genderen John , Maleki Jamshid
Published: December 2019

A comprehensive fire risk assessment is very important in dense urban areas as it provides an estimation of people at risk and property. Fire policy and mitigation strategies in developing countries are constrained by inadequate information, which is mainly due to a lack of capacity and resources for data collection, analysis, and modeling. In this research, we calculated the fire risk considering two aspects, urban infrastructure and the characteristics of a high-rise building for a dense urban area in Zanjan city. Since the resources for this purpose were rather limited, a variety of information was gathered and information fusion techniques were conducted by employing spatial analyses to produce fire risk maps. For this purpose, the spatial information produced using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and then attribute data (about 150 characteristics of each high-rise building) were gathered for each building. Finally, considering high-risk urban infrastructures, like the position of oil and gas pipes and electricity lines and the fire safety analysis of high-rise buildings, the vulnerability map for the area was prepared. The fire risk of each building was assessed and its risk level was identified. Results can help decision-makers, urban planners, emergency managers, and community organizations to plan for providing facilities and minimizing fire hazards and solve some related problems to reduce the fire risk. Moreover, the results of sensitivity analysis (SA) indicate that the social training factor is the most effective causative factor in the fire risk.
Accumulative Errors Optimization for Visual Odometry of ORB-SLAM2 Based on RGB-D Cameras
Authors: Qin Jiangying , Li Ming , Liao Xuan , Zhong Jiageng
Published: December 2019

Oriented feature from the accelerated segment test (oFAST) and rotated binary robust independent elementary features (rBRIEF) SLAM2 (ORB-SLAM2) represent a recognized complete visual simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) framework with visual odometry as one of its core components. Given the accumulated error problem with RGB-Depth ORB-SLAM2 visual odometry, which causes a loss of camera tracking and trajectory drift, we created and implemented an improved visual odometry method to optimize the cumulative error. First, this paper proposes an adaptive threshold oFAST algorithm to extract feature points from images and rBRIEF is used to describe the feature points. Then, the fast library for approximate nearest neighbors strategy is used for image rough matching, the results of which are optimized by progressive sample consensus. The image matching precision is further improved by using an epipolar line constraint based on the essential matrix. Finally, the efficient Perspective-n-Point method is used to estimate the camera pose and a least-squares optimization problem is constructed to adjust the estimated value to obtain the final camera pose. The experimental results show that the proposed method has better robustness, higher image matching accuracy and more accurate determination of the camera motion trajectory.
Renal Chemerin Expression is Induced in Models of Hypertensive Nephropathy and Glomerulonephritis and Correlates with Markers of Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Mocker Alexander , Hilgers Karl F. , Cordasic Nada , Wachtveitl Rainer , Menendez-Castro Carlos , Woelfle Joachim , Hartner Andrea , Fahlbusch Fabian B.
Published: December 2019

Chemerin and its receptor, chemokine-like receptor 1 (CmklR1), are associated with chemotaxis, inflammation, and endothelial function, especially in metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. In humans, circulating chemerin levels and renal function show an inverse relation. So far, little is known about the potential role of chemerin in hypertensive nephropathy and renal inflammation. Therefore, we determined systemic and renal chemerin levels in 2-kidney-1-clip (2k1c) hypertensive and Thy1.1 nephritic rats, respectively, to explore the correlation between chemerin and markers of renal inflammation and fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed a model-specific induction of chemerin expression at the corresponding site of renal damage (tubular vs. glomerular). In both models, renal expression of chemerin (RT-PCR, Western blot) was increased and correlated positively with markers of inflammation and fibrosis. In contrast, circulating chemerin levels remained unchanged. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that renal chemerin expression is associated with processes of inflammation and fibrosis-related to renal damage. However, its use as circulating biomarker of renal inflammation seems to be limited in our rat models.
A Computer Model of Oxygen Dynamics in the Cortex of the Rat Kidney at the Cell-Tissue Level
Authors: Aubert Vivien , Kaminski Jacques , Guillaud François , Hauet Thierry , Hannaert Patrick
Published: December 2019

The renal cortex drives renal function. Hypoxia/reoxygenation are primary factors in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries, but renal oxygenation per se is complex and awaits full elucidation. Few mathematical models address this issue: none captures cortical tissue heterogeneity. Using agent-based modeling, we develop the first model of cortical oxygenation at the cell-tissue level (RCM), based on first principles and careful bibliographical analysis. Entirely parameterized with Rat data, RCM is a morphometrically equivalent 2D-slice of cortical tissue, featuring peritubular capillaries (PTC), tubules and interstitium. It implements hemoglobin/O2 binding-release, oxygen diffusion, and consumption, as well as capillary and tubular flows. Inputs are renal blood flow RBF and PO2 feeds; output is average tissue PO2 (tPO2). After verification and sensitivity analysis, RCM was validated at steady-state (tPO2 37.7 ± 2.2 vs. 36.9 ± 6 mmHg) and under transients (ischemic oxygen half-time: 4.5 ± 2.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.5 s in situ). Simulations confirm that PO2 is largely independent of RBF, except at low values. They suggest that, at least in the proximal tubule, the luminal flow dominantly contributes to oxygen delivery, while the contribution of capillaries increases under partial ischemia. Before addressing IR-induced injuries, upcoming developments include ATP production, adaptation to minutes–hours scale, and segmental and regional specification.
Prostaglandin E2/EP Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mizuno Rei , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: December 2019

The number of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is increasing worldwide. Accumulating evidence has shown that the tumor microenvironment (TME), including macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroblasts, plays an important role in the development and progression of CRC. Although targeting the TME could be a promising therapeutic approach, the mechanisms by which inflammatory cells promote CRC tumorigenesis are not well understood. When inflammation occurs in tissues, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is generated from arachidonic acid by the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). PGE2 regulates multiple functions in various immune cells by binding to the downstream receptors EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4, and plays an important role in the development of CRC. The current therapies targeting PGE2 using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2 inhibitors have failed due to the global prostanoid suppression resulting in the severe adverse effects despite the fact they could prevent tumorigenesis. Therefore, therapies targeting the specific downstream molecules of PGE2 signaling could be a promising approach. This review highlights the role of each EP receptor in the TME of CRC tumorigenesis and their therapeutic potential.
Effect of AQP Inhibition on Boar Sperm Cryotolerance Depends on the Intrinsic Freezability of the Ejaculate
Authors: Delgado-Bermúdez Ariadna , Llavanera Marc , Recuero Sandra , Mateo-Otero Yentel , Bonet Sergi , Barranco Isabel , Fernandez-Fuertes Beatriz , Yeste Marc
Published: December 2019

Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channels with permeability to water and small solutes that can be classified according to their structure and permeability into orthodox AQPs, aquaglyceroporins (GLPs), and superAQPs. In boar spermatozoa, AQPs are related to osmoregulation and play a critical role in maturation and motility activation. In addition, their levels differ between ejaculates with good and poor cryotolerance (GFE and PFE, respectively). The aim of this work was to elucidate whether the involvement of AQPs in the sperm response to cryopreservation relies on the intrinsic freezability of the ejaculate. With this purpose, two different molecules: phloretin (PHL) and 1,3-propanediol (PDO), were used to inhibit sperm AQPs in GFE and PFE. Boar sperm samples were treated with three different concentrations of each inhibitor prior to cryopreservation, and sperm quality and functionality parameters were evaluated in fresh samples and after 30 and 240 min of thawing. Ejaculates were classified as GFE or PFE, according to their post-thaw sperm viability and motility. While the presence of PHL caused a decrease in sperm quality and function compared to the control, samples treated with PDO exhibited better quality and function parameters than the control. In addition, the effects of both inhibitors were more apparent in GFE than in PFE. In conclusion, AQP inhibition has more notable consequences in GFE than in PFE, which can be related to the difference in relative levels of AQPs between these two groups of samples.
Structural Insights into the Intracellular Region of the Human Magnesium Transport Mediator CNNM4
Authors: Giménez-Mascarell Paula , Oyenarte Iker , González-Recio Irene , Fernández-Rodríguez Carmen , Corral-Rodríguez María Ángeles , Campos-Zarraga Igone , Simón Jorge , Kostantin Elie , Hardy Serge , Díaz Quintana Antonio , Zubillaga Lizeaga Mara , Merino Nekane , Diercks Tammo , Blanco Francisco J. , Díaz Moreno Irene , Martínez-Chantar María Luz , Tremblay Michel L. , Müller Dominik , Siliqi Dritan , Martínez-Cruz Luis Alfonso
Published: December 2019

The four member family of “Cyclin and Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) domain divalent metal cation transport mediators”, CNNMs, are the least-studied mammalian magnesium transport mediators. CNNM4 is abundant in the brain and the intestinal tract, and its abnormal activity causes Jalili Syndrome. Recent findings show that suppression of CNNM4 in mice promotes malignant progression of intestinal polyps and is linked to infertility. The association of CNNM4 with phosphatases of the regenerating liver, PRLs, abrogates its Mg2+-efflux capacity, thus resulting in an increased intracellular Mg2+ concentration that favors tumor growth. Here we present the crystal structures of the two independent intracellular domains of human CNNM4, i.e., the Bateman module and the cyclic nucleotide binding-like domain (cNMP). We also derive a model structure for the full intracellular region in the absence and presence of MgATP and the oncogenic interacting partner, PRL-1. We find that only the Bateman module interacts with ATP and Mg2+, at non-overlapping sites facilitating their positive cooperativity. Furthermore, both domains dimerize autonomously, where the cNMP domain dimer forms a rigid cleft to restrict the Mg2+ induced sliding of the inserting CBS1 motives of the Bateman module, from a twisted to a flat disk shaped dimer.