bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad-Spectrum Preclinical Antitumor Activity of Chrysin: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Moghadam Ebrahim Rahmani , Ang Hui Li , Asnaf Sholeh Etehad , Zabolian Amirhossein , Saleki Hossein , Yavari Mohammad , Esmaeili Hossein , Zarrabi Ali , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Kumar Alan Prem
Published: September 2020

Pharmacological profile of phytochemicals has attracted much attention to their use in disease therapy. Since cancer is a major problem for public health with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, experiments have focused on revealing the anti-tumor activity of natural products. Flavonoids comprise a large family of natural products with different categories. Chrysin is a hydroxylated flavonoid belonging to the flavone category. Chrysin has demonstrated great potential in treating different disorders, due to possessing biological and therapeutic activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, etc. Over recent years, the anti-tumor activity of chrysin has been investigated, and in the present review, we provide a mechanistic discussion of the inhibitory effect of chrysin on proliferation and invasion of different cancer cells. Molecular pathways, such as Notch1, microRNAs, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), PI3K/Akt, MAPK, etc., as targets of chrysin are discussed. The efficiency of chrysin in promoting anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents and suppressing drug resistance is described. Moreover, poor bioavailability, as one of the drawbacks of chrysin, is improved using various nanocarriers, such as micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. This updated review will provide a direction for further studies in evaluating the anti-tumor activity of chrysin.
A Diamine-PEGylated Oleanolic Acid Derivative Induced Efficient Apoptosis through a Death Receptor and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in HepG2 Human Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Jannus Fatin , Medina-O’Donnell Marta , Rivas Francisco , Díaz-Ruiz Luis , Rufino-Palomares Eva E. , Lupiáñez José A. , Parra Andrés , Reyes-Zurita Fernando J.
Published: September 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Our recent studies have shown that the diamine-(PEG)ylated oleanolic acid (OADP) has strong anti-tumor effects in HCCs. In this study, we evaluated the anti-tumor mechanisms of OADP in the HepG2 HCC cell line. The cytotoxicity results showed that HepG2 cell viability was markedly reduced, with a very low 50% of cell growth inhibitory concentration (IC50, 0.14 µg/mL). We then investigated the anti-tumor mechanisms of OADP in HepG2 cells. The flow-cytometry analysis was used to evaluate cell apoptosis, indicating that 74–95% of cells were apoptotic. OADP caused cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of key proteins associated with the underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed the clear upregulation of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, Bak, p21, and p53, accompanied by the downregulation of Bcl-2. Similar results were obtained by the cotreatment with OADP and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. Agents such as OADP, which are capable of activating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, may represent potential HCC cancer therapies.
Vav1 Down-Modulates Akt2 Expression in Cells from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Nuclear Vav1 as a Potential Regulator of Akt Related Malignancy in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Grassilli Silvia , Brugnoli Federica , Lattanzio Rossano , Buglioni Simonetta , Bertagnolo Valeria
Published: September 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive tumor malignancy worldwide, mainly due to uncontrolled metastasis. Among the numerous molecules deregulated in PDAC, different members of the Akt pathways are of great importance because they are involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We have recently demonstrated that Vav1, ectopically expressed in solid tumors, is capable of down-modulating expression and/or activation of specific Akt isoforms in breast cancer cells. By using pancreatic cell lines expressing different basal levels of Vav1, we demonstrated here that Vav1 down-regulates the expression of Akt2, known to correlate with tumor metastases and resistance to therapy. In particular, while the silencing of Vav1 is sufficient to induce Akt2, its up-modulation reduces Akt2 levels only when Vav1 accumulates inside the nucleus of PDAC cells. Moreover, in PDAC tissues, we revealed that high nuclear levels of Vav1 correlate with low Akt2 expression. Although we cannot demonstrate the mechanisms involved, our results provide new insights into the role of Vav1 in PDAC and, as targeting specific members of the Akt family is a promising therapeutic chance in solid tumors, they suggest that Vav1, by down-modulating Akt2, has potential as a molecular target in PDAC.
Macrophage Stimulated by Low Ambient Temperature Hasten Tumor Growth via Glutamine Production
Authors: Lee Eun-Ji , Chung Tae-Wook , Kim Keuk-Jun , Bae Boram , Kim Bo-Sung , Kim Suhkmann , Ryu Dongryeol , Bae Sung-Jin , Ha Ki-Tae
Published: September 2020

Ambient temperature can regulate the immune response and affect tumor growth. Although thermoneutral caging reduces tumor growth via immune activation, little attention has been paid to the tumorigenic effect of low temperature. In the present study, tumor growth was higher at low ambient temperature (4 °C for 8 h/d) than at the standard housing temperature (22 °C) in allograft models. Low temperature-stimulated tumor growth in mice was reduced by monocyte depletion using clodronate liposomes. Proliferation was considerably greater in cancer cells treated with 33 °C-cultured RAW264.7 cell-conditioned media (33CM) than in cells treated with 37 °C-cultured RAW264.7 cell-conditioned media (37CM). Additionally, glutamine levels were markedly higher in 33CM-treated cells than in 37CM-treated cells. We further confirmed that the addition of glutamine into 37CM enhanced its effects on cancer cell proliferation and glutamine uptake inhibition ameliorated the accelerated proliferation induced by 33CM. Consistently, the inhibition of glutamine uptake in the allograft model exposed to low temperature, effectively reduced tumor volume and weight. Collectively, these data suggest that the secretion and utilization of glutamine by macrophages and cancer cells, respectively, are key regulators of low temperature-enhanced cancer progression in the tumor microenvironment.
Dopamine and Striatal Neuron Firing Respond to Frequency-Dependent DBS Detected by Microelectrode Arrays in the Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Xiao Guihua , Song Yilin , Zhang Yu , Xing Yu , Xu Shengwei , Wang Mixia , Wang Junbo , Chen Deyong , Chen Jian , Cai Xinxia
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered as an efficient treatment method for alleviating motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), while different stimulation frequency effects on the specific neuron patterns at the cellular level remain unknown. (2) Methods: In this work, nanocomposites-modified implantable microelectrode arrays (MEAs) were fabricated to synchronously record changes of dopamine (DA) concentration and striatal neuron firing in the striatum during subthalamic nucleus DBS, and different responses of medium spiny projecting neurons (MSNs) and fast spiking interneurons (FSIs) to DBS were analyzed. (3) Results: DA concentration and striatal neuron spike firing rate showed a similar change as DBS frequency changed from 10 to 350 Hz. Note that the increases in DA concentration (3.11 ± 0.67 μM) and neural spike firing rate (15.24 ± 2.71 Hz) were maximal after the stimulation at 100 Hz. The MSNs firing response to DBS was significant, especially at 100 Hz, while the FSIs remained stable after various stimulations. (4) Conclusions: DBS shows the greatest regulatory effect on DA concentration and MSNs firing rate at 100 Hz stimulation. This implantable MEA in the recording of the neurotransmitter and neural spike pattern response to DBS provides a new insight to understand the mechanism of PD at the cellular level.
Physiological Profile Assessment of Posture in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers
Authors: Perin Cecilia , Valagussa Giulio , Mazzucchelli Miryam , Gariboldi Valentina , Cerri Cesare Giuseppe , Meroni Roberto , Grossi Enzo , Cornaggia Cesare Maria , Menant Jasmine , Piscitelli Daniele
Published: September 2020

A sound postural system requires sensorimotor integration. Evidence suggests that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present sensorimotor integration impairments. The Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) can be used to evaluate postural capacity assessing five physiological subsets (i.e., vision, reaction time, peripheral sensation, lower limb strength, balance); however, no studies applied the PPA in young individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the PPA in children and adolescents with ASD compared with age-matched typically developing (TD) individuals and examine the relationship between the PPA subset within the ASD and TD participants according to different age groups. Percentiles from the PPA were obtained from the TD children and adolescents (n = 135) for each test. Performances of the individuals with ASD (n = 18) were examined relative to the TD percentiles. ASD participants’ scores were above the 90th percentile (i.e., poor performance) in most sensory, motor and balance parameters. Performance in most of the PPA tests significantly improved with older age in the TD group but not in the ASD group. The study findings support the use of the PPA in TD children and adolescents while further research should investigate postural capacity in a larger ASD sample to enhance the understanding of sensorimotor systems contributing to compromised postural control.
Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Jiawei , Guan Xin , Fan Zhimin , Ching Lai-Ming , Li Yan , Wang Xiaojia , Cao Wen-Ming , Liu Dong-Xu
Published: September 2020

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Accurate early diagnosis of breast cancer is critical in the management of the disease. Although mammogram screening has been widely used for breast cancer screening, high false-positive and false-negative rates and radiation from mammography have always been a concern. Over the last 20 years, the emergence of “omics” strategies has resulted in significant advances in the search for non-invasive biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis at an early stage. Circulating carcinoma antigens, circulating tumor cells, circulating cell-free tumor nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), circulating microRNAs, and circulating extracellular vesicles in the peripheral blood, nipple aspirate fluid, sweat, urine, and tears, as well as volatile organic compounds in the breath, have emerged as potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers to supplement current clinical approaches to earlier detection of breast cancer. In this review, we summarize the current progress of research in these areas.
Energy Storage and CO2 Reduction Performances of Co/Co2C/C Prepared by an Anaerobic Ethanol Oxidation Reaction Using Sacrificial SnO2
Authors: Choi Young In , Yang Ju Hyun , Park So Jeong , Sohn Youngku
Published: September 2020

Co/Co2C/C hybrids were prepared employing a new synthetic route and demonstrated as materials for energy storage and CO2 recycling application. Herein, an anaerobic ethanol oxidation reaction over Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) was first employed to fabricate Co/Co2C/C hybrids using sacrificial SnO2. In the absence of SnO2, Co3O4 NPs were converted to alpha and beta metallic Co. On the other hand, using sacrificial SnO2 resulted in the formation of Co2C and Co embedded in the carbon matrix at approximately 450 °C, as determined by temperature-programmed mass spectrometry analysis. The newly developed materials were fully examined by X-ray diffraction crystallography, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Co/Co2C/C hybrids showed a specific capacitance of 153 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction experiments were performed and generated CO, CH4, and CH3OH as reduction products with yields of 47.7, 11.0, and 23.4 μmol/g, respectively. The anaerobic ethanol oxidation reaction could be a very useful method for the development of carbon-supported metal carbides, which have not been achieved by other synthetic methods. Furthermore, the demonstration tests unveiled new application areas of Co carbide materials.
Epac1 Is Crucial for Maintenance of Endothelial Barrier Function through A Mechanism Partly Independent of Rac1
Authors: García-Ponce Alexander , Schuster Katharina , Døskeland Stein-Ove , Reed Rolf K. , Curry Fitz-Roy E. , Waschke Jens , Radeva Mariya Y.
Published: September 2020

Epac1 (exchange protein activated by cAMP) stabilizes the endothelial barrier, but detailed studies are limited by the side effects of pharmacological Epac1 modulators and transient transfections. Here, we compare the key properties of barriers between endothelial cells derived from wild-type (WT) and Epac1-knockout (KO) mice myocardium. We found that KO cell layers, unlike WT layers, had low and cAMP-insensitive trans-endothelial resistance (TER). They also had fragmented VE-cadherin staining despite having augmented cAMP levels and increased protein expression of Rap1, Rac1, RhoA, and VE-cadherin. The simultaneous direct activation of Rac1 and RhoA by CN04 compensated Epac1 loss, since TER was increased. In KO-cells, inhibition of Rac1 activity had no additional effect on TER, suggesting that other mechanisms compensate the inhibition of the Rac1 function to preserve barrier properties. In summary, Epac1 is crucial for baseline and cAMP-mediated barrier stabilization through mechanisms that are at least partially independent of Rac1.
AQP2: Mutations Associated with Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus and Regulation by Post-Translational Modifications and Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Gao Chao , Higgins Paul J. , Zhang Wenzheng
Published: September 2020

As a rare hereditary disease, congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is clinically characterized by polyuria with hyposthenuria and polydipsia. NDI results from collecting duct principal cell hyporesponsiveness or insensitivity to the antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin (AVP). The principal cell-specific water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) plays an essential role in water reabsorption along osmotic gradients. The capacity to accumulate AQP2 in the apical plasma membrane in response to decreased fluid volume or increased plasma osmolality is critically regulated by the antidiuretic hormone AVP and its receptor 2 (AVPR2). Mutations in AVPR2 result in X-linked recessive NDI, the most common form of inherited NDI. Genetic defects in AQP2 cause autosomal recessive or dominant NDI. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of congenital NDI, with a focus on the potential disease-causing mutations in AVPR2 and AQP2, the molecular defects in the AVPR2 and AQP2 mutants, post-translational modifications (i.e., phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation) and various protein-protein interactions that regulate phosphorylation, ubiquitination, tetramerization, trafficking, stability, and degradation of AQP2.
Epitranscriptomics of Mammalian Mitochondrial Ribosomal RNA
Authors: Laptev Ivan , Dontsova Olga , Sergiev Petr
Published: September 2020

Modified nucleotides are present in all ribosomal RNA molecules. Mitochondrial ribosomes are unique to have a set of methylated residues that includes universally conserved ones, those that could be found either in bacterial or in archaeal/eukaryotic cytosolic ribosomes and those that are present exclusively in mitochondria. A single pseudouridine within the mt-rRNA is located in the peptidyltransferase center at a position similar to that in bacteria. After recent completion of the list of enzymes responsible for the modification of mammalian mitochondrial rRNA it became possible to summarize an evolutionary history, functional role of mt-rRNA modification enzymes and an interplay of the mt-rRNA modification and mitoribosome assembly process, which is a goal of this review.
Wear and Deformation Performance of W/Ta Multilayer Coatings on Pure Cu Prepared by Double Glow Plasma Alloying Technique
Authors: Dang Bo , Tian Tian , Yang Kai , Ding Feng , Li Fengkun , Wei Dongbo , Zhang Pingze
Published: September 2020

In this study, a multilayered hard coating with a tungsten matrix and a transition layer was deposited on pure copper by double glow plasma surface alloying technology, which aimed to provide the coating superior binding force and favorable matching of mechanical properties. The micro-hardness tester was adopted to measure the surface and cross-sectional hardness of the coatings. The nanoindentation test was used to measure the elasticity modulus of the coatings. Sliding wear tests under different conditions were performed on the W/Ta multilayer coating as well as the Cu substrate and W coating. The fairly low specific wear rate of the multilayer coating proved its excellent wear-resisting property, and the wear mechanism of the multilayer coating was mainly abrasive wear. In addition, a scratch test was executed to evaluate the deformation mechanism of the coating. Compared to the W coating, the persistence of the changing elastic–plastic deformation in the W/Ta multilayer coating improved the adhesion and resistance to plastic deformation. Moreover, the changing elastic–plastic deformation region is a benefit to the wear process, and the mechanical properties of the transition layer present a linear gradient descent instead of a vertical gradient, which makes a significant contribution in the wear stage. Further, the exploration of deformation mechanisms has a significant contribution to the design for multilayered hard coatings.
Factor Analysis of XRF and XRPD Data on the Example of the Rocks of the Kontozero Carbonatite Complex (NW Russia). Part II: Geological Interpretation
Authors: Kozlov Evgeniy , Fomina Ekaterina , Khvorov Pavel
Published: September 2020

Numerical comparison of mineralogical and geochemical data, which is required in a variety of geological applications, is a challenging task, especially when analyzing extensive sample collections. Herein, we apply factor analysis (FA) to a collection of 198 diffraction patterns of bulk rock samples from the Kontozero carbonatite complex. The mineralogical information hidden in the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data is thereby squeezed down to a set of two dozen variables represented by factor scores (FS). The values of these FSs show a functional relationship with the contents of the minerals composing the rocks. Therefore, factor scores can be considered as a beneficial tool for rapid qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of the mineral composition of rocks. Supplementing principal component analysis (PCA) with FSs as independent variables characterizing the mineral content of rocks allows for the numerical comparison of mineralogical and geochemical data. By PCA, we reveal the main trends in the mineralogical and geochemical evolution of the investigated rocks of the Kontozero complex. Furthermore, the results are obtained in the very first stages of the research. This fact elucidates the potential use of the proposed technique in geological studies and mining.
Factor Analysis of XRF and XRPD Data on the Example of the Rocks of the Kontozero Carbonatite Complex (NW Russia). Part I: Algorithm
Authors: Fomina Ekaterina , Kozlov Evgeniy , Bazai Ayya
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to develop a principle for selecting the most informative samples for geological research from extensive collections of rock material. As a tool for this selection, we chose an original method of statistical comparison of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data using factor analysis (FA). A collection of carbonatites and aluminosilicate rocks from the Kontozero Devonian carbonatite paleovolcano complex (198 samples) is presented to test our technique. The factors extracted during FA were successfully mineralogically interpreted according to peak positions on the graphs of factor loadings. For the studied rock collection, this approach allowed us to identify more than 20 rock-forming minerals based only on XRPD data. We also found about ten mineral phases, the lines of which are low-intensity, and/or which overlap with more intense peaks of other minerals in the diffraction patterns. The mineralogical interpretation of the factors of such hidden minerals can be performed through electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of the samples previously selected using FA. In this study, we report on an algorithm that facilitates the selection of the rock samples exhibiting the greatest contrast in mineral and chemical composition and which contain the entire set of mineral phases occurring in the geological object under study. From the collection of Kontozero rocks we examined, the 30 most representative samples were selected, amounting to about 15% of the initial sample set.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of Resistant Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from Children with Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Biernat Monika Maria , Bińkowska Aldona , Łaczmański Łukasz , Biernat Paweł , Krzyżek Paweł , Gościniak Grażyna
Published: September 2020

Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori is currently a global issue. The aim of this study was to analyze actual antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori strains isolated from children with primary infections and to compare the incidence of mutations that determine resistance to clarithromycin (CH) and metronidazole (MET) in children with different clinical diagnoses. A total of 91 H. pylori strains were isolated from 108 children with primary infections. Drug susceptibility testing of the strains was performed using E-test method. Classical sequencing of DNA fragments was used to detect point mutations for CH and MET resistance. Resistance to CH was detected in 31% of isolated strains (28/91), while resistance to MET and CH was detected in 35% (32/91) of strains. A2143G was the most frequently detected mutation and was dominant among strains isolated from children with peptic ulcer disease (80%). Mutations in the rdxA gene were found significantly more frequently among MET-resistant strains than MET-sensitive strains (p = 0.03, Chi2 = 4.3909). In children, a higher frequency of H. pylori multiresistant strains was observed compared with the previous study in the same area. Differences were found in the occurrence of point mutations among H. pylori strains resistant to CH isolated from children with different clinical diagnoses.
Exergy Analysis of Advanced Adsorption Cooling Cycles
Authors: Cao Ngoc Vi , Duong Xuan Quang , Lee Woo Su , Park Moon Yong , Lee Seung Soo , Chung Jae Dong
Published: September 2020

This study conducted an exergy analysis of advanced adsorption cooling cycles. The possible exergy losses were divided into internal losses and external losses, and the exergy losses of each process in three advanced cycles: a mass recovery cycle, heat recovery cycle and combined heat and mass recovery cycle were calculated. A transient two-dimensional numerical model was used to solve the heat and mass transfer kinetics. The exergy destruction of each component and process in a finned tube type, silica gel/water working paired-adsorption chiller was estimated. The results showed that external loss was significantly reduced at the expense of internal loss. The mass recovery cycle reduced the total loss to 60.95 kJ/kg, which is −2.76% lower than the basic cycle. In the heat recovery cycle, exergy efficiency was significantly enhanced to 23.20%. The optimum value was 0.1248 at a heat recovery time of 60 s. The combined heat and mass recovery cycle resulted in an 11.30% enhancement in exergy efficiency, compared to the heat recovery cycle. The enhancement was much clearer when compared to the basic cycle, with 37.12%. The observed dependency on heat recovery time and heating temperature was similar to that observed for individual mass recovery and heat recovery cycles.
Open-Destination Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution Network
Authors: Cao Wen-Fei , Zhen Yi-Zheng , Zheng Yu-Lin , Zhao Shuai , Xu Feihu , Li Li , Chen Zeng-Bing , Liu Nai-Le , Chen Kai
Published: September 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks hold promise for sharing secure randomness over multi-partities. Most existing QKD network schemes and demonstrations are based on trusted relays or limited to point-to-point scenario. Here, we propose a flexible and extensible scheme named as open-destination measurement-device-independent QKD network. The scheme enjoys security against untrusted relays and all detector side-channel attacks. Particularly, any users can accomplish key distribution under assistance of others in the network. As an illustration, we show in detail a four-user network where two users establish secure communication and present realistic simulations by taking into account imperfections of both sources and detectors.
Upscaling Statistical Patterns from Reduced Storage in Social and Life Science Big Datasets
Authors: Garlaschi Stefano , Fochesato Anna , Tovo Anna
Published: September 2020

Recent technological and computational advances have enabled the collection of data at an unprecedented rate. On the one hand, the large amount of data suddenly available has opened up new opportunities for new data-driven research but, on the other hand, it has brought into light new obstacles and challenges related to storage and analysis limits. Here, we strengthen an upscaling approach borrowed from theoretical ecology that allows us to infer with small errors relevant patterns of a dataset in its entirety, although only a limited fraction of it has been analysed. In particular we show that, after reducing the input amount of information on the system under study, by applying our framework it is still possible to recover two statistical patterns of interest of the entire dataset. Tested against big ecological, human activity and genomics data, our framework was successful in the reconstruction of global statistics related to both the number of types and their abundances while starting from limited presence/absence information on small random samples of the datasets. These results pave the way for future applications of our procedure in different life science contexts, from social activities to natural ecosystems.
Japan’s Productivity and GDP Growth: The Role of Private, Public and Foreign R&D 1967–2017
Authors: Ziesemer THW
Published: September 2020

We analyze the dynamic interaction of Japan’s total factor productivity, gross domestic product (GDP) domestic and foreign private and public research and development (R&D) in vector-error-correction models (VECMs) for Japan with data from 1963–2017. Extensive testing leads to favoring a model with five cointegrating equations for the six variables. Analysis of effects of permanent policy changes shows that (i) additional public R&D encourages private R&D and total factor productivity (TFP), and has higher internal rates of return than private R&D changes and therefore could speed up Japan’s growth; (ii) public R&D changes have a statistically significant positive permanent effect on foreign private R&D stocks and a transitional effect on foreign public R&D stocks; (iii) private R&D changes have a statistically significant positive permanent effect on foreign public R&D stocks and a transitional effect on foreign private R&D stocks; (iv) after a temporary GDP change, public R&D is counter-cyclical in the short and medium run and private R&D is pro-cyclical. Empirical results are related to the parameters of a VES (variable elasticity of substitution) function for TFP production.
Wide Frequency Band Single-Phase Amplitude and Phase Angle Detection Based on Integral and Derivative Actions
Authors: Kunzler Luccas M. , Lopes Luiz A. C.
Published: September 2020

Numerous applications, such as the synchronization of distributed energy resources to an existing AC grid, the operation of active power filters or the amplification of signals for Power-Hardware-In-The-Loop (PHIL) systems require a few tasks in common. Amplitude, phase angle and frequency detection are crucial for all these applications and many more. Various techniques are presented for three-phase and single-phase applications but only a few of them are able to identify the signals’ attributes for a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes. Single-phase systems are typically burdensome, considering the challenge to create an internal signal, orthogonal with the input, in order to perform the phase angle detection. This matter is even more critical when the amplitude and frequency of the input signal varies in a wide range. This paper presents an Orthogonal Signal Generator (OSG) based on integral and derivative actions. It includes a detailed design procedure and a design example. The performance of a single-phase wide range amplitude and frequency detector based on the discussed OSG is experimentally validated under steady state and dynamic conditions.
FTRM: A Cache-Based Fault Tolerant Recovery Mechanism for Multi-Channel Flash Devices
Authors: Mativenga Ronnie , Hamandawana Prince , Chung Tae-Sun , Kim Jongik
Published: September 2020

Flash memory prevalence has reached greater extents with its performance and compactness capabilities. This enables it to be easily adopted as storage media in various portable devices which includes smart watches, cell-phones, drones, and in-vehicle infotainment systems to mention but a few. To support large flash storage in such portable devices, existing flash translation layers (FTLs) employ a cache mapping table (CMT), which contains a small portion of logical page number to physical page number (LPN-PPN) mappings. For robustness, it is of importance to consider the CMT reconstruction mechanisms during system recovery. Currently, existing approaches cannot overcome the performance penalty after experiencing unexpected power failure. This is due to the disregard of the delay caused by inconsistencies between the cached page-mapping entries in RAM and their corresponding mapping pages in flash storage. Furthermore, how to select proper pages for reconstructing the CMT when rebooting a device needs to be revisited. In this study we address these problems and propose a fault tolerant power-failure recovery mechanism (FTRM) for flash memory storage systems. Our empirical study shows that FTRM is an efficient recovery and robust protocol.
Dynamic High Strain Rate Characterization of Lithium-Ion Nickel–Cobalt–Aluminum (NCA) Battery Using Split Hopkinson Tensile/Pressure Bar Methodology
Authors: Fadillah Hafiz , Santosa Sigit Puji , Gunawan Leonardo , Afdhal Akbar , Purwanto Agus
Published: September 2020

The dynamic behavior of the lithium-ion battery is evaluated by simulating the full battery system and each corresponding component, including the jellyroll and thin-foil electrodes. The thin-foil electrodes were evaluated using a novel design of split Hopkinson tensile bar (SHTB), while the jellyroll was evaluated using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). A new stacking method was employed to strengthen the stress wave signal of the thin-foil electrodes in the SHTB simulation. The characteristic of the stress–strain curve should remain the same regardless of the amount of stacking. The jellyroll dynamic properties were characterized by using the SHPB method. The jellyroll was modeled with Fu-Chang foam and modified crushable foam and compared with experimental results at the loading speeds of 20 and 30 m/s. The dynamic behavior compared very well when it was modeled with Fu-Chang foam. These studies show that the dynamic characterization of Li-ion battery components can be evaluated using tensile loading of stacked layers of thin foil aluminum and copper with SHTB methodology as well as the compressive loading of jellyroll using SHPB methodology. Finally, the dynamic performance of the full system battery can be simulated by using the dynamic properties of each component, which were evaluated using the SHTB and SHPB methodologies.
Conversion of Residential Heating Systems from Fossil Fuels to Biofuels: A Cross-Cultural Analysis
Authors: Londoño-Pulgarín Diana A. , Muñoz-Leiva Francisco , Crespo-Almendros Esmeralda
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to analyse: (a) how the attitude towards renewable energy-based heating systems, pro-environmental behaviour and the perceived attributes of technology influence intention to convert residential heating systems from fossil fuels to biofuels, and (b) the moderating role of culture based on Hofstede’s individualism dimension. A total of 425 responses were collected from a panel of internet users from representative countries in three continents (the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa); the data analysis was carried out using structural equation models in a multigroup analysis. The results showed that attitude towards renewable energy-based heating systems is influenced by environmental variables in the United States and the United Kingdom, and by the perceived attributes of clean residential heating systems in the United States and South Africa. Attitude, in turn, impacts on the intention to convert from fossil fuels to biofuels. In addition, individualism has a moderating effect between these variables and there are intercultural differences in the degree of importance attributed to them. The study concludes the use of these energy systems as drivers of environmentally-sustainable development.
Techno-Economic Assessment of CHP Systems in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Riley Derall M. , Tian Jiashen , Güngör-Demirci Gamze , Phelan Patrick , Villalobos J. Rene , Milcarek Ryan J.
Published: September 2020

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) utilization of combined heat and power (CHP) systems allows for the efficient use of on-site biogas production, as well as increased annual savings in utility costs. In this paper, a review of biogas energy recovery options, CHP prime mover technologies, and the costs associated with biogas cleaning give a broad summary of the current state of CHP technology in WWTPs. Even though there are six different prime mover technologies, the main ones currently being implemented in WWTPs are micro turbines, fuel cells and reciprocating engines. Different prime movers offer varying efficiencies, installation costs, and biogas impurity (H2S, siloxanes, HCl) tolerances. To evaluate the long-term savings capabilities, a techno-economic assessment of a CHP installation at a case study WWTP shows the payback, annual savings, and initial costs associated with the installation of a CHP system. In this case, a study a payback of 5.7 years and a net present value of USD 709,000 can be achieved when the WWTP generates over 2,000,000 m3 of biogas per year and utilizes over 36,000 GJ of natural gas per year.
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Areas Suitable to Grow Some Key Crops in New Jersey, USA
Authors: Ngoy Kikombo Ilunga , Shebitz Daniela
Published: September 2020

We used the Climate Change and Adaptation Modeler (CCAM), a Terrset software toolset, to project the effects of global climate change on crops in New Jersey. We selected two scenarios—A1FI-MI and B1TME. We found that temperatures will increase by the end of this century compared to 1981–2010 normal temperatures baseline downloaded from PRISM. The temperature increase will vary from 3 to 6 °C depending upon the scenario while the precipitation remains relatively the same. These changes will negatively affect the suitability of many economically valuable crops in New Jersey including blueberry, cranberry, squash, sweet corn and tomato. Many crops that are highly or very suitable will move into marginal or very marginal categories.
Lateral Export of Dissolved Inorganic and Organic Carbon from a Small Mangrove Estuary with Tidal Fluctuation
Authors: Ohtsuka Toshiyuki , Onishi Takeo , Yoshitake Shinpei , Tomotsune Mitsutoshi , Kida Morimaru , Iimura Yasuo , Kondo Miyuki , Suchewaboripont Vilanee , Cao Ruoming , Kinjo Kazutoshi , Fujitake Nobuhide
Published: September 2020

The significance of aquatic lateral carbon (C) export in mangrove ecosystems highlights the extensive contribution of aquatic pathways to the net ecosystem carbon budget. However, few studies have investigated lateral fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic carbon (DIC), partly due to methodological difficulty. Therefore, we evaluated area-based lateral C fluxes in a small mangrove estuary that only had one exit for water exchange to the coast. We sampled water from the mouth of the creek and integrated discharge and consecutive concentration of mangrove-derived C (ΔC). Then, we estimated the area-normalized C fluxes based on the inundated mangrove area. DIC and DOC concentrations at the river mouth increased during ebb tide during both summer and winter. We quantified the ΔC in the estuary using a two-component conservative mixing model of freshwater and seawater. DIC and DOC proportions of ΔC concentrations at the river mouth during ebb tide was between 34% and 56% in the winter and 26% and 42% in the summer, respectively. DIC and DOC fluxes from the estuary were estimated to be 1.36 g C m−2 d−1 and 0.20 g C m−2 d−1 in the winter and 3.35 g C m−2 d−1 and 0.86 g C m−2 d−1 in the summer, respectively. Based on our method, daily fluxes are mangrove area-based DIC and DOC lateral exports that can be directly incorporated into the mangrove carbon budget.
Economic Loss of Pine Wood Nematode Disease in Mainland China from 1998 to 2017
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Huang Jixia , Yan Jun , Fang Guofei
Published: September 2020

The occurrence and prevalence of pine wood nematode disease has had a great impact on China’s forestry production and ecological environment, but the quantitative evaluation of the economic losses of this biological disease is lacking from a macro-geographic scale and long-term series perspective. This study establishes a pine wood nematode disease economic loss evaluation index system, covering the loss of natural ecology, landscape aesthetics and economic production, and quantitatively evaluates the economic losses of pine wood nematode disease in mainland China at a provincial level from 1998 to 2017. The results show that the economic losses of the pine wood nematode disease in China showed a fluctuant rising trend from 1998, since 2013, it has entered a full-scale outbreak phase, and since 2015, the economic loss has increased significantly, with a growth rate higher than 40%. The average annual total economic loss is CNY 7.17 billion, of which the direct economic losses is CNY 1.53 billion, and the indirect economic losses is CNY 5.64 billion. The loss of forest material resources, the expenditure of ineffective forest management expenditure and prevention and control expenditure were CNY 817 million, CNY 649 million, and CNY 67 million, respectively. Regulate service value loss, support service value loss and cultural service loss are CNY 3.95 billion, CNY 1.41 billion, CNY 276 million, respectively. East China and South China suffered the most due to pine wood nematode disease, and the economic loss of these regions accounted for 79.9% of the total national economic losses. Among them, Zhejiang Province, Guangdong Province and Jiangsu Province lost CNY 2.14 billion, CNY 1.81 billion, and CNY 1.22 billion, respectively, accounting for 26.8%, 22.7% and 15.3% of the total national economic loss.
Spatial Distribution of Local Forest Products at the End of the 19th Century: A Case Study of Former Villages in Iwate Prefecture
Authors: Izumi Keiko
Published: September 2020

Recent research in Japan has investigated how local people historically utilized natural resources, using geographic information systems (GIS). These works have helped to clarify the role of forest provisioning services in the past, and have shown how modern landscapes were formed. The aim of this study was to elucidate the utilization of plant resources in forest landscapes of both fields and mountains, in the late 19th century in Iwate Prefecture, located in northeastern Japan. This study focused on a different area and a larger scale than previous studies, and included information from 642 villages. This study specifically focused on what kinds of forest products were historically used and shipped, which species were used, and how these uses were distributed around the prefecture. A combination of historical documents and GIS mapping, named MANDARA, was employed. The primary historical document was “The topography of Iwate Prefecture” that was published from 1876 to 1885, and recorded the products used in each village. A wide range of forest products were recorded, which contained both edible and inedible plants further split into 10 primary categories: edible wild plants, mushrooms, nuts and berries, medical herbs, timber, agricultural and construction materials, fuel, tree sap, bark, and others. Many villages also produced various secondary processed goods. Fifty-two species were specified as forest products, which included some estimation, and were composed of 19 herbaceous and 23 arboreal species. GIS mapping of each village indicated that firewood and charcoal were shipped to towns located in southern Iwate, from around Kesen County. People might trade these fuel woods on markets. On the other hand, chestnut (Castanea crenata S. et Z.) and acorn were produced in the low-density populated area all around Iwate.
Root Exudation Rates Decrease with Increasing Latitude in Some Tree Species
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Xiuwei , Mao Zijun , Jiang Zhiyan , Gao Yang , Chen Xiangwei , Aubrey Doug P.
Published: September 2020

Research Highlights: Understanding of the spatial variation of root exudation on a regional scale can help understand the response of plant physiological activities to environmental changes. Background and Objectives: Although root exudation has become an important topic in belowground ecology, its relationship with root traits and environmental factors is poorly understood. Our objective was to explore how root traits and environmental factors influence root exudation. Materials and Methods: We used a multi-factorial design consisting of three tree species spanning across sites located at three latitudes to assess root exudation dynamics, which was measured using a syringe-basis incubation system. Results: The strongest and clearest effect observed in our study was a decrease in root exudation rates of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) and larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuze.) at sites located in higher latitudes. Root exudation rates were positively related to mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, and negatively related to soil total organic carbon. Conclusions: Root exudation in coniferous species decreased at sites located in higher latitudes. Despite differences in root exudation rate among sites located at different latitudes and species with suitable variation in root morphological traits and environmental factors, we could not identify consistent influencing factors on root exudation rates.
Latilactobacillus curvatus: A Candidate Probiotic with Excellent Fermentation Properties and Health Benefits
Authors: Chen Ying , Yu Leilei , Qiao Nanzhen , Xiao Yue , Tian Fengwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Zhai Qixiao
Published: September 2020

Latilactobacillus curvatus is a candidate probiotic that has been included in the list of recommended biological agents for certification by the European Food Safety Authority. According to the published genomic information, L. curvatus has several genes that encode metabolic pathways of carbohydrate utilization. In addition, there are some differences in cell surface complex related genes of L. curvatus from different sources. L. curvatus also has several genes that encode bacteriocin production, which can produce Curvacin A and Sakacin P. Due to its ability to produce bacteriocin, it is often used as a bioprotective agent in fermented meat products, to inhibit the growth of a variety of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. L. curvatus exerts some probiotic effects, such as mediating the production of IL-10 by dendritic cells through NF-κB and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signals to relieve colitis in mice. This review is the first summary of the genomic and biological characteristics of L. curvatus. Our knowledge on its role in the food industry and human health is also discussed, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development of applications of L. curvatus.
Seasonal Variation of Health-Promoting Bioactives in Broccoli and Methyl-Jasmonate Pre-Harvest Treatments to Enhance Their Contents
Authors: Nuñez-Gómez Vanesa , Baenas Nieves , Navarro-González Inma , García-Alonso Javier , Moreno Diego A. , González-Barrio Rocío , Periago-Castón Mª Jesús
Published: September 2020

Broccoli is a source of bioactive compounds that provide an important nutritional value. The content of these compounds can vary depending on agronomic and environmental conditions, as well as on elicitation. In this study, three crop trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of the cultivation season, the application of different dosages of methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) on the overall quality and on the total content of bioactive compounds of ‘Parthenon’ broccoli cultivated under the field conditions of southeastern Spain. Color parameters, chlorophyll content, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were measured to evaluate the overall quality. Moreover, individual carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detector coupled to mass spectrometer using electro spray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn). The content of total carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were higher in autumn compared with spring, showing increases of 2.8-fold, 2-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively. Moreover, a double application of MeJA increased the contents of total carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates by 22%, 32% and 39%, respectively, relative to the untreated samples. Considering our results, the controlled and timely application of 250 µM MeJA to the aerial parts of the plants four days before harvest, on two consecutive days, seems to be a valid agronomic strategy to improve the health-promoting capacity of Parthenon broccoli, without compromising its overall quality.