bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach to the Formulation of the Variable Change Theorem
Authors: Carballo Armando Morales , Locia Espinoza Edgardo , Sigarreta Almira José M. , Yero Ismael G.
Published: July 2021

This research proposes a didactic strategy to enrich the assimilation processes of the change of variable theorem in solving the definite integral. The theoretical foundations that support it are based on the contributions of social constructivism, problem solving, and treatment of theorems. The practical validation of the strategy is carried out with students of the Higher Technical Level in Applied Mathematics at the Autonomous University of Guerrero.
OFDM PAPR Reduction via Time-Domain Scattered Sampling and Hybrid Batch Training of Synchronous Neural Networks
Authors: Gendia Ahmad , Muta Osamu
Published: July 2021

Peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction in multiplexed signals in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems has been a long-standing critical issue. Clipping and filtering (CF) techniques offer good performance in terms of PAPR reduction at the expense of a relatively high computational cost that is inherent in the repeated application of fast Fourier transform (FFT) operations. The ever-increasing demand for low-latency operation calls for the development of low-complexity novel solutions to the PAPR problem. To address this issue while providing an enhanced PAPR reduction performance, we propose a synchronous neural network (NN)-based solution to achieve PAPR reduction performance exceeding the limits of conventional CF schemes with lower computational complexity. The proposed scheme trains a neural network module using hybrid collections of samples from multiple OFDM symbols to arrive at a signal mapping with desirable characteristics. The benchmark NN-based approach provides a comparable performance to conventional CF. However, it can underfit or overfit due to its asynchronous nature which leads to increased out-of-band (OoB) radiations, and deteriorating bit error rate (BER) performance for high-order modulations. Simulations’ results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of the achieved cubic metric (CM), BER, and OoB emissions.
Cyber Security for Multi-Station Integrated Smart Energy Stations: Architecture and Solutions
Authors: Chen Yangrong , Li June , Lu Qiuyu , Lin Hai , Xia Yu , Li Fuyang
Published: July 2021

Multi-station integration is motivated by the requirements of distributed energies interconnection and improvements in the efficiency of energy systems. Due to the diversity of communication services and the complexity of data exchanges between in-of-station and out-of-station, multi-station integrated systems have high security requirements. However, issues related to cyber security for multi-station integrated systems are seldom explored. Hence, this paper designs the secondary system architecture and proposes cyber security protection solutions for smart energy stations (SESt) that integrate the substation, photovoltaic station, energy storage station, electric vehicle charging station, and data center station. Firstly, the composition of SESt and functions of each substation are presented, a layered architecture of SESt is designed, and data exchanges of SESt are analyzed. Then, the cyber security threats and requirements of SESt are illustrated. Moreover, the cyber security protection principle and a cyber security protection system for SESt are proposed. On this basis, a security zoning and isolation scheme for SESt is designed. Finally, a traffic isolation scheme based on virtual local area networks (VLANs), a real-time guarantee scheme for communications based on service priority, and an enhancing cyber security scheme based on improved IEC 62351 are proposed for SESt.
Smart City: A Bibliometric Analysis of Conceptual Dimensions and Areas
Authors: Bajdor Paula , Starostka-Patyk Marta
Published: July 2021

In recent years, cities are expected to develop in line with the smart city (S.C.) idea. Cities, perceived as attractive places for people to live, must now meet many conditions. A city’s duty is, among others, to meet the needs and expectations of both, its residents and newcomers, offering a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs, caring for the natural environment, constantly taking on new challenges, and meeting them for its further development. Thus, the management of a city involves undertaking activities in line with the smart city idea. However, to implement them, they use widely available means, defined as intelligent solutions, e.g., modern ICT technologies. In line with the smart city idea, a city is a center inhabited by people who create a civic and participatory society, having the ability to use the latest ICT solutions and having access to a range of services and solutions offered by the city. Since the smart city idea is considered at many levels, it is still unknown what dimensions or areas related to this concept are the most valuable and stimulating for its implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to study what dimensions or areas related to this idea are the most valuable and stimulating for its implementation. The applied methodology is based on a critical analysis of the available literature in the form of bibliometric and citation analysis and analysis of the keyword characteristics of S.C. co-occurrences. The result of the research is a set of keywords that enable identifying the key dimensions and main areas of the implementation of S.C.
Drying and Heating Processes in Arbitrarily Shaped Clay Materials Using Lumped Phenomenological Modeling
Authors: Lima Elisiane S. , Delgado João M. P. Q. , Guimarães Ana S. , Lima Wanderson M. P. B. , Santos Ivonete B. , Gomes Josivanda P. , Santos Rosilda S. , Vilela Anderson F. , Viana Arianne D. , Almeida Genival S. , Lima Antonio G. B. , Franco João E. F.
Published: July 2021

This work aims to study the drying of clay ceramic materials with arbitrary shapes theoretically. Advanced phenomenological mathematical models based on lumped analysis and their exact solutions are presented to predict the heat and mass transfers in the porous material and estimate the transport coefficients. Application has been made in hollow ceramic bricks. Different simulations were carried out to evaluate the effect of drying air conditions (relative humidity and speed) under conditions of forced and natural convection. The transient results of the moisture content and temperature of the brick, and the convective heat and mass transfer coefficients are presented, discussed and compared with experimental data, obtaining a good agreement. It was found that the lower the relative humidity is and the higher the speed of the drying air is, the higher the convective heat and mass transfer coefficients are at the surface of the brick and in the holes, and the faster the moisture removal material and heating is. Based on the predicted results, the best conditions for brick drying were given. The idea is to increase the quality of the brick after the process, to reduce the waste of raw material and energy consumption in the process.
The Cost-Efficiency Analysis of a System for Improving Fine-Coal Combustion Efficiency of Power Plant Boilers
Authors: Tic Wilhelm Jan , Guziałowska-Tic Joanna
Published: July 2021

Hard coal is widely used as a source of energy, and a number of catalysts have been developed to minimize the noxious impact of this fuel on combustion. This paper presents the cost-efficiency analysis of a system for improving the combustion of solid fuels, especially fine coal, in power boilers. The system is provided with a control and supervision device. It has been designed for better accuracy in controlling the boiler operating parameters, with a view to improving combustion efficiency due to the use of catalysts. The tests were carried out for system capacities ranging from 3 to 100 MW. It was found that, depending on the size of the system in the range of 3–100 MW, savings in the fuel consumption ranged from 2% to 8% due to the implementation of novel solutions in the boiler plant operation and from 2 to 6% due to the use of the combustion catalysts. Apart from boosting energy efficiency, the use of catalysts and the efficiency-boosting system resulted in the costs of overhauls being cut by about 20%. The payback time depends on system capacities, and it is between 6.75 and 1.74 years for capacities ranging from 3 to 75 MW and 2.0 years for a 100 MW plant.
Recycling of Blast Furnace and Coal Slags in Aided Phytostabilisation of Soils Highly Polluted with Heavy Metals
Authors: Radziemska Maja , Dzięcioł Justyna , Gusiatin Zygmunt M. , Bęś Agnieszka , Sas Wojciech , Głuchowski Andrzej , Gawryszewska Beata , Mazur Zbigniew , Brtnicky Martin
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: The growing demand for developing new methods of degraded land remediation is linked to the need to improve the soil environment, including post-industrial soils. Biological methods such as the aided phytostabilisation technique are the most common methods applied to achieve effective remediation. This study aimed to determine the technical potential of methods using novel or yet not used soil amendments, such as blast furnace slag (BFS) and coal slag (CS), with Dactylis glomerata L. as a test plant. (2) Methods: The experiment was conducted on post-industrial area soil with high concentrations of Cu (761 mg/kg), Cd (23.9 mg/kg), Pb (13,539 mg/kg) and Zn (8683 mg/kg). The heavy metal content in roots and the above-ground parts of plants and soil was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. (3) Results: The addition of BFS to the soil was the most effective in increasing Dactylis glomerata L. biomass yield. The Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations were higher in the roots than in the above-ground parts of the plants. BFS and CS induced a considerable increase in soil pH, compared to the control treatment. The addition of BFS also produced the greatest significant decrease in the Pb content in soil following the phytostabilisation process. (4) Conclusions: In view of the above, the use of BFS in the aided phytostabilisation in soils contaminated with high levels of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn can be recommended for larger-scale in situ projects.
Asymmetric Multilevel Inverter Topology and Its Fault Management Strategy for High-Reliability Applications
Authors: Fahad Mohammad , Tariq Mohd , Sarwar Adil , Modabbir Mohammad , Zaid Mohd Aman , Satpathi Kuntal , Hussan MD Reyaz , Tayyab Mohammad , Alamri Basem , Alahmadi Ahmad
Published: July 2021

As the applications of power electronic converters increase across multiple domains, so do the associated challenges. With multilevel inverters (MLIs) being one of the key technologies used in renewable systems and electrification, their reliability and fault ride-through capabilities are highly desirable. While using a large number of semiconductor components that are the leading cause of failures in power electronics systems, fault tolerance against switch open-circuit faults is necessary, especially in remote applications with substantial maintenance penalties or safety-critical operation. In this paper, a fault-tolerant asymmetric reduced device count multilevel inverter topology producing an 11-level output under healthy conditions and capable of operating after open-circuit fault in any switch is presented. Nearest-level control (NLC) based Pulse width modulation is implemented and is updated post-fault to continue operation at an acceptable power quality. Reliability analysis of the structure is carried out to assess the benefits of fault tolerance. The topology is compared with various fault-tolerant topologies discussed in the recent literature. Moreover, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based fault detection method is proposed as a machine learning classification problem using decision trees. The fault detection method is successful in detecting fault location with low computational requirements and desirable accuracy.
Smart Detection of Faults in Beers Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, a Low-Cost Electronic Nose and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Fuentes Sigfredo , Hernandez-Brenes Carmen
Published: July 2021

Early detection of beer faults is an important assessment in the brewing process to secure a high-quality product and consumer acceptability. This study proposed an integrated AI system for smart detection of beer faults based on the comparison of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and a newly developed electronic nose (e-nose) using machine learning modelling. For these purposes, a commercial larger beer was used as a base prototype, which was spiked with 18 common beer faults plus the control aroma. The 19 aroma profiles were used as targets for classification ma-chine learning (ML) modelling. Six different ML models were developed; Model 1 (M1) and M2 were developed using the NIR absorbance values (100 inputs from 1596–2396 nm) and e-nose (nine sensor readings) as inputs, respectively, to classify the samples into control, low and high concentration of faults. Model 3 (M3) and M4 were based on NIR and M5 and M6 based on the e-nose readings as inputs with 19 aroma profiles as targets for all models. A customized code tested 17 artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms automatically testing performance and neu-ron trimming. Results showed that the Bayesian regularization algorithm was the most adequate for classification rendering precisions of M1 = 95.6%, M2 = 95.3%, M3 = 98.9%, M4 = 98.3%, M5 = 96.8%, and M6 = 96.2% without statistical signs of under- or overfitting. The proposed system can be added to robotic pourers and the brewing process at low cost, which can benefit craft and larger brewing companies.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Functional Beverages Increase HDL-Cholesterol Levels in Aging Rats
Authors: Daskalova Elena , Delchev Slavi , Vladimirova-Kitova Lyudmila , Kitov Spas , Denev Petko
Published: July 2021

Plant-based foods rich in phenolic phytochemicals are among the promising strategies to counteract age-related changes in lipid profile. Aronia melanocarpa (AM) fruits are a rich source of phenolic compounds possessing lipid-modulating effects. The present study investigated the effect of 3-month supplementation of AM-based functional beverages on the lipid profile of healthy aging rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were separated into five groups: (YC) young controls (2-month-old); (AC) adult controls (13-month-old); (A) adult animals supplemented with pure AM extract; (A + P) adult animals supplemented with pectin-enriched (1%) AM extract; (A + H) adult animals supplemented with AM extract enriched with a herbal mixture. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherogenic indices were investigated at the end of the study. Adult controls demonstrated age-related dyslipidemia resulting in decreased HDL-C, and increased TG and TC/HDL index. The supplemented groups showed a significant increase in HDL-C levels: A + P (1.49 mmol/L) and A + H (1.61 mmol/L), respectively, vs. AC (1.09 mmol/L), p < 0.05. The TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C indices were decreased in the A + P and A + H groups in comparison to the AC group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that supplementation with polyphenol-rich AM beverages can successfully alter HDL-C levels and this effect is further potentiated by pectin and herbs.
Potential Effects of Phenolic Compounds That Can Be Found in Olive Oil on Wound Healing
Authors: Melguizo-Rodríguez Lucia , de Luna-Bertos Elvira , Ramos-Torrecillas Javier , Illescas-Montesa Rebeca , Costela-Ruiz Victor Javier , García-Martínez Olga
Published: July 2021

The treatment of tissue damage produced by physical, chemical, or mechanical agents involves considerable direct and indirect costs to health care systems. Wound healing involves a series of molecular and cellular events aimed at repairing the defect in tissue integrity. These events can be favored by various natural agents, including the polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The objective of this study was to review data on the potential effects of different phenolic compounds that can also be found in EVOO on wound healing and closure. Results of in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that polyphenols from different plant species, also present in EVOO, participate in different aspects of wound healing, accelerating this process through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and their stimulation of angiogenic activities required for granulation tissue formation and wound re-epithelialization. These results indicate the potential usefulness of EVOO phenolic compounds for wound treatment, either alone or in combination with other therapies. Human studies are warranted to verify this proposition.
Small RNAs, Degradome, and Transcriptome Sequencing Provide Insights into Papaya Fruit Ripening Regulated by 1-MCP
Authors: Cai Jiahui , Wu Ziling , Hao Yanwei , Liu Yuanlong , Song Zunyang , Chen Weixin , Li Xueping , Zhu Xiaoyang
Published: July 2021

As an inhibitor of ethylene receptors, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can delay the ripening of papaya. However, improper 1-MCP treatment will cause a rubbery texture in papaya. Understanding of the underlying mechanism is still lacking. In the present work, a comparative sRNA analysis was conducted after different 1-MCP treatments and identified a total of 213 miRNAs, of which 44 were known miRNAs and 169 were novel miRNAs in papaya. Comprehensive functional enrichment analysis indicated that plant hormone signal pathways play an important role in fruit ripening. Through the comparative analysis of sRNAs and transcriptome sequencing, a total of 11 miRNAs and 12 target genes were associated with the ethylene and auxin signaling pathways. A total of 1741 target genes of miRNAs were identified by degradome sequencing, and nine miRNAs and eight miRNAs were differentially expressed under the ethylene and auxin signaling pathways, respectively. The network regulation diagram of miRNAs and target genes during fruit ripening was drawn. The expression of 11 miRNAs and 12 target genes was verified by RT-qPCR. The target gene verification showed that cpa-miR390a and cpa-miR396 target CpARF19-like and CpERF RAP2-12-like, respectively, affecting the ethylene and auxin signaling pathways and, therefore, papaya ripening.
The Role of Yeasts as Biocontrol Agents for Pathogenic Fungi on Postharvest Grapes: A Review
Authors: Di Canito Alessandra , Mateo-Vargas María Alejandra , Mazzieri Monica , Cantoral Jesús , Foschino Roberto , Cordero-Bueso Gustavo , Vigentini Ileana
Published: July 2021

In view of the growing concern about the impact of synthetic fungicides on human health and the environment, several government bodies have decided to ban them. As a result, a great number of studies have been carried out in recent decades with the aim of finding a biological alternative to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens. In order to avoid the large losses of fruit and vegetables that these pathogens cause every year, the biological alternative’s efficacy should be the same as that of a chemical pesticide. In this review, the main studies discussed concern Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts as potential antagonists against phytopathogenic fungi of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus and the species Botrytis cinerea on table grapes, wine grapes, and raisins.
Rapid Screening of 350 Pesticide Residues in Vegetable and Fruit Juices by Multi-Plug Filtration Cleanup Method Combined with Gas Chromatography-Electrostatic Field Orbitrap High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Meng Zhijuan , Li Qiang , Cong Jianhan , Huang Yunxia , Wang Dong , Pan Canping , Fan Sufang , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2021

A new method for screening pesticide residues in vegetable and fruit juices by the multi-plug filtration cleanup (m-PFC) method combined with gas chromatography-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(GC-Orbitrap/MS) was developed. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, purified with m-PFC and determined by GC-Orbitrap/MS. Qualitative analysis was confirmed by retention time, accurate molecular mass and quantitative analysis were performed with the matrix standard calibration. It could eliminate matrix interference effectively. Eight kinds of typical samples (orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, strawberry juice, celery juice, carrot juice, cucumber juice, tomato juice) were evaluated. The linear ranges of the 350 pesticides were from 5 to 500 μg/kg, with good correlation coefficients greater than 0.990. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.3–3.0 μg/kg and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were 1.0–10.0 μg/kg. The average recoveries at three spiked levels of 10, 100, 200 μg/kg were in the range of 72.8–122.4%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.0–10.8%. The method has effectively improved the determination efficiency of pesticide residue screening by high-resolution mass spectrometry in vegetable and fruit juices.
Preparation and Evaluation of Virgin Olive Oil Oleogels Including Thyme and Cumin Spices with Sunflower Wax
Authors: Yilmaz Emin , Demirci Şahin
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to prepare and evaluate virgin olive oil (VOO) oleogels enriched with thyme and cumin spices with sunflower wax (SW) organogelator. Common physico-chemical, structural, thermal, and rheological analyses were completed. Furthermore, aromatic volatiles composition, sensory descriptive analysis, and consumer tests were provided. Results indicated that spice addition does not interfere with gel formation, stability, and gelation time. The oleogels’ color values were affected by the color of the VOO and the spices. The free fatty acidity and peroxide values were within the acceptable limits for virgin olive oils. There were β’ crystal polymorphs, and melting peak temperatures were around 62 °C. Rheological analyses proved that the oleogels were fairly stable under moderate frequencies, maintained their gelled state until around 52 °C, and recovered their shear induced structural loss after force cessation. There were 22 aromatic volatiles quantified in the samples, which originated from the VOO and spices used as ingredients. A trained panel defined the samples using 13 sensory descriptors. Consumer tests proved that the new oleogels were liked by consumers. Overall, this study provided information and the possibility of spice-enriched and spreadable VOO oleogels to enhance per capita consumption of olive oils with new consumption habits.
Mechanical Changes of the Lumbar Intervertebral Space and Lordotic Angle Caused by Posterior-to-Anterior Traction Using a Spinal Thermal Massage Device in Healthy People
Authors: Yoon Yong-Soon , Lee Jong-Hoo , Lee Mihyun , Kim Ka-Eun , Jang Hong-Young , Lee Kyu-Jae , Bajgai Johny , Kim Cheol-Su , Cho Il-Young
Published: July 2021

Background: The axial (horizontal) traction approach has been traditionally used for treatment of low back pain-related spinal disorders such as nuclear protrusion, primary posterolateral root pain, and lower thoracic disc herniation; however, it is known to have some technical limitations due to reductions of the spinal curve. Lumbar lordosis plays a pivotal function in maintaining sagittal balance. Recently, vertical traction and combination traction have been attracting attention due to improving therapeutic outcomes, although evidence of their clinical application is rare; therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the mechanical changes of lumbar intervertebral space, lordotic angle, and the central spinal canal area through vertical traction treatment using a spinal massage device in healthy participants. Methods: In total, 10 healthy subjects with no musculoskeletal disorders and no physical activity restrictions participated. The participants lay on the experimental device (CGM MB-1901) in supine extended posture and vertical traction force was applied in a posterior-to-anterior direction on the L3–4 and L4–5 lumbar sections at level 1 (baseline) and level 9 (traction mode). Magnetic resonance (MR) images were recorded directly under traction mode using the MRI scanner. The height values of the intervertebral space (anterior, center, and posterior parts) and lordosis angle of the L3–4 and L4–5 sections were measured using Image J software and the central spinal canal area (L4–5) was observed through superimposition method using the MR images. All measurement and image analyses were conducted by 2 experienced radiologists under a single-blinded method. Results: The average height values of the intervertebral space under traction mode were significantly increased in both L3–4 and L4–5 sections compared to baseline, particularly in the anterior and central parts but not in the posterior part. Cobb’s angle also showed significant increases in both L3–4 and L4–5 sections compared to baseline (p < 0.001). The central spinal canal area showed a slightly expanded feature in traction mode. Conclusions: In this pilot experiment, posterior-to-anterior vertical traction on L3–4 and L4–5 sections using a spinal massage device caused positive and significant changes based on increases of the intervertebral space height, lumbar lordosis angle, and central spinal canal area compared to the baseline condition. Our results are expected to be useful as underlying data for the clinical application of vertical traction.
Implementation of the Multidisciplinary Guideline on Chronic Pain in Vulnerable Nursing Home Residents to Improve Recognition and Treatment: A Qualitative Process Evaluation
Authors: Akker Lizanne E. van den , Waal Margot W. M. de , Geels Paul J. E. M. , Poot Else , Achterberg Wilco P.
Published: July 2021

The recognition and treatment of pain in nursing home residents presents challenges best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach. This approach is also recommended in the applicable Dutch guideline; however, translating guidelines into practical strategies is often difficult in nursing homes. Nevertheless, a better understanding of guideline implementation is key to improving the quality of care. Here we describe and qualitatively evaluate the implementation process of the multidisciplinary guideline ‘Recognition and treatment of chronic pain in vulnerable elderly’ in a Dutch nursing home. The researchers used interviews and document analyses to study the nursing home’s implementation of the guideline. The project team of the nursing home first filled out an implementation matrix to formulate goals based on preferred knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors for the defined target groups. Together with experts and organizations, pharmacotherapy audit meetings were organized, an expert pain team was appointed, a policy document and policy flowchart were prepared, and ‘anchor personnel’ were assigned to disseminate knowledge amongst professionals. Implementation was partially successful and resulted in a functioning pain team, a pain policy, the selection of preferred measurement instruments, and pain becoming a fixed topic during multidisciplinary meetings. Nevertheless, relatively few professionals were aware of the implementation process.
Candidate Gene, SmCPR1, Encoding CPR1 Related to Plant Height of the Eggplant Dwarf Mutant dwf
Authors: Lu Yang , Luo Shuangxia , Li Na , Li Qiang , Du Wenchao , Zhang Weiwei , Yu Ping , Xuan Shuxin , Wang Yanhua , Zhao Jianjun , Chen Xueping , Shen Shuxing
Published: July 2021

Eggplant is a vegetable crop with high economic value that is cultivated worldwide. The dwarf mutant is an important germplasm material that has been extensively used in crop breeding. However, no eggplant dwarf mutants have been reported, and little is known regarding the genes responsible for dwarfism in eggplant. In this study, we isolated an eggplant dwarf mutant (dwf) from an ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS)-induced mutant library. Genetic analysis revealed that dwf was caused by a single recessive gene. A candidate gene SmCPR1, encoding cytochrome P450 reductases (CPR1), was identified by bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Mutation from G to A at 8216 bp of SmCPR1 resulted in mutation of the amino acid from valine to isoleucine. The results of KASP and Sanger sequencing further support the conclusion that SmCPR1 is a candidate gene responsible for the dwarfism of dwf. Moreover, the activity of SmCPR1 was significantly increased in dwf, which might be a response to dwarfism in dwf.
Exogenous Treatments to Enhance Splice-Grafted Watermelon Survival
Authors: Devi Pinki , DeVetter Lisa Wasko , Lukas Scott , Miles Carol
Published: July 2021

This study evaluated the use of splice grafting as a propagation strategy for watermelon. In experiment 1, the treatments consisted of sucrose, antitranspirant A, antitranspirant B, auxin (indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)) at two concentrations (10 and 20 mg·L−1), plus a water control. The survival (%) of splice-grafted watermelon plants differed due to the number of days after grafting and treatment (p < 0.0001, for both). At 21 days after grafting, plants treated with sucrose and antitranspirant A, and sucrose and antitranspirant A with 10 mg·L−1 auxin had 90% and 88% survival, respectively, whereas the graft survival was 18% for plants treated with water. Experiment 2 included the three top performing treatments from experiment 1 and a water control treatment, applied to both root-intact and root-excised rootstocks. There was a significant difference in survival (%) of splice-grafted watermelon due to root treatments, exogenous treatments, and the number of days after grafting (p < 0.0001, for all). At 21 days after grafting, survival for root-excised grafted plants was 11% lower compared to root-intact plants. Plants treated with sucrose and antitranspirant A, and sucrose and antitranspirant A with 10 mg·L−1 auxin had 87% and 86% survival, respectively, whereas plants treated with water had 14% survival. The external application of auxin applied to rootstock seedlings does not appear to be cost-effective; however, other products should be evaluated.
Trends, Diagnoses, and Hospitalization Costs of Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States of America
Authors: Wojciak Armeda Stevenson , Butcher Brandon , Conrad Aislinn , Coohey Carol , Oral Resmiye , Peek-Asa Corinne
Published: July 2021

We conducted a secondary analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to examine child abuse and neglect hospitalization from 1998–2016. The NIS is the largest all-payer, inpatient care database in the United States and is maintained by the Health Care Utilization Project. Participants were youth 18 years and younger with discharged diagnoses of child abuse and neglect from hospitals. The rate of child abuse or neglect hospitalizations did not vary significantly over the study period (1998–2016), which on average was 6.9 per 100,000 children annually. Males (53.0%), infants (age < 1; 47.3%), and young children (age 1–3; 24.2%) comprised most of the child maltreatment cases. Physical abuse was the most frequent type of maltreatment leading to hospitalization. Government insurance was the most common payer source, accounting for 77.3% of all child maltreatment hospitalizations and costing 1.4 billion dollars from 2001–2016. Hospitalizations due to child abuse and neglect remain steady and are costly, averaging over $116 million per year. The burden on government sources suggests a high potential for return on investment in effective child abuse prevention strategies.
A3T-GCN: Attention Temporal Graph Convolutional Network for Traffic Forecasting
Authors: Bai Jiandong , Zhu Jiawei , Song Yujiao , Zhao Ling , Hou Zhixiang , Du Ronghua , Li Haifeng
Published: July 2021

Accurate real-time traffic forecasting is a core technological problem against the implementation of the intelligent transportation system. However, it remains challenging considering the complex spatial and temporal dependencies among traffic flows. In the spatial dimension, due to the connectivity of the road network, the traffic flows between linked roads are closely related. In the temporal dimension, although there exists a tendency among adjacent time points, the importance of distant time points is not necessarily less than that of recent ones, since traffic flows are also affected by external factors. In this study, an attention temporal graph convolutional network (A3T-GCN) was proposed to simultaneously capture global temporal dynamics and spatial correlations in traffic flows. The A3T-GCN model learns the short-term trend by using the gated recurrent units and learns the spatial dependence based on the topology of the road network through the graph convolutional network. Moreover, the attention mechanism was introduced to adjust the importance of different time points and assemble global temporal information to improve prediction accuracy. Experimental results in real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed A3T-GCN. We observe the improvements in RMSE of 2.51–46.15% and 2.45–49.32% over baselines for the SZ-taxi and Los-loop, respectively. Meanwhile, the Accuracies are 0.95–89.91% and 0.26–10.37% higher than the baselines for the SZ-taxi and Los-loop, respectively.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Esters of Hydroxy Fatty Acid Is a Novel Activator of NRF2
Authors: B. Gowda Siddabasave Gowda , Tsukui Takayuki , Fuda Hirotoshi , Minami Yusuke , Gowda Divyavani , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping
Published: July 2021

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are a new class of endogenous lipids with interesting physiological functions in mammals. Despite their structural diversity and links with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) biosynthesis, FAHFAs are less explored as NRF2 activators. Herein, we examined for the first time the synthetic docosahexaenoic acid esters of 12-hydroxy stearic acid (12-DHAHSA) or oleic acid (12-DHAHOA) against NRF2 activation in cultured human hepatoma-derived cells (C3A). The effect of DHA-derived FAHFAs on lipid metabolism was explored by the nontargeted lipidomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, their action on lipid droplet (LD) oxidation was investigated by the fluorescence imaging technique. The DHA-derived FAHFAs showed less cytotoxicity compared to their native fatty acids and activated the NRF2 in a dose-dependent pattern. Treatment of 12-DHAHOA with C3A cells upregulated the cellular triacylglycerol levels by 17-fold compared to the untreated group. Fluorescence imaging analysis also revealed the suppression of the degree of LDs oxidation upon treatment with 12-DHAHSA. Overall, these results suggest that DHA-derived FAHFAs as novel and potent activators of NRF2 with plausible antioxidant function.
Telomere Distribution in Human Sperm Heads and Its Relation to Sperm Nuclear Morphology: A New Marker for Male Factor Infertility?
Authors: Turner Kara J. , Watson Eleanor M. , Skinner Benjamin M. , Griffin Darren K.
Published: July 2021

Infertility is a problem affecting an increasing number of couples worldwide. Currently, marker tests for male factor infertility are complex, highly technical and relatively subjective. Up to 40% of cases of male factor infertility are currently diagnosed as idiopathic therefore, there is a clear need for further research into better ways of diagnosing it. Changes in sperm telomere length have been associated with infertility and closely linked to DNA damage and fragmentation, which are also known to be related to infertility. However, telomere distribution is a parameter thus far underexplored as an infertility marker. Here, we assessed morphological parameters of sperm nuclei in fertile control and male factor infertile cohorts. In addition, we used 2D and 3D fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to compare telomere distribution between these two groups. Our findings indicate that the infertile cohort sperm nuclei were, on average, 2.9% larger in area and showed subtle differences in sperm head height and width. Telomeres were mainly distributed towards the periphery of the nuclei in the control cohort, with diminishing telomere signals towards the center of the nuclei. Sperm nuclei of infertile males, however, had more telomere signals towards the center of the nuclei, a finding supported by 3D imaging. We conclude that, with further development, both morphology and telomere distribution may prove useful investigative tools in the fertility clinic.
ERα36–GPER1 Collaboration Inhibits TLR4/NFκB-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Activity in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Notas George , Panagiotopoulos Athanasios , Vamvoukaki Rodanthi , Kalyvianaki Konstantina , Kiagiadaki Foteini , Deli Alexandra , Kampa Marilena , Castanas Elias
Published: July 2021

Inflammation is important for the initiation and progression of breast cancer. We have previously reported that in monocytes, estrogen regulates TLR4/NFκB-mediated inflammation via the interaction of the Erα isoform ERα36 with GPER1. We therefore investigated whether a similar mechanism is present in breast cancer epithelial cells, and the effect of ERα36 expression on the classic 66 kD ERα isoform (ERα66) functions. We report that estrogen inhibits LPS-induced NFκB activity and the expression of downstream molecules TNFα and IL-6. In the absence of ERα66, ERα36 and GPER1 are both indispensable for this effect. In the presence of ERα66, ERα36 or GPER1 knock-down partially inhibits NFκB-mediated inflammation. In both cases, ERα36 overexpression enhances the inhibitory effect of estrogen on inflammation. We also verify that ERα36 and GPER1 physically interact, especially after LPS treatment, and that GPER1 interacts directly with NFκB. When both ERα66 and ERα36 are expressed, the latter acts as an inhibitor of ERα66 via its binding to estrogen response elements. We also report that the activation of ERα36 leads to the inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation. Our data support that ERα36 is an inhibitory estrogen receptor that, in collaboration with GPER1, inhibits NFκB-mediated inflammation and ERα66 actions in breast cancer cells.
Antitumor Activity of Fucus vesiculosus-Derived Phlorotannins through Activation of Apoptotic Signals in Gastric and Colorectal Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Catarino Marcelo D. , Fernandes Iva , Oliveira Hélder , Carrascal Mylene , Ferreira Rita , Silva Artur M. S. , Cruz Maria Teresa , Mateus Nuno , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: July 2021

Seaweeds are one of the largest producers of biomass in the marine environment and a source of multiple bioactive metabolites with valuable health benefits. Among these, phlorotannins have been widely recognized for their promising bioactive properties. The potential antitumor capacity of Fucus vesiculosus-derived phlorotannins remains, however, poorly explored, especially in gastrointestinal tract-related tumors. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic properties and possible mechanisms by which F. vesiculosus crude extract (CRD), phlorotannin-rich extract (EtOAc), and further phlorotannin-purified fractions (F1–F9) trigger cell death on different tumor cell lines of the gastrointestinal tract, using flow cytometry. The results indicate that F. vesiculosus samples exert specific cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines without affecting the viability of normal cells. Moreover, it was found that, among the nine different phlorotannin fractions tested, F5 was the most active against both Caco-2 colorectal and MKN-28 gastric cancer cells, inducing death via activation of both apoptosis and necrosis. The UHPLC-MS analysis of this fraction revealed, among others, the presence of a compound tentatively identified as eckstolonol and another as fucofurodiphlorethol, which could be mainly responsible for the promising cytotoxic effects observed in this sample. Overall, the results herein reported contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the antitumor properties of F. vesiculosus phlorotannin-rich extracts.
Linking Fibrotic Remodeling and Ultrastructural Alterations of Alveolar Epithelial Cells after Deletion of Nedd4-2
Authors: Engelmann Theresa A. , Knudsen Lars , Leitz Dominik H. W. , Duerr Julia , Beers Michael F. , Mall Marcus A. , Ochs Matthias
Published: July 2021

Our previous study showed that in adult mice, conditional Nedd4-2-deficiency in club and alveolar epithelial type II (AE2) cells results in impaired mucociliary clearance, accumulation of Muc5b and progressive, terminal pulmonary fibrosis within 16 weeks. In the present study, we investigated ultrastructural alterations of the alveolar epithelium in relation to interstitial remodeling in alveolar septa as a function of disease progression. Two, eight and twelve weeks after induction of Nedd4-2 knockout, lungs were fixed and subjected to design-based stereological investigation at the light and electron microscopic level. Quantitative data did not show any abnormalities until 8 weeks compared to controls. At 12 weeks, however, volume of septal wall tissue increased while volume of acinar airspace and alveolar surface area significantly decreased. Volume and surface area of alveolar epithelial type I cells were reduced, which could not be compensated by a corresponding increase of AE2 cells. The volume of collagen fibrils in septal walls increased and was linked with an increase in blood–gas barrier thickness. A high correlation between parameters reflecting interstitial remodeling and abnormal AE2 cell ultrastructure could be established. Taken together, abnormal regeneration of the alveolar epithelium is correlated with interstitial septal wall remodeling.
Modulation of Phosphate Deficiency-Induced Metabolic Changes by Iron Availability in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chutia Ranju , Scharfenberg Sarah , Neumann Steffen , Abel Steffen , Ziegler Jörg
Published: July 2021

Concurrent suboptimal supply of several nutrients requires the coordination of nutrient-specific transcriptional, phenotypic, and metabolic changes in plants in order to optimize growth and development in most agricultural and natural ecosystems. Phosphate (Pi) and iron (Fe) deficiency induce overlapping but mostly opposing transcriptional and root growth responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. On the metabolite level, Pi deficiency negatively modulates Fe deficiency-induced coumarin accumulation, which is controlled by Fe as well as Pi deficiency response regulators. Here, we report the impact of Fe availability on seedling growth under Pi limiting conditions and on Pi deficiency-induced accumulation of amino acids and organic acids, which play important roles in Pi use efficiency. Fe deficiency in Pi replete conditions hardly changed growth and metabolite profiles in roots and shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana, but partially rescued growth under conditions of Pi starvation and severely modulated Pi deficiency-induced metabolic adjustments. Analysis of T-DNA insertion lines revealed the concerted coordination of metabolic profiles by regulators of Fe (FIT, bHLH104, BRUTUS, PYE) as well as of Pi (SPX1, PHR1, PHL1, bHLH32) starvation responses. The results show the interdependency of Pi and Fe availability and the interplay between Pi and Fe starvation signaling on the generation of plant metabolite profiles.
Preparation of Silk Fibroin/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogel under Low Voltage as a Wound Dressing
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Zhang Xiaoning , Liang Jianwei , Ji Yansong , Zhou Yuqing , Fang Hao
Published: July 2021

At present, silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel can be prepared by means of electrodeposition at 25 V in direct current (DC) mode. Reducing the applied voltage would provide benefits, including lower fabrication costs, less risk of high voltage shocks, and better stability of devices. Here, a simple but uncommon strategy for SF-based hydrogel preparation using 4 V in DC mode is discussed. SF was mixed and cross-linked with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through hydrogen bonding, then co-deposited on the graphite electrode. The thickness, mass, and shape of the SF/CMCS hydrogel were easily controlled by adjusting the electrodeposition parameters. Morphological characterization of the prepared hydrogel via SEM revealed a porous network within the fabricated hydrogel. This structure was due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding between SF and CMCS, according to the results of thermogravimetric analysis and rheological measurements. As a potential wound dressing, SF/CMCS hydrogel maintained a suitable moisture environment for wound healing and demonstrated distinct properties in terms of promoting the proliferation of HEK-293 cells and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, histological studies were conducted on a full-thickness skin wound in rats covered with the SF/CMCS hydrogel, with results indicating that this hydrogel can promote wound re-epithelization and enhance granulation tissue formation. These results illustrate the feasibility of using the developed strategy for SF-based hydrogel fabrication in practice for wound dressing.
Knockout of NPFFR2 Prevents LPS-Induced Depressive-Like Responses in Mice
Authors: Yu Zachary , Lin Ya-Tin , Chen Jin-Chung
Published: July 2021

The precise neural mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of depression are largely unknown, though stress-induced brain inflammation and serotonergic plasticity are thought to be centrally involved. Moreover, we previously demonstrated that neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2) overexpression provokes depressive-like behaviors in mice. Here, we assess whether NPFFR2 is involved in priming of depressive-like behaviors and downregulation of serotonergic 1A receptor (5HT1AR) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. The forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were used to quantify depressive-like phenotypes in wild-type (WT) and NPFFR2-knockout (KO) mice. A single dose of LPS (i.p. 1 mg/kg) readily caused increases in toll-like receptor 4 and tumor necrosis factor-α along with decreases in 5-HT1AR mRNA in the ventral hippocampus of WT mice. Furthermore, LPS treatment of WT mice increased immobility time in FST and decreased sucrose preference in SPT. In contrast, none of these effects were observed in NPFFR2-KO mice. While WT mice injected with lentiviral 5-HT1AR shRNA in the ventral hippocampus displayed an unaltered response after LPS challenge, LPS-challenged NPFFR2-KO mice displayed a profound decrease in sucrose preference when pretreated with 5-HT1AR shRNA. Taken together, these results suggest that NPFFR2 modulates LPS-induced depressive-like behavioral phenotypes by downregulating 5HT1AR in the ventral hippocampus.
Chromatin Profiling Techniques: Exploring the Chromatin Environment and Its Contributions to Complex Traits
Authors: Chawla Anjali , Nagy Corina , Turecki Gustavo
Published: July 2021

The genetic architecture of complex traits is multifactorial. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified risk loci for complex traits and diseases that are disproportionately located at the non-coding regions of the genome. On the other hand, we have just begun to understand the regulatory roles of the non-coding genome, making it challenging to precisely interpret the functions of non-coding variants associated with complex diseases. Additionally, the epigenome plays an active role in mediating cellular responses to fluctuations of sensory or environmental stimuli. However, it remains unclear how exactly non-coding elements associate with epigenetic modifications to regulate gene expression changes and mediate phenotypic outcomes. Therefore, finer interrogations of the human epigenomic landscape in associating with non-coding variants are warranted. Recently, chromatin-profiling techniques have vastly improved our understanding of the numerous functions mediated by the epigenome and DNA structure. Here, we review various chromatin-profiling techniques, such as assays of chromatin accessibility, nucleosome distribution, histone modifications, and chromatin topology, and discuss their applications in unraveling the brain epigenome and etiology of complex traits at tissue homogenate and single-cell resolution. These techniques have elucidated compositional and structural organizing principles of the chromatin environment. Taken together, we believe that high-resolution epigenomic and DNA structure profiling will be one of the best ways to elucidate how non-coding genetic variations impact complex diseases, ultimately allowing us to pinpoint cell-type targets with therapeutic potential.