bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microkinetic Modeling of the Oxidation of Methane Over PdO Catalysts—Towards a Better Understanding of the Water Inhibition Effect
Authors: Keller Kevin , Lott Patrick , Stotz Henning , Maier Lubow , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: August 2020

Water, which is an intrinsic part of the exhaust gas of combustion engines, strongly inhibits the methane oxidation reaction over palladium oxide-based catalysts under lean conditions and leads to severe catalyst deactivation. In this combined experimental and modeling work, we approach this challenge with kinetic measurements in flow reactors and a microkinetic model, respectively. We propose a mechanism that takes the instantaneous impact of water on the noble metal particles into account. The dual site microkinetic model is based on the mean-field approximation and consists of 39 reversible surface reactions among 23 surface species, 15 related to Pd-sites, and eight associated with the oxide. A variable number of available catalytically active sites is used to describe light-off activity tests as well as spatially resolved concentration profiles. The total oxidation of methane is studied at atmospheric pressure, with space velocities of 160,000 h−1 in the temperature range of 500–800 K for mixtures of methane in the presence of excess oxygen and up to 15% water, which are typical conditions occurring in the exhaust of lean-operated natural gas engines. The new approach presented is also of interest for modeling catalytic reactors showing a dynamic behavior of the catalytically active particles in general.
Reducing Immunoreactivity of Gliadins and Coeliac-Toxic Peptides Using Peptidases from L. acidophilus 5e2 and A. niger
Authors: Brzozowski Bartosz , Stasiewicz Katarzyna , Ostolski Mateusz , Adamczak Marek
Published: August 2020

Wheat storage proteins and products of their hydrolysis may cause coeliac sprue in genetically predisposed individuals with high expression of main histocompatibility complex HLA-DQ2 or DQ8, since by consuming wheat, they become exposed to proline- (P) and glutamine (Q)-rich gluten. In bread-making, the hydrolysis of gliadins and coeliac-toxic peptides occurs with varied efficiency depending on the fermentation pH and temperature. Degradation of gliadins catalysed by Lactobacillus acidophilus 5e2 peptidases and a commercial prolyl endopeptidase synthesised by A. niger, carried out at pH 4.0 and 37 °C, reduces the gliadin concentration over 110-fold and decreases the relative immunoreactivity of the hydrolysate to 0.9% of its initial value. Hydrolysis of coeliac-toxic peptides: LGQQQPFPPQQPY (P1) and PQPQLPYPQPQLP (P2) under the same conditions occurs with the highest efficiency, reaching 99.8 ± 0.0% and 97.5 ± 0.1%, respectively. The relative immunoreactivity of peptides P1 and P2 was 0.8 ± 0.0% and 3.2 ± 0.0%, respectively. A mixture of peptidases from L. acidophilus 5e2 and A. niger may be used in wheat sourdough fermentation to reduce the time needed for degradation of proteins and products of their hydrolysis.
Exogenous Flupirtine as Potential Treatment for CLN3 Disease
Authors: Maalouf Katia , Makoukji Joelle , Saab Sara , Makhoul Nadine J. , Carmona Angelica V. , Kinarivala Nihar , Ghanem Noël , Trippier Paul C. , Boustany Rose-Mary
Published: August 2020

CLN3 disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting children. Hallmarks include brain atrophy, accelerated neuronal apoptosis, and ceramide elevation. Treatment regimens are supportive, highlighting the importance of novel, disease-modifying drugs. Flupirtine and its new allyl carbamate derivative (compound 6) confer neuroprotective effects in CLN3-deficient cells. This study lays the groundwork for investigating beneficial effects in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. WT/Cln3Δex7/8 mice received flupirtine/compound 6/vehicle for 14 weeks. Short-term effect of flupirtine or compound 6 was tested using a battery of behavioral testing. For flupirtine, gene expression profiles, astrogliosis, and neuronal cell counts were determined. Flupirtine improved neurobehavioral parameters in open field, pole climbing, and Morris water maze tests in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Several anti-apoptotic markers and ceramide synthesis/degradation enzymes expression was dysregulated in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Flupirtine reduced astrogliosis in hippocampus and motor cortex of male and female Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Flupirtine increased neuronal cell counts in male mice. The newly synthesized compound 6 showed promising results in open field and pole climbing. In conclusion, flupirtine improved behavioral, neuropathological and biochemical parameters in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, paving the way for potential therapies for CLN3 disease.
Small Molecule Inhibitors in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Beyond: Latest Updates and Potential Strategy for Fighting COVID-19
Authors: Massalska Magdalena , Maslinski Wlodzimierz , Ciechomska Marzena
Published: August 2020

The development of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and target synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs), also known as small molecule inhibitors, represent a breakthrough in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. The tsDMARDs are a large family of small molecules targeting mostly the several types of kinases, which are essential in downstream signaling of pro-inflammatory molecules. This review highlights current challenges associated with the treatment of RA using small molecule inhibitors targeting intracellular JAKs/MAPKs/NF-κB/SYK-BTK signaling pathways. Indeed, we have provided the latest update on development of small molecule inhibitors, their clinical efficacy and safety as a strategy for RA treatment. On the other hand, we have highlighted the risk and adverse effects of tsDMARDs administration including, among others, infections and thromboembolism. Therefore, performance of blood tests or viral infection screening should be recommended before the tsDMARDs administration. Interestingly, recent events of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak have demonstrated the potential use of small molecule inhibitors not only in RA treatment, but also in fighting COVID-19 via blocking the viral entry, preventing of hyperimmune activation and reducing cytokine storm. Thus, small molecule inhibitors, targeting wide range of pro-inflammatory singling pathways, may find wider implications not only for the management of RA but also in the controlling of COVID-19.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Strategies for Accelerating Translation of LRRK2 into Therapies for Parkinson Disease
Authors: Padmanabhan Shalini , Fiske Brian K. , Baptista Marco A.S.
Published: August 2020

Since 2005, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has invested significant funding and non-funding effort to accelerate research and drug development activity around the Parkinson disease (PD)-associated protein LRRK2. MJFF has spearheaded multiple public/private pre-competitive collaborations that have contributed to our understanding of LRRK2 function; de-risked potential safety questions around the therapeutic use of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors; and generated critical research tools, biosamples, and data for the field. Several LRRK2-targeted therapies are now in human testing due to the hard work of so many in the PD community. In this perspective, we present a holistic description and model of how our Foundation’s support targeted important barriers to LRRK2 research and helped move the field into clinical trials.
Structural and Mechanical Aberrations of the Nuclear Lamina in Disease
Authors: Stiekema Merel , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. , Ramaekers Frans C. S. , Broers Jos L. V.
Published: August 2020

The nuclear lamins are the major components of the nuclear lamina in the nuclear envelope. Lamins are involved in numerous functions, including a role in providing structural support to the cell and the mechanosensing of the cell. Mutations in the genes encoding for lamins lead to the rare diseases termed laminopathies. However, not only laminopathies show alterations in the nuclear lamina. Deregulation of lamin expression is reported in multiple cancers and several viral infections lead to a disrupted nuclear lamina. The structural and mechanical effects of alterations in the nuclear lamina can partly explain the phenotypes seen in disease, such as muscular weakness in certain laminopathies and transmigration of cancer cells. However, a lot of answers to questions about the relation between changes in the nuclear lamina and disease development remain elusive. Here, we review the current understandings of the contribution of the nuclear lamina in the structural support and mechanosensing of healthy and diseased cells.
Ischemic Stroke Risk Associated with Mitochondrial Haplogroup F in the Asian Population
Authors: Tsai Meng-Han , Kuo Chung-Wen , Lin Tsu-Kung , Ho Chen-Jui , Wang Pei-Wen , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Liou Chia-Wei
Published: August 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the primary risk factor for ischemic stroke. This study aims to explore the role of mitochondrial genomic variations in ischemic stroke, and to uncover the nuclear genes involved in this relationship. Eight hundred and thirty Taiwanese patients with a history of ischemic stroke and 966 normal controls were genotyped for their mitochondrial haplogroup (Mthapg). Cytoplasmic hybrid cells (cybrids) harboring different Mthapgs were used to observe functional differences under hypoxia-ischemia. RNA sequencing (RNASeq) was conducted to identify the particularly elevated mRNA. The patient study identified an association between Mthapg F1 and risk of ischemic stroke (OR 1.72:1.27–2.34, p = 0.001). The cellular study further demonstrated an impeded induction of hypoxic inducible factor 1α in the Mthapg F1 cybrid after hypoxia-ischemia. Additionally, the study demonstrated that Mthapg F cybrids were associated with an altered mitochondrial function, including decreased oxygen consumption, higher mitochondrial ROS production, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential. Mthapg F cybrids were also noted to be prone to inflammation, with increased expression of several inflammatory cytokines and elevated matrix metalloproteinase 9. The RNASeq identified significantly elevated expressions of angiopoietin-like 4 in Mthapg F1 cybrids after hypoxia-ischemia. Our study demonstrates an association between Mthapg F and susceptibility to ischemic stroke.
Electrical Characteristics of Bulk FinFET According to Spacer Length
Authors: Park Jinsu , Kim Jaemin , Showdhury Sanchari , Shin Changhwan , Rhee Hwasung , Yeo Myung Soo , Cho Eun-Chel , Yi Junsin
Published: August 2020

This paper confirms that the electrical characteristics of FinFETs such as the on/off ratio, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and sub-threshold slope (SS) can be improved by optimizing the FinFET spacer structure. An operating voltage that can maintain a life of 10 years or more when hot-carrier injection is extracted. An excellent on/off ratio (7.73×107) and the best SS value were found at 64.29 mV/dec with a spacer length of 90 nm. Under hot carrier-injection conditions, the supply voltages that meet the 10-year lifetime condition are 1.11 V, 1.18 V, and 1.32 V for spacer lengths of 40 nm, 80 nm, and 120 nm, respectively. This experiment confirmed that, even at low drain voltages, the shorter is the spacer length, the greater is the deterioration. However, this increasing maximum operating voltage is very small when compared to the increase in the driving voltage required to achieve similar performance when the spacer length is increased; therefore, the effective life is expected to decrease. The results indicate that structural optimization must be performed to increase the driving current of the FinFET and prevent degradation of the analog performance.
Study of Adversarial Machine Learning with Infrared Examples for Surveillance Applications
Authors: Edwards DeMarcus , Rawat Danda B.
Published: August 2020

Adversarial examples are theorized to exist for every type of neural network application. Adversarial examples have been proven to exist in neural networks for visual-spectrum applications and that they are highly transferable between such neural network applications. In this paper, we study the existence of adversarial examples for Infrared neural networks that are applicable to military and surveillance applications. This paper specifically studies the effectiveness of adversarial attacks against neural networks trained on simulated Infrared imagery and the effectiveness of adversarial training. Our research demonstrates the effectiveness of adversarial attacks on neural networks trained on Infrared imagery, something that hasn’t been shown in prior works. Our research shows that an increase in accuracy was shown in both adversarial and unperturbed Infrared images after adversarial training. Adversarial training optimized for the L∞ norm leads to an increase in performance against both adversarial and non-adversarial targets.
A Unified Spectrum Formulation for OFDM, FBMC, and F-OFDM
Authors: Yang Xianzhen , Yan Siyuan , Li Xiao , Li Fu
Published: August 2020

Although orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been standardized for 5G, filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC) and filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (F-OFDM) remain competitive as candidates for future generations of wireless technologies beyond 5G, due to their reduced spectrum leakage and thus enhanced spectrum efficiency. In this article, we developed a unified spectrum expression for OFDM, FBMC, and F-OFDM, which provides comparative insights into those techniques. A representative sideband quantification is included at the end of this article.
A Study on Precise Positioning for an Electric Vehicle Wireless Power Transfer System Using a Ferrite Antenna
Authors: Seong Jae Yong , Lee Sang-Sun
Published: August 2020

In the last decade, engineers from automotive manufacturers and charging infrastructure suppliers have widely studied the application of wireless power transfer (WPT) technology to electric vehicles. Since this time, engineers from automotive manufacturers have studied precise positioning methods suitable for WPT using methods such as mechanical, communication-based or video-based. However, due to high costs, electromagnetic interference and environmental factors, the experts of the SAE J2954 was focused on the WPT’s precise positioning method by ferrite antennas and low power excitation. In this study, we present how to use the ferrite antennas to find a central alignment point between the primary and secondary units within the alignment tolerance area that requires the minimum power transfer efficiency of the EV WPT system. First, we analyze the ferrite antenna already applied in the automotive and verifies whether it is suitable for the precise positioning of the WPT system for EV. We use modeling and simulation to show that it is necessary to calculate all induced loop voltages in the relationship between incident magnetic field signal strength and induced loop voltage because of the short distance between the transmitter and receiver of the ferrite antenna in WPT. In addition, we also suggest a sequence to find the fitting location of the ferrite antenna, the number of antennas used and the center alignment point. After the simulation is performed on the suggestions, component-level and vehicle-level tests were conducted to verify the validity of the simulation results. As a result, it is shown that a ferrite antenna is suitable as a method for the secondary device to find the center alignment point of the primary device.
Low Phase Noise and Wide-Range Class-C VCO Using Auto-Adaptive Bias Technique
Authors: Lee Jeong-Yun , Kim Gwang Sub , Ko Goo-Han , Oh Kwang-Il , Park Jae Gyeong , Baek Donghyun
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a new structure of 24-GHz class-C voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) using an auto-adaptive bias technique. The VCO in this paper uses a digitally controlled circuit to eliminate the possibility of start-up failure that a class-C structure can have and has low phase noise and a wide frequency range. To expand the frequency tuning range, a 3-bit cap-bank is used and a triple-coupled transformer is used as the core inductor. The proposed class-C VCO implements a 65-nm RF CMOS process. It has a phase noise performance of −105 dBc/Hz or less at 1-MHz offset frequency and the output frequency range is from 22.8 GHz to 27.3 GHz, which consumes 8.3–10.6 mW of power. The figure-of-merit with tuning range (FoMT) of this design reached 191.1 dBc/Hz.
Improving the Energy Balance of Hydrocarbon Production Using an Inclined Solid–Liquid Separator with a Wedge-Wire Screen and Easy Hydrocarbon Recovery from Botryococcus braunii
Authors: Furuhashi Kenichi , Hasegawa Fumio , Yamauchi Manabu , Kaizu Yutaka , Imou Kenji
Published: August 2020

The green colonial microalga Botryococcus braunii produces large amounts of hydrocarbons and has attracted attention as a potential source of biofuel. When this freshwater microalga is cultured in a brackish medium, the hydrocarbon recovery rate increases; furthermore, the colony size becomes large. In this study, the effects of such changes on the energy balance of harvesting and hydrocarbon recovery were studied via filtrate experiments on an inclined separator and extraction from a concentrated slurry. The inclined separator was effective for harvesting large-colony-forming algae. The water content on the wire screen of slit sizes larger than 150 µm was <80% and a separation rate of >85% could be achieved. The input energy of the harvesting using the brackish medium with this separator was ≈44% of that using the freshwater medium with vacuum filtration, while the input energy of the hydrocarbon recovery using the brackish medium was ≈88% of that using the freshwater medium with pre-heating before n-hexane extraction. Furthermore, the energy profit ratio of the process in the brackish medium was 2.92, which was ≈1.2 times higher than that in the freshwater medium. This study demonstrated that filtration techniques and hydrocarbon recovery from B. braunii with a low energy input through culture in a brackish medium are viable.
A Design Method for Magnetically Coupled Resonant Coils Considering Transmission Objectives and Dimension Constraints
Authors: Wang Jingang , Shen Chen , Zhao Pengcheng , Ou Shucheng , Xu Zhi , Zhang Ruiqiang , Song Zhiming
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a coil design method for the magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer (MCR-WPT) system. Based on the Biot–Savart law, the magnetic flux density at the observation point was derived, and the magnetic flux of the observation plane generated by the exciting coil was deduced to build the calculation model of power transfer efficiency (PTE) and power delivered to the load (PDL). The PTE and PDL curves via coil parameters could be fitted in minutes using numerical calculation. The coil was designed according to transmission objectives and dimension constraints. In addition, the calculated PTE and PDL were compared with those from finite element analysis to verify the credibility of the method. Finally, the actual curves of PTE and PDL were achieved, which showed a strong positive correlation with the corresponding curves from the calculation model. The relative average deviations of PDL curves were less than 6.11%. Meanwhile, coils designed with the numerical calculation could realize 309.80 W and 88.51%, which achieved the objectives under the constraints. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can realize a rapid and accurate coil design under constraints. It can also be applied to other coil structures or circuit topologies with strong universality.
Identification of a Natural Hybrid between Castanopsis sclerophylla and Castanopsis tibetana (Fagaceae) Based on Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Sequences
Authors: Zeng Xiaorong , Chen Risheng , Bian Yunxin , Qin Xinsheng , Zhang Zhuoxin , Sun Ye
Published: August 2020

Castanopsis × kuchugouzhui Huang et Y. T. Chang was recorded in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS) as a hybrid species on Yuelushan mountain, but it is treated as a hybrid between Castanopsis sclerophylla (Lindl.) Schott. and Castanopsis tibetana Hance in Flora of China. After a thorough investigation on Yuelushan mountain, we found a population of C. sclerophylla and one individual of C. × kuchugouzhui, but no living individual of C. tibetana. We collected C. × kuchugouzhui, and we sampled 42 individuals of C. sclerophylla from Yuelushan and Xiushui and 43 individuals of C. tibetana from Liangyeshan and Xiushui. We used chloroplast DNA sequences and 29 nuclear microsatellite markers to investigate if C. × kuchugouzhui is a natural hybrid between C. sclerophylla and C. tibetana. The chloroplast haplotype analysis showed that C. × kuchugouzhui shared haplotype H2 with C. sclerophylla on Yuelushan. The STRUCTURE analysis identified two distinct genetic pools that corresponded well to C. sclerophylla and C. tibetana, revealing the genetic admixture of C. × kuchugouzhui. Furthermore, the NewHybrids analysis suggested that C. × kuchugouzhui is an F2 hybrid between C. sclerophylla and C. tibetana. Our results confirm that C. × kuchugouzhui recorded in FRPS is a rare hybrid between C. sclerophylla and C. tibetana.
Allometric Equations for Volume, Biomass, and Carbon in Commercial Stems Harvested in a Managed Forest in the Southwestern Amazon: A Case Study
Authors: Romero Flora Magdaline Benitez , Jacovine Laércio Antônio Gonçalves , Ribeiro Sabina Cerruto , Torres Carlos Moreira Miquelino Eleto , Silva Liniker Fernandes da , Gaspar Ricardo de Oliveira , Rocha Samuel José Silva Soares da , Staudhammer Christina Lynn , Fearnside Philip Martin
Published: August 2020

Forests in the southwestern Amazon are rich, diverse, and dense. The region is of high ecological importance, is crucial for conservation and management of natural resources, and contains substantial carbon and biodiversity stocks. Nevertheless, few studies have developed allometric equations for this part of the Amazon, which differs ecologically from the parts of Amazonia where most allometric studies have been done. To fill this gap, we developed allometric equations to estimate the volume, biomass, and carbon in commercial trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 50 cm in an area under forest management in the southeastern portion of Brazil’s state of Acre. We applied the Smalian formula to data collected from 223 felled trees in 20 species, and compared multiple linear and nonlinear models. The models used diameter (DBH) measured at 1.30 m height (d), length of the commercial stem (l), basic wood density (p), and carbon content (t), as independent variables. For each dependent variable (volume, biomass, or carbon) we compared models using multiple measures of goodness-of-fit, as well as graphically analyzing residuals. The best fit for estimating aboveground volume of individual stems using diameter (d) and length (l) as variables was obtained with the Spurr model (1952; logarithmic) (root mean square error (RMSE) = 1.637, R² = 0.833, mean absolute deviation (MAD) = 1.059). The best-fit equation for biomass, considering d, l, and p as the explanatory variables, was the Loetsch et al. (1973; logarithmic) model (RMSE = 1.047, R² = 0.855, MAD = 0.609). The best fit equation for carbon was the Loetsch et al. (1973; modified) model, using the explanatory variables d, l, p, and t (RMSE = 0.530, R² = 0.85, MAD = 0.304). Existing allometric equations applied to our study trees performed poorly. We showed that the use of linear and nonlinear allometric equations for volume, biomass, and carbon can reduce the errors and improve the estimation of these metrics for the harvested stems of commercial species in the southwestern Amazon.
A Simple Construction of a Thermodynamically Consistent Mathematical Model for Non-Isothermal Flows of Dilute Compressible Polymeric Fluids
Authors: Dostalík Mark , Málek Josef , Průša Vít , Süli Endre
Published: August 2020

We revisit some classical models for dilute polymeric fluids, and we show that thermodynamically consistent models for non-isothermal flows of these fluids can be derived in a very elementary manner. Our approach is based on the identification of energy storage mechanisms and entropy production mechanisms in the fluid of interest, which, in turn, leads to explicit formulae for the Cauchy stress tensor and for all of the fluxes involved. Having identified these mechanisms and derived the governing equations, we document the potential use of the thermodynamic basis of the model in a rudimentary stability analysis. In particular, we focus on finite amplitude (nonlinear) stability of a stationary spatially homogeneous state in a thermodynamically isolated system.
Rapid Analysis of Milk Using Low-Cost Pocket-Size NIR Spectrometers and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Riu Jordi , Gorla Giulia , Chakif Dib , Boqué Ricard , Giussani Barbara
Published: August 2020

The miniaturisation of analytical devices, reduction of analytical data acquisition time, or the reduction of waste generation throughout the analytical process are important requirements of modern analytical chemistry, and in particular of green analytical chemistry. Green analytical chemistry has fostered the development of a new generation of miniaturized near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) spectrometric systems. However, one of the drawbacks of these systems is the need for a compromise between the performance parameters (accuracy and sensitivity) and the aforementioned requirements of green analytical chemistry. In this paper, we evaluated the capabilities of two recently developed portable NIR instruments (SCiO and NeoSpectra) to achieve a rapid, simple and low-cost quantitative determination of commercial milk macronutrients. Commercial milk samples from Italy, Switzerland and Spain were chosen, covering the maximum range of variability in protein, carbohydrate and fat content, and multivariate calibration was used to correlate the recorded spectra with the macronutrient content of milk. Both SCiO and NeoSpectra can provide a fast and reliable analysis of fats in commercial milk, and they are able to correctly classify milk according to fat level. SCiO can also provide predictions of protein content and classification according to presence or absence of lactose.
Impact of Ohmic Heating and High Pressure Processing on Qualitative Attributes of Ohmic Treated Peach Cubes in Syrup
Authors: Rinaldi Massimiliano , Littardi Paola , Paciulli Maria , Ganino Tommaso , Cocconi Emanuela , Barbanti Davide , Rodolfi Margherita , Aldini Antonio , Chiavaro Emma
Published: August 2020

Stabilization of ohmic pretreated peach cubes (ohm) in syrup, representative of semifinished fruit products, was finalized by ohmic heating (OHM) and high pressure processing (HPP), proposed respectively as thermal and nonthermal pasteurization, in comparison to a conventional pasteurization treatment (DIM). The samples were then studied in terms of histological, physical (dimensional distribution, tenderometry, texture, viscosity of syrup and colour), chemical (total phenolic and ascorbic acid content), and sensorial (triangle test) properties. Severe modifications of the cell walls were observed in ohm-DIM and ohm-OHM samples, with swelling and electroporation, respectively. From chemical analyses, significant reduction of ascorbic acid and simultaneous increase of total phenolics content were observed for ohm-DIM and ohm-OHM, probably in relation to the cell wall damages. ohm-HPP showed the best preservation of the dimensional characteristics and hardness, followed by ohm-OHM and ohm-DIM. In addition, textural and colour parameters evidenced similar results, with ohm-HPP as the less different from ohm. Finally, the sensorial analysis confirmed ohm-HPP and ohm-OHM samples as the most similar to ohm as well as the most appreciated in terms of colour and consistency.
Critical Family History and Cultural Evolution: A Call for Interdisciplinary Research to Determine What Works to Replace Anger with Compassion for Social Justice
Authors: Sandoval Pamela A.
Published: August 2020

I use critical family history to investigate: (a) my British/Scot ancestors who engaged in slavery and have a history of oppressive treatment of indigenous peoples, and (b) my Acadian and Mi’kmaq indigenous origins. My family’s conflicting history is embedded in historical hierarchies of conqueror and oppressed, as well as family dysfunction. From this history, I wonder how we can create greater positive change toward altruism and social justice? I provide literature based in cultural evolution that investigated the complex social and natural sciences that delineate our search to understand what is happening and what works to create more altruistic human behavior leading to greater social justice
The Potential of HTS Approaches for Accurate Genotyping in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Kunej Urban , Dervishi Aida , Laucou Valérie , Jakše Jernej , Štajner Nataša
Published: August 2020

The main challenge associated with genotyping based on conventional length polymorphisms is the cross-laboratory standardization of allele sizes. This step requires the inclusion of standards and manual sizing to avoid false results. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) approaches limit the information to the length polymorphism and do not allow the determination of a complete marker sequence. As an alternative, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) offers complete information regarding marker sequences and their flanking regions. In this work, we investigated the suitability of a semi-quantitative sequencing approach for microsatellite genotyping using Illumina paired-end technology. Twelve microsatellite loci that are well established for grapevine CE typing were analysed on 96 grapevine samples from six different countries. We redesigned primers to the length of the amplicon for short sequencing (~100 bp). The primer pair was flanked with a 10 bp overhang for the introduction of barcodes on both sides of the amplicon to enable high multiplexing. The highest data peaks were determined as simple sequence repeat (SSR) alleles and compared with the CE dataset based on 12 reference samples. The comparison showed that HTS SSR genotyping can successfully replace the CE system in further experiments. We believe that, with next-generation sequencing, genotyping can be improved in terms of its speed, accuracy, and price.
The Characterization of chIFITMs in Avian Coronavirus Infection In Vivo, Ex Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Steyn Angela , Keep Sarah , Bickerton Erica , Fife Mark
Published: August 2020

The coronaviruses are a large family of enveloped RNA viruses that commonly cause gastrointestinal or respiratory illnesses in the infected host. Avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen of chickens that can affect the kidneys and reproductive systems resulting in bird mortality and decreased reproductivity. The interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are activated in response to viral infections and represent a class of cellular restriction factors that restrict the replication of many viral pathogens. Here, we characterize the relative mRNA expression of the chicken IFITM genes in response to IBV infection, in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro using the pathogenic M41-CK strain, the nephropathogenic QX strain and the nonpathogenic Beaudette strain. In vivo we demonstrate a significant upregulation of chIFITM1, 2, 3 and 5 in M41-CK- and QX-infected trachea two days post-infection. In vitro infection with Beaudette, M41-CK and QX results in a significant upregulation of chIFITM1, 2 and 3 at 24 h post-infection. We confirmed a differential innate response following infection with distinct IBV strains and believe that our data provide new insights into the possible role of chIFITMs in early IBV infection.
Brassinosteroid Priming Improves Peanut Drought Tolerance via Eliminating Inhibition on Genes in Photosynthesis and Hormone Signaling
Authors: Huang Luping , Zhang Lei , Zeng Ruier , Wang Xinyue , Zhang Huajian , Wang Leidi , Liu Shiyuan , Wang Xuewen , Chen Tingting
Published: August 2020

Drought negatively affects the growth and yield of terrestrial crops. Seed priming, pre-exposing seed to a compound, could induce improved tolerance and adaptation to stress in germinated plants. To understand the effects and regulatory mechanism of seed priming with brassinosteroid (BR) on peanut plants, we treated seeds with five BR concentrations and examined dozens of physiological and biochemical features, and transcriptomic changes in leaves under well-watered and drought conditions. We found optimal 0.15 ppm BR priming could reduce inhibitions from drought and increase the yield of peanut, and priming effects are dependent on stage of plant development and duration of drought. BR priming induced fewer differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than no BR priming under well-watered condition. Drought with BR priming reduced the number of DEGs than drought only. These DEGs were enriched in varied gene ontologies and metabolism pathways. Downregulation of DEGs involved in both light perceiving and photosynthesis in leaves is consistent with low parameters of photosynthesis. Optimal BR priming partially rescued the levels of growth promoting auxin and gibberellin which were largely reduced by drought, and increased levels of defense associated abscisic acid and salicylic acid after long-term drought. BR priming induced many DEGs which function as kinase or transcription factor for signal cascade under drought. We proposed BR priming-induced regulatory responses will be memorized and recalled for fast adaptation in later drought stress. These results provide physiological and regulatory bases of effects of seed priming with BR, which can help to guide the framing improvement under drought stress.
Omics Application in Animal Science—A Special Emphasis on Stress Response and Damaging Behaviour in Pigs
Authors: Kasper Claudia , Ribeiro David , Almeida André M. de , Larzul Catherine , Liaubet Laurence , Murani Eduard
Published: August 2020

Increasing stress resilience of livestock is important for ethical and profitable meat and dairy production. Susceptibility to stress can entail damaging behaviours, a common problem in pig production. Breeding animals with increased stress resilience is difficult for various reasons. First, studies on neuroendocrine and behavioural stress responses in farm animals are scarce, as it is difficult to record adequate phenotypes under field conditions. Second, damaging behaviours and stress susceptibility are complex traits, and their biology is not yet well understood. Dissecting complex traits into biologically better defined, heritable and easily measurable proxy traits and developing biomarkers will facilitate recording these traits in large numbers. High-throughput molecular technologies (“omics”) study the entirety of molecules and their interactions in a single analysis step. They can help to decipher the contributions of different physiological systems and identify candidate molecules that are representative of different physiological pathways. Here, we provide a general overview of different omics approaches and we give examples of how these techniques could be applied to discover biomarkers. We discuss the genetic dissection of the stress response by different omics techniques and we provide examples and outline potential applications of omics tools to understand and prevent outbreaks of damaging behaviours.
Comparison of the Status of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Smooth Muscle of the Antrum and Pylorus in Diabetic Male and Female Patients with Severe Gastroparesis
Authors: Gonzalez Zorisadday , Sarosiek Irene , Bashashati Mohammad , Davis Brian , Padilla Osvaldo , McCallum Richard
Published: August 2020

Females dominate in the area of gastroparesis (GP), making up to 70–80% of these patients. One attractive hypothesis is that females have less smooth muscle reserve and thus less resilience to recover from an insult. Our aim was to investigate if there are gender differences in the number of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the antral and pyloric smooth muscle of diabetic (DM) patients with severe gastroparesis refractory to standard medical management. Full thickness antral and pyloric biopsies were obtained during surgery to implant a gastric electrical stimulation system and perform a pyloroplasty. Thirty-eight DM patients (66% females, n = 25; mean age 44) who failed medical therapies provided antral biopsies. Pyloric tissue samples were also collected from 29 of these patients (65% females, n = 19). Tissues were stained with H&E and c-Kit for the presence of ICC. ICC depletion was defined as less than 10 cells/HPF. In the antrum, 40% of females had significant ICC depletion, similar to 38% in males. In the pylorus, 68% of females had depletion of ICC, compared to 80% depletion in males. When combining both antral and pyloric smooth muscle regions, ICC depletion was similar in males (40%) when compared to females (38%). In diabetic patients with severe GP, females and males showed similar degrees of reduction in antral ICC, while more males had depletion of pyloric smooth muscle ICC compared to their female counterparts. Future larger studies should focus on whether differences in other smooth muscle biomarkers can be identified between males and females.
The Influence of Managerial Psychology on Job Satisfaction among Healthcare Employees in Ghana
Authors: Dai Baozhen , Akey-Torku Benedicta
Published: August 2020

Background: Employee job satisfaction has been established to be one of the important factors that work towards addressing the subject matter of productivity in organizations. Healthcare professionals deserve some level of basic psychological need satisfaction in the area of job autonomy. Reasons that lead to employees achieving job autonomy and job satisfaction have been researched by industrial and organizational psychologists but very few of such studies have directed their attention towards the role psychological capital can play. Therefore, this study sought to find out how much of an impact positive psychology can make on the job autonomy of healthcare employees leading to the fulfillment of job satisfaction. Methods: Data were collected from 385 healthcare professionals from the public sector. A structural equation model was performed to analyze the relationship that exists between the constructs of psychological capital and job autonomy leading to job satisfaction on the part of the employees. Results: Results showed both a direct and indirect positive relationship between hope and job satisfaction and indirect through job autonomy. Apart from self-efficacy, that had a very low positive relationship, optimism largely influenced job autonomy of healthcare professionals. Results also showed that psychological capital positively related to job autonomy while job autonomy minimally influenced job satisfaction. Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that healthcare professionals deserve some level of basic psychological need satisfaction in the area of job autonomy and that can stimulate positive work ethic.
Temporal Variability of Temperature Extremes in the Sardinia Region (Italy)
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso , Guagliardi Ilaria
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the temporal tendencies of temperature data from the island of Sardinia (Italy) were analyzed by considering 48 data series in the period 1982–2011. In particular, monthly temperatures (maximum and minimum), and some indices of daily extremes were evaluated and tested to detect trends using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test. Results showed a positive trend in the spring months and a marked negative trend in the autumn-winter months for minimum temperatures. As regards maximum temperatures, almost all months showed positive trends, although an opposite behavior was detected in September and in the winter months. With respect to the extreme indices, a general increasing trend of the series was detected for the diurnal temperature range (DTR), frost days (FD), summer days (SU25), warm (WSDI) and cold (CSDI) spells. As regards tropical nights (TR20), an equal distribution of positive and negative trends has emerged. Results of the spatial analysis performed on the trend marks suggested that Sardinia’s topography could influence temperature variability.
Promoting Physical Activity in Group Home Settings: Staff Perspectives through a SWOT Analysis
Authors: Chow Bik C. , Choi Peggy Hiu Nam , Huang Wendy Yajun , Pan Chien-yu
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate perceptions of staff about the promotion of physical activity (PA) in selected group residences of Hong Kong (HK), some of which had experienced a multi-component PA program. Method: Focus group interviews with nineteen staff members from four group homes (two of which received the program) were conducted. Findings: A SWOT analysis provided important insights into residential staff views about key influences on the quality of PA programs for residents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Positive (strengths and opportunities) and negative (weaknesses and threats) influences were identified. They were associated with characteristics of residents, staff, and group residence. Increasing age and low motivation are impediments to PA engagement of adults with ID. Staff competence and prior unsuccessful experience in promoting PA are also implicated. Conclusion: The PA program quality is mediated by the quality of staff interpersonal interactions with their clients and their commitment in encouraging such adults with ID to join and persistent in PA as well as staff seeking external resources and support as well as using initiative to adapt PA promotion activities in their specific group residential context.
Relative and Absolute Reliability of a Motor Assessment System Using KINECT® Camera
Authors: Castro-Luna Gracia , Jiménez-Rodríguez Diana
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: Virtual reality is currently useful in different clinical specialties as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. In this study, we analyzed the relative and absolute reliability of the motor evaluation with the Kinect camera, a markerless motion system. (2) Methods: Observational study in healthy people, whose inclusion criteria were: healthy people, age 18 to 40 years old without pathologies or injuries in osteoarticular structures or ligamentous muscle and pharmacological treatment with influence on motor skills. Fifty-two subjects were evaluated. (3) Results: The results of the relative reliability were favorable in variables such as the amplitude of passage of the right leg (ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) = 0.95 ± 0.03), the step width of the left leg (ICC = 0.92 ± 0.04) or balance of the left leg (ICC = 0.90 ± 0.05). Moderate values were found for other variables. The absolute reliability, measured by the coefficient of variation, was favorable in most of the variables. (4) Conclusions: The results reflect a favorable intraclass correlation in the evaluation of the variation and asymmetry of movements of the upper limbs, the balance of both legs, the side step width and the evaluation of the sitting and standing positions. The reliability of the evaluation of the variation of movements and the asymmetry of the lower limbs must be further improved.
Comprehensive Overview on Multiple Strategies Fighting COVID-19
Authors: Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Mohamed Briksam S. , Elashal Mohamed H. , Du Ming , Guo Zhiming , Zhao Chao , Musharraf Syed Ghulam , Boskabady Mohammad H. , El-Seedi Haged H. R. , Efferth Thomas , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: August 2020

Lately, myriad of novel viruses have emerged causing epidemics such as SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2, leading to high mortality rates worldwide. Thus, these viruses represented a challenging threat to mankind, especially considering the miniscule data available at our disposal regarding these novel viruses. The entire world established coordinative relations in research projects regarding drug and vaccine development on the external range, whereas on the internal range, all countries declared it an emergency case through imposing different restrictions related to their border control, large gatherings, school attendance, and most social activities. Pandemic combating plans prioritized all sectors including normal people, medical staff politicians, and scientists collectively shouldered the burden. Through planning and learning the previous lessons from SARS and MERS, healthcare systems could succeed in combating the viral spread and implications of these new pandemics. Different management strategies including social distance, social awareness and isolation represented successful ways to slow down the spread of the pandemic. Furthermore, pre-preparedness of some countries for emergencies is crucial to minimize the consequences of the crisis.
Allocation of Flood Drainage Rights Based on the PSR Model and Pythagoras Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Shen Juqin , Liu Pengfei , Sun Fuhua
Published: August 2020

To minimize losses caused by flooding of areas in a river basin, flood risk management may sacrifice the interests of some areas. Because of regional differences in natural and urban conditions, rankings of the urgencies of flood drainage rights allocations in different regions are of great practical significance to the realization of optimal allocations and reduction of damages. Based on the “pressure–state–response” (PSR) framework, this study designed an index system of flood drainage rights allocations in river basins for the comprehensive consideration of the different attributes of regional societies, environments, and technologies, as well as the differences in the quality of technical management and in the levels of social and economic development. A Pythagoras fuzzy TOPSIS method was used to evaluate the urgencies and determine the management of allocations in different areas. Eight cities in Jiangsu Province in the Huai River Basin were selected as the research objects. The results showed that pressure factors played dominant roles in the degrees of urgency. Among the cities, Nantong had the highest degree, followed by Taizhou, whereas Lianyungang had the lowest. The degrees in the central region of Jiangsu were higher than in the northern region.
Automated Processing of Remote Sensing Imagery Using Deep Semantic Segmentation: A Building Footprint Extraction Case
Authors: Milosavljević Aleksandar
Published: August 2020

The proliferation of high-resolution remote sensing sensors and platforms imposes the need for effective analyses and automated processing of high volumes of aerial imagery. The recent advance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of deep learning (DL) and convolutional neural networks (CNN) showed remarkable results in several image-related tasks, and naturally, gain the focus of the remote sensing community. In this paper, we focus on specifying the processing pipeline that relies on existing state-of-the-art DL segmentation models to automate building footprint extraction. The proposed pipeline is organized in three stages: image preparation, model implementation and training, and predictions fusion. For the first and third stages, we introduced several techniques that leverage remote sensing imagery specifics, while for the selection of the segmentation model, we relied on empirical examination. In the paper, we presented and discussed several experiments that we conducted on Inria Aerial Image Labeling Dataset. Our findings confirmed that automatic processing of remote sensing imagery using DL semantic segmentation is both possible and can provide applicable results. The proposed pipeline can be potentially transferred to any other remote sensing imagery segmentation task if the corresponding dataset is available.