bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Well-Aerated Southern Appalachian Forest Soils Demonstrate Significant Potential for Gaseous Nitrogen Loss
Authors: Baas Peter , Knoepp Jennifer D. , Mohan Jacqueline E.
Published: December 2019

Understanding the dominant soil nitrogen (N) cycling processes in southern Appalachian forests is crucial for predicting ecosystem responses to changing N deposition and climate. The role of anaerobic nitrogen cycling processes in well-aerated soils has long been questioned, and recent N cycling research suggests it needs to be re-evaluated. We assessed gross and potential rates of soil N cycling processes, including mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, nitrifier denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in sites representing a vegetation and elevation gradient in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Experimental Forest, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in southwestern North Carolina, USA. N cycling processes varied among sites, with gross mineralization and nitrification being greatest in high-elevation northern hardwood forests. Gaseous N losses via nitrifier denitrification were common in all ecosystems but were greatest in northern hardwood. Ecosystem N retention via DNRA (nitrification-produced NO3 reduced to NH4) ranged from 2% to 20% of the total nitrification and was highest in the mixed-oak forest. Our results suggest the potential for gaseous N losses through anaerobic processes (nitrifier denitrification) are prevalent in well-aerated forest soils and may play a key role in ecosystem N cycling.
Linkages between Phosphorus and Plant Diversity in Central European Forest Ecosystems—Complementarity or Competition?
Authors: Rieger Isaak , Kowarik Ingo , Ziche Daniel , Wellbrock Nicole , Cierjacks Arne
Published: December 2019

The phosphorus nutrition status of European forests has decreased significantly in recent decades. For a deeper understanding of complementarity and competition in terms of P acquisition in temperate forests, we have analyzed α-diversity, organic layer and mineral soil P, P nutrition status, and different concepts of P use efficiency (PUE) in Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) and Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. (Norway spruce). Using a subset of the Second National Soil Survey in Germany, we correlated available data on P in the organic layer and soil with α-diversity indices for beech and spruce forests overall and for individual vegetation layers (tree, shrub, herb, and moss layers). Moreover, we investigated α-diversity feedbacks on P nutrition status and PUE of both tree species. The overall diversity of both forest ecosystems was largely positively related to P content in the organic layer and soil, but there were differences among the vegetation layers. Diversity in the tree layer of both forest ecosystems was negatively related to the organic layer and soil P. By contrast, shrub diversity showed no correlation to P, while herb layer diversity was negatively related to P in the organic layer but positively to P in soil. A higher tree layer diversity was slightly related to increased P recycling efficiency (PPlant/Porganic layer) in European beech and P uptake efficiency (PPlant/Psoil) in Norway spruce. The diversity in the herb layer was negatively related to P recycling and uptake efficiency in European beech and slightly related to P uptake efficiency in Norway spruce. In spruce forests, overall and herb species richness led to significantly improved tree nutrition status. Our results confirm significant, non-universal relationships between P and diversity in temperate forests with variations among forest ecosystems, vegetation layers, and P in the organic layer or soil. In particular, tree species diversity may enhance complementarity and hence also P nutrition of dominant forest trees through higher PUE, whereas moss and herb layers seemed to show competitive relationships among each other in nutrient cycling.
Tree Growth and Wood Quality in Pure Vs. Mixed-Species Stands of European Beech and Calabrian Pine in Mediterranean Mountain Forests
Authors: Russo Diego , Marziliano Pasquale A. , Macrì Giorgio , Zimbalatti Giuseppe , Tognetti Roberto , Lombardi Fabio
Published: December 2019

Mixed-species forests may deliver more forest functions and services than monocultures, as being considered more resistant to disturbances than pure stands. However, information on wood quality in mixed-species vs. corresponding pure forests is poor. In this study, nine plots grouped into three triplets of pure and mixed-species stands of European beech and Calabrian pine (three dominated by European beech, three dominated by Calabrian pine, and three mixed-species plots) were analysed. We evaluated tree growth and wood quality through dendrochronological approaches and non-destructive technologies (acoustic detection), respectively, hypothesizing that the mixture might improve the fitness of each species and its wood quality. A linear mixed model was applied to test the effects of exogenous influences on the basal area index (BAI) and the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEd). The recruitment period (Rp) was studied to verify whether wood quality was independent from stem radial growth patterns. Results showed that the mixture effect influenced both wood quality and BAI. In the mixed-species plots, for each species, MOEd values were significantly higher than in the corresponding pure stands. The mixture effect aligned MOEd values, making wood quality uniform across the different diameter classes. In the mixed-species plots, a significant positive relationship between MOEd and Rp, but also significantly higher BAI values than in the pure plots, were found for European beech, but not for Calabrian pine. The results suggest the promotion of mixing of European beech and Calabrian pine in this harsh environment to potentially improve both tree growth and wood quality.
Podophyllotoxin Isolated from Podophyllum peltatum Induces G2/M Phase Arrest and Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Yoon Goo , Lee Mee-Hyun , Kwak Ah-Won , Oh Ha-Na , Cho Seung-Sik , Choi Joon-Seok , Liu Kangdong , Chae Jung-Il , Shim Jung-Hyun
Published: December 2019

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers in East Asia and is the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths. Podophyllotoxin (PT), a cyclolignan isolated from podophyllum peltatum, exhibits anti-cancer effects at the cellular level. This study investigated the underlying mechanism of anti-cancer effects induced by PT in ESCC cells. Exposure to increasing concentrations of PT led to a significant decrease in the growth and anchorage-independent colony numbers of ESCC cells. PT showed high anticancer efficacy against a panel of four types of ESCC cells, including KYSE 30, KYSE 70, KYSE 410, KYSE 450, and KYSE 510 by IC50 at values ranges from 0.17 to 0.3 μM. We also found that PT treatment induced G2/M phase arrest in the cell cycle and accumulation of the sub-G1 population, as well as apoptosis. Exposure to PT triggered a significant synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and activation of various caspases. Furthermore, PT increased the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and the expression of Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker proteins via ROS generation. An increase in the level of pro-apoptotic proteins and a reduction in the anti-apoptotic protein level induced ESCC cell death via the loss of MMP. Additionally, the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol with Apaf-1 induced the activation of multi-caspases. In conclusion, our results revealed that PT resulted in apoptosis of ESCC cells by modulating ROS-mediated mitochondrial and ER stress-dependent mechanisms. Therefore, PT is a promising therapeutic candidate as an anti-cancer drug against ESCC for clinical use.
Variability and Plasticity in Cuticular Transpiration and Leaf Permeability Allow Differentiation of Eucalyptus Clones at an Early Age
Authors: Carignato André , Vázquez-Piqué Javier , Tapias Raúl , Ruiz Federico , Fernández Manuel
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives. Water stress is a major constraining factor of Eucalyptus plantations’ growth. Within a genetic improvement program, the selection of genotypes that improve drought resistance would help to improve productivity and to expand plantations. Leaf characteristics, among others, are important factors to consider when evaluating drought resistance evaluation, as well as the clone’s ability to modify leaf properties (e.g., stomatal density (d) and size, relative water content at the time of stomatal closure (RWCc), cuticular transpiration (Ec), specific leaf area (SLA)) according to growing conditions. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing these properties in nursery plants of nine high-productivity Eucalyptus clones. Material and Methods: Five Eucalyptus globulus Labill. clones and four hybrids clones (Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake × Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, 12€; Eucalyptus urograndis × E. globulus, HE; Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden–E. grandis × E. globulus, HG; Eucalyptus saligna Sm. × Eucalyptus maidenii F. Muell., HI) were studied. Several parameters relating to the aforementioned leaf traits were evaluated for 2.5 years. Results: Significant differences in stomatal d and size, RWCc, Ec, and SLA among clones (p < 0.001) and according to the dates (p < 0.001) were obtained. Each clone varied seasonally the characteristics of its new developing leaves to acclimatize to the growth conditions. The pore opening surface potential (i.e., the stomatal d × size) did not affect transpiration rates with full open stomata, so the water transpired under these conditions might depend on other leaf factors. The clones HE, HG, and 12€ were the ones that differed the most from the drought resistant E. globulus control clone (C14). Those three clones showed lower leaf epidermis impermeability (HE, HG, 12€), higher SLA (12€, HG), and lower stomatal control under moderate water stress (HE, HG) not being, therefore, good candidates to be selected for drought resistance, at least for these measured traits. Conclusions: These parameters can be incorporated into genetic selection and breeding programs, especially Ec, SLA, RWCc, and stomatal control under moderate water stress.
Local Preferences for Shea Nut and Butter Production in Northern Benin: Preliminary Results
Authors: Agúndez Dolores , Nouhoheflin Théodore , Coulibaly Ousmane , Soliño Mario , Alía Ricardo
Published: December 2019

Shea products in Benin (West Africa) are produced in a low-developed agroindustry, but they are estimated to be the country’s third largest export. The nut harvesting and quality guaranteeing in the butter process can only be achieved through improvements in the value chain, thus making it more attractive for stakeholders. The aim of this paper is to provide keys to a better product valorization, obtain a significant increase in household incomes based on shea butter marketing opportunities, and offer competitive products at the local and regional markets. Different markets were designed to catch processors and consumers’ preferences for two improved shea products: butter and nuts in Northern Benin. An open-ended contingent valuation (CV) was applied, and the willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA) were estimated by using a typical ordinary least squares (OLS) modelling approach. On local markets in Benin, the color, length, and weight of the nuts, as well as the color, smell, and texture of shea butter significantly influence, respectively, the processors’ willingness to accept and the consumers’ willingness to pay for a specific quality level. An increase in price would ensure the quality of the shea butter and would be covered by the premium to be paid by consumers. Certification design and the development of shea resources management and conservation programs should include ethnic preferences and consider gender, to avoid reducing women’s profits in the shea butter local market.
Structural Features, Modification, and Functionalities of Beta-Glucan
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Sharma Minaxi , Ji Dawei , Xu Min , Agyei Dominic
Published: December 2019

Β-glucan is a strongly hydrophilic non-starchy polysaccharide, which, when incorporated in food, is renowned for its ability to alter functional characteristics such as viscosity, rheology, texture, and sensory properties of the food product. The functional properties of β-glucans are directly linked to their origin/source, molecular weight, and structural features. The molecular weight and structural/conformational features are in turn influenced by method of extraction and modification of the β-glucan. For example, whereas physical modification techniques influence only the spatial structures, modification by chemical agents, enzyme hydrolysis, mechanical treatment, and irradiation affect both spatial conformation and primary structures of β-glucan. Consequently, β-glucan can be modified (via one or more of the aforementioned techniques) into forms that have desired morphological, rheological, and (bio)functional properties. This review describes how various modification techniques affect the structure, properties, and applications of β-glucans in the food industry.
The Spectrum of PAX6 Mutations and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in the Eye
Authors: Lima Cunha Dulce , Arno Gavin , Corton Marta , Moosajee Mariya
Published: December 2019

The transcription factor PAX6 is essential in ocular development in vertebrates, being considered the master regulator of the eye. During eye development, it is essential for the correct patterning and formation of the multi-layered optic cup and it is involved in the developing lens and corneal epithelium. In adulthood, it is mostly expressed in cornea, iris, and lens. PAX6 is a dosage-sensitive gene and it is highly regulated by several elements located upstream, downstream, and within the gene. There are more than 500 different mutations described to affect PAX6 and its regulatory regions, the majority of which lead to PAX6 haploinsufficiency, causing several ocular and systemic abnormalities. Aniridia is an autosomal dominant disorder that is marked by the complete or partial absence of the iris, foveal hypoplasia, and nystagmus, and is caused by heterozygous PAX6 mutations. Other ocular abnormalities have also been associated with PAX6 changes, and genotype-phenotype correlations are emerging. This review will cover recent advancements in PAX6 regulation, particularly the role of several enhancers that are known to regulate PAX6 during eye development and disease. We will also present an updated overview of the mutation spectrum, where an increasing number of mutations in the non-coding regions have been reported. Novel genotype-phenotype correlations will also be discussed.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Fluvial-Lacustrine Pisolith Micronodules from the Roztoka Odrzańska, Odra River, NW Poland
Authors: Maciąg Łukasz , Rydzewska Urszula , Skowronek Artur , Salwa Sylwester
Published: December 2019

Small-sized ferruginous micronodules or pisolith nodules, frequently occurring in inland freshwater systems in moderate climate zones, are important indicators of groundwater level changes and early diagenetic processes, especially within the Pleistocene post-glacial sedimentary systems, including swamps, peatbogs, rivers, or lakes. Compared to the other geochemical environments, pisolith nodules are usually dominated by iron hydroxides and oxides. In most cases, described micronodules indicate high phosphatization, significant contribution of allogenic detrital components, and low manganese content. The major aim of the article is to present textural, geochemical, and mineralogical variability of pisolith nodules recovered from the Roztoka Odrzańska, Odra river mouth area, NW Poland. We describe genetical relations between different types of pisoliths and try to interpret the possible formation phenomena. Analyzed loose ferruginous micronodules were separated from the lacustrine silty-clayey sapropel muds and gyttja, later analyzed using optical microscopy, SEM-energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and XRD methods. As a reference material, we use archival iron bog ores and geochemical data of different types of nodules. Additionally, we describe previously unknown siderite-rich nodules found in neighboring sites of the Dąbie Lake and the Szczecin Lagoon.
Cretaciella sorianoae gen. et sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Oritocatopini), Anophthalmic Species from Albian Amber of the Escucha Formation (Alava, Spain)
Authors: Perreau Michel
Published: December 2019

Cretaciella sorianoae gen. et sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Oritocatopini) from Albian amber of the Escucha Formation (Alava, Spain) is described and illustrated. This is the first species of Leiodidae from Alava amber and the first Cholevinae from Cretaceous amber. External and internal structures are investigated by propagation phase contrast X-ray microtomography. Based on both external and genital structures, Cretaciella is tentatively placed in the tribe Oritocatopini, the extant species of which occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. This specimen has no visible eyes or hind wings, which suggests an adaptation to subterranean or at least to soil litter environments. The biogeography of the tribe is succinctly discussed.
A Hypothesis and Evidence That Mercury May be an Etiological Factor in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Siblerud Robert , Mutter Joachim , Moore Elaine , Naumann Johannes , Walach Harald
Published: December 2019

Mercury is one of the most toxic elements and causes a multitude of health problems. It is ten times more toxic to neurons than lead. This study was created to determine if mercury could be causing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by cross referencing the effects of mercury with 70 factors associated with AD. The results found that all these factors could be attributed to mercury. The hallmark changes in AD include plaques, beta amyloid protein, neurofibrillary tangles, phosphorylated tau protein, and memory loss—all changes that can be caused by mercury. Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and norepinephrine are inhibited in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, with the same inhibition occurring in mercury toxicity. Enzyme dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer’s disease include BACE 1, gamma secretase, cyclooxygenase-2, cytochrome-c-oxidase, protein kinases, monoamine oxidase, nitric oxide synthetase, acetyl choline transferase, and caspases, all which can be explained by mercury toxicity. Immune and inflammatory responses seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease also occur when cells are exposed to mercury, including complement activation, cytokine expression, production of glial fibrillary acid protein antibodies and interleukin-1, transforming growth factor, beta 2 microglobulins, and phosphodiesterase 4 stimulation. Genetic factors in patients with Alzheimer’s disease are also associated with mercury. Apolipoprotein E 4 allele increases the toxicity of mercury. Mercury can inhibit DNA synthesis in the hippocampus, and has been associated with genetic mutations of presenilin 1 and 2, found in AD. The abnormalities of minerals and vitamins, specifically aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B12, E, and C, that occur in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, also occur in mercury toxicity. Aluminum has been found to increase mercury’s toxicity. Likewise, similar biochemical factors in AD are affected by mercury, including changes in blood levels of homocysteine, arachidonic acid, DHEA sulfate, glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, glycosamine glycans, acetyl-L carnitine, melatonin, and HDL. Other factors seen in Alzheimer’s disease, such as increased platelet activation, poor odor identification, hypertension, depression, increased incidences of herpes virus and chlamydia infections, also occur in mercury exposure. In addition, patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit higher levels of brain mercury, blood mercury, and tissue mercury in some studies. The greatest exogenous sources of brain mercury come from dental amalgams. Conclusion: This review of the literature strongly suggests that mercury can be a cause of Alzheimer’s Disease.
CityGML-Based Road Information Model for Route Optimization of Snow-Removal Vehicle
Authors: Park Sang Ho , Jang Young-Hoon , Geem Zong Woo , Lee Sang-Ho
Published: December 2019

Infrastructure usability becomes limited during a heavy snowfall event. In order to prevent such limitations, damage calculations and a decision-making process are needed. Snow-removal routing is a type of relevant disaster-prevention service. While three-dimensional (3D) models support these measures, they contain complex information regarding compatibility. This study generates a city-level semantic information model for roads using CityGML, an open standard data schema, and calculates the optimal snow removal route using this model. To this end, constraint conditions are analyzed from the viewpoint of a snow-removal vehicle, and a road network for an optimal route is applied to a 3D road information model. Furthermore, this study proposes a new algorithm that reduces the number of nodes used in the optimal route calculation, and a genetic algorithm is used to find the solution of the formulated objective function. This new algorithm reduces the number of nodes to less than two-thirds that of the original numbers when determining the optimal travel route for snow-removal vehicles in the target area.
Towards Increasing Residential Market Transparency: Mapping Local Housing Prices and Dynamics
Authors: Cellmer Radoslaw , Trojanek Radoslaw
Published: December 2019

This article attempts to use spatial maps as a way of presenting additional information about the phenomena occurring in the housing market. In our opinion, spatial maps may facilitate understanding and provide more detailed information, which undoubtedly should increase the transparency of the housing market. The study used 12,219 transactions of apartments in Poznań in the years 2013–2017. General principles of price visualization activity and housing market dynamics were established in this study. The map of prices may reflect the location values determined by the quality of the urban infrastructure, distance from specific locations, and environmental factors. Market activity maps reveal areas where the market is dynamically developing, while information on trends in the number of transactions and price changes may demonstrate the growing or declining attractiveness of areas. The research is based on a model of hedonic regression in the form of ordinary least squares (OLS), quantile regression (QR), and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The maps presented should increase the transparency of the residential market (e.g., by providing more detailed information). However, one should bear in mind the limitations in the use of these methods resulting from a small number of transactions in a thin market.
Automatic Identification of the Social Functions of Areas of Interest (AOIs) Using the Standard Hour-Day-Spectrum Approach
Authors: Zhou Tong , Liu Xintao , Qian Zhen , Chen Haoxuan , Tao Fei
Published: December 2019

The social function of areas of interest (AOIs) is crucial to the identification of urban functional zoning and land use classification, which has been a hot topic in various fields such as urban planning and smart city fields. Most existing studies on urban functional zoning and land use classification either largely rely on low-frequency remote sensing images, which are constrained to the block level due to their spatial scale limitation, or suffer from low accuracy and high uncertainty when using dynamic data, such as social media and traffic data. This paper proposes an hour-day-spectrum (HDS) approach for generating six types of distribution waveforms of taxi pick-up and drop-off points which serve as interpretation indicators of the social functions of AOIs. To achieve this goal, we first performed fine-grained cleaning of the drop-off points to eliminate the spatial errors caused by taxi drivers. Next, buffer and spatial clustering were integrated to explore the associations between travel behavior and AOIs. Third, the identification of AOI types was made by using the standard HDS method combined with the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm. Finally, some matching tests were carried out by similarity indexes of a standard HDS and sample HDS, i.e., the Gaussian kernel function and Pearson coefficient, to ensure matching accuracy. The experiment was conducted in the Chongchuan and Gangzha Districts, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China. By training 50 AOI samples, six types of standard HDS of residential districts, schools, hospitals, and shopping malls were obtained. Then, 108 AOI samples were tested, and the overall accuracy was found to be 90.74%. This approach generates value-added services of the taxi trajectory and provides a continuous update and fine-grained supplementary method for the identification of land use types. In addition, the approach is object-oriented and based on AOIs, and can be combined with image interpretation and other methods to improve the identification effect.
The Maize Class-I SUMO Conjugating Enzyme ZmSCE1d Is Involved in Drought Stress Response
Authors: Wang Huanyan , Wang Meiping , Xia Zongliang
Published: December 2019

Post-translational modification of cellular proteins by sumoylation plays a vital role in stress responses of plants. However, the mechanisms underlying the sumoylation’s involvement in stress responses in crop species remain largely unknown. Herein, a maize class-I SUMO conjugating enzyme gene (ZmSCE1d) was identified, whose expression was upregulated upon drought stress. Over-expression of ZmSCE1d in transgenic Arabidopsis plants increased SUMO conjugates and improved drought tolerance. The ZmSCE1d-transgenic plants showed higher antioxidant enzyme activities, but lower reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation upon drought stress. Furthermore, transcripts of several drought-responsive genes were significantly elevated, as revealed by qPCR in the transgenic lines. Taken together, these data have demonstrated that ZmSCE1d overexpression improved drought tolerance likely by regulating sumoylation levels, antioxidant capability, and drought-responsive gene expression in transgenic plants. This study may facilitate our understanding of the mechanisms underlying SCE-mediated sumoylation under drought stress and accelerate genetic improvement of crop plants tolerant to drought stress by manipulating the SUMO system.
Meniscus-Derived Matrix Bioscaffolds: Effects of Concentration and Cross-Linking on Meniscus Cellular Responses and Tissue Repair
Authors: Lyons Lucas P. , Hidalgo Perea Sofia , Weinberg J. Brice , Wittstein Jocelyn R. , McNulty Amy L.
Published: December 2019

Meniscal injuries, particularly in the avascular zone, have a low propensity for healing and are associated with the development of osteoarthritis. Current meniscal repair techniques are limited to specific tear types and have significant risk for failure. In previous work, we demonstrated the ability of meniscus-derived matrix (MDM) scaffolds to augment the integration and repair of an in vitro meniscus defect. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of percent composition and dehydrothermal (DHT) or genipin cross-linking of MDM bioscaffolds on primary meniscus cellular responses and integrative meniscus repair. In all scaffolds, the porous microenvironment allowed for exogenous cell infiltration and proliferation, as well as endogenous meniscus cell migration. The genipin cross-linked scaffolds promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and/or retention. The shear strength of integrative meniscus repair was improved with increasing percentages of MDM and genipin cross-linking. Overall, the 16% genipin cross-linked scaffolds were most effective at enhancing integrative meniscus repair. The ability of the genipin cross-linked scaffolds to attract endogenous meniscus cells, promote glycosaminoglycan and collagen deposition, and enhance integrative meniscus repair reveals that these MDM scaffolds are promising tools to augment meniscus healing.
Human Molecular Chaperone Hsp60 and Its Apical Domain Suppress Amyloid Fibril Formation of α-Synuclein
Authors: Yamamoto Hanae , Fukui Naoya , Adachi Mayuka , Saiki Eiichi , Yamasaki Anna , Matsumura Rio , Kuroyanagi Daichi , Hongo Kunihiro , Mizobata Tomohiro , Kawata Yasushi
Published: December 2019

Heat shock proteins play roles in assisting other proteins to fold correctly and in preventing the aggregation and accumulation of proteins in misfolded conformations. However, the process of aging significantly degrades this ability to maintain protein homeostasis. Consequently, proteins with incorrect conformations are prone to aggregate and accumulate in cells, and this aberrant aggregation of misfolded proteins may trigger various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. Here, we investigated the possibilities of suppressing α-synuclein aggregation by using a mutant form of human chaperonin Hsp60, and a derivative of the isolated apical domain of Hsp60 (Hsp60 AD(Cys)). In vitro measurements were used to detect the effects of chaperonin on amyloid fibril formation, and interactions between Hsp60 proteins and α-synuclein were probed by quartz crystal microbalance analysis. The ability of Hsp60 AD(Cys) to suppress α-synuclein intracellular aggregation and cytotoxicity was also demonstrated. We show that Hsp60 mutant and Hsp60 AD(Cys) both effectively suppress α-synuclein amyloid fibril formation, and also demonstrate for the first time the ability of Hsp60 AD(Cys) to function as a mini-chaperone inside cells. These results highlight the possibility of using Hsp60 AD as a method of prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
DNA Damage Response and Oxidative Stress in Systemic Autoimmunity
Authors: Souliotis Vassilis L. , Vlachogiannis Nikolaos I. , Pappa Maria , Argyriou Alexandra , Ntouros Panagiotis A. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: December 2019

The DNA damage response and repair (DDR/R) network, a sum of hierarchically structured signaling pathways that recognize and repair DNA damage, and the immune response to endogenous and/or exogenous threats, act synergistically to enhance cellular defense. On the other hand, a deregulated interplay between these systems underlines inflammatory diseases including malignancies and chronic systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with these diseases are characterized by aberrant immune response to self-antigens with widespread production of autoantibodies and multiple-tissue injury, as well as by the presence of increased oxidative stress. Recent data demonstrate accumulation of endogenous DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these patients, which is related to (a) augmented DNA damage formation, at least partly due to the induction of oxidative stress, and (b) epigenetically regulated functional abnormalities of fundamental DNA repair mechanisms. Because endogenous DNA damage accumulation has serious consequences for cellular health, including genomic instability and enhancement of an aberrant immune response, these results can be exploited for understanding pathogenesis and progression of systemic autoimmune diseases, as well as for the development of new treatments.
Prediction of Crosswind Separation Velocity for Fan and Nacelle Systems Using Body Force Models: Part 1: Fan Body Force Model Generation without Detailed Stage Geometry
Authors: Minaker Quentin J. , Defoe Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2019

Modern aircraft engines must accommodate inflow distortions entering the engines as a consequence of modifying the size, shape, and placement of the engines and/or nacelle to increase propulsive efficiency and reduce aircraft weight and drag. It is important to be able to predict the interactions between the external flow and the fan early in the design process. This is challenging due to computational cost and limited access to detailed fan/engine geometry. In this, the first part of a two part paper, we present a design process that produces a fan gas path and body force model with performance representative of modern high bypass ratio turbofan engines. The target users are those with limited experience in turbomachinery design or limited access to fan geometry. We employ quasi-1D analysis and a series of simplifying assumptions to produce a gas path and the body force model inputs. Using a body force model of the fan enables steady computational fluid dynamics simulations to capture fan–distortion interaction. The approach is verified for the NASA Stage 67 transonic fan. An example of the design process is also included; the model generated is shown to meet the desired fan stagnation pressure ratio and thrust to within 1%.
Which Are the Most Influential Cited References in Information?
Authors: Haunschild Robin
Published: December 2019

This bibliometric study presents the most influential cited references for papers published in the journal Information by using reference publication year spectroscopy (RPYS). A total of 30,960 references cited in 996 papers in the journal Information, published between 2012 and 2019, were analyzed in this study. In total, 29 peaks with 48 peak papers are presented and discussed. The most influential cited references are related to set theory and machine learning which is consistent with the scope of the journal. A single peak paper was published in the journal Information. Overall, authors publishing in the journal Information have drawn from many different sources (e.g., journal papers, books, book chapters, and conference proceedings).
A Parallel Image Registration Algorithm Based on a Lattice Boltzmann Model
Authors: Chen Yu , Lu Dongxiang , Courbebaisse Guy
Published: December 2019

Image registration is a key pre-procedure for high level image processing. However, taking into consideration the complexity and accuracy of the algorithm, the image registration algorithm always has high time complexity. To speed up the registration algorithm, parallel computation is a relevant strategy. Parallelizing the algorithm by implementing Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) seems a good candidate. In consequence, this paper proposes a novel parallel LBM based model (LB model) for image registration. The main idea of our method consists in simulating the convection diffusion equation through a LB model with an ad hoc collision term. By applying our method on computed tomography angiography images (CTA images), Magnet Resonance images (MR images), natural scene image and artificial images, our model proves to be faster than classical methods and achieves accurate registration. In the continuity of 2D image registration model, the LB model is extended to 3D volume registration providing excellent results in domain such as medical imaging. Our method can run on massively parallel architectures, ranging from embedded field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and digital signal processors (DSPs) up to graphics processing units (GPUs).
Long-Lasting Insecticide Netting for Protecting Tree Stems from Attack by Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: Ranger Christopher M. , Werle Christopher T. , Schultz Peter B. , Addesso Karla M. , Oliver Jason B. , Reding Michael E.
Published: December 2019

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are destructive wood-boring insects of horticultural trees. We evaluated long-lasting insecticide netting for protecting stems against ambrosia beetles. Container-grown eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, trees were flood-stressed to induce ambrosia beetle attacks, and deltamethrin-treated netting was wrapped from the base of the stem vertically to the branch junction. Trees were deployed under field conditions in Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, and Mississippi with the following treatments: (1) flooded tree; (2) flooded tree with untreated netting; (3) flooded tree with treated ‘standard mesh’ netting of 24 holes/cm2; (4) flooded tree with treated ‘fine mesh’ netting of 28 holes/cm2; and/or (5) non-flooded tree. Treated netting reduced attacks compared to untreated netting and/or unprotected trees in Mississippi in 2017, Ohio and Tennessee in 2018, and Virginia in 2017–2018. Inconsistent effects occurred in Mississippi in 2018. Fewer Anisandrus maiche, Xylosandrus germanus, and Xyleborinus saxesenii were dissected from trees deployed in Ohio protected with treated netting compared to untreated netting; trees deployed in other locations were not dissected. These results indicate long-lasting insecticide netting can provide some protection of trees from ambrosia beetle attacks.
Understanding the Role of Shape and Composition of Star-Shaped Polymers and their Ability to Both Bind and Prevent Bacteria Attachment on Oral Relevant Surfaces
Authors: Mortazavian Hamid , Picquet Guillaume A. , Lejnieks Jānis , Zaidel Lynette A. , Myers Carl P. , Kuroda Kenichi
Published: December 2019

In this study, we have prepared a series of 4- and 6-arm star-shaped polymers with varying molecular weight and hydrophobicity in order to provide insight into the role and relationship that shape and composition have on the binding and protecting of oral relevant surfaces (hydroxyapatite, HAP) from bacteria colonization. Star-shaped acrylic acid polymers were prepared by free-radical polymerization in the presence of chain transfer agents with thiol groups, and their binding to the HAP surfaces and subsequent bacteria repulsion was measured. We observed that binding was dependent on both polymer shape and hydrophobicity (star vs. linear), but their relative efficacy to reduce oral bacteria attachment from surfaces was dependent on their hydrophobicity only. We further measured the macroscopic effects of these materials to modify the mucin-coated HAP surfaces through contact angle experiments; the degree of angle change was dependent on the relative hydrophobicity of the materials suggesting future in vivo efficacy. The results from this study highlight that star-shaped polymers represent a new material platform for the development of dental applications to control bacterial adhesion which can lead to tooth decay, with various compositional and structural aspects of materials being vital to effectively design oral care products.
Effect of Different Aggregates on the Mechanical Damage Suffered by Geotextiles
Authors: Carlos David Miranda , Carneiro José Ricardo , Lopes Maria de Lurdes
Published: December 2019

The installation process of geosynthetics can be, in some applications, one of the most relevant degradation mechanisms of these construction materials, affecting their performance and useful lifetime. In this work, three nonwoven geotextiles with different masses per unit area were submitted to mechanical damage under repeated loading tests with corundum and with different natural aggregates. The damage occurred in the geotextiles was evaluated by visual inspection and by monitoring changes in their short-term tensile and puncture behaviors (mechanical properties) and in their water permeability behavior normal to the plane (hydraulic property). The mechanical damage under repeated loading tests provoked relevant changes in the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the geotextiles. These changes depended on the mass per unit area of the geotextiles and on the characteristics of the aggregates. The results enabled the establishment of a correlation between the loss of mechanical strength and the variation of the water permeability normal to the plane of the geotextiles.
Structural Analysis of Calcium Phosphate-Based Submicrospheres with Internally-Crystallized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Fabricated by a Laser-Assisted Precipitation Process
Authors: Nakamura Maki , Oyane Ayako
Published: December 2019

Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based submicrospheres containing magnetic iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles (IO–CaP submicrospheres) have potential for various biomedical applications. We recently achieved facile one-pot fabrication of IO–CaP submicrospheres using a laser-assisted precipitation process in which weak pulsed laser irradiation was applied to a labile CaP reaction mixture supplemented with ferrous ions under adequate pH. In this study, we performed cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the resulting IO–CaP submicrospheres. The cross-sectional TEM analysis revealed that the IO–CaP submicrospheres were heterogeneous in their internal nanostructures and could be categorized into two types, namely types A and B. The type A submicrospheres contained single nano-sized IO nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed throughout the CaP-based matrix. The type B submicrospheres contained larger IO nanoparticles with an irregular or spherical shape, which were mostly a few tens of nanometers in size along with one or two submicron-sized domains. These findings provide new insight into the formation mechanism of IO–CaP submicrospheres in this fabrication technique as well as future applications of the resulting IO–CaP submicrospheres.
Application of a Dy3Co0.6Cu0.4Hx Addition for Controlling the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Sintered Nd-Fe-B Magnets
Authors: Skotnicova Katerina , Prokofev Pavel A. , Kolchugina Natalia B. , Burkhanov Gennady S. , Lukin Alexander A. , Koshkid’ko Yurii S. , Cegan Tomas , Drulis Henryk , Romanova Tatyana , Dormidontov Nikolay A.
Published: December 2019

The focus of new technologies on the formation of inhomogeneous distributions of heavy rare-earth metals (REMs) in hard magnetic Nd–Fe–B materials is of scientific importance to increase their functional properties, along with preserving existing sources of heavy REMs. This paper focused on the coercivity enhancement of Nd2Fe14B-based magnets by optimizing the microstructure, which includes the processes of grain boundary structuring via the application of a Dy3Co0.6Cu0.4Hx alloy added to the initial Nd–Fe–B-based powder mixtures in the course of their mechanical activation. We have studied the role of alloying elements in the formation of phase composition, microstructure, the fine structure of grains, and the hysteretic properties of hard magnetic Nd(R)2Fe14B-based materials. It was shown that the Dy introduction via the two-component blending process (the hydrogenated Dy3Co0.6Cu0.4 compound is added to a powder mixture) resulted in the formation of the core-shell structure of 2–14–1 phase grains. The efficient improvement of the coercivity of Nd(RE)–Fe–B magnets, with a slight sacrifice of remanence, was demonstrated.
Study on In-Doped CdMgTe Crystals Grown by a Modified Vertical Bridgman Method Using the ACRT Technique
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Jiang Biru , Chen Yongren , Zheng Jiahong , Luan Lijun
Published: December 2019

Cadmium–magnesium–telluride (CdMgTe) crystal was regarded as a potential semiconductor material. In this paper, an indium-doped Cd0.95Mg0.05Te ingot with 30 mm diameter and 120 mm length grown by a modified Bridgman method with excess Te condition was developed for room temperature gamma-ray detection. Characterizations revealed that the as-grown Cd0.95Mg0.05Te crystals had a cubic zinc-blende structure and additionally Te-rich second phase existed in the crystals. From the tip to tail of the ingot, the density of Te inclusions was about 103–105 cm−2. The crystals had a suitable band-gap range from 1.52–1.54 eV. Both infrared (IR) transmittance and resistivity were relatively low. Photoluminescence measurement indicated that the ingot had more defects. Fortunately, after annealing, IR transmittance and the resistivity were significantly enhanced due to the elimination of Te inclusions. CdMgTe crystal after annealing showed a good crystal quality. The energy resolutions of the detector for 241Am and 137Cs gamma-ray were 12.7% and 8.6%, respectively. The mobility-lifetime product for electron was 1.66 × 10−3 cm2/V. Thus, this material could be used for room temperature radiation detectors.
Feasibility of Utilizing Recycled Aggregate Concrete for Revetment Construction of the Lower Yellow River
Authors: Feng Pan , Chang Honglei , Xu Guodong , Liu Qiaoling , Jin Zuquan , Liu Jian
Published: December 2019

To explore the feasibility of utilizing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in revetment construction of the lower Yellow River, a series of mix proportions with local recycled aggregates (RA) were designed to evaluate its mechanical properties and durability. The morphology and micro-hardness of the interface transition zone (ITZ) were also characterized to explain the performance of RAC. Based on the compressive strength data of 13 groups of mixtures, which is larger than 30 MPa, and with the RA substitution rate not less than 50%, the RAC containing 50% recycled fine aggregate (RFA) (HDX50), 70% RFA (HDX70), and 50% recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) (HDC50) were selected. The experiment results suggest that the mechanical performance, frost resistance, and carbonation resistance of the selected RAC is generally poorer than that of natural aggregate concrete (NAC), but can meet the performance requirement of concrete for the revetment construction of the lower Yellow River. The comprehensive performance of these three mixtures ranks as: HDX50 > HDX70 > HDC50. When considering the RA substitution ratio as a priority, HDX70 would be the best choice and can be applied in the revetment engineering. A number of defects are observed on the surface of RA with old pastes attached. Furthermore, the ITZs formed around RA are loose and with low micro-hardness, which is deemed to be the dominating reasons leading to the weaker performance of RAC than that of NAC.
Food Waste Materials as Low-Cost Adsorbents for the Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds from Wastewater
Authors: Frezzini Maria Agostina , Massimi Lorenzo , Astolfi Maria Luisa , Canepari Silvia , Giuliano Antonella
Published: December 2019

The aim of this work was to study the potential of food waste materials (banana peel, potato peel, apple peel, lemon peel, coffee waste, decaf coffee waste, grape waste, and carob peel) as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of aliphatic and aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wastewater. The ability of examined food waste materials to adsorb VOCs from synthetic multi-component standard solutions was evaluated and the examined food waste materials showed high removal efficiency. Performances of coffee waste, grape waste, and lemon peel were detailed by using Trichloroethylene and p-Xylene in mono-component standard solutions. The adsorption capacity of the three selected food wastes was determined by using linear Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Two errors functions, average percentage error (APE) and the chi-square test (χ2), were used for isotherm optimization prediction. Freundlich isotherm well described the adsorption of VOCs on the considered materials. According to the obtained results, a multilayer, physical, and cooperative adsorption process was hypothesized, particularly evident when the VOCs’ concentrations are high. This was confirmed by the high adsorption efficiency percentages (E% > 80%) of VOCs from a real polluted matrix (urban solid waste leachate), containing high concentrations of total organic content.