bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Partial Substitution of Malt with Unmalted Wheat in Grist on Quality Parameters of Lager Beer
Authors: Krstanović Vinko , Habschied Kristina , Lukinac Jasmina , Jukić Marko , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: February 2020

The aim of this research was to assess whether the grist mixture (50% malt, 34% maize grits, and 16% unmalted wheat) used for the production of beer 1 could be appropriate for lager to retain the declared quality and colloidal stability during the commercial shelf life (6 months) in regards to beer 2 produced completely out of barley malt. Raw materials, worts, and beers were analyzed before and after production and over the period of 6-month storage. All analyses were done in accordance with the European Brewery Convention methods. Beer 1 resulted in a more desirable wort composition considering the total, high molecular weight (HMW) proteins, and viscosity. Beer 1 had less total proteins and polyphenols, lower viscosity and color, and higher starting clarity than beer 2. Haze measurements showed that even though beer 1 had lower starting haze, it resulted in significantly less colloidal stability during the storage of 6 months, in comparison to beer 2. The results indicate that the production of light lager beer using unmalted wheat in grist could be acceptable for colloidal stability only if such beer is to be stabilized by operations that ensure the removal of haze inducers (primarily haze active proteins).
Changes in Epithelial and Stromal Corneal Stiffness Occur with Age and Obesity
Authors: Xu Peiluo , Londregan Anne , Rich Celeste , Trinkaus-Randall Vickery
Published: February 2020

The cornea is avascular, which makes it an excellent model to study matrix protein expression and tissue stiffness. The corneal epithelium adheres to the basement zone and the underlying stroma is composed of keratocytes and an extensive matrix of collagen and proteoglycans. Our goal was to examine changes in corneas of 8- and 15-week mice and compare them to 15-week pre-Type 2 diabetic obese mouse. Nanoindentation was performed on corneal epithelium in situ and then the epithelium was abraded, and the procedure repeated on the basement membrane and stroma. Confocal imaging was performed to examine the localization of proteins. Stiffness was found to be age and obesity dependent. Young’s modulus was greater in the epithelium from 15-week mice compared to 8-week mice. At 15 weeks, the epithelium of the control was significantly greater than that of the obese mice. There was a difference in the localization of Crb3 and PKCζ in the apical epithelium and a lack of lamellipodial extensions in the obese mouse. In the pre-Type 2 diabetic obese mouse there was a difference in the stiffness slope and after injury localization of fibronectin was negligible. These indicate that age and environmental changes incurred by diet alter the integrity of the tissue with age rendering it stiffer. The corneas from the pre-Type 2 diabetic obese mice were significantly softer and this may be a result of changes both in proteins on the apical surface indicating a lack of integrity and a decrease in fibronectin.
Risk of Contralateral Breast Cancer in Women with and without Pathogenic Variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 Genes in Women with Very Early-Onset (<36 Years) Breast Cancer
Authors: Hyder Zerin , Harkness Elaine F. , Woodward Emma R. , Bowers Naomi L. , Pereira Marta , Wallace Andrew J. , Howell Sacha J. , Howell Anthony , Lalloo Fiona , Newman William G. , Smith Miriam J. , Evans D Gareth
Published: February 2020

Early age at diagnosis of breast cancer is a known risk factor for hereditary predisposition and some studies show a high risk of contralateral breast cancer in BRCA1 carriers diagnosed at very young ages. However, little is published on the risk of TP53 carriers. 397 women with breast cancer diagnosed <36 years of age were obtained from three sources: (i) a population-based study of 283 women diagnosed sequentially from 1980–1997 in North-West England, (ii) referrals to the Genomic Medicine Department at St Mary’s Hospital from 1990–2018, and (iii) individuals from (i) and the Family History Clinic at Wythenshawe Hospital South Manchester who tested negative for pathogenic variants (PV) in all three genes. Sequencing of BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 genes was carried out alongside tests for copy number for PV on all referred women. Rates of contralateral breast cancer were censored at death, last assessment, or risk-reducing mastectomy. In total, 47 TP53, 218 BRCA1, and 132 BRCA2 PV carriers were identified with breast cancer diagnosed aged 35 years and under, as well as a representative sample of 261 not known to carry a PV in BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53. Annual rates of contralateral breast cancer (and percentage of synchronous breast cancers) were TP53: 7.03% (4.3%), BRCA1: 3.57% (1.8%), and BRCA2: 2.63% (1.5%). In non-PV carriers, contralateral rates in isolated presumed/tested non-carrier cases with no family history were 0.56%, and for those with a family history, 0.69%. Contralateral breast cancer rates are substantial in TP53, BRCA1, and BRCA2 PV carriers diagnosed with breast cancer aged 35 and under. Women need to be advised to help make informed decisions on contralateral mastectomy, guided by life expectancy from their index tumor.
Effects of Andrographolide on Intracellular pH Regulation, Cellular Migration, and Apoptosis in Human Cervical Cancer Cells (Running Tittle: Effects of Andrographolide on pH Regulators and Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer)
Authors: Loh Shih-Hurng , Tsai Yi-Ting , Huang Shu-Fu , Yu Tien-Chieh , Kuo Pei-Chun , Chao Shih-Chi , Chou Mei-Fang , Tsai Chien-Sung , Lee Shiao-Pieng
Published: February 2020

Cancer cells have been characterized with alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) values (≥7.2) to enable cancer proliferation, migration, and progression. The aim of the present study was to explore the concentration-dependent effects of Andrographolide, an active diterpenoid compound of herb Andrographis paniculata, on Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), cellular migration and apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). The pHi was detected by microspectrofluorometry method, and intracellular acidification was induced by NH4Cl prepulse technique. Viability and protein expression were determined by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and Western blot, respectively. Human normal endocervical cells (End1), ectocervical cells (Ect1), and HeLa were bought commercially. The resting pHi value of HeLa (≈7.47) was significantly higher than that of End1 and Ect1 (≈7.30), and shifted from alkaline to acidic following acid/base impacts. In HEPES (4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid | N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(2-ethanesulfonic acid) -buffered superfusate, NHE1 and V-ATPase co-existed functionally for acid extrusion in HeLa, while only NHE1 existed functionally in End/Ect1. Andrographolide (3–1000 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited NHE1 activity. Cell-migration and expressions of NHE1, V-ATPase, PARP (poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase), pro-Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were significantly reduced by pretreating with Andrographolide (≥100 μM) for 24–48 h in HeLa. Andrographolide inhibited cell viability of End1-cells/Ect1 and HeLa (≥100 and ≥30 μM, respectively). The present findings implicate the promising clinical applications of Andrographolide on cervical cancer treatment.
High-Performance Vapor-Phase Selective Oxidation of Ethyl Lactate to Ethyl Pyruvate over SiO2 Supported PMoVNb Oxides
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Qi , Liu Chenghao , Wang Xiaolong , Peng Cuina , Liu Rong , Yang Cheng
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the application of P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO2 catalysts for the selective oxidation of ethyl lactate (EL) to ethyl pyruvate (EP). The P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO2 catalysts exhibit superior performance for EP selectivity than the corresponding samples of binary V-Nb/SiO2 ternary P-Mo-V/SiO2 and P-Mo-Nb/SiO2 catalysts at same temperatures. The origin of high EP selectivity of the P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO2 catalysts is explored and attributed to the synergistic effect of P, Mo, V, and Nb mixed oxides presented on the surface of the catalyst. The highly dispersive sites separated active species under the action of phosphorus, suppressing over oxidation and improving the selectivity. The existence of MoO3 to provide higher oxidation for catalyst. The redox cycle of V and Nb oxides could be completed through electron transfer between lattice oxygen and metal cations. Moreover, the weak acidity of catalyst surface is favorable to avoid the decarboxylation reaction to target a high selectivity of EP. Therefore, the P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO2 catalyst obtained the maximum yield of 91.8% with a selectivity of 93.8% and a conversion of 99.0% simultaneously at 280 °C.
Applied Process Simulation-Driven Oil and Gas Separation Plant Optimization Using Surrogate Modeling and Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Andreasen Anders
Published: February 2020

In this article, the optimization of a realistic oil and gas separation plant has been studied. Using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and rigorous process simulations, surrogate models using Kriging have been established for selected model responses. The surrogate models are used in combination with an evolutionary algorithm for optimizing the operating profit, mainly by maximizing the recoverable oil production. A total of 10 variables representing pressure and temperature at various key places in the separation plant are optimized to maximize the operational profit. The optimization is bounded in the variables and a constraint function is included to ensure that the optimal solution allows export of oil with a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) < 12 psia. The main finding is that, while a high pressure is preferred in the first separation stage, apparently a unique optimal setting for the pressure in downstream separators does not appear to exist. In the second stage separator, apparently different, yet more or less equally optimal, settings are revealed. In the third and final separation stage a correlation between the separator pressure and the applied inlet temperature exists, where different combinations of pressure and temperature yields equally optimal results.
A Cyber-Physical Residential Energy Management System via Virtualized Packets
Authors: de Castro Tomé Mauricio , J. Nardelli Pedro H. , Hussain Hafiz Majid , Wahid Sohail , Narayanan Arun
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a cyber-physical system to manage flexible residential loads based on virtualized energy packets. Before being used, flexible loads need to request packets to an energy server, which may be granted or not. If granted, the energy server guarantees that the request will be fulfilled. Each different load has a specific consumption profile and user requirement. In the proposed case study, the residential consumers share a pool of energy resources that need to be allocated by the energy server whose aim is to minimize the imports related to such a group. The proposed solution shows qualitative advantages compared to the existing approaches in relation to computational complexity, fairness of the resource allocation outcomes and effectiveness in peak reduction. We demonstrate our solution based on three different representative flexible loads; namely, electric vehicles, saunas and dishwashers. The numerical results show the efficacy of the proposed solution for three different representative examples, demonstrating the advantages and drawbacks of different allocation rules.
Search Like an Eagle: A Cascaded Model for Insulator Missing Faults Detection in Aerial Images
Authors: Han Jiaming , Yang Zhong , Xu Hao , Hu Guoxiong , Zhang Chi , Li Hongchen , Lai Shangxiang , Zeng Huarong
Published: February 2020

Insulator missing fault is a serious accident of high-voltage transmission lines, which can cause abnormal energy supply. Recently, a lot of vision-based methods are proposed for detecting an insulator missing fault in aerial images. However, these methods usually lack efficiency and robustness due to the effect of the complex background interferences in the aerial images. More importantly, most of these methods cannot address the insulator multi-fault detection. This paper proposes an unprecedented cascaded model to detect insulator multi-fault in the aerial images to solve the existing challenges. Firstly, a total of 764 images are adopted to create a novel insulator missing faults dataset ‘IMF-detection’. Secondly, a new network is proposed to locate the insulator string from the complex background. Then, the located region that contains the insulator string is set to be an RoI (region of interest) region. Finally, the YOLO-v3 tiny network is trained and then used to detect the insulator missing faults in the RoI region. Experimental results and analysis validate that the proposed method is more efficient and robust than some previous works. Most importantly, the average running time of the proposed method is about 30ms, which demonstrates that it has the potential to be adopted for the on-line detection of insulator missing faults.
Performance Evaluation of Wire Cloth Micro Heat Exchangers
Authors: Fugmann Hannes , Martens Sebastian , Balzer Richard , Brenner Martin , Schnabel Lena , Mehring Carsten
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to validate a thermal-hydraulic simulation model for a new type of heat exchanger for mass, volume, and coolant/refrigerant charge reduction. The new heat exchanger consists of tubes with diameters in the range of 1 m m and wires in the range of 100 m , woven together to form a 200 × 200 × 80 m m 3 wire cloth heat exchanger. Performance of the heat exchanger has been experimentally evaluated using water as inner and air as outer heat transfer medium. A computational thermal and fluid dynamic model has been implemented in OpenFOAM®. The model allows variation of geometry and operating conditions. The validation of the model is based on one single geometry with an opaque fabric and air-side velocities between 1 and 7 m / s . The simulated and measured pressure drops are found to be in good agreement with a relative difference of less than 16%. For the investigated cases, the effective heat transfer coefficients are in very good agreement (less than 5%) when adapting the contact resistance between tubes and wires. The numerical model describes the fluid flow and heat transfer of the tested heat exchanger with adequate precision and can be used for future wire cloth heat exchanger dimensioning for a variety of applications.
Risk-Based Active Power Redispatch Optimization
Authors: Wawrzyniak Karol , Urresti Padrón Endika , Jaworski Wojciech , Korab Roman
Published: February 2020

Risk-based redispatch optimization is proposed as a methodology to support the Transmission System Operator (TSO) with preventive remedial actions obtained by extending the security-constrained unit commitment/economic dispatch with constraints resulting from the risk assessed for the power system. Although being heuristic, the methodology is based on comprehensive dynamic security assessment as time-domain simulations are used, allowing to express the degree of all types of instabilities, e.g., caused by contingencies, in monetary terms. Therefore, the risk is assessed as the expected value of the cost incurred by the TSO. Such an approach forms a new pathway to including risk in planning procedures already used by TSOs. Results obtained for the IEEE39 dynamic power system, with costs assigned to load shedding and generator tripping due to single transmission lines short-circuits, are shown as a reference case.
Adaptive Luminaire with Variable Luminous Intensity Distribution
Authors: Leśko Marcin , Różowicz Antoni , Wachta Henryk , Różowicz Sebastian
Published: February 2020

The field of indoor lighting covers a wide range of lighting uses with varying requirements for lighting conditions to be satisfied by properly selected lighting equipment. The need to frequently change the arrangement of useable areas entails the necessity to adapt the lighting to new requirements. A good solution for reducing costs and saving time is a luminaire adjusting the luminous flux and spatial luminous intensity distribution in a wide range. The authors present the concept of an adaptive luminaire and its construction assumptions. In addition, the results of studies on the development of the concept are shown together with conditions and limitations that influenced the construction of the luminaire. The analysis of the surface of the moveable reflector is presented, and the results of testing the luminaire prototype are compared with the results of simulation tests.
Optimization and Comparison of Two Combined Cycles Consisting of CO2 and Organic Trans-Critical Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Ren Liya , Wang Huaixin
Published: February 2020

CO2-based trans-critical and supercritical cycles have received more and more attention for power generation in many applications such as solar and nuclear energy due to the desirable thermal stability and properties of CO2 and the high efficiency and compact size of the plant. In this study, two combined cycles driven by the flue gas exhausted from the LM2500+ gas turbine, CO2-TC+OTC (organic trans-critical cycle) and CO2-TC/OTC, which can achieve a good trade-off between thermal efficiency and utilization of the waste heat, are investigated. Parameters optimization is carried out by means of genetic algorithm to maximize the net power output of the combined cycle and the effects of the key parameters on the cycle performance are examined. Results show that the exergy efficiency of CO2-TC+OTC is about 2% higher than that of CO2-TC/OTC. In CO2-TC+OTC, the recuperation process of CO2 causes the largest exergy loss; in CO2-TC/OTC, the largest exergy loss occurs in the heat recovery vapor generator, followed by the intermediate heat exchanger due to the larger variation of the specific heat capacity of CO2 and organic fluid in the heat addition process.
Development of Site-Specific Wind Hazard Map for Peninsular Malaysia via Spatial Modeling
Authors: Abo Sabah Saddam Hussein , Ramli Noram Irwan , Majid Taksiah A. , Zaini Shaharudin Shah
Published: February 2020

The commonly used approach to predict and evaluate the wind risk in Peninsular Malaysia is to employ the basic wind speed (Vs) hazard map, which underestimates the real damage due to the limitation of factors considered by the current map. This paper aimed to develop a new wind hazard map for Peninsular Malaysia based on the site wind speed (Vsite) rather than the Vs using the Geographical Information System. The development of the Vsite map considered the effects of the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and the topography conditions that were not taken into consideration by the Malaysian Standard during the development of the Vs map. The statistical analysis proved that the wind hazard in Peninsular Malaysia is directly proportional to the LULC and inversely proportional to the Hill Shape Multiplier. In addition, the results showed that the existing Vs map underrated the wind hazard in Peninsular Malaysia by almost 9.02% to 17.79% compared to the developed Vsite map. Therefore, the use of the newly developed map to evaluate the wind hazards will significantly enhance the assessment, and the new map has the potential to be incorporated into the Malaysian Standard for this purpose.
From Homogeneous to Heterogenized Molecular Catalysts for H2 Production by Formic Acid Dehydrogenation: Mechanistic Aspects, Role of Additives, and Co-Catalysts
Authors: Stathi Panagiota , Solakidou Maria , Louloudi Maria , Deligiannakis Yiannis
Published: February 2020

H2 production via dehydrogenation of formic acid (HCOOH, FA), sodium formate (HCOONa, SF), or their mixtures, at near-ambient conditions, T < 100 °C, P = 1 bar, is intensively pursued, in the context of the most economically and environmentally eligible technologies. Herein we discuss molecular catalysts (ML), consisting of a metal center (M, e.g., Ru, Ir, Fe, Co) and an appropriate ligand (L), which exemplify highly efficient Turnover Numbers (TONs) and Turnover Frequencies (TOFs) in H2 production from FA/SF. Typically, many of these ML catalysts require the presence of a cofactor that promotes their optimal cycling. Thus, we distinguish the concept of such cofactors in additives vs. co-catalysts: When used at high concentrations, that is stoichiometric amounts vs. the substrate (HCOONa, SF), the cofactors are sacrificial additives. In contrast, co-catalysts are used at much lower concentrations, that is at stoichiometric amount vs. the catalyst. The first part of the present review article discusses the mechanistic key steps and key controversies in the literature, taking into account theoretical modeling data. Then, in the second part, the role of additives and co-catalysts as well as the role of the solvent and the eventual inhibitory role of H2O are discussed in connection to the main mechanistic steps. For completeness, photons used as activators of ML catalysts are also discussed in the context of co-catalysts. In the third part, we discuss examples of promising hybrid nanocatalysts, consisting of a molecular catalyst ML attached on the surface of a nanoparticle. In the same context, we discuss nanoparticulate co-catalysts and hybrid co-catalysts, consisting of catalyst attached on the surface of a nanoparticle, and their role in the performance of molecular catalysts ML.
Aphid Gall Interactions with Forest Tree Genotypes Influence Leaf Litter Decomposition in Streams
Authors: LeRoy Carri J. , Fischer Dylan , Schweitzer Jennifer A. , Bailey Joseph K.
Published: February 2020

Genetic variation within a dominant riparian forest tree affects susceptibility to a leaf-galling aphid (Pemphigus betae), which induces phytochemical and structural changes in leaf tissue. Research Highlights: We show here that these changes to tree leaf tissue alter adjacent in-stream leaf litter decomposition rates and the aquatic macroinvertebrate community associated with litter in the stream for some Populus genotypes. Background and Objectives: Naturally occurring hybrid cottonwoods (Populus fremontii × Populus angustifolia) are differentially susceptible to aphid attack and vary in induced phytochemistry following attack. When leaves are galled by aphids, foliar tissue is altered structurally (through the formation of pea-sized gall structures) and phytochemically (through an increase in foliar condensed tannin concentrations). Materials and Methods: To examine the effect of aphid-galled leaves on forest stream processes, we collected both galled and un-galled leaves from five clones of three hybrid cottonwood genotypes in an experimental forest. We measured in-stream litter decomposition rates, aquatic fungal biomass and aquatic macroinvertebrate community composition. Results: Decomposition rates differed among genotypes and the galled litter treatments, with a 27% acceleration of decomposition rate for the galled litter of one genotype compared to its own un-galled litter and no differences between galled and un-galled litters for the other two genotypes. Genotype by foliar gall status interactions also occurred for measures of phytochemistry, indicating a prevalence of complex interactions. Similarly, we found variable responses in the macroinvertebrate community, where one genotype demonstrated community differences between galled and un-galled litter. Conclusions: These data suggest that plant genetics and terrestrial forest herbivory may be important in linking aquatic and terrestrial forest processes and suggest that examination of decomposition at finer scales (e.g., within species, hybrids and individuals) reveals important ecosystem patterns.
Contribution of Advanced Regeneration of Pinus radiata D. Don. to Transpiration by a Fragment of Native Forest in Central Chile Is out of Proportion with the Contribution to Sapwood Area
Authors: White Don A. , Silberstein Richard P. , Balocchi-Contreras Francisco , Quiroga Juan Jose , Ramírez de Arellano Pablo
Published: February 2020

The transpiration of Nothofagus glauca (Phil.) Krasser and advanced Pinus radiata D. Don. regeneration was measured in a fragment of native N. glauca forest. Over the eight months of this study, P. radiata contributed approximately 60% of the total stand transpiration. This was out of proportion with the approximately 34% of the stand sapwood area contributed by P. radiata. This was due to the significantly greater sap flux density of the P. radiata compared to the N. glauca between May and October. Though the results are from a small study conducted as part of a larger experiment, it is argued that they suggest that invasion by P. radiata may substantially increase the risk from climate change to reserves of N. glauca forest in the Maule region of central Chile. In some reserves of N. glauca forest, Forestal Arauco S.A. manually removed P. radiata that regenerated after the wildfire of January 2017. This was a costly operation and there is a need for indices to assess competition. The ratio of sapwood area to leaf area is suggested as a potential index for assessing competition to identify stands at risk.
Comparison and Discrimination of Two Major Monocultivar Extra Virgin Olive Oils in the Southern Region of Peloponnese, According to Specific Compositional/Traceability Markers
Authors: Skiada Vasiliki , Tsarouhas Panagiotis , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: February 2020

The qualitative characteristics and chemical parameters were determined for 112 virgin olive oil samples of the two dominant olive cultivars in the southern region of Peloponnese, cv. Koroneiki and cv. Mastoides. As no relevant data exist for this geographical area, yet one of the most important olive-growing regions in Greece, this study aimed to evaluate and evidence the differences on specific chemical characteristics of the oils because of their botanical origin. Olive oils of Koroneiki variety were characterized by a three-fold lower concentration in heptadecanoic and heptadecenoic acid compared to oils of cv. Mastoides. In addition, Mastoides oils exhibited higher β-sitosterol and total sterols concentration and lower Δ-5-avenasterol and total erythodiol content compared to Koroneiki olive oils Analysis of variance and principal component analysis of the GC-analyzed olive oil samples showed substantial compositional differences in the fatty acid and sterolic profile between Koroneiki and Mastoides cultivars. Hence, results demonstrate that the fatty acid and sterolic profile can be used as exceptional compositional marker for olive oil authenticity.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Genealogy in 2019
Authors: Genealogy Editorial Office
Published: February 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time andexpertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whetherthe papers are finally published or not [...]
The Personalisation of Glioblastoma Treatment Using Whole Exome Sequencing: A Pilot Study
Authors: Garrett Anne-Marie , Lastakchi Sarah , McConville Christopher
Published: February 2020

The molecular heterogeneity of glioblastoma has been linked to differences in survival and treatment response, while the development of personalised treatments may be a novel way of combatting this disease. Here we show for the first time that low passage number cells derived from primary tumours are greater than an 86% match genetically to the tumour tissue. We used these cells to identify eight genes that could be used for the personalisation of glioblastoma treatment and discovered a number of personalised drug combinations that were significantly more effective at killing glioblastoma cells and reducing recurrence than the individual drugs as well as the control and non-personalised combinations. This pilot study demonstrates for the first time that whole exome sequencing has the potential be used to improve the treatment of glioblastoma patients by personalising treatment. This novel approach could potentially offer a new avenue for treatment for this terrible disease.
Effects of Vine Water Status and Exogenous Abscisic Acid on Berry Composition of Three Red Wine Grapes Grown under Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Cocco Massimiliano , Mercenaro Luca , Lo Cascio Mauro , Nieddu Giovanni
Published: February 2020

Beyond climatic conditions, qualitative performance is led by the intrinsic characteristics of the genotype. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vine water status and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) application on berry composition of the cultivars Cannonau, Merlot and Sangiovese. The experiment, carried out in 2016 and 2017, consisted of comparing two levels of irrigation treatments, full irrigation versus a non-irrigation treatment. Within each treatment, two sub-treatments were set up: (i) 4 mL L−1 of exogenous ABA applied at veraison to clusters only and subsequently repeated after six days; (ii) a control (untreated vines). The application of different irrigation regimes confirmed that the response to water stress is highly cultivar-dependent. Berry composition was influenced differently among cultivars by water stress. In terms of metabolites, positive influences were observed with Cannonau. No significant effects were observed by spraying exogenous ABA directly on grapes. Moreover, no significant interactions were found between the application of water stress and ABA. Exogenous ABA application did not appear to be a viticultural practice capable of influencing must composition in environments characterized by severe environmental conditions such as heat and drought.
Precision Medicine in Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Novelli Giuseppe , Biancolella Michela , Latini Andrea , Spallone Aldo , Borgiani Paola , Papaluca Marisa
Published: February 2020

The increase in life expectancy during the 20th century ranks as one of society’s greatest achievements, with massive growth in the numbers and proportion of the elderly, virtually occurring in every country of the world. The burden of chronic diseases is one of the main consequences of this phenomenon, severely hampering the quality of life of elderly people and challenging the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are considered a global emergency responsible for over 70% of deaths worldwide. NCDs are also the basis for complex and multifactorial diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The epidemics of NCDs are a consequence of a complex interaction between health, economic growth, and development. This interaction includes the individual genome, the microbiome, the metabolome, the immune status, and environmental factors such as nutritional and chemical exposure. To counteract NCDs, it is therefore essential to develop an innovative, personalized, preventative, early care model through the integration of different molecular profiles of individuals to identify both the critical biomarkers of NCD susceptibility and to discover novel therapeutic targets.
Flash Flood Impact Assessment in Jeddah City: An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach
Authors: Dano Umar Lawal
Published: February 2020

Floods are among the most destructive natural hazards that cost lives and disrupt the socioeconomic activities of residents, especially in the rapidly growing cities of developing countries. Jeddah, a coastal city situated in Saudi Arabia, has experienced severe flash flood events in recent years. With intense rainfall, extensive coastal developments, and sensitive ecosystems, the city is susceptible to severe flash flood risks. The objective of this article is to apply an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model to explore the impacts of flash flood hazards and identify the most effective approaches to reducing the flash flood impacts in Jeddah using expert’s opinions. The study utilizes experts’ judgments and employs the AHP for data analyses and modeling. The results indicated that property loss has the highest probability of occurrence in the events of a flash flood with a priority level of 42%, followed by productivity loss (28%). Injuries and death were rated the least priority of 18% and 12%, respectively. Concerning flood impact reduction alternatives, river management (41%) and early warning system (38%) are the most favorable options. The findings could assist the government to design appropriate measures to safeguard the lives and properties of the residents. The study concludes by underscoring the significance of incorporating experts’ judgments in assessing flash flood impacts.
Cyberaggression in Adolescents of Bolivia: Connection with Psychopathological Symptoms, Adaptive and Predictor Variables
Authors: Garaigordobil Maite , Mollo-Torrico Juan Pablo , Machimbarrena Juan Manuel , Páez Darío
Published: February 2020

Concern about the increase of cyberbullying underlies this study, which had four objectives: (1) to calculate the prevalence of cyberaggressors; (2) to compare non-cyberaggressors with cyberaggressors in other bullying/cyberbullying roles, in psychopathological symptoms, and in self-image of masculinity/femininity, happiness, and empathy; (3) to analyze whether cyberaggressors consulted with a psychologist more than non-cyberaggressors; and (4) to identify predictor variables of cyberaggression. Participants were 1558 Bolivian students aged 13 to 17 years. Seven evaluation instruments were administered, using a descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional methodology. Results: (1) 32.7% of cyberaggressors (27.4% occasional, 5.3% severe) were found, with a higher percentage of males; (2) compared to non-cyberaggressors, cyberaggressors engaged in more face-to-face bullying behaviors, suffered more face-to-face victimization and cybervictimization, had more psychopathological symptoms (depression, somatization, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism), higher overall level of psychopathology, had requested psychological assistance in a greater proportion, self-defined with many attributes associated with masculinity, and felt less happiness and less empathy; and (3) being or having been a cybervictim, being or having been an aggressor of face-to-face bullying, low empathetic joy, and a self-image based on attributes associated with masculinity were predictors of cyberaggression. The need for therapeutic intervention with all those involved and the importance of prevention in the school context are discussed.
A Serial Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Prevalence, Risk Factors and Geographic Variations of Reduced Visual Acuity in Primary and Secondary Students from 2000 to 2017 in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Perseus W.F. , Lai Jimmy S.M. , Chan Jonathan C.H.
Published: February 2020

Background: We would like to investigate the prevalence trend, potential risk factors and geographic features of reduced visual acuity (VA) in primary and secondary schoolchildren of Hong Kong. Methods: This was a serial cross-sectional study using historical data of schoolchildren aged 6 to 15 years from the annual health checks conducted at Student Health Service Centers across Hong Kong, for the school years of 2000/2001 to 2016/2017. Results: The prevalence of reduced VA increased from 49.23% (95% CI, 48.99−49.47) in 2000/2001 to 54.34% (95% CI, 54.10−54.58) in 2011/2012 but decreased to 51.42% (95% CI, 51.17−51.66) in 2016/2017. Girls were less susceptible than boys at age 6−7 (and in grade primary 1−2), but more susceptible at older ages. The prevalence in junior grades increased while the risk effect of grade reduced over the past 17 years. Geographic variation on the risk for reduced VA existed and spatial autocorrelation was positive. The difference in prevalence of reduced VA between Hong Kong and mainland China has decreased in recent years. Cross-border students living in mainland China were associated with a lower risk for reduced VA. Conclusions: Further study was proposed to investigate the environmental association between students living in and outside Hong Kong with the prevalence of reduced VA. Multi-level research should also be conducted to investigate the influence of compositional and contextual factors on the prevalence of reduced VA.
Optimizing Employee Creativity in the Digital Era: Uncovering the Interactional Effects of Abilities, Motivations, and Opportunities
Authors: Cai Wenjing , Khapova Svetlana , Bossink Bart , Lysova Evgenia , Yuan Jing
Published: February 2020

An increasing digitalization in all aspects of life and work reshapes traditional assumptions about human creativity. Both scholars and practitioners raise many questions with regards to how to stimulate employee creativity in the digital work context. While there are many studies that examine predictors of employee creativity, little effort has been made thus far to synthesize these findings in way that would provide meaningful guidance to organizations and to provide bases for future research. With this paper we aim to contribute to filling this gap. We systematically review empirical studies on predictors of employee creativity published in the past 30 years and organize findings following an established human resources management framework: Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) theory. This organizing framework enables us to clearly depict how contextual factors (a) separately and (b) jointly influence individual employee creativity. Specifically, it enables us to depict two possible models—combination and multiplicative models—through which contextual factors interact with individual factors in predicting employee creativity. Through synthesizing evidence for each of the models, we demonstrate to scholars and practitioners what is known about the interactional effects of contextual and personal factors on employee creativity, and what still needs to be studied if we are to take the field of research on creativity in the digital era forward.
Contextual Factors Influencing the MAMAACT Intervention: A Qualitative Study of Non-Western Immigrant Women’s Response to Potential Pregnancy Complications in Everyday Life
Authors: Johnsen Helle , Christensen Ulla , Juhl Mette , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted
Published: February 2020

In western countries, immigrant women have an increased risk of negative birth outcomes. Immigrant women’s and maternity care system’s delayed response to pregnancy complications contribute to ethnic inequities in reproductive health. The MAMAACT intervention was developed to improve midwives’ and women’s response to pregnancy complications in Denmark. The study examines the context of the implementation of the MAMAACT intervention and investigates how the intended intervention mechanisms regarding response to pregnancy complications were affected by barriers in non-Western immigrant women’s everyday life situations. Twenty-one interviews with non-Western immigrant women were undertaken. Systematic text condensation and the situational-adaptation framework by Alonzo were used to analyze data. Four main categories were identified: ‘Sources of knowledge during pregnancy’, ‘Containment of pregnancy warning signs’, ‘Barriers during the onset of acute illness’ and ‘Previous situations with maternity care providers’. Attention to potential pregnancy complications may conflict with immigrant women’s everyday life situations and result in the containment of symptoms as well as causing delays in seeking medical assistance. It is probable that barriers in women’s everyday life will impact the intended intervention mechanisms and thus the full potential of the intervention may not be reached.
Effects of Pre-Oxidation on Haloacetonitrile and Trichloronitromethane Formation during Subsequent Chlorination of Nitrogenous Organic Compounds
Authors: Wang Ao , Lin Chenshuo , Shen Zhen , Liu Zhigang , Xu Hang , Cheng Jiapei , Wen Xin
Published: February 2020

The reaction between organic matter and disinfectants leads to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water. With the improvement of detection technology and in-depth research, more than 1000 kinds of DBPs have been detected in drinking water. Nitrogenous DBPs (N-DBPs) are more genotoxic and cytotoxic than the regulated DBPs. The main methods are enhanced coagulation, pretreatment, and depth technologies which based are on conventional technology. Amino acids (AAs) are widely found in surface waters and play an important role by providing precursors from which toxic nitrogenous disinfection by-products (N-DBPs) are generated in chlorinated drinking water. The formation of N-DBPs, including dichloroacetonitrile, trichloroacetonitrile, and trichloronitromethane (TCNM), was investigated by analyzing chlorinated water using ozone (OZ), permanganate (PM), and ferrate (Fe(VI)) pre-oxidation processes. This paper has considered the control of pre-oxidation over N-DBPs formation of AAs, OZ, PM, and Fe(VI) pre-oxidation reduced the haloacetonitrile formation in the downstream chlorination. PM pre-oxidation decreased the TCNM formation during the subsequent chlorination, while Fe(VI) pre-oxidation had no significant influence on the TCNM formation, and OZ pre-oxidation increased the formation. OZ pre-oxidation formed the lowest degree of bromine substitution during subsequent chlorination of aspartic acid in the presence of bromide. Among the three oxidants, PM pre-oxidation was expected to be the best choice for reducing the estimated genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the sum of the measured haloacetonitriles (HANs) and TCNM without bromide. Fe(VI) pre-oxidation had the best performance in the presence of bromide.
Identification of Potentially Therapeutic Target Genes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Chengzhang , Xu Jiucheng
Published: February 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major threat to public health. However, few effective therapeutic strategies exist. We aimed to identify potentially therapeutic target genes of HCC by analyzing three gene expression profiles. Methods: The gene expression profiles were analyzed with GEO2R, an interactive web tool for gene differential expression analysis, to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analyses were then conducted followed by a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction with the common DEGs. The PPI network was employed to identify hub genes, and the expression level of the hub genes was validated via data mining the Oncomine database. Survival analysis was carried out to assess the prognosis of hub genes in HCC patients. Results: A total of 51 common up-regulated DEGs and 201 down-regulated DEGs were obtained after gene differential expression analysis of the profiles. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that these common DEGs are linked to a series of cancer events. We finally identified 10 hub genes, six of which (OIP5, ASPM, NUSAP1, UBE2C, CCNA2, and KIF20A) are reported as novel HCC hub genes. Data mining the Oncomine database validated that the hub genes have a significant high level of expression in HCC samples compared normal samples (t-test, p < 0.05). Survival analysis indicated that overexpression of the hub genes is associated with a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in survival time in HCC patients. Conclusions: We identified six novel HCC hub genes that might be therapeutic targets for the development of drugs for some HCC patients.
Structural Damage of Two-Dimensional Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskites
Authors: Yuan Biao , Shi Enzheng , Liang Chao , Dou Letian , Yu Yi
Published: February 2020

Organic–inorganic halide perovskites are promising photovoltaic materials with excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the extreme structural instability hinders their wide application as well as the microstructure characterization using high energy beams such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Here, taking BA2FAPb2I7 and BA2MAPb2I7 as examples, we investigate their structural evolution resulting from high energy electron irradiation, moist air, and low temperature, respectively. The results show that the long organic chains are the first to be damaged under electron beam, which is mainly arising from their instability and weak bonding with the framework of [PbI6]4− octahedrons. Then the short organic cations and the framework of [PbI6]4− octahedrons collapses gradually. The final products are clusters of detached PbI2 particles, which can also be observed in the sample degraded in moist air. In addition, the structures of BA2FAPb2I7 and BA2MAPb2I7 are discovered to undergo a phase transformation at liquid nitrogen temperature, which calls attention to the community that cryo-TEM methods should be used cautiously for organic–inorganic halide perovskite materials.
A New Concept for Kilotonne Scale Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers
Authors: Asaadi Jonathan , Auger Martin , Berner Roman , Bross Alan , Chen Yifan , Convery Mark , Domine Laura , Drielsma Francois , Dwyer Daniel , Ereditato Antonio , Goeldi Damian , Itay Ran , Koh Dae , Kohn Samuel , Koller Patrick , Kreslo Igor , Lorca David , Madigan Peter , Marshall Christopher , Mettler Thomas , Piastra Francesco , Sinclair James , Tanaka Hirohisa , Terao Kazuhiro , Tsang Patrick , Usher Tracy , Weber Michele , Wilkinson Callum
Published: February 2020

We develop a novel Time Projection Chamber (TPC) concept suitable for deployment in kilotonne-scale detectors, with a charge-readout system free from reconstruction ambiguities, and a robust TPC design that reduces high-voltage risks while increasing the coverage of the light-collection system and maximizing the active volume. This novel concept could be used as a far detector module in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). For the charge-readout system, we used the charge-collection pixels and associated application-specific integrated circuits currently being developed for the liquid argon (LAr) component of the DUNE Near Detector design, ArgonCube. In addition, we divided the TPC into a number of shorter drift volumes, reducing the total voltage used to drift the ionization electrons, and minimizing the stored energy per TPC. Segmenting the TPC also contains scintillation light, allowing for precise trigger localization and a more expansive light-readout system. Furthermore, the design opens the possibility of replacing or upgrading components. These augmentations could substantially improve the reliability and the sensitivity, particularly for low-energy signals, in comparison to traditional monolithic LArTPCs with projective-wire charge readouts.
An Introduction to High Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Systematic Review on Principles, Devices, and Clinical Applications
Authors: Izadifar Zahra , Izadifar Zohreh , Chapman Dean , Babyn Paul
Published: February 2020

Ultrasound can penetrate deep into tissues and interact with human tissue via thermal and mechanical mechanisms. The ability to focus an ultrasound beam and its energy onto millimeter-size targets was a significant milestone in the development of therapeutic applications of focused ultrasound. Focused ultrasound can be used as a non-invasive thermal ablation technique for tumor treatment and is being developed as an option to standard oncologic therapies. High-intensity focused ultrasound has now been used for clinical treatment of a variety of solid malignant tumors, including those in the pancreas, liver, kidney, bone, prostate, and breast, as well as uterine fibroids and soft-tissue sarcomas. Magnetic resonance imaging and Ultrasound imaging can be combined with high intensity focused ultrasound to provide real-time imaging during ablation. Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound represents a novel non-invasive method of treatment that may play an important role as an alternative to open neurosurgical procedures for treatment of a number of brain disorders. This paper briefly reviews the underlying principles of HIFU and presents current applications, outcomes, and complications after treatment. Recent applications of Focused ultrasound for tumor treatment, drug delivery, vessel occlusion, histotripsy, movement disorders, and vascular, oncologic, and psychiatric applications are reviewed, along with clinical challenges and potential future clinical applications of HIFU.