bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle Flow Simulation Based on Hybrid IMB-DEM-LBM Approach with New Solid Fraction Calculation Scheme
Authors: Zhang Ri , Kim Hyeong-Joo , Dinoy Peter Rey
Published: April 2021

A new coupling method, immersed moving boundary–discrete element method–lattice Boltzmann method (IMB-DEM-LBM), is proposed to simulate particle flow for application in soil mechanics or coastal engineering. In this study, LBM fluid is simulated on the regular Eulerian grid and Lagrangian particle motion is governed by DEM while IMB couples the two algorithms. The new method is promising and robust as it resolves numerical instability near the particle boundary caused by mesh distortion in the conventional grid method. In IMB, the interface lattice solid fraction determines the distribution function ratio of non-equilibrium bounce back and Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) collision. The non-equilibrium bounce back at moving boundary results in the fluid momentum change and contributes to the hydrodynamic force on particle. For numerical stability, this paper introduces the hydrodynamic force calculation concept from IB (immersed boundary method) to IMB, and at the same time, proposes a new solid fraction calculation method for sphere that divides the intersection into simple sector and triangle, as well as calculates the intersection area by vector. With this method, approximate inaccuracy is overcome while complicated integration is avoided.
Development of a Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Methods for Quality Control of Daegunjoong-Tang
Authors: Seo Chang-Seob , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: April 2021

Daegunjoong-tang (DGJT) is an oriental medicine consisting of four medicinal herbs (Zingiber officinale Rosc., Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., Oryza sativa L., and Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc.) that is used to treat intestinal- and cancer-related diseases. In this study, a protocol for quality control of DGJT based on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis were developed. In HPLC analysis, the marker analytes (hyperoside, quercitrin, ginsenoside Rg1, and 6-gingerol) were separated, verified, and quantified using a mobile phase of 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid–0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile system, and a C18 reverse-phase column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, particle size; 5 m) maintained at 40 °C. In LC–MS/MS analysis, all analytes were separated using a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, particle size; 1.7 μm). Using the developed HPLC and LC–MS/MS methods, the four marker analytes were found in the samples at 0.95–13.86 mg/g (HPLC) and 0.27–2.42 mg/g (LC–MS/MS). The assay will be useful for evaluating the quality of DGJT.
The Role of Industry 4.0 and BPMN in the Arise of Condition-Based and Predictive Maintenance: A Case Study in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Fernandes Jorge , Reis João , Melão Nuno , Teixeira Leonor , Amorim Marlene
Published: April 2021

This article addresses the evolution of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in the automotive industry, exploring its contribution to a shift in the maintenance paradigm. To this end, we firstly present the concepts of predictive maintenance (PdM), condition-based maintenance (CBM), and their applications to increase awareness of why and how these concepts are revolutionizing the automotive industry. Then, we introduce the business process management (BPM) and business process model and notation (BPMN) methodologies, as well as their relationship with maintenance. Finally, we present the case study of the Renault Cacia, which is developing and implementing the concepts mentioned above.
3D Avatar Approach for Continuous Sign Movement Using Speech/Text
Authors: Das Chakladar Debashis , Kumar Pradeep , Mandal Shubham , Roy Partha Pratim , Iwamura Masakazu , Kim Byung-Gyu
Published: April 2021

Sign language is a visual language for communication used by hearing-impaired people with the help of hand and finger movements. Indian Sign Language (ISL) is a well-developed and standard way of communication for hearing-impaired people living in India. However, other people who use spoken language always face difficulty while communicating with a hearing-impaired person due to lack of sign language knowledge. In this study, we have developed a 3D avatar-based sign language learning system that converts the input speech/text into corresponding sign movements for ISL. The system consists of three modules. Initially, the input speech is converted into an English sentence. Then, that English sentence is converted into the corresponding ISL sentence using the Natural Language Processing (NLP) technique. Finally, the motion of the 3D avatar is defined based on the ISL sentence. The translation module achieves a 10.50 SER (Sign Error Rate) score.
Hybrid Optimization Method for Correcting Synchronization Errors in Tapping Center Machines
Authors: Chang Ping-Yueh , Yang Po-Yuan , Chen Shao-Hsien , Chou Jyh-Horng
Published: April 2021

A hybrid method is proposed for optimizing rigid tapping parameters and reducing synchronization errors in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. The proposed method integrates uniform design (UD), regression analysis, Taguchi method, and fractional-order particle swarm optimizer (FPSO) to optimize rigid tapping parameters. Rigid tapping parameters were laid out in a 28-level uniform layout for the experiments in this study. Since the UD method provided a layout with uniform dispersion in the experimental space, the UD method’s uniform layout provided iconic experimental points. Next, the 28-level uniform layout results and regression analysis results were used to obtain significant parameters and a regression function. To obtain the parameter values from the regression function, FPSO was selected because its diversity and algorithmic effectiveness are enhanced compared with PSO. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method could obtain suitable parameter values. The best parameter combination in FPSO yielded the best results in comparisons of the non-systematic method. Next, the best parameter combination was used to optimize actual CNC machining tools during the factory commissioning process. From the commissioning process perspective, the proposed method rapidly and accurately minimizes synchronization error from 23 pulses to 18 pulses and processing time from 20.8 s to 20 s. In conclusion, the proposed method reduced the time needed to tune factory parameters for CNC machining tools and increased machining precision and decreased synchronization errors.
Numerical Investigation on the Evolution of Thin Liquid Layer and Dynamic Behavior of an Electro-Thermal Drilling Probe during Close-Contact Heat Transfer
Authors: Jeong Chan Ho , Kang Kwangu , Park Ui-Joon , Lee Hyung Ju , Kim Hong Seok , Park Jin-Yeong , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the transient behavior of an electro-thermal drilling probe (ETDP) during a close-contact melting process within a glacier. In particular, the present work analyzes the effect of the tip temperature on the formation of molten thin liquid films and the subsequent rate of penetration (ROP) through numerical simulation. We used the commercial code of ANSYS Fluent (v.17.2) to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation, together with an energy equation considering the solidification and melting model. The ROP of the drilling probe is determined based on the energy balance between the heating power and melting rate of ice. As the results, the ETDP penetrates the ice through a close-contact melting process. The molten liquid layer with less than 1 mm of thickness forms near the heated probe tip. In addition, the ROP increases with the heated temperature of the probe tip.
Application of Semi-Empirical Models Based on Satellite Images for Estimating Solar Irradiance in Korea
Authors: Garniwa Pranda , Ramadhan Raden , Lee Hyun-Jin
Published: April 2021

The application of solar energy as a renewable energy source has significantly escalated owing to its abundance and availability worldwide. However, the intermittent behavior of solar irradiance is a serious disadvantage for electricity grids using photovoltaic (PV) systems. Thus, reliable solar irradiance data are vital to achieve consistent energy production. Geostationary satellite images have become a solution to this issue, as they represent a database for solar irradiance on a massive spatiotemporal scale. The estimation of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) using satellite images has been developed based on physical and semi-empirical models, but only a few studies have been dedicated to modeling GHI using semi-empirical models in Korea. Therefore, this study conducted a comparative analysis to determine the most suitable semi-empirical model of GHI in Korea. Considering their applicability, the Beyer, Rigollier, Hammer, and Perez, models were selected to estimate the GHI over Seoul, Korea. After a comparative evaluation, the Hammer model was determined to be the best model. This study also introduced a hybrid model and applied a long short-term memory (LSTM) model in order to improve prediction accuracy. The hybrid model exhibited a smaller root-mean-square error (RMSE), 97.08 W/m2, than that of the Hammer model, 103.92 W/m2, while producing a comparable mean-bias error. Meanwhile, the LSTM model showed the potential to further reduce the RMSE by 11.2%, compared to the hybrid model.
Environmentally Friendly Anticorrosive Polymeric Coatings
Authors: Faccini Mirko , Bautista Lorenzo , Soldi Laura , Escobar Ana M. , Altavilla Manuela , Calvet Martí , Domènech Anna , Domínguez Eva
Published: April 2021

This paper provides a synthetic and comprehensive overview on environmentally friendly anticorrosive polymeric coatings. Firstly, the economic and environmental impact of corrosion is presented to highlight the need of anticorrosive polymeric coatings as a flexible and effective solution to protect a metal. Secondly, the implementation of regulations together with the consumer awareness for environmental considerations and protection of health are the driving force for a progressive but significant change in the sector. Therefore, within the protective organic coatings market, this article provides a review of the most recent developments in environmentally friendly solutions, including bio-based and water-borne epoxy, hyperbranched polyester for low- volatile organic compounds (VOC) coatings, waterborne polyurethane and non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs), and graphene or bio-based fillers for acrylics. Moreover, this paper outlines new trends such as smart additives, bio-based corrosion inhibitors, and functional antibiocorrosive coatings as superhydrophobics. Finally, industrially relevant applications of environmentally friendly anticorrosive polymeric coatings including solutions for marine and off-shore industries are summarized.
Between Natural and Anthropogenic Coastal Landforms: Insights from Ground Penetrating Radar and Sediment Analysis
Authors: Ulfa Yuniarti , Jia Teoh Ying , Che Yaziz Ahmad Munim , Irawan Dasapta E. , Puradimaja Deny J.
Published: April 2021

Both natural and anthropogenic coastal landforms characterize Penang Island. As years have passed it is a challenge to differentiate the genuineness of landmasses created by natural geological formations or by coastal reclamation projects. An account is given of the environmental impact of solid wastes used for reclaiming land in coastal areas of Penang and of the impact of a major sewage outfall in the western channel. Leaching of heavy metals was shown to be one of the main sources of contamination from solid wastes. This paper presents eight lines of ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys and sediment analysis to identify the anthropogenic interventions that shaped the urban landscape of Penang Island by excavations, filling, and embankment construction along the coastline and differentiate it from the natural one. The surveys were implemented in two locations, the Batu Ferringhi area, representing the natural coastline, and Persiaran Bayan Indah (the Queensbay Mall area), representing the anthropogenic coastal landform. The apparent depth of penetration that was achieved using a 250-MHz antenna is limited (less than 5 m). The results show between natural and anthropogenic sediment recorded different radar facies. In complement mode, mean grain size distribution, sorting, skewness, and kurtosis graphics of sediment samples from both sites correspond with the GPR data. This technique can likely be applied to the developing coast, where natural and anthropogenic coastal landform data is incomplete, considering future coastline development.
Class-Imbalanced Voice Pathology Detection and Classification Using Fuzzy Cluster Oversampling Method
Authors: Fan Ziqi , Wu Yuanbo , Zhou Changwei , Zhang Xiaojun , Tao Zhi
Published: April 2021

The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) database is an international-standard training database for voice pathology detection (VPD) systems. However, there is a class-imbalanced distribution in normal and pathological voice samples and different types of pathological voice samples in the MEEI database. This study aimed to develop a VPD system that uses the fuzzy clustering synthetic minority oversampling technique algorithm (FC-SMOTE) to automatically detect and classify four types of pathological voices in a multi-class imbalanced database. The proposed FC-SMOTE algorithm processes the initial class-imbalanced dataset. A set of machine learning models was evaluated and validated using the resulting class-balanced dataset as an input. The effectiveness of the VPD system with FC-SMOTE was further verified by an external validation set and another pathological voice database (Saarbruecken Voice Database (SVD)). The experimental results show that, in the multi-classification of pathological voice for the class-imbalanced dataset, the method we propose can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy. Meanwhile, FC-SMOTE outperforms the traditional imbalanced data oversampling algorithms, and it is preferred for imbalanced voice diagnosis in practical applications.
Development of Technological Capabilities through the Internet of Things (IoT): Survey of Opportunities and Barriers for IoT Implementation in Portugal’s Agro-Industry
Authors: Gaspar Pedro D. , Fernandez Carlos M. , Soares Vasco N. G. J. , Caldeira João M. L. P. , Silva Hélio
Published: April 2021

The agro-industrial sector consumes a significant amount of natural resources for farming and meat production. By 2050, population growth is expected, generating more demand and, consequently, more consumption of scarce resources. This challenging scenario is a concern of the European Commission, revealed in the Green Deal commitment and by the United Nations’ 12th goal of sustainable development. Thus, organizations must increase productivity and be more sustainable as soon as possible. Internet of Things (IoT) is introduced as a solution to facilitate agro-food companies to be more eco-efficient, mainly facing difficulties on farms, such as food loss and waste, best efficiency in management of resources, and production. The deployment of this technology depends on the stage of maturity and potential of implementation. To assess and characterize companies, with respect of IoT implementation, a survey was applied in 21 micro, small and medium agro-food companies, belonging to milk, honey, olive oil, jams, fruticulture, bakery and pastry, meat, coffee, and wine sectors, in the central region of Portugal. As results, this paper reveals the stage of maturity, level of sophistication, potential, opportunities, solutions, and barriers for implementation of IoT. Additionally, suggestions and recommendations to improve practices are discussed.
Required Moment Sets: Enhanced Controllability Analysis for Nonlinear Aircraft Models
Authors: Söpper Max , Zhang Jiannan , Bähr Niclas , Holzapfel Florian
Published: April 2021

Attainable moment sets (AMS) are a powerful method to assess aircraft controllability. However, as attainable moment sets only take into account the achievable moment set of the control effectors, they do not assess the required moment set to fulfill the aircraft mission requirements. This paper proposes to calculate a corresponding required moment set (RMS) which defines a set of moments sufficient for fulfilling aircraft controllability requirements in the mission flight envelope. The paper applies the required moment set approach to a nonlinear simulation model of an electric vertical take off vehicle (eVTOL) transition drone in hover. By comparing the required moment set to the AMS of the aircraft model, moment set margins are derived and used to assess the controllability of the considered aircraft. The results indicate that the combined evaluation directly identifies critical moment channels and margins, which is advantageous when compared to a pure AMS-based evaluation. The proposed approach enables the execution of simulation-based assessments in aircraft design and flight control development. In the early stages of aircraft design, required moment sets can support sizing, positioning and tilting of control effectors (e.g., propulsive elements) to fit the AMS to the actual required force and moment set for the specific system.
Energy Blockchain for Public Energy Communities
Authors: Galici Marco , Mureddu Mario , Ghiani Emilio , Celli Gianni , Pilo Fabrizio , Porcu Paolo , Canetto Beatrice
Published: April 2021

This paper suggests an application of blockchain as an energy open data ledger, designed to save and track data regarding the energy footprint of public buildings and public energy communities. The developed platform permits writing energy production and consumption of public buildings using blockchain-enabled smart meters. Once authenticated on the blockchain, this data can be made available to the public domain for techno-economic analyses for either research studies and internal or third parties audits, increasing, in this way, the perceived transparency of the public institutions. A further feature of the platform, starting on the previously disclosed raw data, allows calculating, validating, and sharing sustainability indicators of public buildings and facilities, allowing the tracking of their improvements in sustainability goals. The paper also provides the preliminary results of a field-test experimentation of the proposed platform on a group of public buildings, highlighting the possible benefits of its widespread exploitation.
Flow Duration Curves from Surface Reflectance in the Near Infrared Band
Authors: Tarpanelli Angelica , Domeneghetti Alessio
Published: April 2021

Flow duration curve (FDC) is a cumulative frequency curve that shows the percent of time a specific discharge has been equaled or exceeded during a particular period of time at a given river location, providing a comprehensive description of the hydrological regime of a catchment. Thus, relying on historical streamflow records, FDCs are typically constrained to gauged and updated ground stations. Earth Observations can support our monitoring capability and be considered as a valuable and additional source for the observation of the Earth’s physical parameters. Here, we investigated the potential of the surface reflectance in the Near Infrared (NIR) band of the MODIS 500 m and eight-day product, in providing reliable FDCs along the Mississippi River. Results highlight the capability of NIR bands to estimate the FDCs, enabling a realistic reconstruction of the flow regimes at different locations. Apart from a few exceptions, the relative Root Mean Square Error, rRMSE, of the discharge value in validation period ranges from 27–58% with higher error experienced for extremely high flows (low duration), mainly due to the limit of the sensor to penetrate the clouds during the flood events. Due to the spatial resolution of the satellite product higher errors are found at the stations where the river is narrow. In general, good performances are obtained for medium flows, encouraging the use of the satellite for the water resources management at ungauged river sites.
Probabilistic Linear Time-Dependent Stress Beam Analysis and Its Stress-Strength Reliability
Authors: Molina Alejandro , Piña-Monarrez Manuel R. , Barraza-Contreras Jesús M. , de la Cruz-Cháidez Servio T.
Published: April 2021

Based on the principal stress values generated by the bending beam, the material’s strength required at 106 cycles is determined depending on time. To determine the stress/strength reliability (R(t)), the stress distribution is determined directly from the range of the principal stresses values, and the strength distribution is determined based on the reduced tensile strength (S′e) and fatigue strength (Se) range. Therefore, based on the time-dependent stress and the material’s strength, a step-by-step method to determine the reliability R(t) of the structural element at 106 cycles is provided. The R(t) index is used to select the best among the feasible beam alternatives of the static/elastic and plastic methodologies. The method’s efficiency is based on the time-dependent stress analysis performed by using the elastic modulus, and corresponding strain as time dependence variables. Because the time-dependent stress is related to the changes of the bending deflection through time, it is determined based on the addressed equivalent stress at 106 cycles.
Finding the Differences in Capillaries of Taste Buds between Smokers and Non-Smokers Using the Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Hang , Shin Choon-Sung , Jeong Hie-Yong
Published: April 2021

Taste function and condition may be a tool that exhibits a rapid deficit to impress the subject with an objectively measured effect of smoking on his/her own body, because smokers exhibit significantly lower taste sensitivity than non-smokers. This study proposed a visual method to measure capillaries of taste buds with capillaroscopy and classified the difference between smokers and non-smokers through convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The dataset was collected from 26 human subjects through the capillaroscopy with the low and high magnification directly; of which 13 were smokers, and the other 13 were non-smokers. The acquired dataset consisted of 2600 images. The results of gradient-weighted class activation mapping (grad-cam) enabled us to understand the difference in capillaries of taste buds between smokers and non-smokers. Through the results, it was found that CNNs gave us a good performance with 79% accuracy. It was discussed that there was a shortage of extracted features when the conventional methods such as structural similarity index (SSIM) and scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) were used to classify.
A Reliability Assessment of the NCEP/FNL Reanalysis Data in Depicting Key Meteorological Factors on Clean Days and Polluted Days in Beijing
Authors: Liu Chao , Guo Jianping , Zhang Bihui , Zhang Hengde , Guan Panbo , Xu Ran
Published: April 2021

In this study, based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Final Analysis (FNL) data, the reliability and performances of their application on clean days and polluted days (based on the PM2.5 mass concentrations) in Beijing were assessed. Conventional meteorological factors and diagnostic physical quantities from the NCEP/FNL data were compared with the L-band radar observations in Beijing in the autumns and winters of 2017–2019. The results indicate that the prediction reliability of the temperature was the best compared with those of the relative humidity and wind speed. It is worth noting that the relative humidity was lower and the near-surface wind speed was higher on polluted days from the NCEP/FNL data than from the observations. As far as diagnostic physical quantity is concerned, it was revealed that the temperature inversion intensity depicted by the NCEP/FNL data was significantly lower than that from the observations, especially on polluted days. For example, the difference in the temperature inversion intensity between the NCEP/FNL data and the observation ranged from −0.56 to −0.77 °C on polluted days. In addition, the difference in the wind shears between the NCEP/FNL reanalysis data and the observations increased to 0.40 m/s in the lower boundary layer on polluted days compared with that on clean days. Therefore, it is suggested that the underestimation of the relative humidity and temperature inversion intensity, and the overestimation of the near-surface wind speed should be seriously considered in simulating the air quality in the model, particularly on polluted days, which should be focused on more in future model developments.
Responses of the Optical Properties and Distribution of Aerosols to the Summer Monsoon in the Main Climate Zones of China
Authors: Bai Bing , Zhang Qiang , Tan Dan , Huang Pengcheng , Yin Fei
Published: April 2021

The influence of aerosols on climate varies greatly within different spatial zones. China has a very prominent summer monsoon climate and summer monsoon activity basically determines the climate distribution pattern. Consequently, we need to understand the aerosol optical properties and spatial distribution under the background of summer monsoon activity in China, which is the basis for further research on the impact of aerosols on the climate system. Based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) data, the spatial response of the high aerosol optical depth (AOD) region in China to the advance and retreat of summer monsoon was analyzed. The main types of aerosol and the contribution of each type of aerosol particles to the total AOD were discussed. The results showed that before the landing of summer monsoon, the high value areas of AOD were distributed in the eastern Sichuan Basin, Changsha, Wuhan and Pearl River Delta regions. With the northward advance of the monsoon, the high value areas moved to the transition region affected by the summer monsoon and the AOD in this region was highly sensitive to the summer monsoon. The main aerosol types were dust and sulfate in this region and the contribution to total AOD was 27% and 57%, respectively; before the monsoon onset, the contribution of dust to total AOD was 16%, and that of sulfate was 18%; after the monsoon onset, the contribution of dust decreased by half to 8%, while the contribution of sulfate aerosol increased to 20%.
An Advanced Artificial Intelligence System for Investigating Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification with the SHIPS Database
Authors: Wei Yijun , Yang Ruixin
Published: April 2021

Currently, most tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification (RI) prediction studies are conducted based on a subset of the SHIPS database using a relatively simple model structure. However, variables (features) in the SHIPS database are built upon human expertise in TC intensity studies based on hard and subjective thresholds, and they should be explored thoroughly to make full use of the expertise. Based on the complete SHIPS data, this study constructs a complicated artificial intelligence (AI) system that handles feature engineering and selection, imbalance, prediction, and hyper parameter-tuning, simultaneously. The complicated AI system is used to further improve the performance of the current studies in RI prediction, and to identify other essential SHIPS variables that are ignored by previous studies with variable importance scores. The results outperform most of the earlier studies by approximately 21–50% on POD (Probability Of Detection) with reduced FAR (False Alarm Rate). This study built a baseline for future work on new predictor identification with more complicated AI techniques.
Large Eddy Simulation of Microphysics and Influencing Factors in Shallow Convective Clouds
Authors: Zhou Zhuangzhuang , Yin Chongzhi , Lu Chunsong , Jia Xingcan , Ye Fang , Qiu Yujun , Cheng Muning
Published: April 2021

A flight of shallow convective clouds during the SCMS95 (Small Cumulus Microphysics Study 1995) observation project is simulated by the large eddy simulation (LES) version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-LES) with spectral bin microphysics (SBM). This study focuses on relative dispersion of cloud droplet size distributions, since its influencing factors are still unclear. After validation of the simulation by aircraft observations, the factors affecting relative dispersion are analyzed. It is found that the relationships between relative dispersion and vertical velocity, and between relative dispersion and adiabatic fraction are both negative. Furthermore, the negative relationships are relatively weak near the cloud base, strengthen with the increasing height first and then weaken again, which is related to the interplays among activation, condensation and evaporation for different vertical velocity and entrainment conditions. The results will be helpful to improve parameterizations related to relative dispersion (e.g., autoconversion and effective radius) in large-scale models.
Metastable States of Water Aerosols: Comparison by Experiment
Authors: Shavlov Anatoly V. , Dzhumandzhi Varvara A. , Yakovenko Alexandra A.
Published: April 2021

Free energy of water aerosol plasma was calculated using the Debye–Hückel method. It was established that free energies of droplets, ions and simultaneously of all charged particles had local minima (metastable states) at certain concentrations and charges of particles. The calculation results were confirmed by experimental data taken from the literature on a droplet cluster in water vapor and droplet structures in water fog. The possible connection of metastable states with the phenomenon of drop coalescence and rain formation in real clouds, as well as with the generation of stable spatially arranged drop structures, has been indicated.
Prostate Cancer Cell Extracellular Vesicles Increase Mineralisation of Bone Osteoblast Precursor Cells in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Lanning Ben , Webber Jason , Uysal-Onganer Pinar , Jiang Wen Guo , Clayton Aled , Dart Dafydd Alwyn
Published: April 2021

Skeletal metastases are the most common form of secondary tumour associated with prostate cancer (PCa). The aberrant function of bone cells neighbouring these tumours leads to the devel-opment of osteoblastic lesions. Communication between PCa cells and bone cells in bone envi-ronments governs both the formation/development of the associated lesion, and growth of the secondary tumour. Using osteoblasts as a model system, we observed that PCa cells and their conditioned medium could stimulate and increase mineralisation and osteoblasts’ differentiation. Secreted factors within PCa-conditioned medium responsible for osteoblastic changes included small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which were sufficient to drive osteoblastogenesis. Using MiR-seq, we profiled the miRNA content of PCa sEVs, showing that miR-16-5p was highly ex-pressed. MiR-16 was subsequently higher in EV-treated 7F2 cells and a miR-16 mimic could also stimulate mineralisation. Next, using RNA-seq of extracellular vesicle (EV)-treated 7F2 cells, we observed a large degree of gene downregulation and an increased mineralisation. Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®) revealed that miR-16-5p (and other miRs) was a likely upstream effec-tor. MiR-16-5p targets in 7F2 cells, possibly involved in osteoblastogenesis, were included for val-idation, namely AXIN2, PLSCR4, ADRB2 and DLL1. We then confirmed the targeting and dow-regulation of these genes by sEV miR-16-5p using luciferase UTR (untranslated region) reporters. Conversely, the overexpression of PLSCR4, ADRB2 and DLL1 lead to decreased osteoblastogene-sis. These results indicate that miR-16 is an inducer of osteoblastogenesis and is transmitted through prostate cancer-derived sEVs. The mechanism is a likely contributor towards the for-mation of osteoblastic lesions in metastatic PCa.
Growth Forms and Functional Guilds Distribution of Soil Fungi in Coastal Versus Inland Sites of Victoria Land, Antarctica
Authors: Canini Fabiana , Geml József , Buzzini Pietro , Turchetti Benedetta , Onofri Silvano , D’Acqui Luigi Paolo , Ripa Caterina , Zucconi Laura
Published: April 2021

In Victoria Land, Antarctica, ice-free areas are restricted to coastal regions and dominate the landscape of the McMurdo Dry Valleys. These two environments are subjected to different pressures that determine the establishment of highly adapted fungal communities. Within the kingdom of fungi, filamentous, yeasts and meristematic/microcolonial growth forms on one side and different lifestyles on the other side may be considered adaptive strategies of particular interest in the frame of Antarctic constraints. In this optic, soil fungal communities from both coastal and Dry Valleys sites, already characterized thorough ITS1 metabarcoding sequencing, have been compared to determine the different distribution of phyla, growth forms, and lifestyles. Though we did not find significant differences in the richness between the two environments, the communities were highly differentiated and Dry Valleys sites had a higher evenness compared to coastal ones. Additionally, the distribution of different growth forms and lifestyles were well differentiated, and their diversity and composition were likely influenced by soil abiotic parameters, among which soil granulometry, pH, P, and C contents were the potential main determinants.
Integrated Proteomics and Metabolomics Analysis of Perirenal Adipose Tissue in Obese Rabbits Treated with a Restricted Diet
Authors: Shao Jiahao , Pan Ting , Wang Jie , Tang Tao , Li Yanhong , Jia Xianbo , Lai Songjia
Published: April 2021

In recent years, many people have shown an excess of fat accumulation. Known as obesity, this lesion poses an increased risk for multiple diseases, such as endocrine disease, diabetes, and cancer, and has reached epidemic proportions. Accompanied by the development of obesity, concern over body image and weight loss behavior is a growing social problem and public health threat, causing concern for many health professionals. However, the consequences of rapid weight loss remain largely unclear. Here, we applied an integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis to investigate the effects of dieting on the proteins and metabolites in obese rabbits. Our study revealed that 343 differentially expressed proteins (136 upregulated and 207 downregulated) and 150 differentially expressed metabolites (91 upregulated and 59 downregulated) were identified. These molecules are mainly involved in the biological processes, including amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and membrane and cytoskeleton reconstruction. The integrated analysis found that mevalonic acid, arachidonic acid, 15(S)-HpETE, cholecalciferol, hydrocortisone, lipoxin B4, lithocholic acid, etc. were associated with multiple pathways, and they may be the key factors to fight inflammation induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Overall, this study provides further insight into the consequences of dieting-mediated weight loss and may contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Analytical Methods for the Determination of Neuroactive Steroids
Authors: Kaleta Michal , Oklestkova Jana , Novák Ondřej , Strnad Miroslav
Published: April 2021

Neuroactive steroids are a family of all steroid-based compounds, of both natural and synthetic origin, which can affect the nervous system functions. Their biosynthesis occurs directly in the nervous system (so-called neurosteroids) or in peripheral endocrine tissues (hormonal steroids). Steroid hormone levels may fluctuate due to physiological changes during life and various pathological conditions affecting individuals. A deeper understanding of neuroactive steroids’ production, in addition to reliable monitoring of their levels in various biological matrices, may be useful in the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of some neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. The aim of this review is to highlight the most relevant methods currently available for analysis of neuroactive steroids, with an emphasis on immunoanalytical methods and gas, or liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry.
In Vitro Evaluation of Five Antimicrobial Peptides against the Plant Pathogen Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Mendes Rafael J. , Regalado Laura , Luz João P. , Tassi Natália , Teixeira Cátia , Gomes Paula , Tavares Fernando , Santos Conceição
Published: April 2021

Fire blight is a major pome fruit trees disease that is caused by the quarantine phytopathogenic Erwinia amylovora, leading to major losses, namely, in pear and apple productions. Nevertheless, no effective sustainable control treatments and measures have yet been disclosed. In that regard, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as an alternative biomolecule against pathogens but some of those AMPs have yet to be tested against E. amylovora. In this study, the potential of five AMPs (RW-BP100, CA-M, 3.1, D4E1, and Dhvar-5) together with BP100, were assessed to control E. amylovora. Antibiograms, minimal inhibitory, and bactericidal concentrations (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), growth and IC50 were determined and membrane permeabilization capacity was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis and colony-forming units (CFUs) plate counting. For the tested AMPs, the higher inhibitory and bactericidal capacity was observed for RW-BP100 and CA-M (5 and 5–8 µM, respectively for both MIC and MBC), whilst for IC50 RW-BP100 presented higher efficiency (2.8 to 3.5 µM). Growth curves for the first concentrations bellow MIC showed that these AMPs delayed E. amylovora growth. Flow cytometry disclosed faster membrane permeabilization for CA-M. These results highlight the potential of RW-BP100 and CA-M AMPs as sustainable control measures against E. amylovora.
Short- and Long-Term Social Recognition Memory Are Differentially Modulated by Neuronal Histamine
Authors: Rani Barbara , Silva-Marques Bruna , Leurs Rob , Passani Maria Beatrice , Blandina Patrizio , Provensi Gustavo
Published: April 2021

The ability of recognizing familiar conspecifics is essential for many forms of social interaction including reproduction, establishment of dominance hierarchies, and pair bond formation in monogamous species. Many hormones and neurotransmitters have been suggested to play key roles in social discrimination. Here we demonstrate that disruption or potentiation of histaminergic neurotransmission differentially affects short (STM) and long-term (LTM) social recognition memory. Impairments of LTM, but not STM, were observed in histamine-deprived animals, either chronically (Hdc−/− mice lacking the histamine-synthesizing enzyme histidine decarboxylase) or acutely (mice treated with the HDC irreversible inhibitor α-fluoromethylhistidine). On the contrary, restriction of histamine release induced by stimulation of the H3R agonist (VUF16839) impaired both STM and LTM. H3R agonism-induced amnesic effect was prevented by pre-treatment with donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The blockade of the H3R with ciproxifan, which in turn augmented histamine release, resulted in a procognitive effect. In keeping with this hypothesis, the procognitive effect of ciproxifan was absent in both Hdc−/− and αFMH-treated mice. Our results suggest that brain histamine is essential for the consolidation of LTM but not STM in the social recognition test. STM impairments observed after H3R stimulation are probably related to their function as heteroreceptors on cholinergic neurons.
Chemical Constituents of the Egg Cases of Tenodera angustipennis (Mantidis ootheca) with Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Activity
Authors: Ryu Seung Mok , Nam Hyeon-hwa , Kim Joong Sun , Song Jun-ho , Seo Young Hye , Kim Hyo Seon , Lee A Yeong , Kim Wook Jin , Lee Dongho , Moon Byeong Cheol , Lee Jun
Published: April 2021

As a traditional medicine with potential antioxidant effects, Tenodera angustipennis egg cases (Mantidis ootheca) are a potential source of new bioactive substances. Herein, three new N-acetyldopamine derivatives, namely, (+)-tenoderin A (1a), (−)-tenoderin A (1b), and tenoderin B (2), along with thirteen known compounds (3–15), were isolated from a 70% EtOH extract of T. angustipennis egg cases. Compound 1 was isolated as a racemic mixture, and two enantiomers (1a and 1b) were successfully separated by chiral-phase preparative HPLC. The chemical structures of the new compounds were established by NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and the absolute configurations of enantiomers 1a and 1b were determined by electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. All the new compounds exhibited antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 19.45–81.98 μM, as evaluated using free-radical scavenging assays, with the highest activity observed for compound 2. In addition, compounds 1a, 1b, and 2 exhibited inhibitory activities on intracellular reactive oxygen species generation.
Contribution of Glycation and Oxidative Stress to Thyroid Gland Pathology—A Pilot Study
Authors: Kuzan Aleksandra , Królewicz Emilia , Nowakowska Karolina , Stach Kamilla , Kaliszewski Krzysztof , Domosławski Paweł , Kotyra Łukasz , Gamian Andrzej , Kustrzeba-Wójcicka Irena
Published: April 2021

The patho-mechanism of changes in the thyroid gland, including carcinogenesis, is a complex process, which involves oxidative stress. The goal of our investigation was to verify the extent of stress in the thyroid gland related to glycation. The study samples were comprised of blood sera, thyroid, and adipose tissue sections probed from 37 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancers and goiter. Using immuno-enzymatic and fluorometric assays we analyzed the content of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), pentosidine, receptors for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), scavenger receptor class (SR)-A, SR-B, glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide synthase. In addition to classic AGEs, a recent study detected the melibiose-derived glycation (MAGE) product. We demonstrated the presence of AGEs, MAGE and their receptors of the RAGE and SR-A. In addition, in the control samples of thyroid glands SR-B groups were detected as well as of pathological groups without noticeable tendency to antigen concentration in the area of carcinogenesis. Fluorescent AGEs correlate positively with glutathione, which supports the assumption that glycation stress leads to augmentation of oxidative stress and increase of the intensity of antioxidant mechanisms.
Identification of Low Molecular Weight Proteins and Peptides from Schistosoma mekongi Worm, Egg and Infected Mouse Sera
Authors: Thiangtrongjit Tipparat , Simanon Nattapon , Adisakwattana Poom , Limpanont Yanin , Chusongsang Phiraphol , Chusongsang Yupa , Reamtong Onrapak
Published: April 2021

Schistosoma mekongi is found in the lower Mekong river region and causes schistosomiasis. Low sensitivity of diagnosis and development of drug resistance are problems to eliminate this disease. To develop novel therapies and diagnostics for S. mekongi, the basic molecular biology of this pathogen needs to be explored. Bioactive peptides have been reported in several worms and play important roles in biological functions. Limited information is available on the S. mekongi peptidome. Therefore, this study aimed to identify S. mekongi peptides using in silico transcriptome mining and mass spectrometry approaches. Schistosoma peptide components were identified in adult worms, eggs, and infected mouse sera. Thirteen neuropeptide families were identified using in silico predictions from in-house transcriptomic databases of adult S. mekongi worms. Using mass spectrometry approaches, 118 peptides (from 54 precursor proteins) and 194 peptides (from 86 precursor proteins) were identified from adult worms and eggs, respectively. Importantly, eight unique peptides of the S. mekongi ubiquitin thioesterase, trabid, were identified in infected mouse sera 14, 28, and 56 days after infection. This protein may be a potential target for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The S. mekongi peptide profiles determined in this study could be used for further drug and diagnostic development.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Genomic Island Harboring Cadmium and Arsenic Resistance Genes in Listeria welshimeri
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Parsons Cameron , Chen Yi , Hanafy Zahra , Brown Eric , Kathariou Sophia
Published: April 2021

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterial foodborne pathogen responsible for the severe disease listeriosis, frequently exhibits heavy metal resistance. Concurrent resistance to cadmium and arsenic in L. monocytogenes is strongly associated with the 35-kb chromosomal island LGI2. LGI2 has been encountered repeatedly among L. monocytogenes serotype 4b hypervirulent clones but, surprisingly, not among non-pathogenic Listeria spp. Here we describe a novel LGI2 variant, LGI2-3, in two L. welshimeri strains from an urban aquatic environment. Whole genome sequence analysis revealed that the genomes were closely related except for one prophage region and confirmed a chromosomally integrated LGI2-3. It harbored a cystathionine beta-lyase gene previously only encountered in LGI2-1 of L. monocytogenes clonal complex 1 but was otherwise most closely related to LGI2. LGI2-3 harbored a novel cadAC cassette (cadA7C7) that, like LGI2′s cadA4C4, was associated with lower-level tolerance to cadmium (MIC 50 μg/mL) than other cadAC cassettes (MIC ≥ 140 μg/mL). CadA sequence analysis identified two amino acids that may be important for mediating different levels of cadmium tolerance. Our findings clearly demonstrated the potential for LGI2-like islands to be harbored by non-pathogenic Listeria spp. and generate intriguing hypotheses on the genetic diversity mediated by this island and its transfer among Listeria spp.
ADAMTS19 Suppresses Cell Migration and Invasion by Targeting S100A16 via the NF-κB Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Jiang Yingming , Yu Xihu , Zhao Yandong , Huang Jintuan , Li Tuoyang , Chen Hao , Zhou Junyi , Huang Zhenze , Yang Zuli
Published: April 2021

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs 19 (ADAMTS19) has been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of solid cancers. However, its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains undocumented. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, we found that ADAMTS19 was downregulated in GC tissues (IHC: p < 0.001; qRT-PCR: p = 0.017). Further investigation revealed that ADAMTS19 correlated with distant metastasis (p = 0.008) and perineural invasion (p = 0.018) and that patients with low ADAMTS19 had worse overall survival (p = 0.021). Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that ADAMTS19 suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro. Using bioinformatics analysis and co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, we confirmed that ADAMTS19 binds with cytoplasm P65, decreasing the nucleus phosphorylation of P65, a crucial transcription factor in the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, thereby downregulating S100 calcium-binding protein A16 (S100A16) expression. S100A16 acted as the downstream of ADAMTS19, reversing the suppression of cell migration and invasion by ADAMTS19 in vitro. A combination of ADAMTS19 and S100A16 expression provided the optimal prognostic indicator for GC. Patients with ADAMTS19high-S100A16low had better overall survival than ADAMTS19low-S100A16high patients (p = 0.006). These results suggest that ADAMTS19 suppresses cell migration and invasion by targeting S100A16 via the NF-κB pathway and that ADAMTS19 and S100A16 are potential metastasis and survival biomarkers for GC.