bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Witchweed’s Suicidal Germination: Can Slenderleaf Help?
Authors: Mwakha Fridah A. , Budambula Nancy L.M. , Neondo Johnstone O. , Gichimu Bernard M. , Odari Eddy O. , Kamau Peter K. , Odero Calvins , Kibet Willy , Runo Steven
Published: June 2020

The parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth. is stimulated to germinate by biomolecules (strigolactones) produced in the roots of host and some non-host plants. Non-hosts induce Striga’s suicidal germination and are therefore used as trap crops. Among trap crops, the Slenderleaf legume in the genus Crotalaria (Crotalaria brevidens (L.) Benth.) and (Crotalaria orchroleuca (G.) Don.) has been popularized in African smallholder farms. However, the Striga germination efficiency of these locally grown Crotalaria varieties (landraces) is unknown. Also unclear is Crotolaria’s extent to inhibiting Striga growth, post germination. Extensive parasite penetration can expose the trap crop to secondary infections and possible phytotoxicity from Striga. We used in vitro germination assays to determine the Striga germination efficiency of 29 Crotalaria landraces. Furthermore, we determined Crotalaria’s ability to inhibit Striga attachment and growth using histological analysis. We found that: i) Crotalaria stimulated germination of Striga seeds at frequencies ranging between 15.5% and 54.5% compared to 74.2% stimulation by the synthetic strigolactone (GR24) used a positive control; ii) Crotalaria blocked Striga entry at multiple levels and did not allow growth beyond the pericycle, effectively blocking vascular connection with the non-host. Hence, Crotalaria is suitable as a trap crop in integrated Striga management.
Serum Concentrations of Essential Trace and Toxic Elements in Healthy and Disease-Affected Dogs
Authors: Cedeño Yolanda , Miranda Marta , Orjales Inmaculada , Herrero-Latorre Carlos , Suárez Maruska , Luna Diego , López-Alonso Marta
Published: June 2020

This study was designed (i) to establish reference ranges for the essential trace element and background levels of toxic element exposure in the healthy/normal dog population, and (ii) to evaluate whether trace element concentrations vary in dogs suffering from different pathologies. Blood serum samples were collected from 187 healthy and diseased dogs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela (northwest Spain). The samples were acid digested, and the concentrations of trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn) and toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This enabled us to establish reference ranges for the essential trace elements and the level of toxic element exposure in dogs, and to identify several clinical situations associated with variations in trace elements in serum. Relative to concentrations in healthy control dogs, statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of Cu (significantly higher in hepatic, inflammatory/infectious and oncological categories), Mo (significantly higher in renal category), Se (significantly lower in gastrointestinal category) and Zn (significantly lower in gastrointestinal, inflammatory/infectious and renal categories). Trace element concentrations can be a cause or consequence of disease, and the study findings indicate that trace element determination in serum provides useful information on the pathogenesis of certain diseases. Further research on the serum concentrations of trace elements, particularly in relation to other biochemical parameters and diagnostic tools, may provide valuable information for the diagnosis of diseases in dogs and the disease prognosis.
Small-Scale Face Detection Based on Improved R-FCN
Authors: Tang Chaowei , Chen Shiyu , Zhou Xu , Ruan Shuai , Wen Haotian
Published: June 2020

Face detection is an important basic technique for face-related applications, such as face analysis, recognition, and reconstruction. Images in unconstrained scenes may contain many small-scale faces. The features that the detector can extract from small-scale faces are limited, which will cause missed detection and greatly reduce the precision of face detection. Therefore, this study proposes a novel method to detect small-scale faces based on region-based fully convolutional network (R-FCN). First, we propose a novel R-FCN framework with the ability of feature fusion and receptive field adaptation. Second, a bottom-up feature fusion branch is established to enrich the local information of high-layer features. Third, a receptive field adaptation block (RFAB) is proposed to ensure that the receptive field can be adaptively selected to strengthen the expression ability of features. Finally, we improve the anchor setting method and adopt soft non-maximum suppression (SoftNMS) as the selection method of candidate boxes. Experimental results show that average precision for small-scale face detection of R-FCN with feature fusion branch and RFAB (RFAB-f-R-FCN) is improved by 0.8%, 2.9%, and 11% on three subsets of Wider Face compared with that of R-FCN.
Integrating Internal Model Controller (IMC) into Electric Vehicle Charger of Multiple Charging Mode: DC and AC Fast Charging
Authors: Al-Ogaili Ali Saadon , Aris Ishak Bin , Ramasamy Agileswari , Hashim Tengku Juhana Tengku , Marsadek Marayati Binti , Sabry Ahmad H.
Published: June 2020

Electric vehicles usage and adoption have expanded rapidly over the last decade, as the global energy demand is shifting away from fossil fuels. The recent development of electric vehicle charging technology, which is a fast charging mode, enables an electric vehicle to be fully charged within 10 minutes. However, the generated harmonics, control complexity, and cost of fast charging are the main challenges that need to be addressed to further expand the electric vehicle fast charging technologies. In this manuscript, a new electric vehicle fast charger was designed by introducing the three-stage converters based on the integration between internal model controller with synchronized decoupled controller algorithms. The proposed charger can provide two types of charging approaches, namely alternating current (AC) fast charging and direct current (DC) fast charging. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed charger, the model is developed and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink 2018a platform. Additionally, experimental verification, which utilizes a digital signal processor (TMS320F28335), is conducted to further support the design concept and the simulation findings. These research results have indicated that the proposed charger is applicable for fast AC and DC charging. Moreover, the total harmonic distortion value for the input current is 1.55%, where it has constantly been maintained within the standard limits, thus showing the effectiveness of proposed charger in performing the charging process without causing any significant impact to the grid.
Print Management System Model in a Large Organization
Authors: Karovič Vincent , Kováč Filip , Karovič Vincent , Veselý Peter
Published: June 2020

This article is focused on the analysis and solution of the issue of a printing system model in a large organization. It provides an overview of the current stat29e of the organization and its current printing system. Based on the information about strengths and weaknesses, the most suitable solution for the given organization was designed and subsequently implemented. The created design meets all the requirements required by the company, while minimizing the threats that the deployment of the new system and the resulting changes may have. The work also describes various ways of dealing directly with change, whether when dealing with the old printing system or preparing employees for its change. The new system brings clear unification of the press, its monitoring and administration under the supervision of its own employees without the need for external companies or support.
Development of a Prediction Model for Tractor Axle Torque during Tillage Operation
Authors: Kim Wan-Soo , Kim Yong-Joo , Baek Seung-Yun , Baek Seung-Min , Kim Yeon-Soo , Park Seong-Un
Published: June 2020

In general, the tractor axle torque is used as an indicator for making various decisions when engineers perform transmission fatigue life analysis, optimal design, and accelerated life testing. Since the existing axle torque measurement method requires an expensive torque sensor, an alternative method is required. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a prediction model for the tractor axle torque during tillage operation that can replace expensive axle torque sensors. A prediction model was proposed through regression analysis using key variables affecting the tractor axle torque. The engine torque, engine speed, tillage depth, slip ratio, and travel speed were selected as explanatory variables. In order to collect explanatory and dependent variable data, a load measurement system was developed, and a field experiment was performed on moldboard plow tillage using a tractor with a load measurement system. A total of eight axle torque prediction regression models were proposed using the measured calibration dataset. The adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) of the proposed regression model showed a range of 0.271 to 0.925. Among them, the prediction model E showed an adjusted R2 of 0.925. All of the prediction models were verified using a validation set. All of the axle torque prediction models showed an mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of less than 2.8%. In particular, Model E, adopting engine torque, engine speed, and travel speed as variables, and Model H, adopting engine torque, tillage depth and travel speed as variables, showed MAPEs of 1.19 and 1.30%, respectively. Therefore, it was found that the proposed prediction models are applicable to actual axle torque prediction.
The Problems of Passive Remote Sensing of the Earth’s Surface in the Range of 1.2–1.6 GHz
Authors: Golubkov Gennady V. , Manzhelii Mikhail I. , Berlin Alexandr A. , Eppelbaum Lev V. , Lushnikov Alexey A. , Morozov Igor I. , Dmitriev Alexey V. , Adamson Sergey O. , Dyakov Yuri A. , Morozov Andrey N. , Golubkov Maxim G.
Published: June 2020

The main problems of remote sensing of the Earth’s surface within the frequency range 1.2–1.6 GHz are discussed. They are related to the resonant quantum properties of the radio wave propagation medium in the lower ionosphere. It is shown that, for the passive remote sensing, the main source is incoherent microwave radiation of the D and E ionospheric layers in the decimeter range. For the first time, a theoretically grounded principally new scheme of measurements is suggested. The scheme assumes that the radiation source exists below the satellite orbit and accounts for the fact that two types of radiation (direct and reflected) reach the satellite sensor. The separation of the respective fluxes is a serious problem that should be solved for the correct interpretation of the measurements. The question is raised regarding the correct calibration of measuring equipment, depending on the current state of the ionosphere.
TERT Promoter Mutations and Their Impact on Gene Expression Profile in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Rusinek Dagmara , Pfeifer Aleksandra , Cieslicka Marta , Kowalska Malgorzata , Pawlaczek Agnieszka , Krajewska Jolanta , Szpak-Ulczok Sylwia , Tyszkiewicz Tomasz , Halczok Monika , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Zembala-Nozynska Ewa , Chekan Mykola , Lamch Roman , Handkiewicz-Junak Daria , Ledwon Aleksandra , Paliczka-Cieslik Ewa , Kropinska Aleksandra , Jarzab Barbara , Oczko-Wojciechowska Malgorzata
Published: June 2020

Background: Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) mutations are related to a worse prognosis in various malignancies, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Since mechanisms responsible for the poorer outcome of TERTp(+) patients are still unknown, searching for molecular consequences of TERTp mutations in PTC was the aim of our study. Methods: The studied cohort consisted of 54 PTCs, among them 24 cases with distant metastases. BRAF V600E, RAS, and TERTp mutational status was evaluated in all cases. Differences in gene expression profile between TERTp(+) and TERTp(−) PTCs were examined using microarrays. The evaluation of signaling pathways and gene ontology was based on the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Results: Fifty-nine percent (32/54) of analyzed PTCs were positive for at least one mutation: 27 were BRAF(+), among them eight were TERTp(+), and 1 NRAS(+), whereas five other samples harbored RAS mutations. Expression of four genes significantly differed in BRAF(+)TERTp(+) and BRAF(+)TERTp(−) PTCs. Deregulation of pathways involved in key cell processes was observed. Conclusions: TERTp mutations are related to higher PTC aggressiveness. CRABP2 gene was validated as associated with TERTp mutations. However, its potential use in diagnostics or risk stratification in PTC patients needs further studies.
A Novel JAK1 Mutant Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Fostering Pre-Clinical Discoveries
Authors: Fiore Danilo , Cappelli Luca Vincenzo , Zumbo Paul , Phillips Jude M. , Liu Zhaoqi , Cheng Shuhua , Yoffe Liron , Ghione Paola , Di Maggio Federica , Dogan Ahmet , Khodos Inna , de Stanchina Elisa , Casano Joseph , Kayembe Clarisse , Tam Wayne , Betel Doron , Foa’ Robin , Cerchietti Leandro , Rabadan Raul , Horwitz Steven , Weinstock David M. , Inghirami Giorgio
Published: June 2020

Breast implant-associated lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has recently been recognized as an independent peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) entity. In this study, we generated the first BIA-ALCL patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model (IL89) and a matching continuous cell line (IL89_CL#3488) to discover potential vulnerabilities and druggable targets. We characterized IL89 and IL89_CL#3488, both phenotypically and genotypically, and demonstrated that they closely resemble the matching human primary lymphoma. The tumor content underwent significant enrichment along passages, as confirmed by the increased variant allele frequency (VAF) of mutations. Known aberrations (JAK1 and KMT2C) were identified, together with novel hits, including PDGFB, PDGFRA, and SETBP1. A deep sequencing approach allowed the detection of mutations below the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) sensitivity threshold, including JAK1G1097D, in the primary sample. RNA sequencing confirmed the expression of a signature of differentially expressed genes in BIA-ALCL. Next, we tested IL89’s sensitivity to the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib and observed a potent anti-tumor effect, both in vitro and in vivo. We also implemented a high-throughput drug screening approach to identify compounds associated with increased responses in the presence of ruxolitinib. In conclusion, these new IL89 BIA-ALCL models closely recapitulate the primary correspondent lymphoma and represent an informative platform for dissecting the molecular features of BIA-ALCL and performing pre-clinical drug discovery studies, fostering the development of new precision medicine approaches.
Deep Learning for the Classification of Small-Cell and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kriegsmann Mark , Haag Christian , Weis Cleo-Aron , Steinbuss Georg , Warth Arne , Zgorzelski Christiane , Muley Thomas , Winter Hauke , Eichhorn Martin , Eichhorn Florian , Kriegsmann Joerg , Christopoulos Petros , Thomas Michael , Witzens-Harig Mathias , Sinn Peter , von Winterfeld Moritz , Heussel Claus , Herth Felix , Klauschen Frederick , Stenzinger Albrecht , Kriegsmann Katharina
Published: June 2020

Reliable entity subtyping is paramount for therapy stratification in lung cancer. Morphological evaluation remains the basis for entity subtyping and directs the application of additional methods such as immunohistochemistry (IHC). The decision of whether to perform IHC for subtyping is subjective, and access to IHC is not available worldwide. Thus, the application of additional methods to support morphological entity subtyping is desirable. Therefore, the ability of convolutional neuronal networks (CNNs) to classify the most common lung cancer subtypes, pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADC), pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), was evaluated. A cohort of 80 ADC, 80 SqCC, 80 SCLC, and 30 skeletal muscle specimens was assembled; slides were scanned; tumor areas were annotated; image patches were extracted; and cases were randomly assigned to a training, validation or test set. Multiple CNN architectures (VGG16, InceptionV3, and InceptionResNetV2) were trained and optimized to classify the four entities. A quality control (QC) metric was established. An optimized InceptionV3 CNN architecture yielded the highest classification accuracy and was used for the classification of the test set. Image patch and patient-based CNN classification results were 95% and 100% in the test set after the application of strict QC. Misclassified cases mainly included ADC and SqCC. The QC metric identified cases that needed further IHC for definite entity subtyping. The study highlights the potential and limitations of CNN image classification models for tumor differentiation.
Automated Classification of Significant Prostate Cancer on MRI: A Systematic Review on the Performance of Machine Learning Applications
Authors: Castillo T. Jose M. , Arif Muhammad , Niessen Wiro J. , Schoots Ivo G. , Veenland Jifke F.
Published: June 2020

Significant prostate carcinoma (sPCa) classification based on MRI using radiomics or deep learning approaches has gained much interest, due to the potential application in assisting in clinical decision-making. Objective: To systematically review the literature (i) to determine which algorithms are most frequently used for sPCa classification, (ii) to investigate whether there exists a relation between the performance and the method or the MRI sequences used, (iii) to assess what study design factors affect the performance on sPCa classification, and (iv) to research whether performance had been evaluated in a clinical setting Methods: The databases Embase and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for studies describing machine learning or deep learning classification methods discriminating between significant and nonsignificant PCa on multiparametric MRI that performed a valid validation procedure. Quality was assessed by the modified radiomics quality score. We computed the median area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) from overall methods and the interquartile range. Results: From 2846 potentially relevant publications, 27 were included. The most frequent algorithms used in the literature for PCa classification are logistic regression (22%) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) (22%). The median AUC was 0.79 (interquartile range: 0.77–0.87). No significant effect of number of included patients, image sequences, or reference standard on the reported performance was found. Three studies described an external validation and none of the papers described a validation in a prospective clinical trial. Conclusions: To unlock the promising potential of machine and deep learning approaches, validation studies and clinical prospective studies should be performed with an established protocol to assess the added value in decision-making.
Overcoming Platinum and PARP-Inhibitor Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: McMullen Michelle , Karakasis Katherine , Madariaga Ainhoa , Oza Amit M.
Published: June 2020

Platinum chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) now have an established role as maintenance therapy. The mechanisms of action of these agents is, in many ways, complementary, and crucially reliant on the intracellular DNA Damage Repair (DDR) response. Here, we review mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to treatment with platinum and PARPi, examining the interplay between both classes of agents. A key resistance mechanism appears to be the restoration of the Homologous Recombination (HR) repair pathway, through BRCA reversion mutations and epigenetic upregulation of BRCA1. Alterations in non-homologous end-joint (NHEJ) repair, replication fork protection, upregulation of cellular drug efflux pumps, reduction in PARP1 activity and alterations to the tumour microenvironment have also been described. These resistance mechanisms reveal molecular vulnerabilities, which may be targeted to re-sensitise OC to platinum or PARPi treatment. Promising therapeutic strategies include ATR inhibition, epigenetic re-sensitisation through DNMT inhibition, cell cycle checkpoint inhibition, combination with anti-angiogenic therapy, BET inhibition and G-quadruplex stabilisation. Translational studies to elucidate mechanisms of treatment resistance should be incorporated into future clinical trials, as understanding these biologic mechanisms is crucial to developing new and effective therapeutic approaches in advanced OC.
Nanomedicine in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: From Conventional Treatments to Immunotherapy
Authors: García-Fernández Coral , Fornaguera Cristina , Borrós Salvador
Published: June 2020

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The heterogeneous nature of this disease hinders its diagnosis and treatment, requiring continuous advances in research aiming to understand its intricate nature. Consequently, the retrospective analysis of conventional therapies has allowed the introduction of novel tools provided by nanotechnology, leading to considerable improvements in clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the development of novel immunotherapies based on the recently understood interaction of the immune system with the tumor highlights the real possibility of definitively treating NSCLC from its early stages. Novel engineering approaches in nanomedicine will enable to overcome the intrinsic limits of conventional and emerging therapies regarding off-site cytotoxicity, specificity, resistance mechanisms, and administration issues. The convergence point of these therapies with nanotechnology lays the foundation for achieving currently unmet needs.
Immunotherapies and Metastatic Cancers: Understanding Utility and Predictivity of Human Immune Cell Engrafted Mice in Preclinical Drug Development
Authors: Kähkönen Tiina E. , Halleen Jussi M. , Bernoulli Jenni
Published: June 2020

Metastases cause high mortality in several cancers and immunotherapies are expected to be effective in the prevention and treatment of metastatic disease. However, only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapies. This creates a need for novel therapies that are efficacious regardless of the cancer types and metastatic environments they are growing in. Preclinical immuno-oncology models for studying metastases have long been limited to syngeneic or carcinogenesis-inducible models that have murine cancer and immune cells. However, the translational power of these models has been questioned. Interactions between tumor and immune cells are often species-specific and regulated by different cytokines in mice and humans. For increased translational power, mice engrafted with functional parts of human immune system have been developed. These humanized mice are utilized to advance understanding the role of immune cells in the metastatic process, but increasingly also to study the efficacy and safety of novel immunotherapies. From these aspects, this review will discuss the role of immune cells in the metastatic process and the utility of humanized mouse models in immuno-oncology research for metastatic cancers, covering several models from the perspective of efficacy and safety of immunotherapies.
Comparison of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents. A Twenty Year Experience with MH’96 and LH2004 AIEOP (Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) Protocols
Authors: Burnelli Roberta , Fiumana Giulia , Rondelli Roberto , Pillon Marta , Sala Alessandra , Garaventa Alberto , D’Amore Emanuele S.G. , Sabattini Elena , Buffardi Salvatore , Bianchi Maurizio , Vinti Luciana , Zecca Marco , Muggeo Paola , Provenzi Massimo , Farruggia Piero , Rossi Francesca , D’Amico Salvatore , Facchini Elena , Bernasconi Sayla , De Santis Raffaela , Casini Tommaso , Porta Fulvio , D’Alba Irene , Mura Rosamaria , Verzegnassi Federico , Sau Antonella , Cesaro Simone , Perruccio Katia , Cellini Monica , Bertolini Patrizia , Sperlì Domenico , Pericoli Roberta , Galimberti Daniela , Civino Adele , Mascarin Maurizio
Published: June 2020

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) represent a distinct group of patients. The objectives of this study were: To compare adolescent prognosis to that of younger children; to compare the results achieved with the two consecutive protocols in both age groups; to analyze clinical characteristics of children and adolescents. Between 1996 and 2017, 1759 patients aged <18 years were evaluable for the study. Five hundred and sixty patients were treated with the MH’96 protocol and 1199 with the LH2004 protocol. Four hundred and eighty-two were adolescents aged ≥15 years. Patients in both age groups showed very favorable prognoses. In particular, OS improved with the LH2004 protocol, especially in the adolescent group and in the low risk group, where radiation therapy was spared. Adolescent characteristics differed significantly from the children’s according to sex, histology, and the presence of symptoms. Remarkable is the decrease both in mixed cellularity in the children and in low stages in both age groups in the LH2004 protocol with respect to MH’96 protocol. Based on our experience, adopting pediatric protocols for AYA does not compromise patient outcomes.
MOF Encapsulation of Ru Olefin Metathesis Catalysts to Block Catalyst Decomposition
Authors: Pareras Gerard , Tiana Davide , Poater Albert
Published: June 2020

In the present work, a catalyst variation of the second-generation Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst, particularly the ammonium-tagged Ru-alkylidene metathesis catalyst AquaMetTM, is under study, not simply to increase the efficiency in olefin metathesis but also the solubility in polar solvents. Moreover, this ionic catalyst was combined with the metal organic framework (MOF) (Cr)MIL-101-SO3−(Na·15-crown-5)+. We started from the experimental results by Grela et al., who increased the performance when the ruthenium catalyst was confined inside the cavities of the MOF, achieving non-covalent interactions between both moieties. Here, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the role of the ammonium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) tagged and the confinement effects are checked. The kinetics are used to compare reaction profiles, whereas SambVca steric maps and NCI plots are used to characterize the role of the MOF structurally and electronically.
Conserved Small Nucleotidic Elements at the Origin of Concerted piRNA Biogenesis from Genes and lncRNAs
Authors: Jensen Silke , Brasset Emilie , Parey Elise , Roest Crollius Hugues , Sharakhov Igor V. , Vaury Chantal
Published: June 2020

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) target transcripts by sequence complementarity serving as guides for RNA slicing in animal germ cells. The piRNA pathway is increasingly recognized as critical for essential cellular functions such as germline development and reproduction. In the Anopheles gambiae ovary, as much as 11% of piRNAs map to protein-coding genes. Here, we show that ovarian mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are processed into piRNAs that can direct other transcripts into the piRNA biogenesis pathway. Targeting piRNAs fuel transcripts either into the ping-pong cycle of piRNA amplification or into the machinery of phased piRNA biogenesis, thereby creating networks of inter-regulating transcripts. RNAs of the same network share related genomic repeats. These repeats give rise to piRNAs, which target other transcripts and lead to a cascade of concerted RNA slicing. While ping-pong networks are based on repeats of several hundred nucleotides, networks that rely on phased piRNA biogenesis operate through short ~40-nucleotides long repeats, which we named snetDNAs. Interestingly, snetDNAs are recurring in evolution from insects to mammals. Our study brings to light a new type of conserved regulatory pathway, the snetDNA-pathway, by which short sequences can include independent genes and lncRNAs in the same biological pathway.
Comparison of Multi-Criteria Group Decision-Making Methods for Urban Sewer Network Plan Selection
Authors: Wu Zhen , Abdul-Nour Georges
Published: June 2020

Selecting a suitable sewer network plan for a city is a complex and challenging task that requires discussion among a group of experts and the consideration of multiple conflicting criteria with different measurement units. A number of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been proposed for analyzing sewer network selection problems, each having their own distinct advantages and limitations. Although many decision-making techniques are available, decision-makers are confronted with the difficult task of selecting the appropriate MCDM method, as each method can lead to different results when applied to an identical problem. This paper evaluates four different multi-criteria decision-making methods, which are the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalité (ELECTRE III) and the Preference Ranking Organization METHods for Enrichment Evaluations II (PROMETHEE II), for one sewer network group decision problem in the early stage of sewer water infrastructure asset management. Moreover, during the implementation of different MCDM methods, the Delphi technique is introduced to organize and structure the discussions among all the decision-makers. The results of the study are examined based on each method’s ability to provide accurate representations of the decision-makers’ preferences and their experience implementing each method. As a conclusion, decision-makers identify PROMETHEE II as their favorite method, AHP is more time and energy consuming and results in a number of inconsistencies, while TOPSIS loses information during vector normalization for multi-dimension criteria, and ELECTRE III’s results are inconclusive.
Crystallization of GeO2–Al2O3–Bi2O3 Glass
Authors: Płońska Małgorzata , Plewa Julian
Published: June 2020

In the presented work, two kinds of germanium oxide glass with different compositions, namely GeO2 and GeO2–Al2O3–Bi2O3, were investigated. After controlled crystallization of a glassy sample, the emission in the NIR-range was determined (1165 nm with excitation at 470 nm). To better understanding the kinetics of the glass crystallization, the activation energy was also determined by applying the Kissinger method. The obtained results show that in the case of GeO2–Al2O3–Bi2O3, activation energy value was 400 and 477 kJ/mol, which means that such values are significantly larger than for pure GeO2 (254 kJ/mol). The investigations also show that two phases crystallized in the complex glass matrix: the mullite-like phase and germanium oxide.
Emissions from Swine Manure Treated with Current Products for Mitigation of Odors and Reduction of NH3, H2S, VOC, and GHG Emissions
Authors: Chen Baitong , Koziel Jacek A. , Banik Chumki , Ma Hantian , Lee Myeongseong , Wi Jisoo , Meiirkhanuly Zhanibek , Andersen Daniel S. , Białowiec Andrzej , Parker David B.
Published: June 2020

Odor and gaseous emissions from the swine industry are of concern for the wellbeing of humans and livestock. Additives applied to the swine manure surface are popular, marketed products to solve this problem and relatively inexpensive and easy for farmers to use. There is no scientific data evaluating the effectiveness of many of these products. We evaluated 12 manure additive products that are currently being marketed on their effectiveness in mitigating odor and gaseous emissions from swine manure. We used a pilot-scale system simulating the storage of swine manure with a controlled ventilation of headspace and periodic addition of manure. This dataset contains measured concentrations and estimated emissions of target gases in manure headspace above treated and untreated swine manure. These include ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and odor. The experiment to test each manure additive product lasted for two months; the measurements of NH3 and H2S were completed twice a week; others were conducted weekly. The manure for each test was collected from three different farms in central Iowa to provide the necessary variety in stored swine manure properties. This dataset is useful for further analyses of gaseous emissions from swine manure under simulated storage conditions and for performance comparison of marketed products for the mitigation of gaseous emissions. Ultimately, swine farmers, the regulatory community, and the public need to have scientific data informing decisions about the usefulness of manure additives.
Manila Declaration on Forest and Landscape Restoration: Making It Happen
Authors: Chazdon Robin L. , Herbohn John , Mukul Sharif A. , Gregorio Nestor , Ota Liz , Harrison Rhett D. , Durst Patrick B. , Chaves Rafael B. , Pasa Arturo , Hallett James G. , Neidel J. David , Watson Cathy , Gutierrez Victoria
Published: June 2020

Globally, Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) is gaining widespread recognition from governments and policymakers for its potential to restore key ecosystem services and to improve human wellbeing. We organized an international conference on FLR, titled—Forest and Landscape Restoration: Making it Happen, between 25–27 February 2019 in Manila, the Philippines with 139 participants from 22 countries. The Forest and Landscape Restoration Standards (FLoRES) task force also met prior to the conference, which included a field visit to a pilot community-based forest reforestation site in Biliran Island, the Philippines. Based on the three-day conference, case study presentations, and FLoRES task force meeting, we prepared the Manila Declaration on Forest and Landscape Restoration to highlight the need to support quality of FLR efforts and outcomes in the tropics. Here we provide a synthesis of the main messages of the conference, with key outcomes including the Manila Declaration on Forest and Landscape Restoration, and ways forward to make quality FLR happen on the ground.
An Assessment of Storability of Norway Spruce Container Seedlings in Freezer Storage as Affected by Short-Day Treatment
Authors: Riikonen Johanna , Luoranen Jaana
Published: June 2020

Determination of safe times at which to transfer seedlings to freezer storage is problematic in forest tree nurseries. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between pre-storage frost hardiness (FH) of different plant parts, dry matter content (DMC), chilling hours (the sum of hours when temperature was between −5 °C and +5 °C), and post-storage vitality, and the impact of short-day (SD) treatment on these relationships. One and a half year old control seedlings and SD-treated seedlings of Norway spruce were transferred to freezer storage (−3 °C) on five occasions during autumn. On each occasion, the FH of buds, needles, stem, and roots, as well as DMC, were determined, and chilling hours were calculated. The vitality of the freezer-stored seedlings was determined through their root growth capacity in the subsequent spring, and through the field performance of the seedlings (shoot growth and seedling damage) at the end of the following two growing seasons. Seedlings were considered to be storable when the FH of the needles was at least −25 °C, and the FH of the roots was about −10 °C in both treatments. Early storage reduced the vitality of the seedlings. SD treatment did not advance the storability of the seedlings, although it alleviated some of the negative effects of early storage by improving the FH of needles and stem, but not that of the roots. The DMC value, indicating storability, was higher for SD-treated seedlings than for control seedlings. When data from five experiments conducted in Suonenjoki were combined, it was found that the relationship between accumulation of chilling hours and needle FH was dependent on nursery treatment and assessment year, which reduces the reliability of using chilling hours in predicting the storability of Norway spruce seedlings. The predicted climate change may complicate the fall acclimation of seedlings. New, user-friendly methods for determining storability of seedlings are urgently needed.
Lithium Content of 160 Beverages and Its Impact on Lithium Status in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Seidel Ulrike , Jans Katharina , Hommen Niklas , Ipharraguerre Ignacio R , Lüersen Kai , Birringer Marc , Rimbach Gerald
Published: June 2020

Lithium (Li) is an important micronutrient in human nutrition, although its exact molecular function as a potential essential trace element has not yet been fully elucidated. It has been previously shown that several mineral waters are rich and highly bioavailable sources of Li for human consumption. Nevertheless, little is known about the extent in which other beverages contribute to the dietary Li supply. To this end, the Li content of 160 different beverages comprising wine and beer, soft and energy drinks and tea and coffee infusions was analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Furthermore, a feeding study in Drosophila melanogaster was conducted to test whether Li derived from selected beverages changes Li status in flies. In comparison to the average Li concentration in mineral waters (108 µg/L; reference value), the Li concentration in wine (11.6 ± 1.97 µg/L) and beer (8.5 ± 0.77 µg/L), soft and energy drinks (10.2 ± 2.95 µg/L), tea (2.8 ± 0.65 µg/L) and coffee (0.1 ± 0.02 µg/L) infusions was considerably lower. Only Li-rich mineral water (~1600 µg/L) significantly increased Li concentrations in male and female flies. Unlike mineral water, most wine and beer, soft and energy drink and tea and coffee samples were rather Li-poor food items and thus may only contribute to a moderate extent to the dietary Li supply. A novelty of this study is that it relates analytical Li concentrations in beverages to Li whole body retention in Drosophila melanogaster.
Use of Milk Fat/Cellulose Ether Emulsions in Spreadable Creams and the Effect of In Vitro Digestion on Texture and Fat Digestibility
Authors: Espert Maria , Sanz Teresa , Salvador Ana
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the texture properties and fat digestibility of new spreadable chocolate creams formulated with an emulsion composed of milk fat and a cellulose ether as a fat source. The spreadability was analysed at 20 °C and compared with a commercial spreadable cream formulated with palm fat. Structural changes in the creams after the in vitro oral and gastric digestion stages were evaluated; lipid digestibility was determined by titration with NaOH during intestinal digestion. Spreadability tests showed the spreads were similar. After oral digestion, the commercial spread showed an increase in extrusion force because of flocculation induced by saliva, an effect not observed in spreads with cellulose ether. Digestibility determination showed lower values for the reformulated spreads. Therefore, milk fat-cellulose ether based emulsions offer an alternative to achieve reformulated spreadable creams, with physical properties similar to those of commercial products but providing reduced fat content and lower lipid digestibility, without compromising the quality of the final product.
Effect of Biofilm Formation by Lactobacillus plantarum on the Malolactic Fermentation in Model Wine
Authors: Pannella Gianfranco , Lombardi Silvia Jane , Coppola Francesca , Vergalito Franca , Iorizzo Massimo , Succi Mariantonietta , Tremonte Patrizio , Iannini Caterina , Sorrentino Elena , Coppola Raffaele
Published: June 2020

Biofilm life-style of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains was evaluated in vitro as a new and suitable biotechnological strategy to assure L-malic acid conversion in wine stress conditions. Sixty-eight L. plantarum strains isolated from diverse sources were assessed for their ability to form biofilm in acid (pH 3.5 or 3.2) or in ethanol (12% or 14%) stress conditions. The effect of incubation times (24 and 72 h) on the biofilm formation was evaluated. The study highlighted that, regardless of isolation source and stress conditions, the ability to form biofilm was strain-dependent. Specifically, two clusters, formed by high and low biofilm producer strains, were identified. Among high producer strains, L. plantarum Lpls22 was chosen as the highest producer strain and cultivated in planktonic form or in biofilm using oak supports. Model wines at 12% of ethanol and pH 3.5 or 3.2 were used to assess planktonic and biofilm cells survival and to evaluate the effect of biofilm on L-malic acid conversion. For cells in planktonic form, a strong survival decay was detected. In contrast, cells in biofilm life-style showed high resistance, assuring a prompt and complete L-malic acid conversion.
On the Age of Galactic Bulge CSPNe: Too Young and Complicated?
Authors: Lykou Foteini , Zijlstra Albert , Parker Quentin A.
Published: June 2020

We present preliminary results of our study of a small sample of planetary nebulae in the Galactic Bulge for which high-angular resolution Hubble Space Telescope imaging is available. From this and from archival spectroscopy, we were able to calculate temperatures and luminosities for their central stars. These were then correlated to up-to-date evolutionary tracks found in the literature to help us estimate stellar masses and therefore ages for the central stars. Our current analysis indicates that our sample appears to represent a somewhat mixed population of planetary nebulae central stars, while at least one of the nebulae might have been formed by a more massive progenitor (i.e., M ZAMS ∼ 4 M ⊙ ).
Sex Chromosomes and Internal Telomeric Sequences in Dormitator latifrons (Richardson 1844) (Eleotridae: Eleotrinae): An Insight into Their Origin in the Genus
Authors: Paim Fabilene Gomes , Nirchio Mauro , Oliveira Claudio , Rossi Anna Rita
Published: June 2020

The freshwater fish species Dormitator latifrons, commonly named the Pacific fat sleeper, is an important food resource in CentralSouth America, yet almost no genetic information on it is available. A cytogenetic analysis of this species was undertaken by standard and molecular techniques (chromosomal mapping of 18S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and telomeric repeats), aiming to describe the karyotype features, verify the presence of sex chromosomes described in congeneric species, and make inferences on chromosome evolution in the genus. The karyotype (2n = 46) is mainly composed of metacentric and submetacentic chromosomes, with nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) localized on the short arms of submetacentric pair 10. The presence of XX/XY sex chromosomes was observed, with the X chromosome carrying the 5S rDNA sequences. These heterochromosomes likely appeared before 1 million years ago, since they are shared with another derived Dormitator species (Dormitator maculatus) distributed in the Western Atlantic. Telomeric repeats hybridize to the terminal portions of almost all chromosomes; additional interstitial sites are present in the centromeric region, suggesting pericentromeric inversions as the main rearrangement mechanisms that has driven karyotypic evolution in the genus. The data provided here contribute to improving the cytogenetics knowledge of D. latifrons, offering basic information that could be useful in aquaculture farming of this neotropical fish.
Analysis of HBV Genomes Integrated into the Genomes of Human Hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 Cells by HBV Sequence Capture-Based Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Ishii Tomotaka , Tamura Akinori , Shibata Toshikatsu , Kuroda Kazumichi , Kanda Tatsuo , Sugiyama Masaya , Mizokami Masashi , Moriyama Mitsuhiko
Published: June 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The integration of HBV genomic DNA into the host genome occurs randomly, early after infection, and is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV-infected patients. Therefore, it is important to analyze HBV genome integration. We analyzed HBV genome integration in human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 cells by HBV sequence capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. We confirmed the results by using Sanger sequencing methods. We observed that HBV genotype A is integrated into the genome of PLC/PRF/5 cells. HBV sequence capture-based NGS is useful for the analysis of HBV genome integrants and their locations in the human genome. Among the HBV genome integrants, we performed functional analysis and demonstrated the automatic expression of some HBV proteins encoded by HBV integrants from chromosomes 3 and 11 in Huh7 cells transfected with these DNA sequences. HBV sequence capture-based NGS may be a useful tool for the assessment of HBV genome integration into the human genome in clinical samples and suggests new strategies for hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV infection.
Long-Lasting Patterns in 3 kHz Electromagnetic Time Series after the ML = 6.6 Earthquake of 2018-10-25 near Zakynthos, Greece
Authors: Nikolopoulos Dimitrios , Petraki Ermioni , Yannakopoulos Panayiotis H. , Priniotakis Georgios , Voyiatzis Ioannis , Cantzos Demetrios
Published: June 2020

This paper reports one-month 3 kHz EM disturbances recorded at Kardamas, Ilia, Greece after a strong M L = 6.6 earthquake occurred on 2018/10/25 near Zakynthos and Ilia. During this period 17 earthquakes occurred with magnitudes M L = 4.5 and M L = 5.5 and depths between 3 km and 17 km, all near Zakynthos and Ilia. A two-stage, fully computational methodology was applied to the outcomes of five different time-evolving chaos analysis techniques (DFA, fractal dimension analysis through Higuchi, Katz and Sevcik methods and power-law analysis). Via literature-based thresholds, the out-of-threshold results of all chaos analysis methods were located and from these, the common time instances of 13 selected combinations per five, four, three and two methods. Numerous persistent segments were located with DFA exponents between 1.6 ≤ α ≤ 2.0 , fractal dimensions between 1.4 ≤ D ≤ 2.0 and power-law exponents between 2.2 ≤ β ≤ 3.0 . Out of the 17 earthquakes, six earthquakes were jointly matched by 13 selected combinations of five, four, three and two chaos analysis methods, four earthquakes by all combinations of four, three and two, while the remaining seven earthquakes were matched by at least one combination of three methods. All meta-analysis matches are within typical forecast periods.