bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Development and Ornamental Value of Miscanthus sinensis (Andersson) Species Depending on the Dose of Shrimp Biowaste
Authors: Żurawik Piotr
Published: March 2020

Crustaceans, including shrimps, are an important group of marine products processed in over 50 countries around the world. It is one of the most profitable and fast-growing processing branches. About 30 to 40% of crustaceans are used immediately after fishing, while 60–70% are processed. This generates thousands of tons of waste, proper management of which becomes increasingly important. The study was conducted in the years 2015–2017. Planting material included rhizomes of Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus × giganteus. Shrimp shells, dried and fragmented into 2–3 mm long pieces, were added to the soil at a dose of 5%, 10% and 15%. Mineral soil without the dried waste served as control. pH and substrate salinity were determined both before and after the growing season, and vegetative and generative traits of the plants were assessed. Shrimp biowaste is rich in N, P, K, Ca and Mg, has alkaline pH and high salinity. Its effects on plants depend on its dose and plant species. Miscanthus sinensis turned out more sensitive to the substrate salinity but in both species shrimp biowaste improved their ornamental value. For Miscanthus sinensis the most beneficial dose was 5%, while for Miscanthus × giganteus it was 15%.
New Insights into Modelling Bacterial Growth with Reference to the Fish Pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Powell Christopher D. , López Secundino , France James
Published: March 2020

Two new models, based upon the principles promulgated by Baranyi and co-workers are presented and resulting growth functions evaluated based upon their ability to mimic bacterial growth of the fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum. These growth functions make use of a dampening function to suppress potential growth, represented by a logistic, and are derived from rate:state differential equations. Dampening effects are represented by a rectangular hyperbola or a simple exponential, incorporated into a logistic differential equation and solved analytically resulting in two newly derived growth equations, viz. logistic × hyperbola (log × hyp) and logistic × exponential (log × exp). These characteristics result in flexible and robust growth functions that can be expressed as equations with biologically meaningful parameters. The newly derived functions (log × hyp and log × exp), along with the Baranyi (BAR), simple logistic (LOG) and its modified form (MLOG) were evaluated based upon examination of residuals and measures of goodness-of-fit and cross-validation. Using these criteria, log × hyp, log × exp and BAR performed better than, or at least equally well as, LOG and MLOG. In contrast with log × exp and BAR, log × hyp can be easily manipulated mathematically allowing for simple algebraic expressions for time and microbial biomass at inflexion point, in addition to maximum and scaled maximum growth rates.
A Mixture of Exogenous Emulsifiers Increased the Acceptance of Broilers to Low Energy Diets: Growth Performance, Blood Chemistry, and Fatty Acids Traits
Authors: Saleh Ahmed A. , Amber Khairy A. , Mousa Mahmoud M. , Nada Ahmed L. , Awad Wael , Dawood Mahmoud A.O. , Abd El-Moneim Abd El-Moneim E. , Ebeid Tarek A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: March 2020

To investigate the influence of emulsifiers on broilers fed low-energy diets, the birds were distributed into three sets—the control was fed the basal diet, the second group was fed diets 50 kcal/kg less than control, and the third group was fed diets 50 kcal/kg less than control and supplemented with 500 g/ton of emulsifiers. The used mixture of exogenous emulsifiers contains phosphatidyl choline, lysophosphatidyl choline, and polyethylene glycol ricinoleate. Although the feed intake was not meaningfully affected by dietary low-energy level with emulsifier inclusion (P = 0.42), the weight gain and FCR were clearly enhanced (P = 0.005 and P = 0.044, respectively). Protein and lipids utilization were decreased by reducing energy level, but they were increased by emulsifier supplementation (P = 0.022 and P = 0.011, respectively). Liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) and muscle palmitic acid concentrations were decreased by reducing the energy level and emulsifier’s supplementation (P = 0.014 and P = 0.042, respectively). However, muscle total lipids and α-tocopherol, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Interestingly, the plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total protein, and globulin were decreased in the low-energy group without emulsifier but they were increased by emulsifier supplementation (P = 0.008, P = 0.005, P = 0.037, and P = 0.005, respectively). It could be concluded that the mixture of emulsifier supplementation to low-energy diets enhanced fat utilization and resulted in positive effects on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, lipid peroxidation, and modified plasma lipid profiles in broilers. Getting such benefits in broilers is a necessity to reduce the feed cost and consequently the price of the product, which will lead to improved welfare of mankind.
Effects of Microencapsulated Blends of Organics Acids (OA) and Essential Oils (EO) as a Feed Additive for Broiler Chicken. A Focus on Growth Performance, Gut Morphology and Microbiology
Authors: Stamilla Alessandro , Messina Antonino , Sallemi Sabrina , Condorelli Lucia , Antoci Francesco , Puleio Roberto , Loria Guido Ruggero , Cascone Giuseppe , Lanza Massimiliano
Published: March 2020

The goal of the trial was testing the effects of a blend of organic acids and essential oils dietary supplementation on growth performance and gut healthiness in broiler chickens. In total, 420 male Ross 308 chicks (1-day old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: basal (BD) and organic acids and essential oils (OA&EO) diets (three replicates/treatment; 70 broilers/replicate). BD group received commercial diets whereas OA&EO group basal diets + 5 g/kg of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils. OA&EO treatment improved the average daily gain (p < 0.01) and feed conversion ratio at 37–47 days compared to BD treatment. OA&EO treatment improved gut morphology mostly at ileum and duodenum levels in terms of villi height, crypt depth, number of villi, mucosa thickness and villi area at 24 and 34 sampling days. A certain selective action against Clostridium perfringens in ileum of OA&EO group was shown at 33 (p = 0.053) and 46 days (p = 0.09) together with lower median values for Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci, Mesophilic bacteria and Clostridium perfringens at ceca level. Overall, organic acids and essential oils supplementation improved growth performance in the final growth stage and some morphological gut traits and reduced to a certain extent Clostridium perfringens count in ileum.
Modelling Methionine Requirements of Fast- and Slow-Growing Chinese Yellow-Feathered Chickens during the Starter Phase
Authors: Li Long , Abouelezz K.F.M. , Cheng Zhonggang , Gad-Elkareem A.E.G. , Fan Qiuli , Ding Fayuan , Gao Jun , Jiang Shouqun , Jiang Zongyong
Published: March 2020

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the dietary methionine requirement for fast and slow-growing Chinese yellow-feathered breeds during the starter phase, based on growth variables and regression models. In Experiment 1, a total of 2880 one-day-old Lingnan chicks (fast growing breed) were used to test the methionine requirement from 1 to 21 days of age for males and females separately. Of each gender, 1440 birds were allocated into 6 dietary methionine levels (0.28%, 0.32%, 0.37%, 0.43%, 0.50% and 0.63%), each with 6 pen replicates of 40 chicks. Experiment 2 had the same design with Guangxi chicks (slow growing breed) from 1 to 30 d of age. Results indicated that significant nonlinear or quadratic responses to increasing dietary methionine levels were observed in body weight, daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of both breeds. In summary, the quadratic polynomial regression showed that the optimal methionine requirements for maximal growth performance of Lingnan chickens were 0.52–0.58% in males, 0.51% in females, and 0.53% in mixed genders. The corresponding values for Guangxi breed were 0.53% in males by quadratic polynomial regression and 0.43% in females, and 0.48% to 0.49% in mixed sexes by exponential asymptotic models.
Front-Face Fluorescence of Honey of Different Botanic Origin: A Case Study from Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Parri Erica , Santinami Giulia , Domenici Valentina
Published: March 2020

Honey is a natural pure food produced by honeybees from the nectar of various plants, and its chemical composition includes carbohydrates, water, and some minor compounds, which are very important for honey quality and authentication. Most of honey’s minor components are related to the botanic origin, climate, and geographic diversity. In this work, we report an original case study on monofloral honey samples of twelve different botanic origins produced in Tuscany (Italy) based on the ‘semi-quantitative’ analysis of emission, excitation, and synchronous front-face fluorescence spectra. This is the first front-face fluorescence study of Italian honey samples and, to our knowledge, the first fluorescence investigation of honey from inula (Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton), marruca (Paliurus spina-christi Mill.), lavender (Lavandula L. 1753), sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.), arbutus (or strawberry tree) (Arbutus unedo L., 1753), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants. Results obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy are discussed in terms of characteristic spectral emission profiles typical of honey of different botanic origins. Moreover, the spectral analysis based on the decomposition of the front-face fluorescence (FFF) spectra in terms of single main fluorophores’ components is here proposed to identify several minor compounds, such as amino acids, phenolic acids, vitamins, and other fluorescent bioactive molecules.
Smart Product Design Process through the Implementation of a Fuzzy Kano-AHP-DEMATEL-QFD Approach
Authors: Neira-Rodado Dionicio , Ortíz-Barrios Miguel , De la Hoz-Escorcia Sandra , Paggetti Cristiano , Noffrini Laura , Fratea Nicola
Published: March 2020

Product design has become a critical process for the healthcare technology industry, given the ever-changing demands, vague customer requirements, and interrelations among design criteria. This paper proposed a novel integration of fuzzy Kano, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to translate customer needs into product characteristics and prioritize design alternatives considering interdependence and vagueness. First, the customer requirements were established. Second, the fuzzy KANO was applied to calculate the impact of each requirement, often vague, on customer satisfaction. Third, design alternatives were defined, while the requirements’ weights were calculated using AHP. DEMATEL was later implemented for evaluating the interdependence among alternatives. Finally, QFD was employed to select the best design. A hip replacement surgery aid device for elderly people was used for validation. In this case, collateral issues were the most important requirement, while code change was the best-ranked design.
Video Quality of Experience Metric for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming Services Using DASH Standard and Deep Spatial-Temporal Representation of Video
Authors: Du Lina , Zhuo Li , Li Jiafeng , Zhang Jing , Li Xiaoguang , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2020

DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)) as a universal unified multimedia streaming standard selects the appropriate video bitrate to improve the user’s Quality of Experience (QoE) according to network conditions, client status, etc. Considering that the quantitative expression of the user’s QoE is also a difficult point in itself, this paper researched the distortion caused due to video compression, network transmission and other aspects, and then proposes a video QoE metric for dynamic adaptive streaming services. Three-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (3D CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) are used together to extract the deep spatial-temporal features to represent the content characteristics of the video. While accounting for the fluctuation in the quality of a video caused by bitrate switching on the QoE, other factors such as video content characteristics, video quality and video fluency, are combined to form the input feature vector. The ridge regression method is adopted to establish a QoE metric that enables to dynamically describe the relationship between the input feature vector and the value of the Mean Opinion Score (MOS). The experimental results on different datasets demonstrate that the prediction accuracy of the proposed method can achieve superior performance over the state-of-the-art methods, which proves the proposed QoE model can effectively guide the client’s bitrate selection in dynamic adaptive streaming media services.
Transfer Learning Algorithm of P300-EEG Signal Based on XDAWN Spatial Filter and Riemannian Geometry Classifier
Authors: Li Feng , Xia Yi , Wang Fei , Zhang Dengyong , Li Xiaoyu , He Fan
Published: March 2020

The electroencephalogram (EEG) signal in the brain–computer interface (BCI) has suffered great cross-subject variability. The BCI system needs to be retrained before each time it is used, which is a waste of resources and time. Thus, it is difficult to generalize a fixed classification method for all subjects. Therefore, the transfer learning method proposed in this article, which combines XDAWN spatial filter and Riemannian Geometry classifier (RGC), can achieve offline cross-subject transfer learning in the P300-speller paradigm. The XDAWN spatial filter is used to enhanced the P300 components in the raw signal as well as reduce its dimensions. Then, the Riemannian Geometry Mean (RGM) is used as the reference matrix to perform the affine transformation of the symmetric positive definite (SPD) covariance matrix calculated from the filtered signal, which makes the data from different subjects comparable. Finally, the RGC is used to obtain the result of transfer learning experiments. The proposed algorithm was evaluated on two datasets (Dataset I from real patients and Dataset II from the laboratory). By comparing with two state-of-the-art and classic algorithms in the current BCI field, Ensemble of Support Vector Machine (E-SVM) and Stepwise Linear Discriminant Analysis (SWLDA), the maximum averaged area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score of our algorithm reached 0.836, proving the potential of our proposed algorithm.
Dynamic Coercivity of Tempered Ferritic Steel Subjected to Creep-Fatigue for Nondestructive Evaluation by Reversible Permeability
Authors: Kim Chung Seok
Published: March 2020

This study aims to characterize nondestructively the creep-fatigue damage of tempered ferritic steel by dynamic coercivity measured by reversible permeability. The creep-fatigue test was achieved under load control with a hold time of 60 s and 600 s. The dynamic coercivity based on the reversible magnetic permeability profiles was successfully obtained on top of the test specimen. Based on these results, we attempted to evaluate the creep-fatigue of tempered ferritic steel with the support of microstructural evaluation such as dislocations and precipitates. The dynamic coercivity decreases with fatigue life fraction and closely related to the number of Cr23C6 precipitates with N0.8 and the dislocation density with ρ0.4 In addition, Vickers’s hardness continuously decreased up to the failure deducing the softening of mechanical strength. In conclusion, it can nondestructively characterize the influence of the precipitates and dislocation density on the dynamic coercivity of ferritic steel during creep-fatigue.
Talbot Algorithm with a Trapezoidal Wave in the 2.5D Airborne Transient Electromagnetic Method in Marine Investigations
Authors: Li Boya , Gao Huotao , Zhao Huaqiao , Yang Lijuan , Chen Haitao
Published: March 2020

The airborne transient electromagnetic (TEM) method is widely used in land applications but faces challenges in marine applications due to the strong masking effects of seawater. The accuracy of the inverse Laplace transform algorithm strongly affects the applicability of the 2.5D TEM method in marine research; thus, an appropriate transmitted waveform is required. To resolve these issues, a trapezoidal wave was utilized as the waveform of the current source, owing to the substantial energy contribution of the low-frequency range. Further, the Talbot algorithm was selected for the inverse Laplace transform as it can yield an accurate response with smaller summation terms than the commonly used Gaver–Stehfest (G-S) algorithm. On this basis, a rugged seabed and a subsea tunnel were also investigated. The voltage response is obtained when the flight heights of the loop source change. The results confirmed that the Talbot algorithm with a trapezoidal waveform is more reliable and robust for complex marine geological models and is expected to provide an effective approach for marine explorations.
Resiliency Assessment of Microgrid Systems
Authors: Ibrahim Mariam , Alkhraibat Asma
Published: March 2020

Measuring resiliency of smart grid systems is one of the vital topics towards maintaining a reliable and efficient operation under attacks. This paper introduces a set of factors that are utilized for resiliency quantification of microgrid (MG) systems. The level of resilience (LoR) measure is determined by examining the voltage sag percentage, the level of performance reduction (LoPR) as measured by percentage of reduction of load served, recovery time (RT), which is the time system takes to detect and recover from an attack/fault, and the time to reach Power Balance state (Tb) during the islanded mode. As an illustrative example, a comparison based on the resiliency level is presented for two topologies of MGs under an attack scenario.
Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression in Postmenopausal Women Receiving a Mixed Phytoestrogen Regimen: Plausible Parallels with Kronos Early Estrogen Replacement Study
Authors: Kirichenko Tatiana V. , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Ravani Alessio L. , Sobenin Igor A. , Orekhova Varvara A. , Romanenko Elena B. , Poggio Paolo , Wu Wei-Kai , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: March 2020

This randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the progression of intima-media thickness of common carotid artery (cIMT) and the effect of phytoestrogen therapy on atherosclerosis development in early and late postmenopausal women. The 2-year cIMT progression was evaluated in 315 early postmenopausal women aged 40–55 years and in 231 late postmenopausal women aged 60–69 years free of cardiovascular disease. B-mode ultrasound was done at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of follow-up. The study revealed no significant changes in the rate of cIMT progression in 315 early postmenopausal women. By contrast, a statistically significant difference in the rate of atherosclerosis development was observed in late postmenopausal women treated with phytoestrogens compared to placebo (p = 0.008). The rate of cIMT progression in the placebo group was 0.019 mm/year led to a significant increase of cIMT during the observation period (p = 0.012), while the rate of cIMT progression in phytoestrogen late postmenopausal recipients was 0.011 mm/year, and total change did not reach statistical significance during the follow-up period (p = 0.101). These results suggest that late postmenopausal women can be a suitable cohort for trials assessing the anti-atherosclerosis effects of phytoestrogen preparations. In particular, the beneficial effect of phytoestrogens on cIMT progression was demonstrated in late postmenopausal women.
PMCA Applications for Prion Detection in Peripheral Tissues of Patients with Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Giaccone Giorgio , Moda Fabio
Published: March 2020

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative and invariably fatal conditions that affect humans and animals. In particular, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are paradigmatic forms of human and animal prion diseases, respectively. Human exposure to BSE through contaminated food caused the appearance of the new variant form of CJD (vCJD). These diseases are caused by an abnormal prion protein named PrPSc (or prion), which accumulates in the brain and leads to the onset of the disease. Their definite diagnosis can be formulated only at post-mortem after biochemical and neuropathological identification of PrPSc. Thanks to the advent of an innovative technique named protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), traces of PrPSc, undetectable with the standard diagnostic techniques, were found in peripheral tissues of patients with vCJD, even at preclinical stages. The technology is currently being used in specialized laboratories and can be exploited for helping physicians in formulating an early and definite diagnosis of vCJD using peripheral tissues. However, this assay is currently unable to detect prions associated with the sporadic CJD (sCJD) forms, which are more frequent than vCJD. This review will focus on the most recent advances and applications of PMCA in the field of vCJD and other human prion disease diagnosis.
Empathy Mediates the Relations between Working Memory and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence and Aggression
Authors: Godfrey Donald A. , Kehoe Caitlin M. , Bastardas-Albero Adriana , Babcock Julia C.
Published: March 2020

Deficits in executive functioning have been associated with aggressive and violent behavior toward intimate partners. However, it is unclear what specific mechanisms are being affected by cognitive deficits that increase an individual’s tendency to become aggressive. The current study examined empathy as a mediating factor between deficits in working memory and perpetration of intimate partner aggression and violence. Men in heterosexual relationships (N = 49) were administered a measure of visual-spatial working memory, and questionnaire measures of head injury and empathy. During a second session, men participated in a conflict discussion with their female partner that was coded for aggressive behavior. Female partners also reported on men’s physical and psychological abuse. Working memory was positively related to cognitive and affective empathy, and negatively related to men’s physical abuse perpetration and observed aggression during the conflict discussion. The effects of working memory on observed aggression during the conflict were fully mediated by cognitive and affective empathy. Additionally, the effects of working memory on reported physical IPV frequency were fully mediated by affective empathy. Deficits in working memory may decrease men’s ability to use empathetic processes, resulting in increased aggression and violence toward their intimate partners. Clinically, incorporating empathy training in battering intervention programs may be helpful, especially among men with deficits in cognitive functioning.
The Relationship between Self-Compassion and Sleep Quality: An Overview of a Seven-Year German Research Program
Authors: Butz Sebastian , Stahlberg Dagmar
Published: March 2020

Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent in modern societies and negatively linked to various health outcomes. While previous research has demonstrated preliminary evidence for self-compassion as a tool for improving sleep quality, this review provides a meta-analysis of respective published and unpublished results of our own research group using German samples. A total of nine studies are included (N = 956 participants), consisting of both correlational and experimental data. Across these studies, there was a medium correlation between self-compassion and subjective sleep quality, r = 0.303, 95% CI (0.244; 0.360). In three experimental studies, a small increase in participants’ self-reported sleep quality emerged, in comparison to control conditions, Hedges’ s g = 0.484, 95% CI (0.148; 0.821). Limitations on study level concern both the small sample sizes and short-term analyses of intervention effects. As a conclusion, this review supports both the correlational and causal relationship between self-compassion and increased subjective sleep quality across diverse operationalizations and samples. Future research should focus on the moderating effects of intervention type, duration of intervention effects, and type of target population.
Gastric Cancer with Radiographically Occult Metastatic Disease: Biology, Challenges, and Diagnostic Approaches
Authors: Sanjeevaiah Aravind , Park Haeseong , Fangman Benjamin , Porembka Matthew
Published: March 2020

Gastric adenocarcinoma is an aggressive cancer that demonstrates heterogeneous biology depending on patient ethnicity, tumor location, tumor type, and genetic profile. It remains the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and was estimated to result in 782,000 deaths in 2018. Challenges exist in accurately assessing the disease burden, as available radiological staging often underestimates metastatic disease. This diagnostic handicap, along with the poor understanding of the heterogeneous biology of gastric cancer, has hindered the development of effective therapeutic solutions and thus halted improvement in patient outcomes over the last few decades. The management of occult peritoneal disease is complicated, as most patients are understaged by standard imaging studies and therefore thought to have local diseases. In this article, we systematically review recent literature on the limitations that are associated with standard radiographic staging, discuss recent molecular biology advances to better identify and diagnose occult peritoneal disease, and propose possible management strategies to approach this complicated clinical problem.
Recent Advances in Metal-Catalyzed Alkyl–Boron (C(sp3)–C(sp2)) Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Couplings
Authors: El-Maiss Janwa , Mohy El Dine Tharwat , Lu Chung-Shin , Karamé Iyad , Kanj Ali , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Shaya Janah
Published: March 2020

Boron chemistry has evolved to become one of the most diverse and applied fields in organic synthesis and catalysis. Various valuable reactions such as hydroborylations and Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings (SMCs) are now considered as indispensable methods in the synthetic toolbox of researchers in academia and industry. The development of novel sterically- and electronically-demanding C(sp3)–Boron reagents and their subsequent metal-catalyzed cross-couplings attracts strong attention and serves in turn to expedite the wheel of innovative applications of otherwise challenging organic adducts in different fields. This review describes the significant progress in the utilization of classical and novel C(sp3)–B reagents (9-BBN and 9-MeO-9-BBN, trifluoroboronates, alkylboranes, alkylboronic acids, MIDA, etc.) as coupling partners in challenging metal-catalyzed C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross-coupling reactions, such as B-alkyl SMCs after 2001.
Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalysis of Nanocomposites of Copper Oxide and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for the Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Sapkota Kamal , Lee Insup , Hanif Md. , Islam Md. , Akter Jeasmin , Hahn Jae
Published: March 2020

We report enhanced catalytic action of a series of copper(II)-oxide-single-walled carbon nanotube (CuO-SWCNT) composite photocatalysts (abbreviated as CuO-SWCNT-0.5, CuO-SWCNT-2, and CuO-SWCNT-5, where 0.5, 2, and 5 represent the calcination time in hours) synthesized via recrystallization followed by calcination. The photocatalytic performance of the fabricated nanocomposites was examined by evaluating the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under irradiation with visible light. All of the as-fabricated nanocomposites were effective photocatalysts for the photodegradation of a MB solution; however, the CuO-SWCNT-5 displayed the best photocatalytic ability among the investigated catalysts, achieving 97.33% degradation of MB in 2 h under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic action of the nanocomposites was remarkably higher than that of pristine CuO nanocrystals fabricated using the same route. The recyclability of the photocatalyst was also investigated; the CuO-SWCNT-5 catalyst could be reused for three cycles without substantial degradation of its catalytic performance or morphology.
Electrochemical Fingerprint of CuS-Hexagonal Chemistry from (Bis(N-1,4-Phenyl-N-(4-Morpholinedithiocarbamato) Copper(II) Complexes) as Photon Absorber in Quantum-Dot/Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells
Authors: Agoro Mojeed Adedoyin , Meyer Edson Leroy , Mbese Johannes Zanoxolo , Manu Kwabena
Published: March 2020

The main deficit of quantum dot/dye-sensitised solar cells (QDSSCs) remains the absence of a photosensitiser that can absorb the entire visible spectrum and increase electrocatalytic activity by enhancing the conversion efficiency of QDSSCs. This placed great emphasis on the synthesis route adopted for the preparation of the sensitiser. Herein, we report the fabrication of hexagonal copper monosulfide (CuS) nanocrystals, both hexadecylamine (HDA) capped and uncapped, through thermal decomposition by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a single-source precursor route. Morphological, structural, and electrochemical instruments were used to assert the properties of both materials. The CuS/HDA photosensitiser demonstrated an appropriate lifetime and electron transfer, while the electron back reaction of CuS lowered the electron lifetime in the QDSSCs. The higher electrocatalytic activity and interfacial resistance observed from current density-voltage (I–V) results agreed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results for CuS/HDA. The successful fabrication of hexagonal CuS nanostructures of interesting conversion output suggested that both HDA capped and uncapped nanocrystals could be adopted in photovoltaic cells.
Human Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Maintain Proliferating and ROS-Regulatory Properties via Stanniocalcin-1
Authors: Seo Yoojin , Shin Tae-Hoon , Ahn Ji-Su , Oh Su-Jeong , Shin Ye Young , Yang Ji Won , Park Hee Young , Shin Sung-Chan , Kwon Hyun-Keun , Kim Ji Min , Sung Eui-Suk , Park Gi Cheol , Lee Byung-Joo , Kim Hyung-Sik
Published: March 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from various sources exhibit different potential for stemness and therapeutic abilities. Recently, we reported a unique MSCs from human palatine tonsil (TMSCs) and their superior proliferation capacity compared to MSCs from other sources. However, unique characteristics of each MSC are not yet precisely elucidated. We investigated the role of stanniocalcin-1 (STC1), an anti-oxidative hormone, in the functions of TMSCs. We found that STC1 was highly expressed in TMSC compared with MSCs from bone marrow or adipose tissue. The proliferation, senescence and differentiation of TMSCs were assessed after the inhibition of STC1 expression. STC1 inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in the proliferation of TMSCs and did not affect the differentiation potential. To reveal the anti-oxidative ability of STC1 in TMSCs themselves or against other cell types, the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in TMSC or ROS-mediated production of interleukin (IL)-1β from macrophage-like cells were detected. Interestingly, the basal level of ROS generation in TMSCs was significantly elevated after STC1 inhibition. Moreover, down-regulation of STC1 impaired the inhibitory effect of TMSCs on IL-1β production in macrophages. Taken together, these findings indicate that STC1 is highly expressed in TMSCs and plays a critical role in proliferating and ROS-regulatory abilities.
CDK7 Inhibition Is Effective in all the Subtypes of Breast Cancer: Determinants of Response and Synergy with EGFR Inhibition
Authors: McDermott Martina S. J. , Sharko Amanda C. , Munie Jessica , Kassler Susannah , Melendez Theresa , Lim Chang-uk , Broude Eugenia V.
Published: March 2020

CDK7, a transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase, is emerging as a novel cancer target. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) but not estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers have been reported to be uniquely sensitive to the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 due to the inhibition of a cluster of TNBC-specific genes. However, bioinformatic analysis indicates that CDK7 RNA expression is associated with negative prognosis in all the major subtypes of breast cancer. To further elucidate the effects of CDK7 inhibition in breast cancer, we profiled a panel of cell lines representing different breast cancer subtypes. THZ1 inhibited cell growth in all subtypes (TNBC, HER2+, ER+, and HER2+/ER+) with no apparent subtype selectivity. THZ1 inhibited CDK7 activity and induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in all the tested cell lines, but THZ1 sensitivity did not correlate with CDK7 inhibition or CDK7 expression levels. THZ1 sensitivity across the cell line panel did not correlate with TNBC-specific gene expression but it was found to correlate with the differential inhibition of three genes: CDKN1B, MYC and transcriptional coregulator CITED2. Response to THZ1 also correlated with basal CITED2 protein expression, a potential marker of CDK7 inhibitor sensitivity. Furthermore, all of the THZ1-inhibited genes examined were inducible by EGF but THZ1 prevented this induction. THZ1 had synergistic or additive effects when combined with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, with no outward selectivity for a particular subtype of breast cancer. These results suggest a potential broad utility for CDK7 inhibitors in breast cancer therapy and the potential for combining CDK7 and EGFR inhibitors.
Urban Sprawl, Food Subsidies and Power Lines: An Ecological Trap for Large Frugivorous Bats in Sri Lanka?
Authors: Tella José L. , Hernández-Brito Dailos , Blanco Guillermo , Hiraldo Fernando
Published: March 2020

Electrocution is one of the less known anthropogenic impacts likely affecting the bat population. We surveyed 925 km of overhead distribution power lines that supply energy to spreading urbanized areas in Sri Lanka, recording 300 electrocuted Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus). Electrocutions were recorded up to 58 km from the nearest known colony, and all of them were in urbanized areas and very close ( X ¯ = 4.8 m) to the exotic fruiting trees cultivated in gardens. Predictable anthropogenic food subsidies, in the form of cultivated fruits and flowers, seem to attract flying foxes to urban habitats, which in turn become ecological traps given their high electrocution risk. However, electrocution rates greatly varied among the 352 power lines surveyed (0.00–24.6 indiv./km), being highest in power lines with four wires oriented vertically ( X ¯ = 0.92 indiv./km) and almost zero in power lines with wires oriented horizontally. Therefore, the latter design should be applied to projected new power lines and old vertically oriented lines in electrocution hotspots should be substituted. Given that flying foxes are key seed dispersers and pollinators, their foraging habitat selection change toward urban habitats together with high electrocution risk not only may contribute to their population decline but also put their ecosystem services at risk.
Automated Malware Detection in Mobile App Stores Based on Robust Feature Generation
Authors: Alazab Moutaz
Published: March 2020

Many Internet of Things (IoT) services are currently tracked and regulated via mobile devices, making them vulnerable to privacy attacks and exploitation by various malicious applications. Current solutions are unable to keep pace with the rapid growth of malware and are limited by low detection accuracy, long discovery time, complex implementation, and high computational costs associated with the processor speed, power, and memory. Therefore, an automated intelligence technique is necessary for detecting apps containing malware and effectively predicting cyberattacks in mobile marketplaces. In this study, a system for classifying mobile marketplaces applications using real-world datasets is proposed, which analyzes the source code to identify malicious apps. A rich feature set of application programming interface (API) calls is proposed to capture the regularities in apps containing malicious content. Two feature-selection methods—Chi-Square and ANOVA—were examined in conjunction with ten supervised machine-learning algorithms. The detection accuracy of each classifier was evaluated to identify the most reliable classifier for malware detection using various feature sets. Chi-Square was found to have a higher detection accuracy as compared to ANOVA. The proposed system achieved a detection accuracy of 98.1% with a classification time of 1.22 s. Furthermore, the proposed system required a reduced number of API calls (500 instead of 9000) to be incorporated as features.
Habitat Selection by the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus in North-Eastern Poland: Implications for Forest Management
Authors: Polakowski Michał , Broniszewska Monika , Kirczuk Lucyna , Kasprzykowski Zbigniew
Published: March 2020

Research Highlights: Intensive forest management practices generally have a negative effect on biodiversity. However, the creation of new, open habitats as a consequence of timber harvesting within large areas of woodland may be favorable to some bird species. Background and Objectives: Habitat selection of the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus in a coniferous woodland area in northeastern Poland was studied in order to specify management recommendations. Materials and Methods: To define the influence of various environmental parameters on territory occupation, 11 micro- and 3 macrohabitat factors were analyzed. Results: Denser vegetation in the ground layer deterred birds from nesting in clearings with such characteristics. Moreover, Nightjars preferentially inhabited sites adjacent to young stands of trees. Birds preferred plots with a higher number of clearings in the neighborhood, as this enabled them to enlarge their foraging area. Other microhabitat factors (e.g., the type, age and area of clearings), as well as macroscale factors like distances to the forest edge, nearest roads and human settlements, were of no importance. Conclusions: Knowledge of the Nightjar preferences may be useful in working out a compromise between an appropriate level of clear-felling and conservation of other bird species requiring preservation of old tree stands.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Apple P3A-Type ATPase Genes, with Implications for Alkaline Stress Responses
Authors: Ma Baiquan , Gao Meng , Zhang Lihua , Zhao Haiyan , Zhu Lingcheng , Su Jing , Li Cuiying , Li Mingjun , Ma Fengwang , Yuan Yangyang
Published: March 2020

The P3A-type ATPases play crucial roles in various physiological processes via the generation of a transmembrane H+ gradient (∆pH). However, the P3A-type ATPase superfamily in apple remains relatively uncharacterized. In this study, 15 apple P3A-type ATPase genes were identified based on the new GDDH13 draft genome sequence. The exon-intron organization of these genes, the physical and chemical properties, and conserved motifs of the encoded enzymes were investigated. Analyses of the chromosome localization and ω values of the apple P3A-type ATPase genes revealed the duplicated genes were influenced by purifying selection pressure. Six clades and frequent old duplication events were detected. Moreover, the significance of differences in the evolutionary rates of the P3A-type ATPase genes were revealed. An expression analysis indicated that all of the P3A-type ATPase genes were specifically expressed in more than one tissue. The expression of one P3A-type ATPase gene (MD15G1108400) was significantly upregulated in response to alkaline stress. Furthermore, a subcellular localization assay indicated that MD15G1108400 is targeted to the plasma membrane. These results imply that MD15G1108400 may be involved in responses to alkaline stress. Our data provide insights into the molecular characteristics and evolutionary patterns of the apple P3A-type ATPase gene family and provide a theoretical foundation for future in-depth functional characterizations of P3A-type ATPase genes under alkaline conditions.
Inherited Renal Tubulopathies—Challenges and Controversies
Authors: Iancu Daniela , Ashton Emma
Published: March 2020

Electrolyte homeostasis is maintained by the kidney through a complex transport function mostly performed by specialized proteins distributed along the renal tubules. Pathogenic variants in the genes encoding these proteins impair this function and have consequences on the whole organism. Establishing a genetic diagnosis in patients with renal tubular dysfunction is a challenging task given the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, functional characteristics of the genes involved and the number of yet unknown causes. Part of these difficulties can be overcome by gathering large patient cohorts and applying high-throughput sequencing techniques combined with experimental work to prove functional impact. This approach has led to the identification of a number of genes but also generated controversies about proper interpretation of variants. In this article, we will highlight these challenges and controversies.
Effect of Stand Reduction at Different Growth Stages on Yield of Paprika-Type Chile Pepper
Authors: Joukhadar Israel , Walker Stephanie
Published: March 2020

Paprika-type chile (Capsicum annuum L.) crops are susceptible to plant population losses through pest activity, disease, and extreme weather events such as hail storms. This study was conducted to determine the influence of intensity and timing of plant population reductions on the final harvested yield of paprika-type chile so that informed decisions can be made regarding continuing or ending a damaged field. Two trials, one per year, were conducted in southern New Mexico. ‘LB-25’, a standard commercial cultivar, was direct seeded on 29 March 2016 and 4 April 2017. Plants were thinned at three different growth stages; early seedling, first bloom, and peak bloom. Plants were thinned to four levels at each phenological stage; 0% stand reduction (control; ~200,000 plants/ha), 60% stand reduction (~82,000 plants/ha), 70% stand reduction (~60,000 plants/ha), and 80% stand reduction (~41,000 plant/ha). In both years, the main effects of stand reduction had a significant impact on harvested yield, emphasizing the percentage of stand reduction has more of an impact on yield than timing in paprika-type red chile. Consistently, an 80% stand reduction in paprika-type chile significantly reduced fresh red chile yield by 26% to 38%.
Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Fitness of schoolchildren: The Enriched Sport Activity Program
Authors: Thomas Ewan , Bianco Antonino , Tabacchi Garden , Marques da Silva Carlos , Loureiro Nuno , Basile Michele , Giaccone Marcello , Sturm David J. , Şahin Fatma Neşe , Güler Özkan , Gómez-López Manuel , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Pajaujiene Simona , Zuoziene Ilona Judita , Rada Ante , Alesi Marianna , Palma Antonio
Published: March 2020

Background: Physical fitness in youth is a predictor of health in adulthood. The main objective of the present study was to understand if an enriched sport activity program could increase physical fitness in a population of schoolchildren. Methods: In a sample of 672 children aged 10.0 ± 1.90 years, different motor skills were tested by the 1 kg and 3 kg ball throw (BT), the standing broad jump (SBJ), the 30 m sprint (30mS), the leger shuttle run (LSR), the illinois agility test (IGT), and the quadruped test (QT). Within the controlled-trial, the intervention group (ESA) underwent an additional warm-up protocol, which included cognitive enhancing elements, for 14 weeks while the control group continued with ordinary exercise activity. Results: A significant increase was present regarding the 1 kg and 3 kg BT, the SBJ, the 30mS, and the IGT, while no significant difference was shown regarding the QT and the LSR in the ESA group between pre and post intervention. In the control group, no differences were present for any test except for the QT and the LSR post-test. Conclusion: A 14-week structured physical intervention had moderate effects regarding throwing, jumping, sprinting, and agility in a sample of schoolchildren.
Prevalence of Potentially Traumatic Events, Other Life Events and Subsequent Reactions Indicative for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Netherlands: A General Population Study Based on the Trauma Screening Questionnaire
Authors: Knipscheer Jeroen , Sleijpen Marieke , Frank Laurence , de Graaf Ron , Kleber Rolf , ten Have Margreet , Dückers Michel
Published: March 2020

The 12-month and lifetime prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in different country populations has been assessed while using clinical interviews. Because this methodology is relatively time-consuming and resource-intensive, disaster health researchers adopted instruments, like the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ). This study (1) used the TSQ to estimate the lifetime prevalence of potentially traumatic events and other life events (PTE/OLEs) and the one-week prevalence of subsequent reactions indicative for PTSD (based on DSM-IV PTSD criteria) in The Netherlands and (2) investigated risk and protective factors for the development of PTSD to overcome the lack of baseline comparison data on general populations and subgroups. The data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 (NEMESIS-2), a representative study in the Dutch general population aged 18 to 64 years (N = 6646), using face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess PTSD correlates. The lifetime PTE/OLE prevalence was 71.1%. Among exposed subjects, one-week PTSD prevalence was estimated at 2.0%. The correlates of PTSD were female gender, Moroccan, or Turkish ethnicity, and exposure to sexual abuse and exposure time less than four years ago. The results are discussed in relation to earlier 12-month and lifetime general population prevalence of PTSD in the Netherlands and other countries, and TSQ-based disaster studies. General population replications can provide additional TSQ baseline data, and shed light on exposure and PTSD prevalence assessed with different instruments.
The Impact of “Strike Hard” on Repeat and Near-Repeat Residential Burglary in Beijing
Authors: Chen Peng , Kurland Justin
Published: March 2020

“Strike Hard” is an enhanced law-enforcement strategy in China that aims to suppress crime, but measurement of the crime-reducing effect and potential changes in the spatiotemporal concentration of crime associated with “Strike Hard” remain unknown. This paper seeks to examine the impact, if any, of “Strike Hard” on the spatiotemporal clustering of burglary incidents. Two and half years of residential burglary incidents from Chaoyang, Beijing are used to examine repeat and near-repeat burglary incidents before, during, and after the “Strike Hard” intervention and a new technique that enables the comparison of repeat and near repeat patterns across different temporal periods is introduced to achieve this. The results demonstrate the intervention disrupted the repeat pattern during the “Strike Hard” period reducing the observed ratio of single-day repeat burglaries by 155%; however, these same single-day repeat burglary events increased by 41% after the cessation of the intervention. Findings with respect to near repeats are less remarkable with nominal evidence to support that the intervention produced a significant decrease, but coupled with other results, suggest that spatiotemporal displacement may have been an undesired by-product of “Strike Hard”. This study from a non-Western setting provides further evidence of the generalizability of findings related to repeat and near repeat patterns of burglary and further highlights the limited preventative effect that the “Strike Hard” enhanced law enforcement campaign had on burglary.