bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citrus sudachi Peel Extract Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Promotes the Differentiation of Keratinocytes through Inhibition of the EGFR–ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Abe Shogo , Ueno Misako , Nishitani Mami , Akamatsu Tetsuya , Sato Takumi , Shimoda Marie , Kanaoka Hiroki , Nii Yoshitaka , Yamasaki Hiroko , Yuasa Keizo
Published: October 2020

Citrus sudachi is a well-known fruit in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, and its peels are rich in phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds. Although it is expected that the extract of the C. sudachi peel elicits various beneficial physiological activities, the effect on the skin has not been investigated. In this study, we report that the aqueous extract from the peel of C. sudachi suppresses cell proliferation of the immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes. The extract of C. sudachi peel suppressed epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced EGF receptor activation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation, which suggests that the extract exerts its inhibitory effect through inhibition of both the EGF receptor (EGFR) and its downstream molecules. Additionally, the extract of C. sudachi peel potentiated calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. These results suggest that the extract of C. sudachi peel may have beneficial effects against skin diseases that are characterized by hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, such as those seen in psoriasis and in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Semantic Processing in Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of the N400 Differences
Authors: Joyal Marilyne , Groleau Charles , Bouchard Clara , Wilson Maximiliano A. , Fecteau Shirley
Published: October 2020

Semantic deficits are common in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These deficits notably impact the ability to understand words. In healthy aging, semantic knowledge increases but semantic processing (i.e., the ability to use this knowledge) may be impaired. This systematic review aimed to investigate semantic processing in healthy aging and AD through behavioral responses and the N400 brain event-related potential. The results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses suggested an overall decrease in accuracy and increase in response times in healthy elderly as compared to young adults, as well as in individuals with AD as compared to age-matched controls. The influence of semantic association, as measured by N400 effect amplitudes, appears smaller in healthy aging and even more so in AD patients. Thus, semantic processing differences may occur in both healthy and pathological aging. The establishment of norms of healthy aging for these outcomes that vary between normal and pathological aging could eventually help early detection of AD.
ELAVL1 Role in Cell Fusion and Tunneling Membrane Nanotube Formations with Implication to Treat Glioma Heterogeneity
Authors: Filippova Natalia , Nabors Louis B.
Published: October 2020

Homotypic and heterotypic cell fusions via permanent membrane fusions and temporal tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment were recently documented in vitro and in vivo and mediate glioma survival, plasticity, and recurrence. Chronic inflammation, a hypoxic environment, aberrant mitochondrial function, and ER stress due to unfolded protein accumulation upregulate cell fusion events, which leads to tumor heterogeneity and represents an adaptive mechanism to promote tumor cell survival and plasticity in cytotoxic, nutrient-deprived, mechanically stressed, and inflammatory microenvironments. Cell fusion is a multistep process, which consists of the activation of the cellular stress response, autophagy formation, rearrangement of cytoskeletal architecture in the areas of cell-to-cell contacts, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. The mRNA-binding protein of ELAV-family HuR is a critical node, which orchestrates the stress response, autophagy formation, cytoskeletal architecture, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. HuR is overexpressed in gliomas and is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Our review provides a link between the HuR role in the regulation of cell fusion and tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment and the potential suppression of these processes by different classes of HuR inhibitors.
The Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Karamitopoulou Eva
Published: October 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis along with rising incidence rates and will be responsible for many cancer deaths in the future [...]
The Role of Long Non-Coding RNA NNT-AS1 in Neoplastic Disease
Authors: Zhou Cong , Duan Shiwei
Published: October 2020

Studies have shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play an important regulatory role in the occurrence and development of human cancer. Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase-antisense 1 (NNT-AS1) is a newly-discovered cytoplasmic lncRNA. Many studies have shown that it has abnormally-high expression levels in malignant tumors, but there are also a few studies that have reported low expression levels of NNT-AS1 in gastric cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. At present, the regulatory mechanism of NNT-AS1 as a miRNA sponge, which may be an important reason affecting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis is being studied in-depth. In addition, NNT-AS1 has been found to be related to cisplatin resistance. In this review, we summarize the abnormal expression of NNT-AS1 in a variety of neoplastic diseases and its diagnostic and prognostic value, and we explain the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 regulates cancer progression by competing with miRNAs. In addition, we also reveal the correlation between NNT-AS1 and cisplatin resistance and the potential clinical applications of NNT-AS1.
CT-Based Radiomics Analysis to Predict Malignancy in Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) of the Pancreas
Authors: Tobaly David , Santinha Joao , Sartoris Riccardo , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Matos Celso , Cros Jérôme , Couvelard Anne , Rebours Vinciane , Sauvanet Alain , Ronot Maxime , Papanikolaou Nikolaos , Vilgrain Valérie
Published: October 2020

To assess the performance of CT-based radiomics analysis in differentiating benign from malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN), preoperative scans of 408 resected patients with IPMN were retrospectively analyzed. IPMNs were classified as benign (low-grade dysplasia, n = 181), or malignant (high grade, n = 128, and invasive, n = 99). Clinicobiological data were reported. Patients were divided into a training cohort (TC) of 296 patients and an external validation cohort (EVC) of 112 patients. After semi-automatic tumor segmentation, PyRadiomics was used to extract radiomics features. A multivariate model was developed using a logistic regression approach. In the training cohort, 85/107 radiomics features were significantly different between patients with benign and malignant IPMNs. Unsupervised clustering analysis revealed four distinct clusters of patients with similar radiomics features patterns with malignancy as the most significant association. The multivariate model differentiated benign from malignant tumors in TC with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.84, sensitivity (Se) of 0.82, specificity (Spe) of 0.74, and in EVC with an AUC of 0.71, Se of 0.69, Spe of 0.57. This large study confirms the high diagnostic performance of preoperative CT-based radiomics analysis to differentiate between benign from malignant IPMNs.
Analysis of Cross-Association between mRNA Expression and RNAi Efficacy for Predictive Target Discovery in Colon Cancers
Authors: Jeong Euna , Lee Yejin , Kim Youngju , Lee Jieun , Yoon Sukjoon
Published: October 2020

The availability of large-scale, collateral mRNA expression and RNAi data from diverse cancer cell types provides useful resources for the discovery of anticancer targets for which inhibitory efficacy can be predicted from gene expression. Here, we calculated bidirectional cross-association scores (predictivity and descriptivity) for each of approximately 18,000 genes identified from mRNA and RNAi (i.e., shRNA and sgRNA) data from colon cancer cell lines. The predictivity score measures the difference in RNAi efficacy between cell lines with high vs. low expression of the target gene, while the descriptivity score measures the differential mRNA expression between groups of cell lines exhibiting high vs. low RNAi efficacy. The mRNA expression of 90 and 74 genes showed significant (p < 0.01) cross-association scores with the shRNA and sgRNA data, respectively. The genes were found to be from diverse molecular classes and have different functions. Cross-association scores for the mRNA expression of six genes (CHAF1B, HNF1B, HTATSF1, IRS2, POLR2B and SATB2) with both shRNA and sgRNA efficacy were significant. These genes were interconnected in cancer-related transcriptional networks. Additional experimental validation confirmed that siHNF1B efficacy is correlated with HNF1B mRNA expression levels in diverse colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, KIF26A and ZIC2 gene expression, with which shRNA efficacy displayed significant scores, were found to correlate with the survival rate from colon cancer patient data. This study demonstrates that bidirectional predictivity and descriptivity calculations between mRNA and RNAi data serve as useful resources for the discovery of predictive anticancer targets.
Osteoporosis: A Long-Term and Late-Effect of Breast Cancer Treatments
Authors: Shapiro Charles L.
Published: October 2020

Osteoporosis is both a long-term effect (occurs during treatment and extends after treatment) and a late-effect (occurs after treatment ends) of breast cancer treatments. The worldwide prevalence of osteoporosis is estimated to be some 200 million patients. About one in three postmenopausal women will experience an osteoporotic (or fragility) fracture of the hip, spine, or wrist. breast cancer treatments, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure (CIOF), and aromatase inhibitors (AIs), cause bone loss and increase the risks of osteoporosis. Also, breast cancer is a disease of aging, and most of the “one in eight” lifetime risks of breast cancer are in women in their sixth, seventh, and eighth decades. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancers today will be long-term survivors and experience personal cures. It is the coalescence of osteoporosis with breast cancer, two common and age-related conditions that make osteoporosis relevant in women with breast cancer throughout the continuum from diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. It is critical to remember that women (and men) will lose bone after age thirty years. However, only certain women will lose bone of sufficient magnitude to merit treatment with anti-osteoporosis drugs. The narrative review is intended for medical, surgical, radiation oncologists, and other mid-level providers, and provides an overview of bone loss and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans DSM 26636: An Alternative for the Bioleaching of Metallic Burrs
Authors: Marlenne Gómez-Ramírez , Fernanda Moreno-Villanueva , Norma G Rojas-Avelizapa
Published: October 2020

Metallic wastes from the metal-mechanic industry represent a serious environmental problem. The possible strategies to reduce the metal content of these industrial wastes is their biotreatment by means of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, such as Acidithioobacillus thiooxidans DSM 26636, which has been reported as an excellent metal-leaching microorganism by its capability to oxide sublimed sulfur and produce sulfuric acid in the presence of metallic burrs, and leach metals. The metallic composition of burrs was determined by ICP-OES before and after its exposure to biological treatment. The bioleaching process was kept for 21 days at 30 °C at an orbital shaking of 150 rev/min by using Erlenmeyer flasks of 125 mL containing 30 mL of Starkey-modified media added with 0.33 g (1% w/v) of sublimed sulfur and 0.33 g (1% w/v) of metal burrs, and 3 mL of inoculum at logarithmic phase. Results showed that A. thiooxidans was able to grow at these conditions with a maximum sulfate production of 11,028 mg/L, sulfuric acid corresponded to 0.16 M, but no statistical difference was observed for days 14 and 21. A reduction in pH was observed from 2.5 to 1.3 units. Metal bioleaching in mg/kg corresponded Fe (4658.5 ± 291), Cr (237 ± 46), Al (185 ± 12), Si (71 ± 10.3), Mo (63 ± 3.6), Mn (46 ± 3.3), V (18 ± 0.94), Mg (22.2 ± 3.7), Ni (15.8 ± 1.5), and Cu (5.7 ± 1.9). Results showed that A. thiooxidans DSM 26636 was able to grow in the presence of metal-containing wastes, and although metal removal was feasible, more studies are needed to enhance metal removal.
Development of Radiotracers for Breast Cancer—The Tumor Microenvironment as an Emerging Target
Authors: Heesch Amelie , Maurer Jochen , Stickeler Elmar , Beheshti Mohsen , Mottaghy Felix M. , Morgenroth Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Molecular imaging plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of different malignancies. Radiolabeled probes enable the visualization of the primary tumor as well as the metastases and have been also employed in targeted therapy and theranostic approaches. With breast cancer being the most common malignancy in women worldwide it is of special interest to develop novel targeted treatments. However, tumor microenvironment and escape mechanisms often limit their therapeutic potential. Addressing tumor stroma associated targets provides a promising option to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis and to disrupt tumor tissue architecture. This review describes recent developments on radiolabeled probes used in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer especially in triple negative type with the focus on potential targets offered by the tumor microenvironment, like tumor associated macrophages, cancer associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells.
Perivascular Inflammation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hu Yijie , Chi Leon , Kuebler Wolfgang M , Goldenberg Neil M
Published: October 2020

Perivascular inflammation is a prominent pathologic feature in most animal models of pulmonary hypertension (PH) as well as in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. Accumulating evidence suggests a functional role of perivascular inflammation in the initiation and/or progression of PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling. High levels of cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory mediators can be detected in PAH patients and correlate with clinical outcome. Similarly, multiple immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes characteristically accumulate around pulmonary vessels in PAH. Concomitantly, vascular and parenchymal cells including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts change their phenotype, resulting in altered sensitivity to inflammatory triggers and their enhanced capacity to stage inflammatory responses themselves, as well as the active secretion of cytokines and chemokines. The growing recognition of the interaction between inflammatory cells, vascular cells, and inflammatory mediators may provide important clues for the development of novel, safe, and effective immunotargeted therapies in PAH.
Long-Term Failure Mechanisms of Thermal Barrier Coatings in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines
Authors: Xie Feng , Li Dingjun , Zhang Weixu
Published: October 2020

Thermal barrier coatings serve as thermal insulation and antioxidants on the surfaces of hot components. Different from the frequent thermal cycles of aero-engines, a heavy-duty gas turbine experiences few thermal cycles and continuously operates with high-temperature gas over 8000 h. Correspondingly, their failure mechanisms are different. The long-term failure mechanisms of the thermal barrier coatings in heavy-duty gas turbines are much more important. In this work, two long-term failure mechanisms are reviewed, i.e., oxidation and diffusion. It is illustrated that the growth of a uniform mixed oxide layer and element diffusion in thermal barrier coatings are responsible for the changes in mechanical performance and failures. Moreover, the oxidation of bond coat and the interdiffusion of alloy elements can affect the distribution of elements in thermal barrier coatings and then change the phase component. In addition, according to the results, it is suggested that suppressing the growth rate of uniform mixed oxide and oxygen diffusion can further prolong the service life of thermal barrier coatings.
Crystallization and Preliminary X-ray Diffraction Study of a Novel Bacterial Homologue of Mammalian Hormone-Sensitive Lipase (halip1) from Halocynthiibacter arcticus
Authors: Jeon Sangeun , Hwang Jisub , Yoo Wanki , Do Hackwon , Kim Han-Woo , Kim Kyeong Kyu , Lee Jun Hyuck , Kim T. Doohun
Published: October 2020

Hormone sensitive lipase is a central enzyme in triacylglycerol hydrolysis, lipid modification, and transformation of various lipids. Microbial hormone-sensitive lipases, which are highly similar to a catalytic domain of mammalian equivalents, have attracted strong attention due to their application potentials. Here, characterization and a preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of a novel bacterial homologue of hormone-sensitive lipase (HaLip1) from Halocynthiibacter arcticus is reported. Sequence analysis shows that HaLip1 has a conserved serine residue within the GDSAG motif. In addition, a characteristic HGGG motif for oxyanion formation was identified. The HaLip1 protein was overexpressed in E. coli. SDS-PAGE, overlay assay, and mass analysis were performed to confirm purity and activity of HaLip1 protein. Furthermore, HaLip1 was crystallized in a condtion consisting of 25% (w/v) PEG 3350, 0.1 M Hepes-KOH, pH 7.5, 0.2 M sodium chloride. Diffraction data were processed to 1.30 Å with an Rmerge of 7.3%. The crystals of HaLip1 belong to the P212121, with unit cell parameters of a = 54.6 Å, b = 59.5 Å, and c = 82.9 Å.
On the Quantumness of Multiparameter Estimation Problems for Qubit Systems
Authors: Razavian Sholeh , Paris Matteo G. A. , Genoni Marco G.
Published: October 2020

The estimation of more than one parameter in quantum mechanics is a fundamental problem with relevant practical applications. In fact, the ultimate limits in the achievable estimation precision are ultimately linked with the non-commutativity of different observables, a peculiar property of quantum mechanics. We here consider several estimation problems for qubit systems and evaluate the corresponding quantumnessR, a measure that has been recently introduced in order to quantify how incompatible the parameters to be estimated are. In particular, R is an upper bound for the renormalized difference between the (asymptotically achievable) Holevo bound and the SLD Cramér-Rao bound (i.e., the matrix generalization of the single-parameter quantum Cramér-Rao bound). For all the estimation problems considered, we evaluate the quantumness R and, in order to better understand its usefulness in characterizing a multiparameter quantum statistical model, we compare it with the renormalized difference between the Holevo and the SLD-bound. Our results give evidence that R is a useful quantity to characterize multiparameter estimation problems, as for several quantum statistical model, it is equal to the difference between the bounds and, in general, their behavior qualitatively coincide. On the other hand, we also find evidence that, for certain quantum statistical models, the bound is not in tight, and thus R may overestimate the degree of quantum incompatibility between parameters.
Sexism in Lyrics of Children’s Songs in School and Family Environment
Authors: Chao-Fernández Aurelio , Chao-Fernández Rocío , López-Chao Carmen
Published: October 2020

Song is a regular part of the lives of the little ones, from the family environment to school, where it becomes one of the most used tools in early childhood education due to its educational potential. Therefore, it is important to analyze in detail the content of the songs listened to by the youngest. This research starts with the hypothesis that children at an increasingly premature age listen to and play songs with sexist content, which may affect their future behavior. To confirm or refute it, a mixed methodology was used, using the questionnaire as instruments applied to 116 parents from 4 educational centers in A Coruña, and interviewing 7 teachers. The results indicate that schoolchildren are mainly exposed to musical genres not appropriate to their age, both in their family environment and in the classroom to a lesser extent, concluding that they listen to and play songs with sexist content, which may affect their future behaviors.
A Cloud-Based Enterprise Resource Planning Architecture for Women’s Education in Remote Areas
Authors: Nasim Raheela , Ullah Halim , Rizvi Sanam Shahla , Abbasi Almas , Khan Sajid , Riaz Rabia , Paul Anand
Published: October 2020

This research provides an approach to exploring a suitable enterprise resource planning system using cloud management architecture for the educational environment. It enables enterprises to get into the competition. Enterprise resource planning for educational firms provides an approach to address the targeted female population. To achieve this goal, a system has been established that has an infrastructure basis on governments, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), universities, and other social service providers. This paper helps to present the architecture of cloud computing for the overall educational environment concerns around the world. This research aims to contribute to women’s education with respect to modern technology. It ensures that technology is cost-efficiently available for women’s education in view of the availability and consistency of the system and in accordance with goals. An architecture is proposed to solve and take over the limitations that have been faced and are the reasons for the failure of the available systems. After designing the architecture, a survey questionnaire was designed and conducted with students and professionals of Air University, Bahria University, and Preston University.
Wavelet-Based Subspace Regularization for Solving Highly Nonlinear Inverse Scattering Problems with Contraction Integral Equation
Authors: Zhang Lu , Ma Zhenchao , Xu Kuiwen , Zhong Yu
Published: October 2020

A wavelet transform twofold subspace-based optimization method (WT-TSOM) is proposed to solve the highly nonlinear inverse scattering problems with contraction integral equation for inversion (CIE-I). While the CIE-I is able to suppress the multiple scattering effects within inversion (without compromising the accuracy of the physics), proper regularization is needed. In this paper, we investigate a new type subspace regularization technique based on wavelet expansions for the induced currents. We found that the bior3.5 wavelet is a good choice to stabilize the inversions with the CIE-I model and in the meanwhile it also can rectify the contrast profile. Numerical tests against both synthetic and experimental data show that WT-TSOM is a promising regularization technique for inversion with CIE-I.
Development and Experimental Analysis of a Fuzzy Grey Control System on Rapeseed Cleaning Loss
Authors: Chai Xiaoyu , Xu Lizhang , Li Yang , Qiu Jie , Li Yaoming , Lv Liya , Zhu Yahui
Published: October 2020

One of the most important means of improving the mechanization of rapeseed harvests and increasing farmers’ income is to reduce the cleaning loss of rapeseed. In this study, a fuzzy grey control system was developed using an assembled cleaning loss sensor. Based on experimental data, the relationship between the cleaning loss and the opening of the louver sieve in the cleaning device was obtained. The fuzzy control scheme was established by combining grey prediction and the fuzzy control principle. Secondly, a microcontroller unit (MCU) was used as the controller, and the opening of the louver sieve was automatically regulated by detecting the signal of the cleaning loss. Finally, the performance and robustness of the control system was evaluated in field tests. Different experiments were conducted under different speed conditions to reflect the variable throughput. Results showed that using the grey prediction control system can realize the adjustment of the louver sieve opening in real time. The cleaning loss could be maintained within the ideal setpoint interval, compared with the operation with the control system switched off. These findings indicate that the application of the grey fuzzy control system reduces cleaning loss, and the nonlinear, time-variable and time delay problems in cleaning devices can be solved effectively.
Entropy-Driven Adaptive Filtering for High-Accuracy and Resource-Efficient FPGA-Based Neural Network Systems
Authors: Kwan Elim Yi Lam , Nunez-Yanez Jose
Published: October 2020

Binarized neural networks are well suited for FPGA accelerators since their fine-grained architecture allows the creation of custom operators to support low-precision arithmetic operations, and the reduction in memory requirements means that all the network parameters can be stored in internal memory. Although good progress has been made to improve the accuracy of binarized networks, it can be significantly lower than networks where weights and activations have multi-bit precision. In this paper, we address this issue by adaptively choosing the number of frames used during inference, exploiting the high frame rates that binarized neural networks can achieve. We present a novel entropy-based adaptive filtering technique that improves accuracy by varying the system’s processing rate based on the entropy present in the neural network output. We focus on using real data captured with a standard camera rather than using standard datasets that do not realistically represent the artifacts in video stream content. The overall design has been prototyped on the Avnet Zedboard, which achieved 70.4% accuracy with a full processing pipeline from video capture to final classification output, which is 1.9 times better compared to the base static frame rate system. The main feature of the system is that while the classification rate averages a constant 30 fps, the real processing rate is dynamic and varies between 30 and 142 fps, adapting to the complexity of the data. The dynamic processing rate results in better efficiency that simply working at full frame rate while delivering high accuracy.
Thermophysical Properties of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane (HFE-356mmz) in the Vapor Phase Measured by Using an Acoustic-Microwave Resonance Technique
Authors: Kano Yuya
Published: October 2020

Thermophysical properties of HFE-356mmz in the vapor phase were measured by means of an acoustic-microwave resonance method. HFE-356mmz, which is 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane in chemical name, is expected to be used as a working fluid with low global warming potential for the Organic Rankine cycle (ORC). The sound velocity and dielectric permittivity were simultaneously measured by using a cylindrical acoustic-microwave resonator. The sound velocity data were analyzed to obtain the ideal-gas heat capacity at constant pressure. The integral of the ideal-gas heat capacity as a function of temperature derives the ideal-gas enthalpy, which is a fundamental and important energy property to simulate the thermodynamic cycle. Similarly, the analysis of the dielectric permittivity data leads to information on the ideal-gas molar polarizability, dipole moment, and density. The acquired thermophysical properties of HFE-356mmz were compared to those of R-245fa and n-pentane, which are the existing working fluids for the ORC system, to prospect a feasibility of HFE-356mmz as their alternative.
Experimental Investigation of Desiccant Dehumidification Cooling System for Climatic Conditions of Multan (Pakistan)
Authors: Aleem Muhammad , Hussain Ghulam , Sultan Muhammad , Miyazaki Takahiko , Mahmood Muhammad H. , Sabir Muhammad I. , Nasir Abdul , Shabir Faizan , Khan Zahid M.
Published: October 2020

In this study, experimental apparatus of desiccant dehumidification was developed at lab-scale, using silica gel as a desiccant material. Experimental data were obtained at various ambient air conditions, while focusing the climatic conditions of Multan (Pakistan). A steady-state analysis approach for the desiccant dehumidification process was used, and thereby the slope of desiccant dehumidification line on psychrometric chart (ϕ*) was determined. It has been found that ϕ* = 0.22 in case of silica gel which is lower than the hydrophilic polymeric sorbent, i.e., ϕ* = 0.31. The study proposed two kinds of systems, i.e., (i) standalone desiccant air-conditioning (DAC) and (ii) Maisotsenko-cycle-assisted desiccant air-conditioning (M-DAC) systems. In addition, two kinds of desiccant material (i.e., silica gel and hydrophilic polymeric sorbent) were investigated from the thermodynamic point of view for both system types, using the experimental data and associated results. The study aimed to determine the optimum air-conditioning (AC) system type, as well as adsorbent material for building AC application. In this regard, perspectives of dehumidification capacity, cooling capacity, and thermal coefficient of performance (COP) are taken into consideration. According to the results, hydrophilic polymeric sorbent gave a higher performance, as compared to silica gel. In case of both systems, the performance was improved with the addition of Maisotsenko cycle evaporative cooling unit. The maximum thermal COP was achieved by using a polymer-based M-DAC system, i.e., 0.47 at 70 °C regeneration temperature.
Analysis on Double Quench and Instantaneous Power of SFCL Using Two Magnetically Coupled Windings According to Winding Direction
Authors: Ko Seok-Cheol , Han Tae-Hee , Lim Sung-Hun
Published: October 2020

In this study, the characteristics of the double quench and instantaneous power of a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) using two magnetically coupled windings were analyzed. In the proposed model of SFCL, two magnetically coupled windings are wound on the iron core and each winding is connected to one superconducting element. When a fault occurs, the SFCL can limit the fault current by the double quench occurrence of two superconducting elements. In order to analyze the influence of the winding direction on the fault current limiting characteristics of the proposed SFCL, two magnetically coupled windings were designed to allow the same and the reverse directions. From the simulated short circuit experiment, the currents and the voltages of two coupled windings and two superconducting elements were measured and the instantaneous power and the double quench occurrence were analyzed. It was confirmed from the experimental results analysis that the fault current limiting characteristics of the SFCL were more favorable in the reverse winding direction than in the same winding direction.
An Early Warning Method of TCU Failure in Electromagnetic Environment Based on Pattern Matching and Support Vector Regression
Authors: Li Xuan , Zheng Jianyong , Mei Fei , Sha Haoyuan , Li Danqi
Published: October 2020

With the continuous improvement of the voltage level of the power system, the electromagnetic interference problem of the converter station has become more and more serious. The thyristor control unit (TCU) is the core equipment of the converter valve, and its normal operation is related to the safe and stable operation of the entire converter valve. This paper starts with the actual electromagnetic environment in the converter valve hall, analyzes the failure principle of the TCU under electromagnetic disturbance, and observes the electromagnetic field distribution and sensitive components on the circuit board. Then, a TCU failure early warning method based on pattern matching and support vector regression (SVR) is proposed. The failure trend is deduced by constructing an abnormal information vector, and then the failure predictor is constructed using support vector regression optimized by grid search (GS), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Considering the failure type and warning time comprehensively, an early warning is issued when the failure mode probability increases to the threshold. When new failure modes appear, the failure mode library will continue to expand. The calculation example shows that this method can effectively warn the TCU failure in the electromagnetic environment, and its prediction accuracy can reach 89.2%, which is better than the traditional failure prediction method.
Office Building Tenants’ Electricity Use Model for Building Performance Simulations
Authors: Ferrantelli Andrea , Kuivjõgi Helena , Kurnitski Jarek , Thalfeldt Martin
Published: October 2020

Large office buildings are responsible for a substantial portion of energy consumption in urban districts. However, thorough assessments regarding the Nordic countries are still lacking. In this paper we analyse the largest dataset to date for a Nordic office building, by considering a case study located in Stockholm, Sweden, that is occupied by nearly a thousand employees. Distinguishing the lighting and occupants’ appliances energy use from heating and cooling, we can estimate the impact of occupancy without any schedule data. A standard frequentist analysis is compared with Bayesian inference, and the according regression formulas are listed in tables that are easy to implement into building performance simulations (BPS). Monthly as well as seasonal correlations are addressed, showing the critical importance of occupancy. A simple method, grounded on the power drain measurements aimed at generating boundary conditions for the BPS, is also introduced; it shows how, for this type of data and number of occupants, no more complexities are needed in order to obtain reliable predictions. For an average year, we overestimate the measured cumulative consumption by only 4.7%. The model can be easily generalised to a variety of datasets.
Where Renewable Energy Sources Funds are Invested? Spatial Analysis of Energy Production Potential and Public Support
Authors: Kazak Jan K. , Kamińska Joanna A. , Madej Rafał , Bochenkiewicz Marta
Published: October 2020

Energy transition in the European Union (EU) is strongly related to public support from structural funds which enable member states to create new and renovate existing renewable energy source (RES) installations. However, in order to maximize benefits of these investments it is crucial to consider where RES funds are allocated, how it corresponds with RES potential in specific locations, and how future implementation of energy policies can be improved. In this study, RES development projects supported by EU funds, implemented in the period 2004–2019 in Poland, were analyzed in relation to solar, wind and biomass energy potential. The study was conducted with the use of agglomeration method and k-mean method to define clusters of local administrative units characterized by similar features of RES funds absorption and renewable energy production potential. The results obtained show that in the case of all energy sources there is no correlation between high RES funds absorption and energy production potential. The final conclusion of the research is that in order to boost energy transformation into more sustainable solutions, renewable energy production potential should be considered as a factor to allocate public financial support for future energy policy implementation.
Role of Microbial Hydrolysis in Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Menzel Theresa , Neubauer Peter , Junne Stefan
Published: October 2020

There is a growing need of substrate flexibility for biobased production of energy and value-added products that allows the application of variable biodegradable residues within a circular economy. It can be used to balance fluctuating energy provision of other renewable sources. Hydrolysis presents one of the biggest limitations during anaerobic digestion. Methods to improve it will result in broader process applicability and improved integration into regional material cycles. Recently, one focus of anaerobic digestion research has been directed to systems with a separate hydrolysis–acidogenesis stage as it might be promised to improve process performance. Conditions can be adjusted to each class of microorganisms individually without harming methanogenic microorganisms. Extensive research of separate biomass pretreatment via biological, chemical, physical or mixed methods has been conducted. Nevertheless, several methods lack economic efficiency, have a high environmental impact or focus on specific substrates. Pretreatment via a separate hydrolysis stage as cell-driven biotransformation in a suspension might be an alternative that enables high yields, flexible feeding and production, and a better process control. In this review, we summarize existing technologies for microbial hydrolytic biotransformation in a separate reactor stage and the impacts of substrate, operational parameters, combined methods and process design as well as remaining challenges.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Apple Canker Pathogen (Valsa mali) in China under Climate Change
Authors: Xu Wei , Sun Hongyun , Jin Jingwei , Cheng Jimin
Published: October 2020

Apple valsa canker (AVC), caused by Valsa mali, is a serious wood disease of apple trees. The pathogen decays the barks and branches of trees and ruins entire orchards under severe conditions. However, studies have rarely focused on the suitable habitat of the pathogen, especially on a relatively large scale. In this study, we applied the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt 3.4.1, Princeton, NJ, USA) to predict the distribution of V. mali using climate factors, topographic factors, and soil factors under current and future climate scenarios. We measured the area of suitable habitat, change ratio of the suitable habitat area, increase and decrease maps under climate change, direction and distance of range shifts from the present to the end of the 21st century, and the contribution of environmental variables. The results showed that the area of suitable habitat is currently 183.46 × 104 km2 in China, among which 27.54% is moderately suitable habitat (MSH) and 13.13% is highly suitable habitat (HSH). Compared with current distribution, the area of MSH and HSH increases in future and the change ratio are positive. The Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) 3–70 is considered the optimum climate scenario for V. mali. The suitability of V. mali increased mainly in Northwest, North, and Northeast China. V. mali will shift to the northwest with climate change. The shift distance optimistically increased from the SSP1–26 to the SSP5–85, with the biggest shift distance of 758.44 km in the 2090s under the SSP5–85 scenario. Minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6) was the most critical climate factor affecting the distribution of the pathogen, and topographic factors played a more important role than soil factors. This study demonstrates that the potential distribution of V. mali is vitally affected by climate change and provides a method for large–scale research on the distribution of pathogens.
Structural Characterization of Quinoa Polysaccharide and Its Inhibitory Effects on 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Teng Cong , Shi Zhenxing , Yao Yang , Ren Guixing
Published: October 2020

Quinoa is a kind of nutritious food crop with anti-obesity activity, however, the mechanism is not unclear. In this study, we separated and purified bioactive polysaccharide from quinoa (denoted SQWP-2). The chemical structural was characterized and its effect on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation was evaluated. The molecular weight of SQWP-2 was found to be 7.49 × 103 Da, and the polysaccharide consisted of fructose and glucose. The Glc-(1→, Fru-(2→, →4)-Glcp-(1→, and →4,6)-Glcp-(1→ glycosidic linkages were identified in SQWP-2 through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the monosaccharide composition and glycosidic linkage content, and a suggestion of the structural formula is provided. In Western Blotting and RT-PCR assays, treatment with SQWP-2 significantly inhibited 3T3-L1 differentiation by suppressing PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, SREBP1C and AP2 expression. Quinoa polysaccharide isolated here could represent an anti-obesity agent once the structures and differentiation inhibition are definitively characterized.
Enrichment of Olive Fruits in Antioxidant Content by Pre-Harvest Salicylic Acid Treatment
Authors: Blanch Gracia Patricia , Gómez-Jiménez María C. , Ruiz del Castillo María Luisa
Published: October 2020

We here study the effect of the pre-harvest application of salicylic acid at two different concentrations on the olive phenolic composition. Influence of the cultivar and harvesting day were considered. As a result, the total phenol content increased significantly, particularly when using 200 mg mL−1 of salicylic acid. However, the free radical scavenging activity was cultivar dependent. For instance, when the olives were harvested on day 3 and treated with 200 mg mL−1 of salicylic acid, the antioxidant activity decreased from 161 to 278 µg mL−1 for Arbequina, whereas it increased from 397 to 258 µg mL−1 for Picual. Generally speaking, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol contents enhanced with the application of 200 mg mL−1 of salicylic acid. The results found suggest that exogenous salicylic acid is an interesting agronomic practice to enrich olive fruits in antioxidants.
Antiproliferative Effect and Mediation of Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells Induced by Djulis Husk and Its Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Tu Dom-Gene , Chyau Charng-Cherng , Chen Shih-Ying , Chu Heuy-Ling , Wang Shu-Chen , Duh Pin-Der
Published: October 2020

The antiproliferative effect and mediation of apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by djulis husk and its bioactive compounds was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of djulis husk (EEDH) at 50, 250, and 500 µg/mL induced remarkable cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. By flow cytometry analysis, EEDH slowed down the cell cycle at the Sub-G0 phase after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, all EEDH treatment induced an apoptotic response in HepG2 cells. EEDH-induced apoptosis was associated with the attenuation of mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (ΔΨm), an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activation of caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, as well as an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. According to the HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives and another sixteen compounds were present in EEDH. Quercetin and kaempferol at 25–150 μM showed antiproliferative action and induced apoptosis on HepG2 cells, which may in part account for the anticancer activity of EEDH. Overall, EEDH may be a potent chemopreventive agent due to apoptosis in HepG2 cells.
Variation in Nutrient Composition of Seafood from North West Africa: Implications for Food and Nutrition Security
Authors: Aakre Inger , Bøkevoll Annbjørg , Chaira Jamal , Bouthir Fatima Zohra , Frantzen Sylvia , Kausland Anette , Kjellevold Marian
Published: October 2020

Fish and seafood may play an important role for nutrition and food security as they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. The aim of this study was to describe the nutrient composition, including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, in commonly consumed fish species (fillet- and whole fish samples) sampled off the Northwest African coast. Furthermore, we assessed the species’ contributions to the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) values from the World Health Organization (WHO). Samples of commercially important fish species (Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Trachurus trachurus, Pagellus acarne) were collected using trawling on the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in May 2017 and analyzed for nutrients at the Institute of Marine Research as individual and composite samples. All the analyzed fish species were good dietary sources of several vitamins and minerals and whole fish were substantially more nutrient dense than fillet samples, especially with regard to vitamin A, iodine, zinc, calcium, and iron. Including 100 g of sardine or anchovy (whole fish) in the diet, would contribute substantially to the RNI for vitamin B12, vitamin D and vitamin A, EPA and DHA as well as the minerals iodine, zinc, and calcium. This study shows that fish consumed with skin, bone, and viscera may be very nutrient dense and important for local food and nutrition security.
Green Extraction Methods for Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds from Blueberry Pomace
Authors: Lončarić Ante , Celeiro Maria , Jozinović Antun , Jelinić Josip , Kovač Tihomir , Jokić Stela , Babić Jurislav , Moslavac Tihomir , Zavadlav Sandra , Lores Marta
Published: October 2020

In this study, green extraction methods—high voltage electrical discharges (HVED), pulsed electric field (PEF), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)—were compared in terms of extraction yield of total and individual polyphenolic compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity of blueberry pomace extracts. All extractions were performed with methanol- and ethanol-based solvents. The highest total polyphenols content (TPC) (10.52 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g of dry weight (dw)) and antioxidant activity (AA) (0.83 mmol TE/g dw) were obtained by PEF-assisted extraction in the ethanol-based solvent after 100 pulses and 20 kV/cm, which corresponds to an energy input of 41.03 kJ/kg. A total of eighteen individual polyphenols were identified in all investigated blueberry pomace extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography with the diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC-(HESI)-MS/MS). The highest anthocyanin (1757.32 µg/g of dw) and flavanol (297.86 µg/g of dw) yields were obtained in the methanol-based solvent, while the highest phenolic acid (625.47 µg/g of dw) and flavonol (157.54 µg/g of dw) yields were obtained in the ethanol-based solvent by PEF-assisted extraction at the energy input of 41.03 kJ/kg. These results indicated that PEF is a promising green extraction method which can improve the blueberry pomace’s polyphenol extraction yield.