bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Biography of the Titanic: Reuse, Rumours and Myths Constant Sinking and Resurrections Through Stories Spectacular
Authors: Singh A
Published: May 2020

It is not an exaggeration to say that Titanic is synonymous with myth-making, its stories and history itself is the cause of its status as a ‘Modern Myth’ or even a legend. Titanic epitomizes the ‘construction of a myth’ from large scale to the very minutely detailed. All that is popularly known of Titanic is arguable and full of fictional retellings. Even if some truths are known, the discovery of the truth of the Titanic disaster will always be incomplete. The story of Titanic is the story of human culture and the Titanic disaster is the most potent cultural happenstance of the modern world- an unbroken fascination from the very first day.
A Novel Method for Inference of Chemical Compounds of Cycle Index Two with Desired Properties Based on Artificial Neural Networks and Integer Programming
Authors: Zhu Jianshen , Wang Chenxi , Shurbevski Aleksandar , Nagamochi Hiroshi , Akutsu Tatsuya
Published: May 2020

Inference of chemical compounds with desired properties is important for drug design, chemo-informatics, and bioinformatics, to which various algorithmic and machine learning techniques have been applied. Recently, a novel method has been proposed for this inference problem using both artificial neural networks (ANN) and mixed integer linear programming (MILP). This method consists of the training phase and the inverse prediction phase. In the training phase, an ANN is trained so that the output of the ANN takes a value nearly equal to a given chemical property for each sample. In the inverse prediction phase, a chemical structure is inferred using MILP and enumeration so that the structure can have a desired output value for the trained ANN. However, the framework has been applied only to the case of acyclic and monocyclic chemical compounds so far. In this paper, we significantly extend the framework and present a new method for the inference problem for rank-2 chemical compounds (chemical graphs with cycle index 2). The results of computational experiments using such chemical properties as octanol/water partition coefficient, melting point, and boiling point suggest that the proposed method is much more useful than the previous method.
A Study on CNN-Based Detection of Psyllids in Sticky Traps Using Multiple Image Data Sources
Authors: Barbedo Jayme Garcia Arnal , Castro Guilherme Barros
Published: May 2020

Deep learning architectures like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are quickly becoming the standard for detecting and counting objects in digital images. However, most of the experiments found in the literature train and test the neural networks using data from a single image source, making it difficult to infer how the trained models would perform under a more diverse context. The objective of this study was to assess the robustness of models trained using data from a varying number of sources. Nine different devices were used to acquire images of yellow sticky traps containing psyllids and a wide variety of other objects, with each model being trained and tested using different data combinations. The results from the experiments were used to draw several conclusions about how the training process should be conducted and how the robustness of the trained models is influenced by data quantity and variety.
The In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Sivelestat on Elastase Induced Collagen and Metallopeptidase Expression in Equine Endometrium
Authors: Amaral Ana , Fernandes Carina , Rebordão Maria Rosa , Szóstek-Mioduchowska Anna , Lukasik Karolina , Gawronska-Kozak Barbara , Telo da Gama Luís , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Ferreira-Dias Graça
Published: May 2020

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) fight endometritis, and elastase (ELA), a protease found in NETs, might induce collagen type I (COL1) accumulation in equine endometrium. Metallopeptidases (MMPs) are involved in extracellular matrix balance. The aim was to evaluate the effects of ELA and sivelestat (selective elastase inhibitor) on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and gelatinolytic activity, as well as the potential inhibitory effect of sivelestat on ELA-induced COL1 in equine endometrium. Endometrial explants from follicular (FP) and mid-luteal (MLP) phases were treated for 24 or 48 h with ELA, sivelestat, and their combination. Transcripts of COL1A2, MMP2, and MMP9 were evaluated by qPCR; COL1 protein relative abundance by Western blot, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity by zymography. In response to ELA treatment, there was an increase in MMP2 mRNA transcription (24 h) in active MMP-2 (48 h), both in FP, and in MMP9 transcripts in FP (48 h) and MLP (24 h) (p < 0.05). Sivelestat inhibited ELA-induced COL1A2 transcripts in FP (24 h) and MLP (24 h, 48 h) (p < 0.05). The sivelestat inhibitory effect was detected in MMP9 transcripts in FP at 48 h (p < 0.05), but proteases activity was unchanged. Thus, MMP-2 and MMP-9 might be implicated in endometrium fibrotic response to ELA. In mare endometrium, sivelestat may decrease ELA-induced COL1 deposition and hinder endometrosis development.
Heat Stress Impacts on Lactating Cows Grazing Australian Summer Pastures on an Automatic Robotic Dairy
Authors: Osei-Amponsah Richard , Dunshea Frank R. , Leury Brian J. , Cheng Long , Cullen Brendan , Joy Aleena , Abhijith Archana , Zhang Michael H. , Chauhan Surinder S.
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to measure the impacts of summer heat events on physiological parameters (body temperature, respiratory rate and panting scores), grazing behaviour and production parameters of lactating Holstein Friesian cows managed on an Automated Robotic Dairy during Australian summer. The severity of heat stress was measured using Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and impacts of different THIs—low (≤72), moderate (73–82) and high (≥83)—on physiological responses and production performance were measured. There was a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) effect of THI on respiratory rate (66.7, 84.7 and 109.1/min), panting scores (1.4, 1.9 and 2.3) and average body temperature of cows (38.4, 39.4 and 41.5 °C), which increased as THI increased from low to moderate to high over the summer. Average milk production parameters were also significantly (p ≤ 0.01) affected by THI, such that daily milk production dropped by 14% from low to high THI, milk temperature and fat% increased by 3%, whilst protein% increased by 2%. The lactation stage of cow had no significant effect on physiological parameters but affected (p ≤ 0.05) average daily milk yield and milk solids. Highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlations were obtained between THI and milk temperature, fat% and protein% whilst the reverse was observed between THI and milk yield, feed intake and rumination time. Under moderate and high THI, most cows sought shade, spent more time around watering points and showed signs of distress (excessive salivation and open mouth panting). In view of the expected future increase in the frequency and severity of heat events, additional strategies including selection and breeding for thermotolerance and dietary interventions to improve resilience of cows need to be pursued.
Differential Effects of Litter Size and Within-Litter Birthweight on Postnatal Traits of Fatty Pigs
Authors: Vázquez-Gómez Marta , Garcia-Contreras Consolacion , Pesantez-Pacheco José Luis , Torres-Rovira Laura , Heras-Molina Ana , Astiz Susana , Óvilo Cristina , Isabel Beatriz , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: May 2020

Fatty pigs are characterized by a thrifty genotype, adapted to harsh environments based on changes in metabolism and energy saving. Thus, we hypothesized that feto-maternal energy partitioning in large litters might have postnatal effects that might be independent of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) processes. Hence, the current work reported the influence of two effects on postnatal performance and carcass and meat quality of purebred Iberian pigs: (a) the effects of the number of piglets in the litter (high vs. low litter size), and (b) the effects of birthweight (low (LBW) vs. normal (NBW)) in large litters. The results confirmed that NBW piglets born in large litters had differences in developmental patterns of weight, back-fat deposition, and fatty acid (FA) composition when compared to NBW piglets from small litters. These results were different from those found in LBW piglets when compared to their NBW counterparts, which showed an initial asymmetrical growth and altered muscle FA composition at slaughtering. The assessment of FA composition indicated better metabolic status in NBW piglets from large litters than in LBW piglets. These data support the concept that the prenatal environment, even when the individual may cope with it, inescapably affects postnatal life.
Animal Welfare Centres: Are They Useful for the Improvement of Animal Welfare?
Authors: Phillips Clive J. C. , Molento Carla F. M.
Published: May 2020

Animal welfare has emerged as a scientific discipline only in the past 30 years, but a significant body of scientists has developed worldwide in this time. Over the past quarter century, several aggregations of scientists, centres of animal welfare, have become established. This can bring the benefits of the recognition of expertise and an opportunity to support animal industries in improving welfare, but it also brings the risk of scientists being influenced by these industries and failing to identify animal welfare problems as such. We conducted a bibliometric search of the scientific literature with the purpose of comparing the characteristics of publications on animal welfare that were or were not from animal welfare centres in academic institutions. We found that the number of publications on animal welfare from centres of animal welfare increased, initially, in the early 2000s and again in the last decade. Significant funding was obtained from the livestock industries for these centres. In a second search, we identified that only about 8% of scientific publications on animal welfare came from animal welfare centres, and the rest were mainly supported by funding sources other than the animal industries. It is concluded that the emergence of significant animal welfare centres, often with significant funding from industry, allows clusters of scientists to develop that could advance animal welfare knowledge more effectively than disparate scientists in isolated institutions. However, industry funding risks these scientists being aligned with industry goals that may not include animal welfare improvement to the extent required by the public. Further research to identify any ethical conflicts for scientists in animal welfare centres would be warranted.
Malicious JavaScript Detection Based on Bidirectional LSTM Model
Authors: Song Xuyan , Chen Chen , Cui Baojiang , Fu Junsong
Published: May 2020

JavaScript has been widely used on the Internet because of its powerful features, and almost all the websites use it to provide dynamic functions. However, these dynamic natures also carry potential risks. The authors of the malicious scripts started using JavaScript to launch various attacks, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-site Request Forgery (CSRF), and drive-by download attack. Traditional malicious script detection relies on expert knowledge, but even for experts, this is an error-prone task. To solve this problem, many learning-based methods for malicious JavaScript detection are being explored. In this paper, we propose a novel deep learning-based method for malicious JavaScript detection. In order to extract semantic information from JavaScript programs, we construct the Program Dependency Graph (PDG) and generate semantic slices, which preserve rich semantic information and are easy to transform into vectors. Then, a malicious JavaScript detection model based on the Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BLSTM) neural network is proposed. Experimental results show that, in comparison with the other five methods, our model achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 97.71% and an F1-score of 98.29%.
A Fast Frequency Domain Method for Steady-State Solution of Forced Vibration of System with Complex Damping
Authors: Qi Wenrui , Pan Danguang , Gao Yongtao , Lu Wenyan , Huang Ying
Published: May 2020

The conventional frequency domain method (CFDM) and dual-force-based time domain method (DTDM) are often used to solve the steady-state response of system with complex damping under an arbitrary force. However, the calculation efficiency of the DTDM is low due to the straightforward summation operation of series even if the solution of the DTDM is the exact real part of the solution. In addition, since the CFDM only can obtain the real part of solution not the complete solution, it gives misleading information that the solution does not have an imaginary part. In this paper, a fast frequency domain method (FFDM) is proposed to calculate the complete response of complex damping system including the imaginary part with a higher accuracy in a much faster manner. The new FFDM uses half of the Fourier series of the discrete Fourier transform of the actual arbitrary force to construct the Fourier series of the dual force, followed by calculating the time history response using the inverse fast Fourier transform. The new developed method is validated through three numerical examples with harmonic and seismic excitations. The numerical results show that the accuracy of the new FFDM is compatible to the DTDM but with much higher computational efficiency.
The Antimicrobial Effectiveness and Cytotoxicity of the Antibiotic-Loaded Chitosan: ECM Scaffolds
Authors: Goller Shayla , Turner Neill J.
Published: May 2020

Background: The development of multifunctional wound dressings with the ability to control hemostasis, limit infection and promote rapid wound healing and constructive tissue remodeling has been a challenge for many years. In view of these challenges, a hybrid scaffold platform was developed that combined two different extracellular matrices (ECM): ECM from decellularized mammalian tissue and ECM (chitosan) from crustaceans. Both types of ECM have well established clinical benefits that support and promote wound healing and control hemostasis. This scaffold platform could also be augmented with antibiotics to provide bactericidal activity directly to the wound site. Methods: Four different scaffold formulations were developed containing chitosan supplemented with either 20% or 50% urinary bladder matrix (UBM) hydrogel or 1% (w/v) or 10% (w/v) UBM–ECM particulates. 100% chitosan scaffolds were used as controls. The scaffolds were augmented with either minocycline or rifampicin. Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus were used to assesses antimicrobial efficacy and duration of activity, while neutral red uptake assays were performed to establish direct and indirect cytotoxicity. Results: Results showed that scaffold handling properties, scaffold integrity over time and the efficacy and release rate of loaded antibiotics could be modified by altering scaffold composition. Moreover, antibiotics were easily released from the scaffold and could remain effective for up to 24 h by modifying the scaffold composition. Variable results with cytotoxicity testing show that further work is required to optimize the scaffold formulations but these proof of principle experiments suggest that these scaffolds have potential as bioactive wound dressings.
Exploration of the Application of Virtual Reality and Internet of Things in Film and Television Production Mode
Authors: Song Qian , Wook Yoo Sang
Published: May 2020

In order to reduce some of the problems of technological restructuring and insufficient expansion in the current film and television production mode, the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) in the film and television industry is introduced in this research. First, a topical crawler tool was constructed to grab relevant texts about “AI”, “VR”, and “IoT” crossover “film and television”, and the grasping accuracy rate and recall rate of this tool were compared. Then, based on the extracted text, the data of recent development in related fields were extracted. The AdaBoost algorithm was used to improve the BP (Back Propagation) neural network (BPNN). This model was used to predict the future development scale of related fields. Finally, a virtual character interaction system based on IoT-sensor technology was built and its performance was tested. The results showed that the topical crawler tool constructed in this study had higher recall rate and accuracy than other tools, and a total of 188 texts related to AI, VR, and IoT crossover television films were selected after Naive Bayes classification. In addition, the error of the BPNN prediction model based on the AdaBoost algorithm was less than 20%, and it can effectively predict the future development scale of AI and other fields. In addition, the virtual character interaction system based on IoT technology constructed in this study has a high motion recognition rate, produces a strong sense of immersion among users, and can realize real-time capture and imitation of character movements. In a word, the field of AI and VR crossover film and television has great development prospects in the future. Therefore, the application of IoT technology in building the virtual-character interaction system can improve the effect of VR or AI film and television production.
Mobile Robotics in Agricultural Operations: A Narrative Review on Planning Aspects
Authors: Moysiadis Vasileios , Tsolakis Naoum , Katikaridis Dimitris , Sørensen Claus G. , Pearson Simon , Bochtis Dionysis
Published: May 2020

The advent of mobile robots in agriculture has signaled a digital transformation with new automation technologies optimize a range of labor-intensive, resources-demanding, and time-consuming agri-field operations. To that end a generally accepted technical lexicon for mobile robots is lacking as pertinent terms are often used interchangeably. This creates confusion among research and practice stakeholders. In addition, a consistent definition of planning attributes in automated agricultural operations is still missing as relevant research is sparse. In this regard, a “narrative” review was adopted (1) to provide the basic terminology over technical aspects of mobile robots used in autonomous operations and (2) assess fundamental planning aspects of mobile robots in agricultural environments. Based on the synthesized evidence from extant studies, seven planning attributes have been included: (i) high-level control-specific attributes, which include reasoning architecture, the world model, and planning level, (ii) operation-specific attributes, which include locomotion–task connection and capacity constraints, and (iii) physical robot-specific attributes, which include vehicle configuration and vehicle kinematics.
Effective Compressive Strengths of Corner and Edge Concrete Columns Based on an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Cho Hae-Chang , Choi Seung-Ho , Han Sun-Jin , Lee Sang-Hoon , Kim Heung-Youl , Kim Kang Su
Published: May 2020

In the current design codes, the effective compressive strength can be used to reflect decrease in load-transfer performance when upper/lower columns and slabs have different concrete compressive strengths. In this regard, this study proposed a method that can accurately estimate the effective compressive strengths by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The ANFIS is an algorithm that introduces a learning system that corrects errors into a fuzzy theory and has widely been used to solve problems with complex mechanisms. In order to constitute the ANFIS algorithm, 50 data randomly extracted from 75 existing test datasets were used in training, and 25 were used for verification. It was found that analysis using the ANFIS model provides a more accurate evaluation of the effective compressive strengths of corner and edge columns than do the equations specified in the current design codes. In addition, parametric studies were performed using the ANFIS model, and a simplified equation for calculating the effective compressive strength was proposed, so that it can be easily used in practice.
Influence of Microstructural Changes’ Effects on the Linear and Nonlinear Ultrasonic Parameters of Cast Stainless Steels
Authors: Lin Yu-Ju , Yang Che-Hua , Huang Jiunn-Yuan
Published: May 2020

In this research, some nondestructive ultrasonic techniques were employed to inquire into the effect of microstructural changes induced by thermal aging and cold work on the ultrasonic response. As thermal embrittlement is a risk to the safety of nuclear power plants, a nondestructive detection method has to be developed for on-site monitoring. The austenitic stainless steel with δ-ferrite specimens were used to study the behavior of microstructural changes caused by age-treating and cold work and then examined by the velocity, attenuation, and nonlinear ultrasonic technique. The variations of the linear and the nonlinear ultrasonic parameters were related to the microstructural changes. Additionally, the experimental results suggest that the ultrasonic nonlinearity parameter of cast stainless steel is determined by the microstructure evolution caused by spinodal decomposition and the phase precipitation process.
On Solving Large-Size Generalized Cell Formation Problems via a Hard Computing Approach Using the PMP
Authors: Won Youkyung
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we show that the hard computing approach using the p-median problem (PMP) is a very effective strategy for optimally solving large-size generalized cell formation (GCF) problems. The soft computing approach, relying on heuristic or metaheuristic search algorithms, has been the prevailing strategy for solving large-size GCF problems with a short computation time at the cost of the global optimum in large instances of GCF problems; however, due to recent advances in computing technology, using hard computing techniques to solve large-sized GCF problems optimally is not time-prohibitive if an appropriate mathematical model is built. We show that the hard computing approach using the PMP-type model can even solve large 0–1 GCF instances optimally in a very short computation time with a powerful mixed integer linear programming (MILP) solver adopting an exact search algorithm such as the branch-and-bound algorithm.
Meta-Analyzing the Writing Process of Structural Language to Develop New Writing Analysis Elements
Authors: Kim Eun Bin , Kim Eun Young , Lee Onseok
Published: May 2020

As the basis of communication, a writer is often identified through their handwriting characteristics. In clinical practice, static elements of handwriting are evaluated and scored, which might be used for subjective judgment in health situations. By investigating the dynamic information in space when writing Hangul, in this study, we present how to analyze Hangul writing characteristics and build new writing analysis elements in the structural language. The ample characters included 14 consonants and 10 vowels. The cloud of line distribution (COLD) method was used to visualize on-stroke characteristics when writing each character. If the written character showed a straight line (the angle of the letter being 0), the feature distribution appeared on the x-axis of the polar domain. If the written character had many kinks (the angle of the letter being −90 or 90), the feature distribution appeared on the polar domain’s y-axis. In-air movement was visualized using principal component analysis (PCA), and typical in-air movement had an annular shape, which might be used as a new element in handwriting analysis. This study shows the possibility of using such a tool for the writing analysis of structural languages.
Analysis of Distributed Measurement Method for Array Antenna Position
Authors: Ma Zhen , Chen Xiyuan
Published: May 2020

The measurement of the phase center of the airborne array antenna can directly affect the accuracy of the Earth observation system. However, the relationship between the relative motion of each sub-antenna cannot be accurately measured because of the adverse environment of the airborne platform. Therefore, it is necessary to find a suitable method to measure the motion parameters of distributed antennas and the phase center of each element antenna accurately in order to improve the imaging resolution of the Earth observation system. Distributed position and orientation system (POS) technology has high precision, but its measurement error will accumulate with time. So it needs to transfer and align continuously to achieve high-precision measurement. The paper introduces the distributed measurement method of measuring the array antenna position based on the combination of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology and POS technology on the aircraft wing. The paper first introduces the technical scheme and principle, then carries out the structural design and method analysis. Next, the structural strength of the experimental model is checked and summarized.
Hydroxyapatite Particles—Directing the Cellular Activity in Bone Regeneration Processes: An Up-To-Date Review
Authors: Florea Denisa Alexandra , Chircov Cristina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai
Published: May 2020

Tissue engineering has evolved quickly over the years and provided three generations of scaffolds for bone tissue applications. Numerous materials have been used to induce the desired effect at cellular levels. Mechano-transduction is a phenomenon which is now gaining the attention and focus of tissue engineering researchers. The idea of controlling the cellular fate and inducing a proper response of the human body in contact with different tissue-engineered systems is now under investigation. Moreover, in order to avoid the appearance of on-site infections and the need for a second surgery, scaffolds with dual functionality are now being developed. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an intensively studied material in this field and various combinations are under examination for the development of such scaffolds. Various techniques were exploited over the years for HA scaffold production, in order to obtain the most accurate matrix which can mimic the native bone tissue and restore its function. Biomimetic scaffolds aim to direct the cellular fate by imitating the natural structure of the bone tissue in terms of porosity, topography, composition, and surface properties. HA particles are exploited in bone tissue engineering in many forms, such as pure or composite scaffolds or reinforcement agents. In this regard, the aim of this review is to offer a current state of art about the use and synthesis of hydroxyapatite particles and their interaction with the physiological media under certain circumstances.
An Image Processing Method for Extraction of the Stress Wave Reflection Period
Authors: Gong Panpan , Luo Mingzhang , Zhou Luoyu , Jiang Liming , Chen Xuemin
Published: May 2020

The stress wave reflection method is widely used in the detection of structure size and integrity due to its advantages of low environmental impact and convenience. The detection accuracy depends on the accurate extraction of the stress wave reflection period. The traditional peak–peak method (PPM) measures the time interval between the first two peaks of the reflected waves to extract the reflection period. However, human interpretation is not avoidable for identifying the weak peak due to signal energy leaks into the surrounding environment. This paper proposes an algorithm for automatic extraction of the stress wave reflection period based on image processing to avoid human interference. The image is the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) spectrogram of the reflected wave signal after applying wavelet denoising and quadratic self-correlation operations. The edge detection method of image processing is used to extract the periodically occurring trough in the image. Graying and filtering are performed to eliminate interference. The frequency of the trough distribution is calculated by using the fast Fourier transform (FFT), and then the reflection period of the stress wave is obtained. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are validated by measuring the different lengths of two buried metal piles in soil. Comparing with the existing method of extracting the stress wave reflection period, this new algorithm comprehensively utilizes the time–frequency domain information of the stress wave reflection signal.
Source Apportionment of PM2.5 in Guangzhou Based on an Approach of Combining Positive Matrix Factorization with the Bayesian Mixing Model and Radiocarbon
Authors: Li Tingting , Li Jun , Jiang Hongxing , Chen Duohong , Zong Zheng , Tian Chongguo , Zhang Gan
Published: May 2020

To accurately apportion the sources of aerosols, a combined method of positive matrix factorization (PMF) and the Bayesian mixing model was applied in this study. The PMF model was conducted to identify the sources of PM2.5 in Guangzhou. The secondary inorganic aerosol source was one of the seven main sources in Guangzhou. Based on stable isotopes of oxygen and nitrogen (δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−), the Bayesian mixing model was performed to apportion the source of NO3− to coal combustion, traffic emission and biogenic source. Then the secondary aerosol source was subdivided into three sources according to the discrepancy in source apportionment of NO3− between PMF and Bayesian mixing model results. After secondary aerosol assignment, the six main sources of PM2.5 were traffic emission (30.6%), biomass burning (23.1%), coal combustion (17.7%), ship emission (14.0%), biomass boiler (9.9%) and industrial emission (4.7%). To assess the source apportionment results, fossil/non-fossil source contributions to organic carbon (OC) and element carbon (EC) inferred from 14C measurements were compared with the corresponding results in the PMF model. The results showed that source distributions of EC matched well between those two methods, indicating that the PMF model captured the primary sources well. Probably because of the lack of organic molecular markers to identify the biogenic source of OC, the non-fossil source contribution to OC in PMF results was obviously lower than 14C results. Thus, an indicative organic molecular tracer should be used to identify the biogenic source when accurately apportioning the sources of aerosols, especially in the region with high plant coverage or intense biomass burning.
Improving the Processes in the Land Surface Scheme TERRA: Bare Soil Evaporation and Skin Temperature
Authors: Schulz Jan-Peter , Vogel Gerd
Published: May 2020

Newly improved formulations of the bare soil evaporation and the surface temperature are presented, using the multilayer land surface scheme TERRA of the Consortium for Small-scale Modeling (COSMO) atmospheric model. The simulations were carried out in offline mode with atmospheric forcing data from the Meteorological Observatory Lindenberg–Richard-Aßmann-Observatory of the German Meteorological Service. The results show that the bare soil evaporation simulated by the reference version of TERRA is substantially overestimated under wet conditions, and underestimated under dry conditions. Furthermore, the amplitude of the diurnal cycle of the surface temperature is systematically underestimated. In contrast, the diurnal cycles of the temperatures in the soil are overestimated instead. The new description of the bare soil evaporation in TERRA is based on a resistance formulation analogue to Ohm’s law, while the surface temperature is now based on the skin temperature formulation by Viterbo and Beljaars. The new formulation improves the simulated bare soil evaporation substantially. In particular, the overestimation under wet conditions is reduced, also acting against an extensive drying of the soil during the annual cycle. Additionally, the underestimation under dry conditions is reduced as well. Furthermore, the simulated amplitude of the diurnal cycle of the surface temperature is substantially increased. In particular, a nocturnal warm bias is systematically reduced. In addition to this, the new formulations were also applied in coupled mode in the COSMO model, resulting in improved diurnal cycles of near-surface temperature and dew point.
The Influence of Synoptic Weather Types and Moisture Transport Pathways on Precipitation Isotopes in Southern Patagonia
Authors: Xia Zhengyu , Butorovic Nicolás , Yu Zicheng
Published: May 2020

We analyzed 28-year-long monthly oxygen isotope composition of precipitation (δ18Op) data from Punta Arenas (Chile) on the leeward side of the Andes to understand how different synoptic weather types and moisture transport pathways influence δ18Op variability in this region. Combining weather station 6 h precipitation data and atmospheric back trajectories, we found that in such a region where the atmospheric circulation pattern is dominated by very strong westerlies, an increased monthly proportion of easterly-delivered precipitation—with the air-mass trajectory path evading the influence of Andean “isotopic rain shadow” and having less rainout en route—would increase δ18Op. These synoptic easterlies are a result of quasi-stationary blocking-like flow that are an important but underappreciated part of regional circulation patterns and climate. In addition, synoptic easterlies are more often associated with heavy precipitation events as shown by weather station data and higher deuterium excess that indicates weaker post-condensation raindrop re-evaporation. Therefore, our analysis demonstrated the process link between the frequency of synoptic weather types characterized by blocking-like flow and temporal variations in δ18Op in Southern Patagonia. We conclude that isotope proxy paleo-records in this region could provide unique insights into the behaviors and dynamics of the large-scale Southern Hemisphere Westerly Winds over long timescales.
Fast Camera Analysis of Plasma Instabilities in Hall Effect Thrusters Using a POD Method under Different Operating Regimes
Authors: Désangles Victor , Shcherbanev Sergey , Charoy Thomas , Clément Noé , Deltel Clarence , Richard Pablo , Vincent Simon , Chabert Pascal , Bourdon Anne
Published: May 2020

Even after half a century of development, many phenomena in Hall Effect Thrusters are still not well-understood. While numerical studies are now widely used to study this highly non-linear system, experimental diagnostics are needed to validate their results and identify specific oscillations. By varying the cathode heating current, its emissivity is efficiently controlled and a transition between two functioning regimes of a low power thruster is observed. This transition implies a modification of the axial electric field and of the plasma plume shape. High-speed camera imaging is performed and the data are analysed using a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition method to isolate the different types of plasma fluctuations occurring simultaneously. The low-frequency breathing mode is observed, along with higher frequency rotating modes that can be associated to rotating spokes or gradient-induced instabilities. These rotating modes are observed while propagating outside the thruster channel. The reduction of the cathode emissivity beyond the transition comes along with a disappearance of the breathing mode, which could improve the thruster performance and stability.
Comprehensive Hazard Analysis of Failing Automotive Lithium-Ion Batteries in Overtemperature Experiments
Authors: Essl Christiane , Golubkov Andrey W. , Gasser Eva , Nachtnebel Manfred , Zankel Armin , Ewert Eduard , Fuchs Anton
Published: May 2020

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are gaining importance in the automotive sector because of the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, there are serious hazards resulting from failing battery cells leading to exothermic chemical reactions inside the cell, called thermal runaway (TR). Literature of quantifying the failing behavior of modern automotive high capacity cells is rare and focusing on single hazard categories such as heat generation. Thus, the aim of this study is to quantify several hazard relevant parameters of a failing currently used battery cell extracted from a modern mass-produced EV: the temperature response of the cell, the maximum reached cell surface temperature, the amount of produced vent gas, the gas venting rate, the composition of the produced gases including electrolyte vapor and the size and composition of the produced particles at TR. For this purpose, overtemperature experiments with fresh 41 Ah automotive lithium NMC/LMO—graphite pouch cells at different state-of-charge (SOC) 100%, 30% and 0% are performed. The results are valuable for firefighters, battery pack designers, cell recyclers, cell transportation and all who deal with batteries.
Comparative Analysis of Porcine Follicular Fluid Proteomes of Small and Large Ovarian Follicles
Authors: Paes Victor , de Figueiredo José , Ryan Peter , Willard Scott , Feugang Jean
Published: May 2020

Ovarian follicular fluid is widely used for in vitro oocyte maturation, but its in-depth characterization to extract full beneficial effects remains unclear. Here, we performed both shotgun (nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry or nanoLC-MS/MS) and gel-based (two dimension-differential in-gel electrophoresis or 2D-DIGE) proteomics, followed by functional bioinformatics to compare the proteomes of follicular fluids collected from small (<4 mm) and large (>6–12 mm) follicles of pig ovaries. A total of 2321 unique spots were detected with the 2D-DIGE across small and large follicles, while 2876 proteins with 88% successful annotations were detected with the shotgun approach. The shotgun and 2D-DIGE approaches revealed about 426 and 300 proteins that were respectively common across samples. Six proteins detected with both technical approaches were significantly differently expressed between small and large follicles. Pathways such as estrogen and PI3K-Akt signaling were significantly enriched in small follicles while the complement and coagulation cascades pathways were significantly represented in large follicles. Up-regulated proteins in small follicles were in favor of oocyte maturation, while those in large follicles were involved in the ovulatory process preparation. Few proteins with potential roles during sperm–oocyte interactions were especially detected in FF of large follicles and supporting the potential role of the ovarian FF on the intrafallopian sperm migration and interaction with the oocyte.
T Cells Expressing a TCR-Like Antibody Selected Against the Heteroclitic Variant of a Shared MAGE-A Epitope Do Not Recognise the Cognate Epitope
Authors: Saeed Mesha , Schooten Erik , van Brakel Mandy , K. Cole David , ten Hagen Timo L. M. , Debets Reno
Published: May 2020

Antibodies-recognising peptides bound to the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) represent potentially valuable and promising targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to treat patients with cancer. Here, a human phage-Fab library has been selected using HLA-A2 complexed with a heteroclitic peptide variant from an epitope shared among multiple melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs). DNA restriction analyses and phage ELISAs confirmed selection of unique antibody clones that specifically bind to HLA-A2 complexes or HLA-A2-positive target cells loaded with native or heteroclitic peptide. Antibodies selected against heteroclitic peptide, in contrast to native peptide, demonstrated significantly lower to even negligible binding towards native peptide or tumour cells that naturally expressed peptides. The binding to native peptide was not rescued by phage panning with antigen-positive tumour cells. Importantly, when antibodies directed against heteroclitic peptides were engineered into CARs and expressed by T cells, binding to native peptides and tumour cells was minimal to absent. In short, TCR-like antibodies, when isolated from a human Fab phage library using heteroclitic peptide, fail to recognise its native peptide. We therefore argue that peptide modifications to improve antibody selections should be performed with caution as resulting antibodies, either used directly or as CARs, may lose activity towards endogenously presented tumour epitopes.
Knockout of MMP3 Weakens Solid Tumor Organoids and Cancer Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Taha Eman , Sogawa Chiharu , Okusha Yuka , Kawai Hotaka , Oo May , Elseoudi Abdellatif , Lu Yanyin , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Kubota Satoshi , Satoh Ayano , Okamoto Kuniaki , Eguchi Takanori
Published: May 2020

The tumor organoid (tumoroid) model in three-dimensional (3D) culture systems has been developed to reflect more closely the in vivo tumors than 2D-cultured tumor cells. Notably, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are efficiently collectible from the culture supernatant of gel-free tumoroids. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 is a multi-functional factor playing crucial roles in tumor progression. However, roles of MMP3 within tumor growth and EVs have not unveiled. Here, we investigated the protumorigenic roles of MMP3 on integrities of tumoroids and EVs. We generated MMP3-knockout (KO) cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system from rapidly metastatic LuM1 tumor cells. Moreover, we established fluorescent cell lines with palmitoylation signal-fused fluorescent proteins (tdTomato and enhanced GFP). Then we confirmed the exchange of EVs between cellular populations and tumoroids. LuM1-tumoroids released large EVs (200–1000 nm) and small EVs (50–200 nm) while the knockout of MMP3 resulted in the additional release of broken EVs from tumoroids. The loss of MMP3 led to a significant reduction in tumoroid size and the development of the necrotic area within tumoroids. MMP3 and CD9 (a category-1 EV marker tetraspanin protein) were significantly down-regulated in MMP3-KO cells and their EV fraction. Moreover, CD63, another member of the tetraspanin family, was significantly reduced only in the EVs fractions of the MMP3-KO cells compared to their counterpart. These weakened phenotypes of MMP3-KO were markedly rescued by the addition of MMP3-rich EVs or conditioned medium (CM) collected from LuM1-tumoroids, which caused a dramatic rise in the expression of MMP3, CD9, and Ki-67 (a marker of proliferating cells) in the MMP3-null/CD9-low tumoroids. Notably, MMP3 enriched in tumoroids-derived EVs and CM deeply penetrated recipient MMP3-KO tumoroids, resulting in a remarkable enlargement of solid tumoroids, while MMP3-null EVs did not. These data demonstrate that EVs can mediate molecular transfer of MMP3, resulting in increasing the proliferation and tumorigenesis, indicating crucial roles of MMP3 in tumor progression.
Azasteroid Alkylators as Dual Inhibitors of AKT and ERK Signaling for the Treatment of Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Dalezis Panagiotis , Geromichalou Eleni , Polonifi Aikaterini , Sagredou Sofia , Nikoleousakos Nikolaos , Nikolaou Michael , Sarli Vasiliki , Panayiotidis Mihalis I. , Trafalis Dimitrios T.
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: Previous findings show that lactam steroidal alkylating esters display improved therapeutic efficacy with reduced toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of two newly synthesized aza-steroid alkylators (ENGA-L06E and ENGA-L08E) against human ovarian carcinoma cells, and consequently, the dual inhibition of RAS/PI3K/AKT and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways, both of which are closely associated with ovarian cancer; (2) Methods: The in vitro cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of ENGA-L06E and ENGA-L08E were evaluated in a panel of five human ovarian cancer cell lines, as well as in in vivo studies. ENGA-L06E and ENGA-L08E, in addition to another two aniline-mustard alkylators, POPAM and melphalan (L-PAM), were utilized in order to determine the acute toxicity and antitumor efficacy on two human ovarian xenograft models. Also, in silico studies were performed in order to investigate the dual inhibition of ENGA-L06E and ENGA-L08E on RAS/PI3K/AKT and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways; (3) Results: Both, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that ENGA-L06E and ENGA-L08E were significantly more effective with a lower toxicity profile in comparison to POPAM and L-PAM alkylators. Moreover, in silico studies demonstrated that the two new aza-steroid alkylators could act as efficient inhibitors of the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 molecules; and (4) Conclusions: Both ENGA-L06E and ENGA-L08E demonstrated high anticancer activity through the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT and KRAS-ERK signaling pathways against human ovarian carcinoma, and thus constituting strong evidence towards further clinical development.
The Dynamic Relationship of Breast Cancer Cells and Fibroblasts in Fibronectin Accumulation at Primary and Metastatic Tumor Sites
Authors: Libring Sarah , Shinde Aparna , Chanda Monica K. , Nuru Maryam , George Heather , Saleh Aya M. , Abdullah Ammara , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara L. , Calve Sarah , Wendt Michael K. , Solorio Luis
Published: May 2020

In breast cancer (BC), tissue stiffening via fibronectin (FN) and collagen accumulation is associated with advanced disease progression at both the primary tumor and metastatic sites. Here, we evaluate FN production in 15 BC cell lines, representing a variety of subtypes, phenotypes, metastatic potentials, and chemotherapeutic sensitivities. We demonstrate that intracellular and soluble FN is initially lost during tumorigenic transformation but is rescued in all lines with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). Importantly, we establish that no BC cell line was able to independently organize a robust FN matrix. Non-transformed mammary epithelial cells were also unable to deposit FN matrices unless transglutaminase 2, a FN crosslinking enzyme, was overexpressed. Instead, BC cells manipulated the FN matrix production of fibroblasts in a phenotypic-dependent manner. In addition, varied accumulation levels were seen depending if the fibroblasts were conditioned to model paracrine signaling or endocrine signaling of the metastatic niche. In the former, fibroblasts conditioned by BC cultures with high EMP resulted in the largest FN matrix accumulation. In contrast, mesenchymal BC cells produced extracellular vesicles (EV) that resulted in the highest levels of matrix formation by conditioned fibroblasts. Overall, we demonstrate a dynamic relationship between tumor and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment, in which the levels and fibrillarization of FN in the extracellular matrix are modulated during the particular stages of disease progression.