bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Sperm Cryopreservation Protocol for Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Authors: Cardoso Beatriz , Sánchez-Ajofrín Irene , Castaño Cristina , García-Álvarez Olga , Esteso Milagros Cristina , Maroto-Morales Alejandro , Iniesta-Cuerda María , Garde José Julián , Santiago-Moreno Julián , Soler Ana Josefa
Published: April 2020

Sperm cryopreservation is a complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic avian species to ensure proper efficiency. Because of its accessibility, the peregrine falcon may be used as a good model for studying other raptor species. To find the most optimal cryopreservation protocol for peregrine falcon ejaculates, sperm parameters such as motility, viability, DNA fragmentation, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed under different conditions by varying the freezing method (slow freezing in straws vs. ultrarapid freezing in pellets), thawing conditions (37 °C for 30 s vs. 5 °C for 1 min), type of cryoprotectant (DMA vs. DMSO), and concentration of DMSO (4% vs. 8%). Results show that slow cryopreservation in straws yielded greater percentages (p < 0.05) of motile spermatozoa (22.5% ± 4.4% vs. 0.0% ± 4.1%), viable spermatozoa with intact acrosomes (84.6% ± 4.3% vs. 77.4% ± 4.3%), and spermatozoa with active mitochondria (41.0% ± 6.7% vs.12.8% ± 6.7%), compared with those obtained by the ultrarapid freezing in pellets. However, no differences were found between different thawing conditions. Moreover, all sperm motility parameters were greater (p < 0.05) when DMSO was used during freezing compared with DMA, although the use of 3% and 8% DMSO produced similar results. In conclusion, these results represent important progress in the study of falcon semen cryopreservation protocol, highlighting the crucial steps of the process and the most suitable conditions.
Ion Binding Properties of a Naturally Occurring Metalloantibody
Authors: Farokhi Elinaz , Fleming Jonathan K. , Erasmus M. Frank , Ward Aaron D. , Wu Yunjin , Gutierrez Maria G. , Wojciak Jonathan M. , Huxford Tom
Published: April 2020

LT1009 is a humanized version of murine LT1002 IgG1 that employs two bridging Ca2+ ions to bind its antigen, the biologically active lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). We crystallized and determined the X-ray crystal structure of the LT1009 Fab fragment in 10 mM CaCl2 and found that it binds two Ca2+ in a manner similar to its antigen-bound state. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) confirmed that murine LT1002 also binds Ca2+ in solution and inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed that, although Ca2+ is preferred, LT1002 can bind Mg2+ and, to much lesser extent, Ba2+. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) indicated that LT1002 binds two Ca2+ ions endothermically with a measured dissociation constant (KD) of 171 μM. Protein and genome sequence analyses suggested that LT1002 is representative of a small class of confirmed and potential metalloantibodies and that Ca2+ binding is likely encoded for in germline variable chain genes. To test this hypothesis, we engineered, expressed, and purified a Fab fragment consisting of naïve murine germline-encoded light and heavy chain genes from which LT1002 is derived and observed that it binds Ca2+ in solution. We propose that LT1002 is representative of a class of naturally occurring metalloantibodies that are evolutionarily conserved across diverse mammalian genomes.
Immunological Techniques to Assess Protein Thiol Redox State: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Cobley James Nathan , Husi Holger
Published: April 2020

To understand oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and redox signaling in health and disease it is essential to assess protein thiol redox state. Protein thiol redox state is seldom assessed immunologically because of the inability to distinguish reduced and reversibly oxidized thiols by Western blotting. An underappreciated opportunity exists to use Click PEGylation to realize the transformative power of simple, time and cost-efficient immunological techniques. Click PEGylation harnesses selective, bio-orthogonal Click chemistry to separate reduced and reversibly oxidized thiols by selectively ligating a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol moiety to the redox state of interest. The resultant ability to disambiguate reduced and reversibly oxidized species by Western blotting enables Click PEGylation to assess protein thiol redox state. In the present review, to enable investigators to effectively harness immunological techniques to assess protein thiol redox state we critique the chemistry, promise and challenges of Click PEGylation.
Regular Intake of Pistachio Mitigates the Deleterious Effects of a High Fat-Diet in the Brain of Obese Mice
Authors: Nuzzo Domenico , Galizzi Giacoma , Amato Antonella , Terzo Simona , Picone Pasquale , Cristaldi Laura , Mulè Flavia , Di Carlo Marta
Published: April 2020

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of pistachio intake in HFD mice. Three groups of mice were fed a standard diet (STD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with pistachio (HFD-P) for 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction) were analyzed by using specific assays and biomarkers. The pistachio diet significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the HFD model. No difference was observed in the index of insulin resistance between HFD and HFD-P. A higher number of fragmented nuclei were found in HFD cerebral cortex compared to STD and HFD-P. A decrease in reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and an increase of superoxide dismutase 2 and heme oxygenase expression were found in the brains of the HFD-P samples compared to HFD. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function found in HFD brain was partially recovered in HFD-P mice. These results suggest that the regular intake of pistachio may be useful in preventing obesity-related neurodegeneration, being able to reduce both metabolic and cellular dysfunctions.
Transcriptome Analyses of lncRNAs in A2E-Stressed Retinal Epithelial Cells Unveil Advanced Links between Metabolic Impairments Related to Oxidative Stress and Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Donato Luigi , Scimone Concetta , Alibrandi Simona , Rinaldi Carmela , Sidoti Antonina , D’Angelo Rosalia
Published: April 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are untranslated transcripts which regulate many biological processes. Changes in lncRNA expression pattern are well-known related to various human disorders, such as ocular diseases. Among them, retinitis pigmentosa, one of the most heterogeneous inherited disorder, is strictly related to oxidative stress. However, little is known about regulative aspects able to link oxidative stress to etiopathogenesis of retinitis. Thus, we realized a total RNA-Seq experiment, analyzing human retinal pigment epithelium cells treated by the oxidant agent N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), considering three independent experimental groups (untreated control cells, cells treated for 3 h and cells treated for 6 h). Differentially expressed lncRNAs were filtered out, explored with specific tools and databases, and finally subjected to pathway analysis. We detected 3,3’-overlapping ncRNAs, 107 antisense, 24 sense-intronic, four sense-overlapping and 227 lincRNAs very differentially expressed throughout all considered time points. Analyzed lncRNAs could be involved in several biochemical pathways related to compromised response to oxidative stress, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism impairment, melanin biosynthetic process alteration, deficiency in cellular response to amino acid starvation, unbalanced regulation of cofactor metabolic process, all leading to retinal cell death. The explored lncRNAs could play a relevant role in retinitis pigmentosa etiopathogenesis, and seem to be the ideal candidate for novel molecular markers and therapeutic strategies.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Crude Pollen
Authors: Oroian Mircea , Ursachi Florin , Dranca Florina
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extraction efficiency of polyphenols from crude pollen by an ultrasonic process. Prior to the polyphenols extraction, the crude pollen was defatted. The extraction from defatted pollen was carried out by varying four extraction parameters: ultrasonic amplitude (20%, 60% and 100%), solid/liquid ratio (10 g/L, 20 g/L and 30 g/L), temperature (35, 50 and 65 °C) and time (10, 20 and 30 min). The extracts were analyzed in terms of extraction yield (%), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavones content (TFC). The extracted oil was analyzed in terms of fatty acids composition; myristic acid (159.1 µg × g−1) and cis-14-pentadecenoic acid (106.6 µg·g−1) were found in the highest amount in the pollen oil. The optimum conditions of extraction were determined and were, as follows: 100% amplitude of ultrasonic treatment, 30 g/L solid/liquid ratio, 40.85 °C and 14.30 min, which led to the extraction of 366.1 mg GAE/L of TPC and 592.2 mg QE/g of TFC, and also to an extraction yield of 1.92%.
Optimization Design of Actuator Parameters with Stepless Capacity Control System Considering the Effect of Backflow Clearance
Authors: Zhang Jinjie , Zhou Chao , Jiang Zhinong , Wang Yao , Sun Xu
Published: April 2020

The actuator is the key to the stepless capacity control system of a reciprocating compressor. The coupling effect between the actuator and the reciprocating compressor was not considered in the traditional design, and the large design margin led to low system reliability, high cost and low safety. In this paper, a reciprocating compressor and actuator were taken as research objects. The backflow clearance of the suction valve was simulated by CFD (computational fluid dynamics), The relationship between backflow clearance and resultant gas force of the valve plate was discussed. By building a mathematical model of actuators considering backflow clearance and impact rebound, the relationship between the parameters of actuators was studied. Based on the mathematical model and CFD analysis, the hydraulic force and spring stiffness were taken as the design variables, the impact velocity of ejection or withdrawal and the backflow clearance were taken as objective functions, and the actuator parameters were optimized with NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm – II). The optimization results show that when the backflow clearance is 0.0065 mm, the hydraulic force is 94.25 N, and the spring stiffness is 11,575.84 N/m, the objective functions are optimized, the parameters are significantly improved, and a good effect is achieved on the experimental table of a 2D reciprocating compressor.
Silica-Coated Magnetic Nanocomposites for Pb2+ Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nicola Roxana , Costişor Otilia , Ciopec Mihaela , Negrea Adina , Lazău Radu , Ianăşi Cătălin , Picioruş Elena-Mirela , Len Adél , Almásy László , Szerb Elisabeta I. , Putz Ana-Maria
Published: April 2020

Magnetic iron oxide-silica shell nanocomposites with different iron oxide/silica ratio were synthesized and structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle neutron scattering, magnetic and N2-sorption studies. The composite that resulted with the best properties in terms of contact surface area and saturation of magnetization was selected for Pb2+ adsorption studies from aqueous media. The material presented good absorption capacity (maximum adsorption capacity 14.9 mg·g−1) comparable with similar materials presented in literature. Its chemico-physical stability and adsorption capacity recommend the nanocomposite as a cheap adsorbent material for lead.
Fuel Consumption Test Results for a Self-Adaptive, Maintenance-Free Wood Chipper Drive Control System
Authors: Warguła Łukasz , Krawiec Piotr , Waluś Konrad Jan , Kukla Mateusz
Published: April 2020

Both energy consumption and the ecology of mobile wood-chipping machines are important issues in forest management. One way of improving the efficiency of wood-chippers is to use innovative design solutions in drive unit control systems. This can result in a reduction in fuel consumption and quantitative exhaust gas emissions. This article presented the results of research conducted on the fuel consumption of a cylindrical wood chipper driven by a small engine. We carried out testing of the unmodified chipper (A), made two different chipper modifications (B) and (C), and tested the modified versions to achieve the indicated results. The process allowed analysis and comparison of recorded data. For this purpose, the engine was supplied with fuel in three different ways: carburetor (factory-made) (A), the injector (B), and injector with an adaptative drive control system (designed by the authors) (C). The construction of a maintenance-free and adaptive drive control system where its functioning depended on operating conditions was done following patent application P.423369. All three fuel supply systems: A, B, and C were tested experimentally in terms of fuel consumption. The research was conducted in both set exploitation conditions (idle work with high (1) and low (2) rotational speed, with a continuous chipping process (3)) and transient exploitation conditions (4) (resulting from the delivery time of wood waste). Thus, the first stage of research involved two constructions (A, B) for three different working conditions (1-3). The second stage consisted of three constructions (A-C) tested in the fourth working conditions (4). The tests showed that the injection system reduced fuel consumption by around 61% during the continuous chipping process in comparison with the carburetor system. The adaptive drive control system (C) reduced fuel consumption by 55–74% in comparison with the carburetor system (A), and by 24–60% in comparison with the injection system (B) without an adaptive drive control system. The level of energy consumption in these systems depended directly on the ratio of idle work time during the chipping process.
Cooperative Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning with Conversation Knowledge for Dialogue Management
Authors: Lei Shuyu , Wang Xiaojie , Yuan Caixia
Published: April 2020

Dialogue management plays a vital role in task-oriented dialogue systems, which has become an active area of research in recent years. Despite the promising results brought from deep reinforcement learning, most of the studies need to develop a manual user simulator additionally. To address the time-consuming development of simulator policy, we propose a multi-agent dialogue model where an end-to-end dialogue manager and a user simulator are optimized simultaneously. Different from prior work, we optimize the two-agents from scratch and apply the reward shaping technology based on adjacency pairs constraints in conversational analysis to speed up learning and to avoid the derivation from normal human-human conversation. In addition, we generalize the one-to-one learning strategy to one-to-many learning strategy, where a dialogue manager can be concurrently optimized with various user simulators, to improve the performance of trained dialogue manager. The experimental results show that one-to-one agents trained with adjacency pairs constraints can converge faster and avoid derivation. In cross-model evaluation with human users involved, the dialogue manager trained in one-to-many strategy achieves the best performance.
Virtual Reality Models Based on Photogrammetric Surveys—A Case Study of the Iconostasis of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas in Sremski Karlovci (Serbia)
Authors: Obradović Miloš , Vasiljević Ivana , Đurić Isidora , Kićanović Jelena , Stojaković Vesna , Obradović Ratko
Published: April 2020

During recent years, the synergy of virtual reality (VR) and photogrammetry has become an increasingly prevalent way to visualize, represent, preserve and disseminate cultural heritage objects. Photogrammetry offers a reliable method for a faithful and accurate image-based modeling of real-world objects, while VR applications provide not only visualization, but also an immersive and interactive experience of the photogrammetrically reconstructed cultural heritage. This research aims to create and apply the method for providing VR experience in the context of cultural heritage by developing a workflow for the VR applications based on photogrammetric models. The proposed workflow was applied on the iconostasis of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral church of Saint Nicholas in Sremski Karlovci (Serbia). The presented method is based on the following main steps: generation ofan accurate 3D reconstruction of the iconostasisusing photogrammetry, the 3D model optimization, retopology, control and analysis and the process of creating the VR experience using a game-engine. The final result is an interactive walk through the church, which provides the user with an opportunity to visualize the iconostasis and its individual icons through different perspectives and multiple levels of detail, which is not otherwise possible when observing the church interior.
Effect of Displacement Current on the Finite-Difference Modeling of Natural Source Electromagnetic Diffusion
Authors: Xue Yahui , Liu Jianxin , Liu Rong , Liu Zhuo , Guo Rongwen , Cao Chuanghua
Published: April 2020

For electromagnetic (EM) modeling based on the electric-field formulation at low frequencies, the quasi-static approximation (i.e., only the conduction current is considered and the displacement current is ignored) is commonly applied, and a small conductivity value for the air layer is chosen subjectively. Actually, in the air layer, due to the use of the small conductivity value, the quasi-static approximation is ubiquitously violated. However, the effect of the violation of the quasi-static approximation in the air on EM modeling is not well examined in the literature. In this paper, we investigate this issue by comparing the finite-difference modeling results from the calculation with the quasi-static approximation and those considering both the conduction and displacement currents. For the quasi-static approximation, the conductivity in the air is set to be different small values, and zero air conductivity is used for the modeling with both the conduction and displacement currents considered. Several simple models are designed to verify the numerical solution and study how the assigned conductivity for the air affects the modeling accuracy. One flat model and two models with topography are designed to examine the effect of the quasi-static approximation on the EM modeling results. For frequencies used in typical geophysical applications of EM diffusion, using the quasi-static approximation is able to produce accurate modeling results for models with typical earth conductivity. However, if the rough surface topography is considered, the use of the quasi-static approximation can reduce the EM modeling accuracy substantially at much lower frequencies (as low as several hundred Hz), which is probably due to the inaccurate description of EM waves in the air, and poses problems for applications based on direct EM field interpretation.
Behavior of Different Grafting Strategies Using Automated Technology for Splice Grafting Technique
Authors: Pardo-Alonso José-Luis , Carreño-Ortega Ángel , Martínez-Gaitán Carolina-Clara , Fatnassi Hicham
Published: April 2020

Even though the splicing graft technique is relatively recent, it has become the most commonly used grafting method for solanaceae, and in particular, for tomato. Today, almost everyone has standardized the use of plastic or silicone grafting clips, equipped with manipulating wings and a frontal opening, to ensure proper bonding and allow for wound healing. Numerous factors influence the success or failure of the grafting process, factors such as the seedling varieties combined, climatic conditions, pre-graft and post-graft care, cutting point, cutting angle, pressure of the clips, blade edge, or substrate water content, among others. In this work, several alternatives in the graft assembly and coupling protocol were evaluated. Having studied the different working alternatives for grafting using a robotic system, two modes of joining order were analyzed. It has been shown that there are 20% more recorded successes if one first joins the graft seedlings and then places the grafting clip to guarantee their union. In addition, we studied the different orientation alternatives for the cutting line and the seedling union with respect to the clip opening—there were approximately 10% more successes obtained in grafts where the splice-union cutting line between the two plants faced the clip opening.
A Novel Method for Tool Identification and Wear Condition Assessment Based on Multi-Sensor Data
Authors: Liu Yirong , Wang Fuan , Lv Jiechao , Wang Xiaoli
Published: April 2020

The development of industry 4.0 has put forward higher requirements for modern milling technology. Monitoring the degree of milling tool wear during machine tool processing can improve product quality and reduce production losses. In the machining process of machine tools, many kinds of tools are usually used, and the signal characteristics of various sensors of different tools are different. Therefore, before the tool wear assessment, this paper identified the tool type according to the spindle current data. After the tool type recognition, this paper evaluates the tool wear degree according to the tool force data, vibration data, acoustic emission signal, and other multi-sensor data. Firstly, the Elman neural network and Adaboost algorithm are combined to construct the Elman_Adaboost strong predictor. Then, the variance and mean of seven sensor data were selected as the characteristic quantities to input the strong predictor. Finally, three wear quantities were obtained to measure the wear degree of the tool. The method proposed in this paper is implemented by Matlab, and the validity of this method is verified using the competition data provided by PHM (Prognostics and Health Management) Society. The results show that the average evaluation accuracy of the same tool wear is more than 92%, and that of the similar tool wear is more than 85%.
Minimal Model for Sprag-Slip Oscillation as Catastrophe-Type Behavior
Authors: Kang Jaeyoung , Nam Jaehyeon
Published: April 2020

The infinite spragging force can be produced by a spring inclined with a constant angle in a frictional sliding system. The ensuing oscillation is called the sprag-slip oscillation. This sprag-slip oscillation is re-examined by using the minimal nonlinear dynamic model with the variable angle of the inclined spring. Nonlinear equilibrium equation is converted into the novel polynomial form. This simple but more realistic sprag model shows that the infinite spragging force is not realistic and the catastrophic static deformation in the steady-sliding state can occur. It indicates that the ‘sprag’, termed by Spurr, can be described by this catastrophic characteristic of the frictional sliding system.
Development and Performance Evaluation of Eco-Friendly POSS-Containing MQL Oil Coolant for Drilling Processes
Authors: Park Ki Beom , Shin Dong-Soo , Cho Young Tae
Published: April 2020

Drilling work on Inconel, a well-known super-heat-resistant alloy, requires a significant quantity of cutting oil to prevent heat-induced abrasion and damage to the cutting tool, caused by the strength and toughness of the alloy. This high requirement of cutting oil, however, negatively affects the processing environment; therefore, minimum-quantity lubrication (MQL), an eco-friendly cutting-oil-supply method, is attracting attention. The conventional MQL method, however, has the disadvantage that an oil-mist is produced along with high-pressure air; hence, the mist is scattered in the air, making the application of the oil to the cutting point inefficient and rendering the cooling effect to be less than that in wet processing. In this study, therefore, an eco-friendly compound, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)—a nanostructured organic–inorganic hybrid material that exhibits better adhesion to materials than conventional MQL-specific oil and is resistant to the heat generated during drilling—was developed by adding POSS to the conventional MQL-specific oil, and the effects were verified.
Fermi-Level Pinning Mechanism in MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors Developed by Thermionic Emission Theory
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Xiong , Zhang Hao , Wei Xicheng , Guan Xiangfeng , Wu Yonghua , Hu Shaozu , Zheng Jiale , Wang Guidong , Qiu Jiawen , Wang Jun
Published: April 2020

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field-effect transistors (FETs) with four different metallic electrodes (Au,Ag,Al,Cu) of drain-source were fabricated by mechanical exfoliation and vacuum evaporation methods. The mobilities of the devices were (Au) 21.01, (Ag) 23.15, (Al) 5.35 and (Cu) 40.52 cm2/Vs, respectively. Unpredictably, the on-state currents of four devices were of the same order of magnitude with no obvious difference. For clarifying this phenomenon, we calculated the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the four metal–semiconductor contacts by thermionic emission theory and confirmed the existence of Fermi-level pinning (FLP). We suppose the FLP may be caused by surface states of the semiconductor produced from crystal defects.
Changing Isotopic Food Webs of Two Economically Important Fish in Mediterranean Coastal Lakes with Different Trophic Status
Authors: Sporta Caputi Simona , Careddu Giulio , Calizza Edoardo , Fiorentino Federico , Maccapan Deborah , Rossi Loreto , Costantini Maria Letizia
Published: April 2020

Transitional waters are highly productive ecosystems, providing essential goods and services to the biosphere and human population. Human influence in coastal areas exposes these ecosystems to continuous internal and external disturbance. Nitrogen-loads can affect the composition of the resident community and the trophic relationships between and within species, including fish. Based on carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analyses of individuals, we explored the feeding behaviour of two ecologically and economically important omnivorous fish, the eel Anguilla anguilla and the seabream Diplodus annularis, in three neighbouring lakes characterised by different trophic conditions. We found that A. anguilla showed greater generalism in the eutrophic lake due to the increased contribution of basal resources and invertebrates to its diet. By contrast, the diet of D. annularis, which was mainly based on invertebrate species, became more specialised, focusing especially on polychaetes. Our results suggest that changes in macroinvertebrate and fish community composition, coupled with anthropogenic pressure, affect the trophic strategies of high trophic level consumers such as A. anguilla and D. annularis. Detailed food web descriptions based on the feeding choices of isotopic trophospecies (here Isotopic Trophic Units, ITUs) enable identification of the prey taxa crucial for the persistence of omnivorous fish stocks, thus providing useful information for their management and habitat conservation.
Machine Learning Classifiers Evaluation for Automatic Karyogram Generation from G-Banded Metaphase Images
Authors: Hernández-Mier Yahir , Nuño-Maganda Marco Aurelio , Polanco-Martagón Said , García-Chávez María del Refugio
Published: April 2020

This work proposes the evaluation of a set of algorithms of machine learning and the selection of the most appropriate one for the classification of segmented chromosomes images acquired using the Giemsa staining technique (G-banding). The evaluation and selection of the best classification algorithms was carried out over a dataset of 119 Q-banding chromosomes images, and the obtained results were then applied to a dataset of 24 G-band chromosomes images, manually classified by an expert of the Laboratory of Cytogenetic of the Children’s Hospital of Tamaulipas. The results of evaluation of 51 classifiers yielded that the best classification accuracy for the selected features was obtained by a backpropagation neural network. One of the main contributions of this study is the proposal of a two-stage classification scheme based on the best classifier found by the initial evaluation. In stage 1, chromosome images are classified into three major groups. In stage 2, the output of phase 1 is used as the input of a multiclass classifier. Using this scheme, 82% of the IGB bank samples and 88% of the samples of a bank of images obtained with a Q-band available in the literature consisting of 119 chromosome studies were successfully classified. The proposed work is a part of an desktop application that allows cytogeneticist to automatically generate cytogenetic reports.
The Effect of Moisture Content on the Tar Characteristic of Wood Pellet Feedstock in a Downdraft Gasifier
Authors: Naryanto Rizqi Fitri , Enomoto Hiroshi , Vo Cong Anh , Fukadu Kazuki , Zong Zheng , Delimayanti Mera Kartika , Chunti Chuntima , Noda Reiji
Published: April 2020

This study examined the tar characteristic of wood pellet using a downdraft gasifier system. The wood pellet was used as a feedstock with a variation of moisture content between 2 to 6 wt. %. Tar sample was taken using the JP 2009-40885 method. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry and gravimetric analysis were used to identify and to analyze the tar sample, respectively. The results show that an increase in moisture content slightly decreased the total concentration of tar formation on the nine tar compounds of the biomass. Additionally, the lowest moisture content produced the highest amount of light tar on tar classification. The amount of light tar indicates the ease of ignition in the gasifier. Therefore, this condition will minimize the failure-of-equipment problem because of no clogs in the gasifier equipment. The lowest moisture content had the lowest tar density, and this minimized the deposit of tar in the gasifier. Therefore, the lowest moisture content had low tar production in the biomass gasification process using wood pellets.
Encoding of Terms in EMB-Based Mealy FSMs
Authors: Barkalov Alexander , Titarenko Larysa , Mazurkiewicz Małgorzata , Krzywicki Kazimierz
Published: April 2020

A method is proposed targeting implementation of FPGA-based Mealy finite state machines. The main goal of the method is a reduction for the number of look-up table (LUT) elements and their levels in FSM logic circuits. To do it, it is necessary to eliminate the direct dependence of input memory functions and FSM output functions on FSM inputs and state variables. The method is based on encoding of the terms corresponding to rows of direct structure tables. In such an approach, only terms depend on FSM inputs and state variables. Other functions depend on variables representing terms. The method belongs to the group of the methods of structural decomposition. The set of terms is divided by classes such that each class corresponds to a single-level LUT-based circuit. An embedded memory block (EMB) generates codes of both classes and terms as elements of these classes. The mutual using LUTs and EMB allows diminishing chip area occupied by FSM circuit (as compared to its LUT-based counterpart). The simple sequential algorithm is proposed for finding the partition of the set of terms by a determined number of classes. The method is based on representation of an FSM by a state transition table. However, it can be used for any known form of FSM specification. The example of synthesis is shown. The efficiency of the proposed method was investigated using a library of standard benchmarks. We compared the proposed with some other known design methods. The investigations show that the proposed method gives better results than other discussed methods. It allows the obtaining of FSM circuits with three levels of logic and regular interconnections.
A High-Power-Factor Dimmable LED Driver with Integrated Boost Converter and Half-Bridge-Topology Converter
Authors: Cheng Hung-Liang , Chang Yong-Nong , Hwang Lain-Chyr , Yen Hau-Chen , Chan Shun-Yu , Yang Wen-Fu
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a dimmable light-emitting diode (LED) driver featuring a high power factor and zero-voltage switching on (ZVS). The circuit is obtained by integrating a boost converter and a dc-dc converter with half-bridge topology. The high power factor is achieved by operating the boost converter in discontinuous current mode (DCM). The LEDs are dimmed by the control scheme of asymmetrical pulse-width modulation (ASPWM). The developed circuit eliminates the inherited dc-offset current of the transformer in a conventional asymmetrical half-bridge converter by introducing a balance capacitor. Both active switches can operate at ZVS by freewheeling the boost inductor current and the transformer magnetizing current to discharge the energy stored in their parasitic capacitance. The circuit operation is analyzed in detailed, and mathematical equations are derived. Finally, a 115-W prototype circuit for driving high brightness LEDs was built and tested. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed LED driver with satisfactory performance. It can achieve a high power factor and ZVS operation.
Metaphor to Métier: Kerry Tribe’s “Aphasia Poetry Club” and the Discourse of Disability in Contemporary Art
Authors: Cozzi Leslie
Published: April 2020

“Metaphor to Métier: Kerry Tribe’s Aphasia Poetry Club and the Discourse of Disability in Contemporary Art” explores a 2015 video work by Los Angeles-based artist Kerry Tribe. Tribe’s “The Aphasia Poetry Club” embodies a shift in contemporary artistic discourse around concepts of physical and cognitive disability. Created by a neurotypical artist, the work uses the medium of the moving image to interpret the experience of aphasia, a neurocognitive language disorder frequently associated with traumatic brain injury. Three distinct visual idioms capture the particular neurological profiles and linguistic patterns of Tribe’s chosen participants. Tribe’s representation of people living with aphasia disrupts ableist conceits about the human capacity for memory and language. Rather than stigmatizing individual impairments, the work is indicative of a new aesthetic arising from disability experience. The article argues that disability no longer functions in the contemporary art world as a political or spiritual metaphor, but rather has become a site of formal invention and conceptual research.
Analysis of Sources and Trends in Agricultural GHG Emissions from Annex I Countries
Authors: Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta
Published: April 2020

The vast majority of the scientific community believe that anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the predominant cause of climate change. One of the GHG emission sources is agriculture. Following the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines regarding GHG emission calculation, agriculture is responsible for around 10% of the overall global emissions. Agricultural GHG emissions consist of several emission source categories and several GHGs. In this article were described the results of multivariate statistical analyses performed on data gathered during the period 1990–2017 from the inventories of 43 Annex I countries (parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, listed in Annex I of the Convention). Trends in the agricultural GHG emissions were analyzed. Generally, the global agricultural GHG emissions are increasing, while the emissions from Annex I countries are decreasing. Apart from the application of urea, emissions from all other sources, such as enteric fermentation, manure management, rice cultivation, agricultural soils, field burning of agricultural residues, and liming are decreasing. Based on multivariate analysis, the most different countries, in terms of GHG emission sources composition in agriculture and emission trends, are Australia, Japan, New Zealand and USA. The rest of the Annex I countries are mostly from Europe and their shares and trends are similar, with slight differences between countries depending, among others, on the date of joining the European Union.
Regional Interactions in Social Responses to Extreme Climate Events: A Case Study of the North China Famine of 1876–1879
Authors: Zhai Xianshuai , Fang Xiuqi , Su Yun
Published: April 2020

The North China Famine of 1876–1879, known in Chinese as the Dingwu qihuang (丁戊奇荒), is a famous case of drought-induced famine in Chinese history. The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical and historical evidence for understanding the impacts of extreme climate events and major disasters and the mechanisms of adaptation. From the aspects of famine-related migration and the allocation of relief money and grain, the regional interactions in social responses to extreme climate events were analyzed. This paper collected 186 records from historical documents. Regarding the regions as the nodes and the relationships between regions as the links, the spatial patterns of famine-related migration and the allocation of money and grain from 1877 to 1878 were rebuilt. The results show that, firstly, famine-related migration appeared to be spontaneous and short-distanced, with the flow mainly spreading to the surrounding areas and towns. Secondly, as a state administrative action, the relief money and grain from the non-disaster areas were distributed to the disaster areas. However, the distribution of relief grain affected the equilibrium of the food market in non-disaster areas, which led to fluctuations in food prices.
Mechanisms for the Climatological Characteristics and Interannual Variations of the Guinea Coast Precipitation: Early Summer West African Monsoon
Authors: Son Jun-Hyeok , Seo Kyong-Hwan
Published: April 2020

This study presents the climatological characteristics and physical mechanisms of Guinea Coast precipitation in June. Traditionally, the low-tropospheric air temperature and equivalent potential temperature ( θ e ) play crucial roles in the generation of monsoon precipitation through the following mechanisms: 1. Near-surface atmospheric front, depicted by steep ∂ θ e ∂ y , corresponds to the vertical motion in the lower troposphere. 2. Strong easterly wind in the middle troposphere (600–500 hPa), generated by a steep ∂ T ∂ y near the surface at 12° N, induces a positive vorticity to the south and vertical motion over the Guinea Coast (~5° N). Meanwhile, the strong Guinea Coastal precipitation, in association with the interannual variability, is mainly determined by the sea-surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean. In years of warm SST in the eastern equatorial Atlantic, ∂ θ e ∂ y in the lower troposphere is less pronounced than in normal years. However, the atmospheric buoyancy (moist static instability) increases, owing to a strong vertical θ e gradient ( ∂ θ e ∂ p ) arising from the increase in moisture and warm temperature in the lower troposphere over the warm SST area. Consequently, the eastern equatorial Atlantic warm SST modulates the Guinea Coastal thermodynamic structure, causing deep convection that increases precipitation south of the Guinea Coast. Forced by the eastern equatorial Atlantic warm SST anomaly, the strong precipitation and corresponding atmospheric structures are successfully simulated from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory global atmosphere model 2.1.
The Lightning Jump Algorithm for Nowcasting Convective Rainfall in Catalonia
Authors: Farnell Carme , Rigo Tomeu
Published: April 2020

Previous studies in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula) showed a direct relationship between the Lightning Jump (LJ) and severe weather, from the study of different events, occurring in the last few years in this region. This research goes a step beyond by studying the relationship between LJ and heavy rainfall, considering different criteria. It selects those episodes exceeding the 40 mm/h threshold, dividing them between those with or without LJ occurrence (3760 and 14,238 cases, respectively). The time and distance criteria (<150 km and <50 min, respectively) allow the detection of rainfall episodes with LJ, to establish an accurate relationship between the jump and the heavy rain occurrence. Then, lightning and radar data are analyzed, considering monthly and hourly distributions. Skill scores for the period 2013–2018 showed good results, especially in summer, with values of POD ≃ 90% and FAR ≃ 10%
Anti-Inflammatory Functions of Alverine via Targeting Src in the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Lee Chae Young , Kim Han Gyung , Park Sang Hee , Jang Seok Gu , Park Kyung Ja , Kim Dong Sam , Kim Ji Hye , Cho Jae Youl
Published: April 2020

Alverine, a smooth muscle relaxant, is used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach and intestine. Although the effects of alverine on spontaneous and induced contractile activity are well known, its anti-inflammatory activity has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of alverine in vitro and in vivo. The production of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) was reduced by alverine. The mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was also dose-dependently inhibited by treatment with alverine. In reporter gene assays, alverine clearly decreased luciferase activity, mediated by the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)- or MyD88-overexpressing HEK293 cells. Additionally, phosphorylation of NF-κB subunits and upstream signaling molecules, including p65, p50, AKT, IκBα, and Src was downregulated by 200 μM of alverine in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Using immunoblotting and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSAs), Src was identified as the target of alverine in its anti-inflammatory response. In addition, HCl/EtOH-stimulated gastric ulcers in mice were ameliorated by alverine at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. In conclusion, alverine reduced inflammatory responses by targeting Src in the NF-κB pathway, and these findings provide new insights into the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Insight into the RssB-Mediated Recognition and Delivery of σs to the AAA+ Protease, ClpXP
Authors: Micevski Dimce , Zeth Kornelius , Mulhern Terrence D. , Schuenemann Verena J. , Zammit Jessica E. , Truscott Kaye N. , Dougan David A.
Published: April 2020

In Escherichia coli, SigmaS (σS) is the master regulator of the general stress response. The cellular levels of σS are controlled by transcription, translation and protein stability. The turnover of σS, by the AAA+ protease (ClpXP), is tightly regulated by a dedicated adaptor protein, termed RssB (Regulator of Sigma S protein B)—which is an atypical member of the response regulator (RR) family. Currently however, the molecular mechanism of σS recognition and delivery by RssB is only poorly understood. Here we describe the crystal structures of both RssB domains (RssBN and RssBC) and the SAXS analysis of full-length RssB (both free and in complex with σS). Together with our biochemical analysis we propose a model for the recognition and delivery of σS by this essential adaptor protein. Similar to most bacterial RRs, the N-terminal domain of RssB (RssBN) comprises a typical mixed (βα)5-fold. Although phosphorylation of RssBN (at Asp58) is essential for high affinity binding of σS, much of the direct binding to σS occurs via the C-terminal effector domain of RssB (RssBC). In contrast to most RRs the effector domain of RssB forms a β-sandwich fold composed of two sheets surrounded by α-helical protrusions and as such, shares structural homology with serine/threonine phosphatases that exhibit a PPM/PP2C fold. Our biochemical data demonstrate that this domain plays a key role in both substrate interaction and docking to the zinc binding domain (ZBD) of ClpX. We propose that RssB docking to the ZBD of ClpX overlaps with the docking site of another regulator of RssB, the anti-adaptor IraD. Hence, we speculate that docking to ClpX may trigger release of its substrate through activation of a “closed” state (as seen in the RssB-IraD complex), thereby coupling adaptor docking (to ClpX) with substrate release. This competitive docking to RssB would prevent futile interaction of ClpX with the IraD-RssB complex (which lacks a substrate). Finally, substrate recognition by RssB appears to be regulated by a key residue (Arg117) within the α5 helix of the N-terminal domain. Importantly, this residue is not directly involved in σS interaction, as σS binding to the R117A mutant can be restored by phosphorylation. Likewise, R117A retains the ability to interact with and activate ClpX for degradation of σS, both in the presence and absence of acetyl phosphate. Therefore, we propose that this region of RssB (the α5 helix) plays a critical role in driving interaction with σS at a distal site.
Australian Scorpion Hormurus waigiensis Venom Fractions Show Broad Bioactivity through Modulation of Bio-Impedance and Cytosolic Calcium
Authors: Housley David M. , Pinyon Jeremy L. , von Jonquieres Georg , Perera Chamini J. , Smout Michael , Liddell Michael J. , Jennings Ernest A. , Wilson David , Housley Gary D.
Published: April 2020

Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive molecules, but characterisation of toxin peptides affecting cytosolic Ca2+, central to cell signalling and cell death, is limited. We undertook a functional screening of the venom of the Australian scorpion Hormurus waigiensis to determine the breadth of Ca2+ mobilisation. A human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line stably expressing the genetically encoded Ca2+ reporter GCaMP5G and the rabbit type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) was developed as a biosensor. Size-exclusion Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography separated the venom into 53 fractions, constituting 12 chromatographic peaks. Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy identified 182 distinct molecules with 3 to 63 components per peak. The molecular weights varied from 258 Da—13.6 kDa, with 53% under 1 kDa. The majority of the venom chromatographic peaks (tested as six venom pools) were found to reversibly modulate cell monolayer bioimpedance, detected using the xCELLigence platform (ACEA Biosciences). Confocal Ca2+ imaging showed 9/14 peak samples, with molecules spanning the molecular size range, increased cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization. H. waigiensis venom Ca2+ activity was correlated with changes in bio-impedance, reflecting multi-modal toxin actions on cell physiology across the venom proteome.
Design and Fabrication of Capillary-Driven Flow Device for Point-Of-Care Diagnostics
Authors: Hassan Sammer-ul , Zhang Xunli
Published: April 2020

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics enables the diagnosis and monitoring of patients from the clinic or their home. Ideally, POC devices should be compact, portable and operatable without the requirement of expertise or complex fluid mechanical controls. This paper showcases a chip-and-dip device, which works on the principle of capillary-driven flow microfluidics and allows analytes’ detection by multiple microchannels in a single microchip via smartphone imaging. The chip-and-dip device, fabricated with inexpensive materials, works by simply dipping the reagents-coated microchip consisting of microchannels into a fluidic sample. The sample is loaded into the microchannels via capillary action and reacts with the reagents to produce a colourimetric signal. Unlike dipstick tests, this device allows the loading of bacterial/pathogenic samples for antimicrobial testing. A single device can be coated with multiple reagents, and more analytes can be detected in one sample. This platform could be used for a wide variety of assays. Here, we show the design, fabrication and working principle of the chip-and-dip flow device along with a specific application consisting in the determination of β-lactamase activity and cortisol. The simplicity, robustness and multiplexing capability of the chip-and-dip device will allow it to be used for POC diagnostics.