bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reprogramming of Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Peritoneal Diseases by Estrogen Receptor Modulation and TGF-β1 Inhibition
Authors: Wilson Robert B. , Archid Rami , Reymond Marc A.
Published: June 2020

In chronic peritoneal diseases, mesothelial-mesenchymal transition is determined by cues from the extracellular environment rather than just the cellular genome. The transformation of peritoneal mesothelial cells and other host cells into myofibroblasts is mediated by cell membrane receptors, Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1), Src and Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). This article provides a narrative review of the reprogramming of mesothelial mesenchymal transition in chronic peritoneal diseases, drawing on the similarities in pathophysiology between encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and peritoneal metastasis, with a particular focus on TGF-β1 signaling and estrogen receptor modulators. Estrogen receptors act at the cell membrane/cytosol as tyrosine kinases that can phosphorylate Src, in a similar way to other receptor tyrosine kinases; or can activate the estrogen response element via nuclear translocation. Tamoxifen can modulate estrogen membrane receptors, and has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT), peritoneal mesothelial cell migration, stromal fibrosis, and neoangiogenesis in the treatment of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, with a known side effect and safety profile. The ability of tamoxifen to inhibit the transduction pathways of TGF-β1 and HIF and achieve a quiescent peritoneal stroma makes it a potential candidate for use in cancer treatments. This is relevant to tumors that spread to the peritoneum, particularly those with mesenchymal phenotypes, such as colorectal CMS4 and MSS/EMT gastric cancers, and pancreatic cancer with its desmoplastic stroma. Morphological changes observed during mesothelial mesenchymal transition can be treated with estrogen receptor modulation and TGF-β1 inhibition, which may enable the regression of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and peritoneal metastasis.
Comparative Analysis of Age-Related Changes in Lacrimal Glands and Meibomian Glands of a C57BL/6 Male Mouse Model
Authors: Yoon Chang Ho , Ryu Jin Suk , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Mee Kum
Published: June 2020

It is not known how biological changes in the lacrimal (LGs) and meibomian (MGs) glands contribute to dry eye disease (DED) in a time-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated time-sequenced changes in the inflammation, oxidative stress, and senescence of stem cells in both glands of an aging-related DED mouse model. Eight-week (8W)-, one-year (1Y)-, and two-year (2Y)-old C57BL/6 male mice were used. MG areas of the upper and lower eyelids were analyzed by transillumination meibography imaging. The number of CD45+, 8-OHdG+, Ki-67+, and BrdU+ cells was compared in both glands. Increased corneal staining and decreased tear secretion were observed in aged mice. The MG dropout area increased with aging, and the age-adjusted MG area in lower lids was negatively correlated with the National Eye Institute (NEI) score. Increased CD4+ interferon (IFN)-γ+ cells in LGs were found in both aged mice. An increase in 8-OHdG+ cells in both glands was evident in 2Y-old mice. Reduced Ki-67+ cells, but no change in CD45+ cells, was observed in the MGs of 1Y-old mice. Increased BrdU+ cells were observed in the LGs of aged mice. This suggests that age-dependent DED in C57BL/6 mice is related to inflammation of the LGs, the development of MG atrophy, and oxidative stress in both glands.
Innate Immune Response against Staphylococcus aureus Preincubated with Subinhibitory Concentration of trans-Anethole
Authors: Kwiatkowski Paweł , Wojciuk Bartosz , Wojciechowska-Koszko Iwona , Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Pruss Agata , Sienkiewicz Monika , Fijałkowski Karol , Kowalczyk Edward , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: June 2020

The study aimed to analyze morphological and functional changes of Staphylococcus aureus cells due to trans-anethole (a terpenoid and the major constituent of fennel, anise, or star anise essential oils) exposition, and their consequences for human neutrophils phagocytic activity as well as IL-8 production (recognized as the major chemoattractant). The investigation included the evaluation of changes occurring in S. aureus cultures, i.e., staphyloxanthin production, antioxidant activities, cell size distribution, and cells composition as a result of incubation with trans-anethole. It was found that the presence of trans-anethole in the culture medium reduced the level of staphyloxanthin production, as well as decreased antioxidant activities. Furthermore, trans-anethole-treated cells were characterized by larger size and a tendency to diffuse in comparison to the non-treated cells. Several cell components, such as phospholipids and peptidoglycan, were found remarkably elevated in the cultures treated with trans-anethole. As a result of the aforementioned cellular changes, the bacteria were phagocytized by neutrophils more efficiently (ingestion and parameters associated with killing activity were at a higher level as compared to the control system). Additionally, IL-8 production was at a higher level for trans-anethole modified bacteria. Our results suggest that trans-anethole represents a promising measure in combating severe staphylococcal infections, which has an important translational potential for clinical applications.
Targeted Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Nanovesicles for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Authors: Lee Ju-Ro , Kyung Jae Won , Kumar Hemant , Kwon Sung Pil , Song Seuk Young , Han In-Bo , Kim Byung-Soo
Published: June 2020

Due to the safety issues and poor engraftment of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation, MSC-derived exosomes have been spotlighted as an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, insufficient productivity of exosomes limits their therapeutic potential for clinical application. Moreover, low targeting ability of unmodified exosomes is a critical obstacle for their further applications as a therapeutic agent. In the present study, we fabricated macrophage membrane-fused exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (MF-NVs) from macrophage membrane-fused umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (MF-MSCs) and confirmed their therapeutic potential in a clinically relevant mouse SCI model (controlled mechanical compression injury model). MF-NVs contained larger quantity of ischemic region-targeting molecules compared to normal MSC-derived nanovesicles (N-NVs). The targeting molecules in MF-NVs, which were derived from macrophage membranes, increased the accumulation of MF-NVs in the injured spinal cord after the in vivo systemic injection. Increased accumulation of MF-NVs attenuated apoptosis and inflammation, prevented axonal loss, enhanced blood vessel formation, decreased fibrosis, and consequently, improved spinal cord function. Synthetically, we developed targeting efficiency-potentiated exosome-mimetic nanovesicles and present their possibility of clinical application for SCI.
Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays
Authors: Buck Thilo , Wijnholds Jan
Published: June 2020

Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007–2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
Discovery of the Involvement in DNA Oxidative Damage of Human Sperm Nuclear Basic Proteins of Healthy Young Men Living in Polluted Areas
Authors: Lettieri Gennaro , D’Agostino Giovanni , Mele Elena , Cardito Carolina , Esposito Rosa , Cimmino Annalinda , Giarra Antonella , Trifuoggi Marco , Raimondo Salvatore , Notari Tiziana , Febbraio Ferdinando , Montano Luigi , Piscopo Marina
Published: June 2020

DNA oxidative damage is one of the main concerns being implicated in severe cell alterations, promoting different types of human disorders and diseases. For their characteristics, male gametes are the most sensitive cells to the accumulation of damaged DNA. We have recently reported the relevance of arginine residues in the Cu(II)-induced DNA breakage of sperm H1 histones. In this work, we have extended our previous findings investigating the involvement of human sperm nuclear basic proteins on DNA oxidative damage in healthy males presenting copper and chromium excess in their semen. We found in 84% of those males an altered protamines/histones ratio and a different DNA binding mode even for those presenting a canonical protamines/histones ratio. Furthermore, all the sperm nuclear basic proteins from these samples that resulted were involved in DNA oxidative damage, supporting the idea that these proteins could promote the Fenton reaction in DNA proximity by increasing the availability of these metals near the binding surface of DNA. In conclusion, our study reveals a new and unexpected behavior of human sperm nuclear basic proteins in oxidative DNA damage, providing new insights for understanding the mechanisms related to processes in which oxidative DNA damage is implicated.
Role of Oxidative Stress in the Genesis of Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Adameova Adriana , Shah Anureet K. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: June 2020

Ventricular arrhythmias, mainly lethal arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, may lead to sudden cardiac death. These are triggered as a result of cardiac injury due to chronic ischemia, acute myocardial infarction and various stressful conditions associated with increased levels of circulating catecholamines and angiotensin II. Several mechanisms have been proposed to underlie electrical instability of the heart promoting ventricular arrhythmias; however, oxidative stress which adversely affects ion homeostasis due to changes in the ion channel structure and function, seems to play a critical role in eliciting different types of ventricular arrhythmias. Prevention or mitigation of the severity of ventricular arrhythmias due to antioxidants has been indicated as the fundamental contribution in the field of preventive cardiology; however, novel interventions have to be developed for greater effectiveness and specificity in attenuating the adverse effects of oxidative stress. In this review, we have attempted to discuss proarrhythmic effects of oxidative stress differing in time and concentration dependence and highlight a molecular and cellular concept how it alters cardiac cell automaticity and conduction velocity sensitizing the probability of ventricular arrhythmias with resultant sudden cardiac death due to ischemic heart disease and other stressful situations. It is concluded that pharmacological approaches targeting multiple mechanisms besides oxidative stress might be more effective in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias than current antiarrhythmic therapy.
In Vivo Metabolic Regulation of Alternative Oxidase under Nutrient Deficiency—Interaction with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Bacteria
Authors: Ortíz José , Sanhueza Carolina , Romero-Munar Antònia , Hidalgo-Castellanos Javier , Castro Catalina , Bascuñán-Godoy Luisa , Coba de la Peña Teodoro , López-Gómez Miguel , Florez-Sarasa Igor , Del-Saz Néstor Fernández
Published: June 2020

The interaction of the alternative oxidase (AOX) pathway with nutrient metabolism is important for understanding how respiration modulates ATP synthesis and carbon economy in plants under nutrient deficiency. Although AOX activity reduces the energy yield of respiration, this enzymatic activity is upregulated under stress conditions to maintain the functioning of primary metabolism. The in vivo metabolic regulation of AOX activity by phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and during plant symbioses with Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium bacteria is still not fully understood. We highlight several findings and open questions concerning the in vivo regulation of AOX activity and its impact on plant metabolism during P deficiency and symbiosis with AMF. We also highlight the need for the identification of which metabolic regulatory factors of AOX activity are related to N availability and nitrogen-fixing legume-rhizobia symbiosis in order to improve our understanding of N assimilation and biological nitrogen fixation.
Structural and Functional Annotation of Transposable Elements Revealed a Potential Regulation of Genes Involved in Rubber Biosynthesis by TE-Derived siRNA Interference in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Wu Shuangyang , Guyot Romain , Bocs Stéphanie , Droc Gaëtan , Oktavia Fetrina , Hu Songnian , Tang Chaorong , Montoro Pascal , Leclercq Julie
Published: June 2020

The natural rubber biosynthetic pathway is well described in Hevea, although the final stages of rubber elongation are still poorly understood. Small Rubber Particle Proteins and Rubber Elongation Factors (SRPPs and REFs) are proteins with major function in rubber particle formation and stabilization. Their corresponding genes are clustered on a scaffold1222 of the reference genomic sequence of the Hevea brasiliensis genome. Apart from gene expression by transcriptomic analyses, to date, no deep analyses have been carried out for the genomic environment of SRPPs and REFs loci. By integrative analyses on transposable element annotation, small RNAs production and gene expression, we analysed their role in the control of the transcription of rubber biosynthetic genes. The first in-depth annotation of TEs (Transposable Elements) and their capacity to produce TE-derived siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) is presented, only possible in the Hevea brasiliensis clone PB 260 for which all data are available. We observed that 11% of genes are located near TEs and their presence may interfere in their transcription at both genetic and epigenetic level. We hypothesized that the genomic environment of rubber biosynthesis genes has been shaped by TE and TE-derived siRNAs with possible transcriptional interference on their gene expression. We discussed possible functionalization of TEs as enhancers and as donors of alternative transcription start sites in promoter sequences, possibly through the modelling of genetic and epigenetic landscapes.
Pleiotropic Functions of FoxN1: Regulating Different Target Genes during Embryogenesis and Nymph Molting in the Brown Planthopper
Authors: Ye Yu-Xuan , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: June 2020

FoxN1 gene belongs to the forkhead box gene family that comprises a diverse group of “winged helix” transcription factors that have been implicated in a variety of biochemical and cellular processes. In the brown planthopper (BPH), FoxN1 is highly expressed in the ovaries and newly laid eggs, where it acted as an indispensable gene through its molecular targets to regulate early embryonic development. Moreover, the results of the RNAi experiments indicated that Nilaparvata lugens FoxN1 (NlFoxN1) exhibited pleiotropism: they not only affected the embryogenesis, but also played an important role in molting. RNA-seq and RNAi were further used to reveal potential target genes of NlFoxN1 in different stages. In the eggs, ten downregulated genes were defined as potential target genes of NlFoxN1 because of the similar expression patterns and functions with NlFoxN1. Knockdown of NlFoxN1 or any of these genes prevented the development of the eggs, resulting in a zero hatchability. In the nymphs, NlFoxN1 regulated the expression of a keratin gene, type I cytoskeletal keratin 9 (NlKrt9), to participate in the formation of an intermediate filament framework. Depletion of NlFoxN1 or NlKrt9 in nymphs, BPHs failed to shed their old cuticle during nymph-to-nymph or nymph-to-adult molting and the mortality was almost 100%. Altogether, the pleiotropic roles of NlFoxN1 during embryogenesis and nymph molting were supported by the ability to coordinate the temporal and spatial gene expression of their target genes.
Microorganisms and Their Metabolic Capabilities in the Context of the Biogeochemical Nitrogen Cycle at Extreme Environments
Authors: Martínez-Espinosa Rosa María
Published: June 2020

Extreme microorganisms (extremophile) are organisms that inhabit environments characterized by inhospitable parameters for most live beings (extreme temperatures and pH values, high or low ionic strength, pressure, or scarcity of nutrients). To grow optimally under these conditions, extremophiles have evolved molecular adaptations affecting their physiology, metabolism, cell signaling, etc. Due to their peculiarities in terms of physiology and metabolism, they have become good models for (i) understanding the limits of life on Earth, (ii) exploring the possible existence of extraterrestrial life (Astrobiology), or (iii) to look for potential applications in biotechnology. Recent research has revealed that extremophilic microbes play key roles in all biogeochemical cycles on Earth. Nitrogen cycle (N-cycle) is one of the most important biogeochemical cycles in nature; thanks to it, nitrogen is converted into multiple chemical forms, which circulate among atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This review summarizes recent knowledge on the role of extreme microorganisms in the N-cycle in extremophilic ecosystems, with special emphasis on members of the Archaea domain. Potential implications of these microbes in global warming and nitrogen balance, as well as their biotechnological applications are also discussed.
Mono-PEGylation of a Thermostable Arginine-Depleting Enzyme for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
Authors: Chung Sai-Fung , Kim Chi-Fai , Kwok Sui-Yi , Tam Suet-Ying , Chen Yu Wai , Chong Hiu-Chi , Leung Siu-Lun , So Pui-Kin , Wong Kwok-Yin , Leung Yun-Chung , Lo Wai-Hung
Published: June 2020

L-arginine (L-Arg) depletion induced by randomly PEGylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) can treat arginosuccinate synthase (ASS)-negative cancers, and ADI-PEG20 is undergoing phase III clinical trials. Unfortunately, ASS-positive cancers are resistant to ADI-PEG20. Moreover, the yield of ADI production is low because of the formation of inclusion bodies. Here, we report a thermostable arginine-depleting enzyme, Bacillus caldovelox arginase mutant (BCA-M: Ser161->Cys161). An abundant amount of BCA-M was easily obtained via high cell-density fermentation and heat treatment purification. Subsequently, we prepared BCA-M-PEG20, by conjugating a single 20 kDa PEG monomer onto the Cys161 residue via thio-chemistry. Unlike ADI-PEG20, BCA-M-PEG20 significantly inhibited ASS-positive lung cancer cell growth. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p). administration of 250 U/mouse of BCA-M-PEG20 induced low L-Arg level over 168 h. The mono-PEGylation of BCA-M prolonged its elimination half-life from 6.4 to 91.4 h (a 14-fold increase). In an A549 lung cancer xenograft model, a weekly administration of 250 U/mouse of BCA-M-PEG20 suppressed tumor growth significantly. We also observed that BCA-M-PEG20 did not cause any significant safety issue in mouse models. Overall, BCA-M-PEG20 showed excellent results in drug production, potency, and stability. Thereby, it has great potential to become a promising candidate for lung cancer therapy.
Impairment of Autophagy Causes Superoxide Formation and Caspase Activation in 661 W Cells, a Cell Line for Cone Photoreceptors, under Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Taki Koichiro , Horie Taeko , Kida Teruyo , Mimura Masashi , Ikeda Tsunehiko , Oku Hidehiro
Published: June 2020

Microvascular changes are the earliest adverse events in diabetic retinopathy, but recent studies have shown that oxidative stress induced by photoreceptors is associated with the development of the retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine the roles played by superoxides formed by photoreceptors under hyperglycemic conditions on autophagy. To accomplish this, we cultured 661 W cells, a transformed murine cone cell line, with 5.5 or 25 mM glucose in the presence or absence of 3 methyl adenine (3MA) or rapamycin. The superoxides were determined by flow cytometry using hydroethidine as a fluorescence probe. The autophagy activity was determined by changes in the expression of LC3B2 and P62 by immunoblotting. The degree of mitophagy was determined by the accumulation of mitochondria and lysosomes. Apoptotic changes of 661 W cells were determined by the caspase 3/7 activities. Our results showed higher levels of P62 and superoxides in cells cultured in 25 mM glucose than in 5.5 mM glucose. Addition of 3MA caused a significant increase of P62, superoxides, and caspase 3/7 activities in the 661 W cells cultured in high glucose but not in low glucose. These findings suggest that autophagy is important for the functioning and survival of 661 W cells under hyperglycemic conditions.
Editorial of Special Issue “Rare Kidney Diseases: New Translational Research Approach to Improve Diagnosis and Therapy”
Authors: Zaza Gianluigi , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: June 2020

In this Special Issue entitled “Rare Kidney Diseases: New Translational Research Approach to Improve Diagnosis and Therapy”, of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, that includes original articles and reviews, authors have underlined the role of biomedical research in providing new insights into the pathologies of complex kidney diseases [...]
Involvement of POLA2 in Double Strand Break Repair and Genotoxic Stress
Authors: Dang Tuyen T. , Morales Julio C.
Published: June 2020

Cellular survival is dependent on the efficient replication and transmission of genomic information. DNA damage can be introduced into the genome by several different methods, one being the act of DNA replication. Replication is a potent source of DNA damage and genomic instability, especially through the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). DNA polymerase alpha is responsible for replication initiation. One subunit of the DNA polymerase alpha replication machinery is POLA2. Given the connection between replication and genomic instability, we decided to examine the role of POLA2 in DSB repair, as little is known about this topic. We found that loss of POLA2 leads to an increase in spontaneous DSB formation. Loss of POLA2 also slows DSB repair kinetics after treatment with etoposide and inhibits both of the major double strand break repair pathways: non-homologous end-joining and homologous recombination. In addition, loss of POLA2 leads to increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation and PARP1 inhibition. Lastly, POLA2 expression is elevated in glioblastoma multiforme tumors and correlates with poor overall patient survival. These data demonstrate a role for POLA2 in DSB repair and resistance to genotoxic stress.
Lipid Mediators Regulate Pulmonary Fibrosis: Potential Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways
Authors: Suryadevara Vidyani , Ramchandran Ramaswamy , Kamp David W. , Natarajan Viswanathan
Published: June 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease of unknown etiology characterized by distorted distal lung architecture, inflammation, and fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of IPF are incompletely defined. Several lung cell types including alveolar epithelial cells, fibroblasts, monocyte-derived macrophages, and endothelial cells have been implicated in the development and progression of fibrosis. Regardless of the cell types involved, changes in gene expression, disrupted glycolysis, and mitochondrial oxidation, dysregulated protein folding, and altered phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism result in activation of myofibroblast, deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, remodeling of lung architecture and fibrosis. Lipid mediators derived from phospholipids, sphingolipids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and have been described to exhibit pro- and anti-fibrotic effects in IPF and in preclinical animal models of lung fibrosis. This review describes the current understanding of the role and signaling pathways of prostanoids, lysophospholipids, and sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes in the development of lung fibrosis. Further, several of the lipid mediators and enzymes involved in their metabolism are therapeutic targets for drug development to treat IPF.
HMIC: Hierarchical Medical Image Classification, A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Kowsari Kamran , Sali Rasoul , Ehsan Lubaina , Adorno William , Ali Asad , Moore Sean , Amadi Beatrice , Kelly Paul , Syed Sana , Brown Donald
Published: June 2020

Image classification is central to the big data revolution in medicine. Improved information processing methods for diagnosis and classification of digital medical images have shown to be successful via deep learning approaches. As this field is explored, there are limitations to the performance of traditional supervised classifiers. This paper outlines an approach that is different from the current medical image classification tasks that view the issue as multi-class classification. We performed a hierarchical classification using our Hierarchical Medical Image classification (HMIC) approach. HMIC uses stacks of deep learning models to give particular comprehension at each level of the clinical picture hierarchy. For testing our performance, we use biopsy of the small bowel images that contain three categories in the parent level (Celiac Disease, Environmental Enteropathy, and histologically normal controls). For the child level, Celiac Disease Severity is classified into 4 classes (I, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIC).
A Controlled Benchmark of Video Violence Detection Techniques
Authors: Convertini Nicola , Dentamaro Vincenzo , Impedovo Donato , Pirlo Giuseppe , Sarcinella Lucia
Published: June 2020

This benchmarking study aims to examine and discuss the current state-of-the-art techniques for in-video violence detection, and also provide benchmarking results as a reference for the future accuracy baseline of violence detection systems. In this paper, the authors review 11 techniques for in-video violence detection. They re-implement five carefully chosen state-of-the-art techniques over three different and publicly available violence datasets, using several classifiers, all in the same conditions. The main contribution of this work is to compare feature-based violence detection techniques and modern deep-learning techniques, such as Inception V3.
GAP: Geometric Aggregation of Popularity Metrics
Authors: Koutlis Christos , Schinas Manos , Papadopoulos Symeon , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: June 2020

Estimating and analyzing the popularity of an entity is an important task for professionals in several areas, e.g., music, social media, and cinema. Furthermore, the ample availability of online data should enhance our insights into the collective consumer behavior. However, effectively modeling popularity and integrating diverse data sources are very challenging problems with no consensus on the optimal approach to tackle them. To this end, we propose a non-linear method for popularity metric aggregation based on geometrical shapes derived from the individual metrics’ values, termed Geometric Aggregation of Popularity metrics (GAP). In this work, we particularly focus on the estimation of artist popularity by aggregating web-based artist popularity metrics. Finally, even though the most natural choice for metric aggregation would be a linear model, our approach leads to stronger rank correlation and non-linear correlation scores compared to linear aggregation schemes. More precisely, our approach outperforms the simple average method in five out of seven evaluation measures.
Reliability Dynamic Analysis by Fault Trees and Binary Decision Diagrams
Authors: García Márquez Fausto Pedro , Segovia Ramírez Isaac , Mohammadi-Ivatloo Behnam , Marugán Alberto Pliego
Published: June 2020

New wind turbines are becoming more complex and reliability analysis of them rising in complexity. The systems are composed of many components. Fault tree is used as an useful tool to analyze these interrelations and provide a scheme of the wind turbine, to get a quick overview of the behavior of the system under certain conditions of the components. However, it is complicated and in some cases not possible, to identify the conditions that would generate a wind turbine failure. A quantitative and qualitative reliability analysis of the wind turbine is proposed in this study. Binary decision diagrams are employed as a suitable and operational method to facilitate this analysis and to get an analytical expression by the Boolean functions. The size of the binary decision diagram, i.e., the computational cost for solving the problem, has an important dependence on the order of the components or events considered. Different heuristic ranking methods are used to find an optimal order or one closed, and to validate the results: AND, level, top-down-left-right, deep-first search and breadth-first-search. Birnbaum and criticality importance measures are proposed to evaluate the relevance of each component. This analysis leads to classify the events according to their importance with respect to the probability of the top event. This analysis provides the basis for making medium and long-term maintenance strategies.
A New Tribe of the Ladybird Beetle Subfamily Microweiseinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Discovered on an Island in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Szawaryn Karol , Větrovec Jaroslav , Tomaszewska Wioletta
Published: June 2020

Microweiseinae is a quite recently established subfamily within ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae). According to recent analyses of morphological and molecular data, it has been divided into three tribes. Members of the subfamily are distributed mostly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite several recent taxonomical studies of this group, its diversity and distribution is still not fully understood. Recent field collecting on Madeira Island resulted in the discovery of interesting specimens belonging to a yet unknown taxon, described here as Madeirodula atlantica gen. et sp. nov. Phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters indicate that the new taxon form a distinct branch within the subfamily Microweiseinae, for which we propose a new tribe Madeirodulini trib. nov. Evolutionary trends within the subfamily are discussed, and an updated key to the tribes of Microweiseinae is provided.
Rigorous Morphological Studies Confirm That the Classical Object of Pest Control Chilocorus kuwanae Is the Same Species as Ch. renipustulatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Bieńkowski Andrzej O. , Orlova-Bienkowskaja Marina J.
Published: June 2020

The ladybug Chilocorus kuwanae, which was described in Japan, has been used for biological control of pests for 100 years. Chilocorus kuwanae was recently synonymized with Ch. renipustulatus described in Europe. The synonymy was based on the examination of few specimens. Our aim is to verify this synonymy. We studied all characters previously used to distinguish these taxa: eight metric and nine qualitative characters. Examination of 107 specimens from Japan and Sakhalin and 174 specimens from Europe showed that the ranges of variability in all characters in Asian and European specimens strongly overlap. There are no characters with interspecific hiatuses. Analysis with Amadon’s criteria showed that Asian and European specimens also do not represent different subspecies. Conclusions: (1) No differences between the specimens from Asia (Japan and Sakhalin) and Europe were found at specific or subspecific levels. Chilocorus kuwanae is a junior synonym of Ch. renipustulatus. (2) The releases of “Chilocorus kuwanae” in Europe and the Caucasus did not represent classical biological control since the same species was native to these regions. (3) A thorough taxonomical revision with the study of morphological variability should be conducted before the introduction of any species to new regions. (4) Taxonomical conclusions based on morphological studies should be confirmed by statistical methods.
Constitutive Relationship Proposition of Marine Soft Soil in Korea Using Finite Strain Consolidation Theory
Authors: Jun Sang Hyun , Kwon Hyuk Jae
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes representative constitutive relationship equations of dredging and reclamation soft soil in Korea. The marine soft soils were sampled at 23 dredged-reclaimed construction sites in the Busan, Gwangyang, and Incheon regions in Korea; then, laboratory tests were carried out. The consolidation property was classified as LL = 60% for Busan and Gwangyang marine soft soil and LL = 30% for Incheon marine soft soil by conducting basic physical property tests and consolidation tests. Busan soft soil showed a slightly higher consolidation settlement property than Gwangyang soft soil. Incheon soft soil showed the lowest consolidation settlement property among the three regions. In particular, 77 consolidation simulations were carried out at a high void ratio using the centrifugal experiment to realize high water content and in-field stress conditions. The constitutive relationship equations of each of the 23 specimens were analyzed with regard to the void ratio–effective stress and void ratio–permeability coefficient through the back analysis of finite consolidation theory from the experimental results. The constitutive relationship equation for Korean soft soil was determined to be a reasonable power function equation. The representative constitutive relationships for soft soils in the three regions were estimated using six equations, which were classified by physical and consolidation properties. The representative constitutive equations were compared to those in previous studies on high void ratio conditions of marine soft soil, and the results showed a similar range.
Antistatic Fibers for High-Visibility Workwear: Challenges of Melt-Spinning Industrial Fibers
Authors: Hufenus Rudolf , Gooneie Ali , Sebastian Tutu , Simonetti Pietro , Geiger Andreas , Parida Dambarudhar , Bender Klaus , Schäch Gunther , Clemens Frank
Published: June 2020

Safety workwear often requires antistatic protection to prevent the build-up of static electricity and sparks, which can be extremely dangerous in a working environment. In order to make synthetic antistatic fibers, electrically conducting materials such as carbon black are added to the fiber-forming polymer. This leads to unwanted dark colors in the respective melt-spun fibers. To attenuate the undesired dark color, we looked into various possibilities including the embedding of the conductive element inside a dull side-by-side bicomponent fiber. The bicomponent approach, with an antistatic compound as a minor element, also helped in preventing the severe loss of tenacity often caused by a high additive loading. We could melt-spin a bicomponent fiber with a specific resistance as low as 0.1 Ωm and apply it in a fabric that fulfills the requirements regarding the antistatic properties, luminance and flame retardancy of safety workwear.
Influence of Cu2+ Ions on the Corrosion Resistance of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy with Microarc Oxidation
Authors: Ahmed Madiha , Qi Yuming , Zhang Longlong , Yang Yanxia , Abas Asim , Liang Jun , Cao Baocheng
Published: June 2020

The objectives of this study were to reduce the corrosion rate and increase the cytocompatibility of AZ31 Mg alloy. Two coatings were considered. One coating contained MgO (MAO/AZ31). The other coating contained Cu2+ (Cu/MAO/AZ31), and it was produced on the AZ31 Mg alloy via microarc oxidation (MAO). Coating characterization was conducted using a set of methods, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Corrosion properties were investigated through an electrochemical test, and a H2 evolution measurement. The AZ31 Mg alloy with the Cu2+-containing coating showed an improved and more stable corrosion resistance compared with the MgO-containing coating and AZ31 Mg alloy specimen. Cell morphology observation and cytotoxicity test via Cell Counting Kit-8 assay showed that the Cu2+-containing coating enhanced the proliferation of L-929 cells and did not induce a toxic effect, thus resulting in excellent cytocompatibility and biological activity. In summary, adding Cu ions to MAO coating improved the corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of the coating.
The Photocatalytic Activity of Titania Coatings Produced by Electrochemical and Chemical Oxidation of Ti6Al4V Substrate, Estimated According to ISO 10678:2010
Authors: Ehlert Michalina , Radtke Aleksandra , Topolski Adrian , Śmigiel Julia , Piszczek Piotr
Published: June 2020

The last twenty years have been a period of intense investigations of materials based on titanium dioxide, which have unique properties and functionalities, and which can be used in various areas of medicine. As a part of this issue, the results of our works for the assessment of the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanocoatings of different nanoarchitecture (nanoporous, nanotubular, nanosponge-like and nanofibrous examples), which were earlier checked in terms of their biocompatibility and usability for the modification of medical devices’ surfaces, are presented. The studied materials were produced on the surface of Ti6Al4V substrates using electrochemical and chemical oxidation methods. The activity of produced titania materials was studied on the base of the methylene blue (MB) degradation effect, in accordance to ISO 10678:2010. In our works, we have focused on the analysis of the correlation between the photocatalytic activity of nanoarchitecturally different TiO2 coatings, their morphology and structure. The obtained results prove that all studied coatings, both amorphous and amorphous containing crystalline domains, revealed photocatalytic activity in the photoinduced degradation of the organic pollution standard. This activity may be an additional advantage of medical device coatings, being adequate for use in sterilization processes applying UVA light.
Complete Real-Scale Application of Recycled Aggregates in a Port Loading Platform in Huelva, Spain
Authors: Agrela Francisco , González-Gallardo Francisco , Rosales Julia , Tavira Javier , Ayuso Jesús , Cabrera Manuel
Published: June 2020

The application of recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition waste and crushed concrete blocks is a very important challenge for the coming years from the environmental point of view, in order to reduce the exploitation of natural resources. In Spain, the use of these recycled materials in the construction of road bases and sub-bases is growing significantly. However, presently, there are few studies focused on the properties and behavior of RA in civil works such as road sections or seaport platforms. In this work, two types of RA were studied and used in a complete real-scale application. Firstly, recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) were applied in the granular base layer under bituminous superficial layers, and secondly mixed recycled aggregates (MRA) which contain a mix of ceramic, asphalt, and concrete particles were applied in the granular subbase layer, under the base layer made with RCA. Both RA were applied in a port loading platform in Huelva, applying a 100% recycling rate. This civil engineering work complied with the technical requirements of the current Spanish legislation required for the use of conventional aggregates. The environmental benefits of this work have been very relevant, and it should encourage the application of MRA and RCA in civil engineering works such as port platforms in a much more extended way. This is the first and documented real-scale application of RA to completely build the base and sub-base of a platform in the Huelva Port, Spain, replacing 100% of natural aggregates with recycled ones.
Influence of Inclination of Welding Torch on Weld Bead during Pulsed-GMAW Process
Authors: Yao Ping , Tang Heqing , Zhou Kang , Lin Hongyan , Xu Zihui , Du Xiongzi
Published: June 2020

This work is about the influence rule of inclination of welding torch on the formation and characteristics of weld bead during the pulsed-gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process based on the robotic operation. The inclination of welding torch was an important operation condition during the pulsed-GMAW process, because it can affect the formation and quality of weld bead, which was the output of the process. In this work, the different inclination modes and values were employed to conduct actual welding experiments, and some influence rules can be obtained according to examine the surface topography and cross section. Then, to obtain further rules, serious measurements for the geometry characteristic parameters were conducted and corresponding curve fitting equations between inclination angles and the bead width, penetration and bead height were obtained, and the largest error of these curve fitting equations was 0.117 mm, whose corresponding mean squared error (MSE) was 0.0103. Corresponding verification experiments validated the effectiveness of the curve fittings and showed the second order polynomials were proper, and the largest errors between measurements and curve fitting equations for inclination angle under backward mode were larger than those under forward mode, and were 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm, respectively, which corresponded to the penetration and were below 10%, therefore the equations can be used to predict the geometry of the weld bead. This work can benefit the process and operation optimization of the pulsed-GMAW process, both in the academic researches and actual industrial production.
Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene-Like Nanosheets for Use in Ceramic Nanocomposites
Authors: Poyato Rosalía , Verdugo Reyes , Muñoz-Ferreiro Carmen , Gallardo-López Ángela
Published: June 2020

In this work, the synthesis of graphene-like nanosheets (GNS) by an electrochemical exfoliation method, their microstructural characterization and their performance as fillers in a ceramic matrix composite have been assessed. To fabricate the composites, 3 mol % yttria tetragonal zirconia (3YTZP) powders with 1 vol % GNS were processed by planetary ball milling in tert-butanol to enhance the GNS distribution throughout the matrix, and densified by spark plasma sintering (SPS). According to a thorough Raman analysis and SEM observations, the electrochemically exfoliated GNS possessed less than 10 graphene layers and a lateral size lower than 1 μm. However, they contained amorphous carbon and vacancy-like defects. In contrast the GNS in the sintered composite exhibited enhanced quality with a lower number of defects, and they were wavy, semi-transparent and with very low thickness. The obtained nanocomposite was fully dense with a homogeneous distribution of GNS into the matrix. The Vickers hardness of the nanocomposite showed similar values to those of a monolithic 3YTZP ceramic sintered in the same conditions, and to the reported ones for a 3YTZP composite with the same content of commercial graphene nanosheets.
Correlation Between the Indentation Properties and Microstructure of Dissimilar Capacitor Discharge Welded WC-Co/High-Speed Steel Joints
Authors: Maizza Giovanni , Pero Renato , De Marco Frediano , Ohmura Takahito
Published: June 2020

The welding of cemented carbide to tool steel is a challenging task, of scientific and industrial relevance, as it combines the high level of hardness of cemented carbide with the high level of fracture toughness of steel, while reducing the shaping cost and extending the application versatility, as its tribological, toughness, thermal and chemical properties can be optimally harmonised. The already existing joining technologies often impart either insufficient toughness or poor high-temperature strength to a joint to withstand the ever-increasing severe service condition demands. In this paper, a novel capacitor discharge welding (CDW) process is investigated for the case of a butt-joint between a tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) composite rod and an AISI M35 high-speed steel (HSS) rod. The latter was shaped with a conical-ended projection to promote a high current concentration and heat at the welding zone. CDW functions by combining a direct current (DC) electric current pulse and external uniaxial pressure after a preloading step, in which only uniaxial pressure is applied. The relatively high heating and cooling rates promote a thin layer of a characteristic ultrafine microstructure that combines high strength and toughness. Morphological analysis showed that the CDW process: (a) forms a sound and net shaped joint, (b) preserves the sub-micrometric grain structure of the original WC-Co composite base materials, via a transitional layer, (c) refines the microstructure of the original martensite of the HSS base material, and (d) results in an improved corrosion resistance across a 1-mm thick layer near the weld interface on the steel side. A nano-indentation test survey determined: (e) no hardness deterioration on the HSS side of the weld zone, although (f) a slight decrease in hardness was observed across the transitional layer on the composite side. Furthermore, (g) an indication of toughness of the joint was perceived as the size of the crack induced by processing the residual stress after sample preparation was unaltered.
The Influence of the Electrodeposition Parameters on the Properties of Mn-Co-Based Nanofilms as Anode Materials for Alkaline Electrolysers
Authors: Cysewska Karolina , Rybarczyk Maria Krystyna , Cempura Grzegorz , Karczewski Jakub , Łapiński Marcin , Jasinski Piotr , Molin Sebastian
Published: June 2020

In this work, the influence of the synthesis conditions on the structure, morphology, and electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of Mn-Co-based films is studied. For this purpose, Mn-Co nanofilm is electrochemically synthesised in a one-step process on nickel foam in the presence of metal nitrates without any additives. The possible mechanism of the synthesis is proposed. The morphology and structure of the catalysts are studied by various techniques including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The analyses show that the as-deposited catalysts consist mainly of oxides/hydroxides and/or (oxy)hydroxides based on Mn2+, Co2+, and Co3+. The alkaline post-treatment of the film results in the formation of Mn-Co (oxy)hydroxides and crystalline Co(OH)2 with a β-phase hexagonal platelet-like shape structure, indicating a layered double hydroxide structure, desirable for the OER. Electrochemical studies show that the catalytic performance of Mn-Co was dependent on the concentration of Mn versus Co in the synthesis solution and on the deposition charge. The optimised Mn-Co/Ni foam is characterised by a specific surface area of 10.5 m2·g−1, a pore volume of 0.0042 cm3·g−1, and high electrochemical stability with an overpotential deviation around 330–340 mV at 10 mA·cm−2geo for 70 h.