bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of NIST Atomic Databases and Online Tools
Authors: Ralchenko Yuri , Kramida Alexander
Published: September 2020

Over the last 25 years, the atomic standard reference databases and online tools developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have provided users around the world with the highest-quality data on various atomic parameters (e.g., level energies, transition wavelengths, and oscillator strengths) and online capabilities for fast and reliable collisional-radiative modeling of diverse plasmas. Here we present an overview of the recent developments regarding NIST numerical and bibliographic atomic databases and outline the prospects and vision of their evolution.
Global Optimization and Common Best Proximity Points for Some Multivalued Contractive Pairs of Mappings
Authors: Debnath Pradip , Srivastava Hari Mohan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study a problem of global optimization using common best proximity point of a pair of multivalued mappings. First, we introduce a multivalued Banach-type contractive pair of mappings and establish criteria for the existence of their common best proximity point. Next, we put forward the concept of multivalued Kannan-type contractive pair and also the concept of weak Δ-property to determine the existence of common best proximity point for such a pair of maps.
Measurable Cytokine Concentrations in Pig Seminal Plasma Are Modified by Semen Handling and Storage
Authors: Padilla Lorena , Barranco Isabel , Parrilla Inmaculada , Lucas Xiomara , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto , Roca Jordi
Published: September 2020

Sample handling and storing are critical steps for the reliable measurement of circulating biomolecules in biological fluids. This study evaluates how cytokine measurements in pig seminal plasma (SP) vary depending on semen handling and SP storage. Thirteen cytokines (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18 and TNFα) were measured using Luminex xMAP® technology in individual seminal plasma (SP) samples (n = 62) from healthy breeding boars. Three separate experiments explored the delay (2 h and 24 h) in SP collection after ejaculation (Experiment 1) and SP storage, either short-term (5 °C, −20 °C and −80 °C for 72 h, Experiment 2) or long-term (at −20 °C and −80 °C for two months, Experiment 3), before analysis. Levels in fresh SP-samples were used as baseline control values. Delays in SP harvesting of up to 24 h did not substantially impact SP cytokine measurements. Some cytokines showed instability in stored SP samples, mainly in long-term storage. Ideally, cytokines in pig SP should be measured in fresh samples harvested within 24 h after ejaculation. If storage of SP is imperative, storage conditions should be adjusted for each cytokine.
Essentiality and Transcriptome-Enriched Pathway Scores Predict Drug-Combination Synergy
Authors: Li Jin , Huo Yang , Wu Xue , Liu Enze , Zeng Zhi , Tian Zhen , Fan Kunjie , Stover Daniel , Cheng Lijun , Li Lang
Published: September 2020

In the prediction of the synergy of drug combinations, systems pharmacology models expand the scope of experiment screening and overcome the limitations of current computational models posed by their lack of mechanical interpretation and integration of gene essentiality. We therefore investigated the synergy of drug combinations for cancer therapies utilizing records in NCI ALMANAC, and we employed logistic regression to test the statistical significance of gene and pathway features in that interaction. We trained our predictive models using 43 NCI-60 cell lines, 165 KEGG pathways, and 114 drug pairs. Scores of drug-combination synergies showed a stronger correlation with pathway than gene features in overall trend analysis and a significant association with both genes and pathways in genome-wide association analyses. However, we observed little overlap of significant gene expressions and essentialities and no significant evidence that associated target and non-target genes and their pathways. We were able to validate four drug-combination pathways between two drug combinations, Nelarabine-Exemestane and Docetaxel-Vermurafenib, and two signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT and AMPK, in 16 cell lines. In conclusion, pathways significantly outperformed genes in predicting drug-combination synergy, and because they have very different mechanisms, gene expression and essentiality should be considered in combination rather than individually to improve this prediction.
A Review on the Beneficial Role of Silicon against Salinity in Non-Accumulator Crops: Tomato as a Model
Authors: Hoffmann Jonas , Berni Roberto , Hausman Jean-Francois , Guerriero Gea
Published: September 2020

Salinity is an abiotic stress that affects agriculture by severely impacting crop growth and, consequently, final yield. Considering that sea levels rise at an alarming rate of >3 mm per year, it is clear that salt stress constitutes a top-ranking threat to agriculture. Among the economically important crops that are sensitive to high salinity is tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a cultivar that is more affected by salt stress than its wild counterparts. A strong body of evidence in the literature has proven the beneficial role of the quasi-essential metalloid silicon (Si), which increases the vigor and protects plants against (a)biotic stresses. This protection is realized by precipitating in the cell walls as opaline silica that constitutes a mechanical barrier to the entry of phytopathogens. With respect to Si accumulation, tomato is classified as a non-accumulator (an excluder), similarly to other members of the nightshade family, such as tobacco. Despite the low capacity of accumulating Si, when supplied to tomato plants, the metalloid improves growth under (a)biotic stress conditions, e.g., by enhancing the yield of fruits or by improving vegetative growth through the modulation of physiological parameters. In light of the benefits of Si in crop protection, the available literature data on the effects of this metalloid in mitigating salt stress in tomato are reviewed with a perspective on its use as a biostimulant, boosting the production of fruits as well as their post-harvest stability.
Nucleotide Loading Modes of Human RNA Polymerase II as Deciphered by Molecular Simulations
Authors: Génin Nicolas E. J. , Weinzierl Robert O. J.
Published: September 2020

Mapping the route of nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) entry into the sequestered active site of RNA polymerase (RNAP) has major implications for elucidating the complete nucleotide addition cycle. Constituting a dichotomy that remains to be resolved, two alternatives, direct NTP delivery via the secondary channel (CH2) or selection to downstream sites in the main channel (CH1) prior to catalysis, have been proposed. In this study, accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of freely diffusing NTPs about RNAPII were applied to refine the CH2 model and uncover atomic details on the CH1 model that previously lacked a persuasive structural framework to illustrate its mechanism of action. Diffusion and binding of NTPs to downstream DNA, and the transfer of a preselected NTP to the active site, are simulated for the first time. All-atom simulations further support that CH1 loading is transcription factor IIF (TFIIF) dependent and impacts catalytic isomerization. Altogether, the alternative nucleotide loading systems may allow distinct transcriptional landscapes to be expressed.
Psilocybin as a New Approach to Treat Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Life-Threatening Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Vargas Ana Sofia , Luís Ângelo , Barroso Mário , Gallardo Eugenia , Pereira Luísa
Published: September 2020

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine known for its psychedelic properties. Recent research indicates that psilocybin may constitute a valid approach to treat depression and anxiety associated to life-threatening diseases. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials to assess the therapeutic effects and safety of psilocybin on those medical conditions. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure the effects in depression and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure the effects in anxiety. For BDI, 11 effect sizes were considered (92 patients) and the intervention group was significantly favored (WMD = −4.589; 95% CI = −4.207 to −0.971; p-value = 0.002). For STAI-Trait, 11 effect sizes were considered (92 patients), being the intervention group significantly favored when compared to the control group (WMD = −5.906; 95% CI = −7.852 to −3.960; p-value ˂ 0.001). For STAI-State, 9 effect sizes were considered (41 patients) and the intervention group was significantly favored (WMD = −6.032; 95% CI = −8.900 to −3.164; p-value ˂ 0.001). The obtained results are promising and emphasize the importance of psilocybin translational research in the management of symptoms of depression and anxiety, since the compound may be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in conditions that are either resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy or for which pharmacologic treatment is not yet approved. Moreover, it may be also relevant for first-line treatment, given its safety.
RETRACTED: Using Plasma Autoantibodies of Central Nervous System Proteins to Distinguish Veterans with Gulf War Illness from Healthy and Symptomatic Controls
Authors: Abou-Donia Mohamed , Lapadula Elizabeth , Krengel Maxine , Quinn Emily , LeClair Jessica , Massaro Joseph , Conboy Lisa , Kokkotou Efi , Abreu Maria , Klimas Nancy , Nguyen Daniel , Sullivan Kimberly
Published: September 2020

For the past 30 years, there has been a lack of objective tools for diagnosing Gulf War Illness (GWI), which is largely characterized by central nervous system (CNS) symptoms emerging from 1991 Gulf War (GW) veterans. In a recent preliminary study, we reported the presence of autoantibodies against CNS proteins in the blood of veterans with GWI, suggesting a potential objective biomarker for the disorder. Now, we report the results of a larger, confirmatory study of these objective biomarkers in 171 veterans with GWI compared to 60 healthy GW veteran controls and 85 symptomatic civilian controls (n = 50 myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and n = 35 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)). Specifically, we compared plasma markers of CNS autoantibodies for diagnostic characteristics of the four groups (GWI, GW controls, ME/CFS, IBS). For veterans with GWI, the results showed statistically increased levels of nine of the ten autoantibodies against neuronal “tubulin, neurofilament protein (NFP), Microtubule Associated Protein-2 (MAP-2), Microtubule Associated Protein-Tau (Tau), alpha synuclein (α-syn), calcium calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII)” and glial proteins “Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Myelin Associated Glycoprotein (MAG), Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), S100B” compared to healthy GW controls as well as civilians with ME/CFS and IBS. Next, we summed all of the means of the CNS autoantibodies for each group into a new index score called the Neurodegeneration Index (NDI). The NDI was calculated for each tested group and showed veterans with GWI had statistically significantly higher NDI values than all three control groups. The present study confirmed the utility of the use of plasma autoantibodies for CNS proteins to distinguish among veterans with GWI and other healthy and symptomatic control groups.
Autism and Migraine: An Unexplored Association?
Authors: Vetri Luigi
Published: September 2020

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by neurological, psychiatric and medical comorbidities—some conditions co-occur so frequently that comorbidity in autism is the rule rather than the exception. The most common autism co-occurring conditions are intellectual disability, language disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychotic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and eating disorders. They are well known and studied. Migraine is the most common brain disease in the world, but surprisingly only a few studies investigate the comorbidity between autism and migraine. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the literature reports about the comorbidity between autism and migraine and to investigate the common neurotransmitter, immune, anatomical and genetic abnormalities at the base of these two conditions.
The Validity of Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials as Attention Tags and Input Signals: A Critical Perspective of Frequency Allocation and Number of Stimuli
Authors: Wang Lu , Han Dan , Qian Binbin , Zhang Zhenhao , Zhang Zhijun , Liu Zhifang
Published: September 2020

Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) is a periodic response to a repetitive visual stimulus at a specific frequency. Currently, SSVEP is widely treated as an attention tag in cognitive activities and is used as an input signal for brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). However, whether SSVEP can be used as a reliable indicator has been a controversial issue. We focused on the independence of SSVEP from frequency allocation and number of stimuli. First, a cue–target paradigm was adopted to examine the interaction between SSVEPs evoked by two stimuli with different frequency allocations under different attention conditions. Second, we explored whether signal strength and the performance of SSVEP-based BCIs were affected by the number of stimuli. The results revealed that no significant interaction of SSVEP responses appeared between attended and unattended stimuli under various frequency allocations, regardless of their appearance in the fundamental or second-order harmonic. The amplitude of SSVEP suffered no significant gain or loss under different numbers of stimuli, but the performance of SSVEP-based BCIs varied along with duration of stimuli; that is, the recognition rate was not affected by the number of stimuli when the duration of stimuli was long enough, while the information transfer rate (ITR) presented the opposite trend. It can be concluded that SSVEP is a reliable tool for marking and monitoring multiple stimuli simultaneously in cognitive studies, but much caution should be taken when choosing a suitable duration and the number of stimuli, in order to achieve optimal utility of BCIs in the future.
Enhancing the Historic Public Social Housing through a User-Centered Design-Driven Approach
Authors: Lucchi Elena , Delera Anna Caterina
Published: September 2020

The study presents a didactic experience for the deep refurbishment and the revitalization of the San Siro neighborhood in Milan (Italy). The public housing is a significative example of the 20th-century architecture (also named “Italian Modernism of Architecture”), designed by the Italian architects—Franco Albini, Renato Camus, Giancarlo Palanti, and Laslo Kovacs (1938–1941). Nowadays, it is a multicultural area, characterized by the presence of a fragile population, with strong socio-spatial inequalities, intercultural and intergenerational conflicts. Here, an architectural design project is realized, experimenting with innovative and up-to-date design solutions. This experience develops a sensitive awareness of the multidimensional complexity of the environmentally responsible design, which requires a critical balance among different disciplines and skills. The reusing of existing buildings has sustainable importance for preventing new land-uses and for saving the potential energy consumption related to the construction process. Only a widespread knowledge of the local socio-economic conditions through participatory actions permits the selection of appropriate retrofit solutions, considering also the high cultural, social, and economic values. Functional and social mix, space flexibility, green design, renewable energies, circular economy criteria, and continuative maintenance are the correct strategies for boosting the social revitalization and for improving fairness, safety, architectural quality, human comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability in this public housing neighborhood.
Bispecific Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for B Cell Malignancies and Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Cronk Robert J. , Zurko Joanna , Shah Nirav N.
Published: September 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cell therapy offers a targeted immunotherapeutic approach to patients with refractory hematological malignancies. This technology is most advanced in B cell malignancies and multiple myeloma and is rapidly evolving as more data become available regarding clinical efficacy and response durability. Despite excellent initial response rates with single antigen targeting CARs, failure to respond to therapy and relapse due to target antigen downregulation remain clinical challenges. To mitigate immunophenotypic selective pressures, simultaneous dual antigen targeting with bispecific CAR T cells or multiple administration of different populations of CAR T cells may prevent relapse by addressing one resistance mechanism attributed to antigenic loss. This article will review recently published data on the use of dual targeting with CAR T cells from early phase clinical trials aimed at treating B cell malignancies and multiple myeloma.
Prognosis of Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison between Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization and Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Yun Byung-Yoon , Lee Hye Won , Min In Kyung , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: September 2020

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a curative treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ineligible for surgery or liver transplantation. However, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) might be an alternative when RFA is contraindicated due to structural problems. Here, we aimed to compare their long-term outcomes. Treatment-naive HCC patients fulfilling the Milan criteria who underwent RFA (n = 136) or TACE (n = 268) were enrolled. Complete response (CR) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were higher in the RFA group than in the TACE group (94.1% vs. 71.6% and 35.8% vs. 17.0%, respectively; both p < 0.001), whereas 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were not significantly different (65.5% vs. 72.3%, respectively; p = 0.100). Multivariate analysis showed that RFA was associated with better RFS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.628; p = 0.001) than TACE, but not with better OS (aHR 1.325; p = 0.151). The most common 1st-line treatment after recurrence were TACE (n = 53), followed by RFA (n = 21) among the RFA group and TACE (n = 150), followed by RFA (n = 44) among the TACE group. After propensity-score matching, similar results were reproduced. Hence, TACE could be an effective alternative to RFA in terms of OS rates. However, TACE should be confined only to RFA-difficult cases, given its lower CR and RFS rates and multi-disciplinary approaches are desirable in decision-making.
Non-Hematologic Toxicity of Bortezomib in Multiple Myeloma: The Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Adverse Effects
Authors: Pancheri Elia , Guglielmi Valeria , Wilczynski Grzegorz M. , Malatesta Manuela , Tonin Paola , Tomelleri Giuliano , Nowis Dominika , Vattemi Gaetano
Published: September 2020

The overall approach to the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has undergone several changes during the past decade. and proteasome inhibitors (PIs) including bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib have considerably improved the outcomes in affected patients. The first-in-class selective PI bortezomib has been initially approved for the refractory forms of the disease but has now become, in combination with other drugs, the backbone of the frontline therapy for newly diagnosed MM patients, as well as in the maintenance therapy and relapsed/refractory setting. Despite being among the most widely used and highly effective agents for MM, bortezomib can induce adverse events that potentially lead to early discontinuation of the therapy with negative effects on the quality of life and outcome of the patients. Although peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression have been recognized as the most relevant bortezomib-related adverse effects, cardiac and skeletal muscle toxicities are relatively common in MM treated patients, but they have received much less attention. Here we review the neuromuscular and cardiovascular side effects of bortezomib. focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying its toxicity. We also discuss our preliminary data on the effects of bortezomib on skeletal muscle tissue in mice receiving the drug.
CeRNA Network Analysis Representing Characteristics of Different Tumor Environments Based on 1p/19q Codeletion in Oligodendrogliomas
Authors: Ahn Ju , Park YoungJoon , Kang Su , Hwang So , Cho Kyung , Lim JaeJoon , Kwack KyuBum
Published: September 2020

Oligodendroglioma (OD) is a subtype of glioma occurring in the central nervous system. The 1p/19q codeletion is a prognostic marker of OD with an isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and is associated with a clinically favorable overall survival (OS); however, the exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been suggested to regulate carcinogenesis and prognosis in cancer patients. Here, we performed in silico analyses using low-grade gliomas from datasets obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas to investigate the effects of ceRNA with 1p/19q codeletion on ODs. Thus, we selected modules of differentially expressed genes that were closely related to 1p/19q codeletion traits using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and constructed 16 coding RNA–miRNA–lncRNA networks. The ceRNA network participated in ion channel activity, insulin secretion, and collagen network and extracellular matrix (ECM) changes. In conclusion, ceRNAs with a 1p/19q codeletion can create different tumor microenvironments via potassium ion channels and ECM composition changes; furthermore, differences in OS may occur. Moreover, if extrapolated to gliomas, our results can provide insights into the consequences of identical gene expression, indicating the possibility of tracking different biological processes in different subtypes of glioma.
Counterbalance of Stability and Activity Observed for Thermostable Transaminase from Thermobaculum terrenum in the Presence of Organic Solvents
Authors: Bezsudnova Ekaterina Yu. , Nikolaeva Alena Yu. , Kleymenov Sergey Y. , Petrova Tatiana E. , Zavialova Sofia A. , Tugaeva Kristina V. , Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Popov Vladimir O.
Published: September 2020

Pyridoxal-5’-phosphate-dependent transaminases catalyze stereoselective amination of organic compounds and are highly important for industrial applications. Catalysis by transaminases often requires organic solvents to increase the solubility of reactants. However, natural transaminases are prone to inactivation in the presence of water-miscible organic solvents. Here, we present the solvent tolerant thermostable transaminase from Thermobaculum terrenum (TaTT) that catalyzes transamination between L-leucine and alpha-ketoglutarate with an optimum at 75 °C and increases the activity ~1.8-fold upon addition of 15% dimethyl sulfoxide or 15% methanol at high but suboptimal temperature, 50 °C. The enhancement of the activity correlates with a decrease in the thermal denaturation midpoint temperature. The blue-shift of tryptophan fluorescence suggested that solvent molecules penetrate the hydration shell of the enzyme. Analysis of hydrogen bonds in the TaTT dimer revealed a high number of salt bridges and surface hydrogen bonds formed by backbone atoms. The latter are sensitive to the presence of organic solvents; they rearrange, conferring the relaxation of some constraints inherent to a thermostable enzyme at low temperatures. Our data support the idea that the counterbalance of stability and activity is crucial for the catalysis under given conditions; the obtained results may be useful for fine-tuning biocatalyst efficiency.
Ni-Pd/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts in the Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid and Hydroxymethylfurfural towards Value Added Chemicals
Authors: Soszka Emilia , Jędrzejczyk Marcin , Kocemba Ireneusz , Keller Nicolas , Ruppert Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

γ-Al2O3 supported Ni-Pd catalysts with different Ni:Pd ratios were studied in the hydrogenation of two industrially-relevant platform molecules derived from biomass, namely levulinic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural. The bimetallic catalysts showed better performances in both processes in comparison to the monometallic counterparts, for which a too strong interaction with the alumina support reduced the activity. The behavior of the bimetallic catalysts was dependent on the Ni:Pd ratio, and interestingly also on the targeted hydrogenation reaction. The Pd-modified Ni-rich system behaves like pure Ni catalyst, but with a strongly boosted activity due to a higher number of Ni active sites available, Pd being considered as a spectator. This high activity was manifested in the levulinic acid hydrogenation with formic acid used as an internal hydrogen source. This behavior differs from the case of the Pd-rich system modified by Ni, which displayed a much higher Pd dispersion on the support compared to the monometallic Pd catalyst. The higher availability of the Pd active sites while maintaining a high surface acidity allows the catalyst to push the HMF hydrodeoxygenation reaction forward towards the green biopolymer precursor 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran, and in consequence to strongly modify the selectivity of the reaction. In that case, residual chlorine was proposed to play a significant role, while Ni was considered as a spectator.
Decoding IL-23 Signaling Cascade for New Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Pastor-Fernández Gloria , Mariblanca Isabel R. , Navarro María N.
Published: September 2020

The interleukin 23 (IL-23) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. The pathological consequences of excessive IL-23 signaling have been linked to its ability to promote the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-17, IL-22, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating (GM-CSF), or the tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) by target populations, mainly Th17 and IL-17-secreting TCRγδ cells (Tγδ17). Due to their pivotal role in inflammatory diseases, IL-23 and its downstream effector molecules have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets, leading to the development of neutralizing antibodies against IL-23 and IL-17 that have shown efficacy in different inflammatory diseases. Despite the success of monoclonal antibodies, there are patients that show no response or partial response to these treatments. Thus, effective therapies for inflammatory diseases may require the combination of multiple immune-modulatory drugs to prevent disease progression and to improve quality of life. Alternative strategies aimed at inhibiting intracellular signaling cascades using small molecule inhibitors or interfering peptides have not been fully exploited in the context of IL-23-mediated diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about proximal signaling events triggered by IL-23 upon binding to its membrane receptor to bring to the spotlight new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in IL-23-mediated pathologies.
Peroxides and Bisphenols Detection in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) by Plasmonic Nanodomes Transducers
Authors: Colombelli Adriano , Lospinoso Daniela , Manera Maria Grazia , Rella Roberto
Published: September 2020

Large-area nanostructured transducer for absorption opto-plasmonic measurements in the ultraviolet visible UV-VIS spectral range have been realized by colloidal lithography. The design and simulation performed guarantee the optical behaviour of the nanostructured transducers. Morphological characterization by AFM microscopy evidences the nanodome structure of the object realized in array configuration. A microfluidic device was optimized to perform measurements in real time. Qualitative evaluation of the peroxides’ and bisphenols’ concentration in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have been obtained by following the variation in the plasmonic resonance monitoring of a suitable array nanodome structure deposited onto a glass substrate. Comparison of the obtained results with laboratory-standard methodologies gives us guaranteed support of the potential of the realized technology.
Shelling of Growth Rings at Softwood Surfaces Exposed to Natural Weathering
Authors: Leung Lukie H. , Evans Philip D.
Published: September 2020

Shelling is the delamination of growth rings and the projection of woody tissue from wood surfaces. Shelling disrupts coatings and makes refinishing difficult, and a better understanding of the phenomenon is needed to help alleviate its unwanted effects. We tested whether confocal profilometry could quantify shelling in flat-faced and profiled-faced western larch deckboards exposed to natural weathering and examined the effects of growth-ring orientation and angle on shelling. Confocal profilometry was able to quantify shelling in both deckboard types. Shelling developed at the surface of flat-faced deckboards oriented pith-side-up, whereas it was absent from boards oriented bark-side-up. We found an inverse correlation between the height of shelled growth rings and the angle of growth rings to the surface of flat-faced boards. Shelling occurred in profiled-faced boards oriented pith-side-up due to the delamination of growth ring tips and projection of latewood from wood surfaces. A superficially similar although less pronounced phenomenon was seen in profiled-faced boards oriented bark-side-up. The shelling of profiled-faced boards oriented pith-side-up created lanceolate-shaped slivers of latewood that projected from the peaks of profiles. Some of these latewood tips were sharp and, for this reason, we suggest that profiled-faced western larch deckboards should always be oriented bark-side-up rather than pith-side-up.
Crystal Growth and Investigation of High-Pressure Physical Properties of Fe2As
Authors: Dai Guangyang , Zhang Changling , Zhang Sijia , He Xin , Ren Chongwen , Zhao Jianfa , Li Xiaodong , Wang Xiancheng , Jin Changqing
Published: September 2020

We reported the growth of Fe2As single crystals and the study of its physical properties via comprehensive measurements, such as transport properties under pressure and high-pressure synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. Fe2As is an antiferromagnetic metal with TN ~ 355 K. Within the pressure range of 100 GPa, no superconductivity was observed above 2 K. The abrupt drop in resistance from 21 to 31.7 GPa suggests a high-pressure phase transition happens. The high-pressure X-ray experiments indicate a new high-pressure phase appears, starting from 27.13 GPa. After the refinement of the high-pressure X-ray data, the pressure dependence of lattice constants of Fe2As (P4/nmm phase) was plotted and the bulk modulus B0 was obtained to be 168.6 GPa.
Using Peoples’ Perceptions to Improve Conservation Programs: The Yellow-Shouldered Amazon in Venezuela
Authors: Sánchez-Mercado Ada , Blanco Oriana , Sucre-Smith Bibiana , Briceño-Linares José Manuel , Peláez Carlos , Rodríguez Jon Paul
Published: September 2020

The perceptions and attitudes of local communities help understand the social drivers of unsustainable wildlife use and the social acceptability of conservation programs. We evaluated the social context influencing illegal harvesting of the threatened yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis) and the effectiveness of a longstanding conservation program in the Macanao Peninsula, Margarita Island, Venezuela. We interviewed 496 people from three communities and documented their perceptions about (1) status and the impact of threats to parrot populations, (2) acceptability of the conservation program, and (3) social processes influencing unsustainable parrot use. Approval of the program was high, but it failed to engage communities despite their high conservation awareness and positive attitudes towards the species. People identified unsustainable use as the main threat to parrots, but negative perceptions were limited to selling, not harvesting or keeping. Harvesters with different motivations (keepers, sellers) may occur in Macanao, and social acceptability of both actors may differ. Future efforts will require a stakeholder engagement strategy to manage conflicts and incentives to participation. A better understanding of different categories of harvesters, as well as their motives and role in the illegal trade network would provide insights to the design of a behavior change campaign.
Floristic Diversity and Phytogeography of JABAL Fayfa: A Subtropical Dry Zone, South-West Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abbas Ahmed M. , Al-Kahtani Mohammed A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I. , Badry Mohamed O.
Published: September 2020

The present study surveyed the flora of the Jebel Fayfa region, South-West Saudi Arabia to analyze four elements of the vegetation: floristic diversity, life form, lifespan, and phytogeographical affinities. A total of 341 species of vascular plants were recorded belonging to 240 genera in 70 families, of which 101 species distributed among 40 families were considered as new additions to the flora of Jabal Fayfa. Six species are considered endemic to the study area while 27 are endangered. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. The flora of Jabal Fayfa exhibited a high degree of monotypism. A total of 20 families (28.57%) were represented by a single species, and 180 genera (75.00%) were monotypic. The recorded flora consists of 70.09% perennials and 29.91% annuals. Phanerophytes and therophytes were the most frequent lifeforms. Phytogeographical analysis revealed that the biregional elements of the Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambezian chorotype are the most dominant chorotypes (35.48%), forming two-thirds of the floristic structure in Jabal Fayfa. The new additions to the local flora of the region indicate that the Jabal Fayfa region and the country need further thorough botanical exploration and documentation which would help in adding several species to the flora of Saudi Arabia.
Fusion of UAV and Terrestrial Photogrammetry with Laser Scanning for 3D Reconstruction of Historic Churches in Georgia
Authors: Luhmann Thomas , Chizhova Maria , Gorkovchuk Denys
Published: September 2020

In September 2018, photogrammetric images and terrestrial laser scans were carried out as part of a measurement campaign for the three-dimensional recording of several historic churches in Tbilisi (Georgia). The aim was the complete spatial reconstruction with a spatial resolution and accuracy of approx. 1 cm under partly difficult external conditions, which required the use of different measurement techniques. The local measurement data were collected by two laser scanning campaigns (Leica BLK360 and Faro Focus 3D X330), several UAV flights and two terrestrial image sets. The photogrammetric point clouds were calculated with the image-based modelling programs AgiSoft and RealityCapture taking into account the control points from the laser scans. The mean residual errors from the registrations or photogrammetric evaluations are 4–16 mm, depending on the selected software, size and complexity of the monument and environmental conditions. The best completeness and quality of the resulting 3D model was achieved by using laser scan data and images simultaneously. The article presents recent results obtained with RealityCapture and gives a critical analysis of accuracy and modelling quality.
Teaching Graduate (and Undergraduate) Econometrics: Some Sensible Shifts to Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Usefulness
Authors: Arkes Jeremy
Published: September 2020

Building on arguments by Joshua Angrist and Jörn-Steffen Pischke arguments for how the teaching of undergraduate econometrics could become more effective, I propose a redesign of graduate econometrics that would better serve most students and help make the field of economics more relevant. The primary basis for the redesign is that the conventional methods do not adequately prepare students to recognize biases and to properly interpret significance, insignificance, and p-values; and there is an ethical problem in searching for significance and other matters. Based on these premises, I recommend that some of Angrist and Pischke’s recommendations be adopted for graduate econometrics. In addition, I recommend further shifts in emphasis, new pedagogy, and adding important components (e.g., on interpretations and simple ethical lessons) that are largely ignored in current textbooks. An obvious implication of these recommended changes is a confirmation of most of Angrist and Pischke’s recommendations for undergraduate econometrics, as well as further reductions in complexity.
Scalable Wildcarded Identity-Based Encryption with Full Security
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Lee Seunghwa , Kim Jihye , Oh Hyunok
Published: September 2020

Wildcarded identity-based encryption (WIBE) is an encryption system where one can encrypt messages to multiple users by specifying a pattern, which is a set of identity strings or wildcards. It is a useful primitive for practical applications where users are defined with multiple attributes (or affiliations), such as organization networks or IoT firmware updates. However, the ciphertext size in traditional WIBE schemes are linear to the number of wildcards in the pattern; since the ciphertext size determines the payload in network systems, it degrades the practicality when deployed in transmission-sensitive systems. In this paper, we represent scalable wildcarded identity-based encryption (SWIBE), which achieves a constant-size ciphertext regardless of the number of wildcards (or depth of patterns). the SWIBE scheme also allows the wildcard usage key derivation as well as encryption: a user with wildcarded pattern can delegate keys for the fixed pattern. Compared to the existing WIBE schemes, the SWIBE scheme is the first approach to yield constant-size ciphertext. Moreover, SWIBE also improves encryption time and decryption time while maintaining a key size of 2L, comparable to the key size of L in WIBE schemes (where L is a depth of the pattern). The experimental results show that the decryption time is 3 to 10 times faster than the existing WIBE schemes, and 650 times faster than the attribute-based encryption with constant-size ciphertext. For the security, we first propose the selective-CPA-secure SWIBE scheme in a prime order bilinear group and extend it to be selective-CCA-secure. Then we also propose a fully-secure SWIBE scheme which can overcome the selective security.
Influence of Thermal Retrofitting on Annual Energy Demand for Heating in Multi-Family Buildings
Authors: Życzyńska Anna , Suchorab Zbigniew , Majerek Dariusz
Published: September 2020

The paper presented the analysis of heat consumption for heating in multi-family residential buildings before and after thermal retrofitting. The analysis involved four groups of buildings, i.e., 43 buildings in total, located in various localities, belonging to one weather station. The predicted level of energy savings resulting from thermal retrofitting was achieved from the energy audits. The actual heat consumption, following the calculation into so-called external standard conditions, was obtained based on the readouts from heat-meters. For each building, the values of heat consumption over the periods of 6–10 years were read. The performance measurements involved the periods before, during, and after thermal retrofitting. The following statistical tests were used for data analysis: Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney, Shapiro–Wilk, Bartlett, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn and Holm post-hoc. The performed analyses showed that the mean value of energy savings predicted by audits reached 38.5% when the real mean value of savings, achieved from heat-meters, equaled 30.3%. The annual energy demand factors for heating were calculated for final energy and non-renewable primary energy factors. It was established that most of the analyzed objects fulfilled the primary energy factor requirements found in the Polish technical and construction regulations, which were valid at the time of investment.
Investigating the Potential for Increased Energy Utilisation and Reduced CO2 Emissions at Mo Industrial Park
Authors: Pettersen Torbjørn , Dæhlin Emil , Eidem Per Anders , Berglihn Olaf Trygve
Published: September 2020

The potential for increased energy utilisation and reduced carbon footprint has been investigated for the industrial park Mo Industri Park (MIP), located at Mo i Rana, Norway. Process data has been gathered to quantify the energy flows between industrial clients. The energy flows have been visualised quantitatively in Sankey diagrams, while the quality of the available energy is presented in the form of a grand composite curve. High temperature flue gas from ferrosilicon (FeSi) production at Elkem Rana represent the largest heat source available for utilisation. A theoretical assessment of potential applications for this energy is presented and includes: (1) electricity production; (2) local biocarbon production, where surplus heat is utilised for drying of wood chips; (3) post combustion carbon capture, where surplus heat is utilised for solvent regeneration. The results indicate that increasing the current energy recovery from 400 GWh to >640 GWh is realistic. The increase in energy recovery can be used for reducing the carbon footprint of the industrial park. Investment in a common utility network for surplus heat may lower the threshold for establishing other energy clients at MIP. These are possibilities which may be investigated in more detail in future work.
Genetic Algorithm Approach for Gains Selection of Induction Machine Extended Speed Observer
Authors: Wachowiak Daniel
Published: September 2020

The subject of this paper is gains selection of an extended induction machine speed observer. A high number of gains makes manual gains selection difficult and due to nonlinear equations of the observer, well-known methods of gains selection for linear systems cannot be applied. A method based on genetic algorithms has been proposed instead. Such an approach requires multiple fitness function calls; therefore, using a quality index based on simulations makes gains selection a time-consuming process. To find a fitness function that evaluates, in a short time, quality indices based on poles placement have been proposed. As the observer is nonlinear, equations describing the observer dynamics have been linearized. The relationship between poles placement and real dynamic properties has been shown. A series of studies has been performed to investigate the influence of the operating point of the machine on the dynamics of the observer. It has been proven that rotor speed has a significant impact on the placement of the poles and the observer may lose stability after a rotation direction change. A method of gains modification to maintain symmetrical properties of the observer for both directions has been presented. Experimental studies of the observer during machine reverse in the open and closed-loop control system have been performed. The results show that the observer can be implemented in a sensorless drive, using the proposed gains selection method.
Annual Variation in Energy Consumption of an Electric Vehicle Used for Commuting
Authors: Desreveaux Anatole , Bouscayrol Alain , Castex Elodie , Trigui Rochdi , Hittinger Eric , Sirbu Gabriel-Mihai
Published: September 2020

The energy consumption of an electric vehicle is primarily due to the traction subsystem and the comfort subsystem. For a regular trip, the traction energy can be relatively constant but the comfort energy has variation depending on seasonal temperatures. In order to plan the annual charging operation of an eco-campus, a simulation tool is developed for an accurate determination of the consumption of an electric vehicle throughout year. The developed model has been validated by comparison with experimental measurement of a real vehicle on a real driving cycle. Different commuting trips are analyzed over a complete year. For the considered city in France (Lille), the comfort energy consumption has an overconsumption up to 33% in winter due to heating, and only 15% in summer due to air conditioning. The urban commuting driving cycle is more affected by the comfort subsystem than extra-urban trips.
Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of Birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev) under Low-Temperature Stress
Authors: Yan Siyu , Zhang Dawei , Chen Song , Chen Su
Published: September 2020

Low temperature is one of the common abiotic stresses that adversely affect the growth and development of plants. In this study, we used RNA-Seq to identify low-temperature-responsive genes in birch and further analyzed the underlying molecular mechanism. Birch seedlings were treated by the low temperature (6 °C) for 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 h, respectively. A total of 3491 genes were differentially expressed after low-temperature stress. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis were performed for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO analysis indicated that 3491 DEGs were distributed into 1002 categories, and these DEGs were enriched in “cell process”, “metabolic process”, and “stimulus response”, under the “biological process” category; in “organelles” and “cell components”, under the “cell component” category; and in “catalytic activity” and “adhesion”, under the “molecular function” category. The KEGG enrichment indicated that 119 DEGs were involved in Ca2+ and plant hormone signal transduction; 205 DEGs were involved in secondary metabolic processes, such as lipid metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway; and 20 DEGs were involved in photosynthesis. In addition, a total of 362 transcription factors (TFs) were differentially expressed under low-temperature stress, including AP2/ERF, C2H2, MYB-HB-like, WRKY, bHLH, WD40-like, and GRAS families. Gene Bpev01.c0480.g0081 (calmodulin-like CML38), Bpev01.c1074.g0005 (calmodulin-like CML25), Bpev01.c1074.g0001 (Calcium-binding EF-hand family protein), Bpev01.c2029.g0005 (calmodulin-like protein), Bpev01.c0154.g0008 (POD), Bpev01.c0015.g0143 (N-acetyl-1-glutamate synthase), and Bpev01.c0148.g0010 (branched chain amino acid transferase) were up-regulated at a high level, under low-temperature stress.
In the Line of Fire: Consequences of Human-Ignited Wildfires to Homes in the U.S. (1992–2015)
Authors: Mietkiewicz Nathan , Balch Jennifer K. , Schoennagel Tania , Leyk Stefan , St. Denis Lise A. , Bradley Bethany A.
Published: September 2020

With climate-driven increases in wildfires in the western U.S., it is imperative to understand how the risk to homes is also changing nationwide. Here, we quantify the number of homes threatened, suppression costs, and ignition sources for 1.6 million wildfires in the United States (U.S.; 1992–2015). Human-caused wildfires accounted for 97% of the residential homes threatened (within 1 km of a wildfire) and nearly a third of suppression costs. This study illustrates how the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which accounts for only a small portion of U.S. land area (10%), acts as a major source of fires, almost exclusively human-started. Cumulatively (1992–2015), just over one million homes were within human-caused wildfire perimeters in the WUI, where communities are built within flammable vegetation. An additional 58.8 million homes were within one kilometer across the 24-year record. On an annual basis in the WUI (1999–2014), an average of 2.5 million homes (2.2–2.8 million, 95% confidence interval) were threatened by human-started wildfires (within the perimeter and up to 1-km away). The number of residential homes in the WUI grew by 32 million from 1990–2015. The convergence of warmer, drier conditions and greater development into flammable landscapes is leaving many communities vulnerable to human-caused wildfires. These areas are a high priority for policy and management efforts that aim to reduce human ignitions and promote resilience to future fires, particularly as the number of residential homes in the WUI grew across this record and are expected to continue to grow in coming years.