bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Olive Oil Processing Waste Composts in Organic Tomato Seedling Production
Authors: Tüzel Yüksel , Ekinci Kamil , Öztekin Gölgen Bahar , Erdal İbrahim , Varol Nurhan , Merken Özen
Published: June 2020

Olive oil byproducts show differences according to the olive oil extraction systems, which are called olive mill solid wastes, olive oil wastewater and olive oil wastewater sludge. Three different kinds of composts, including two-phase and three-phase olive mill solid wastes, and olive oil wastewater sludge were produced with separated dairy manure, poultry manure, and straw. The composts obtained from two-phase and three-phase olive mill solid wastes and olive oil wastewater sludge were named as two-phase, three-phase, and water sludge composts, respectively. They were separately enriched by rock phosphate and potassium salt. These composts were mixed with peat in a ratio of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v). Tomato seeds were sown in all mixtures on 3 February 2016. All the seeds were sown into 2 trays and each plug included 2 replicates. The trays were left in a germination room for 3 days, then moved to a heated greenhouse which is specialized for growing seedlings, and the seedlings were grown there for 3 weeks. The results showed that increasing compost ratios in the growing medium and also the enrichment of the growing medium increased organic matter content, electrical conductivity, and macro and micro nutrient concentrations. The germination period lasted longer with increasing compost ratios. The shoot length was lower at a compost ratio of over 50% excluding water sludge compost, which reacted to over 75%. The highest plant dry weights were obtained in the plants grown on the media with compost ratios of 50%, 25%, and 25% for water sludge compost, enriched two-phase compost, and enriched three-phase compost, respectively. We concluded that the composts obtained from two-phase and three-phase olive mill solid wastes and olive oil waste water sludge can be used without any need of enrichment and a ratio of 25% was found appropriate in most of the measured properties.
A Morphological and Morphometric Dental Analysis as a Forensic Tool to Identify the Iberian Wolf (Canis Lupus Signatus)
Authors: Toledo González Víctor , Ortega Ojeda Fernando , Fonseca Gabriel M. , García-Ruiz Carmen , Navarro Cáceres Pablo , Pérez-Lloret Pilar , Marín García María del Pilar
Published: June 2020

Depredation by the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is currently thought to be a problem in some areas of Spain. However, there are few technically validated forensic tools available to determine the veracity of claims with a high degree of scientific confidence, which is important given that such attacks may lead to compensation. The analysis of bite marks on attacked animals could provide scientific evidence to help identify the offender. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the morphological and morphometric characteristics of Iberian wolf dentition. This data collection would serve as a base-point for a more accurate identification of the wolves thorough their bite marks. For the first time, 36 dental variables have been studied in wolves’ skulls, employing univariate and multivariate analyses. The general morphological dental characteristics of wolves are very similar in terms of their dental formula and tooth structure to other canids, like domestic dogs. Sex differentiation was evident, principally in terms of the maxillary distance between the palatal surfaces of the canine teeth (UbC) and the width of the left mandibular canine teeth (LlCWd). New morphometric reference information was obtained that can aid the forensic identification of bite marks caused by the Iberian wolf with greater confidence.
Oxidative Stress in Plants
Authors: Chaki Mounira , Begara-Morales Juan C. , Barroso Juan B.
Published: June 2020

Environmental stresses negatively affect plant growth, development and crop productivity [...]
High-Density Microalgae Cultivation in Open Thin-Layer Cascade Photobioreactors with Water Recycling
Authors: Schädler Torben , Neumann-Cip Anna-Cathrine , Wieland Karin , Glöckler David , Haisch Christoph , Brück Thomas , Weuster-Botz Dirk
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Recycling of water and non-converted nutrients is considered to be a necessity for an economically viable production of microalgal biomass as a renewable feedstock. However, medium recycling might also have a negative impact on algal growth and productivity due to the accumulation of growth-inhibiting substances. (2) Methods: Consecutive batch processes with repeated water recycling after harvesting of algal biomass were performed with the saline microalga Microchloropsis salina in open thin-layer cascade photobioreactors operated at a physically simulated Mediterranean summer climate. The impact of water recycling on culture performance was studied and the composition of the recycled water was analyzed. (3) Results: Water recycling had no adverse effect on microalgal growth and biomass productivity (14.9−21.3 g m−2 d−1) if all necessary nutrients were regularly replenished and KNO3 was replaced by urea as the nitrogen source to prevent the accumulation of K+ ions. Dissolved organic carbon accumulated in recycled water, probably promoting mixotrophic growth. (4) Conclusion: This study shows that repeated recycling of water is feasible even in high-density cultivation processes with M. salina of more than 30 g L−1 cell dry weight, increasing culture performance while reducing nutrient consumption and circumventing wastewater production.
Mechanical Design and Gait Optimization of Hydraulic Hexapod Robot Based on Energy Conservation
Authors: Zhai Shou , Jin Bo , Cheng Yilu
Published: June 2020

Minimizing energy consumption is significant for the hydraulic walking robot to reduce its power unit weight and increase working hours. However, most robot leg designs are inefficient due to their bio-mimetic or mission-specific mechanical structure. This paper presents a structural optimization method of the hydraulic walking robot by optimizing its mechanical structure and gait parameters simultaneously. The mathematical model of the total power of the hydraulic hexapod robot (HHR) is established, which is derived based on a general template for designing the hydraulic walking robot. The archive-based micro genetic algorithm (AMGA) is used to optimize the highly nonlinear multi-constraint multi-objective optimizations. In the optimal solution, the energy consumption of the HHR has reduced more than 40% by comparison with the original mechanical structure and gait parameter. Design sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the regulation of mechanical structure, and a virtual prototype is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Multi-Scale Rheo-Mechanical Study of SMA Mixtures Containing Fine Crumb Rubber in a New Dry-Hybrid Technology
Authors: Mazzotta Francesco , Tataranni Piergiorgio , Simone Andrea , Fornai Daniele , Airey Gordon , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: June 2020

Aiming to study the rheo-mechanical effects of fine crumb rubber into gap graded stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures, a multi-scale experimental approach was adopted. Therefore, in the perspective of the reuse of end of life tires’ in asphalt layers, the adopted new dry-hybrid technology effects have been investigated from the mastic, mortar and mixture points of view. The new rubberized asphalt production technology allows the use of rubber powder as filler, the rubber amount optimization being validated through multi-scale performance tests. Mastics and mortars’ complex modulus measured with dynamic shear and torsional tests were related to the mixture stiffness modulus recorded in direct tension-compression mode. The rheological properties of mastic are strictly influenced by the rubber presence, and consequently the asphalt mixtures stiffness and thermo-sensitivity are connected to the mastic and mortar rheo-mechanical behavior. Results are consistent through the adopted approach and reveal that with the new dry-hybrid technology, overcoming the wet and dry limits, it seems to be possible obtaining more durable and eco-friendly bituminous pavement layers.
COVID-19 Immunopathology and the Central Nervous System: Implication for Multiple Sclerosis and Other Autoimmune Diseases with Associated Demyelination
Authors: Boziki Marina Kleopatra , Mentis Alexios-Fotios A. , Shumilina Maria , Makshakov Gleb , Evdoshenko Evgeniy , Grigoriadis Nikolaos
Published: June 2020

In the frame of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, recent reports on SARS-CoV-2 potential neuroinvasion placed neurologists on increased alertness in order to assess early neurological manifestations and their potentially prognostic value for the COVID-19 disease. Moreover, the management of chronic neurological diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), underwent guided modifications, such as an Extended Interval Dose (EID) of Disease-Modifying Treatment (DMT) administration, in order to minimize patients’ exposure to the health system, thus reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we summarize existing evidence of key immune pathways that the SARS-CoV-2 modifies during COVID-19 and the relevant implication for MS and other autoimmune diseases with associated demyelination (such as Systemic lupus erythematosus and Antiphospholipid syndrome), including the context of potential neuroinvasion by SARS-Cov-2 and the alterations that DMT induces to the immune system. Moreover we hereby aim to provide an overview of the possible consequences that COVID-19 may carry for the Central Nervous System (CNS) in People with MS (PwMS) and other demyelinating diseases, which are likely to pose challenges for treating Neurologists with respect to the long-term disease management of these diseases.
Stereoselective ROP of rac- and meso-Lactides Using Achiral TBD as Catalyst
Authors: Moins Sébastien , Hoyas Sébastien , Lemaur Vincent , Orhan Beste , Delle Chiaie Kayla , Lazzaroni Roberto , Taton Daniel , Dove Andrew P. , Coulembier Olivier
Published: June 2020

1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) polymerizes rac-lactide (rac-LA) to form highly isotactic polylactide (PLA) with a Pm = 0.88, while meso-LA yields heterotactic PLA (Pm ~ 0.8) at −75 °C. The stereocontrol of the cryogenic-based ring-opening polymerization comes from a perfect imbrication of both chiral LA and the propagating chiral end-group interacting with the achiral TBD catalyst.
The Roles of Cancer Stem Cells and Therapy Resistance in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Das Plabon Kumar , Islam Farhadul , Lam Alfred K.
Published: June 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main culprits involved in therapy resistance and disease recurrence in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Results using cell culture, animal models and tissues from patients with CRC suggest the indispensable roles of colorectal CSCs in therapeutic failure. Conventional therapies target proliferating and mature cancer cells, while CSCs are mostly quiescent and poorly differentiated, thereby they can easily survive chemotherapeutic insults. The aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, Hippo/YAP (Yes-associated protein) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B facilitates CSCs with excessive self-renewal and therapy resistance property in CRC. CSCs survive the chemo-radiotherapies by escaping therapy mediated DNA damage via altering the cell cycle checkpoints, increasing DNA damage repair capacity and by an efficient scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, dysregulations of miRNAs e.g., miR-21, miR-93, miR-203, miR-215, miR-497 etc., modulate the therapeutic sensitivity of colorectal CSCs by regulating growth and survival signalling. In addition, a reversible quiescent G0 state and the re-entering cell cycle capacity of colorectal CSCs can accelerate tumour regeneration after treatment. Moreover, switching to favourable metabolic signatures during a therapeutic regimen will add more complexity in therapeutic outcomes against CSCs. Therapeutic strategies targeting these underlying mechanisms of CSCs’ therapy resistance could provide a promising outcome, however, deep understanding and concerted research are necessary to design novel therapies targeting CSCs. To conclude, the understanding of these mechanisms of CSC in CRC could lead to the improved management of patients with CRC.
Use of a Copper- and Zinc-Modified Natural Zeolite to Improve Ethylene Removal and Postharvest Quality of Tomato Fruit
Authors: de Bruijn Johannes , Gómez Ambar , Loyola Cristina , Melín Pedro , Solar Víctor , Abreu Norberto , Azzolina-Jury Federico , Valdés Héctor
Published: June 2020

Ethylene stimulates ripening and senescence by promoting chlorophyll loss, red pigment synthesis, and softening of tomatoes and diminishes their shelf-life. The aim of this work was to study the performance of a novel copper- and zinc-based ethylene scavenger supported by ion-exchange on a naturally occurring zeolite by analyzing its ethylene adsorption capacity and the influence of ethylene scavenging on quality attributes during the postharvest life of tomatoes. The influence of copper- and zinc-modified zeolites on ethylene and carbon dioxide concentrations and postharvest quality of tomatoes was compared with unmodified zeolite. Interactions among ethylene molecules and zeolite surface were studied by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy in operando mode. The percentage of ethylene removal after eight days of storage was 57% and 37% for the modified zeolite and pristine zeolite, respectively. The major ethylene increase appeared at 9.5 days for the modified zeolite treatment. Additionally, modified zeolite delayed carbon dioxide formation by six days. Zeolite modified with copper and zinc cations favors ethylene removal and delays tomato fruit ripening. However, the single use of unmodified zeolite should be reconsidered due to its ripening promoting effects in tomatoes at high moisture storage conditions, as water molecules block active sites for ethylene adsorption.
On the New Oxyarsenides Eu5Zn2As5O and Eu5Cd2As5O
Authors: Darone Gregory , Baranets Sviatoslav , Bobev Svilen
Published: June 2020

The new quaternary phases Eu5Zn2As5O and Eu5Cd2As5O have been synthesized by metal flux reactions and their structures have been established through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds crystallize in the centrosymmetric space group Cmcm (No. 63, Z = 4; Pearson symbol oC52), with unit cell parameters a = 4.3457(11) Å, b = 20.897(5) Å, c = 13.571(3) Å; and a = 4.4597(9) Å, b = 21.112(4) Å, c = 13.848(3) Å, for Eu5Zn2As5O and Eu5Cd2As5O, respectively. The crystal structures include one-dimensional double-strands of corner-shared MAs4 tetrahedra (M = Zn, Cd) and As–As bonds that connect the tetrahedra to form pentagonal channels. Four of the five Eu atoms fill the space between the pentagonal channels and one Eu atom is contained within the channels. An isolated oxide anion O2– is located in a tetrahedral hole formed by four Eu cations. Applying the valence rules and the Zintl concept to rationalize the chemical bonding in Eu5M2As5O (M = Zn, Cd) reveals that the valence electrons can be counted as follows: 5 × [Eu2+] + 2 × [M2+] + 3 × [As3–] + 2 × [As2–] + O2–, which suggests an electron-deficient configuration. The presumed h+ hole is confirmed by electronic band structure calculations, where a fully optimized bonding will be attained if an additional valence electron is added to move the Fermi level up to a narrow band gap (Eu5Zn2As5O) or pseudo-gap (Eu5Cd2As5O). In order to achieve such a formal charge balance, and hence, narrow-gap semiconducting behavior in Eu5M2As5O (M = Zn, Cd), europium is theorized to be in a mixed-valent Eu2+/ Eu3+ state.
Generation Units Maintenance in Combined Heat and Power Integrated Systems Using the Mixed Integer Quadratic Programming Approach
Authors: Sadeghian Omid , Moradzadeh Arash , Mohammadi-Ivatloo Behnam , Abapour Mehdi , Garcia Marquez Fausto Pedro
Published: June 2020

Yearly generation maintenance scheduling (GMS) of generation units is important in each system such as combined heat and power (CHP)-based systems to decrease sudden failures and premature degradation of units. Imposing repair costs and reliability deterioration of system are the consequences of ignoring the GMS program. In this regard, this research accomplishes GMS inside CHP-based systems in order to determine the optimal intervals for predetermined maintenance required duration of CHPs and other units. In this paper, cost minimization is targeted, and violation of units’ technical constraints like feasible operation region of CHPs and power/heat demand balances are avoided by considering related constraints. Demand-response-based short-term generation scheduling is accomplished in this paper considering the maintenance intervals obtained in the long-term plan. Numerical simulation is performed and discussed in detail to evaluate the application of the suggested mixed-integer quadratic programming model that implemented in the General Algebraic Modeling System software package for optimization. Numerical simulation is performed to justify the model effectiveness. The results reveal that long-term maintenance scheduling considerably impacts short-term generation scheduling and total operation cost. Additionally, it is found that the demand response is effective from the cost perspective and changes the generation schedule.
Heuristic Coordinated Voltage Control Schemes in Distribution Network with Distributed Generations
Authors: Go Seok-Il , Yun Sang-Yun , Ahn Seon-Ju , Kim Hyun-Woo , Choi Joon-Ho
Published: June 2020

The voltage and reactive power control (Volt/VAR Control, VVC) in distribution networks has become a challenging issue with the increasing utilization of distributed generations (DGs). In this paper, a heuristic-based coordinated voltage control scheme that considers distribution voltage control devices, i.e., on-load tap changers (OLTC) and step voltage regulators (SVR), as well as reactive power control devices, i.e., DGs, are proposed. Conventional voltage control methods using non-linear node voltage equations require complex computation. In this paper, the formulation of simplified node voltage equations accounting for changes in tap position of distribution voltage control devices and reactive power changes of reactive power control devices are presented. A heuristic coordinated voltage control scheme using the proposed simplified node voltage equations is proposed. A coordinated voltage control scheme to achieve voltage control for nominal voltage and conservative voltage reduction (CVR) is presented. The results of the proposed schemes are compared with the results from the quadratic optimization method to confirm that the proposed schemes yields suitably similar results. Furthermore, a tap scheduling method is proposed to reduce the number of tap changes while controlling network voltage. The tap position is readjusted using a voltage control performance index (PI). Simulation results confirm that when using this method the number of tap changes is reduced. The proposed scheme not only produces reasonable performance in terms of control voltage of networks but also reduces the number of tap changes made by OLTC. The proposed control method is an alternative candidate for a system to be applied to practical distribution networks due to its simplified calculations and robust performance.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Home Appliances and Electric Vehicle Considering Customer’s Benefits and Offsite Shared Photovoltaic Curtailment
Authors: Kwon Yeongenn , Kim Taeyoung , Baek Keon , Kim Jinho
Published: June 2020

A Time-of-Use (TOU)-tariff scheme, helps residential customers to adjust their energy consumption voluntarily and reduce energy cost. The TOU tariff provides flexibility in demand, alleviate volatility caused by an increase in renewable energy in the power system. However, the uncertainty in the customer’s behavior, causes difficulty in predicting changes in residential demand patterns through the TOU tariff. In this study, the dissatisfaction model for each time slot is set as the energy consumption data of the customer. Based on the actual customer’s consumption pattern, the user sets up a model of dissatisfaction that enables aggressive energy cost reduction. In the proposed Home Energy Management System (HEMS) model, the efficient use of jointly invested offsite photovoltaic (PV) power generation is also considered. The optimal HEMS scheduling result considering the dissatisfaction, cost, and PV curtailment was obtained. The findings of this study indicate, that incentives are required above a certain EV battery capacity to induce EV charging for minimizing PV curtailment.
Technical and Economic Analysis of One-Stop Charging Stations for Battery and Fuel Cell EV with Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Bansal Saumya , Zong Yi , You Shi , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Xiao Jinsheng
Published: June 2020

Currently, most of the vehicles make use of fossil fuels for operations, resulting in one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions. The need to cut our dependency on these fossil fuels has led to an increased use of renewable energy sources (RESs) for mobility purposes. A technical and economic analysis of a one-stop charging station for battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) is investigated in this paper. The hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) software and the heavy-duty refueling station analysis model (HDRSAM) are used to conduct the case study for a one-stop charging station at Technical University of Denmark (DTU)-Risø campus. Using HOMER, a total of 42 charging station scenarios are analyzed by considering two systems (a grid-connected system and an off-grid connected system). For each system three different charging station designs (design A-hydrogen load; design B-an electrical load, and design C-an integrated system consisting of both hydrogen and electrical load) are set up for analysis. Furthermore, seven potential wind turbines with different capacity are selected from HOMER database for each system. Using HDRSAM, a total 18 scenarios are analyzed with variation in hydrogen delivery option, production volume, hydrogen dispensing option and hydrogen dispensing option. The optimal solution from HOMER for a lifespan of twenty-five years is integrated into design C with the grid-connected system whose cost was $986,065. For HDRSAM, the optimal solution design consists of tube trailer as hydrogen delivery with cascade dispensing option at 350 bar together with high production volume and the cost of the system was $452,148. The results from the two simulation tools are integrated and the overall cost of the one-stop charging station is achieved which was $2,833,465. The analysis demonstrated that the one-stop charging station with a grid connection is able to fulfil the charging demand cost-effectively and environmentally friendly for an integrated energy system with RESs in the investigated locations.
Multi-Source Neural Model for Machine Translation of Agglutinative Language
Authors: Pan Yirong , Li Xiao , Yang Yating , Dong Rui
Published: June 2020

Benefitting from the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, the machine translation task based on neural networks has achieved impressive performance in many high-resource language pairs. However, the neural machine translation (NMT) models still struggle in the translation task on agglutinative languages with complex morphology and limited resources. Inspired by the finding that utilizing the source-side linguistic knowledge can further improve the NMT performance, we propose a multi-source neural model that employs two separate encoders to encode the source word sequence and the linguistic feature sequences. Compared with the standard NMT model, we utilize an additional encoder to incorporate the linguistic features of lemma, part-of-speech (POS) tag, and morphological tag by extending the input embedding layer of the encoder. Moreover, we use a serial combination method to integrate the conditional information from the encoders with the outputs of the decoder, which aims to enhance the neural model to learn a high-quality context representation of the source sentence. Experimental results show that our approach is effective for the agglutinative language translation, which achieves the highest improvements of +2.4 BLEU points on Turkish–English translation task and +0.6 BLEU points on Uyghur–Chinese translation task.
Connections Between Daily Greenness Exposure and Health Outcomes
Authors: Jiang Xiangrong , Larsen Linda , Sullivan William
Published: June 2020

A compelling body of research demonstrates that exposure to nature, especially trees, is beneficial to human health. We know little, however, about the extent to which understory vegetation that does not reach the height of trees, impacts human health. An additional gap in our knowledge concerns the extent to which daily variations in exposure to various forms of vegetation are related to human health outcomes. Many previous findings describing such connections were achieved in laboratory settings or through semi-controlled experiments, which do not reflect the dynamic variations of people’s daily exposure to nature. Thus, we conducted an online survey to address these questions. We used the National Land Cover Dataset 2011 and Google Street View images to estimate participants’ daily exposure to nature, and two standard questionnaires (General Health SF-12 and the Perceived Stress Scale) to assess health. Results show that greater exposure to trees in daily life is associated with better health outcomes. Specifically, higher neighborhood concentrations of tree canopy are related to better physical health, overall health and an increased capacity to control stress. In contrast, the results exploring the health associations of understory vegetation were inconsistent. In most cases, understory vegetation had a negative relationship with stress and mental health measures.
Occupational Lead Exposure and Brain Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ahn Joonho , Park Mi Yeon , Kang Mo-Yeol , Shin In-Soo , An Sungjae , Kim Hyoung-Ryoul
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Due to inconsistencies in epidemiological findings, there has been uncertainty regarding the association of lead compounds with brain tumors. We performed a meta-analysis of published case-control and cohort studies exploring lead compound exposure and brain tumor risk. (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane to find eligible studies. Eighteen studies were selected for assessment of occupational exposure to lead compound and brain tumor. Pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) were obtained using random effects models. We assessed the differences through subgroup analysis according to tumor type, study design, measurements of exposure, and tumor outcome. Statistical tests for publication bias, heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis were applied. (3) Results: Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed a not significant association with lead exposure and risk of benign and malignant brain tumors (pooled OR = 1.11, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.95–1.29). Including only malignant brain tumors, the risk of brain tumor was significantly increased (pooled OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24). (4) Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides suggestive evidence for an association between lead compound exposure and brain tumor. In future studies, it will be necessary to identify the effect of lead compounds according to the types of brain tumor.
Social Capital as a Mediator through the Effect of Education on Depression and Obesity among the Elderly in China
Authors: Xin Yu , Ren Xiaohui
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Global aging is an increasingly serious problem. The health problems faced by the elderly, such as depression and obesity, require serious consideration. Education, depression and obesity are inextricably linked; for the elderly, education is constant, and the factors which can mediate the relationship between education, depression and obesity are still being discussed by scholars. The mediating effect of social capital is rarely studied. The objective of this study was to assess the mediating role of cognitive social capital and structural social capital, as well as the effect of education on depression and obesity among the elderly using China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data. Methods: In total, 4919 respondents were included in the final analysis. Education was measured by years of schooling. Trust and participation were used as measures of cognitive social capital and structural social capital. Depression symptoms and BMI were used as outcomes. Structural equation models were developed to examine the direct and indirect effect of social capital and education on health outcomes. Results: Education was negatively correlated with depression symptom (r = −0.15, p < 0.001), while education was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.08, p < 0.001). Older adults with a higher education level have higher cognitive social capital (r = 0.11, p < 0.001) and structural social capital (r = 0.20, p < 0.001). Social capital plays a mediatory role. Older adults with higher social capital have a lower risk of depression (cognitive: r = −0.23, p < 0.001; structural: r = −0.03, p < 0.01) but a higher risk of obesity (cognitive: r = 0.06, p < 0.01; structural: r = 0.03, p < 0.01). For depression, the mediating function of cognitive social capital (a1b1= −0.025) is stronger than that of structural social capital (a2b2 = −0.006). While, for obesity, the effects of both cognitive and structural social capital are the same (a1c1 = a2c2 = 0.005). Conclusions: Social capital as a mediator through the effect of education on depression and obesity among the elderly in China. Meanwhile, using the positive effects of social capital to avoid negative effects should also be seriously considered.
The Dual-Active Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonist and Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitor E100 Alleviates Autistic-Like Behaviors and Oxidative Stress in Valproic Acid Induced Autism in Mice
Authors: Eissa Nermin , Azimullah Sheikh , Jayaprakash Petrilla , Jayaraj Richard L. , Reiner David , Ojha Shreesh K. , Beiram Rami , Stark Holger , Łażewska Dorota , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Sadek Bassem
Published: June 2020

The histamine H3 receptor (H3R) functions as auto- and hetero-receptors, regulating the release of brain histamine (HA) and acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. The enzyme acetylcholine esterase (AChE) is involved in the metabolism of brain ACh. Both brain HA and ACh are implicated in several cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, and narcolepsy, all of which are comorbid with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the novel dual-active ligand E100 with high H3R antagonist affinity (hH3R: Ki = 203 nM) and balanced AChE inhibitory effect (EeAChE: IC50 = 2 µM and EqBuChE: IC50 = 2 µM) was investigated on autistic-like sociability, repetitive/compulsive behaviour, anxiety, and oxidative stress in male C57BL/6 mice model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA, 500 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)). Subchronic systemic administration with E100 (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated sociability deficits of autistic (VPA) mice in three-chamber behaviour (TCB) test (all p < 0.05). Moreover, E100 significantly improved repetitive and compulsive behaviors by reducing the increased percentage of marbles buried in marble-burying behaviour (MBB) (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, pre-treatment with E100 (10 and 15 mg/kg, i.p.) corrected decreased anxiety levels (p < 0.05), however, failed to restore hyperactivity observed in elevated plus maze (EPM) test. In addition, E100 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated oxidative stress status by increasing the levels of decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and decreasing the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cerebellar tissues (all p < 0.05). Additionally, E100 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the elevated levels of AChE activity in VPA mice (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate the promising effects of E100 on in-vivo VPA-induced ASD-like features in mice, and provide evidence that a potent dual-active H3R antagonist and AChE inhibitor (AChEI) is a potential drug candidate for future therapeutic management of autistic-like behaviours.
WT and A53T α-Synuclein Systems: Melting Diagram and Its New Interpretation
Authors: Bokor Mónika , Tantos Ágnes , Tompa Péter , Han Kyou-Hoon , Tompa Kálmán
Published: June 2020

The potential barriers governing the motions of α-synuclein (αS) variants’ hydration water, especially energetics of them, is in the focus of the work. The thermodynamical approach yielded essential information about distributions and heights of the potential barriers. The proteins’ structural disorder was measured by ratios of heterogeneous water-binding interfaces. They showed the αS monomers, oligomers and amyloids to possess secondary structural elements, although monomers are intrinsically disordered. Despite their disordered nature, monomers have 33% secondary structure, and therefore they are more compact than a random coil. At the lowest potential barriers with mobile hydration water, monomers are already functional, a monolayer of mobile hydration water is surrounding them. Monomers realize all possible hydrogen bonds with the solvent water. αS oligomers and amyloids have half of the mobile hydration water amount than monomers because aggregation involves less mobile hydration. The solvent-accessible surface of the oligomers is ordered or homogenous in its interactions with water to 66%. As a contrast, αS amyloids are disordered or heterogeneous to 75% of their solvent accessible surface and both wild type and A53T amyloids show identical, low-level hydration. Mobile water molecules in the first hydration shell of amyloids are the weakest bound compared to other forms.
In Vitro Effects of Ligand Bias on Primate Mu Opioid Receptor Downstream Signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Hutchins Shaurita D. , Blough Bruce E. , Vallender Eric J.
Published: June 2020

Interest has emerged in biased agonists at the mu opioid receptor (MOR) as a possible means for maintaining potent analgesis with reduced side effect profiles. While approaches measuring in vitro biased agonism are used in the development of these compounds, their therapeutic utility will ultimately be determined by in vivo functional effects. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are the most translational model for evaluating the behavioral effects of candidate medications, but biased signaling of these drugs at NHP MOR receptors has been unstudied. The goal of the current work was to characterize MOR ligand bias in rhesus macaques, focusing on agonists that have previously been reported to show different patterns of biased agonism in rodents and humans. Downstream signaling pathways that responded to MOR activation were identified using a luciferase reporter array. Concentration-response curves for specific pathways (cAMP, NF-ĸB, MAPK/JNK) were generated using six agonists previously reported to differ in terms of signaling bias at rodent and human MORs. Using DAMGO as a reference ligand, relative cAMP, NF-ĸB and MAPK/JNK signaling by morphine, endomorphin-1, and TRV130 were found to be comparable between species. Further, the bias patterns of across ligands for NF-ĸB and MAPK/JNK were largely similar between species. There was a high degree of concordance between rhesus macaque and human MOR receptor signaling bias for all agonists tested, further demonstrating their utility for future translational behavioral studies.
Controlling J-Aggregates Formation and Chirality Induction through Demetallation of a Zinc(II) Water Soluble Porphyrin
Authors: Occhiuto Ilaria Giuseppina , Castriciano Maria Angela , Trapani Mariachiara , Zagami Roberto , Romeo Andrea , Pasternack Robert F. , Monsù Scolaro Luigi
Published: June 2020

Under acidic conditions and at high ionic strength, the zinc cation is removed from its metal complex with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS4) thus leading to the diacid free porphyrin, that subsequently self-organize into J-aggregates. The kinetics of the demetallation step and the successive supramolecular assembly formation have been investigated as a function of pH and ionic strength (controlled by adding ZnSO4). The demetallation kinetics obey to a rate law that is first order in [ZnTPPS4] and second order in [H+], according to literature, with k2 = 5.5 ± 0.4 M−2 s−1 at 298 K (IS = 0.6 M, ZnSO4). The aggregation process has been modeled according to an autocatalytic growth, where after the formation of a starting seed containing m porphyrin units, the rate evolves as a power of time. A complete analysis of the extinction time traces at various wavelengths allows extraction of the relevant kinetic parameters, showing that a trimer or tetramer should be involved in the rate-determining step of the aggregation. The extinction spectra of the J-aggregates evidence quite broad bands, suggesting an electronic coupling mechanism different to the usual Frenkel exciton coupling. Resonance light scattering intensity in the aggregated samples increases with increasing both [H+] and [ZnSO4]. Symmetry breaking occurs in these samples and the J-aggregates show circular dichroism spectra with unusual bands. The asymmetry g-factor decreases in its absolute value with increasing the catalytic rate kc, nulling and eventually switching the Cotton effect from negative to positive. Some inferences on the role exerted by zinc cations on the kinetics and structural features of these nanostructures have been discussed.
Association of the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) with Cisplatin Resistance
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarrabi Ali , Hushmandi Kiavash , Kalantari Mahshad , Mohammadinejad Reza , Javaheri Tahereh , Sethi Gautam
Published: June 2020

Therapy resistance is a characteristic of cancer cells that significantly reduces the effectiveness of drugs. Despite the popularity of cisplatin (CP) as a chemotherapeutic agent, which is widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has been extensively observed. Among various reported mechanism(s), the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process can significantly contribute to chemoresistance by converting the motionless epithelial cells into mobile mesenchymal cells and altering cell–cell adhesion as well as the cellular extracellular matrix, leading to invasion of tumor cells. By analyzing the impact of the different molecular pathways such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR), and Wnt, which play an important role in resistance exhibited to CP therapy, we first give an introduction about the EMT mechanism and its role in drug resistance. We then focus specifically on the molecular pathways involved in drug resistance and the pharmacological strategies that can be used to mitigate this resistance. Overall, we highlight the various targeted signaling pathways that could be considered in future studies to pave the way for the inhibition of EMT-mediated resistance displayed by tumor cells in response to CP exposure.
The Role of Histone Acetylation and the Microbiome in Phytochemical Efficacy for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Evans Levi W. , Athukorala Maheshi , Martinez-Guryn Kristina , Ferguson Bradley S.
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death worldwide and create a substantial financial burden. Emerging studies have begun to focus on epigenetic targets and re-establishing healthy gut microbes as therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of CVD. Phytochemicals, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, have been shown to exert a protective effect against CVD, though their mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. Of interest, phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been shown to regulate both histone acetylation and microbiome re-composition. The purpose of this review is to highlight the microbiome–epigenome axis as a therapeutic target for food bioactives in the prevention and/or treatment of CVD. Specifically, we will discuss studies that highlight how the three phytochemicals above alter histone acetylation leading to global changes in gene expression and CVD protection. Then, we will expand upon these phytochemicals to discuss the impact of phytochemical–microbiome–histone acetylation interaction in CVD.
Genomic Analysis of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins in the Genus Camelus
Authors: Alshehri Manal A. , Manee Manee M. , Al-Fageeh Mohamed B. , Al-Shomrani Badr M.
Published: June 2020

Intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDRs) fail to fold completely into 3D structures, but have major roles in determining protein function. While natively disordered proteins/regions have been found to fulfill a wide variety of primary cellular roles, the functions of many disordered proteins in numerous species remain to be uncovered. Here, we perform the first large-scale study of IDPs/IDRs in the genus Camelus, one of the most important mammalians in Asia and North Africa, in order to explore the biological roles of these proteins. The study includes the prediction of disordered proteins/regions in Camelus species and in humans using multiple state-of-the-art prediction tools. Additionally, we provide a comparative analysis of Camelus and Homo sapiens IDPs/IDRs for the sake of highlighting the distinctive use of disorder in each genus. Our findings indicate that the human proteome is more disordered than the Camelus proteome. Gene Ontology analysis also revealed that Camelus IDPs are enriched in glutathione catabolism and lactose biosynthesis.
An Off-the-Shelf Approach for the Production of Fc Fusion Proteins by Protein Trans-Splicing towards Generating a Lectibody In Vitro
Authors: Jaakkonen Anniina , Volkmann Gerrit , Iwaï Hideo
Published: June 2020

Monoclonal antibodies, engineered antibodies, and antibody fragments have become important biological therapeutic platforms. The IgG format with bivalent binding sites has a modular structure with different biological roles, i.e., effector and binding functions, in different domains. We demonstrated the reconstruction of an IgG-like domain structure in vitro by protein ligation using protein trans-splicing. We produced various binding domains to replace the binding domain of IgG from Escherichia coli and the Fc domain of human IgG from Brevibacillus choshinensis as split-intein fusions. We showed that in vitro protein ligation could produce various Fc-fusions at the N-terminus in vitro from the independently produced domains from different organisms. We thus propose an off-the-shelf approach for the combinatorial production of Fc fusions in vitro with several distinct binding domains, particularly from naturally occurring binding domains. Antiviral lectins from algae are known to inhibit virus entry of HIV and SARS coronavirus. We demonstrated that a lectin could be fused with the Fc-domain in vitro by protein ligation, producing an IgG-like molecule as a “lectibody”. Such an Fc-fusion could be produced in vitro by this approach, which could be an attractive method for developing potential therapeutic agents against rapidly emerging infectious diseases like SARS coronavirus without any genetic fusion and expression optimization.
Models for Oil Refinery Waste Management Using Determined and Fuzzy Conditions
Authors: Zhumadillayeva Ainur , Orazbayev Batyr , Santeyeva Saya , Dyussekeyev Kanagat , Li Rita Yi Man , Crabbe M. James C. , Yue Xiao-Guang
Published: June 2020

This study developed models to solve problems of optimisation, production, and consumption in waste management based on methods of system analysis. Mathematical models of the problems of optimisation and sustainable waste management in deterministic conditions and in a fuzzy environment were formulated. The income from production was maximised considering environmental standards that apply to the field of macroeconomics and microeconomics. The proposed approach used MANAGER software to formalise and solve the problem of revenue optimisation with production waste management to optimise the production of oil products with waste management at a specific technological facility of the Atyrau oil refinery in Kazakhstan. Based on the combined application of the principles of maximin and Pareto optimality, a formulation of the problem of production optimisation with waste management was obtained and a heuristic algorithm for solving the formulated fuzzy optimisation problem with waste management was developed.
Eye-Tracking Studies of Web Search Engines: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Strzelecki Artur
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes peer-reviewed empirical eye-tracking studies of behavior in web search engines. A framework is created to examine the effectiveness of eye-tracking by drawing on the results of, and discussions concerning previous experiments. Based on a review of 56 papers on eye-tracking for search engines from 2004 to 2019, a 12-element matrix for coding procedure is proposed. Content analysis shows that this matrix contains 12 common parts: search engine; apparatus; participants; interface; results; measures; scenario; tasks; language; presentation, research questions; and findings. The literature review covers results, the contexts of web searches, a description of participants in eye-tracking studies, and the types of studies performed on the search engines. The paper examines the state of current research on the topic and points out gaps in the existing literature. The review indicates that behavior on search engines has changed over the years. Search engines’ interfaces have been improved by adding many new functions and users have moved from desktop searches to mobile searches. The findings of this review provide avenues for further studies as well as for the design of search engines.
Biology, Ecology, and Management of Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): A Review
Authors: Mi Qianqian , Zhang Jinping , Gould Elaine , Chen Juhong , Sun Zhitan , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2020

The yellow spotted stink bug (YSSB), Erthesina fullo Thunberg, is one of the most widely distributed phytophagous insect pests in Asia. YSSB is highly polyphagous and in China it feeds on over 57 host plants in 29 families, including some economically important fruit crops such as kiwifruit, pear, peach, apple, and pomegranate. With a primarily r-selected life history strategy, reproductive diapause, aggregation behavior, wide host range, high dispersal capacity, and close association with human-modified ecosystems, YSSB is a potentially invasive species that poses significant biosecurity threats to other countries outside its native range. This review summarizes basic and applied knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of YSSB in China, with specific emphasis on its life history, host range, damage and impacts on economically important horticulture crops, and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. The insights from the Chinese literature on this pest will help the countries outside its native range to conduct appropriate biosecurity risk assessments, develop a sound surveillance program, and develop an emergency response plan before its invasion of new geographic areas.