bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Spectroscopic Approach to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Water- and Silicone-Based Cleaning Methods on Historical Varnished Brass
Authors: Albano Michela , Grassi Silvia , Fiocco Giacomo , Invernizzi Claudia , Rovetta Tommaso , Licchelli Maurizio , Marotti Raffaella , Merlo Curzio , Comelli Daniela , Malagodi Marco
Published: June 2020

Soiling deposition and wrong conservation practices are among the causes of the decay process that can affect the morphological, mechanical, and compositional features of the varnish, the most exposed layer of an artefact. In this perspective, the identification of the best cleaning practices is a priority. During the 18th century, scientific instruments of the highest quality were built, and peculiar varnishes were produced to confer protection and elegance to their metal elements. For this study, based on a historical recipe, we have reproduced a peculiar spirit varnish, enriched with natural resins and colorants, and we have applied on it a synthetic soiling mixture to simulate the aging conditions. We have then performed a non-invasive multi-analytical study to monitor the effectiveness of two water-based and a silicone-based, cleaning methods, namely, water in agarose, Tween 20 (3%) in agarose, and Velvesil™ Plus. The study includes colorimetry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping, coupled with chemometrics. Principal component analysis applied to FTIR spectral data has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool to enhance weak variations in the IR spectra, empowering the interpretation of cleaning effect versus the application time of each cleaning test.
A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Network for Hourly Estimation of PM2.5 Concentration in Two Cities of South Korea
Authors: Qadeer Khaula , Rehman Wajih Ur , Sheri Ahmad Muqeem , Park Inyoung , Kim Hong Kook , Jeon Moongu
Published: June 2020

Air pollution not only damages the environment but also leads to various illnesses such as respiratory tract and cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, estimating air pollutants concentration is becoming very important so that people can prepare themselves for the hazardous impact of air pollution beforehand. Various deterministic models have been used to forecast air pollution. In this study, along with various pollutants and meteorological parameters, we also use the concentration of the pollutants predicted by the community multiscale air quality (CMAQ) model which are strongly related to PM 2.5 concentration. After combining these parameters, we implement various machine learning models to predict the hourly forecast of PM 2.5 concentration in two big cities of South Korea and compare their results. It has been shown that Long Short Term Memory network outperforms other well-known gradient tree boosting models, recurrent, and convolutional neural networks.
Integrating Amendment and Liquid Fertilizer for Aided-Phytostabilization and Its Impacts on Soil Microbiological Properties in Arsenic-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Kim Min-Suk , Min Hyun-Gi , Kim Jeong-Gyu
Published: June 2020

Indiscriminate overuse of liquid fertilizer and arsenic (As) contaminated soil by abandoned mines is one of the important environmental issues in Korea. This study was carried out to solve these two problems. Amendments (limestone, red mud and acid mine drainage sludge), liquid fertilizer and plant vegetation (Hairy vetch; Vicia villosa Roth) were simultaneously treated. Some soil chemical properties (pH, dissolved organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen content, and bioavailable As), soil respiration and enzyme activity (urease activity and dehydrogenase activity) were determined for chemical and biological assessment. Amendments decreased bioavailable As in soil, and acid mine drainage sludge had the best reduction efficiency in alkali soil. Liquid fertilizer affects not only soil chemical properties but also biological properties. Through multiple regression analysis, the rhizosphere effect through plant cultivation using specific root length index was reflected in the result of soil microbial and enzyme activity. In the reclamation of As-contaminated soil, the synergistic effect of multiple treatments could be confirmed. In particular, biological assessment indicators could be useful when evaluating the complex treatment of various restoration techniques, including the phytoremediation method. Based on these results, a long-term follow-up study on the field scale will be possible.
Improving the Accuracy of Automatic Facial Expression Recognition in Speaking Subjects with Deep Learning
Authors: Bursic Sathya , Boccignone Giuseppe , Ferrara Alfio , D’Amelio Alessandro , Lanzarotti Raffaella
Published: June 2020

When automatic facial expression recognition is applied to video sequences of speaking subjects, the recognition accuracy has been noted to be lower than with video sequences of still subjects. This effect known as the speaking effect arises during spontaneous conversations, and along with the affective expressions the speech articulation process influences facial configurations. In this work we question whether, aside from facial features, other cues relating to the articulation process would increase emotion recognition accuracy when added in input to a deep neural network model. We develop two neural networks that classify facial expressions in speaking subjects from the RAVDESS dataset, a spatio-temporal CNN and a GRU cell RNN. They are first trained on facial features only, and afterwards both on facial features and articulation related cues extracted from a model trained for lip reading, while varying the number of consecutive frames provided in input as well. We show that using DNNs the addition of features related to articulation increases classification accuracy up to 12%, the increase being greater with more consecutive frames provided in input to the model.
SARIMA Approach to Generating Synthetic Monthly Rainfall in the Sinú River Watershed in Colombia
Authors: Martínez-Acosta Luisa , Medrano-Barboza Juan Pablo , López-Ramos Álvaro , Remolina López John Freddy , López-Lambraño Álvaro Alberto
Published: June 2020

Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrative Moving Average models (SARIMA) were developed for monthly rainfall time series. Normality of the rainfall time series was achieved by using the Box Cox transformation. The best SARIMA models were selected based on their autocorrelation function (ACF), partial autocorrelation function (PACF), and the minimum values of the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The result of the Ljung–Box statistical test shows the randomness and homogeneity of each model residuals. The performance and validation of the SARIMA models were evaluated based on various statistical measures, among these, the Student’s t-test. It is possible to obtain synthetic records that preserve the statistical characteristics of the historical record through the SARIMA models. Finally, the results obtained can be applied to various hydrological and water resources management studies. This will certainly assist policy and decision-makers to establish strategies, priorities, and the proper use of water resources in the Sinú river watershed.
Indication of the Two Linear Correlation Methods Between Vegetation Index and Climatic Factors: An Example in the Three River-Headwater Region of China During 2000–2016
Authors: Xu Jiaxin , Fang Shibo , Li Xuan , Jiang Zichun
Published: June 2020

The within-growing-season correlations (WGSC) and the inter-growing-season correlations (IGSC) are widely used linear correlation analysis methods between vegetation index and climatic factors (such as temperature, precipitation, and so on). The WGSC method usually calculates the linear correlation coefficient between vegetation index and climatic factors of each month in all the growing seasons, for instance, whether vegetation index or temperature had data of 204 months (12 months × 17 years) during 2000–2016 to get the WGSC. The IGSC calculates the linear correlation coefficient between the vegetation index and climatic factors in the same month of each growing season among all the years, for example, only 17 couples’ data of vegetation index and temperature during 2000–2016 were used to get the linear correlation of IGSC. What is the difference between the results of the two methods and why do the results show that difference? Which is the more suitable method for the analysis of the relationship between the vegetation index and climatic conditions? To clarify the difference of the two methods and to explore more about the relationship between the vegetation index and climatic factors, we collected the data of 2000–2016 moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) 13A1 normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the meteorological data-temperature and precipitation, then calculated WGSC and IGSC between NDVI and the climatic factor in three river-headwater regions of China. The results showed that: (1) As for WGSC, the more of the years included, the higher the correlation coefficient between NDVI and the temperature/precipitation. The correlation coefficient of WGSC is dependent on how many years’ the data were included, and it was increased with the more year’s data included, while the correlation coefficients of IGSC are relatively independent on the amount of the data; (2) the WGSC showed a pseudo linear correlation between NDVI and climatic conditions caused by the accumulation of data amount, while the IGSC can more accurately indicate the impact of climatic factors on vegetation since it did not rely on the data amount.
An Analysis of the Effects of Noisy Electrocardiogram Signal on Heartbeat Detection Performance
Authors: Mohd Apandi Ziti Fariha , Ikeura Ryojun , Hayakawa Soichiro , Tsutsumi Shigeyoshi
Published: June 2020

Heartbeat detection for ambulatory cardiac monitoring is more challenging as the level of noise and artefacts induced by daily-life activities are considerably higher than monitoring in a hospital setting. It is valuable to understand the relationship between the characteristics of electrocardiogram (ECG) noises and the beat detection performance in the cardiac monitoring system. For this purpose, three well-known algorithms for the beat detection process were re-implemented. The beat detection algorithms were validated using two types of ambulatory datasets, which were the ECG signal from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database and the simulated noise-contaminated ECG signal with different intensities of baseline wander (BW), muscle artefact (MA) and electrode motion (EM) artefact from the MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test Database. The findings showed that signals contaminated with noise and artefacts decreased the potential of beat detection in ambulatory signal with the poorest performance noted for ECG signal affected by the EM artefacts. In conclusion, none of the algorithms was able to detect all QRS complexes without any false detection at the highest level of noise. The EM noise influenced the beat detection performance the most in comparison to the MA and BW noises that resulted in the highest number of misdetections and false detections.
Andean Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.) Leaf-Mediated Synthesis of Cu2O Nanoparticles: A Low-Cost Approach
Authors: Kumar Brajesh , Smita Kumari , Debut Alexis , Cumbal Luis
Published: June 2020

In this work, Andean sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) leaves were used to prepare monodispersed cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles under heating. Visual color changes and UV-visible spectroscopy of colloidal nanoparticles showed λmax at 255 nm, revealing the formation of copper oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis indicated that the prepared nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 6–10 nm. The semi-crystalline nature and Cu2O phase of as-prepared nanoparticles were examined by X-ray diffraction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyphenols, alkaloids and sugar in the sacha inchi leaf, allowing the formation of Cu2O nanoparticles from Cu2+. Additionally, as-synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles exhibited good photocatalytic degradation activity against methylene blue (>78%, 150 min) with rate constant 0.0219106 min−1. The results suggested that the adopted method is low-cost, simple, ecofriendly and highly selective for the synthesis of small Cu2O nanoparticles and may be used as a nanocatalyst in the future in the efficient treatment of organic pollutants in water.
Anti-Apoptotic and Antioxidant Effects of 3-Epi-Iso-Seco-Tanapartholide Isolated from Artemisia argyi against Iodixanol-Induced Kidney Epithelial Cell Death
Authors: Lee Dahae , Kim Kem Ok , Lee Dongho , Kang Ki Sung
Published: June 2020

Iodixanol is a non-ionic iso-osmolar contrast agent, but it is a risk factor for kidney damage and increases morbidity and mortality. In this study, we investigated the effect of 9 sesquiterpenes isolated from mugwort (Artemisia argyi) in contrast agent-induced cytotoxicity in LLC-PK1 cells. Cells were exposed to nine sesquiterpene compounds for 2 h, followed by incubation with iodixanol for 3 h. Cell viability was assessed using the Ez-Cytox assay. The level of reactive oxygen species was measured using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. Apoptotic cell death was detected using annexin V/PI staining. In addition, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed using antibodies against proteins related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and MAPK pathways. The most effective 3-epi-iso-seco-tanapartholide (compound 8) among the 9 sesquiterpene compounds protected LLC-PK1 cells from iodixanol-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death. Pretreatment with compound 8 reversed iodixanol-induced increases in the expression of JNK, ERK, p38, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9. It also reversed the iodixanol-induced decrease in Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, pretreatment with compound 8 caused nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulated HO-1 via the Nrf2 pathway in iodixanol-treated LLC-PK1 cells. Thus, we demonstrated here that compound 8 isolated from A. argyi has the potential to effectively prevent iodixanol-induced kidney epithelial cell death via the caspase-3/MAPK pathways and HO-1 via the Nrf2 pathway.
Yeast Sphingolipid-Enriched Domains and Membrane Compartments in the Absence of Mannosyldiinositolphosphorylceramide
Authors: Bento-Oliveira Andreia , Santos Filipa C. , Marquês Joaquim Trigo , Paulo Pedro M. R. , Korte Thomas , Herrmann Andreas , Marinho H. Susana , de Almeida Rodrigo F. M.
Published: June 2020

The relevance of mannosyldiinositolphosphorylceramide [M(IP)2C] synthesis, the terminal complex sphingolipid class in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for the lateral organization of the plasma membrane, and in particular for sphingolipid-enriched gel domains, was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. We also addressed how changing the complex sphingolipid profile in the plasma membrane could influence the membrane compartments (MC) containing either the arginine/ H+ symporter Can1p (MCC) or the proton ATPase Pma1p (MCP). To achieve these goals, wild-type (wt) and ipt1Δ cells, which are unable to synthesize M(IP)2C accumulating mannosylinositolphosphorylceramide (MIPC), were compared. Living cells, isolated plasma membrane and giant unilamellar vesicles reconstituted from plasma membrane lipids were labelled with various fluorescent membrane probes that report the presence and organization of distinct lipid domains, global order, and dielectric properties. Can1p and Pma1p were tagged with GFP and mRFP, respectively, in both yeast strains, to evaluate their lateral organization using confocal fluorescence intensity and fluorescence lifetime imaging. The results show that IPT1 deletion strongly affects the rigidity of gel domains but not their relative abundance, whereas no significant alterations could be perceived in ergosterol-enriched domains. Moreover, in these cells lacking M(IP)2C, a clear alteration in Pma1p membrane distribution, but no significant changes in Can1p distribution, were observed. Thus, this work reinforces the notion that sphingolipid-enriched domains distinct from ergosterol-enriched regions are present in the S. cerevisiae plasma membrane and suggests that M(IP)2C is important for a proper hydrophobic chain packing of sphingolipids in the gel domains of wt cells. Furthermore, our results strongly support the involvement of sphingolipid domains in the formation and stability of the MCP, possibly being enriched in this compartment.
Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Biological Bone Substitute Materials for Application in Highly Loaded Skeletal Sites
Authors: de Lacerda Schickert Sónia , van den Beucken Jeroen J.J.P. , Leeuwenburgh Sander C.G. , Jansen John A.
Published: June 2020

The development of bone substitute materials (BSMs) intended for load-bearing bone defects is highly complicated, as biological and mechanical requirements are often contradictory. In recent years, biological BSMs have been developed which allow for a more efficient integration of the material with the surrounding osseous environment and, hence, a higher mechanical stability of the treated defect. However, while these materials are promising, they are still far from ideal. Consequently, extensive preclinical experimentation is still required. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of biomechanical considerations relevant for the design of biological BSMs. Further, the preclinical evaluation of biological BSMs intended for application in highly loaded skeletal sites is discussed. The selected animal models and implantation site should mimic the pathophysiology and biomechanical loading patterns of human bone as closely as possible. In general, sheep are among the most frequently selected animal models for the evaluation of biomaterials intended for highly loaded skeletal sites. Regarding the anatomical sites, segmental bone defects created in the limbs and spinal column are suggested as the most suitable. Furthermore, the outcome measurements used to assess biological BSMs for regeneration of defects in heavily loaded bone should be relevant and straightforward. The quantitative evaluation of bone defect healing through ex vivo biomechanical tests is a valuable addition to conventional in vivo tests, as it determines the functional efficacy of BSM-induced bone healing. Finally, we conclude that further standardization of preclinical studies is essential for reliable evaluation of biological BSMs in highly loaded skeletal sites.
Complex Repetitive Discharges: A Sign of Motor Axonal Reinnervation?
Authors: Posa Andreas , Niśkiewicz Izabela , Emmer Alexander , Hanisch Frank , Kornhuber Malte E.
Published: June 2020

Complex repetitive discharges (CRDs) are poorly understood phenomena in needle electromyography (EMG) recordings. The data presented here suggest that CRDs may mainly be a sign of motor unit reinnervation. EMG “video” data of 108 CRDs from neurogenic (ND, n = 39) and myogenic (MD, n = 14) disorders were retrospectively analyzed for cycle duration, potential-free time intervals, spike components (SC), maximum amplitudes, blockade, and increased jitter. CRD-SC in ND disorders (9.3 ± 7.8) outnumbered those in MD disorders (6.3 ± 6.2). The CRD cycle duration was correlated with SC and silent periods (p each < 0.000001). Blockade was observed in 36% and increased jitter in 27% of the CRDs. A higher number of CRD-SC in ND vs. MD fits the known differences in motor unit dimensions. Blockade and increased jitter are known features of diseased neuromuscular junctions, such as during reinnervation. The SC patterns of single CRD cycles resemble reinnervation potentials. Thus, CRDs may result from myo-axonal re-excitation in sprouting motor units. The purpose of this investigation was to better understand the circumstances under which CRDs may occur and eventually to contribute to the understanding of their pathogenesis.
The Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Cortical Emotion Processing in Different Brain Frequencies as Assessed Using the Cluster-Based Permutation Test: An MEG Study
Authors: Kheirkhah Mina , Baumbach Philipp , Leistritz Lutz , Brodoehl Stefan , Götz Theresa , Huonker Ralph , Witte Otto W. , Klingner Carsten M.
Published: June 2020

The processing of emotions in the human brain is an extremely complex process that extends across a large number of brain areas and various temporal processing steps. In the case of magnetoencephalography (MEG) data, various frequency bands also contribute differently. Therefore, in most studies, the analysis of emotional processing has to be limited to specific sub-aspects. Here, we demonstrated that these problems can be overcome by using a nonparametric statistical test called the cluster-based permutation test (CBPT). To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to apply the CBPT to MEG data of brain responses to emotional stimuli. For this purpose, different emotionally impacting (pleasant and unpleasant) and neutral pictures were presented to 17 healthy subjects. The CBPT was applied to the power spectra of five brain frequencies, comparing responses to emotional versus neutral stimuli over entire MEG channels and time intervals within 1500 ms post-stimulus. Our results showed significant clusters in different frequency bands, and agreed well with many previous emotion studies. However, the use of the CBPT allowed us to easily include large numbers of MEG channels, wide frequency, and long time-ranges in one study, which is a more reliable alternative to other studies that consider only specific sub-aspects.
A Journey to the Conformational Analysis of T-Cell Epitope Peptides Involved in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Koukoulitsa Catherine , Chontzopoulou Eleni , Kiriakidi Sofia , Tzakos Andreas G. , Mavromoustakos Thomas
Published: June 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious central nervous system (CNS) disease responsible for disability problems and deterioration of the quality of life. Several approaches have been applied to medications entering the market to treat this disease. However, no effective therapy currently exists, and the available drugs simply ameliorate the destructive disability effects of the disease. In this review article, we report on the efforts that have been conducted towards establishing the conformational properties of wild-type myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) epitopes or altered peptide ligands (ALPs). These efforts have led to the aim of discovering some non-peptide mimetics possessing considerable activity against the disease. These efforts have contributed also to unveiling the molecular basis of the molecular interactions implicated in the trimolecular complex, T-cell receptor (TCR)–peptide–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or human leucocyte antigen (HLA).
Decision Support Systems in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Minhas Muhammad Rashid , Potdar Vidyasagar
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the use of decision support systems for selecting sustainable construction materials in the building and commercial construction projects has received a great deal of attention. This paper reports an in-depth and systematic bibliometric analysis of the literature using Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for its construction, based on the papers published during the period from 2000 to 2016. The data were collected from two major databases, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, which included 2185 and 3233 peer reviewed articles, respectively. The analysis includes a general bibliometric analysis (publications output, country-wise research output, authorship, and collaboration patterns of these published articles). It also includes a citation analysis (keywords, most cited keywords, organizations, most cited articles, and average citations per article) and a network analysis (authors and countries). Overall, this study provides bibliometric insights and future research directions for researchers and practitioners who use DSSs.
Water Depollution and Photo-Detoxification by Means of TiO2: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics as a Case Study
Authors: Pretali Luca , Maraschi Federica , Cantalupi Alice , Albini Angelo , Sturini Michela
Published: June 2020

Photocatalysis by semiconductors is considered one of the most promising advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and TiO2 is the most well-studied material for the removal of contaminants from the aquatic system. Over the last 20 years, pharmaceuticals have been the most investigated pollutants. They re-enter the environment almost unmodified or slightly metabolized, especially in the aquatic environment, since the traditional urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not able to abate them. Due to their continuous input, persistence in the environment, and unpleasant effects even at low concentrations, drugs are considered contaminants of emerging concern (ECs). Among these, we chose fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics as an environmental probe for assessing the role of TiO2 photocatalysis in the degradation of recalcitrant pollutants under environmental conditions and detoxification of surface waters and wastewaters. Due to their widespread diffusion, their presence in the list of the most persistent pollutants, and because they have been deeply investigated and their multiform photochemistry is well-known, they are able to supply rich information, both chemical and toxicological, on all key steps of the oxidative degradation process. The present review article explores, in a non-exhaustive way, the relationship among pollution, toxicity and remediation through titanium dioxide photocatalysis, with particular attention to the toxicological aspect. By using FQs as the probe, in depth indications about the different phases of the process were obtained, and the results reported in this paper may be useful in the improvement of large-scale applications of this technology, and—through generally valid methods—they could be deployed to other pharmaceuticals and emerging recalcitrant contaminants.
Whole-Cells of Yarrowia lipolytica Applied in “One Pot” Indolizine Biosynthesis
Authors: Botezatu (Dediu) Andreea Veronica , Horincar Georgiana , Ghinea Ioana Otilia , Furdui Bianca , Bahrim Gabriela-Elena , Barbu Vasilica , Balanescu Fanica , Favier Lidia , Dinica Rodica-Mihaela
Published: June 2020

A series of yeast strains was tested in order to evaluate their catalytic potential in biocatalysis of one-pot indolizine’s synthesis. Yeast cultivation was performed in a submerged system at 28 °C for 72 h at 180 rpm. An assessment of the reagents’ toxicity on yeast viability and metabolic functionality concluded that the growth potential of three Yarrowia lipolytica strains were least affected by the reactants compared to the other yeast strains. Further, crude fermentation products (biomass and cell-free supernatant)—obtained by submerged cultivation of these yeasts—were used in multistep cascade reactions for the production of fluorescent indolizine compounds with important biologic activities. A whole–cell catalyzed multicomponent reaction of activated alkynes, α-bromo-carbonyl reagents and 4,4′-bipyridine, at room temperature in buffer solution led to the efficient synthesis of bis-indolizines 4a, 4b and 4c, in good-to-excellent yields (47%–77%). The metabolites of the selected Y. lipolytica strains can be considered effective biocatalysts in cycloaddition reactions and the high purity and bioconversion yields of the synthesized indolizines indicates a great potential of this type of “green” catalysts. Seeds of Triticum estivum L. were used to investigate the impact of the final products on the germination and seedling growth. The most sensitive physiological parameters suggest that indolizines, at the concentrations tested, have non-toxic effect on germination and seedling growth of wheat, fact also confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy images.
Response Surface Methodology Approach for Optimized Biodiesel Production from Waste Chicken Fat Oil
Authors: Shafiq Fatima , Mumtaz Muhammad Waseem , Mukhtar Hamid , Touqeer Tooba , Raza Syed Ali , Rashid Umer , Nehdi Imededdine Arbi , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw
Published: June 2020

Biodiesel is gaining acceptance as an alternative fuel in a scenario where fossil fuel reserves are being depleted rapidly. Therefore, it is considered as the fuel of the future due to its sustainability, renewable nature and environment friendly attributes. The optimal yield of biodiesel from cheap feed stock oils is a challenge to add cost effectiveness without compromising the fuel quality. In the current experiment, waste chicken fat oil was taken as the feedstock oil to produce biodiesel through the chemical and enzymatic route of transesterification. The process of chemical transesterification was performed using KOH and sodium methoxide, while enzymatic transesterification was done by using free Aspergillus terreus lipase and Aspergillus terreus lipase immobilized on functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4_PDA_Lipase) as biocatalysts. The physico-chemical properties of the understudy feedstock oil were analyzed to check the feasibility as a feedstock for the biodiesel synthesis. The feedstock oil was found suitable for biodiesel production based upon quality assessment. Optimization of various reaction parameters (the temperature and time of reaction, catalyst concentration and methanol-to-oil mole ratio) was performed based on the response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum yield of biodiesel (90.6%) was obtained from waste chicken fat oil by using Fe3O4_PDA_Lipase as an immobilized nano-biocatalyst. Moreover, the above said optimum yield was obtained when transesterification was done using 6% Fe3O4_PDA_Lipase with a methanol-to-oil ratio of 6:1 at 42 °C for 36 h. Biodiesel production was monitored by FTIR spectroscopic analysis, whereas compositional profiling was done by GC–MS. The measured fuel properties—cloud point, pour point, flash point, fire point and kinematic viscosity—met the biodiesel specifications by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Microwave-Assisted Degradation of Biomass with the Use of Acid Catalysis
Authors: Kłosowski Grzegorz , Mikulski Dawid , Lewandowska Natalia
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of microwave pretreatment combined with acid catalysis in the decomposition of various types of biomass (pine and beech chips and hemp stems). It was clearly demonstrated that sulfuric acid was a catalyst enabling the most effective decomposition of the tested plant biomass, guaranteeing the highest concentrations of simple sugars released. Acid catalysis with 1% v/v sulfuric acid combined with microwave radiation provided high glucose concentrations of 89.8 ± 3.4, 170.4 ± 2.4 and 164.6 ± 4.6 mg/g for pine chips, beech chips and hemp stems, respectively. In turn, the use of nitric acid promoted the degradation of hemicellulose, which resulted in high concentrations of galactose and xylose, i.e., 147.6 ± 0.6, 163.6 ± 0.4 and 134.9 ± 0.8 mg/g of pine chips, beech chips and hemp stems, respectively, while glucose levels remained relatively low. It was also demonstrated that the undesirable dehydration of sugars such as glucose and xylose is more pronounced in sulfuric acid than nitric acid processes. The use of H2SO4 and increased pressure generated 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and furfural at a concentration of ca. 12 and 6 mg/g, 10 and 45 mg/g and 14 and 30 mg/g, of pine chips, beech chips and hemp shoots, respectively. Our studies confirmed the usefulness of the combined use of microwaves and acid catalysis in the degradation of softwood, hardwood and non-wood plant biomass. It should be emphasized that obtaining high concentrations of released simple sugars (as potential substrates in biosynthesis), while maintaining low levels of toxic by-products (inhibitors), requires precise selection of process parameters such as pressure, exposition time and type of acid catalyst.
IL-6 trans-Signaling Impairs Sprouting Angiogenesis by Inhibiting Migration, Proliferation and Tube Formation of Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zegeye Mulugeta M , Andersson Blanka , Sirsjö Allan , Ljungberg Liza U
Published: June 2020

Sprouting angiogenesis is the formation of new capillaries from existing vessels in response to tissue hypoxia due to growth/development, repair/healing, and also chronic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of IL-6, a pleiotropic cytokine with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions, in regulating the sprouting angiogenic response of endothelial cells (ECs). We found that activation of IL-6 trans-signaling inhibited the migration, proliferation, and tube formation ability of ECs. In addition, inhibition of the autocrine IL-6 classic-signaling by depleting endogenous IL-6 from ECs impaired their tube formation ability. At the molecular level, we found that IL-6 trans-signaling in ECs upregulated established endogenous anti-angiogenic factors such as CXCL10 and SERPINF1 while at the same time downregulated known endogenous pro-angiogenic factors such as cKIT and CXCL8. Furthermore, prior activation of ECs by IL-6 trans-signaling alters their response to vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), causing an increased p38, but decreased Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Collectively, our data demonstrated the dual facets of IL-6 in regulating the sprouting angiogenic function of ECs. In addition, we shed light on molecular mechanisms behind the IL-6 trans-signaling mediated impairment of endothelial sprouting angiogenic response.
Exosome-Derived LINC00960 and LINC02470 Promote the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Aggressiveness of Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Cheng-Shuo , Ho Jar-Yi , Chiang Jung-Hwa , Yu Cheng-Ping , Yu Dah-Shyong
Published: June 2020

Exosomes are essential for several tumor progression-related processes, including the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a major group of exosomal components and regulate the neoplastic development of several cancer types; however, the progressive role of exosomal lncRNAs in bladder cancer have rarely been addressed. In this study, we identified two potential aggressiveness-promoting exosomal lncRNAs, LINC00960 and LINC02470. Exosomes derived from high-grade bladder cancer cells enhanced the viability, migration, invasion and clonogenicity of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and activated major EMT-upstream signaling pathways, including β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Nevertheless, LINC00960 and LINC02470 were expressed at significantly higher levels in T24 and J82 cells and their secreted exosomes than in TSGH-8301 cells. Moreover, exosomes derived from LINC00960 knockdown or LINC02470 knockdown T24 cells significantly attenuated the ability of exosomes to promote cell aggressiveness and activate EMT-related signaling pathways in recipient TSGH-8301 cells. Our findings indicate that exosome-derived LINC00960 and LINC02470 from high-grade bladder cancer cells promote the malignant behaviors of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and induce EMT by upregulating β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling. Both lncRNAs may serve as potential liquid biomarkers for the prognostic surveillance of bladder cancer progression.
The Aquaporin 3 Promoter Polymorphism −1431 A/G is Associated with Acute Graft Rejection and Cytomegalovirus Infection in Kidney Recipients Due to Altered Immune Cell Migration
Authors: Rump Katharina , Rahmel Tim , Rustige Anna-Maria , Unterberg Matthias , Nowak Hartmuth , Koos Björn , Schenker Peter , Viebahn Richard , Adamzik Michael , Bergmann Lars
Published: June 2020

Major complications after kidney transplantation are graft rejection and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which are related to T-cell function, which depends on aquaporin 3 (AQP3) expression. The impact of the AQP3 A(−1431)G promoter polymorphism in kidney transplant recipients was unelucidated and we explored the effect of AQP3 polymorphism on immune cell function and its association with graft rejection and CMV infection in 237 adult patients within 12 months after transplantation. AQP3 promoter polymorphism was molecular and functional characterized. Kaplan–Meier plots evaluated the relationship between genotypes and the incidence of CMV infection and graft rejection. AQP3 A(−1431)G A-allele was associated with enhanced immune cell migration and AQP3 expression in T-cells. The incidences of rejection were 45.4% for the A-allele and 27.1% for G-allele carriers (p = 0.005) and the A-allele was a strong risk factor (hazard ratio (HR): 1.95; 95% CI: 1.216 to 3.127; p = 0.006). The incidences for CMV infection were 21% for A-allele and 35% for G-allele carriers (p = 0.013) and G-allele was an independent risk factor (p = 0.023), with a doubled risk for CMV infection (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.154 to 3.128; p = 0.012). Hence, A-allele confers more resistance against CMV infection, but susceptibility to graft rejection mediated by T-cells. Thus, AQP3-genotype adapted management of immunosuppression and antiviral prophylaxis after kidney transplantation seems prudent.
An Assessment of Drag Models in Eulerian–Eulerian CFD Simulation of Gas–Solid Flow Hydrodynamics in Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser
Authors: Upadhyay Mukesh , Kim Ayeon , Kim Heehyang , Lim Dongjun , Lim Hankwon
Published: June 2020

Accurate prediction of the hydrodynamic profile is important for circulating fluidized bed (CFB) reactor design and scale-up. Multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with interphase momentum exchange is key to accurately predict the gas-solid profile along the height of the riser. The present work deals with the assessment of six different drag model capability to accurately predict the riser section axial solid holdup distribution in bench scale circulating fluidized bed. The difference between six drag model predictions were validated against the experiment data. Two-dimensional geometry, transient solver and Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase models were used. Six drag model simulation predictions were discussed with respect to axial and radial profile. The comparison between CFD simulation and experimental data shows that the Syamlal-O’Brien, Gidaspow, Wen-Yu and Huilin-Gidaspow drag models were successfully able to predict the riser upper section solid holdup distribution with better accuracy, however unable to predict the solid holdup transition region. On the other hand, the Gibilaro model and Helland drag model were successfully able to predict the bottom dense region, but the upper section solid holdup distribution was overpredicted. The CFD simulation comparison of different drag model has clearly shown the limitation of the drag model to accurately predict overall axial heterogeneity with accuracy.
Allergen Immunotherapy in Pediatric Asthma: A Pragmatic Point of View
Authors: Miraglia Del Giudice Michele , Licari Amelia , Brambilla Ilaria , Tosca Maria , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: June 2020

To date, the only disease-modifying treatment strategy for allergic rhinitis and asthma is allergen immunotherapy (AIT). There is evidence that AIT improves allergic rhinitis and asthma, such as reducing symptom severity and medication use and improving of quality of life, with a long-lasting effect after the end of the course. The recent clinical trials evidenced AIT effectiveness and safety in allergic asthma. Consequently, the current version of the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines recommend AIT as an add-on therapy for asthma. There is also evidence that AIT may exert preventive activity on the possible progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma in children and the onset of new sensitizations. The present review provides a pragmatic summary of the clinical indications of AIT in pediatric asthma, including the immunological mechanisms, the predictive biomarkers, and the safety issues in clinical practice.
About the Role of Fluorine-Bearing Apatite in the Formation of Oxalate Kidney Stones
Authors: Korneev Anatolii V. , Frank-Kamenetskaya Olga V. , Izatulina Alina R.
Published: June 2020

Using electron microprobe analysis, 17 kidney stones containing apatite were studied. According to the results of the research, it was found that the apatite of all the oxalate kidney stones contained fluorine, while in the apatite of the phosphate kidney stones, fluorine was present in trace amounts or absent. Direct correlation between the amount of oxalate mineral phases and the fluorine content was observed. Ionic substitutions in the apatite of kidney stones have a multidirectional effect on the unit cell parameters. The fluorine content increases with the increase of a unit cell parameter, which is probably associated with a simultaneous increase in the amount of H2O in the structure of apatite. The results of thermodynamic modeling show that fluorapatite is stable at lower pH values than hydroxylapatite, and therefore can be a precursor of calcium oxalates crystallization.
Study on Visible Light Catalysis of Graphite Carbon Nitride-Silica Composite Material and Its Surface Treatment of Cement
Authors: Zhong Weiguang , Wang Dan , Jiang Congcong , Lu Xiaolei , Zhang Lina , Cheng Xin
Published: June 2020

Cement-based composite is one of the essential building materials that has been widely used in infrastructure and facilities. During the service of cement-based materials, the performance of cement-based materials will be affected after the cement surface is exposed to pollutants. Not only can the surface of cement treated with a photocatalyst degrade pollutants, but it can also protect the cement-based materials from being destroyed. In this study, graphite carbon nitride-silica composite materials were synthesized by thermal polymerization using nanosilica and urea as raw materials. The effect of nanosilica content and specific surface area were investigated with the optimal condition attained to be 0.15 g and 300 m2/g, respectively. An X-ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analyzer, scanning electron microscope, a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area analyzer and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer were utilized for the characterization of as-prepared graphite carbon nitride-silica composite materials. Subsequently, the surface of cement-based materials was treated with graphite carbon nitride-silica composite materials by the one-sided immersion and brushing methods for the study of photocatalytic performance. By comparing the degradation effect of Rhodamine B, it was found that the painting method is more suitable for the surface treatment of cement. In addition, through the reaction of calcium hydroxide and graphite carbon nitride-silica composite materials, it was found that the combination of graphite carbon nitride-silica composite materials and cement is through C-S-H gel.
Effect of Equal Channel Angular Extrusion on the Thermal Conductivity of an AX52 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Trojanová Zuzanka , Halmešová Kristýna , Džugan Ján , Drozd Zdeněk , Minárik Peter , Lukáč Pavel
Published: June 2020

An AX52 magnesium alloy (nominal composition Mg-5Al-2Ca in w.%) was submitted to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) using processing route A; 1–8 passes through the ECAP tool were applied. The thermal conductivity of the ECAP samples was measured using a flash method in the temperature interval from room temperature up to 350 °C. The microstructure and texture of the samples were studied by light and electron microscopy. The severe plastic deformation, realized by the ECAP, influences the thermal properties of the alloy. The possible microstructural parameters determining the thermal conductivity were analyzed. New dislocations, the grain, phase boundaries, and texture of the samples may perceptibly change the thermal properties.
Ecology, Phylogeny, and Potential Nutritional and Medicinal Value of a Rare White “Maitake” Collected in a Mediterranean Forest
Authors: Gargano Maria Letizia , Zervakis Georgios I. , Isikhuemhen Omoanghe S. , Venturella Giuseppe , Calvo Roberta , Giammanco Anna , Fasciana Teresa , Ferraro Valeria
Published: June 2020

Albino Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray “maitake” mushrooms (described as G. albicans Imazeki and then placed in synonymy with G. frondosa) are particularly rare, and the few pertinent records are not treated in scientific publications. A field investigation carried out in Sicily (Italy) led to the collection of an unusual white Grifola specimen at the base of a living tree of Quercus pubescens Willd. s.l. The outcome of sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) indicated that it belongs to G. frondosa and provided an insight to the phylogenetic relationships within the genus. The results of nutritional composition analysis showed that the albino basidioma possesses relatively high contents of Ca, Fe, K, and Cu and is rather low in Na when compared with literature data on edible mushrooms. Vitamin (B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and D2) contents ranged from 0.15 to 3.89 mg per 100 g of mushroom dry weight. The cold-water extract of this specimen was effective at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 at the maximum screening concentration of 50% v/v. In addition, the extract slowed down the ability of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 to form biofilms. According to data hereby reported, the albino G. frondosa is a culinary-medicinal mushroom with a promising exploitation potential.
Renal Tumors in Young Adults: Is Preoperative Computer Tomography Imaging Suggestive for the Nature of the Tumors?
Authors: Zaharie Andreea , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Moisoiu Tudor , Burghelea Dan , Iacob Gheorghita , Ghervan Liviu , Elec Florin Ioan
Published: June 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 2–3% of all adult malignant neoplasms and is even rarer in patients under 45 years old. Clear-cell carcinoma represents most of the pathological subtypes. Our study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative computer tomography imagistic evaluation and histopathological diagnosis of renal tumors in young adults. Patients younger than 45 years old with renal tumors who were referred for medical treatment at the Clinical Institute of Urology and Renal Transplantation Cluj-Napoca from 2012 to 2019 were considered eligible for the study. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed, and patients with complete data regarding preoperative diagnostic, histopathological evaluation, and follow-up data, regardless of gender, were included in the study. Sixteen patients younger than 45 years fulfilled all the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. With two exceptions, the evaluated patients were in a T1 and T2 stage, with no vascular invasion or of the adjacent organs. Two-thirds of our patients had a clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. None of our patients fitted in the low complexity surgery category of the R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score and 37.5% of them benefited from partial nephrectomy. Half of the suppositions made based on imaging were concordant with the histopathology report. Fifteen of the patients showed no recurrence during the respective follow-up interval. Computer tomography imaging reports showed on our sample a higher concordance with the histopathological report in the more common subtypes (namely Renal Clear Cell RCC), with typical appearances.