bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METHODOLOGY OF INSTRUMENTAL CONTROL OF STABILITY OF QUARRY SLOPES USING GNSS TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Sitnikova Ekaterina V. , Hmyrova Elena N. , Ozhigin Dmitry S.
Published: October 2020

The article describes the methodology of instrumental monitoring of the stability of Karatemir open pit slopes using GNSS technologies. An iron ore deposit was selected to carry out the study. The exploitation of subsurface use facilities developed in an open way requires regular monitoring of the stability state of the instrument array. This is the main task for the safe and efficient operation of the entire field. The favorable conditions for conducting observations and the accuracy of satellite observations are also described. The analysis of the stability status of career slopes.
SIBERIAN PRESS ON SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES IN SIBERIA (LATE XIX - EARLY XX CENTURY)
Authors: Dergachev Andrey Yu.
Published: October 2020

The article examines the experience of cooperation between Siberian press and scientific societies in Siberia. Scientific societies were mainly departments of the Imperial Russian geographical society, which originated in the cities of Siberia. Siberian newspapers and magazines ("Eastern Review", " Siberian Life») actively participated in the discussion of work of scientific societies, critically analyzed their activities, posted information about their work. The experience of cooperation between the Siberian press and scientific societies was of great importance for the formation of civil society in Siberia, drawing attention to the pressing problems of the region.
Differential Regulation of CsrC and CsrB by CRP-cAMP in Salmonella enterica
Authors: El Mouali Youssef , Esteva-Martínez Guillem , García-Pedemonte David , Balsalobre Carlos
Published: October 2020

Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) has risen as a key player in fine-tuning gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. Here, we show that, in Salmonella enterica, the central metabolic regulator CRP-cAMP differentially regulates the sRNAs CsrB and CsrC in a growth phase-dependent manner. While CsrB expression remains unchanged during growth, CsrC displays a growth phase-dependent expression profile, being weakly expressed at the logarithmic growth phase and induced upon entry into stationary phase. We show that CRP-cAMP contributes to the expression pattern of CsrC by repressing its expression during the logarithmic growth phase. The CRP-cAMP mediated repression of CsrC is independent of SirA, a known transcriptional CsrB/CsrC activator. We further show that the sRNA Spot 42, which is derepressed in a Δcrp strain, upregulates CsrC during logarithmic growth. We propose a model where the growth-dependent regulation of CsrC is sustained by the CRP-cAMP-mediated repression of Spot 42. Together, our data point toward a differential regulation of the sRNAs CsrB and CsrC in response to environmental stimuli, leading to fine-tuning of gene expression via the sequestration of the RNA-binding protein CsrA.
The Influence of Three Years of Supplemental Nitrogen on Above- and Belowground Biomass Partitioning in a Decade-Old Miscanthus × giganteus in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship (Poland)
Authors: Gołąb-Bogacz Izabela , Helios Waldemar , Kotecki Andrzej , Kozak Marcin , Jama-Rodzeńska Anna
Published: October 2020

Because of the different opinions regarding nitrogen (N) requirements for Miscanthus × giganteus biomass production, we conducted an experiment with a set dose of nitrogen. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the biomass yield, water content, and morphological features of rhizomes and aboveground plant parts in various terms during a growing season over the course of three years (2014–2016) in Lower Silesia (Wroclaw, Poland). The nitrogen fertilization (dose 60 kg/ha and control) significantly affected the number of shoots (p = 0.0018), the water concentration of rhizomes (p = 0.0004) and stems (p = 0.0218), the dry matter yield of leaves (p = 0.0000), and the nitrogen uptake (p = 0.0000). Nitrogen fertilization significantly affected the nitrogen uptake in all plant parts (p = 0.0000). Although low levels of nitrogen appeared to be important in maintaining the maximum growth potentials of mature Miscanthus × giganteus, the small reductions in the above- and belowground biomass production are unlikely to outweigh the environmental costs of applying nitrogen. More studies should use the protocols for the above- and belowground yield determination described in this paper in order to create site- and year-specific fertilizer regimes that are optimized for quality and yield for autumn (green) and spring (delayed) harvests.
Beneficial Effects of Biochar-Based Organic Fertilizer on Nitrogen Assimilation, Antioxidant Capacities, and Photosynthesis of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under Saline-Alkaline Stress
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Yang Fangfang , Zhang He , Liu Lei , Liu Xinyu , Chen Jingting , Wang Xin , Wang Yubo , Li Caifeng
Published: October 2020

The Songnen Plain, whose climatic conditions are perfectly suited to sugar beet growth, is located in northeastern China. Unfortunately, this region has a lot of saline-alkaline land, which is the most important factor limiting sugar beet production. This study was undertaken to determine whether biochar-based organic fertilizer could alleviate the negative effect of saline-alkaline soil on sugar beet yield and whether such an effect correlated with changes in nitrogen assimilation, antioxidant system, root activity, and photosynthesis. Three treatments were established: Chemical fertilizers were applied to neutral soil (CK), chemical fertilizers were applied to saline-alkaline soil (SA), and biochar-based organic fertilizer was applied to saline-alkaline soil (SA + B). Our results showed that saline-alkaline stress significantly inhibited the nitrogen assimilation and antioxidant enzymes activities in root, root activity, and photosynthesis, thus significantly reducing the yield and sugar content of sugar beet. Under saline-alkaline conditions, the application of biochar-based organic fertilizer improved the activities of nitrogen assimilation enzymes in the root; at the same time, the antioxidant enzymes activities of the root were significantly increased for improving root activity in this treatment. Moreover, the application of biochar-based organic fertilizer could improve the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, PSII (Photosystem II) activity, stomatal opening, and photosynthesis of sugar beet under saline-alkaline conditions. Hence, the growth and yield of sugar beet were improved by applying biochar-based organic fertilizer to saline-alkaline soil. These results proved the significance of biochar-based organic fertilizer in alleviating the negative effect of saline-alkaline stress on sugar beet. The results obtained in the pot experiment may not be viable in field conditions. Therefore, in the future, we will verify whether biochar-based organic fertilizer could alleviate the adverse effects of saline-alkaline stress on sugar beets yield under field conditions.
Deacclimation of Winter Oilseed Rape—Insight into Physiological Changes
Authors: Rys Magdalena , Pociecha Ewa , Oliwa Jakub , Ostrowska Agnieszka , Jurczyk Barbara , Saja Diana , Janeczko Anna
Published: October 2020

Climate changes, which result in the occurrence of periods with relatively high temperatures during the winter, can lead to the deacclimation of cold-hardened plants and cause problems with their winter survival. The aim of these studies was to investigate the physiological changes (photosynthesis and water relations including aquaporin expression) that accompany deacclimation process in the economically important winter oilseed rape plants. The effect of deacclimation on frost tolerance was also estimated for two tested cultivars: semi-dwarf and plants of a normal height. After cold acclimation at 4 °C (compared to the unacclimated control) the typical changes that accompany cold acclimation such as an increase in the content of water-soluble sugars or a lower water content in the leaves, which lead to an increased frost tolerance, were observed. Deacclimation partially or completely reversed these changes, which resulted in a decreased frost tolerance that was accompanied by a decrease in the content of sugars and an increase of the osmotic potential. The chemical composition of the leaves, which was measured using FT-Raman spectroscopy also clearly confirmed the metabolic differences between the cold-acclimated and deacclimated plants. The plants were significantly different in regard to the content of the various pigments as well as fatty acids and polysaccharides. The phenomenon of a deacclimation-induced decrease in aquaporin PIP1 accumulation, which was accompanied by unchanged PIP1 transcript accumulation, will be discussed in the aspects of the water relations and decreased frost tolerance in deacclimated plants.
Parameter Selection for the Evaluation of Compost Quality
Authors: Peña Haydee , Mendoza Heysa , Diánez Fernando , Santos Mila
Published: October 2020

This work studies variables measured from the first phase of composting through the acquisition of the final product, with the goal of identifying those that are more strongly related to quality and are most useful for developing an index. The necessity to establish quality control procedures thus exists for the classification of raw materials in the same way as for the finished products. To accomplish this, three mixtures were prepared, with the goal of achieving a C/N ratio of 30 and a moisture content of 60%. The primary component of each mixture was: fruit processing waste (C1), sewage sludge from the food industry (C2), and the manufacturing waste of fried foods (C3). Temperatures were measured over 107 days, with the corresponding data fit to a logistical model where T °C ~ α / ((1 + exp (− (Time − β) / − γ))) + δ, with interaction compost * time being statistically significant (p < 0.001). This allowed for the temperatures, in keeping with health concerns, to be confirmed. Likewise, a linear regression analysis demonstrated the decomposition of organic matter at 0.82%/week. Statistically, the parameters, measured during the process, with the least variability were selected, which differed in the average contrasts: germination index (cucumber), electrical conductivity, and average moisture. A principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed the best Germination Index (GI) values for C1, due to lower electrical conductivity (EC) and bulk density (Bd) along with higher organic matter content (TOM). For its part, C2 induced a higher Relative emergence (RE) of the cucumber thanks to its higher content of total nitrogen (TN) and lower contribution of Cu, Zn and K. C3 showed a higher presence of salts, less favorable physical characteristics (>Bd and <TPS, total pore space) and higher content of Zn and Cu. Composting carried out with appropriate mixtures can offer high-quality products for use as fertiliser, in soil restoration, and as an alternative substrate to peat and virgin mountain soil.
Impetigo Animal Models: A Review of Their Feasibility and Clinical Utility for Therapeutic Appraisal of Investigational Drug Candidates
Authors: Abrha Solomon , Bartholomaeus Andrew , Tesfaye Wubshet , Thomas Jackson
Published: October 2020

Impetigo (school sores), a superficial skin infection commonly seen in children, is caused by the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes. Antibiotic treatments, often topical, are used as the first-line therapy for impetigo. The efficacy of potential new antimicrobial compounds is first tested in in vitro studies and, if effective, followed by in vivo studies using animal models and/or humans. Animal models are critical means for investigating potential therapeutics and characterizing their safety profile prior to human trials. Although several reviews of animal models for skin infections have been published, there is a lack of a comprehensive review of animal models simulating impetigo for the selection of therapeutic drug candidates. This review critically examines the existing animal models for impetigo and their feasibility for testing the in vivo efficacy of topical treatments for impetigo and other superficial bacterial skin infections.
A Red Fluorescent Protein-Based Probe for Detection of Intracellular Reactive Sulfane Sulfur
Authors: Li Zimai , Wang Qingda , Xia Yongzhen , Xun Luying , Liu Huaiwei
Published: October 2020

Reactive sulfane sulfur, including persulfide and polysulfide, is a type of regular cellular component, playing an antioxidant role. Its function may be organelle-dependent; however, the shortage of probes for detecting organellar reactive sulfane sulfur has hindered further investigation. Herein, we reported a red fluorescent protein (mCherry)-based probe for specifically detecting intracellular reactive sulfane sulfur. By mutating two amino acid residues of mCherry (A150 and S151) to cysteine residues, we constructed a mCherry mutant, which reacted with reactive sulfane sulfur to form an intramolecular –Sn– bond (n ≥ 3). The bond largely decreased the intensity of 610 nm emission (excitation at 587 nm) and slightly increased the intensity of 466 nm emission (excitation at 406 nm). The 466/610 nm emission ratio was used to indicate the relative abundance of reactive sulfane sulfur. We then expressed this mutant in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The 466/610 nm emission ratio revealed that mitochondria had a higher level of reactive sulfane sulfur than cytoplasm. Thus, the mCherry mutant can be used as a specific probe for detecting reactive sulfane sulfur in vivo.
Ozone Activates the Nrf2 Pathway and Improves Preservation of Explanted Adipose Tissue In Vitro
Authors: Cisterna Barbara , Costanzo Manuela , Nodari Alice , Galiè Mirco , Zanzoni Serena , Bernardi Paolo , Covi Viviana , Tabaracci Gabriele , Malatesta Manuela
Published: October 2020

In clinical practice, administration of low ozone (O3) dosages is a complementary therapy for many diseases, due to the capability of O3 to elicit an antioxidant response through the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent pathway. Nrf2 is also involved in the adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, and low O3 concentrations have been shown to stimulate lipid accumulation in human adipose-derived adult stem cells in vitro. Thus, O3 treatment is a promising procedure to improve the survival of explanted adipose tissue, whose reabsorption after fat grafting is a major problem in regenerative medicine. In this context, we carried out a pilot study to explore the potential of mild O3 treatment in preserving explanted murine adipose tissue in vitro. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used. Exposure to low O3 concentrations down in the degradation of the explanted adipose tissue and induced a concomitant increase in the protein abundance of Nrf2 and in the expression of its target gene Hmox1. These findings provide a promising background for further studies aimed at the clinical application of O3 as an adjuvant treatment to improve fat engraftment.
Salvia sclarea L. Essential Oil Extract and Its Antioxidative Phytochemical Sclareol Inhibit Oxytocin-Induced Uterine Hypercontraction Dysmenorrhea Model by Inhibiting the Ca2+–MLCK–MLC20 Signaling Cascade: An Ex Vivo and In Vivo Study
Authors: Wong Jennifer , Chiang Yi-Fen , Shih Yin-Hwa , Chiu Chun-Hui , Chen Hsin-Yuan , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Wang Kai-Lee , Huang Tsui-Chin , Hong Yong-Han , Hsia Shih-Min
Published: October 2020

Salvia sclarea essential oil is used as an aromatic therapy for dysmenorrhea. Sclareol—one of the natural products isolated from S. sclarea—displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, researchers have not yet evaluated the mechanism related to the pain-relieving effect of sclareol. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential effect of sclareol in ex vivo and in vivo dysmenorrhea models, as well as its possible mechanism. In the ex vivo study of uterine tissue from Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, the uterine contraction amplitude was observed and recorded. In the in vivo study, we measured the uterine contraction pressure of SD rats and performed writhing tests on mice. The uterine tissues from the writhing test subjects were collected and analyzed by Western blot. The results demonstrated that sclareol inhibited prostaglandin (PG) F2α-, oxytocin-, acetylcholine-, carbachol-, KCl-, and Bay K 8644-induced uterine contraction and possessed an analgesic effect in the writhing test. Sclareol affects the Ca2+ level and regulates oxytocin receptor (OTR), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p-p38, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phospho-myosin light chain 20 (p-MLC20) protein expression. Integrating these results, we suggest that sclareol is a potential alternative supplement for dysmenorrhea.
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nuts Modulate the Nrf2 and NLRP3 Pathways in Pancreas and Lung after Induction of Acute Pancreatitis by Cerulein
Authors: Cordaro Marika , Fusco Roberta , D’Amico Ramona , Siracusa Rosalba , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Gugliandolo Enrico , Genovese Tiziana , Crupi Rosalia , Mandalari Giuseppina , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna , Impellizzeri Daniela
Published: October 2020

Background: One of the most common co-morbidities, that often leads to death, associated with acute pancreatitis (AP) is represented by acute lung injury (ALI). While many aspects of AP-induced lung inflammation have been investigated, the involvement of specific pathways, such as those centered on nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) and pyrin domain containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), has not been fully elucidated. Methods: To investigate the effect of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts on pancreatic and lung injury induced by cerulein injection, cerulein (50 μg/kg) was administered to CD1 mice for 10 h. Oral treatment with cashew nuts at a dose of 100 mg/kg was given 30 min and 2 h after the first cerulein injection. One hour after the final cerulein injection, mice were euthanized and blood, lung and pancreatic tissue samples were collected. Results: Cashew nuts were able to (1) reduce histological damage; (2) mitigate the induction of mast cell degranulation as well as the activity of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde; (3) decrease the activity levels of amylase and lipase as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines; and (4) enhance the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and suppress the activation of the NLRP3 pathway in response to cerulein in both pancreas and lung. Conclusions: Cashew nuts could have a beneficial effect not only on pancreatitis but also on lung injury induced by cerulein.
A Hybrid Approach Using GIS-Based Fuzzy AHP–TOPSIS Assessing Flood Hazards along the South-Central Coast of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huu Xuan , Nguyen An Thinh , Ngo Anh Tu , Phan Van Tho , Nguyen Trong Doi , Do Van Thanh , Dao Dinh Cham , Dang Dinh Tung , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Nguyen The Kien , Hens Luc
Published: October 2020

Flood hazards affect the local economy and the livelihood of residents along the South-Central Coast of Vietnam. Understanding the factors influencing floods’ occurrence potentially contributes to establish mitigation responses to the hazards. This paper deals with an empirical study on applying a combination of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and a geographic information system (GIS) to assess flood hazards along the South-Central Coast of Vietnam. Data are collected from focus group discussions (FGDs) with five communal authorities; a questionnaire completed by eight hamlet heads in the Phuoc Thang commune (Binh Dinh province); and documents, reports, and thematic maps provided from official sources. A total of 12 maps of flood factors are prepared. The results show that terrain elevation, creek-bottom terrains, high tide-induced flooding area, and distance to water body are the main factors affecting flood hazards. The An Loi hamlet faces the highest risk for floods, followed by Lac Dien, Luong Binh, and Pho Dong. The map of flood hazards indicates the western part is assessed as low hazard, whereas the eastern part is a very high hazard area. The study findings show that the hybrid approach using GIS-based fuzzy AHP–TOPSIS allows connecting decision makers with the influencing factors of flooding. To mitigate floods, both the Vietnam national government and the Binh Dinh provincial government should integrate natural hazard mitigation into socio-economic development policies.
Iterative Coordinate Reduction Algorithm of Flexible Multibody Dynamics Using a Posteriori Eigenvalue Error Estimation
Authors: Han Seongji , Kim Jin-Gyun , Choi Juhwan , Choi Jin Hwan
Published: October 2020

Coordinate reduction has been widely used for efficient simulation of flexible multibody dynamics. To achieve the reduction of flexible bodies with reasonable accuracy, the appropriate number of dominant modes used for the reduction process must be selected. To handle this issue, an iterative coordinate reduction strategy is introduced. In the iteration step, more dominant modes of flexible bodies are selected than the ones in the previous step. Among the various methods, the conventional frequency cut-off rule is here considered. As a stop criterion, a novel a posteriori error estimator that can evaluate the relative eigenvalue error between full and reduced flexible bodies is proposed. Through the estimated relative eigenvalue error obtained, the number of dominant modes is automatically selected to satisfy the error tolerance up to the desired mode range. The applicability to the automation process is verified through numerical examples. It is also evaluated that efficient and accurate flexible multibody dynamics simulation is available with the reduced flexible body, generated by the proposed algorithm.
Semantic Mapping with Low-Density Point-Clouds for Service Robots in Indoor Environments
Authors: Sánchez Carlos Medina , Zella Matteo , Capitán Jesús , Marrón Pedro J.
Published: October 2020

The advancements in the robotic field have made it possible for service robots to increasingly become part of everyday indoor scenarios. Their ability to operate and reach defined goals depends on the perception and understanding of their surrounding environment. Detecting and positioning objects as well as people in an accurate semantic map are, therefore, essential tasks that a robot needs to carry out. In this work, we walk an alternative path to build semantic maps of indoor scenarios. Instead of relying on high-density sensory input, like the one provided by an RGB-D camera, and resource-intensive processing algorithms, like the ones based on deep learning, we investigate the use of low-density point-clouds provided by 3D LiDARs together with a set of practical segmentation methods for the detection of objects. By focusing on the physical structure of the objects of interest, it is possible to remove complex training phases and exploit sensors with lower resolution but wider Field of View (FoV). Our evaluation shows that our approach can achieve comparable (if not better) performance in object labeling and positioning with a significant decrease in processing time than established approaches based on deep learning methods. As a side-effect of using low-density point-clouds, we also better support people privacy as the lower resolution inherently prevents the use of techniques like face recognition.
Comparative Analysis of Classification Algorithms Using CNN Transferable Features: A Case Study Using Burn Datasets from Black Africans
Authors: Abubakar Aliyu
Published: October 2020

Burn is a devastating injury affecting over eleven million people worldwide and more than 265,000 affected individuals lost their lives every year. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have surging cases of more than 90% of the total global incidences due to poor socioeconomic conditions, lack of preventive measures, reliance on subjective and inaccurate assessment techniques and lack of access to nearby hospitals. These factors necessitate the need for a better objective and cost-effective assessment technique that can be easily deployed in remote areas and hospitals where expertise and reliable burn evaluation is lacking. Therefore, this study proposes the use of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) features along with different classification algorithms to discriminate between burnt and healthy skin using dataset from Black-African patients. A pretrained CNN model (VGG16) is used to extract abstract discriminatory image features and this approach was due to limited burn images which made it infeasible to train a CNN model from scratch. Subsequently, decision tree, support vector machines (SVM), naïve Bayes, logistic regression, and k-nearest neighbour (KNN) are used to classify whether a given image is burnt or healthy based on the VGG16 features. The performances of these classification algorithms were extensively analysed using the VGG16 features from different layers.
Sol-Gel Derived Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Titanium Implants: A Review
Authors: Jaafar Alaa , Hecker Christine , Árki Pál , Joseph Yvonne
Published: October 2020

With the growing demands for bone implant therapy, titanium (Ti) and its alloys are considered as appropriate choices for the load-bearing bone implant substitutes. However, the interaction of bare Ti-based implants with the tissues is critical to the success of the implants for long-term stability. Thus, surface modifications of Ti implants with biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings before implantation is important and gained interest. Sol-gel is a potential technique for deposition the biocompatible HAp and has many advantages over other methods. Therefore, this review strives to provide widespread overview on the recent development of sol-gel HAp deposition on Ti. This study shows that sol-gel technique was able to produce uniform and homogenous HAp coatings and identified the role of surface pretreatment of Ti substrate, optimizing the sol-gel parameters, substitution, and reinforcement of HAp on improving the coating properties. Critical factors that influence on the characteristics of the deposited sol-gel HAp films as corrosion resistance, adhesion to substrate, bioactivity, morphological, and structural properties are discussed. The review also highlights the critical issues, the most significant challenges, and the areas requiring further research.
Exploring the Use of Helicogenic Amino Acids for Optimising Single Chain Relaxin-3 Peptide Agonists
Authors: Lee Han Siean , Wang Shu Hui , Daniel James T. , Hossain Mohammed Akhter , Clark Richard J. , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Rosengren K. Johan
Published: October 2020

Relaxin-3 is a highly conserved two-chain neuropeptide that acts through its endogenous receptor the Relaxin Family Peptide-3 (RXFP3) receptor. The ligand/receptor system is known to modulate several physiological processes, with changes in food intake and anxiety-levels the most well studied in rodent models. Agonist and antagonist analogues based on the native two-chain peptide are costly to synthesise and not ideal drug leads. Since RXFP3 interacting residues are found in the relaxin B-chain only, this has been the focus of analogue development. The B-chain is unstructured without the A-chain support, but in single-chain variants structure can be induced by dicarba-based helical stapling strategies. Here we investigated whether alternative helical inducing strategies also can enhance structure and activity at RXFP3. Combinations of the helix inducing α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) were incorporated into the sequence of the relaxin-3 B-chain. Aib residues at positions 13, 17 and 18 partially reintroduce helicity and activity of the relaxin-3 B-chain, but other positions are generally not suited for modifications. We identify Thr21 as a putative new receptor contact residue important for RXFP3 binding. Cysteine residues were also incorporated into the sequence and cross-linked with dichloroacetone or α, α’-dibromo-m-xylene. However, in contrast to previously reported dicarba variants, neither were found to promote structure and RXFP3 activity.
The Links between Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer
Authors: Ejma Maria , Madetko Natalia , Brzecka Anna , Guranski Konstanty , Alster Piotr , Misiuk-Hojło Marta , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: October 2020

Epidemiologic studies indicate a decreased incidence of most cancer types in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, some neoplasms are associated with a higher risk of occurrence in PD patients. Both pathologies share some common biological pathways. Although the etiologies of PD and cancer are multifactorial, some factors associated with PD, such as α-synuclein aggregation; mutations of PINK1, PARKIN, and DJ-1; mitochondrial dysfunction; and oxidative stress can also be involved in cancer proliferation or cancer suppression. The main protein associated with PD, i.e., α-synuclein, can be involved in some types of neoplastic formations. On the other hand, however, its downregulation has been found in the other cancers. PINK1 can act as oncogenic or a tumor suppressor. PARKIN dysfunction may lead to some cancers’ growth, and its expression may be associated with some tumors’ suppression. DJ-1 mutation is involved in PD pathogenesis, but its increased expression was found in some neoplasms, such as melanoma or breast, lung, colorectal, uterine, hepatocellular, and nasopharyngeal cancers. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in PD and cancer development. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible associations between PD and carcinogenesis.
T1-Positive Mn2+-Doped Multi-Stimuli Responsive poly(L-DOPA) Nanoparticles for Photothermal and Photodynamic Combination Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kang Sumin , Baskaran Rengarajan , Ozlu Busra , Davaa Enkhzaya , Kim Jung Joo , Shim Bong Sup , Yang Su-Geun
Published: October 2020

In this study, we designed near-infrared (NIR)-responsive Mn2+-doped melanin-like poly(L-DOPA) nanoparticles (MNPs), which act as multifunctional nano-platforms for cancer therapy. MNPs, exhibited favorable π-π stacking, drug loading, dual stimuli (NIR and glutathione) responsive drug release, photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic activities, and T1-positive contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). First, MNPs were fabricated via KMnO4 oxidation, where the embedded Mn2+ acted as a T1-weighted contrast agent. MNPs were then modified using a photosensitizer, Pheophorbide A, via a reducible disulfide linker for glutathione-responsive intracellular release, and then loaded with doxorubicin through π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding. The therapeutic potential of MNPs was further explored via targeted design. MNPs were conjugated with folic acid (FA) and loaded with SN38, thereby demonstrating their ability to bind to different anti-cancer drugs and their potential as a versatile platform, integrating targeted cancer therapy and MRI-guided photothermal and chemotherapeutic therapy. The multimodal therapeutic functions of MNPs were investigated in terms of T1-MR contrast phantom study, photothermal and photodynamic activity, stimuli-responsive drug release, enhanced cellular uptake, and in vivo tumor ablation studies.
Development of a Novel ssDNA Sequence for a Glycated Human Serum Albumin and Construction of a Simple Aptasensor System Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)
Authors: Kim A-Ru , Choi Yeongmi , Kim Sang-Heon , Moon Hyun-Seok , Ko Jae-Ho , Yoon Moon-Young
Published: October 2020

Diabetes is one of the top 10 global causes of death. About one in 11 global adults have diabetes. As the disease progresses, the mortality rate increases, and complications can develop. Thus, early detection and effective management of diabetes are especially important. Herein, we present a novel glycated human serum albumin (GHSA) aptamer, i.e., GABAS-01, which has high affinity and specificity. The aptamer was selected by reduced graphene oxide-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichement (rGO-based SELEX) against GHSA. After five rounds of selection through gradually harsher conditions, GABAS-01 with high affinity and specificity for the target was obtained. GABAS-01 was labeled by FAM at the 5′-end and characterized by measuring the recovery of a fluorescence signal that is the result of fluorescence quenching effect of rGO. As a result, GABAS-01 had low-nanomolar Kd values of 1.748 ± 0.227 nM and showed a low limit of detection of 16.40 μg/mL against GHSA. This result shows the potential application of GABAS-01 as an effective on-site detection probe of GHSA. In addition, these properties of GABAS-01 are expected to contribute to detection of GHSA in diagnostic fields.
Dipsticks with Reflectometric Readout of an NIR Dye for Determination of Biogenic Amines
Authors: Mobarez Sarah N. , Wongkaew Nongnoot , Simsek Marcel , Baeumner Antje J. , Duerkop Axel
Published: October 2020

Electrospun nanofibers (ENFs) are remarkable analytical tools for quantitative analysis since they are inexpensive, easily produced in uniform homogenous mats, and provide a high surface area-to-volume ratio. Taking advantage of these characteristics, a near-infrared (NIR)-dye was doped as chemosensor into ENFs of about 500 nm in diameter electrospun into 50 µm thick mats on indium tin oxide (ITO) supports. The mats were made of cellulose acetate (CA) and used as a sensor layer on optical dipsticks for the determination of biogenic amines (BAs) in food. The ENFs contained the chromogenic amine-reactive chameleon dye S0378 which is green and turns blue upon formation of a dye-BA conjugate. This SN1-reaction of the S0378 dye with various BAs was monitored by reflectance measurements at 635 nm where the intrinsic absorption of biological material is low. The difference of the reflectance before and after the reaction is proportional to BA levels from 0.04–1 mM. The LODs are in the range from 0.03–0.09 mM, concentrations that can induce food poisoning but are not recognized by the human nose. The calibration plots of histamine, putrescine, spermidine, and tyramine are very similar and suggesting the use of the dipsticks to monitor the total sample BA content. Furthermore, the dipsticks are selective to primary amines (both mono- and diamines) and show low interference towards most nucleophiles. A minute interference of proteins in real samples can be overcome by appropriate sample pretreatment. Hence, the ageing of seafood samples could be monitored via their total BA content which rose up to 21.7 ± 3.2 µmol/g over six days of storage. This demonstrates that optically doped NFs represent viable sensor and transducer materials for food analysis with dipsticks.
Open-Eco-Innovation for SMEs with Pan-European Key Enabling Technology Centres
Authors: Civelek Faruk , Kulkarni Romit , Fritz Karl-Peter , Meyer Tanja , Troulos Costas , Guenther Thomas , Zimmermann André
Published: October 2020

The project “key enabling technologies for clean production” (KET4CP), which is supported by the European Commission, has the aim to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and Technology Centres (TC) for cleaner, greener and more efficient production. Within this context, SMEs and TCs across Europe work together to establish an open-innovation network and to raise awareness in productivity and environmental performance. This article presents how an open European network of TCs opens its innovation process to support SMEs to become cleaner, greener and more efficient. Furthermore, this article shows how the TCs and SMEs become a part of the open-eco-innovation platform in clean production and how successful the open-eco-innovation process of different European countries is. We revealed that a pan-European open innovation process for eco-innovations with TCs for key enabling technologies (KET TCs) and Enterprise Europe Network partners (EEN) is a successful approach for SMEs that want to produce and develop cleaner products. An application example is mentioned, in which TCs from different European countries have contributed to developing a product of a SME for energy harvesting. The SME, together with the TCs, developed a generator that is installed in city-level water supply pipes and so, it is outstanding in its application. This innovative application is also described in this article.
A Comparative Study of Adhesion Evaluation Methods on Ophthalmic AR Coating Lens
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ma Wei , Zhang Songjin , Huang Hongliang , Ouyang Liu , Peng Wei , Ye Jiayi , Chen Cheng
Published: October 2020

Ophthalmic resin lenses are widely used to correct myopia and defend harmful light waves. Ophthalmic lens with anti-reflective (AR) coating has become the mainstream product in the lens market. The AR coating is composed by inorganic metal oxides, which is very different to the organic lens substrate in thermal expansion coefficients. In a normal wearing environment, coating delaminating often occurs resulting that AR function is disabled. How to evaluate adhesion of the AR coating is important. In this paper, a specially designed cutting tool was used to scratch two grids on each surface of the lens. The peel off operation was carried out with the tape within specified adhesion range. The coating detachment was evaluated by visual inspection and microscopy based on the methods defined in ISO 2409 and GB 10810.4, the applicability was compared and discussed.
Electrical Conductivity and Viscosity in Binary Organic Liquid Mixtures: Participation of Molecular Interactions and Nanodomains
Authors: Taylor Spencer E. , Zeng Huang
Published: October 2020

The present work aims to shed light on recent literature reports suggesting that ionic species are implicated in the electrical conductivity of 1-octanol and its mixtures with hydrocarbons. Other workers have questioned this interpretation, and herein, based on new experimentation and with reference to various literature studies, we consider that molecular interactions are more likely to be responsible. To investigate this, we have studied mixtures of 1-octanol and either silicone oil (SO) or n-dodecane as nonpolar components, using dielectric (in particular electrical conductivity) and viscometric measurements. With reference to the literature, the self-association of alcohols is known to create microheterogeneity in the neat liquids and in mixtures with nonpolar, low dielectric constant liquids, and it has previously been considered to be responsible for the particular solvent properties of alcohols. The present results suggest that the electrical conductivity of alkane/alcohol systems may have similar origins, with percolating pathways formed from octanol-rich nanodomains comprising polar regions containing hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl groups and nonpolar regions dominated by alkyl chains. The percolation threshold found for dodecane/octanol mixtures, in which interactions between the component molecules are found from viscosity measurements to be repulsive, agrees well with results from experimental and theoretical studies of disordered arrangements of packed spheres, and moreover, it is consistent with other published alkane/alcohol results. On the other hand, the situation is more complex for SO/octanol mixtures, in which interactions between the two components are attractive, based on viscosity data, and in which the phase separation of SO occurs at high octanol concentrations. Overall, we have concluded that electrical conductivity in octanol (and potentially all liquid alcohols) and its mixtures with nonpolar molecules, such as alkanes, is consistent with the presence of conducting networks comprising octanol-rich nanodomains formed by self-association, and not as a result of ionic conduction.
Multi-Party Quantum Byzantine Agreement without Entanglement
Authors: Sun Xin , Kulicki Piotr , Sopek Mirek
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a protocol of quantum communication to achieve Byzantine agreement among multiple parties. Our protocol’s striking feature compared to the existing protocols is that we do not use entanglement to achieve the agreement. The role played by entangled states in other protocols is replaced in our protocol by a group of semi-honest list distributors. Such a replacement makes the implementation of our protocol more feasible. Moreover, our protocol is efficient in the sense that it achieves agreement in only three rounds which is a significant improvement with respect to the alternative agreement protocol not using entanglement. In the first round, a list of numbers that satisfies some special properties is distributed to every participant by list distributors via quantum secure communication. Then, in the second and third rounds, those participants exchange some information to reach an agreement.
Methodology for Indoor Positioning and Landing of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in a Smart Manufacturing Plant for Light Part Delivery
Authors: Orgeira-Crespo Pedro , Ulloa Carlos , Rey-Gonzalez Guillermo , Pérez García José Antonio
Published: October 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are spreading their usage in many areas, including last-mile distribution. In this research, a UAV is used for performing light parts delivery to workstation operators within a manufacturing plant, where GPS is no valid solution for indoor positioning. A generic localization solution is designed to provide navigation using RFID received signal strength measures and sonar values. A system on chip computer is onboarded with two missions: first, compute positioning and provide communication with backend software; second, provide an artificial vision system that cooperates with UAV’s navigation to perform landing procedures. An Industrial Internet of Things solution is defined for workstations to allow wireless mesh communication between the logistics vehicle and the backend software. Design is corroborated through experiments that validate planned solutions.
Reliability Analysis of the SHyLoC CCSDS123 IP Core for Lossless Hyperspectral Image Compression Using COTS FPGAs
Authors: Aranda Luis Alberto , Sánchez Antonio , Garcia-Herrero Francisco , Barrios Yubal , Sarmiento Roberto , Maestro Juan Antonio
Published: October 2020

Hyperspectral images can comprise hundreds of spectral bands, which means that they can represent a large volume of data difficult to manage with the available on-board resources. Lossless compression solutions are interesting for reducing the amount of information stored or transmitted while preserving it at the same time. The Hyperspectral Lossless Compressor for space applications (SHyLoC), which is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) IP core’s library, has been demonstrated to meet the requirements of space missions in terms of compression efficiency, low complexity and high throughput. Currently, there is a trend to use Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) on-board electronic devices on small satellites. Moreover, commercial Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have been used in a number of them. Hence, a reliability analysis is required to ensure the robustness of the applications to Single Event Upsets (SEUs) in the configuration memory. In this work, we present a reliability analysis of this hyperspectral image compression module as a first step towards the development of ad-hoc fault-tolerant protection techniques for the SHyLoC IP core. The reliability analysis is performed using a fault-injection-based experimental set-up in which a hardware implementation of the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) 123.0-B-1 lossless compression standard is tested against configuration memory errors in a Xilinx Zynq XC7Z020 System-on-Chip. The results obtained for unhardened and redundancy-based protected versions of the module are put into perspective in terms of area/power consumption and availability/protection coverage gained to provide insight into the development of more efficient knowledge-based protection schemes.
Blockchain in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Cocîrlea Dragoş , Dobre Ciprian , Hîrţan Liviu-Adrian , Purnichescu-Purtan Raluca
Published: October 2020

Blockchain is an emerging technology that has shaken the financial sector, and which is already perceived as having an impact. A blockchain is a network of many interconnected nodes, both trustworthy and malicious, which can reach a consensus and generate valid data. The resulting information is packed into a block and permanently saved on the network in a tamper-proof way. In this paper, we propose an adaptation of blockchain for securely storing data in a vehicular-based network. Our approach can work for storing data such as traffic events and user reputation. The proposed solution has two interconnected components: the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) blockchain and the reputation system. The paper presents synthetic tests which validate the use cases of the solution: users reporting speeds and alerts behind which we see a fair reputation system penalising the (wrong/false) users.
Pulse Pattern Optimization Based on Brute Force Method for Medium-Voltage Three-Level NPC Converter with Active Front End
Authors: Cikač Dominik , Turk Nikola , Bulić Neven , Barbanti Stefano
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, regulation standards regarding the injection of harmonics in the grid power supply are becoming stricter. These standards have a direct impact on the design and control of converters, especially in medium-voltage drives. To fulfil these standards, converters are designed to work with the power factor as close to unity as possible and to correct the harmonics spectrum in case of a grid power supply with multiple resonances. The preferred modulation technique for medium-voltage drives is usually selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation. This approach requires a precise calculation of pulse patterns (switching angle vs. modulation index) with additional constraints. This research presents a new approach for the determination of optimal pulse patterns. The technique ensures the elimination of low-order harmonics and minimization of some high-order ones. The proposed technique incorporates the additional constraints regarding minimum on/off switching time (pulse duration) and ensures the continuity of pulse patterns. Optimal pulse patterns are determined with the brute force method which searches the feasible solution space by use of the Jacobian matrix null space. Determined pulse patterns are verified by the simulation and experimental measurements.