bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Visible/Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging for the Prediction of Total Arsenic Concentration in Soil
Authors: Wei Lifei , Zhang Yangxi , Yuan Ziran , Wang Zhengxiang , Yin Feng , Cao Liqin
Published: April 2020

Soil total arsenic (TAs) contamination caused by human activities—such as mining, smelting, and agriculture—is a problem of global concern. Visible/near-infrared (VNIR), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) do not need too much sample preparation and utilization of chemicals to evaluate total arsenic (TAs) concentration in soil. VNIR with hyperspectral imaging has the potential to predict TAs concentration in soil. In this study, 59 soil samples were collected from the Daye City mining area of China, and hyperspectral imaging of the soil samples was undertaken using a visible/near-infrared hyperspectral imaging system (wavelength range 470–900 nm). Spectral preprocessing included standard normal variate (SNV) transformation, multivariate scatter correction (MSC), first derivative (FD) preprocessing, and second derivative (SD) preprocessing. Characteristic bands were then identified based on Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Four regression models were used for the modeling prediction: partial least squares regression (PLSR) (R2 = 0.71, RMSE = 0.48), support vector machine regression (SVMR) (R2 = 0.78, RMSE = 0.42), random forest (RF) (R2 = 0.78, RMSE = 0.42), and extremely randomized trees regression (ETR) (R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 0.38). The prediction results were compared with the results of atomic fluorescence spectrometry methods. In the prediction results of the models, the accuracy of ETR using FD preprocessing was the highest. The results confirmed that hyperspectral imaging combined with Spearman’s rank correlation with machine learning models can be used to estimate soil TAs content.
An Enhanced Multimodal Stacking Scheme for Online Pornographic Content Detection
Authors: Song Kwangho , Kim Yoo-Sung
Published: April 2020

An enhanced multimodal stacking scheme is proposed for quick and accurate online detection of harmful pornographic contents on the Internet. To accurately detect harmful contents, the implicative visual features (auditory features) are extracted using a bi-directional RNN (recurrent neural network) with VGG-16 (a multilayered dilated convolutional network) to implicitly express the signal change patterns over time within each input. Using only the implicative visual and auditory features, a video classifier and an audio classifier are trained, respectively. By using both features together, one fusion classifier is also trained. Then, these three component classifiers are stacked in the enhanced ensemble scheme to reduce the false negative errors in a serial order of the fusion classifier, video classifier, and audio classifier for a quick online detection. The proposed multimodal stacking scheme yields an improved true positive rate of 95.40% and a false negative rate of 4.60%, which are superior values to previous studies. In addition, the proposed stacking scheme can accurately detect harmful contents up to 74.58% and an average rate of 62.16% faster than the previous stacking scheme. Therefore, the proposed enhanced multimodal stacking scheme can be used to quickly and accurately filter out harmful contents in the online environments.
Computer Aided Detection of Pulmonary Embolism Using Multi-Slice Multi-Axial Segmentation
Authors: Cano-Espinosa Carlos , Cazorla Miguel , González Germán
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a respiratory disease caused by blood clots lodged in the pulmonary arteries, blocking perfusion, limiting blood oxygenation, and inducing a higher load on the right ventricle. Pulmonary embolism is diagnosed using contrast enhanced Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA), resulting in a 3 D image where the pulmonary arteries appear as bright structures, and emboli appear as filling defects, with these often being difficult to see, especially in the subsegmental case. In comparison to an expert panel, the average radiologist has a sensitivity of between 77% and 94 % . Computer Aided Detection (CAD) is regarded as a promising system to detect emboli, but current algorithms are hindered by a high false positive rate. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology for emboli detection. Instead of finding candidate points and characterizing them, we find emboli directly on the whole image slice. Detections across different slices are merged into a single detection volume that is post-processed to generate emboli detections. The system was evaluated on a public PE database of 80 scans. On 20 test scans, our system obtained a per-embolus sensitivity of 68% at a regime of one false positive per scan, improving on state-of-the-art methods. We therefore conclude that our multi-slice emboli segmentation CAD for PE method is a valuable alternative to the standard methods of candidate point selection and classification.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Glucose Production from Maize Starch and Woody Biomass Residues as a Feedstock
Authors: Blanco Jorge , Iglesias Jose , Morales Gabriel , Melero Juan A. , Moreno Jovita
Published: April 2020

The sustainability of glucose production from two different feedstocks, maize starch (MS) and woody biomass residues (WBR), was evaluated by means of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The aim of this work was to compare the environmental performance of conventional technology (glucose from MS by enzymatic hydrolysis) with a novel alternative (glucose from WBR by a three-step process: pretreatment -crushing, deacetylation, and diluted-acid treatment-; conditioning -acid-alkali-acid treatment-; and enzymatic hydrolysis), which is specifically oriented towards the circular economy context. Life cycle inventory was completed by simulation of the different processes, followed by integration of the mass and energy inputs and outputs in an LCA software (GaBi 7.3). LCA results evidenced benefits in all the evaluated environmental impacts when using WBR as a glucose source alternative. Environmental damages associated with the starch production process, which involves more than 60% of the impacts calculated for glucose production from maize starch, has been detected as the key step in which focusing the improvement efforts for this process. On the other hand, pretreating of the biomass residues was the most contributing stage in the WBR process, principally due to the large heat and electricity requirements associated with this stage. Finally, we concluded that the WBR process proposed here might be considered as a valuable alternative in sustainability terms for the production of glucose within the biorefinery concept. Likewise, we have identified the critical points that should be considered to further improve this technology.
Intelligent Energy Management of Electrical Power Systems
Authors: Sechilariu Manuela
Published: April 2020

Smart grid implementation is facilitated by multi-source energy systems development, i.e., microgrids, which are considered the key smart grid building blocks. Whether they are alternative current (AC) or direct current (DC), high voltage or low voltage, high power or small power, integrated into the distribution system or the transmission network, multi-source systems always require an intelligent energy management that is integrated into the power system. A comprehensive intelligent energy system aims at providing overall energy efficiency with regard to the following: increased power generation flexibility, increased renewable generation systems, improved energy consumption, reduced CO2 emission, improved stability, and minimized energy cost. This Special Issue presents recent key theoretical and practical developments that concern the models, technologies, and flexible solutions to facilitate the following optimal energy and power flow strategies: the techno-economic model for optimal sources dispatching (mono and multi-objective energy optimization), real-time optimal scheduling, and real time optimization with model predictive control.
Atomic, Molecular and Cluster Science with the Reaction Microscope Endstation at FLASH2
Authors: Meister Severin , Lindenblatt Hannes , Trost Florian , Schnorr Kirsten , Augustin Sven , Braune Markus , Treusch Rolf , Pfeifer Thomas , Moshammer Robert
Published: April 2020

The reaction microscope (REMI) endstation for atomic and molecular science at the free-electron laser FLASH2 at DESY in Hamburg is presented together with a brief overview of results recently obtained. The REMI allows coincident detection of electrons and ions that emerge from atomic or molecular fragmentation reactions in the focus of the extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) free-electron laser (FEL) beam. A large variety of target species ranging from atoms and molecules to small clusters can be injected with a supersonic gas-jet into the FEL focus. Their ionization and fragmentation dynamics can be studied either under single pulse conditions, or for double pulses as a function of their time delay by means of FEL-pump–FEL-probe schemes and also in combination with a femtosecond infrared (IR) laser. In a recent upgrade, the endstation was further extended by a light source based on high harmonic generation (HHG), which is now available for upcoming FEL/HHG pump–probe experiments.
Waste Management by Biological Approach Employing Natural Substrates and Microbial Agents for the Remediation of Dyes’ Wastewater
Authors: Dahiya Divakar , Nigam Poonam Singh
Published: April 2020

This article aims to provide information on two aspects: firstly, waste management of residual biological agro-industrial materials generated from agriculture, and secondly, for the sustainable remediation of textile wastewater. Annually, huge amounts of solid renewable biomass materials are generated worldwide from agricultural and farming sectors. The generation of these vast amounts of solid wastes could be utilised as a valuable and renewable natural resource for various applications. The goal of promoting sustainable development has increased the interest in recycling wastes economically and in an eco-friendly way. This article reviews the published research on this topic and discusses the usage of these solid substrates in the remediation of a major environmental component, textile dye-contaminated water. The purpose of this article is to discuss an integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to sustainable solid and liquid waste management and remediation of environmental components and to report the biological approaches and their efficiency in a chemical-free and economically viable bioremediation process for large volumes of dye-contaminated water resources.
Optimal Scheduling of Large-Scale Wind-Hydro-Thermal Systems with Fixed-Head Short-Term Model
Authors: Nguyen Thang Trung , Pham Ly Huu , Mohammadi Fazel , Kien Le Chi
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a Modified Adaptive Selection Cuckoo Search Algorithm (MASCSA) is proposed for solving the Optimal Scheduling of Wind-Hydro-Thermal (OSWHT) systems problem. The main objective of the problem is to minimize the total fuel cost for generating the electricity of thermal power plants, where energy from hydropower plants and wind turbines is exploited absolutely. The fixed-head short-term model is taken into account, by supposing that the water head is constant during the operation time, while reservoir volume and water balance are constrained over the scheduled time period. The proposed MASCSA is compared to other implemented cuckoo search algorithms, such as the conventional Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) and Snap-Drift Cuckoo Search Algorithm (SDCSA). Two large systems are used as study cases to test the real improvement of the proposed MASCSA over CSA and SDCSA. Among the two test systems, the wind-hydro-thermal system is a more complicated one, with two wind farms and four thermal power plants considering valve effects, and four hydropower plants scheduled in twenty-four one-hour intervals. The proposed MASCSA is more effective than CSA and SDCSA, since it can reach a higher success rate, better optimal solutions, and a faster convergence. The obtained results show that the proposed MASCSA is a very effective method for the hydrothermal system and wind-hydro-thermal systems.
Removal of Organic Micro-Pollutants by Conventional Membrane Bioreactors and High-Retention Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Pathak Nirenkumar , Tran Van Huy , Merenda Andrea , Johir M. A. H. , Phuntsho Sherub , Shon Hokyong
Published: April 2020

The ubiquitous presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in the environment as a result of continuous discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into water matrices—even at trace concentrations (ng/L)—is of great concern, both in the public and environmental health domains. This fact essentially warrants developing and implementing energy-efficient, economical, sustainable and easy to handle technologies to meet stringent legislative requirements. Membrane-based processes—both stand-alone or integration of membrane processes—are an attractive option for the removal of OMPs because of their high reliability compared with conventional process, least chemical consumption and smaller footprint. This review summarizes recent research (mainly 2015–present) on the application of conventional aerobic and anaerobic membrane bioreactors used for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMP) from wastewater. Integration and hybridization of membrane processes with other physicochemical processes are becoming promising options for OMP removal. Recent studies on high retention membrane bioreactors (HRMBRs) such as osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBRs) and membrane distillation bioreactors (MDBRs) are discussed. Future prospects of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and HRMBRs for improving OMP removal from wastewater are also proposed.
An FTIR Microspectroscopy Ratiometric Approach for Monitoring X-ray Irradiation Effects on SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Ricciardi Valerio , Portaccio Marianna , Manti Lorenzo , Lepore Maria
Published: April 2020

The ability of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in analyzing cells at a molecular level was exploited for investigating the biochemical changes induced in protein, nucleic acid, lipid, and carbohydrate content of cells after irradiation by graded X-ray doses. Infrared spectra from in vitro SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells following exposure to X-rays (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Gy) were analyzed using a ratiometric approach by evaluating the ratios between the absorbance of significant peaks. The spectroscopic investigation was performed on cells fixed immediately (t0 cells) and 24 h (t24 cells) after irradiation to study both the initial radiation-induced damage and the effect of the ensuing cellular repair processes. The analysis of infrared spectra allowed us to detect changes in proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids attributable to X-ray exposure. The ratiometric analysis was able to quantify changes for the protein, lipid, and DNA components and to suggest the occurrence of apoptosis processes. The ratiometric study of Amide I band indicated also that the secondary structure of proteins was significantly modified. The comparison between the results from t0 and t24 cells indicated the occurrence of cellular recovery processes. The adopted approach can provide a very direct way to monitor changes for specific cellular components and can represent a valuable tool for developing innovative strategies to monitor cancer radiotherapy outcome.
Comparison of Temperature Dependent Carrier Transport in FinFET and Gate-All-Around Nanowire FET
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Kim Jungchun , Jang Doyoung , Ritzenthaler Romain , Parvais Bertrand , Mitard Jerome , Mertens Hans , Chiarella Thomas , Horiguchi Naoto , Lee Jae Woo
Published: April 2020

The temperature dependent carrier transport characteristics of n-type gate-all-around nanowire field effect transistors (GAA NW-FET) on bulk silicon are experimentally compared to bulk fin field effect transistors (FinFET) over a wide range of temperatures (25–125 °C). A similar temperature dependence of threshold voltage (VTH) and subthreshold swing (SS) is observed for both devices. However, effective mobility (μeff) shows significant differences of temperature dependence between GAA NW-FET and FinFET at a high gate effective field. At weak Ninv (= 5 × 1012 cm2/V∙s), both GAA NW-FET and FinFET are mainly limited by phonon scattering in μeff. On the other hand, at strong Ninv (= 1.5 × 1013 cm2/V∙s), GAA NW-FET shows 10 times higher dμeff/dT and 1.6 times smaller mobility degradation coefficient (α) than FinFET. GAA NW-FET is less limited by surface roughness scattering, but FinFET is relatively more limited by surface roughness scattering in carrier transport.
Evaluation of Pressure Distribution against Root Canal Walls of NiTi Rotary Instruments by Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Carpegna Giorgia , Alovisi Mario , Paolino Davide Salvatore , Marchetti Andrea , Gibello Umberto , Scotti Nicola , Pasqualini Damiano , Scattina Alessandro , Chiandussi Giorgio , Berutti Elio
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contact pressure distribution of two different nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic rotary instruments against the root canal walls and to virtually predict their centering ability during shaping with finite element analysis (FEA). Resin blocks simulating root canals were used. One was shaped with ProGlider and ProTaper Next (PTN) X1-X2 and one with ScoutRace and BioRace (BR) 1, 2 and 3. Both resin blocks were virtually replicated with computer-aided design (CAD) software. The endodontic instruments ProTaper Next (PTN) X2 and BioRace BR3 were also replicated with CAD. The NiTi instruments and the shaped blocks geometries were discretized and exported for FEA. The instrument rotation in the root canals was simulated. The finite element simulation was performed by applying an insertion and extraction force of 2.5 N with a constant rotational speed (300 rpm). To highlight possible differences between pressure distributions against the root canal portions outside and inside the canal curvature, the parameter Var was originally defined. Var values were systematically lower for PTN X2, revealing a better centering ability. FEA proved effective for the virtual prediction of the centering ability of NiTi instruments during an early design phase without the use of prototypes.
Development of Computer-Aided Semi-Automatic Diagnosis System for Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia Classification with Temporal and Parietal Lesions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Silva Bhagya Nathali , Khan Murad , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Thelijjagoda Samantha , Han Kijun
Published: April 2020

Survivors of either a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke tend to acquire aphasia and experience spontaneous recovery during the first six months. Nevertheless, a considerable number of patients sustain aphasia and require speech and language therapy to overcome the difficulties. As a preliminary study, this article aims to distinguish aphasia caused from a temporoparietal lesion. Typically, temporal and parietal lesions cause Wernicke’s aphasia and Anomic aphasia. Differential diagnosis between Anomic and Wernicke’s has become controversial and subjective due to the close resemblance of Wernicke’s to Anomic aphasia when recovering. Hence, this article proposes a clinical diagnosis system that incorporates normal coupling between the acoustic frequencies of speech signals and the language ability of temporoparietal aphasias to delineate classification boundary lines. The proposed inspection system is a hybrid scheme consisting of automated components, such as confrontation naming, repetition, and a manual component, such as comprehension. The study was conducted involving 30 participants clinically diagnosed with temporoparietal aphasias after a stroke and 30 participants who had experienced a stroke without aphasia. The plausibility of accurate classification of Wernicke’s and Anomic aphasia was confirmed using the distinctive acoustic frequency profiles of selected controls. Accuracy of the proposed system and algorithm was confirmed by comparing the obtained diagnosis with the conventional manual diagnosis. Though this preliminary work distinguishes between Anomic and Wernicke’s aphasia, we can claim that the developed algorithm-based inspection model could be a worthwhile solution towards objective classification of other aphasia types.
Effects of Model Coupling on Typhoon Kalmaegi (2014) Simulation in the South China Sea
Authors: Lim Kam Sian Kenny T.C. , Dong Changming , Liu Hailong , Wu Renhao , Zhang Han
Published: April 2020

Typhoon Kalmaegi (2014) in the South China Sea (SCS) is simulated using a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean–wave model (COAWST). A set of sensitivity experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of different model coupling combinations on the typhoon simulation. Model results are validated by employing in-situ data at four locations in the SCS, and best-track and satellite data. Correlation and root-mean-square difference are used to assess the simulation quality. A skill score system is defined from these two statistical criteria to evaluate the performance of model experiments relative to a baseline. Atmosphere–ocean feedback is crucial for accurate simulations. Our baseline experiment successfully reconstructs the atmospheric and oceanic conditions during Typhoon Kalmaegi. Typhoon-induced sea surface cooling that weakens the system due to less heat and moisture availability is captured best in a Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)-coupled run. The Simulated Wave Nearshore (SWAN)-coupled run has demonstrated the ability to estimate sea surface roughness better. Intense winds lead to a larger surface roughness where more heat and momentum are exchanged, while the rougher surface causes more friction, slowing down surface winds. From our experiments, we show that these intricate interactions require a fully coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)–ROMS–SWAN model to best reproduce the environment during a typhoon.
Characteristics of Decaying Convective Boundary Layers Revealed by Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Park Seung-Bu , Baik Jong-Jin
Published: April 2020

The decay of the Convective Boundary Layer (CBL) is studied using large-eddy simulations of free and advective CBLs, in which surface heat supply is suddenly cut off. After the cutoff, coherent convective circulations last about one convective time scale and then fade away. In the mixed layer, the decay time scale increases with height, indicating that nonlocal eddies decay slower than near-surface local eddies. The slower decay of turbulence in the middle of CBL than near-surface turbulence is reconfirmed from the analysis of pattern correlations of perturbations of vertical velocity. Perturbations of potential temperature and scalar concentration decay faster and slower than vertical velocity perturbations, respectively. A downward propagation of negative heat flux and its oscillation are found and a quadrant analysis reveals that warmer air sinking events are responsible for the downward propagation. The fourth quadrant events seem to be induced by demixing of air parcels, entrained from above the CBL. The advective CBL simulation with geostrophic wind illustrates that near-surface eddies are mechanically generated and they decelerate flow from the bottom up in the CBL/residual layer. The two-dimensional spectra show the height- and scale-dependent characteristics of decaying convective turbulence again in the free and advective boundary layer simulations.
Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 (LAG3) Protein as a Possible Therapeutic Target for Parkinson’s Disease: Molecular Mechanisms Connecting Neuroinflammation to α-Synuclein Spreading Pathology
Authors: Angelopoulou Efthalia , Paudel Yam Nath , Villa Chiara , Shaikh Mohd. Farooq , Piperi Christina
Published: April 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder without any objective biomarker available to date. Increasing evidence highlights the critical role of neuroinflammation, including T cell responses, and spreading of aggregated α-synuclein in PD progression. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily expressed by peripheral immune cells, microglia and neurons and plays a key role in T cell regulation. The role of LAG3 has been extensively investigated in several human cancers, whereas until recently, the role of LAG3 in the central nervous system (CNS) has been largely unknown. Accumulating evidence highlights the potential role of LAG3 in PD pathogenesis, mainly by binding to α-synuclein fibrils and affecting its endocytosis and intercellular transmission, which sheds more light on the connection between immune dysregulation and α-synuclein spreading pathology. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble LAG3 (sLAG3) levels have been demonstrated to be potentially associated with PD development and clinical phenotype, suggesting that sLAG3 could represent an emerging PD biomarker. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the LAG3 gene have been also related to PD occurrence especially in the female population, enlightening the pathophysiological background of gender-related PD clinical differences. Given also the ongoing clinical trials investigating various LAG3-targeting strategies in human diseases, new opportunities are being developed for PD treatment research. In this review, we discuss recent preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of LAG3 in PD pathogenesis and biomarker potential, aiming to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.
P1′ Residue-Oriented Virtual Screening for Potent and Selective Phosphinic (Dehydro) Dipeptide Inhibitors of Metallo-Aminopeptidases
Authors: Talma Michał , Mucha Artur
Published: April 2020

Designing side chain substituents complementary to enzyme binding pockets is of great importance in the construction of potent and selective phosphinic dipeptide inhibitors of metallo-aminopeptidases. Proper structure selection makes inhibitor construction more economic, as the development process typically consists of multiple iterative preparation/bioassay steps. On the basis of these principles, using noncomplex computation and modeling methodologies, we comprehensively screened 900 commercial precursors of the P1′ residues of phosphinic dipeptide and dehydrodipeptide analogs to identify the most promising ligands of 52 metallo-dependent aminopeptidases with known crystal structures. The results revealed several nonproteinogenic residues with an improved energy of binding compared with the best known inhibitors. The data are discussed taking into account the selectivity and stereochemical implications of the enzymes. Using this approach, we were able to identify nontrivial structural elements substituting the recognized phosphinic peptidomimetic scaffold of metallo-aminopeptidase inhibitors.
Discovering the RNA-Binding Proteome of Plant Leaves with an Improved RNA Interactome Capture Method
Authors: Bach-Pages Marcel , Homma Felix , Kourelis Jiorgos , Kaschani Farnusch , Mohammed Shabaz , Kaiser Markus , van der Hoorn Renier , Castello Alfredo , Preston Gail
Published: April 2020

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in regulating RNA function and fate. However, the full complement of RBPs has only recently begun to be uncovered through proteome-wide approaches such as RNA interactome capture (RIC). RIC has been applied to various cell lines and organisms, including plants, greatly expanding the repertoire of RBPs. However, several technical challenges have limited the efficacy of RIC when applied to plant tissues. Here, we report an improved version of RIC that overcomes the difficulties imposed by leaf tissue. Using this improved RIC method in Arabidopsis leaves, we identified 717 RBPs, generating a deep RNA-binding proteome for leaf tissues. While 75% of these RBPs can be linked to RNA biology, the remaining 25% were previously not known to interact with RNA. Interestingly, we observed that a large number of proteins related to photosynthesis associate with RNA in vivo, including proteins from the four major photosynthetic supercomplexes. As has previously been reported for mammals, a large proportion of leaf RBPs lack known RNA-binding domains, suggesting unconventional modes of RNA binding. We anticipate that this improved RIC method will provide critical insights into RNA metabolism in plants, including how cellular RBPs respond to environmental, physiological and pathological cues.
Silicon/Biogas-Derived Carbon Nanofibers Composites for Anodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cameán Ignacio , Cuesta Nuria , Ramos Alberto , García Ana B.
Published: April 2020

The electrochemical performance of novel nano-silicon/biogas-derived carbon nanofibers composites (nSi/BCNFs) as anodes in lithium-ion batteries was investigated, focusing on composition and galvanostatic cycling conditions. The optimization of these variables contributes to reduce the stress associated with silicon lithiation/delithiation by accommodating/controlling the volume changes, thus preventing anode degradation and therefore improving its performance regarding capacity and stability. Specific capacities up to 520 mAh g−1 with coulombic efficiency > 95% and 94% of capacity retention are achieved for nSi/BCNFs anodes at electric current density of 100/200 mA g−1 and low cutoff voltage of 80 mV. Among the BCNFs, those no-graphitized with fishbone microstructure, which have a great number of active sites to interact with nSi particles, are the best carbon matrices. Specifically, a nSi:BCNFs 1:1 weight ratio in the composite is the optimal, since it allows a compromise between a suitable specific capacity, which is higher than that of graphitic materials currently commercialized for LIBs, and an acceptable capacity retention along cycling. Low cutoff voltage in the 80–100 mV range is the most suitable for the cycling of nSi/BCNFs anodes because it avoids formation of the highest lithiated phase (Li15Si4) and therefore the complete silicon lithiation, which leads to electrode damage.
Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor (TACI): Another Potential Target for Immunotherapy of Multiple Myeloma?
Authors: Xu Shengli , Lam Kong-Peng
Published: April 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) has emerged as the next most likely oncological or hematological disease indication amenable for cellular immunotherapy. Much of the attention has been focused on B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a unique cell surface protein on myeloma cells that is available for monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), T-cell redirecting bispecific molecules, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell targeting. BCMA is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily that binds two ligands B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and mediates the growth and survival of plasma and MM cells. Interestingly, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), another TNFR superfamily member, also binds the same ligands and plays largely overlapping roles as BCMA in normal plasma and malignant MM cells. In this article, we review the biology of TACI, focusing on its role in normal B and plasma cells and malignant MM cells, and also discuss various ways to incorporate TACI as a potential target for immunotherapies against MM.
DNA Damage/Repair Management in Cancers
Authors: Alhmoud Jehad F. , Woolley John F. , Al Moustafa Ala-Eddin , Malki Mohammed Imad
Published: April 2020

DNA damage is well recognized as a critical factor in cancer development and progression. DNA lesions create an abnormal nucleotide or nucleotide fragment, causing a break in one or both chains of the DNA strand. When DNA damage occurs, the possibility of generated mutations increases. Genomic instability is one of the most important factors that lead to cancer development. DNA repair pathways perform the essential role of correcting the DNA lesions that occur from DNA damaging agents or carcinogens, thus maintaining genomic stability. Inefficient DNA repair is a critical driving force behind cancer establishment, progression and evolution. A thorough understanding of DNA repair mechanisms in cancer will allow for better therapeutic intervention. In this review we will discuss the relationship between DNA damage/repair mechanisms and cancer, and how we can target these pathways.
Overexpression of Canonical Prefoldin Associates with the Risk of Mortality and Metastasis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Peñate Xenia , Praena-Fernández Juan Manuel , Romero Pareja Pedro , Enguix-Riego María del Valle , Payán-Bravo Laura , Vieites Begoña , Gomez-Izquierdo Lourdes , Jaen Olasolo Javier , Rivin del Campo Eleonor , Reyes Jose Carlos , Chávez Sebastián , Lopez Guerra Jose Luis
Published: April 2020

Canonical prefoldin is a protein cochaperone composed of six different subunits (PFDN1 to 6). PFDN1 overexpression promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases the growth of xenograft lung cancer (LC) cell lines. We investigated whether this putative involvement of canonical PFDN in LC translates into the clinic. First, the mRNA expression of 518 non-small cell LC (NSCLC) cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was evaluated. Patients with PFDN1 overexpression had lower overall survival (OS; 45 vs. 86 months; p = 0.034). We then assessed the impact of PFDN expression on outcome in 58 NSCLC patients with available tumor tissue samples. PFDN1, 3, and 5 overexpression were found in 38% (n = 22), 53% (n = 31), and 41% (n = 24) of tumor samples. PFDN1, 3, and 5 overexpression were significantly associated with lower OS, lower disease-free survival (DFS), and lower distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) for PFDN1 and 3 with a trend for PFDN5. In multivariate analysis, PFDN5 retained significance for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 2.56; p = 0.007) and PFDN1 for DFS (HR 2.53; p = 0.010) and marginally for DMFS (HR 2.32; p = 0.053). Our results indicate that protein response markers, such as PFDN1, 3, and 5, may complement mRNA signatures and be useful for determining the most appropriate therapy for NSCLC patients.
Laccase Immobilized Fe3O4-Graphene Oxide Nanobiocatalyst Improves Stability and Immobilization Efficiency in the Green Preparation of Sulfa Drugs
Authors: Rouhani Shamila , Azizi Shohreh , Kibechu Rose W. , Mamba Bhekie B , Msagati Titus A. M.
Published: April 2020

This paper, reports on the novel and green synthesis procedure for sulfonamides that involved the immobilization of Trametes Versicolor laccase onto the Fe3O4–graphene nanocomposite via glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinking (Lac/Fe3O4/GO). Various parameters, mainly, activation time, GA, and laccase concentration were investigated and optimized. The results showed that the optimal contact time was 4 h, GA concentration was 5% while laccase concentration was 5 mg·mL−1, at which a high enzyme activity recovery was achieved (86%). In terms of the stability of immobilized laccase to temperature and storage conditions, the performance of the nanobiocatalyst was found to significantly exceed that of free laccase. The results have indicated that nearly 70% of relative activity for immobilized laccase remained after the incubation period of 2 h at 55 °C, but only 48% of free laccase remained within the same time period. Moreover, the immobilized laccase retained 88% of its initial activity after storage for 20 days. In case of the free laccase, the activity retained within the same time period was 32%. In addition, the nanobiocatalyst possessed better recycling performance as evidenced from the observation that after eight cycles of repeated use, it retained 85% of its original activity.
N-Halosuccinimides as Precatalysts for C-, N-, O-, and X-Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions of Alcohols under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Ajvazi Njomza , Stavber Stojan
Published: April 2020

N-halosuccinimides (chloro, bromo, and iodo, respectively) were introduced, tested, and applied as efficient and non-metal precatalysts for C-, N-, O-, and X-nucleophilic substitution reactions of alcohols under solvent-free reaction conditions (SFRC) or under high substrate concentration reaction conditions (HCRC) efficiently and selectively, into the corresponding products.
Synergy Effects of Cobalt Oxides on Ni/Co-Embedded Al2O3 for Hydrogen-Rich Syngas Production by Steam Reforming of Propane
Authors: Park Kyung Soo , Jeong Min Hye , Bae Jong Wook
Published: April 2020

The synergetic effects of Co oxides on the Ni/CoAl (NCA) catalysts were observed at an optimal molar ratio of Al/Co = 2 (NCA(2)) due to the partial formations of thermally stable spinel CoAl2O4 phases for the steam reforming of propane (SRP). The optimal content of the spinel CoAl2O4 phases on the NCA(2) was responsible for the formation of the relatively active oxophilic metallic Co nanoparticles with a smaller amount of less active NiAl2O4 on the surfaces by preserving the relative amount of metallic Co of 68% and 52% in the reduced and used catalysts, which enhanced the catalytic activity and stability with the largest specific rate of 1.37 C3H8/(Ni + Co)h−1 among the tested NCA catalysts. The larger or smaller amounts of Co metal on the less active NCA mainly caused the preferential formation of larger aggregated Ni nanoparticles ~16 nm in size due to their weaker interactions, or induced the smaller formations of active metal phases by selectively forming the spinel NiAl2O4 phases with ~60% in the NCA(4), resulting in a fast deactivation.
In Situ Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool for Discerning Subtle Structural Differences between Commercial (Ce,Zr)O2-Based OSC Materials of Identical Composition
Authors: Andriopoulou Chrysanthi , Harris Deb , Stephenson Hazel , Efstathiou Angelos M. , Boghosian Soghomon
Published: April 2020

In situ Raman spectroscopy was used at temperatures in the 50–480 °C range under oxidizing (20% O2/He) and reducing (5% H2/He) flowing gas atmospheres to compare the spectra obtained for a series of industrial rare earth doped CexZr1−xO2−δ oxygen storage capacity (OSC) mixed metal oxide materials of identical at % composition, which were prepared by the same chemical synthesis route, in which one synthesis parameter of the aqueous chemistry was slightly varied. The Raman fingerprint of the anionic sublattice is very sensitive to O atom relocations within the bulk of the material matrix and to the pertinent defect topology in each case. A protocol of sequential Raman measurements and analysis was proposed to discern subtle differences between the oxygen vacancy and defect topologies of the examined materials. It can be concluded that for two materials under comparison for their structures, identical Raman spectra are obtained only if the procedures followed for their preparation are identical; a slight variation of one single parameter (e.g., in the aqueous chemistry stage) results in discernible differences in the Raman spectra. The proposed procedure can serve as a tool for proving or disproving infringement of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) protected preparation methods of ceria-based mixed metal oxide materials.
Free Radical Photopolymerization and 3D Printing Using Newly Developed Dyes: Indane-1,3-Dione and 1H-Cyclopentanaphthalene-1,3-Dione Derivatives as Photoinitiators in Three-Component Systems
Authors: Sun Ke , Pigot Corentin , Chen Hong , Nechab Malek , Gigmes Didier , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Graff Bernadette , Liu Shaohui , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: April 2020

The design of photoinitiating systems with excellent photochemical reactivities at 405nm LED is one of the obstacles to efficiently promote free radical polymerization in mild conditions (e.g., low light intensity, under air). Here, our actual search for new multicomponent photoinitiating systems at 405nm LED prompts us to develop new dyes based on push–pull structures. In the present paper, we chose two series of new dyes which possess indane-1,3-dione and 1H-cyclopenta naphthalene-1,3-dione groups as the electron-withdrawing groups, since they have the great potential to behave as sensitive and remarkable photoinitiators in vat photopolymerization/3D printing. When incorporated with a tertiary amine (ethyl dimethylaminobenzoate EDB, used as electron/hydrogen donor) and an iodonium salt (used as electron acceptor) as the three-component photoinitiating systems (PISs), and among a series of 21 dyes, 10 of them could efficiently promote the free radical photopolymerization of acrylates. Interestingly, steady state photolysis experiments revealed different behaviors of the dyes. Fluorescence experiments and free energy change calculations for redox processes were also carried out to investigate the relevant chemical mechanisms. Additionally, the formation of radicals from the investigated PISs was clearly observed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping experiments. Finally, stereoscopic 3D patterns were successfully fabricated by the laser writing technique. In this work, the use of push–pull dyes based on the naphthalene scaffold as photoinitiators of polymerization is reported for the first time in a systematic study aiming at investigating the structure–performance relationship for irradiation carried out at 405 nm. By carefully selecting the electron donors used in the two series of push–pull dyes, novel and high-performance photoinitiating systems operating at 405 nm are thus proposed.
MiR-337-3p Promotes Adipocyte Browning by Inhibiting TWIST1
Authors: Vonhögen Indira G.C. , el Azzouzi Hamid , Olieslagers Servé , Vasilevich Aliaksei , de Boer Jan , Tinahones Francisco J. , da Costa Martins Paula A. , de Windt Leon J. , Murri Mora
Published: April 2020

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity is an alarming health issue worldwide. Obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT), and it is associated with diminished brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. Twist1 acts as a negative feedback regulator of BAT metabolism. Therefore, targeting Twist1 could become a strategy for obesity and metabolic disease. Here, we have identified miR-337-3p as an upstream regulator of Twist1. Increased miR-337-3p expression paralleled decreased expression of TWIST1 in BAT compared to WAT. Overexpression of miR-337-3p in brown pre-adipocytes provoked a reduction in Twist1 expression that was accompanied by increased expression of brown/mitochondrial markers. Luciferase assays confirmed an interaction between the miR-337 seed sequence and Twist1 3′UTR. The inverse relationship between the expression of TWIST1 and miR-337 was finally validated in adipose tissue samples from non-MetS and MetS subjects that demonstrated a dysregulation of the miR-337-Twist1 molecular axis in MetS. The present study demonstrates that adipocyte miR-337-3p suppresses Twist1 repression and enhances the browning of adipocytes.
Inhibiting Monocyte Recruitment to Prevent the Pro-Tumoral Activity of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Minopoli Michele , Sarno Sabrina , Di Carluccio Gioconda , Azzaro Rosa , Costantini Susan , Fazioli Flavio , Gallo Michele , Apice Gaetano , Cannella Lucia , Rea Domenica , Stoppelli Maria Patrizia , Boraschi Diana , Budillon Alfredo , Scotlandi Katia , De Chiara Annarosaria , Carriero Maria Vincenza
Published: April 2020

Chondrosarcomas (CHS) are malignant cartilaginous neoplasms with diverse morphological features, characterized by resistance to chemo- and radiation therapies. In this study, we investigated the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)s in tumor tissues from CHS patients by immunohistochemistry. Three-dimensional organotypic co-cultures were set up in order to evaluate the contribution of primary human CHS cells in driving an M2-like phenotype in monocyte-derived primary macrophages, and the capability of macrophages to promote growth and/or invasiveness of CHS cells. Finally, with an in vivo model of primary CHS cells engrafted in nude mice, we tested the ability of a potent peptide inhibitor of cell migration (Ac-d-Tyr-d-Arg-Aib-d-Arg-NH2, denoted RI-3) to reduce recruitment and infiltration of monocytes into CHS neoplastic lesions. We found a significant correlation between alternatively activated M2 macrophages and intratumor microvessel density in both conventional and dedifferentiated CHS human tissues, suggesting a link between TAM abundance and vascularization in CHS. In 3D and non-contact cu-culture models, soluble factors produced by CHS induced a M2-like phenotype in macrophages that, in turn, increased motility, invasion and matrix spreading of CHS cells. Finally, we present evidence that RI-3 successfully prevent both recruitment and infiltration of monocytes into CHS tissues, in nude mice.
The Role of Autophagy in Pancreatic Cancer: From Bench to the Dark Bedside
Authors: Görgülü Kıvanç , Diakopoulos Kalliope N. , Kaya-Aksoy Ezgi , Ciecielski Katrin J. , Ai Jiaoyu , Lesina Marina , Algül Hana
Published: April 2020

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types urgently requiring effective therapeutic strategies. Autophagy occurs in several compartments of pancreatic cancer tissue including cancer cells, cancer associated fibroblasts, and immune cells where it can be subjected to a multitude of stimulatory and inhibitory signals fine-tuning its activity. Therefore, the effects of autophagy on pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression differ in a stage and context dependent manner. In the initiation stage autophagy hinders development of preneoplastic lesions; in the progression stage however, autophagy promotes tumor growth. This double-edged action of autophagy makes it a hard therapeutic target. Indeed, autophagy inhibitors have not yet shown survival improvements in clinical trials, indicating a need for better evaluation of existing results and smarter targeting techniques. Clearly, the role of autophagy in pancreatic cancer is complex and many aspects have to be considered when moving from the bench to the bedside.
Altered Mitochondrial Dynamics in Motor Neuron Disease: An Emerging Perspective
Authors: Kodavati Manohar , Wang Haibo , Hegde Muralidhar L.
Published: April 2020

Mitochondria plays privotal role in diverse pathways that regulate cellular function and survival, and have emerged as a prime focus in aging and age-associated motor neuron diseases (MNDs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Accumulating evidence suggests that many amyloidogenic proteins, including MND-associated RNA/DNA-binding proteins fused in sarcoma (FUS) and TAR DNA binding protein (TDP)-43, are strongly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Animal model and patient studies have highlighted changes in mitochondrial structure, plasticity, replication/copy number, mitochondrial DNA instability, and altered membrane potential in several subsets of MNDs, and these observations are consistent with the evidence of increased excitotoxicity, induction of reactive oxygen species, and activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Studies in MND rodent models also indicate that mitochondrial abnormalities begin prior to the clinical and pathological onset of the disease, suggesting a causal role of mitochondrial dysfunction. Our recent studies, which demonstrated the involvement of specific defects in DNA break-ligation mediated by DNA ligase 3 (LIG3) in FUS-associated ALS, raised a key question of its potential implication in mitochondrial DNA transactions because LIG3 is essential for both mitochondrial DNA replication and repair. This question, as well as how wild-type and mutant MND-associated factors affect mitochondria, remain to be elucidated. These new investigation avenues into the mechanistic role of mitochondrial dysfunction in MNDs are critical to identify therapeutic targets to alleviate mitochondrial toxicity and its consequences. In this article, we critically review recent advances in our understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in diverse subgroups of MNDs and discuss challenges and future directions.