bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QuietPlace: An Ultrasound-Based Proof of Location Protocol with Strong Identities
Authors: Kounas Dimitrios , Voutyras Orfefs , Palaiokrassas Georgios , Litke Antonios , Varvarigou Theodora
Published: April 2020

Location-based services are becoming extremely popular due to the widespread use of smartphones and other mobile and portable devices. These services mainly rely on the sincerity of users, who can spoof the location they report to them. For applications with higher security requirements, the user should be unable to report a location different than the real one. Proof of Location protocols provide a solution to secure localization by validating the device’s location with the help of nearby nodes. We propose QuietPlace, a novel protocol that is based on ultrasound and provides strong identities, proving the location of the owner of a device, without exposing though their identity. QuietPlace provides unforgeable proof that is able to resist to various attacks while respecting the users’ privacy. It can work regardless of certificate authority and location-based service and is able to support trust schemas that evaluate the participants’ behavior. We implement and validate the protocol for Android devices, showing that ultrasound-based profiles offer a better performance in terms of maximum receiving distance than audible profiles, and discuss its strengths and weaknesses, making suggestions about future work.
Modeling of Carbonyl/Ammonium Sulfate Aqueous Brown Carbon Chemistry via UV/Vis Spectral Decomposition
Authors: Fan Mengjie , Ma Shiqing , Ferdousi Nahin , Dai Ziwei , Woo Joseph L.
Published: April 2020

The proper characterization of aqueous brown carbon (BrC) species, their formation, and their light absorbance properties is critical to understanding the aggregate effect that they have on overall atmospheric aerosol climate forcing. The contribution of dark chemistry secondary organic aerosol (SOA) products from carbonyl-containing organic compounds (CVOCs) to overall aqueous aerosol optical properties is expected to be significant. However, the multiple, parallel pathways that take place within CVOC reaction systems and the differing chromophoricity of individual products complicates the ability to reliably model the chemical kinetics taking place. Here, we proposed an alternative method of representing UV-visible absorbance spectra as a composite of Gaussian lineshape functions to infer kinetic information. Multiple numbers of curves and different CVOC/ammonium reaction systems were compared. A model using three fitted Gaussian curves with magnitudes following first-order kinetics achieved an accuracy within 65.5% in the 205–300-nm range across multiple organic types and solution aging times. Asymmetrical peaks that occurred in low-200-nm wavelengths were decomposed into two overlapping Gaussian curves, which may have been attributable to different functional groups or families of reaction products. Component curves within overall spectra exhibited different dynamics, implying that the utilization of absorbance at a single reference wavelength to infer reaction rate constants may result in misrepresentative kinetics for these systems.
Tetrameric Structures of Inorganic CBS-Pyrophosphatases from Various Bacterial Species Revealed by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering in Solution
Authors: Dadinova Liubov , Soshinskaia Ekaterina , Jeffries Cy , Svergun Dmitri , Shtykova Eleonora
Published: April 2020

Quaternary structure of CBS-pyrophosphatases (CBS-PPases), which belong to the PPases of family II, plays an important role in their function ensuring cooperative behavior of the enzymes. Despite an intensive research, high resolution structures of the full-length CBS-PPases are not yet available making it difficult to determine the signal transmission path from the regulatory to the active center. In the present work, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) combined with size-exclusion chromatography was applied to determine the solution structures of the full-length wild-type CBS-PPases from three different bacterial species. Previously, in the absence of an experimentally determined full-length CBS-PPase structure, a homodimeric model of the enzyme based on known crystal structures of the CBS domain and family II PPase without this domain has been proposed. Our SAXS analyses demonstrate, for the first time, the existence of stable tetramers in solution for all studied CBS-PPases from different sources. Our findings show that further studies are required to establish the functional properties of these enzymes. This is important not only to enhance our understanding of the relation between CBS-PPases structure and function under normal conditions but also because some human pathogens harbor this class of enzymes.
Development of a Monoclonal Antibody Specific to the IgM Heavy Chain of Bighead Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus): A Biomolecular Tool for the Detection and Quantification of IgM Molecules and IgM+ Cells in Clarias Catfish
Authors: Bunnoy Anurak , Na-Nakorn Uthairat , Srisapoome Prapansak
Published: April 2020

Catfish is a commonly-cultivated freshwater fish in Thailand and many Southeast Asian countries. The molecular data obtained for the IgM heavy chain (IgMH) of catfish have been useful for distinguishing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A mAb specific to Cμ1 of the IgMH of catfish (IgMHCμ1 mAb) was developed in a rabbit model using sequence information from bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus). The IgMHCμ1 mAb strongly recognized the IgM heavy chain of the tested catfish, namely, bighead catfish, African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and their hybrid (C. macrocephalus × C. gariepinus), in immunological Western blot analysis and competitive ELISAs. Additionally, the IgMHCμ1 mAb successfully recognized IgM+ cells by detecting IgM molecules in both secreted and membrane-bound forms in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). The IgMHCμ1 mAb was further used to quantify the percentage of IgM+ cells among PBLs through flow cytophotometry. The IgM+ cell percentages of healthy bighead catfish, African catfish and their hybrid were 38.0–39.9%, 45.6–53.2%, and 58.7–60.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the IgMHCμ1 mAb showed no cross-reactivity with the IgM of zebrafish. These findings suggest that this mAb can be used as an immunological tool for monitoring the health, immune status, and immune development of cultivated Clarias catfish.
Developmental Changes in the Locus of Control in Students Attending Integrated and Non-integrated Classes during Early Adolescence in Poland
Authors: Łubianka Beata , Filipiak Sara , Mariańczyk Katarzyna
Published: April 2020

This article reports the results of a longitudinal study on the development of context-specific locus of control related to situations of success and failure in Polish adolescents. The participants were 90 primary school students, including 30 who learned in integrated classrooms and 60 who went to non-integrated classes in schools with and without an inclusive curriculum, located in Lublin, Poland. The students were surveyed during a three-year schooling period (when they were in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade). The research was carried out in the years 2016–2019. The Locus of Control Questionnaire (LOQ and LOQ-R) by Krasowicz-Kupis and Kurzyp-Wojnarska measured locus of control. These instruments measure generalized locus of control and allow the assessment of context-specific locus of control related to situations of success and failure, as well as school, parent, and peer settings. At the first stage of this study, students in non-integrated classrooms in schools without an inclusive curriculum were characterized by a more internal locus of control, both generalized and in situations of failure, compared to students of non-integrated classrooms in schools with an inclusive curriculum. At seventh grade, students of integrated classes were more external in situations related to their school activity, compared to their peers from non-integrated classrooms. Moreover, we observed developmental changes in locus of control of students from non-integrated classes but only those who attended schools with an integrated curriculum.
Design and Fine-Tuning Redox Potentials of Manganese(II) Complexes with Isoindoline-Based Ligands: H2O2 Oxidation and Oxidative Bleaching Performance in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Meena Bashdar I. , Kaizer József
Published: April 2020

A series of divalent manganese complexes [MII(HL1–6)Cl2] with the 1,3-bis(2’-Ar-imino)isoindolines (HLn, n = 1–6, Ar = pyridyl, 4-methylpyridyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzimidazolyl and N-methylbenzimidazolyl, respectively) including the previously reported ligands (HL1–2, 4–6) and complexes ([MII(HL1,5)Cl2]) have been prepared and characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. In these complexes, it was possible to control the redox potential of the metal center by varying the aryl substituent on the bis-iminoisoindoline moiety, and investigate its effect in a catalase-like reaction, and oxidative bleaching process in buffered aqueous solution. The kinetics of the dismutation of H2O2 into H2O and O2, and the oxidative degradation of morin by H2O2 were investigated in buffered water, where the reactivity of the catalysts in both systems was markedly influenced by the redox and Lewis acidic properties of the metal centers and the concentration of the bicarbonate ions. Both the catalase-like and bleaching activity of the catalysts showed a linear correlation with the MnIII/MnII redox potentials. The E1/2 spans a 561 mV range from 388 mV (Ar = benzymidazolyl) to 948 mV (Ar = 4-methylpyridyl) vs. the SCE. The amount of bicarbonate is a critical issue for the in situ formation of peroxycarbonate as a versatile oxidant, and its participation in the formation of high valent MnIV = O species.
Structurally and Compositionally Tunable Absorption Properties of AgCl@AgAu Nanocatalysts for Plasmonic Photocatalytic Degradation of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Ryu Han-Jung , Kim Ha-Lin , Joo Jang Ho , Lee Jae-Seung
Published: April 2020

Composite nanomaterials having Ag nanoparticles (NPs) that decorate nanostructured AgCl (Ag/AgCl) are promising as plasmonic photocatalysts because of the visible-light absorption of Ag NPs. However, the narrow absorption bands of Ag NPs near 400 nm cause inefficient absorption in the visible range and, consequently, unsatisfactory photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgCl nanomaterials. In this study, we introduce a new class of AgCl-based photocatalysts that are decorated with bimetallic Ag and Au NPs (AgCl@AgAu NPs) for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Polyvinylpyrrolidone induces selective reduction of noble metal precursors on AgCl while leaving AgCl intact. The extended composition of the decorating NPs red-shifts the absorption band to 550–650 nm, which allows the catalysts to take advantage of more energy in the visible range for improved efficiency. Furthermore, we control the structures of the AgCl@AgAu NPs, and investigate their correlation with photocatalytic properties. The versatility, chemical stability, and practical application of the AgCl@AgAu NPs are demonstrated using various organic pollutants, recycling experiments, and natural aqueous media, respectively. Our fundamental investigation on the synthesis and applications of AgCl-based nano-photocatalysts is highly valuable for designing plasmonic photocatalysts and expanding their utilization.
Toxic-Metal-Induced Alteration in miRNA Expression Profile as a Proposed Mechanism for Disease Development
Authors: Wallace David R. , Taalab Yasmeen M. , Heinze Sarah , Tariba Lovaković Blanka , Pizent Alica , Renieri Elisavet , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Javorac Dragana , Andjelkovic Milena , Bulat Zorica , Antonijević Biljana , Buha Djordjevic Aleksandra
Published: April 2020

Toxic metals are extensively found in the environment, households, and workplaces and contaminate food and drinking water. The crosstalk between environmental exposure to toxic metals and human diseases has been frequently described. The toxic mechanism of action was classically viewed as the ability to dysregulate the redox status, production of inflammatory mediators and alteration of mitochondrial function. Recently, growing evidence showed that heavy metals might exert their toxicity through microRNAs (miRNA)—short, single-stranded, noncoding molecules that function as positive/negative regulators of gene expression. Aberrant alteration of the endogenous miRNA has been directly implicated in various pathophysiological conditions and signaling pathways, consequently leading to different types of cancer and human diseases. Additionally, the gene-regulatory capacity of miRNAs is particularly valuable in the brain—a complex organ with neurons demonstrating a significant ability to adapt following environmental stimuli. Accordingly, dysregulated miRNAs identified in patients suffering from neurological diseases might serve as biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. This review will greatly emphasize the effect of the toxic metals on human miRNA activities and how this contributes to progression of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs).
A Commercial Probiotic Induces Tolerogenic and Reduces Pathogenic Responses in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Calvo-Barreiro Laura , Eixarch Herena , Ponce-Alonso Manuel , Castillo Mireia , Lebrón-Galán Rafael , Mestre Leyre , Guaza Carmen , Clemente Diego , del Campo Rosa , Montalban Xavier , Espejo Carmen
Published: April 2020

Previous studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models have shown that some probiotic bacteria beneficially impact the development of this experimental disease. Here, we tested the therapeutic effect of two commercial multispecies probiotics—Lactibiane iki and Vivomixx—on the clinical outcome of established EAE. Lactibiane iki improves EAE clinical outcome in a dose-dependent manner and decreases central nervous system (CNS) demyelination and inflammation. This clinical improvement is related to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory and the stimulation of immunoregulatory mechanisms in the periphery. Moreover, both probiotics modulate the number and phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs). Specifically, Lactibiane iki promotes an immature, tolerogenic phenotype of DCs that can directly induce immune tolerance in the periphery, while Vivomixx decreases the percentage of DCs expressing co-stimulatory molecules. Finally, gut microbiome analysis reveals an altered microbiome composition related to clinical condition and disease progression. This is the first preclinical assay that demonstrates that a commercial probiotic performs a beneficial and dose-dependent effect in EAE mice and one of the few that demonstrates a therapeutic effect once the experimental disease is established. Because this probiotic is already available for clinical trials, further studies are being planned to explore its therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis patients.
Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on Hydrophobic Treatments Applied to Building Exterior Claddings
Authors: Borsoi Giovanni , Esteves Carlos , Flores-Colen Inês , Veiga Rosário
Published: April 2020

Hydrophobic materials are among the most commonly used coatings for building exterior cladding. In fact, these products are easily applied to an existing surface, significantly reduce water absorption and have a minimal impact on the aesthetic properties. On the other hand, although these products have a proven effectiveness, their long-term durability to weathering has not yet been systematically studied and completely understood. For these reasons, this study aims to correlate the effect of artificial aging on the moisture transport properties of hydrophobic treatments when applied on building exterior claddings. Three hydrophobic products (an SiO2-TiO2 nanostructured dispersion; a silane/oligomeric siloxane; and a siloxane) were applied on samples of limestone and of a cement-based mortar. The moisture transport properties (water absorption, drying, water vapor permeability) of untreated and treated specimens were characterized. Furthermore, the long-term durability of the specimens was evaluated by artificial aging, that is, hygrothermal cycles (freeze–thaw and hot–cold). All treatments have significant hydrophobic effectiveness and improve the long term-durability of the treated specimens. However, the results showed that the three hydrophobic products have different effectiveness and durability, with the SiO2-TiO2 nanostructured dispersion being the most durable treatment on limestone, and the siloxane the most suitable for cementitious mortar.
Surface Modification of Bacterial Cellulose by Copper and Zinc Oxide Sputter Coating for UV-Resistance/Antistatic/Antibacterial Characteristics
Authors: Wasim Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Rafique , Mushtaq Muhammad , Naeem Awais , Han Mengchen , Wei Qufu
Published: April 2020

In our study, the surface of bacterial cellulose was successively modified by copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering and radio frequency (RF) reactive sputter coating techniques. The target materials, copper and zinc, were 99.99% pure and used in the presence of argon (Ar) gas, while zinc nanoparticles were sputtered in the presence of oxygen gas to make zinc oxide nanoparticles. The as-prepared bacterial cellulose/copper/zinc oxide nanocomposite has good ultraviolet resistance, anti-static and antibacterial characteristics. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the nanocomposite were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) techniques. The prepared bacterial cellulose/copper/zinc oxide nanocomposite illustrates excellent ultraviolet resistance (T.UVA%; 0.16 ± 0.02, T.UVB%; 0.07 ± 0.01, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF); 1850.33 ± 2.12), antistatic behavior (S.H.P; 51.50 ± 4.10, I.E. V; 349.33 ± 6.02) and antibacterial behavior (Escherichia coli; 98.45%, Staphylococcus aureus; 98.11%). Our nanocomposite prepared by sputter coating method could be a promising and effective candidate for ultraviolet resistance, antistatic and antibacterial in term of functional, technical, medical and in many daily life applications.
Image Representation Method Based on Relative Layer Entropy for Insulator Recognition
Authors: Zhao Zhenbing , Qi Hongyu , Fan Xiaoqing , Xu Guozhi , Qi Yincheng , Zhai Yongjie , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2020

Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) with alternating convolutional, pooling and decimation layers are widely used in computer vision, yet current works tend to focus on deeper networks with many layers and neurons, resulting in a high computational complexity. However, the recognition task is still challenging for insufficient and uncomprehensive object appearance and training sample types such as infrared insulators. In view of this, more attention is focused on the application of a pretrained network for image feature representation, but the rules on how to select the feature representation layer are scarce. In this paper, we proposed a new concept, the layer entropy and relative layer entropy, which can be referred to as an image representation method based on relative layer entropy (IRM_RLE). It was designed to excavate the most suitable convolution layer for image recognition. First, the image was fed into an ImageNet pretrained DCNN model, and deep convolutional activations were extracted. Then, the appropriate feature layer was selected by calculating the layer entropy and relative layer entropy of each convolution layer. Finally, the number of the feature map was selected according to the importance degree and the feature maps of the convolution layer, which were vectorized and pooled by VLAD (vector of locally aggregated descriptors) coding and quantifying for final image representation. The experimental results show that the proposed approach performs competitively against previous methods across all datasets. Furthermore, for the indoor scenes and actions datasets, the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Influence of PWM Methods on Semiconductor Losses and Thermal Cycling of 15-kVA Three-Phase SiC Inverter for Aircraft Applications
Authors: Cougo Bernardo , Morais Lenin , Segond Gilles , Riva Raphael , Tran Duc Hoan
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the influence of different pulse width modulation (PWM) methods on losses and thermal stresses in SiC power modules used in a three-phase inverter. The variation of PWM methods directly impacts instantaneous losses on these semiconductors, consequently resulting in junction temperature swing at the fundamental frequency of the converter’s output current. This thermal cycling can significantly reduce the lifetime of these components. In order to determine semiconductor losses, one needs to characterize SiC devices to calculate the instantaneous power. The characterization methodology of the devices, the calculation of instantaneous power and temperature of SiC dies, and the influence of the different PWM methods are presented. A 15-kVA inverter is built in order to obtain experimental results to confirm the characterization and loss calculation, and we show the best PWM methods to increase efficiency and reliability of the three-phase inverter for specific aircraft applications.
Admixing Chaff with Straw Increased the Residues Collected without Compromising Machinery Efficiencies
Authors: Suardi Alessandro , Saia Sergio , Stefanoni Walter , Gunnarsson Carina , Sundberg Martin , Pari Luigi
Published: April 2020

The collection of residues from staple crop may contribute to meet EU regulations in renewable energy production without harming soil quality. At a global scale, chaff may have great potential to be used as a bioenergy source. However, chaff is not usually collected, and its loss can consist of up to one-fifth of the residual biomass harvestable. In the present work, a spreader able to manage the chaff (either spreading [SPR] on the soil aside to the straw swath or admixed [ADM] with the straw) at varying threshing conditions (with either 1 or 2 threshing rotors [1R and 2R, respectively] in the combine, which affects the mean length of the straw pieces). The fractions of the biomass available in field (grain, chaff, straw, and stubble) were measured, along with the performances of both grain harvesting and baling operations. Admixing chaff allowed for a slightly higher amount of straw fresh weight baled compared to SPR (+336 kg straw ha−1), but such result was not evident on a dry weight basis. At the one time, admixing chaff reduced the material capacity of the combine by 12.9%. Using 2R compared to 1R strongly reduced the length of the straw pieces, and increased the bale unit weight; however, it reduced the field efficiency of the grain harvesting operations by 11.9%. On average, the straw loss did not vary by the treatments applied and was 44% of the total residues available (computed excluding the stubble). In conclusion, admixing of chaff with straw is an option to increase the residues collected without compromising grain harvesting and straw baling efficiencies; in addition, it can reduce the energy needs for the bale logistics. According to the present data, improving the chaff collection can allow halving the loss of residues. However, further studies are needed to optimise both the chaff and the straw recoveries.
An Approach to Calculating Casing Bearing Capacity with Parabolic Deformation Characteristics Under Local Radial Loading
Authors: Zhao Wanchun , Ge Jing , Ranjith Pathegama Gamage , Wang Tingting , Han Lijie
Published: April 2020

In the process of waterflooding technology in the Jilin oilfield, local radial compressive stress caused by rock deformation results in local casing collapse. According to statistics regarding casing-deformation characteristics, a certain number of these characteristics are approximately parabola-shaped at the radial-deformation bottom, and the boundary of the whole deformation area is approximately symmetrical and double-parabola-shaped. The main work of this article focused on occurrences of such casing deformation. Assuming that, in the process of casing deformation, external work is totally converted into energy consumption due to the deformation, the variation regularity of bearing capacity under local radial load was obtained. In the Qing-1 stratum of the Jilin oilfield, by selecting casing with radial collapse deformation parameters of 41/2″J55, 51/2″J55, 41/2″N80, and 51/2″N80, radial bearing capacity was calculated. Study results showed that the casing bearing-capacity value was reduced by 39.69% compared with the current API 5C3 standard when under the action of a local radial load. The casing collapsed due to the impact of local radial loads produced by mudstone creep. A series of relationships between radial bearing strength and casing parameters were also obtained. The research results are of significant academic value for the compilation of casing design codes or standards under local radial loading.
Resource Recovery from Waste Coffee Grounds Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Technology for Bioenergy Production
Authors: Mofijur M. , Kusumo F. , Fattah I. M. Rizwanul , Mahmudul H. M. , Rasul M. G. , Shamsuddin A. H. , Mahlia T. M. I.
Published: April 2020

Biodiesel is a proven alternative fuel that can serve as a substitute for petroleum diesel due to its renewability, non-toxicity, sulphur-free nature and superior lubricity. Waste-based non-edible oils are studied as potential biodiesel feedstocks owing to the focus on the valorisation of waste products. Instead of being treated as municipal waste, waste coffee grounds (WCG) can be utilised for oil extraction, thereby recovering an energy source in the form of biodiesel. This study evaluates oil extraction from WCG using ultrasonic and Soxhlet techniques, followed by biodiesel conversion using an ultrasonic-assisted transesterification process. It was found that n-hexane was the most effective solvent for the oil extraction process and ultrasonic-assisted technology offers a 13.5% higher yield compared to the conventional Soxhlet extraction process. Solid-to-solvent ratio and extraction time of the oil extraction process from the dried waste coffee grounds (DWCG) after the brewing process was optimised using the response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that predicted yield of 17.75 wt. % of coffee oil can be obtained using 1:30 w/v of the mass ratio of DWCG-ton-hexane and 34 min of extraction time when 32% amplitude was used. The model was verified by the experiment where 17.23 wt. % yield of coffee oil was achieved when the extraction process was carried out under optimal conditions. The infrared absorption spectrum analysis of WCG oil determined suitable functional groups for biodiesel conversion which was further treated using an ultrasonic-assisted transesterification process to successfully convert to biodiesel.
Goal Programming Application for Contract Pricing of Electric Vehicle Aggregator in Join Day-Ahead Market
Authors: Aliasghari Parinaz , Mohammadi-Ivatloo Behnam , Abapour Mehdi , Ahmadian Ali , Elkamel Ali
Published: April 2020

Selecting an appropriate contract price between electric vehicle aggregators and electric vehicle owners is an uncertain, multi-criteria decision-making issue. In addition, the results can cause strong conflict due to different aims: the optimal value for increasing electric vehicle aggregator (EVA) profit negatively affects the cost for owners. The value of the contract price can change the optimal scheduling of EVAs in the day-ahead market. Taking into consideration this context, the current paper proposes to solve the multi-objective scheduling problem of an aggregator with a goal programming approach. The presented approach sets a satisfaction level for each goal according to decision-makers’ preference. Numerical results illustrate the validity of this approach to balance different performance measures. Furthermore, optimal scheduling of electric vehicle aggregators in the day-ahead market is created.
Preparation and Characterization of Coating Based on Protein Nanofibers and Polyphenol and Application for Salted Duck Egg Yolks
Authors: Wang Qiannan , Liu Weihua , Tian Bo , Li Dongmei , Liu Chunhong , Jiang Bin , Feng Zhibiao
Published: April 2020

Salted duck egg yolk (SDEY) is one of the traditional pickled egg products in Asian countries, which suffers from the weight loss and deterioration of texture characteristics during storage. To better maintain the texture of SDEY, an edible coating based on whey protein isolate nanofibers (WPNFs) with glycerol (Gly) as a plasticizer and incorporating carvacrol (CA) as an antimicrobial agent was developed. Whey protein isolate (WPI, 5%) was used to self-assemble into WPNFs at 80 °C for 10 h. The particle size, zeta-potential and microstructure of WPNFs–CA emulsion were investigated to evaluate the distribution. Results proved that WPNFs–CA emulsion had smaller particle size and better distribution than WPI–CA emulsion. WPNFs–CA/Gly edible coating was then prepared based on WPNFs–CA emulsion. The WPNFs–CA/Gly edible coating exhibited higher antibacterial activity while the WPNFs–CA/Gly film had smooth and continuous surfaces and better transmittance compared with other samples. Furthermore, weight losses and textural properties changes of SDEYs with WPNFs–CA/Gly coating were evaluated. Results proved that salted duck egg yolks with WPNFs–CA/Gly coating exhibited lower weight losses. Textural properties were significantly improved by the WPNFs–CA/Gly coating on SDEYs than those uncoated samples. It was noted that the egg yolks coated with the WPNFs–CA/Gly coating had the lowest hardness increase rate (18.22%). Hence, WPNF-based coatings may have a good development prospect in the food industry.
Determining Which Cooking Method Provides the Best Sensory Differentiation of Potatoes
Authors: Ciccone Melissa , Chambers Delores , Chambers IV Edgar , Talavera Martin
Published: April 2020

There are many ways to prepare potatoes that each provide a unique set of sensory properties. However, when conducting a descriptive sensory study, it is important to utilize a cooking method that will highlight, and not distract from, the sensory differences among potato samples due to factors such as variety or growing conditions. This study aimed to determine which of five cooking methods results in the best differentiation among potato varieties to recommend a single method for use in future descriptive sensory studies. Five different potato varieties were each prepared using boiling, mashing, baking, frying, and air frying methods. The samples were provided to six highly trained descriptive panelists and evaluated by consensus using a modified high identity traits (HITs) method. Panelists evaluated the aroma, flavor, and texture to develop a list of up to five total HITs per sample. Additionally, panelists scored each sample for degree of difference (DOD) from the control. Based on the HITs profiles and DOD scores, mashing, baking, and air frying methods were all effective in differentiating the samples. Frying and boiling methods introduced too much variation and are not recommended for sample differentiation. Ultimately, the method chosen for future research would depend on the study objectives.
Corporate Governance and Stock Price Synchronicity: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Huu Nguyen Anh , Minh Thi Vu Thu , Truc Thi Doan Quynh
Published: April 2020

This research is conducted to investigate the impact of corporate governance on stock price synchronicity in the context of the Vietnamese market. The paper tests four hypotheses proposing the effect of four crucial components of corporate governance including board size, board independence, managerial ownership, and foreign ownership on stock price synchronicity. The study sample includes 247 non-financial listed companies on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) in Vietnam over a period of five years from 2014 to 2018. The fixed effects model is employed to address econometric issues and to improve the accuracy of the regression coefficients. The research results show the positive impact of board size and foreign ownership but the negative impact of managerial ownership on stock price synchronicity. This study confirms the viewpoint that stocks in the market move more together when the firms’ corporate governance gets better. In other words, the research findings suggest that low synchronicity signifies the corporate intransparency and weak information environment and vice versa. From this, the paper provides a new insight to managers on how to improve stock price synchronicity with corporate governance.
Estimation of Indoor Location Through Magnetic Field Data: An Approach Based On Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Galván-Tejada Carlos E. , Zanella-Calzada Laura A. , García-Domínguez Antonio , Magallanes-Quintanar Rafael , Luna-García Huizilopoztli , Celaya-Padilla Jose M. , Galván-Tejada Jorge I. , Vélez-Rodríguez Alberto , Gamboa-Rosales Hamurabi
Published: April 2020

Estimation of indoor location represents an interesting research topic since it is a main contextual variable for location bases services (LBS), eHealth applications and commercial systems, among others. For instance, hospitals require location data of their employees, as well as the location of their patients to offer services based on these locations at the correct moments of their needs. Several approaches have been proposed to tackle this problem using different types of artificial or natural signals (i.e., wifi, bluetooth, rfid, sound, movement, etc.). In this work, it is proposed the development of an indoor location estimator system, relying in the data provided by the magnetic field of the rooms, which has been demonstrated that is unique and quasi-stationary. For this purpose, it is analyzed the spectral evolution of the magnetic field data viewed as a bidimensional heatmap, avoiding temporal dependencies. A Fourier transform is applied to the bidimensional heatmap of the magnetic field data to feed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to generate a model to estimate the user’s location in a building. The evaluation of the CNN model to deploy an indoor location system (ILS) is done through measuring the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to observe the behavior in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Our experiments achieve a 0.99 Area Under the Curve (AUC) in the training data-set and a 0.74 in a total blind data set.
Modulation of Function, Structure and Clustering of K+ Channels by Lipids: Lessons Learnt from KcsA
Authors: Renart María Lourdes , Giudici Ana Marcela , Díaz-García Clara , Molina María Luisa , Morales Andrés , González-Ros José M. , Poveda José Antonio
Published: April 2020

KcsA, a prokaryote tetrameric potassium channel, was the first ion channel ever to be structurally solved at high resolution. This, along with the ease of its expression and purification, made KcsA an experimental system of choice to study structure–function relationships in ion channels. In fact, much of our current understanding on how the different channel families operate arises from earlier KcsA information. Being an integral membrane protein, KcsA is also an excellent model to study how lipid–protein and protein–protein interactions within membranes, modulate its activity and structure. In regard to the later, a variety of equilibrium and non-equilibrium methods have been used in a truly multidisciplinary effort to study the effects of lipids on the KcsA channel. Remarkably, both experimental and “in silico” data point to the relevance of specific lipid binding to two key arginine residues. These residues are at non-annular lipid binding sites on the protein and act as a common element to trigger many of the lipid effects on this channel. Thus, processes as different as the inactivation of channel currents or the assembly of clusters from individual KcsA channels, depend upon such lipid binding.
Bioactive Polyphenols and Neuromodulation: Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Di Meo Francesco , Valentino Anna , Petillo Orsolina , Peluso Gianfranco , Filosa Stefania , Crispi Stefania
Published: April 2020

The interest in dietary polyphenols in recent years has greatly increased due to their antioxidant bioactivity with preventive properties against chronic diseases. Polyphenols, by modulating different cellular functions, play an important role in neuroprotection and are able to neutralize the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, all these mechanisms are involved in neurodegeneration. Although polyphenols display differences in their effectiveness due to interindividual variability, recent studies indicated that bioactive polyphenols in food and beverages promote health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Polyphenols have a poor bioavailability and their digestion by gut microbiota produces active metabolites. In fact, dietary bioactive polyphenols need to be modified by microbiota present in the intestine before being absorbed, and to exert health preventive effects by interacting with cellular signalling pathways. This literature review includes an evaluation of the literature in English up to December 2019 in PubMed and Web of Science databases. A total of 307 studies, consisting of research reports, review articles and articles were examined and 146 were included. The review highlights the role of bioactive polyphenols in neurodegeneration, with a particular emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are modulated by polyphenols involved in protection from oxidative stress and apoptosis prevention.
Conformational Characterization of Native and L17A/F19A-Substituted Dutch-Type β-Amyloid Peptides
Authors: He Kai-Cyuan , Chen Yi-Ru , Liang Chu-Ting , Huang Shi-Jie , Tzeng Chung-Ying , Chang Chi-Fon , Huang Shing-Jong , Huang Hsien-Bin , Lin Ta-Hsien
Published: April 2020

Some mutations which occur in the α/β-discordant region (resides 15 to 23) of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) lead to familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). In vitro studies have shown that these genetic mutations could accelerate Aβ aggregation. We recently showed that mutations in this region could alter the structural propensity, resulting in a different aggregative propensity of Aβ. Whether these genetic mutations display similar effects remains largely unknown. Here, we characterized the structural propensity and aggregation kinetics of Dutch-type Aβ40 (Aβ40(E22Q)) and its L17A/F19A-substituted mutant (Aβ40(L17A/F19A/E22Q)) using circular dichroism spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, and thioflavin T fluorescence assay. In comparison with wild-type Aβ40, we found that Dutch-type mutation, unlike Artic-type mutation (E22G), does not reduce the α-helical propensity of the α/β-discordant region in sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solution. Moreover, we found that Aβ40(L17A/F19A/E22Q) displays a higher α-helical propensity of the α/β-discordant region and a slower aggregation rate than Aβ40(E22Q), suggesting that the inhibition of aggregation might be via increasing the α-helical propensity of the α/β-discordant region, similar to that observed in wild-type and Artic-type Aβ40. Taken together, Dutch-type and Artic-type mutations adopt different mechanisms to promote Aβ aggregation, however, the L17A/F19A mutation could increase the α-helical propensities of both Dutch-type and Artic-type Aβ40 and inhibit their aggregation.
Lysosomal Exocytosis, Exosome Release and Secretory Autophagy: The Autophagic- and Endo-Lysosomal Systems Go Extracellular
Authors: Buratta Sandra , Tancini Brunella , Sagini Krizia , Delo Federica , Chiaradia Elisabetta , Urbanelli Lorena , Emiliani Carla
Published: April 2020

Beyond the consolidated role in degrading and recycling cellular waste, the autophagic- and endo-lysosomal systems play a crucial role in extracellular release pathways. Lysosomal exocytosis is a process leading to the secretion of lysosomal content upon lysosome fusion with plasma membrane and is an important mechanism of cellular clearance, necessary to maintain cell fitness. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles originating from the inward budding of the membrane of late endosomes, which may not fuse with lysosomes but be released extracellularly upon exocytosis. In addition to garbage disposal tools, they are now considered a cell-to-cell communication mechanism. Autophagy is a cellular process leading to sequestration of cytosolic cargoes for their degradation within lysosomes. However, the autophagic machinery is also involved in unconventional protein secretion and autophagy-dependent secretion, which are fundamental mechanisms for toxic protein disposal, immune signalling and pathogen surveillance. These cellular processes underline the crosstalk between the autophagic and the endosomal system and indicate an intersection between degradative and secretory functions. Further, they suggest that the molecular mechanisms underlying fusion, either with lysosomes or plasma membrane, are key determinants to maintain cell homeostasis upon stressing stimuli. When they fail, the accumulation of undigested substrates leads to pathological consequences, as indicated by the involvement of autophagic and lysosomal alteration in human diseases, namely lysosomal storage disorders, age-related neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge on the functional role of extracellular release pathways involving lysosomes and the autophagic- and endo-lysosomal systems, evaluating their implication in health and disease.
Beneficial Effects of Acetyl-DL-Leucine (ADLL) in a Mouse Model of Sandhoff Disease
Authors: Kaya Ecem , Smith David A. , Smith Claire , Boland Barry , Strupp Michael , Platt Frances M.
Published: April 2020

Sandhoff disease is a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease associated with the storage of GM2 ganglioside in late endosomes/lysosomes. Here, we explored the efficacy of acetyl-DL-leucine (ADLL), which has been shown to improve ataxia in observational studies in patients with Niemann–Pick Type C1 and other cerebellar ataxias. We treated a mouse model of Sandhoff disease (Hexb-/-) (0.1 g/kg/day) from 3 weeks of age with this orally available drug. ADLL produced a modest but significant increase in life span, accompanied by improved motor function and reduced glycosphingolipid (GSL) storage in the forebrain and cerebellum, in particular GA2. ADLL was also found to normalize altered glucose and glutamate metabolism, as well as increasing autophagy and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Our findings provide new insights into metabolic abnormalities in Sandhoff disease, which could be targeted with new therapeutic approaches, including ADLL.
Circulating miR-320a as a Predictive Biomarker for Left Ventricular Remodelling in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Galeano-Otero Isabel , Del Toro Raquel , Guisado Agustín , Díaz Ignacio , Mayoral-González Isabel , Guerrero-Márquez Francisco , Gutiérrez-Carretero Encarnación , Casquero-Domínguez Sara , Díaz-de la Llera Luis , Barón-Esquivias Gonzalo , Jiménez-Navarro Manuel , Smani Tarik , Ordóñez-Fernández Antonio
Published: April 2020

Restoration of epicardial coronary blood flow, achieved by early reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), is the guideline recommended to treat patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, despite successful blood restoration, increasing numbers of patients develop left ventricular adverse remodelling (LVAR) and heart failure. Therefore, reliable prognostic biomarkers for LVAR in STEMI are urgently needed. Our aim was to investigate the role of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and their association with LVAR in STEMI patients following the PPCI procedure. We analysed the expression of circulating miRNAs in blood samples of 56 patients collected at admission and after revascularization (at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h). The associations between miRNAs and left ventricular end diastolic volumes at 6 months were estimated to detect LVAR. miRNAs were also analysed in samples isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human myocardium of failing hearts. Kinetic analysis of miRNAs showed a fast time-dependent increase in miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-193b, miR-499, and miR-320a in STEMI patients compared to controls. Moreover, the expression of miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-324, miR-208, miR-423, miR-522, and miR-545 was differentially expressed even before PPCI in STEMI. Furthermore, the increase in circulating miR-320a and the decrease in its expression in PBMCs were significantly associated with LVAR and correlated with the expression of miR-320a in human failing myocardium from ischaemic origin. In conclusion, we determined the time course expression of new circulating miRNAs in patients with STEMI treated with PPCI and we showed that miR-320a was positively associated with LVAR.
Phase Studies of Additively Manufactured Near Beta Titanium Alloy-Ti55511
Authors: Maimaitiyili Tuerdi , Mosur Krystian , Kurzynowski Tomasz , Casati Nicola , Van Swygenhoven Helena
Published: April 2020

The effect of electron-beam melting (EBM) and selective laser melting (SLM) processes on the chemical composition, phase composition, density, microstructure, and microhardness of as-built Ti55511 blocks were evaluated and compared. The work also aimed to understand how each process setting affects the powder characteristics after processing. Experiments have shown that both methods can process Ti55511 successfully and can build parts with almost full density (>99%) without any internal cracks or delamination. It was observed that the SLM build sample can retain the phase composition of the initial powder, while EBM displayed significant phase changes. After the EBM process, a considerable amount of α Ti-phase and lamella-like microstructures were found in the EBM build sample and corresponding powder left in the build chamber. Both processes showed a similar effect on the variation of powder morphology after the process. Despite the apparent difference in alloying composition, the EBM build Ti55511 sample showed similar microhardness as EBM build Ti-6Al-4V. Measured microhardness of the EBM build sample is approximately 10% higher than the SLM build, and it measured as 348 ± 30.20 HV.
Decade of Twist Channel Angular Pressing: A Review
Authors: Macháčková Adéla
Published: April 2020

The methods of severe plastic deformation (SPD) have gained attention within the last decades primarily owing to their ability to substantially refine the grains within metallic materials and, therefore, significantly enhance the properties. Among one of the most efficient SPD methods is the equal channel angular pressing (ECAP)-based twist channel angular pressing (TCAP) method, combining channel twist and channel bending within a single die. This unique die affects the processed material with three independent strain paths during a single pass, which supports the development of substructure and efficiently refines the grains. This review is intended to summarize the characteristics of the TCAP method and its main features documented within the last decade, since its development in 2010. The article is supplemented with a brief characterization of other known SPD methods based on the combination of ECAP and twist extrusion (TE) within a single die.