bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE CLUBS WITH TAX REVENUE RECYCLING, TARIFFS, AND TRANSFERS
Authors: SHAW DAIGEE , FU YU-HSUAN
Published: September 2020

The E3ME-FTT model is applied to assess the impacts of alternative climate club structures. We consider two kinds of climate club memberships: the World Climate Club (WCC), where every country in the world joins the club, and the Core Climate Club (CCC), with seven likely club members: EU[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia. First, we find that both the WCC and domestic revenue-neutral recycling matter a lot. The global CO2 emissions in 2050 could be reduced by 50% from BAU under the WCC. With domestic revenue-neutral recycling, there will be large positive impacts on GDP under both the WCC and the CCC. Secondly, the negative effects of trade sanctions on cumulative global GDP and global CO2 emissions make it unwelcome to be used as part of the club design. Lastly, the introduction of international transfers will result in a win–win solution that will not only increase the cumulative global GDP and reduce global CO2 emissions but also enhance the equality among club members and induce more likely participation in the climate club.
Potential Alternative Materials used in Evaporative Coolers for Sustainable Energy Applications: A Review
Authors: Kumar Shiva , Singh Jay , Siyag Jogendra , Rambhatla Srikar
Published: September 2020

In hot climatic conditions, increased energy consumption toward cooling has led to the development of evaporative coolers. The performance of evaporative cooler depends on the various material and operating parameters. Type of material selected for cooling pad is the most important factor among them. In this study, various types of cooling pad materials have been discussed based on their potential benefits, influence on the cooling performance like characteristics wettability, porosity, water holding capacity and cost. It is seen that organic- and fiber-based materials have been extensively used, whereas the studies related to materials based on plastics and metals are limited. Ideal material properties to be possessed by a good pad material have been discussed. Prospects and future scope for further research have been identified. Hence, this review paper certainly throws some light on the selection criteria for a potential alternative evaporative cooling pad material that shows the maximum cooling performance and helps achieve sustainable cooling in buildings.
The thermal properties of the Mercia Mudstone Group
Authors: Parkes Dan , Busby Jon , Kemp Simon J. , Petitclerc Estelle , Mounteney Ian
Published: September 2020

The Mercia Mudstone Group (MMG) crops out extensively across England and Wales and its thermal properties are required for the design of infrastructure such as ground source heating and cooling schemes and electrical cable conduits. Data from the literature and new data from a borehole core have been compiled to generate an updated range of thermal conductivities related to rock type and the lithostratigraphy. These indicate a total range in saturated vertical thermal conductivity of 1.67–3.24 W m
−1
 K
−1
, comprising 1.67–2.81 W m
−1
 K
−1
for mudstones, 2.12–2.41 W m
−1
 K
−1
for siltstones and 2.3–3.24 W m
−1
 K
−1
for sandstones. These data are all from measurements on samples and there will be uncertainty when considering the thermal properties of the rock mass owing to micro- and macrostructural features. Geometric mean modelling of thermal conductivity based on mineralogy has overestimated the thermal conductivity. Correction factors for the modelled thermal conductivities have been calculated to allow a first estimate of MMG thermal conductivities when only mineralogical data are available. Measured thermal diffusivities from the borehole core were in the range of 0.63–3.07 × 10
−6
 m
2
 s
−1
and are the first measured thermal diffusivities to be reported for the MMG.
About this title - Geomagnetic Field Variations in the Past: New Data, Applications and Recent Advances
Authors: Tema E. , Di Chiara A. , Herrero-Bervera E.
Published: September 2020

In the last decades, palaeomagnetic research has provided important information about the past variation of the Earth's magnetic field (EMF) from its origin to the present day. However, questions regarding the origin and evolution of the EMF as well as the frequency and spatial distribution of its variations still remain open to debate. This Special Publication provides new insights into the study of the temporal and spatial evolution of the EMF presenting new data from palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic studies of archaeological materials, sediments and lavas. The papers presented cover a wide range of topics related to archaeology, stratigraphy and climate, including new data from several parts of the world, such as Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India and the Baltic Sea. This Special Publication aims to present an overview of the most recent secular variation studies and their use to disclose fundamental properties of the EMF evolution.
Real time spent on real time
Authors: Wilhelm Reinhard
Published: September 2020

The story of the development of a sound, static method for worst-case execution-time analysis.
All Children Thrive: Integration of Nutrition and Early Childhood Development
Authors: Black Maureen M. , Trude Angela C.B. , Lutter Chessa K.
Published: September 2020

Building on the successes of child survival, we review the evidence needed to ensure both that children who survive also thrive and that recommendations promote equity, with no child left behind. To illustrate the critical roles played by nutrition and child development, we revise the Conceptual Framework for the Causes of Malnutrition and Death and the Nurturing Care Framework to create the Conceptual Framework of All Children Surviving and Thriving. The revised framework highlights the goals of child growth and development, supported by health, nutrition, learning, responsive caregiving, and security and safety. We review the challenges posed by undernutrition, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, and children not reaching their developmental potential. Although integrated nutrition–childhood development interventions have shown promising effects, most have not been implemented at scale. Implementation science that investigates how and why integrated interventions work in real life, along with the acceptability, feasibility, cost, coverage, and sustainability of the interventions, is needed to ensure equity for all children thriving.
Electrochemical Visualization of Room Temperature Ionic Liquid for the Detection of Functionalized 1-phenylpyridine Analogue in Mixed Sample
Authors: Paul Anirban , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: September 2020

Room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) is considered to be one of the stepping stone to fabricate next generation electrochemical sensor due to its unique physico-chemical property. Most importantly, the wide electrochemical window of these compounds makes themselves excellent component as a transducer to fabricate electrochemical sensor. Functionalized analogue of 1-phenyl-pipyridine is an important class of organic compound, widely popular for its use in analgesic agent. Extreme toxicity of these chemical analogue does concern human health and safety. For this regard, a sensor platform is absolutely necessary to distinguish such chemical analogues even when mixed with each other. We have documented a proof of concept where we have examined the ability of a room temperature ionic liquid in an electrochemical sensor platform to detect selective functionalized phenylpiperidine compound when mixed with its close analogue having same functionalization. We believe this study will help to develop next generation electrochemical sensor for important organic molecule using RTIL as primary component.
Synthesis, Lithium Insertion and Thermal Stability of Si–Mo Alloys
Authors: Cao Simeng , Gracious Shayne , Bennett J. Craig , Obrovac M. N.
Published: September 2020

Li insertion was investigated in SixMo100−x (90 ≥ x ≥ 70, Δx = 10) alloys prepared by mechanical ball milling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and quantitative phase analysis were used to analyze phase compositions of these Si–Mo alloys, and how these phase compositions changed with milling times. The results of quantitative phase analysis showed that cr-Si converted into a-Si within 1 h during milling, and the Si–Mo reactions were nearly complete after only 4-h milling. During electrochemical cycling, the Si–Mo samples with high initial Mo contents and long milling times displayed good crystalline Li15Si4 suppression and stable cycling performance. In addition, thermal stability of some selected Si–Mo alloys was studied. The Si80Mo20 16 h alloy combines good thermal stability and a high volumetric capacity of about 1300–1400 Ah L−1 after heat treatment at 600 °C or 800 °C, which may allow the alloy to be further improved by carbon coating at high temperature.
Corticosterone inhibits vagal afferent glutamate release in the nucleus of the solitary tract via retrograde endocannabinoid signaling
Authors: Ragozzino Forrest J. , Arnold Rachel A. , Kowalski Cody W. , Savenkova Marina I. , Karatsoreos Ilia N. , Peters James H.
Published: September 2020

Circulating blood glucocorticoid levels are dynamic and responsive to stimuli that impact autonomic function. In the brain stem, vagal afferent terminals release the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate to neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Vagal afferents integrate direct visceral signals and circulating hormones with ongoing NTS activity to control autonomic function and behavior. Here, we investigated the effects of corticosterone (CORT) on glutamate signaling in the NTS using patch-clamp electrophysiology on brain stem slices containing the NTS and central afferent terminals from male C57BL/6 mice. We found that CORT rapidly decreased both action potential-evoked and spontaneous glutamate signaling. The effects of CORT were phenocopied by dexamethasone and blocked by mifepristone, consistent with glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated signaling. While mRNA for GR was present in both the NTS and vagal afferent neurons, selective intracellular quenching of G protein signaling in postsynaptic NTS neurons eliminated the effects of CORT. We then investigated the contribution of retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, which has been reported to transduce nongenomic GR effects. Pharmacological or genetic elimination of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor signaling blocked CORT suppression of glutamate release. Together, our results detail a mechanism, whereby the NTS integrates endocrine CORT signals with fast neurotransmission to control autonomic reflex pathways.
Docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids differentially regulate glucose and fatty acid metabolism in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Katsnelson Glen , Ceddia Rolando B.
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can directly regulate glucose and fat metabolism in skeletal muscle besides exerting anti-inflammatory effects. To accomplish this, L6 skeletal muscle cells were treated with 50 µM of either DHA or EPA for 1, 3, and 5 days. Here, we report that basal and insulin-stimulated rates of glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, protein kinase B (AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) phosphorylation were not affected by DHA or EPA. However, glucose and palmitate oxidation were consistently elevated by DHA treatment, whereas EPA only increased this variable transiently. Similarly, only DHA caused significant and sustained increases in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and protein levels of carnitine-palmitoyl transferase-1b (CPT1b) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in skeletal muscle cells. DHA also caused a larger anti-inflammatory effect than EPA in these cells. In conclusion, besides exerting anti-inflammatory effects, DHA and EPA directly regulated glucose and fat metabolism in skeletal muscle cells, although DHA was more effective in doing so than EPA. Thus, by directly enhancing glucose and fat oxidation, DHA may increase glucose disposal and reduce intramyocellular lipid accumulation.
Cigarette smoke induction of S100A9 contributes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Railwah Christopher , Lora Alnardo , Zahid Kanza , Goldenberg Hannah , Campos Michael , Wyman Anne , Jundi Bakr , Ploszaj Magdalena , Rivas Melissa , Dabo Abdoulaye , Majka Susan M. , Foronjy Robert , El Gazzar Mohamed , Geraghty Patrick
Published: September 2020

S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) is elevated in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and aging enhances S100A9 expression in several tissues. Currently, the direct impact of S100A9-mediated signaling on lung function and within the aging lung is unknown. Here, we observed that elevated S100A9 levels in human BALF correlated with age. Elevated lung levels of S100A9 were higher in older mice compared with in young animals and coincided with pulmonary function changes. Both acute and chronic exposure to cigarette smoke enhanced S100A9 levels in age-matched mice. To examine the direct role of S100A9 on the development of COPD, S100a9−/− mice or mice administered paquinimod were exposed to chronic cigarette smoke. S100A9 depletion and inhibition attenuated the loss of lung function, pressure-volume loops, airway inflammation, lung compliance, and forced expiratory volume in 0.05 s/forced vital capacity, compared with age-matched wild-type or vehicle-administered animals. Loss of S100a9 signaling reduced cigarette smoke-induced airspace enlargement, alveolar remodeling, lung destruction, ERK and c-RAF phosphorylation, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) release into the airways. Paquinimod administered to nonsmoked, aged animals reduced age-associated loss of lung function. Since fibroblasts play a major role in the production and maintenance of extracellular matrix in emphysema, primary lung fibroblasts were treated with the ERK inhibitor LY3214996 or the c-RAF inhibitor GW5074, resulting in less S100A9-induced MMP-3, MMP-9, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8. Silencing Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), or extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) prevented S100A9-induced phosphorylation of ERK and c-RAF. Our data suggest that S100A9 signaling contributes to the progression of smoke-induced and age-related COPD.
Phenylalanine induces pulmonary hypertension through calcium-sensing receptor activation
Authors: Tan Rubin , Li Jiansha , Liu Fangbo , Liao Pu , Ruiz Matthieu , Dupuis Jocelyn , Zhu Liping , Hu Qinghua
Published: September 2020

Phenylalanine levels are associated with pulmonary hypertension in metabolic profiling clinical studies. However, the pathophysiological role of phenylalanine on pulmonary circulation is still unclear. We experimentally addressed the direct impact of phenylalanine on pulmonary circulation in rats and explored the underlying molecular pathway. Phenylalanine was injected intraperitoneally into Sprague-Dawley rats (400 mg/100 g body wt) as a single dose or daily in a chronic manner for 2, 3, and 4 wk. Chronic injection of phenylalanine induced pulmonary hypertension with time-dependent severity, evidenced by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance as well as pulmonary artery and right ventricular hypertrophy. Using tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we found a quick twofold increase in blood level of phenylalanine 2 h following injection. This increase led to a significant accumulation of phenylalanine in lung after 4 h, which remained sustained at up to a threefold increase after 4 wk. In addition, a cellular thermal shift assay with lung tissues from phenylalanine-injected rats revealed the binding of phenylalanine to the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In vitro experiments with cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells showed that phenylalanine activated CaSR, as indicated by an increase in intracellular calcium content, which was attenuated or diminished by the inhibition or knockdown of CaSR. Finally, the global knockout or lung-specific knockdown of CaSR significantly attenuated phenylalanine-induced pulmonary hypertension. Chronic phenylalanine injection induces pulmonary hypertension through binding to CaSR and its subsequent activation. Here, we demonstrate a pathophysiological role of phenylalanine in pulmonary hypertension through the CaSR. This study provides a novel animal model for pulmonary hypertension and reveals a potentially clinically significant role for this metabolite in human pulmonary hypertension as a marker, a mediator of disease, and a possible therapeutic target.
Aging reduces the maximal level of peripheral fatigue tolerable and impairs exercise capacity
Authors: Zarzissi Slim , Bouzid Mohamed Amine , Zghal Firas , Rebai Haithem , Hureau Thomas J.
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to determine the magnitude of the maximal level of peripheral fatigue attainable (fatigue threshold) during an all-out intermittent isometric knee-extensor protocol in both younger (24 ± 1 yr, n = 12) and older (60 ± 2 yr, n = 12) participants to provide new insights into the effects of aging on neuromuscular function. Participants performed two experimental sessions, in which they performed 60 maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs; 3 s of contraction, 2 s of relaxation). One trial was performed in the unfatigued state (CTRL) and one other following fatiguing neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps (FNMES). Peripheral fatigue was quantified via pre/postexercise decrease in quadriceps twitch force (∆Ptw). Critical force (CF) was determined as the mean force output of the last 12 contractions, whereas W′ was calculated as the area above CF. Although FNMES led to a significant decrease in Ptw before performing the 60-MVCs protocol ( P = 0.024), ∆Ptw was not different between CTRL and FNMES for both the young group ( P = 0.491) and the old group ( P = 0.523). However, this peripheral fatigue threshold was significantly greater in young versus old participants (∆Ptw = −48 ± 10% vs. −29 ± 13%, respectively, P = 0.028). In CTRL, W′ was 55 ± 13% lower in the old group than in the young group ( P < 0.001), but CF was similar (326 ± 10 N vs. 322 ± 12 N, respectively, P = 0.941). ∆Ptw was correlated with W′, independently of age ( r2 = 0.84, P < 0.001). Exercise performance decreases with aging consequent to a lower tolerance to peripheral fatigue. However, the peripheral fatigue threshold mechanism persists with healthy aging and continues to play a protective role in preserving locomotor muscle function during exercise.
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor mediates inhibition of N-type calcium currents in vestibular afferent neurons of the rat
Authors: Seseña Emmanuel , Soto Enrique , Bueno Jesua , Vega Rosario
Published: September 2020

Our results show that in primary vestibular afferent neurons, activation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor inhibits the N-type calcium current by a mechanism mediated by G proteins. We propose that calcium current inhibition modulates neurotransmitter release from vestibular afferents, producing a presynaptic modulation of vestibular input to vestibular nuclei, thus contributing to gain control in the vestibular afferent input.
Tactile innervation densities across the whole body
Authors: Corniani Giulia , Saal Hannes P.
Published: September 2020

The skin is our largest sensory organ and innervated by afferent fibers carrying tactile information to the spinal cord and onto the brain. The density with which different classes of tactile afferents innervate the skin is not constant but varies considerably across different body regions. However, precise estimates of innervation density are only available for some body parts, such as the hands, and estimates of the total number of tactile afferent fibers are inconsistent and incomplete. Here we reconcile different estimates and provide plausible ranges and best estimates for the number of different tactile fiber types innervating different regions of the skin, using evidence from dorsal root fiber counts, microneurography, histology, and psychophysics. We estimate that the skin across the whole body of young adults is innervated by ∼230,000 tactile afferent fibers (plausible range: 200,000–270,000), with a subsequent decrement of 5–8% every decade due to aging. Fifteen percent of fibers innervate the palmar skin of both hands and 19% the region surrounding the face and lips. Slowly and fast-adapting fibers are split roughly evenly, but this breakdown varies with skin region. Innervation density correlates well with psychophysical spatial acuity across different body regions, and, additionally, on hairy skin, with hair follicle density. Innervation density is also weakly correlated with the size of the cortical somatotopic representation but cannot fully account for the magnification of the hands and the face.
Prediction of Precipitation in the Western Mountainous Regions of China Using a Statistical Model
Authors: Hu Yijia , Sun Yuan , Ha Yao , Zhu Yimin , Luo Zhixian
Published: September 2020

During the summer in the western mountainous regions of China (WMR), the disasters such as mountain floods, landslides, and debris flows caused by heavy rain occur frequently, which often result in huge economic losses and many casualties. Therefore, it is of great significance to predict the precipitation accurately in these regions. In this paper, a statistical model is established to predict the precipitation in the WMR using the linear regression statistical method, in which the summer area-averaged precipitation anomaly in WMR is taken as the predictand and the prewinter Niño3 SST is taken as the predictor. The results of the return cross test for the historical years from 1979 to 2008 and independent sample return test from 2009 to 2018 show that this statistical model has a good performance in predicting the summer precipitation in the WMR, especially in the flood years. It has better skill in the prediction of WMR precipitation than the dynamical model SINTEX-F.
Research on the Influence of External Parameters of Fan-Type Nozzle on Water Jet Performance
Authors: Kou Baofu , Huo Pengliang , Hou Xiaohua
Published: September 2020

At present, high-pressure water jet technology occupies a very important position in the automobile washing industry. Some automatic washers cannot meet the washing requirements in the washing process due to unreasonable arrangement of nozzles on their spray rods. Based on the theory of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the internal and external flow field model of the nozzle are established in this paper. Fluent is used to simulate and analyze the flow field, and the external parameters of the nozzle on the side spray bar of the automatic automobile washer are optimized. The simulation results show that after the nozzle and the normal line of the automobile surface are inclined at a certain angle, the target surface is affected not only by normal striking force but also by tangential pushing force, which makes stains easier to remove. The washing effect is the best when the nozzle is inclined 30° to the normal line of the automobile surface. Increasing the nozzle inlet pressure will increase the dynamic pressure on the automobile surface, but the increase of dynamic pressure will decrease after increasing to a certain pressure. The inlet pressure has little effect on the area covered by water jet. The reasonable matching results of jet angle, nozzle spacing, and nozzle distance from the automobile surface (target distance) obtained by numerical simulation can not only make the automobile surface completely covered and cleaned but also ensure less jet interference and no waste of water from adjacent nozzles. The above research conclusions can provide a basic theoretical basis for the optimal design of automatic automobile washing.
Baicalin Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment and Protects Microglia from LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation via the SIRT1/HMGB1 Pathway
Authors: Li Yue , Liu Taotao , Li Yitong , Han Dengyang , Hong Jingshu , Yang Ning , He Jindan , Peng Ronghui , Mi Xinning , Kuang Chongshen , Zhou Yang , Han Yongzheng , Shi Chengmei , Li Zhengqian , Guo Xiangyang
Published: September 2020

Systemic inflammation often induces neuroinflammation and disrupts neural functions, ultimately causing cognitive impairment. Furthermore, neuronal inflammation is the key cause of many neurological conditions. It is particularly important to develop effective neuroprotectants to prevent and control inflammatory brain diseases. Baicalin (BAI) has a wide variety of potent neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties in various models of neuronal injury through antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and stimulating neurogenesis. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether BAI can resolve neuroinflammation and cognitive decline triggered by systemic or distant inflammatory processes. In the present study, intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration was used to establish neuroinflammation to evaluate the potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of BAI. Here, we report that BAI activated silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) to deacetylate high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein in response to acute LPS-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and cognitive enhancement effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of BAI in modulating microglial activation and systemic cytokine production, including tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 1β, after LPS exposure in mice and in the microglial cell line, BV2. In the hippocampus, BAI not only reduced reactive microglia and inflammatory cytokine production but also modulated SIRT1/HMGB1 signaling in microglia. Interestingly, pretreatment with SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 abolished the beneficial effects of BAI against LPS exposure. Specifically, BAI treatment inhibited HMGB1 release via the SIRT1/HMGB1 pathway and reduced the nuclear translocation of HMGB1 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. These effects were reversed in BV2 cells by silencing endogenous SIRT1. Taken together, these findings indicated that BAI reduced microglia-associated neuroinflammation and improved acute neurocognitive deficits in LPS-induced mice via SIRT1-dependent downregulation of HMGB1, suggesting a possible novel protection against acute neurobehavioral deficits, such as delayed neurocognitive recovery after anesthesia and surgery challenges.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antitrypanosomal Activities of Methanol Extract of Echinops kebericho Roots
Authors: Abdeta Debela , Kebede Nigatu , Giday Mirutse , Terefe Getachew , Abay Solomon Mequanente
Published: September 2020

Microbial resistance to the few conventional antitrypanosomal drugs, increasing resistance of vectors to insecticides, lack of effective vaccines, and adverse effects of the existing antitrypanosomal drugs justify the urgent need for effective, tolerable, and affordable drugs. We assessed antitrypanosomal effects of the hydromethanolic extract of Echinops kebericho Mesfin roots against Trypanosoma congolense field isolate using in vitro and in vivo techniques. Parasite load, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, and rectal temperature in Swiss albino mice were assessed. This finding is part of the outcomes of drug discovery research for neglected tropical diseases. The extract arrested the motility of trypanosomes within 40 min at 4 and 2 mg/mL concentration, whereas in the untreated control, motility continued for more than 160 min. The extract also reduced parasitemia and prevented drop in PCV and body weight significantly (p < 0.05), as compared to control. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids. It is observed that this extract has activity against the parasite. Isolation and purification of specific compounds are required to identify hit compounds responsible for the antitrypanosomal activity of the studied medicinal plant.
An Identity-Based Anonymous Three-Party Authenticated Protocol for IoT Infrastructure
Authors: Shafiq Akasha , Ayub Muhammad Faizan , Mahmood Khalid , Sadiq Mazhar , Kumari Saru , Chen Chien-Ming
Published: September 2020

The rapid advancement in the field of wireless sensor and cellular networks have established a rigid foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT has become a novel standard that incorporates various physical objects by allowing them to collaborate with each other. A large number of services and applications emerging in the field of IoT that include healthcare, surveillance, industries, transportation, and security. A service provider (SP) offers several services that are accessible through smart applications from any time, anywhere, and any place via the Internet. Due to the open nature of mobile communication and the Internet, these services are extremely susceptible to various malicious attacks, e.g., unauthorized access from malicious intruders. Therefore, to overcome these susceptibilities, a robust authentication scheme is the finest solution. In this article, we introduce a lightweight identity-based remote user authentication and key agreement scheme for IoT environment that enables secure access to IoT services. Our introduced scheme utilizes lightweight elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), hash operations, and XOR operations. The theoretical analysis and formal proof are presented to demonstrate that our scheme provides resistance against several security attacks. Performance evaluation and comparison of our scheme with several related schemes for IoT environment are carried out using the PyCrypto library in Ubuntu and mobile devices. The performance analysis shows that our scheme has trivial storage and communication cost. Hence, the devised scheme is more efficient not only in terms of storage, communication, and computation overheads but also in terms of providing sufficient security against various malicious attacks.
Secrecy Analysis of Cognitive Radio Networks over Generalized Fading Channels
Authors: Sun Jiangfeng , Bie Zhisong , Bie Hongxia , He Pengfei , Jin Machao
Published: September 2020

At present, the fifth generation (5G) communication networks are in the time of large-scale deployment principally because its characteristics consists of large bandwidth, fast response, and high stability. As a partner of 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) involves billions of devices around the world, which can make the wireless communication environment more intelligent and convenient. However, the problem that cannot be ignored is the physical layer security of 5G-IoT networks. Based on this, we perform a security analysis of cognitive radio networks (CRN) for IoT, where the CRN is the single-input multiple-output (SIMO) model experiencing κ-μ shadowed fading with multiple eavesdroppers. To analyze the confidentiality of the system under consideration, we analyze the security performance for the considered IoT systems with the help of the derived secure outage probability (SOP) and probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity (SPSC). As a verification of the theoretical formula, Monte Carlo simulation is also provided. The results of great interest are the factors that can produce better security performance in high SNRs region which consist of smaller M, smaller k, and larger N, and larger μ, smaller IP, and smaller Rth.
Effect of the Wildfires on Sandy Podzol Soils of Nadym Region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, Russia
Authors: Abakumov Evgeny , Pechkin Alexandr , Chebykina (Maksimova) Ekaterina , Shamilishvili Georgii
Published: September 2020

Active land disturbance of soil and environments appears even in remote landscapes of tundra and forest tundra. Wildfires become a frequent factor of soil degradation and intensification of permafrost degradation, also affecting the global balance of carbon, especially content and distribution of polycyclic aromatic compounds. Mature unaffected by fire sandy-textured podzols soils were investigated in comparison with the same soil strongly affected by surface fire in the end of August 2016 in surroundings of the Pangody settlement, Nadym district, Yamal region. Data obtained showed an intensive morphological transformation of the topsoil layers, decreasing total organic matter and apparently increasing the humus enrichment by nitrogen. Wildfires also result in complete transformation of the fractional composition of the polycyclic aromatic compounds. The sum of PAHs increases intensively as well as benzo(a)pyrene content in soils. Therefore, soils of the cryolithozone become more faced to the wildfires during the last decades. Even one-time fire effect results in serious transformation of soil geochemical state.
Secrecy Wireless-Powered Sensor Networks for Internet of Things
Authors: Li Junxia , Zhao Hui , Chen Xueyan , Chu Zheng , Zhen Li , Jiang Jing , Pervaiz Haris
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates a secure wireless-powered sensor network (WPSN) with the aid of a cooperative jammer (CJ). A power station (PS) wirelessly charges for a user equipment (UE) and the CJ to securely transmit information to an access point (AP) in the presence of multiple eavesdroppers. Also, the CJ are deployed, which can introduce more interference to degrade the performance of the malicious eavesdroppers. In order to improve the secure performance, we formulate an optimization problem for maximizing the secrecy rate at the AP to jointly design the secure beamformer and the energy time allocation. Since the formulated problem is not convex, we first propose a global optimal solution which employs the semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation. Also, the tightness of the SDP relaxed solution is evaluated. In addition, we investigate a worst-case scenario, where the energy time allocation is achieved in a closed form. Finally, numerical results are presented to confirm effectiveness of the proposed scheme in comparison to the benchmark scheme.
The Effect of Thermal Processing on the Saponin Profiles of Momordica charantia L.
Authors: Liu Yi-Jui , Lai Yun-Ju , Wang Reuben , Lo Yi-Chen , Chiu Chun-Hui
Published: September 2020

Saponins from Momordica charantia L. are a class of triterpenoid glucoside molecules that contribute to the bitter flavour of the plant and possess pharmacological properties. However, little is known about how the bioactivity and bitter flavour of saponins are affected by thermal processing. We established saponin profiles in bitter gourd extracts using a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method. Seven saponins including momordicoside F1, momordicoside F2, momordicoside I, momordicoside K, momordicoside L, 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5, 23(E)-dien-19-al, and momordicine I were monitored for the effects of thermal processing on their stabilities. The results showed that both 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al and momordicoside L were extremely sensitive to heat treatment, particularly when they were heated at 100°C for more than 10 mins and under 121°C for 20 mins. Other saponins were reduced significantly by autoclaving, but they remained unchanged at lower temperatures. In conclusion, specific bitter gourd saponins are affected by thermal treatment, which may modify the bioactive components or bitter flavour of the bitter gourd extracts.
Using Peer Tutoring to Improve Students’ Academic Achievement in Financial Accounting Concepts
Authors: Olulowo Taiwo Grace , Ige Olugbenga A. , Ugwoke Ernest O.
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the effectiveness of the peer tutoring instructional strategy in improving students’ academic achievement in financial accounting concepts. A nonrandomized pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial matrix was adopted. The research sample comprised 137 purposively selected students from eight intact classes in secondary schools in Southern Nigeria. The experimental group adopted a peer tutoring instructional strategy, while the control group was exposed to the conventional lecture method. Teachers’ Instructional Guides on peer tutoring and conventional method and Financial Accounting Achievement Test were used to collect data for this study. Results affirmed that the peer tutoring instructional strategy is more effective in improving students’ academic achievement in financial accounting concepts than the conventional lecture method. The outcome of this study also shows that the experimental strategy was not sensitive to gender but sensitive to socioeconomic status. Sequel to this finding, the study recommends that post-basic school teachers should make use of the peer tutoring instructional strategy to present financial accounting lessons in secondary schools to advance students’ attainment in the subject.
Simulation and Optimization of Dynamic Fracture Parameters for an Inverted Square Nine-Spot Well Pattern in Tight Fractured Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Jiang Le , Gao Peng , Liu Jie , Xiong Yunbin , Jiang Jing , Jia Ruizhong , Li Zhongchao , Liu Pengcheng
Published: September 2020

Dynamic fractures are a geological attribute of water flooding development in tight fractured oil reservoirs. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the opening mechanism of dynamic fractures and the influence of dynamic fractures on development. Few attempts have been made to investigate the optimization of the dynamic fracture parameter. In this study, the inverted square nine-spot well pattern model is established by taking fractured reservoir’s heterogeneity and its threshold pressure gradients into account. This simulation model optimizes the various parameters in a tight fractured oil reservoir with dynamic fractures, that is, the intersection angle between the dynamic fractures and the well array, the number of dynamic fractures, the penetration ratio, and the conductivity of the oil well’s hydraulic fractures. The results of this optimization are used to investigate the oil displacement mechanism of dynamic fractures and to discuss a mechanism to enhance oil recovery using an inverted square nine-spot well pattern. The simulation results indicate that a 45° intersection angle can effectively restrain the increase in the water cut. A single dynamic fracture can effectively control the displacement direction of the injected water and improve the oil displacement efficiency. Moreover, the optimal penetration ratio and the conductivity of the hydraulic fracture are 0.6 and 40 D-cm, respectively.
Determination of Punicalagins Content, Metal Chelating, and Antioxidant Properties of Edible Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) Peels and Seeds Grown in Morocco
Authors: Sabraoui Talal , Khider Taleb , Nasser Boubker , Eddoha Rabiaa , Moujahid Abderrahman , Benbachir Maryam , Essamadi Abdelkhalid
Published: September 2020

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean countries especially in Morocco. Pomegranate peel and seed contain considerable amounts of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. The aim of the present study was to phytochemically characterize the pomegranate peels and seeds obtained from three Moroccan provinces, using UHPLC-DAD. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and metal chelating of pomegranate peel were also evaluated. The results showed that pomegranate peel possesses the highest phenolic (TPC: 224.39 mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoid (TFC: 62.64 mg rutin/g dw) contents. Punicalagin-β and punicalagin-α, are the abundant compounds found in peel: 216.36±9.94 mg/g, 154.94±5.21 mg/g, respectively. Pomegranate peels showed significantly (p<0.05) high antioxidant activity 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) EC50: 42.71±0.04 μg/mL, 2.2′-Azino-bis(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS) EC50: 62.15±0.01 μg/mL), and chelating activity (FRAP 1.85±0.00 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g, Fe2+: 2.52±0.01 μmol EDTA equivalents/g dw) compared to seeds. A positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic was found. According to achieved results, high antioxidant capacity of pomegranate extracts, especially peel, shed light to further use as natural food preservatives. Pomegranate peel could be used for the fortification of food with fiber by introducing it in dietary, as well as in health applications due to its higher antioxidant capacity.
Sealing Ability of AH Plus and GuttaFlow Bioseal
Authors: Lee Soo-Hyuk , Oh Soram , Al-Ghamdi Adel Saeed , Mandorah Ayman Omar , Kum Kee-Yeon , Chang Seok Woo
Published: September 2020

The objective of root canal obturation is to achieve a fluid-tight seal. Recently, GuttaFlow bioseal (GB), a root canal sealer composed of polydimethylsiloxane, gutta-percha particles, and bioactive glass ceramics, has been developed, to enhance the sealing ability of root canal filling material. The objective of this study was to assess the sealing ability of GB using a subnanoliter-scaled fluid-flow measuring device and to compare with that of AH Plus (AH). The fluid flow in root canal-filled teeth using either gutta-percha cone (GP) with AH (GAR; n = 10) or GP with GB (GBR; n = 10) and in GP inserted in AH blocks (GA; n = 10) or GP inserted in GB blocks (GB; n = 10) was measured. In addition, fluid flow in sealer blocks of AH (A; n = 10) and GB (B; n = 10), which served as negative controls, was measured. Root canal-filled teeth using GP without any sealer (GR) acted as positive controls (n = 10). The leakage was obtained by calculating the volume of moved water by time (s), after stabilization of the fluid flow was achieved. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction. A p value less than 0.00238 (0.05/21) was considered significantly different. The mean leakages (nL/s) in the groups are as follows: GAR, 0.0958 ± 0.0543; GBR, 0.0223 ± 0.0246; GA, 0.0644 ± 0.0803; GB, 0.0267 ± 0.0182; A, 0.0055 ± 0.0057; B, 0.0052 ± 0.005; and GR, 0.2892 ± 0.3018. The mean leakage in the GBR group was lower than that in the GAR group (p = 0.001), while the mean leakages in the GA and GB groups were not significantly different. GuttaFlow bioseal can be useful in single-cone obturation technique.
No Effect of Anodal tDCS on Verbal Episodic Memory Performance and Neurotransmitter Levels in Young and Elderly Participants
Authors: Habich Annegret , Slotboom Johannes , Peter Jessica , Wiest Roland , Klöppel Stefan
Published: September 2020

Healthy ageing is accompanied by cognitive decline that affects episodic memory processes in particular. Studies showed that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may counteract this cognitive deterioration by increasing excitability and inducing neuroplasticity in the targeted cortical region. While stimulation gains are more consistent in initial low performers, relying solely on behavioural measures to predict treatment benefits does not suffice for a reliable implementation of this method as a therapeutic option. Hence, an exploration of the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms regarding the differential stimulation effect is warranted. Glutamatergic metabolites (Glx) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in learning and memory processes and can be influenced with tDCS; wherefore, they present themselves as potential biomarkers for tDCS-induced behavioural gains, which are affiliated with neuroplasticity processes. In the present randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study, 33 healthy young and 22 elderly participants received anodal tDCS to their left DLPFC during the encoding phase of a verbal episodic memory task. Using MEGA-PRESS edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), Glx and GABA levels were measured in the left DLPFC before and after the stimulation period. Further, we tested whether baseline performance and neurotransmitter levels predicted subsequent gains. No beneficial group effects of tDCS emerged in either verbal retrieval performances or neurotransmitter concentrations. Moreover, baseline performance levels did not predict stimulation-induced cognitive gains, nor did Glx or GABA levels. Nevertheless, exploratory analyses suggested a predictive value of the Glx : GABA ratio, with lower ratios at baseline indicating greater tDCS-related gains in delayed recall performance. This highlights the importance of further studies investigating neurophysiological mechanisms underlying previously observed stimulation-induced cognitive benefits and their respective interindividual heterogeneity.
Altered Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity in Unilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Hu Bo , Qin Peng , Gao Wei , Liu Chengcheng , Zi Dingjing , Ding Xuerui , Yu Ying , Cui Guangbin , Lu Lianjun
Published: September 2020

Background. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency and could lead to social difficulties and mental disorders in some patients. Although many studies have analyzed altered brain function in populations with hearing loss, little information is available about patients with idiopathic SSNHL. This study is aimed at investigating brain functional changes in SSNHL via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods. Thirty-six patients with SSNHL and thirty well-matched normal hearing individuals underwent resting-state fMRI. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), and functional connectivity (FC) values were calculated. Results. In the SSNHL patients, ALFF and fALFF were significantly increased in the bilateral putamen but decreased in the right calcarine cortex, right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and right precentral gyrus. Widespread increases in FC were observed between brain regions, mainly including the bilateral auditory cortex, bilateral visual cortex, left striatum, left angular gyrus (AG), bilateral precuneus, and bilateral limbic lobes in patients with SSNHL. No decreased FC was observed. Conclusion. SSNHL causes functional alterations in brain regions, mainly in the striatum, auditory cortex, visual cortex, MTG, AG, precuneus, and limbic lobes within the acute period of hearing loss.
Idelalisib Rescues Natural Killer Cells from Monocyte-Induced Immunosuppression by Inhibiting NOX2-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Akhiani Ali A. , Hallner Alexander , Kiffin Roberta , Aydin Ebru , Werlenius Olle , Aurelius Johan , Martner Anna , Thorén Fredrik B. , Hellstrand Kristoffer
Published: September 2020

The phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-3 kinase-δ (PI3Kδ) inhibitor idelalisib, used alone or in combination with anti-CD20, is clinically efficacious in B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by promoting apoptosis of malignant B cells. PI3K regulates the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the myeloid NADPH oxidase NOX2, but the role of PI3Kδ in myeloid cell–induced immunosuppression is unexplored. We assessed the effects of idelalisib on the spontaneous and IgG antibody–induced ROS production by human monocytes, on ROS-induced cell death of human natural killer (NK) cells, and on tumor cell clearance in an NK cell–dependent mouse model of metastasis. Idelalisib potently and efficiently inhibited the formation of NOX2-derived ROS from monocytes and rescued NK cells from ROS-induced cell death. Idelalisib also promoted NK cell cytotoxicity against anti–CD20-coated primary human CLL cells and cultured malignant B cells. Experiments using multiple PI3K inhibitors implicated the PI3Kδ isoform in regulating NOX2-induced ROS formation and immunosuppression. In B6 mice, systemic treatment with idelalisib significantly reduced the formation of lung metastases from intravenously injected melanoma cells but did not affect metastasis in B6.129S6-Cybbtm1Din (Nox2−/−) mice or in NK cell–deficient mice. Our results imply that idelalisib rescues NK cells from NOX2/ROS-dependent immunosuppression and thus exerts antineoplastic efficacy beyond B-cell inhibition.