bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Time and Method of Storage on the Chemical Composition, Pepsin-Cellulase Digestibility, and Near-Infrared Spectra of Whole-Maize Forage
Authors: Andueza Donato , Picard Fabienne , Barotin Charlène , Menanteau Véronique , Gervais Corentin , Maxin Gaëlle
Published: December 2019

This study examined the effects of long-term storage conditions on the chemical composition, pepsin-cellulase dry matter digestibility (PCDMD), and visible (VIS)/near infrared spectra (NIR) of forage. Eighteen samples of different whole-crop maize varieties originally harvested in 1987 were used. After drying, these samples were analyzed in the laboratory for ash, crude protein (CP), structural carbohydrates, total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), starch and PCDMD, and the remaining samples were stored frozen (at −20°C) or at barn temperature (ambient temperatures ranged from −8.5 °C to 27.1 °C). In 2016, the samples were analyzed for ash, CP, structural carbohydrates, TSC, starch and PCDMD. The visible/NIR spectra of both storage methods were obtained. Chemical composition and PCDMD analyses revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the storage methods for TSC but not for the other parameters (p > 0.05). After sample harvesting in 1987, the analyses were compared with those in 2016. It was found that the post-harvest TSC and ash content were higher (p < 0.05) and lower (p < 0.05), respectively, during 2016. No significant differences were found for starch and PCDMD. Important differences between the VIS/NIR spectra of both storage methods were obtained in the VIS segment, particularly in the area between 630 and 760 nm. We concluded that storing dry forage samples at ambient temperature for a very long time (29 years) did not change their nutritive value compared to the values obtained before storage.
Multi-Angle Economic Analysis of Coal-Fired Units with Plasma Ignition and Oil Injection during Deep Peak Shaving in China
Authors: Lin Li , Xu Bingqian , Xia Shiwei
Published: December 2019

What China committed in the Paris Agreement encourages the penetration of renewable energy in power grid. To consume more renewable energy, coal-fired units undertake the most part of peak shaving task and are usually operated at a low-load level during off-peak hours. However, deep peak shaving has harmed the benefits of thermal power plants and also brought about environmental problems. To improve the peak-shaving capacity and operation efficiency of coal-fired units, the government encourages the flexibility retrofits for coal-fired units. In this paper, peak-shaving related cost functions are proposed for the multi-angle economic analysis of coal-fired unit with plasma ignition (UPI) and oil injection (UOI), respectively. First, the operation characteristic is analyzed for three stages of peak shaving, and then the peak-shaving costs related to these three stages are proposed in terms of the coal consumption cost, wear-and-tear cost, combustion-supporting cost, and environmental cost. Afterwards, a peak-shaving cost-based economic dispatch model is presented with consideration of the curtailed wind penalty, and an environmental efficiency index is defined to evaluate the environmental benefits. Finally, in the case study, quantitative economy analysis is performed from the aspects of thermal power plants, wind power plants, and the environment separately, and the simulation results indicate that UPI has better peak-shaving economy and environmental efficiency than UOI.
Rolling-Element Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using Advanced Machine Learning-Based Observer
Authors: Piltan Farzin , Prosvirin Alexander E. , Jeong Inkyu , Im Kichang , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: December 2019

Rotating machines represent a class of nonlinear, uncertain, and multiple-degrees-of-freedom systems that are used in various applications. The complexity of the system’s dynamic behavior and uncertainty result in substantial challenges for fault estimation, detection, and identification in rotating machines. To address the aforementioned challenges, this paper proposes a novel technique for fault diagnosis of a rolling-element bearing (REB), founded on a machine-learning-based advanced fuzzy sliding mode observer. First, an ARX-Laguerre algorithm is presented to model the bearing in the presence of noise and uncertainty. In addition, a fuzzy algorithm is applied to the ARX-Laguerre technique to increase the system’s modeling accuracy. Next, the conventional sliding mode observer is applied to resolve the problems of fault estimation in a complex system with a high degree of uncertainty, such as rotating machinery. To address the problem of chattering that is inherent in the conventional sliding mode observer, the higher-order super-twisting (advanced) technique is introduced in this study. In addition, the fuzzy method is applied to the advanced sliding mode observer to improve the accuracy of fault estimation in uncertain conditions. As a result, the advanced fuzzy sliding mode observer adaptively improves the reliability, robustness, and estimation accuracy of rolling-element bearing fault estimation. Then, the residual signal delivered by the proposed methodology is split in the windows and each window is characterized by a numerical parameter. Finally, a machine learning technique, called a decision tree, adaptively derives the threshold values that are used for problems of fault detection and fault identification in this study. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated using a publicly available vibration dataset of Case Western Reverse University. The experimental results show that the machine learning-based advanced fuzzy sliding mode observation methodology significantly improves the reliability and accuracy of the fault estimation, detection, and identification of rolling element bearing faults under variable crack sizes and load conditions.
Alcohol Metabolism Potentiates HIV-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Contribution to End-Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Ganesan Murali , New-Aaron Moses , Dagur Raghubendra Singh , Makarov Edward , Wang Weimin , Kharbanda Kusum K. , Kidambi Srivatsan , Poluektova Larisa Y. , Osna Natalia A.
Published: December 2019

In an era of improved survival due to modern antiretroviral therapy, liver disease has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in death in 15–17% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Alcohol enhances HIV-mediated liver damage and promotes the progression to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, the mechanisms behind these events are uncertain. Here, we hypothesize that ethanol metabolism potentiates accumulation of HIV in hepatocytes, causing oxidative stress and intensive apoptotic cell death. Engulfment of HIV-containing apoptotic hepatocytes by non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) triggers their activation and liver injury progression. This study was performed on primary human hepatocytes and Huh7.5-CYP cells infected with HIV-1ADA, and major findings were confirmed by pilot data obtained on ethanol-fed HIV-injected chimeric mice with humanized livers. We demonstrated that ethanol exposure potentiates HIV accumulation in hepatocytes by suppressing HIV degradation by lysosomes and proteasomes. This leads to increased oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis. Exposure of HIV-infected apoptotic hepatocytes to NPCs activates the inflammasome in macrophages and pro-fibrotic genes in hepatic stellate cells. We conclude that while HIV and ethanol metabolism-triggered apoptosis clears up HIV-infected hepatocytes, continued generation of HIV-expressing apoptotic bodies may be detrimental for progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis due to constant activation of NPCs.
Professional Longevity as a Problem of the Value-Semantic Regulation of Teacher Activity
Authors: Zotova Natalia G. , Peredelskaya Svetlana A. , Tikhomirov Mikhail Yu.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this research is to establish proper external and internal conditions for conducting pedagogical activity that reveal the value basis of professional education. The research justifies the need to analyse the guidelines of a person’s professional self-identity, contents of professional activity motivation, peculiarities of maintaining the mental and physical health of a person, and the capacity of an educational institution’s organisational culture. A number of indicators of value mechanisms of a teacher’s professional longevity is revealed. A diagnostic program of the project, aimed at studying the value content of a teacher’s behaviour strategies during the process of professional activity, was designed. The content of the hypothesis is connected with the assumption of value-semantic inter-conditionality of professional longevity. The research revealed significant interrelations of professional longevity with some psychological factors of value-semantic nature. Analysis of the organisational culture of an educational institution as a factor providing (preventing) the professional longevity of a teacher was carried out. The dominant tendency of describing the interconnection between an educational institution’s organisational culture and the level of emotional burnout syndrome of teachers working within certain cultural models is revealed.
Heterogeneous Nanomagnetic Catalyst from Cupriferous Mineral Processing Gangue for the Production of Biodiesel
Authors: Ngoie Wighens I. , Welz Pamela J. , Ikhu-Omoregbe Daniel , Oyekola Oluwaseun O.
Published: December 2019

The commercialisation of biodiesel as an alternative energy source is challenged by high production costs. The cost of feedstock, catalyst and separation of the dissolved catalyst (homogeneous catalyst) from the product are the major contributors to the total manufacturing cost of biodiesel. This study investigated the potential of a heterogeneous catalyst produced from mineral processing waste for biodiesel production. Tailings from the concentration of cupriferous minerals served as the starting material for synthesis of the catalyst. The nanomagnetic catalysts were prepared using co-precipitation (CMCO) and sol-gel (CMSG) methods, combined with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (ZVINPs) to form a hydride catalyst (CMSG/ZVINPs). Catalyst properties were assessed using SEM, TEM, BET and EDX. The catalyst activity was enhanced by a large number of basic sites that were afforded by the presence of calcite and magnesite. Good surface areas and particle sizes of 58.9 m2/g and 15.4 nm, and 52.6 m2/g and 16.9 nm were observed for the catalysts that were prepared using the CMSG and CMCO methods, respectively. 173 emu/g mass magnetisation was obtained for CMSG/ZVINPs, which was sufficient for the catalyst to be regenerated and reused for biodiesel production by exploiting the magnetic properties. The maximum yield obtained with this catalyst was 88% and an average of 27% decrease in biodiesel yield was observed after four reaction cycles. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel produced complied with the ASTM standard specification. The results showed that mineral processing tailings are a viable starting material for catalyst preparation in biodiesel production.
The Tumor Vessel Targeting Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword in Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Li Yong , Lu Weijin , Chen Minfeng , Ye Wencai , Zhang Dongmei
Published: December 2019

Tumor vessels provide essential paths for tumor cells to escape from the primary tumor and form metastatic foci in distant organs. The vessel targeting strategy has been widely used as an important clinical cancer chemotherapeutic strategy for patients with metastatic tumors. Our review introduces the contribution of angiogenesis to tumor metastasis and summarizes the application of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vessel targeting drugs for metastatic tumors. We recommend the application and mechanisms of vascular targeting drugs for inhibiting tumor metastasis and discuss the risk and corresponding countermeasures after vessel targeting treatment.
Structure Investigation of Titanium Metallization Coating Deposited onto AlN Ceramics Substrate by Means of Friction Surfacing Process
Authors: Chmielewski Tomasz , Hudycz Michał , Krajewski Arkadiusz , Sałaciński Tadeusz , Skowrońska Beata , Świercz Rafał
Published: December 2019

The article presents selected properties of a titanium metallization coating deposited on aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics surface by means of the friction surfacing method. Its mechanism is based on the formation of a joint between the surface of an AlN ceramics substrate and a thin Ti coating, involving a kinetic energy of friction, which is directly converted into heat and delivered in a precisely defined quantity to the resulting joint. The largest effects on the final properties of the obtained coating include the high affinity of titanium for oxygen and nitrogen and a relatively high temperature for the deposition process. The titanium metallization coating was characterized in terms of surface stereometric structure, thickness, surface morphology, metallographic microstructural properties, and phase structure. The titanium coating has a thickness ranging from 3 to 7 μm. The phase structure of the coating surface (XPS investigated) is dominated by TiNxOy with the presence of TiOx, TiN, metallic Ti, and AlN. The phase structure deeper below the surface (XRD investigated) is dominated by metallic Ti with additional AlN particles originating from the ceramic substrate due to friction by titanium tools.
Coordination Assemblies of Zn(II) Coordination Polymers: Positional Isomeric Effect and Optical Properties
Authors: Liu Chang-Jie , Zhang Tong-Tong , Li Wei-Dong , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Chen Shui-Sheng
Published: December 2019

Two Zn(II) coordination polymers (CPs) [Zn(L)(pphda)] (1) and [Zn(L)(ophda)]·H2O (2) were prepared by reactions of ZnSO4·7H2O based on the N-donor 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene (L) ligand and two flexible carboxylic acids isomers of 1,4-phenylenediacetic acid (H2pphda) and 1,2-phenylenediacetic acid (H2ophda) as mixed ligands, respectively. Structures of CPs 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analysis, Infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The CP 1 is a fourfold interpenetrating 66-diamond (dia) architecture, while 2 is a 2D (4, 4) square lattice (sql) layer based on the Zn2(cis-1,2-ophda2−)2 binuclear Zn(II) subunits. The luminescent property, including luminescence lifetime and quantum yield (QY), have been investigated for CPs 1 and 2.
Intermolecular Interactions in Molecular Organic Crystals upon Relaxation of Lattice Parameters
Authors: Stein Matthias , Heimsaat Madalen
Published: December 2019

Crystal structure prediction is based on the assumption that the most thermodynamically stable structure will crystallize first. The existence of other structures such as polymorphs or from counterenantiomers requires an accurate calculation of the electronic energy. Using atom-centered Gaussian basis functions in periodic Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations in Turbomole, the performance of two dispersion-corrected functionals, PBE-D3 and B97-D, is assessed for molecular organic crystals of the X23 benchmark set. B97-D shows a MAE (mean absolute error) of 4 kJ/mol, compared to 9 kJ/mol for PBE-D3. A strategy for the convergence of lattice energies towards the basis set limit is outlined. A simultaneous minimization of molecular structures and lattice parameters shows that both methods are able to reproduce experimental unit cell parameters to within 4–5%. Calculated lattice energies, however, deviate slightly more from the experiment, i.e., by 0.4 kJ/mol after unit cell optimization for PBE-D3 and 0.5 kJ/mol for B97-D. The accuracy of the calculated lattice energies compared to the experimental values demonstrates the ability of current DFT methods to assist in the quest for possible polymorphs and enantioselective crystallization processes.
Role of the Product λ′(0)ρ′(1) in Determining LDPC Code Performance
Authors: Vatta Francesca , Babich Fulvio , Ellero Flavio , Noschese Matteo , Buttazzoni Giulia , Comisso Massimiliano
Published: December 2019

The objective of this work is to analyze the importance of the product λ ′ ( 0 ) ρ ′ ( 1 ) in determining low density parity check (LDPC) code performance, as far as its influence on the weight distribution function and on the decoding thresholds. This analysis is based on the 2006 paper by Di et al., as far as the weight distribution function is concerned, and on the 2018 paper by Vatta et al., regarding the LDPC decoding thresholds. In particular, the first paper Di et al. analyzed the relation between the above mentioned product and the minimum weight of an ensemble of random LDPC codewords, whereas in the second some analytical upper bounds to the LDPC decoding thresholds were determined. In the present work, besides analyzing the performance of an ensemble of LDPC codes through the outcomes of Di et al.’s 2006 paper, we give the relation between one of the upper bounds found in Vatta et al.’s 2018 paper and the above mentioned product λ ′ ( 0 ) ρ ′ ( 1 ) , thus showing its role in also determining an upper bound to LDPC decoding thresholds.
A Slash-And-Mulch Improved-Fallow Agroforestry System: Growth and Nutrient Budgets over Two Rotations
Authors: Joslin Aaron H. , Vasconcelos Steel S. , de Assis Oliviera Francisco , Kato Osvaldo R. , Morris Lawrence , Markewitz Daniel
Published: December 2019

Agroforestry systems are important, globally affecting 1.2 billion people and covering 0.6 billion hectares. They are often cited for providing ecosystem services, such as augmenting soil fertility via N accumulation and increasing soil C stocks. Improved-fallow slash-and-mulch systems have the potential to do both, while reducing nutrient losses associated with burning. In the absence of burning, these systems also have the potential to grow trees through multiple rotations. This project collected soil, mulch, and biomass data over the course of one 9-year crop-fallow rotation and the first two years of the second rotation. A split-plot design was used to assess the effects of P + K fertilization and inclusion of an N-fixing tree species, Inga edulis, on crop and tree biomass production. Fertilization increased growth and nutrient accumulation during Rotation 1 by an average of 36%, ranging from 11% in Parkia multijuga to 52% in Ceiba pentandra. Residual P + K fertilization improved tree and crop growth 20 months into Rotation 2 by an average of 50%, ranging from 15% in Cedrela odorata to 73% in Schizolobium amazonicum. The improved-fallow slash-and-mulch system increased the rates of secondary succession biomass accumulation (11−15 Mg ha−1 yr−1) by 41–64% compared to natural succession (7–8 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Furthermore, P + K fertilization increased secondary-succession biomass accumulation by 9–24%. Nutrient accumulation through biomass production was adequate to replace nutrients exported via crop root and timber stem harvests.
Seasonal Drought Effects on Intra-Annual Stem Growth of Taiwan Pine along an Elevational Gradient in Subtropical China
Authors: Liu Xinsheng , Wang Chunsong , Zhao Junkai
Published: December 2019

Knowledge of intra-annual stem growth dynamics across environmental gradients is important for advancing our ability to understand the adaptability and vulnerability of subtropical tree species to future climate change. To assess the effects of seasonal drought on intra-annual stem growth, stem radial variation of Taiwan pine (Pinus taiwanensis Hayata) was monitored with band dendrometers for two years along an elevation transect from 921 to 1402 m in the Lushan Mountains, a transect that covers the contrasting climatic growing conditions for Taiwan pine in southeastern China. We found that the onset of stem growth was nearly synchronous across the transect, in early April 2017 and in late March 2018, whereas large elevational differences were observed for the end of the growing season, which was much earlier at lower elevations. Tree stems frequently rehydrated during the dry growing seasons at the two higher elevations, suggesting that seasonal drought had minor influence on the offset of high-elevation stem growth. A substantial and continuous tree water deficit of low-elevation Taiwan pine was detected during dry seasons, leading to an early growth cessation in late July in both years. Tree water status (reflected by tree water deficit) revealed a higher sensitivity to precipitation and soil water content across wet- and dry-seasons at the lowest elevation than at high elevations, indicating that low-elevation stem radial growth was highly dependent on moisture variables over the whole growing season. Due to the influences of seasonal drought on growth cessation and rates, Taiwan pine produced a rather narrow annual growth at the lowest site, whereas high-elevation Taiwan pine could benefit from the optimal wet-season environmental conditions and the reactivation of cambial activity during dry seasons. Our findings suggest that the more frequent and intensive drought episodes in the future will reduce tree growth of Taiwan pine at the dry edge, probably resulting in upward shifting of the optimal elevation for Taiwan pine in subtropical China.
Monitoring 2.0: Update on the Halyomorpha halys Invasion of Trentino
Authors: Malek Robert , Zapponi Livia , Eriksson Anna , Ciolli Marco , Mazzoni Valerio , Anfora Gianfranco , Tattoni Clara
Published: December 2019

“BugMap” is a citizen science mobile application that provides a platform for amateur and expert scientists to report sightings of two invasive insect pests, the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) and the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The latter is a notorious pest of fruit trees, vegetables, ornamentals, and row crops, inflicting severe agricultural and ecological disturbances in invaded areas. Our approach consists of coupling traditional monitoring with citizen science to uncover H. halys invasion in Trentino. The project was initiated in 2016 and the first results were reported in 2018. Here, we revisit our initiative four years after its adoption and unravel new information related to the invader dispersal and overwintering capacity. We found that our previous model predicted the current distribution of H. halys in Trentino with an accuracy of 72.5%. A new MaxEnt model was generated by pooling all reports received so far, providing a clearer perspective on areas at risk of stink bug establishment in this north Italian region. The information herein presented is of immediate importance for enhancing monitoring strategies of this pest and for refining its integrated management tactics.
Meshless Local Petrov–Galerkin Formulation of Inverse Stefan Problem via Moving Least Squares Approximation
Authors: Karami A. , Abbasbandy Saeid , Shivanian E.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method based on the moving least squares (MLS) approximation for finding a numerical solution to the Stefan free boundary problem. Approximation of this problem, due to the moving boundary, is difficult. To overcome this difficulty, the problem is converted to a fixed boundary problem in which it consists of an inverse and nonlinear problem. In other words, the aim is to determine the temperature distribution and free boundary. The MLPG method using the MLS approximation is formulated to produce the shape functions. The MLS approximation plays an important role in the convergence and stability of the method. Heaviside step function is used as the test function in each local quadrature. For the interior nodes, a meshless Galerkin weak form is used while the meshless collocation method is applied to the the boundary nodes. Since MLPG is a truly meshless method, it does not require any background integration cells. In fact, all integrations are performed locally over small sub-domains (local quadrature domains) of regular shapes, such as intervals in one dimension, circles or squares in two dimensions and spheres or cubes in three dimensions. A two-step time discretization method is used to deal with the time derivatives. It is shown that the proposed method is accurate and stable even under a large measurement noise through several numerical experiments.
Neutralization Dialysis for Phenylalanine and Mineral Salt Separation. Simple Theory and Experiment
Authors: Kozmai Anton , Goleva Elena , Vasil’eva Vera , Nikonenko Victor , Pismenskaya Natalia
Published: December 2019

A simple non-steady state mathematical model is proposed for the process of purification of an amino acid solution from mineral salts by the method of neutralization dialysis (ND), carried out in a circulating hydrodynamic mode. The model takes into account the characteristics of membranes (thickness, exchange capacity and electric conductivity) and solution (concentration and components nature) as well as the solution flow rate in dialyzer compartments. In contrast to the known models, the new model considers a local change in the ion concentration in membranes and the adjacent diffusion layers. In addition, the model takes into consideration the ability of the amino acid to enter the protonation/deprotonation reactions. A comparison of the results of simulations with experimental data allows us to conclude that the model adequately describes the ND of a strong electrolyte (NaCl) and amino acid (phenylalanine) mixture solutions in the case where the diffusion ability of amino acids in membranes is much less, than mineral salts. An example shows the application of the model to predict the fluxes of salt ions through ion exchange membranes as well as pH of the desalination solution at a higher than in experiments flow rate of solutions in ND dialyzer compartments.
Electrochemical Deposition of Silicon-Carbon Films: A Study on the Nucleation and Growth Mechanism
Authors: Plugotarenko Nina K. , Myasoedova Tatiana N. , Grigoryev Mikhail N. , Mikhailova Tatiana S.
Published: December 2019

Silicon-carbon films have been deposited on silicon and Al2O3/Cr-Cu substrates, making use of the electrolysis of methanol/dimethylformamide-hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) solutions. The electrodeposited films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Moreover, the nucleation and growth mechanism of the films were studied from the experimental current transients.
Weight Gain and De Novo Metabolic Disorders after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lattanzi Barbara , D’Ambrosio Daria , Tavano Daniele , Pitoni Demis , Mennini Gianluca , Ginanni Corradini Stefano , Rossi Massimo , Merli Manuela
Published: December 2019

The development of nutritional and metabolic abnormalities represents an important burden in patients after liver transplantation (LT). Our study aimed at evaluating the incidence, time of onset, and risk factors for nutritional and metabolic abnormalities in patients after LT. The study was a single-center retrospective study. Consecutive patients undergoing elective LT from 2000 to 2016 were enrolled. The presence of at least two among arterial hypertension (AH), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2) was utilized to define patients with the metabolic disorder (MD). Three hundred and fifteen patients were enrolled; the median age was 56 years (68% males). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was the origin of liver disease in 10% of patients. During follow-up, 39% of patients developed AH, 18% DM, and 17% dyslipidemia. Metabolic disorders were observed in 32% of patients. The NASH etiology (OR: 6.2; CI 95% 0.5–3; p = 0.003) and a longer follow-up (OR: 1.2; CI 95% 0.004–0.02; p = 0.002) were associated with de novo MD. In conclusion, nutritional and metabolic disorders are a frequent complication after LT, being present in up to one-third of patients. The NASH etiology and a longer distance from LT are associated with de novo MD after LT.
Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Badger (Meles meles) Spatial Ecology in a Hot-Spot Area in Atlantic Spain
Authors: Acevedo Pelayo , Prieto Miguel , Quirós Pablo , Merediz Isabel , de Juan Lucía , Infantes-Lorenzo José Antonio , Triguero-Ocaña Roxana , Balseiro Ana
Published: December 2019

We provide a temporal overview (from 2012 to 2018) of the outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) in the cattle and badger populations in a hot-spot in Asturias (Atlantic Spain). We also study the badger’s spatial ecology from an epidemiological perspective in order to describe hazardous behavior in relation to TB transmission between cattle and badgers. Culture and single intradermal tuberculin test (SITT) were available for cattle as part of the National Program for the Eradication of TB. A field survey was also carried out in order to determine the paddocks and buildings used by each farm, and the information obtained was stored by using geographic information systems. Moreover, eighty-three badgers were submitted for necropsy and subsequent bacteriological studies. Ten badgers were also tracked, using global positioning system (GPS) collars. The prevalence of TB in cattle herds in the hot-spot increased from 2.2% in 2012 to 20% in 2016; it then declined to 0.0% in 2018. In contrast, the TB prevalence in badgers increased notably (from 5.55% in 2012–2015 to 10.64% in 2016–2018). Both cattle and badgers shared the same strain of Mycobacterium bovis. The collared badgers preferred paddocks used by TB-positive herds in spring and summer (when they were more active). The males occupied larger home ranges than the females (Khr95: males 149.78 ± 25.84 ha and females 73.37 ± 22.91 ha; Kcr50: males 29.83 ± 5.69 ha and females 13.59 ± 5.00 ha), and the home ranges were smaller in autumn and winter than in summer. The averages of the index of daily and maximum distances traveled by badgers were 1.88 ± (SD) 1.20 km and 1.99 ± 0.71 km, respectively. One of them presented a dispersive behavior with a maximum range of 18.3 km. The most preferred habitat was apple orchards in all seasons, with the exception of winter, in which they preferred pastures. Land uses and landscape structure, which have been linked with certain livestock-management practices, provide a scenario of great potential for badger–cattle interactions, thus enhancing the importance of the badgers’ ecology, which could potentially transmit TB back to cattle in the future.
Prostate-Derived ETS Factor (PDEF) Modulates Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) in Prostate Cancer Cells: A Potential Cross-Talk between PDEF and Hippo Signaling
Authors: Jaiswal Praveen Kumar , Mohajan Suman , Koul Sweaty , Wang Fengtian , Shi Runhua , Koul Hari K.
Published: December 2019

PDEF (prostate-derived ETS factor, also known as SAM-pointed domain containing ETS transcription factor (SPDEF)) is expressed in luminal epithelial cells of the prostate gland and associates with luminal phenotype. The Hippo pathway regulates cell growth/proliferation, cellular homeostasis, and organ development by modulating phosphorylation of its downstream effectors. In previous studies, we observed decreased levels of PDEF during prostate cancer progression. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the expression of PDEF on total/phosphoprotein levels of YAP1 (a downstream effector of the Hippo pathway). We observed that the PC3 and DU145 cells transfected with PDEF (PDEF-PC3 and PDEF-DU145) showed an increased phospho-YAP1 (Ser127) and total YAP1 levels as compared to the respective PC3 vector control (VC-PC3) and DU145 vector control cells (VC-DU145). We also observed an increased cytoplasmic YAP1 levels in PDEF-PC3 cells as compared to VC-PC3 cells. Moreover, our gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of mRNA expression in PDEF-PC3 and VC-PC3 cells revealed that PDEF resulted in inhibition of YAP1 target genes, directly demonstrating that PDEF plays a critical role in modulating YAP1 activity, and by extension in the regulation of the Hippo pathway. We also observed a decrease in YAP1 mRNA levels in prostate cancer tissues as compared to normal prostate tissues. Our analysis of multiple publicly available clinical cohorts revealed a gradual decrease in YAP1 mRNA expression during prostate cancer progression and metastasis. This decrease was similar to the decrease in PDEF levels, which we had reported earlier, and we observed a direct correlation between PDEF and YAP1 expression in CRPC data set. To the best of our knowledge, these results provide the first demonstration of inhibiting YAP1 activity by PDEF in any system and suggest a cross-talk between PDEF and the Hippo signaling pathway.
Topical Delivery of Niacinamide: Influence of Binary and Ternary Solvent Systems
Authors: Zhang Yanling , Kung Chin-Ping , Sil Bruno C. , Lane Majella E. , Hadgraft Jonathan , Heinrich Michael , Sinko Balint
Published: December 2019

Niacinamide (NIA) is the amide form of vitamin B3 and has been widely used in pharmaceutical and personal care formulations. Previously, we reported a comparative study of NIA permeation from neat solvents using the Skin Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) and mammalian skin. A good correlation between NIA permeation in the different models was found. In the present work, ten binary and ternary systems were evaluated for their ability to promote NIA delivery in the Skin PAMPA model, porcine skin and human epidermis. Penetration enhancement was evident for binary systems composed of propylene glycol and fatty acids in human skin studies. However, propylene glycol and oleic acid did not promote enhancement of NIA compared with other systems in the Skin PAMPA model. A good correlation was obtained for permeation data from Skin PAMPA and porcine skin. However, data from the Skin PAMPA model and from human skin could only be correlated when the PG-fatty acid systems were excluded. These findings add to our knowledge of the potential applications of Skin PAMPA for screening dermal/transdermal preparations.
Determining Thermal Conductivity of Small Molecule Amorphous Drugs with Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Vacuum Molding Sample Preparation
Authors: Karl Maximilian , Rantanen Jukka , Rades Thomas
Published: December 2019

Thermal conductivity is a material specific property, which influences many aspects of pharmaceutical development, such as processing, modelling, analysis, and the development of novel formulation approaches. We have presented a method to measure thermal conductivity of small molecule organic glasses, based on a vacuum molding sample preparation technique combined with modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The method is applied to the two amorphous model compounds indomethacin and celecoxib. The measured values of below 0.2 W/m °C indicate very low thermal conductivity of the amorphous compounds, within the range of organic liquids and low conducting polymers.
Environmental Comparison of Energy Solutions for Heating and Cooling
Authors: Franzén Ida , Nedar Linnéa , Andersson Maria
Published: December 2019

Humanity faces several environmental challenges today. The planet has limited resources, and it is necessary to use these resources effectively. This paper examines the environmental impact of three energy solutions for the heating and cooling of buildings. The solutions are conventional district heating and cooling, a smart energy solution for heating and cooling (ectogrid™), and geothermal energy. The ectogrid™ balances energy flows with higher and lower temperatures to reduce the need for supplied energy. The three solutions have been studied for Medicon Village, which is a district in the city of Lund in Sweden. The study shows that the energy use for the conventional system is 12,250 MWh for one year, and emissions are 590 tons of CO2 equivalents. With ectogrid™, the energy use is reduced by 61%, and the emissions are reduced by 12%, compared to the conventional system. With geothermal energy, the energy use is reduced by 70%, and the emissions by 20%. An analysis is also made in a European context, with heating based on natural gas and cooling based on air conditioners. The study shows that the environmental impact would decrease considerably by replacing the carbon dioxide intensive solution with ectogrid™ or geothermal energy.
National Planning Strategies for Agro-based Industrial Development in Secondary Cities of Sindh Province, Pakistan
Authors: Kalwar Saima , Sahito Noman , Memon Irfan Ahmed , Hwang Jinsoo , Mangi Muhammad Yousif , Lashari Zulfiqar Ali
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to critically investigate the planning policy loopholes in five-year (7th and 8th) plans of Pakistan to develop agricultural-based industrial sectors in secondary cities of the Sindh Province, Pakistan. The study had conducted key informant interviews from agro-based industrial sectors to diagnose the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the 7th and 8th five-year plans. For that purpose, the study had conducted 30 key informant interviews by using the purposive sampling technique. The NVIVO software was used with content analysis method to get results of SWOT of 7th five-year (1988–1993) and 8th five-year (1993–1998) plans. The results revealed that high priority is given to the textile and sugar industries. However, there is an absence of planning policies for small and medium agricultural industries in secondary cities, fiscal reliance on central government, and reliance on foreign aid as weaknesses of the plans. Whereas the centralized planning system, political influence of federal government, weak agricultural infrastructure services in secondary cities, and cross-border war were the threats hampered in the execution of development plans. Considering these results, the study suggests development of planning policies in the five-year development plans to stimulate the agriculture industrial development in secondary cities and devolution of powers can help to achieve sustainable agricultural development.
Incorporating Smart Card Data in Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Metro Travel Distances
Authors: Chen Enhui , Ye Zhirui , Bi Hui
Published: December 2019

The primary objective of this study is to explore spatio-temporal effects of the built environment on station-based travel distances through large-scale data processing. Previous studies mainly used global models in the causal analysis, but spatial and temporal autocorrelation and heterogeneity issues among research zones have not been sufficiently addressed. A framework integrating geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) and the Shannon entropy index (SEI) was thus proposed to investigate the spatio-temporal relationship between travel behaviors and built environment. An empirical study was conducted in Nanjing, China, by incorporating smart card data with metro route data and built environment data. Comparative results show GTWR had a better performance of goodness-of-fit and achieved more accurate predictions, compared to traditional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The spatio-temporal relationship between travel distances and built environment was further analyzed by visualizing the average variation of local coefficients distributions. Effects of built environment variables on metro travel distances were heterogeneous over space and time. Non-commuting activity and exurban area generally had more influences on the heterogeneity of travel distances. The proposed framework can address the issue of spatio-temporal autocorrelation and enhance our understanding of impacts of built environment on travel behaviors, which provides useful guidance for transit agencies and planning departments to implement targeted investment policies and enhance public transit services.
Safety Guarantee System of Drinking Water Source in Three Gorges Reservoir Area and Its Application in Huangjuedu Drinking Water Source Area
Authors: Tang Xiaoling , Zhai Aifeng , Ding Xiaowen , Zhu Qiande
Published: December 2019

With China’s rapid economic growth and increasing speed of urbanization, water pollution accidents have become one kind of environmental pollution source in China and bring potential risk to urban drinking water safety. The Huangjuedu Drinking Water Source Area is an important water source in Chongqing City (Southwest China) and a water intake source for the Jiangnan Waterworks of the Chongqing Drinking Water Company. There are still risks of water pollution accidents caused by ship leakage, road traffic accidents, chemical plant leakage, etc. The safety of the drinking water area is related to regional residents’ health and life safety and also has a profound impact on economy development and social stability. To reduce the harmful impacts of water pollution, it is of great scientific value and practical significance to analyze the pollutant diffusion of water pollution accidents with the Three Gorges Reservoir Area drinking water source security platform. In this paper, a two-dimensional water quality monitoring model was applied, and the digital elevation model was incorporated into the geographic information system, which generated a computational grid. Then, the Three Gorges Reservoir Area drinking water source security platform was developed. The platform can predict the water flow velocity, pollutant concentration at the drinking water inlet, and the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants in the whole water source area. Furthermore, a hypothetical ammonia nitrogen leak accident was analyzed using this safety platform. The ammonia nitrogen concentration at the intake of the drinking water source area was detected and analyzed by the security platform from the time of the accident until the concentration dropped to the background during four water periods under different wind direction conditions. The pollutants took 19, 22, 25, and 40 min to reach the water quality standard during the four water periods. Moreover, the diffusion of ammonia nitrogen in the southeast wind was faster than that in the southwest wind. The results showed that the platform is scientific and practical, and the prediction results are helpful for the Emergency Management Department to quickly and accurately predict the migration of ammonia nitrogen pollution and make corresponding plans under accident conditions.
On the Fekete–Szegö Type Functionals for Close-to-Convex Functions
Authors: Tra̧bka-Wiȩcław Katarzyna , Zaprawa Paweł , Gregorczyk Magdalena , Rysak Andrzej
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider two functionals of the Fekete–Szegö type Θ f ( μ ) = a 4 − μ a 2 a 3 and Φ f ( μ ) = a 2 a 4 − μ a 3 2 for a real number μ and for an analytic function f ( z ) = z + a 2 z 2 + a 3 z 3 + … , | z | < 1 . This type of research was initiated by Hayami and Owa in 2010. They obtained results for functions satisfying one of the conditions Re f ( z ) / z > α or Re f ′ ( z ) > α , α ∈ [ 0 , 1 ) . Similar estimates were also derived for univalent starlike functions and for univalent convex functions. We discuss Θ f ( μ ) and Φ f ( μ ) for close-to-convex functions such that f ′ ( z ) = h ( z ) / ( 1 − z ) 2 , where h is an analytic function with a positive real part. Many coefficient problems, among others estimating of Θ f ( μ ) , Φ f ( μ ) or the Hankel determinants for close-to-convex functions or univalent functions, are not solved yet. Our results broaden the scope of theoretical results connected with these functionals defined for different subclasses of analytic univalent functions.
Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Based on m-Polar Fuzzy Hamacher Aggregation Operators
Authors: Waseem Neha , Akram Muhammad , Alcantud José Carlos R.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we introduce certain aggregation operators, namely, the m-polar fuzzy (mF) Hamacher weighted average operator, mF Hamacher ordered weighted average (mFHOWA) operator, mF Hamacher hybrid average (mFHHA) operator, mF Hamacher weighted geometric (mFHWG) operator, mF Hamacher weighted ordered geometric operator, and mF Hamacher hybrid geometric (mFHHG) operator. We discuss some properties of these operators, inclusive of their ability to implement both symmetric and asymmetric treatments of the items. We develop an algorithmic model to solve multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems in mF environment using mF Hamacher weighted average operator (mFHWA) and mFHWG operators. They can compensate for the possible asymmetric roles of the attributes that describe the problem. In the end, to prove the validity and feasibility of the proposed work, we give applications for selecting the most affected country regarding human trafficking, selecting health care waste treatment methods and selecting the best company for investment. We also solve practical MADM problems by using ELECTRE-I method, and give a comparative analysis.
Regulation of Morphology, Aflatoxin Production, and Virulence of Aspergillus flavus by the Major Nitrogen Regulatory Gene areA
Authors: Fasoyin Opemipo Esther , Yang Kunlong , Qiu Mengguang , Wang Bin , Wang Sen , Wang Shihua
Published: December 2019

Aspergillus flavus is a renowned plant, animal and human pathogen. areA is a global nitrogen regulatory gene of the GATA transcription factor family, shown to be the major nitrogen regulator. In this study, we identified areA in A. flavus and studied its function. The AreA protein contained a signatory zinc finger domain, which is extremely conserved across fungal species. Gene deletion (ΔareA) and over-expression (OE::areA) strains were constructed by homologous recombination to elucidate the role of areA in A. flavus. The ΔareA strain was unable to efficiently utilize secondary nitrogen sources for growth of A. flavus, and it had poorly developed conidiophores, when observed on complete medium, resulting in the production of significantly less conidia than the wild-type strain (WT). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production was reduced in ΔareA compared with the WT strain in most conditions tested, and ΔareA had impaired virulence in peanut seeds. areA also played important roles in the sensitivity of A. flavus to osmotic, cell wall and oxidative stresses. Hence, areA was found to be important for the growth, aflatoxin production and pathogenicity of A. flavus. This work sheds light on the function of areA in the regulation of the nitrogen metabolism of A. flavus, and consequently aims at providing new ways for controlling the crossover pathogen, A. flavus.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis as a Systemic Inflammatory Disease: Contribution of Liver and Heart to the Pathogenesis
Authors: Malbon Alexandra J , Fonfara Sonja , Meli Marina L , Hahn Shelley , Egberink Herman , Kipar Anja
Published: December 2019

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal immune-mediated disease of cats, induced by feline coronavirus (FCoV). A combination of as yet poorly understood host and viral factors combine to cause a minority of FCoV-infected cats to develop FIP. Clinicopathological features include fever, vasculitis, and serositis, with or without effusions; all of which indicate a pro-inflammatory state with cytokine release. As a result, primary immune organs, as well as circulating leukocytes, have thus far been of most interest in previous studies to determine the likely sources of these cytokines. Results have suggested that these tissues alone may not be sufficient to induce the observed inflammation. The current study therefore focussed on the liver and heart, organs with a demonstrated ability to produce cytokines and therefore with huge potential to exacerbate inflammatory processes. The IL-12:IL-10 ratio, a marker of the immune system’s inflammatory balance, was skewed towards the pro-inflammatory IL-12 in the liver of cats with FIP. Both organs were found to upregulate mRNA expression of the inflammatory triad of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in FIP. This amplifying step may be one of the missing links in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disease.