bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-Supervised Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory and Conditional Random Fields Model for Named-Entity Recognition Using Embeddings from Language Models Representations
Authors: Zhang Min , Geng Guohua , Chen Jing
Published: February 2020

Increasingly, popular online museums have significantly changed the way people acquire cultural knowledge. These online museums have been generating abundant amounts of cultural relics data. In recent years, researchers have used deep learning models that can automatically extract complex features and have rich representation capabilities to implement named-entity recognition (NER). However, the lack of labeled data in the field of cultural relics makes it difficult for deep learning models that rely on labeled data to achieve excellent performance. To address this problem, this paper proposes a semi-supervised deep learning model named SCRNER (Semi-supervised model for Cultural Relics’ Named Entity Recognition) that utilizes the bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) and conditional random fields (CRF) model trained by seldom labeled data and abundant unlabeled data to attain an effective performance. To satisfy the semi-supervised sample selection, we propose a repeat-labeled (relabeled) strategy to select samples of high confidence to enlarge the training set iteratively. In addition, we use embeddings from language model (ELMo) representations to dynamically acquire word representations as the input of the model to solve the problem of the blurred boundaries of cultural objects and Chinese characteristics of texts in the field of cultural relics. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed model, trained on limited labeled data, achieves an effective performance in the task of named entity recognition of cultural relics.
A 1 GS/s 12-Bit Pipelined/SAR Hybrid ADC in 40 nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Li Jianwen , Guo Xuan , Luan Jian , Wu Danyu , Zhou Lei , Wu Nanxun , Huang Yinkun , Jia Hanbo , Zheng Xuqiang , Wu Jin , Liu Xinyu
Published: February 2020

A 1 GS/s 12-bit pipelined/successive-approximation-register (pipelined/SAR) hybrid analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is presented in this paper, where the five most significant bits are resolved by two cascading 2.5-bit multiplying digital-to-analog converters, and the eight least significant bits are determined by a two-channel time-interleaved successive-approximation-register (TI-SAR) quantizer. An integrated input buffer and an operational amplifier with improved voltage efficiency at 1.8 V are adopted to achieve high-linearity stably in wide band for 1 GS/s. By designing a 500 MS/s 8-bit SAR quantizer at 1 V, the number of required interleaved channels is minimized to simplify the complexity and an adaptive power/ground is used to compensate the common-mode mismatch between the blocks in different power supply voltages. The offset and gain mismatches due to the TI-SAR quantizer are compensated by a calibration scheme based on virtually-interleaved channels. This ADC is fabricated in a 40 nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, and it achieves a signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 58.2 dB and a spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 72 dB with a 69 MHz input tone. When the input frequency increases to 1814 MHz in the fourth Nyquist zone, it can maintain an SNDR of 55.3 dB and an SFDR of 64 dB. The differential and integral nonlinearities are −0.94/+0.85 least significant bit (LSB) and −3.4/+3.9 LSB, respectively. The core ADC consumes 94 mW, occupies an active area of 0.47 mm × 0.25 mm. The Walden figure of merit reaches 0.14 pJ/step with a Nyquist input.
A Comparative Study to Evaluate Accuracy on Canopy Height and Density Using UAV, ALS, and Fieldwork
Authors: Jin Cheonggil , Oh Che-young , Shin Sanghyun , Wilfred Njungwi Nkwain , Choi Chuluong
Published: February 2020

Accurate measurement of the tree height and canopy cover density is important for forest biomass and management. Recently, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images have been used to estimate the tree height and canopy cover density for a forest stands. More so, UAV systems with autopilot functions, affordable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) have created new possibilities, aided by available photogrammetric programs. In this study, we investigated the possibility of data collection methods using an Aerial LIDAR Scanner (ALS) and an UAV together with a fieldworks to evaluate accurate the tree standard metrics in Singyeri, Gyeongjusi, and Gyeongsangbukdo province. The derived metrics via statistical analyses of the ALS and UAV data and validated by field measurements were compared to a published forest type map (scale 1:5000) by the Korea Forest Service; geared towards improving the forest attributes. We collected data and analyzed and compared them with existent the forest type map produced from an aerial photographs and a digital stereo plotter. The ALS data of around 19.5 points·m–2 were collected by an airplane, then processed and classified using the LAStools; while about 362 images of the UAV were processed via Structure from Motion algorithm in the Agisoft Metashape Pro. Thus, we calculated the metrics using the point clouds of both an ALS and an UAV, and then verified their similarity. The fieldwork was manually done on 110 sampled trees. Calculated heights of the UAV were 3.8~5.8 m greater than those for the ALS; and when correlated with the fieldwork, the UAV data overestimated, while the maximum height of the ALS data was more accurate. For the canopy cover, the ALS computed canopy cover was 10%~30% less than that of the UAV. However, the canopy cover above 2 m by an UAV was the best measurement for a forest canopy. Therefore, these results assert that the examined techniques are robust and can significantly complement methods of the conventional data acquisition for the forest type map.
Leaf Bilateral Symmetry and the Scaling of the Perimeter vs. the Surface Area in 15 Vine Species
Authors: Shi Peijian , Niinemets Ülo , Hui Cang , Niklas Karl J. , Yu Xiaojing , Hölscher Dirk
Published: February 2020

The leaves of vines exhibit a high degree of variability in shape, from simple oval to highly dissected palmatifid leaves. However, little is known about the extent of leaf bilateral symmetry in vines, how leaf perimeter scales with leaf surface area, and how this relationship depends on leaf shape. We studied 15 species of vines and calculated (i) the areal ratio (AR) of both sides of the lamina per leaf, (ii) the standardized symmetry index (SI) to estimate the deviation from leaf bilateral symmetry, and (iii) the dissection index (DI) to measure leaf-shape complexity. In addition, we examined whether there is a scaling relationship between leaf perimeter and area for each species. A total of 14 out of 15 species had no significant differences in average ln(AR), and mean ln(AR) approximated zero, indicating that the areas of the two lamina sides tended to be equal. Nevertheless, SI values among the 15 species had significant differences. A statistically strong scaling relationship between leaf perimeter and area was observed for each species, and the scaling exponents of 12 out of 15 species fell in the range of 0.49−0.55. These data show that vines tend to generate a similar number of left- and right-skewed leaves, which might contribute to optimizing light interception. Weaker scaling relationships between leaf perimeter and area were associated with a greater DI and a greater variation in DI. Thus, DI provides a useful measure of the degree of the complexity of leaf outline.
Morphotectonic Kinematic Indicators along the Vigan-Aggao Fault: The Western Deformation Front of the Philippine Fault Zone in Northern Luzon, the Philippines
Authors: Rimando Rolly E. , Rimando Jeremy M.
Published: February 2020

The Vigan-Aggao Fault is a 140-km-long complex active fault system consisting of multiple traces in the westernmost part of the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ) in northern Luzon, the Philippines. In this paper, its traces, segmentation, and oblique left-lateral strike-slip motion are determined from horizontal and vertical displacements measured from over a thousand piercing points pricked from displaced spurs and streams observed from Google Earth Pro satellite images. This work marks the first instance of the extensive use of Google Earth as a tool in mapping and determining the kinematics of active faults. Complete 3D image coverage of a major thoroughgoing active fault system is freely and easily accessible on the Google Earth Pro platform. It provides a great advantage to researchers collecting morphotectonic displacement data, especially where access to aerial photos covering the entire fault system is next to impossible. This tool has not been applied in the past due to apprehensions on the positional measurement accuracy (mainly of the vertical component). The new method outlined in this paper demonstrates the applicability of this tool in the detailed mapping of active fault traces through a neotectonic analysis of fault-zone features. From the sense of motion of the active faults in northern Luzon and of the major bounding faults in central Luzon, the nature of deformation in these regions can be inferred. An understanding of the kinematics is critical in appreciating the distribution and the preferred mode of accommodation of deformation by faulting in central and northern Luzon resulting from oblique convergence of the Sunda Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate. The location, extent, segmentation patterns, and sense of motion of active faults are critical in coming up with reasonable estimates of the hazards involved and identifying areas prone to these hazards. The magnitude of earthquakes is also partly dependent on the type and nature of fault movement. With a proper evaluation of these parameters, earthquake hazards and their effects in different tectonic settings worldwide can be estimated more accurately.
Personality, Behavior Characteristics, and Life Quality Impact of Children with Dyslexia
Authors: Huang Yanhong , He Meirong , Li Anna , Lin Yuhang , Zhang Xuanzhi , Wu Kusheng
Published: February 2020

Dyslexia is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. Children with dyslexia usually suffer from negative, behavior personality problems, and impacted life quality. We aimed to identify family environment factors for dyslexia, and to evaluate the personality, behavior characteristics and life quality of children with dyslexia. A total of 60 children diagnosed with dyslexia and 180 normal children that were aged 7–12 who speak Chinese were recruited from four primary schools in Shantou City, China. Self-designed questionnaire, children’s edition of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), and Quality of Life scale for children and adolescents (QLSCA) were employed for investigation. Multiple logistic regressions show that antenatal training (OR = 0.36), higher household income, higher parents’ educational levels, and parents engaging in white-collar jobs were negatively associated with dyslexia; while, family members also suffering from dyslexia (OR = 12.17), lower frequency of communication between parents and children, and worse parent-child relationship were positively associated with dyslexia. Children with dyslexia scored higher in psychoticism and neuroticism (p = 0.040, 0.008), but lower in extroversion and dissimulation than normal children (p = 0.025, 0.007) in the EPQ test. They tended to be more introversion (68.3% vs. 43.0%), psychoticism (25.0% vs. 13.3%), and neuroticism (46.7% vs. 18.8%) than the controls. In addition, children with dyslexia had higher scores in conduct problem, learning problem, hyperactivity, and Conners’ index of hyperactivity (CIH) in CPRS test; and, lower scores of psychosocial function, physical and mental health, and satisfaction of living quality in QLSCA test (all p < 0.05). Several family environment and parenting factors were associated with children’s dyslexia significantly. Children with dyslexia had the personality of psychoticism, neuroticism, introversion, and more behavioral problems. Dyslexia significantly impacted the children’s quality of life. Our findings provide multiple perspectives for early intervention of dyslexia in children, particularly in family factors and the parenting environment.
Occupational and Individual Determinants of Work-life Balance among Office Workers with Flexible Work Arrangements
Authors: Bjärntoft Sofie , Hallman David M. , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Larsson Johan , Jahncke Helena
Published: February 2020

Flexible work arrangements permitting workers to work anytime and anywhere are increasingly common. This flexibility can introduce both challenges and opportunities for the organisation, as well as for worker work-life balance (WLB). This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the extent to which occupational factors (organizational, leadership and psychosocial) and individual work-related behaviours (over-commitment, overtime work and boundary management) are associated with WLB, and whether these associations are modified by the perceived level of flexibility at work (i.e., control over when, where, and how to do the work). In total, 2960 full-time office workers with flexible work arrangements at the Swedish Transport Administration participated. Associations were determined using linear regression analyses with adjustment for covariates. The strongest negative associations with WLB were found for over-commitment, quantitative job demands, expectations of availability, and overtime work. Strongest positive associations were found for boundary management, information about organizing work, social support, and relation-oriented leadership. Perceived flexibility was positively associated with WLB, and interacted with several of the examined factors, buffering their negative associations with WLB. Results suggest that WLB can be promoted by organizational initiatives focusing on minimizing excessive job demands, increasing psychosocial resources, supporting boundary management, and enhancing perceived flexibility.
Establishment of Regional Concentration–Duration–Frequency Relationships of Air Pollution: A Case Study for PM2.5
Authors: Chu Hone-Jay , Ali Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: February 2020

Poor air quality usually leads to PM2.5 warnings and affects human health. The impact of frequency and duration of extreme air quality has received considerable attention. The extreme concentration of air pollution is related to its duration and annual frequency of occurrence known as concentration–duration–frequency (CDF) relationships. However, the CDF formulas are empirical equations representing the relationship between the maximum concentration as a dependent variable and other parameters of interest, i.e., duration and annual frequency of occurrence. As a basis for deducing the extreme CDF relationship of PM2.5, the function assumes that the extreme concentration is related to the duration and frequency. In addition, the spatial pattern estimation of extreme PM2.5 is identified. The regional CDF identifies the regional extreme concentration with a specified duration and return period. The spatial pattern of extreme air pollution over 8 h duration shows the hotspots of air quality in the central and southwestern areas. Central and southwestern Taiwan is at high risk of exposure to air pollution. Use of the regional CDF analysis is highly recommended for efficient design of air quality management and control.
Effect of Discrimination on Presenteeism among Aging Workers in the United States: Moderated Mediation Effect of Positive and Negative Affect
Authors: Deng Jianwei , Guo Yuangeng , Shi Hubin , Gao Yongchuang , Jin Xuan , Liu Yexin , Yang Tianan
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to examine how perceived everyday discrimination influences presenteeism and how conscientiousness moderates the relationship between discrimination and positive affect among older workers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the mediating effect. The moderated mediation model was examined by PROCESS. The results of the final SEM model showed that discrimination was directly positively associated with presenteeism. Furthermore, positive affect was significantly inversely correlated with discrimination and presenteeism. In addition, negative affect was significantly positively correlated with discrimination and presenteeism. The significant indirect effect between perceived everyday discrimination and positive affect was significantly mediated by positive and negative affect. In addition, the results of the moderated mediation model indicate that positive affect was more likely to be influenced by perceived everyday discrimination among older workers with less conscientiousness, as compared with those with greater conscientiousness. To enhance work outcomes of aging workers in the United States, managers should foster highly conscientious aging workers, award those who are hardworking and goal-oriented, and combine personal goals and organizational goals through bonuses, holidays, and benefits. Policymakers should be mindful of the negative impact of discrimination on presenteeism and should target lowly conscientious older workers.
The Influence of Financial Development on Energy Consumption: Worldwide Evidence
Authors: Ma Xiaoxin , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2020

In this study, we investigated the influence of overall financial development and its components on energy consumption using the panel data of 120 countries and the generalized method of moments (GMM). By dividing the sample into developed and developing countries, we further examined the national differences of the impact of financial development on energy consumption. The empirical results indicate that the overall financial development significantly positively impacts energy consumption from a worldwide perspective, and its two components (financial institution and the financial market) have the same effect. The analysis of national differences indicates that the financial development also positively impacts energy consumption in developing countries but with no obvious effect in developed countries. The results also suggest that financial development cannot be used to restrain the increase in energy consumption from the global perspective, and policymakers in developing countries must balance the relationship between the development of the financial sector and energy consumption.
Lesson from Ecotoxicity: Revisiting the Microbial Lipopeptides for the Management of Emerging Diseases for Crop Protection
Authors: Malviya Deepti , Sahu Pramod Kumar , Singh Udai B. , Paul Surinder , Gupta Amrita , Gupta Abhay Raj , Singh Shailendra , Kumar Manoj , Paul Diby , Rai Jai P. , Singh Harsh V. , Brahmaprakash G. P.
Published: February 2020

Microorganisms area treasure in terms of theproduction of various bioactive compounds which are being explored in different arenas of applied sciences. In agriculture, microbes and their bioactive compounds are being utilized in growth promotion and health promotion withnutrient fortification and its acquisition. Exhaustive explorations are unraveling the vast diversity of microbialcompounds with their potential usage in solving multiferous problems incrop production. Lipopeptides are one of such microbial compounds which havestrong antimicrobial properties against different plant pathogens. These compounds are reported to be produced by bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, and few other microorganisms; however, genus Bacillus alone produces a majority of diverse lipopeptides. Lipopeptides are low molecular weight compounds which havemultiple industrial roles apart from being usedas biosurfactants and antimicrobials. In plant protection, lipopeptides have wide prospects owing totheirpore-forming ability in pathogens, siderophore activity, biofilm inhibition, and dislodging activity, preventing colonization bypathogens, antiviral activity, etc. Microbes with lipopeptides that haveall these actions are good biocontrol agents. Exploring these antimicrobial compounds could widen the vistasof biological pest control for existing and emerging plant pathogens. The broader diversity and strong antimicrobial behavior of lipopeptides could be a boon for dealing withcomplex pathosystems and controlling diseases of greater economic importance. Understanding which and how these compounds modulate the synthesis and production of defense-related biomolecules in the plants is a key question—the answer of whichneeds in-depth investigation. The present reviewprovides a comprehensive picture of important lipopeptides produced by plant microbiome, their isolation, characterization, mechanisms of disease control, behavior against phytopathogens to understand different aspects of antagonism, and potential prospects for future explorations as antimicrobial agents. Understanding and exploring the antimicrobial lipopeptides from bacteria and fungi could also open upan entire new arena of biopesticides for effective control of devastating plant diseases.
An OD Flow Clustering Method Based on Vector Constraints: A Case Study for Beijing Taxi Origin-Destination Data
Authors: Guo Xiaogang , Xu Zhijie , Zhang Jianqin , Lu Jian , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2020

Origin-destination (OD) flow pattern mining is an important research method of urban dynamics, in which OD flow clustering analysis discovers the activity patterns of urban residents and mine the coupling relationship of urban subspace and dynamic causes. The existing flow clustering methods are limited by the spatial constraints of OD points, rely on the spatial similarity of geographical points, and lack in-depth analysis of high-dimensional flow characteristics, and therefore it is difficult to find irregular flow clusters. In this paper, we propose an OD flow clustering method based on vector constraints (ODFCVC), which defines OD flow event point and OD flow vector to express the spatial location relationship and geometric flow behavior characteristics of OD flow. First, the OD flow vector coordinate system is normalized by the Euclidean distance-based OD flow event point spatial clustering, and then the OD flow clusters with similar flow patterns are mined using adjusted cosine similarity-based OD flow vector feature clustering. The transformation of OD data from point set space to vector space is realized by constraining the vector coordinate system and vector similarity through two-step clustering, which simplifies the calculation of high-dimensional similarity of OD flow and helps mining representative OD flow clusters in flow space. Due to the OD flow cluster property, the k-means algorithm is selected as the basic clustering logic in the two-step clustering method, and a sum of squared error perceptually important points algorithm considering silhouette coefficients (SSEPIP) is adopted to automatically extract the optimal cluster number without defining any parameters. Tested by origin-destination flow data in Beijing, China, new traffic flow communities based on traffic hubs are obtained by using the ODFCVC method, and irregular traffic flow clusters (including cluster mode, divergence mode, and convergence mode) with representative travel trends are found.
Promoting Environmental Justice through Integrated Mapping Approaches: The Map of Water Conflicts in Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: Pedregal Belen , Laconi Cesare , del Moral Leandro
Published: February 2020

Addressing environmental governance conflicts requires the adoption of a complexity approach to carry out an adaptive process of collective learning, exploration, and experimentation. In this article, we hypothesize that by integrating community-based participatory mapping processes with internet-based collaborative digital mapping technologies, it is possible to create tools and spaces for knowledge co-production and collective learning. We also argue that providing a collaborative web platform enables these projects to become a repository of activist knowledge and practices that are often poorly stored and barely shared across communities and organizations. The collaborative Webmap of Water Conflicts in Andalusia, Spain, is used to show the benefits and potential of mapping processes of this type. The article sets out the steps and methods used to develop this experience: (i) background check; (ii) team discussion and draft proposal; (iii) in-depth interviews, and (iv) integrated participative and collaborative mapping approach. The main challenge that had to be addressed during this process was to co-create a tool able to combine the two perspectives that construct the identity of integrated mapping: a data-information-knowledge co-production process that is useful for the social agents—the environmental activists—while also sufficiently categorizable and precise to enable the competent administrations to steer their water management.
Muscle Hyperplasia in Japanese Quail by Single Amino Acid Deletion in MSTN Propeptide
Authors: Lee Joonbum , Kim Dong-Hwan , Lee Kichoon
Published: February 2020

Mutation in myostatin (MSTN), a negative regulator of muscle growth in skeletal muscle, resulted in increased muscle mass in mammals and fishes. However, MSTN mutation in avian species has not been reported. The objective of this study was to generate MSTN mutation in quail and investigate the effect of MSTN mutation in avian muscle growth. Recently, a new targeted gene knockout approach for the avian species has been developed using an adenoviral CRISPR/Cas9 system. By injecting the recombinant adenovirus containing CRISPR/Cas9 into the quail blastoderm, potential germline chimeras were generated and offspring with three base-pair deletion in the targeted region of the MSTN gene was identified. This non-frameshift mutation in MSTN resulted in deletion of cysteine 42 in the MSTN propeptide region and homozygous mutant quail showed significantly increased body weight and muscle mass with muscle hyperplasia compared to heterozygous mutant and wild-type quail. In addition, decreased fat pad weight and increased heart weight were observed in MSTN mutant quail in an age- and sex-dependent manner, respectively. Taken together, these data indicate anti-myogenic function of MSTN in the avian species and the importance of cysteine 42 in regulating MSTN function.
Lipids and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kao Yu-Chia , Ho Pei-Chuan , Tu Yuan-Kun , Jou I-Ming , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: February 2020

Lipids, as the basic component of cell membranes, play an important role in human health as well as brain function. The brain is highly enriched in lipids, and disruption of lipid homeostasis is related to neurologic disorders as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aging is associated with changes in lipid composition. Alterations of fatty acids at the level of lipid rafts and cerebral lipid peroxidation were found in the early stage of AD. Genetic and environmental factors such as apolipoprotein and lipid transporter carrying status and dietary lipid content are associated with AD. Insight into the connection between lipids and AD is crucial to unraveling the metabolic aspects of this puzzling disease. Recent advances in lipid analytical methodology have led us to gain an in-depth understanding on lipids. As a result, lipidomics have becoming a hot topic of investigation in AD, in order to find biomarkers for disease prediction, diagnosis, and prevention, with the ultimate goal of discovering novel therapeutics.
Molecular Mechanisms: Connections between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Goto Taichiro , Hirotsu Yosuke , Masuzaki Ryota , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Omata Masao
Published: February 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), causes hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patatin-like phospholipase-3 (PNPLA3) I148M sequence variant is one of the strongest genetic determinants of NAFLD/NASH. PNPLA3 is an independent risk factor for HCC among patients with NASH. The obesity epidemic is closely associated with the rising prevalence and severity of NAFLD/NASH. Furthermore, metabolic syndrome exacerbates the course of NAFLD/NASH. These factors are able to induce apoptosis and activate immune and inflammatory pathways, resulting in the development of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, leading to progression toward HCC. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier function and a high-fat diet all seem to exacerbate the development of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, leading to HCC in patients with NAFLD/NASH. Thus, the intestinal microbiota may play a role in the development of NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe recent advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of hepatic fibrosis and HCC in patients with NAFLD/NASH.
Male-Produced (−)-δ-Heptalactone, Pheromone of Fruit Fly Rhagoletis batava (Diptera: Tephritidae), a Sea Buckthorn Berries Pest
Authors: Būda Vincas , Blažytė-Čereškienė Laima , Radžiutė Sandra , Apšegaitė Violeta , Stamm Patrick , Schulz Stefan , Aleknavičius Dominykas , Mozūraitis Raimondas
Published: February 2020

The plantation area of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is expanding in many European countries due to increasing demand for berries, thus creating suitable conditions for the rapid expansion of the fruit fly Rhagoletis batava, a pest of economic importance. To decrease insecticide use, effective means for pest population monitoring are required, including the use of pheromones. Male fruit flies emit (-)-δ-heptalactone as revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of samples obtained using headspace methods. The two enantiomers of δ-heptalactone were synthesized using enantioselective synthesis. A gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection analysis of both stereoisomers revealed that only (-)-δ-heptalactone elicited electrophysiological responses, whereas no signal was registered to (+)-δ-heptalactone in fruit flies of either sex. In the field assay, traps baited with (-)-δ-heptalactone caught significantly more fruit flies compared with the unbaited traps. Our results are the first to demonstrate the efficacy of (-)-δ-heptalactone as a bait for trapping R. batava. As a behaviorally attractive compound to R. batava fruit flies of both sexes, (-)-δ-heptalactone is attributed to aggregation pheromones. This is the first report of an aggregation pheromone within the genus Rhagoletis.
An Engineered Infected Epidermis Model for In Vitro Study of the Skin’s Pro-Inflammatory Response
Authors: Jahanshahi Maryam , Hamdi David , Godau Brent , Samiei Ehsan , Sanchez-Lafuente Carla , Neale Katie , Hadisi Zhina , Dabiri Seyed , Pagan Erik , Christie Brian , Akbari Mohsen
Published: February 2020

Wound infection is a major clinical challenge that can significantly delay the healing process, can create pain, and requires prolonged hospital stays. Pre-clinical research to evaluate new drugs normally involves animals. However, ethical concerns, cost, and the challenges associated with interspecies variation remain major obstacles. Tissue engineering enables the development of in vitro human skin models for drug testing. However, existing engineered skin models are representative of healthy human skin and its normal functions. This paper presents a functional infected epidermis model that consists of a multilayer epidermis structure formed at an air-liquid interface on a hydrogel matrix and a three-dimensionally (3D) printed vascular-like network. The function of the engineered epidermis is evaluated by the expression of the terminal differentiation marker, filaggrin, and the barrier function of the epidermis model using the electrical resistance and permeability across the epidermal layer. The results showed that the multilayer structure enhances the electrical resistance by 40% and decreased the drug permeation by 16.9% in the epidermis model compared to the monolayer cell culture on gelatin. We infect the model with Escherichia coli to study the inflammatory response of keratinocytes by measuring the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha). After 24 h of exposure to Escherichia coli, the level of IL-1β and TNF-α in control samples were 125 ± 78 and 920 ± 187 pg/mL respectively, while in infected samples, they were 1429 ± 101 and 2155.5 ± 279 pg/mL respectively. However, in ciprofloxacin-treated samples the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α without significant difference with respect to the control reached to 246 ± 87 and 1141.5 ± 97 pg/mL respectively. The robust fabrication procedure and functionality of this model suggest that the model has great potential for modeling wound infections and drug testing.
Second-Harmonic Generation in Suspended AlGaAs Waveguides: A Comparative Study
Authors: Roland Iännis , Ravaro Marco , Suffit Stéphan , Filloux Pascal , Lemaître Aristide , Favero Ivan , Leo Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Due to adjustable modal birefringence, suspended AlGaAs optical waveguides with submicron transverse sections can support phase-matched frequency mixing in the whole material transparency range, even close to the material bandgap, by tuning the width-to-height ratio. Furthermore, their single-pass conversion efficiency is potentially huge, thanks to the extreme confinement of the interacting modes in the highly nonlinear and high-refractive-index core, with scattering losses lower than in selectively oxidized or quasi-phase-matched AlGaAs waveguides. Here we compare the performances of two types of suspended waveguides made of this material, designed for second-harmonic generation (SHG) in the telecom range: (a) a nanowire suspended in air by lateral tethers and (b) an ultrathin nanorib, made of a strip lying on a suspended membrane of the same material. Both devices have been fabricated from a 123 nm thick AlGaAs epitaxial layer and tested in terms of SHG efficiency, injection and propagation losses. Our results point out that the nanorib waveguide, which benefits from a far better mechanical robustness, performs comparably to the fully suspended nanowire and is well-suited for liquid sensing applications.
Bacterial Community Structure of Pinus Thunbergii Naturally Infected by the Nematode Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus
Authors: Ma Yang , Qu Zhao-Lei , Liu Bing , Tan Jia-Jin , Asiegbu Fred O. , Sun Hui
Published: February 2020

Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a devastating disease in conifer forests in Eurasia. However, information on the effect of PWD on the host microbial community is limited. In this study, the bacterial community structure and potential function in the needles, roots, and soil of diseased pine were studied under field conditions using Illumina MiSeq coupled with Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved states (PICRUSt) software. The results showed that the community and functional structure of healthy and diseased trees differed only in the roots and needles, respectively (p < 0.05). The needles, roots, and soil formed unique bacterial community and functional structures. The abundant phyla across all samples were Proteobacteria (41.9% of total sequence), Actinobacteria (29.0%), Acidobacteria (12.2%), Bacteroidetes (4.8%), and Planctomycetes (2.1%). The bacterial community in the healthy roots was dominated by Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Rhizobiales, whereas in the diseased roots, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Burkholderiales were dominant. Functionally, groups involved in the cell process and genetic information processing had a higher abundance in the diseased needles, which contributed to the difference in functional structure. The results indicate that PWD can only affect the host bacteria community structure and function in certain anatomical regions of the host tree.
Nanofiber NiMoO4/g-C3N4 Composite Electrode Materials for Redox Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Thiagarajan Kannadasan , Bavani Thirugnanam , Arunachalam Prabhakarn , Lee Seung Jun , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Madhavan Jaganathan , Pollet Bruno Georges , Choi Myong Yong
Published: February 2020

NiMoO4/g-C3N4 was fabricated by a hydrothermal method and used as an electrode material in a supercapacitor. The samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to study the physical and structural properties of the as-prepared NiMoO4/g-C3N4 material. The electrochemical responses of pristine NiMoO4 and the NiMoO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite material were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). From the CD studies, the NiMoO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite revealed a higher maximum specific capacitance (510 Fg−1) in comparison to pristine NiMoO4 (203 Fg−1). In addition, the NiMoO4/g-C3N4 composite electrode material exhibited high stability, which maintained up to 91.8% capacity even after 2000 charge-discharge cycles. Finally, NiMoO4/g-C3N4 was found to exhibit an energy density value of 11.3 Whkg−1. These findings clearly suggested that NiMoO4/g-C3N4 could be a suitable electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.
MRI Relaxivity Changes of the Magnetic Nanoparticles Induced by Different Amino Acid Coatings
Authors: Antal Iryna , Strbak Oliver , Khmara Iryna , Koneracka Martina , Kubovcikova Martina , Zavisova Vlasta , Kmetova Martina , Baranovicova Eva , Dobrota Dusan
Published: February 2020

In this study, we analysed the physico-chemical properties of positively charged magnetic fluids consisting of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalised by different amino acids (AAs): glycine (Gly), lysine (Lys) and tryptophan (Trp), and the influence of AA–MNP complexes on the MRI relaxivity. We found that the AA coating affects the size of dispersed particles and isoelectric point, as well as the zeta potential of AA–MNPs differently, depending on the AA selected. Moreover, we showed that a change in hydrodynamic diameter results in a change to the relaxivity of AA–MNP complexes. On the one hand, we observed a decrease in the relaxivity values, r1 and r2, with an increase in hydrodynamic diameter (the relaxivity of r1 and r2 were comparable with commercially available contrast agents); on the other hand, we observed an increase in r2* value with an increase in hydrodynamic size. These findings provide an interesting preliminary look at the impact of AA coating on the relaxivity properties of AA–MNP complexes, with a specific application in molecular contrast imaging originating from magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic resonance techniques.
Maternal Consumption of a Low-Isoflavone Soy Protein Isolate Diet Accelerates Chemically Induced Hepatic Carcinogenesis in Male Rat Offspring
Authors: Choi Jihye , Won Sae Bom , Kwon Young Hye
Published: February 2020

It has been reported that maternal nutrition determines the offspring’s susceptibility to chronic diseases including cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of maternal diets differing in protein source on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in adult rat offspring. Dams were fed a casein (CAS) diet or a low-isoflavone soy protein isolate (SPI) diet for two weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were weaned to and fed a chow diet throughout the study. From four weeks of age, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) were induced by intraperitoneal injection of DEN once a week for 14 weeks. The SPI/DEN group exhibited higher mortality rate, tumor multiplicity, and HCC incidence compared with the CAS/DEN group. Accordingly, altered cholesterol metabolism and increases in liver damage and angiogenesis were observed in the SPI/DEN group. The SPI/DEN group had a significant induction of the nuclear factor-κB-mediated anti-apoptotic pathway, as measured by increased phosphorylation of IκB kinase β, which may lead to the survival of precancerous hepatocytes. In conclusion, maternal consumption of a low-isoflavone soy protein isolate diet accelerated chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male rat offspring in the present study, suggesting that maternal dietary protein source may be involved in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in adult offspring.
Gut–Joint Axis: The Role of Physical Exercise on Gut Microbiota Modulation in Older People with Osteoarthritis
Authors: de Sire Alessandro , de Sire Roberto , Petito Valentina , Masi Letizia , Cisari Carlo , Gasbarrini Antonio , Scaldaferri Franco , Invernizzi Marco
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered one of the most common joint disorders worldwide and its prevalence is constantly increasing due to the global longevity and changes in eating habits and lifestyle. In this context, the role of gut microbiota (GM) in the pathogenesis of OA is still unclear. Perturbation of GM biodiversity and function, defined as ‘gut dysbiosis’, might be involved in the development of inflammaging, one of the main risk factors of OA development. It is well known that physical exercise could play a key role in the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases including OA, and it is recommended by several guidelines as a first line intervention. Several studies have shown that physical exercise could modulate GM composition, boosting intestinal mucosal immunity, increasing the Bacteroidetes–Firmicutes ratio, modifying the bile acid profile, and improving the production of short chain fatty acids. Moreover, it has been shown that low intensity exercise might reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, confirming the hypothesis of a strict correlation between skeletal muscle and GM. However, up to date, there is still a lack of clinical trials focusing on this research field. Therefore, in this narrative, we aimed to summarize the state-of-the-art of the literature regarding the correlation between these conditions, supporting the hypothesis of a ‘gut–joint axis’ and highlighting the role of physical exercise combined with adequate diet and probiotic supplements in rebalancing microbial dysbiosis.
Zinc Burden Evokes Copper Deficiency in the Hypoalbuminemic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nishime Keizo , Kondo Morihiro , Saito Kazuhiro , Miyawaki Hisashi , Nakagawa Takahiko
Published: February 2020

Background: Recent research has focused on the roles of trace minerals such as zinc and copper. In 2017, oral zinc acetate was approved to treat zinc deficiency, and the next year, the Japanese Society for Clinical Nutrition developed the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment for zinc deficiency. Accordingly, hemodialysis patients began receiving zinc acetate when zinc deficiency was diagnosed. However, studies regarding the values of zinc and copper in hemodialysis patients are extremely poor, thus it remains unclear if the guidelines for healthy subjects can be applied to hemodialysis patients. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study, in which 132 patients were subjected to simply examine serum zinc concentration and its association with copper levels in hemodialysis patients (N = 65) versus healthy individuals attending a routine check-up (control group; N = 67) in our hospital. Analyses were performed with BellCurve for Excel (Social Survey Research Information Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan). Results: The distribution of zinc level in the hemodialysis group was distinct from that in the control group (P < 0.001). The zinc level was correlated with serum albumin concentration. Zinc concentration was also negatively correlated with serum copper level in both groups. In the hemodialysis group, the upper limit of zinc to avoid copper deficiency was 109.7 μg/dL, and the safety upper limit was 78.3 μg/dL. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients exhibited a lower level of zinc concentration compared to normal healthy subjects. Since albumin binds to zinc as a carrier, low zinc levels could be attributed to lower level of serum albumin. Importantly, zinc and copper levels were inversely correlated, thus administration of oral zinc acetate could increase a risk for copper deficiency. It might be better to check both zinc and copper values monthly after prescribing zinc acetate.
Targeting Abdominal Obesity and Its Complications with Dietary Phytoestrogens
Authors: Kuryłowicz Alina , Cąkała-Jakimowicz Marta , Puzianowska-Kuźnicka Monika
Published: February 2020

In the assessment of the health risk of an obese individual, both the amount of adipose tissue and its distribution and metabolic activity are essential. In adults, the distribution of adipose tissue differs in a gender-dependent manner and is regulated by sex steroids, especially estrogens. Estrogens affect adipocyte differentiation but are also involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory activity of the adipose tissue. Their deficiency results in unfavorable changes in body composition and increases the risk of metabolic complications, which can be partially reversed by hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, the idea of the supplementation of estrogen-like compounds to counteract obesity and related complications is compelling. Phytoestrogens are natural plant-derived dietary compounds that resemble human estrogens in their chemical structure and biological activity. Supplementation with phytoestrogens may confer a range of beneficial effects. However, results of studies on the influence of phytoestrogens on body composition and prevalence of obesity are inconsistent. In this review, we present data from in vitro, animal, and human studies regarding the role of phytoestrogens in adipose tissue development and function in the context of their potential application in the prevention of visceral obesity and related complications.
The Inhibitory Roles of Vitamin K in Progression of Vascular Calcification
Authors: Shioi Atsushi , Morioka Tomoaki , Shoji Tetsuo , Emoto Masanori
Published: February 2020

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is indispensable for the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular calcification is intimately associated with CV events and mortality and is a chronic inflammatory process in which activated macrophages promote osteoblastic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and oncostatin M (OSM) in both intimal and medial layers of arterial walls. This process may be mainly mediated through NF-κB signaling pathway. Vitamin K has been demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory effects through antagonizing NF-κB signaling in both in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting that vitamin K may prevent vascular calcification via anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a major inhibitor of soft tissue calcification and contributes to preventing both intimal and medial vascular calcification. Vitamin K may also inhibit progression of vascular calcification by enhancing the activity of MGP through facilitating its γ-carboxylation. In support of this hypothesis, the procalcific effects of warfarin, an antagonist of vitamin K, on arterial calcification have been demonstrated in several clinical studies. Among the inactive MGP forms, dephospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) may be regarded as the most useful biomarker of not only vitamin K deficiency, but also vascular calcification and CVD. There have been several studies showing the association of circulating levels of dp-ucMGP with vitamin K intake, vascular calcification, mortality, and CVD. However, additional larger prospective studies including randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the beneficial effects of vitamin K supplementation on CV health.