bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cementitious Behavior of Argon Oxygen Decarburization Stainless Steel Slag and Its Stabilization on Chromium
Authors: Wang Ya-Jun , Zeng Ya-Nan , Li Jun-Guo , Zhang Yu-Zhu
Published: September 2020

The study mainly aims at the potential of Argon Oxygen Decarburization Slag (AODS) as a supplementary cementitious material and explores the mechanisms of stabilization/solidification (S/S) of chromium in cement-based composite pastes. The basic cementitious parameters, such as water requirement, setting time, soundness, hydration characteristics, and strength indexes of composite binders, were examined through standard methods. The results showed that the most beneficial mineral phase in AODS for cementitious behavior was beta dicalcium silicate (β-C2S). The utilization of a higher AODS dosage in composite binders increased the water requirement and the setting time, while it decreased the hydration heat and the strength indexes. Although the AODS possessed limited cementitious properties, it conformed the Grade II steel slag powder qualified for concrete and cement. Sequential leaching tests were conducted targeting the leachability of chromium in the pastes with different AODS dosage and curing time. Results showed that with the lower AODS dosage and the longer curing time, the S/S efficiency for chromium leaching from the composite paste was better. Utilization of AODS as a cement substitute not only can recycle this solid waste and decrease the emission of CO2 concerning cement production, but also helps to effectively reduce the chromium leaching risk.
Nematogenic Laterally Substituted Supramolecular H-Bonded Complexes Based on Flexible Core
Authors: Ahmed H.A. , Khushaim Muna S.
Published: September 2020

New laterally CH3-substituted series of 1:2 hydrogen-bonded supramolecular complexes (HBSMCs) based on flexible acid core were prepared and mesomorphically investigated. Mixtures were formed through H-bonded interactions between adipic acid (A) and 4-(2-(pyridin-4-yl)diazenyl-(3-methylphenyl) 4-alkoxybenzoate (Bn). Mesomorphic and optical properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-spectroscopy. HBSMCs formed from 1:2 mol mixture of A:2Bn, where the base component (B) bearing different alkoxy chain lengths from n = 8 to 14. The new HBSMCs (A/2B) interactions were confirmed by Fermi-bands formation via FT-IR spectroscopy measurements. Results revealed that all prepared HBSMCs are enantiotropic, exhibiting induced nematic (N) phase. The XRD pattern confirmed the POM texture results. Moreover, a comparison was made between the new laterally HBSMC series based on flexible core and the previously analyzed laterally neat complexes.
How Microanalysis Can Be Discriminant on Black Pompeian Wares
Authors: Medeghini Laura , Mignardi Silvano , Di Fusco Giorgia , Botticelli Michela , Coletti Fulvio , De Vito Caterina
Published: September 2020

In the present work the advantages of punctual approaches are discussed in the discrimination of black wares from the Sanctuary of Venus Fisica (Pompeii, Italy), dated between the 2nd and 1st century BC. Black-gloss ware and "bucchero" samples are analyzed by a multi-analytical approach including optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) to investigate the mineralogical and petrographic features of these artefacts. Grain size, firing conditions and potter’s expertise influenced the final appearance of the superficial decorative black layer. In addition, punctual chemical analysis was fundamental to verify the archaeological indication of specific production sites.
Limnological Characteristics and Diatom Dominants in Lakes of Northeastern Poland
Authors: Eliasz-Kowalska Monika , Wojtal Agata Z.
Published: September 2020

Determination of the relationships between environmental factors and diatom assemblages is usually made for several hundred lakes spread over a large area. However, the analysis of several lakes located near Lake Wigry also gives interesting results. Lakes in Wigry National Park (Poland) with broad similarity of geological origin show clear limnological, physical, and chemical differences. Here, we report on an investigation into how these dissimilarities influence diatom assemblages. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed that the studied lakes can be divided into three groups: (1) disharmonic, (2) harmonious with greater human impact on the environment, and (3) harmonious with a more limited human impact. The harmonious lakes could be divided into two groups that are mainly in line with the contents of the chloride and sulfates ions taken as indicative of human impacts on the environment. Overall, the three groups had different dominance structures, as reference to the Dominance Index (DI) made clear (mean values being: (1) −70.54%, (2) −72%, and (3) −54.58%, Generalized Linear Models with the categorical independent variable (group) showed significant differences between groups (for 1–3, 2–3) p value < 0.05). Lakes impacted by anthropopressure and disharmonic ones had the strongest dominance structure. More broadly, DI differences between the groups are consistent with the Species Pool Hypothesis (SPH), while studied differences can be said to result from natural geological dissimilarities, as well as disparate anthropogenic impacts.
Some Classical and Quantum Aspects of Gravitoelectromagnetism
Authors: Papini Giorgio
Published: September 2020

It has been shown that, even in linear gravitation, the curvature of space-time can induce ground state degeneracy in quantum systems, break the continuum symmetry of the vacuum and give rise to condensation in a system of identical particles. Condensation takes the form of a temperature-dependent correlation over distances, of momenta oscillations about an average momentum, of vortical structures and of a positive gravitational susceptibility. In the interaction with quantum matter and below a certain range, gravity is carried by an antisymmetric, second order tensor that satisfies Maxwell-type equations. Some classical and quantum aspects of this type of “gravitoelectromagnetism” were investigated. Gravitational analogues of the laws of Curie and Bloch were found for a one-dimensional model. A critical temperature for a change in phase from unbound to isolated vortices can be calculated using an XY-model.
Thermodynamics at Very Long Time and Space Scales
Authors: Andresen Bjarne , Essex Christopher
Published: September 2020

Any observation, and hence concept, is limited by the time and length scale of the observer and his instruments. Originally, we lived on a timescale of minutes and a length scale of meters, give or take an order of magnitude or two. Therefore, we devloped laboratory sized concepts, like volume, pressure, and temperature of continuous media. The past 150 years we managed to observe on the molecular scale and similarly nanoseconds timescale, leading to atomic physics that requires new concepts. In this paper, we are moving in the opposite direction, to extremely large time and length scales. We call this regime “slow time”. Here, we explore which laboratory concepts still apply in slow time and which new ones may emerge. E.g., we find that temperature no longer exists and that a new component of entropy emerges from long time averaging of other quantities. Just as finite-time thermodynamics developed from the small additional constraint of a finite process duration, here we add a small new condition, the very long timescale that results in a loss of temporal resolution, and again look for new structure.
Novel Diagnostic Techniques for Rotating Electrical Machines—A Review
Authors: Frosini Lucia
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to update the review of diagnostic techniques for rotating electrical machines of different type and size. Each of the main sections of the paper is focused on a specific component of the machine (stator and rotor windings, magnets, bearings, airgap, load and auxiliaries, stator and rotor laminated core) and divided into subsections when the characteristics of the component are different according to the type or size of the machine. The review considers both the techniques currently applied on field for the diagnostics of the electrical machines and the novel methodologies recently proposed by the researchers in the literature.
Oscillation Damping for Wind Energy Conversion System with Doubly Fed Induction Generator Association with Synchronous Generator
Authors: Abo-Elyousr Farag K. , Abbas Hossam S. , Yousef Ali M. , Quynh Nguyen Vu , Ali Ziad M. , Nazir Muhammad Shahzad
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to enhance the operation of renewable wind energy conversion (WEC) systems connected to power systems. To achieve this, we consider a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control approach for regulating the effects of a WEC system with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) on the synchronous generator (SG) rotor speed of the interconnected power system. First, we present the mathematical formulation of the interconnected power system comprises a single synchronous generator and a wind turbine with DFIG connected to an infinite bus bar system through a transmission line. We consider that the system is operated under various loading conditions and parameters variation. Second, a frequency damping oscillation observer is designed via Kalman filtering together with an optimal linear quadratic regulator to mitigate the impacts of the WEC system on the SG rotor speed. The performance of the developed interconnected power system is simulated using a MATLAB/SIMULINK environment to verify the effectiveness of the developed controller. In comparison with previously reported results, the proposed approach can stabilize the interconnected power system within 1.28 s compared to 1.3 s without the DFIG.
On Stability of Perturbed Nonlinear Switched Systems with Adaptive Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Dao Phuong Nam , Nguyen Hong Quang , Ngo Minh-Duc , Ahn Seon-Ju
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a tracking control approach is developed based on an adaptive reinforcement learning algorithm with a bounded cost function for perturbed nonlinear switched systems, which represent a useful framework for modelling these converters, such as DC–DC converter, multi-level converter, etc. An optimal control method is derived for nominal systems to solve the tracking control problem, which results in solving a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. It is shown that the optimal controller obtained by solving the HJB equation can stabilize the perturbed nonlinear switched systems. To develop a solution to the translated HJB equation, the proposed neural networks consider the training technique obtaining the minimization of square of Bellman residual error in critic term due to the description of Hamilton function. Theoretical analysis shows that all the closed-loop system signals are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) and the proposed controller converges to optimal control law. The simulation results of two situations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Adaptive Maximum Torque per Ampere Control of Sensorless Permanent Magnet Motor Drives
Authors: Dianov Anton , Anuchin Alecksey
Published: September 2020

Interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) efficiency can be improved by using maximum torque per ampere control (MTPA). MTPA control utilizes both alignment and reluctance torques and usually requires information about the magnetization map of the electrical machine. This paper proposes an adaptive MTPA algorithm for sensorless control systems of IPMSM drives, which is applicable in industrial and commercial drives. This algorithm enhances conventional control schemes, where the output of the speed controller is the commanded stator current and the direct current is calculated using an MTPA equation; therefore, it can be easily implemented in the previously developed drives. The proposed algorithm does not use any motor parameters for the calculation of the MTPA trajectory, which is important for systems operating in changing environmental conditions, because motor inductances and flux linkage strongly depend on the stator current and the rotor temperature, respectively. The proposed algorithm continuously varies the current phase and in such a way it tries to minimize the magnitude of the stator current at the applied load torque. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a technique to overcome the main disadvantage of seeking algorithms–the necessity of a precision information about the rotor position. The proposed method was verified experimentally.
Vegetative and Edaphic Responses in a Northern Mixed Conifer Forest Three Decades after Harvest and Fire: Implications for Managing Regeneration and Carbon and Nitrogen Pools
Authors: Dumroese R. Kasten , F. Jurgensen Martin , Page-Dumroese Deborah S.
Published: September 2020

Research Highlights: This experiment compares a range of combinations of harvest, prescribed fire, and wildfire. Leveraging a 30-year-old forest management-driven experiment, we explored the recovery of woody species composition, regeneration of the charismatic forest tree species Larix occidentalis Nutt., and vegetation and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools. Background and Objectives: Initiated in 1967, this experiment intended to explore combinations of habitat type phases and prescribed fire severity toward supporting regeneration of L. occidentalis. At onset of the experiment, a wildfire affected a portion of the 60 research plots, allowing for additional study. Our objective was to better understand silvicultural practices to support L. occidentalis regeneration and to better understand the subsequent impacts of silvicultural practices on C and N pools within the vegetation and soil. Materials and Methods: We categorized disturbance severity based on loss of forest floor depth; 11 categories were defined, including controls for the two habitat type phases involved. We collected abundance, biomass, and C and N concentrations for the herbaceous layer, shrubs, and trees using nested quadrats and 6 to 10 experimental units per disturbance category plot. Moreover, we systematically sampled woody residue from transects, and forest floor, soil wood, and mineral soil with a systematic grid of 16 soil cores per disturbance category plot. Results: We found that (1) disturbance severity affected shrub species richness, diversity, and evenness within habitat type phases; (2) L. occidentalis regenerates when fire is part of the disturbance; (3) N-fixing shrub species were more diverse in the hotter, drier plots; (4) recovery levels of C and N pools within the soil had surpassed or were closer to pre-disturbance levels than pools within the vegetation. Conclusions: We confirm that L. occidentalis regeneration and a diverse suite of understory shrub species can be supported by harvest and prescribed fire, particularly in southern and western aspects. We also conclude that these methods can regenerate L. occidentalis in cooler, moister sites, which may be important as this species’ climate niche shifts with climate change.
Wood and Pulping Properties Variation of Acacia crassicarpa A.Cunn. ex Benth. and Sampling Strategies for Accurate Phenotyping
Authors: Martins Gustavo Salgado , Yuliarto Muhammad , Antes Rudine , Sabki  , Prasetyo Agung , Unda Faride , Mansfield Shawn D. , Hodge Gary R. , Acosta Juan Jose
Published: September 2020

Research Highlights: This study provides a comprehensive set of wood and pulping properties of Acacia crassicarpa A.Cunn. ex Benth. to assess variation and efficient sampling strategies for whole-tree level phenotyping. Background and Objectives: A. crassicarpa is an important tree species in Southeast Asia, with limited knowledge about its wood properties. The objective of this study was to characterize important wood properties and pulping performance of improved germplasm of the species. Furthermore, we investigated within-tree patterns of variation and evaluated the efficiency of phenotyping strategies. Materials and Methods: Second-generation progeny trials were studied, where forty 50-month-old trees were selected for destructive sampling and assessed for wood density, kraft pulp yield, α-cellulose, carbohydrate composition, and lignin content and composition (S/G ratio). We estimated the phenotypic correlations among traits determined within-tree longitudinal variation and its importance for whole-tree level phenotyping. Results: The mean whole-tree disc basic density was 481 kg/m3, and the screened kraft pulp yield was 53.8%. The reliabilities of each sampling position to predict whole-tree properties varied with different traits. For basic density, pulp yield, and glucose content, the ground-level sampling could reliably predict the whole-tree property. With near infrared reflectance spectroscopy predictions as an indirect measurement method for disc basic density, we verified reduced reliability values for breast height sampling but sufficiently correlated to allow accurate ranking and efficient selection of genotypes in a breeding program context. Conclusions: We demonstrated the quality of A. crassicarpa as a wood source for the pulping industry. The wood and pulping traits have high levels of phenotypic variation, and standing tree sampling strategies can be performed for both ranking and high-accuracy phenotyping purposes.
Genetic Diversity and Spatial Genetic Structure in Isolated Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Populations Native to Eastern and Southern Carpathians
Authors: Șofletea Nicolae , Mihai Georgeta , Ciocîrlan Elena , Curtu Alexandru Lucian
Published: September 2020

Small, isolated populations are more vulnerable to natural disturbances and loss of genetic diversity. Scots pine, an abundant tree species in the boreal forest of Eurasia, has a scattered natural distribution across Eastern and Southern Carpathian Mountains, where only a few relict populations still exist. We estimated genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure in Scots pine on the basis of microsatellite nuclear markers (nSSR) data. We found a relatively high level of genetic diversity (He = 0.697) within populations and no evidence of recent bottlenecks. Genetic diversity was lower in peat bog populations, as compared to populations that grow on rocky slopes or acidic soils and nutrient-poor sites. Population genetic structure was weak, and genetic discontinuities among populations were detected. Spatial genetic structure (SGS) was observed in nearly all Scots pine populations. The strength of SGS, quantified by Sp statistics, varied greatly among populations, ranging from 0.0011 to 0.0207, with an average of 0.01. Our study highlights that Eastern and Southern Carpathian populations still possess high within-population diversity in spite of the recent fragmentation and reduction of the Scots pine natural distribution range. We discuss the importance of spatial patterns of genetic diversity for developing strategies of conservation and sustainable use of Scots pine genetic resources in the Carpathian region.
Biomass Yield of 37 Different SRC Poplar Varieties Grown on a Typical Site in North Eastern Germany
Authors: Landgraf Dirk , Carl Christin , Neupert Markus
Published: September 2020

A total of 37 different poplar varieties were grown in a randomized mini-rotation short rotation coppice (SRC) (harvest every three years) on a light sandy soil under continental climatic conditions in the south of the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Along with well-known poplar varieties, newly bred ones that have not yet been approved for commercial use were selected for this study. Survival rates were determined after the first growing season in 2013 as well as at the first and second harvests in 2015 and 2018. Furthermore, the number of shoots, plant height, diameter at breast height, dry matter content and biomass yield of the varieties were recorded. After the second rotation period, only seven poplar varieties yielded more than 11 tadm ha−1 y−1 and can be recommended for commercial use. However, many varieties only reached about 8 tadm ha−1 y−1, and six varieties even had less than 4 tadm ha−1 y−1, among them newly bred varieties. Given the changing climate conditions, the cultivation of these varieties in SRC is not recommended. Our data also show that the biomass yield of several varieties decreased from the first to the second harvests. Since the survival rates were high and no damage by pest species was observed, the site-specific yield capacities of the individual clones are assumed to be the cause for this.
An Internet of Things Model for Improving Process Management on University Campus
Authors: Villegas-Ch William , Palacios-Pacheco Xavier , Román-Cañizares Milton
Published: September 2020

Currently, there are several emerging technologies that seek to improve quality of life. To achieve this, it is important to establish the various technologies’ fields of action and to determine which technology meets the conditions established by the environment in which it is designed to operate in order to satisfy the needs of society. One type of environment is the university campus. This particular environment is conducive to the development and testing of technological innovations that might later be replicated in larger environments such as smart cities. The technology that has experienced the greatest development and introduction of applications is the Internet of Things. The wide variety of available devices and the wide reach of the Internet have become ideal parameters for the application of the Internet of Things in areas that previously required the work of people. The Internet of Things is seen as an assistant to, or a substitute for, processes that are generally routine and which require the effort of one or more people. This work focuses specifically on processes to improve administrative management in a university through the use of the Internet of Things.
Digital Twin Conceptual Model within the Context of Internet of Things
Authors: Al-Ali A. R. , Gupta Ragini , Zaman Batool Tasneem , Landolsi Taha , Aloul Fadi , Al Nabulsi Ahmad
Published: September 2020

As the Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining ground and becoming increasingly popular in smart city applications such as smart energy, smart buildings, smart factories, smart transportation, smart farming, and smart healthcare, the digital twin concept is evolving as complementary to its counter physical part. While an object is on the move, its operational and surrounding environmental parameters are collected by an edge computing device for local decision. A virtual replica of such object (digital twin) is based in the cloud computing platform and hosts the real-time physical object data, 2D and 3D models, historical data, and bill of materials (BOM) for further processing, analytics, and visualization. This paper proposes an end-to-end digital twin conceptual model that represents its complementary physical object from the ground to the cloud. The paper presents the proposed digital twin model’s multi-layers, namely, physical, communication, virtual space, data analytic and visualization, and application as well as the overlapping security layer. The hardware and software technologies that are used in building such a model will be explained in detail. A use case will be presented to show how the layers collect, exchange, and process the physical object data from the ground to the cloud.
Policy-Engineering Optimization with Visual Representation and Separation-of-Duty Constraints in Attribute-Based Access Control
Authors: Sun Wei , Su Hui , Xie Huacheng
Published: September 2020

Recently, attribute-based access control (ABAC) has received increasingly more attention and has emerged as the desired access control mechanism for many organizations because of its flexibility and scalability for authorization management, as well as its security policies, such as separation-of-duty constraints and mutually exclusive constraints. Policy-engineering technology is an effective approach for the construction of ABAC systems. However, most conventional methods lack interpretability, and their constructing processes are complex. Furthermore, they do not consider the separation-of-duty constraints. To address these issues in ABAC, this paper proposes a novel method called policy engineering optimization with visual representation and separation of duty constraints (PEO_VR&SOD). First, to enhance interpretability while mining a minimal set of rules, we use the visual technique with Hamming distance to reduce the policy mining scale and present a policy mining algorithm. Second, to verify whether the separation of duty constraints can be satisfied in a constructed policy engineering system, we use the method of SAT-based model counting to reduce the constraints and construct mutually exclusive constraints to implicitly enforce the given separation of duty constraints. The experiments demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method and show encouraging results.
Migration of Polypropylene Oligomers into Ready-to-Eat Vegetable Soups
Authors: Conchione Chiara , Lucci Paolo , Moret Sabrina
Published: September 2020

Polyolefin oligomeric hydrocarbons (POH) are non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) which mainly reside in the polymer (PE, PP) as a consequence of the polymerization process, and that under favorable conditions (high fat content, high temperature, and long contact time) may migrate at high amount from the packaging into the food. The food industry offers a wide range of ready-to-eat products, among these, vegetable soups designed to be stored at refrigeration temperature (for times around 6 weeks), and in most cases to be heated for a few minutes in a microwave oven (into the original container, mostly of PP) before consumption. The present work aimed to study for the first-time migration of POH during the shelf life of these products, including storage at refrigeration temperature and after microwave heating. On-line high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-gas chromatography (GC), followed by flame ionization detection (FID), was applied for POH analysis in a number of ready-to-eat products purchased from the Italian market. Microwave heating determined a variable POH increase ranging from 0.1 to 6.2 mg/kg. Parameters possibly affecting migration such as fat content and heating time were also studied.
In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Glycaemic Index of Fried Dough and Batter Enriched with Wheat and Oat Bran
Authors: Onipe Oluwatoyin O. , Beswa Daniso , Jideani Afam I. O.
Published: September 2020

A deep-fried dough/batter food (magwinya) consumed across different age groups and social strata in South Africa was investigated in this study for digestibility and estimated glycaemic index (eGI). In this research, we investigated the influence of bran type—wheat bran (WB) and oat bran (OB), and concentration (0–20% w/w) on the starch digestibility and eGI of magwinya. Rapidly available glucose (RAG) of control fried dough (60.31 g/100 g) was 33% less than fried batter (90.07 g/100 g). There was a significant reduction in RAG and an increase in slowly available (SAG) and unavailable glucose (UG) content of the fried products with OB and WB addition. The highest SAG content was observed in WB fried dough. Control fried batter had the highest eGI value (80.02) and control fried dough had medium eGI value (58.11). WB fried dough, fried batter, and OB fried dough were categorised as medium GI foods at eGI range of 56.46–58.39, 65.93–68.84 and 56.34–57.27, respectively. The eGI values of OB fried batter ranged from 73.57 to 80.03 and were thus classified as high GI foods. UG showed significant correlation with eGI (r = −0.892, −0.973, p < 0.01) and fat content (r = −0.590, −0.661, p < 0.01) for WB and OB fried products. These results reveal that ingredient modification through bran enrichment is effective for the regulation of starch digestion and reduction of eGI of deep-fried dough/batter foods.
Men and Place: Male Identity and the Meaning of Place in the Nineteenth-Century Scottish Gàidhealtachd
Authors: Ritchie Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

The perfunctory noting of name, dates, family relationships and a location on gravestones initially suggests that such details are unprofitable sources for evidence of male identity. However the sheer commonplaceness of stating a placename, particularly when it is noticeably associated with men rather than women, and when not all cultures do the same, indicates that it may reveal something of how men thought of themselves and how they felt. Canadian and Australian studies have suggested that recording placenames on a headstone was a marker of Scottish ethnicity, like an image of a thistle. However, in the nineteenth-century Scottish Highlands ethnicity was not a key component of identity. Indications of place, at least in the ‘home’ country, must therefore signify a different element of identity. This article examines headstone inscriptions of men from across the Gaelic-speaking Highlands and Islands of Scotland who died in the nineteenth century. The resulting evidence indicates that place was a significant element of male identity, indicating personal or ancestral connection with a particular location; a regional affiliation; professional success; social status; national and international mobility; an imperial or patriotic mindset; or even geographical dislocation. In short, place was highly significant to nineteenth-century Highland men, and was a key element of their personal identity.
A Disjunctive Marginal Edge of Evergreen Broad-Leaved Oak (Quercus gilva) in East Asia: The High Genetic Distinctiveness and Unusual Diversity of Jeju Island Populations and Insight into a Massive, Independent Postglacial Colonization
Authors: Han Eun-Kyeong , Cho Won-Bum , Park Jong-Soo , Choi In-Su , Kwak Myounghai , Kim Bo-Yun , Lee Jung-Hyun
Published: September 2020

Jeju Island is located at a marginal edge of the distributional range of East Asian evergreen broad-leaved forests. The low genetic diversity of such edge populations is predicted to have resulted from genetic drift and reduced gene flow when compared to core populations. To test this hypothesis, we examined the levels of genetic diversity of marginal-edge populations of Quercus gilva, restricted to a few habitats on Jeju Island, and compared them with the southern Kyushu populations. We also evaluated their evolutionary potential and conservation value. The genetic diversity and structure were analyzed using 40 polymorphic microsatellite markers developed in this study. Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) has been employed to develop our insights, which can be inferred from historical distribution changes. Contrary to our expectations, we detected a similar level of genetic diversity in the Jeju populations, comparable to that of the southern Kyushu populations, which have been regarded as long-term glacial refugia with a high genetic variability of East Asian evergreen trees. We found no signatures of recent bottlenecks in the Jeju populations. The results of STRUCTURE, neighbor-joining phylogeny, and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) with a significant barrier clearly demonstrated that the Jeju and Kyushu regions are genetically distinct. However, ENM showed that the probability value for the distribution of the trees on Jeju Island during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) converge was zero. In consideration of these results, we hypothesize that independent massive postglacial colonization from a separate large genetic source, other than Kyushu, could have led to the current genetic diversity of Jeju Island. Therefore, we suggest that the Jeju populations deserve to be separately managed and designated as a level of management unit (MU). These findings improve our understanding of the paleovegetation of East Asian evergreen forests, and the microevolution of oaks.
Identification of QTLs Controlling α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Leaf and Fruit Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Park Doie , Barka Geleta Dugassa , Yang Eun-Young , Cho Myeong-Cheoul , Yoon Jae Bok , Lee Jundae
Published: September 2020

Diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia, is one of the most serious and common diseases around the world and is associated with major complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. A widely used treatment for non-insulin-dependent diabetes is α-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) such as acarbose, which hinders hydrolytic cleavage of disaccharides and retard glucose absorption. The ability to inhibit α-glucosidase activity has been reported in leaf and fruit of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In this study, we aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (AGI activity) in pepper leaf and fruit using enzyme assay and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis. The AGI activity at three stages of leaf and one stage of fruit development was analyzed by 96 F2 individuals. GBS analysis identified 17,427 SNPs that were subjected to pepper genetic linkage map construction. The map, consisting of 763 SNPs, contained 12 linkage groups with a total genetic distance of 2379 cM. QTL analysis revealed seven QTLs (qAGI1.1, qAGI11.1, qAGI5.1, qAGI9.1, qAGI12.1, qAGI5.2, and qAGI12.2) controlling AGI activity in pepper leaf and fruit. The QTLs for AGI activity varied by plant age and organ. This QTL information is expected to provide a significant contribution to developing pepper varieties with high AGI activity.
Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Associated with the Fruit Morphology of Tomato
Authors: Adhikari Pragya , McNellie James , Panthee Dilip R.
Published: September 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the second most-consumed vegetable in the world. The market value and culinary purpose of tomato are often determined by fruit size and shape, which makes the genetic improvement of these traits a priority for tomato breeders. The main objective of the study was to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the tomato fruit shape and size. The use of elite breeding materials in the genetic mapping studies will facilitate the detection of genetic loci of direct relevance to breeders. We performed QTL analysis in an intra-specific population of tomato developed from a cross between two elite breeding lines NC 30P × NC-22L-1(2008) consisting of 110 recombinant inbred lines (RIL). The precision software Tomato Analyzer (TA) was used to measure fruit morphology attributes associated with fruit shape and size traits. The RIL population was genotyped with the SolCAP 7720 SNP array. We identified novel QTL controlling elongated fruit shape on chromosome 10, explaining up to 24% of the phenotypic variance. This information will be useful in improving tomato fruit morphology traits.
Zebrafish Oxr1a Knockout Reveals Its Role in Regulating Antioxidant Defenses and Aging
Authors: Xu Hao , Jiang Yu , Li Sheng , Xie Lang , Tao Yi-Xi , Li Yun
Published: September 2020

Oxidation resistance gene 1 (OXR1) is essential for protection against oxidative stress in mammals, but its functions in non-mammalian vertebrates, especially in fish, remain uncertain. Here, we created a homozygous oxr1a-knockout zebrafish via the CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9) system. Compared with wild-type (WT) zebrafish, oxr1a−/− mutants exhibited higher mortality and more apoptotic cells under oxidative stress, and multiple antioxidant genes (i.e., gpx1b, gpx4a, gpx7 and sod3a) involved in detoxifying cellular reactive oxygen species were downregulated significantly. Based on these observations, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of early oxidative stress response. The results show that oxr1a mutation caused more extensive changes in transcriptional networks compared to WT zebrafish, and several stress response and pro-inflammatory pathways in oxr1a−/− mutant zebrafish were strongly induced. More importantly, we only observed the activation of the p53 signaling and apoptosis pathway in oxr1a−/− mutant zebrafish, revealing an important role of oxr1a in regulating apoptosis via the p53 signaling pathway. Additionally, we found that oxr1a mutation displayed a shortened lifespan and premature ovarian failure in prolonged observation, which may be caused by the loss of oxr1a impaired antioxidant defenses, thereby increasing pro-apoptotic events. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that oxr1a is vital for antioxidant defenses and anti-aging in zebrafish.
Association between the TPMT*3C (rs1142345) Polymorphism and the Risk of Death in the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children from the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Cardoso de Carvalho Darlen , Pereira Colares Leitão Luciana , Mello Junior Fernando Augusto Rodrigues , Vieira Wanderley Alayde , Souza Tatiane Piedade de , Borges Andrade de Sá Roberta , Cohen-Paes Amanda , Rodrigues Fernandes Marianne , Santos Sidney , Salim Khayat André , Pimentel de Assumpção Paulo , Pereira Carneiro dos Santos Ney
Published: September 2020

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the leading cause of death from pediatric cancer worldwide. However, marked ethnic disparities are found in the treatment of childhood ALL with less effective results and higher mortality rates being obtained in populations with a high level of Native American ancestry. Genetic variations of the patient can affect resistance to ALL chemotherapy and potentially play an important role in this disparity. In the present study, we investigated the association of 16 genetic polymorphisms with the cell and metabolic pathways of the chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of ALL with the risk of death in treating childhood ALL in patients with a high contribution of Amerindian ancestry, coming from the Brazilian Amazon. The study included 121 patients with B-cell ALL treated with the BFM-2002 protocol. We are the first to identify the association between the TPMT gene rs1142345 polymorphism and the high risk of death in treating childhood ALL. Patients with the CC genotype had an approximately 25.5 times higher risk of dying during treatment of the disease than patients with other genotypes (p = 0.019). These results may help elucidate how the patient’s genetic characteristics contribute to the mortality disparity in populations with a high contribution of Native American ancestry. The rs1142345 variant of the TPMT gene could be used as a potential marker to early stratify patients at high risk of death in treating childhood ALL in the investigated population.
Genome-Wide Analysis of OPR Family Genes in Cotton Identified a Role for GhOPR9 in Verticillium dahliae Resistance
Authors: Liu Shichao , Sun Ruibin , Zhang Xiaojian , Feng Zili , Wei Feng , Zhao Lihong , Zhang Yalin , Zhu Longfu , Feng Hongjie , Zhu Heqin
Published: September 2020

The 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs) have been proven to play a major role in plant development and growth. Although the classification and functions of OPRs have been well understood in Arabidopsis, tomato, rice, maize, and wheat, the information of OPR genes in cotton genome and their responses to biotic and abiotic stresses have not been reported. In this study, we found 10 and 9 OPR genes in Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense, respectively. They were classified into three groups, based on the similar gene structure and conserved protein motifs. These OPR genes just located on chromosome 01, chromosome 05, and chromosome 06. In addition, the whole genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplication events contributed to the evolution of the OPR gene family. The analyses of cis-acting regulatory elements of GhOPRs showed that the functions of OPR genes in cotton might be related to growth, development, hormone, and stresses. Expression patterns showed that GhOPRs were upregulated under salt treatment and repressed by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000). The expression patterns of GhOPRs were different in leaf, root, and stem under V. dahliae infection. GhOPR9 showed a higher expression level than other OPR genes in cotton root. The virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) analysis suggested that knockdown of GhOPR9 could increase the susceptibility of cotton to V. dahliae infection. Furthermore, GhOPR9 also modulated the expressions of jasmonic acid (JA) pathway-regulated genes under the V. dahliae infection. Overall, our results provided the evolution and potential functions of the OPR genes in cotton. These findings suggested that GhOPR9 might play an important role in cotton resistance to V. dahliae.
MiR-4334-5p Facilitates Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Propagation by Suppressing Interferon Pathways via Direct Targeting ID1
Authors: Wang Yanxue , Ren Tingting , Chen Haotai , Wang Kailing , Zhang Yongguang , Liu Lei , Sun Yuefeng
Published: September 2020

Emerging evidence indicates that the host microRNAs (miRNAs) are important intracellular regulators and play pivotal roles in intricate host-pathogen interaction networks. In our previous studies, ssc-microRNA-4334-5p (miR-4334-5p) was identified as a differentially expressed miRNA in microarray-based miRNAs profiling experiment, but whether miR-4334-5p regulates foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) propagation is less understood. Here, we demonstrated that miR-4334-5p expression level was up-regulated shortly after FMDV infection, transfection of miR-4334-5p mimics promoted, while inhibitor transfection suppressed FMDV replication correspondingly. Further bioinformatic analysis and experimental study suggested ID1 was the direct target of miR-4334-5p, suppressing FMDV replication by regulating interferon (IFN) pathways. These findings shed light on microRNAs-ID1-interferon axis in regulating FMDV replication.
Limited Availability of General Co-Repressors Uncovered in an Overexpression Context during Wing Venation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nagel Anja C. , Maier Dieter , Scharpf Janika , Ketelhut Manuela , Preiss Anette
Published: September 2020

Cell fate is determined by the coordinated activity of different pathways, including the conserved Notch pathway. Activation of Notch results in the transcription of Notch targets that are otherwise silenced by repressor complexes. In Drosophila, the repressor complex comprises the transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)) bound to the Notch antagonist Hairless (H) and the general co-repressors Groucho (Gro) and C-terminal binding protein (CtBP). The latter two are shared by different repressors from numerous pathways, raising the possibility that they are rate-limiting. We noted that the overexpression during wing development of H mutants HdNT and HLD compromised in Su(H)-binding induced ectopic veins. On the basis of the role of H as Notch antagonist, overexpression of Su(H)-binding defective H isoforms should be without consequence, implying different mechanisms but repression of Notch signaling activity. Perhaps excess H protein curbs general co-repressor availability. Supporting this model, nearly normal wings developed upon overexpression of H mutant isoforms that bound neither Su(H) nor co-repressor Gro and CtBP. Excessive H protein appeared to sequester general co-repressors, resulting in specific vein defects, indicating their limited availability during wing vein development. In conclusion, interpretation of overexpression phenotypes requires careful consideration of possible dominant negative effects from interception of limiting factors.
Improving the Care of Older Patients by Decreasing Potentially Inappropriate Medications, Potential Medication Omissions, and Serious Drug Events Using Pharmacogenomic Data about Variability in Metabolizing Many Medications by Seniors
Authors: Thomas Roger E.
Published: September 2020

Polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) identified by the American Geriatrics Society and Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions (STOPP), potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) identified by Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START) and serious drug events (SDEs), are major problems for seniors. They correlate with increased risks of rehospitalization and death within six months of hospital discharge. About 75% of commonly prescribed medications are metabolized by P450 cytochrome enzymes. Electronic medical records (EMRs) providing integrated comprehensive pharmacogenomic advice are available only in very large health organizations. The study design of this article is a cross-sectional analysis of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and STOPP PIM and START PPO databases integrated with three P450 cytochrome enzyme databases (Flockhart Tables, DrugBank, and Rx Files) and the data are reported using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies. To enable optimally prudent prescribing this article presents for primary care physicians and physicians in remote or rural areas without access to such services a comprehensive integration of the data on PIM and PPO medications with the data on the P450 cytochrome isoforms that metabolize these medications. Additionally presented are the medications metabolized by multiple isoforms and medications that inhibit or induce individual or multiple isoforms. The most extensive metabolic activities involve the central nervous system, anxiolytic, antidepressive, antipsychotic, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular drugs. The P450 cytochrome isoforms that metabolize the most medications are 3A457, 2C9, 2D6, and 2C19 and nearly all central nervous systems medications compete to be metabolized by 3A457. Medications with the largest inducer or inhibitor activity are highlighted and also a list of commonly prescribed medications that are neither PIMs nor PPOs but compete for metabolism by the same isoforms.
Nutrition Education Intervention Increases Fish Consumption among School Children in Indonesia: Results from Behavioral Based Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Mahmudiono Trias , Nindya Triska Susila , Rachmah Qonita , Segalita Calista , Wiradnyani Luh Ade Ari
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of behavioral-based nutrition education to increase fish consumption among school children using a raised bed pool. This was a randomized control trial study with a 3-months nutrition education intervention using a raised bed pool, as a medium to improve their internalization to increase fish consumption behavior. A paired t-test was used to calculate the difference in the increase of fish consumption, knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and intention. This study took place in a majority of low to medium urban households in Surabaya in Sidotopo Wetan I and Sidotopo Wetan II elementary school. Elementary school children at 4th and 5th grade and mother of elementary school children with 104 children were eligible and willing to participate. After the completion of interventions, significant improvement in delta-mean and effectiveness observed in attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intention, knowledge, and fish consumption (p < 0.001). The 3 months of nutrition education intervention based on the theory of planned behavior significantly increase fish consumption among elementary school children. The increased consumption was believed to be related to the increase in children’s knowledge and attitude towards consuming fish.