bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lightweight Accountable Privacy-Preserving Protocol Allowing the Cloud Client to Audit the Third-Party Auditor for Malicious Activities
Authors: Ben Haj Frej Mohamed , Dichter Julius , Gupta Navarun
Published: July 2019

Cloud computing is reserving its position in the market as the next disruptive utility paradigm. It is found on the pay-as-you-use model. Cloud computing is changing the way information technology (IT) operates for individuals as well as for companies. Cloud computing comes with different offerings to accommodate diverse applications. It comes with many successful adoption stories and a few unfortunate ones that are related to security breaches. Security concerns are what is making many companies reluctant to fully embrace the cloud realm. To enhance trust and entice adoption between cloud clients (CC) and cloud service providers (CSP), a new paradigm of depending on involving a third-party auditor (TPA) has been introduced. Hence, implementing a solution with a TPA comes with its toll in terms of trust and processing overhead. A lightweight security protocol to give the CC extra control with tools to audit the TPA and the CSP is paramount to the solution. In this paper, we are introducing a novel protocol: the lightweight accountable privacy-preserving (LAPP) protocol. Our proposed protocol is lightweight in terms of processing and communication costs. It is based on a newly introduced mathematical model along with two algorithms. We have conducted simulation experiments to measure the impact of our method. We have compared LAPP to the most eminent privacy-preserving methods in the cloud research field, using the open source cloud computing simulator GreenCloud. Our simulation results showed superiority in performance for LAPP in regard to time complexity, accuracy, and computation time on auditing. The aim of the time complexity and computation time on auditing simulations is to measure the lightweight aspect of our proposed protocol as well as to improve the quality of service.
Experimental Study and Thermodynamic Analysis of Hydrogen Production through a Two-Step Chemical Regenerative Coal Gasification
Authors: Li Wei , He Song , Li Sheng
Published: July 2019

Hydrogen, as a strategy clean fuel, is receiving more and more attention recently in China, in addition to the policy emphasis on H2. In this work, we conceive of a hydrogen production process based on a chemical regenerative coal gasification. Instead of using a lumped coal gasification as is traditional in the H2 production process, herein we used a two-step gasification process that included coking and char-steam gasification. The sensible heat of syngas accounted for 15–20% of the total energy of coal and was recovered and converted into chemical energy of syngas through thermochemical reactions. Moreover, the air separation unit was eliminated due to the adoption of steam as oxidant. As a result, the efficiency of coal to H2 was enhanced from 58.9% in traditional plant to 71.6% in the novel process. Further, the energy consumption decreased from 183.8 MJ/kg in the traditional plant to 151.2 MJ/kg in the novel process. The components of syngas, H2, and efficiency of gasification are herein investigated through experiments in fixed bed reactors. Thermodynamic performance is presented for both traditional and novel coal to hydrogen plants.
PISIoT: A Machine Learning and IoT-Based Smart Health Platform for Overweight and Obesity Control
Authors: Machorro-Cano Isaac , Alor-Hernández Giner , Paredes-Valverde Mario Andrés , Ramos-Deonati Uriel , Sánchez-Cervantes José Luis , Rodríguez-Mazahua Lisbeth
Published: July 2019

Overweight and obesity are affecting productivity and quality of life worldwide. The Internet of Things (IoT) makes it possible to interconnect, detect, identify, and process data between objects or services to fulfill a common objective. The main advantages of IoT in healthcare are the monitoring, analysis, diagnosis, and control of conditions such as overweight and obesity and the generation of recommendations to prevent them. However, the objects used in the IoT have limited resources, so it has become necessary to consider other alternatives to analyze the data generated from monitoring, analysis, diagnosis, control, and the generation of recommendations, such as machine learning. This work presents PISIoT: a machine learning and IoT-based smart health platform for the prevention, detection, treatment, and control of overweight and obesity, and other associated conditions or health problems. Weka API and the J48 machine learning algorithm were used to identify critical variables and classify patients, while Apache Mahout and RuleML were used to generate medical recommendations. Finally, to validate the PISIoT platform, we present a case study on the prevention of myocardial infarction in elderly patients with obesity by monitoring biomedical variables.
Electrical and Thermal Behaviour of Crystalline Photovoltaic Solar Modules in Shading Conditions
Authors: Álvarez-Tey Germán , Clavijo-Blanco José Antonio , Gil-García Álvaro , Jiménez-Castañeda Rafael , García-López Carmen
Published: July 2019

The shadow effect caused by nearby objects or the lack of cleaning significantly affects the performance of photovoltaics (PV) installations. This article analyses the bypass diode electrical behaviour and the thermal response of a PV crystalline module under shading or soiling conditions. PV cells of different substrings were covered progressively to simulate the effect of shading or soiling while a programmable electronic DC load was connected to a PV module to set an operating voltage. Three different tests were made to different PV crystalline technology. The paper characterizes in real conditions the I–V curve, bypass diode current, and front and back side PV cell temperature with contact sensor and infrared (IR) thermography, respectively. The results showed that the operation voltage established in the PV module defines the electrical bypass diode current and thermal response under normal operating conditions, shading or soiling. To show the bypass diode behaviour in such conditions, I–V curves were obtained, pointing out the value of the current that flows through bypass diodes in the whole voltage range.
VS-GRU: A Variable Sensitive Gated Recurrent Neural Network for Multivariate Time Series with Massive Missing Values
Authors: Li Qianting , Xu Yong
Published: July 2019

Multivariate time series are often accompanied with missing values, especially in clinical time series, which usually contain more than 80% of missing data, and the missing rates between different variables vary widely. However, few studies address these missing rate differences and extract univariate missing patterns simultaneously before mixing them in the model training procedure. In this paper, we propose a novel recurrent neural network called variable sensitive GRU (VS-GRU), which utilizes the different missing rate of each variable as another input and learns the feature of different variables separately, reducing the harmful impact of variables with high missing rates. Experiments show that VS-GRU outperforms the state-of-the-art method in two real-world clinical datasets (MIMIC-III, PhysioNet).
Design, Manufacturing, and Flight Testing of an Experimental Flying Wing UAV
Authors: Chung Pei-Hsiang , Ma Der-Ming , Shiau Jaw-Kuen
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the design, manufacturing, and flight testing of an electric-powered experimental flying wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The design process starts with defining the performance requirements including the stall speed, maximal speed, cruise altitude, absolute ceiling, and turn radius and speed. The wing loading and associated power loading are obtained based on the defined performance requirements. The wing area, UAV mass, and power requirements are determined from the endurance and payload requirements. The power requirement determines the motor size. Aerodynamics and stability designs are obtained based on the selected airfoil and obtained wing area. After completing the design, the UAV is manufactured using composite materials. The UAV is equipped with an AXi 4130/20 kv305 brushless motor and a Pixhawk flight control board. Its total weight is 8.6 kg. Flight tests were conducted to evaluate the UAV’s performance and dynamic characteristics and to demonstrate the success of the design.
Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy at Short Source-Detector Separations: Simulations, Experiments and Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Vishwanath Karthik , Zanfardino Sara
Published: July 2019

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) has widely been used as a non-invasive optical technique to measure tissue perfusion in vivo. DCS measurements are quantified to yield information about moving scatterers using photon diffusion theory and are therefore obtained at long source-detector separations (SDS). However, short SDS DCS could be used for measuring perfusion in small animal models or endoscopically in clinical studies. Here, we investigate the errors in analytically retrieved flow coefficients from simulated and experimental data acquired at short SDS. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of photon correlation transport was programmed to simulate DCS measurements and used to (a) examine the accuracy and validity of theoretical analyses, and (b) model experimental measurements made on phantoms at short SDS. Experiments consisted of measurements from a series of optical phantoms containing an embedded flow channel. Both the fluid flow rate and depth of the flow channel from the liquid surface were varied. Inputs to MC simulations required to model experiments were obtained from corrected theoretical analyses. Results show that the widely used theoretical DCS model is robust for quantifying relative changes in flow. We also show that retrieved flow coefficients at short SDS can be scaled to retrieve absolute values via MC simulations.
Performance Investigation of Solar ORC Using Different Nanofluids
Authors: Loni Reyhaneh , Najafi Gholamhassan , Asli-Ardeh Ezzatollah Askari , Ghobadian Barat , G. Le Roux Willem , Yusaf Talal
Published: July 2019

A parabolic solar dish concentrator, as the heat source of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), can be used for power generation. Different types of tubular cavity receivers with different nanofluids can be considered for use in the solar dish collector to improve its efficiency. In the current research, an ORC with three different cavity receivers including hemispherical, cubical, and cylindrical are investigated using three nanofluids: Al2O3/oil, CuO/oil, and SiO2/oil. A numerical model is validated using experimental data. The ORC analysis is done for a constant evaporator pressure of 2.5 MPa, and condenser temperature of 38 °C. Methanol is employed as the ORC’s working fluid and a non-regenerative, ideal ORC system with different turbine inlet temperatures is considered. Furthermore, a fixed solar heat transfer fluid flow rate of 60 mL/s and dish diameter of 1.9 m is investigated. Results show that, compared to pure oil, the thermal efficiency of the cavity receivers increases slightly, and the pressure drop increases with the application of nanofluids. Furthermore, results show that the cubical cavity receiver, using oil/Al2O3 nanofluid, is the most efficient choice for application as the investigated solar ORC’s heat source.
Coordinated Frequency Control Strategy with the Virtual Battery Model of Inverter Air Conditionings
Authors: Yin Jiafu , Zhao Dongmei
Published: July 2019

Due to the potential of thermal storage being similar to that of the conventional battery, air conditioning (AC) has gained great popularity for its potential to provide ancillary services and emergency reserves. In order to integrate numerous inverter ACs into secondary frequency control, a hierarchical distributed control framework which incorporates a virtual battery model of inverter AC is developed. A comprehensive derivation of a second-order virtual battery model has been strictly posed to formulate the frequency response characteristics of inverter AC. In the hierarchical control scheme, a modified control performance index is utilized to evaluate the available capacity of traditional regulation generators. A coordinated frequency control strategy is derived to exploit the complementary and advantageous characteristics of regulation generators and aggregated AC. A distributed consensus control strategy is developed to guarantee the fair participation of heterogeneous AC in frequency regulation. The finite-time consensus protocol is introduced to ensure the fast convergence of power tracking and the state-of-charge (SOC) consistency of numerous ACs. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated by a variety of illustrative examples.
Design and Optimization on a Novel High-Performance Ultra-Thin Barrier AlGaN/GaN Power HEMT With Local Charge Compensation Trench
Authors: Wang Zeheng , Zhang Zhenwei , Wang Shengji , Chen Chao , Wang Zirui , Yao Yuanzhe
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a novel, GaN-based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) using an ultra-thin barrier (UTB) with a local charge compensation trench (LCCT) is designed and optimized. Because the negative plasma-etching process, as well as the relaxing lattice during the process would introduce equivalent negative charges into the under-LCCT region, the electron will be partially squeezed out from this area. The electric field (E-field) around this region will therefore redistribute smoothly. Owing to this, the proposed LCCT-HEMT performs better in power applications. According to the simulation that is calibrated by the experimental data, the Baliga’s figure of merits (BFOM) of LCCT-HEMT is around two times higher than that of the conventional UTB-HEMT, hinting at the promising potential of proposed HEMT.
Multi-Robot Path Planning Method Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Bae Hyansu , Kim Gidong , Kim Jonguk , Qian Dianwei , Lee Sukgyu
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a noble multi-robot path planning algorithm using Deep q learning combined with CNN (Convolution Neural Network) algorithm. In conventional path planning algorithms, robots need to search a comparatively wide area for navigation and move in a predesigned formation under a given environment. Each robot in the multi-robot system is inherently required to navigate independently with collaborating with other robots for efficient performance. In addition, the robot collaboration scheme is highly depends on the conditions of each robot, such as its position and velocity. However, the conventional method does not actively cope with variable situations since each robot has difficulty to recognize the moving robot around it as an obstacle or a cooperative robot. To compensate for these shortcomings, we apply Deep q learning to strengthen the learning algorithm combined with CNN algorithm, which is needed to analyze the situation efficiently. CNN analyzes the exact situation using image information on its environment and the robot navigates based on the situation analyzed through Deep q learning. The simulation results using the proposed algorithm shows the flexible and efficient movement of the robots comparing with conventional methods under various environments.
Determination of Young Elasticity Modulus in Bored Piles Through the Global Strain Extensometer Sensors and Real-Time Monitoring Data
Authors: Moayedi Hossein , Kalantar Bahareh , Abdullahi Mu’azu Mohammed , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A. , Nazir Ramli , Nguyen Hoang
Published: July 2019

For friction piles depending on the friction resistance, accurate prediction of unit skin friction around the pile shaft is the dominant resistance to measure the final bearing capacity of a bored-pile. The present study measures the stress–strain transferring in two instrumented bored-piles (BP #1 & BP# 2) embedded within the soil layer in Kuala Lumpur by real-time monitoring global strain extensometer (GSE) sensors. Two bored-piles (i.e., having 1.80 m and 1.0 m diameters, as well as 36 m and 32 m lengths) have been loaded with two times to their design working loads. Extensive data are analyzed to measure the changes in stress–strain in the bored-pile. The effect of loading and unloading stages on the pile’s head and base settlement has been monitored, indicating that Young modulus of elasticity in concrete bored-pile ( E c ), average strain, and unit skin friction changed along the bored-pile based on the ground site conditions and stress registered. One example of two case studies with great real-time monitoring data has been provided to further design.
Medinoid: Computer-Aided Diagnosis and Localization of Glaucoma Using Deep Learning †
Authors: Kim Mijung , Han Jong Chul , Hyun Seung Hyup , Janssens Olivier , Van Hoecke Sofie , Kee Changwon , De Neve Wesley
Published: July 2019

Glaucoma is a leading eye disease, causing vision loss by gradually affecting peripheral vision if left untreated. Current diagnosis of glaucoma is performed by ophthalmologists, human experts who typically need to analyze different types of medical images generated by different types of medical equipment: fundus, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) disc, OCT macula, perimetry, and/or perimetry deviation. Capturing and analyzing these medical images is labor intensive and time consuming. In this paper, we present a novel approach for glaucoma diagnosis and localization, only relying on fundus images that are analyzed by making use of state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. Specifically, our approach towards glaucoma diagnosis and localization leverages Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM), respectively. We built and evaluated different predictive models using a large set of fundus images, collected and labeled by ophthalmologists at Samsung Medical Center (SMC). Our experimental results demonstrate that our most effective predictive model is able to achieve a high diagnosis accuracy of 96%, as well as a high sensitivity of 96% and a high specificity of 100% for Dataset-Optic Disc (OD), a set of center-cropped fundus images highlighting the optic disc. Furthermore, we present Medinoid, a publicly-available prototype web application for computer-aided diagnosis and localization of glaucoma, integrating our most effective predictive model in its back-end.
Singular Value Decomposition Channel Estimation in STBC MIMO-OFDM System
Authors: Tang Ruiguang , Zhou Xiao , Wang Chengyou
Published: July 2019

The multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) technology is the combination of the OFDM and MIMO technologies, which could improve the system capacity and make efficient utilization of the frequency spectrum. This paper utilizes space-time block coding (STBC) to achieve diversity gains and combat the channel fading. However, channel estimation is an essential block for space-time block decoding (STBD). Many channel estimation methods are utilized for the single antenna OFDM system, but they cannot be directly applied to the multiple antennas system due to the interference from other antennas. In this paper, orthogonal pilot sequences are designed to suppress the interference of pilot symbols from other transmit antennas. This paper also derives a minimum mean square error (MMSE) channel estimation method in MIMO-OFDM systems. The MMSE method involves the inverse operation of the channel autocorrelation matrix, which has a large calculation complexity. To further reduce the complexity of the MMSE method, the singular value decomposition (SVD) is used to decompose the channel autocorrelation matrix, which avoids the inverse operation. Simulation results verify that the SVD channel estimation method with comb-type pilots and STBC can be effectively adapted to multipath propagation conditions.
Distribution and Factors Influencing Organic Carbon Stock in Mountain Soils in Babia Góra National Park, Poland
Authors: Reyna-Bowen Lizardo , Lasota Jarosław , Vera-Montenegro Lenin , Vera-Montenegro Baly , Błońska Ewa
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the soil organic carbon stock (T-SOC stock) in different mountain soils in the Babia Góra National Park (BNP). Environmental factors, such as the topography, parent material, and vegetation, were examined for their effect on carbon stock. Fifty-nine study plots in different BNP locations with diverse vegetation were selected for the study. In each study plot, organic carbon stock was calculated, and its relationships with different site factors were determined. The results reveal that the SOC stocks in the mountain soils of the BNP are characterized by high variability (from 50.10 to 905.20 t ha − 1 ). The general linear model (GLM) analysis indicates that the soil type is an important factor of soil organic carbon stock. Topographical factors influence soil conditions and vegetation, which results in a diversity in carbon accumulation in different mountain soils in the BNP. The highest carbon stock was recorded in histosols (>550 t C ha − 1 ), which are located in the lower part of the BNP in the valleys and flat mountain areas.
Monitoring Tropospheric Gases with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) during the Second CLOUDMAP Flight Campaign
Authors: Schuyler Travis J. , Bailey Sean C. C. , Guzman Marcelo I.
Published: July 2019

Small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) are a promising technology for atmospheric monitoring of trace atmospheric gases. While sUAS can be navigated to provide information with higher spatiotemporal resolution than tethered balloons, they can also bridge the gap between the regions of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) sampled by ground stations and manned aircraft. Additionally, sUAS can be effectively employed in the petroleum industry, e.g., to constrain leaking regions of hydrocarbons from long gasoducts. Herein, sUAS are demonstrated to be a valuable technology for studying the concentration of important trace tropospheric gases in the ABL. The successful detection and quantification of gases is performed with lightweight sensor packages of low-power consumption that possess limits of detection on the ppm scale or below with reasonably fast response times. The datasets reported include timestamps with position, temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and variable mixing ratio values of ~400 ppm CO2, ~1900 ppb CH4, and ~5.5 ppb NH3. The sensor packages were deployed aboard two different sUAS operating simultaneously during the second CLOUDMAP flight campaign in Oklahoma, held during 26–29 June 2017. A Skywalker X8 fixed wing aircraft was used to fly horizontally at a constant altitude, while vertical profiles were provided by a DJI Phantom 3 (DJI P3) quadcopter flying upward and downward at fixed latitude-longitude coordinates. The results presented have been gathered during 8 experiments consisting of 32 simultaneous flights with both sUAS, which have been authorized by the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) under the current regulations (Part 107). In conclusion, this work serves as proof of concept showing the atmospheric value of information provided by the developed sensor systems aboard sUAS.
A Numerical Study on the Correlation between Sky View Factor and Summer Microclimate of Local Climate Zones
Authors: Lyu Tong , Buccolieri Riccardo , Gao Zhi
Published: July 2019

In the context of urbanization, research on urban microclimate and thermal comfort has become one of the themes of eco-city design. Sky view factor (SVF), one of the parameters of urban spatial form, combines multiple morphological information, such as plane opening, aspect ratio, and building density and has an important impact on the urban microclimate. However, there is still no clear research conclusion on the correlation between SVF and microclimate. In this paper, nine Local Climate Zone (LCZ) models are used and typical summer meteorological conditions of Nanjing are applied as an attempt to partially fill this gap. The calculated microclimate and thermal comfort indices include air temperature (AT), surface temperature (ST), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), mean radiant temperature (MRT), and predicted mean vote (PMV). Results show that the local effect of urban morphology on thermal comfort can be retrieved from the use of comprehensive parameters such as SVF (which takes into account the building height, layout, and density) whose distribution in the investigated models showed to be correlated with MRT, so did PMV under low wind speed conditions.
Eilenberg–Mac Lane Spaces for Topological Groups
Authors: Corob Cook Ged
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we establish a topological version of the notion of an Eilenberg–Mac Lane space. If X is a pointed topological space, π 1 ( X ) has a natural topology coming from the compact-open topology on the space of maps S 1 → X . In general, the construction does not produce a topological group because it is possible to create examples where the group multiplication π 1 ( X ) × π 1 ( X ) → π 1 ( X ) is discontinuous. This discontinuity has been noticed by others, for example Fabel. However, if we work in the category of compactly generated, weakly Hausdorff spaces, we may retopologise both the space of maps S 1 → X and the product π 1 ( X ) × π 1 ( X ) with compactly generated topologies to see that π 1 ( X ) is a group object in this category. Such group objects are known as k-groups. Next we construct the Eilenberg–Mac Lane space K ( G , 1 ) for any totally path-disconnected k-group G. The main point of this paper is to show that, for such a G, π 1 ( K ( G , 1 ) ) is isomorphic to G in the category of k-groups. All totally disconnected locally compact groups are k-groups and so our results apply in particular to profinite groups, answering a question of Sauer’s. We also show that analogues of the Mayer–Vietoris sequence and Seifert–van Kampen theorem hold in this context. The theory requires a careful analysis using model structures and other homotopical structures on cartesian closed categories as we shall see that no theory can be comfortably developed in the classical world.
Detoxification, Apoptosis, and Immune Transcriptomic Responses of the Gill Tissue of Bay Scallop Following Exposure to the Algicide Thiazolidinedione 49
Authors: Chi Cheng , Giri Sib Sankar , Jun Jin Woo , Kim Hyoun Joong , Yun Saekil , Kim Sang Wha , Kang Jeong Woo , Park Se Chang
Published: July 2019

Thiazolidinedione 49 (TD49), a newly synthesized algicide, shows strong toxicity at low concentrations of 0.1–2.0 μM. However, its potential effects on non-target species at the transcript level were not investigated. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gills of the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, were accessed after treatment with 0.68 μM TD49 for up to 48 h. Following exposure, it was observed that 5214 genes were upregulated and 3497 were downregulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the apoptosis pathway was activated. The extrinsic apoptosis pathway was activated and the survival factors related pathway was suppressed. Furthermore, gene expressions related to ATP-binding cassette, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, B cell lymphoma-2 family protein, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, NADPH2:quinone reductase, and superoxide dismutase were decreased. Conversely, gene expressions related to FAS-associated death domain protein, glutathione S-transferase, caspase 6, 8, cytochrome P450 1A1, and 2C8 were increased. These results comprehensively demonstrated the toxicity of the novel algicide TD49, and should draw the attention of researchers to the importance of analyzing the potential impact of chemical compounds as algicides to control the proliferation of harmful algae, due to the secondary pollution caused by their application.
Gangliosides: The Double-Edge Sword of Neuro-Ectodermal Derived Tumors
Authors: Cavdarli Sumeyye , Groux-Degroote Sophie , Delannoy Philippe
Published: July 2019

Gangliosides, the glycosphingolipids carrying one or several sialic acid residues, are mostly localized at the plasma membrane in lipid raft domains and implicated in many cellular signaling pathways mostly by interacting with tyrosine kinase receptors. Gangliosides are divided into four series according to the number of sialic acid residues, which can be also modified by O-acetylation. Both ganglioside expression and sialic acid modifications can be modified in pathological conditions such as cancer, which can induce either pro-cancerous or anti-cancerous effects. In this review, we summarize the specific functions of gangliosides in neuro-ectodermal derived tumors, and their roles in reprogramming the lipidomic profile of cell membrane occurring with the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Caffeic Acid Esters Are Effective Bactericidal Compounds Against Paenibacillus larvae by Altering Intracellular Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels
Authors: Collins William , Lowen Noah , Blake David J.
Published: July 2019

American Foulbrood (AFB) is a deadly bacterial disease affecting pupal and larval honey bees. AFB is caused by the endospore-forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae (PL). Propolis, which contains a variety of organic compounds, is a product of bee foraging and is a resinous substance derived from botanical substances found primarily in trees. Several compounds from the class of caffeic acid esters, which are commonly found in propolis, have been shown to have antibacterial activity against PL. In this study, six different caffeic acid esters were synthesized, purified, spectroscopically analyzed, and tested for their activity against PL to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). Caffeic acid isopropenyl ester (CAIE), caffeic acid benzyl ester (CABE), and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) were the most effective in inhibiting PL growth and killing PL cell with MICs and MBCs of 125 µg/mL when used individually, and a MIC and MBC of 31.25 µg/mL for each compound alone when CAIE, CABE, and CAPE are used in combination against PL. These compounds inhibited bacterial growth through a bactericidal effect, which revealed cell killing but no lysis of PL cells after 18 h. Incubation with CAIE, CABE, and CAPE at their MICs significantly increased reactive oxygen species levels and significantly changed glutathione levels within PL cells. Caffeic acid esters are potent bactericidal compounds against PL and eliminate bacterial growth through an oxidative stress mechanism.
Limited Antioxidant Effect of Rosemary in Lipid Oxidation of Pan-Fried Salmon
Authors: Leung Kin Sum , Leung Ho Hang , Wu Ching Yu , Galano Jean-Marie , Durand Thierry , Lee Jetty Chung-Yung
Published: July 2019

Consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) rich fatty fish is known to provide an array of health benefits. However, high temperature in food preparation, such as pan-frying, potentially degrades eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of the n-3 PUFAs by heat oxidation. The addition of antioxidant condiments, and herbs in particular, may retard PUFA peroxidation and preserve EPA and DHA during pan-frying. In this study, different types of antioxidant condiments (sage, rosemary, black peppercorn, thyme, basil, and garlic) were tested for antioxidant capacity, and the condiment with the highest capacity was selected for its effect on lipid oxidation of salmon. The changes in fatty acids and lipid peroxidation of salmon, during pan-frying with the selected condiment (olive oil infused with rosemary, RO(infused)), were compared with salmon prepared in extra virgin olive oil, olive oil, or without oil. The total saturated fatty acid was found to be less in pan fried salmon with RO(infused). None of the oil type conserved EPA- and DHA-content in salmon. However, RO(infused) lowered lipid peroxidation by lessening hydroperoxide and 4-HNE formation, but not the other related products (HDHA, HETE, isoprostanes). Our observation indicates that the antioxidant capacity of RO(infused), when it is incorporated with food, becomes limited.
Computational Modeling of the Photon Transport, Tissue Heating, and Cytochrome C Oxidase Absorption during Transcranial Near-Infrared Stimulation
Authors: Bhattacharya Mahasweta , Dutta Anirban
Published: July 2019

Transcranial near-infrared stimulation (tNIRS) has been proposed as a tool to modulate cortical excitability. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear where the heating effects on the brain tissue needs investigation due to increased near-infrared (NIR) absorption by water and fat. Moreover, the risk of localized heating of tissues (including the skin) during optical stimulation of the brain tissue is a concern. The challenge in estimating localized tissue heating is due to the light interaction with the tissues’ constituents, which is dependent on the combination ratio of the scattering and absorption properties of the constituent. Here, apart from tissue heating that can modulate the cortical excitability (“photothermal effects”); the other mechanism reported in the literature is the stimulation of the mitochondria in the cells which are active in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. In the mitochondrial respiratory chain, Complex IV, also known as the cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), is the unit four with three copper atoms. The absorption peaks of CCO are in the visible (420–450 nm and 600–700 nm) and the near-infrared (760–980 nm) spectral regions, which have been shown to be promising for low-level light therapy (LLLT), also known as “photobiomodulation”. While much higher CCO absorption peaks in the visible spectrum can be used for the photobiomodulation of the skin, 810 nm has been proposed for the non-invasive brain stimulation (using tNIRS) due to the optical window in the NIR spectral region. In this article, we applied a computational approach to delineate the “photothermal effects” from the “photobiomodulation”, i.e., to estimate the amount of light absorbed individually by each chromophore in the brain tissue (with constant scattering) and the related tissue heating. Photon migration simulations were performed for motor cortex tNIRS based on a prior work that used a 500 mW cm − 2 light source placed on the scalp. We simulated photon migration at 630 nm and 700 nm (red spectral region) and 810 nm (near-infrared spectral region). We found a temperature increase in the scalp below 0.25 °C and a minimal temperature increase in the gray matter less than 0.04 °C at 810 nm. Similar heating was found for 630 nm and 700 nm used for LLLT, so photothermal effects are postulated to be unlikely in the brain tissue.
Effects of Ethanol Exposure and Withdrawal on Neuronal Morphology in the Agranular Insular and Prelimbic Cortices: Relationship with Withdrawal-Related Structural Plasticity in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Frost Madeline E. , Peterson Veronica L. , Bird Clark W. , McCool Brian , Hamilton Derek A.
Published: July 2019

The present study investigated the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure and withdrawal on dendritic morphology and spine density in the agranular insular and prelimbic cortices. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were passively exposed to vaporized ethanol (~37 mg/L; 12 h/day) or air (control) for ten consecutive days. Dendritic length, branching, and spine density were quantified in layer II/III pyramidal neurons 24 hours or seven days following the final ethanol exposure. Compared to unexposed control animals there were structural alterations on neurons in the prelimbic cortex, and to a lesser extent the agranular insular cortex. The most prominent ethanol-related differences were the transient increases in dendritic length and branching in prelimbic neurons at 24 h post-cessation, and increased mushroom-shaped spines at seven days post-cessation. The results obtained in the prelimbic cortex are the opposite of those previously reported in the nucleus accumbens core (Peterson, et al. 2015), suggesting that these regions undergo distinct functional adaptations following ethanol exposure and withdrawal.
Magnetic Source Imaging and Infant MEG: Current Trends and Technical Advances
Authors: Kao Chieh , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2019

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is known for its temporal precision and good spatial resolution in cognitive brain research. Nonetheless, it is still rarely used in developmental research, and its role in developmental cognitive neuroscience is not adequately addressed. The current review focuses on the source analysis of MEG measurement and its potential to answer critical questions on neural activation origins and patterns underlying infants’ early cognitive experience. The advantages of MEG source localization are discussed in comparison with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), two leading imaging tools for studying cognition across age. Challenges of the current MEG experimental protocols are highlighted, including measurement and data processing, which could potentially be resolved by developing and improving both software and hardware. A selection of infant MEG research in auditory, speech, vision, motor, sleep, cross-modality, and clinical application is then summarized and discussed with a focus on the source localization analyses. Based on the literature review and the advancements of the infant MEG systems and source analysis software, typical practices of infant MEG data collection and analysis are summarized as the basis for future developmental cognitive research.
High FREM2 Gene and Protein Expression Are Associated with Favorable Prognosis of IDH-WT Glioblastomas
Authors: Jovčevska Ivana , Zottel Alja , Šamec Neja , Mlakar Jernej , Sorokin Maxim , Nikitin Daniil , Buzdin Anton A. , Komel Radovan
Published: July 2019

World Health Organization grade IV diffuse gliomas, known as glioblastomas, are the most common malignant brain tumors, and they show poor prognosis. Multimodal treatment of surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy is not sufficient to increase patient survival, which is 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. Despite extensive research, patient life expectancy has not significantly improved over the last decade. Previously, we identified FREM2 and SPRY1 as genes with differential expression in glioblastoma cell lines compared to nonmalignant astrocytes. In addition, the FREM2 and SPRY1 proteins show specific localization on the surface of glioblastoma cells. In this study, we explored the roles of the FREM2 and SPRY1 genes and their proteins in glioblastoma pathology using human tissue samples. We used proteomic, transcriptomic, and bioinformatics approaches to detect changes at different molecular levels. We demonstrate increased FREM2 protein expression levels in glioblastomas compared to reference samples. At the transcriptomic level, both FREM2 and SPRY1 show increased expression in tissue samples of different glioma grades compared to nonmalignant brain tissue. To broaden our experimental findings, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas glioblastoma patient datasets. We discovered higher FREM2 and SPRY1 gene expression levels in glioblastomas compared to lower grade gliomas and reference samples. In addition, we observed that low FREM2 expression was associated with progression of IDH-mutant low-grade glioma patients. Multivariate analysis showed positive association between FREM2 and favorable prognosis of IDH-wild type glioblastoma. We conclude that FREM2 has an important role in malignant progression of glioblastoma, and we suggest deeper analysis to determine its involvement in glioblastoma pathology.
Diminished Condensin Gene Expression Drives Chromosome Instability That May Contribute to Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis
Authors: Baergen Allison K. , Jeusset Lucile M. , Lichtensztejn Zelda , McManus Kirk J.
Published: July 2019

Chromosome instability (CIN), or constantly evolving chromosome complements, is a form of genome instability implicated in the development and progression of many cancer types, however, the molecular determinants of CIN remain poorly understood. Condensin is a protein complex involved in chromosome compaction, and recent studies in model organisms show that aberrant compaction adversely impacts mitotic fidelity. To systematically assess the clinical and fundamental impacts that reduced condensin gene expression have in cancer, we first assessed gene copy number alterations of all eight condensin genes. Using patient derived datasets, we show that shallow/deep deletions occur frequently in 12 common cancer types. Furthermore, we show that reduced expression of each gene is associated with worse overall survival in colorectal cancer patients. To determine the overall impact that reduced condensin gene expression has on CIN, a comprehensive siRNA-based screen was performed in two karyotypically stable cell lines. Following gene silencing, quantitative imaging microscopy identified increases in CIN-associated phenotypes, including changes in nuclear areas, micronucleus formation, and chromosome numbers. Although silencing corresponded with increases in CIN phenotypes, the most pronounced phenotypes were observed following SMC2 and SMC4 silencing. Collectively, our clinical and fundamental findings suggest reduced condensin expression and function may be a significant, yet, underappreciated driver of colorectal cancer.
Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: New Developments with Regard to Classification, Genetics, and Cell of Origin
Authors: Koopman Karen , Gaal Jose , de Krijger Ronald R.
Published: July 2019

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) and paragangliomas (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise in the adrenal medulla and in extra-adrenal locations, such as the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Classification of these tumors into those with or without metastatic potential on the basis of gross or microscopic features is challenging. Recent insights and scoring systems have attempted to develop solutions for this, as described in the latest World Health Organization (WHO) edition on endocrine tumor pathology. PCC and PGL are amongst the tumors most frequently accompanied by germline mutations. More than 20 genes are responsible for a hereditary background in up to 40% of these tumors; somatic mutations in the same and several additional genes form the basis for another 30%. However, this does not allow for a complete understanding of the pathogenesis or targeted treatment of PCC and PGL, for which surgery is the primary treatment and for which metastasis is associated with poor outcome. This review describes recent insights into the cell of origin of these tumors, the latest developments with regard to the genetic background, and the current status of tumor classification including proposed scoring systems.
Photodegradation of Herbicide Imazapyr and Phenol over Mesoporous Bicrystalline Phases TiO2: A Kinetic Study
Authors: Faycal Atitar Mohamed , Ismail Adel. A. , Dillert Ralf , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: July 2019

Mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized at different temperatures (400–800 °C). The resulting mesoporous anatase–rutile TiO2 mixtures between 27 and 82% were found to have different structural properties (morphology, mesoporosity, crystallite phases, and sizes) affected through the calcination process. They were tested for the photocatalytic degradation of the herbicides imazapyr and phenol, compared with the nonporous TiO2 P-25. The present work is an extension of a previously published study discussing the influence of the rutile content on the photocatalytic performance of the nanocrystals, based on the modified first order kinetic model, where the degradation rate is a function of the specific surface area of the material. The apparent degradation rate using T-800 is 10-fold higher than in the case using TiO2 P-25. The material with the lowest anatase content (T-800) exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity in terms of initial reaction rate per unit surface area. It is considered that mixed-phase photocatalysts with rutile–anatase exhibit enhanced photoactivity with the increase of the rutile proportion.
Preparation of Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates (CLEAs) of an Inulosucrase Mutant for the Enzymatic Synthesis of Inulin-Type Fructooligosaccharides
Authors: Charoenwongpaiboon Thanapon , Pichyangkura Rath , A. Field Robert , Prousoontorn Manchumas Hengsakul
Published: July 2019

Fructooligosaccharides are well-known carbohydrate molecules that exhibit good probiotic activity and are widely used as sweeteners. Inulin-type fructooligosaccharides (IFOs) can be synthesized from sucrose using inulosucrase. In this study, cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of Lactobacillus reuteri 121 inulosucrase (R483A-LrInu) were prepared and used as a biocatalyst for IFOs production. Under optimum conditions, R483A-LrInu CLEAs retained 42% of original inulosucrase activity. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that the optimum pH of inulosucrase changed from 5 to 4 after immobilization, while the optimum temperature was unchanged. Furthermore, the pH stability and thermostability of the R483A-LrInu CLEAs was significantly improved. IFOs product characterization indicated that the product specificity of the enzyme was impacted by CLEA generation, producing a narrower range of IFOs than the soluble enzyme. In addition, the R483A-LrInu CLEAs showed operational stability in the batch synthesis of IFOs.
Simultaneous Removal of Estrogens and Antibiotics from Livestock Manure Using Fenton Oxidation Technique
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhou Xian , Gatheru Waigi Michael , Owino Gudda Fredrick , Cheng Pengfei , Ling Wanting
Published: July 2019

The presence of estrogens and antibiotics in animal manure has raised considerable attention regarding their potential risks in both the soil system and human health. This study investigated the removal of estrogens (estriol (E3), bisphenol A (BPA), estradiol (17β-E2), ethinyl estradiol (EE2)), and antibiotic (sulfadimethoxine (SDM)) in livestock manure using the Fenton oxidation process. Based on the removal efficiency of estrogens and antibiotics, the optimal conditions of the Fenton oxidation process were as follows: an H2O2 dosage of 10.5 mmol/g slurry, an Fe2+/H2O2 molar ratio of 0.067 mol/mol, a stirring rate of 100 rpm, the feeding of an identical amount of H2O2 in two steps (at 0 and 15 min), a manure/reactor ratio of 1:25, and a reaction time of 100 min. Under these conditions, the removal efficiencies of E3, BPA, 17β-E2, EE2, and SDM in cow manure were 72.1%, 88.2%, 89.4%, 73.3%, and 99.7%, respectively. In the above-mentioned optimal conditions, the simultaneous removal of estrogens and antibiotic in different manure conditions led to the removal of above 70% of targeted contaminants, except for E3 in swine and chicken manure in all the manure. The findings demonstrate the useful application of the Fenton oxidation process in the concomitant removal of antibiotics and estrogens from animal manure, which reduces the associated risks to human health and environmental safety.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Azo Dye Reactive Violet 5 on Fe-Doped Titania Catalysts under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zuorro Antonio , Lavecchia Roberto , Monaco Marika Michela , Iervolino Giuseppina , Vaiano Vincenzo
Published: July 2019

The presence of azo dyes in textile effluents is an issue of major concern due to their potential impact on the environment and human health. In this study we investigate the photocatalytic degradation under visible light of Reactive Violet 5 (RV5), an azo dye widely used in the textile industry. A preliminary screening of different titania-based catalysts was carried out to identify the best candidate for RV5 removal. The selected catalyst was then tested in a stirred and aerated lab-scale reactor illuminated with a blue light-emitting diode (LED) source emitting in the wavelength range of 460–470 nm. The effects of pH, catalyst load, and hydrogen peroxide additions on the efficiency of dye removal were evaluated. Under the best conditions (pH 10, 3 g/L of catalyst, and 60 mM hydrogen peroxide), the dye solution was completely decolorized in about 2 h. Overall, the results obtained suggest that the proposed process may represent a suitable method for the removal of RV5 from textile effluents.