bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural and In Situ Lorentz TEM Domain Characterization of As-Quenched and γ’-Precipitated Co49Ni30Ga21 Monocrystal
Authors: Zak Andrzej M. , Dudzinski Wlodzimierz
Published: February 2020

The article concerns the rarely described magnetic domain structure of Heusler alloys in the case of a single crystal [100]-oriented Co-Ni-Ga alloy. The structure of the magnetic domains of the alloy was compared in two states: in the quenched and additionally aged state. Ageing led to precipitation of the spherical phase γ’ nanoparticles (Co-rich, FCC lattice with a = 0.359 nm). Lorentz transmission electron microscopy observation methods combined with cooling and in situ heating of the sample in the transmission electron microscope in the temperature range from 140 K to 300 K were combined to observe the magnetic domain structure. Significant differences in the dimensions and morphology of magnetic domain boundaries have been demonstrated. The quenched sample showed no change in stripe domain structure when the aged sample showed significant development of branching magnetic structures. This may be due to a change in the chemical composition of the matrix resulting from a decrease in cobalt and nickel content at the expense of precipitations.
Analysis of Let-7 Family miRNA in Plasma as Potential Predictive Biomarkers of Diagnosis for Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Perdas Ewelina , Stawski Robert , Kaczka Krzysztof , Zubrzycka Maria
Published: February 2020

The most common histological type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Radical resection of the thyroid gland is currently the recommended method of treatment. Almost 75% of thyroidectomies performed just for diagnostic purposes are benign. Thus, the confirmation of innovative and more precise noninvasive biomarkers holds promise for the detection of PTC, which may decrease the number of unnecessary thyroid lobectomies. In this work, using the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method, we have analyzed the level of five miRNAs (let-7a, let-7c, let-7d, let-7f, and let-7i) in the plasma of patients with PTC and compared them with those of a healthy control group to investigate whether miRNAs also have value in the management of PTC. Levels of four miRNAs, namely let-7a, let-7c, let-7d, and let-7f, were significantly higher in PTC patients than healthy controls. Thus, the analysis of circulating let-7 can be a useful tool and support the currently used methods for PTC diagnosis. However, our observation requires further research on a larger patient group.
Entropic Forces and Newton’s Gravitation
Authors: Plastino Angelo , Rocca Mario Carlos
Published: February 2020

Our subject of interest here is entropic forces, as re-interpreted by Verlinde with reference to gravitation, that is, by appealing to Verlinde’s conception of an entropic (statistically emergent) gravity advanced in [Physica A 2018, 511, 139]. In a canonical ensemble framework, we will deal with a non relativistic quantum scenario. In it, we perform a non-relativistic Schrödinger treatment (ST) of gravity as an entropic force and are able to detect new kinds of bounded quantum gravitational states, not previously reported. These new bound states would provide us with a novel energy-source, not taken into account as yet. The present entropic force deviates from the Newton’s form only at extremely short distances. We propose, by specializing our results to gravitationally interacting bosons, a model for dark matter generation.
Cloud Storage Strategy of Blockchain Based on Genetic Prediction Dynamic Files
Authors: Tang Jiali , Huang Chenrong , Liu Huangxiaolie , Al-Nabhan Najla
Published: February 2020

With the rapid expansion of data volume, traditional data storage methods have been unable to meet the practical application requirements of blockchain cloud storage. Aiming for the cloud storage problem of blockchain, a new storage access method for predicting dynamic file load is proposed. By predicting the load status of cloud storage files in advance, the load of each blockchain data node at the next moment is first estimated. A hierarchical genetic algorithm is used to construct the connection weights between the hidden layer and the output layer, which makes the data network converge faster and more accurate, thereby effectively predicting the node load. In addition, based on the file allocation, an evaluation analysis model is constructed to obtain the time response capability of each file during the allocation process. The node’s periodic load prediction value is used to calculate the corresponding weight of the node and it is continuously updated, retaining the advantages of the static weighted polling algorithm. Combined with the genetic algorithm to help predict the file assignment access strategy of the later load of each node, it can meet the system requirements under complex load conditions and provide a reasonable and effective cloud storage method. The experimental evaluation of the proposed new strategy and new algorithm verifies that the new storage method has a faster response time, more balanced load, and greatly reduced energy consumption.
Special Issue “Building Thermal Envelope”
Authors: Brito Jorge de , Gomes M. Glória
Published: February 2020

The increasing requirements in building thermal and energy performance standards and the need to design nearly zero-energy buildings, while still enhancing the indoor comfort conditions, have led to a demand for more efficient thermal building envelope solutions [...]
Ecosystem Service Benefits and Trade-Offs—Selecting Tree Species in Denmark for Bioenergy Production
Authors: Sántha Eszter , Bentsen Niclas Scott
Published: February 2020

Research highlights: The study enabled us to quantitatively assess ecosystem benefits and trade-offs, to characterize species as generalists or specialists, and findings suggest that producing biomass for energy is more likely to serve multiple objectives if it is implemented in an integrated production system. Background and Objectives: Biomass is one of the main and largest sources of renewable energy. In Denmark, the production of biomass for energy is mainly based on timber harvest residues from pre-commercial thinning of forest stands. However, there is an increasing demand for bioenergy that require biomass to be grown specifically for energy purposes even though the sustainability and climate change mitigation potential of bioenergy plantations have recently been questioned in terms of food production, land use, land use change and terrestrial carbon cycles. The overall objective of the research is to better understand the opportunities and trade-offs between different woody and non-woody energy crops. Material and Methods: This study assessed the ecosystem services of seven woody species and one perennial along a management intensity continuum with a main focus on bioenergy production. Results: Results of the analysis showed that there are complex interrelations between ecosystem services and significant differences between species in providing those services. Conclusions: Species with a highest energy benefit among assessed species were poplar and grand fir, while beech and oak proved the best in providing biodiversity benefits.
Construction of a Universal Gel Model with Volume Phase Transition
Authors: Manning Gerald S.
Published: February 2020

The physical principle underlying the familiar condensation transition from vapor to liquid is the competition between the energetic tendency to condense owing to attractive forces among molecules of the fluid and the entropic tendency to disperse toward the maximum volume available as limited only by the walls of the container. Van der Waals incorporated this principle into his equation of state and was thus able to explain the discontinuous nature of condensation as the result of instability of intermediate states. The volume phase transition of gels, also discontinuous in its sharpest manifestation, can be understood similarly, as a competition between net free energy attraction of polymer segments and purely entropic dissolution into a maximum allowed volume. Viewed in this way, the gel phase transition would require nothing more to describe it than van der Waals’ original equation of state (with osmotic pressure Π replacing pressure P). But the polymer segments in a gel are networked by cross-links, and a consequent restoring force prevents complete dissolution. Like a solid material, and unlike a van der Waals fluid, a fully swollen gel possesses an intrinsic volume of its own. Although all thermodynamic descriptions of gel behavior contain an elastic component, frequently in the form of Flory-style rubber theory, the resulting isotherms usually have the same general appearance as van der Waals isotherms for fluids, so it is not clear whether the solid-like aspect of gels, that is, their intrinsic volume and shape, adds any fundamental physics to the volume phase transition of gels beyond what van der Waals already knew. To address this question, we have constructed a universal chemical potential for gels that captures the volume transition while containing no quantities specific to any particular gel. In this sense, it is analogous to the van der Waals theory of fluids in its universal form, but although it incorporates the van der Waals universal equation of state, it also contains a network elasticity component, not based on Flory theory but instead on a nonlinear Langevin model, that restricts the radius of a fully swollen spherical gel to a solid-like finite universal value of unity, transitioning to a value less than unity when the gel collapses. A new family of isotherms arises, not present in a preponderately van der Waals analysis, namely, profiles of gel density as a function of location in the gel. There is an abrupt onset of large amplitude density fluctuations in the gel at a critical temperature. Then, at a second critical temperature, the entire swollen gel collapses to a high-density phase.
Mapping Spatio-Temporal Soil Erosion Patterns in the Candelaro River Basin, Italy, Using the G2 Model with Sentinel2 Imagery
Authors: Karydas Christos , Bouarour Ouiza , Zdruli Pandi
Published: February 2020

This study aims at mapping soil erosion caused by water in the Candelaro river basin, Apulia region, Italy, using the G2 erosion model. The G2 model can provide erosion maps and statistical figures at month-time intervals, by applying non data-demanding alternatives for the estimation of all the erosion factors. In the current research, G2 is taking a step further with the introduction of Sentinel2 satellite images for mapping vegetation retention factor on a fine scale; Sentinel2 is a ready-to-use, image product of high quality, freely available by the European Space Agency. Although only three recent cloud-free Sentinel2 images covering Candelaro were found in the archive, new solutions were elaborated to overcome time-gaps. The study in Candelaro resulted in a mean annual erosion rate of 0.87 t ha−1 y−1, while the autumn months were indicated to be the most erosive ones, with average erosion rates reaching a maximum of 0.12 t ha−1 in September. The mixed agricultural-natural patterns revealed to be the riskiest surfaces for most months of the year, while arable land was the most extensive erosive land cover category. The erosion maps will allow competent authorities to support relevant mitigation measures. Furthermore, the study in Candelaro can play the role of a pilot study for the whole Apulia region, where erosion studies are rather limited.
On the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak and the Smart City Network: Universal Data Sharing Standards Coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Benefit Urban Health Monitoring and Management
Authors: Allam Zaheer , Jones David S.
Published: February 2020

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) expands its impact from China, expanding its catchment into surrounding regions and other countries, increased national and international measures are being taken to contain the outbreak. The placing of entire cities in ‘lockdown’ directly affects urban economies on a multi-lateral level, including from social and economic standpoints. This is being emphasised as the outbreak gains ground in other countries, leading towards a global health emergency, and as global collaboration is sought in numerous quarters. However, while effective protocols in regard to the sharing of health data is emphasised, urban data, on the other hand, specifically relating to urban health and safe city concepts, is still viewed from a nationalist perspective as solely benefiting a nation’s economy and its economic and political influence. This perspective paper, written one month after detection and during the outbreak, surveys the virus outbreak from an urban standpoint and advances how smart city networks should work towards enhancing standardization protocols for increased data sharing in the event of outbreaks or disasters, leading to better global understanding and management of the same.
The Association between Health Insurance and All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Liying , Wang Yan , Chen Baodong , Yang Tan , Zhang Weiliang , Wang Yafeng
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of insurance status with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. A total of 390,881 participants, aged 18–64 years and interviewed from 1997 to 2013 were eligible for a mortality follow-up in 31 December 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine the association between insurance status and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. The sample group cumulatively aged 4.22 million years before their follow-ups, with a mean follow-up of 10.4 years, and a total of 22,852 all-cause deaths. In fully adjusted models, private insurance was significantly associated with a 17% decreased risk of mortality (HR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.80–0.87), but public insurance was associated with a 21% increased risk of mortality (HR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.15–1.27). Compared to noninsurance, private coverage was associated with about 21% lower CVD mortality risk (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.70–0.89). In addition, public insurance was associated with increased mortality risk of kidney disease, diabetes and CLRD, compared with noninsurance, respectively. This study supports the current evidence for the relationship between private insurance and decreased mortality risk. In addition, our results show that public insurance is associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Lupenone Protects Neuroblastoma SH-SY5y Cells Against Methamphetamine-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lee Hyun-Su , Kim Eun-Nam , Jeong Gil-Saeng
Published: February 2020

Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive psychostimulant showing neurotoxicity through neuronal apoptosis and the neuro-inflammatory pathway. Lupenone, a lupane triterpenoid, is an isolated compound exhibiting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-diabetic activities. However, whether lupenone plays a protective role against apoptosis induced by METH in SH-SY5y neuroblastoma cells remains unknown. In the present study, we elucidated that lupenone had no toxicity to SH-SY5y cells at different concentrations. On the other hand, we found that the treatment of SH-SY5y cells with an optimal concentration of lupenone could lead to protection against cell death induced by METH. AnnexinV/PI apoptosis analysis revealed a dramatically reduced level of the apoptotic cell population in lupenon and METH treated SH-SY5y cells. Moreover, diminished expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Caspase3, Caspase7, and Caspase8 in METH-exposed SH-SY5y cells, was significantly recovered by treatment with lupenone. This protection in the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins was due to an increased phosphorylation level of PI3K/Akt in METH-treated SH-SY5y cells pre-incubated with lupenone. These findings suggest that lupenone can protect SH-SY5y cells against METH-induced neuronal apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Short-Term Responses to Fatty Acids on Lipid Metabolism and Adipogenesis in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Riera-Heredia Natàlia , Lutfi Esmail , Sánchez-Moya Albert , Gutiérrez Joaquim , Capilla Encarnación , Navarro Isabel
Published: February 2020

Fish are rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Due to the increasing use of vegetable oils (VO), their proportion in diets has lowered, affecting lipid metabolism and fillet composition. Rainbow trout cultured preadipocytes were treated with representative FA found in fish oils (EPA and DHA) or VO (linoleic, LA and alpha-linolenic, ALA acids), while EPA and LA were also orally administered, to evaluate their effects on adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. In vitro, all FA increased lipid internalization, with ALA producing the highest effect, together with upregulating the FA transporter fatp1. In vivo, EPA or LA increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors ppara and pparb transcripts abundance in adipose tissue, suggesting elevated β-oxidation, contrary to the results obtained in liver. Furthermore, the increased expression of FA synthase (fas) and the FA translocase/cluster of differentiation (cd36) in adipose tissue indicated an enhanced uptake of lipids and lipogenesis de novo, whereas stable or low hepatic expression of genes involved in lipid transport and turnover was found. Thus, fish showed a similar tissue metabolic response to the short-term availability of EPA or LA in vivo, while in vitro VO-derived FA demonstrated greater potential inducing fat accumulation.
RNA-Sequencing Analyses of Small Bacterial RNAs and their Emergence as Virulence Factors in Host-Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Diallo Idrissa , Provost Patrick
Published: February 2020

Proteins have long been considered to be the most prominent factors regulating so-called invasive genes involved in host-pathogen interactions. The possible role of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs), either intracellular, secreted or packaged in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), remained unclear until recently. The advent of high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques has accelerated sRNA discovery. RNA-seq radically changed the paradigm on bacterial virulence and pathogenicity to the point that sRNAs are emerging as an important, distinct class of virulence factors in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The potential of OMVs, as protectors and carriers of these functional, gene regulatory sRNAs between cells, has also provided an additional layer of complexity to the dynamic host-pathogen relationship. Using a non-exhaustive approach and through examples, this review aims to discuss the involvement of sRNAs, either free or loaded in OMVs, in the mechanisms of virulence and pathogenicity during bacterial infection. We provide a brief overview of sRNA origin and importance and describe the classical and more recent methods of identification that have enabled their discovery, with an emphasis on the theoretical lower limit of RNA sizes considered for RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses.
A Generic WebLab Control Tuning Experience Using the Ball and Beam Process and Multiobjective Optimization Approach
Authors: Kagami Ricardo Massao , da Costa Guinther Kovalski , Uhlmann Thiago Schaedler , Mendes Luciano Antônio , Freire Roberto Zanetti
Published: February 2020

In control engineering education, the possibility of using a real control system in the learning process motivates professors to improve both students’ knowledge and skills, thus avoiding an approach only based on control theory. While considering that control engineering laboratories are expensive, mainly because educational plants should reproduce classical problems that are found in the industry, the use of virtual laboratories appears as an interesting strategy for reducing costs and improving the diversity of experiments. In this research, remote experimentation was assumed regarding the ball and beam process as an alternative didactic methodology. While assuming a nonlinear and unstable open-loop process, this study presents how students should proceed to control the plant focusing on the topic that is associated with multiobjective optimization. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller was tuned considering the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) to illustrate the WebLab learning procedures described in this research. The proposed strategy was compared to the Åström’s robust loop shaping method to emphasize the performance of the multiobjective optimization technique. Analyzing the feedback provided by the students, remote experimentation can be seen as an interesting approach for the future of engineering learning, once it can be directly associated with industry demand of connected machines and real-time information analysis.
Development of a Mass and Energy Balance Model and Its Application for HBI Charged EAFs
Authors: Arzpeyma Niloofar , Gyllenram Rutger , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: February 2020

A static mass and energy balance model combined with a MgO saturation slag model is developed for electric arc furnaces. The model parameters including distribution ratios and dust factors are calibrated for a specific furnace using experimental data. Afterward, the model is applied to study the effect of charging different amounts of hot briquetted iron (HBI) on energy consumption, charged slag former amount, and slag composition. The following results were obtained per each 1% increase of HBI additions: (i) a 0.16 Nm3/t decrease in the amount of injected oxygen for metal oxidation, (ii) a 1.29 kWh/t increase in the electricity consumption, and (iii) a 34 kg increase in the amount of the slag.
Effects of Ultrasonic Vibration on the Transport Coefficients in Plasma Arc Welding
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Wu Chuansong , Chen Maoai
Published: February 2020

In ultrasound assisted plasma arc welding (U-PAW), the exerted ultrasonic vibration on the tungsten electrode interacts with the plasma arc and changes its heat-pressure characteristics. It is of great significance to investigate the underlying interaction mechanism. In this study, the calculation method of transport coefficients in U-PAW is developed. Translational thermal conductivity (including electrons thermal conductivity and the thermal conductivity of heavy particles) and electrical conductivity are calculated by considering the second-order approximation of Maxwell velocity distribution function, while the method of Butler et al. is adopted to calculate the reaction thermal conductivity in U-PAW. The effective value of the ultrasound velocity gradient tensor is employed to describe the effects of ultrasonic vibration on transport coefficients in ultrasound assisted plasma arc. The calculation results show that when the ultrasound is applied, the thermal conductivity of heavy particles in the plasma increases significantly and the electron thermal conductivity increases within some extent. The thermal conductivity of the reaction also increased to a great extent, and the electrical conductivity decreases a little bit. Although the thermal diffusion coefficient also has some increase, but the ordinary diffusion coefficient is obviously reduced due to the application of the ultrasound. With the updated transport coefficients, the plasma arc pressure on the anode surface is numerically computed, and the predicted pressures of PAW and U-PAW can be consistent with the measured ones.
Fabrication of Single Crystals through a µ-Helix Grain Selection Process during Electron Beam Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gotterbarm Martin R. , Rausch Alexander M. , Körner Carolin
Published: February 2020

Selective Electron Beam Melting (SEBM) is a powder bed-based additive manufacturing process for metals. As the electron beam can be moved inertia-free by electromagnetic lenses, the solidification conditions can be deliberately adjusted within the process. This enables control over the local solidification conditions. SEBM typically leads to columnar grain structures. Based on numerical simulation, we demonstrated how technical single crystals develop in IN718 by forcing the temperature gradient along a µ-Helix. The slope of the µ-Helix, i.e., the deviation of the thermal gradient from the build direction, determined the effectiveness of grain selection right up to single crystals.
Etching of Uncompensated Convex Corners with Sides along  and <100> in 25 wt% TMAH at 80 °C
Authors: Smiljanić Milče M. , Lazić Žarko , Jović Vesna , Radjenović Branislav , Radmilović-Radjenović Marija
Published: February 2020

This paper presents etching of convex corners with sides along  and <100> crystallographic directions in a 25 wt% tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) water solution at 80 °C. We analyzed parallelograms as the mask patterns for anisotropic wet etching of Si (100). The sides of the parallelograms were designed along  and <100> crystallographic directions (1 < n < 8). The acute corners of islands in the masking layer formed by  and <100> crystallographic directions were smaller than 45°. All the crystallographic planes that appeared during etching in the experiment were determined. We found that the obtained types of 3D silicon shape sustain when n > 2. The convex corners were not distorted during etching. Therefore, no convex corner compensation is necessary. We fabricated three matrices of parallelograms with sides along crystallographic directions <310> and <100> as examples for possible applications. Additionally, the etching of matrices was simulated by the level set method. We obtained a good agreement between experiments and simulations.
Seasonal Changes in Microbial Dissolved Organic Sulfur Transformations in Coastal Waters
Authors: Dixon Joanna L , Hopkins Frances E , Stephens John A , Schäfer Hendrik
Published: February 2020

The marine trace gas dimethylsulfide (DMS) is the single most important biogenic source of atmospheric sulfur, accounting for up to 80% of global biogenic sulfur emissions. Approximately 300 million tons of DMS are produced annually, but the majority is degraded by microbes in seawater. The DMS precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and oxidation product dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) are also important organic sulfur reservoirs. However, the marine sinks of dissolved DMSO remain unknown. We used a novel combination of stable and radiotracers to determine seasonal changes in multiple dissolved organic sulfur transformation rates to ascertain whether microbial uptake of dissolved DMSO was a significant loss pathway. Surface concentrations of DMS ranged from 0.5 to 17.0 nM with biological consumption rates between 2.4 and 40.8 nM·d−1. DMS produced from the reduction of DMSO was not a significant process. Surface concentrations of total DMSO ranged from 2.3 to 102 nM with biological consumption of dissolved DMSO between 2.9 and 111 nM·d−1. Comparisons between 14C2-DMSO assimilation and dissimilation rates suggest that the majority of dissolved DMSO was respired (>94%). Radiotracer microbial consumption rates suggest that dissimilation of dissolved DMSO to CO2 can be a significant loss pathway in coastal waters, illustrating the significance of bacteria in controlling organic sulfur seawater concentrations.
Picosecond Acoustics Technique to Measure the Sound Velocities of Fe-Si Alloys and Si Single-Crystals at High Pressure
Authors: Edmund Eric , Gauthier Michel , Antonangeli Daniele , Ayrinhac Simon , Boccato Silvia , Deletang Thibault , Morand Marc , Garino Yiuri , Parisiades Paraskevas , Decremps Frédéric
Published: February 2020

We describe here a time resolved pump-probe laser technique—picosecond interferometry—which has been combined with diamond anvil cells (DAC). This method enables the measurement of the longitudinal sound velocity up to Mbar pressure for any kind of material (solids, liquids, metals, insulators). We also provide a description of picosecond acoustics data analysis in order to determine the complete set of elastic constants for single crystals. To illustrate such capabilities, results are given on the pressure dependence of the acoustic properties for prototypical cases: polycrystal (hcp-Fe-5 wt% Si up to 115 GPa) and single-crystal (Si up to 10 GPa).
Characterization of Haemonchus contortus Excretory/Secretory Antigen (ES-15) and Its Modulatory Functions on Goat Immune Cells In Vitro
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad , Gadahi Javaid Ali , Hasan Muhammad Waqqas , Haseeb Muhammad , Ali Haider , Yan Ruofeng , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Zhu Xing-Quan , Li Xiangrui
Published: February 2020

Small size excretory/secretory (ES) antigens of the Haemonchus contortus parasite have intense interest among researchers for understanding the molecular basis of helminths immune regulation in term of control strategies. Immunomodulatory roles of H. contortus ES-15 kDa (HcES-15) on host immune cells during host–parasite interactions are unknown. In this study, the HcES-15 gene was cloned and expression of recombinant protein (rHcES-15) was induced by isopropyl-ß-d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Binding activity of rHcES-15 to goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and immunohistochemical analysis showed that H. contortus 15 kDa protein localized in the outer and inner structure of the adult worm, clearly indicated as the parasite’s ES antigen. The immunoregulatory role on cytokines production, cell proliferation, cell migration, nitric oxide (NO) production, apoptosis, and phagocytosis were observed by co-incubation of rHcES-15 with goat PBMCs. The results showed that cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, the production of nitric oxide (NO), PBMCs apoptosis, and monocytes phagocytosis were all elevated after cells incubated with rHcES-15 at differential protein concentrations. We also found that IFN-γ, TGF-β1, cells proliferation and migration were significantly suppressed with the interaction of rHcES-15 protein. Our findings indicated that low molecular ES antigens of H. contortus possessed discrete immunoregulatory roles, which will help to understand the mechanisms involved in immune evasion by the parasite during host–parasite interactions.
MmpS5-MmpL5 Transporters Provide Mycobacterium smegmatis Resistance to imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines
Authors: Maslov Dmitry A. , Shur Kirill V. , Vatlin Aleksey A. , Danilenko Valery N.
Published: February 2020

The emergence and spread of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains (including MDR, XDR, and TDR) force scientists worldwide to search for new anti-tuberculosis drugs. We have previously reported a number of imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines – putative inhibitors of mycobacterial eukaryotic-type serine-threonine protein-kinases, active against M. tuberculosis. Whole genomic sequences of spontaneous drug-resistant M. smegmatis mutants revealed four genes possibly involved in imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines resistance; however, the exact mechanism of resistance remain unknown. We used different approaches (construction of targeted mutants, overexpression of the wild-type (w.t.) and mutant genes, and gene-expression studies) to assess the role of the previously identified mutations. We show that mutations in MSMEG_1380 gene lead to overexpression of the mmpS5-mmpL5 operon in M. smegmatis, thus providing resistance to imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines by increased efflux through the MmpS5-MmpL5 system, similarly to the mechanisms of resistance described for M. tuberculosis and M. abscessus. Mycobacterial MmpS5-MmpL5 transporters should be considered as an MDR-efflux system and they should be taken into account at early stages of anti-tuberculosis drug development.
The Carrier Conundrum; A Review of Recent Advances and Persistent Gaps Regarding the Carrier State of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus
Authors: Stenfeldt Carolina , Arzt Jonathan
Published: February 2020

The existence of a prolonged, subclinical phase of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection in cattle was first recognized in the 1950s. Since then, the FMDV carrier state has been a subject of controversy amongst scientists and policymakers. A fundamental conundrum remains in the discordance between the detection of infectious FMDV in carriers and the apparent lack of contagiousness to in-contact animals. Although substantial progress has been made in elucidating the causal mechanisms of persistent FMDV infection, there are still critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in order to elucidate, predict, prevent, and model the risks associated with the carrier state. This is further complicated by the occurrence of a distinct form of neoteric subclinical infection, which is indistinguishable from the carrier state in field scenarios, but may have substantially different epidemiological properties. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the FMDV carrier state and identifies specific areas of research in need of further attention. Findings from experimental investigations of FMDV pathogenesis are discussed in relation to experience gained from field studies of foot-and-mouth disease.
Pathogenicity and Genetic Characterization of Vietnamese Classical Swine Fever Virus: 2014–2018
Authors: Choe SeEun , Le Van Phan , Shin Jihye , Kim Jae-Hoon , Kim Ki-Sun , Song Sok , Cha Ra Mi , Park Gyu-Nam , Nguyen Thi Lan , Hyun Bang-Hun , Park Bong-Kyun , An Dong-Jun
Published: February 2020

Here, we examined the pathogenicity and genetic differences between classical swine fever viruses (CSFV) isolated on pig farms in North Vietnam from 2014–2018. Twenty CSFV strains from 16 pig farms were classified as genotype 2 (sub-genotypes 2.1b, 2.1c, and 2.2). The main sub-genotype, 2.1c, was classified phylogenetically as belonging to the same cluster as viruses isolated from the Guangdong region in South China. Strain HY58 (sub-genotype 2.1c), isolated from pigs in Vietnam, caused higher mortality (60%) than the Vietnamese ND20 strain (sub-genotype 2.2). The Vietnamese strain of sub-genotype 2.1b was estimated to have moderate virulence; indeed, genetic analysis revealed that it belongs to the same cluster as Korean CSFV sub-genotype 2.1b. Most CSFVs circulating in North Vietnam belong to sub-genotype 2.1c. Geographical proximity means that this genotype might continue to circulate in both North Vietnam and Southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan).
Isolation and Characterization of Root-Associated Bacterial Endophytes and Their Biocontrol Potential against Major Fungal Phytopathogens of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Khaskheli Maqsood Ahmed , Wu Lijuan , Chen Guoqing , Chen Long , Hussain Sajid , Song Dawei , Liu Sihui , Feng Guozhong
Published: February 2020

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major cereal food crop worldwide, and its growth and yield are affected by several fungal phytopathogens, including Magnaporthe oryzae, Fusarium graminearum, F. moniliforme, and Rhizoctonia solani. In the present study, we have isolated and characterized root-associated bacterial endophytes that have antifungal activities against rice fungal phytopathogens. A total of 122 root-associated bacterial endophytes, belonging to six genera (Bacillus, Fictibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Paenibacillus, Cupriavidus, and Microbacterium) and 22 species were isolated from three rice cultivars. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA sequence-based phylogeny results revealed that Bacillus was the most dominant bacterial genera, and that there were 15 different species among the isolates. Moreover, 71 root-associated endophytes showed antagonistic effects against four major fungal phytopathogens, including M. oryzae, F. graminearum, F. moniliforme, and R. solani. Additionally, the biochemical, physiological, and PCR amplification results of the antibiotic-related genes further supported the endophytes as potential biocontrolling agents against the rice fungal pathogens. Consequently, the findings in this study suggested that the isolated bacterial endophytes might have beneficial roles in rice defense responses, including several bioactive compound syntheses. The outcomes of this study advocate the use of natural endophytes as an alternative strategy towards the rice resistance response.
Digital Microfluidics for the Detection of Selected Inorganic Ions in Aerosols
Authors: Huang Shuquan , Connolly Jessica , Khlystov Andrei , Fair Richard B.
Published: February 2020

A prototype aerosol detection system is presented that is designed to accurately and quickly measure the concentration of selected inorganic ions in the atmosphere. The aerosol detection system combines digital microfluidics technology, aerosol impaction and chemical detection integrated on the same chip. Target compounds are the major inorganic aerosol constituents: sulfate, nitrate and ammonium. The digital microfluidic system consists of top and bottom plates that sandwich a fluid layer. Nozzles for an inertial impactor are built into the top plate according to known, scaling principles. The deposited air particles are densely concentrated in well-defined deposits on the bottom plate containing droplet actuation electrodes of the chip in fixed areas. The aerosol collection efficiency for particles larger than 100 nm in diameter was higher than 95%. After a collection phase, deposits are dissolved into a scanning droplet. Due to a sub-microliter droplet size, the obtained extract is highly concentrated. Droplets then pass through an air/oil interface on chip for colorimetric analysis by spectrophotometry using optical fibers placed between the two plates of the chip. To create a standard curve for each analyte, six different concentrations of liquid standards were chosen for each assay and dispensed from on-chip reservoirs. The droplet mixing was completed in a few seconds and the final droplet was transported to the detection position as soon as the mixing was finished. Limits of detection (LOD) in the final droplet were determined to be 11 ppm for sulfate and 0.26 ppm for ammonium. For nitrate, it was impossible to get stable measurements. The LOD of the on-chip measurements for sulfate was close to that obtained by an off-chip method using a Tecan spectrometer. LOD of the on-chip method for ammonium was about five times larger than what was obtained with the off-chip method. For the current impactor collection air flow (1 L/min) and 1 h collection time, the converted LODs in air were: 0.275 μg/m3 for sulfate, 6.5 ng/m3 for ammonium, sufficient for most ambient air monitoring applications.
Analysis and Correction of the Magnetometer’s Position Error in a Cross-Shaped Magnetic Tensor Gradiometer
Authors: Yan Youyu , Ma Yan , Liu Jianguo
Published: February 2020

When using the technique of magnetic gradient tensor measurements to obtain the position of magnetic objects, calibration of the magnetic tensor gradiometer plays a pivotal role in precisely locating the target, and extensive research has been carried out on this up to now. However, previous studies have always lacked sufficient discussion on the position error of magnetometers in magnetic tensor gradiometers caused by inaccurate installment of magnetometers. In this paper, we analyze and correct this position error based on a magnetic dipole source. The result of the simulation exemplifies that the magnetometer’s position error will affect the locating accuracy and, therefore, it is worth correcting this error. The relationship between position error and magnetic gradient tensor components is established, followed by an error correction method based on this relationship. Simulations illustrate that this method can effectively decrease the effect caused by the position error of magnetometers and improve the locating performance with locating error and magnetic moment errors dropping from 2 to 0.2 m and 6 × 10 5 A ⋅ m 2 to 5 × 10 4 A ⋅ m 2 , respectively.
A Prototype VP-PET Imaging System Based on Highly Pixelated CdZnTe Detectors
Authors: Yin Yongzhi , Li Yingguo , Wang Tianguan , Huang Chuan , Ye Zhenqian , Li Gongping
Published: February 2020

We investigated a prototype virtual-pinhole positron emission tomography (PET) system for small-animal imaging applications. The PET detector modules were made up of 1.3 mm lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) arrays, and the insert detectors consisted of 0.6 mm pixelated cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe). To validate the imaging experiment, we did a Monte Carlo simulation for the virtual-pinhole PET (VP-PET) system in the Geant4 Application for Emission Tomography (GATE). For a point source of 22Na with a 0.5 mm diameter, the filtered back-projection algorithm-reconstructed PET image showed a resolution of 0.7 mm full-width-at-half-maximum. The system sensitivity was 0.46 cps/kBq at the center of the field view of the PET system with a source activity of 0.925 MBq and an energy window of 350 to 650 keV. A rod source phantom and a Derenzo phantom with 18F were also simulated to investigate the PET imaging ability. GATE simulation indicated that sources with 0.5 mm diameter could be clearly detected using 0.6 mm pixelated CdZnTe detectors as insert devices in a VP-PET system.
Fast Synchronization Scheme Using 2-Way Parallel Rendezvous in IEEE 802.15.4 TSCH
Authors: Bae Byeong-Hwan , Chung Sang-Hwa
Published: February 2020

The high level of robustness and reliability required in industrial environments can be achieved using time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) medium access control (MAC) specified in institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4. Using frequency channel hopping in the existing TSCH network, a parallel rendezvous technique is used to exchange packets containing channel information before network synchronization, thereby facilitating fast network synchronization. In this study, we propose a distributed radio listening (DRL)–TSCH technique that uses a two-way transmission strategy based on the parallel rendezvous technique to divide the listening channel by sharing the channel information between nodes before synchronization. The performance evaluation was conducted using the OpenWSN stack, and the actual experiment was carried out by utilizing the OpenMote-cc2538 module. The time taken for synchronization and the number of rendezvous packets transmitted were measured in linear and mesh topologies, and the amount of energy used was evaluated. The performance results demonstrate a maximum average reduction in synchronization time of 67% and a reduction in energy consumption of 58% when compared to the performance results of other techniques.
Integrating Data-Driven and Participatory Modeling to Simulate Future Urban Growth Scenarios: Findings from Monastir, Tunisia
Authors: Harb Mostapha , Garschagen Matthias , Cotti Davide , Krätzschmar Elke , Baccouche Hayet , Ben Khaled Karem , Bellert Felicitas , Chebil Bouraoui , Ben Fredj Anis , Ayed Sonia , Shekhar Himanshu , Hagenlocher Michael
Published: February 2020

Current rapid urbanization trends in developing countries present considerable challenges to local governments, potentially hindering efforts towards sustainable urban development. To effectively anticipate the challenges posed by urbanization, participatory modeling techniques can help to stimulate future-oriented decision-making by exploring alternative development scenarios. With the example of the coastal city of Monastir, we present the results of an integrated urban growth analysis that combines the SLEUTH (slope, land use, exclusion, urban extent, transportation, and hill shade) cellular automata model with qualitative inputs from relevant local stakeholders to simulate urban growth until 2030. While historical time-series of Landsat data fed a business-as-usual prediction, the quantification of narrative storylines derived from participatory scenario workshops enabled the creation of four additional urban growth scenarios. Results show that the growth of the city will occur at different rates under all scenarios. Both the “business-as-usual” (BaU) prediction and the four scenarios revealed that urban expansion is expected to further encroach on agricultural land by 2030. The various scenarios suggest that Monastir will expand between 127–149 hectares. The information provided here goes beyond simply projecting past trends, giving decision-makers the necessary support for both understanding possible future urban expansion pathways and proactively managing the future growth of the city.
Repelente de insectos voladores a base de aceite esencial de mastranto (hyptis suaveolens)
Authors: Ostos Nohely , Rodríguez María
Published: February 2020

Investigación centrada en la elaboración de una crema repelente de insectos voladores a base de aceite esencial de mastranto, extraído por arrastre con vapor en una planta tipo banco y por destilación-extracción simultánea en un equipo Likens-Nickerson. Se realiza un diseño factorial para la evaluación de cada método. Variables escogidas: la cantidad de carga alimentada al sistema y el flujo de vapor y, por medio de un análisis de varianza, se encuentra que el mayor rendimiento fue de 0,31% para 300 g de hojas secas con un flujo de 831,018 mL/h. En la extracción destilación simultánea, las variables analizadas son tamaño de material vegetal y cantidad de material alimentado, obteniéndose un rendimiento máximo de 0,4 % para 20 g de hojas secas con un tamaño de 2-4 mm. Del análisis cromatográfico se encontraron L-fenchona y eucaliptol, a este último se le responsabiliza por el efecto repelente. La evaluación dermatológica concluye que todos los voluntarios de la prueba no presentaron efectos no deseados y aceptación del producto.
Apnéia Central
Authors: Cardeal Marina , Gilmar Fernandes do Prado
Published: February 2020

Apnéia central é um distúrbio respiratório do sono caracterizada pela cessação do fluxo aéreo por um período igual ou maior do que 10 segundos, durante o qual não se evidenciam esforços respiratórios. A etiologia da apnéia central ainda não está clara. Estudos sugerem que este distúrbio não é apenas uma doença simples, mas o resultado de diversos distúrbios respiratórios, assim como de moléstias capazes de desencadear eventos apneicos. A grande maioria dos casos de apnéia central apresenta, conjuntamente, eventos de apnéia obstrutiva e/ou mista, sendo raros os casos de apnéia central pura (primária). Pacientes com apnéias centrais primárias freqüentemente reclamam de insônia, sono fragmentado e depressão; entretanto, não é incomum ocorrer hipersonolência nesses indivíduos, sintoma freqüente nos casos de apnéia obstrutiva. Diversos fatores devem ser analisados antes de se tomar uma conduta terapêutica para os pacientes com apnéia central. Apesar de não serem totalmente satisfatórias, as opções terapêuticas visam excluir doenças de base assim como fatores predisponentes que aumentam o índice de apnéia no paciente e, posteriormente, escolher uma conduta individualizada e aceitável por parte do paciente. Unitermos: Apnéia, apnéia central, tratamento.
Avaliação de Epilepsia por Neuroimagem Estrutural
Authors: Júnior Henrique Carrete
Published: February 2020

O objetivo principal deste artigo é fornecer os protocolos utilizados na UNIPETE/UNIFESP-EPM para o estudo de ressonância magnética nas epilepsias focais.
Proposta de Tratamento Fisioterapêutico para Crianças Portadoras de Paralisia Cerebral Espástica, com Ênfase nas Alterações Musculoesqueléticas
Authors: Cargnin Ana Paula Marega , Mazzitelli Carla
Published: February 2020

A paralisia cerebral ou encefalopatia crônica não-progressiva é o termo usado para designar um grupo de desordens sensoriomotoras, resultante de lesão cerebral nos primeiros estágios do desenvolvimento. Essas desordens caracterizam-se pela falta de controle sobre os movimentos, por modificações adaptativas do comprimento muscular, podendo, em alguns casos, resultar em deformidades ósseas. Este trabalho visa à elaboração de uma proposta de tratamento fisioterapêutico com ênfase na abordagem das principais alterações musculoesqueléticas das crianças com paralisia cerebral espástica tetraparética, diparética e hemiparética. Os resultados deste estudo detalham exercícios para mobilidade, estabilidade articular, força e treino funcional, para que essas crianças obtenham independência e qualidade de vida.
Um núcleo de estudos do conhecimento
Authors: Neves Afonso Carlos
Published: February 2020

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