bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG Feature Extraction Using Genetic Programming for the Classification of Mental States
Authors: Z-Flores Emigdio , Trujillo Leonardo , Legrand Pierrick , Faïta-Aïnseba Frédérique
Published: September 2020

The design of efficient electroencephalogram (EEG) classification systems for the detection of mental states is still an open problem. Such systems can be used to provide assistance to humans in tasks where a certain level of alertness is required, like in surgery or in the operation of heavy machines, among others. In this work, we extend a previous study where a classification system is proposed using a Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) for the classification of two mental states, namely a relaxed and a normal state. Here, we propose an enhanced feature extraction algorithm (Augmented Feature Extraction with Genetic Programming, or +FEGP) that improves upon previous results by employing a Genetic-Programming-based methodology on top of the CSP. The proposed algorithm searches for non-linear transformations that build new features and simplify the classification task. Although the proposed algorithm can be coupled with any classifier, LDA achieves 78.8% accuracy, the best predictive accuracy among tested classifiers, significantly improving upon previously published results on the same real-world dataset.
The Feeling of Fear among Local Government Administration Employees as a Result of the Introduction of E-Administration
Authors: Bugdol Marek , Pokrzywa Magdalena
Published: September 2020

The implementation and smooth functioning of e-administration depends on many technical and organizational factors but also on psychosocial factors, including the sense of fear. In this paper, the authors treat fear as a subjective and perceptible sense of threat. They recognize that employees may express various concerns. Previous research has shown that employees may be afraid of losing their jobs as a result of implementing e-administration. The introduction of technology brings with it the threat of dehumanization. There are also numerous concerns that the development of modern technologies will not ensure adequate economic growth because it will be too slow. This paper discusses issues related to the fear of the changes taking place in the present, in particular those related to the introduction of modern technologies, as well as problems related to the possibility of reducing unethical behavior. The research has been carried out in local administration offices using a qualitative research procedure. The results of the research indicate the existence of relationships between the quality of e-administration and fears or threats experienced or perceived by employees. If e-administration does not simplify work and does not reduce employees’ workload, the only fears are employees’ fear of change and their inability to master new information technologies. The data obtained allow management practitioners to overcome barriers related to the implementation of e-administration.
Polyphenols and Resveratrol from Discarded Leaf Biomass of Grapevine (Vitis sp.): Effect of Cultivar and Viticultural Practices in Estonia
Authors: Rätsep Reelika , Karp Kadri , Maante-Kuljus Mariana , Aluvee Alar , Bhat Rajeev
Published: September 2020

Grapevine leaves are a major by-product of viticulture practices derived from the leaf-removal from the fruit cluster zone in all vine growing regions. These leaves can be a valuable source of antioxidants to be used in pharmaceuticals or other health-related products. In this study, the leaves of grapevine cultivars were analysed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph-diode array detector () for the total polyphenols (TPC) and resveratrol affected by cultivar, leaf-removal time and viticultural practice. The effect of cultivar varied yearly, European grapevine cv. ‘Regent’ had increased TPC and resveratrol in comparison to ‘Boskoop’s Glory’, ‘Rondo’ and ‘Solaris’ in 2017, but ‘Solaris’ in 2018. TPC (1213–1841 mg 100 g−1) and resveratrol (1.061 mg 100 g−1) were higher in leaves of interspecific hybrid cvs. ‘Zilga’ and ‘Hasansky Sladky’ during full fruit ripeness. Cv. ‘Rondo’ grown under the polytunnel had decreased TPC in leaves. In conclusion, cultivar selection, viticultural practice and leaf-removal time contribute significantly to the accumulation of total polyphenols and resveratrol. Results of this study will contribute to better utilization of biomass produced in the vineyards, help to decrease the negative environmental impacts, and provide an overview on various factors affecting the biochemical constituents, especially in leaves.
Third-Generation Biomass Crops in the New Era of De Novo Domestication
Authors: Wever Christian , Tassel David L. Van , Pude Ralf
Published: September 2020

The emerging bioeconomy will increase the need for plant biomass. We call for a third-generation of bioenergy crops, or biomass crops, to help move society towards a sustainable bioeconomy and global food security. Third-generation biomass crops should be capable of producing both food and raw materials. Such flexibility would allow farmers to respond to global markets and buffer global food security. At the same time, third-generation biomass crops need to increase the sustainability of agriculture. To reach such ambitious goals, new biomass crops have to develop de novo from promising perennial wild species.
Implications of Abscisic Acid in the Drought Stress Tolerance of Plants
Authors: Ali Shahid , Hayat Kashif , Iqbal Amjad , Xie Linan
Published: September 2020

Drought is a severe environmental constraint, which significantly affects plant growth, productivity, and quality. Plants have developed specific mechanisms that perceive the stress signals and respond to external environmental changes via different mitigation strategies. Abscisic acid (ABA), being one of the phytohormones, serves as an important signaling mediator for plants’ adaptive response to a variety of environmental stresses. ABA triggers many physiological processes, including bud dormancy, seed germination, stomatal closure, and transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of stress-responsive gene expression. The site of its biosynthesis and action must be clarified to understand the signaling network of ABA. Various studies have documented multiple sites for ABA biosynthesis, their transporter proteins in the plasma membrane, and several components of ABA-dependent signaling pathways, suggesting that the ABA response to external stresses is a complex networking mechanism. Knowing about stress signals and responses will increase our ability to enhance crop stress tolerance through the use of various advanced techniques. This review will elaborate on the ABA biosynthesis, transportation, and signaling pathways at the molecular level in response to drought stress, which will add a new insight for future studies.
Genetic Diversity, Population Structure and Inter-Trait Relationships of Combined Heat and Drought Tolerant Early-Maturing Maize Inbred Lines from West and Central Africa
Authors: Osuman Alimatu Sadia , Badu-Apraku Baffour , Ifie Beatrice E. , Tongoona Pangirayi , Obeng-Bio Ebenezer , Garcia-Oliveira Ana Luísa
Published: September 2020

Adequate knowledge and understanding of the genetic diversity and inter-trait relationships among elite maize inbred lines are crucial for determining breeding strategies and predicting hybrid performance. The objectives of this study were to investigate the genetic diversity of 162 early maturing white and yellow tropical maize inbred lines, and to determine the population structure, heterotic groups and inter-trait relationships among the lines. Using 9684 DArT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, a gene diversity (GD) of 0.30 was recorded for the inbred lines with polymorphic information content (PIC) ranging from 0.08 to 0.38. The genetic relatedness among the inbred lines evaluated revealed six different groups based on the history of selection, colour of endosperm and pedigree. The genotype-by-trait (GT) biplot analysis identified inbred 1 (TZEI 935) as outstanding in terms of combined heat and drought (HD) tolerance with the base index analysis identifying 15 superior inbreds in the HD environment. A wide range of genetic variability was observed among the inbred lines, indicating that they are an invaluable resource for breeding for HD tolerance in maize breeding programmes, especially in West and Central Africa.
Increasing Levels of Supplemental LED Light Enhances the Rate Flower Development of Greenhouse-grown Cut Gerbera but does not Affect Flower Size and Quality
Authors: Llewellyn David , Schiestel Katherine , Zheng Youbin
Published: September 2020

To investigate the influence of supplemental lighting intensity on the production (i.e., rate of flower development, flower quality, and yield) of cut gerbera during Canada’s supplemental lighting season (November to March), trials were carried out at a research greenhouse. Five supplemental light emitting diode (LED) light intensity (LI) treatments provided canopy-level photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) ranging from 41 to 180 µmol m−2 s−1. With a 12-h photoperiod, the treatments provided 1.76 to 7.72 mol m−2 d−1 of supplemental light. Two cultivars of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex Hook.f) were used to evaluate vegetative growth and flower production. Plugs of ‘Ultima’ were assessed for vegetative growth and rate of flower development. There were minor LI treatment effects on number of leaves and chlorophyll content index and flowers from plants under the highest versus the lowest LI matured 10% faster. Reproductively mature ‘Panama’ plants were assessed for flower yield and quality. ‘Panama’ flowers from the highest LI treatment had shorter stems than the three lowest LI treatments, and flowers from the middle LI treatment had larger diameter than the other treatments. Flowers from the lowest LI treatment had lower fresh mass than the three highest LI treatments. There were linear relationships between LI and numbers of flowers harvested, with the highest LI treatment producing 10.3 and 7.0 more total and marketable flowers per plant than the lowest LI treatment. In general, increasing levels of supplemental light had only minor effects on vegetative growth (young plants) and size and quality of harvested flowers (mature plants), but flowers from plants grown under higher LIs were more numerous and matured faster.
Investigating the Polymorphism of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor-1B (BMPR1B) Gene in Markhoz Goat Breed
Authors: Pourali Dogaheh Sheila , Mirhoseini Seyed Ziaeddin , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Hossein-Zadeh Navid Ghavi , Badbarin Sajad , Colonna Maria Antonietta , Seidavi Alireza , Selvaggi Maria
Published: September 2020

Reproductive traits in livestock species are genetically controlled by the action of single genes with a major effect, commonly known as fecundity genes. One of the genes involved in controlling prolificacy is BMPR1B (FecB), a dominant autosomal gene located in chromosome 6 responsible for the fecundity and twinning rate in sheep and goat species. Markhoz goat is a valuable Iranian genetic resource endangered by extinction. Increasing the genetic variability and reproductive performances of Markhoz goat could preserve and enhance its economic value. This study was carried out to detect possible polymorphisms in BMPR1B gene in a sample of 100 Markhoz goats from Iran. DNA samples were screened by PCR–RFLP to assess the presence of the previously reported FecB mutation. Finally, the amplicons from seven goats out of the 100 samples were sequenced. The results showed that all the analyzed individuals did not carry the previously reported FecB mutant allele. However, our findings revealed two novel possible mutations in exon 8 of BMPR1B gene (775A > G and 777G > A) that need further investigations.
Legal Complexities of Entry, Rescue, Seizure and Disposal of Disaster-Affected Companion Animals in New Zealand
Authors: Glassey Steve
Published: September 2020

With the increasing societal expectation that animals are afforded greater protection in emergencies, the legal process from entering a property to rescuing a companion animal, through to how to dispose of such animals if they remain unclaimed has not been well examined in New Zealand. It is hypothesised that the legal framework for such a response is flawed. In this study, each phase of animal disaster rescue is evaluated against four key statutes that may apply in each phase, in that does any statute provide clear end-to-end provisions with clear legal authority to do so? The study found that all statutes evaluated contained flaws and that the current legal provisions are insufficient to provide clear authority for the sequential process of undertaking the rescue of animals during emergencies. A major flaw was discovered in the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, a key statute, that provided for the seizure of property and animals but omitted a procedure for the disposal of such seized things leaving them all in legal limbo. It is recommended that animal disaster laws be updated to be more animal inclusive. The method also may be applicable to assist evaluating animal disaster management legal frameworks in other countries.
How Do mAbs Make Use of Complement to Kill Cancer Cells? The Role of Ca2+
Authors: Taylor Ronald P. , Lindorfer Margaret A.
Published: September 2020

We examined the kinetics and mechanisms by which monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) utilize complement to rapidly kill targeted cancer cells. Based on results from flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and high-resolution digital imaging experiments, the general patterns which have emerged reveal cytotoxic activities mediated by substantial and lethal Ca2+ fluxes. The Ca2+ fluxes are common to the reported pathways that have been utilized by other toxins in killing nucleated cells. These reactions terminate in very high levels of cell killing, and based on these considerations, we suggest additional strategies to further enhance mAb-based targeting of cancer with complement.
Hospital Admission Patterns in Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Who Received Ceftriaxone and a Macrolide by Disease Severity across United States Hospitals
Authors: Lodise Thomas P. , Van Le Hoa , LaPensee Kenneth
Published: September 2020

(1) Objective: There are limited data regarding community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) admissions patterns in US hospitals. Current expert CAP guidelines advocate for outpatient treatment or an abbreviated hospital stay for CAP patients in pneumonia severity index (PSI) risk classes I–III (low risk); however, the extent of compliance with this recommendation is unclear. This study sought to estimate the proportion of admissions among CAP patients who received ceftriaxone and macrolide therapy, one of the most commonly prescribed guideline-concordant CAP regimens, by PSI risk class and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score. (2) Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients in the Vizient® (MedAssets, Irving, Texas) database between 2012 and 2015 was performed. Patients were included if they were aged ≥ 18 years, had a primary diagnosis for CAP, and received ceftriaxone and a macrolide on hospital day 1 or 2. Baseline demographics and admitting diagnoses were used to calculate the PSI score. Patients in the final study population were grouped into categories by their PSI risk class and CCI score. Hospital length of stay, 30-day mortality rates, and 30-day CAP-related readmissions were calculated across resulting PSI–CCI strata. (3) Results: Overall, 32,917 patients met the study criteria. Approximately 70% patients were in PSI risk classes I–III and length of stay ranged between 4.9 and 6.2 days, based on CCI score. The 30-day mortality rate was <0.5% and <1.4% in patients with PSI risk classes I and II, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Over two-thirds of hospitalized patients with CAP who received ceftriaxone and a macrolide were in PSI risk classes I–III. Although the findings should be interpreted with caution, they suggest that there is a potential opportunity to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery for CAP patients by shifting inpatient care to the outpatient setting in appropriate patients.
Optimal Design of Fuzzy Systems Using Differential Evolution and Harmony Search Algorithms with Dynamic Parameter Adaptation
Authors: Castillo Oscar , Valdez Fevrier , Soria José , Yoon Jin Hee , Geem Zong Woo , Peraza Cinthia , Ochoa Patricia , Amador-Angulo Leticia
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a study of two popular metaheuristics, namely differential evolution (DE) and harmony search (HS), including a proposal for the dynamic modification of parameters of each algorithm. The methods are applied to two cases, finding the optimal design of a fuzzy logic system (FLS) applied to the optimal design of a fuzzy controller and to the optimization of mathematical functions. A fuzzy logic controller (FLC) of the Takagi–Sugeno type is used to find the optimal design in the membership functions (MFs) for the stabilization problem of an autonomous mobile robot following a trajectory. A comparative study of the results for two modified metaheuristic algorithms is presented through analysis of results and statistical tests. Results show that, statistically speaking, optimal fuzzy harmony search (OFHS) is better in comparison to optimal fuzzy differential evaluation (OFDE) for the two presented study cases.
Benchmark Sea Trials on a 6-Meter Boat Powered by Kite
Authors: Roncin Kostia , Behrel Morgan , Iachkine Paul , Leroux Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2020

This paper presents sea trials on a 6-m boat specifically designed for kite propulsion. The kite control was automatic or manual, dynamic or static, depending on the point of sailing. The measurement system recorded boat motion and load generated by the kite. A particular attention was paid to wind measurement with several fixed and mobile locations directly on the kiteboat or in the vicinity. A high resolution weather modelling showed that a classical power law, describing the wind gradient, was not satisfactory to get the wind at kite location. 5-min measurement phases were systematically recorded. In the end, 101 runs were carried out. Data were processed with the phase-averaging method in order to produce reliable and accurate results.
Continuously Wavelength-Tunable First-Order Narrowband Fiber Comb Filter Using Composite Combination of Wave Retarders
Authors: Jung Jaehoon , Lee Yong Wook
Published: September 2020

Here, by harnessing a composite combination of wave retarders, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a first-order narrowband fiber comb filter capable of continuously tuning its wavelength, of which the filter structure is on the fundamental basis of a polarization–diversity loop structure. The demonstrated comb filter consists of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), two high birefringence fiber (HBF) segments of the same length, an ordered wave retarder combination (WRC) of a quarter-wave retarder (QWR) and a half-wave retarder (HWR) before the first HBF segment, and an ordered WRC of an HWR and a QWR before the second HBF segment. The second HBF segment is butt-coupled to one port of the PBS so that its principal axis should be 22.5° away from the horizontal axis of the PBS. Taking the filter transmittance obtained by Jones calculus into consideration, we found the azimuth orientation angle (AOA) sets of the four wave retarders, which could allow extra phase shifts (ψ’s) ranging from 0° to 360° to be induced in the narrowband transmittance function. From filter transmission spectra calculated according to the AOA sets found above, it is confirmed that the first-order narrowband comb spectrum can be continuously tuned by properly controlling the AOA’s, clearly indicating the continuous wavelength tunability based on a composite combination of ordered wave retarders. This theoretical prediction was verified by actually constructing the proposed filter. Then, it is concluded that our filter employing the composite combination of wave retarders can be continuously frequency-tuned by properly controlling the AOA’s of the wave retarders.
Remote Sensing Scene Classification and Explanation Using RSSCNet and LIME
Authors: Hung Sheng-Chieh , Wu Hui-Ching , Tseng Ming-Hseng
Published: September 2020

Classification is needed in disaster investigation, traffic control, and land-use resource management. How to quickly and accurately classify such remote sensing imagery has become a popular research topic. However, the application of large, deep neural network models for the training of classifiers in the hope of obtaining good classification results is often very time-consuming. In this study, a new CNN (convolutional neutral networks) architecture, i.e., RSSCNet (remote sensing scene classification network), with high generalization capability was designed. Moreover, a two-stage cyclical learning rate policy and the no-freezing transfer learning method were developed to speed up model training and enhance accuracy. In addition, the manifold learning t-SNE (t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) algorithm was used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, and the LIME (local interpretable model, agnostic explanation) algorithm was applied to improve the results in cases where the model made wrong predictions. Comparing the results of three publicly available datasets in this study with those obtained in previous studies, the experimental results show that the model and method proposed in this paper can achieve better scene classification more quickly and more efficiently.
Speech Recognition for Task Domains with Sparse Matched Training Data
Authors: Kang Byung Ok , Jeon Hyeong Bae , Park Jeon Gue
Published: September 2020

We propose two approaches to handle speech recognition for task domains with sparse matched training data. One is an active learning method that selects training data for the target domain from another general domain that already has a significant amount of labeled speech data. This method uses attribute-disentangled latent variables. For the active learning process, we designed an integrated system consisting of a variational autoencoder with an encoder that infers latent variables with disentangled attributes from the input speech, and a classifier that selects training data with attributes matching the target domain. The other method combines data augmentation methods for generating matched target domain speech data and transfer learning methods based on teacher/student learning. To evaluate the proposed method, we experimented with various task domains with sparse matched training data. The experimental results show that the proposed method has qualitative characteristics that are suitable for the desired purpose, it outperforms random selection, and is comparable to using an equal amount of additional target domain data.
Identification of Major Inefficient Water Consumption Areas Considering Water Consumption, Efficiencies, and Footprints in Australia
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman , Damnics Riley Raimond , Rajabi Zohreh , Shahid Muhammad Laiq Ur Rahman , Muttil Nitin
Published: September 2020

Due to population growth, climatic change, and growing water usage, water scarcity is expected to be a more prevalent issue at the global level. The situation in Australia is even more serious because it is the driest continent and is characterized by larger water footprints in the domestic, agriculture and industrial sectors. Because the largest consumption of freshwater resources is in the agricultural sector (59%), this research undertakes a detailed investigation of the water footprints of agricultural practices in Australia. The analysis of the four highest water footprint crops in Australia revealed that the suitability of various crops is connected to the region and the irrigation efficiencies. A desirable crop in one region may be unsuitable in another. The investigation is further extended to analyze the overall virtual water trade of Australia. Australia’s annual virtual water trade balance is adversely biased towards exporting a substantial quantity of water, amounting to 35 km3, per trade data of 2014. It is evident that there is significant potential to reduce water consumption and footprints, and increase the water usage efficiencies, in all sectors. Based on the investigations conducted, it is recommended that the water footprints at each state level be considered at the strategic level. Further detailed analyses are required to reduce the export of a substantial quantity of virtual water considering local demands, export requirements, and production capabilities of regions.
Long Wave Run-Up Resonance in a Multi-Reflection System
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Dias Frédéric
Published: September 2020

Wave reflection and wave trapping can lead to long wave run-up resonance. After reviewing the theory of run-up resonance in the framework of the linear shallow water equations, we perform numerical simulations of periodic waves incident on a linearly sloping beach in the framework of the nonlinear shallow water equations. Three different types of boundary conditions are tested: fully reflective boundary, relaxation zone, and influx transparent boundary. The effect of the boundary condition on wave run-up is investigated. For the fully reflective boundary condition, it is found that resonant regimes do exist for certain values of the frequency of the incoming wave, which is consistent with theoretical results. The influx transparent boundary condition does not lead to run-up resonance. Finally, by decomposing the left- and right-going waves into a multi-reflection system, we find that the relaxation zone can lead to run-up resonance depending on the length of the relaxation zone.
A Spring Search Algorithm Applied to Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad , Montazeri Zeinab , Dhiman Gaurav , Malik O. P. , Morales-Menendez Ruben , Ramirez-Mendoza Ricardo A. , Dehghani Ali , Guerrero Josep M. , Parra-Arroyo Lizeth
Published: September 2020

At present, optimization algorithms are used extensively. One particular type of such algorithms includes random-based heuristic population optimization algorithms, which may be created by modeling scientific phenomena, like, for example, physical processes. The present article proposes a novel optimization algorithm based on Hooke’s law, called the spring search algorithm (SSA), which aims to solve single-objective constrained optimization problems. In the SSA, search agents are weights joined through springs, which, as Hooke’s law states, possess a force that corresponds to its length. The mathematics behind the algorithm are presented in the text. In order to test its functionality, it is executed on 38 established benchmark test functions and weighed against eight other optimization algorithms: a genetic algorithm (GA), a gravitational search algorithm (GSA), a grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO), a grey wolf optimizer (GWO), a spotted hyena optimizer (SHO), as well as an emperor penguin optimizer (EPO). To test the SSA’s usability, it is employed on five engineering optimization problems. The SSA delivered better fitting results than the other algorithms in unimodal objective function, multimodal objective functions, CEC 2015, in addition to the optimization problems in engineering.
Crossing Cultural Boundaries: Saint George in the Eastern Mediterranean under the Latinokratia (13th–14th Centuries) and His Mythification in the Crown of Aragon
Authors: Castiñeiras Manuel
Published: September 2020

The cult of St George in the Eastern Mediterranean is one of the most extraordinary examples of cohabitation among different religious communities. For a long time, Greek Orthodox, Latins, and Muslims shared shrines dedicated to the Cappadocian warrior in very different places. This phenomenon touches on two aspects of the cult—the intercultural and the transcultural—that should be considered separately. My paper mainly focuses on the cross-cultural value of the cult and the iconography of St George in continental and insular Greece during the Latinokratia (13th–14th centuries). In this area, we face the same phenomenon with similar contradictions to those found in Turkey or Palestine, where George was shared by different communities, but could also serve to strengthen the identity of a particular ethnic group. Venetians, Franks, Genoese, Catalans, and Greeks (Ῥωμαῖοι) sought the protection of St George, and in this process, they tried to physically or figuratively appropriate his image. However, in order to gain a better understanding of the peculiar situation in Frankish-Palaiologian Greece, it is necessary first to analyze the use of images of St George by the Palaiologian dynasty (1261–1453). Later, we will consider this in relation to the cult and the depiction of the saint on a series of artworks and monuments in Frankish and Catalan Greece. The latter enables us to more precisely interrogate the significance of the former cult of St George in the Crown of Aragon and assess the consequences of the rulership of Greece for the flourishing of his iconography in Late Gothic art.
Initiation and Organization Mechanisms of Mesoscale Convective Systems in a Warm-Sector Torrential Rainfall Event over Beijing
Authors: Yin Lei , Mao Jiahua , Ping Fan , Li Xiaofan , Wang Ning
Published: September 2020

A torrential rainfall that occurred in Beijing during the period of 21–22 July 2012 is simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting Model in order to investigate the probable mechanisms for the initiation and organization of warm-sector mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). The simulated results show that the cyclone, which formed in Hetao area, Inner Mongolia and moved eastward slowly, played a key role in the formation and development of warm-sector precipitation, although the favorable atmospheric environment and the configuration of weather systems are also important, which caused the trigger and organization of convective cells along Taihang Mountains. It is the interaction of the local terrain convergence line and the southerly airflows of Hetao cyclone that cause the continuous trigger of convective cells along Taihang Mountains. While, the triggers of convective cells in the plains are caused by the gravity waves, which is related to the development and eastward movement of Hetao cyclone. It must be pointed out that the merging and coupling between the cells that triggered in Taihang Mountains and moved southwesterly and the cells that triggered in plains and moved northeasterly are the key factors for the formation and development of MCSs during the warm-sector precipitation. In addition, the back-building processes and the cold pool forcing are also important for the formation and development of MCSs in this study.
Managing Rhizoctonia Damping-Off of Rocket (Eruca sativa) Seedlings by Drench Application of Bioactive Potato Leaf Phytochemical Extracts
Authors: Pane Catello , Caputo Michele , Francese Gianluca , Manganiello Gelsomina , Lo Scalzo Roberto , Mennella Giuseppe , Zaccardelli Massimo
Published: September 2020

Plants produce a huge array of secondary metabolites that play a key role in defense mechanisms against detrimental microorganisms and herbivores, and represent a suitable alternative to synthetic fungicides in sustainable agriculture. In this work, twelve crude hydroethanolic extracts derived from leaves of different potato cultivars were chemically characterized by LC/MS and their antioxidant properties were investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the biological activity against the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Extracts showed the ability to inhibit R. solani growth in vitro and significantly reduced damping-off incidence in in vivo experiments. Furthermore, R. solani mycelia exposed to the extracts showed an altered morphology (low translucency, irregular silhouette, and cytoplasmatic content coagulation) compared to the untreated control in light microscopy examination. Principal component analysis conducted on identified chemical compounds highlighted significant metabolic variations across the different extracts. In particular, those that inhibited most of the growth of the pathogen were found to be enriched in α-chaconine or α-solanine content, indicating that their biological activity is affected by the abundance of these metabolites. These results clearly indicated that plant-derived compounds represent a suitable alternative to chemicals and could lead to the development of new formulates for sustainable control of plant diseases.
Galectin-3: A Potential Prognostic and Diagnostic Marker for Heart Disease and Detection of Early Stage Pathology
Authors: Hara Akira , Niwa Masayuki , Kanayama Tomohiro , Noguchi Kei , Niwa Ayumi , Matsuo Mikiko , Kuroda Takahiro , Hatano Yuichiro , Okada Hideshi , Tomita Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

The use of molecular biomarkers for the early detection of heart disease, before their onset of symptoms, is an attractive novel approach. Ideal molecular biomarkers, those that are both sensitive and specific to heart disease, are likely to provide a much earlier diagnosis, thereby providing better treatment outcomes. Galectin-3 is expressed by various immune cells, including mast cells, histiocytes and macrophages, and plays an important role in diverse physiological functions. Since galectin-3 is readily expressed on the cell surface, and is readily secreted by injured and inflammatory cells, it has been suggested that cardiac galectin-3 could be a marker for cardiac disorders such as cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, depending on the specific pathogenesis. Thus, galectin-3 may be a novel candidate biomarker for the diagnosis, analysis and prognosis of various cardiac diseases, including heart failure. The goals of heart disease treatment are to prevent acute onset and to predict their occurrence by using the ideal molecular biomarkers. In this review, we discuss and summarize recent developments of galectin-3 as a next-generation molecular biomarker of heart disease. Furthermore, we describe how galectin-3 may be useful as a diagnostic marker for detecting the early stages of various heart diseases, which may contribute to improved early therapeutic interventions.
Retinoids in Embryonic Development
Authors: Schubert Michael , Gibert Yann
Published: September 2020

Retinoids constitute a class of compounds chemically related to vitamin A [...]
An Extra Breath of Fresh Air: Hyperbaric Oxygenation as a Stroke Therapeutic
Authors: Cozene Blaise , Sadanandan Nadia , Gonzales-Portillo Bella , Saft Madeline , Cho Justin , Park You Jeong , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: September 2020

Stroke serves as a life-threatening disease and continues to face many challenges in the development of safe and effective therapeutic options. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) demonstrates pre-clinical effectiveness for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and reports reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and neural apoptosis. These pathophysiological benefits contribute to improved functional recovery. Current pre-clinical and clinical studies are testing the applications of HBOT for stroke neuroprotection, including its use as a preconditioning regimen. Mild oxidative stress may be able to prime the brain to tolerate full extensive oxidative stress that occurs during a stroke, and HBOT preconditioning has displayed efficacy in establishing such ischemic tolerance. In this review, evidence on the use of HBOT following an ischemic stroke is examined, and the potential for HBOT preconditioning as a neuroprotective strategy. Additionally, HBOT as a stem cell preconditioning is also discussed as a promising strategy, thus maximizing the use of HBOT for ischemic stroke.
Amino Acid Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Panfili Eleonora , Gerli Roberto , Grohmann Ursula , Pallotta Maria Teresa
Published: September 2020

In mammals, amino acid metabolism has evolved to act as a critical regulator of innate and adaptive immune responses. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthropathy sustained by autoimmune responses. We examine here the current knowledge of tryptophan and arginine metabolisms and the main immunoregulatory pathways in amino acid catabolism, in both RA patients and experimental models of arthritis. We found that l-tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and, in particular, the kynurenine pathway would exert protective effects in all experimental models and in some, but not all, RA patients, possibly due to single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene coding for indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1; the enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step of the kynurenine pathway). The function, i.e., either protective or pathogenetic, of the l-arginine (Arg) metabolism in RA was less clear. In fact, although immunoregulatory arginase 1 (ARG1) was highly induced at the synovial level in RA patients, its true functional role is still unknown, possibly because of few available preclinical data. Therefore, our analysis would indicate that amino acid metabolism represents a fruitful area of research for new drug targets for a more effective and safe therapy of RA and that further studies are demanding to pursue such an important objective.
Pathophysiology of Swallowing Dysfunction in Parkinson Disease and Lack of Dopaminergic Impact on the Swallow Function and on the Effect of Thickening Agents
Authors: Nascimento Weslania , Arreola Viridiana , Sanz Pilar , Necati Ediz , Bolivar-Prados Mireia , Michou Emilia , Ortega Omar , Clavé Pere
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: The effect of dopaminergic treatment on swallowing response in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffering oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is not understood. Aim: To characterize OD pathophysiology in PD and to assess whether dopaminergic states affect swallow function and the effect of thickeners. (2) Methods: Fifty patients with PD (40 evaluated in OFF/ON states) and 12 healthy volunteers (HVs) were evaluated with videofluoroscopy (VFS) to assess the swallowing biomechanics and kinematics of the swallowing response at three different shear-viscosities (<50, 120, and 4000 mPa·s); (3) Results: Patients presented a mean age of 70.46 ± 10.03 years. Disease evolution was 5.09 ± 3.86 year and Hoehn-Yahr stage was 2.32 ± 0.81. For HVs, mean age was 40.20 ± 2.50 year. Penetrations were present in 37.50% of PD patients and were associated with delayed laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC = 293.33 ± 90.07 ms). In contrast, HVs presented a LVC = 164.00 ± 39.78 ms (p < 0.05). An LVC ≥ 260 ms cutoff predicted unsafe swallow (sensitivity ≥ 0.83, specificity ≥ 0.57, AUC = 0.80) in PD. Increasing bolus viscosity improved deglutition safety but increased oropharyngeal residue. There were no differences in swallowing between the OFF/ON states. (4) Conclusions: In initial PD stages, oropharyngeal swallow response is severely delayed, while mildly impaired swallow safety improves with increasing bolus viscosity, which increases residue. Dopaminergic treatment does not affect swallowing or the therapeutic effect of thickeners.
The Effect of Tourmaline on SCR Denitrification Activity of MnOx/TiO2 at Low Temperature
Authors: Helian Yizhe , Cui Suping , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: September 2020

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology is the most widely used flue gas denitration technology at present. The stability of a catalyst is the main factor limiting the development of this technology. In this study, an environmentally friendly and highly efficient NH3-SCR catalyst was prepared by coprecipitation method from acidolysis residue of industrial waste and tourmaline. We found that the addition of tourmaline has an important impact on the denitration activity of the catalytic material. The NOx conversion exceeded 97% at 200 °C with the dosage of 10% tourmaline, which is about 7% higher than that without doping. The improvement of catalytic performance was mostly attributed to the permanent electrodes of tourmaline, which effectively promotes the dispersion of MnOx/TiO2 catalytic materials, increases the number of acidic sites and changes the valence distribution of manganese ions in products, which speeds up the diffusion of protons and ions, resulting in the acceleration of redox reaction. These as-developed tourmaline-modified MnOx/TiO2 materials have been demonstrated to be promising as a new type of highly efficient low-temperature NH3-SCR catalyst.
Dynamics of Photogenerated Charge Carriers in TiO2/MoO3, TiO2/WO3 and TiO2/V2O5 Photocatalysts with Mosaic Structure
Authors: Kokorin Alexander I. , Sviridova Tatyana V. , Konstantinova Elizaveta A. , Sviridov Dmitry V. , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: September 2020

Titania is a widely used photocatalytic material possessing such advantages as low cost and high reactivity under the ultraviolet light illumination. However, the fast recombination of photoexcited charge carriers limits its application. Herein, we have synthesized original nanomaterials with mosaic structures that exhibited well-defined heterojunctions and new properties. Using SEM, XRD, EPR spectroscopy, photocatalytic measurements, and photoinduced pathphysiological activity of these photocatalysts, we studied the processes of charge carrier accumulation in TiO2/MoO3, TiO2/WO3, and TiO2/V2O5 under in situ UV illumination with emphasis on the charge exchange between energy levels of these nanosized semiconductors. It is shown that the accumulation of photoinduced charges occurs in two forms (i) filled electron traps corresponding to Ti4+/Ti3+ levels and (ii) Mo5+ centers, both forms contributing to the photoinduced biocide activity of the samples. This work demonstrates that light exposure of heterostructure photocatalysts with mosaic surfaces produces different types of charge-trapping centers capable of interacting with molecular oxygen yielding peroxo species, which provide long-life light-induced ”self-cleaning” behavior. Such photoaccumulating materials open new opportunities in developing light-driven self-sterilization structures exhibiting a prolonged bactericidal effect up to 10 h after stopping light exposure.
Project Earthrise: Inspiring Creativity, Kindness and Imagination in Planetary Health
Authors: Logan Alan C. , Berman Susan H. , Berman Brian M. , Prescott Susan L.
Published: September 2020

The concept of planetary health blurs the artificial lines between health at scales of person, place and planet. At the same time, it emphasizes the integration of biological, psychological, social and cultural aspects of health in the modern environment. Our grandest challenges in the Anthropocene ultimately stem from human attitudes to each other and to our environment. However, solutions rarely confront the underlying value systems that created these interconnected problems, or the attitudes that perpetuate them. Too often, the dominant focus is on the “worst of human nature”, and devalues or neglects the importance of empathy, kindness, hope, love, creativity and mutual respect—the deeper values that unite, empower and refocus priorities of individuals and groups. Here, we call to normalize more creative, mutualistic approaches—including the perspectives of traditional and indigenous cultures—to positively influence normative value systems. We revisit the power of inspiration with the profound example of the Apollo 8 Earthrise photo which galvanized a fledgling planetary health movement over 50 years ago. Through the inaugural Earth Day that followed, we are reminded that its early organizers were not constrained in how they defined the “environment”. They and their primary speakers were as concerned about value systems as they were about pollution—that we cannot hope to solve our problems without addressing the attitudes that created them in the first place. We explore the ways in which the awe of Earthrise—and the contemporary science of creativity and studies of utopian thinking—might reinvigorate imagination, kindness and mutualism. We revisit the fundamental challenge offered by Pulitzer-Prize-winning microbiologist Rene Dubos and others in the afterglow of the Earthrise photo, and the inaugural Earth Day. This is a question of imagination: What kind of world we want to live in?
Facile Fabrication of Polyimide-alumina Composite Coatings by Liquid Flame Spray
Authors: Zhou Jingzhong , Sun Kuoteng , Huang Songqiang , He Xuemin , Cai Weichen , Zhao Yuantao , Li Wenge
Published: September 2020

Polyimide is type of heterocyclic polymer compound characterized by an imide ring structure. The aromatic ring structure in polyimide facilitates good electrical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties and radiation resistance, etc. It is widely used in the aerospace field, in electronic components and in the semiconductor industry. Traditional methods for the preparation of polyimide films have different limitations. Here, a new one-step method was established to prepare polyimide coatings using liquid flame spray. The effect of different mass fraction on the surface and cross section structure characteristics of polyimide coatings was studied. The formation process of the polyimide-alumina composite coatings was analyzed using single particles and coatings with different amount of alumina. The composite coating shows a flat and dense structure and excellent dielectric properties. The results shed light on construction of polymer-inorganic composite layers for widespread applications.
Synthesis and Structure of Fluorinated (Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanols: Bench Compounds for Diverse Applications
Authors: Romanov Vasily , Tretyakov Evgeny , Selivanova Galina , Li Jiayao , Bagryanskaya Irina , Makarov Alexander , Luneau Dominique
Published: September 2020

A simple and general approach to the synthesis (from commercial precursors) of eight out of nine possible (benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanols fluorinated on the benzene ring is reported. Molecular and crystalline structures of most compounds were solved by X-ray diffraction analysis. This made it possible to reveal the influence of the number and arrangement of fluorine atoms in the benzene cycle on the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. It was found that the more fluorine atoms are present in a compound, the higher the dimensionality of the H-bonded structure is. Moreover, the presence of fluorine atoms in the synthesized compounds leads to the emergence of C–F…π interactions affecting crystal packing. The synthesized fluorinated (benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanols may serve as excellent bench compounds for the synthesis of a systematic series of fluorine-containing derivatives to study structure–property correlations in various fields of research from medicine to materials science.
Species Composition and New Records of Diatom Taxa on Phyllodictyon pulcherrimum (Chlorophyceae) from the Gulf of California
Authors: López-Fuerte Francisco Omar , Siqueiros Beltrones David Alfaro , Altamirano-Cerecedo María del Carmen
Published: September 2020

A taxonomic analysis of diatoms found on Phyllodictyon pulcherrimum yielded a total of 244 diatom taxa (all illustrated) within 27 orders, 45 families, and 86 genera. The Taxa were briefly documented in a list including identification references and morphometric data. Thirty-eight of the taxa identified at the species and infraspecific levels represent new records for the coasts of Mexico. Seven were recorded for the first time on the American continent: Auricula flabelliformis, A. pulchra, Campylodiscus scalaris, Coscinodiscus mesoleius, Dimeregramma fulvum, Navicula palpebralis var. angulosa, and Seminavis barbarae, and one, Nitzschia fusiformis, for the Pacific Ocean. This is the second record of the chlorophyte P. pulcherrimum in the north Pacific and the third for Mexican waters. The results confirm that surveying rare macroalgae species as hosts for epiphytic diatoms provides opportunities to seek new records of diatom taxa, or even new taxa, in regions around the world.