bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing Challenges of a Modular Transverse Flux Alternator for Aerospace
Authors: Kulan Mehmet C. , Baker Nick J. , Turvey Simon
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the manufacturing challenges of a transverse flux alternator for an aerospace application. For fault tolerance, four independent isolated phases are required to deliver a specific power at low speeds, whilst at over speed, there is a strict limit on the short circuit current. A transverse flux machine (TFM) was selected due to its high inductance combined with the modular nature of separate phases lending itself to fault tolerance. The stator consists of pressed soft magnetic composite (SMC) segments. The authors explore the electromagnetic, mechanical, and assembly design challenges of the machine. It is shown that mechanical design aspects of the segments are of equal importance to the electromagnetic design and optimization. Simple design choices have allowed the same component to be used as all the stator segments, despite the requirement of a 90° electrical phase difference between phases and a tooth offset of 180° electrical within each phase.
Electrical Response of Mechanically Damaged Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Soudbakhsh Damoon , Gilaki Mehdi , Lynch William , Zhang Peilin , Choi Taeyoung , Sahraei Elham
Published: August 2020

Lithium-ion batteries have found various modern applications due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge. However, increased use of these batteries has been accompanied by an increase in safety concerns, such as spontaneous fires or explosions due to impact or indentation. Mechanical damage to a battery cell is often enough reason to discard it. However, if an Electric Vehicle is involved in a crash, there is no means to visually inspect all the cells inside a pack, sometimes consisting of thousands of cells. Furthermore, there is no documented report on how mechanical damage may change the electrical response of a cell, which in turn can be used to detect damaged cells by the battery management system (BMS). In this research, we investigated the effects of mechanical deformation on electrical responses of Lithium-ion cells to understand what parameters in electrical response can be used to detect damage where cells cannot be visually inspected. We used charge-discharge cycling data, capacity fade measurement, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with advanced modeling techniques. Our results indicate that many cell parameters may remain unchanged under moderate indentation, which makes detection of a damaged cell a challenging task for the battery pack and BMS designers.
Gaussian Processes Proxy Model with Latent Variable Models and Variogram-Based Sensitivity Analysis for Assisted History Matching
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Yuyang , Jiang Bohou , Jiang Xinwei , Kang Zhijiang
Published: August 2020

Reservoir history matching is a well-known inverse problem for production prediction where enormous uncertain reservoir parameters of a reservoir numerical model are optimized by minimizing the misfit between the simulated and history production data. Gaussian Process (GP) has shown promising performance for assisted history matching due to the efficient nonparametric and nonlinear model with few model parameters to be tuned automatically. Recently introduced Gaussian Processes proxy models and Variogram Analysis of Response Surface-based sensitivity analysis (GP-VARS) uses forward and inverse Gaussian Processes (GP) based proxy models with the VARS-based sensitivity analysis to optimize the high-dimensional reservoir parameters. However, the inverse GP solution (GPIS) in GP-VARS are unsatisfactory especially for enormous reservoir parameters where the mapping from low-dimensional misfits to high-dimensional uncertain reservoir parameters could be poorly modeled by GP. To improve the performance of GP-VARS, in this paper we propose the Gaussian Processes proxy models with Latent Variable Models and VARS-based sensitivity analysis (GPLVM-VARS) where Gaussian Processes Latent Variable Model (GPLVM)-based inverse solution (GPLVMIS) instead of GP-based GPIS is provided with the inputs and outputs of GPIS reversed. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed GPLVM-VARS in terms of accuracy and complexity. The source code of the proposed GPLVM-VARS is available at https://github.com/XinweiJiang/GPLVM-VARS.
Solar Integrated Anaerobic Digester: Energy Savings and Economics
Authors: Lombardi Lidia , Mendecka Barbara , Fabrizi Simone
Published: August 2020

Industrial anaerobic digestion requires low temperature thermal energy to heat the feedstock and maintain temperature conditions inside the reactor. In some cases, the thermal requirements are satisfied by burning part of the produced biogas in devoted boilers. However, part of the biogas can be saved by integrating thermal solar energy into the anaerobic digestion plant. We study the possibility of integrating solar thermal energy in biowaste mesophilic/thermophilic anaerobic digestion, with the aim of reducing the amount of biogas burnt for internal heating and increasing the amount of biogas, further upgraded to biomethane and injected into the natural gas grid. With respect to previously available studies that evaluated the possibility of integrating solar thermal energy in anaerobic digestion, we introduce the topic of economic sustainability by performing a preliminary and simplified economic analysis of the solar system, based only on the additional costs/revenues. The case of Italian economic incentives for biomethane injection into the natural gas grid—that are particularly favourable—is considered as reference case. The amount of saved biogas/biomethane, on an annual basis, is about 4–55% of the heat required by the gas boiler in the base case, without solar integration, depending on the different considered variables (mesophilic/thermophilic, solar field area, storage time, latitude, type of collector). Results of the economic analysis show that the economic sustainability can be reached only for some of the analysed conditions, using the less expensive collector, even if its efficiency allows lower biomethane savings. Future reduction of solar collector costs might improve the economic feasibility. However, when the payback time is calculated, excluding the Italian incentives and considering selling the biomethane at the natural gas price, its value is always higher than 10 years. Therefore, incentives mechanism is of great importance to support the economic sustainability of solar integration in biowaste anaerobic digestion producing biomethane.
Post-Wildfire Regeneration in a Sky-Island Mixed- Conifer Ecosystem of the North American Great Basin
Authors: Kilpatrick Mackenzie , Biondi Franco
Published: August 2020

Information on wildfire impacts and ecosystem responses is relatively sparse in the Great Basin of North America, where subalpine ecosystems are generally dominated by five-needle pines. We analyzed existing vegetation, with an emphasis on regeneration following the year 2000 Phillips Ranch Fire, at a sky-island site in the Snake Range of eastern Nevada. Our main objective was to compare bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva; PILO) post-fire establishment and survival to that of the co-occurring dominant conifers limber pine (Pinus flexilis; PIFL) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii; PIEN) in connection with site characteristics. Field data were collected in 40 circular 0.1 ha plots (17.8 m radius) randomly located using GIS so that half of them were inside (“burned”) and half were outside (“unburned”) the 2000 fire boundary. While evidence of previous burns was also found, we focused on impacts from the Phillips Ranch Fire. Mean total basal area, including live and dead stems, was not significantly different between plots inside the burn and plots outside the fire perimeter, but the live basal area was significantly less in the former than in the latter. Wildfire impacts did not limit regeneration, and indeed bristlecone seedlings and saplings were more abundant in plots inside the 2000 fire perimeter than in those outside of it. PILO regeneration, especially saplings, was more abundant than PIFL and PCEN combined, indicating that PILO can competitively regenerate under modern climatic conditions. Surviving PILO regeneration in burned plots was also taller than that of PIFL. By contrast, PCEN was nearly absent in the plots that had been impacted by fire. Additional research should explicitly address how climatic changes and disturbance processes may interact in shaping future vegetation dynamics.
CFD Modeling of Ventilation and Dust Flow Behavior in Polishing and the Design of an Innovative Wet Dust Removal System
Authors: Qian Jianghai , Wang Junfeng , Liu Hailong , Xu Haojie
Published: August 2020

Fine aluminum dust pollution in the polishing process was detected during a field survey. To obtain a fundamental understanding of the airflow patterns and the fine dust dispersion characteristics during a polishing process, computational fluid dynamics simulations were first performed to analyze the data collected in field measurements. The inappropriate ventilation arrangement and lack of effective dust control measures were identified as the main reasons for the high dust exposure levels (in excess of 1000 μg/m3). Simulation results showed that inhalable dust particles (PM10) could be significantly diluted at the operator’s breathing level by adding a supply air inlet above the operating area. Moreover, dry dust collection systems create a risk of aluminum dust explosion accidents. An innovative design of wet dust removal system which could mitigate the occurrence of dust explosions was proposed and then implemented on site. An independent field dust assessment showed that a reduction of fine dust particles up to 95% in the worker’s breathing area and the fine dust in the vents was reduced to 80%. Therefore, the proposed strategies are implemented immediately to address the combustible dust in the polishing working environment and can provide guidance for operators.
Does Environmental Innovation Improve Environmental Productivity?—An Empirical Study Based on the Spatial Panel Data Model of Chinese Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Ma Junwei , Wang Jianhua , Szmedra Philip
Published: August 2020

Environmental productivity comprehensively measures economic growth and environmental quality. Environmental innovation is considered to be the key to solving economic and environmental problems. Therefore, discussing the impact of environmental innovation on environmental productivity will reveal its economic and environmental effects. This paper measures environmental productivity by value added per unit of pollution emissions (four types of emissions are used) using panel data of 10 Chinese urban agglomerations from 2003 to 2016 to analyze the spatial correlation of environmental productivity, and constructs a spatial panel data model to empirically test the impact of environmental innovation on environmental productivity. It was found that environmental productivity measured by value added per unit of carbon dioxide emissions (gross domestic product (GDP)/CO2) had a significant positive spatial spillover effect, and measured by value added per unit of sulfur dioxide emissions (GDP/SO2), smoke (dust) emissions (GDP/SDE), and industrial sewage emissions (GDP/IS) had a significant negative spatial spillover effect. Environmental innovation has a significant negative inhibitory effect on environmental productivity measured by GDP/SDE and GDP/IS, but no obvious effect measured by GDP/CO2 and GDP/SO2. Control variables such as economic development level, industrial agglomeration, foreign direct investment, and endowment structure factor also show significant differences in environmental productivity measured by value added per unit of pollution emissions. In addition, there are significant differences in direct effects of explanatory variables on environmental productivity of local regions and indirect effects on neighboring regions. These differences are also related to the types of pollution emissions. Therefore, policymakers should set different policies for different types of pollution and encourage different types of environmental innovation, so as to achieve reduced pollution emissions and improved environmental productivity.
Comparative Indoor Pollution from Glo, Iqos, and Juul, Using Traditional Combustion Cigarettes as Benchmark: Evidence from the Randomized SUR-VAPES AIR Trial
Authors: Peruzzi Mariangela , Cavarretta Elena , Frati Giacomo , Carnevale Roberto , Miraldi Fabio , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Versaci Francesco , Cammalleri Vittoria , Avino Pasquale , Protano Carmela , Vitali Matteo
Published: August 2020

Modified risk products (MRP) such as electronic vaping cigarettes (EVC) and heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC) are appealing alternatives to combustion cigarettes. Limited between- and within-device comparative data are available on MRP. We aimed at comparing indoor particulate matter (PM) emissions measured in a randomized trial enforcing standardized smoking sessions, testing different devices and flavors of MRP, using traditional combustion cigarettes (TCC) as benchmark. Overall, MRP yielded significantly lower levels of indoor PM in comparison to TCC (with median PM levels during smoking for MRP < 100 μg/m3, and for TCC > 1000 μg/m3). Despite this, significant differences among MRP were found, with Iqos appearing associated with a significantly lower burden of emissions for all the monitored fractions of PM, including total PM (all p < 0.05). Precisely, during use, PM ≤1 µm (PM1) emissions were 28 (16; 28) μg/m3 for Glo, 25 (15; 57) μg/m3 for Iqos, and 73 (15; 559) μg/m3 for Juul (p < 0.001 for Glo vs. Iqos, p < 0.001 for Glo vs. Juul, and p = 0.045 for Iqos vs. Juul). Exploratory within-MRP analyses suggested significant differences between flavors, favoring, for instance, Ultramarine for Glo, Bronze for Iqos, and Mango for Juul, even if results varied substantially according to individual smoker. In conclusion, leading MRP have significantly less intense and persistent effects on indoor pollution in comparison to TCC. Yet, when focusing solely on MRP, between-product and between-flavor differences appear, with quantitative estimates suggesting lower polluting effects with Iqos. These results, if confirmed externally, could be used to individualize product and flavor choice to minimize the untoward effects of EVC and HNBC on indoor pollution.
Sex Differences in the Association between Living Environmental Factors and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Elderly Koreans
Authors: Kim Dong Eun , Lim Hee-Sook , Ahn Hyejin , Kim Young Sun , Park Yoo Kyoung
Published: August 2020

The association between nutritional status and living environment among 703 community-dwelling participants (268 men and 435 women) aged 65 years and older was assessed. In this cross-sectional survey study, living environmental factors, health-related factors, and nutrition (the Nutrition Quotient for the Elderly scores; NQ-E) were assessed. NQ-E scores were significantly higher in men than women, as were diversity and behavior factor scores (diversity: men, 50.2 ± 16.1; women, 44.1 ± 17.5; behavior: men, 59.3 ± 16.9; women, 54.1 ± 16.6). Participants living with a spouse and engaging in frequent sports activities had significantly higher adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having a high NQ-E than those who lived alone and engaged in restful activities and hobbies (men: adjusted OR for high NQ-E = 8.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35–59.56; women: adjusted OR for high NQ-E = 5.62; 95%CI: 2.36–13.38). We confirmed that women’s nutritional status, unlike men’s, was better when proper nutrition education was provided and when food security was guaranteed. For all participants, social activities and networks were important for maintaining good nutritional status and a healthy life. We suggest that different nutritional management strategies are needed for elderly people depending on sex.
Rural SNAP Participants and Food Insecurity: How Can Communities Leverage Resources to Meet the Growing Food Insecurity Status of Rural and Low-Income Residents?
Authors: DeWitt Emily , Gillespie Rachel , Norman-Burgdolf Heather , Cardarelli Kathryn M. , Slone Stacey , Gustafson Alison
Published: August 2020

The burden of obesity disproportionately influences poor health outcomes in rural communities in the United States. Various social and environmental factors contribute to inadequate food access and availability in rural areas, influencing dietary intakes and food insecurity rates. This study aims to identify patterns related to food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption within a SNAP-eligible and low-income, highly obese rural Appalachian community. A prospective cohort was implemented to identify gaps in resources addressing obesity and food insecurity challenges. SAS 9.4 software was used to examine differences in dietary intakes and shopping practices among SNAP participants. Among participants (n = 152), most reported an annual household income less than USD 20,000 (n = 90, 60.4%), 29.1% reported food insecurity, and 39.5% reported receiving SNAP benefits within the last month. The overall mean FV intake was 3.46 daily servings (95% CI: 3.06–3.91) among all participants. SNAP participation was associated with food insecurity (p = 0.007) and those participating in SNAP were two times more likely to report being food insecure (OR = 2.707, 95% CI: 1.317, 5.563), relative to non-participants. These findings further depict the need for intervention, as the burden of food insecurity persists. Tailoring health-promoting initiatives to consider rurality and SNAP participation is vital for sustainable success among these populations.
Casein Kinase 1α as a Regulator of Wnt-Driven Cancer
Authors: Shen Chen , Nayak Anmada , Melendez Ricardo A. , Wynn Daniel T. , Jackson Joshua , Lee Ethan , Ahmed Yashi , Robbins David J.
Published: August 2020

Wnt signaling regulates numerous cellular processes during embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Underscoring this physiological importance, deregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is associated with many disease states, including cancer. Here, we review pivotal regulatory events in the Wnt signaling pathway that drive cancer growth. We then discuss the roles of the established negative Wnt regulator, casein kinase 1α (CK1α), in Wnt signaling. Although the study of CK1α has been ongoing for several decades, the bulk of such research has focused on how it phosphorylates and regulates its various substrates. We focus here on what is known about the mechanisms controlling CK1α, including its putative regulatory proteins and alternative splicing variants. Finally, we describe the discovery and validation of a family of pharmacological CK1α activators capable of inhibiting Wnt pathway activity. One of the important advantages of CK1α activators, relative to other classes of Wnt inhibitors, is their reduced on-target toxicity, overcoming one of the major impediments to developing a clinically relevant Wnt inhibitor. Therefore, we also discuss mechanisms that regulate CK1α steady-state homeostasis, which may contribute to the deregulation of Wnt pathway activity in cancer and underlie the enhanced therapeutic index of CK1α activators.
PPARδ and FOXO1 Mediate Palmitate-Induced Inhibition of Muscle Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex and CHO Oxidation, Events Reversed by Electrical Pulse Stimulation
Authors: Chien Hung-Che , Greenhaff Paul L. , Constantin-Teodosiu Dumitru
Published: August 2020

The mechanisms behind the reduction in muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC)-controlled carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation during chronic high-fat dietary intake are poorly understood, as is the basis of CHO oxidation restoration during muscle contraction. C2C12 myotubes were treated with (300 μM) palmitate or without (control) for 16 h in the presence and absence of electrical pulse stimulation (EPS, 11.5 V, 1 Hz, 2 ms). Compared to control, palmitate reduced cell glucose uptake (p < 0.05), PDC activity (p < 0.01), acetylcarnitine accumulation (p < 0.05) and glucose-derived mitochondrial ATP production (p < 0.01) and increased pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoform 4 (PDK4) (p < 0.01), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) (p < 0.01) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) (p < 0.01) proteins, and reduced the whole-cell p-FOXO1/t-FOXO1 (Forkhead Box O1) ratio (p < 0.01). EPS rescued palmitate-induced inhibition of CHO oxidation, reflected by increased glucose uptake (p < 0.01), PDC activity (p < 0.01) and glucose-derived mitochondrial ATP production (p < 0.01) compared to palmitate alone. EPS was also associated with less PDK4 (p < 0.01) and PPARδ (p < 0.01) proteins, and lower nuclear p-FOXO1/t-FOXO1 ratio normalised to the cytoplasmic ratio, but with no changes in PPARα protein. Collectively, these data suggest PPARδ, and FOXO1 transcription factors increased PDK4 protein in the presence of palmitate, which limited PDC activity and flux, and blunted CHO oxidation and glucose uptake. Conversely, EPS rescued these metabolic events by modulating the same transcription factors.
The Molecular Basis and Biologic Significance of the β-Dystroglycan-Emerin Interaction
Authors: Gómez-Monsivais Wendy Lilián , Monterrubio-Ledezma Feliciano , Huerta-Cantillo Jazmin , Mondragon-Gonzalez Ricardo , Alamillo-Iniesta Alma , García-Aguirre Ian , Azuara-Medina Paulina Margarita , Arguello-García Raúl , Rivera-Monroy Jhon Erick , Holaska James M. , Hernández-Méndez Jesús Mauricio Ernesto , Garrido Efraín , Magaña Jonathan Javier , Winder Steve J. , Brancaccio Andrea , Martínez-Vieyra Ivette , Navarro-Garcia Fernando , Cisneros Bulmaro
Published: August 2020

β-dystroglycan (β-DG) assembles with lamins A/C and B1 and emerin at the nuclear envelope (NE) to maintain proper nuclear architecture and function. To provide insight into the nuclear function of β-DG, we characterized the interaction between β-DG and emerin at the molecular level. Emerin is a major NE protein that regulates multiple nuclear processes and whose deficiency results in Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). Using truncated variants of β-DG and emerin, via a series of in vitro and in vivo binding experiments and a tailored computational analysis, we determined that the β-DG–emerin interaction is mediated at least in part by their respective transmembrane domains (TM). Using surface plasmon resonance assays we showed that emerin binds to β-DG with high affinity (KD in the nanomolar range). Remarkably, the analysis of cells in which DG was knocked out demonstrated that loss of β-DG resulted in a decreased emerin stability and impairment of emerin-mediated processes. β-DG and emerin are reciprocally required for their optimal targeting within the NE, as shown by immunofluorescence, western blotting and immunoprecipitation assays using emerin variants with mutations in the TM domain and B-lymphocytes of a patient with EDMD. In summary, we demonstrated that β-DG plays a role as an emerin interacting partner modulating its stability and function.
Different Oxidation Pathways of 2-Selenouracil and 2-Thiouracil, Natural Components of Transfer RNA
Authors: Kulik Katarzyna , Sadowska Klaudia , Wielgus Ewelina , Pacholczyk-Sienicka Barbara , Sochacka Elzbieta , Nawrot Barbara
Published: August 2020

Sulfur- and selenium-modified uridines present in the wobble position of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play an important role in the precise reading of genetic information and tuning of protein biosynthesis in all three domains of life. Both sulfur and selenium chalcogens functionally operate as key elements of biological molecules involved in the protection of cells against oxidative damage. In this work, 2-thiouracil (S2Ura) and 2-selenouracil (Se2Ura) were treated with hydrogen peroxide at 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:10 molar ratios and at selected pH values ranging from 5 to 8. It was found that Se2Ura was more prone to oxidation than its sulfur analog, and if reacted with H2O2 at a 1:1 or lower molar ratio, it predominantly produced diselenide Ura-Se-Se-Ura, which spontaneously transformed to a previously unknown Se-containing two-ring compound. Its deselenation furnished the major reaction product, a structure not related to any known biological species. Under the same conditions, only a small amount of S2Ura was oxidized to form Ura-SO2H and uracil (Ura). In contrast, 10-fold excess hydrogen peroxide converted Se2Ura and S2Ura into corresponding Ura-SeOnH and Ura-SOnH intermediates, which decomposed with the release of selenium and sulfur oxide(s) to yield Ura as either a predominant or exclusive product, respectively. Our results confirmed significantly different oxidation pathways of 2-selenouracil and 2-thiouracil.
eATP/P2X7R Axis: An Orchestrated Pathway Triggering Inflammasome Activation in Muscle Diseases
Authors: Panicucci Chiara , Raffaghello Lizzia , Bruzzone Santina , Baratto Serena , Principi Elisa , Minetti Carlo , Gazzerro Elisabetta , Bruno Claudio
Published: August 2020

In muscle ATP is primarily known for its function as an energy source and as a mediator of the “excitation-transcription” process, which guarantees muscle plasticity in response to environmental stimuli. When quickly released in massive concentrations in the extracellular space as in presence of muscle membrane damage, ATP acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP). In experimental murine models of muscular dystrophies characterized by membrane instability, blockade of eATP/P2X7 receptor (R) purinergic signaling delayed the progression of the dystrophic phenotype dampening the local inflammatory response and inducing Foxp3+ T Regulatory lymphocytes. These discoveries highlighted the relevance of ATP as a harbinger of immune-tissue damage in muscular genetic diseases. Given the interactions between the immune system and muscle regeneration, the comprehension of ATP/purinerigic pathway articulated organization in muscle cells has become of extreme interest. This review explores ATP release, metabolism, feedback control and cross-talk with members of muscle inflammasome in the context of muscular dystrophies.
Trichostatin A Alleviates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Through Modulation of the M2 Macrophage Subpopulation
Authors: Tseng Wei-Cheng , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Chen Nien-Jung , Tarng Der-Cherng
Published: August 2020

Mounting evidence indicates that an increase in histone deacetylation contributes to renal fibrosis. Although inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) can reduce the extent of fibrosis, whether HDAC inhibitors exert the antifibrotic effect through modulating the phenotypes of macrophages, the key regulator of renal fibrosis, remains unknown. Moreover, the functional roles of the M2 macrophage subpopulation in fibrotic kidney diseases remain incompletely understood. Herein, we investigated the role of HDAC inhibitors on renal fibrogenesis and macrophage plasticity. We found that HDAC inhibition by trichostatin A (TSA) reduced the accumulation of interstitial macrophages, suppressed the activation of myofibroblasts and attenuated the extent of fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. Moreover, TSA inhibited M1 macrophages and augmented M2 macrophage infiltration in fibrotic kidney tissue. Interestingly, TSA preferentially upregulated M2c macrophages and suppressed M2a macrophages in the obstructed kidneys, which was correlated with a reduction of interstitial fibrosis. TSA also repressed the expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic molecules in cultured M2a macrophages and inhibited the activation of renal myofibroblasts. In conclusion, our study was the first to show that HDAC inhibition by TSA alleviates renal fibrosis in obstructed kidneys through facilitating an M1 to M2c macrophage transition.
Editorial of Special Issue: Biological Basis of Musculoskeletal Regeneration 2019
Authors: Klatte-Schulz Franka , Wildemann Britt
Published: August 2020

The Special Issue “Biological Basis of Musculoskeletal Regeneration 2019” aimed to collect research and review articles that cover various aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bone, cartilage, tendon/ligament, and muscle regeneration [...]
HSV-1 Cytoplasmic Envelopment and Egress
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Wilson Duncan W.
Published: August 2020

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a structurally complex enveloped dsDNA virus that has evolved to replicate in human neurons and epithelia. Viral gene expression, DNA replication, capsid assembly, and genome packaging take place in the infected cell nucleus, which mature nucleocapsids exit by envelopment at the inner nuclear membrane then de-envelopment into the cytoplasm. Once in the cytoplasm, capsids travel along microtubules to reach, dock, and envelope at cytoplasmic organelles. This generates mature infectious HSV-1 particles that must then be sorted to the termini of sensory neurons, or to epithelial cell junctions, for spread to uninfected cells. The focus of this review is upon our current understanding of the viral and cellular molecular machinery that enables HSV-1 to travel within infected cells during egress and to manipulate cellular organelles to construct its envelope.
Melon Genome Regions Associated with TGR-1551-Derived Resistance to Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus
Authors: Pérez-de-Castro Ana , López-Martín María , Esteras Cristina , Garcés-Claver Ana , Palomares-Ríus Francisco Javier , Picó María Belén , Gómez-Guillamón María Luisa
Published: August 2020

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) is one of the main limiting factors of melon cultivation worldwide. To date, no commercial melon cultivars resistant to CYSDV are available. The African accession TGR-1551 is resistant to CYSDV. Two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been previously reported, both located near each other in chromosome 5. With the objective of further mapping the gene or genes responsible of the resistance, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross between TGR-1551 and the susceptible cultivar ‘Bola de Oro’ was evaluated for resistance to CYSDV in five different assays and genotyped in a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) analysis. The major effect of one of the two QTLs located on chromosome 5 was confirmed in the multienvironment RIL assay and additionally verified through the analysis of three segregating BC1S1 populations derived from three resistant RILs. Furthermore, progeny test using the offspring of selected BC3 plants allowed the narrowing of the candidate interval to a 700 kb region. The SNP markers identified in this work will be useful in marker-assisted selection in the context of introgression of CYSDV resistance in elite cultivars.
Smooth Muscle α-Actin Expression in Mitral Valve Interstitial Cells is Important for Mediating Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Authors: Dye Bailey K. , Butler Catalina , Lincoln Joy
Published: August 2020

Background: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects 3–6% of the total population including those with connective tissue disorders. Treatment is limited, and patients commonly require surgery which can be impermanent and insuperable. Abnormal prolapse of mitral valve leaflets into the left atria is caused by disturbances to the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM), that weaken biomechanics. This process, known as myxomatous degeneration is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of proteoglycans, in addition to collagen fiber disruption and elastic fiber fragmentation. The underlying mechanisms that promote myxomatous degeneration to the point of biomechanical failure are unknown, but previous histological studies of end-stage diseased tissue have reported abnormal α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in a subset of heart valve interstitial cells (VICs); however, the contribution of these abnormal cells to MVP pathogenesis has not been extensively examined. Methods: In vivo and in vitro approaches were used. Mice harboring a Fbn1C1039G mutation mimic human Marfan Syndrome and develop MVP. Using these mice, temporal and spatial changes in SMA expression relative to myxomatous degeneration were examined using histological techniques. In parallel in vitro experiments, SMA expression was downregulated in primary porcine mitral VICs directly using siRNA, and indirectly using the actin depolymerizing agent Latrunculin A. In addition, the regulation of SMA in VICs by mechanical stiffness was explored relative to ECM remodeling. Results: We show, in mitral valves from Fbn1C1039G/+ mice, that abnormal increases in SMA expression in VICs are evident during early postnatal stages of disease, prior to significant myxomatous degeneration as indicated at later stages by increased proteoglycans and collagen type I (Col1a1). Furthermore, abnormal SMA expression continues to increase during the course of pathogenesis and is localized to the mid belly region of the mitral valve leaflets from 10 weeks. Using an in vitro approach, we demonstrate that reduced SMA function by direct siRNA or indirect Latrunculin A treatment attenuates proteoglycan and Col1a1 expression in porcine mitral VICs. While upstream, we provide insights to show that SMA is regulated by mechanical tension in VICs to promote changes in ECM homeostasis. Conclusions: Together, our data show that in VICs, SMA, an actin binding protein, is important for mediating ECM remodeling associated with phenotypes observed in myxomatous degeneration, and its expression is regulated by mechanical tension. These novel insights could inform the development of future non-surgical therapeutics to halt the progression of mitral valve degeneration thereby avoiding end-stage prolapse.
Influence of Ocean Topography on Tsunami Propagation in Western Australia
Authors: Pattiaratchi Charitha
Published: August 2020

Western Australia is susceptible to tsunamis from seismic sources that originate from distant sources including the Sunda Arc. Many surface and subsurface topographic ocean features are located between the Australian continent and locations where tsunamigenic earthquakes occur. These include the Venin Meinesz Seamounts (including Christmas Island) and Horizon Ridge, Exmouth, Zenith and Cuvier Plateaus. Numerical simulations of idealised tsunamigenic earthquakes along the Sunda Arc revealed that these topographic features have a large influence on the distribution of tsunami heights, propagating speeds and energy distribution. The interaction between tsunami waves and Venin Meinesz Seamounts and Horizon Ridge, located close to the earthquake locations, scatter the tsunami energy into several beams. Exmouth Plateau acts as a focusing feature to increase wave heights between North West Cape and Barrow Island whilst Cuvier Plateau deflects energy towards Shark Bay. Although Zenith Plateau has a local effect, it does not influence tsunami waves along the coast. Southwest Australia is “sheltered” from the direct effect of tsunami waves from Sunda Arc due to the combined effects of the Seamounts and Cuvier Plateau in the scattering and refraction of tsunami waves.
Exploring the Antibacterial Activity of Pestalotiopsis spp. under Different Culture Conditions and Their Chemical Diversity Using LC–ESI–Q–TOF–MS
Authors: Aguilar-Pérez Madelaine M. , Torres-Mendoza Daniel , Vásquez Roger , Rios Nivia , Cubilla-Rios Luis
Published: August 2020

As a result of the capability of fungi to respond to culture conditions, we aimed to explore and compare the antibacterial activity and chemical diversity of two endophytic fungi isolated from Hyptis dilatata and cultured under different conditions by the addition of chemical elicitors, changes in the pH, and different incubation temperatures. Seventeen extracts were obtained from both Pestalotiopsis mangiferae (man-1 to man-17) and Pestalotiopsis microspora (mic-1 to mic-17) and were tested against a panel of pathogenic bacteria. Seven extracts from P. mangiferae and four extracts from P. microspora showed antibacterial activity; while some of these extracts displayed a high-level of selectivity and a broad-spectrum of activity, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most inhibited microorganism and was selected to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC was determined for extracts man-6 (0.11 μg/mL) and mic-9 (0.56 μg/mL). Three active extracts obtained from P. mangiferae were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (LC–ESI–Q–TOF–MS) to explore the chemical diversity and the variations in the composition. This allows us to propose structures for some of the determined molecular formulas, including the previously reported mangiferaelactone (1), an antibacterial compound.
The Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 Antimicrobial Protein PAFC Effectively Inhibits the Growth of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Holzknecht Jeanett , Kühbacher Alexander , Papp Csaba , Farkas Attila , Váradi Györgyi , Marcos Jose F. , Manzanares Paloma , Tóth Gábor K. , Galgóczy László , Marx Florentine
Published: August 2020

Small, cysteine-rich and cationic antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) from filamentous ascomycetes promise treatment alternatives to licensed antifungal drugs. In this study, we characterized the Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 antifungal protein C (PAFC), which is phylogenetically distinct to the other two Penicillium antifungal proteins, PAF and PAFB, that are expressed by this biotechnologically important ascomycete. PAFC is secreted into the culture broth and is co-expressed with PAF and PAFB in the exudates of surface cultures. This observation is in line with the suggested role of AMPs in the adaptive response of the host to endogenous and/or environmental stimuli. The in silico structural model predicted five β-strands stabilized by four intramolecular disulfide bonds in PAFC. The functional characterization of recombinant PAFC provided evidence for a promising new molecule in anti-Candida therapy. The thermotolerant PAFC killed planktonic cells and reduced the metabolic activity of sessile cells in pre-established biofilms of two Candidaalbicans strains, one of which was a fluconazole-resistant clinical isolate showing higher PAFC sensitivity than the fluconazole-sensitive strain. Candidacidal activity was linked to severe cell morphology changes, PAFC internalization, induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and plasma membrane disintegration. The lack of hemolytic activity further corroborates the potential applicability of PAFC in clinical therapy.
Editorial for Applied Econometrics
Authors: Chang Chia-Lin
Published: August 2020

This Editorial evaluates 14 invaluable and interesting articles in the Special Issue “Applied Econometrics” for the Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM). The topics covered include recovering historical inflation data from postage stamps prices, FHA loans in foreclosure proceedings through distinguishing sources of interdependence in competing risks, information in earnings forecasts, nonlinear time series modeling, a systemic approach to management control through determining factors, economic freedom and FDI versus economic growth, efficient cash use of the Taiwan dollar, financial health prediction in companies from post-Communist countries, influence of misery index on U.S. Presidential political elections, multivariate student versus Gaussian regression models in finance, financial derivatives markets and economic development, income inequality and economic growth in middle-income countries, abnormal returns, mis-measured risk, network effects, and risk spillovers in stock returns.
Efficient Intrusion Detection Algorithms for Smart Cities-Based Wireless Sensing Technologies
Authors: Ramadan Rabie A.
Published: August 2020

The world is experiencing the new development of smart cities. Smart cities’ infrastructure in its core is based on wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the internet of things (IoT). WSNs consist of tiny smart devices (Motes) that are restricted in terms of memory, storage, processing capabilities, and sensing and communication ranges. Those limitations pose many security issues where regular cryptography algorithms are not suitable to be used. Besides, such capabilities might be degraded in case cheap sensors are deployed with very large numbers in applications, such as smart cities. One of the major security issues in WSNs that affect the overall operation, up to network interruption, in smart cities is the sinkhole routing attack. The paper has three-fold contributions: (1) it utilizes the concept of clustering for energy saving in WSNs, (2) proposing two light and simple algorithms for intrusion detection and prevention in smart cities—threshold-based intrusion detection system (TBIDS) and multipath-based intrusion detection system (MBIDS), and (3) utilizing the cross-layer technique between the application layer and network layer for the purpose of intrusion detection. The proposed methods are evaluated against recent algorithms—S-LEACH, MS-LEACH, and ABC algorithms.
Polycarbonate/Sulfonamide Composites with Ultralow Contents of Halogen-Free Flame Retardant and Desirable Compatibility
Authors: Yang Hangfeng , Yue Hangbo , Zhao Xi , Song Minzimo , Guo Jianwei , Cui Yihua , Fernández-Blázquez Juan P. , Wang De-Yi
Published: August 2020

A novel halogen-free flame retardant containing sulfonamide, 1,3,5,7-tetrakis (phenyl-4-sulfonamide) adamantane (FRSN) was synthesized and used for improving the flame retardancy of largely used polycarbonate (PC). The flame-retardant properties of the composites with incorporation of varied amounts of FRSN were analyzed by techniques including limited oxygen index, UL 94 vertical burning, and cone calorimeter tests. The new FR system with sulfur and nitrogen elements showed effective improvements in PC’s flame retardancy: the LOI value of the modified PC increased significantly, smoke emission suppressed, and UL 94 V-0 achieved. Typically, the composite with only 0.08 wt% of FRSN added (an ultralow content) can increase the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value to 33.7% and classified as UL 94 V-0 rating. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and SEM morphology indicated that the FRSN has very good compatibility with PC matrix, which, in turn, is beneficial to the property enhancement. Finally, the analysis of sample residues after burning tests showed that a high portion of char was formed, contributing to the PC burning protection. This synthesized flame retardant provides a new way of improving PC’s flame retardancy and its mechanical property.
Palladium Nanoparticles Fabricated by Green Chemistry: Promising Chemotherapeutic, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Fahmy Sherif , Preis Eduard , Bakowsky Udo , Azzazy Hassan Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) showed great potential in biomedical applications because of their unique physicochemical properties. Various conventional physical and chemical methods have been used for the synthesis of Pd NPs. However, these methods include the use of hazardous reagents and reaction conditions, which may be toxic to health and to the environment. Thus, eco-friendly, rapid, and economic approaches for the synthesis of Pd NPs have been developed. Bacteria, fungi, yeast, seaweeds, plants, and plant extracts were used to prepare Pd NPs. This review highlights the most recent studies for the biosynthesis of Pd NPs, factors controlling their synthesis, and their potential biomedical applications.
A Reactive Population Approach on the Dolphin Echolocation Algorithm for Solving Cell Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Soto Ricardo , Crawford Broderick , Olivares Rodrigo , Carrasco César , Rodriguez-Tello Eduardo , Castro Carlos , Paredes Fernando , de la Fuente-Mella Hanns
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we integrate the autonomous search paradigm on a swarm intelligence algorithm in order to incorporate the auto-adjust capability on parameter values during the run. We propose an independent procedure that begins to work when it detects a stagnation in a local optimum, and it can be applied to any population-based algorithms. For that, we employ the autonomous search technique which allows solvers to automatically re-configure its solving parameters for enhancing the process when poor performances are detected. This feature is dramatically crucial when swarm intelligence methods are developed and tested. Finding the best parameter values that generate the best results is known as an optimization problem itself. For that, we evaluate the behavior of the population size to autonomously be adapted and controlled during the solving time according to the requirements of the problem. The proposal is testing on the dolphin echolocation algorithm which is a recent swarm intelligence algorithm based on the dolphin feature to navigate underwater and identify prey. As an optimization problem to solve, we test a machine-part cell formation problem which is a widely used technique for improving production flexibility, efficiency, and cost reduction in the manufacturing industry decomposing a manufacturing plant in a set of clusters called cells. The goal is to design a cell layout in such a way that the need for moving parts from one cell to another is minimized. Using statistical non-parametric tests, we demonstrate that the proposed approach efficiently solves 160 well-known cell manufacturing instances outperforming the classic optimization algorithm as well as other approaches reported in the literature, while keeping excellent robustness levels.
The Halotolerant Rhizobacterium—Pseudomonas koreensis MU2 Enhances Inorganic Silicon and Phosphorus Use Efficiency and Augments Salt Stress Tolerance in Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Adhikari Arjun , Khan Muhammad , Lee Ko-Eun , Kang Sang-Mo , Dhungana Sanjeev , Bhusal Narayan , Lee In-Jung
Published: August 2020

Optimizing nutrient usage in plants is vital for a sustainable yield under biotic and abiotic stresses. Since silicon and phosphorus are considered key elements for plant growth, this study assessed the efficient supplementation strategy of silicon and phosphorus in soybean plants under salt stress through inoculation using the rhizospheric strain—Pseudomonas koreensis MU2. The screening analysis of MU2 showed its high salt-tolerant potential, which solubilizes both silicate and phosphate. The isolate, MU2 produced gibberellic acid (GA1, GA3) and organic acids (malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and tartaric acid) in pure culture under both normal and salt-stressed conditions. The combined application of MU2, silicon, and phosphorus significantly improved silicon and phosphorus uptake, reduced Na+ ion influx by 70%, and enhanced K+ uptake by 46% in the shoots of soybean plants grown under salt-stress conditions. MU2 inoculation upregulated the salt-resistant genes GmST1, GmSALT3, and GmAKT2, which significantly reduced the endogenous hormones abscisic acid and jasmonic acid while, it enhanced the salicylic acid content of soybean. In addition, MU2 inoculation strengthened the host’s antioxidant system through the reduction of lipid peroxidation and proline while, it enhanced the reduced glutathione content. Moreover, MU2 inoculation promoted root and shoot length, plant biomass, and the chlorophyll content of soybean plants. These findings suggest that MU2 could be a potential biofertilizer catalyst for the amplification of the use efficiency of silicon and phosphorus fertilizers to mitigate salt stress.