bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Degradation of Bisphenol A in Water by Nanostructured CuNPs@CALB Biohybrid Catalysts
Authors: Losada-Garcia Noelia , Rodriguez-Otero Alba , Palomo Jose M.
Published: December 2019

Copper nanoparticles–enzyme biohybrid is a promising material for the remediation of contaminated waters, but its function is influenced by its effect on degradation organic pollutants. This study is the first investigation into the fast degradation of a high amount of Bisphenol A (BPA) in water at neutral pH and room temperature. Four different CuNPs biohybrids with different cu species and nanoparticle sizes were used as catalysts. The biohybrid CuNPs@CALB-3, which contained Cu2O nanoparticles of around 10 nm size, showed excellent catalytic performance removing >95% BPA content (45 ppm) in an aqueous solution in 20 min in the presence of hydrogen peroxide at pH 8 using 1.5 g/L of a catalyst. The catalyst showed excellent stability and recyclability at these conditions.
Synergistic Effect of a Defect-Free Graphene Nanostructure as an Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Kwang Hyun , Kim Byung Gon , Song Sung Ho
Published: December 2019

Graphene nanosheets have been among the most promising candidates for a high-performance anode material to replace graphite in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Studies in this area have mainly focused on nanostructured electrodes synthesized by graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and surface modifications by a chemical treatment. Herein, we propose a cost-effective and reliable route for generating a defect-free, nanoporous graphene nanostructure (df-GNS) through the sequential insertion of pyridine into a potassium graphite intercalation compound (K-GIC). The as-prepared df-GNS preserves the intrinsic property of graphene without any crystal damage, leading to micro-/nano-porosity (microporosity: ~10–50 µm, nanoporosity: ~2–20 nm) with a significantly large specific surface area. The electrochemical performance of the df-GNS as an anode electrode was assessed and showed a notably enhanced capacity, rate capability, and cycle stability, without fading in capacity or decaying. This is because of the optimal porosity, with perfect preservation of the graphene crystal, allowing faster ion access and a high amount of electron pathways onto the electrode. Therefore, our work will be very helpful for the development of anode and cathode electrodes with higher energy and power performance requirements.
CSD-Grown Y1−xGdxBa2Cu3O7−δ-BaHfO3 Nanocomposite Films on Ni5W and IBAD Technical Substrates
Authors: Cayado Pablo , Rijckaert Hannes , Erbe Manuela , Langer Marco , Jung Alexandra , Hänisch Jens , Holzapfel Bernhard
Published: December 2019

Chemical solution deposition (CSD) was used to grow Y1−xGdxBa2Cu3O7−δ-BaHfO3 (YGBCO-BHO) nanocomposite films containing 12 mol% BHO nanoparticles and various amounts of Gd, x, on two kinds of buffered metallic tapes: Ni5W and IBAD. The influence of the rare-earth stoichiometry on structure, morphology and superconducting properties of these films was studied. The growth process was carefully studied in order to find the most appropriate growth conditions for each composition and substrate. This led to a clear improvement in film quality, probably due to the reduction of BaCeO3 formation. In general, the superconducting properties of the films on Ni5W are significantly better. For x > 0.5, epitaxial ~270 nm thick YGBCO-BHO films with Tc > 93 K and self-field Jc at 77 K ~2 MA/cm² were obtained on Ni5W. These results highlight the potential of this approach for the fabrication of high-quality coated conductors.
Tellurium-Doped, Mesoporous Carbon Nanomaterials as Transparent Metal-Free Counter Electrodes for High-Performance Bifacial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Chang Ki , Ji Jung-Min , Zhou Haoran , Lu Chunyuan , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: December 2019

Tellurium-doped, mesoporous carbon nanomaterials with a relatively high doping level were prepared by a simple stabilization and carbonization method in the presence of a tellurium metalloid. A transparent counter electrode (CE) was prepared using tellurium-doped, mesoporous carbon (TeMC) materials, and was directly applied to bifacial, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To improve the performance of the bifacial DSSC device, CEs should have outstanding electrocatalytic activity, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical stability, as well as high transparency. In this study, to make transparent electrodes with outstanding electrocatalytic activity and electrical conductivity, various TeMC materials with different carbonization temperatures were prepared by simple pyrolysis of the polyacrylonitrile-block-poly (n-butyl acrylate) (PAN-b-PBA) block copolymer in the presence of the tellurium metalloid. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared TeMC materials were evaluated through a dummy cell test, and the material with the best catalytic ability was selected and optimized for application in bifacial DSSC devices by controlling the film thickness of the CE. As a result, the bifacial DSSC devices with the TeMC CE exhibited high power conversion efficiencies (PCE), i.e., 9.43% and 8.06% under front and rear side irradiation, respectively, which are the highest values reported for bifacial DSSCs to date. Based on these results, newly-developed transparent, carbon-based electrodes may lead to more stable and effective bifacial DSSC development without sacrificing the photovoltaic performance of the DSSC device.
Micronutrient Intake Adequacy in Men and Women with a Healthy Japanese Dietary Pattern
Authors: Ito Tomoko , Tanisawa Kumpei , Kawakami Ryoko , Usui Chiyoko , Ishii Kaori , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Sakamoto Shizuo , Muraoka Isao , Oka Koichiro , Higuchi Mitsuru
Published: December 2019

This study examined the relationship between a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and micronutrient intake adequacy based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2015 (DRIs-J 2015) in men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1418 men and 795 women aged 40–87 years, who participated in the Waseda Alumni’s Sports, Exercise, Daily Activity, Sedentariness, and Health Study. Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis of the consumption of 52 food and beverage items, which were assessed by a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Micronutrient intakes were quantified using the dietary reference intakes score (DRIs-score) for 21 micronutrients (based on DRIs-J 2015). The healthy dietary pattern score was significantly and positively correlated with the intakes of all 21 micronutrients used for constructing the DRIs-score in men and in women (each, p < 0.001). In both sexes, the healthy dietary pattern scores were strongly and positively associated with DRIs-scores (in men: ρ = 0.806, p < 0.001; in women: ρ = 0.868, p < 0.001), and the DRIs-scores reached a plateau around the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern score. These results indicate that a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with adequate micronutrient intakes based on the DRIs-J 2015 in both men and women.
Urinary Iodine Concentration in a Cohort of Adult Outpatients with Thyroid Diseases in Liguria 14 Years after the Law on Salt Iodization
Authors: Conte Lucia , Comina Martina , Monti Eleonora , Sidoti Marilena , Vannozzi Ornella , Di Ciolo Lucia , Lillo Flavia , Giusti Massimo
Published: December 2019

Italy is considered a mildly iodine-deficient country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iodine status of a cohort of adults living in Liguria after the 2005 salt iodization program. We searched all medical records of patients examined in two endocrine outpatient clinics in Genoa and Savona for data on urinary iodine. Subjects were under evaluation for thyroid diseases. Information on the type of salt used was found in few clinical records. Iodized salt use was reported in 29%, 20%, and 13% of records of people living in Genoa districts, the Savona district and nearby districts, respectively. The average urinary iodine concentration was 112.9 ± 62.3 µg/L (n = 415, median 101.0 µg/L). Non-significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between subjects with (median 103.5 µg/L) and without (median 97.5 µg/L) a thyroid gland, between the periods 2009–2013 (median 105.0 µg/L) and 2014–2018 (median 97.5 µg/L), and between Genoa (median 94.0 µg/L), Savona (median 105.0 µg/L) and the other districts (median 114.5 µg/L). No correlation with age, body mass index, creatinine, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin, levo-thyroxine dosage, or thyroid volume was observed. These data suggest a borderline status of iodine sufficiency in this cohort.
Age-Appropriate Feeding Practices in Cambodia and the Possible Influence on the Growth of the Children: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hondru Gabriela , Laillou Arnaud , Wieringa Frank T. , Poirot Etienne , Berger Jacques , Christensen Dirk L. , Roos Nanna
Published: December 2019

Age-appropriate feeding practice (ADF) during early childhood are vital for optimal nutrition. This longitudinal study determined the effect of selected risk factors and ADF, as described by the National Nutritional Recommendations, on linear and ponderal growth of children below 24 months of age. Weight and length measures were used to calculate z-scores of anthropometric measures by WHO standards. The prevalence of stunting increased from 13.2% to 32.4% over time, while prevalence of wasting remained stable (14.5%). At first visit, 43% of children of all ages complied with ADF criteria, a proportion which decreased to 7.1% in follow-up. The quality of feeding practices for children above 12 months of age was the poorest, where at the last visit, only 6% complied with the criteria for ADF. The linear mixed-effect models found the association between ADF and ponderal growth to be significant (weight-for-height estimate: 0.05 SD). In Cambodia, Ratanakiri province, ADF was the second largest determinant for ponderal growth. We recommend province specific public health actions. For children above 6 months, the quantity of food given needs to be increased, followed by the meal frequency. Mothers’ educational level, improved sanitation, and drinking water quality were among strongest predictors of a child’s growth.
Prevalence, Pathogenicity, Virulence, Antibiotic Resistance, and Phylogenetic Analysis of Biofilm-Producing Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Different Ecological Niches in Egypt: Food, Humans, Animals, and Environment
Authors: Osman Kamelia M. , Kappell Anthony D. , Fox Edward M. , Orabi Ahmed , Samir Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Serious outbreaks of foodborne disease have been caused by Listeria monocytogenes found in retail delicatessens and the severity of disease is significant, with high hospitalization and mortality rates. Little is understood about the formidable public health threat of L. monocytogenes in all four niches, humans, animals, food, and environment, in Egypt. This study analyzed the presence of L. monocytogenes collected from the four environmental niches and bioinformatics analysis was implemented to analyze and compare the data. PCR was used to detect virulence genes encoded by pathogenicity island (LIPI-1). prfA amino acid substation that causes constitutive expression of virulence was common in 77.7% of isolates. BLAST analysis did not match other isolates in the NCBI database, suggesting this may be a characteristic of the region associated with these isolates. A second group included the NH1 isolate originating in China, and BLAST analysis showed this prfA allele was shared with isolates from other global locations, such as Europe and North America. Identification of possible links and transmission pathways between the four niches helps to decrease the risk of disease in humans, to take more specific control measures in the context of disease prevention, to limit economic losses associated with food recalls, and highlights the need for treatment options.
Biological Characterization of 8-Cyclopropyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)thiazolo[5,4-f]quinazolin-9(8H)-one, a Promising Inhibitor of DYRK1A
Authors: Fruit Corinne , Couly Florence , Bhansali Rahul , Rammohan Malini , Lindberg Mattias F. , Crispino John D. , Meijer Laurent , Besson Thierry
Published: December 2019

Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) hyperactivity has been linked to the development of a number of human malignancies. DYRK1A is the most studied family member, and the discovery of novel specific inhibitors is attracting considerable interest. The 8-cyclopropyl-2(pyridin-3-yl)thiazolo[5,4-f]quinazolin-9(8H)-one (also called FC162) was found to be a promising inhibitor of DYRK1A and was characterized in biological experiments, by western transfer and flow cytometry on SH-SY5Y and pre-B cells. Here, the results obtained with FC162 are compared to well-characterized known DYRK1A inhibitors (e.g., Leucettine L41 and EHT1610).
Giving a Second Opportunity to Tire Waste: An Alternative Path for the Development of Sustainable Self-Healing Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Compounds Overcoming the Magic Triangle of Tires
Authors: Araujo-Morera Javier , Hernández Santana Marianella , Verdejo Raquel , López-Manchado Miguel Angel
Published: December 2019

Current regulations demand tires with long lifetime and reduced fuel consumption without sacrificing car safety. However, tire technology still needs to reach a suitable balance between these three indicators. Here, we address them by developing a self-healing tire compound using styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) as the matrix and reclaimed tire waste as the sustainable filler. The addition of ground tire rubber (GTR) to the matrix simultaneously improved the rolling resistance and maintained both wet grip and healing ability. We provide an in-depth analysis of the healing behavior of the material at a scale close to the relevant molecular processes through a systematic dynamic-mechanical and dielectric analysis. We found that SBR and SBR/GTR compounds show a complete recovery of stiffness and relaxation dynamics after being damaged by cyclic deformation, resulting in a heterogeneous repaired rubber network. This new development could well overcome the so-called magic triangle of tires, which is certainly one of the key objectives of the tire industry.
Understanding the Polymerization of Polyfurfuryl Alcohol: Ring Opening and Diels-Alder Reactions
Authors: Tondi Gianluca , Cefarin Nicola , Sepperer Thomas , D’Amico Francesco , Berger Raphael J. F. , Musso Maurizio , Birarda Giovanni , Reyer Andreas , Schnabel Thomas , Vaccari Lisa
Published: December 2019

Polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) is one of the most intriguing polymers because, despite its easy polymerization in acid environment, its molecular structure is definitely not obvious. Many studies have been performed in recent decades, and every time, surprising aspects came out. With the present study, we aim to take advantage of all of the findings of previous investigations and exploit them for the interpretation of the completely cured PFA spectra registered with three of the most powerful techniques for the characterization of solid, insoluble polymers: Solid-State 13C-NMR, Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-resonant Raman spectroscopy at different excitation wavelengths, using both an UV laser source and UV synchrotron radiation. In addition, the foreseen structures were modeled and the corresponding 13C-NMR and FTIR spectra were simulated with first-principles and semi-empiric methods to evaluate their matching with experimental ones. Thanks to this multi-technique approach, based on complementary analytical tools and computational support, it was possible to conclude that, in addition to the major linear unconjugated polymerization, the PFA structure consists of Diels-Alder rearrangements occurring after the opening of some furanic units, while the terminal moieties of the chain involves γ-lactone arrangements. The occurrence of head-head methylene ether bridges and free hydroxyl groups (from unreacted furfuryl alcohol, FA, or terminal chains) could be excluded, while the conjugated systems could be considered rather limited.
Sensitivity Analysis of Machine Learning Models for the Mass Appraisal of Real Estate. Case Study of Residential Units in Nicosia, Cyprus
Authors: Dimopoulos Thomas , Bakas Nikolaos
Published: December 2019

A recent study of property valuation literature indicated that the vast majority of researchers and academics in the field of real estate are focusing on Mass Appraisals rather than on the further development of the existing valuation methods. Researchers are using a variety of mathematical models used within the field of Machine Learning, which are applied to real estate valuations with high accuracy. On the other hand, it appears that professional valuers do not use these sophisticated models during daily practice, rather they operate using the traditional five methods. The Department of Lands and Surveys in Cyprus recently published the property values (General Valuation) for taxation purposes which were calculated by applying a hybrid model based on the Cost approach with the use of regression analysis in order to quantify the specific parameters of each property. In this paper, the authors propose a number of algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning approaches that improve the accuracy of these results significantly. The aim of this work is to investigate the capabilities of such models and how they can be used for the mass appraisal of properties, to highlight the importance of sensitivity analysis in such models and also to increase the transparency so that automated valuation models (AVM) can be used for the day-to-day work of the valuer.
Quantitative Estimation and Spatiotemporal Characteristic Analysis of Price Deviation in China's Housing Market
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Qin Zhenyang , Zhang Yingjie , Zhao Linyi , Song Yan
Published: December 2019

Differences in housing prices and rental prices across cities or regions and the relationship between prices and socioeconomic fundamentals are frequent research foci in urban and real estate economics, but the existing studies on China's housing market rarely consider both housing price and rent. This study provides a framework for a quantitative analysis of a country's housing market from the perspective of supply and demand, and takes China's housing market as a case study. The current study first explores the key factors that affect housing prices and rental prices using data from 202 cities and collected from 2011 to 2014. Then, theoretical values of housing prices and rental prices in each city are estimated, and the spatiotemporal characteristics of deviation of housing prices and rental prices are analysed. The empirical findings of the current study mainly reveal the following three points. First, the determinants of housing prices and rental prices have similarities. Second, the effect of above factors shows obvious spatial heterogeneity. The coefficients of the variables are different between coastal and inland regions, indicating different demand and supply elasticities across regions. Third, the price deviation presents significant spatial agglomeration. Cities with higher price deviations are clustered in the Yangtze River Delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, while the price deviations are relatively mild in the Pearl River Delta region.
Emissions and External Environmental Costs from the Perspective of Differing Travel Purposes
Authors: Hagedorn Thomas , Sieg Gernot
Published: December 2019

Comparisons of emissions and external environmental costs between transport modes usually focus on a distance-based approach. Emissions, and consequently the external costs of transport modes, are measured either per kilometer or passenger kilometer. For travel purposes such as holiday or leisure, however, this approach is not appropriate, as destinations are determined endogenously and thus distances vary across transport modes. In this study, we present a novel methodology to correctly and accurately measure leisure emissions and external costs. The new metric is called “full-price emissions”. Full-price emissions calculate the ratio of a transport mode’s emissions or external costs and its full price. The results show that the relative climate damage imposed by aircraft, calculated according to full-price emissions, is approximately four times larger than distance-based approaches reveal. We further observe that, in contrast to distance-based emission comparisons, environmental costs of petrol cars are lower than that of diesel cars. Additionally, full-price emissions display unintended substitution effects of environmental policies that can contribute to climate damage.
Resources, Collaborators, and Neighbors: The Three-Pronged Challenge in the Implementation of Bioeconomy Regions
Authors: Bezama Alberto , Ingrao Carlo , O’Keeffe Sinéad , Thrän Daniela
Published: December 2019

Over the last decade, the bioeconomy has become increasingly important and visible in international policy agendas, with several strategies being recently developed. The implementation of bio-based technologies mostly takes place on a regional scale. Therefore, from a regional perspective, a key question revolves around what main challenges are associated with technological developments that could catalyze the implementation of sustainable bioeconomy regions. In this study, a cross-cutting analysis was carried out to determine these challenges. First, interviews were conducted with industry practitioners and scientists working in the bioeconomy field. These interviews were supplemented with a literature review to determine the status quo of bioeconomy strategies and their implementation, particularly on a regional level. A multidisciplinary workshop was then organized to identify the most relevant challenges in the short- and mid-term associated with establishing bioeconomy regions. The results show that there is a three-pronged challenge in innovative technological development from a regional perspective: (1) Resources: The establishment of sustainable regional feedstock strategies and supplies for supporting the bio-industrial sector; (2) collaborators: The establishment of a regional “critical mass” by fostering supply chain clusters and networks; and (3) neighbors: Understanding the local dynamics of societal trends and preferences and social acceptance of bio-technologies and their representative bio-based products.
Enhancing Security, Sustainability and Resilience in Energy, Food and Water
Authors: Keskinen Marko , Sojamo Suvi , Varis Olli
Published: December 2019

Our societies build largely on the concept of security and the ultimate justification for our present-day states is to ensure internal and external security of their citizens. While this task has traditionally focused on local and national scales, globalisation and planetary-scale challenges such as climate change mean that security connects also to a variety of sectors and has a stronger global dimension. Security is therefore increasingly connected with sustainability, which seeks to ensure that we as humans are able to live and prosper on this planet now and in the future. The concepts of energy security, food security and water security—as being used separately or together—manifest the burgeoning linkages between security and sustainability. This Special Issue brings together ten scientific articles that look at different aspects of security, sustainability and resilience with an emphasis on energy, food and/or water in the context of Finland and Europe. In this Editorial, we introduce the key concepts of the Special Issue, synthesise the articles’ key findings and discuss their relevance for the on-going deliberations on security and sustainability. We conclude that ensuring sustainable security—or secure sustainability—requires systemic, structured processes that link the policies and actors in these two important but still distant fields.
Optimal Parameter Selection in Robotic Belt Polishing for Aeroengine Blade Based on GRA-RSM Method
Authors: Guo Jian , Shi Yaoyao , Chen Zhen , Yu Tao , Zhao Pan , Shirinzadeh Bijan
Published: December 2019

Due to its flexibility and versatility, robotic belt polishing is one of the most effective processing methods to improve the surface quality of aeroengine blades. Since belt polishing of blades is a material removal process aimed at reducing surface roughness, it is difficult to achieve both minimum surface roughness and maximum material removal rates. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes an optimization method combining grey correlation analysis (GRA), the Taguchi method, and the response surface method (RSM) for the multiobjective optimization of the process parameters of Ti–6Al–4V aeroengine blade polishing. Meanwhile, the problem of the influence of asymmetry on the polishing process parameters vis-a-vis the optimization goal was solved. Experiments of robotic belt polishing for aeroengine blades were carried out. Based on the results of the principal component analysis, the grey relational grade was established to turn multiobjective optimization into single-objective optimization. A quadratic regression model of Grey correlation grade was developed, and an optimal parameter combination was obtained by the RSM. Finally, verification experiments were performed, and the combination of optimal parameters was obtained as follows: feed rate of 232.09 mm/min, compression amount of 0.08 mm, and belt line speed of 16 m/s, which reduced surface roughness by 6.29% and increased the material removal rate by 16.11%. Comparing the results of GRA-RSM and GRA, the Grey correlation grade increased by 10.96%. In other words, the goal of simultaneously reducing the surface roughness and improving the material removal rate was achieved in robotic belt polishing for aeroengine blades.
A New Model for Stock Management in Order to Rationalize Costs: ABC-FUCOM-Interval Rough CoCoSo Model
Authors: Erceg Živko , Starčević Vitomir , Pamučar Dragan , Mitrović Goran , Stević Željko , Žikić Srđan
Published: December 2019

Cost rationalization has become imperative in every economic system in order to create adequate foundations for its efficient and sustainable management. Competitiveness in the global market is extremely high and it is challenging to manage business and logistics systems, especially with regards to financial parameters. It is necessary to rationalize costs in all activities and processes. The presence of inventories is inevitability in every logistics system, and it tends to create adequate and symmetrical policies for their efficient and sustainable management. In order to be able to do this, it is necessary to determine which products represent the largest percentage share in the value of procurement, and which are the most represented quantitatively. For this purpose, ABC analysis, which classifies products into three categories, is applied taking into account different constraints. The aim of this paper is to form a new model that involves the integration of ABC analysis, the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM), and a novel Interval Rough Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) for stock management in the storage system. A new IRN Dombi weighted geometric averaging (IRNDWGA) operator is developed to aggregate the initial decision matrix. After grouping the products into three categories A, B and C, it is necessary to identify appropriate suppliers for each category in order to rationalize procurement costs. Financial, logistical, and quality parameters are taken into account. The FUCOM method has been used to determine the significance of these parameters. A new Interval CoCoSo approach is developed to determine the optimal suppliers for each product group. The results obtained have been modeled throughout a multi-phase sensitivity analysis.
Regional Urbanization and Knowledge-Intensive Business Activities (KIBS): An Example of Small and Medium-Sized Cities in the Greater Stuttgart Region (Germany)
Authors: Wagner Madeleine , Growe Anna
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is to understand the role of small and medium-sized cities as economic locations, and as potential anchor locations, in grounding processes of regional urbanization in the knowledge economy. Based on quantitative occupational data, the deconcentration processes of knowledge-intensive business activities are analyzed for the Greater Stuttgart Region in southern Germany. The way in which the different knowledge bases used in knowledge-intensive business activities influence spatial patterns of economic activity in the surrounding area of the core city, including small and medium-sized towns, is discussed. The knowledge bases differentiated in this paper are analytical, synthetic and symbolic knowledge.
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Infection Disrupts Uterine Interferon Stimulated Gene Regulatory Pathways During Pregnancy Recognition in Cows
Authors: Cheng Zhangrui , Brown Laura E , Wathes D Claire
Published: December 2019

In cattle, conceptus-derived interferon tau (IFNT) is the pregnancy recognition (PR) signal. Our previous studies showed that non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhoea virus (ncpBVDV) infection inhibited IFNT-induced interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression, potentially causing early embryonic death. This study investigated the effect of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection on upstream regulatory pathways of ISG production using an established PR model. Uterine endometrial cells from 10 apparently healthy and BVDV free cows were cultured and treated with 0 or 100 ng/mL IFNT for 24 h in the presence or absence of ncpBVDV infection. Microarray and pathway analysis were used to determine the IFNT-induced upstream regulators. Expression of the genes associated with the identified pathways were quantified with qPCR. IFNT challenge activated the signalling pathways associated with IFN receptors, JAK1/TYK2, IRFs and STATs and ncpBVDV infection inhibited the activation of IFNT on this pathway. Inhibition of this upstream signalling pathway may thus reduce ISG production to disrupt maternal PR. In addition, the reduction of uterine immunity by ncpBVDV infection may predispose the animals to uterine infection, which in turn impairs their reproductive performance. This provides a mechanism of how BVDV infection leads to early pregnancy failure in cows.
When Dendritic Cells Go Viral: The Role of Siglec-1 in Host Defense and Dissemination of Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Perez-Zsolt Daniel , Martinez-Picado Javier , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria
Published: December 2019

Dendritic cells (DCs) are among the first cells that recognize incoming viruses at the mucosal portals of entry. Initial interaction between DCs and viruses facilitates cell activation and migration to secondary lymphoid tissues, where these antigen presenting cells (APCs) prime specific adaptive immune responses. Some viruses, however, have evolved strategies to subvert the migratory capacity of DCs as a way to disseminate infection systemically. Here we focus on the role of Siglec-1, a sialic acid-binding type I lectin receptor potently upregulated by type I interferons on DCs, that acts as a double edge sword, containing viral replication through the induction of antiviral immunity, but also favoring viral spread within tissues. Such is the case for distant enveloped viruses like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 or Ebola virus (EBOV), which incorporate sialic acid-containing gangliosides on their viral membrane and are effectively recognized by Siglec-1. Here we review how Siglec-1 is highly induced on the surface of human DCs upon viral infection, the way this impacts different antigen presentation pathways, and how enveloped viruses have evolved to exploit these APC functions as a potent dissemination strategy in different anatomical compartments.
Cellular microRNA-155 Regulates Virus-Induced Inflammatory Response and Protects against Lethal West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Natekar Janhavi P. , Rothan Hussin A. , Arora Komal , Strate Philip G. , Kumar Mukesh
Published: December 2019

West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that has disseminated globally as a significant cause of viral encephalitis in humans. MircoRNA-155 (miR-155) regulates various aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses. We previously reported that WNV infection induces upregulation of miR-155 in mice brains. In the current study, we demonstrate the critical role of miR-155 in restricting the pathogenesis of WNV infection in mice. Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, miR-155 knockout mice exhibited significantly higher morbidity and mortality after infection with either a lethal strain, WNV NY99, or a non-lethal strain, WNV Eg101. Increased mortality in miR-155−/− mice was associated with significantly high WNV burden in the serum and brains. Protein levels of interferon (IFN)-α in the serum and brains were higher in miR-155−/− mice. However, miR-155−/− mice exhibited significantly lower protein levels of anti-viral interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12, IL-6, IL-15, and GM-CSF despite the high viral load. Primary mouse cells lacking miR-155 were more susceptible to infection with WNV compared to cells derived from WT mice. Besides, overexpression of miR-155 in human neuronal cells modulated anti-viral cytokine response and resulted in significantly lower WNV replication. These data collectively indicate that miR-155 restricts WNV production in mouse and human cells and protects against lethal WNV infection in mice.
Human Coronaviruses and Other Respiratory Viruses: Underestimated Opportunistic Pathogens of the Central Nervous System?
Authors: Desforges Marc , Le Coupanec Alain , Dubeau Philippe , Bourgouin Andréanne , Lajoie Louise , Dubé Mathieu , Talbot Pierre J.
Published: December 2019

Respiratory viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract, mostly causing mild diseases. However, in vulnerable populations, such as newborns, infants, the elderly and immune-compromised individuals, these opportunistic pathogens can also affect the lower respiratory tract, causing a more severe disease (e.g., pneumonia). Respiratory viruses can also exacerbate asthma and lead to various types of respiratory distress syndromes. Furthermore, as they can adapt fast and cross the species barrier, some of these pathogens, like influenza A and SARS-CoV, have occasionally caused epidemics or pandemics, and were associated with more serious clinical diseases and even mortality. For a few decades now, data reported in the scientific literature has also demonstrated that several respiratory viruses have neuroinvasive capacities, since they can spread from the respiratory tract to the central nervous system (CNS). Viruses infecting human CNS cells could then cause different types of encephalopathy, including encephalitis, and long-term neurological diseases. Like other well-recognized neuroinvasive human viruses, respiratory viruses may damage the CNS as a result of misdirected host immune responses that could be associated with autoimmunity in susceptible individuals (virus-induced neuro-immunopathology) and/or viral replication, which directly causes damage to CNS cells (virus-induced neuropathology). The etiological agent of several neurological disorders remains unidentified. Opportunistic human respiratory pathogens could be associated with the triggering or the exacerbation of these disorders whose etiology remains poorly understood. Herein, we present a global portrait of some of the most prevalent or emerging human respiratory viruses that have been associated with possible pathogenic processes in CNS infection, with a special emphasis on human coronaviruses.
Autophagy Promotes Porcine Parvovirus Replication and Induces Non-Apoptotic Cell Death in Porcine Placental Trophoblasts
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Xiong Yingli , Zhang Jie , Shao Ting , Chen Songbiao , Miao Bichen , Wang Zhenyu , Du Qian , Huang Yong , Tong Dewen
Published: December 2019

Autophagy plays important roles in the infection and pathogenesis of many viruses, yet the regulatory roles of autophagy in the process of porcine parvovirus (PPV) infection remain unclear. Herein, we show that PPV infection induces autophagy in porcine placental trophoblasts (PTCs). Induction of autophagy by rapamycin (RAPA) inhibited the occurrence of apoptotic cell death, yet promoted viral replication in PPV-infected cells; inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA or ATG5 knockdown increased cellular apoptosis and reduced PPV replication. Interestingly, we found that in the presence of caspase-inhibitor zVAD-fmk, PPV induces non-apoptotic cell death that was characterized by lysosomal damage and associated with autophagy. Induction of complete autophagy flux by RAPA markedly promoted PPV replication compared with incomplete autophagy induced by RAPA plus bafilomycin (RAPA/BAF) in the early phase of PPV infection (24 h.p.i.). Meanwhile, induction of complete autophagy with RAPA increased lysosomal damage and non-apoptotic cell death in the later phase of PPV infection. Therefore, our data suggest that autophagy can enhance PPV replication and promote the occurrence of lysosomal-damage-associated non-apoptotic cell death in PPV-infected porcine placental trophoblasts.
Identifying Early Warning Signals for the Sudden Transition from Mild to Severe Tobacco Etch Disease by Dynamical Network Biomarkers
Authors: Tarazona Adrián , Forment Javier , Elena Santiago F.
Published: December 2019

Complex systems exhibit critical thresholds at which they transition among alternative phases. Complex systems theory has been applied to analyze disease progression, distinguishing three stages along progression: (i) a normal noninfected state; (ii) a predisease state, in which the host is infected and responds and therapeutic interventions could still be effective; and (iii) an irreversible state, where the system is seriously threatened. The dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory sought for early warnings of the transition from health to disease. Such DNBs might range from individual genes to complex structures in transcriptional regulatory or protein–protein interaction networks. Here, we revisit transcriptomic data obtained during infection of tobacco plants with tobacco etch potyvirus to identify DNBs signaling the transition from mild/reversible to severe/irreversible disease. We identified genes showing a sudden transition in expression along disease categories. Some of these genes cluster in modules that show the properties of DNBs. These modules contain both genes known to be involved in response to pathogens (e.g., ADH2, CYP19, ERF1, KAB1, LAP1, MBF1C, MYB58, PR1, or TPS5) and other genes not previously related to biotic stress responses (e.g., ABCI6, BBX21, NAP1, OSM34, or ZPN1).
Solar Septic Tank: Next Generation Sequencing Reveals Effluent Microbial Community Composition as a Useful Index of System Performance
Authors: Connelly Stephanie , Pussayanavin Tatchai , J. Randle-Boggis Richard , Wicheansan Araya , Jampathong Suparat , Keating Ciara , Z. Ijaz Umer , T. Sloan Willian , Koottatep Thammarat
Published: December 2019

Septic tanks are widely deployed for off-grid sewage management but are typified by poor treatment performance, discharge of polluting effluents and the requirement for frequent de-sludging. The Solar Septic Tank (SST) is a novel septic tank design that uses passive heat from the sun to raise in-tank temperatures and improves solids degradation, resulting in a cleaner effluent. Treatment has been shown to exceed conventional systems, however, the underlying biology driving treatment in the system is poorly understood. We used next generation sequencing (Illumina Miseq (San Diego, CA, USA), V4 region 16S DNA) to monitor the microbiology in the sludge and effluent of two mature systems, a conventional septic tank and an SST, during four months of routine operation in Bangkok, Thailand, and evaluated the ecology against a suite of operating and performance data collected during the same time period. Significant differences were observed between the microbiome of the sludge and effluent in each system and the dominant taxa in each appeared persistent over time. Furthermore, variation in the microbial community composition in the system effluents correlated with effluent water quality and treatment performance parameters, including the removal of chemical and biochemical oxygen demand and the concentration of fecal and total coliforms in the effluent. Thus, we propose that a wide-scale survey of the biology underlying decentralised biotechnologies for sewage treatment such as the SST could be conducted by sampling system effluent rather than sampling sludge. This is advantageous as accessing sludge during sampling is both hazardous and potentially disruptive to the anaerobic methanogenic consortia underlying treatment in the systems.
Urban Spatial Configuration and Functional Runoff Connectivity: Influence of Drainage Grid Density and Landscape Metrics
Authors: Smets Vincent , Verbeiren Boud , Hermy Martin , Somers Ben
Published: December 2019

Due to changing precipitation patterns induced by climate change, urban planners are confronted with new challenges to effectively mitigate rainfall runoff. An important knowledge gap that needs to be addressed before tackling these challenges is how and to which extent street/drainage grid density and spatial land use configuration influence the amount of runoff. Therefore, a virtual experiment was conducted to assess the influence of grid density and spatial land use configuration on the functional runoff connectivity (Fc), which is a measure of the easiness by which water flows through the landscape. Through the use of a design of experiments approach in combination with the SCS—Curve Number runoff model, a wide variety of neutral landscape models with a fixed percentage of pervious- and impervious cover were generated that maximized the variance of Fc. Correlations between landscape metrics and neutral landscape models were calculated. Our results indicated that, out of the 17 landscape metrics tested, the average impervious cluster area, the number of impervious clusters, the standard deviation of the cluster size, two proximity indexes and the effective impervious area were strongly correlated with Fc throughout all grid scenarios. The relationship between Fc on the one hand and the average impervious cluster area and the effective impervious area on the other hand, was modelled. The average impervious cluster area models showed a relationship with Fc that closely approximated a logarithmic function (R2: 0.49–0.73), while the effective impervious area models were found to have a linear relationship with Fc (R2: 0.63–0.99). A dense grid was shown to cause a strong increase in Fc, demonstrating the effectiveness of an urban grid in channeling and removing runoff. Our results further indicate that fine-grained landscapes with a lot of small impervious clusters are preferred over course-grained landscapes when the goal is to reduce Fc. In highly urbanized landscapes, where the percentage of impervious area is high, small changes in landscape pattern could significantly reduce Fc. By using a downward hydrological modeling approach this research aims to bring more clarity to the underlying variables influencing Fc, rather than trying to generate realistic prediction values.
Characterizing Consecutive Flooding Events after the 2017 Mt. Salto Wildfires (Southern Italy): Hazard and Emergency Management Implications
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Parodi Antonio , Lagasio Martina , Masi Rocco , Nanni Giovanni , Russo Filiberto , Alfano Stefano , Giannatiempo Gaetano
Published: December 2019

Every summer, wildfires affect thousands of steep watersheds in Italy, causing the partial or complete destruction of vegetation, and changes in soil hydraulic properties. Such effects alter the hydrologic response of watersheds, increasing post-fire debris and sediment-laden flow hazard. This study characterizes the most relevant predisposing and triggering factors for a sequence of four post-fire flooding events, which, in the late summer-autumn of 2017, affected Montoro village in southern Italy. This research work consists of a fire severity assessment based on multispectral satellite images, characterization of meteorological systems and related flood-triggering rainfall, and provides an overview of the damage that occurred in the repeatedly affected urban area using crowdsourced data. The research findings demonstrate that the analyzed area burned with moderate-high (64.4%) and low severity (35.6%) levels. All the flooding events were triggered by rainfall evaluated as non-extreme, but with relevant peak intensities (I10 and I30), associated with the first convective storms impacting the burned watersheds. The crowdsourced data highlight the fact that roads and buildings on footslopes were inundated by mud and debris transported by rapid flows. The study identifies a clear relationship between wildfires and flooding processes and provides useful information for hazard assessment and emergency management operations.
Framework Conditions and Potential Measures for Small Electric Vehicles on a Municipal Level
Authors: Ewert Amelie , Brost Mascha K. , Schmid Stephan A.
Published: December 2019

Responding to pressing problems arising from growing urban populations and mass motorization, municipalities need to take action. The resulting conditions include congested cities, poor air quality and quality of life. Providing contextual conditions and thereby increasing the amount of small electric vehicles could help reduce land use and improve air quality. Based on outcomes of expert interviews and an online survey, the status-quo of antecedences and barriers as well as potential measures for the implementation of small electric vehicles on a municipal level is outlined. To get an international and comprehensive view, experts from the USA, Asia and Europe participated. Results show that there are several obstacles that have to be overcome on local, national and international levels. For local policymakers especially, there is an array of measures available. The combination of push and pull measures is one key element. In this way, infrastructural changes, financial incentives, strategic implementations and soft measures to raise awareness could help the process of a market take-off immensely.
Evaluation Method to Select Pure Electric Buses Based on Road Operation Tests
Authors: Liu Yanzhong , He Jie , Lu Wenhui , Yan Xintong , Cheng Cheng
Published: December 2019

In China, the development of pure electric buses is an essential means to address energy and environmental concerns. Proper evaluation and selection of pure electric buses is a crucial step prior to introducing the buses into actual operation. This paper presents a multi-objective method for the selection of pure electric buses based on road driving tests. An index system for evaluating the operating performance through the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is established, and to ensure the method is more systematic than those in previous studies, indicators are classified into three categories: qualitative, semi-qualitative and quantitative indicators, of which the nineteen indexes have been comprehensively considered and designed. To verify the advantage of the evaluation method proposed in the article, two typical buses were selected as the assessed objectives regarding reliability, economic, security, environmental adaptability, etc. The assessing process indicates that the method is easily implemented and of high practical value. Additionally, the results show satisfactory agreement with the actual scenario. Thus, it can be assumed that the method detailed herein provides a basis for the design, selection, and evaluation of pure electric buses.