bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Inference for Acoustic Direction of Arrival Analysis Using Spherical Harmonics
Authors: Xiang Ning , Landschoot Christopher
Published: June 2019

This work applies two levels of inference within a Bayesian framework to accomplish estimation of the directions of arrivals (DoAs) of sound sources. The sensing modality is a spherical microphone array based on spherical harmonics beamforming. When estimating the DoA, the acoustic signals may potentially contain one or multiple simultaneous sources. Using two levels of Bayesian inference, this work begins by estimating the correct number of sources via the higher level of inference, Bayesian model selection. It is followed by estimating the directional information of each source via the lower level of inference, Bayesian parameter estimation. This work formulates signal models using spherical harmonic beamforming that encodes the prior information on the sensor arrays in the form of analytical models with an unknown number of sound sources, and their locations. Available information on differences between the model and the sound signals as well as prior information on directions of arrivals are incorporated based on the principle of the maximum entropy. Two and three simultaneous sound sources have been experimentally tested without prior information on the number of sources. Bayesian inference provides unambiguous estimation on correct numbers of sources followed by the DoA estimations for each individual sound sources. This paper presents the Bayesian formulation, and analysis results to demonstrate the potential usefulness of the model-based Bayesian inference for complex acoustic environments with potentially multiple simultaneous sources.
Study on the Attractiveness Factors of Online Courses
Authors: Han Jia-Xuan , Ma Min-Yuan
Published: June 2019

With the rapid development of online courses, digital learning has become a global trend. In this context, this study analyzed the high intake population of online courses for online affective cognition, and explored what the user’s attraction factors for online courses are. The key factors that affect consumers’ usage of online courses and the weights of impact relations are presented, aiming to provide guidance for future improvement of online courses. This study was conducted through the evaluation grid method of Miryoku engineering. In order to make the charm factors more accurate and representative, this study summarized the charm elements using the Kawakita Jiro (KJ) method, and then quantified the factors in the form of a questionnaire. Through the statistical analysis of the questionnaire and quantification theory type I, the correlation between the charm feeling and the online course as well as the weight of each item (original evaluation item) and category (specific evaluation item) were calculated. Through the research and discussion on the charm factors of online teaching, the results analyzed and integrated in this paper could give more substantive suggestions and help to the education industry.
Pressure Pulsation and Cavitation Phenomena in a Micro-ORC System
Authors: Casari Nicola , Fadiga Ettore , Pinelli Michele , Randi Saverio , Suman Alessio
Published: June 2019

Micro-ORC systems are usually equipped with positive displacement machines such as expanders and pumps. The pumping system has to guarantee the mass flow rate and allows a pressure rise from the condensation to the evaporation pressure values. In addition, the pumping system supplies the organic fluid, characterized by pressure and temperature very close to the saturation. In this work, a CFD approach is developed to analyze from a novel point of view the behavior of the pumping system of a regenerative lab-scale micro-ORC system. In fact, starting from the liquid receiver, the entire flow path, up to the inlet section of the evaporator, has been numerically simulated (including the Coriolis flow meter installed between the receiver and the gear pump). A fluid dynamic analysis has been carried out by means of a transient simulation with a mesh morphing strategy in order to analyze the transient phenomena and the effects of pump operation. The analysis has shown how the accuracy of the mass flow rate measurement could be affected by the pump operation being installed in the same circuit branch. In addition, the results have shown how the cavitation phenomenon affects the pump and the ORC system operation compared to control system actions.
Peak Operation Problem Solving for Hydropower Reservoirs by Elite-Guide Sine Cosine Algorithm with Gaussian Local Search and Random Mutation
Authors: Liu Shuai , Feng Zhong-Kai , Niu Wen-Jing , Zhang Hai-Rong , Song Zhen-Guo
Published: June 2019

In recent years, growing peak pressure is posing a huge challenge for the operators of electrical power systems. As the most important clean renewable energy, hydropower is often advised as a response to the peak loads in China. Thus, a novel hybrid sine cosine algorithm (HSCA) is proposed to deal with the complex peak operation problem of cascade hydropower reservoirs. In HSCA, the elite-guide evolution strategy is embedded into the standard sine cosine algorithm to improve the convergence rate of the swarm. The Gaussian local search strategy is used to increase the diversity of the population. The random mutation operator is adopted to enhance the search capability of the individuals in the evolutionary process. The proposed method is applied to solve the complex peak operation problem of two hydropower systems. The simulations indicate that in different cases, HSCA can generate the scheduling results with higher quality than several benchmark methods. Hence, this paper provides a feasible method for the complex peak operation problem of cascade hydropower reservoirs.
High-Efficiency Bi-Directional Single-Phase AC/DC Converter Design and Field Application for LVDC Distribution
Authors: Kim Juyong , Kim Hongjoo , Cho Jintae , Cho Youngpyo
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the design and field application of a high-efficiency single-phase AC/DC converter that is suitable for distribution lines. First, an appropriate AC/DC converter was designed in consideration of the environment of the application system. In order to ensure high efficiency and high reliability, we designed an optimum switching element and capacitor suitable for the converter, and the protection element of the AC/DC converter was designed based on these elements. The control function for the power converter suitable for an LVDC distribution system is proposed for highly reliable operation. The AC/DC converter was manufactured based on the design and its performance was verified during application in an actual low-voltage DC (LVDC) distribution grid through tests at the demonstration site. The application to a DC distribution system in an actual grid is very rare and it is expected that it will contribute to the expansion of LVDC distribution.
Real-Time Interface Model Investigation for MCFC-MGT HILS Hybrid Power System
Authors: Yang Chen , Deng Kangjie , He Hangxing , Wu Haochuang , Yao Kai , Fan Yuanzhe
Published: June 2019

The research on the control strategy and dynamic characteristics of the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell-Micro Gas Turbine (MCFC-MGT) hybrid power system has received much attention. The use of the Hardware-In-the-Loop Simulation (HILS) method to study the MCFC-MGT hybrid power system, where the MCFC is the model subsystem and the MGT is the physical subsystem, is an effective means to save development cost and time. The difficulty with developing the MCFC-MGT HILS system is the transfer of the mass, energy, and momentum between the physical subsystem and the model subsystem. Hence, a new Simulation–Stimulation (Sim–Stim) interface model of the MCFC-MGT HILS hybrid power system to achieve a consistent mass, energy, and momentum with the prototype system of the MCFC-MGT hybrid power system is proposed. In order to validate the Sim–Stim interface model before application in an actual system, both a real-time model of the MCFC-MGT hybrid power system and the MCFC-MGT HILS hybrid power system based on the Sim–Stim interface model were developed in the Advanced PROcess Simulation (APROS) platform. The step-up and step-down of the current density, which were strict for the Sim–Stim interface model, were studied in these two models. The results demonstrated that the Sim–Stim interface model developed for the MCFC-MGT HILS hybrid power system is rapid and reasonable.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Waste from PET Bottles Washing as A Component of Solid Fuels
Authors: Jabłońska Beata , Kiełbasa Paweł , Korenko Maroš , Dróżdż Tomasz
Published: June 2019

Waste incineration is one of the paths of implementation of the European Union’s strategy aimed at reducing the amount of waste deposited in landfills. Along with the development of methods for processing and recycling various wastes, new waste is generated. One example is waste from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles washed during their recycling. In this paper, physical and chemical properties of such wastes are analyzed in terms of their use in the power industry. This research is part of the search for new sources and new technologies for energy production. The study has taken into account the energy properties of waste intended for combustion (calorific value, water content, chemical composition, volatile substances, combustible and non-flammable content). Thermogravimetric analysis of the material tested indicated that the waste is a good source of energy. It was found that the elemental composition (C, H, N, S, O) of the waste investigated is similar to that for biomass materials, and the calorific value of 13.2 MJ/kg qualifies the waste for combustion, provided that its initial moisture is reduced, for example, for co-combustion in the cement industry. Another possibility is mixing the waste with other kinds of waste to obtain a new fuel with more satisfactory parameters.
Numerical Simulations and Empirical Data for the Evaluation of Daylight Factors in Existing Buildings in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Sara , Waldenström Lovisa , Tillberg Max , Österbring Magnus , Sasic Kalagasidis Angela
Published: June 2019

Point Daylight Factor (DFP) has been used for daylighting design in Sweden for more than 40 years. Progressive densification of urban environments, in combination with stricter regulations on energy performance and indoor environmental quality of buildings, creates complex daylight design challenges that cannot be adequately solved with DFP. To support a development of the current and future daylight indicators in the Swedish context, the authors have developed a comprehensive methodology for the evaluation of daylight levels in existing buildings. The methodology comprises sample buildings of various use and their digital replicas in 3D, detailed numerical simulations and correlations of diverse DF metrics in existing buildings, a field investigation on residents’ satisfaction with available daylight levels in their homes, and a comparison between the numerical and experimental data. The study was deliberately limited to the evaluation of DF metrics for their intuitive understanding and easy evaluation in real design projects. The sample buildings represent typical architectural styles and building technologies between 1887 and 2013 in Gothenburg and include eight residential buildings, two office buildings, two schools, two student apartment buildings, and two hospitals. Although the simulated DFP is 1.4% on average, i.e., above the required 1%, large variations have been found between the studied 1200 rooms. The empirical data generally support the findings from the numerical simulations, but also bring unique insights in the residences’ preferences for rooms with good daylight. The most remarkable result is related to kitchens, typically the spaces with the lowest DF values, based on simulations, while the residents wish them to be the spaces with the most daylight. Finally, the work introduces a new DF metric, denoted DFW, which allows daylighting design in early stages when only limited data on the building shape and windows’ arrangement are available.
Optimization in the Stripping Process of CO2 Gas Using Mixed Amines
Authors: Chen Pao Chi , Lai Yan-Lin
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to explore the effects of variables on the heat of regeneration, the stripping efficiency, the stripping rate, the steam generation rate, and the stripping factor. The Taguchi method was used for the experimental design. The process variables were the CO2 loading (A), the reboiler temperature (B), the solvent flow rate (C), and the concentration of the solvent (monoethanolamine (MEA) + 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP)) (D), which each had three levels. The stripping efficiency (E), stripping rate ( m ˙ CO 2 ), stripping factor (β), and heat of regeneration (Q) were determined by the mass and energy balances under a steady-state condition. Using signal/noise (S/N) analysis, the sequence of importance of the parameters and the optimum conditions were obtained, and the optimum operating conditions were further validated. The results showed that E was in the range of 20.98–55.69%; m ˙ CO 2 was in the range of 5.57 × 10−5–4.03 × 10−4 kg/s, and Q was in the range of 5.52–18.94 GJ/t. In addition, the S/N ratio analysis showed that the parameter sequence of importance as a whole was A > B > D > C, while the optimum conditions were A3B3C1D1, A3B3C3D2, and A3B2C2D2, for E, m ˙ CO 2 , and Q, respectively. Verifications were also performed and were found to satisfy the optimum conditions. Finally, the correlation equations that were obtained were discussed and an operating policy was discovered.
NILM Techniques for Intelligent Home Energy Management and Ambient Assisted Living: A Review
Authors: Ruano Antonio , Hernandez Alvaro , Ureña Jesus , Ruano Maria , Garcia Juan
Published: June 2019

The ongoing deployment of smart meters and different commercial devices has made electricity disaggregation feasible in buildings and households, based on a single measure of the current and, sometimes, of the voltage. Energy disaggregation is intended to separate the total power consumption into specific appliance loads, which can be achieved by applying Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) techniques with a minimum invasion of privacy. NILM techniques are becoming more and more widespread in recent years, as a consequence of the interest companies and consumers have in efficient energy consumption and management. This work presents a detailed review of NILM methods, focusing particularly on recent proposals and their applications, particularly in the areas of Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) and Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), where the ability to determine the on/off status of certain devices can provide key information for making further decisions. As well as complementing previous reviews on the NILM field and providing a discussion of the applications of NILM in HEMS and AAL, this paper provides guidelines for future research in these topics.
A Comparative Study of Methods for Measurement of Energy of Computing
Authors: Fahad Muhammad , Shahid Arsalan , Manumachu Ravi Reddy , Lastovetsky Alexey
Published: June 2019

Energy of computing is a serious environmental concern and mitigating it is an important technological challenge. Accurate measurement of energy consumption during an application execution is key to application-level energy minimization techniques. There are three popular approaches to providing it: (a) System-level physical measurements using external power meters; (b) Measurements using on-chip power sensors and (c) Energy predictive models. In this work, we present a comprehensive study comparing the accuracy of state-of-the-art on-chip power sensors and energy predictive models against system-level physical measurements using external power meters, which we consider to be the ground truth. We show that the average error of the dynamic energy profiles obtained using on-chip power sensors can be as high as 73% and the maximum reaches 300% for two scientific applications, matrix-matrix multiplication and 2D fast Fourier transform for a wide range of problem sizes. The applications are executed on three modern Intel multicore CPUs, two Nvidia GPUs and an Intel Xeon Phi accelerator. The average error of the energy predictive models employing performance monitoring counters (PMCs) as predictor variables can be as high as 32% and the maximum reaches 100% for a diverse set of seventeen benchmarks executed on two Intel multicore CPUs (one Haswell and the other Skylake). We also demonstrate that using inaccurate energy measurements provided by on-chip sensors for dynamic energy optimization can result in significant energy losses up to 84%. We show that, owing to the nature of the deviations of the energy measurements provided by on-chip sensors from the ground truth, calibration can not improve the accuracy of the on-chip sensors to an extent that can allow them to be used in optimization of applications for dynamic energy. Finally, we present the lessons learned, our recommendations for the use of on-chip sensors and energy predictive models and future directions.
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydropyrimidine Derivative for Selective and Fast Uptake of Cadmium Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: M’hamed Mohamed Ould , Khezami Lotfi
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine derivative as a powerful heterocyclic compound for the elimination of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The tetrahydropyrimidine derivative was prepared during 30 min of milling by planetary ball mill with a ball-to-powder mass ratio of 8:1 and a rotation speed of 750 rpm. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) were used to identify the obtained tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives. Furthermore, batches of experiments were carried out to establish the adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamic variables of the tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives for toxic heavy Cd(II) ions. The adsorption data were simulated by applying the Langmuir manner, the Freundlich equation, the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations. The adsorption procedure was discovered to be very influenced by PH. The removal of heavy metal ions reached a maximum value quickly within 6 min and the adsorption data better adjusted the Langmuir isotherm than that of the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum Cd(II) ions adsorption capacity was approximated to be 151.16 mg g−1 at 328 K and a pH of 6 to 7. It was found that the adsorption kinetics of Cd(II) ions obeyed pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics. The examination of the thermodynamic variables of tetrahydropyrimidine derivative showed a spontaneous endothermic adsorption procedure. Otherwise, positive entropy values put forward a rise in the randomness at the solid-solution interface when heavy metal ions are adsorbed.
Contribution Analysis of the Spatial-Temporal Changes in Streamflow in a Typical Elevation Transitional Watershed of Southwest China over the Past Six Decades
Authors: Meng Chengcheng , Zhang Huilan , Wang Yujie , Wang Yunqi , Li Jian , Li Ming
Published: June 2019

Attribution analyses on streamflow variation to changing climate and land surface characteristics are critical in studies of watershed hydrology. However, attribution results may differ greatly on different spatial and temporal scales, which has not been extensively studied previously. This study aims to investigate the spatial-temporal contributions of climate change and underlying surface variation to streamflow alteration using Budyko framework. Jiangling River Watershed (JRW), a typical landform transitional watershed in Southwest China, was chosen as the study area. The watershed was firstly divided into eight sub-basins by hydrologic stations, and hydrometeorological series (1954–2015) were divided into sub-intervals to discriminate spatial-temporal features. The results showed that long-term tendencies of hydrometeorological variables, i.e., precipitation (P), potential evapotranspiration (E0), and runoff depth (R), exhibited clear spatial patterns, which were highly related to topographic characteristics. Additionally, sensitivity analysis, which interpreted the effect of one driving factor by unit change, showed that climate factors P and E0, and catchment characteristics (land surface parameter n) played positive, negative, and negative roles in R, according to elastic coefficients (ε), respectively. The spatial distribution of ε illustrated a greater sensitivity and heterogeneity in the plateau and semi-humid regions (upstream). Moreover, the results from attribution analysis showed that the contribution of the land surface factor accounted for approximately 80% of the R change for the entire JRW, with an obvious spatial variation. Furthermore, tendencies of the contribution rates demonstrated regulations across different sub-regions: a decreasing trend of land surface impacts in trunk stream regions and increasing tendencies in tributary regions, and vice versa for climate impacts. Overall, both hydrometeorological variables and contributions of influencing factors presented regularities in long-term tendencies across different sub-regions. More particularly, the impact of the primary influencing factor on all sub-basins exhibited a decreasing trend over time. The evidence that climate and land surface change act on streamflow in a synergistic way, would complicate the attribution analysis and bring a new challenge to attribution analysis.
Protein Digestibility of Cereal Products
Authors: Joye Iris
Published: June 2019

Protein digestibility is currently a hot research topic and is of big interest to the food industry. Different scoring methods have been developed to describe protein quality. Cereal protein scores are typically low due to a suboptimal amino acid profile and low protein digestibility. Protein digestibility is a result of both external and internal factors. Examples of external factors are physical inaccessibility due to entrapment in e.g., intact cell structures and the presence of antinutritional factors. The main internal factors are the amino acid sequence of the proteins and protein folding and crosslinking. Processing of food is generally designed to increase the overall digestibility through affecting these external and internal factors. However, with proteins, processing may eventually also lead to a decrease in digestibility. In this review, protein digestion and digestibility are discussed with emphasis on the proteins of (pseudo)cereals.
Characterization of Two Novel Intronic Variants Affecting Splicing in FBN1-Related Disorders
Authors: Fusco Carmela , Morlino Silvia , Micale Lucia , Ferraris Alessandro , Grammatico Paola , Castori Marco
Published: June 2019

FBN1 encodes fibrillin 1, a key structural component of the extracellular matrix, and its variants are associated with a wide range of hereditary connective tissues disorders, such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) and mitral valve–aorta–skeleton–skin (MASS) syndrome. Interpretations of the genomic data and possible genotype–phenotype correlations in FBN1 are complicated by the high rate of intronic variants of unknown significance. Here, we report two unrelated individuals with the FBN1 deep intronic variants c.6872-24T>A and c.7571-12T>A, clinically associated with MFS and MASS syndrome, respectively. The individual carrying the c.6872-24T>A variant is positive for aortic disease. Both individuals lacked ectopia lentis. In silico analysis and subsequent mRNA study by RT-PCR demonstrated the effect of the identified variant on the splicing process in both cases. The c.6872-24T>A and c.7571-12T>A variants generate the retention of intronic nucleotides and lead to the introduction of a premature stop codon. This study enlarges the mutation spectrum of FBN1 and points out the importance of intronic sequence analysis and the need for integrative functional studies in FBN1 diagnostics.
Rubbertown Next Generation Emissions Measurement Demonstration Project
Authors: Thoma Eben , George Ingrid , Duvall Rachelle , Wu Tai , Whitaker Donald , Oliver Karen , Mukerjee Shaibal , Brantley Halley , Spann Jane , Bell Tiereny , Carlton-Carew Njeri , Deshmukh Parikshit , Cansler Jacob , Cousett Tamira , Tang Wei , Cooley Andrea , Zimmerman Kyle , DeWitt Billy , Paris Bryan
Published: June 2019

Industrial facilities and other sources can emit air pollutants from fugitive leaks, process malfunctions and area sources that can be difficult to understand and to manage. Next generation emissions measurement (NGEM) approaches executed near facilities are enabling new ways to assess these sources and their impacts to nearby populations. This paper describes complementary uses of emerging NGEM systems in a Louisville, KY industrial district (Rubbertown), focusing on an important area air toxic, 1,3-butadiene. Over a one-year deployment starting in September 2017, two-week average passive samplers (PSs) at 11 sites showed both geospatial and temporal trends. At 0.24 ppbv annual average 1,3-butadiene concentration, a group of PSs located near facility fence lines was elevated compared to a PS group located in the community and upwind from facilities (0.07 ppbv average). Two elevated PS periods capturing emission events were examined using time-resolved NGEM approaches as case studies. In one event a 1.18 ppbv PS reading was found to be relatively localized and was caused by a multiday emission from a yet to be identified, non-facility source. In the other event, the airshed was more broadly impacted with PS concentrations ranging from 0.71 ppbv for the near-facility group to 0.46 ppbv for the community group. This case was likely influenced by a known emission event at an industrial facility. For both case studies, air pollutant and wind data from prototype NGEM systems were combined with source location models to inform the emission events. This research illustrates the power of applying NGEM approaches to improve both the understanding of emissions near sources and knowledge of impacts to near-source communities.
Disparities in Height and Urban Social Stratification in the First Half of the 20th Century in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Varea Carlos , Sánchez-García Elena , Bogin Barry , Ríos Luis , Gómez-Salinas Bustar , López-Canorea Alejandro , Martínez-Carrión José
Published: June 2019

Adult height is the most commonly used biological indicator to evaluate material and emotional conditions in which people grew up, allowing the analysis of secular trends associated with socio-economic change as well as of social inequalities among human populations. There is a lack of studies on both aspects regarding urban populations. Our study evaluates the secular trends and the disparities in height of conscripts born between 1915 and 1953 and called-up at the age of 21 between 1936 and 1969, living in districts with low versus middle and high socio-economic conditions, in the city of Madrid, Spain. We test the hypothesis that urban spatial segregation and social stratification was associated with significant differences in height. Results show that height increased significantly during the analysed period, both among conscripts living in the middle- and upper-class districts (5.85 cm) and in the lower-class districts (6.75 cm). The positive secular trend in height among conscripts from middle- and upper-class districts was sustained throughout the period, but the trend in height among the lower class fluctuated according to social, political, and economic events. Our findings support previous research that adult height is influenced strongly by the family living conditions during infancy and by community effects acting during childhood and adolescence.
Evaluation of A Suicide Prevention Program in Switzerland: Protocol of A Cluster Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Kanani Abbas , Nsingi Neslie , Sapin Marlène , Thélin Raphaël
Published: June 2019

Suicide is a major public health concern, which disproportionally affects young people. Therefore, effective prevention strategies are needed, but there is a dearth of controlled trials on this topic. Our study will evaluate the effectiveness of a suicide prevention program in Switzerland, where data are scarce. It will test whether the prevention program (1) increases knowledge of suicide and awareness of suicidal risks, (2) provides resources to seek/offer help, (3) increases communication skills related to suicide, (4) increases coping skills, (5) is acceptable, and (6) reduces suicidal ideation and psychological distress. The project will be a single-center cluster non-randomized controlled trial designed to compare an intervention group benefitting from the suicide prevention program with a control group. The potential benefits include a better understanding and evaluation of suicide prevention programs, which may lead to improved primary and secondary prevention practices.
Cryptosporidium Oocyst Contamination in Drinking Water: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Pignata Cristina , Bonetta Silvia , Bonetta Sara , Cacciò Simone M. , Sannella Anna R. , Gilli Giorgio , Carraro Elisabetta
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) located in a rural area of northern Italy. Influent and effluent samples were collected at the DWTP over three years (2013–2016). In parallel, tap water samples from a public drinking fountain were collected as well. All samples were analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts by a common method based on an immunomagnetic separation (IMS)/immunofluorescence assay (IFA), complemented by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. A reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) protocol was added to evaluate oocyst viability. The results highlighted a high variability of oocyst concentrations across all samples (mean 4.3 ± 5.8/100 L) and a high variability in the percentage of DAPI-positive specimens (mean 48.2% ± 40.3%). Conversely, RT-PCR did not reveal the presence of viable C. parvum and C. hominis oocysts. A nested PCR targeting Cryptosporidium 18S ribosomal DNA, carried out in two water samples, confirmed the presence of a Cryptosporidium genotype associated with wild animals in the river and in tap water. The results obtained underline the vulnerability of the investigated surface water to Cryptosporidium spp. contamination. Although the recovered Cryptosporidium genotype is not a human pathogen, its presence demonstrates the existence of a potential pathogen Cryptosporidium spp. contamination risk. Moreover, these results underline the importance of also considering unconventional (not bacterial) biological contaminations (protozoa) in water resources in rural areas, including those of developed countries.
ZBTB46, SPDEF, and ETV6: Novel Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fararjeh AbdulFattah Salah , Liu Yen-Nien
Published: June 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common killer among men in Western countries. Targeting androgen receptor (AR) signaling by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the current therapeutic regime for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic PCa. However, most patients relapse and become resistant to ADT, leading to metastatic castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) and eventually death. Several proposed mechanisms have been proposed for CRPC; however, the exact mechanism through which CRPC develops is still unclear. One possible pathway is that the AR remains active in CRPC cases. Therefore, understanding AR signaling networks as primary PCa changes into metastatic CRPC is key to developing future biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for PCa and CRPC. In the current review, we focused on three novel biomarkers (ZBTB46, SPDEF, and ETV6) that were demonstrated to play critical roles in CRPC progression, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) drug resistance, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for patients treated with ADT or AR inhibition. In addition, we summarize how these potential biomarkers can be used in the clinic for diagnosis and as therapeutic targets of PCa.
Signal Exchange through Extracellular Vesicles in Neuromuscular Junction Establishment and Maintenance: From Physiology to Pathology
Authors: Maggio Serena , Ceccaroli Paola , Polidori Emanuela , Cioccoloni Andrea , Stocchi Vilberto , Guescini Michele
Published: June 2019

Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation involves morphological changes both in motor terminals and muscle membrane. The molecular mechanisms leading to NMJ formation and maintenance have not yet been fully elucidated. During the last decade, it has become clear that virtually all cells release different types of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can be taken up by nearby or distant cells modulating their activity. Initially, EVs were associated to a mechanism involved in the elimination of unwanted material; subsequent evidence demonstrated that exosomes, and more in general EVs, play a key role in intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA to target cells. Recently, EVs have emerged as potent carriers for Wnt, bone morphogenetic protein, miRNA secretion and extracellular traveling. Convincing evidence demonstrates that presynaptic terminals release exosomes that are taken up by muscle cells, and these exosomes can modulate synaptic plasticity in the recipient muscle cell in vivo. Furthermore, recent data highlighted that EVs could also be a potential cause of neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, mutant SOD1, TDP-43 and FUS/TLS can be secreted by neural cells packaged into EVs and enter in neighboring neural cells, contributing to the onset and severity of the disease.
Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins Have Versatile Roles in Regulating Plant Immune Responses
Authors: Yin Junjie , Yi Hong , Chen Xuewei , Wang Jing
Published: June 2019

To protect themselves from pathogens, plants have developed an effective innate immune system. Plants recognize pathogens and then rapidly alter signaling pathways within individual cells in order to achieve an appropriate immune response, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, callose deposition, and transcriptional reprogramming. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are versatile regulatory changes critical for plant immune response processes. Significantly, PTMs are involved in the crosstalk that serves as a fine-tuning mechanism to adjust cellular responses to pathogen infection. Here, we provide an overview of PTMs that mediate defense signaling perception, signal transduction in host cells, and downstream signal activation.
Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Niño-Martínez Nereyda , Salas Orozco Marco Felipe , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel-Alejandro , Torres Méndez Fernando , Ruiz Facundo
Published: June 2019

The increase in bacterial resistance to one or several antibiotics has become a global health problem. Recently, nanomaterials have become a tool against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are one of the most studied nanomaterials against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Several in vitro studies report that metal nanoparticles have antimicrobial properties against a broad spectrum of bacterial species. However, until recently, the bacterial resistance mechanisms to the bactericidal action of the nanoparticles had not been investigated. Some of the recently reported resistance mechanisms include electrostatic repulsion, ion efflux pumps, expression of extracellular matrices, and the adaptation of biofilms and mutations. The objective of this review is to summarize the recent findings regarding the mechanisms used by bacteria to counteract the antimicrobial effects of nanoparticles.
Resiquimod-Mediated Activation of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Is Amplified in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Corsetti Marta , Ruocco Gabriella , Ruggieri Serena , Gasperini Claudio , Battistini Luca , Volpe Elisabetta
Published: June 2019

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown but there are several evidences that associate the genetic basis of the disease with environmental causes. An important association between viral infection and development of MS is clearly demonstrated. Viruses have a strong impact on innate immune cells. In particular, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), are able to respond to viruses and to activate the adaptive immune response. Methods: In this study we mimic viral infection using synthetic single-strand RNA, Resiquimod, and we compared the response of both DC subsets derived from healthy donors and MS patients by characterizing the expression of costimulatory molecules on the DC surface. Results: We found that pDCs from MS patients express higher levels of OX40-L, HLA-DR, and CD86 than healthy donors. Moreover, we found that blood cells from MS patients and healthy donors upon Resiquimod-stimulation are enriched in a subpopulation of pDCs, characterized by a high amount of costimulatory molecules. Conclusion: Overall, these results indicate that activation of pDCs is enhanced in MS, likely due to a latent viral infection, and that costimulatory molecules expressed on pDCs could mediate a protective response against the viral trigger of autoimmunity.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Coding and Long Non-Coding RNAs Involved in Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)
Authors: Zhu Xiaowei , Tai Xiang , Ren Yunying , Chen Jinxiu , Bo Tianyue
Published: June 2019

Cuticular wax is a mixture of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and their derivatives, which determines vital roles for plant growth. In cabbage, the cuticular wax content of leaf blades is an important trait influencing morphological features of the head. Understanding the molecular basis of cuticular wax biosynthesis can help breeders develop high quality cabbage varieties. Here, we characterize a cabbage non-wax glossy (nwgl) plant, which exhibits glossy green phenotype. Cryo-scanning electron microscope analysis showed abnormal wax crystals on the leaf surfaces of nwgl plants. Cuticular wax composition analyzed by GC-MS displayed severely decreased in total wax loads, and individual wax components in nwgl leaves. We delimited the NWGL locus into a 99-kb interval between the at004 marker and the end of chromosome C08 through fine mapping. By high-throughput RNA sequencing, we identified 1247 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 148 differentially expressed lncRNAs in nwgl leaves relative to the wild-type. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs and cis-regulated target genes for differentially expressed lncRNAs were significantly enriched in wax and lipid biosynthetic or metabolic processes. Our results provide the novel foundation to explore the complex molecular basis of cuticular wax biosynthesis.
Lymphocyte Subsets and Inflammatory Cytokines of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Innao Vanessa , Allegra Andrea Gaetano , Pugliese Marta , Di Salvo Eleonora , Ventura-Spagnolo Elvira , Musolino Caterina , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: June 2019

Almost all multiple myeloma (MM) cases have been demonstrated to be linked to earlier monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Nevertheless, there are no identified characteristics in the diagnosis of MGUS that have been helpful in differentiating subjects whose cancer may progress to a malignant situation. Regarding malignancy, the role of lymphocyte subsets and cytokines at the beginning of neoplastic diseases is now incontestable. In this review, we have concentrated our attention on the equilibrium between the diverse lymphocyte subsets and the cytokine system and summarized the current state of knowledge, providing an overview of the condition of the entire system in MGUS and MM. In an age where the therapy of neoplastic monoclonal gammopathies largely relies on drugs capable of acting on the immune system (immunomodulants, immunological checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T), detailed knowledge of the the differences existing in benign and neoplastic forms of gammopathy is the main foundation for the adequate and optimal use of new drugs.
RTA 408 Inhibits Interleukin-1β-Induced MMP-9 Expression via Suppressing Protein Kinase-Dependent NF-κB and AP-1 Activation in Rat Brain Astrocytes
Authors: Yang Chien-Chung , Lin Chih-Chung , Jou Mei-Jie , Hsiao Li-Der , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: June 2019

Neuroinflammation is characterized by the elevated expression of various inflammatory proteins, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), induced by various pro-inflammatory mediators, which play a critical role in neurodegenerative disorders. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has been shown to induce the upregulation of MMP-9 through nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent signaling pathways. N-(2-cyano-3,12-dioxo-28-noroleana-1,9(11)-dien-17-yl)-2-2-difluoropropanamide (RTA 408), a novel synthetic triterpenoid, has been shown to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various types of cells. Here, we evaluated the effects of RTA 408 on IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses by suppressing MMP-9 expression in a rat brain astrocyte (RBA-1) line. IL-1β-induced MMP-9 protein and mRNA expression, and promoter activity were attenuated by RTA 408. The increased level of ROS generation in RBA-1 cells exposed to IL-1β was attenuated by RTA 408, as determined by using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and CellROX. In addition, the inhibitory effects of RTA 408 on MMP-9 expression resulted from the suppression of the IL-1β-stimulated activation of Pyk2 (proline-rich tyrosine kinase), platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ), Akt, ROS, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Pretreatment with RTA 408 attenuated the IL-1β-induced c-Jun phosphorylation, mRNA expression, and promoter activity. IL-1β-stimulated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation, translocation, and promoter activity were also attenuated by RTA 408. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein and mRNA expression, and cell migration were attenuated by pretreatment with RTA 408. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which RTA 408 attenuates IL-1β-mediated inflammatory responses and exerts beneficial effects for the management of brain diseases.
Insect ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters: Roles in Xenobiotic Detoxification and Bt Insecticidal Activity
Authors: Wu Chao , Chakrabarty Swapan , Jin Minghui , Liu Kaiyu , Xiao Yutao
Published: June 2019

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, a large class of transmembrane proteins, are widely found in organisms and play an important role in the transport of xenobiotics. Insect ABC transporters are involved in insecticide detoxification and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin perforation. The complete ABC transporter is composed of two hydrophobic transmembrane domains (TMDs) and two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs). Conformational changes that are needed for their action are mediated by ATP hydrolysis. According to the similarity among their sequences and organization of conserved ATP-binding cassette domains, insect ABC transporters have been divided into eight subfamilies (ABCA–ABCH). This review describes the functions and mechanisms of ABC transporters in insecticide detoxification, plant toxic secondary metabolites transport and insecticidal activity of Bt toxin. With improved understanding of the role and mechanisms of ABC transporter in resistance to insecticides and Bt toxins, we can identify valuable target sites for developing new strategies to control pests and manage resistance and achieve green pest control.
Generalized Hamacher Aggregation Operators for Intuitionistic Uncertain Linguistic Sets: Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making Methods
Authors: Jin Yun , Wu Hecheng , Merigó Jose M. , Peng Bo
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we consider multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems in which the attribute values take the form of intuitionistic uncertain linguistic variables. Based on Hamacher operations, we developed several Hamacher aggregation operators, which generalize the arithmetic aggregation operators and geometric aggregation operators, and extend the algebraic aggregation operators and Einstein aggregation operators. A number of special cases for the two operators with respect to the parameters are discussed in detail. Also, we developed an intuitionistic uncertain linguistic generalized Hamacher hybrid weighted average operator to reflect the importance degrees of both the given intuitionistic uncertain linguistic variables and their ordered positions. Based on the generalized Hamacher aggregation operator, we propose a method for MAGDM for intuitionistic uncertain linguistic sets. Finally, a numerical example and comparative analysis with related decision making methods are provided to illustrate the practicality and feasibility of the proposed method.
Effects of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Ascomycetes on the Life-History Traits of Aphis gossypii Glover and Its Interactions with Melon Plants
Authors: González-Mas Natalia , Sánchez-Ortiz Araceli , Valverde-García Pablo , Quesada-Moraga Enrique
Published: June 2019

Entomopathogenic fungi are sprayed commercially for aphid control in greenhouses. Recently, their ability to grow endophytically within plants was discovered, offering the opportunity for systemic biological control. Endophytic colonization of host plants could also influence life-table parameters and behavior of herbivores. We investigated lethal and pre-mortality effects of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum on Aphis gossypii; aphids either received inoculum while feeding on recently sprayed leaves (surface inoculum and endophytically-colonized) or while feeding on unsprayed but endophytically-colonized leaves. We used choice assays to identify any preferences for endophytically-colonized or control plants. Volatile emissions from endophytically-colonized plants and control plants were also compared. Aphid mortality rates ranged between 48.2 and 56.9% on sprayed leaves, and between 37.7 and 50.0 on endophytically-colonized leaves. There was a significant effect of endophytic colonization on the rate of nymph production, but this did not result in an overall increase in the aphid population. Endophytic colonization did not influence host-plant selection even though there were qualitative and quantitative differences in the blend of volatiles released by endophytically-colonized and control plants. Although endophytic colonization did not change herbivore behavior, plants still benefit via indirect defense, resistance to plant pathogens or abiotic stress tolerance.
First Descriptions of Larva and Pupa of Bagous claudicans Boheman, 1845 (Curculionidae, Bagoinae) and Systematic Position of the Species Based on Molecular and Morphological Data
Authors: Gosik Rafał , Mazur Miłosz A. , Sawka-Gądek Natalia
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the mature larva and pupa of Bagous claudicans are described and illustrated for the first time. Measurements of younger larval instars are also given. The biology of the species is discussed in association with larval morphology and feeding habits. Overall larval and pupal morphological characters of the genus Bagous are presented. Confirmation of the larva identification as Bagous claudicans species was conducted by cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequencing. DNA barcoding was useful for specimen identification of larval stages. The systematic position of the species within the Bagous collignensis-group, based on morphological and molecular results, is also discussed.