bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the in situ performance of a 60 kW condensing gas boilers thermal installation and economic assessment
Authors: Bălănescu D T , Homutescu V M , Ianuş G , Lupu A G 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Condensing gas boilers currently represent the most advanced solution for heating based on combustion of fossil fuels from both efficiency and pollution points of view. Besides, compared with the district heating, condensing gas boilers make possible the entire management of the heat supply function by the real heating needs. Subsequently, minimization of the heating cost is possible. In this view, one of the buildings of the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi was disconnected from the district heating and two condensing gas boilers – one of 25 kW and the other of 35 kW nominal output – were connected to the heating network to ensure the heat supply. A performance and economic analysis of the thermal installation with the two boilers, based on in situ experiments, was performed. The analysis was performed for nine operating regimes described by boilers flow water temperatures from 80 °C to 40 °C. Efficiency (in terms of higher heating value of the fuel) had varied from 86.7 % to 97.5 % and the price of thermal energy produced with the two boilers proved to be 21…30 % lower than the price of thermal energy coming from the district heating system. The annual heating savings are estimated to be 642…907 Euro/year, which induce a payback period of 1.6…2.3 years with strict reference to the investment represented by the two boilers.
The analysis of the thermal barrier coating using Ansys software
Authors: Frătiţa M , Uzuneanu K , Popescu F , Ion I V 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The main source of energy for the propulsion of automotive and trucks is still internal combustion piston engines. These are constantly improved in such a way as to achieve the lowest possible consumption of low-emission fuel. The results of the simulation of new technologies are confirmed in experimental stands, thus being the basis for the development of internal combustion engines. This paper shows the theoretical simulation of temperature distribution and thermal flow distribution when a thermal barrier is applied to the engine combustion chamber components. More specifically, the impact of thermal barriers on the surface of the piston crown shall be investigated.
Compression ignition engine – solutions for reducing pollutant emissions
Authors: Istrate A , Bică M , Duinea M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Due to the specific type of combustion in the compression ignition engines, the exhaust gases raise specific pollution problems, which implies the identification of specially adapted solutions for these types of engines. The increasingly stringent pollution standards worldwide have forced manufacturers to find more ingenious solutions for efficiently reducing the harmful impact of these pollutant emissions on the environment. The solutions for reducing pollutant emissions can be grouped into three broad categories, depending on the methods of action: a) solutions that use active methods that consist in optimizing the combustion process or engine construction; b) solutions that use passive methods that consist of retaining and neutralizing pollutant emissions along the exhaust pipe; c) solutions that seek to improve the composition of fuels to result fewer pollutant emissions. Regardless of the method used, the effect of the solutions for reducing pollutant emissions depends on the engine operating regime, to which we will pay proper attention.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on renewable sources implementation: case of PV systems in Romania
Authors: Radu A , Panaite C E , Popescu A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In 2020, the world population was surprised by the spread and aggressiveness of a pandemic outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 disease (caused by COVID-19 coronavirus). In a world-spread effort to diminish the medical effects, the measures employed by a large majority of countries severely influenced all economic sectors, including the energy one. This paper reports on the status of energy sources and usage on the Romanian market within worldwide context and current effects of the national contingency plan measures on the energy market, especially on solar photovoltaic area. The conclusions should offer a perspective of changes occurring on national and international level in the energy area, in both existing and future investments market.
CO2 high temperature heat pump – a promising solution
Authors: Talaba O , Dima D , Buiuc V , Ionita C , Stefanescu M F , Serban A , Dobrovicescu A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The study focuses on obtaining hot water above 80°C for industrial purposes. Compared to the electrical heating the use of a heat pump appears much more efficient. A comparative analysis using different refrigerants is carried out. The cold source is waste heat from an industrial process. The exergetic analysis reveals the advantages and weaknesses of using CO2 as refrigerant. Based on the exergy destruction concept several schematics of two-stage CO2 Heat Pumps are considered. For high temperature water heating, a CO2 Heat Pump system represents a promising solution.
Thermal stability of laser-induced modified volumes in Si as studied by in situ and ex situ heating experiments
Authors: Saka Hiroyasu , Iwata Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Daisuke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Radiation of a permeable laser beam into Si induces considerable modification of structures. Thermal stability of the laser-induced modified volumes (LIMV’s) was studied comprehensively by means of in situ and ex situ heating experiments using transmission electron microscopy. The behavior in the tail region of a LIMV can be understood by dislocation theory, while that of a void formed at the very focus of a laser beam cannot be understood easily.
SARS-CoV-2 infecting the inner ear results in potential hearing damage at the early stage or prognosis of COVID-19 in rodents
Authors: Xue Xia , Tian Yongan , Miao Mingsan , Wang Jianyao , Tang Wenxue , Wang Yaohe , Liu Jianbo , Xu Hongen , Miao Jinxin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesIn order to find out the association between the sensorineural hearing loss and COVID-19, we detected the expression ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the mouse the hamster.DesignUsing the public data from NCBI and GISAID, we assessed the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 at the transcriptomic, DNA, and protein levels of ACE2 in the brain, inner ear, and muscle from the golden Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and mouse (Mus musculus).ResultsWe identified ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressed at different level in the inner ear and brain at DNA and transcriptomic levels of both mouse and the hamster. The protein expression shows a similar pattern of the brain and inner ear, while the expression of ACE2 from the inner ear was relatively higher than it from the muscle.ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 could infect the hearing system potentially and SSNHL could be a characteristic to detect asymptomatic patients of COVID-19.
Berberine and obatoclax inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in primary human nasal epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Varghese Finny S. , van Woudenbergh Esther , Overheul Gijs J. , Eleveld Marc J. , Kurver Lisa , van Heerbeek Niels , van Laarhoven Arjan , Miesen Pascal , den Hartog Gerco , de Jonge Marien I. , van Rij Ronald P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as a new human pathogen in late 2019 and has infected an estimated 10% of the global population in less than a year. There is a clear need for effective antiviral drugs to complement current preventive measures including vaccines. In this study, we demonstrate that berberine and obatoclax, two broad-spectrum antiviral compounds, are effective against multiple isolates of SARS-CoV-2. Berberine, a plant-derived alkaloid, inhibited SARS-CoV-2 at low micromolar concentrations and obatoclax, originally developed as an anti-apoptotic protein antagonist, was effective at sub-micromolar concentrations. Time-of-addition studies indicated that berberine acts on the late stage of the viral life cycle. In agreement, berberine mildly affected viral RNA synthesis, but strongly reduced infectious viral titers, leading to an increase in the particle-to-pfu ratio. In contrast, obatoclax acted at the early stage of the infection, in line with its activity to neutralize the acidic environment in endosomes. We assessed infection of primary human nasal epithelial cells cultured on an air-liquid interface and found that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced and repressed expression of a specific set of cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, both obatoclax and berberine inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in these primary target cells. We propose berberine and obatoclax as potential antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 that could be considered for further efficacy testing.
Gaplessindicarice genome reveals synergistic effects of active transposable elements and segmental duplications that promote rice genome evolution
Authors: Li Kui , Jiang Wenkai , Hui Yuanyuan , Kong Mengjuan , Gao Li-Zhi , Li Pengfu , Lu Shan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe ultimate goal of genome assembly is a high-accuracy gapless genome. Here we report a new assembly pipeline which we have used to produce a gapless genome for theindicarice cultivar Minghui 63. The 395.82 Mb final assembly is composed of 12 contigs with a contig N50 size of 31.82 Mb. All chromosomes are now gapless, with each chromosome represented by a single contig. This is the first gapless genome assembly achieved for higher plants or animals. BUSCO evaluation showed that gene regions of our assembly have higher completeness than the current rice reference genome (IRGSP-1.0). Compared withjaponicarice,indicahas more transposable elements (TEs) and segmental duplications (SDs), the latter of which produce many duplicated genes that can affect plant traits through dose effect or sub-/neo-functionalization. The insertion of TEs can also affect the expression of duplicated genes, which may drive evolution of these genes. We also found the expansion ofNBS-LRRdisease resistance genes andcZOGTgrowth-related genes in SDs, suggesting that SDs contribute to the adaptative evolution of rice disease resistance and developmental processes. Our findings suggest that active TEs and SDs together provide synergistic effects to promote rice genome evolution.
Real-time monitoring epidemic trends and key mutations in SARS-CoV-2 evolution by an automated tool
Authors: Xi Binbin , Jiang Dawei , Li Shuhua , Lon Jerome R , Bai Yunmeng , Lin Shudai , Hu Meiling , Meng Yuhuan , Qu Yimo , Huang Yuting , Liu Wei , Du Hongli 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTWith the global epidemic of SARS-CoV-2, it is important to monitor the variation, haplotype subgroup epidemic trends and key mutations of SARS-CoV-2 over time effectively, which is of great significance to the development of new vaccines, the update of therapeutic drugs, and the improvement of detection reagents. The AutoVEM tool developed in the present study could complete all mutations detections, haplotypes classification, haplotype subgroup epidemic trends and key mutations analysis for 131,576 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in 18 hours on a 1 core CPU and 2G internal storage computer. Through haplotype subgroup epidemic trends analysis of 131,576 genome sequences, the great significance of the previous 4 specific sites (C241T, C3037T, C14408T and A23403G) was further revealed, and 6 new mutation sites of highly linked (T445C, C6286T, C22227T, G25563T, C26801G and G29645T) were discovered for the first time that might be related to the infectivity, pathogenicity or host adaptability of SARS-CoV-2. In brief, we proposed an integrative method and developed an efficient automated tool to monitor haplotype subgroup epidemic trends and screen out the key mutations in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 over time for the first time, and all data could be updated quickly to track the prevalence of previous key mutations and new key mutations because of high efficiency of the tool. In addition, the idea of combinatorial analysis in the present study can also provide a reference for the mutation monitoring of other viruses.
Host-generalist fungal pathogens of seedlings may maintain forest diversity via host-specific impacts and differential susceptibility among tree species
Authors: Spear Erin R. , Broders Kirk 
Published: December 2020

SummaryHost-specialized pathogens are credited with the maintenance of tropical forest diversity under the Janzen-Connell hypothesis. Yet, in diverse forests, selection may favor pathogens with broad host ranges given their passive dispersal and the relative rarity of tree species.We surveyed the host associations of potential pathogens isolated from symptomatic seedlings in the forests in Panama and used inoculations to assess: (i) the pathogenicity and host ranges of 27 fungal isolates, and (ii) differences among tree species in susceptibility.Thirty-one of the 33 non-singleton OTUs isolated from seedlings are multi-host. All 31 multi-host OTUs exhibit low to moderate specialization, and we observed phylogenetically overdispersed host use for 19 OTUs. The pathogenicity of 10 isolates was experimentally confirmed; nine caused disease in seedlings in multiple families. However, the outcome of infection differs among tree species susceptible to a given multi-host pathogen. Furthermore, some tree species were seemingly resistant to all fungi tested, while others were susceptible to multiple fungi. Tree species adapted to environments with lower disease pressure were most likely to exhibit disease.Our results suggest that generalist pathogens contribute to the maintenance of local and regional forest diversity via host-specific impacts and the exclusion of disease-sensitive trees from disease-prone habitats.
RNA polymerase II condensate formation and association with Cajal and histone locus bodies in living human cells
Authors: Imada Takashi , Shimi Takeshi , Kaiho Ai , Saeki Yasushi , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTIn eukaryotic nuclei, a number of phase-separated nuclear bodies (NBs) are present. RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is the main player in transcription and forms large condensates in addition to localizing at numerous transcription foci. Cajal bodies (CBs) and histone locus bodies (HLBs) are NBs that are involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of small nuclear RNA and histone genes. By live-cell imaging using human HCT116 cells, we here show that Pol II condensates (PCs) nucleated near CBs and HLBs, and the number of PCs increased during S phase concomitantly with the activation period of histone genes. Ternary PC–CB– HLB associates were formed via three pathways: nucleation of PCs and HLBs near CBs, interaction between preformed PC–HLBs with CBs, and nucleation of PCs near preformed CB– HLBs. Coilin knockout increased the co-localization rate between PCs and HLBs, whereas the number, nucleation timing, and phosphorylation status of PCs remained unchanged. Depletion of PCs did not affect CBs and HLBs. Treatment with 1,6-hexanediol revealed that PCs were more liquid-like than CBs and HLBs. Thus, PCs are dynamic structures often nucleated following the activation of gene clusters associated with other NBs. (187 words)
Functional architecture of the synaptic transducers at a central glutamatergic synapse
Authors: Brockmann Marisa M. , Toulme Estelle , Grasskamp Andreas T. , Trimbuch Thorsten , Südhof Thomas C. , Walter Alexander M. , Rosenmund Christian 
Published: December 2020

SummaryNeuronal synapses transduce informationviathe consecutive action of three transducers: voltage-gated Ca2+-channels, fusion-competent synaptic vesicles, and postsynaptic receptors. Their physical distance is thought to influence the speed and efficiency of neurotransmission. However, technical limitations have hampered resolving their nanoscale arrangement. Here, we developed a new method for live-labeling proteins for electron microscopy (EM), revealing that release-competent vesicles preferentially align with Ca2+-channels and postsynaptic AMPA receptors within 20-30 nm and thereby forming a transsynaptic tripartite nanocomplex. Using functional EM, we show that single action potentials cause vesicles within the nanocomplex to fuse with a 50% probability. The loss of the presynaptic scaffold disrupts the formation of the tripartite transducers. Strikingly, the forced transsynaptic alignment of the Ca2+-channel subunit α2δ1 and AMPA receptors suffice to restore neurotransmission in a scaffold lacking synapse. Our results demonstrate a synaptic transducer nanocomplex that actively contributes to the organization of central synapses.
BDNF VAL66MET polymorphism and memory decline across the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lim Yen Ying , Laws Simon M. , Perin Stephanie , Pietrzak Robert H. , Fowler Christopher , Masters Colin L. , Maruff Paul ,   AIBL Research Group
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism has been shown to moderate the extent to which memory decline manifests in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, no study has examined the relationship between BDNF and memory in individuals across biologically confirmed AD clinical stages (i.e., Aβ+). We aimed to understand the effect of BDNF on episodic memory decline and clinical disease progression over 126 months in individuals with preclinical, prodromal and clinical AD. Participants enrolled in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study who were Aβ + (according to positron emission tomography), and cognitively normal (CN; n = 238), classified as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 80), or AD (n = 66) were included in this study. Cognition was evaluated at 18 month intervals using an established episodic memory composite score over 126 months. We observed that in Aβ + CNs, Met66 was associated with greater memory decline with increasing age and were 1.5 times more likely to progress to MCI/AD over 126 months. In Aβ + MCIs, there was no effect of Met66 on memory decline or on disease progression to AD over 126 months. In Aβ + AD, Val66 homozygotes showed greater memory decline, while Met66 carriers performed at a constant and very impaired level. Our current results illustrate the importance of time and disease severity to clinicopathological models of the role of BDNF Val66Met in memory decline and AD clinical progression. Specifically, the effect of BDNF on memory decline is greatest in preclinical AD and reduces as AD clinical disease severity increases.
Abstract or concrete? The influence of image type on consumer attitudes
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Zheng Ling , Li Xinli 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPictures have been used for a wide range of marketing purposes, but few studies have focused on the specific uses of abstract versus concrete images in marketing field. This study explores the impact of image type on consumer attitudes based on the conception of imagery elaboration. We find that the interaction between product category and image type has a significant effect on consumer attitudes. Specifically, for hedonic product, abstract image is more likely to motivate consumers to form a positive attitude than concrete image, whereas for utilitarian product, concrete image is more effective. We also show the mediating role of imagery elaboration. The interaction of product category and image type has a significant effect on imagery elaboration: in the case of hedonic product, product with abstract image was found to be better for evoking imagery elaboration, whereas in the case of utilitarian product, adding a concrete image to the product was more successful at generating imagery elaboration. Furthermore, imagery elaboration has a significant effect on consumer attitudes. This study offers specific suggestions that companies can incorporate into product design and marketing.
Drug interactions of natural supplements in dermatology: a review
Authors: Hadeler Edward K. , Maderal Andrea D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLimited information is available on the drug–drug interactions of natural supplements in dermatology. Many natural supplements are available over the counter, but drug–drug interactions can occur. This study reviews the clinical use and drug interactions of six natural supplements commonly recommended in dermatology: nicotinic acid (nicotinamide), polypodium leucotomos (heliocare), turmeric, horse chestnut seed extract, zinc, and N‐acetylcysteine. We reviewed the drug–drug interactions of each supplement using the PubMed database and IBM Micromedex. For nicotinic acid, zinc, horse chestnut, and N‐acetylcysteine, IBM Micromedex generated 11, 23, one, and two results, respectively. Further review of literature from PubMed identified two drug interactions with polypodium leucotomos, two with turmeric, and two more with zinc. Notable interactions included an increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when nicotinic acid is taken by patients using statins, an increased risk of bleeding associated with horse chestnut seed, especially when used in combination with warfarin, and reduced plasma concentration in many drugs when taken with zinc. Furthermore, N‐acetylcysteine may interfere with concentrations of other medications used in the psychiatric setting, and polypodium leucotomos and turmeric may interfere with the CYP metabolic pathway, which may affect drugs metabolized by this pathway. Prior to recommending a treatment, dermatologists should foster awareness of these interactions. In order to advance the practice as a whole, research should continue to evaluate the drug interactions of these natural supplements.
Predictive value of protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) in cervical cancer metastasis
Authors: He Shengnan , Xu Meiquan , Xiong Zhen , Hu Ye , Huo Qin , Lu Jingxiao , Lin Yuntao , Yang Lan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMetastasis is the primary cause of an unfavourable prognosis in patients with malignant cancer. Over the last decade, the role of proteinases in the tumour microenvironment has attracted increasing attention. As a sensor of proteinases, proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) plays crucial roles in the metastatic progression of cervical cancer. In the present study, the expression of PAR2 in multiple types of cancer was analysed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Kaplan‐Meier plotter was used to calculate the correlation between survival and the levels of PAR2, Grb‐associated binding protein 2(Gab2) and miR‐125b. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to examine PAR2 expression in a tissue microarray (TMA) of CESCs. Empower Stats was used to assess the predictive value of PAR2 in the metastatic potential of CESC. We found that PAR2 up‐regulation was observed in multiple types of cancer. Moreover, PAR2 expression was positively correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of CESC. miR‐125b and its target Gab2, which are strongly associated with PAR2‐induced cell migration, are well‐characterized as predictors of the prognostic value of CESC. Most importantly, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the PAR2 model was significantly greater than that of the traditional model (0.833 vs 0.790, P < .05), demonstrating the predictive value of PAR2 in CESC metastasis. Our results suggest that PAR2 may serve as a prognostic factor for metastasis in CESC patients.