bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Background and Inbreeding Depression in Romosinuano Cattle Breed in Mexico
Authors: Hidalgo Jorge , Cesarani Alberto , Garcia Andre , Sumreddee Pattarapol , Larios Neon , Mancin Enrico , García José Guadalupe , Núñez Rafael , Ramírez Rodolfo
Published: January 2021

The ultimate goal of genetic selection is to improve genetic progress by increasing favorable alleles in the population. However, with selection, homozygosity, and potentially harmful recessive alleles can accumulate, deteriorating genetic variability and hampering continued genetic progress. Such potential adverse side effects of selection are of particular interest in populations with a small effective population size like the Romosinuano beef cattle in Mexico. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic background and inbreeding depression in Mexican Romosinuano cattle using pedigree and genomic information. Inbreeding was estimated using pedigree (FPED) and genomic information based on the genomic relationship matrix (FGRM) and runs of homozygosity (FROH) of different length classes. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was evaluated using the correlation between pairs of loci, and the effective population size (Ne) was calculated based on LD and pedigree information. The pedigree file consisted of 4875 animals born between 1950 and 2019, of which 71 had genotypes. LD decreased with the increase in distance between markers, and Ne estimated using genomic information decreased from 610 to 72 animals (from 109 to 1 generation ago), the Ne estimated using pedigree information was 86.44. The reduction in effective population size implies the existence of genetic bottlenecks and the decline of genetic diversity due to the intensive use of few individuals as parents of the next generations. The number of runs of homozygosity per animal ranged between 18 and 102 segments with an average of 55. The shortest and longest segments were 1.0 and 36.0 Mb long, respectively, reflecting ancient and recent inbreeding. The average inbreeding was 2.98 ± 2.81, 2.98 ± 4.01, and 7.28 ± 3.68% for FPED, FGRM, and FROH, respectively. The correlation between FPED and FGRM was −0.25, and the correlations among FPED and FROH of different length classes were low (from 0.16 to 0.31). The correlations between FGRM and FROH of different length classes were moderate (from 0.44 to 0.58), indicating better agreement. A 1% increase in population inbreeding decreased birth weight by 0.103 kg and weaning weight by 0.685 kg. A strategy such as optimum genetic contributions to maximize selection response and manage the long-term genetic variability and inbreeding could lead to more sustainable breeding programs for the Mexican Romosinuano beef cattle breed.
Serological and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium avium Subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) from Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Camels in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elsohaby Ibrahim , Fayez Mahmoud , Alkafafy Mohamed , Refaat Mohamed , Al-Marri Theeb , Alaql Fanan A. , Al Amer Abdulaziz S. , Abdallah Abdelmonem , Elmoslemany Ahmed
Published: January 2021

The objectives of the present study were to characterize Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection using serological and molecular tools and investigate the distribution and molecular characterization of MAP strains (cattle (C) and sheep (S) types) in sheep, goat, cattle, and camel herds in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Serum and fecal samples were collected from all animals aged >2 years old in 31 herds (sheep = 8, goats = 6, cattle = 8 and camels = 9) from January to December 2019. Serum samples were tested by ELISA for the detection of MAP antibodies. Fecal samples were tested by PCR for the detection of MAP IS900 gene and the identification of MAP strains. MAP antibodies were detected in 19 (61.3%) herds. At the animal level, antibodies against MAP were detected in 43 (19.5%) sheep, 21 (17.1%) goats, 13 (19.7%) cattle and 22 (9.1%) camels. The IS900 gene of MAP was detected in 23 (74.2%) herds and was directly amplified from fecal samples of 59 (26.8%) sheep, 34 (27.6%) goats, 20 (30.3%) cattle and 36 (15.0%) camels. The S-type was the most prevalent MAP type identified in 15 herds, and all were identified as type-I, while the C-type was identified in only 8 herds. The IS900 sequences revealed genetic differences among the MAP isolates recovered from sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Results from the present study show that MAP was prevalent and confirm the distribution of different MAP strains in sheep, goat, cattle and camel herds in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.
Lysine and Methionine Supplementation for Dairy Calves Is More Accurate through the Liquid than the Solid Diet
Authors: Silva Jackeline Thais , Miqueo Evangelina , Torrezan Thaís Manzoni , Rocha Nathalia Brito , Slanzon Giovana Simão , Virginio Júnior Gercino Ferreira , Bittar Carla Maris Machado
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and metabolic changes in dairy calves supplemented with lysine and methionine in milk replacer (MR) or starter concentrate (SC). Male Holstein calves (n = 45) were blocked and distributed in Control without supplementation (1) and; Lysine and Methionine supplementation to achieve an intake of 17 and 5.3 g/d in the SC (2) and to achieve of 17 and 5.3 g/d in the MR (3). MR was fed (6 L/d) until the 8th week of life when weaning occurred. Calves were followed until the 10th week of age. Feed intake was measured daily. Weight and body measurements were registered weekly. Blood samples were collected biweekly to evaluate the intermediate metabolism. The AA supplementation resulted in lower body weight at weaning and week 10. Calves fed SC Lys:Met had lower SC intake and lower total feed intake at weaning when compared to control. Calves fed control had higher heart girth, hip-width, and plasma glucose concentration. The supplementation with Lys and Met did not benefit dairy calves’ performance nor metabolism in this study. Supplementation through the MR was more efficient than SC to result in adequate daily intakes of AA. Further studies are needed to understand the negative effects of AA on calf starter intake.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phloretin and Other Phenolic Compounds from Apple Tree Leaves (Malus domestica Borkh.) and Comparison of Different Cultivars from Estonia
Authors: Ben-Othman Sana , Kaldmäe Hedi , Rätsep Reelika , Bleive Uko , Aluvee Alar , Rinken Toonika
Published: January 2021

Polyphenolic compounds, plant secondary metabolites essential for plant survival, are known for their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, several polyphenols, such as phloretin, also have potential antiviral effects, making these compounds potential ingredients of biofunctional foods. A promising source for the extraction of phloretin is a by-product of apple production—apple tree leaves. Focusing on green technologies, the first aim of the present study was to optimize the direct ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions to gain the maximum yield of phloretin from air-dried apple leaves. For the optimization of process parameters, we applied the response surface method with Box–Behnken design. The optimal extraction conditions were extraction time 14.4 min, sonication amplitude 10% and 10 g of sample per 100 mL solvent (70% ethanol, w/w). Using these conditions, we assessed the content of individual and total polyphenolic compounds along with antioxidant activity in the leaves of different autumn and winter apple cultivars grown in Estonia. The analyses were carried out with chromatographic (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) and spectrophotometric methods. The phloretin concentration ranged from 292 to 726 µg/g and antioxidant activity from 6.06 to 11.42 mg GA eq./g, these being the highest in the local winter cultivars ‘Paide taliõun’ and ‘Tellissaare’, respectively.
Intensive Rehabilitation Program in Arterial Occlusive Disease Patients
Authors: Marin Luca , Lovecchio Nicola , Kawczynski Adam , Febbi Massimiliano , Silvestri Dario , Pellino Vittoria Carnevale , Gibellini Raffaele , Vandoni Matteo
Published: January 2021

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) limits walking efficiency and distance. The main disabling symptom is vasculopathy that leads to claudicatio intermittens and limits walking efficiency. Stretching techniques are effective in treatments for retractions and are used to improve flexibility of triceps surae and range of motion of the ankle. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a combined walking and stretching program on walking efficiency in elderly PAOD patients. Seventy patients with PAOD stage II of the Leriche–Fontaine classification were randomly assigned into a stretching group (SG) or conditioning group (CG). Both groups participated in an eleven-day intensive rehabilitation program based on walking and strength training, while the SG performed five extra sessions of stretching. Walking autonomy was assessed through treadmill and overground tests with the recording of initial and absolute pain. A univariate ANOVA analysis was applied for the differences between the initial and final outcomes. Walking autonomy improved in both groups (p < 0.01), while only the SG improved flexibility (from −14.0 ± 8.1 to −10.3 ± 8.3 cm; p < 0.01). An intensive eleven-day rehabilitation program based on walking, strength, and stretching exercises is effective to improve the onset and the delay of pain during walking in patients with PAOD.
RETRACTED: Lin, G.-W.; Hung, C. Reconstructing the Dynamic Processes of the Taimali Landslide in Taiwan Using the Waveform Inversion Method. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5872
Authors: Lin Guan-Wei , Hung Ching
Published: January 2021

The authors and journal retract the article, “Reconstructing the Dynamic Processes of the Taimali Landslide in Taiwan Using the Waveform Inversion Method” [...]
Comparison of Two-Year Outcome of Photodynamic Therapy in Combination with Intravitreal Aflibercept or Ranibizumab for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Weng Hsin-Yu , Huang Tzu-Lun , Chang Pei-Yao , Ho Wei-Ting , Hsu Yung-Ray , Chen Fang-Ting , Chen Yun-Ju , Wang Jia-Kang
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the two-year visual and anatomical outcomes of combination therapy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) or intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and to investigate the clinical factors with final visual outcome and retreatment. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review was performed for 55 eyes from 55 patients with PCV treated by a combination therapy of prompt PDT with either IVA (n = 30) or IVR (n = 25). Baseline data and treatment outcomes during the 24-month follow-up were compared between the two groups. Primary outcomes were the changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the rate of complete polyp regression. Secondary outcomes were the changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and the rate of dry macula. Retreatment was administered in cases with persistent or recurrent submacular or intramacular fluid. Results: The BCVA significantly improved in the IVA/PDT group at every 6-month visit compared to the baseline. In the IVR/PDT group, there was a significant improvement of BCVA only at 6-months and 12-months, but not at 18-months and 24-months compared to the baseline. There were no significant differences in the BCVA change or CRT change between the two groups at every 6-month visit. A complete polyp regression rate at 3-months was 53.3% in IVA/PDT, and 52.0% in IVR/PDT. Significantly higher dry macula rate in Month 6 and 18 in the IVA/PDT group than in IVR/PDT group. Retreatment was performed in 26.7% patients in IVA/PDT, and in 60.0% patients in the IVR/PDT group. There were significantly lower retreatment rates in the IVA/PDT group than those in the IVR/PDT group. Better final BCVA was associated with better baseline BCVA and a younger age. Retreatment was associated with complete polyp regression at 3-months. Conclusions: Significant visual improvement was demonstrated in the IVA/PDT group at every 6-month visit, but only at a 6-month and a 12-month follow-up in the IVR/PDT group. Although changes of the BCVA/CRT and complete polyp regression rate were comparable between two groups, the IVA/PDT group required less retreatment and attained more dry macula results. Better baseline BCVA and younger age were associated with a better visual outcome.
Optical Design of the Goaly3 Multi-Mirror Telescope System with a Wide Field of View
Authors: Fan Junliu , Wu Quanying , Chen Baohua , Liu Lin , Chen Lei
Published: January 2021

A Golay3 multi-mirror telescope (MMT) system is designed in this paper. The fill factor of the Golay3 MMT is derived from the angular resolution of the telescope. An initial configuration is established according to the paraxial optical theory. A three-element aspheric corrector group is designed and placed in the converging light cone to enlarge the field of view (FOV) of the Golay3 MMT. The tolerance analysis for each surface of the Golay3 MMT is conducted using the Monte Carlo method. The design results show the FOV of the Golay3 MMT system can be increased to 1.5° with the insertion of a three-element aspheric corrector group. The results of the tolerance analysis indicate that most tolerances are loose, while some decenter tolerances relating with the aspheric surfaces are relatively tight, but still within an acceptable range.
A Systematic Approach for Evaluating the Adoption of Additive Manufacturing in the Product Design Process
Authors: Raffaeli Roberto , Lettori Jacopo , Schmidt Juliana , Peruzzini Margherita , Pellicciari Marcello
Published: January 2021

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies have expanded the possibility of producing unconventional geometries, also increasing the freedom of design. However, in the designer’s everyday work, the decision regarding the adoption of AM for the production of a component is not straightforward. In fact, it is necessary to process much information regarding multiple fields to exploit the maximum potential of additive production. For example, there is a need to evaluate the properties of the printable materials, their compatibility with the specific application, redesign shapes accordingly to AM limits, and conceive unique and complex products. Additionally, procurement and logistics evaluations, as well as overall costs possibly extending to the entire life cycle, are necessary to come to a decision for a new and radical solution. In this context, this paper investigates the complex set of information involved in this process. Indeed, it proposes a framework to support and guide a designer by means of a structured and algorithmic procedure to evaluate the opportunity for the adoption of AM and come to an optimal design. A case study related to an ultralight aircraft part is reported to demonstrate the proposed decision process.
Diurnal, Temporal and Spatial Variations of Main Air Pollutants Before and during Emergency Lockdown in the City of Novi Sad (Serbia)
Authors: Davidović Miloš , Dmitrašinović Sonja , Jovanović Maja , Radonić Jelena , Jovašević-Stojanović Milena
Published: January 2021

Changes in air pollution in the region of the city of Novi Sad due to the COVID-19 induced state of emergency were evaluated while using data from permanently operating air quality monitoring stations belonging to the national, regional, and local networks, as well as ad hoc deployed low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors. The low-cost sensors were collocated with reference gravimetric pumps. The starting idea for this research was to determine if and to what extent a massive change of anthropogenic activities introduced by lockdown could be observed in main air pollutants levels. An analysis of the data showed that fine and coarse particulate matter, as well as SO2 levels, did not change noticeably, compared to the pre-lockdown period. Isolated larger peaks in PM pollution were traced back to the Aralkum Desert episode. The reduced movement of vehicles and reduced industrial and construction activities during the lockdown in Novi Sad led to a reduction and a more uniform profile of the PM2.5 levels during the period between morning and afternoon air pollution peak, approximately during typical working hours. Daily profiles of NO2, NO, and NOX during the state of emergency proved lower levels during most hours of the day, due to restrictions on vehicular movement. CO during the state of the emergency mainly exhibited a lower level during night. Pollutants having transportation-dominated source profiles exhibited a decrease in level, while pollutants with domestic heating source profiles mostly exhibited a constant level. Considering local sources in Novi Sad, slight to moderate air quality improvement was observed after the lockdown as compared with days before. Furthermore, PM low-cost sensors’ usefulness in air quality assessment was confirmed, as they increase spatial resolution, but it is necessary to calibrate them at the deployment location.
A Unified User-Friendly Instrument Control and Data Acquisition System for the ORNL SANS Instrument Suite
Authors: Yao Xingxing , Avery Blake , Bobrek Miljko , Debeer-Schmitt Lisa , Geng Xiaosong , Gregory Ray , Guyotte Greg , Harrington Mike , Hartman Steven , He Lilin , Heroux Luke , Kasemir Kay , Knudson Rob , Kohl James , Lionberger Carl , Littrell Kenneth , Pearson Matthew , Pingali Sai Venkatesh , Pratt Cody , Qian Shuo , Ruiz-Rodriguez Mariano , Sedov Vladislav , Taufer Gary , Urban Volker , Vodopivec Klemen
Published: January 2021

In an effort to upgrade and provide a unified and improved instrument control and data acquisition system for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instrument suite—biological small-angle neutron scattering instrument (Bio-SANS), the extended q-range small-angle neutron scattering diffractometer (EQ-SANS), the general-purpose small-angle neutron scattering diffractometer (GP-SANS)—beamline scientists and developers teamed up and worked closely together to design and develop a new system. We began with an in-depth analysis of user needs and requirements, covering all perspectives of control and data acquisition based on previous usage data and user feedback. Our design and implementation were guided by the principles from the latest user experience and design research and based on effective practices from our previous projects. In this article, we share details of our design process as well as prominent features of the new instrument control and data acquisition system. The new system provides a sophisticated Q-Range Planner to help scientists and users plan and execute instrument configurations easily and efficiently. The system also provides different user operation interfaces, such as wizard-type tool Panel Scan, a Scripting Tool based on Python Language, and Table Scan, all of which are tailored to different user needs. The new system further captures all the metadata to enable post-experiment data reduction and possibly automatic reduction and provides users with enhanced live displays and additional feedback at the run time. We hope our results will serve as a good example for developing a user-friendly instrument control and data acquisition system at large user facilities.
Drought Monitoring Based on Vegetation Type and Reanalysis Data in Korea
Authors: Lee Seoyeon , Lee Seung-Jae , Jang Keunchang , Chun Jung-Hwa
Published: January 2021

Droughts affect economic, social, and environmental aspects in regions such as the Korean Peninsula, where more than 70% of the area comprises forests; hence, their monitoring is imperative. Despite the many indices and methodologies developed for monitoring, diagnosing droughts using reanalysis data is challenging as the data are characterized by low resolution and simplified vegetation classification. This study utilized a recently released ERA5 reanalysis dataset and its vegetation type information to derive indices that represent meteorological drought. Furthermore, their accuracy in South Korea, based on observation data, was evaluated. The spatio-temporal variability of droughts was analyzed using various factor and correlation analysis methods considering different atmospheric variables and soil moisture. The validity of the method was verified by comparing the observed and obtained data. Soil moisture in the first and second soil layers was sensitive to droughts in low-vegetation areas, thus requiring relatively frequent monitoring of precipitation and evapotranspiration near the topsoil. High-vegetation areas were most affected in the third layers one month after the drought. Hence, forest drought monitoring should consider precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff one month in advance. The results obtained herein can be used for forest drought monitoring one month before its occurrence.
Assessing the Sensitivity of Main Crop Yields to Climate Change Impacts in China
Authors: Xu Yuan , Chou Jieming , Yang Fan , Sun Mingyang , Zhao Weixing , Li Jiangnan
Published: January 2021

Quantitatively assessing the spatial divergence of the sensitivity of crop yield to climate change is of great significance for reducing the climate change risk to food production. We use socio-economic and climatic data from 1981 to 2015 to examine how climate variability led to variation in yield, as simulated by an economy–climate model (C-D-C). The sensitivity of crop yield to the impact of climate change refers to the change in yield caused by changing climatic factors under the condition of constant non-climatic factors. An ‘output elasticity of comprehensive climate factor (CCF)’ approach determines the sensitivity, using the yields per hectare for grain, rice, wheat and maize in China’s main grain-producing areas as a case study. The results show that the CCF has a negative trend at a rate of −0.84/(10a) in the North region, while a positive trend of 0.79/(10a) is observed for the South region. Climate change promotes the ensemble increase in yields, and the contribution of agricultural labor force and total mechanical power to yields are greater, indicating that the yield in major grain-producing areas mainly depends on labor resources and the level of mechanization. However, the sensitivities to climate change of different crop yields to climate change present obvious regional differences: the sensitivity to climate change of the yield per hectare for maize in the North region was stronger than that in the South region. Therefore, the increase in the yield per hectare for maize in the North region due to the positive impacts of climate change was greater than that in the South region. In contrast, the sensitivity to climate change of the yield per hectare for rice in the South region was stronger than that in the North region. Furthermore, the sensitivity to climate change of maize per hectare yield was stronger than that of rice and wheat in the North region, and that of rice was the highest of the three crop yields in the South region. Finally, the economy–climate sensitivity zones of different crops were determined by the output elasticity of the CCF to help adapt to climate change and prevent food production risks.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Batteries in 2020
Authors:   Batteries Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Batteries maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Emerging Trends in Beverage Processing
Authors: Morata Antonio
Published: January 2021

Beverage processing is open to new technologies; among them, nonthermal physical technologies such as discontinuous hydrostatic pressure (HHP), ultrahigh-pressure homogenization (UHPH), pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasound (US), atmospheric pressure cold plasma (APCP), or pulsed light (PL) are growing increasingly in the food industry [...]
Somatosensory Gating Responses Are Associated with Prognosis in Patients with Migraine
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Jung , Chen Wei-Ta , Wang Yen-Feng , Chen Shih-Pin , Lai Kuan-Lin , Liu Hung-Yu , Pan Li-Ling , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: January 2021

Sensory gating, a habituation-related but more basic protective mechanism against brain sensory overload, is altered in patients with migraine and linked to headache severity. This study investigated whether somatosensory (SI) gating responses determined 3-months treatment outcomes in patients with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM). A 306-channel magnetoencephalography (MEG) with paired-pulse stimulation paradigm was used to record their neuromagnetic responses. To calculate the peak amplitude and latency and compute the gating ratios (second vs. first amplitude), the first and second responses to the paired stimuli from the primary somatosensory cortex were obtained. All patients were assigned to subgroups labeled good or poor according to their headache frequency at baseline compared with at the third month of treatment. The gating ratio in the CM group (n = 37) was significantly different between those identified as good and poor (p = 0.009). In the EM group (n = 30), the latency in the second response differed by treatment outcomes (p = 0.007). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the areas under the curve for the CM and EM groups were 0.737 and 0.761, respectively. Somatosensory gating responses were associated with treatment outcomes in patients with migraine; future studies with large patient samples are warranted.
The Immunoscore in Localized Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Clinical Significance for Pathologic Responses and Overall Survival
Authors: Nassif Elise F. , Mlecnik Bernhard , Thibault Constance , Auvray Marie , Bruni Daniela , Colau Alexandre , Compérat Eva , Bindea Gabriela , Catteau Aurélie , Fugon Aurélie , Boquet Isabelle , Martel Marine , Camparo Philippe , Colin Pierre , Zakopoulou Roubini , Bamias Aristotelis , Bennamoun Mostefa , Barthere Xavier , D’acremont Bruno , Lefevre Marine , Audenet Francois , Mejean Arnaud , Verkarre Virginie , Oudard Stéphane , Galon Jérôme
Published: January 2021

(1) Background—The five-year overall survival (OS) of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy is around 50%. There is no validated biomarker to guide the treatment decision. We investigated whether the Immunoscore (IS) could predict the pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival outcomes. (2) Methods—This retrospective study evaluated the IS in 117 patients treated using neoadjuvant chemotherapy for localized MIBC from six centers (France and Greece). Pre-treatment tumor samples were immunostained for CD3+ and CD8+ T cells and quantified to determine the IS. The results were associated with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, time to recurrence (TTR), and OS. (3) Results—Low (IS-0), intermediate (IS-1–2), and high (IS-3–4) ISs were observed in 36.5, 43.7, and 19.8% of the cohort, respectively. IS was positively associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR; p-value = 0.0096). A high IS was found in 35.7% of patients with a pCR, whereas it was found in 11.3% of patients without a pCR. A low IS was observed in 48.4% of patients with no pCR and in 21.4% of patients with a pCR. Low-, intermediate-, and high-IS patients had five-year recurrence-free rates of 37.2%, 36.5%, and 72.6%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, a high IS was associated with a prolonged TTR (high vs. low: p = 0.0134) and OS (high vs. low: p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions—This study showed the significant prognostic and predictive roles of IS regarding localized MIBC.
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: A Review of Main Molecular Abnormalities and Emerging Therapy
Authors: Mello Celso Abdon , Campos Fernando Augusto Batista , Santos Tiago Goss , Silva Maria Leticia Gobo , Torrezan Giovana Tardin , Costa Felipe D’Almeida , Formiga Maria Nirvana , Nicolau Ulisses , Nascimento Antonio Geraldo , Silva Cassia , Curado Maria Paula , Nakagawa Suely Akiko , Lopes Ademar , Aguiar Samuel
Published: January 2021

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an extremely rare, aggressive sarcoma affecting adolescents and young adults with male predominance. Generally, it originates from the serosal surface of the abdominal cavity. The hallmark characteristic of DSRCT is the EWSR1–WT1 gene fusion. This translocation up-regulates the expression of PDGFRα, VEGF and other proteins related to tumor and vascular cell proliferation. Current management of DSRCT includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and aggressive cytoreductive surgery plus intra-peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC). Despite advances in multimodal therapy, outcomes remain poor since the majority of patients present disease recurrence and die within three years. The dismal survival makes DSRCT an orphan disease with an urgent need for new drugs. The treatment of advanced and recurrent disease with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as pazopanib, sunitinib, and mTOR inhibitors was evaluated by small trials. Recent studies using comprehensive molecular profiling of DSRCT identified potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we aim to describe the current studies conducted to better understand DSRCT biology and to explore the new therapeutic strategies under investigation in preclinical models and in early phase clinical trials.
Nanowire-Based Materials as Coke-Resistant Catalyst Supports for Dry Methane Reforming
Authors: Nambo Apolo , Atla Veerendra , Vasireddy Sivakumar , Kumar Vivekanand , Jasinski Jacek B. , Upadhyayula Sreedevi , Sunkara Mahendra
Published: January 2021

In this paper, nanowire-supported catalysts loaded with nickel are shown to be coke resistant compared to nanoparticle-supported catalysts. Specifically, Ni-loaded titania-based nanowire catalysts were tested with the dry methane reforming process in a laboratory-scale continuous packed-bed atmospheric reactor. The CO2 conversion rate stayed above 90% for over 30 h on stream under coke-promoting conditions, such as high flow rates, low temperatures, and a high ratio of CH4 to CO2. The coke (CxHy, x>>y) on the spent catalyst surface for both nanowire- and nanoparticle-supported catalysts was characterized by TGA, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and electron microscopy (SEM/TEM/EDS), and it was revealed that the types of carbon species present and their distribution over the morphology-enhanced materials played a major role in the deactivation. The CO2 conversion activity of Ni supported on titania nanoparticles was reduced from ~80% to less than 72% in 30 h due to the formation of a graphitic coke formation. On the other hand, Ni particles supported on nanowires exhibited cube-octahedral morphologies, with a high density of non- (111) surface sites responsible for the increased activity and reduced graphitic coke deposition, giving a sustained and stable catalytic activity during a long time-on-stream experiment.
Optimizing the Production of Recombinant Hydroperoxide Lyase in Escherichia coli Using Statistical Design
Authors: Vincenti Sophie , Mariani Magali , Croce Jessica , Faillace Eva , de Caraffa Virginie Brunini-Bronzini , Berti Liliane , Maury Jacques
Published: January 2021

Hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) catalyzes the synthesis of volatiles C6 or C9 aldehydes from fatty acid hydroperoxides. These short carbon chain aldehydes, known as green leaf volatiles (GLV), are widely used in cosmetic industries and as food additives because of their “fresh green” aroma. To meet the growing demand for natural GLVs, the use of recombinant HPL as a biocatalyst in enzyme-catalyzed processes appears to be an interesting application. Previously, we cloned and expressed a 13-HPL from olive fruit in Escherichia coli and showed high conversion rates (up to 94%) during the synthesis of C6 aldehydes. To consider a scale-up of this process, optimization of the recombinant enzyme production is necessary. In this study, four host-vector combinations were tested. Experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the expression conditions. Three factors were considered, i.e., temperature, inducer concentration and induction duration. The Box–Behnken design consisted of 45 assays for each expression system performed in deep-well microplates. The regression models were built and fitted well to the experimental data (R2 coefficient > 97%). The best response (production level of the soluble enzyme) was obtained with E. coli BL21 DE3 cells. Using the optimal conditions, 2277 U L−1of culture of the soluble enzyme was produced in microliter plates and 21,920 U L−1of culture in an Erlenmeyer flask, which represents a 79-fold increase compared to the production levels previously reported.
Upgrading of Bio-Syngas via Steam-CO2 Reforming Using Rh/Alumina Monolith Catalysts
Authors: Lee Woo Jin , Li Chaoen , Patel Jim
Published: January 2021

Steam-CO2 reforming of biomass derived synthesis gas (bio-syngas) was investigated with regard to the steam concentration in the feed using Rh-loaded alumina foam monolith catalysts, which was also accompanied by thermodynamic equilibrium calculation. With 40 vol % steam addition, steam methane reforming and water gas shift reaction were prevailed at the temperature below 640 °C, above which methane dry reforming and reverse-water gas shift reaction were intensified. Substantial change of activation energy based on the methane conversion was observed at 640 °C, where the reaction seemed to be shifted from the kinetic controlled region to the mass transfer controlled region. At the reduced steam of 20 vol %, the increase in the gas velocity led to the increase in the contribution of steam reforming. Comparing to the absence of steam, the addition of steam (40 vol %) resulted in the increase in the production of H2 and CO2, which in turn increased the H2/CO ratio by 95% and decreased the CO/CO2 ratio by 60%. Rh-loaded alumina monolith was revealed to have a good stability in upgrading of the raw bio-syngas.
Immunophenotypical Characterization of M1/M2 Macrophages and Lymphocytes in Cisplatin-Induced Rat Progressive Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Nakagawa Minto , Karim Mohammad Rabiul , Izawa Takeshi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: January 2021

Renal fibrosis is regarded as the common final pathway leading to chronic kidney diseases; macrophages and myofibroblasts play important roles in the development of fibrosis. F344 rats were injected once with cisplatin (CDDP; 6 mg/kg BW) for renal lesions. Here, immunophenotypical characteristics of macrophages and lymphocytes in CDDP-induced rat renal lesions were investigated histopathologically; the CDDP-induced renal lesions consisted of tissue damage at the early-stage, worsen the damage and commencement of interstitial fibrosis at the mid-stage, and progressive fibrosis at the late stage; the KIM-1 expression and α-SMA+ myofibroblast area reflected renal tubular damage/abnormal regeneration and renal interstitial fibrosis, respectively. CD68+ M1 macrophages began to increase at the mid-stage, with increased mRNA expressions of M1-related cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α and IL-6), and then slightly decreased at the late-stage. CD163+ M2 macrophages showed a gradually increased number at the mid- and late-stages, accompanied by increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression (a fibrogenic factor). Double immunofluorescence using fibrotic samples at the late-stage revealed that 62.0–78.0% of CD68+ M1 macrophages co-expressed CD163, indicating that M1/M2 macrophages may contribute to progressive renal fibrosis in cooperation; further, MHC class II-expressing macrophages had a tendency towards M1 polarization, whereas CD204-expressing macrophages towards M2 polarization. In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were increased at the late-stage. Collectively, progressive renal interstitial fibrosis may be developed by complicated mechanisms that arose via interaction of M1/M2 macrophages (inflammatory for M1 and anti-inflammatory for M2) and T cells reacting to CD4 (for helper) and CD8 (for cytotoxicity). This study would provide some information on the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis based on inflammatory cells.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Improve Chronic Disease Risk Factors and Sleep in Shift Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Crowther Meagan E , Ferguson Sally A , Vincent Grace E , Reynolds Amy C
Published: January 2021

Shift work is associated with adverse chronic health outcomes. Addressing chronic disease risk factors including biomedical risk factors, behavioural risk factors, as well as sleep and perceived health status, affords an opportunity to improve health outcomes in shift workers. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review, qualitative synthesis, and meta-analysis of non-pharmacological interventions targeting chronic disease risk factors, including sleep, in shift workers. A total of 8465 records were retrieved; 65 publications were eligible for inclusion in qualitative analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis were conducted for eight eligible health outcomes, including a total of thirty-nine studies. Interventions resulted in increased objective sleep duration (Hedges’ g = 0.73; CI: 0.36, 1.10, k = 16), improved objective sleep efficiency (Hedges’ g = 0.48; CI: 0.20, 0.76, k = 10) and a small increase in both subjective sleep duration (Hedges’ g = 0.11; CI: −0.04, 0.27, k = 19) and sleep quality (Hedges’ g = 0.11; CI: −0.11, 0.33, k = 21). Interventions also improved perceived health status (Hedges’ g = 0.20; CI: −0.05, 0.46, k = 8), decreased systolic (Hedges’ g = 0.26; CI: −0.54, 0.02, k = 7) and diastolic (Hedges’ g = 0.06; CI: −0.23, 0.36, k = 7) blood pressure, and reduced body mass index (Hedges’ g = −0.04; CI: −0.37, 0.29, k = 9). The current study suggests interventions may improve chronic disease risk factors and sleep in shift workers; however, this could only be objectively assessed for a limited number of risk factor endpoints. Future interventions could explore the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on a broader range of chronic disease risk factors to better characterise targets for improved health outcomes in shift workers.
An Active Gelatin Coating Containing Eugenol and Vacuum Delays the Decay of Chinese Seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) Fillets during Cold Storage: A Microbiome Perspective
Authors: Ma Xuan , Zhou Qianqian , Qiu Weiqiang , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an active gelatin coating containing eugenol and vacuum on the microbial diversity of Chinese seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) during cold (−0.9 °C) storage. The bacterial sequences in Chinese seabass were observed using a high-throughput sequencing technique targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) on 0, 12th, and 24th day, which showed a more comprehensive estimate of the microbial diversity in seabass samples compared with microbial enumeration. The results revealed that the species diversity of fresh seabass was rich, mainly including Carnobacterium, Glutamicibacter, and Pseudomonas, with abundance ratios of 0.286, 0.160, and 0.130, respectively. Pseudomonas and Shewanella were the primary contaminants in the spoiled control samples, where the abundance ratios increased from 0.220 and 0.174 on the 12th day to 0.802 and 0.163 on the 24th day, respectively. Vacuum treatment could inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas and Shewanella such that when stored on the 12th day, Brochothrix became the superior genus. However, Pseudomonas and Shewanella dominated the storage until the 24th day, where their abundance ratios were 0.343 and 0.279, respectively. The inhibition of Pseudomonas and Carnobacterium was gradually enhanced with increasing concentrations of eugenol. Furthermore, an active gelatin coating containing eugenol and vacuum treatment was more effective at inhibiting the increase of the total volatile basic nitrogen. This study confirmed that an active gelatin coating containing eugenol and vacuum could reduce the species of bacteria, inhibit the growth and reproduction of the main dominant spoilage bacteria, and delay the spoilage of seabass.
Network Analysis of Local Gene Regulators in Arabidopsis thaliana under Spaceflight Stress
Authors: Manian Vidya , Gangapuram Harshini , Orozco Jairo , Janwa Heeralal , Agrinsoni Carlos
Published: January 2021

Spaceflight microgravity affects normal plant growth in several ways. The transcriptional dataset of the plant model organism Arabidopsis thaliana grown in the international space station is mined using graph-theoretic network analysis approaches to identify significant gene transcriptions in microgravity essential for the plant’s survival and growth in altered environments. The photosynthesis process is critical for the survival of the plants in spaceflight under different environmentally stressful conditions such as lower levels of gravity, lesser oxygen availability, low atmospheric pressure, and the presence of cosmic radiation. Lasso regression method is used for gene regulatory network inferencing from gene expressions of four different ecotypes of Arabidopsis in spaceflight microgravity related to the photosynthetic process. The individual behavior of hub-genes and stress response genes in the photosynthetic process and their impact on the whole network is analyzed. Logistic regression on centrality measures computed from the networks, including average shortest path, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and eccentricity, and the HITS algorithm is used to rank genes and identify interactor or target genes from the networks. Through the hub and authority gene interactions, several biological processes associated with photosynthesis and carbon fixation genes are identified. The altered conditions in spaceflight have made all the ecotypes of Arabidopsis sensitive to dehydration-and-salt stress. The oxidative and heat-shock stress-response genes regulate the photosynthesis genes that are involved in the oxidation-reduction process in spaceflight microgravity, enabling the plant to adapt successfully to the spaceflight environment.
High Hydrogen Ion Concentration Causes a Blue Shift in Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Po-Yen , Lin Po-Chen , Huang Chien-Jung
Published: January 2021

In this research, our team used a rare electrochemical method to obtain gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The growth solution has been added with nitric acid in order to observe the effect of GNPs. The solution also included cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and acetone. All reactions involved the oxidation of acetone and chain polymerization. Therefore, the GNPs changed to a su pramolecular structure. In addition, our team measured absorption wavelength via ultraviolet/ visible spectrophotometer and found an obviously blue shift. This short absorption wavelength is obviously different from other GNPs.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Dentistry Journal in 2020
Authors:   Dentistry Journal Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Dentistry Journal maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
An Effective Method for Parameter Estimation of a Solar Cell
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Sharma Abhinav , Averbukh Moshe , Jately Vibhu , Azzopardi Brian
Published: January 2021

Parameter extraction of the photovoltaic cell is a highly nonlinear complex optimization problem. This article proposes a new hybrid version of whale optimization and particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimize the photovoltaic cell parameters. The exploitation ability of particle swarm optimization with adaptive weight function is implemented in the pipeline mode with a whale optimization algorithm to improve its exploitation capability and convergence speed. The performance of the proposed hybrid algorithm is compared with six different optimization algorithms in terms of root mean square error and rate of convergence. The simulation result shows that the proposed hybrid algorithm produces not only optimized parameters at different irradiation levels (i.e., 1000 W/m2, 870 W/m2, 720 W/m2, and 630 W/m2) but also estimates minimum root mean square error even at a low level of irradiations. Furthermore, the statistical analysis validates that the average accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm are better than other algorithms. The best values of root mean square error generated by the proposed algorithm are 7.1700×10−4 and 9.8412×10−4 for single-diode and double-diode models. It is observed that the estimated parameters based on the optimization process are highly consistent with the experimental data.
Sensitivity Analysis of 4R3C Model Parameters with Respect to Structure and Geometric Characteristics of Buildings
Authors: Bagheri Ali , Genikomsakis Konstantinos N. , Feldheim Véronique , Ioakimidis Christos S.
Published: January 2021

Data-driven models, either simplified or detailed, have been extensively used in the literature for energy assessment in buildings and districts. However, the uncertainty of the estimated parameters, especially of thermal masses in resistance–capacitance (RC) models, still remains a significant challenge, given the wide variety of buildings functionalities, typologies, structures and geometries. Therefore, the sensitivity analysis of the estimated parameters in RC models with respect to different geometric characteristics is necessary to examine the accuracy of identified models. In this work, heavy- and light-structured buildings are simulated in Transient System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS) to analyze the effects of four main geometric characteristics on the total heat demand, maximum heat power and the estimated parameters of an RC model (4R3C), namely net-floor area, windows-to-floor ratio, aspect ratio, and orientation angle. Executing more than 700 simulations in TRNSYS and comparing the outcomes with their corresponding 4R3C model shows that the thermal resistances of 4-facade building structures are estimated with good accuracy regardless of their geometric features, while the insulation level has the highest impact on the estimated parameters. Importantly, the results obtained also indicate that the 4R3C model can estimate the indoor temperature with a mean square error of less than 0.5 °C for all cases.
Monte Carlo Simulation Methodology to Assess the Impact of Ambient Wind on Emissions from a Light-Commercial Vehicle Running on the Worldwide-Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC)
Authors: Zachiotis Alexandros T. , Giakoumis Evangelos G.
Published: January 2021

A Monte Carlo simulation methodology is suggested in order to assess the impact of ambient wind on a vehicle’s performance and emissions. A large number of random wind profiles is generated by implementing the Weibull and uniform statistical distributions for wind speed and direction, respectively. Wind speed data are drawn from eight cities across Europe. The vehicle considered is a diesel-powered, turbocharged, light-commercial vehicle and the baseline trip is the worldwide harmonized light-duty vehicles WLTC cycle. A detailed engine-mapping approach is used as the basis for the results, complemented with experimentally derived correction coefficients to account for engine transients. The properties of interest are (engine-out) NO and soot emissions, as well as fuel and energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Results from this study show that there is an aggregate increase in all properties, vis-à-vis the reference case (i.e., zero wind), if ambient wind is to be accounted for in road load calculation. Mean wind speeds for the different sites examined range from 14.6 km/h to 24.2 km/h. The average increase in the properties studied, across all sites, ranges from 0.22% up to 2.52% depending on the trip and the property (CO2, soot, NO, energy consumption) examined. Based on individual trip assessment, it was found that especially at high vehicle speeds where wind drag becomes the major road load force, CO2 emissions may increase by 28%, NO emissions by 22%, and soot emissions by 13% in the presence of strong headwinds. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the adverse effect of headwinds far exceeds the positive effect of tailwinds, thus explaining the overall increase in fuel/energy consumption as well as emissions, while also highlighting the shortcomings of the current certification procedure, which neglects ambient wind effects.