bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial Performance of Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis, L.) Stocks at a Microgeographic Scale
Authors: Guillou Efflam , Cyr Carole , Laplante Jean-François , Bourque François , Toupoint Nicolas , Tremblay Réjean
Published: May 2020

Bivalve aquaculture is an important component of the economy in eastern Canada. Because of current social, environmental, economic, and resource constraints, offshore mussel cultivation seems to be a promising strategy. With the objective of optimizing farming strategies that support the sustainability and development of the mussel industry at a microgeographic scale, we evaluated, after a traditional two year production cycle, the commercial performance of spat from several mussel (Mytilus edulis) stocks originating from sites separated by less than 65 km and cultivated at two different grow-out sites (shallow lagoon and offshore waters). The spatiotemporal variation in spat performance was studied through a multiyear in situ “stock-site” spat transfer design. The spat supply originating from the Bassin du Havre-Aubert lagoon systematically exhibited a larger size at sleeving time when compared to other stocks, and a better productivity level when harvested. Nevertheless, an alternative strategy would be to collect spat from the Havre-aux-Maisons lagoon, mostly because of the important commercial volumes of spat that can be collected there. Commercial performance (net income) was three times higher in the deep offshore grow-out site than in the shallow lagoon site. This better productivity in the open sea confirms the highly valuable strategy of offshore mussel farming in this area, where it was hypothesized that the less stressful environmental conditions positively influence reproduction, survival, and growth trends.
Correction: Li, Q. and Liang, S.Y. Microstructure Images Restoration of Metallic Materials Based upon KSVD and Smoothing Penalty Sparse Representation Approach. Materials 2018, 11, 637
Authors: Li Qing , Liang Steven Y.
Published: May 2020

The authors were not aware of some errors and imprecise descriptions made in the proofreading phase, therefore, we wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Selected Electrochemical Properties of 4,4’-((1E,1’E)-((1,2,4-Thiadiazole-3,5-diyl)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(N,N-di-p-tolylaniline) towards Perovskite Solar Cells with 14.4% Efficiency
Authors: Bogdanowicz Krzysztof Artur , Jewłoszewicz Beata , Iwan Agnieszka , Dysz Karolina , Przybyl Wojciech , Januszko Adam , Marzec Monika , Cichy Kacper , Świerczek Konrad , Kavan Ladislav , Zukalová Markéta , Nadazdy Vojtech , Subair Riyas , Majkova Eva , Micusik Matej , Omastova Maria , Özeren Mehmet Derya , Kamarás Katalin , Heo Do Yeon , Kim Soo Young
Published: May 2020

Planar perovskite solar cells were fabricated on F-doped SnO2 (FTO) coated glass substrates, with 4,4’-((1E,1’E)-((1,2,4-thiadiazole-3,5-diyl)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(N,N-di-p-tolylaniline) (bTAThDaz) as hole transport material. This imine was synthesized in one step reaction, starting from commercially available and relatively inexpensive reagents. Electrochemical, optical, electrical, thermal and structural studies including thermal images and current-voltage measurements of the full solar cell devices characterize the imine in details. HOMO-LUMO of bTAThDaz were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS) and were found at −5.19 eV and −2.52 eV (CV) and at −5.5 eV and −2.3 eV (ER-EIS). The imine exhibited 5% weight loss at 156 °C. The electrical behavior and photovoltaic performance of the perovskite solar cell was examined for FTO/TiO2/perovskite/bTAThDaz/Ag device architecture. Constructed devices exhibited good time and air stability together with quite small effect of hysteresis. The observed solar conversion efficiency was 14.4%.
Study on the Pore and Microstructure Fractal Characteristics of Alkali-Activated Coal Gangue-Slag Mortars
Authors: Ma Hongqiang , Sun Jianwei , Wu Chao , Yi Cheng , Li Yu
Published: May 2020

Just as it is regarding ordinary cement-based materials, the pore structure and microstructure of alkali-activated materials are disordered. It is essential to predict the macroscopic properties by studying the pore and microstructure fractal characteristics of materials. In this paper, the effects of slag content and alkali activator modulus on compressive strength, porosity, and microstructure of alkali-activated coal gangue-slag (AACGS) mortar were studied. Further, with the help of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) data and the MATLAB programming, the pore and SEM photos fractal dimensions of AACGS mortar specimens were obtained, respectively, and the relationship between the microscopic fractal dimensions and the macroscopic strength and the structural characteristics of pores was established. The results show that the pore fractal dimension has a good linear relationship with the compressive strength and pore characteristic parameters (porosity, total pore area, and average pore diameter, etc.). With the increase of slag content, the SEM photos fractal dimension of AACGS mortar specimens increases, and the fractal dimension and compressive strength also show a significant positive linear relationship. The two fractal characterization methods can be used in the alkali-activated material system and have important guiding significance for predicting the macroscopic strength and pore characteristic parameters of the material.
Artificial Neural Networks in Classification of Steel Grades Based on Non-Destructive Tests
Authors: Beskopylny Alexey , Lyapin Alexandr , Anysz Hubert , Meskhi Besarion , Veremeenko Andrey , Mozgovoy Andrey
Published: May 2020

Assessment of the mechanical properties of structural steels characterizing their strength and deformation parameters is an essential problem in the monitoring of structures that have been in operation for quite a long time. The properties of steel can change under the influence of loads, deformations, or temperatures. There is a problem of express determination of the steel grade used in structures—often met in the practice of civil engineering or machinery manufacturing. The article proposes the use of artificial neural networks for the classification and clustering of steel according to strength characteristics. The experimental studies of the mechanical characteristics of various steel grades were carried out, and a special device was developed for conducting tests by shock indentation of a conical indenter. A technique based on a neural network was built. The developed algorithm allows with average accuracy—over 95%—to attribute the results to the corresponding steel grade.
An Evaluation Model for Property-Purchasing Plans Based on a Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model
Authors: Lin Jun-Kun , Lin Hung-Lung , Wang William Yu Chung , Chang Ching-Hui , Lin Chin-Tsai
Published: May 2020

Purchasing a property entails making rankings, comparisons, and trade-offs among various housing characteristics. When trying to sell a house, real estate brokers take on an important role as a middle-person between the seller and buyer. Thus, this research sets up a dynamic price recommendation method for housing purchases and applies the fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (FMCDM) technique, so as to realize housing quality and evaluation. We utilize this method based on the prospect theory of the loss aversion effect, in order to aid real estate brokers’ job of coordinating between the seller and buyer. The method helps us to provide an objective view of the evaluation matrix. From the pricing strategy, the results are able to match price versus quality and improve brokers’ intermediation effects. The brokers can subsequently make recommendations regarding a suitable price, decisions on negotiation strategies to reach an agreement, and settle upon an acceptable price.
A Characterization of Strong Completeness in Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Gregori Valentín , Miñana Juan-José , Roig Bernardino , Sapena Almanzor
Published: May 2020

Here, we deal with the concept of fuzzy metric space ( X , M , ∗ ) , due to George and Veeramani. Based on the fuzzy diameter for a subset of X , we introduce the notion of strong fuzzy diameter zero for a family of subsets. Then, we characterize nested sequences of subsets having strong fuzzy diameter zero using their fuzzy diameter. Examples of sequences of subsets which do or do not have strong fuzzy diameter zero are provided. Our main result is the following characterization: a fuzzy metric space is strongly complete if and only if every nested sequence of close subsets which has strong fuzzy diameter zero has a singleton intersection. Moreover, the standard fuzzy metric is studied as a particular case. Finally, this work points out a route of research in fuzzy fixed point theory.
Hotelling’s Duopoly in a Two-Sided Platform Market on the Plane
Authors: Mazalov Vladimir , Konovalchikova Elena
Published: May 2020

Equilibrium in a two-sided market represented by network platforms on the plane and heterogeneous agents is investigated. The advocated approach is based on the duopoly model which implies a continuum of agents of limited size on each side of the market and examines the agents’ heterogeneous utility with the Hotelling specification. The exact values were found for the equilibrium in the case of duopoly in a two-sided market with two platforms on the plane. The dependence of the platforms’ benefits on network externalities was investigated. The problem of the optimal location of platforms in the market was considered.
The Cytomegalovirus Tegument Protein UL35 Antagonizes Pattern Recognition Receptor-Mediated Type I IFN Transcription
Authors: Fabits Markus , Gonçalves Magalhães Vladimir , Chan Baca , Girault Virginie , Elbasani Endrit , Rossetti Elisa , Saeland Eirikur , Messerle Martin , Pichlmair Andreas , Lisnić Vanda Juranić , Brinkmann Melanie M.
Published: May 2020

The rapid activation of pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated type I interferon (IFN) signaling is crucial for the host response to infection. In turn, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) must evade this potent response to establish life-long infection. Here, we reveal that the HCMV tegument protein UL35 antagonizes the activation of type I IFN transcription downstream of the DNA and RNA sensors cGAS and RIG-I, respectively. We show that ectopic expression of UL35 diminishes the type I IFN response, while infection with a recombinant HCMV lacking UL35 induces an elevated type I IFN response compared to wildtype HCMV. With a series of luciferase reporter assays and the analysis of signaling kinetics upon HCMV infection, we observed that UL35 downmodulates PRR signaling at the level of the key signaling factor TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, we demonstrate that UL35 and TBK1 co-immunoprecipitate when co-expressed in HEK293T cells. In addition, we show that a previously reported cellular binding partner of UL35, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), post-translationally GlcNAcylates UL35, but that this modification is not required for the antagonizing effect of UL35 on PRR signaling. In summary, we have identified UL35 as the first HCMV protein to antagonize the type I IFN response at the level of TBK1, thereby enriching our understanding of how this important herpesvirus escapes host immune responses.
Yeast-Free Doughs by Zymomonas mobilis: Evaluation of Technological and Fermentation Performances by Using a Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Nissen Lorenzo , Rollini Manuela , Picozzi Claudia , Musatti Alida , Foschino Roberto , Gianotti Andrea
Published: May 2020

This research focuses on the leavening performances and development of volatile compounds of three strains of Zymomonas mobilis in the production of yeast-free doughs. Z. mobilis DSM 3580, 424, and 473 were used in doughs supplemented with glucose and with or without NaCl. Z. mobilis produced about 10 mg ethanol/g dough, with maximum dough volumes (640–680 mL) being reached after 2 h leavening. NaCl addition postponed this parameter up to 6 h. Among organic acids, hexanoic acid resulted the highest produced compound; DSM 424 and 473 formed more propanoic, butanoic and pentanoic acid, being both negatively affected by NaCl. Esters were mainly discriminated on NaCl addition, with octanoic acid (DSM 3580), butanoic acid (DSM 424), and propanoic acid (DSM 473) ethyl esters as main components. DSM 3580 specifically produced 2-heptanal, DSM 424 2-hexadecenal, (E) and DSM 473 octanal, while DSM 424 and DSM 473 produced 2-butanone-4-hydroxy better than DSM 3580. Z. mobilis unique signatures were the production of nonanoic and undecanoic acids, 2-hexadecenal, (E), L(+)-tartaric acid diethyl ester and 3-decen-5-one, 4-methyl, (E). This outcome can pave the way for using Z. mobilis in baking goods, providing innovation possibilities in the area of yeast-free leavened products.
Selection and Evaluation of Staphylococcus xylosus as a Biocontrol Agent against Toxigenic Moulds in a Dry-Cured Ham Model System
Authors: Cebrián Eva , Núñez Félix , Gálvez Fernando J. , Delgado Josué , Bermúdez Elena , Rodríguez Mar
Published: May 2020

Toxigenic moulds can develop on the surface of dry-cured meat products during ripening due to their ecological conditions, which constitutes a risk for consumers. A promising strategy to control this hazard is the use of antifungal microorganisms usually found in these foods. However, to date, the effectiveness of gram-positive catalase-positive cocci (GCC+) has not been explored. The aim of this work was to select GCC+ isolates with antifungal activity to study its effectiveness in a dry-cured ham model system at the environmental conditions reached during the ripening. Forty-five strains of GCC+ were evaluated and the isolate Staphylococcus xylosus Sx8 was selected to assess its efficacy at two different concentrations (106 and 104 cfu/mL) against Penicillium nordicum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Penicillium griseofulvum at 15, 20, and 25 °C. The results showed that the inoculation of 106 cfu/mL of S. xylosus completely inhibited the growth of most fungi. In addition, in the presence of this strain at 104 cfu/mL, a significant reduction in fungal growth and mycotoxins production was observed at the three temperatures studied. In conclusion, S. xylosus Sx8 possesses great potential as a biological agent to control toxigenic moulds in dry-cured meat products.
Dissimilarity of Airway and Lung Tissue Microbiota in Smokers Undergoing Surgery for Lung Cancer
Authors: Reinhold Lena , Möllering Andreas , Wallis Sönke , Palade Emanuel , Schäfer Kathrin , Drömann Daniel , Rupp Jan , Graspeuntner Simon , Dalhoff Klaus
Published: May 2020

Human airways are continuously colonized by microaspiration of microbiota. Less is known about the presence, origin and composition of microbiota in the lung parenchyma. In a study of 13 patients undergoing surgery for peripheral lung cancer microbiota composition was comparatively evaluated in upper airway, lower airway and lung tissue samples using 16S rDNA analysis. Bacterial density decreased stepwise from upper to lower airways and tissue. On a taxonomic level upper and lower airway microbiota were similar whereas lung tissue showed marked dissimilarities compared to lower airways that may reflect different environmental conditions shaping local microbiota and host immunity.
Bacillus cytotoxicus Isolated from a Pristine Natural Geothermal Area Reveals High Keratinolytic Activity
Authors: Cavello Ivana , Urbieta María Sofía , Cavalitto Sebastián , Donati Edgardo
Published: May 2020

Geothermal areas are the niches of a rich microbial diversity that is not only part of the intangible patrimony of a country but also the source of many microbial species with potential biotechnological applications. Particularly, microbial species in geothermal areas in Argentina have been scarcely explored regarding their possible biotechnological uses. The purpose of this work was to explore the proteolytic and keratinolytic enzymatic potential of microorganisms that inhabit in the Domuyo geothermal area in the Neuquén Province. To this end, we did enrichment cultures from two high-temperature natural samples in mineral media only supplemented with whole chicken feathers. After the isolation and the phylogenetic and morphologic characterization of different colonies, we obtained a collection of Bacillus cytotoxicus isolates, a species with no previous report of keratinolytic activity and only reported in rehydrated meals connected with food poisoning outbreaks. Its natural habitat has been unknown up to now. We characterized the proteolytic and keratinolytic capacities of the B. cytotoxicus isolates in different conditions, which proved to be remarkably high compared with those of other similar species. Thus, our work represents the first report of the isolation as well as the keratinolytic capacity characterization of strains of B. cytotixicus obtained from a natural environment.
Comparing the Influence of Assembly Processes Governing Bacterial Community Succession Based on DNA and RNA Data
Authors: Jia Xiu , Dini-Andreote Francisco , Falcão Salles Joana
Published: May 2020

Quantifying which assembly processes structure microbiomes can assist prediction, manipulation, and engineering of community outcomes. However, the relative importance of these processes might depend on whether DNA or RNA are used, as they differ in stability. We hypothesized that RNA-inferred community responses to (a)biotic fluctuations are faster than those inferred by DNA; the relative influence of variable selection is stronger in RNA-inferred communities (environmental factors are spatiotemporally heterogeneous), whereas homogeneous selection largely influences DNA-inferred communities (environmental filters are constant). To test these hypotheses, we characterized soil bacterial communities by sequencing both 16S rRNA amplicons from the extracted DNA and RNA transcripts across distinct stages of soil primary succession and quantified the relative influence of each assembly process using ecological null model analysis. Our results revealed that variations in α-diversity and temporal turnover were higher in RNA- than in DNA-inferred communities across successional stages, albeit there was a similar community composition; in line with our hypotheses, the assembly of RNA-inferred community was more closely associated with environmental variability (variable selection) than using the standard DNA-based approach, which was largely influenced by homogeneous selection. This study illustrates the need for benchmarking approaches to properly elucidate how community assembly processes structure microbial communities.
Accelerated Carbonation of Recycled Aggregates Using the Pressurized Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Sparging Process
Authors: Park Jinyoung , Lee Jinkyun , Chung Chul-Woo , Wang Sookyun , Lee Minhee
Published: May 2020

The carbonation of recycled aggregate was accelerated by sparging with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to reduce the amount of time needed for carbonation, which is necessary for the pH neutralization of recycled aggregate. To accelerate the carbonation process, pressurized scCO2 was sparged into two different types of recycled aggregates immersed in water for 1 h, followed by standstill for 2 h (in total, a 3 h treatment process). The reduction of the pH of the treated aggregates due to carbonation was investigated using batch extraction experiments. A continuous column extraction experiment for the scCO2-sparged recycled aggregate was also performed to identify the effect of pH reduction under the condition of non-equilibrium reaction. From XRD, SEM/EDS, and TG/DTA analyses, much of the portlandite in the recycled aggregates was consumed. In its place, calcite was created as a secondary mineral during only 3 h of treatment (1 h scCO2 sparging and 2 h stationing), indicating satisfactory carbonation of the aggregate. The results of the batch extraction experiments for both of the two recycled aggregate types also showed that the average pH of scCO2-sparged aggregate decreased from 12.0 to <9.8 (the tolerance limit for recycling). The pH of the eluent from the column packed with the scCO2-sparged aggregate also remained as <9.8, suggesting that a 1 h scCO2 sparging process is sufficient to carbonate waste concrete aggregate and to create an alternative construction material resource.
Signal-On Fluorescent Imprinted Nanoparticles for Sensing of Phenols in Aqueous Olive Leaves Extracts
Authors: Stavro Santarosa Ada , Berti Federico , Tommasini Martina , Calabretti Antonella , Forzato Cristina
Published: May 2020

The activation of signals in fluorescent nanosensors upon interaction with their targets is highly desirable. To this aim, several molecularly imprinted nanogels have been synthetized for the recognition of tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein in aqueous extracts using the non-covalent approach. Two of them contain fluorescein derivatives as co-monomers, and their fluorescence emission is switched on upon binding of the target phenols. The selection of functional monomers was previously done by analyzing the interactions by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO-d6) of the monomers with tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Polymers were synthetized under high dilution conditions to obtain micro- and nano-particles, as verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). 1,4-Divinylbenzene (DVB) was used in the fluorescent polymers in order to enhance the interactions with the aromatic ring of the templates tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol by π-π stacking. The results were fully satisfactory as to rebinding: DVB-crosslinked molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) gave over 50 nmol/mg rebinding. The sensitivity of the fluorescent MIPs was excellent, with LODs in the pM range. The sensing polymers were tested on real olive leaves extracts, with very good performance and negligible matrix effects.
Cationic Magnetite Nanoparticles for Increasing siRNA Hybridization Rates
Authors: Prilepskii Artur Y. , Kalnin Arseniy Y. , Fakhardo Anna F. , Anastasova Elizaveta I. , Nedorezova Daria D. , Antonov Grigorii A. , Vinogradov Vladimir V.
Published: May 2020

An investigation of the interaction principles of nucleic acids and nanoparticles is a priority for the development of theoretical and methodological approaches to creating bionanocomposite structures, which determines the area and boundaries of biomedical use of developed nanoscale devices. «Nucleic acid—magnetic nanoparticle» type constructs are being developed to carry out the highly efficient detection of pathogens, create express systems for genotyping and sequencing, and detect siRNA. However, the data available on the impact of nanoparticles on the behavior of siRNA are insufficient. In this work, using nanoparticles of two classical oxides of inorganic chemistry (magnetite (Fe3O4) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles), and widely used gold nanoparticles, we show their effect on the rate of siRNA hybridization. It has been determined that magnetite nanoparticles with a positive charge on the surface increase the rate of siRNA hybridization, while negatively charged magnetite and silica nanoparticles, or positively charged gold nanoparticles, do not affect hybridization rates (HR).
Effects of Menu Labeling Policies on Transnational Restaurant Chains to Promote a Healthy Diet: A Scoping Review to Inform Policy and Research
Authors: Rincón-Gallardo Patiño Sofía , Zhou Mi , Da Silva Gomes Fabio , Lemaire Robin , Hedrick Valisa , Serrano Elena , Kraak Vivica I.
Published: May 2020

There is insufficient evidence that restaurant menu labeling policies are cost-effective strategies to reduce obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Evidence suggests that menu labeling has a modest effect on calories purchased and consumed. No review has been published on the effect of menu labeling policies on transnational restaurant chains globally. This study conducted a two-step scoping review to map and describe the effect of restaurant menu labeling policies on menu reformulation. First, we identified national, state, and municipal menu labeling policies in countries from global databases. Second, we searched four databases (i.e., PubMed, CINHAL/EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed studies and gray-literature sources in English and Spanish (2000–2020). Step 1 identified three voluntary and eight mandatory menu labeling policies primarily for energy disclosures for 11 upper-middle and high-income countries, but none for low- or middle-income countries. Step 2 identified 15 of 577 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis showed reductions in energy for newly introduced menu items only in the United States. We suggest actions for governments, civil society organizations, and the restaurant businesses to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive menu labeling policies to determine whether these may reduce obesity and NCD risks worldwide.
In Vitro Evaluation of Prebiotic Properties of a Commercial Artichoke Inflorescence Extract Revealed Bifidogenic Effects
Authors: Van den Abbeele Pieter , Ghyselinck Jonas , Marzorati Massimo , Villar Agusti , Zangara Andrea , Smidt Carsten R. , Risco Ester
Published: May 2020

Background: Prebiotics used as a dietary supplement, stimulate health-related gut microbiota (e.g., bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, etc.). This study evaluated potential prebiotic effects of an artichoke aqueous dry extract (AADE) using in vitro gut model based on the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). Methods: Short-term colonic fermentations (48 h) of AADE, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and a blank were performed. Microbial metabolites were assessed at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h of colonic incubation via measuring pH, gas pressure, lactate, ammonium, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Community composition was assessed via targeted qPCRs. Results: After 24 and 48 h of incubation, bifidobacteria levels increased 25-fold with AADE (p < 0.05) and >100-fold with FOS (p < 0.05) compared to blank. Lactobacillus spp. levels only tended to increase with AADE, whereas they increased 10-fold with FOS. At 6 h, pH decreased with AADE and FOS and remained stable until 48 h; however, gas pressure increased significantly till the end of study. Acetate, propionate, and total SCFA production increased significantly with both at all time-points. Lactate levels initially increased but branched SCFA and ammonium levels remained low till 48 h. Conclusion: AADE displayed prebiotic potential by exerting bifidogenic effects that stimulated production of health-related microbial metabolites, which is potentially due to inulin in AADE.
Beta-Blockers and Cancer: Where Are We?
Authors: Peixoto Rita , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Oliveira Miguel
Published: May 2020

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. After diagnosis, cancer treatment may involve radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Several of the approaches used to treat cancer also attack normal cells and, thus, there is the need for more effective treatments that decrease the toxicity to normal cells and increase the success rates of treatment. The use of beta-blockers in cancer has been studied for their antagonist action on the adrenergic system through inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptors. Besides regulating processes such as blood pressure, heart rate, and airway strength or reactivity, beta-blockers block mechanisms that trigger tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. This study presents a literature review of the available studies addressing cancer treatments and beta-blockers. Overall, data suggest that propranolol may be used as a complement for the treatment of several types of cancer due to its ability to improve cancer outcomes by decreasing cancer cell proliferation rates. Nonetheless, additional in vitro studies should be performed to fully understand the protective role of BBs in cancer patients.
Does the Order of Submaximal Lactate Threshold and Maximal Oxygen Uptake Testing Influence Test Outcomes?
Authors: Torvik Per-Øyvind , van den Tillaar Roland , Iversen Gaute
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate if the order of submaximal lactate threshold and maximal oxygen uptake testing would influence test outcomes. Twelve well-trained male cross-country skiers (mean age 19.6 years) performed two test sessions within a week in a within-subjects repeated measures with cross-over design study. A maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max) followed by a lactate threshold (LT) test and vice versa, were performed. The test data included VO2, blood lactate (La-b), heart rate (HR), performance speed, Borg scale (RPE) at all stages and lactate accumulation throughout the whole test protocol including the breaks. No significant effect of testing order was found for: VO2max (74.23 vs. 73.91 mL∙min−1∙kg−1), maximal HR (190.7 vs. 189.9 bpm) and speed at LT during uphill running. Three out of four common definitions of LT resulted in the same La-b at the last two steps, 11 and 12 km/h respectively, in the two protocols. It is worth noting that VO2, HR and La-b were higher in the first two stages of the LT test when VO2max was tested first in the protocol. Well-trained cross-country skiers conclusively attained a similar VO2max and LT in both protocols, and the two tests did not seem to influence each other in terms of the degree of exhaustion that occurs in a single VO2max or an incremental LT test. However, when using a curvilinear function to define the LT, it is important to know that the VO2max test can influence levels of VO2, HR and La-b at the first two stages of the LT test.
Cosmic Analogues of Classic Variational Problems
Authors: Faraoni Valerio
Published: May 2020

Several classic one-dimensional problems of variational calculus originating in non-relativistic particle mechanics have solutions that are analogues of spatially homogeneous and isotropic universes. They are ruled by an equation which is formally a Friedmann equation for a suitable cosmic fluid. These problems are revisited and their cosmic analogues are pointed out. Some correspond to the main solutions of cosmology, while others are analogous to exotic cosmologies with phantom fluids and finite future singularities.
The Nuclear Pore Complex: A Target for NS3 Protease of Dengue and Zika Viruses
Authors: De Jesús-González Luis Adrián , Cervantes-Salazar Margot , Reyes-Ruiz José Manuel , Osuna-Ramos Juan Fidel , Farfán-Morales Carlos Noe , Palacios-Rápalo Selvin Noé , Pérez-Olais José Humberto , Cordero-Rivera Carlos Daniel , Hurtado-Monzón Arianna M. , Ruíz-Jiménez Fernando , Gutiérrez-Escolano Ana Lorena , del Ángel Rosa María
Published: May 2020

During flavivirus infection, some viral proteins move to the nucleus and cellular components are relocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Thus, the integrity of the main regulator of the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, the nuclear pore complex (NPC), was evaluated during infection with dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). We found that while during DENV infection the integrity and distribution of at least three nucleoporins (Nup), Nup153, Nup98, and Nup62 were altered, during ZIKV infection, the integrity of TPR, Nup153, and Nup98 were modified. In this work, several lines of evidence indicate that the viral serine protease NS2B3 is involved in Nups cleavage. First, the serine protease inhibitors, TLCK and Leupeptin, prevented Nup98 and Nup62 cleavage. Second, the transfection of DENV and ZIKV NS2B3 protease was sufficient to inhibit the nuclear ring recognition detected in mock-infected cells with the Mab414 antibody. Third, the mutant but not the active (WT) protease was unable to cleave Nups in transfected cells. Thus, here we describe for the first time that the NS3 protein from flavivirus plays novel functions hijacking the nuclear pore complex, the main controller of the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport.
Effect of the Age and Body Weight of the Broiler Breeders Male on the Presentation of Oxidative Stress and Its Correlation with the Quality of Testicular Parenchyma and Physiological Antioxidant Levels
Authors: Escorcia Magdalena , Sánchez-Godoy Félix , Ramos-Vidales David , Medina-Campos Omar Noel , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: May 2020

Chicken meat is a food of high nutritional quality; its production requires birds called broilers breeders and looking after all aspects that influence their reproductive capacity. An ongoing controversy exists among researchers related to the weight of the rooster and its fertilization capacity. By histological and biochemical tests, the association between weight and age with oxidant damage, testicular parenchyma and antioxidant capacity was evaluated in Ross 308 roosters. Testicular integrity was assessed by histological analysis, oxidative stress was determined by malondialdehyde content, non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity was determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and enzymatic antioxidant capacity through glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase activities. Histological analysis showed vacuolization of the epithelium from the seminiferous tubules. A significant negative association was observed between malondialdehyde and the deterioration of the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium, as well as between age and integrity of the seminiferous epithelium. It became evident that oxidative damage directly affects the quality of testicular parenchyma. Weight and age were not associated with the antioxidant enzymes activities, but with non-enzymatic capacity. The data obtained suggest that weight is not the most important factor that influences the fertility of the rooster.
Exploring whether teaching activity is a way to improve GPs' satisfaction and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mooser Blandine , Senn Nicolas , Heritier François , Cohidon Christine
Published: May 2020

Background

GP dissatisfaction and stress at work have been a growing domain of interest for several decades. However, few studies have focused on positive predictors of GPs’ satisfaction and wellbeing. The diversity of activities could be one area that could be explored to aid job satisfaction.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the meaning in GPs' work and medical teaching activity.

Design & setting

This is a secondary analysis of the Swiss data of the QUALICOPC study, a multicentric European-wide study, investigating primary care quality, costs, and equity.

Method

A total of 199 GPs in Switzerland answered a 60-question postal questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata (version 15). A focus group with six GPs gave qualitative data to help interpret the results.

Results

Thirty-one per cent of GPs reported a loss of meaning in their work. In multivariate analyses, loss of meaning was lower in GPs with teaching activity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27 to 0.90). In addition, loss of meaning was associated with late hospital discharge letter reception time (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.20 to 4.35 if ≥15 days) and an administrative overload (OR = 4.18; 95% CI = 2.04 to 5.58). For GPs in the focus group, medical teaching occurred mostly because of intrinsic motivations.

Conclusion

Loss of meaning in GPs' work was lessened with teaching activity. Therefore, encouraging a GP practice that is varied in its activities may encourage GP satisfaction. Ultimately, job satisfaction may impact patient quality of care and this study offers some insight on how to improve work satisfaction for the next generation of GPs.
Células madre como tratamiento regenerativo para la enfermedad de Parkinson
Authors: García Yoetsy , González Roxana , Rangel Francisco , Torres Víctor
Published: May 2020

Introducción: El Parkinson es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa, poco frecuente dentro de una población, ésta presenta una sintomatología que afecta el movimiento de pacientes que la padecen. La medicina regenerativa en los últimos años da lugar a la posibilidad de curar enfermedades degenerativas, incluyendo la enfermedad de Parkinson, utilizando la capacidad terapéutica de las células madre. Objetivo: Indagar en diferentes artículos científicos, un tratamiento para la enfermedad de Parkinson a partir de las células madre y su implementación en pacientes que sufran esta enfermedad. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica incluyendo los descriptores relacionados a células madres y enfermedad de Parkinson. Resultados: Las terapias celulares a partir de las células madre a pesar de ser pocas, se han intentado implementar como tratamiento en la medicina regenerativa, es por esto que mediantes los nuevos avances en la medicina regenerativa se tiene la esperanza que los tratamientos o terapias celulares para la EP se puedan implementar en pacientes que se encuentren en etapas avanzadas de dicha enfermedad, con el fin de revertir los síntomas o en mejores instancias regenerar las células dopaminérgicas de la sustancia negra.
Prilagođeni uložak - dio 2
Authors: Kumar Mishra Maneesh , Bruniaux Pascal , Tartare Guillaume , Campagne Christine
Published: May 2020

Potrebe u području ortopedskih uložaka postaju sve važnije. Medicinska svrha ovih plantarnih proteza često je ispravljanje držanja ili biomehaničke neravnoteže koji imaju tendenciju da uzrokuju bol u raznim dijelovima tijela, ovisno o patologiji pacijenta. To se događa zbog povećanja broja ljudi s visokim tlakom ili onih koji imaju problema s dijabetesom ili drugim bolestima. No, cijena tih proizvoda može varirati. Bez obzira za što je terapijski proizvod bio predviđen, ekonomski model nije prilagođen za socijalno osiguranje. Za poboljšanje kvalitete proizvoda potreban je nov kreativan proces. Ovaj rad je nastavak prethodnih radova. Proces koji se koristio za otkrivanje antropometrijskih točaka na stopalu uključen je u proces izrade prilagođenih uložaka. Kombinacijom tehnike koja izdvaja otisak stopala, uz specifičan postupak koji koristi obris (siluetu) za stvaranje 2D oblika uloška i upotrebljava 3D oblik standardnog kalupa cipele stvorili smo 3D oblik uloška koji je prilagođen stopalu.
Preface to Review of Greenland activities, 1996
Authors: Ghisler Martin
Published: May 2020

Activities concerning Greenland that are undertaken by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (Danmarks og Grønlands Geologiske Undersøgelse: GEUS) were maintained at an unreduced level in 1996. Following the merger in 1995 of the former Geological Survey of Greenland (Grønlands Geologiske Undersøgelse: GGU) with the Geological Survey of Denmark (Danmarks Geologiske Undersøgelse: DGU) to form the present institute, 1996 saw the move of the great majority of former GGU staff from the University complex at Øster Volgade to the former DGU office complex at Thoravej, in north-west Copenhagen. The former GGU geochemistry laboratories and some other facilities will remain at Øster Voldgade, together with the Danish Lithosphere Centre (DLC); the latter is a research centre funded by the Danish National Research Foundation and administratively linked to GEUS, and hosted jointly by GEUS and the Geological Institute of the University of Copenhagen. It is planned that GEUS will move to the renovated Øster Voldgade complex, which will house the new GEOCENTER, in the year 2001. This major new geological research centre will comprise GEUS, hopefully including the Danish Lithosphere Centre, together with the Geological Institute, Geological Museum and Geographical Institute of the University of Copenhagen. The final decision to establish the GEOCENTER at Øster Voldgade was made by the Danish Parliament in December 1996, with the passing of the 1997 Finance Law, as an element in Denmark’s National Research Strategy. A grant of 190 million kroner has been allocated for renovation, rebuilding and relocation expenses. As part of an agreement between the Prime Minister of Denmark and the Premier of the Greenland Home Rule Government concerning strengthening of the mineral resources sector in Greenland, two GEUS geologists were seconded to the Home Rule Minerals Office in Nuuk throughout 1996. This arrangement forms part of the strengthening of competence in Greenland in relation to both mineral and oil resources, together with improvements in two-way communication of geological information of special relevance to the non-living resource sector.
Petroleum geological activities onshore West Greenland in 1996, and drilling of a deep exploration well
Authors: Christiansen Flemming G. , Boesen Anders , Dalhoff Finn , Pedersen Asger K. , Pedersen Gunver K. , Riisager Peter , Zinck-Jørgensen Kim
Published: May 2020

The 1996 summer season saw continued petroleum geological activities in the Disko–Nuussuaq area, onshore West Greenland. These took the form of a geological field project led by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), and continued commercial exploration by grønArctic Energy Inc. (grønArctic). In the second year of their licence, grønArctic carried out an airborne geophysical programme early in 1996 and drilled a c. 3 km deep exploration well on Nuussuaq, GRO#3, in the late summer (Fig. 1). Although the detailed results from grønArctic’s exploration are confidential (apart from the information made available at conferences and in press releases), it is evident that knowledge of the Nuussuaq Basin has greatly increased in recent years and that the basin has considerable exploration potential of its own (see Christiansen et al., 1995b, 1996a). The activities by GEUS and the exploration by grønArctic will significantly improve the understanding of the petroleum system of the basin; available data from the 1996 activities have shed light on the types and distribution of oils, source rocks and potential reservoir units.
Macrofossil studies of Holocene lake sediments from Jameson Land, East Greenland
Authors: Bennike Ole , Funder Svend
Published: May 2020

Previous records of Holocene terrestrial and limnic environmental changes in East Greenland, mostly based on pollen analysis, have failed to extend beyond c. 9000 years BP (9 ka BP) because the lakes sampled were situated below the marine limit. The record obtained thus only goes back to the time when the lake basins became isolated from the sea (Funder, 1978; Björck et al., 1994; Funder & Hansen, 1996). In 1994, a lake near the coast of Jameson Land (Fig. 1) was cored with the aim of extending this record. This work was part of the ‘Arctic Terminations Project’, dealing with the timing and character of the last glacial maximum, the Flakkerhuk Stade, in the extensive Scoresby Sund fjord system (e.g. Hansen & Funder, 1995). By selecting a lake basin situated above the local marine limit and by applying macrofossil analysis instead of pollen analysis, the hope was that the sedimentary record could be extended further back in time and that far transported or reworked interglacial material could be avoided. Unfortunately, however, the minerogenic sediments were devoid of in situ organic remains, and thus could not be dated by radiometric methods; furthermore, the onset of organic sedimentation in this lake basin occurred later than in previously investigated lake basins at lower altitudes. In spite of these disappointing aspects, the results merit publication because they provide new evidence of post-glacial climate, environment and biogeography in the area and support the conclusions reached by pollen analysis.
The Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden glacier project, North-East Greenland: a study of ice sheet response to climatic change
Authors: Højmark Thomsen Henrik , Reeh Niels , Olesen Ole B. , Egede Bøggilde Carl , Starzer Wolfgang , Weidick Anker , Higgins A. K.
Published: May 2020

Glaciological research was initiated in 1996 on the floating glacier tongue filling Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden in NorthEast Greenland (Fig. 1), with the aim of acquiring a better understanding of the response of the Greenland ice sheet (Inland Ice) to changing climate, and the implications for future sea level. The research is part of a three year project (1996–98) to advance research into the basic processes that contribute to changes in the ocean volume with a changing climate. Five nations are participants in the project, which is supported by the European Community (EC) Environment and Climate Programme. The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the Danish Polar Center are the Danish partners in the project, both with integrated research themes concentrated on and around Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden.
Petroleum geological activities in East Greenland in 1997
Authors: Larsen Michael , Piasecki Stefan , Preuss Thomas , Seidler Lars , Stemmerik Lars , Therkelsen Jens , Vosgerau Henrik
Published: May 2020

In 1997, petroleum geological activities were continued in East Greenland in order to increase existing knowledge on the sedimentology and biostratigraphy of the Upper Permian – Mesozoic succession, and to better define and describe the petroleum systems of the basin. The activities form part of the multidisciplinary research project ‘Resources of the sedimentary basins of North and East Greenland’ initiated in 1995 with financial support from the Danish Research Councils, and were mostly continuations of pre- and post-doctoral research (Stemmerik et al. 1996, 1997). Some new activities were initiated during the 1997 season with financial support from Saga Petroleum a.s.a., Norway; they included an evaluation of the thermal effects and diagenetic changes resulting from Paleogene intrusions and a more detailed sedimentological study of the newly identified Jurassic succession of northern Hold with Hope (Stemmerik et al. 1997). Five teams worked in the region in July and August 1997 studying the Upper Permian – Lower Triassic of Wegener Halvø, northern Scoresby Land and Traill Ø, the Middle Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous of Hold with Hope and the Cretaceous of Traill Ø and Geographical Society Ø (Fig. 1). The work was logistically integrated with the Survey’s other mapping activities in the region (see Henriksen 1998, this volume).
Carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb-Ag mineralisation in Washington Land, western North Greenland
Authors: Monrad Jensen Sven
Published: May 2020

The multidisciplinary research project ‘Resources of the sedimentary basins of North and East Greenland’ was initiated in 1995 with financial support from the Danish Research Councils (Stemmerik et al. 1996). In 1997, North Greenland field studies under this project were carried out by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) in Washington Land. A two-week field season included sedimentological and petroleum geology-related studies, and reconnaissance exploration for economic mineral occurrences. Washington Land is made up of Cambrian – Lower Silurian carbonate platform and Lower Silurian reef belt successions of the Franklinian Basin. In northern Canada, platform carbonates of the Franklinian Basin host a major producing Zn-Pb deposit (Polaris) and several other sulphide occurrences (Kerr 1977; Gibbins 1991). The platform succession in North Greenland has received less attention from an exploration point of view, and to date only a few, scattered carbonate-hosted sulphide occurrences have been discovered (Jakobsen & Steenfelt 1985; von Guttenberg & van der Stijl 1993; Lind et al. 1994). One sulphide occurrence was known in Washington Land prior to the 1997 field work (Norford 1972; Lind et al. 1994).