bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Unifying Task Priority Approach for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Integrating Homing and Docking Maneuvers
Authors: Thomas Cris , Simetti Enrico , Casalino Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

This research proposes a unified guidance and control framework for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) based on the task priority control approach, incorporating various behaviors such as path following, terrain following, obstacle avoidance, as well as homing and docking to stationary and moving stations. The integration of homing and docking maneuvers into the task priority framework is thus a novel contribution of this paper. This integration allows, for example, to execute homing maneuvers close to uneven seafloor or obstacles, ensuring the safety of the AUV, as safety tasks can be given the highest priority. Furthermore, another contribution shown in the paper is that the proposed approach tackles a wide range of scenarios without ad hoc solutions. Indeed, the proposed approach is well suited for both the emerging trend of resident AUVs, which stay underwater for a long period inside garage stations, exiting to perform inspection and maintenance missions and homing back to them, and for AUVs that are required to dock to moving stations such as surface vehicles, or towed docking stations. The proposed techniques are studied in a simulation setting, taking into account the rich number of aforementioned scenarios.
Five Novel Freshwater Ascomycetes Indicate High Undiscovered Diversity in Lotic Habitats in Thailand
Authors: Calabon Mark S. , Jones E. B. Gareth , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Doilom Mingkwan , Lumyong Saisamorn , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: February 2021

An investigation of freshwater fungi in Thailand resulted in the collection of one new monotypic genus, Neoxylomyces, and a novel species each in Camposporium, Brunneofusispora, Rattania, Neoxylomyces, and Phaeoacremonium. Camposporium dulciaquae resembles C. septatum in conidial morphology and number of septa but differs in conidial sizes. Brunneofusispora hyalina is similar to B. sinensis in conidiogenesis and conidial shape but differs in the sizes of conidiomata and conidiogenous cells. Rattania aquatica is the second species in Rattania, while Phaeoacremonium thailandense is the third species recorded from freshwater habitats. A new genus, Neoxylomyces, typified by N. multiseptatus, is similar to Xylomyces giganteus, but differs in the number of septa, chlamydospore measurements, and absence of a mucilaginous coating around the chlamydospores. These novel taxa form an independent lineage distinct from other species based on multi-loci phylogenetic analyses. Descriptions, illustrations, and notes are provided for each taxon. These new freshwater ascomycetes add to the increasing number of fungi known from Thailand and it is now evident that there are numerous novel taxa awaiting to be described as new freshwater habitats are explored. An update of newly discovered taxa in the widely studied freshwater habitats of Thailand over the last five years is also provided.
A Three-Dimensional Model of the Yeast Transmembrane Sensor Wsc1 Obtained by SMA-Based Detergent-Free Purification and Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Voskoboynikova Natalia , Karlova Maria , Kurre Rainer , Mulkidjanian Armen Y. , Shaitan Konstantin V. , Sokolova Olga S. , Steinhoff Heinz-Jürgen , Heinisch Jürgen J.
Published: February 2021

The cell wall sensor Wsc1 belongs to a small family of transmembrane proteins, which are crucial to sustain cell integrity in yeast and other fungi. Wsc1 acts as a mechanosensor of the cell wall integrity (CWI) signal transduction pathway which responds to external stresses. Here we report on the purification of Wsc1 by its trapping in water-soluble polymer-stabilized lipid nanoparticles, obtained with an amphipathic styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymer. The latter was employed to transfer tagged sensors from their native yeast membranes into SMA/lipid particles (SMALPs), which allows their purification in a functional state, i.e., avoiding denaturation. The SMALPs composition was characterized by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, followed by two-dimensional image acquisition from single particle transmission electron microscopy to build a three-dimensional model of the sensor. The latter confirms that Wsc1 consists of a large extracellular domain connected to a smaller intracellular part by a single transmembrane domain, which is embedded within the hydrophobic moiety of the lipid bilayer. The successful extraction of a sensor from the yeast plasma membrane by a detergent-free procedure into a native-like membrane environment provides new prospects for in vitro structural and functional studies of yeast plasma proteins which are likely to be applicable to other fungi, including plant and human pathogens.
Vocabulary Knowledge in L3 French: A Study of Swedish Learners’ Vocabulary Depth
Authors: Lindqvist Christina
Published: February 2021

The overall aim of the present study is to achieve a better understanding of young instructed Swedish learners’ vocabulary knowledge in L3 French, by examining various aspects of vocabulary depth. Previous research has shown that this learner group’s vocabulary size increases systematically, and at a relatively fast pace, from grade 6 through grade 9 (i.e., from the first year of studies of French and onwards; from age 12 to 15). However, vocabulary size tests only give a quantitative estimation about how many words test takers know, and do not say anything about qualitative aspects of word knowledge. Vocabulary depth, on the other hand, concerns such aspects. In order to arrive at a more complete picture of learners’ word knowledge, both size and depth need to be examined. In the present study, aspects of vocabulary depth were analyzed in learners’ word choices in a written elicited production task. The data consist of 105 written retellings from students in grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. Word choices pertaining to various key elements in the retellings were included in the analysis, with a focus on orthographical, semantic, and morphological aspects of deep word knowledge. The results show that orthographical knowledge is similar throughout the years, with the same spelling difficulties occurring in all the grades at similar rates. Semantic and morphological knowledge seem to develop at a quicker pace, with the 8th and 9th graders having a deeper knowledge of these aspects. It can be concluded that some, but not all, aspects of deep knowledge start to develop during the first four years of studies of French.
Dose-Response Relationship between Endurance Training Prescription Variables and Increases in Aerobic Performance of Healthy and Unhealthy Middle and Very Old Individuals Aged 70 Years and Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Cheour Sarah , Cheour Chouaib , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Zou Liye , Paravlic Armin H. , Slimani Maamer , Cheour Foued
Published: February 2021

Background: The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to quantify the effectiveness of endurance training (ET) on aerobic performance (i.e., peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)) in healthy and unhealthy middle and very old adults aged 70 years and older, and to provide dose–response relationships of training prescription variables (in terms of frequency, and volume). Methods: Several scholarly databases (i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect Journals, and Taylor & Francis Online—Journals) were searched, identifying randomized controlled studies that investigated the effectiveness of ET on VO2peak in older adults. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Results: In terms of changes differences between experimental and control group, ET produced significant large effects on VO2peak performance (SMD = 2.64 (95%CI 0.97–4.31)). The moderator analysis revealed that “health status” variable moderated ET effect onVO2peak performance. More specifically, ET produced larger SMD magnitudes on VO2peak performance in healthy compared with unhealthy individuals. With regard to the dose–response relationships, findings from the meta-regression showed that none of the included training prescription variables predicted ET effects on VO2peak performance. Conclusions: ET is an effective mean for improving aerobic performance in healthy older adults when compared with their unhealthy counterparts.
Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Exhibit Disturbed Expression Patterns of the Circadian Rhythm Gene Period-2
Authors: Frase Sibylle , Kaiser Sandra , Steimer Matti , Selzner Lisa , Foit Niels Alexander , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Schallner Nils
Published: February 2021

Circadian rhythm gene expression in cerebral pacemaker regions is regulated by a transcriptional-translational feedback loop across the 24-h day-night cycle. In preclinical models of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), cyclic gene expression is disrupted. Stabilization of circadian rhythm gene expression attenuates susceptibility to ischemic damage in both neuronal and myocardial tissues. In this clinical observational study, circadian rhythm gene Period-2 (Per2) mRNA expression levels were determined from blood leukocytes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells via real-time PCR on days 1, 7 and 14 after aneurysm rupture in 49 patients with spontaneous SAH. CSF Per2 expression was markedly suppressed immediately after SAH and remained suppressed over the course of two weeks of ICU treatment. Short-term mortality as well as occurrence of delirium was associated with greater extent of Per2 suppression on day 1 after SAH. Patients that developed delayed cerebral ischemia exhibited comparatively lower Per2 expression levels on day 7 after SAH, while presence of vasospasm remained unaffected. However, Per2 expression did not differ in patient groups with favourable or non-favourable functional neurological outcome (modified Rankin Scales 1–3 vs. 4–6). While our findings suggest a potential protective effect of stable circadian rhythm gene expression on the extent of ischemic damage, this effect was confined to the early disease course and was not reflected in patients’ functional neurological outcome.
Analysis of Motion Errors of Linear Guide Pair Based on Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Hu Peng-Hao , Lei Ying-Jun , Ou Yang-Kai
Published: February 2021

This paper systematically summarized the technical state of art and research results on the motion error of a linear guideway, corrected some misconceptions, and further clarified the relationship between the straightness error of the guide rail itself and the motion error of the linear stage. Moreover, a new method based on parallel mechanism is provided to study the motion errors of the linear guide pair. The basic idea is to abstract the structural relationship between the stage and the guide rail into a 4-bar parallel mechanism. Thus, the stage can be considered as a moving platform in the parallel mechanism. Its motion error analysis is also transferred to moving platform position analysis in the parallel mechanism. The straightness motion error and angular motion error of the stage can be analyzed simultaneously by using the theory of parallel mechanism. Some experiments were conducted on the linear guideway of a self-developed parallel coordinate measuring machine. The experimental data and analysis verify the feasibility and correctness of this method.
The Mean Values of Character Sums and Their Applications
Authors: Zhang Jiafan , Meng Yuanyuan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we use the elementary methods and properties of classical Gauss sums to study the calculation problems of some mean values of character sums of special polynomials, and obtained several interesting calculation formulae for them. As an application, we give a criterion for determining that 2 is the cubic residue for any odd prime p.
Sexually Transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections—Update on Drug Treatment and Vaccine Development
Authors: Jefferson Amber , Smith Amanda , Fasinu Pius S. , Thompson Dorothea K.
Published: February 2021

Background: Sexually transmitted gonorrhea, caused by the Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae, continues to be a serious global health challenge despite efforts to eradicate it. Multidrug resistance among clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates has limited treatment options, and attempts to develop vaccines have not been successful. Methods: A search of published literature was conducted, and information extracted to provide an update on the status of therapeutics and vaccine development for gonorrheal infection. Results: Recommended pharmacological treatment for gonorrhea has changed multiple times due to increasing acquisition of resistance to existing antibiotics by N. gonorrhoeae. Only broad-spectrum cephalosporin-based combination therapies are currently recommended for treatment of uncomplicated urogenital and anorectal gonococcal infections. With the reported emergence of ceftriaxone resistance, successful strategies addressing the global burden of gonorrhea must include vaccination. Century-old efforts at developing an effective vaccine against gonorrhea, leading to only four clinical trials, have not yielded any successful vaccine. Conclusions: While it is important to continue to explore new drugs for the treatment of gonorrhea, the historical trend of resistance acquisition suggests that any long-term strategy should include vaccine development. Advanced technologies in proteomics and in silico approaches to vaccine target identification may provide templates for future success.
COVID-19 Management in a UK NHS Foundation Trust with a High Consequence Infectious Diseases Centre: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Baker Kenneth , Hanrath Aidan , Schim van der Loeff Ina , Tee Su , Capstick Richard , Marchitelli Gabriella , Li Ang , Barr Andrew , Eid Alsafi , Ahmed Sajeel , Bajwa Dalvir , Mohammed Omer , Alderson Neil , Lendrem Clare , Lendrem Dennis ,   COVID-19 Control Group,   COVID-19 Clinical Group, Pareja-Cebrian Lucia , Welch Andrew , Field Joanne , Payne Brendan , Taha Yusri , Price David , Gibbins Christopher , Schmid Matthias , Hunter Ewan , Duncan Christopher
Published: February 2021

Recent large national and international cohorts describe the baseline characteristics and outcome of hospitalised patients with COVID-19, however there is limited granularity to these reports. We aimed to provide a detailed description of a UK COVID-19 cohort, focusing on management and outcome. We performed a retrospective single-centre analysis of clinical management and 28-day outcomes of consecutive adult inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 from 31 January to 16 April 2020 inclusive. In total, 316 cases were identified. Most patients were elderly (median age 75) with multiple comorbidities. One quarter were admitted from residential or nursing care. Mortality was 84 out of 316 (26.6%). Most deaths occurred in patients in whom a ceiling of inpatient treatment had been determined and for whom end of life care and specialist palliative care input was provided where appropriate. No deaths occurred in patients aged under 56 years. Decisions to initiate respiratory support were individualised after consideration of patient wishes, premorbid frailty and comorbidities. In total, 59 (18%) patients were admitted to intensive care, of which 31 (10% overall cohort) required intubation. Multiple logistic regression identified associations between death and age, frailty, and disease severity, with age as the most significant factor (odds ratio 1.07 [95% CI 1.03–1.10] per year increase, p < 0.001). These findings provide important clinical context to outcome data. Mortality was associated with increasing age. Most deaths were anticipated and occurred in patients with advance decisions on ceilings of treatment.
Magnetoencephalography in the Detection and Characterization of Brain Abnormalities Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Peitz Geoffrey W. , Wilde Elisabeth A. , Grandhi Ramesh
Published: February 2021

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a functional brain imaging technique with high temporal resolution compared with techniques that rely on metabolic coupling. MEG has an important role in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, especially in mild TBI, which may not have detectable features in conventional, anatomical imaging techniques. This review addresses the original research articles to date that have reported on the use of MEG in TBI. Specifically, the included studies have demonstrated the utility of MEG in the detection of TBI, characterization of brain connectivity abnormalities associated with TBI, correlation of brain signals with post-concussive symptoms, differentiation of TBI from post-traumatic stress disorder, and monitoring the response to TBI treatments. Although presently the utility of MEG is mostly limited to research in TBI, a clinical role for MEG in TBI may become evident with further investigation.
Effect of Incremental Utilization of Unground Sea Sand Ore on the Consolidation and Reduction Behavior of Vanadia–Titania Magnetite Pellets
Authors: Xing Zhenxing , Cheng Gongjin , Gao Zixian , Yang He , Xue Xiangxin
Published: February 2021

In the iron and steel industry, improving the usage amount of New Zealand sea sand ore as a raw material for ironmaking can reduce the production costs of iron and steel enterprises to a certain extent. In this paper, New Zealand sea sand ore without any grinding pretreatment was used as a raw material, oxidized pellets were prepared by using a disc pelletizer, and the effect of sea sand ore on the performance of green pellets and the metallurgical properties of oxidized pellets was investigated. The effects of sea sand ore on the compressive strength, falling strength, compressive strength of oxidized pellets, and reduction performance were mainly investigated. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis methods were used to discuss the influence of sea sand ore on the microstructure of the pellets’ oxidation and reduction process. As the amount of sea sand ore used increased, the compressive strength of green pellets was gradually decreased, and the falling strength of green pellets and the compressive strength of oxidized pellets were gradually increased. When the amount of sea sand ore used was 40%, the reduction swelling index of pellets was 16.31%. The increase of sea sand ore used made the reduction of pellets suppressed and the reduction rate decreased. When the amount of sea sand ore used increased to 40%, the reduction degree of sea sand ore pellets was only 60.06%. The experimental results in this paper provide specific experimental data for the large-scale application of New Zealand sea sand ore in the blast furnace ironmaking process.
Dynamics of Oxidation of Reduced Forms of CO2 under Electrochemical and Open-Сircuit Conditions on Polycrystalline Pt in H2CO3
Authors: Smolin Alexander V. , Mikhailov Мikhail N. , Gadzaov Aleksey F. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: February 2021

The problem of identifying correlations between catalytic and electrocatalytic processes is one of the fundamental problems of catalysis among “simple” organic substances, and the oxidation of CO and rCO2 is of great interest, since CO and CO2 are considered in pairs both during catalytic and electrocatalytic transformations. In the case of electrocatalysis, this analysis is important in the study of fuel cells. In this paper, we studied the correlation between the oxidation of reduced forms of CO2 (rCO2) under potentiodynamic-galvanoctatic electrochemical and open-circuit conditions of measurements on polycrystalline (pc)Pt in H2CO3. Periodic oscillations are revealed at the oxidation of Had and rCO2 on (pc)Pt. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out on the Pt13 cluster in order to identify the mechanisms of the rCO2 oxidation reaction. The correspondence in the energy parameters of the oxidation process of rCO2 under open-circuit conditions and electrochemical conditions is shown. The preliminary analysis of the system using density functional (DFT) calculations is carried out and the most stable systems that are based on Pt13 are found, namely rOH-Pt13-(CO)n, rOH-Pt13-(COH) and rOH-Pt13-(rCOOH). OH• species was chosen as the most likely candidate for the role of the oxidant for rCO2. Preliminary calculations for the expected reactions were carried out, and the optimal PES is revealed.
Simulative and Experimental Characterization of an Adaptive Astigmatic Membrane Mirror
Authors: Kallmann Ulrich , Lootze Michael , Mescheder Ulrich
Published: February 2021

Adaptive optical (AO) components play an important role in numerous optical applications, from astronomical telescopes to microscope imaging systems. For most of these AO components, the induced wavefront correction, respectively added optical power, is based on a rotationally symmetric or segmented design of the AO component. In this work, we report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of a micro-electronic-mechanical system (MEMS) adaptive membrane mirror in the shape of a parabolic cylinder. In order to interpret the experimental characterization results correctly and provide a tool for future application development, this is accompanied by the setup of an optical simulation model. The characterization results showed a parabolically deformable membrane mirror with an aperture of 8 × 2 mm2 and an adaptive range for the optical power from 0.3 to 6.1 m−1 (dpt). The optical simulation model, using the Gaussian beamlet propagation method, was successfully validated by laser beam profile measurements taken in the optical characterization setup. This MEMS-based adaptive astigmatic membrane mirror, together with the accompanying simulation model, could be a key component for the rapid development of new optical systems, e.g., adaptive laser line generators.
Implanted Flexible Electronics: Set Device Lifetime with Smart Nanomaterials
Authors: Phan Hoang-Phuong
Published: February 2021

Flexible electronics is one of the most attractive and anticipated markets in the internet-of-things era, covering a broad range of practical and industrial applications from displays and energy harvesting to health care devices. The mechanical flexibility, combined with high performance electronics, and integrated on a soft substrate offer unprecedented functionality for biomedical applications. This paper presents a brief snapshot on the materials of choice for niche flexible bio-implanted devices that address the requirements for both biodegradable and long-term operational streams. The paper also discusses potential future research directions in this rapidly growing field.
Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Wearable Self-Powered Microsystems
Authors: Huang Peng , Wen Dan-Liang , Qiu Yu , Yang Ming-Hong , Tu Cheng , Zhong Hong-Sheng , Zhang Xiao-Sheng
Published: February 2021

In recent years, wearable electronic devices have made considerable progress thanks to the rapid development of the Internet of Things. However, even though some of them have preliminarily achieved miniaturization and wearability, the drawbacks of frequent charging and physical rigidity of conventional lithium batteries, which are currently the most commonly used power source of wearable electronic devices, have become technical bottlenecks that need to be broken through urgently. In order to address the above challenges, the technology based on triboelectric effect, i.e., triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), is proposed to harvest energy from ambient environment and considered as one of the most promising methods to integrate with functional electronic devices to form wearable self-powered microsystems. Benefited from excellent flexibility, high output performance, no materials limitation, and a quantitative relationship between environmental stimulation inputs and corresponding electrical outputs, TENGs present great advantages in wearable energy harvesting, active sensing, and driving actuators. Furthermore, combined with the superiorities of TENGs and fabrics, textile-based TENGs (T-TENGs) possess remarkable breathability and better non-planar surface adaptability, which are more conducive to the integrated wearable electronic devices and attract considerable attention. Herein, for the purpose of advancing the development of wearable electronic devices, this article reviews the recent development in materials for the construction of T-TENGs and methods for the enhancement of electrical output performance. More importantly, this article mainly focuses on the recent representative work, in which T-TENGs-based active sensors, T-TENGs-based self-driven actuators, and T-TENGs-based self-powered microsystems are studied. In addition, this paper summarizes the critical challenges and future opportunities of T-TENG-based wearable integrated microsystems.
Crystallization Conditions and Petrogenetic Characterization of Metaluminous to Peraluminous Calc-Alkaline Orogenic Granitoids from Mineralogical Systematics: The Case of the Cambrian Magmatism from the Sierra de Guasayán (Argentina)
Authors: Zandomeni Priscila S. , Moreno Juan A. , Verdecchia Sebastián O. , Baldo Edgardo G. , Dahlquist Juan A. , Morales Cámera Matías M. , Balbis Catalina , Benítez Manuela , Serra-Varela Samanta , Lembo Wuest Carlos I.
Published: February 2021

The Sierra de Guasayán (Eastern Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina) is formed by low to medium grade metamorphic rocks intruded by Cambrian metaluminous (La Soledad quartz-diorite), slightly peraluminous (Guasayán, El Escondido and El Martirizado granodiorite plutons), and strongly peraluminous (Alto Bello granodiorite) granitoids of the Pampean magmatic arc. Chemical compositions of amphibole, plagioclase, biotite, and titanite indicate that these granitoids were emplaced at low pressure (mostly <3 kbar) and temperature (<770 °C) under oxidizing conditions (QFM + 1 and QFM + 2), which are similar to the emplacement conditions reported for other granites of the Pampean magmatic arc. Mineral assemblages and whole-rock and mineral chemistry of the granitoids from the Sierra de Guasayán indicate an I-type affinity for the La Soledad quartz-diorite (amphibole, biotite, and titanite), S-type affinity for the Alto Bello granodiorite (biotite, muscovite, cordierite, and sillimanite), and a hybrid nature for the main Guasayán and El Escondido plutons (biotite, monazite, and magnetite). This hybrid nature is supported by the presence of abundant mafic microgranular enclaves and rapakivi texture and by published zircon Hf-isotope data (εHfi ranging from −4.76 to −0.12). This suggests, in turn, the involvement of hybridization in the genesis of these granitoids, which seems to be a common mechanism operating in the Pampean magmatic arc.
The Fluoride Anion-Catalyzed Sulfurization of Thioketones with Elemental Sulfur Leading to Sulfur-Rich Heterocycles: First Sulfurization of Thiochalcones
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Wręczycki Jakub , Urbaniak Katarzyna , Bieliński Dariusz M. , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: February 2021

Fluoride anion was demonstrated as a superior activator of elemental sulfur (S8) to perform sulfurization of thioketones leading to diverse sulfur-rich heterocycles. Due to solubility problems, reactions must be carried out either in THF using tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) or in DMF using cesium fluoride (CsF), respectively. The reactive sulfurizing reagents are in situ generated, nucleophilic fluoropolysulfide anions FS(8−x)−, which react with the C=S bond according to the carbophilic addition mode. Dithiiranes formed thereby, existing in an equilibrium with the ring-opened form (diradicals/zwitterions) are key-intermediates, which undergo either a step-wise dimerization to afford 1,2,4,5-tetrathianes or an intramolecular insertion, leading in the case of thioxo derivatives of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione to ring enlarged products. In reactions catalyzed by TBAF, water bounded to fluoride anion via H-bridges and forming thereby its stable hydrates is involved in secondary reactions leading, e.g., in the case of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thioxocyclobutanone to the formation of some unexpected products such as the ring enlarged dithiolactone and ring-opened dithiocarboxylate. In contrast to thioketones, the fluoride anion catalyzed sulfurization of their α,β-unsaturated analogues, i.e., thiochalcones is slow and inefficient. However, an alternative protocol with triphenylphosphine (PPh3) applied as a catalyst, offers an attractive approach to the synthesis of 3H-1,2-dithioles via 1,5-dipolar electrocyclization of the in situ-generated α,β-unsaturated thiocabonyl S-sulfides. All reactions occur under mild conditions and can be considered as attractive methods for the preparation of sulfur rich heterocycles with diverse ring-size.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Biological Activities of Co(II) and Ni(II) Mixed Ligand Complexes
Authors: Manimaran P. , Balasubramaniyan S. , Azam Mohammad , Rajadurai D. , Al-Resayes Saud I. , Mathubala G. , Manikandan A. , Muthupandi S. , Tabassum Zishan , Khan Imran
Published: February 2021

2,4-Dinitrophynylhydrazine and two thiocyanate ions in a (M:L1:L2) 1:2:2 molar ratio was synthesized in the complexes of Co(II) and Ni(II). The prepared compounds were identified through a C.H.N.S. analysis, conductivity measurements, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), the infrared spectrum, and a UV-visible spectrum analysis, in addition to the magnetic properties being measured. The measurements of the molar conductance implieda nonelectrolytic nature of compounds Co(II) and Ni(II). The magnetic susceptibility, as well as electronic spectra, represented all the metal complexesthroughoctahedral geometry, respectively. The PXRD patterns suggested that all the complexes were an orthorhombic system with unit cell parameters. The in-vitro biological activity of the ligand and the metal complexes were screened against the Gram-positive and negative pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas, aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, as well as the fungal species of Aspergillusniger and Candida albicans.Thus, the metal complexes showeda high efficiency of antimicrobial activity compared with the ligand. Furthermore, applications of the ligand, as well as the metal complexes, were tested for in-vitro antioxidant potential in aDPPH assay. The results showed that the activity of the metal complexes with the in-vitro antioxidant was more active than that of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine(DNPH).
Plumbagin, a Potent Naphthoquinone from Nepenthes Plants with Growth Inhibiting and Larvicidal Activities
Authors: Rahman-Soad Asifur , Dávila-Lara Alberto , Paetz Christian , Mithöfer Axel
Published: February 2021

Some plant species are less susceptible to herbivore infestation than others. The reason for this is often unknown in detail but is very likely due to an efficient composition of secondary plant metabolites. Strikingly, carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes show extremely less herbivory both in the field and in green house. In order to identify the basis for the efficient defense against herbivorous insects in Nepenthes, we performed bioassays using larvae of the generalist lepidopteran herbivore, Spodoptera littoralis. Larvae fed with different tissues from Nepenthes x ventrata grew significantly less when feeding on a diet containing leaf tissue compared with pitcher-trap tissue. As dominating metabolite in Nepenthes tissues, we identified a naphthoquinone, plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone). When plumbagin was added at different concentrations to the diet of S. littoralis larvae, an EC50 value for larval growth inhibition was determined with 226.5 µg g−1 diet. To further determine the concentration causing higher larval mortality, sweet potato leaf discs were covered with increasing plumbagin concentrations in no-choice-assays; a higher mortality of the larvae was found beyond 60 µg plumbagin per leaf, corresponding to 750 µg g−1. Plant-derived insecticides have long been proposed as alternatives for pest management; plumbagin and derivatives might be such promising environmentally friendly candidates.
SUMO and Transcriptional Regulation: The Lessons of Large-Scale Proteomic, Modifomic and Genomic Studies
Authors: Boulanger Mathias , Chakraborty Mehuli , Tempé Denis , Piechaczyk Marc , Bossis Guillaume
Published: February 2021

One major role of the eukaryotic peptidic post-translational modifier SUMO in the cell is transcriptional control. This occurs via modification of virtually all classes of transcriptional actors, which include transcription factors, transcriptional coregulators, diverse chromatin components, as well as Pol I-, Pol II- and Pol III transcriptional machineries and their regulators. For many years, the role of SUMOylation has essentially been studied on individual proteins, or small groups of proteins, principally dealing with Pol II-mediated transcription. This provided only a fragmentary view of how SUMOylation controls transcription. The recent advent of large-scale proteomic, modifomic and genomic studies has however considerably refined our perception of the part played by SUMO in gene expression control. We review here these developments and the new concepts they are at the origin of, together with the limitations of our knowledge. How they illuminate the SUMO-dependent transcriptional mechanisms that have been characterized thus far and how they impact our view of SUMO-dependent chromatin organization are also considered.
Impact of the Metal Center and Leaving Group on the Anticancer Activity of Organometallic Complexes of Pyridine-2-carbothioamide
Authors: Arshad Jahanzaib , Tong Kelvin K. H. , Movassaghi Sanam , Söhnel Tilo , Jamieson Stephen M. F. , Hanif Muhammad , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: February 2021

RuII(cym)Cl (cym = η6-p-cymene) complexes of pyridinecarbothioamides have shown potential for development as orally active anticancer metallodrugs, underlined by their high selectivity towards plectin as the molecular target. In order to investigate the impact of the metal center on the anticancer activity and their physicochemical properties, the Os(cym), Rh- and Ir(Cp*) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) analogues of the most promising and orally active compound plecstatin 2 were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction analysis. Dissolution in aqueous medium results in quick ligand exchange reactions; however, over time no further changes in the 1H NMR spectra were observed. The Rh- and Ir(Cp*) complexes were investigated for their reactions with amino acids, and while they reacted with Cys, no reaction with His was observed. Studies on the in vitro anticancer activity identified the Ru derivatives as the most potent, independent of their halido leaving group, while the Rh derivative was more active than the Ir analogue. This demonstrates that the metal center has a significant impact on the anticancer activity of the compound class.
Study of Neuroprotection by a Combination of the Biological Antioxidant (Eucalyptus Extract) and the Antihypertensive Drug Candesartan against Chronic Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Trabolsi Christine , Takash Chamoun Wafaa , Hijazi Akram , Nicoletti Cendrine , Maresca Marc , Nasser Mohamad
Published: February 2021

Chronic cerebral ischemia with a notable long-term cessation of blood supply to the brain tissues leads to sensorimotor defects and short- and long-term memory problems. Neuroprotective agents are used in an attempt to save ischemic neurons from necrosis and apoptosis, such as the antioxidant agent Eucalyptus. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Candesartan is a drug that acts as an angiotensin II receptor 1 blocker. We established a rat model exhibiting sensorimotor and cognitive impairments due to chronic cerebral ischemia induced by the ligation of the right common carotid artery. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham group, Untreated Ligated group, Ischemic group treated with Eucalyptus (500 mg/kg), Ischemic group treated with Candesartan (0.5 mg/kg), and Ischemic group treated with a combination of Eucalyptus and Candesartan. To evaluate the sensorimotor disorders, we performed the beam balance test, the beam walking test, and the modified sticky test. Moreover, the object recognition test and the Morris water maze test were performed to assess the memory disorders of the rats. The infarct rat brain regions were subsequently stained using the triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining technique. The rats in the Sham group had normal sensorimotor and cognitive functions without the appearance of microscopic ischemic brain lesions. In parallel, the untreated Ischemic group showed severe impaired neurological functions with the presence of considerable brain infarctions. The treatment of the Ischemic group with a combination of both Eucalyptus and Candesartan was more efficient in improving the sensorimotor and cognitive deficits (p < 0.001) than the treatment with Eucalyptus or Candesartan alone (p < 0.05), by the comparison to the non-treated Ischemic group. Our study shows that the combination of Eucalyptus and Candesartan could decrease ischemic brain injury and improve neurological outcomes.
Focused-Electron-Beam Engineering of 3D Magnetic Nanowires
Authors: Magén César , Pablo-Navarro Javier , De Teresa José María
Published: February 2021

Focused-electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID) is the ultimate additive nanofabrication technique for the growth of 3D nanostructures. In the field of nanomagnetism and its technological applications, FEBID could be a viable solution to produce future high-density, low-power, fast nanoelectronic devices based on the domain wall conduit in 3D nanomagnets. While FEBID has demonstrated the flexibility to produce 3D nanostructures with almost any shape and geometry, the basic physical properties of these out-of-plane deposits are often seriously degraded from their bulk counterparts due to the presence of contaminants. This work reviews the experimental efforts to understand and control the physical processes involved in 3D FEBID growth of nanomagnets. Co and Fe FEBID straight vertical nanowires have been used as benchmark geometry to tailor their dimensions, microstructure, composition and magnetism by smartly tuning the growth parameters, post-growth purification treatments and heterostructuring.
Role of Cachexia and Fragility in the Patient Candidate for Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Pisano Calogera , Polisano Daniele , Balistreri Carmela Rita , Altieri Claudia , Nardi Paolo , Bertoldo Fabio , Trombetti Daniele , Asta Laura , Ferrante Maria Sabrina , Buioni Dario , Foti Calogero , Ruvolo Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Frailty is the major expression of accelerated aging and describes a decreased resistance to stressors, and consequently an increased vulnerability to additional diseases in elderly people. The vascular aging related to frail phenotype reflects the high susceptibility for cardiovascular diseases and negative postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. Sarcopenia can be considered a biological substrate of physical frailty. Malnutrition and physical inactivity play a key role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. We searched on Medline (PubMed) and Scopus for relevant literature published over the last 10 years and analyzed the strong correlation between frailty, sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases in elderly patient. In our opinion, a right food intake and moderate intensity resistance exercise are mandatory in order to better prepare patients undergoing cardiac operation.
The “Fat but Fit” Paradigm and Bone Health in Young Adults: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Torres-Costoso Ana , Garrido-Miguel Miriam , Gracia-Marco Luis , López-Muñoz Purificación , Reina-Gutiérrez Sara , Núñez de Arenas-Arroyo Sergio , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: February 2021

The fat but fit paradox has suggested that obese individuals with good fitness levels have lower cardiometabolic risk compared to individuals with normal weight but lower fitness levels. This paradigm has not been explored in the context of bone health. The aim of this study was to test whether categories of fat but fit paradigm assessed by body fat percentage and handgrip strength holds up in young adults and to analyze the relationship between fat but fit categories and bone outcomes. Cluster cross-sectional analyses of data from 499 young adults aged 18 to 30 from Toledo and Cuenca, Spain were conducted. Body fat percentage, handgrip strength, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and dietary nutrients such as, proteins, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin D were assessed. Cluster analysis of body fat percentage and handgrip z scores resulted in a classification of four clusters that could be interpreted according to Fat Unfit (FU), Unfat Unfit (UU), Fat Fit (FF) and Unfat Fit (UF) categories. ANCOVA models showed that young adults in clusters with higher handgrip strength levels (FF, UF) and with higher key bone nutrients levels (UF) had significantly higher total BMC values than their peers in the UU and FU cluster categories, after controlling for sex, age and height. This study provides two novel conclusions in relation to the fat but fit paradigm: first, it confirms the construct of the four clusters of body fat percentage and handgrip strength, and second, it reinforces the predictive validity of the fat but fit paradigm categories, indicating the positive effect, although it may not just be a causal relationship, of muscular strength and key bone nutrients on counteracting the negative effect of obesity on bone health.
Health Benefits of Plant-Based Nutrition: Focus on Beans in Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: Mullins Amy P. , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 650,000 American lives annually. Typically not a singular disease, CVD often coexists with dyslipidemia, hypertension, type-2 diabetes (T2D), chronic system-wide inflammation, and obesity. Obesity, an independent risk factor for both CVD and T2D, further worsens the problem, with over 42% of adults and 18.5% of youth in the U.S. categorized as such. Dietary behavior is a most important modifiable risk factor for controlling the onset and progression of obesity and related disease conditions. Plant-based eating patterns that include beans and legumes support health and disease mitigation through nutritional profile and bioactive compounds including phytochemical. This review focuses on the characteristics of beans and ability to improve obesity-related diseases and associated factors including excess body weight, gut microbiome environment, and low-grade inflammation. Additionally, there are growing data that link obesity to compromised immune response and elevated risk for complications from immune-related diseases. Body weight management and nutritional status may improve immune function and possibly prevent disease severity. Inclusion of beans as part of a plant-based dietary strategy imparts cardiovascular, metabolic, and colon protective effects; improves obesity, low-grade inflammation, and may play a role in immune-related disease risk management.
The Influence of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Knee Joint Discomfort in Young Physically Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zdzieblik Denise , Brame Judith , Oesser Steffen , Gollhofer Albert , König Daniel
Published: February 2021

First evidence indicates that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides is associated with a significant reduction in activity-related joint pain in young adults. The purpose of the current investigation was to confirm the efficacy of the same collagen peptides in a comparable study population. In total, 180 active men and women aged between 18 and 30 years with exercise-related knee pain but no diagnosed joint disease completed the trial over a period of 12 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to the group receiving 5 g of specific collagen peptides (CP-G) or to the placebo group (P-G). For the primary outcome, changes in pain during or after exercise from pre- to post-intervention were assessed by the participants using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). These changes were additionally evaluated by the examining physician by means of anamnesis and physical examination of the affected knee joint. As secondary outcomes, pain under resting conditions and after 20 squats were compared between the study groups. In addition, the mobility of the knee joint and the use of alternative therapies (e.g., ointments or physiotherapy) were recorded. The supplementation of specific collagen peptides derived from type I collagen with a mean molecular weight of 3 kDa led to a significantly (p = 0.024) higher reduction of exercise-induced knee pain (−21.9 ± 18.3 mm) compared with the placebo group (−15.6 ± 18.5 mm). These findings were consistent with the physician’s evaluation (−23.0 ± 19.2 mm vs. −14.6 ± 17.9 mm, p = 0.003). The decrease in pain under resting conditions and after squats did not significantly differ between the groups, as only a small number of participants suffered from pain under these conditions. Due to the clinically unremarkable baseline values, the mobility of the knee joint did not change significantly after the intervention. In conclusion, the current investigation confirmed that the oral intake of bioactive collagen peptides used in the current investigation led to a statistically significant reduction of activity-related joint pain in young active adults suffering from knee joint discomfort.
Highly Efficient T2 Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles Vectorized for Internalization in Cancer Cells
Authors: Mazarío Eva , Cañete Magdalena , Herranz Fernando , Sánchez-Marcos Jorge , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Herrasti Pilar , Menéndez Nieves
Published: February 2021

Uniform cobalt ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized using an electrochemical synthesis method in aqueous media. Their colloidal, magnetic, and relaxometric properties have been analyzed. The novelty of this synthesis relies on the use of iron and cobalt foils as precursors, which assures the reproducibility of the iron and cobalt ratio in the structure. A stable and biocompatible targeting conjugate nanoparticle-folic acid (NP-FA) was developed that was capable of targeting FA receptor positivity in HeLa (human cervical cancer) cancer cells. The biocompatibility of NP-FA was assessed in vitro in HeLa cells using the MTT assay, and morphological analysis of the cytoskeleton was performed. A high level of NP-FA binding to HeLa cells was confirmed through qualitative in vitro targeting studies. A value of 479 Fe+Co mM−1s−1 of transverse relaxivity (r2) was obtained in colloidal suspension. In addition, in vitro analysis in HeLa cells also showed an important effect in negative T2 contrast. Therefore, the results show that NP-FA can be a potential biomaterial for use in bio medical trials, especially as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).