bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Biological Effectiveness of High LET Particles on the Reproductive System and Fetal Development
Authors: Wang Bing , Yasuda Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

During a space mission, astronauts are inevitably exposed to space radiation, mainly composed of the particles having high values of linear energy transfer (LET), such as protons, helium nuclei, and other heavier ions. Those high-LET particles could induce severer health damages than low-LET particles such as photons and electrons. While it is known that the biological effectiveness of a specified type of radiation depends on the distribution of dose in time, type of the cell, and the biological endpoint in respect, there are still large uncertainties regarding the effects of high-LET particles on the reproductive system, gamete, embryo, and fetal development because of the limitation of relevant data from epidemiological and experimental studies. To safely achieve the planned deep space missions to the moon and Mars that would involve young astronauts having reproductive functions, it is crucial to know exactly the relevant radiological effects, such as infertility of the parent and various diseases of the child, and then to conduct proper countermeasures. Thus, in this review, the authors present currently available information regarding the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of high-LET particles on the deterministic effects related to the reproductive system and embryonic/fetal development for further discussions about the safety of being pregnant after or during a long-term interplanetary mission.
Comparing Rubber Bearings and Eradi-Quake System for Seismic Isolation of Bridges
Authors: Cho Chang Beck , Kim Young Jin , Chin Won Jong , Lee Jin-Young
Published: November 2020

Seismic isolation systems have been used worldwide in bridge structures to reduce vibration and avoid collapse. The seismic isolator, damper, and Shock Transmission Unit (SUT) are generally adopted in the seismic design of bridges to improve their seismic safety with economic efficiency. There are several seismic isolation systems, such as Natural Rubber Bearing (NRB), Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB), and the Eradi-Quake System (EQS). EQS as a new technology is expected to effectively reduce both seismic force and displacement, but there is still some need to verify whether it might provide an economical and practical strategy for a bridge isolation system. Moreover, it is important to guarantee consistent performance of the isolators by quality control. A comparative evaluation of the basic properties of the available seismic isolators is thus necessary to achieve a balance between cost-effectiveness and the desired performance of the bridge subjected to extreme loading. Accordingly, in this study, the seismic response characteristics of the seismic isolation systems for bridges were investigated by conducting compressive test and compressive-shear test on NRB, LRB, and EQS.
Influence of the Welding Process on the Mechanical Characteristics and Fracture of the S700MC High Strength Steel under Various Types of Loading
Authors: Szymczak Tadeusz , Makowska Katarzyna , Kowalewski Zbigniew L.
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the mechanical properties analysis of the high strength S700MC steel applied in welding joints. The research comprised mechanical tests for checking what the changes of tensile characteristics, mechanical parameters, resistance to impact, and fracture toughness look like in selected regions of the welding joint. Stress-strain curves have shown significant differences in the tensile characteristic shape and the values of Young’s modulus, yield stress, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility due to the welding process applied. In the case of Charpy tests, the courses of the accumulated energy, force, deflection, and project velocity are presented, indicating the maximum value of absorbed energy, the same level of force during the first contact of the projectile with the specimens, and the significant variation of the velocity for the impact energy ranging from 50 J up to 300 J. On the basis of the fracture toughness tests, the distributions of the CTOD (Crack Tip Opening Displacement) values are presented for the parent material, HAZ (Heat Affected Zone) and weld. Moreover, the characteristic features of the fatigue pre-crack, transient and crack propagation zones are identified and discussed.
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Mn-Alloyed Tin-Silver-Copper Solder Solidified with Different Cooling Rates
Authors: Hurtony Tamás , Krammer Oliver , Illés Balázs , Harsányi Gábor , Bušek David , Dušek Karel
Published: November 2020

Manganese can be an optimal alloying addition in lead-free SAC (SnAgCu) solder alloys because of its low price and harmless nature. In this research, the mechanical properties of the novel SAC0307 (Sn/Ag0.3/Cu0.7) alloyed with 0.7 wt.% Mn (designated as SAC0307-Mn07) and those of the traditionally used SAC305 (Sn96.5/Ag3/Cu0.5) solder alloys were investigated by analyzing the shear force and Vickers hardness of reflowed solder balls. During the preparation of the reflowed solder balls, different cooling rates were used in the range from 2.7 K/s to 14.7 K/s. After measuring the shear force and the Vickers hardness, the structures of the fracture surfaces and the intermetallic layer were investigated by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). The mechanical property measurements showed lower shear force for the SAC0307-Mn07 alloy (20–25 N) compared with the SAC305 alloy (27–35 N), independent of the cooling rate. However, the SAC0307-Mn07 alloy was softer; its Vickers hardness was between 12 and 13 HV, whereas the Vickers hardness of the SAC305 alloy was between 19 and 20 HV. In addition, structural analyses revealed rougher intermetallic compound layers in the case of the SAC0307-Mn07 alloy, which can inhibit the propagation of cracks at the solder–substrate interface. These two properties of SAC0307-Mn07 alloy, the softer nature and the rougher intermetallic layer, might result in better thermomechanical behavior of the solder joints during the lifetime of electronic devices.
Effects of the Chemical Treatment on the Physical-Chemical and Electrochemical Properties of the Commercial Nafion™ NR212 Membrane
Authors: Passalacqua Enza , Pedicini Rolando , Carbone Alessandra , Gatto Irene , Matera Fabio , Patti Assunta , Saccà Ada
Published: November 2020

Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) are one of the most promising power generation systems. The main component of a PEFC is the proton exchange membrane (PEM), object of intense research to improve the efficiency of the cell. The most commonly and commercially successful used PEMs are Nafion™ perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes, taken as a reference for the development of innovative and alternative membranes. Usually, these membranes undergo different pre-treatments to enhance their characteristics. With the aim of understanding the utility and the effects of such pre-treatments, in this study, a commercial Nafion™ NR212 membrane was subjected to two different chemical pre-treatments, before usage. HNO3 or H2O2 were selected as chemical agents because the most widely used ones in the procedure protocols in order to prepare the membrane in a well-defined reference state. The pre-treated membranes properties were compared to an untreated membrane, used as-received. The investigation has showed that the pre-treatments enhance the hydrophilicity and increase the water molecules coordinated to the sulphonic groups in the membrane structure, on the other hand the swelling of the membranes also increases. As a consequence, the untreated membrane shows a better mechanical resistance, a good electrochemical performance and durability in fuel cell operations, orienting toward the use of the NR212 membrane without any chemical pre-treatment.
Evolutive Models for the Geometry and Heat Conductivity of an Intumescent EVA-ATH Composite during Its Thermal Degradation
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Boyer Germain , Mourzenko Valeri , Thovert Jean-François
Published: November 2020

Reliable predictions from numerical simulations in fire safety applications require knowledge of the combustible materials’ properties in their initial and thermally degraded states. The thermal conductivity of the sheath material of electrical cables, present in massive amounts in industrial plants, is addressed here. An evolutive conceptual model is proposed for the morphology of this intumescent polymer composite during its thermal degradation. It accounts for the multiscale structure and anisotropy observed during a thorough characterization based on tomographic images of samples at representative stages of the degradation. The evolution of the geometrical characteristics during the process is linked to chemical advancement parameters according to a reasoned scenario based on physical arguments and balance considerations. The anisotropic thermal conductivity tensor can be deduced from the geometry by a nested application of classical models. Ultimately, the conductivity is obtained as an analytic function of the chemical advancement and temperature. The model predictions were validated by comparisons with direct numerical solutions of thermal problems in the fully described geometry provided by the tomographies, and with measurements from the literature. The methodology and conceptual tools can be of interest for the treatment of other materials and in other contexts of application.
Utilization of Seafood Processing By-Products for Production of Proteases by Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 and Their Application in Biopeptides’ Preparation
Authors: Doan Chien Thang , Tran Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Van Bon , Nguyen Anh Dzung , Wang San-Lang
Published: November 2020

Microbial fermentation of by-products is a renewable and efficient technique in the development of a range of useful products. In this study, protease synthesis by Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 was carried out on culture media containing some common seafood processing by-products (SPBPs) as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen (C/N). The most suitable C/N nutrition source for the production of proteases was found to be 3.0% (w/v) demineralized crab shells powder (deCSP) and maximal enzyme activity of 4.41 ± 0.16 U/mL was detected on the third day of the culture. Two proteases (P1 and P2) with a similar molecular weight of 31 kDa were successfully isolated and purified from the 3-day deCSP-containing medium. Both P1 and P2 exhibited the highest activity of gelatin hydrolysis at pH 6 and 60 °C. The gelatin hydrolysates catalyzed by Paenibacillus TKU052 proteases were evaluated for biological activities, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, and prebiotic activities. The gelatin hydrolysates expressed 31.76–43.95% DPPH radical scavenging activity and 31.58–36.84% ACE inhibitory activity, which was higher than those from gelatin. Gelatin hydrolysates also showed the growth-enhancing effect on Bifidobacterium bifidum BCRC 14615 with an increase to 135.70–147.81%. In short, Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 could be a potential strain to utilize crab shell wastes to produce proteases for bio-active peptides’ preparation.
New Ophiobolins from the Deep-Sea Derived Fungus Aspergillus sp. WHU0154 and Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Ding Wenjuan , Uvarani Chokkalingam , Wang Fangfang , Xue Yaxin , Wu Ning , He Liming , Tian Danmei , Chen Mei , Zhang Youwei , Hong Kui , Tang Jinshan
Published: November 2020

Deep-sea fungi have become a new arsenal for the discovery of leading compounds. Here five new ophiobolins 1–5, together with six known analogues 6–11, obtained from a deep-sea derived fungus WHU0154. Their structures were determined by analyses of IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectra, along with experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. Pharmacological studies showed that compounds 4 and 6 exhibited obvious inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Mechanical study revealed that compound 6 could inhibit the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) level in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, compounds 6, 9, and 10 could significantly inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses revealed that the aldehyde group at C-21 and the α, β-unsaturated ketone functionality at A ring in ophiobolins were vital for their anti-inflammatory effects. Together, the results demonstrated that ophiobolins, especially for compound 6, exhibited strong anti-inflammatory effects and shed light on the discovery of ophiobolins as new anti-inflammatory agents.
Acylated Aminooligosaccharides from the Yellow Sea Streptomyces sp. HO1518 as Both α-Glucosidase and Lipase Inhibitors
Authors: Xu Jian-Lin , Liu Hai-Li , Liu Zhi-Feng , Ren Yu-Hong , Wang Yong
Published: November 2020

Three new acylated aminooligosaccharide (1–3), along with five known congeners (4–8), were isolated from the marine-derived Streptomyces sp. HO1518. Their structures were fully elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, mainly based on 1D-selective and 2D TOCSY, HSQC-TOCSY, and HRESIMS spectrometry measurements, and by chemical transformations. All of the compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities. Among the isolates, D6-O-isobutyryl-acarviostatin II03 (3) and D6-O-acetyl-acarviostatin II03 (8), sharing acarviostatin II03-type structure, showed the most potent α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory effects, far stronger than the antidiabetic acarbose towards α-glucosidase and almost equal to the anti-obesity orlistat towards lipase in vitro. This is the first report on inhibitory activities against the two major digestive enzymes for acylated aminooligosaccharides. The results from our investigation highlight the potential of acylated aminooligosaccharides for the future development of multi-target anti-diabetic drug.
Endolysins from Antarctic Pseudomonas Display Lysozyme Activity at Low Temperature
Authors: Orlando Marco , Pucciarelli Sandra , Lotti Marina
Published: November 2020

Organisms specialized to thrive in cold environments (so-called psychrophiles) produce enzymes with the remarkable ability to catalyze chemical reactions at low temperature. Cold activity relies on adaptive changes in the proteins’ sequence and structural organization that result in high conformational flexibility. As a consequence of flexibility, several such enzymes are inherently heat sensitive. Cold-active enzymes are of interest for application in a number of bioprocesses, where cold activity coupled with easy thermal inactivation can be of advantage. We describe the biochemical and functional properties of two glycosyl hydrolases (named LYS177 and LYS188) of family 19 (GH19), identified in the genome of an Antarctic marine Pseudomonas. Molecular evolutionary analysis placed them in a group of characterized GH19 endolysins active on lysozyme substrates, such as peptidoglycan. Enzyme activity peaks at about 25–35 °C and 40% residual activity is retained at 5 °C. LYS177 and LYS188 are thermolabile, with Tm of 52 and 45 °C and half-lives of 48 and 12 h at 37 °C, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses suggest that low heat stability may be associated to temperature-driven increases in local flexibility occurring mainly in a specific region of the polypeptide that is predicted to contain hot spots for aggregation.
Experimental and Simulation Studies on the Compressive Properties of Brazed Aluminum Honeycomb Plates and a Strength Prediction Method
Authors: Jiang Lanxin , Xiao Shoune , Zhang Jingke , Lv Ruijuan , Yang Bing , Dong Dawei , Yang Guangwu , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2020

To study the compressive mechanical properties of a new type of brazed aluminum honeycomb plate (BAHP), tensile tests on single- and brazed-cell walls as well as compression tests in the out-of-plane, in-plane longitudinal, and transverse directions were conducted. Compared to the material properties of a traditional glued aluminum honeycomb plate (GAHP), those of the single- and brazed-cell walls of the BAHP are entirely different. Therefore, their characteristics should be considered separately when performing theoretical and simulation analysis. Under out-of-plane compression, the core of the BAHP did not debond, owing to its higher strength than that of the GAHP. In comparison, under in-plane compression in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the load–displacement characteristics, ultimate load, and failure modes also differed, and there was no large-scale cracking. Considering the characteristics of the BAHP, a strength prediction method was proposed. The simulation results demonstrated that the model built based on the new method was highly consistent with the experimental results. Defects with uneven height and debonding will cause the overall instability, and the degree of defects will influence the strength and instability displacement, which have little impact on the elastic stage. Moreover, the model considering defects is closer to the test results.
Development and Experiments of an Electrothermal Driven Deep-Sea Buoyancy Control Module
Authors: Hou Jiaoyi , Zou Weifeng , Li Zihao , Gong Yongjun , Burnashev Vitalii , Ning Dayong
Published: November 2020

Due to the extremely high pressures in the deep sea, heavy ballast tanks and pressure compensating hydraulic tanks are typically required to support the operation of classic buoyancy controls. Buoyancy control systems driven by phase-change materials (PCM) have unique advantages over conventional hydraulically actuated buoyancy control systems, including high adaptability for deep-sea exploration and simple, lightweight, and compact structures. Inspired by this, a buoyancy control module (BCM) was designed with flexible material as the shell. Instead of a conventional mechanical system, the device uses an electric heating drive to control buoyancy by heating and cooling the PCM. Based on the principle of pressure compensation, this device can adjust the buoyancy of a small underwater vehicle in a deep-sea high-pressure environment. The BCM successfully adjusts the buoyancy to lift itself up and down in the South China Sea at a depth of 3223 m. The performance of the phase-change BCM to control buoyancy under high pressure is validated by systematic experiments and theoretical analysis. Our work proposes a flexible scheme for the design of a deep-sea phase-change-driven BCM and highlights its potential application in deep-sea micro-mechanical systems, especially soft robots.
Phenotypic Characterization and Transformation Attempts Reveal Peculiar Traits of Xylella fastidiosa Subspecies pauca Strain De Donno
Authors: D’Attoma Giusy , Morelli Massimiliano , De La Fuente Leonardo , Cobine Paul A. , Saponari Maria , de Souza Alessandra Alves , De Stradis Angelo , Saldarelli Pasquale
Published: November 2020

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca strain De Donno has been recently identified as the causal agent of a severe disease affecting olive trees in a wide area of the Apulia Region (Italy). While insights on the genetics and epidemiology of this virulent strain have been gained, its phenotypic and biological traits remained to be explored. We investigated in vitro behavior of the strain and compare its relevant biological features (growth rate, biofilm formation, cell–cell aggregation, and twitching motility) with those of the type strain Temecula1. The experiments clearly showed that the strain De Donno did not show fringe on the agar plates, produced larger amounts of biofilm and had a more aggregative behavior than the strain Temecula1. Repeated attempts to transform, by natural competence, the strain De Donno failed to produce a GFP-expressing and a knockout mutant for the rpfF gene. Computational prediction allowed us to identify potentially deleterious sequence variations most likely affecting the natural competence and the lack of fringe formation. GFP and rpfF- mutants were successfully obtained by co-electroporation in the presence of an inhibitor of the type I restriction–modification system. The availability of De Donno mutant strains will open for new explorations of its interactions with hosts and insect vectors.
Inhibitory Effect of Lithospermic Acid on the HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Mori Mattia , Ciaco Stefano , Mély Yves , Karioti Anastasia
Published: November 2020

The HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NC) is a desirable target in antiretroviral therapy due to its high conservation among HIV-1 strains, and to its multiple and crucial roles in the HIV-1 replication cycle. Natural products represent a valuable source of NC inhibitors, with the catechol group being a privileged scaffold in NC inhibition. By coupling molecular modeling with NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence-based assays, we disclosed lithospermic acid, a catechol derivative extracted from Salvia miltiorrhizza, as a potent and chemically stable non-covalent inhibitor of the NC. Being different from other catechol derivative reported so far, lithospermic acid does not undergo spontaneous oxidation in physiological conditions, thus becoming a profitable starting point for the development of efficient NC inhibitors.
Assembling the Puzzle of Taxifolin Polymorphism
Authors: Terekhov Roman P. , Selivanova Irina A. , Tyukavkina Nonna A. , Ilyasov Igor R. , Zhevlakova Anastasiya K. , Dzuban Alexander V. , Bogdanov Anatoliy G. , Davidovich Georgiy N. , Shylov Gennadii V. , Utenishev Andrey N. , Kovalev Dmitriy Yu. , Fenin Anatoliy A. , Kabluchko Tatyana G.
Published: November 2020

A large amount of the current literature dedicated to solid states of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) pays special attention to polymorphism of flavonoids. Taxifolin (also known as dihydroquercetin) is an example of a typical flavonoid. Some new forms of taxifolin have been reported previously, however it is still unclear whether they represent polymorphic modifications. In this paper, we tried to answer the question about the taxifolin polymorphism. Taxifolin microtubes and taxifolin microspheres were synthesized from raw taxifolin API using several methods of crystal engineering. All forms were described with the help of spectral methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and thermal analysis (TA). SEM reveals that the morphology of the solid phase is very specific for each sample. Although XRPD patterns of raw taxifolin and microtubes look similar, their TA profiles differ significantly. At the same time, raw taxifolin and microspheres have nearly identical thermograms, while XRPD shows that the former is a crystalline and the latter is an amorphous substance. Only the use of complex analyses allowed us to put the puzzle together and to confirm the polymorphism of taxifolin. This article demonstrates that taxifolin microtubes are a pseudopolymorphic modification of raw taxifolin.
Biogas Potential of the Side Streams Obtained in a Novel Phenolic Extraction System from Olive Mill Solid Waste
Authors: Fernández-Prior África , Trujillo-Reyes Ángeles , Serrano Antonio , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez Guillermo , Reinhard Claudio , Fermoso Fernando G.
Published: November 2020

The olive oil production is an important industrial sector in many Mediterranean areas, but it is currently struggled by the necessity of a proper valorisation of the olive mill solid waste or alperujo. The alperujo is the main by-product generated during the two-phase olive oil extraction, accounting for up to 80% of the initial olive mass. The alperujo is a source of valuable compounds, such as the pomace olive oil or highly interesting phenolic compounds. In the present research, a novel biorefinery approach has been used for phenolic compounds recovery. However, the extraction of these valuables compounds generates different exhausted phases with high organic matter content that are required to be managed. This study consists of the evaluation of the anaerobic biodegradability of the different fractions obtained in a novel biorefinery approach for the integral valorisation of alperujo. The results show that the different phases obtained during the biorefinery of the alperujo can be effectively subjected to anaerobic digestion and no inhibition processes were detected. The highest methane yield coefficients were obtained for the phases obtained after a two-months storages, i.e., suspended solids and liquid phase free of suspended solids, which generated 366 ± 7 mL CH4/g VS and 358 ± 6 mL CH4/g VS, respectively. The phenol extraction process reduced the methane yield coefficient around 25% due to the retention of biodegradable compounds during the extraction process. Regardless of this drop, the anaerobic digestion is a suitable technology for the stabilization of the different generated residual phases, whereas the high market price of the extracted phenols can largely compensate the slight decrease in the methane generation.
Optimized Preparation of Nanosized Hollow SSZ-13 Molecular Sieves with Ultrasonic Assistance
Authors: Zhou Liang , Han Runlin , Tao Yuxuan , Wang Jinqu , Luo Yiwei
Published: November 2020

Because of its unique eight-membered ring pore structure and the arrangement of cations in its structure, the SSZ-13 molecular sieve has a higher affinity for CO2 than other gases, meaning it has attracted more attention than other porous materials for CO2 adsorption. However, the expensive template and long preparation time limits the industrial production of SSZ-13. In this work, a hollow structure was successfully introduced into the nanosized SSZ-13 molecular sieve with ultrasonic treatment. The effects of the amount of seed added and the ultrasonic time on the structure were investigated. When the amount of seed added was 0.5 wt.% and the ultrasonic time was 60 min, the sample showed a hollow cubic crystal with a diameter of about 50 nm. The specific surface area reached 791.50 m2/g, and the mesoporous ratio was 66.3%. The samples were tested for CO2 adsorption performance at 298 K. It was found that the hollow sample prepared in this work has higher CO2 adsorption capacity compared with the SSZ-13 zeolite prepared with conventional methods. When the adsorption pressure was 0.27 bar, the adsorption amount reached 2.53 mmol/g. The hollow SSZ-13 molecular sieve reached a CO2 adsorption capacity of 4.24 mmol/g at 1 bar.
Association between Intake of Energy and Macronutrients and Memory Impairment Severity in US Older Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014
Authors: Liu Qinran , Guo Jianjun , Hu Liang , Veronese Nicola , Smith Lee , Yang Lin , Cao Chao
Published: November 2020

Without a cure, dementia affects about 50 million people worldwide. Understanding the effects of dietary habits, a key lifestyle behavior, on memory impairment is critical to inform early behavioral modification to delay further memory loss and progression to dementia. We examined the associations of total energy intake and energy intake from macronutrients with memory impairment among older US adults using data from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study 2011–2014. A total of 3623 participants aged ≥60 years were analyzed. Comparing to those with low total energy intake, individuals with high intake were more likely to have severe memory impairment (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.02; ptrend = 0.005). Specifically, higher energy intake from carbohydrate (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.26) and sugar (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.16) were both significantly associated with the presence of memory impairment. Additionally, higher energy intake from fat, carbohydrate and sugar were significantly associated with more server memory impairment (fat: ptrend = 0.04; carbohydrate: ptrend = 0.03; sugar: ptrend = 0.02). High energy intake, either total or from carbohydrates, fat or sugar, is associated with memory impairment severity in the older US population. No such association was found in energy intake from protein.
A Partly Fermented Infant Formula with Postbiotics Including 3′-GL, Specific Oligosaccharides, 2′-FL, and Milk Fat Supports Adequate Growth, Is Safe and Well-Tolerated in Healthy Term Infants: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Controlled, Multi-Country Trial
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , de Halleux Virginie , Arciszewska Małgorzata , Lach Piotr , Pokhylko Valeriy , Klymenko Viktoriia , Schoen Stefanie , Abrahamse-Berkeveld Marieke , Mulder Kelly , Porcel Rubio Rocio ,   on behalf of the VOYAGE Study Group
Published: November 2020

This study investigated growth, safety, and tolerance in healthy infants consuming a partly fermented infant formula (IF) with postbiotics, 2′-linked fucosyllactose (2′-FL), a specific prebiotic mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS), and milk fat. This double-blind, controlled trial randomised 215 fully IF-fed infants ≤ 14 days of age to either: Test Group (IF) containing 26% fermented formula with postbiotics derived from Lactofidus fermentation process (including 3′-Galactosyllactose; 3′-GL), 0.8 g/100 mL scGOS/lcFOS (9:1), 0.1 g/100 mL 2′-FL, and milk fat), or Control group (IF with 0.8 g/100 mL scGOS/lcFOS (9:1)) until 17 weeks of age. Fully breastfed infants were included as a reference. Anthropometric measures, gastrointestinal symptoms, and safety were assessed monthly. Equivalence in weight gain (primary outcome) between the Test and Control groups was confirmed (difference in means −0.08 g/day; 90% CI (−1.47;1.31)) with estimated mean weight gain (SE) of 31.00 (0.59) g/day and 31.08 (0.60) g/day, respectively, (PP population, n = 196). Equivalence in length and head circumference gain between the randomised groups was also confirmed. No statistically significant differences were observed in adverse events or gastrointestinal tolerance between randomised IF groups. A partly fermented IF with postbiotics, specific oligosaccharides, 2′-FL, and milk fat supports adequate infant growth and is safe and well-tolerated in healthy term infants.
Chronic Dehydration in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Nagae Masaaki , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Onishi Joji , Huang Chi Hsien , Yamada Yosuke , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Komiya Hitoshi , Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: November 2020

Chronic dehydration mainly occurs due to insufficient fluid intake over a lengthy period of time, and nursing home residents are thought to be at high risk for chronic dehydration. However, few studies have investigated chronic dehydration, and new diagnostic methods are needed. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify risk factors for chronic dehydration by measuring serum osmolality in nursing home residents and also to evaluate whether examining the inferior vena cava (IVC) and determining the IVC collapsibility index (IVC-CI) by ultrasound can be helpful in the diagnosis of chronic dehydration. A total of 108 Japanese nursing home residents aged ≥65 years were recruited. IVC measurement was performed using a portable handheld ultrasound device. Fifteen residents (16.9%) were classified as having chronic dehydration (serum osmolality ≥295 mOsm/kg). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that chronic dehydration was associated with dementia (odds ratio (OR), 6.290; 95% confidential interval (CI), 1.270–31.154) and higher BMI (OR, 1.471; 95% CI, 1.105–1.958) but not with IVC or IVC-CI. Cognitive function and body weight of residents should be considered when establishing a strategy for preventing chronic dehydration in nursing homes.
Efficient Confirmation of Plant Viral Proteins and Identification of Specific Viral Strains by nanoLC-ESI-Q-TOF Using Single-Leaf-Tissue Samples
Authors: Cejnar Pavel , Kučková Štěpánka , Šantrůček Jiří , Glasa Miroslav , Komínek Petr , Mihálik Daniel , Slavíková Lucie , Leišová-Svobodová Leona , Smirnova Tatiana , Hynek Radovan , Kundu Jiban Kumar , Ryšánek Pavel
Published: November 2020

Plant viruses are important pathogens that cause significant crop losses. A plant protein extraction protocol that combines crushing the tissue by a pestle in liquid nitrogen with subsequent crushing by a roller-ball crusher in urea solution, followed by RuBisCO depletion, reduction, alkylation, protein digestion, and ZipTip purification allowed us to substantially simplify the sample preparation by removing any other precipitation steps and to detect viral proteins from samples, even with less than 0.2 g of leaf tissue, by a medium resolution nanoLC-ESI-Q-TOF. The presence of capsid proteins or polyproteins of fourteen important viruses from seven different families (Geminiviridae, Luteoviridae, Bromoviridae, Caulimoviridae, Virgaviridae, Potyviridae, and Secoviridae) isolated from ten different economically important plant hosts was confirmed through many identified pathogen-specific peptides from a protein database of host proteins and potential pathogen proteins assembled separately for each host and based on existing online plant virus pathogen databases. The presented extraction protocol, combined with a medium resolution LC-MS/MS, represents a cost-efficient virus protein confirmation method that proved to be effective at identifying virus strains (as demonstrated for PPV, WDV) and distinct disease species of BYDV, as well as putative new viral protein sequences from single-plant-leaf tissue samples. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD022456.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia Species of Sympatric Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama), Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Germany
Authors: Silaghi Cornelia , Fröhlich Julia , Reindl Hubert , Hamel Dietmar , Rehbein Steffen
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Wild cervids play an important role in transmission cycles of tick-borne pathogens; however, investigations of tick-borne pathogens in sika deer in Germany are lacking. (2) Methods: Spleen tissue of 74 sympatric wild cervids (30 roe deer, 7 fallow deer, 22 sika deer, 15 red deer) and of 27 red deer from a farm from southeastern Germany were analyzed by molecular methods for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia species. (3) Results: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia DNA was demonstrated in 90.5% and 47.3% of the 74 combined wild cervids and 14.8% and 18.5% of the farmed deer, respectively. Twelve 16S rRNA variants of A. phagocytophilum were delineated. While the infection rate for A. phagocytophilum among the four cervid species was similar (71.4% to 100%), it varied significantly for Babesia between roe deer (73.3%), fallow deer (14.3%), sika deer (27.3%) and red deer (40.0%). Deer ≤2 years of age tested significantly more often positive than the older deer for both A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the widespread occurrence of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species in wild cervids and farmed red deer in Germany and documents the co-occurrence of the two tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging sika deer.
Automatic Stomatal Segmentation Based on Delaunay-Rayleigh Frequency Distance
Authors: Carrasco Miguel , Toledo Patricio A. , Velázquez Ramiro , Bruno Odemir M.
Published: November 2020

The CO2 and water vapor exchange between leaf and atmosphere are relevant for plant physiology. This process is done through the stomata. These structures are fundamental in the study of plants since their properties are linked to the evolutionary process of the plant, as well as its environmental and phytohormonal conditions. Stomatal detection is a complex task due to the noise and morphology of the microscopic images. Although in recent years segmentation algorithms have been developed that automate this process, they all use techniques that explore chromatic characteristics. This research explores a unique feature in plants, which corresponds to the stomatal spatial distribution within the leaf structure. Unlike segmentation techniques based on deep learning tools, we emphasize the search for an optimal threshold level, so that a high percentage of stomata can be detected, independent of the size and shape of the stomata. This last feature has not been reported in the literature, except for those results of geometric structure formation in the salt formation and other biological formations.
Facile Synthesis of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) by Organic Halides in the Presence of Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Yuan Ming , Xu Lili , Cui Xuetao , Lv Jiaxing , Zhang Panpan , Tang Huadong
Published: November 2020

A facile and versatile approach for the synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at mild conditions was developed. Certain organic halides combined with a catalytical amount of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were found to be very effective in initiating polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA), methyl acrylate, vinyl acetate and other vinyl monomers. An ultrahigh molecular weight PMMA with a number-average molecular weight of 4.65 × 106 Da and a weight-average molecular weight of 8.08 × 106 Da was synthesized at 70 °C using 2-bromoisobutyric acid ethyl ester (EBiB) as an initiator in the presence of catalytical amount (10.1 ppm) of Pd NPs. A kinetic investigation found that the orders of polymerization with respect to EBiB, Pd NP and MMA were 0.23, 0.50, and 0.58, respectively. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were used to prove that the macromolecular chain had an end-group of EBiB residue. The electron spin resonance (ESR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal that the reaction of EBiB with Pd NPs caused a bromo atom (Br) transfer from EBiB to Pd NPs and resulted in the generation of EBiB residue radical to initiate the polymerization of MMA and the formation of PdIIBr2 on the surface of Pd nanoparticles.
“Polymer Analysis” Section, in Journal Polymers
Authors: Malucelli Giulio
Published: November 2020

Dear colleagues and friends, [...]
Stability of Plasma Protein Composition in Dried Blood Spot during Storage
Authors: Malsagova Kristina A. , Stepanov Alexander A. , Kopylov Arthur T. , Enikeev Dmitry V. , Potoldykova Natalia V. , Izotov Alexander A. , Butkova Tatyana V. , Kaysheva Anna L.
Published: November 2020

Dried blood spot (DBS) technology has become a promising utility for the transportation and storage of biological fluids aimed for the subsequent clinical analysis. The basis of the DBS method is the adsorption of the components of a biological sample onto the surface of a membrane carrier, followed by drying. After drying, the molecular components of the biosample (nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites) can be analyzed using modern omics, immunological, or genomic methods. In this work, we investigated the safety of proteins on a membrane carrier by tryptic components over time and at different temperatures (+4, 0, 25 °C) and storage (0, 7, 14, and 35 days). It was shown that the choice of a protocol for preliminary sample preparation for subsequent analytical molecular measurements affects the quality of the experimental results. The protocol for preliminary preparation of a biosample directly in a membrane carrier is preferable compared to the protocol with an additional stage of elution of molecular components before the sample preparation procedures. It was revealed that the composition of biosamples remains stable at a temperature of −20 and +4 °C for 35 days of storage, and at +25 °C for 14 days.
Fractionation and Characterization of Petroleum Asphaltene: Focus on Metalopetroleomics
Authors: Zheng Fang , Shi Quan , Vallverdu Germain Salvato , Giusti Pierre , Bouyssiere Brice
Published: November 2020

Asphaltenes, as the heaviest and most polar fraction of petroleum, have been characterized by various analytical techniques. A variety of fractionation methods have been carried out to separate asphaltenes into multiple subfractions for further investigation, and some of them have important reference significance. The goal of the current review article is to offer insight into the multitudinous analytical techniques and fractionation methods of asphaltene analysis, following an introduction with regard to the morphologies of metals and heteroatoms in asphaltenes, as well their functions on asphaltene aggregation. Learned lessons and suggestions on possible future work conclude the present review article.
Mathematical Modeling of the Production of Elastomers by Emulsion Polymerization in Trains of Continuous Reactors
Authors: Saldívar-Guerra Enrique , Infante-Martínez Ramiro , Islas-Manzur José María
Published: November 2020

A mechanistic model is proposed to describe the emulsion polymerization processes for the production of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) elastomers in trains of continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). A single model was used to describe both processes by choosing the proper physicochemical parameters of each system. Most of these parameters were taken from literature sources or estimated a priori; only one parameter (the entry rate coefficient) was used as an adjustable value to reproduce the kinetics (mainly conversion), and another parameter (the transfer to polymer rate coefficient) was used to fit the molecular weight distribution (MWD) experimental values from plant data. A 0-1-2 model for the number of particles and for the moments of the MWD was used to represent with more fidelity the compartmentalization effects. The model was based on approaches used in previous emulsion polymerization models published in the literature, with the premise of reaching a compromise between the level of detail, complexity, and practical value. The model outputs along the reactor train included conversion, remaining monomer composition, instantaneous and accumulated copolymer composition, the number of latex particles and particle diameter, polymerization rate, the average number of radicals per particle, average molecular weights, and the number of branches per chain.
Forecasting Sunflower Grain Yield by Assimilating Leaf Area Index into a Crop Model
Authors: Trépos Ronan , Champolivier Luc , Dejoux Jean-François , Al Bitar Ahmad , Casadebaig Pierre , Debaeke Philippe
Published: November 2020

Forecasting sunflower grain yield a few weeks before crop harvesting is of strategic interest for cooperatives that collect and store grains. With such information, they can optimize their logistics and thus reduce the financial and environmental costs of grain storage. To provide these predictions, data assimilation approaches involving the crop model SUNFLO are used. The methods are based on the re-estimation of soil conditions and on the sequential update of crop model states using an ensemble Kalman filter. They combine the simulation of the crop model and time series of leaf area index (LAI) derived from remote sensors and extracted over 281 fields near Toulouse, France. A sensitivity analysis is used to identify the most relevant model inputs to consider into the data assimilation process. Results show that data assimilation leads to statistically significant better predictions than the simulation alone (from an RMSE of 9.88 q·ha−1 to an RMSE 7.49 q·ha−1). Significant improvement is achieved by relying on smoothed LAI rather than raw LAI. Nevertheless, there is still an over estimation of the grain yield that can be partially explained by the limiting factors observed on the fields and the forecast yield still need improvements to meet the required applications’ accuracy.
Energy Efficiency Maximization for Multi-Cell Multi-Carrier NOMA Networks
Authors: Adam Abuzar B. M. , Wan Xiaoyu , Wang Zhengqiang
Published: November 2020

As energy efficiency (EE) is a key performance indicator for the future wireless network, it has become a significant research field in communication networks. In this paper, we consider multi-cell multi-carrier non-orthogonal multiple access (MCMC-NOMA) networks and investigate the EE maximization problem. As the EE maximization is a mixed-integer nonlinear programming NP-hard problem, it is difficult to solve directly by traditional optimization such as convex optimization. To handle the EE maximization problem, we decouple it into two subproblems. The first subproblem is user association, where we design a matching-based framework to perform the user association and the subcarriers’ assignment. The second subproblem is the power allocation problem for each user to maximize the EE of the systems. Since the EE maximization problem is still non-convex with respect to the power domain, we propose a two stage quadratic transform with both a single ratio quadratic and multidimensional quadratic transform to convert it into an equivalent convex optimization problem. The power allocation is obtained by iteratively solving the convex problem. Finally, the numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method could achieve better EE compared to existing approaches for non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and considerably outperforms the fractional transmit power control (FTPC) scheme for orthogonal multiple access (OMA).
A Minimal Metric for the Characterization of Acoustic Noise Emitted by Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Picardi Giacomo , Borrelli Clara , Sarti Augusto , Chimienti Giovanni , Calisti Marcello
Published: November 2020

Underwater robots emit sound during operations which can deteriorate the quality of acoustic data recorded by on-board sensors or disturb marine fauna during in vivo observations. Notwithstanding this, there have only been a few attempts at characterizing the acoustic emissions of underwater robots in the literature, and the datasheets of commercially available devices do not report information on this topic. This work has a twofold goal. First, we identified a setup consisting of a camera directly mounted on the robot structure to acquire the acoustic data and two indicators (i.e., spectral roll-off point and noise introduced to the environment) to provide a simple and intuitive characterization of the acoustic emissions of underwater robots carrying out specific maneuvers in specific environments. Second, we performed the proposed analysis on three underwater robots belonging to the classes of remotely operated vehicles and underwater legged robots. Our results showed how the legged device produced a clearly different signature compared to remotely operated vehicles which can be an advantage in operations that require low acoustic disturbance. Finally, we argue that the proposed indicators, obtained through a standardized procedure, may be a useful addition to datasheets of existing underwater robots.
Flexible Sensor Array Based on Transient Earth Voltage for Online Partial Discharge Monitoring of Cable Termination
Authors: Zhao Mingshu , Cao Xiaoyan , Zhou Kai , Fu Yao , Li Xutao , Wan Li
Published: November 2020

Cable termination is a weak point in an underground cable system. The transient earth voltage (TEV) method is an effective and nonintrusive method for estimating the insulation condition of cable termination. However, the practical application of TEV detection is mainly focused on switchgears, generators, and transformers with a flat and conductive shell. A flexible sensor array based on the TEV method is presented for online partial discharge (OLPD) monitoring of the cable termination. Each sensing element is designed with a dual-capacitor structure made of flexible polymer material to obtain better and more stable sensitivity. Based on the electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation theory, the partial discharge (PD) propagation model in the cable termination is built to analyze and verify the rationality and validity of the sensor unit. Some influencing factors are discussed regarding the response characteristics of sensors. Finally, the performance of the sensor array is verified by simulations and experiments. Besides, an OLPD monitoring system is introduced. The monitoring system is composed of the on-site monitoring device and the remote monitoring host. The two parts of the system exchange the data through wireless networks using a wireless communication module. The experiment results show that the monitoring device could supply the PD condition monitoring demand for cable termination.