bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WaterSmart-GIS: A Web Application of a Data Assimilation Model to Support Irrigation Research and Decision Making
Authors: Zhao Haoteng , Di Liping , Sun Ziheng
Published: April 2022

Irrigation is the primary consumer of freshwater by humans and accounts for over 70% of all annual water use. However, due to the shortage of open critical information in agriculture such as soil, precipitation, and crop status, farmers heavily rely on empirical knowledge to schedule irrigation and tend to excessive irrigation to ensure crop yields. This paper presents WaterSmart-GIS, a web-based geographic information system (GIS), to collect and disseminate near-real-time information critical for irrigation scheduling, such as soil moisture, evapotranspiration, precipitation, and humidity, to stakeholders. The disseminated datasets include both numerical model results of reanalysis and forecasting from HRLDAS (High-Resolution Land Data Assimilation System), and the remote sensing datasets from NASA SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) and MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer). The system aims to quickly and easily create a smart, customized irrigation scheduler for individual fields to relieve the burden on farmers and to significantly reduce wasted water, energy, and equipment due to excessive irrigation. The system is prototyped here with an application in Nebraska, demonstrating its ability to collect and deliver information to end-users via the web application, which provides online analytic functionality such as point-based query, spatial statistics, and timeseries query. Systems such as this will play a critical role in the next few decades to sustain agriculture, which faces great challenges from climate change and increased natural disasters.
Intraoperative Quantification of MDS-UPDRS Tremor Measurements Using 3D Accelerometry: A Pilot Study
Authors: Smid Annemarie , Elting Jan Willem J. , van Dijk J. Marc C. , Otten Bert , Oterdoom D. L. Marinus , Tamasi Katalin , Heida Tjitske , van Laar Teus , Drost Gea
Published: April 2022

The most frequently used method for evaluating tremor in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently the internationally standardized Movement Disorder Society—Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). However, the MDS-UPDRS is associated with limitations, such as its inherent subjectivity and reliance on experienced raters. Objective motor measurements using accelerometry may overcome the shortcomings of visually scored scales. Therefore, the current study focuses on translating the MDS-UPDRS tremor tests into an objective scoring method using 3D accelerometry. An algorithm to measure and classify tremor according to MDS-UPDRS criteria is proposed. For this study, 28 PD patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment and 26 healthy control subjects were included. Both groups underwent MDS-UPDRS tests to rate tremor severity, while accelerometric measurements were performed at the index fingers. All measurements were performed in an off-medication state. Quantitative measures were calculated from the 3D acceleration data, such as tremor amplitude and area-under-the-curve of power in the 4–6 Hz range. Agreement between MDS-UPDRS tremor scores and objective accelerometric scores was investigated. The trends were consistent with the logarithmic relationship between tremor amplitude and MDS-UPDRS score reported in previous studies. The accelerometric scores showed a substantial concordance (>69.6%) with the MDS-UPDRS ratings. However, accelerometric kinetic tremor measures poorly associated with the given MDS-UPDRS scores (R2 < 0.3), mainly due to the noise between 4 and 6 Hz found in the healthy controls. This study shows that MDS-UDPRS tremor tests can be translated to objective accelerometric measurements. However, discrepancies were found between accelerometric kinetic tremor measures and MDS-UDPRS ratings. This technology has the potential to reduce rater dependency of MDS-UPDRS measurements and allow more objective intraoperative monitoring of tremor.
Correlation of Intraprocedural and Follow Up Parameters for Mitral Regurgitation Grading after Percutaneous Edge-to-Edge Repair
Authors: Pozo Osinalde Eduardo , Salinas Gallegos Alejandra , Gordillo Ximena , Nombela Franco Luis , Marcos-Alberca Pedro , Mahía Patricia , Tirado-Conte Gabriela , Gómez de Diego José Juan , Jiménez Quevedo Pilar , Fernández-Ortíz Antonio , Pérez-Villacastín Julián , de Agustín Loeches Jose Alberto
Published: April 2022

Background: There is no consensus on the best intraprocedural parameter to evaluate residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral repair (TEER). Thus, our aim was to evaluate the predictive value of different MR parameters from intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) for grading in consecutive transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during the follow up. Methods: All the consecutive patients who underwent TEER with MitraClip between 2010 and 2020 in our center were considered. TEE-derived immediate postprocedural MR parameters were reassessed to blindly compare them with follow up MR grading in sequential TTE. Results: We finally included 88 patients (64.8% males; 76 ± 10 years-old). Significant MR was detected in 14.3% of the cases at 6 months, in similar proportion than at postprocedural at 1 month. Among all the intraprocedural TEE quantitative parameters only additive and maximum VC were associated with significant MR persistence. Moreover, on ROC analysis maximum VC demonstrated an excellent discriminatory power (AUC 0.96; p < 0.001) to identify MR ≥ III at 6 months. Thus, a cut-off point of 0.45 cm demonstrated 88% sensitivity and 89% specificity. Conclusion: Among intraprocedural TEE parameters to evaluate residual MR in TEER, maximum and additive VC were the most reliable to predict persistence of significant insufficiency.
A Review of the Effects of Cervical Cancer Standard Treatment on Immune Parameters in Peripheral Blood, Tumor Draining Lymph Nodes, and Local Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: van Luijk Iske F. , Smith Sharissa M. , Marte Ojeda Maria C. , Oei Arlene L. , Kenter Gemma G. , Jordanova Ekaterina S.
Published: April 2022

Cervical cancer remains a public health concern despite all the efforts to implement vaccination and screening programs. Conventional treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer consists of surgery, radiotherapy (with concurrent brachytherapy), combined with chemotherapy, or hyperthermia. The response rate to combination approaches involving immunomodulatory agents and conventional treatment modalities have been explored but remain dismal in patients with locally advanced disease. Studies exploring the immunological effects exerted by combination treatment modalities at the different levels of the immune system (peripheral blood (PB), tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN), and the local tumor microenvironment (TME)) are scarce. In this systemic review, we aim to define immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects induced by conventional treatment in cervical cancer patients to identify the optimal time point for immunotherapy administration. Radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiation (CRT) induce an immunosuppressive state characterized by a long-lasting reduction in peripheral CD3, CD4, CD8 T cells and NK cells. At the TDLN level, CRT induced a reduction in Nrp1+Treg stability and number, naïve CD4 and CD8 T cell numbers, and an accompanying increase in IFNγ-producing CD4 helper T cells, CD8 T cells, and NK cells. Potentiation of the T-cell anti-tumor response was particularly observed in patients receiving low irradiation dosage. At the level of the TME, CRT induced a rebound effect characterized by a reduction of the T-cell anti-tumor response followed by stable radioresistant OX40 and FoxP3 Treg cell numbers. However, the effects induced by CRT were very heterogeneous across studies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) containing both paclitaxel and cisplatin induced a reduction in stromal FoxP3 Treg numbers and an increase in stromal and intratumoral CD8 T cells. Both CRT and NACT induced an increase in PD-L1 expression. Although there was no association between pre-treatment PD-L1 expression and treatment outcome, the data hint at an association with pro-inflammatory immune signatures, overall and disease-specific survival (OS, DSS). When considering NACT, we propose that posterior immunotherapy might further reduce immunosuppression and chemoresistance. This review points at differential effects induced by conventional treatment modalities at different immune compartments, thus, the compartmentalization of the immune responses as well as individual patient’s treatment plans should be carefully considered when designing immunotherapy treatment regimens.
Machine Learning Based Analysis of Relations between Antigen Expression and Genetic Aberrations in Childhood B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Kulis Jan , Wawrowski Łukasz , Sędek Łukasz , Wróbel Łukasz , Słota Łukasz , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Szczepański Tomasz , Sikora Marek
Published: April 2022

Flow cytometry technique (FC) is a standard diagnostic tool for diagnostics of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) assessing the immunophenotype of blast cells. BCP-ALL is often associated with underlying genetic aberrations, that have evidenced prognostic significance and can impact the disease outcome. Since the determination of patient prognosis is already important at the initial phase of BCP-ALL diagnostics, we aimed to reveal specific genetic aberrations by finding specific multiple antigen expression patterns with FC immunophenotyping. The FC immunophenotype data were analysed using machine learning methods (gradient boosting, decision trees, classification rules). The obtained results were verified with the use of repeated cross-validation. The t(12;21)/ETV6-RUNX1 aberration occurs more often when blasts present high expression of CD10, CD38, low CD34, CD45 and specific low expression of CD81. The t(v;11q23)/KMT2A is associated with positive NG2 expression and low CD10, CD34, TdT and CD24. Hyperdiploidy is associated with CD123, CD66c and CD34 expression on blast cells. In turn, high expression of CD81, low expression of CD45, CD22 and lack of CD123 and NG2 indicates that none of the studied aberrations is present. Detecting aberrations in pediatric BCP-ALL, based on the expression of multiple markers, can be done with decent efficiency.
Association of Physical Performance, Muscle Strength and Body Composition with Self-Assessed Quality of Life in Hemodialyzed Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nowicka Maja , Górska Monika , Edyko Krzysztof , Szklarek-Kubicka Magdalena , Kazanek Adam , Prylińska Malwina , Niewodniczy Maciej , Kostka Tomasz , Kurnatowska Ilona
Published: April 2022

(1) Patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) experience impaired quality of life (QoL). We analyzed HD’s relationship with physical performance, body composition, and muscle strength; (2) QoL was assessed with the Short Form-36, composed of physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health dimensions. Physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), body composition (lean tissue mass% (LTM%), fat tissue mass% (FTM%), and skeletal muscle mass% (SMM%)) was assessed with bioelectrical impedance, and lower extremity strength was assessed with a handheld dynamometer; and (3) we enrolled 76 patients (27 F, 49 M), age 62.26 ± 12.81 years, HD vintage 28.45 (8.65–77.49) months. Their QoL score was 53.57 (41.07–70.64); their PCS and MCS scores were 52.14 (38.69–65.95) and 63.39 (44.64–76.79) and strongly correlated (p < 0.0001, R = 0.738). QoL correlated positively with SPPB (R = 0.35, p ≤ 0.001), muscle strength (R from 0.21 to 0.41, p < 0.05), and LTM% (R = 0.38, p < 0.001) and negatively with FTM% (R = −0.32, p = 0.006). PCS correlated positively with SPPB (R = 0.42 p < 0.001), muscle strength (R 0.25–0.44, p < 0.05), and LTM% (R = 0.32, p = 0.006) and negatively with FTM% (R = −0.25, p = 0.031). MCS correlated positively with SPPB (R = 0.23, p = 0.047), SMM% (R = 0.25; p = 0.003), and LTM% (R = 0.39, p < 0.001) and negatively with FTM% (R = −0.34; p = 0.003). QoL was unrelated to sex (p = 0.213), age (p = 0.157), HD vintage (p = 0.156), and BMI (p = 0.202); (4) Better physical performance, leaner body composition, and higher muscle strength are associated with better mental and physical QoL in HD.
The Bone Strain Index: An Innovative Dual X-ray Absorptiometry Bone Strength Index and Its Helpfulness in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Ulivieri Fabio Massimo , Rinaudo Luca
Published: April 2022

Bone strain Index (BSI) is an innovative index of bone strength that provides information about skeletal resistance to loads not considered by existing indexes (Bone Mineral Density, BMD. Trabecular Bone Score, TBS. Hip Structural Analysis, HSA. Hip Axis Length, HAL), and, thus, improves the predictability of fragility fractures in osteoporotic patients. This improved predictability of fracture facilitates the possibility of timely intervention with appropriate therapies to reduce the risk of fracture. The development of the index was the result of combining clinical, radiographical and construction-engineering skills. In fact, from a physical point of view, primary and secondary osteoporosis, leading to bone fracture, are determined by an impairment of the physical properties of bone strength: density, internal structure, deformation and fatigue. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for assessing bone properties, and it allows measurement of the BMD, which is reduced mainly in primary osteoporosis, the structural texture TBS, which can be particularly degraded in secondary osteoporosis, and the bone geometry (HSA, HAL). The authors recently conceived and developed a new bone deformation index named Bone Strain Index (BSI) that assesses the resistance of bone to loads. If the skeletal structure is equated to engineering construction, these three indexes are all considered to determine the load resistance of the construct. In particular, BSI allows clinicians to detect critical information that BMD and TBS cannot explain, and this information is essential for an accurate definition of a patient’s fracture risk. The literature demonstrates that both lumbar and femoral BSI discriminate fractured osteoporotic people, that they predict the first fragility fracture, and further fragility fractures, monitor anabolic treatment efficacy and detect patients affected by secondary osteoporosis. BSI is a new diagnostic tool that offers a unique perspective to clinical medicine to identify patients affected by primary and, specially, secondary osteoporosis. This literature review illustrates BSI’s state of the art and its ratio in clinical medicine.
On the Asymptotic Behavior of the Optimal Exercise Price Near Expiry of an American Put Option under Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Chen Wenting , Zhu Song-Ping
Published: April 2022

The behavior of the optimal exercise price of American puts near expiry has been well studied under the Black–Scholes model as a result of a series of publications. However, the behavior of the optimal exercise price under a stochastic volatility model, such as the Heston model, has not been reported at all. Adopting the method of matched asymptotic expansions, this paper addresses the asymptotic behavior of American put options on a dividend-paying underlying with stochastic volatility near expiry. Through our analyses, we are able to show that the option price will be quite different from that evaluated under the Black–Scholes model, while the leading-order term of the optimal exercise price remains almost the same as the constant volatility case if the spot volatility is given the same value as the constant volatility in the Black–Scholes model. Results from numerical experiments also suggest that our analytical formulae derived from the asymptotic analysis are quite reasonable approximations for options with remaining times to expiry in the order of days or weeks.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Urban Innovation Networks: A Case Study of the Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Liu Li , Luo Jin , Xiao Xin , Hu Bisong , Qi Shuhua , Lin Hui , Zu Xiaofang
Published: April 2022

Understanding the evolutionary characteristics of innovation network structure can improve urban innovation and regional construction. Urban innovative development is affected by various factors, which can be analyzed via models of innovation networks. We establish a multi-criteria evaluation system of innovation capability and use an improved gravity model to construct an innovation network for 2015–2018, employing social network methods to analyze structural characteristics and spatial patterns. Results show that: (1) The innovation of cities in the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River has gradually increased, with an accompanying increase in the complexity of innovation networks. The cities of Wuhan, Changsha, and Nanchang are located at the absolute core of this network, which exhibits a Matthew effect, and has a triangle integration mode of growth. (2) The attraction of innovative resources and the promotion of individual innovation are increasing every year within the cities. The aggregation pattern of innovation shows a multi-core state in the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, but the innovation radiation pattern has changed from a single center to a double center. (3) Multiple spatial innovation axes are seen in the network, with a location and direction consistent with the urban agglomeration’s development axis in the Yangtze River’s middle reaches and a triangle integration growth mode. Policy implications are proposed for regional innovation and development, and our results can provide future policy guidance and direction for governmental entities and other stakeholders.
Healing after Trauma—New Knowledge and Procedures for the Benefit of Our Patients
Authors: Neunaber Claudia , Fini Milena , Cinelli Paolo
Published: April 2022

Severe trauma is still the leading cause of death and disability in the world [...]
Microstructures and Soft Magnetic Properties of Fe73.5−xCu1Nb3Si13.5B9Gdx (x = 0–1.5) Alloys
Authors: Mao Yuchen , Zhu Zhenghou , Zhao Hui
Published: April 2022

In this experiment, the rare earth Gd element was added to Finemet alloy to observe the microstructure and soft magnetic properties. The experimental results showed that the samples with the addition of 0.5% Gd and 1.0% Gd can be quenched and cast normally, and the MS of Fe73Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9Gd0.5 alloy was 10.41% higher than that of Finemet. After annealing, crystal grains of about 10 nm were formed. The μi and μm values of Fe73Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9Gd0.5 alloy were 25.51% and 22.23% higher, respectively, and the coercivity HC was reduced by 12.19% compared to Finemet. At 1 kHz, the μe value of Fe73Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9Gd0.5 alloy at room temperature was 14.57% higher than that of Finemet, while the μe reached 162.34 k and 142.42 k at 90 °C and 150 °C (24% and 29.51% higher, respectively). The Fe72.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9Gd1.0 alloy had the best performance at 100 kHz, with higher μe values than Finemet across the ambient temperature range of 30 °C to 150 °C. After tension annealing, the μe values of Fe72.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9Gd1.0 alloy were 20–30% higher than those of Finemet.
Design of 3D Metric Geometry Study and Research Activities within a BIM Framework
Authors: Olmos-Noguera José M. , Renard-Julián Eduardo J. , García-Cascales María Socorro
Published: April 2022

This paper presents research work in which an innovative didactic proposal was designed for the study of 3D metric geometry in the second year of A-level courses (secondary education) in the specialty of the sciences. The designed didactic proposal has the format of a workshop of geometry practices and is framed in the Didactic Situations Theory and in the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic. Although the mentioned theories, which the French school has developed since the seventies, are widely known and studied by secondary school mathematics teachers during their training in pedagogy, especially in Spanish- and French-speaking countries, their innovative approach has not been fully implemented in the field of algebraic geometry. Mathematics textbooks follow the traditional approach in which the teacher simply provides the contents and instructs the student, who captures these concepts and reproduces them as they have been supplied. In the presented didactic proposal, the approach proposed by Brousseau is followed, in which three fundamental elements take part: student, teacher, and the didactic environment. The teacher is the one who facilitates the environment in which the student builds his knowledge. In the proposal the didactic contract is stablished, the didactic situations are designed, and the means and didactic variables for the study of 3D metric geometry are chosen. The methodology followed in this study consisted of identifying educational problems; describing the theoretical framework; developing the didactic proposal; and analysis, reflection, and criticism of this training product. The contextualization of the geometry workshop in the field of the construction of structures and the use of deductive reasoning techniques that are applied in synthetic geometry and also in the building information modeling (BIM) methodology may be a way of showing the use of analytical geometry in the industries of engineering and architecture; they also serve as an opportunity for students to better understand this mathematical work.
The Sustainable Supply Chain Network Competition Based on Non-Cooperative Equilibrium under Carbon Emission Permits
Authors: Cheng Peiyue , Zhang Guitao , Sun Hao
Published: April 2022

Under the background of a circular economy, this paper examines multi-tiered closed-loop supply chain network competition under carbon emission permits and discusses how stringent carbon regulations influence the network performance. We derive the governing equilibrium conditions for carbon-capped mathematical gaming models of each player and provide the equivalent variational inequality formulations, which are then solved by modified projection and contraction algorithms. The numerical examples empower us to investigate the effects of diverse carbon emission regulations (cap-and-trade regulation, mandatory cap policy, and cap-sharing scheme) on enterprises’ decisions. The results reveal that the cap-sharing scheme is effective in coordinating the relationship between system profit and carbon emission abatement, while cap-and-trade regulation loses efficiency compared with the cap-sharing scheme. The government should allocate caps scientifically and encourage enterprises to adopt green production technologies, especially allowing large enterprises to share carbon quotas. This study can also contribute to the enterprises’ decision-making and revenue management under different carbon emissions reduction regulations.
Robust State Estimation for Uncertain Discrete Linear Systems with Delayed Measurements
Authors: Li Zhijun , Sun Minxing , Duan Qianwen , Mao Yao
Published: April 2022

Measurement delays and model parametric uncertainties are meaningful issues in actual systems. Addressing the simultaneous existence of random model parametric uncertainties and constant measurement delay in the discrete-time linear systems, this study proposes a novel robust estimation method based on the combination of Kalman filter regularized least-squares (RLS) framework and state augmentation. The state augmentation method is elaborately designed, and the cost function is improved by considering the influence of modelling errors. A recursive program similar to the Kalman filter is derived. Meanwhile, the asymptotic stability conditions of the proposed estimator and the boundedness conditions of its error covariance are analyzed theoretically. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed method has a better processing capability for measurement delay and better robustness to model parametric uncertainties than the Kalman filter based on nominal parameters.
The Research on Consistency Checking and Improvement of Probabilistic Linguistic Preference Relation Based on Similarity Measure and Minimum Adjustment Model
Authors: Xiao Huimin , Wu Shouwen , Cui Chunsheng
Published: April 2022

In the process of decision making, the probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) is a useful tool to express the evaluation information provided by decision makers (DMs). On the basis of PLTS, the probabilistic linguistic preference relation (PLPR) has been proposed, which can well describe the uncertainty of preferences when experts conduct pairwise comparison between any two alternatives. The consistency analysis is an essential process to check whether the preferences are reasonable and logical. For the consistency checking and improvement of PLPR, some methods have been developed to conduct the work. However, the previous methods seldom consider whether the information of original preferences is distorted after the adjustment of inconsistency preferences, and the adjustment processes are complicated in much of the literature. To overcome the defects of existing methods, we developed a novel PLPR consistency analysis model, and this paper mainly contains two sections. On the one hand, a new consistency index and the consistency checking method are proposed based on similarity measure, respectively. On the other hand, based on the idea of minimum adjustment, we constructed an optimization model to improve the consistency level and develop the process of decision making on the basis of consistency analysis. A numerical example about talent recruitment is given to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. We have a comparative analysis with Zhang’s method from many aspects including the decision results, consistency checking and improvement, as well as adjusted preferences, adjustment costs and consistence threshold. At length, the conclusion of this research is that the proposed consistency analysis model is superior to the previous method on the determination of adjustment parameter, as well as the adjustment cost and the retention of original preferences. To show the effectiveness and superiority, we have a comparative analysis with other approaches. At length, the conclusion of this study is drawn.
Using Matrix Eigenvalues to Construct an Iterative Method with the Highest Possible Efficiency Index Two
Authors: Ullah Malik Zaka , Torkashvand Vali , Shateyi Stanford , Asma Mir
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we first derive a family of iterative schemes with fourth order. A weight function is used to maintain its optimality. Then, we transform it into methods with several self-accelerating parameters to reach the highest possible convergence rate 8. For this aim, we employ the property of the eigenvalues of the matrices and the technique with memory. Solving several nonlinear test equations shows that the proposed variants have a computational efficiency index of two (maximum amount possible) in practice.
Recovery of Zinc from the Concentrate of Domestic Waste Processing by Vacuum Distillation
Authors: Trebukhov Sergey , Volodin Valeriy , Nitsenko Alina , Burabaeva Nurila , Ruzakhunova Galiya
Published: April 2022

The heterogeneity and local distribution of elements are established as a result of the study of nonferrous metals distribution and the composition of domestic wastes processing concentrate containing 20–40% copper, 40–50% brass, 20–28% zinc and up to 1% aluminium. Metals are mainly concentrated in granules of three types: zinc-based, copper-based and copper–zinc alloy, i.e., brass. The phase composition of these granule types and their structure are determined. Zinc granules are covered with a refractory oxide shell. A distillation processing method for such raw materials based on full state diagrams, including the phase transition of melting pairs of double systems of copper and tin with zinc and lead, is offered. The possibility of a rather complete zinc distillation (over 90%) with the accumulation of other metals in the copper-based alloy, containing more than 96 wt. % of the basic element, has been demonstrated by electric crucible melting in a highly reducing atmosphere. Copper-based alloys, after adjustment for the content of some metals (tin), can be realized as pressure-treated tin bronzes. Copper with the content of impurities corresponding to the standard for blister copper can be electrolytically processed (after dissolution in sulphuric acid) in copper production. Equipment for the implementation of the electro-thermal processing process that provides metal recycling of the metal concentrate is proposed.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals the Effect of Selective Breeding on the Quality of Chicken Meat
Authors: Shi Kai , Zhao Qian , Shao Minghui , Duan Ying , Li Dongfeng , Lu Yangqing , Tang Yanfei , Feng Chungang
Published: April 2022

The selection for improved body weight is an effective approach in animal breeding. Guangxi Partridge chickens have differentiated into two lines under selective breeding, which include line S and line D that have shown statistically significant differences in body weight. However, the meat quality analysis in our study indicated that the quality of breast and thigh muscles in line S chickens changed, which included increased values of L*, b*, and drip loss and decreased a* value, pH, and shear force in skeletal muscles. To illuminate the effect of selection on skeletal muscles, LC-MS/MS metabolomics was performed to explore differentiated metabolites in divergent tissues from the two chicken lines. The results of principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis suggested that metabolites of different groups were separated, which suggested that selective breeding certainly affected metabolism of skeletal muscles. KEGG analysis identified that valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism noteworthily changed in breast muscle. Amino sugars and nucleotide sugar metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, fructose and mannose metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were remarkedly identified in thigh muscle. These screened pathways suggested oxidative stress in breast and thigh muscles, which corresponded with our previous results. Therefore, this study determined that glycerophospholipid metabolism conservatively functioned in muscle flavor and development but exhibited different anti-oxidative patterns in different skeletal muscles. Overall, the present study identified several differentiated metabolites and pathways for exploring differences in meat quality between different broiler populations.
Effects of Bovine Pichia kudriavzevii T7, Candida glabrata B14, and Lactobacillus plantarum Y9 on Milk Production, Quality and Digestive Tract Microbiome in Dairy Cows
Authors: Ji Yali , Dong Xin , Liu Zhimin , Wang Weijun , Yan Hai , Liu Xiaolu
Published: April 2022

Microbial administration has been used successfully to improve host health. However, the positive effects of endogenous microbials are still underexplored. This study investigated the effects of bovine Lactic acid bacteria and yeast on the milk production, quality and digestive tract microbiome of dairy cows. Lactobacillus plantarum Y9, Pichia kudriavzevii T7 and Candida glabrata B14 isolated from high-yielding dairy cows were selected to feed low-yielding Holstein cows. Pichia kudriavzevii T7 could significantly increase milk yield, meanwhile, Pichia kudriavzevii T7 and Candida glabrata B14 could obviously reduce the number of somatic cell counts (SCC). However, slight differences were found in milk fat, protein, lactose and SNF (solids not fat) percentage. High throughput sequencing showed that the dominant bacteria were Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae in rumen and feces, respectively, and the dominant fungi were Penicillium, Aspergillus and Trichoderma in both samples, before and after feeding the microbial addition. Nonetheless, microbial addition changed the abundance and structure of the microbiome in the digestive tract. Our data showed bovine yeast and LAB were beneficial for improving performance and regulating the microbial structure of dairy cows. This study was expected to enrich the knowledge of the digestive tract microbiome in dairy cows and provide a feasible strategy for the further utilization of bovine microorganisms.
Boron Chemicals in Drug Discovery and Development: Synthesis and Medicinal Perspective
Authors: Das Bhaskar C. , Nandwana Nitesh K. , Das Sasmita , Nandwana Varsha , Shareef Mohammed Adil , Das Yogarupa , Saito Mariko , Weiss Louis M. , Almaguel Frankis , Hosmane Narayan S. , Evans Todd
Published: April 2022

A standard goal of medicinal chemists has been to discover efficient and potent drug candidates with specific enzyme-inhibitor abilities. In this regard, boron-based bioactive compounds have provided amphiphilic properties to facilitate interaction with protein targets. Indeed, the spectrum of boron-based entities as drug candidates against many diseases has grown tremendously since the first clinically tested boron-based drug, Velcade. In this review, we collectively represent the current boron-containing drug candidates, boron-containing retinoids, benzoxaboroles, aminoboronic acid, carboranes, and BODIPY, for the treatment of different human diseases.In addition, we also describe the synthesis, key structure–activity relationship, and associated biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antituberculosis, antitumor, antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, antifolate, antidepressant, antiallergic, anesthetic, and anti-Alzheimer’s agents, as well as proteasome and lipogenic inhibitors. This compilation could be very useful in the exploration of novel boron-derived compounds against different diseases, with promising efficacy and lesser side effects.
Parameterization and Application of the General Amber Force Field to Model Fluoro Substituted Furanose Moieties and Nucleosides
Authors: Escalante Diego E. , Aldrich Courtney C. , Ferguson David M.
Published: April 2022

Molecular mechanics force field calculations have historically shown significant limitations in modeling the energetic and conformational interconversions of highly substituted furanose rings. This is primarily due to the gauche effect that is not easily captured using pairwise energy potentials. In this study, we present a refinement to the set of torsional parameters in the General Amber Force Field (gaff) used to calculate the potential energy of mono, di-, and gem-fluorinated nucleosides. The parameters were optimized to reproduce the pseudorotation phase angle and relative energies of a diverse set of mono- and difluoro substituted furanose ring systems using quantum mechanics umbrella sampling techniques available in the IpolQ engine in the Amber suite of programs. The parameters were developed to be internally consistent with the gaff force field and the TIP3P water model. The new set of angle and dihedral parameters and partial charges were validated by comparing the calculated phase angle probability to those obtained from experimental nuclear magnetic resonance experiments.
A Review on the Current State and Future Perspectives of [99mTc]Tc-Housed PSMA-i in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Brunello Sara , Salvarese Nicola , Carpanese Debora , Gobbi Carolina , Melendez-Alafort Laura , Bolzati Cristina
Published: April 2022

Recently, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has gained momentum in tumor nuclear molecular imaging as an excellent target for both the diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer. Since 2008, after years of preclinical research efforts, a plentitude of radiolabeled compounds mainly based on low molecular weight PSMA inhibitors (PSMA-i) have been described for imaging and theranostic applications, and some of them have been transferred to the clinic. Most of these compounds include radiometals (e.g., 68Ga, 64Cu, 177Lu) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging or endoradiotherapy. Nowadays, although the development of new PET tracers has caused a significant drop in single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) research programs and the development of new technetium-99m (99mTc) tracers is rare, this radionuclide remains the best atom for SPECT imaging owing to its ideal physical decay properties, convenient availability, and rich and versatile coordination chemistry. Indeed, 99mTc still plays a relevant role in diagnostic nuclear medicine, as the number of clinical examinations based on 99mTc outscores that of PET agents and 99mTc-PSMA SPECT/CT may be a cost-effective alternative for 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. This review aims to give an overview of the specific features of the developed [99mTc]Tc-tagged PSMA agents with particular attention to [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-i. The chemical and pharmacological properties of the latter will be compared and discussed, highlighting the pros and cons with respect to [68Ga]Ga-PSMA11.
In Silico Screening of Natural Compounds for Candidates 5HT6 Receptor Antagonists against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bojić Tijana , Sencanski Milan , Perovic Vladimir , Milicevic Jelena , Glisic Sanja
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, is the focus of pharmacological research. One of the targets that attract the most attention for the potential therapy of AD is the serotonin 5HT6 receptor, which is the receptor situated exclusively in CNS on glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. The neurochemical impact of this receptor supports the hypothesis about its role in cognitive, learning, and memory systems, which are of critical importance for AD. Natural products are a promising source of novel bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic potential as a 5HT6 receptor antagonist in the treatment of AD dementia. The ZINC—natural product database was in silico screened in order to find the candidate antagonists of 5-HT6 receptor against AD. A virtual screening protocol that includes both short-and long-range interactions between interacting molecules was employed. First, the EIIP/AQVN filter was applied for in silico screening of the ZINC database followed by 3D QSAR and molecular docking. Ten best candidate compounds were selected from the ZINC Natural Product database as potential 5HT6 Receptor antagonists and were proposed for further evaluation. The best candidate was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations.
Cupressus sempervirens Essential Oil: Exploring the Antibacterial Multitarget Mechanisms, Chemcomputational Toxicity Prediction, and Safety Assessment in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Akermi Sarra , Smaoui Slim , Elhadef Khaoula , Fourati Mariam , Louhichi Nacim , Chaari Moufida , Chakchouk Mtibaa Ahlem , Baanannou Aissette , Masmoudi Saber , Mellouli Lotfi
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, increasing interest has recently been given to the exploration of new food preservatives to avoid foodborne outbreaks or food spoilage. Likewise, new compounds that substitute the commonly used synthetic food preservatives are required to restrain the rising problem of microbial resistance. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to examine the chemical composition and the mechanism(s) of action of the Cupressus sempervirens essential oil (CSEO) against Salmonella enterica Typhimuriumand Staphyloccocus aureus. The gas chromatography analysis revealed α-pinene (38.47%) and δ-3-carene (25.14%) are the major components of the CSEO. By using computational methods, such as quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR), we revealed that many CSEO components had no toxic effects. Moreover, findings indicated that α-pinene, δ-3-carene and borneol, a minor compound of CSEO, could inhibit the AcrB-TolC and MepR efflux pump activity of S. enterica Typhimurium and S. aureus, respectively. In addition, our molecular docking predictions indicated the high affinity of these three compounds with active sites of bacterial DNA and RNA polymerases, pointing to plausible impairments of the pathogenic bacteria cell replication processes. As well, the safety profile was developed through the zebrafish model. The in vivo toxicological evaluation of (CSEO) exhibited a concentration-dependent manner, with a lethal concentration (LC50) equal to 6.6 µg/mL.
Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient
Authors: Carmela Gerardi , Giovanna Giovinazzo
Published: April 2022

Research on flavonoids from plant sources is showing growing evidence of the versatile health benefits of flavonoids through in vitro and in vivo studies [...]
Muscles Journal: The New Home of Muscle Followers
Authors: Duranti Guglielmo
Published: April 2022

In recent years, the number of scientific papers focused on the study of muscle and its physiopathology has grown significantly [...]
Exploring the Influence of Synthesis Parameters on the Optical Properties for Various CeO2 NPs
Authors: Chibac-Scutaru Andreea L. , Podasca Viorica , Dascalu Ioan A. , Melinte Violeta
Published: April 2022

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles were synthesized with a chemical precipitation method in different experimental conditions using cerium nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3·6H2O) as a precursor, modifying the solution pH, the reaction time, and Co atoms as dopants, in order to tune the band gap energy values of the prepared samples. The physical characteristics of the synthesized ceria nanoparticles were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis analyses and photoluminescence measurements. XRD data revealed a pure cubic fluorite structure of CeO2 NPs, the estimation of crystallite sizes by Scherrer’s formula indicates the formation of crystals with dimensions between 11.24 and 21.65 nm. All samples contain nearly spherical CeO2 nanoparticles, as well as cubic, rhomboidal, triangular, or polyhedral nanoparticles that can be identified by TEM images. The optical investigation of CeO2 samples revealed that the band gap energy values are between 3.18 eV and 2.85 eV, and, after doping with Co atoms, the Eg of samples decreased to about 2.0 eV. In this study, we managed to obtain CeO2 NPs with Eg under 3.0 eV by only modifying the synthesis parameters. In addition, by doping with Co ions, the band gap energy value was lowered to 2.0 eV. This aspect leads to promising results that provide an encouraging approach for future photocatalytic investigations.
Dynamic Seed Emission, Dispersion, and Deposition from Horseweed (Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist)
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhao Qidi , Huang Haiyan , Ye Rongjian , Stewart Charles Neal , Wang Junming
Published: April 2022

The wide dispersion of glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed (Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist: synonym Erigeron canadensis L.) biotypes has been reported in agricultural fields in many states. GR traits may be transferred through seeds or pollen from fields with existing GR horseweed prevalence to surrounding fields. Understanding seed production and movement is essential when characterizing and predicting the spread of GR horseweed, yet a literature review indicates that there are no experimental data on dynamic (hourly) seed production and horizontal dispersion and deposition from horseweed. To obtain the dynamic data, two field experiments were performed, one in Illinois and one in Tennessee, USA in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Seed concentration and deposition along with atmospheric conditions were measured with samplers in the Illinois (184 m × 46 m, natural plants, density = 9.5 plants/m2) and Tennessee (6 m × 6 m, cultivated plants, density = 4 plants/m2) experimental fields and their surrounding areas along the downwind direction up to 1 km horizontally and 100 m vertically in the Illinois field and up to 32 m horizontally and 5 m vertically in the Tennessee field. The dynamic seed source strengths (emission rates) measured during two entire seed-shedding seasons were reported, ranging from 0 to 0.41 grains/plant/s for Illinois and ranging from 0 to 0.56 grains/plant/s for Tennessee. The average total seed production was an estimated 122,178 grains/plant for the duration of the Illinois experiment and 94,146 grains/plant for Tennessee. Seeds trapped by Rotorod samplers attached beneath two balloons in the Illinois field experiment were observed at heights of 80 to 100 m, indicating the possibility of long-distance transport. Normalized (by source data) seed deposition with distance followed a negative power exponential function. Seed emission and transport were affected mainly by wind speed. This study is the first to investigate dynamic horseweed seed emission, dispersion, and deposition for an entire seed-shedding season. The results will aid in the management of GR horseweed. The potential for regional effects of horseweed invasion may require all farmers to control horseweed in their individual fields.
Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Genomes of Dalbergia Species for Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Wu Hoi-Yan , Wong Kwan-Ho , Kong Bobby Lim-Ho , Siu Tin-Yan , But Grace Wing-Chiu , Tsang Stacey Shun-Kei , Lau David Tai-Wai , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: April 2022

Dalbergia L.f. is a pantropical genus consisting of 269 species of trees, shrubs, and woody lianas. This genus is listed in CITES Appendices because of illegal logging and trafficking driven by the high economic value of its heartwood. Some species are also used medicinally. Species identification of Dalbergia timber and herbs is challenging but essential for CITES implementation. Molecular methods had been developed for some timber species, mostly from Madagascar and Southeast Asia, but medicinal species in south China were usually not included in those studies. Here, we sequenced and assembled the chloroplast genomes of five Dalbergia species native to Hong Kong, four of which are medicinal plants. Our aim is to find potential genetic markers for the identification of medicinal Dalbergia species based on divergence hotspots detected in chloroplast genomes after comparative and phylogenetic analysis. Dalbergia chloroplast genomes displayed the typical quadripartite structure, with the 50 kb inversion found in most Papilionoideae lineages. Their sizes and gene content are well conserved. Phylogenetic tree of Dalbergia chloroplast genomes showed an overall topology similar to that of ITS sequences. Four divergence hotspots (trnL(UAA)-trnT(UGU), ndhG-ndhI, ycf1a and ycf1b) were identified and candidate markers for identification of several Dalbergia species were suggested.
Liberation and Separation of Valuable Components from LED Modules: Presentation of Two Innovative Approaches
Authors: Balinski Adam , Recksiek Volker , Stoll Michael , Christesen Christian , Stelter Michael
Published: April 2022

The rapid development of light-emitting-diode (LED) technology is attributed to its superiority over light sources of earlier generations. Although LED lamps, compared to compact fluorescent lamps, are considered less harmful to the environment, there is still no efficient solution to deal with them at the end of their lifecycle. The first part of the study provides a detailed characterisation of LED lamps, focusing on their most interesting component: the LED module. LED packages attached to the module are highly enriched with Ga, In, Pd, Ag, Au, Sr, Y, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Lu, with the content of each element varying greatly depending on the LED technology. In the second part of this research, two new approaches for liberation and concentration of valuable components from LED modules are presented and compared: a chemical route and a thermal route. The chemical treatment leads to a highly selective separation of LED chips and encapsulation. Enrichment factors up to about 125 are achieved, and a concentrate is obtained containing approximately 14 wt% of the aforementioned valuable components. However, the process requires aromatic solvents, which are viewed as toxic. The thermal treatment results in separation of the aluminium heat sink from all other components of the LED module. Enrichment is approximately ten times lower, but the approach is technically feasible.