bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Benzendicarboxylate-Directed Structural Variations and Properties of Four New Porous Cd(II)-Pyridyl-Triazole Coordination Polymers
Authors: Zhao Ying , Jing Jin , Yan Ning , Han Min-Le , Yang Guo-Ping , Ma Lu-Fang
Published: December 2020

Four new different porous crystalline Cd(II)-based coordination polymers (CPs), i. e., [Cd(mdpt)2]·2H2O (1), [Cd2(mdpt)2(m-bdc)(H2O)2] (2), [Cd(Hmdpt)(p-bdc)]·2H2O (3), and [Cd3(mdpt)2(bpdc)2]·2.5NMP (4), were obtained successfully by the assembly of Cd(II) ions and bitopic 3-(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hmdpt) in the presence of various benzendicarboxylate ligands, i.e., 1,3/1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (m-H2bdc, p-H2bdc) and biphenyl-4,4′-bicarboxylate (H2bpdc). Herein, complex 1 is a porous 2-fold interpenetrated four-connected 3D NbO topological framework based on the mdpt− ligand; 2 reveals a two-dimensional (2D) hcb network. Interestingly, 3 presents a three-dimensional (3D) rare interpenetrated double-insertion supramolecular net via 2D ···ABAB··· layers and can be viewed as an fsh topological net, while complex 4 displays a 3D sqc117 framework. Then, the different gas sorption performances were carried out carefully for complexes 1 and 4, the results of which showed 4 has preferable sorption than that of 1 and can be the potential CO2 storage and separation material. Furthermore, the stability and luminescence of four complexes were performed carefully in the solid state.
Fluconazole for Hypercortisolism in Cushing’s Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Liang Weiwei , Cai Feng , Wu Qun , Wang Yongjian
Published: December 2020

Background

Cushing’s disease is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary fungal infection, which could be a relative contraindication for pituitary adenoma excision surgery.

Case

We report a case of a patient with Cushing’s disease and pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of moon face and edema. Laboratory and radiological findings suggested a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease and pulmonary cryptococcus infection. Fluconazole 400 mg per day was administered intravenously and continued orally for 3 months. Both cryptococcus infection and hypercortisolism relieved and transsphenoidal resection was performed.

Conclusion

Cushing’s disease can be effectively treated with fluconazole to normalize cortisol concentration prior to pituitary surgery. Fluconazole is an alternative treatment especially in Cushing’s disease patients with cryptococcal pneumonia.
A Retrospective Study of Superficial Type Atypical Lipomatous Tumor
Authors: Mashima Emi , Sawada Yu , Saito-Sasaki Natsuko , Yamamoto Kayo , Ohmori Shun , Omoto Daisuke , Yoshioka Haruna , Yoshioka Manabu , Okada Etsuko , Aoki Takatoshi , Hisaoka Masanori , Nakamura Motonobu
Published: December 2020

Atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) has been defined as a well-differentiated liposarcoma exhibiting a higher frequency of a local recurrence after surgical resection. ALT is mainly classified into deep type and superficial type. Compared with deep type ALT, superficial type ALT is rarely observed. One of the most important issues is that little has been known about superficial type ALT and it is not easy to predict the presence of superficial type ALT before surgical resection. To clarify the clinical manifestations of superficial type ALT, we examined 15 cases with superficial type ALT and 118 cases with benign lipoma, and analyzed their differences in clinical characteristics and the findings of MRI test. In clinical characteristics, the tumor size of superficial type ALT was significantly greater than that of benign lipoma, and superficial type ALT showed a significantly higher frequency of the tumor size of more than 4 cm. Superficial type ALT exhibited poor tumor mobility and hardness with elastic soft. In addition, a significantly higher frequency of tumor location of superficial type ALT was observed in extremities. Among tumor sites at the trunk, buttocks, and shoulder were high frequent location in superficial type ALT. In an MRI examination, superficial type ALT exhibited a significantly higher frequency of the septal structures compared with benign lipoma. The combinations of clinical characteristics, including physical examinations, MRI, and histological examinations, are helpful for the diagnosis of superficial type ALT.
Two Food Waste By-Products Selectively Stimulate Beneficial Resident Citrus Host-Associated Microbes in a Zero-Runoff Indoor Plant Production System
Authors: Pagliaccia Deborah , Bodaghi Sohrab , Chen Xingyu , Stevenson Danielle , Deyett Elizabeth , De Francesco Agustina , Borneman James , Ruegger Paul , Peacock Beth , Ellstrand Norman , Rolshausen Philippe Eric , Popa Radu , Ying Samantha , Vidalakis Georgios
Published: December 2020

The global production of food waste is a far-reaching problem with sizable financial, ethical, social, and environmental costs. Over 66 million tons of food waste is produced annually in the United States alone. This waste can be converted into valuable digestate by-products that promote a circular economy within agri-food systems. The present work investigated the use of two liquid digestates of microaerobic fermentation from mixed food waste and beer mash, respectively, as biostimulants for non-bearing citrus plants (nursery stock) grown in a zero-runoff greenhouse system with recirculating irrigation. The digestates' impact on the structure and diversity of the microbiota was determined on the irrigation water, soil, leaves, roots, and rhizosphere of citrus plants. A combination of culture-dependent (selective media) and culture-independent approaches (Next-Generation Sequencing) was used to assess the composition of the microbial communities and to single out the presence of foodborne pathogens. Our results suggest that the use of digestates is safe (i.e., no human or plant pathogens were present in the digestates or enriched in the plant production system following amendments). Digestates application to the irrigation water reduced the bacterial diversity within 24–48 h and selectively and significantly stimulated beneficial resident host-associated microorganisms (Pseudomonas putida) by two to three orders of magnitude. Carbon dynamics were analyzed in the nutrient solutions by measuring dissolved organic carbon and characterizing carbon species through gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry. Our results indicate that dissolved organic carbon in the recirculating irrigation water spikes after each digestate amendment and it is quickly metabolized by bacteria, plateauing 24 h after application. Soil carbon, nitrogen, and nutrient dynamics were also analyzed, and results suggest that digestates increased the concentration of some plant nutrients in soils without causing a surge of potentially toxic elements. This study represents a proof-of-concept for the safe re-use of organic wastes, from farming and consumers, in agriculture. Implementing this type of integrated plant production system could reduce the environmental impact of food waste and benefit the public by improving soil health, reducing agricultural footprint, and increasing crop fitness by deploying a method based on a circular economy and sustainable food production approaches.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Riding Lesson Barns and Summer Camps in Ontario
Authors: Merkies Katrina , Copelin Caleigh , Crouchman Elizabeth , St-Onge Amanda
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has direct effects on the operations of riding lesson facilities and summer camps, with little government guidance on how to implement these. An online survey link was distributed to riding lesson facilities in Ontario. Descriptive statistics of respondents (n = 72) reported a decrease in both the number of riding lessons offered and the number of riding students per lesson. Scheduling riding times and limiting access to specific places on the farm ensured controlled access to the farms. Strict hygiene procedures were implemented including disinfecting high contact areas and shared tack. Summer camps followed the same procedures, although some farms chose not to offer camps at all. The use of facemasks was not prevalent in either riding lessons (43.3%) or camps (25%), likely because the activities took place outside. However, recent evidence shows that facemasks are perhaps even more important when outdoors, and it is recommended that riding lesson facilities re-evaluate their requirements for students and staff to wear facemasks while in the barn. In spite of the hardships, many positive aspects were noted including time to attend to repair and maintenance needs, scrutinizing business practices, more respect for barn rules, and more time to bond with the horses.
A Preliminary Analysis of Tympanometric Parameters in a Local Multiethnic Population
Authors: Chua Kenneth Wei De
Published: December 2020

Background: Tympanometry is a routine clinical test ordered at the Department of Otolaryngology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) at Changi General Hospital (CGH). In combination with the pure tone audiogram, tympanograms aid in the diagnostic value of various middle ear disorders. However, its diagnostic value depends on the physician and audiologist’s accuracy of classifying and interpreting the tympanograms. Presently, Caucasian normative values are used in the classification of tympanograms, which could be inaccurate without population specific norms. Therefore, there is a need to understand ethnic differences in tympanometry parameters in order to usefully interpret the tympanogram. Thus far, there are no local studies on the differences in tympanometric parameters among multiethnic groups. Previous studies also had conflicting results on the effects of ethnicity with direct or indirect comparison only between two ethnic groups. To our knowledge, this is the first preliminary investigation on the effects of demographic and anthropometric measurements on tympanometric parameters. Materials and Methods: 90 patients’ medical charts were randomly selected and reviewed to extract demographic, anthropometric and clinical information. Tympanogram characteristics among ethnic groups were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The mean ages of males and females in the study were 41.9 years ± 17.4 and 46.1 ± 19.2, respectively. Results: Gender significantly influenced ear canal volume (ECV). Chinese had marginally significant lower static admittance (SA) as compared to non-Chinese. There were, however, no effects of age or anthropometric measurements on tympanometric results. Conclusion: Further prospective large cohort analyses are warranted to expand this investigation to better elucidate differences observed in tympanometric parameters and establish population specific norms for appropriate and accurate tympanogram classifications.
Post-Encoding Stress Does Not Enhance Memory Consolidation: The Role of Cortisol and Testosterone Reactivity
Authors: Hidalgo Vanesa , Villada Carolina , Salvador Alicia
Published: December 2020

In contrast to the large body of research on the effects of stress-induced cortisol on memory consolidation in young people, far less attention has been devoted to understanding the effects of stress-induced testosterone on this memory phase. This study examined the psychobiological (i.e., anxiety, cortisol, and testosterone) response to the Maastricht Acute Stress Test and its impact on free recall and recognition for emotional and neutral material. Thirty-seven healthy young men and women were exposed to a stress (MAST) or control task post-encoding, and 24 h later, they had to recall the material previously learned. Results indicated that the MAST increased anxiety and cortisol levels, but it did not significantly change the testosterone levels. Post-encoding MAST did not affect memory consolidation for emotional and neutral pictures. Interestingly, however, cortisol reactivity was negatively related to free recall for negative low-arousal pictures, whereas testosterone reactivity was positively related to free recall for negative-high arousal and total pictures. This study provides preliminary evidence about a different reactivity of testosterone and cortisol to the MAST as well as on their effects on consolidation. Our results suggest a different pattern of relationships between these steroid hormones and the arousal of the negative images.
Plant Extract Induced Biogenic Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Potential as Catalyst for Degradation of Toxic Dyes
Authors: Naseem Khalida , Zia Ur Rehman Muhammad , Ahmad Awais , Dubal Deepak , AlGarni Tahani
Published: December 2020

This study focusses on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-nPs) by citrus fruit (Citrus paradisi) peel extract as reductant while using AgNO3 salt as source of silver ions. Successful preparation of biogenic CAg-nPs catalyst was confirmed by turning the colorless reaction mixture to light brown. The appearance of surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) band in UV-Vis spectra further assured the successful fabrication of nPs. Different techniques such as FTIR, TGA and DLS were adopted to characterize the CAg-nPs. CAg-nPs particles were found to excellent catalysts for reduction of Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), Rhodamine B (RhB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Reduction of CR was also performed by varying the contents of NaBH4, CR and catalyst to optimize the catalyst activity. The pseudo first order kinetic model was used to explore the value of rate constants for reduction reactions. Results also interpret that the catalytic reduction of dyes followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) mechanism. According to the LH mechanism, the CAg-nPs role in catalysis was explained by way of electrons transfer from donor (NaBH4) to acceptor (dyes). Due to reusability and green synthesis of the CAg-nPs catalyst, it can be a promising candidate for the treatment of water sources contaminated with toxic dyes.
The Effect of a Weak Magnetic Field (0 T to 0.4 T) on the Valence Band and Intramolecular Hydrogen of Inorganic Aerosol Metal–Nitrogen Gas Chemical Reactions in a Sparking Discharge Process
Authors: Ručman Stefan , Boonruang Chatdanai , Singjai Pisith
Published: December 2020

The effects of a weak magnetic field on chemical reactions are still not well understood. In our research, we used a sparking discharge process to ionize and atomize different metal wires in ambient air under usual atmospheric conditions, with and without the presence of a magnetic field. Products were collected on a glass substrate and additionally characterized for the presence of nitrogen or nitride bonding with XPS. All samples sparked with no magnetic field provided an evidence of nitride formation. Additional characterization and comparison of samples prepared inside and outside a magnetic field was performed using FTIR and collected in deionized (DI) water to investigate the influence on conductivity and pH. When the magnetic field was present during sparking discharge, a higher concentration of nanoparticles was produced.
Shock Damage Analysis in Serial Femtosecond Crystallography Data Collected at MHz X-ray Free-Electron Lasers
Authors: Gorel Alexander , Grünbein Marie , Bean Richard , Bielecki Johan , Hilpert Mario , Cascella Michele , Colletier Jacques-Philippe , Fangohr Hans , Foucar Lutz , Hartmann Elisabeth , Hunter Mark , Kirkwood Henry , Kloos Marco , Letrun Romain , Michelat Thomas , Shoeman Robert , Sztuk-Dambietz Jolanta , Tetreau Guillaume , Zimmermann Herbert , Mancuso Adrian , Barends Thomas , Doak R. , Stan Claudiu , Schlichting Ilme
Published: December 2020

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) data were recorded at the European X-ray free-electron laser facility (EuXFEL) with protein microcrystals delivered via a microscopic liquid jet. An XFEL beam striking such a jet may launch supersonic shock waves up the jet, compromising the oncoming sample. To investigate this efficiently, we employed a novel XFEL pulse pattern to nominally expose the sample to between zero and four shock waves before being probed. Analyzing hit rate, indexing rate, and resolution for diffraction data recorded at MHz pulse rates, we found no evidence of damage. Notably, however, this conclusion could only be drawn after careful identification and assimilation of numerous interrelated experimental factors, which we describe in detail. Failure to do so would have led to an erroneous conclusion. Femtosecond photography of the sample-carrying jet revealed critically different jet behavior from that of all homogeneous liquid jets studied to date in this manner.
Detector Tilt Considerations in Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging: A Simulation Study
Authors: Maddali Siddharth , Allain Marc , Li Peng , Chamard Virginie , Hruszkewycz Stephan O.
Published: December 2020

This paper addresses the three-dimensional signal distortion and image reconstruction issues in X-ray Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI) in the event of a general non-orthogonal orientation of the area detector with respect to the diffracted beam. Growing interest in novel BCDI adaptations at fourth-generation synchrotron light sources has necessitated improvisations in the experimental configuration and the subsequent data analysis. One such possibly unavoidable improvisation that is envisioned in this paper is a photon-counting area detector whose face is tilted away from the perpendicular to the Bragg-diffracted beam during the acquisition of the coherent diffraction signal. We describe a likely circumstance in which one would require such a detector configuration, along with the experimental precedent at third-generation synchrotrons. Using physically accurate diffraction simulations from synthetic scatterers in the presence of such tilted detectors, we analyze the general nature of the observed signal distortion qualitatively and quantitatively and provide a prescription to correct for it during image reconstruction. Our simulations and reconstructions are based on an adaptation of the known theory of BCDI sampling geometry, as well as the recently developed projection-based methods of wavefield propagation. Such configurational modifications and their numerical remedies are potentially valuable in realizing unconventional coherent diffraction measurement geometries, eventually paving the way for the integration of BCDI into new material characterization experiments at next-generation light sources.
Interrater Reliability of 99mTc-DMSA Scintigraphy Performed as Planar Scan vs. SPECT/Low Dose CT for Diagnosing Renal Scarring in Children
Authors: Einarsdóttir Hrefna Sæunn , Berg Ronan Martin Griffin , Borgwardt Lise
Published: December 2020

99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy is currently the method of choice for assessing renal scarring in children, but it is not established whether conducting the scan as a single photon emission tomography combined with low-dose CT (SPECT/ldCT) scan provides additional diagnostic benefits when compared to conventional planar scintigraphy. In the present study, we evaluated the interrater reliability of DMSA SPECT/ldCT vs. planar DMSA scintigraphy for diagnosing renal scarring. Methods: Two nuclear medicine physicians blinded to patient data retrospectively analysed all paediatric 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphes that were conducted in our department for the assessment of post pyelonephritis renal scarring between 2011 and 2016. All scintigraphies included both a planar scan and SPECT/ldCT, and were performed on either a Phillips Precedence 16 slice CT or a Siemens Symbia 16 slice CT. The readers were blinded to each other’s readings and to patient data, and assessed all scans dichotomously for evidence of renal scarring. For each scan, the readers further noted if they were confident in their interpretation. Results: A total of 46 pairs of planar SPECT/ldCT DMSA scans were included. The readers were unconfident about their interpretation of 40% of the planar scans and 5% of the SPECT/ldCT scans. The interrater agreement rate was 72% for planar scans and 91% for SPECT/ldCT, and the corresponding Cohen’s kappa values were 0.38 and 0.79. Conclusion: DMSA SPECT/ldCT is associated with higher reader confidence and interrater reliability than conventional planar DMSA scintigraphy for the assessment of post pyelonephritis renal scarring in children.
The Multifaceted Roles of MicroRNAs in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: De Palma Fatima Domenica Elisa , Raia Valeria , Kroemer Guido , Maiuri Maria Chiara
Published: December 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lifelong disorder affecting 1 in 3500 live births worldwide. It is a monogenetic autosomal recessive disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the impairment of which leads to ionic disequilibria in exocrine organs. This translates into a chronic multisystemic disease characterized by airway obstruction, respiratory infections, and pancreatic insufficiency as well as hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Molecular characterization of the mutational heterogeneity of CFTR (affected by more than 2000 variants) improved the understanding and management of CF. However, these CFTR variants are linked to different clinical manifestations and phenotypes, and they affect response to treatments. Expanding evidence suggests that multisystemic disease affects CF pathology via impairing either CFTR or proteins regulated by CFTR. Thus, altering the expression of miRNAs in vivo could constitute an appealing strategy for developing new CF therapies. In this review, we will first describe the pathophysiology and clinical management of CF. Then, we will summarize the current knowledge on altered miRNAs in CF patients, with a focus on the miRNAs involved in the deregulation of CFTR and in the modulation of inflammation. We will highlight recent findings on the potential utility of measuring circulating miRNAs in CF as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Finally, we will provide an overview on potential miRNA-based therapeutic approaches.
Southeastern Rear Edge Populations of Quercus suber L. Showed Two Alternative Strategies to Cope with Water Stress
Authors: Ghouil Hana , Sancho-Knapik Domingo , Ben Mna Amira , Amimi Nabil , Ammari Youssef , Escribano Rubén , Alonso-Forn David , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Peguero-Pina José Javier , Gil-Pelegrín Eustaquio
Published: December 2020

Climate change models predict an increase in aridity, especially in the regions under Mediterranean-type climates such as the Mediterranean Basin. However, there is a lack of ecophysiological studies supporting the selection of the more drought-adapted ecotypes for reforestation programs. In this study, we analyzed the anatomical and functional adaptations of 18-month-old seedlings to drought on 16 Quercus suber L. populations from the southeastern rear edge of the species distribution in northern Tunisia growing in a common garden, in order to identify the most appropriate material to use in reforestations. The results evidenced that populations from more xeric habitats displayed the highest leaf dry mass per area (LMA) and lowest leaf area (LA) values, together with the largest increase in the bulk modulus of elasticity (Δε) in response to drought (i.e., elastic adjustment). On the other hand, some populations with intermediate values of aridity, LMA and LA displayed the sharpest increase in proline concentration (ΔPro), with a concomitant increase in osmotic potential at full turgor (Δπo) (i.e., osmotic adjustment). Therefore, two different strategies seem to drive the within-species variation of the studied Q. suber populations in response to water scarcity: (i) a water saver strategy for improving water stress tolerance through the maximization of the elastic adjustment; and (ii) a water spender strategy for maintaining water absorption and photosynthetic activity under moderate water stress through the maximization of the osmotic adjustment. We concluded that the higher elastic adjustment, together with reduced LA and increased LMA, implied a better performance under drought stress in the populations of Q. suber from more xeric habitats, which can be considered the most drought-adapted ecotypes and, consequently, the most appropriate for reforestation programs under an eventual increase in aridity.
Evaluating Street Greenery by Multiple Indicators Using Street-Level Imagery and Satellite Images: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Tong Ming , She Jiangfeng , Tan Junzhong , Li Mengyao , Ge Rongcun , Gao Yiyuan
Published: December 2020

Street greenery plays an essential role in improving the street environment and residents’ health. The evaluation of street greenery is of great value to establish environmentally friendly streets. The evaluation indicators of present studies evaluating street greenery were relatively single, either the Green View Index (GVI) or Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which cannot describe the greenery condition in its entirety. The objective of this study is to assess the street greenery using multiple indicators, including GVI, NDVI, and Vegetation Structural Diversity (VSD). We combined street view images with a semantic segmentation method to extract the GVI and VSD and used satellite images to calculate the NDVI in the urban area of Nanjing, China. We found correlations and discrepancies of these indicators using statistical analyses in different urban districts, functional areas, and road levels. The results indicate that: (1) the GVI and NDVI are strongly correlated in open spaces, whereas weakly correlated in residential and industrial lands, (2) the areas with higher VSD are mainly located in the new city, whereas the VSD in the old city is lower, and a weak negative correlation exists between the GVI and VSD in the research area, and (3) the old city has a higher GVI level compared to the new city on the main road, whereas the new city has a higher GVI level than the old city on the branch road. Compared with the GVI, the trend of VSD in the old city and the new city is relatively consistent. Our findings suggest that considering multiple indicators of street greenery evaluation can provide a comprehensive reference for building more human-friendly and diversified street green belts.
Results Based Payments for REDD+ under the Green Climate Fund: Lessons Learned on Social, Environmental and Governance Safeguards
Authors: Rey Christen Daniela , García Espinosa María , Reumann Andreas , Puri Jyotsna
Published: December 2020

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Decisions for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+) recognize its role in poverty alleviation, enhancing social and environmental resilience and ensuring linkages between mitigation and adaptation. Similarly, the UNFCCC recognizes the diversity of potential environmental and social risks and benefits that could result from REDD+ implementation. As a result, the UNFCCC adopted a set of social, environmental and governance safeguards, commonly known as “Cancun Safeguards.” Cancun Safeguards should be addressed and respected throughout REDD+ implementation regardless of the source and type of funding and play a key role in accessing results-based finance. The UNFCCC provides guidance regarding an information system as well as up-to-date reports as information and reporting tools on how all Cancun Safeguards have been addressed and respected. However, the UNFCCC does not offer any guidance on how to consider, assess and/or verify reported information. Given the key role that the Green Climate Fund (GCF) plays in channeling REDD+ results-based finance, this research paper examines early lessons from the GCF’s pilot programme for REDD-plus results-based payments (RBPs). It assesses the extent to which REDD+ activities have been implemented in consistency with the Cancun Safeguards. This paper examines the assessment and verification procedures of the GCF’s pilot programme. Key informant interviews have been a key source of information. We conclude that assessing the extent to which REDD+ results-based activities have in fact been consistent with Cancun Safeguards is a complex endeavor. Such complexity requires a qualitative approach as well as a dedicated verification procedure. This in turn has not been fully captured in the GCF’s pilot programme. Additionally, we conclude that by requiring countries to demonstrate conformance with its interim safeguards in the context of REDD+ results-based finance, the GCF’s pilot programme poses a significant burden to countries’ abilities to access results-based financing.
A Two-Period Game Theoretic Model of Zero-Day Attacks with Stockpiling
Authors: Wang Guizhou , Welburn Jonathan W. , Hausken Kjell
Published: December 2020

In a two-period game, Player 1 produces zero-day exploits for immediate deployment or stockpiles for future deployment. In Period 2, Player 1 produces zero-day exploits for immediate deployment, supplemented by stockpiled zero-day exploits from Period 1. Player 2 defends in both periods. The article illuminates how players strike balances between how to exert efforts in the two periods, depending on asset valuations, asset growth, time discounting, and contest intensities, and when it is worthwhile for Player 1 to stockpile. Eighteen parameter values are altered to illustrate sensitivity. Player 1 stockpiles when its unit effort cost of developing zero-day capabilities is lower in Period 1 than in Period 2, in which case it may accept negative expected utility in Period 1 and when its zero-day appreciation factor of stockpiled zero-day exploits from Period 1 to Period 2 increases above one. When the contest intensity in Period 2 increases, the players compete more fiercely with each other in both periods, but the players only compete more fiercely in Period 1 if the contest intensity in Period 1 increases.
Defining the Diffusion in Model Membranes Using Line Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching
Authors: Kure Jakob L. , Andersen Camilla B. , Rasmussen Thomas E. , Lagerholm B. Christoffer , Arnspang Eva C.
Published: December 2020

In this study, we explore the use of line FRAP to detect diffusion in synthetic lipid membranes. The study of the dynamics of these membrane lipids can, however, be challenging. The diffusion in two different synthetic membranes consisting of the lipid mixtures 1:1 DOPC:DPPC and 2:2:1 DOPC:DPPC:Cholesterol was studied with line FRAP. A correlation between diffusion coefficient and temperature was found to be dependent on the morphology of the membrane. We suggest line FRAP as a promising accessible and simple technique to study diffusion in plasma membranes.
Phase Transformation-Induced Improvement in Hardness and High-Temperature Wear Resistance of Plasma-Sprayed and Remelted NiCrBSi/WC Coatings
Authors: Sha Jin , Chen Liang-Yu , Liu Yi-Tong , Yao Zeng-Jian , Lu Sheng , Wang Ze-Xin , Zang Qian-Hao , Mao Shu-Hua , Zhang Lai-Chang
Published: December 2020

The remelting method is introduced to improve the properties of the as-sprayed NiCrBSi coatings. In this work, tungsten carbide (WC) was selected as reinforcement and the as-sprayed and remelted NiCrBSi/WC composite coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, hardness test and tribology test. After spraying, WC particles are evenly distributed in the coating. The remelting process induced the decarburizing reaction of WC, resulting in the formation of dispersed W2C. The dispersed W2C particles play an important role in the dispersion strengthening. Meanwhile, the pores and lamellar structures are eliminated in the remelted NiCrBSi/WC composite coating. Due to these two advantages, the hardness and the high-temperature wear resistance of the remelted NiCrBSi/WC composite coating are significantly improved compared with those with an as-sprayed NiCrBSi coating; the as-sprayed NiCrBSi coating, as-sprayed NiCrBSi/WC composite coating and remelted NiCrBSi/WC composite coating have average hardness of 673.82, 785.14, 1061.23 HV, and their friction coefficients are 0.3418, 0.3261, 0.2431, respectively. The wear volume of the remelted NiCrBSi/WC composite coating is only one-third of that of the as-sprayed NiCrBSi coating.
Deeply Buried Authigenic Carbonates in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea: Implications for Ancient Cold Seep Activities
Authors: Wei Jiangong , Wu Tingting , Zhang Wei , Deng Yinan , Xie Rui , Feng Junxi , Liang Jinqiang , Lai Peixin , Zhou Jianhou , Cao Jun
Published: December 2020

Cold seep carbonates are important archives of pore water chemistry and ancient methane seepage activity. They also provide an important contribution to the global carbon sink. Seep carbonates at three sediment layers (3.0, 52.1, and 53.6 mbsf) were collected at site W08B in the Qiongdongnan Basin of the South China Sea. This study investigated the mineralogy, microstructure, stable carbon and oxygen isotopes, trace elements, and U-Th dates of these carbonates to identify the relationship between methane flux and authigenic carbonate precipitation. The results showed that the δ13C and δ18O values of all carbonates are similar, indicating that the carbon source for shallow carbonates and deep carbonates has remained constant over time and included biogenic and thermogenic methane. Although carbonates were found in three sediment layers, the two main stages of methane seepage events were discernible, which was likely caused by the dissociation of gas hydrates. The first methane seep took place at 131.1–136.3 ka BP. During a dramatic drop in the sea level, the seep carbonate at 52.1 mbsf formed at 136.3 ka BP through the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). The carbonate at 53.6 mbsf resulted from the vertical downward movement of the sulfate-methane transition zone with decreasing methane flux at 131.1 ka BP. This is the reason for the age of carbonates at 52.1 mbsf being older than the age of carbonates at 53.6 mbsf. The second methane seep took place at 12.2 ka BP. Shallow carbonate formed at that time via AOM and is now located at 3 mbsf. Moreover, thin-section photomicrographs of deep carbonate mainly consisted of matrix micrite and biological debris and acicular aragonite occurred as vein cement filling the pore spaces between the matrix micrite. The acicular aragonite was mainly influenced by the timing of the carbonate precipitation of minerals. This research identified a long history of methane seep activity reflected by the vertical distribution of carbonates.
Chalcones Display Anti-NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity in Macrophages through Inhibition of Both Priming and Activation Steps—Structure-Activity-Relationship and Mechanism Studies
Authors: Leu Wohn-Jenn , Chu Jung-Chun , Hsu Jui-Ling , Du Chi-Min , Jiang Yi-Huei , Hsu Lih-Ching , Huang Wei-Jan , Guh Jih-Hwa
Published: December 2020

Chalcones are responsible for biological activity throughout fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants in preventing and treating a variety of inflammation-related diseases. However, their structure-activity relationship (SAR) in inhibiting inflammasome activation has not been explored. We synthesized numerous chalcones and determined their SAR on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed ATP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. 11Cha1 displayed good inhibitory activity on release reaction of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. It significantly inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation and proteolytic degradation of IĸB-α and nuclear translocation of NF-ĸB, but had little effect on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activities. Furthermore, 11Cha1 blocked LPS-induced up-regulation of NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, ASC, IL-18, and IL-1β, indicating the suppression on priming step of inflammasome activation. ASC dimerization and oligomerization are considered to be direct evidence for inflammasome activation. 11Cha1 profoundly inhibited ATP-induced formation of ASC dimers, trimers, and oligomers, and the assembly of ASC, pro-caspase-1, and NLRP3 in inflammasome formation. Decrease of intracellular K+ levels is the common cellular activity elicited by all NLRP3 inflammasome activators. 11Cha1 substantially diminished ATP-mediated K+ efflux, confirming the anti-NLRP3 inflammasome activity of 11Cha1. In summary, the SAR of chalcone derivatives in anti-inflammasome activities was examined. Besides, 11Cha1 inhibited both priming and activation steps of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. It inhibited NF-ĸB activation and subsequently suppressed the up-regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome components including NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, pro-IL-18, and pro-IL-1β. Next, 11Cha1 blocked ATP-mediated K+ efflux and suppressed the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the inhibition of caspase-1 activation and proteolytic cleavage, maturation, and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18.
Cellular Targeting of Oligonucleotides by Conjugation with Small Molecules
Authors: Hawner Manuel , Ducho Christian
Published: December 2020

Drug candidates derived from oligonucleotides (ON) are receiving increased attention that is supported by the clinical approval of several ON drugs. Such therapeutic ON are designed to alter the expression levels of specific disease-related proteins, e.g., by displaying antigene, antisense, and RNA interference mechanisms. However, the high polarity of the polyanionic ON and their relatively rapid nuclease-mediated cleavage represent two major pharmacokinetic hurdles for their application in vivo. This has led to a range of non-natural modifications of ON structures that are routinely applied in the design of therapeutic ON. The polyanionic architecture of ON often hampers their penetration of target cells or tissues, and ON usually show no inherent specificity for certain cell types. These limitations can be overcome by conjugation of ON with molecular entities mediating cellular ‘targeting’, i.e., enhanced accumulation at and/or penetration of a specific cell type. In this context, the use of small molecules as targeting units appears particularly attractive and promising. This review provides an overview of advances in the emerging field of cellular targeting of ON via their conjugation with small-molecule targeting structures.
Olive Pâté by Multi-Phase Decanter as Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds of Both Nutraceutical and Anticancer Effects
Authors: Lanza Barbara , Cellini Martina , Di Marco Sara , D’Amico Emira , Simone Nicola , Giansante Lucia , Pompilio Arianna , Di Loreto Giuseppina , Bacceli Martina , Del Re Paolo , Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Di Giacinto Luciana , Aceto Gitana Maria
Published: December 2020

In the oil sector, a novelty in the centrifugal extraction system is represented by the multi-phase decanters (DMF) that work without adding process water and with the advantage of recovering a dried pomace and a by-product, called “pâté”, consisting of the pulp and its vegetation water, without traces of stone. The pâté has a high content of phenolic compounds, mainly represented by secoiridoids and verbascoside. The present work investigated the efficacy of two different ways of debittering (by sequential filtrations and spontaneous fermentation) of DMF pâté from three olive cultivars (Olea europaea L. “Leccino”, “Carboncella” and “Tortiglione”) to make the pâté edible, and, contemporary, investigated also the effect of its phenolic bioactive extracts on pathogenic bacteria and colon cancer cell model. Daily filtrations of pâté of the three cultivars have been shown to be more efficient in phenolic degradation. The activity of the indigenous microflora on the other hand takes a longer time to degrade the phenolic component and therefore to de-bitter it. None of pâté showed antibacterial activity. Colorimetric assay MTS for cell viability and metabolic activity tested on colon cancer cells Caco-2 and HCT116 suggest a potential beneficial effect of the dried extracts probably related to the modulation of gene expression under these treatments.
Role of 2‒13C Isotopic Glyphosate Adsorption on Silver Nanoparticles Based on Ninhydrin Reaction: A Study Based on Surface—Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Meng-Lei , Gao Yu , Jin Jing , Xiong Jin-Feng , Han Xiao Xia , Zhao Bing
Published: December 2020

Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used and non-selective herbicides in agriculture, which may directly pollute the environment and threaten human health. A simple and effective approach to its detection is thus quite necessary. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was shown to be a very effective method to approach the problem. However, sensitivity in SERS experiments is quite low, caused by different orientation/conformation of the adsorbed molecules on the metal surface, which limit its detection by using SERS. In this paper, 2‒13C‒glyphosate (hereafter: 13–GLP) was designed as a model molecule for theoretical and experimental studies of the molecule structure. Vibrational modes were assigned based on the modeling results obtained at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which were performed to predict the FT‒IR and Raman spectra. Band downshifts were caused by 13C atom isotopic substitution with mass changed. Moreover, SERS spectra of 13–GLP by combining ninhydrin reaction on Ag NPs were obtained. Isotopic Raman shifts are helpful in identifying the components of each Raman band through vibrations across the molecular system. They are coupled by probe molecules and thus bind to the substrates, indirectly offering the opportunity to promote interactions with Ag NPs and reduce the complex equilibrium between different orientation/conformation of glyphosate molecules on the metal surface.
Rational Design of an Ion-Imprinted Polymer for Aqueous Methylmercury Sorption
Authors: Mesa Ruddy L. M. , Villa Javier E. L. , Khan Sabir , Peixoto Rafaella R. Alves , Morgano Marcelo A. , Gonçalves Luís Moreira , Sotomayor Maria D. P. T. , Picasso Gino
Published: December 2020

Methylmercury (MeHg+) is a mercury species that is very toxic for humans, and its monitoring and sorption from environmental samples of water are a public health concern. In this work, a combination of theory and experiment was used to rationally synthesize an ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) with the aim of the extraction of MeHg+ from samples of water. Interactions among MeHg+ and possible reaction components in the pre-polymerization stage were studied by computational simulation using density functional theory. Accordingly, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), acrylic acid (AA) and ethanol were predicted as excellent sulfhydryl ligands, a functional monomer and porogenic solvent, respectively. Characterization studies by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) revealed the obtention of porous materials with specific surface areas of 11 m2 g−1 (IIP–MBI–AA) and 5.3 m2 g−1 (IIP–MBT–AA). Under optimized conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities were 157 µg g−1 (for IIP–MBI–AA) and 457 µg g−1 (for IIP–MBT–AA). The IIP–MBT–AA was selected for further experiments and application, and the selectivity coefficients were MeHg+/Hg2+ (0.86), MeHg+/Cd2+ (260), MeHg+/Pb2+ (288) and MeHg+/Zn2+ (1510), highlighting the material’s high affinity for MeHg+. The IIP was successfully applied to the sorption of MeHg+ in river and tap water samples at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Broadband Visible Nonlinear Absorption and Ultrafast Dynamics of the Ti3C2 Nanosheet
Authors: Shao Yabin , Chen Chen , He Qing , Wu Wenzhi , Li Chensha , Gao Yachen
Published: December 2020

The Ti3C2 nanosheet, as a new two-dimensional (2D) group, has been found to have attractive characteristics as material for electromagnetic shielding and energy storage. In this study, the nonlinear broadband absorption and ultrafast dynamics of the Ti3C2 nanosheet were investigated using nanosecond open-aperture Z-scan and transient absorption techniques. The mechanism of two-photon absorption (TPA) was revealed in the visible region (475–700 nm). At lower incident energies, nonlinear absorption could not happen. When the laser energy increased to 0.64 GW/cm2, electrons in the valence band could absorb two photons and jump to the conduction band, with TPA occurring, which meant that the sample exhibited reverse saturable absorption (RSA). In addition, when transient absorption was used to investigate the ultrafast carrier dynamics of the sample, it demonstrated that the relaxation contains a fast decay component and a slow one, which are obtained from electron–phonon and phonon–phonon interactions, respectively. Moreover, with the increasing pump fluence, the fast decay lifetime τ1 increased from 3.9 to 4.5 ps, and the slow one τ2 increased from 11.1 to 13.2 ps. These results show that the Ti3C2 nanosheet has potential applications in broadband optical limiters.
Multiple Micronutrients, Lutein, and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Lactation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schaefer Ella , Demmelmair Hans , Horak Jeannie , Holdt Lesca , Grote Veit , Maar Karoline , Neuhofer Christoph , Teupser Daniel , Thiel Nadja , Goeckeler-Leopold Erwin , Maggini Silvia , Koletzko Berthold
Published: December 2020

Breastfed infants require an adequate supply of critical nutrients for growth, tissue functions, and health. Recommended intakes for several nutrients are considerably higher in lactating than non-lactating women but are not always met with habitual diets. We report a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 70 healthy lactating women in Germany evaluating the effects of supplementation with multiple micronutrients, lutein, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to placebo on maternal nutrient status and milk composition. The primary endpoint was the effect on the change of human milk DHA content (as a proportion of total milk fatty acids) during 12 weeks of supplementation. Maternal blood and milk biomarkers were measured as secondary endpoints. Supplementation increased maternal milk DHA by 30% compared to a decline in the placebo group. Supplementation also increased maternal blood DHA (17%), eicosapentaenoic acid (4%), 25-OH-vitamin D (24%), vitamin B12 (12%), lutein (4%), and beta carotene (49%), while homocysteine decreased. No significant difference in the number of adverse events was observed between supplementation and placebo groups. In conclusion, multi-micronutrient supplementation was safe and increased maternal blood and milk concentrations of selected nutrients in healthy women.
A Posteriori Dietary Patterns and Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity: A Beneficial Role of Vegetable and Animal Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Edefonti Valeria , Parpinel Maria , Ferraroni Monica , Boracchi Patrizia , Schioppo Tommaso , Scotti Isabella , Ubiali Tania , Currenti Walter , De Lucia Orazio , Cutolo Maurizio , Caporali Roberto , Ingegnoli Francesca
Published: December 2020

To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the relationship between a posteriori dietary patterns (DPs)—representing current dietary behavior—and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We analyzed data from a recent Italian cross-sectional study including 365 RA patients (median age: 58.46 years, 78.63% females). Prevalent DPs were identified through principal component factor analysis on 33 nutrients. RA activity was measured according to the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints (DAS28) and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Single DPs were related to disease activity through linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for the remaining DPs and confounders. We identified five DPs (~80% variance explained). Among them, Vegetable unsaturated fatty acids (VUFA) and Animal unsaturated fatty acids (AUFA) DPs were inversely related to DAS28 in the overall analysis, and in the more severe or long-standing RA subgroups; the highest score reductions (VUFA: 0.81, AUFA: 0.71) were reached for the long-standing RA. The SDAI was inversely related with these DPs in subgroups only. This Italian study shows that scoring high on DPs based on unsaturated fats from either source provides independent beneficial effects of clinical relevance on RA disease activity, thus strengthening evidence on the topic.