bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and electroconvulsive therapy: a new approach towards personalized medicine in psychiatric treatment - a short review and current perspective
Authors: Karabatsiakis Alexander , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos
Published: July 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a globally occurring phenomenon and developed into a severe socio-economic challenge. Despite decades of research, the underlying pathophysiological processes of MDD remain incompletely resolved. Like other mental disorders, MDD is hypothesized to mainly affect the central nervous system (CNS). An increasing body of research indicates MDD to also change somatic functioning, which impairs the physiological performance of the whole organism. As a consequence, a paradigm shift seems reasonable towards a systemic view of how MDD affects the body. The same applies to treatment strategies, which mainly focus on the CNS. One new approach highlights changes in the bioenergetic supply and intracellular network dynamics of mitochondria for the pathophysiological understanding of MDD. Mitochondria, organelles of mostly all eukaryotic cells, use carbon compounds to provide biochemical energy in terms of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the bioenergetic currency and the main driver for enzymatic activity in all cells and tissues. Clinical symptoms of MDD including fatigue, difficulties concentrating, and lack of motivation were reported to be associated with impaired mitochondrial ATP production and changes in the density of the mitochondrial network. Additionally, the severity of these symptoms correlates negatively with mitochondrial functioning. Psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a method used to treat severe and treatment-resistant forms of MDD, achieve robust antidepressant effects. The biological mechanisms beyond the treatment response to antidepressant strategies are partially understood. Here, mitochondrial functioning is discussed as a promising new biomarker for diagnosis and treatment effects in MDD.
Psychological health, sleep quality, and coping styles to stress facing the COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Fu Wenning , Wang Chao , Zou Li , Guo Yingying , Lu Zuxun , Yan Shijiao , Mao Jing
Published: July 2020

To understand Wuhan residents’ psychological reactions to the COVID-19 epidemic and offer a reference point for interventions, an online questionnaire survey was conducted. It included the Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item Scale (PHQ-9), Athens Insomnia Scale, and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Categorical data were reported as numbers and percentages. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between demographic factors and anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and passive coping style. A total of 1242 Wuhan residents investigated, 27.5% had anxiety, 29.3% had depression, 30.0% had a sleep disorder, and 29.8% had a passive response to COVID-19. Being female was the risk factor for anxiety (OR = 1.62) and sleep disorder (OR = 1.36); being married was associated with anxiety (OR = 1.75); having a monthly income between 1000 and 5000 CNY (OR = 1.44, OR = 1.83, OR = 2.61) or >5000 CNY (OR = 1.47, OR = 1.45, OR = 2.14) was a risk factor for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder; not exercising (OR = 1.45, OR = 1.71, OR = 1. 85, OR = 1.71) was a common risk factor for anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and passive coping style; and having a higher education level (bachelor’s degree and above) (OR = 1.40) was associated with having a sleep disorder. Wuhan residents’ psychological status and sleep quality were relatively poorer than they were before the COVID-19 epidemic; however, the rate of passive coping to stress was relatively higher.
Biased belief updating and suboptimal choice in foraging decisions
Authors: Garrett Neil , Daw Nathaniel D.
Published: July 2020

Deciding which options to engage, and which to forego, requires developing accurate beliefs about the overall distribution of prospects. Here we adapt a classic prey selection task from foraging theory to examine how individuals keep track of an environment’s reward rate and adjust choices in response to its fluctuations. Preference shifts were most pronounced when the environment improved compared to when it deteriorated. This is best explained by a trial-by-trial learning model in which participants estimate the reward rate with upward vs. downward changes controlled by separate learning rates. A failure to adjust expectations sufficiently when an environment becomes worse leads to suboptimal choices: options that are valuable given the environmental conditions are rejected in the false expectation that better options will materialize. These findings offer a previously unappreciated parallel in the serial choice setting of observations of asymmetric updating and resulting biased (often overoptimistic) estimates in other domains.
LDHA-mediated ROS generation in chondrocytes is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis
Authors: Arra Manoj , Swarnkar Gaurav , Ke Ke , Otero Jesse E. , Ying Jun , Duan Xin , Maruyama Takashi , Rai Muhammad Farooq , O’Keefe Regis J. , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Shen Jie , Abu-Amer Yousef
Published: July 2020

The contribution of inflammation to the chronic joint disease osteoarthritis (OA) is unclear, and this lack of clarity is detrimental to efforts to identify therapeutic targets. Here we show that chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions undergo a metabolic shift that is regulated by NF-κB activation, leading to reprogramming of cell metabolism towards glycolysis and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Inflammation and metabolism can reciprocally modulate each other to regulate cartilage degradation. LDHA binds to NADH and promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce catabolic changes through stabilization of IκB-ζ, a critical pro-inflammatory mediator in chondrocytes. IκB-ζ is regulated bi-modally at the stages of transcription and protein degradation. Overall, this work highlights the function of NF-κB activity in the OA joint as well as a ROS promoting function for LDHA and identifies LDHA as a potential therapeutic target for OA treatment.
First look by the Yutu-2 rover at the deep subsurface structure at the lunar farside
Authors: Lai Jialong , Xu Yi , Bugiolacchi Roberto , Meng Xu , Xiao Long , Xie Minggang , Liu Bin , Di Kaichang , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhou Bin , Shen Shaoxiang , Xu Luyuan
Published: July 2020

The unequal distribution of volcanic products between the Earth-facing lunar side and the farside is the result of a complex thermal history. To help unravel the dichotomy, for the first time a lunar landing mission (Chang’e-4, CE-4) has targeted the Moon’s farside landing on the floor of Von Kármán crater (VK) inside the South Pole-Aitken (SPA). We present the first deep subsurface stratigraphic structure based on data collected by the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) onboard the Yutu-2 rover during the initial nine months exploration phase. The radargram reveals several strata interfaces beneath the surveying path: buried ejecta is overlaid by at least four layers of distinct lava flows that probably occurred during the Imbrium Epoch, with thicknesses ranging from 12 m up to about 100 m, providing direct evidence of multiple lava-infilling events that occurred within the VK crater. The average loss tangent of mare basalts is estimated at 0.0040-0.0061.
Design and flight results of the VHF/UHF communication system of Longjiang lunar microsatellites
Authors: Wei Mingchuan , Hu Chaoran , Estévez Daniel , Tai Mier , Zhao Yuhao , Huang Jiahe , Bassa Cees , Jan Dijkema Tammo , Cao Xibin , Wang Feng
Published: July 2020

As a part of China’s Chang’e-4 lunar far side mission, two lunar microsatellites for low frequency radio astronomy, amateur radio and education, Longjiang-1 and Longjiang-2, were launched as secondary payloads on 20 May 2018 together with the Queqiao L2 relay satellite. On 25 May 2018, Longjiang-2 successfully inserted itself into a lunar elliptical orbit of 357 km × 13,704 km, and became the smallest spacecraft which entered lunar orbit with its own propulsion system. The satellite carried the first amateur radio communication system operating in lunar orbit, which is a VHF/UHF software defined radio (SDR) designed for operation with small ground stations. This article describes and evaluates the design of the VHF/UHF radio and the waveforms used. Flight results of the VHF/UHF radio are also presented, including operation of the radio, performance analysis of downlink signals and the first lunar orbit UHF very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) experiment.
Secretion of a mammalian chondroitinase ABC aids glial integration at PNS/CNS boundaries
Authors: Warren Philippa M. , Andrews Melissa R. , Smith Marc , Bartus Katalin , Bradbury Elizabeth J. , Verhaagen Joost , Fawcett James W. , Kwok Jessica C. F.
Published: July 2020

Schwann cell grafts support axonal growth following spinal cord injury, but a boundary forms between the implanted cells and host astrocytes. Axons are reluctant to exit the graft tissue in large part due to the surrounding inhibitory environment containing chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs). We use a lentiviral chondroitinase ABC, capable of being secreted from mammalian cells (mChABC), to examine the repercussions of CSPG digestion upon Schwann cell behaviour in vitro. We show that mChABC transduced Schwann cells robustly secrete substantial quantities of the enzyme causing large-scale CSPG digestion, facilitating the migration and adhesion of Schwann cells on inhibitory aggrecan and astrocytic substrates. Importantly, we show that secretion of the engineered enzyme can aid the intermingling of cells at the Schwann cell-astrocyte boundary, enabling growth of neurites over the putative graft/host interface. These data were echoed in vivo. This study demonstrates the profound effect of the enzyme on cellular motility, growth and migration. This provides a cellular mechanism for mChABC induced functional and behavioural recovery shown in in vivo studies. Importantly, we provide in vitro evidence that mChABC gene therapy is equally or more effective at producing these effects as a one-time application of commercially available ChABC.
Analysis of Ani s 7 and Ani s 1 allergens as biomarkers of sensitization and allergy severity in human anisakiasis
Authors: de las Vecillas Leticia , Muñoz-Cacho Pedro , López-Hoyos Marcos , Monttecchiani Vittoria , Martínez-Sernández Victoria , Ubeira Florencio M. , Rodríguez-Fernández Fernando
Published: July 2020

The high frequency of infection byAnisakis simplex(A. simplex) has led to an increase in IgE sensitization, turning allergy to this parasite a relevant contemporary health problem. Improving the lack of conventional diagnosis test specificity is crucial to better understand these clinical scenarios. Specific IgE (sIgE) toA. simplexextract by ImmunoCAP (Anisakis-sIgE) was determined in sera from 403 blood donors (BD) from Cantabria (North of Spain) of which 51 subjects resulted sensitized. Among these latter, 47 were asymptomatic (sABD). The values of total IgE, prick-test,Anisakis-sIgE, and sIgE to Ani s 1 (anti-rAni s 1) and Ani s 7 (anti-rAni s 7) were compared between 46 sABD and 49A. simplexallergic patients. The IgE seroprevalence by ImmunoCAP among BD was 12.65%. Allergic patients and sABD showed significant differences in all serum biomarkers evaluated. The area under the curve was assessed forAnisakis-sIgE (0.892), sIgE-rAni s 1 (0.672) and sIgE-rAni s 7 (0.668). After a severe reaction, significantly higher levels ofAnisakis-sIgE and sIgE anti-rAni s 1 were detected. Determinations of sIgE by ImmunoCAP, Ani s 1 and Ani s 7 presented different sensitization patterns between allergic and asymptomatic individuals. The Ani s 1 allergen arises as a possible biomarker to detect patients at risk of suffering severe allergic reactions.
Rate of chronic otitis media operations and cholesteatoma surgeries in South Korea: a nationwide population-based study (2006–2018)
Authors: Im Gi Jung , do Han Kyung , Park Kyung Ho , Cho Chang Hyun , Jang Hyunsook , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to estimate the total number and rate of chronic otitis media (COM) operations and cholesteatoma surgeries in South Korea, using a nationwide survey which analysed a 13-year trend (2006–2018). This study also analysed the trend of COM operations and cholesteatoma surgeries according to year, sex, and age using a nationwide population-based database, and the 13-year trend was analysed according to age groups. This study used nationwide data from the National Health Information Database (NHID), which is a government-affiliated agency under the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare that supervises all medical activities in Korea. Retrospective medical data of patients of all ages were extracted from the NHID from January 2006 to December 2018 (NHIS-2018). This study was conducted by the Research Committee of the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Korean Audiological Society reviewed and confirmed the study. There was a 1.5 fold increase in COM operation rates in 2018, compared to 2007 figures. The annual total number of COM operations was 5,935 in 2007, 8,999 in 2012 (peak), and 8,870 in 2018 (17 in 100,000). Meanwhile, the total annual number of cholesteatoma surgeries decreased from 3,502 in 2006 to 3,199 in 2018 (6 in 100,000). The rate of COM operations was higher (1.27 fold) in the female population than in the males in 2018. However, cholesteatoma surgery rates were higher (1.2 fold) in the male population than in the females in 2018. According to the 2018 data, COM operations were most commonly performed in patients in their 50s. COM operation rates increased rapidly in patients aged 51–80. In other age groups however, rates were constant or showed a decrease in figures, especially in the 40s age group (1st rank in 2006 to 3rd rank in 2018). According to the 2018 data, cholesteatoma surgery was most commonly performed in patients in their 50s. Cholesteatoma surgery rates increased dramatically from 2006 to 2018 in patients aged 0–10 years due to congenital cholesteatoma. Cholesteatoma surgery rates also increased in patients aged 61–80 years due to ageing population. Cholesteatoma surgery rates decreased in patients aged 41–50 years, ranking 1st in 2006 and 4th in 2018. In conclusion, the annual rate of COM operations was 0.017%, and no longer increases, but stabilizes/decreased after a peak point in the advanced country. The mean rate of cholesteatoma surgery was 0.006%, and decreased annually. There was female dominance in COM operations, but male dominance in cholesteatoma surgery. Major age groups of patients who underwent COM/cholesteatoma surgery were the 50s and 60s, and congenital cholesteatoma (0–10 years) accounted for about 20% of all cholesteatoma surgery.
Water purification ultrafiltration membranes using nanofibers from unbleached and bleached rice straw
Authors: Hassan Mohammad L. , Fadel Shaimaa M. , Abouzeid Ragab E. , Abou Elseoud Wafaa S. , Hassan Enas A. , Berglund Linn , Oksman Kristiina
Published: July 2020

There has been an increasing interest in recent years in isolating cellulose nanofibers from unbleached cellulose pulps for economic, environmental, and functional reasons. In the current work, cellulose nanofibers isolated from high-lignin unbleached neutral sulfite pulp were compared to those isolated from bleached rice straw pulp in making thin-film ultrafiltration membranes by vacuum filtration on hardened filter paper. The prepared membranes were characterized in terms of their microscopic structure, hydrophilicity, pure water flux, protein fouling, and ability to remove lime nanoparticles and purify papermaking wastewater effluent. Using cellulose nanofibers isolated from unbleached pulp facilitated the formation of a thin-film membrane (with a shorter filtration time for thin-film formation) and resulted in higher water flux than that obtained using nanofibers isolated from bleached fibers, without sacrificing its ability to remove the different pollutants.
Effects of substratum and depth on benthic harmful dinoflagellate assemblages
Authors: Lee Li Keat , Lim Zhen Fei , Gu Haifeng , Chan Leo Lai , Litaker R. Wayne , Tester Patricia A. , Leaw Chui Pin , Lim Po Teen
Published: July 2020

Microhabitats influence the distribution and abundance of benthic harmful dinoflagellate (BHAB) species. Currently, much of the information on the relationships between BHABs and microhabitat preferences is based on non-quantitative anecdotal observations, many of which are contradictory. The goal of this study was to better quantify BHAB and microhabitat relationships using a statistically rigorous approach. Between April 2016 to May 2017, a total of 243 artificial substrate samplers were deployed at five locations in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia while simultaneous photo-quadrat surveys were performed to characterize the benthic substrates present at each sampling site. The screen samplers were retrieved 24 h later and the abundances of five BHAB genera, Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, Coolia, Amphidinium, and Prorocentrum were determined. Substrate data were then analyzed using a Bray–Curtis dissimilarity matrix to statistically identify distinct microhabitat types. Although BHABs were associated with a variety of biotic and abiotic substrates, the results of this study demonstrated differing degrees of microhabitat preference. Analysis of the survey results using canonical correspondence analysis explained 70.5% (horizontal first axis) and 21.6% (vertical second axis) of the constrained variation in the distribution of various genera among microhabitat types. Prorocentrum and Coolia appear to have the greatest range being broadly distributed among a wide variety of microhabitats. Amphidinium was always found in low abundances and was widely distributed among microhabitats dominated by hard coral, turf algae, sand and silt, and fleshy algae and reached the highest abundances there. Gambierdiscus and Ostreopsis had more restricted distributions. Gambierdiscus were found preferentially associated with turf algae, hard coral and, to a lesser extent, fleshy macroalgae microhabitats. Ostreopsis, almost always more abundant than Gambierdiscus, preferred the same microhabitats as Gambierdiscus and were found in microbial mats as well. With similar habitat preferences Ostreopsis may serve as an indicator organism for the presence of Gambierdiscus. This study provides insight into how BHAB-specific microhabitat preferences can affect toxicity risks.
Inhibition of the ATP synthase sensitizes Staphylococcus aureus towards human antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Liu Liping , Beck Christian , Nøhr-Meldgaard Katrine , Peschel Andreas , Kretschmer Dorothee , Ingmer Hanne , Vestergaard Martin
Published: July 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the human innate immune system for protection against bacterial infections, however the AMPs display varying degrees of activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Previously, we showed that inactivation of the ATP synthase sensitizes S. aureus towards the AMP antibiotic class of polymyxins. Here we wondered if the ATP synthase similarly is needed for tolerance towards various human AMPs, including human β-defensins (hBD1-4), LL-37 and histatin 5. Importantly, we find that the ATP synthase mutant (atpA) is more susceptible to killing by hBD4, hBD2, LL-37 and histatin 5 than wild type cells, while no changes in susceptibility was detected for hBD3 and hBD1. Administration of the ATP synthase inhibitor, resveratrol, sensitizes S. aureus towards hBD4-mediated killing. Neutrophils rely on AMPs and reactive oxygen molecules to eliminate bacteria and the atpA mutant is more susceptible to killing by neutrophils than the WT, even when the oxidative burst is inhibited.These results show that the staphylococcal ATP synthase enhance tolerance of S. aureus towards some human AMPs and this indicates that inhibition of the ATP synthase may be explored as a new therapeutic strategy that sensitizes S. aureus to naturally occurring AMPs of the innate immune system.
Reversible switching mode change in Ta2O5-based resistive switching memory (ReRAM)
Authors: Kim Taeyoon , Son Heerak , Kim Inho , Kim Jaewook , Lee Suyoun , Park Jong Keuk , Kwak Joon Young , Park Jongkil , Jeong YeonJoo
Published: July 2020

We report the complementary resistive switching (CRS) behaviors in a tantalum-oxide based resistive switching memory device that reversibly changes its switching mode between bipolar switching (BRS) and CRS in a single memory cell depending on the operation (compliance current) and fabrication (oxygen scavenger layer thickness) conditions. In addition, the origin of the switching mode transition was investigated through electrical and optical measurement, where the conductance is believed to be determined by two factors: formation of conductive filament and modulation of Schottky barrier. This result helps design a resistive switching device with desirable and stable switching behavior.
Time-resolved neurotransmitter detection in mouse brain tissue using an artificial intelligence-nanogap
Authors: Komoto Yuki , Ohshiro Takahito , Yoshida Takeshi , Tarusawa Etsuko , Yagi Takeshi , Washio Takashi , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: July 2020

The analysis of neurotransmitters in the brain helps to understand brain functions and diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Pharmacological inhibition experiments, electrophysiological measurement of action potentials, and mass analysers have been applied for this purpose; however, these techniques do not allow direct neurotransmitter detection with good temporal resolution by using nanometre-sized electrodes. Hence, we developed a method for direct observation of a single neurotransmitter molecule with a gap width of ≤ 1 nm and on the millisecond time scale. It consists of measuring the tunnelling current that flows through a single-molecule by using nanogap electrodes and machine learning analysis. Using this method, we identified dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine neurotransmitters with high accuracy at the single-molecule level. The analysis of the mouse striatum and cerebral cortex revealed the order of concentration of the three neurotransmitters. Our method will be developed to investigate the neurotransmitter distribution in the brain with good temporal resolution.
Antimicrobial activity of Epsilon-Poly-l-lysine against phytopathogenic bacteria
Authors: Rodrigues Bárbara , Morais Tâmara P. , Zaini Paulo A. , Campos Cássio S. , Almeida-Souza Hebréia O. , Dandekar Abhaya M. , Nascimento Rafael , Goulart Luiz R.
Published: July 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of immune defense in many organisms, including plants. They combat pathogens due to their antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, and are considered potential therapeutic agents. An example of AMP is Epsilon-Poly-l-lysine (EPL), a polypeptide formed by ~ 25 lysine residues with known antimicrobial activity against several human microbial pathogens. EPL presents some advantages such as good water solubility, thermal stability, biodegradability, and low toxicity, being a candidate for the control of phytopathogens. Our aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of EPL against four phytobacterial species spanning different classes within the Gram-negative phylum Proteobacteria: Agrobacterium tumefaciens (syn. Rhizobium radiobacter), Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the peptide ranged from 80 μg/ml for X. citri to 600 μg/ml for R. solanacearum and X. euvesicatoria. Two hours of MIC exposure led to pathogen death due to cell lysis and was enough for pathogen clearance. The protective and curative effects of EPL were demonstrated on tomato plants inoculated with X. euvesicatoria. Plants showed less disease severity when sprayed with EPL solution, making it a promising natural product for the control of plant diseases caused by diverse Proteobacteria.
Anesthetic agents affect urodynamic parameters and anesthetic depth at doses necessary to facilitate preclinical testing in felines
Authors: Xu Jiajie Jessica , Yousuf Zuha , Ouyang Zhonghua , Kennedy Eric , Lester Patrick A. , Martin Tara , Bruns Tim M.
Published: July 2020

Urodynamic studies, used to understand bladder function, diagnose bladder disease, and develop treatments for dysfunctions, are ideally performed with awake subjects. However, in small and medium-sized animal models, anesthesia is often required for these procedures and can be a research confounder. This study compared the effects of select survival agents (dexmedetomidine, alfaxalone, and propofol) on urodynamic (Δpressure, bladder capacity, bladder compliance, non-voiding contractions, bladder pressure slopes) and anesthetic (change in heart rate [∆HR], average heart rate [HR], reflexes, induction/recovery times) parameters in repeated cystometrograms across five adult male cats. The urodynamic parameters under isoflurane and α-chloralose were also examined in terminal procedures for four cats. Δpressure was greatest with propofol, bladder capacity was highest with α-chloralose, non-voiding contractions were greatest with α-chloralose. Propofol and dexmedetomidine had the highest bladder pressure slopes during the initial and final portions of the cystometrograms respectively. Cats progressed to a deeper plane of anesthesia (lower HR, smaller ΔHR, decreased reflexes) under dexmedetomidine, compared to propofol and alfaxalone. Time to induction was shortest with propofol, and time to recovery was shortest with dexmedetomidine. These agent-specific differences in urodynamic and anesthetic parameters in cats will facilitate appropriate study-specific anesthetic choices.
Author Correction: Modulation of the Neuregulin 1/ErbB system after skeletal muscle denervation and reinnervation
Authors: Morano Michela , Ronchi Giulia , Nicolò Valentina , Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Crosio Alessandro , Perroteau Isabelle , Geuna Stefano , Gambarotta Giovanna , Raimondo Stefania
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Application of HPLC-Q/orbitrap MS in the detection and identification of anticancer constituents in ethyl acetate components from Hedyotis diffusa
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhao Baojin , Zhang Mengjiao , Dong Min , Li Yunlan , Li Qingshan
Published: July 2020

A feasible analytical method based on HPLC-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q/orbitrap MS) was established for the identification and characterization of anticancer constituents in ethyl acetate components from Hedyotis diffusa.
Chemoenzymatic elaboration of the Raper–Mason pathway unravels the structural diversity within eumelanin pigments
Authors: Ni Qing Zhe , Sierra Brianna N. , La Clair James J. , Burkart Michael D.
Published: July 2020

Melanin is a central polymer in living organisms, yet our understanding of its molecular structure remains unresolved.
Experience in multistage steam-driven ejectors
Authors: Murmanskii Ilia , Aronson Konstantin , Zhelonkin Nickolay , Ryabchikov Alexander , Milazzo Adriano , Brodov Yuri
Published: July 2020

The article presents some trends of multistage steam-driven ejectors improvement and examples of its implementation. Three relevant directions were picked out: increasing of reliability, profitability and efficiency. Regarding the reliability increasing, existing serial ejector designs of various manufactures were analyzed. A number of new technical solutions were designed. For profitability raising two approaches were considered: decreasing of primary steam parameters and effect of high ejector productivity to the vacuum deviation in the condenser. Efficiency increasing comprises jet devices improvement. For these reasons a design method was refined. In this case geometrical parameters of existing serial ejectors were summarized, CFD research was performed. The improved design method along with new design solutions are implemented in several ejectors successfully. New ejectors are set at thermal power plants and have shown a high technical-economical effect.
Experimental test of Water-Oil Emulsion Combustion
Authors: Baubek Askar , Zhumagulov Michael , Kartjanov Nurlan , Sadykova Samal , Arpabekov Muratbek
Published: July 2020

This report dwells on the scientific study of the vortical device. The device is designed for efficient combustion of fossil fuels. Oil-water emulsion was taken as an example of alternative fuel. Although the functionality of the burner device is not limited to this fuel only. The innovative burner device under investigation is based on principal of vortical motion of fuel air mixture. There is a precombustion chamber specially designed, where inflammation and partial combustion of the swirling flow takes place. The article describes experiment on defining the geometric dimensioning of the burner discharge nozzle in relation to a combustion chamber. The position of the outlet nozzle inside of the burner is the main input parameter of this research. The authors analyzed the influence of this parameter on the pressure inside the combustion chamber and the electric load of the fan for the supplying combustion air. The position ranged from 0 to 120%. The optimal position is at 50% of the total length of the burner chamber. The pressure graph has an extremum in this position, and the electric energy consumption by the fan changes less significantly with further deepening of the output nozzle than earlier. The Results are presented for cold (air blowing only) and hot experiment (burning). This experiment proved the need for the design of the inner part of the discharge nozzle, which is a design feature of the burner device for which the European patent was obtained. The patent link is presented in the list of references.
Optimization of energy spending with accelerated ventilation
Authors: Olessia Pustovaya , Evgeniy Pustovoy
Published: July 2020

Currently the cost of electric power to maintain indoor microclimate of a production facility is one of the highest. This issue is especially acute for livestock farming, where chambers and placements are not sealed from outside temperature and other factors. One of the most difficult issues of energy systems efficiency improvement is the development of adaptive climate controls for production areas and placements. A large number of factors, some of which are caused by the influence of random variables, makes the development of an algorithm for controlling ventilation systems a multi-faceted task. Classical methods of calculating microclimate parameters and their management do not allow to effectively use the adaptive control capabilities of energy efficiency of the processes under consideration. In this case the ventilation systems operation requires an excessive consumption of electric power since their design is calculated according to the maximum temperature indicators of the facility under study. One way to optimize the operation could be the introduction of an automated control system using strict algorithm or fuzzy logic algorithm. In this case, the economization of power consumption can reach up to 50% per a ventilation unit output. The authors propose using a concept of wind-cold index as a basis for constructing adaptive control of an accelerated ventilation system. Its assessment was made for the fixed indoor air movement speed. The introduction of a wind-cold index concept allows using a coefficient of correction due to the combined influence of an air movement speed in the room and air temperature, which, in turn allows to increase the minimum adjustment temperature from 16 degrees Centigrade to 18 degrees Centigrade (0C) while maintaining comfortable conditions for animals. The introduction of correction coefficients allows reducing energy expenditure by 32% in accelerated ventilation system use, that is, by the 5th month. The calculations made by authors show that to improve the adaptive control process, it is necessary to include air humidity into the algorithm as another parameter. To determine the impact of this parameter on the adaptive control process will be the goal of further research.
The influence of main parameters of regenerative heat exchanger on its energy efficiency
Authors: Monarkin Nikolay , Sinitsyn Anton , Pavlov Mikhail , Akhmetov Timur
Published: July 2020

The influence of various parameters of stationary switching regenerative heat exchangers used for ventilation on its thermal efficiency was studied. Considered are the geometric (length, diameter and wall thickness of a single equivalent nozzle channel), thermophysical (density and heat capacity of the nozzle material) and operation (air flow through the regenerator and the time of one stage of accumulation/regeneration of thermal energy) parameters.
Identification power line sections with increased electricity losses using sensors with Wi-Fi technology for data transmission
Authors: Vinogradov A.V. , Bukreev A.V. , Bolshev V.E. , Vinogradova A.V. , Ward M.O. , Miftakhova N.K.
Published: July 2020

The article presents portable timers-electricity meters (PTEM) which are devices for examining 0.4 kV power lines. There are two developed several versions of the devices: single-phase PTEM used to examine single-phase branch lines to consumers, and three-phase PTEM used for any power line sections. Also, the method to identify sections of power lines with increased electricity losses by means of these devices is presented. The paper considers the application of the three-phase PTEM with Wi-Fi technology to transmit data. Up to six independent three-phase PTEMs with Wi-Fi technology can be installed at different points of the power transmission line and transmit measured data in real time to the central unit. The use of these devices allows determining both technological and commercial losses of electricity in different power line sections and draw conclusions about whether these losses are overestimated. On the basis of this, measures are taken to reduce losses.
From Routine to Research Laboratory: Strategies for the Diagnosis of Congenital Fibrinogen Disorders
Authors: Casini Alessandro
Published: July 2020

Congenital fibrinogen disorders (CFDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of fibrinogen defects with a wide spectrum of biological and clinical features. An accurate diagnosis is thus essential to assure the optimal management for the patient. Diagnosis involves a multistep approach starting with routine coagulation assays and assessment of functional and antigenic fibrinogen followed by identification of the molecular anomaly. However, the diagnosis of CFD can be challenging as the sensitivity and specificity of coagulation assays depend on the fibrinogen level as well as on the fibrinogen variant. In addition, patients suffering from CFD have a heterogeneous clinical course which is often unpredictable by routine coagulation assays. To better determine the patient's clinical phenotype, global hemostasis assays and an assessment of the fibrin clot properties are performed in research laboratories. In this review, we summarize the fibrinogen work-up highlighting some common pitfalls and provide an update of the research on CFD.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Pyrazolines by Metal-Free Rearrangement of Bicyclic Triazolines
Authors: Pellegrino Sara , Erba Emanuela , Bucci Raffaella , Clerici Francesca
Published: July 2020

The metal-free preparation of diazoalkanes through the ring rearrangement of bicyclic triazolines is reported here. Their use in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with electron-withdrawing alkenes was investigated. This synthetic procedure allows differently substituted pyrazolines to be obtained in few steps and with high atom economy.
In vitro Simulation of Periodontal Ligament in Fatigue Testing of Dental Crowns
Authors: Nawafleh Noor , Bibars Abdel Raheem , Elshiyab Shareen , Janzeer Yasmeen
Published: July 2020

Objective Fatigue testing of restorative material has been appreciated as an appropriate method to evaluate dental restorations. This study aims to investigate the influence of periodontal ligament (PDL) simulation on fatigue and fracture tests results of zirconia crowns.

Materials and Methods A standard tooth preparation for all ceramic zirconia crown was made on a typodont mandibular molar. The prepared master die was duplicated using epoxy resin to produce 40 replicas. PDL simulation was made by surrounding the root of 20 dies with a 0.3-mm thick silicon layer. The other 20 specimens had no PDL simulation. Zirconia crowns were fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology and cemented to the epoxy resin dies. Ten crowns from each group were subject to chewing simulation with simultaneous thermocycling (5–55°C). All specimens were then loaded until failure in universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Shapiro–Wilk test confirmed the normal distribution of data. Descriptive statistic was performed and differences between the groups were analyzed using paired samples t-test.

Results All fatigued crowns survived chewing simulation; no failure was observed after finishing simulation. The highest mean fracture load recorded was 3,987 ± 400 N for the no fatigue/no periodontal simulation group. Comparing the mean fracture load of the two groups with periodontal simulation and the two groups with no periodontal simulation showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.5).

Conclusion Considering the testing set-up applied in this study, simulating PDL using resilient materials does not affect the in vitro survival and fracture resistance of zirconia crowns.
A Red-Emissive AIE Probe for Targeting Mitochondria in Living Cells
Authors: Xiao Lufei , Xiao Rui , Xu Bingsong , Chen Hao , Wang Hui
Published: July 2020

A novel compound has been synthesised and characterised by various spectroscopic techniques. Analysing the crystal structures of the compound shows that multiple molecular interactions exist. The compound exhibits distinct aggregation-induced emission activity in EtOH/H2O accompanying a 2-fold enhancement of fluorescence intensity at ~609nm. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay and confocal microscopy imaging show that the compound is hypotoxic and can be used as a fluorescent labelling dye in the near-infrared region to track mitochondria in living cells.
Zinc seed treatments improve productivity, quality and grain biofortification of desi and kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Ullah Aman , Farooq Muhammad , Nadeem Faisal , Rehman Abdul , Nawaz Ahmad , Naveed Muhammad , Wakeel Abdul , Hussain Mubshar
Published: July 2020

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a leading food legume primarily grown in marginal areas and consumed all over the world. However, its production is limited owing to zinc (Zn) deficiency in many chickpea-based cropping systems. This study was conducted over two years to evaluate the effect of Zn application through seed treatments on productivity and grain Zn biofortification of kabuli and desi chickpea types in Punjab, Pakistan. Pre-optimised doses of Zn were applied as (i) seed priming (0.001 m Zn) and (ii) seed coating (5 mg Zn kg–1 seed), using ZnSO4.7H2O (33% Zn). Hydropriming (soaking in water) and non-primed dry seeds were used as control treatments. Zinc seed treatments significantly improved leghemoglobin contents, nodulation, grain yield, grain Zn yield, grain bioavailable Zn, grain minerals and grain Zn concentration compared with control treatments in both chickpea types. During both years, kabuli chickpea receiving Zn seed coating had higher grain yield (2.22 and 2.73 t ha–1) and grain Zn yield (103 and 129 g ha–1) than kabuli receiving other treatments. Likewise, during both study years, maximum grain bioavailable Zn (4.58 and 4.55 mg Zn day–1) was recorded with Zn seed coating in both chickpea types. Kabuli chickpea had more grain bioavailable Zn than desi. With regard to seed treatments, desi chickpea was more responsive to Zn osmopriming, whereas kabuli was more responsive to Zn seed coating. In conclusion, Zn seed treatments, as seed priming and seed coating, are effective methods for improving the productivity, grain quality and Zn biofortification of both desi and kabuli chickpea.
Deepening the concept of  ‘compelling arguments’
Authors: Vu Hong Tien , McCombs Maxwell , Russell Annelise , Pain Paromita
Published: July 2020

This study examines the effects of both the substantive and affective dimensions of issue attributes in the news coverage of climate change on the public’s perception of the importance of this environmental issue. Results from our analysis show that the four affective dimensions (e.g., positive and negative emotions, anger, and sadness) of the three attributes (e.g., existence, effects, and solutions) exerted strong influence on public issue priority. This study extends the concept of compelling arguments in agenda setting research by suggesting that compelling arguments effects are not solely dependent on substantive attributes. Their affective dimensions are influential, as well.
Energetic and exergetic studies of modified CO2 transcritical refrigeration cycles
Authors: Patil Omprakash S , Shet Shrikant A , Jadhao Manish , Agrawal Neeraj
Published: July 2020

Thermodynamic analysis including energetic and exergetic analysis is carried out employing Engineering Equation Solver for the five modified cycles: dual expansion cycle, internal heat exchanger cycle, work recovery cycle, work recovery with internal heat exchanger cycle and vortex tube expansion cycle. Contours are developed to study the effect of gas cooler temperatures and evaporator temperatures on the system performance and optimum gas cooler pressure. The modified cycle with work recovery turbine offers relatively higher COP and higher exergetic efficiency with lower compressor discharge pressure. The exergy loss in compressor, gas cooler, throttle valve and vortex tube (VT) are considerably higher than that in internal heat exchanger (IHX), evaporator and turbine. It is observed that COP of modified cycle with VT is slightly less than that with IHX, whereas the cycle with work recovery turbine brings the highest COP with the improvement of 25% at the gas cooler exit temperature of 305 K and evaporator temperature of 248 K.
Tradition as Innovation: Ancient Harmonistic Theologising in the Temple Sermon (Jeremiah 7:1–8:3)
Authors: Fabrikant-Burke O Y
Published: July 2020

According to many influential modern scholarly perspectives, numerous compositions in the Hebrew Bible had as their aim the replacement, subversion, reversal, abrogation and radical transformation of older authoritative texts and traditions, often executed under the stealthy guise of consistency and continuity with their textual sources. In this paper, I argue that in many cases tradition and innovation in inner-biblical interpretation may be more organically related than previously thought. To this end, by probing the phenomenon of harmonistic exegesis, I develop a distinction between an innovative text and an innovative intent. Simply put, some innovation is unintended. The paper revolves around the famous Temple Sermon in the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:1–8:3) as an instance of ancient harmonistic exegesis in action. In the Temple Sermon, innovative theology is anchored in a harmonistic hermeneutic that seeks to stay faithful to the meaning of the prior Deuteronomistic and Jeremianic traditions as the ancient authors understood them.
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in chronic kidney disease—review and vagus nerve stimulation clinical pilot study
Authors: Hilderman Marie , Bruchfeld Annette
Published: July 2020

Inflammation and autonomic dysfunction are common findings in chronic and end-stage kidney disease and contribute to a markedly increased risk of mortality in this patient population. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a vagal neuro-immune circuit that upholds the homoeostatic balance of inflammatory activity in response to cell injury and pathogens. CAP models have been examined in preclinical studies to investigate its significance in a range of clinical inflammatory conditions and diseases. More recently, cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) implants have been shown to be of potential benefit for patients with chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. We have previously shown that dialysis patients have a functional CAP ex vivo. Here we review the field and the potential role of the CAP in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as in hypertension. We also present a VNS pilot study in haemodialysis patients. Controlling inflammation by neuroimmune modulation may lead to new therapeutic modalities for improved treatment, outcome, prognosis and quality of life for patients with CKD.
Adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Altmann Daniel M
Published: July 2020

The majority of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 exposed individuals mount an antibody response within around 2-weeks and spike antigen-binding responses correlate well with functional virus neutralization. A minority makes little detectable antibody, generally those with either very mild/asymptomatic disease or those with severe/lethal infection. However, in general, antibody titre correlates with viral load and duration of exposure. There is evidence for cross-reactivity with the other human coronaviruses, though the functional impact of this is as yet unclear. Therapeutic use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies offers potential for clinical use. While there is evidence for neutralizing antibody as a correlate of protection, some cases indicate the potential for full recovery in the absence of antibody. Studies of T-cell immunity following acute infection show CD4 and CD8 responses to epitopes across diverse viral antigens, possible cross-reactivity with epitopes from the common cold human coronaviruses and large-scale activation. However, in severe cases, there is evidence for T-cell lymphopaenia as well as expression of exhaustion markers. Analysis of serum biomarkers of disease severity implicates a hyperinflammatory contribution to pathogenesis, though this has not been mechanistically delineated beyond a likely role of raised IL-6, considered a therapeutic target. Despite rapid progress, there remain pressing unknowns. It seems likely that immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 may be relatively short lived, but this will need longitudinal investigation. Also, this is a disease of highly variable presentation and time course, with some progressing to protracted, chronic symptoms, which are not understood. The contribution of immunopathological mechanisms to tissue damage, whether in the lung, kidney, heart or blood vessels, is unclear. The immunology underlying the differential susceptibility between the very young and the very old is unresolved, a question with ramifications for vaccine roll-out. The greatest challenge relates to rapid generation, testing and manufacture of vaccines that are immunogenic, protective (at least from symptomatic disease) and safe—a challenge that looks achievable.
Normative Modes
Authors: Boddington Paula
Published: July 2020

This chapter focuses on the production of normative codes or standards in response to ethical issues concerning artificial intelligence (AI). Codes can be a useful part of ethics, but have limits and dangers. Standards can be especially useful in technical achievement of goals and exploring possibilities. However, codes of ethics are embedded within far wider questions of value—values which may not be explicitly included in the codes themselves, but which are assumed or referenced within wider societal values and norms within which the codes are nested. These values themselves can evolve. As such, when it comes to AI, people need to be prepared for even larger shifts in how they think of value. Moreover, given the power of AI to augment or replace human thought and human agency, people need to consider basic philosophical questions about human nature in order to assess how humans might fare in response to AI.