bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data and the Internet of Things to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scientometric Review Using Text Mining
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Rodríguez José-Víctor , Shirvanizadeh Niloofar , Ortiz Andrés , Pardo-Quiles Domingo-Javier
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in every country in the world, with serious health-related, economic, and social consequences. Since its outbreak in March 2020, many researchers from different fields have joined forces to provide a wide range of solutions, and the support for this work from artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging concepts linked to intelligent data analysis has been decisive. The enormous amount of research and the high number of publications during this period makes it difficult to obtain an overall view of the different applications of AI to the management of COVID-19 and an understanding of how research in this field has been evolving. Therefore, in this paper, we carry out a scientometric analysis of this area supported by text mining, including a review of 18,955 publications related to AI and COVID-19 from the Scopus database from March 2020 to June 2021 inclusive. For this purpose, we used VOSviewer software, which was developed by researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands. This allowed us to examine the exponential growth in research on this issue and its distribution by country, and to highlight the clear hegemony of the United States (USA) and China in this respect. We used an automatic process to extract topics of research interest and observed that the most important current lines of research focused on patient-based solutions. We also identified the most relevant journals in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated the growing value of open-access publication, and highlighted the most influential authors by means of an analysis of citations and co-citations. This study provides an overview of the current status of research on the application of AI to the pandemic.
A Study on Cause Analysis of Digital Divide among Older People in Korea
Authors: Jun Woochun
Published: August 2021

Most people in modern society enjoy various benefits due to the development of information and communication technology and smart technology in modern society. However, due to the digital divide, there is a social class that cannot enjoy abundant benefits. The representative class is the class of older people. In the latest four-year national report on the status of the digital divide, the class with largest digital divide among various information disadvantaged groups, such as the disabled, the low-income class, farmers and fishermen, and older people, is the class of older people. In this study, the causes of the digital divide among older people in Korea are analyzed from various perspectives. To this end, various statistical analyses have been conducted based on national statistical survey works over the past four years. The digital informatization level, which is an index used to measure the digital divide, can be classified into three main components: information access, information capability, and information utilization. Among the three components, the information capability is found to be the lowest. Information capability can also be divided into three components for PCs and mobile devices: installation, use, and management. Among them, management capability was found to be the lowest. Based on this analysis, various plans to reduce the digital divide among older people were proposed.
Using Latent Class Analysis to Identify Health Lifestyle Profiles and Their Association with Suicidality among Adolescents in Benin
Authors: Hoogstoel Fanny , Fassinou Lucresse Corine , Samadoulougou Sékou , Mahieu Céline , Coppieters Yves , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: August 2021

Youth suicidality is considerably prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, including Benin. Factors such as psychosocial distress, socio-environmental factors, and health risk behaviors are associated with suicidality. However, little is known about how these factors co-occur in these countries. An analysis of these factors taken together would help to identify the profiles most at risk and better target prevention policies. Our study aimed to identify profiles related to these factors and their association with suicidality among adolescents in Benin. Data from the 2016 Global School-Based Student Health Survey were used, and factors related to lifestyle (tobacco and alcohol consumption and physical activity), physical violence, parental support, and psychological distress were studied. Latent class analysis was used to identify the profiles, and a modified Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, was performed to assess the association between these profiles and suicidality. The survey results show that globally, 13.8% of the adolescents (n = 2536) aged 11 to 18 had thought about suicide, 15.6% had planned suicide, and 15.6% had attempted suicide. Four profiles were identified: a low-risk group, one with psychological distress problems, a group with violence problems, and one with alcohol, tobacco, and violence problems. The risk of suicidality, in terms of ideation, planning, or attempting, was higher for adolescents in Profiles 2, 3, and 4 than those in Profile 1 (p < 0.05). Adolescents in Profile 2 were particularly affected by this increased risk (prevalence ratio (PR) for ideation = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03–1.23; PR for planning = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04–1.22; PR for attempting = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01–1.17). This study highlights the typical profiles that may be linked with suicidality among adolescents in Benin. A holistic consideration of these factors could help in planning better preventive measures to reduce suicidality among adolescents in Benin.
Transcriptional Analysis of Microcystis aeruginosa Co-Cultured with Algicidal Bacteria Brevibacillus laterosporus
Authors: Zhang Yulei , Chen Dong , Zhang Ning , Li Feng , Luo Xiaoxia , Li Qianru , Li Changling , Huang Xianghu
Published: August 2021

Harmful algal blooms caused huge ecological damage and economic losses around the world. Controlling algal blooms by algicidal bacteria is expected to be an effective biological control method. The current study investigated the molecular mechanism of harmful cyanobacteria disrupted by algicidal bacteria. Microcystis aeruginosa was co-cultured with Brevibacillus laterosporus Bl-zj, and RNA-seq based transcriptomic analysis was performed compared to M. aeruginosa, which was cultivated separately. A total of 1706 differentially expressed genes were identified, which were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. In the co-cultured group, the expression of genes mainly enriched in photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation were significantly inhibited. However, the expression of the genes related to fatty acid synthesis increased. In addition, the expression of the antioxidant enzymes, such as 2-Cys peroxiredoxin, was increased. These results suggested that B. laterosporus could block the electron transport by attacking the PSI system and complex I of M. aeruginosa, affecting the energy acquisition and causing oxidative damage. This further led to the lipid peroxidation of the microalgal cell membrane, resulting in algal death. The transcriptional analysis of algicidal bacteria in the interaction process can be combined to explain the algicidal mechanism in the future.
Assessment of Spatial and Vertical Variability of Water Quality: Case Study of a Polymictic Polish Lake
Authors: Ferencz Beata , Dawidek Jarosław
Published: August 2021

UE regulations focus on methods of water quality monitoring and their use in rational management practices. This study investigated horizontal and vertical variations of electrical conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and chlorophyll a (Chl-a) in a shallow polymictic lake. Monitoring of short-term variability of physical and chemical lake water parameters is a critical component in lake management, as it influences aquatic life. Based on the field research, maps of spatial distribution of the parameters were drawn. Using two methods: (1) a classical approach to water column measurements, from the top to the bottom (TB), in which the reference point is always a surface layer (SL), and (2) a newly introduced method of lake water quality monitoring based on a nearest neighbor (NN) approach; a comparison of higher and lower layers of the water column. By subtracting partial maps of spatial variability for different depths, final raster images were obtained. The NN method is rather absent in the limnology literature worldwide. Vertical and horizontal variability of the tested parameters in the polymictic, shallow Lake Bikcze (Poland) was presented in the results. In the presented paper, the commonly used TB method emphasized the role of the surface layer in shaping the variability of physicochemical parameters of lake waters. It shows a general trend of parameters’ changes from the top, to the bottom. The newly presented NN method, which has a major advantage in its simplicity and objectivity, emphasized structural differentiation within the range of variability. The nearest neighbor method was more accurate in showing the actual structure of fluctuation of parameters with higher fluctuation in the water column. Its advantage is a detailed recognition of the vertical variability of selected parameters in the water column. The method may be used regardless of the lake depth, its location in climatic zone, and/or region.
Breastfeeding after Returning to Work: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Méchin Grégory , Vorilhon Philippe , Benson Amanda C. , Bottet Anne , Clinchamps Maëlys , Barasinski Chloé , Navel Valentin
Published: August 2021

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are widely known; however, continuation after returning to work (RTW) is not. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of breastfeeding after RTW. The secondary objectives were to compare the economic statuses between continents. Method: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Base, and Embase were searched until 1 September 2020, and two independent reviewers selected the studies and collated the data. To be included, articles needed to describe our primary outcome, i.e., prevalence of breastfeeding after RTW. Results: We included 14 studies, analyzing 42,820 women. The overall prevalence of breastfeeding after RTW was 25% (95% CI, 21% to 29%), with an important heterogeneity (I2 = 98.6%)—prevalence ranging from 2% to 61%. Stratification by continents and by GDP per capita also showed huge heterogeneity. The Middle East had the weakest total prevalence with 10% (6% to 14%), and Oceania the strongest with 35% (21% to 50%). Despite the prevalence of breastfeeding in general increasing with GDP per capita (US$50,000 42%), the prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding follows more of a U-curve with the lowest and highest GDP per capita having the highest percentages of breastfeeding (US$50,000: 50%, versus <28% for all other categories). Conclusion: Breastfeeding after RTW is widely heterogeneous across the world. Despite economic status playing a role in breastfeeding after RTW, cultural aspects seem influential. The lack of data regarding breastfeeding after RTW in most countries demonstrates the strong need of data to inform effective preventive strategies.
Proteomics of Mouse Heart Ventricles Reveals Mitochondria and Metabolism as Major Targets of a Post-Infarction Short-Acting GLP1Ra-Therapy
Authors: de Freitas Germano Juliana , Sharma Ankush , Stastna Miroslava , Huang Chengqun , Aniag Marianne , Aceves Angie , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Mentzer Robert M. , Piplani Honit , Andres Allen M. , Gottlieb Roberta A.
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide, making it crucial to search for new therapies to mitigate major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) after a cardiac ischemic episode. Drugs in the class of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1Ra) have demonstrated benefits for heart function and reduced the incidence of MACE in patients with diabetes. Previously, we demonstrated that a short-acting GLP1Ra known as DMB (2-quinoxalinamine, 6,7-dichloro-N-[1,1-dimethylethyl]-3-[methylsulfonyl]-,6,7-dichloro-2-methylsulfonyl-3-N-tert-butylaminoquinoxaline or compound 2, Sigma) also mitigates adverse postinfarction left ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in lean mice through activation of parkin-mediated mitophagy following infarction. Here, we combined proteomics with in silico analysis to characterize the range of effects of DMB in vivo throughout the course of early postinfarction remodeling. We demonstrate that the mitochondrion is a key target of DMB and mitochondrial respiration, oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic processes such as glycolysis and fatty acid beta-oxidation are the main biological processes being regulated by this compound in the heart. Moreover, the overexpression of proteins with hub properties identified by protein–protein interaction networks, such as Atp2a2, may also be important to the mechanism of action of DMB. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027867.
Structural Insights into Retinal Guanylate Cyclase Activator Proteins (GCAPs)
Authors: Ames James B.
Published: August 2021

Retinal guanylate cyclases (RetGCs) promote the Ca2+-dependent synthesis of cGMP that coordinates the recovery phase of visual phototransduction in retinal rods and cones. The Ca2+-sensitive activation of RetGCs is controlled by a family of photoreceptor Ca2+ binding proteins known as guanylate cyclase activator proteins (GCAPs). The Mg2+-bound/Ca2+-free GCAPs bind to RetGCs and activate cGMP synthesis (cyclase activity) at low cytosolic Ca2+ levels in light-activated photoreceptors. By contrast, Ca2+-bound GCAPs bind to RetGCs and inactivate cyclase activity at high cytosolic Ca2+ levels found in dark-adapted photoreceptors. Mutations in both RetGCs and GCAPs that disrupt the Ca2+-dependent cyclase activity are genetically linked to various retinal diseases known as cone-rod dystrophies. In this review, I will provide an overview of the known atomic-level structures of various GCAP proteins to understand how protein dimerization and Ca2+-dependent conformational changes in GCAPs control the cyclase activity of RetGCs. This review will also summarize recent structural studies on a GCAP homolog from zebrafish (GCAP5) that binds to Fe2+ and may serve as a Fe2+ sensor in photoreceptors. The GCAP structures reveal an exposed hydrophobic surface that controls both GCAP1 dimerization and RetGC binding. This exposed site could be targeted by therapeutics designed to inhibit the GCAP1 disease mutants, which may serve to mitigate the onset of retinal cone-rod dystrophies.
Outer Membrane Vesicles Derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae Are a Driving Force for Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Dell’Annunziata Federica , Dell’Aversana Carmela , Doti Nunzianna , Donadio Giuliana , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Izzo Viviana , De Filippis Anna , Galdiero Marilena , Altucci Lucia , Boccia Giovanni , Galdiero Massimiliano , Folliero Veronica , Franci Gianluigi
Published: August 2021

Gram-negative bacteria release Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) into the extracellular environment. Recent studies recognized these vesicles as vectors to horizontal gene transfer; however, the parameters that mediate OMVs transfer within bacterial communities remain unclear. The present study highlights for the first time the transfer of plasmids containing resistance genes via OMVs derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). This mechanism confers DNA protection, it is plasmid copy number dependent with a ratio of 3.6 times among high copy number plasmid (pGR) versus low copy number plasmid (PRM), and the transformation efficiency was 3.6 times greater. Therefore, the DNA amount in the vesicular lumen and the efficacy of horizontal gene transfer was strictly dependent on the identity of the plasmid. Moreover, the role of K. pneumoniae-OMVs in interspecies transfer was described. The transfer ability was not related to the phylogenetic characteristics between the donor and the recipient species. K. pneumoniae-OMVs transferred plasmid to Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia. These findings address the pivotal role of K. pneumoniae-OMVs as vectors for antimicrobial resistance genes spread, contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance in the microbial communities.
Feasibility of Monitoring Tumor Response by Tracking Nanoparticle-Labelled T Cells Using X-ray Fluorescence Imaging—A Numerical Study
Authors: Kahl Henrik , Staufer Theresa , Körnig Christian , Schmutzler Oliver , Rothkamm Kai , Grüner Florian
Published: August 2021

Immunotherapy has been a breakthrough in cancer treatment, yet only a subgroup of patients responds to these novel drugs. Parameters such as cytotoxic T-cell infiltration into the tumor have been proposed for the early evaluation and prediction of therapeutic response, demanded for non-invasive, sensitive and longitudinal imaging. We have evaluated the feasibility of X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) to track immune cells and thus monitor the immune response. For that, we have performed Monte Carlo simulations using a mouse voxel model. Spherical targets, enriched with gold or palladium fluorescence agents, were positioned within the model and imaged using a monochromatic photon beam of 53 or 85 keV. Based on our simulation results, XFI may detect as few as 730 to 2400 T cells labelled with 195 pg gold each when imaging subcutaneous tumors in mice, with a spatial resolution of 1 mm. However, the detection threshold is influenced by the depth of the tumor as surrounding tissue increases scattering and absorption, especially when utilizing palladium imaging agents with low-energy characteristic fluorescence photons. Further evaluation and conduction of in vivo animal experiments will be required to validate and advance these promising results.
Investigation of the Complexes Formed between PARP1 Inhibitors and PARP1 G-Quadruplex at the Gene Promoter Region
Authors: Dallavalle Sabrina , Princiotto Salvatore , Mattio Luce M. , Artali Roberto , Musso Loana , Aviñó Anna , Eritja Ramon , Pisano Claudio , Gargallo Raimundo , Mazzini Stefania
Published: August 2021

DNA repair inhibitors are one of the latest additions to cancer chemotherapy. In general, chemotherapy produces DNA damage but tumoral cells may become resistant if enzymes involved in DNA repair are overexpressed and are able to reverse DNA damage. One of the most successful drugs based on modulating DNA repair are the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors. Several PARP1 inhibitors have been recently developed and approved for clinical treatments. We envisaged that PARP inhibition could be potentiated by simultaneously modulating the expression of PARP 1 and the enzyme activity, by a two-pronged strategy. A noncanonical G-quadruplex-forming sequence within the PARP1 promoter has been recently identified. In this study, we explored the potential binding of clinically approved PARP1 inhibitors to the G-quadruplex structure found at the gene promoter region. The results obtained by NMR, CD, and fluorescence titration confirmed by molecular modeling demonstrated that two out the four PARP1 inhibitors studied are capable of forming defined complexes with the PARP1 G-quadruplex. These results open the possibility of exploring the development of better G-quadruplex binders that, in turn, may also inhibit the enzyme.
Atorvastatin Attenuates Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) Induction in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Shwe Thuzar Hla , Pothacharoen Peraphan , Phitak Thanyaluck , Wudtiwai Benjawan , Kongtawelert Prachya
Published: August 2021

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a major ligand of programmed death 1 receptor (PD1), and PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint acts as a negative regulator of the immune system. Cancers evade the host’s immune defense via PD-L1 expression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tumor-related cytokines, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on PD-L1 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2. Furthermore, as atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering agent, is documented for its immunomodulatory properties, its effect on PD-L1 expression was investigated. In this study, through real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry methods, PD-L1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels was found to be synergistically upregulated in HepG2 by a combination of IFNγ and TNFα, and STAT1 activation was mainly responsible for that synergistic effect. Next, atorvastatin can inhibit the induction of PD-L1 by either IFNγ alone or IFNγ/TNFα combination treatment in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, in HepG2 cells, expression of PD-L1 was augmented by cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, and the effect of atorvastatin on tumor immune response through inhibition of PD-L1 induction should be taken into consideration in cancer patients who have been prescribed atorvastatin.
Sequential Release of Paclitaxel and Imatinib from Core–Shell Microparticles Prepared by Coaxial Electrospray for Vaginal Therapy of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Liu Zhepeng , Chen Haini , Lv Fengmei , Wang Jun , Zhao Shoujin , Li Yijun , Xue Xuexin , Liu Yu , Wei Gang , Lu Weiyue
Published: August 2021

To optimize the anti-tumor efficacy of combination therapy with paclitaxel (PTX) and imatinib (IMN), we used coaxial electrospray to prepare sequential-release core–shell microparticles composed of a PTX-loaded sodium hyaluronate outer layer and an IMN-loaded PLGA core. The morphology, size distribution, drug loading, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), in vitro release, PLGA degradation, cellular growth inhibition, in vivo vaginal retention, anti-tumor efficacy, and local irritation in a murine orthotopic cervicovaginal tumor model after vaginal administration were characterized. The results show that such core–shell microparticles were of spherical appearance, with an average size of 14.65 μm and a significant drug-loading ratio (2.36% for PTX, 19.5% for IMN, w/w), which might benefit cytotoxicity against cervical-cancer-related TC-1 cells. The DSC curves indicate changes in the phase state of PTX and IMN after encapsulation in microparticles. The FTIR spectra show that drug and excipients are compatible with each other. The release profiles show sequential characteristics in that PTX was almost completely released in 1 h and IMN was continuously released for 7 days. These core–shell microparticles showed synergistic inhibition in the growth of TC-1 cells. Such microparticles exhibited prolonged intravaginal residence, a >90% tumor inhibitory rate, and minimal mucosal irritation after intravaginal administration. All results suggest that such microparticles potentially provide a non-invasive local chemotherapeutic delivery system for the treatment of cervical cancer by the sequential release of PTX and IMN.
Detecting Cyber Attacks in Smart Grids Using Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection and Deep Representation Learning
Authors: Qi Ruobin , Rasband Craig , Zheng Jun , Longoria Raul
Published: August 2021

Smart grids integrate advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) into traditional power grids for more efficient and resilient power delivery and management, but also introduce new security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by adversaries to launch cyber attacks, causing severe consequences such as massive blackout and infrastructure damages. Existing machine learning-based methods for detecting cyber attacks in smart grids are mostly based on supervised learning, which need the instances of both normal and attack events for training. In addition, supervised learning requires that the training dataset includes representative instances of various types of attack events to train a good model, which is sometimes hard if not impossible. This paper presents a new method for detecting cyber attacks in smart grids using PMU data, which is based on semi-supervised anomaly detection and deep representation learning. Semi-supervised anomaly detection only employs the instances of normal events to train detection models, making it suitable for finding unknown attack events. A number of popular semi-supervised anomaly detection algorithms were investigated in our study using publicly available power system cyber attack datasets to identify the best-performing ones. The performance comparison with popular supervised algorithms demonstrates that semi-supervised algorithms are more capable of finding attack events than supervised algorithms. Our results also show that the performance of semi-supervised anomaly detection algorithms can be further improved by augmenting with deep representation learning.
The Interaction between Tribolium castaneum and Mycotoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in Maize Flour
Authors: Duarte Sónia , Magro Ana , Tomás Joanna , Hilário Carolina , Alvito Paula , Ferreira Ricardo Boavida , Carvalho Maria Otília
Published: August 2021

Tribolium castaneum is one of the most common insect pests of stored products. Its presence makes cereals more susceptible to the spread of the fungi Aspergillus flavus, which may produce mycotoxins. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of T. castaneum adults on the development of a mycotoxigenic A. flavus strain in maize flour as well as the influence of this fungus on the insects. Maize flour was exposed to T. castaneum, spores of A. flavus or to both. The results revealed an interaction between T. castaneum and A. flavus as the flour exposed to both organisms was totally colonized by the fungus whereas almost all the insects were killed. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) revealed a significantly higher concentration in the flour inoculated with both organisms (18.8 µg/kg), being lower when exposed only to A. flavus, suggesting that the presence of insects may trigger fungal development and enhance mycotoxin production. The ability of these organisms to thrive under the same conditions and the chemical compounds they release makes the interaction between them a subject of great importance to maintain the safety of stored maize. This is the first work evaluating the interaction between T. castaneum and A. flavus mycotoxin production.
DNA Methyltransferases Regulate Pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea to Horticultural Crops
Authors: Zhang Zhanquan , He Chang , Chen Yong , Li Boqiang , Tian Shiping
Published: August 2021

Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens that cause gray mold rot in horticultural products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, leading to serious economic losses. B. cinerea is difficult to control because it has strong stress resistance and complex infection modes. The pathogenic mechanisms of B. cinerea have been revealed at multiple levels, but little is known at the epigenetic level. In this study, we first revealed the important role of DNA methyltransferases in regulating the development and pathogenicity of B. cinerea. We showed that two DNA methyltransferases, BcDIM2 and BcRID2, showed a strong synergistic effect in regulating the pathogenicity of B. cinerea. The double knockout mutant △Bcdim2rid2 showed slower mycelial growth, lower spore germination, attenuated oxidative tolerance, and complete pathogenicity loss on various hosts, which is related to the reduced expression of virulence-related genes in △Bcdim2rid2 and the induced resistance of the host. Although B. cinerea has multiple DNA methyltransferases, the global methylation level is very low, and few 5mC sites can be detected by BS-seq. These results first revealed the important role and the action mode of DNA methyltransferases in B. cinerea.
Accounting for the Biological Complexity of Pathogenic Fungi in Phylogenetic Dating
Authors: Edwards Hannah M. , Rhodes Johanna
Published: August 2021

In the study of pathogen evolution, temporal dating of phylogenies provides information on when species and lineages may have diverged in the past. When combined with spatial and epidemiological data in phylodynamic models, these dated phylogenies can also help infer where and when outbreaks occurred, how pathogens may have spread to new geographic locations and/or niches, and how virulence or drug resistance has developed over time. Although widely applied to viruses and, increasingly, to bacterial pathogen outbreaks, phylogenetic dating is yet to be widely used in the study of pathogenic fungi. Fungi are complex organisms with several biological processes that could present issues with appropriate inference of phylogenies, clock rates, and divergence times, including high levels of recombination and slower mutation rates although with potentially high levels of mutation rate variation. Here, we discuss some of the key methodological challenges in accurate phylogeny reconstruction for fungi in the context of the temporal analyses conducted to date and make recommendations for future dating studies to aid development of a best practices roadmap in light of the increasing threat of fungal outbreaks and antifungal drug resistance worldwide.
Influence of the Kinematic System on the Geometrical and Dimensional Accuracy of Holes in Drilling
Authors: Bronis Mateusz , Miko Edward , Nowakowski Lukasz
Published: August 2021

This article attempts to show how the kinematic system affects the geometrical and dimensional accuracy of through-holes in drilling. The hole cutting tests were performed using a universal turning center. The tool was a TiAlN-coated Ø 6 mm drill bit, while the workpiece was a C45 steel cylinder with a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 30 mm. Three kinematic systems were studied. The first consisted of a fixed workpiece and a rotating and linearly moving tool. In the second, the workpiece rotated, while the tool moved linearly. The third system comprised a rotating workpiece and a rotating and linearly moving tool, but they rotated in opposite directions. The geometrical and dimensional accuracy of the hole was assessed by analyzing the cylindricity, straightness, roundness, and diameter errors. The experiment was designed using the Taguchi orthogonal array method to determine the significance of the effects of the input parameters (cutting speed, feed per revolution, and type of kinematic system) on the accuracy errors. A multifactorial statistical analysis (ANOVA) was employed for this purpose. The study revealed that all the input parameters considered had a substantial influence on the hole quality in drilling.
Investigation on Preparation and Properties of Crack Sealants Based on CNTs/SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Gong Yafeng , Pang Yunze , He Feng , Bi Haipeng
Published: August 2021

Crack is the main distress of asphalt pavement. Sealant is one of the most commonly used crack repair materials, and its performance is the key to affect the service life of asphalt pavements. In order to find an efficient modifier and optimize the performances of crack sealants. In this paper, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) were used as modifiers to prepare CNTs/SBS composite-modified asphalt crack sealant. The properties of the sealant were tested to evaluate its suitability for crack repair, which included the viscosity, softening point, resilience recovery, cone penetration, flow value, penetration, aging resistance, and fatigue resistance. The results showed that the conventional properties of the sealants meet the requirements of the specification. In addition, after heating aging, the elastic recovery rate of the sealant containing more CNTs decreased only slightly. The sealant containing 1 wt% CNTs exhibited a higher viscosity, fatigue resistance, thermal aging resistance.
Lignocellulosic Biomass-Derived Carbon Electrodes for Flexible Supercapacitors: An Overview
Authors: Hu Wenxin , Xiang Ruifang , Lin Jiaxian , Cheng Yu , Lu Chunhong
Published: August 2021

With the increasing demand for high-performance electronic devices in smart textiles, various types of flexible/wearable electronic device (i.e., supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, etc.) have emerged regularly. As one of the most promising wearable devices, flexible supercapacitors from a variety of electrode materials have been developed. In particular, carbon materials from lignocellulosic biomass precursor have the characteristics of low cost, natural abundance, high specific surface area, excellent electrochemical stability, etc. Moreover, their chemical structures usually contain a large number of heteroatomic groups, which greatly contribute to the capacitive performance of the corresponding flexible supercapacitors. This review summarizes the working mechanism, configuration of flexible electrodes, conversion of lignocellulosic biomass-derived carbon electrodes, and their corresponding electrochemical properties in flexible/wearable supercapacitors. Technology challenges and future research trends will also be provided.
Study of the Influence of Sintering Atmosphere and Mechanical Activation on the Synthesis of Bulk Ti2AlN MAX Phase Obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Salvo Christopher , Chicardi Ernesto , García-Garrido Cristina , Poyato Rosalía , Jiménez José A. , Mangalaraja R. V.
Published: August 2021

The influence of the mechanical activation process and sintering atmosphere on the microstructure and mechanical properties of bulk Ti2AlN has been investigated. The mixture of Ti and AlN powders was prepared in a 1:2 molar ratio, and a part of this powder mixture was subjected to a mechanical activation process under an argon atmosphere for 10 h using agate jars and balls as milling media. Then, the sintering and production of the Ti2AlN MAX phase were carried out by Spark Plasma Sintering under 30 MPa with vacuum or nitrogen atmospheres and at 1200 °C for 10 min. The crystal structure and microstructure of consolidated samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns were fitted using the Rietveld refinement for phase quantification and determined their most critical microstructural parameters. It was determined that by using nitrogen as a sintering atmosphere, Ti4AlN3 MAX phase and TiN were increased at the expense of the Ti2AlN. In the samples prepared from the activated powders, secondary phases like Ti5Si3 and Al2O3 were formed. However, the higher densification level presented in the sample produced by using both nitrogen atmosphere and MAP powder mixture is remarkable. Moreover, the high-purity Ti2AlN zone of the MAX-1200 presented a hardness of 4.3 GPa, and the rest of the samples exhibited slightly smaller hardness values (4.1, 4.0, and 4.2 GPa, respectively) which are matched with the higher porosity observed on the SEM images.
Valorization of Agri-Food Wastes as Sustainable Eco-Materials for Wastewater Treatment: Current State and New Perspectives
Authors: Matei Ecaterina , Râpă Maria , Predescu Andra Mihaela , Țurcanu Anca Andreea , Vidu Ruxandra , Predescu Cristian , Bobirica Constantin , Bobirica Liliana , Orbeci Cristina
Published: August 2021

The paper addresses environmental protection by valorizing an important agri-food waste category, namely fruit and vegetables with focusing on the main characteristics regarding consumption, waste quantities, and ways for valorizing these materials. Thus, vast research was undertaken in order to emphasize the main commodities and their potential application as adsorbents for organic and inorganic pollutants. The main methods or treatment techniques applied for the valorization of eco-materials as adsorbents were presented and the principal efficiency results were indicated. The advantages and disadvantages of using these eco-materials as adsorbents in wastewater treatment were revealed and future recommendations were established. According to the international statistics, the most purchased and consumed five commodities were studied regarding waste generations as potential conversion into eco-materials with an adsorbent role for water pollutants. Thus, the performances for adsorbents based on fruit wastes (such as citrus, banana, apples, grapes, mango) and vegetable wastes (such as potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and/or broccoli) were studied and highlighted in this research.
The Assessment of Strength of Cementitious Materials Impregnated Using Hydrophobic Agents Based on Near-Surface Hardness Measurements
Authors: Nieświec Martyna , Sadowski Łukasz
Published: August 2021

Recently, the surfaces of concrete structures are impregnated to protect them against the environment in order to increase their durability. It is still not known how the use of these agents affects the near-surface hardness of concrete. This is especially important for experts who use the near-surface hardness of concrete for estimating its compressive strength. The impregnation agents are colorless and, thus, without knowledge of their use, mistakes can be made when testing the surface hardness of concrete. This paper presents the results of investigations concerning the impact of impregnation on the subsurface hardness concrete measured using a Schmidt hammer. For this research, samples of cement paste with a water–cement ratio of 0.4 and 0.5 were used. The samples were impregnated with one, two, and three layers of two different agents. The first agent has been made based on silanes and siloxanes and the second agent has been made based on based on polymers. The obtained research results allow for the conclusion that impregnation affects the near-surface hardness of concrete. This research highlights the fact that a lack of knowledge about the applied impregnation of concrete when testing its near-surface hardness, which is then translated into its compressive strength, can lead to serious mistakes.
Toxicity Screening of a Gambierdiscus australes Strain from the Western Mediterranean Sea and Identification of a Novel Maitotoxin Analogue
Authors: Estevez Pablo , Castro David , Leão-Martins José Manuel , Sibat Manoëlla , Tudó Angels , Dickey Robert , Diogene Jorge , Hess Philipp , Gago-Martinez Ana
Published: August 2021

Dinoflagellate species of the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa are known to produce ciguatera poisoning-associated toxic compounds, such as ciguatoxins, or other toxins, such as maitotoxins. However, many species and strains remain poorly characterized in areas where they were recently identified, such as the western Mediterranean Sea. In previous studies carried out by our research group, a G. australes strain from the Balearic Islands (Mediterranean Sea) presenting MTX-like activity was characterized by LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS detecting 44-methyl gambierone and gambieric acids C and D. However, MTX1, which is typically found in some G. australes strains from the Pacific Ocean, was not detected. Therefore, this study focuses on the identification of the compound responsible for the MTX-like toxicity in this strain. The G. australes strain was characterized not only using LC-MS instruments but also N2a-guided HPLC fractionation. Following this approach, several toxic compounds were identified in three fractions by LC-MS/MS and HRMS. A novel MTX analogue, named MTX5, was identified in the most toxic fraction, and 44-methyl gambierone and gambieric acids C and D contributed to the toxicity observed in other fractions of this strain. Thus, G. australes from the Mediterranean Sea produces MTX5 instead of MTX1 in contrast to some strains of the same species from the Pacific Ocean. No CTX precursors were detected, reinforcing the complexity of the identification of CTXs precursors in these regions.
Preparation of Al-Containing ZSM-58 Zeolite Membranes Using Rapid Thermal Processing for CO2/CH4 Mixture Separation
Authors: Hayakawa Eiji , Himeno Shuji
Published: August 2021

The synthesis of DDR-type zeolite membranes faces the problem of cracks that occur on the zeolite membrane due to differences in the thermal expansion coefficient between zeolite and the porous substrate during the detemplating process. In this study, Al-containing ZSM-58 zeolite membranes with DDR topology were prepared by rapid thermal processing (RTP), with the aim of developing a reproducible method for preparing DDR zeolite membrane without cracks. Moreover, we verified the influence of RTP before performing conventional thermal calcination (CTC) on ZSM-58 membranes with various silica-to-aluminum (Si/Al) molar ratios. Using the developed method, an Al-containing ZSM-58 membrane without cracks was obtained, along with complete template removal by RTP, and it had higher CO2/CH4 selectivity. An all-silica ZSM-58 membrane without cracks was obtained by only using the ozone detemplating method. ZSM-58 crystals and membranes with various Si/Al molar ratios were analyzed by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm the effects of RTP treatment. Al-containing ZSM-58 zeolites had higher silanol concentrations than all-silica zeolites, confirming many silanol condensations by RTP. The condensation of silanol forms results in the formation of siloxane bonds and stronger resistance to thermal stress; therefore, RTP caused crack suppression in Al-containing ZSM-58 membranes. The results demonstrate that Al-containing ZSM-58 zeolite membranes with high CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity and minimal cracking can be produced by using RTP.
Establishment of a Disaster Management-like System for COVID-19 Patients Requiring Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Japan
Authors: Ogura Takayuki , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Liu Keibun , Iwashita Yoshiaki , Hashimoto Satoru , Takeda Shinhiro
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the number of patients who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). To manage the demand for ECMO, Japan ECMOnet for COVID-19 was developed as a “disaster management-like system”, utilizing the Cross ICU Searchable Information System (CRISIS) database. This study investigated the effect of the establishment of this disaster management-like system in Japan. This was a nationwide retrospective observational study conducted from 1 February to 31 July in 2020. A total of 187 patients with COVID-19 who received ECMO were included. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range, 53–68), the median length of ventilatory support before ECMO was 3 days (1–5), and the median PaO2 to FiO2 ratio at ECMO initiation was 86 (71.3–101.5). During the study period, 165 telephone consultations were conducted, including general questions about ECMO. Among them, 44 concerned patients who were already on ECMO or who ultimately received ECMO. Further coordination, including transport and ECMO physician dispatch, was provided for 23 cases. Overall, 125/187 (66.8%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO. This study demonstrated that Japan has achieved favorable survival outcomes for patients with COVID-19 who received ECMO with a disaster management-like system. Further research on the causes of these outcomes is needed.
A Prototype Sensor System Using Fabricated Piezoelectric Braided Cord for Work-Environment Measurement during Work from Home
Authors: Tajitsu Yoshiro , Takarada Jun , Takatani Kohei , Nakanishi Riku , Yanagimoto Hiroki , Shiomi Seita , Nakagawa Isamu , Kawahara Ikuo , Nakiri Takuo , Shimda Saki , Shimura Yoji , Nonomura Takuto , Kojima Kazunori , Ikeguch Atsuhisa , Okayama Kazuhiro , Sakai Tomohiro , Morioka Yuichi , Takahashi Mitsuru , Sugiyama Kazuki , Nisho Rei , Takeshita Koji
Published: August 2021

We proposed a new prototype sensor system to understand the workload of employees during telework. The goal of sensing using such a system is to index the degree of stress experienced by employees during work and recognize how to improve their work environment. Currently, to realize this, image processing technology with a Web camera is generally used for vital sign sensing. However, it creates a sense of discomfort at work because of a strong sense of surveillance. To truly evaluate a working environment, it is necessary that an employee be unaware of the sensor system and for the system to be as unobtrusive as possible. To overcome these practical barriers, we have developed a new removable piezoelectric sensor incorporated in a piezoelectric poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) braided cord. This cord is soft and flexible, and it does not cause any discomfort when attached to the cushion cover sheet. Thus, it was possible to measure the workload of an employee working from home without the employee being aware of the presence of a sensor. Additionally, we developed a system for storing data in a cloud system. We succeeded in acquiring continuous long-term data on the vital signs of employees during telework using this system. The analysis of the data revealed a strong correlation between behavior and stress.
Pathogenicity and Metabolites of Endoparasitic Nematophagous Fungus Drechmeria coniospora YMF1.01759 against Nematodes
Authors: Wan Juan , Dai Zebao , Zhang Keqin , Li Guohong , Zhao Peiji
Published: August 2021

Plant parasitic nematodes cause severe damage to crops. Endoparasitic nematophagous fungi (ENF) are a type of important biocontrol fungi, which can cause disease or kill nematodes by producing various spores. As a major ENF, Drechmeria coniospora displays certain potential for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. In this study, the pathogenicity and secondary metabolites of the endoparasitic fungus D. coniospora YMF1.01759 were investigated. The strain D. coniospora YMF1.01759 had high infection efficiency against nematodes. The process of infecting nematodes by the strain was observed under an electron microscope. Here, 13 metabolites including one new compound 4(S)-butoxy-3-(butoxymethyl)-2-hydroxycyclopent-2-en-1-one (2) were isolated and identified from the fermentation products of D. coniospora YMF1.01759 cultured in a SDAY solid medium. Furthermore, a bioassay showed that 5-hydroxymethylfuran-2-carboxylic acid (1) is toxic to the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and affects the hatching of its egg. Thereby, the nematicidal mortality attained 81.50% at 100 μg/mL for 48 h. Furthermore, egg hatching was inhibited at the tested concentrations, compared with water control eggs. This is the first report on the secondary metabolites of the ENF D. coniospora. The results indicated that D. coniospora could infect nematodes by spores and produce active metabolites to kill nematodes. The biological control potential of D. coniospora against nematodes was expounded further.