bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suitability of Dried Blood Spots for Accelerating Veterinary Biobank Collections and Identifying Metabolomics Biomarkers With Minimal Resources
Authors: Allaway David , Alexander Janet E. , Carvell-Miller Laura J. , Reynolds Rhiannon M. , Winder Catherine L. , Weber Ralf J. M. , Lloyd Gavin R. , Southam Andrew D. , Dunn Warwick B.
Published: June 2022

Biomarker discovery using biobank samples collected from veterinary clinics would deliver insights into the diverse population of pets and accelerate diagnostic development. The acquisition, preparation, processing, and storage of biofluid samples in sufficient volumes and at a quality suitable for later analysis with most suitable discovery methods remain challenging. Metabolomics analysis is a valuable approach to detect health/disease phenotypes. Pre-processing changes during preparation of plasma/serum samples may induce variability that may be overcome using dried blood spots (DBSs). We report a proof of principle study by metabolite fingerprinting applying UHPLC-MS of plasma and DBSs acquired from healthy adult dogs and cats (age range 1–9 years), representing each of 4 dog breeds (Labrador retriever, Beagle, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, and Norfolk terrier) and the British domestic shorthair cat (n = 10 per group). Blood samples (20 and 40 μL) for DBSs were loaded onto filter paper, air-dried at room temperature (3 h), and sealed and stored (4°C for ~72 h) prior to storage at −80°C. Plasma from the same blood draw (250 μL) was prepared and stored at −80°C within 1 h of sampling. Metabolite fingerprinting of the DBSs and plasma produced similar numbers of metabolite features that had similar abilities to discriminate between biological classes and correctly assign blinded samples. These provide evidence that DBSs, sampled in a manner amenable to application in in-clinic/in-field processing, are a suitable sample for biomarker discovery using UHPLC-MS metabolomics. Further, given appropriate owner consent, the volumes tested (20–40 μL) make the acquisition of remnant blood from blood samples drawn for other reasons available for biobanking and other research activities. Together, this makes possible large-scale biobanking of veterinary samples, gaining sufficient material sooner and enabling quicker identification of biomarkers of interest.
Intelligent Cyber Security Framework Based on SC-AJSO Feature Selection and HT-RLSTM Attack Detection
Authors: Dahiya Mahima , Nitin Nitin , Dahiya Deepak
Published: June 2022

Cyber security is identified as an emerging concern for information technology management in business and society, owing to swift advances in telecommunication and wireless technologies. Cyberspace security has had a tremendous impact on numerous crucial infrastructures. Along with current security status data, historical data should be acquired by the system to implement the latest cyber security defense and protection. It also makes intelligent decisions that can provide adaptive security management and control. An intelligent cyber security framework using Hyperparameter Tuning based on Regularized Long Short-Term Memory (HT-RLSTM) technique was developed in this work to elevate the security level of core system assets. To detect various attacks, the proposed framework was trained and tested on the collection of data. Owing to missing values, poor scaling, imbalanced and overlapped data, the data was primarily incomplete and inconsistent. To elevate the decision making for detecting attacks, the inconsistent or unstructured data issue was addressed. The missing values were handled by this work along with scaling performance using the developed Kernelized Robust Scaler (KRS). Using the developed Random Over Sample-Based Density-Based Spatial Clustering Associated with Noise (ROS-DBSCAN), the imbalanced and overlapped data were handled, which was followed by the relevant feature selection of data utilizing the Sine Cosine-Based Artificial Jellyfish Search Optimization (SC-AJSO) technique. The data were split under the provision of Stratified K-Fold cross-validation along being trained in the proposed HT-RLSTM. The experimental analysis depicted that better accuracy was attained in detecting attacks by the proposed work for different datasets. When analogized with prevailing state-of-the-art methods, a low false detection rate, as well as computation time, was attained by the proposed scheme.
Estimation of Aortic Stiffness with Bramwell–Hill Equation: A Comparative Analysis with Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity
Authors: Mesin Luca , Floris Luca , Policastro Piero , Albani Stefano , Scacciatella Paolo , Pugliese Nicola , Masi Stefano , Grillo Andrea , Fabris Bruno , Antonini-Canterin Francesco
Published: June 2022

Aortic stiffness is an important clinical parameter for predicting cardiovascular events. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) has been proposed for performing this evaluation non-invasively; however, it requires dedicated equipment and experienced operators. We explored the possibility of measuring aortic stiffness using ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta coupled with the Bramwell–Hill equation. Healthy subjects were investigated; measurements of cf-PWV were taken by arterial tonometry and aortic systo-diastolic pressure difference was estimated using a validated model. Pulsatility of an abdominal tract of aorta was assessed by automated processing of ultrasound scans. Through a Bland–Altmann analysis, we found large biases when estimating each parameter by applying the Bramwell–Hill equation to the measured values of the other two paramters (bias, ± 1.96 SD; PWV, about 2.1 ± 2.5 m/s; pulsatility, 12 ± 14%; pressure jump, 47 ± 55 mmHg). These results indicate that the two measures are not interchangeable, and that a large part of the bias is attributable to blood pressure estimation. Further studies are needed to identify the possible sources of bias between cf-PWV and aortic pulsatility.
Cytokine Profiling among Children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome versus Simple COVID-19 Infection: A Study from Northwest Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abo-Haded Hany M. , Alshengeti Amer M. , Alawfi Abdulsalam D. , Khoshhal Saad Q. , Al-Harbi Khalid M. , Allugmani Mohammad D. , El-Agamy Dina S.
Published: June 2022

Background: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a novel syndrome associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with varying clinical features. This study aimed to analyze the expression profiles of cytokines in blood, report the important clinical characteristics, and correlate these with the short- and mid-term outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on hospitalized children with MIS-C from March 2021 to May 2022. Phenotypes were classified into two groups (A,B) according to the severity of the disease and the need for invasive respiratory support. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, and outcomes were reported. Results: We identified 60 children with MIS-C (mean age of 7.4 ± 3.8 years) compared to 30 age- and sex-matched controls with simple COVID-19. The clinical manifestations of MIS-C patients were fever (100%), respiratory (83.3%), GIT (80%), and conjunctivitis (80%). Twenty-seven MIS-C children (45%) required PICU admission due to shock and needed mechanical ventilation. Anemia, lymphopenia, and elevated levels of inflammatory and tissue injury markers were observed in the MIS-C groups (mainly B). High cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-α, GM-CSF, and HMGB1) were observed acutely in the MIS-C children, and a persistent elevation of some cytokines were reported at midterm follow-up, especially in Group B. Conclusion: Robust inflammatory response to COVID-19 disease with elevated IL-1β, IL-6, and GM-CSF levels might explain the severity and outcome of the clinical syndrome.
Activation of the Rat α1β2ε GABAA Receptor by Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists
Authors: Germann Allison L. , Burbridge Ariel B. , Pierce Spencer R. , Akk Gustav
Published: June 2022

GABAA receptors are a major contributor to fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. The receptors are activated upon binding the transmitter GABA or allosteric agonists including a number of GABAergic anesthetics and neurosteroids. Functional receptors can be formed by various combinations of the nineteen GABAA subunits cloned to date. GABAA receptors containing the ε subunit exhibit a significant degree of constitutive activity and have been suggested to be unresponsive to allosteric agents. In this study, we have characterized the functional properties of the rat α1β2ε GABAA receptor. We confirm that the α1β2ε receptor exhibits a higher level of constitutive activity than typical of GABAA receptors and show that it is inefficaciously activated by the transmitter and the allosteric agonists propofol, pentobarbital, and allopregnanolone. Manipulations intended to alter ε subunit expression and receptor stoichiometry were largely without effect on receptor properties including sensitivity to GABA and allosteric agonists. Surprisingly, amino acid substitutions at the conserved 9’ and 6’ positions in the second transmembrane (TM2) domain in the ε subunit did not elicit the expected functional effects of increased constitutive activity and resistance to the channel blocker picrotoxin, respectively. We tested the accessibility of TM2 residues mutated to cysteine using the cysteine-modifying reagent 4-(hydroxymercuri)benzoic acid and found a unique pattern of water-accessible residues in the ε subunit.
hERG Blockade Prediction by Combining Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Goel Himanshu , Yu Wenbo , MacKerell Alexander D.
Published: June 2022

The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel is a well-known contributor to drug-induced cardiotoxicity and therefore is an extremely important target when performing safety assessments of drug candidates. Ligand-based approaches in connection with quantitative structure active relationships (QSAR) analyses have been developed to predict hERG toxicity. The availability of the recent published cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure for the hERG channel opened the prospect of using structure-based simulation and docking approaches for hERG drug liability predictions. In recent times, the idea of combining structure- and ligand-based approaches for modeling hERG drug liability has gained momentum offering improvements in predictability when compared to ligand-based QSAR practices alone. The present article demonstrates uniting the structure-based SILCS (site-identification by ligand competitive saturation) approach in conjunction with physicochemical properties to develop predictive models for hERG blockade. This combination leads to improved model predictability based on Pearson’s R and percent correct (represents rank-ordering of ligands) metric for different validation sets of hERG blockers involving a diverse chemical scaffold and wide range of pIC50 values. The inclusion of the SILCS structure-based approach allows determination of the hERG region to which compounds bind and the contribution of different chemical moieties in the compounds to the blockade, thereby facilitating the rational ligand design to minimize hERG liability.
Growing Gold Nanostars on SiO2 Nanoparticles: Easily Accessible, NIR Active Core–Shell Nanostructures from PVP/DMF Reduction
Authors: Straub Laura C. , Capobianco John A. , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: June 2022

A new synthesis strategy towards gold-coated silica nanoparticles is presented. The method provides an efficient, reliable and facile-coating process of well-defined star-shaped shell structures, characterized by UV-Vis, TEM, PXRD, DLS and zeta-potential measurements. A marked red shift of the Au-based plasmonic band to the region of the first biological window is observed offering great potential for future research of biological applications.
Hospitalization of Children Aged <5 Years Due to Influenza: Study Based on the National Hospitalization Registry
Authors: Kanecki Krzysztof , Lewtak Katarzyna , Goryński Paweł , Tyszko Piotr , Bogdan Magdalena , Rząd Michał , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta
Published: June 2022

Background: Influenza constitutes a significant health care burden that can be related to an increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to show up-to-date information on influenza hospitalization cases in Poland in children aged <5 years. Methods: The data used in the study were hospitalization records from 2015–2019, which had been gathered in a Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Study and made available by the National Institute of Public Health. Results: 8565 records of patients with influenza were subject to analysis. The mean and median age of the patients were 2.2 and 2.1 years, respectively. Influenza hospitalization incidence was estimated at 90 per 100,000 person-years (PY) in children aged <5 years. The number of hospitalization cases was significantly higher in patients living in urban regions than in those living in rural regions (97 vs. 77 per 100,000 PY; p < 0.001). The age of patients living in urban regions was significantly lower than the age of patients living in rural regions (2.2 vs. 2.3 years; p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in hospitalization was observed. Conclusions: The reported increasing trend in hospitalizations indicates the need to take focused measures. Presented data may be useful in comparative analyses in a European context.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Concrete from 20th-Century Architecture Award-Winning Buildings in Lisbon (Portugal): A Contribution to the Knowledge of Their Evolution and Durability
Authors: Almeida Luís , Silva António Santos , Veiga Maria do Rosário , Vieira Manuel , Mirão José
Published: June 2022

The use of concrete materials in Portugal, namely reinforced concrete, began in the 19th century. However, during the 20th century, the increase in the application of this composite material, alongside the use of hydraulic binders, led to a disruption of traditional construction techniques and enhanced generalized application in concrete structures, combining aesthetics with functionality. In this paper, the authors will present and discuss several physical and mechanical characteristics of reinforced concrete materials from 12 award-winning architectural buildings constructed between the 1930s and the end of the 20th century in Lisbon, Portugal. These results are vital to evaluate their durability, as those buildings have an undiscussable heritage value in the context of 20th-century buildings’ valorization. Furthermore, the results will contribute to the knowledge of the current state of conservation of these materials and will allow an understanding of the evolution in the application of national regulations during this period.
The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Life Satisfaction among Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rogowska Aleksandra M. , Meres Hanna
Published: June 2022

This study examines the indirect effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction among teachers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. A sample of 322 teachers aged 23–71 (M = 45.37, SD = 8.99) participated in a cross-sectional online survey. The online survey (Google form) contained some demographic information and standardized psychological questionnaires: the Multivariate Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS) for measuring emotional intelligence, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ)—a short form for job satisfaction assessment, and the Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS). Emotional intelligence is a significant positive predictor of job satisfaction and life satisfaction, and job satisfaction is a strong positive predictor of life satisfaction. Job satisfaction partly mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction. To maintain the well-being of teachers during a pandemic, schools should implement training to improve emotional intelligence and increase job satisfaction by supporting distance e-learning among teachers.
Prototyping and Evaluation of Graphene-Based Piezoresistive Sensors
Authors: Florêncio Lucas , Luzardo Jéssica , Pojucan Marcelo , Cunha Victor , Silva Alexander , Valaski Rogério , Araujo Joyce
Published: June 2022

In this work, the electrical properties of graphene papers were investigated with the aim of developing pressure sensor prototypes for measuring pressures up to 2 kPa. In order to determine which graphene paper would be the most suitable, three different types of graphene papers, synthesized by different routes, were prepared and electrically characterized. The results of electrical characterizations, in terms of electrical conductivity and sheet resistance of graphene papers, are presented and discussed. Prototypes of pressure sensors are proposed, using graphene papers obtained by chemical oxidation (graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) and by electrochemical exfoliation. The prototypes were tested in static compression/decompression tests in the working range of 0 kPa to 1.998 kPa. The compression/decompression sensitivity values observed in these prototype sensors ranged from 20.8% ΔR/kPa for graphene sensors obtained by electrochemical exfoliation to 110.7% ΔR/kPa for those prepared from graphene oxide obtained by chemical oxidation. More expressive sensitivity values were observed for the sensors fabricated from GO, intermediate values for those made of rGO, while prototypes made of EG showed lower sensitivity.
Magnetohydrodynamics Solver for a Two-Phase Free Surface Flow Developed in OpenFOAM
Authors: Suponitsky Victoria , Khalzov Ivan V. , Avital Eldad J.
Published: June 2022

A magnetohydrodynamics solver (“mhdCompressibleInterFoam”) has been developed for a compressible two-phase flow with a free surface by extending “compressibleInterFoam” solver within OpenFOAM suite. The primary goal is to develop a tool to simulate compression of magnetic fields in vacuum and simplified magnetized plasma targets by imploding rotating liquid metal liners in the context of a Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) concept in pursuit by General Fusion Inc. At present, the solver is limited to axisymmetric problems and the magnetic field evolution is solved in terms of toroidal field component and poloidal flux functions. The solver has been validated and verified using a number of test cases for which analytical or other numerical solutions are provided. Those tests cases include: (i) compression of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields in vacuum and cylindrical geometry, (ii) axisymmetric annular Hartmann flow, and (iii) compression of magnetized target initialized with a Grad–Shafranov equilibrium state in a cylindrical geometry. A methodology to incorporate conductive solid regions into simulation has also been developed. Capability of the code is demonstrated by simulating a complex case of compressing a magnetized target, which is injected during implosion of a rotating liquid metal liner with an initially soaked poloidal magnetic field. An application of the solver to simulate compression of a magnetized target in a geometry and parameters relevant to the Fusion Demonstration Plant (FDP) being developed by General Fusion Inc. is also demonstrated.
Simultaneous Identification of Volatility and Mean-Reverting Parameter for European Option under Fractional CKLS Model
Authors: Zhao Jiajia , Xu Zuoliang
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we reconstruct the time-dependent volatility function of the underlying asset and the mean-reverting parameter γ of the interest rate for European options under the fractional Chan–Karolyi–Longstaff–Sanders (CKLS) stochastic interest rate model. Tikhonov regularization is used to solve the ill-posedness of the inverse problem. The existence and stability of the solution of the regularization problem are given. We employ the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to iteratively optimize the volatility function and the parameter γ. Finally, numerical simulations and the empirical analysis are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Location of Tension Cracks at Slope Crests in Stability Analysis of Slopes
Authors: Zhang Tan , Lin Songtao , Zheng Hong , Zhang Dianjie
Published: June 2022

Over the conventional limit equilibrium method and limit analysis method, the finite element method is advantageous, especially for slopes involving complex failure mechanisms where the critical slip surfaces cannot be represented by log spirals and other similarities. In the presence of tension cracks at slope crests, however, the finite element method encounters difficulties in convergence while handling Mohr–Coulomb’s yielding surfaces with tensile strength cut-off. Meanwhile, the commonly used load-controlled method for the system of nonlinear equilibrium equations is hard to bring the slope into the limit equilibrium state. The two drawbacks drag down the finite element method in more extensive applications. By reducing the constitutive integration of plasticity with non-smooth yielding surfaces to the mixed complementarity problem, the convergence in numerical constitutive integration is established for arbitrarily large incremental strains. In order to bring the slope to the limit equilibrium state, a new displacement-controlled algorithm is designed for the system of nonlinear equilibrium equations, which is far more efficient than the load-controlled method. A procedure is proposed to locate tension cracks. Corresponding to the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion with and without tensile strength cut-off, the failure mechanisms differ significantly, while the difference in the factor of safety might be ignorable.
Participation in Colorectal Cancer Screening among Migrants and Non-Migrants in Germany: Results of a Population Survey
Authors: Wahidie Diana , Yilmaz-Aslan Yüce , Brzoska Patrick
Published: June 2022

Colorectal cancer screening can contribute to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Findings on disparities in the utilization of colorectal cancer screening between migrants and non-migrants have been inconsistent, with some studies reporting lower, and some higher utilization among migrants. The aim of the present study was to examine potential disparities in fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy among migrants in Germany. Data from a population survey on 11,757 men and women aged ≥50 years is used. Using multivariable logistic regression, the utilization of fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy was compared between non-migrants, migrants from EU countries and migrants from non-EU countries, adjusting for socio-economic factors and also taking into account intersectional differences by sex and age. The study shows that migrants from the EU (adjusted OR = 0.73; 95%-CI: 0.57, 0.94) and from non-EU countries (adjusted OR = 0.39; 95%-CI: 0.31, 0.50) were less likely to utilize fecal occult blood testing than non-migrants. No disparities for the use of colonoscopy were observed. The findings are in line with studies from other countries and can be indicative of different barriers migrants encounter in the health system. Adequate strategies taking into account the diversity of migrants are needed to support informed decision-making among this population group.
Microbiome–Gut Dissociation in the Neonate: Obesity and Coeliac Disease as Examples of Microbiome Function Deficiency Disorder
Authors: Smith David , Palacios-Pérez Miryam , Jheeta Sohan
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this article is to provide a direction for translational research based on an analysis of the nature of complex, immune-related conditions such as obesity and coeliac disease. In essence, it seems that the prevalence of these non-communicable diseases is related to the degradation of the microbiome during the industrialisation of society, and that their nature can be used to infer the functions of the “pre-industrial” microbiome. Based on this analysis, the key point is the necessity for the fully functioning microbiome, acting alongside the parental genetic inheritance of the child, to be in place immediately after birth. In our view, this is achieved by the seemingly accidental process of maternal microbial inheritance during normal birth. Note, however, that this is not possible if the microbiome of the mother is itself degraded following previous problems. Under these conditions the health of a child may be affected from the moment of birth, although, with the exception of atopic diseases, such as eczema and food allergy, the consequences may not become apparent until late childhood or as an adult. In this way, this microbiome function deficiency hypothesis incorporates the epidemiological observations of David Strachan and David Barker in that their onset can be traced to early childhood. Coeliac disease has been chosen as an illustrative example of a multifactorial disorder due to the fact that, in addition to a series of immune system manifestations and a potential problem with food absorption, there is also a significant psychological component. Finally, it is worth noting that an ingestible sensor calibrated to the detection of interkingdom communication molecules (semiochemicals) within the intestine may offer a practical way of assessment and, perhaps, amelioration of at least some of the consequences of non-communicable disease.
Seaweed Extracts as Substitutes of Synthetic Hormones for Rooting Promotion in Rose Cuttings
Authors: Traversari Silvia , Cacini Sonia , Nesi Beatrice
Published: June 2022

In the horticultural sector, the achievement of an efficient and eco-friendly sustainable production of plants is nowadays challenging. Indeed, in plant vegetative propagation of woody ornamentals, the substitution of chemical products used to promote rooting of cuttings with natural extracts would be a desirable goal. Thus, the aim of this work was to test the replacement of synthetic phytoregulators, such as auxins and brassinosteroids, with biostimulants, such as seaweed extracts, for the rooting promotion of rose cuttings. The rooting rate and biometric parameters of control cuttings treated with distilled water were compared with those of cuttings treated with synthetic hormones, i.e., auxins or 22(S),23(S)-homobrassinolide, or two commercial products based on low temperature seaweed extracts, i.e., Kelpak® and Phylgreen. Two scented hybrid tea rose cultivars were used to assess possible genotype-dependent effects, i.e., ‘Michelangelo®’ and ‘Cosmos®’. Auxins confirmed their role in root growth enhancement in ornamental plant cuttings. Like these phytoregulators, Kelpak® improved the survival rate and root biometric parameters of both rose cuttings, highlighting its suitability for the replacement of synthetic products used for rooting promotion in rose propagation. Brassinosteroids showed a species-dependent effect, increasing the root biomass in ‘Cosmos®’ while it resulted as distilled water in ‘Michelangelo®’. Phylgreen did not improve the rooting of both rose cuttings, highlighting the necessity of evaluating the applicability and methodology for this product before its use. In conclusions, our results highlighted the possibility to replace chemical products in rose cutting production.
Recent Advances in DNA Methylation and Their Potential Breeding Applications in Plants
Authors: Shaikh Aamir , Chachar Sadaruddin , Chachar Muzafaruddin , Ahmed Nazir , Guan Changfei , Zhang Pingxian
Published: June 2022

Traditional plant breeding encompasses repetitive crossing and selection based on morphological traits, while phenotypic selection has been complemented by molecular methods in recent decades. Genome editing with techniques like the CRISPR-Cas9 system is still a novel approach that is being used to make direct modifications to nucleotide sequences of crops. In addition to these genetic alterations, an improved understanding of epigenetic variations such as DNA methylation on the phenotype of plants has led to increased opportunities to accelerate crop improvement. DNA methylation is the most widely studied epigenetic mark in plants and other eukaryotes. These epigenetic marks are highly conserved and involved in altering the activities and functions of developmental signals by catalyzing changes in the chromatin structure through methylation and demethylation. Cytosine methylation (5mC) is the most prevalent modification found in DNA. However, recent identification of N6-methyladenosine (6mA) in plants starts to reveal their critical role in plant development. Epigenetic modifications are actively involved in creating the phenotype by controlling essential biological mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications could be heritable and metastable causing variation in epigenetic status between or within species. However, both genetic and heritable epigenetic variation has the potential to drive natural variation. Hence, epigenome editing might help overcome some of the shortcomings of genome editing (such as gene knockout), which can have significant off-target effects and only enables the loss of a gene’s function. In this review, we have discussed the mechanism underlying DNA methylation and demethylation in plants. Methyltransferases and demethylases are involved in catalyzing specific types of modification. We also discuss the potential role of DNA modifications in crop improvement for meeting the requirements of sustainable and green agriculture.
A Pilot Study of Transplanting Methods for Wilding American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Authors: Myers Andrea L. , Dickinson Yvette L. , Storer Andrew J. , Bal Tara L.
Published: June 2022

American beech is facing pressure from a number of emergent health issues including beech bark disease, beech leaf disease, beech leaf mining weevil, and climate and habitat change. Interest has increased in the propagation of American beech in response to the demand for more disease-resistant American beech for use in restoration. This study describes the first steps towards publishing methods for transplanting beech in order to supplement commercially available beech seedlings in an area with multiple agencies depleting the existing stock of slow growing species. American beech seedlings were purchased from a nursery in northern Michigan and were excavated from natural stands in the Hiawatha National Forest. Survival rates for these cohorts were compared after a growing season and by the relative amounts of fine roots present on the trees. Generally, the wildling seedlings had a higher survivability than the purchased bare root seedlings. Future work is proposed that could clarify the conditions leading to the higher survival in these wildling seedlings, including the potential for handling the time or age of the seedlings to influence survival.
RETRACTED: The Effects of Environmental Regulations on Medical Expenses: Evidence from China
Authors: Ai Hongshan , Tan Xiaoqing , Xia Zhen
Published: June 2022

In this study, we examine the effects of a special period regulation (SPR), implemented in the Chang-Zhu-Tan (Changsha City, Zhuzhou City, and Xiangtan City; CZT) region, regarding medical expenses paid by the Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) and Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) programs, using a difference-in-differences (DID) design. We find that the SPR significantly reduces medical expenses in the CZT region, which appears to be driven by improved air quality. Furthermore, this regulation has a significantly negative and positive impact on medical expenses paid by the UURBMI and UEBMI, respectively. In summary, our results provide empirical evidence for the orderly implementation of command-and-control environmental regulation policies from the perspective of health benefits.
Enhancing Neuroplasticity Is Urgent: Music and Dance for the UN/WHO Decade of Action for Healthy Ageing for All
Authors: Shaffer Joyce
Published: June 2022

This descriptive overview responds to a rising tide of reviews and RCTs which encourage evidence-based interventions from the first moments of life and across the life course that could increase the Flynn effect and improve global statistics on neurocognitive functioning with a healthspan that approximates longer lifespans. We need to learn more from our centenarians who achieve Healthy Ageing. Evolving neuroscience empowers us to drive neuroplasticity in a positive direction in ways that are associated with enhancing neurocognitive functioning across the entire lifespan for vigorous longevity. Music and Dance could meet these urgent needs in ways that also have physical, emotional, neurobiological, neurochemical, immunological, and social health benefits. Interventions using Music and Dance are likely to have high initial and ongoing use because people are more inclined to do what is fun, easy, free (or low cost), portable, and culturally adaptable.
Effect of WS2 Nanotubes on the Mechanical and Wear Behaviors of AZ31 Stir Casted Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Subramani Murugan , Huang Song-Jeng , Borodianskiy Konstantin
Published: June 2022

In this study, the AZ31 magnesium alloy was reinforced with tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanotubes to fabricate the nanocomposite using the stir casting method. The microstructural analysis, mechanical and wear behaviors were investigated with the effect of WS2 on the AZ31 alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to conduct the microstructural analysis. The microstructures are revealed to incorporate the aluminum content with the WS2 nanotube, disclose the presence of the secondary phase, which was increased compared with the AZ31 alloy and was detected by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The mechanical properties of hardness and yield strength (YS) were significantly improved with the addition of WS2 nanotubes. This is mainly due to the strengthening mechanisms of Orowan, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch and the load transfer mechanism. The theoretical YS was calculated and compared with the experimental results. However, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the fracture strain were decreased with the addition of reinforcement which might be owing to the clustering of nanotubes. Finally, the wear behavior of the wear weight loss and depth of cut was investigated. This test revealed that the addition of WS2 nanotubes reduced the weight loss and depth of the material cutting that was mainly due to the presence of hard WS2 nanotubes.
Mycoviromic Analysis Unveils Complex Virus Composition in a Hypovirulent Strain of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Wang Yong , Xu Zhiyong , Hai Du , Huang Huang , Cheng Jiasen , Fu Yanping , Lin Yang , Jiang Daohong , Xie Jiatao
Published: June 2022

Mycoviruses are ubiquitous in pathogenic fungi including Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Using RNA sequencing, more mycoviruses have been identified in individual strains, which were previously reported to be infected by a single mycovirus. A hypovirulent strain of S. sclerotiorum, HC025, was previously thought to harbor a single mitovirus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mitovirus 1 (SsMV1), based on the analysis of the conventional dsRNA extraction method. We found HC025 to be co-infected by five mycoviruses. In addition to SsMV1, four mycoviruses were identified: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum narnavirus 4 (SsNV4), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum negative-stranded RNA virus 1 (SsNSRV1), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum ourmia-like virus 14 (SsOLV14), and SsOLV22. Three mycoviruses including SsNV4, SsNSRV1, and SsOLV14 share high replicase identities (more than 95%) with the previously reported corresponding mycoviruses, and SsOLV22 shows lower identity to the known viruses. The complete genome of SsOLV22 is 3987 nt long and contains a single ORF-encoded RdRp, which shares 24.84% identity with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of Hubei narna-like virus 10 (query coverage: 26%; e-value: 8 × 10−19). The phylogenetic tree of RdRp suggests that SsOLV22 is a new member within the family Botourmiaviridae. All of the mycoviruses except for SsNSRV1 could horizontally co-transfer from HC025 to the virulent strain Ep-1PNA367 with hypovirulent phenotypes, and converted a later strain into a hypovirulent strain. In summary, we molecularly characterized the hypovirulent strain HC025 and identified five RNA mycoviruses including a new member within Botourmiaviridae.
Inositol Phosphoryl Transferase, Ipt1, Is a Critical Determinant of Azole Resistance and Virulence Phenotypes in Candida glabrata
Authors: Shahi Garima , Kumar Mohit , Khandelwal Nitesh Kumar , Banerjee Atanu , Sarkar Parijat , Kumari Sonam , Esquivel Brooke D. , Chauhan Neeraj , Chattopadhyay Amitabha , White Theodore C. , Gaur Naseem A. , Singh Ashutosh , Prasad Rajendra
Published: June 2022

In this study, we have specifically blocked a key step of sphingolipid (SL) biosynthesis in Candida glabrata by disruption of the orthologs of ScIpt1 and ScSkn1. Based on their close homology with S. cerevisiae counterparts, the proteins are predicted to catalyze the addition of a phosphorylinositol group onto mannosyl inositolphosphoryl ceramide (MIPC) to form mannosyl diinositolphosphoryl ceramide (M(IP)2C), which accounts for the majority of complex SL structures in S. cerevisiae membranes. High throughput lipidome analysis confirmed the accumulation of MIPC structures in ΔCgipt1 and ΔCgskn1 cells, albeit to lesser extent in the latter. Noticeably, ΔCgipt1 cells showed an increased susceptibility to azoles; however, ΔCgskn1 cells showed no significant changes in the drug susceptibility profiles. Interestingly, the azole susceptible phenotype of ΔCgipt1 cells seems to be independent of the ergosterol content. ΔCgipt1 cells displayed altered lipid homeostasis, increased membrane fluidity as well as high diffusion of radiolabeled fluconazole (3H-FLC), which could together influence the azole susceptibility of C. glabrata. Furthermore, in vivo experiments also confirmed compromised virulence of the ΔCgipt1 strain. Contrarily, specific functions of CgSkn1 remain unclear.
Responses of the Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus under Different CO2 Concentration by Comparative Proteomic Analyses
Authors: Lin Rongmei , Zhang Lujun , Yang Xiuqing , Li Qiaozhen , Zhang Chenxiao , Guo Lizhong , Yu Hao , Yu Hailong
Published: June 2022

Background: Pleurotus ostreatus is a popular edible mushroom in East Asian markets. Research on the responses of P. ostreatus under different carbon dioxide concentrations is limited. Methods: Label-free LC-MS/MS quantitative proteomics analysis technique was adopted to obtain the protein expression profiles of P. ostreatus fruiting body pileus collected under different carbon dioxide concentrations. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and principal component analysis were performed to reveal the correlation among samples. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were organized. Gene ontology analysis was performed to divide the DEPs into different metabolic processes and pathways. Results: The expansion of stipes was inhibited in the high CO2 group compared with that in the low CO2 group. There were 415 DEPs (131 up- and 284 down-regulated) in P. ostreatus PH11 treated with 1% CO2 concentration compared with P. ostreatus under atmospheric conditions. Proteins related to hydrolase activity, including several amidohydrolases and cell wall synthesis proteins, were highly expressed under high CO2 concentration. Most of the kinases and elongation factors were significantly down-regulated under high CO2 concentration. The results suggest that the metabolic regulation and development processes were inhibited under high CO2 concentrations. In addition, the sexual differentiation process protein Isp4 was inhibited under high CO2 concentrations, indicating that the sexual reproductive process was also inhibited under high CO2 concentrations, which is inconsistent with the small fruiting body pileus under high CO2 concentrations. Conclusions: This research reports the proteome analysis of commercially relevant edible fungi P. ostreatus under different carbon dioxide concentrations. This study deepens our understanding of the mechanism for CO2-induced morphological change in the P. ostreatus fruiting body, which will facilitate the artificial cultivation of edible mushrooms.
Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity of Different Honey Samples Collected in the Pre-Saharan Region in Algeria
Authors: Ben Amor Safia , Mekious Scherazad , Allal Benfekih Leila , Abdellattif Magda H. , Boussebaa Walid , Almalki Faisal A. , Ben Hadda Taibi , Kawsar Sarkar M. A.
Published: June 2022

Despite the challenging conditions in the pre-Saharan areas of Algeria, such as weak plant cover and a harsh climate, beekeeping is being developed and spread. In the present work, honey samples collected from ten locations in the El Oued region were examined during the spring of 2021. A melissopalynological analysis was carried out, followed by a floristic investigation. The 10 honey samples were also investigated for their physicochemical properties and antioxidant and antibacterial activity against five strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Listeria innocua, and Micrococcus luteus. The floristic analysis found 65 species belonging to 33 botanical families, with a dominance of the Asteraceae family accounting for 18.461% of the total. The melissopalynological study revealed only one monofloral honey (Ziziphus lotus), whereas the nine others were multi-floral. The honey’s color changed from light to dark amber, and most tested honey was of high quality, fulfilling international criteria. The total phenol and flavonoid contents varied considerably amongst the various honey samples. Furthermore, LC-MS-MS phenolic profile analysis identified the presence of 20 chemicals, of which only three phenols were found in all honey types. Antioxidant capacity analyzed with FRAP test and antiradical activities against DPPH differed from one honey sample to another. Moreover, a significant correlation was recorded between the antioxidant activity, honey’s color, polyphenol, and flavonoid contents. The S. aureus strain was the most sensitive regarding honey antibacterial activity, while M. luteus and B. subtilis strains were only moderately sensitive.
Logogenic Primary Progressive Aphasia or Alzheimer Disease: Contribution of Acoustic Markers in Early Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Da Cunha Eloïse , Plonka Alexandra , Arslan Seçkin , Mouton Aurélie , Meyer Tess , Robert Philippe , Meunier Fanny , Manera Valeria , Gros Auriane
Published: June 2022

The logopenic variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia (lvPPA), a syndromic disorder centered on language impairment, often presents variable underlying neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer Disease (AD). Actual language assessment tests and lumbar puncture, focused on AD diagnosis, cannot precisely distinguish the symptoms, or predict their progression at onset time. We analyzed acoustic markers, aiming to discriminate lvPPA and AD as well as the influence of AD biomarkers on acoustic profiles at the beginning of the disease. We recruited people with AD (n = 8) and with lvPPA (n = 8), with cerebrospinal fluid biomarker profiles determined by lumbar puncture. The participants performed a sentence repetition task that allows assessing potential lvPPA phonological loop deficits. We found that temporal and prosodic markers significantly differentiate the lvPPA and AD group at an early stage of the disease. Biomarker and acoustic profile comparisons discriminated the two lvPPA subgroups according to their biomarkers. For lvPPA with AD biomarkers, acoustic profile equivalent to an atypical AD form with a specific alteration of the phonological loop is shown. However, lvPPA without AD biomarkers has an acoustic profile approximating the one for DLFT. Therefore, these results allow us to classify lvPPA differentially from AD based on acoustic markers from a sentence repetition task. Furthermore, our results suggest that acoustic analysis would constitute a clinically efficient alternative to refused lumbar punctures. It offers the possibility to facilitate early, specific, and accessible neurodegenerative diagnosis and may ease early care with speech therapy, preventing the progression of symptoms.
Microstructural Effects in the Development of Near-Neutral pH Stress Corrosion Cracks in Pipelines
Authors: Zhang Ci , Ran Minrui , Wang Yao , Zheng Wenyue
Published: June 2022

The corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviors of 20#, X60, and X80 pipeline steels in a near-neutral pH environment were investigated by means of electrochemical measurement, immersion test, and interrupted slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test. The propensity for SCC, as indicated by the stress threshold value for crack initiation, was found to be dependent on the type of steel microstructure. Cracks were initiated in the high-strength steel X80 at a stress less than its yield strength, whereas in the other lower-grade steels, the initiation of cracks occurred after the yielding point. The threshold stress of SCC initiation in the near-neutral pH environment for 20#, X60, and X80 steels were 130.64% σys, 106.79% σys, and 86.92% σys, respectively. The SCC of 20# and X60 were characterized by the formation of transgranular and intergranular cracks, while X80 steel was only by transgranular cracking. The occurrence of corrosion had a great effect on crack initiation and the growth at the later stage. The latter involved hydrogen effects. A correlation between SCC sensitivity and the yield strength of the steel has been identified.
An Innovative Failure Criterion for Metal Cylindrical Shells under Explosive Loads
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Wen , Chen Zhanfeng
Published: June 2022

Metal cylindrical shells are widely used to store and transport highly hazardous chemicals. The impact resistance of metal cylindrical shells under an explosive load is a concern for researchers. In this paper, an innovative failure criterion considering the time effect is proposed for metal cylindrical shells under explosive loads. Firstly, based on the maximum shear stress criterion, an innovative failure criterion containing the time effect is provided. Then, a metal cylindrical shell model is established. Next, a failure pressure equation for metal shells under an explosive load is proposed based on the innovative failure criterion. Lastly, the proposed equation is verified by numerical simulation. The results indicate the failure pressure equation for a metal cylindrical shell under an explosive load uses the finite element method. Our research is of significance for fully understanding the failure mechanism of piping and pressure vessels under impact load.
Optimal Design of Ferronickel Slag Alkali-Activated Material for High Thermal Load Applications Developed by Design of Experiment
Authors: Arce Andres , Komkova Anastasija , Van De Sande Jorn , Papanicolaou Catherine G. , Triantafillou Thanasis C.
Published: June 2022

The development of an optimal low-calcium alkali-activated binder for high-temperature stability based on ferronickel slag, silica fume, potassium hydroxide, and potassium silicate was investigated based on Mixture Design of Experiment (Mixture DOE). Mass loss, shrinkage/expansion, and compressive and flexural strengths before and after exposure to a high thermal load (900 °C for two hours) were selected as performance markers. Chemical activator minimization was considered in the selection of the optimal mix to reduce CO2 emissions. Unheated 42-day compressive strength was found to be as high as 99.6 MPa whereas the 42-day residual compressive strength after exposure to the high temperature reached 35 MPa (results pertaining to different mixes). Similarly, the maximum unheated 42-day flexural strength achieved was 8.8 MPa, and the maximum residual flexural strength after extreme temperature exposure was 2.5 MPa. The binder showed comparable properties to other alkali-activated ones already studied and a superior thermal performance when compared to Ordinary Portland Cement. A quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis was performed on selected hardened mixes, and fayalite was found to be an important component in the optimal formulation. A life-cycle analysis was performed to study the CO2 savings, which corresponded to 55% for economic allocation.