bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Tend to Select Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie Food Menus at Home on Diet Application
Authors: Tominaga Hiroyuki , Hamaguchi Masahide , Ando Shinto , Minamida Megumi , Kondo Yuriko , Hamada Kazuki , Nojiri Tetsuya , Fukui Michiaki
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: From the perspective of patient-centered care, it is important for medical professionals involved in diabetes care to know the role of choice behavior when individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus select their meals at home. In Japan, online meal management applications are widely used to help individuals to prepare healthy, colorful, and tasty meals. (2) Objective: To assess menu selection from an online diet management application in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus over a period of 24 months. (3) Method: The saved data of the selected food menus on the online diet management application were analyzed. We identified specific nutritional groups of the food menus, called nutritional clusters, by clustering the multidimensional data of the nutrients after de-dimensioning them. Then, we analyzed the constitutional nutrients of each nutritional cluster with the highest and lowest frequencies of selection by the users of the application. (4) Results: In all, 9674 food menus made by 3164 people were included in the analysis, and 12 nutritional clusters were identified. Low-carbohydrate and low-calorie food clusters showed the highest selection frequency. The average caloric value of 149.7 kcal and average carbohydrate ratio of 47% in the cluster with the highest selection frequency were significantly lower than the average caloric value of 435.2 kcal and carbohydrate ratio of 63% in the cluster with the lowest selection frequency (p < 0.001, respectively). (5) Conclusion: Individuals with type 2 diabetes in this population preferred to select lower-carbohydrate and lower-calorie food menus at home using online diet management applications. To improve sustained self-management and quality of life, medical professionals may consider incorporating preferred dietary behaviors into medical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Lung Cancer Risk in Men and Compliance with the 2018 WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations
Authors: Hawrysz Iwona , Wadolowska Lidia , Slowinska Malgorzata Anna , Czerwinska Anna , Golota Janusz Jacek
Published: October 2022

Lung cancer is the most common and deadly form of cancer worldwide, especially in men. The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) updated cancer prevention recommendations, and a standard scoring system (2018 WCRF/AICR Score) was published. The purpose of this study was to develop the adapted version of the 2018 WCRF/AICR Score with respect to lung cancer prevention recommendation (Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score) and to examine the association between lung cancer risk in men and the Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score as well as its single components. A case–control study was conducted among 439 men aged 45–80 years (187 controls, 252 primary lung cancer cases). Lifestyle and dietary data were collected with a questionnaire including the 62-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ-6®). The Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score was used as a categorized and continuous variable. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for lung cancer risk were calculated with the partly and fully adjusted model. One component of the score was independently associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in men, regardless of the set of confounders used. In the fully adjusted model following the recommendation “Limit smoking” was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer—in the never smokers by 87% (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04–0.37; p = 0.0002) and in the moderate smokers by 45% (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33–0.91; p = 0.0189) compared with the heavy smokers as a reference. By adding the single components making up the Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score, the combination of three components or more, reducing the risk of lung cancer compared to lower compliance as a reference by 45% to 78% and by 39% to 66% for intermediate compliance (except two models out of seven) and higher compliance, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, the risk of lung cancer for the total Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score was lower by 47% (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32–0.88; p = 0.0129) in higher compliance with the score compared to those with the lower compliance. Each one-point increase in the Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score reduced lung cancer risk by 34% (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.95; p = 0.0267). The results support previous evidence that limiting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer in men. It also provides an insight into cancer research by showing that following the combined 2018 cancer prevention recommendations related to diet, lifestyle and body fatness was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in men.
Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease: The Critical Crosstalk between the Liver and Brain
Authors: Huang Zhihai , Lin Hung Wen (Kevin) , Zhang Quanguang , Zong Xuemei
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, is currently incurable. Imbalanced amyloid-beta (Aβ) generation and clearance are thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Historically, strategies targeting Aβ clearance have typically focused on central clearance, but with limited clinical success. Recently, the contribution of peripheral systems, particularly the liver, to Aβ clearance has sparked an increased interest. In addition, AD presents pathological features similar to those of metabolic syndrome, and the critical involvement of brain energy metabolic disturbances in this disease has been recognized. More importantly, the liver may be a key regulator in these abnormalities, far beyond our past understanding. Here, we review recent animal and clinical findings indicating that liver dysfunction represents an early event in AD pathophysiology. We further propose that compromised peripheral Aβ clearance by the liver and aberrant hepatic physiological processes may contribute to AD neurodegeneration. The role of a hepatic synthesis product, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), in the management of AD is also discussed. A deeper understanding of the communication between the liver and brain may lead to new opportunities for the early diagnosis and treatment of AD.
Protection by -Biotics against Hypertension Programmed by Maternal High Fructose Diet: Rectification of Dysregulated Expression of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Receptors in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of Adult Offspring
Authors: Chao Yung-Mei , Tain You-Lin , Lee Wei-Chia , Wu Kay L. H. , Yu Hong-Ren , Chan Julie Y. H.
Published: October 2022

The role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the brain on the developmental programming of hypertension is poorly understood. The present study explored dysregulated tissue levels of SCFAs and expression of SCFA-sensing receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a key forebrain region engaged in neural regulation of blood pressure of offspring to maternal high fructose diet (HFD) exposure. We further investigated the engagement of SCFA-sensing receptors in PVN in the beneficial effects of -biotics (prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic, and postbiotic) on programmed hypertension. Maternal HFD during gestation and lactation significantly reduced circulating butyrate, along with decreased tissue level of butyrate and increased expression of SCFA-sensing receptors, GPR41 and olfr78, and tissue oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in PVN of HFD offspring that were rectified by oral supplement with -biotics. Gene silencing of GPR41 or olfr78 mRNA in PVN also protected adult HFD offspring from programmed hypertension and alleviated the induced oxidative stress and inflammation in PVN. In addition, oral supplement with postbiotic butyrate restored tissue butyrate levels, rectified expressions of GPR41 and olfr78 in PVN, and protected against programmed hypertension in adult HFD offspring. These data suggest that alterations in tissue butyrate level, expression of GPR41 and olfr78, and activation of SCFA-sensing receptor-dependent tissue oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in PVN could be novel mechanisms that underlie hypertension programmed by maternal HFD exposure in adult offspring. Furthermore, oral -biotics supplementation may exert beneficial effects on hypertension of developmental origin by targeting dysfunctional SCFA-sensing receptors in PVN to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the brain.
Phenolic Acids as Antidepressant Agents
Authors: Cordeiro Maria Lúcia da Silva , Martins Verônica Giuliani de Queiroz Aquino , Silva Ariana Pereira da , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira , Rachetti Vanessa de Paula Soares , Scortecci Katia Castanho
Published: October 2022

Depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the lives of patients and their families worldwide. It is an important pathophysiology; however, the molecular pathways involved are not well understood. Pharmacological treatment may promote side effects or be ineffective. Consequently, efforts have been made to understand the molecular pathways in depressive patients and prevent their symptoms. In this context, animal models have suggested phytochemicals from medicinal plants, especially phenolic acids, as alternative treatments. These bioactive molecules are known for their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. They occur in some fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants. This review focused on phenolic acids and extracts from medicinal plants and their effects on depressive symptoms, as well as the molecular interactions and pathways implicated in these effects. Results from preclinical trials indicate the potential of phenolic acids to reduce depressive-like behaviour by regulating factors associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and deregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, stimulating monoaminergic neurotransmission and neurogenesis, and modulating intestinal microbiota.
Nutrition, Gut Microbiota, and Allergy Development in Infants
Authors: Rey-Mariño Alejandra , Francino M. Pilar
Published: October 2022

The process of gut microbiota development in infants is currently being challenged by numerous factors associated with the contemporary lifestyle, including diet. A thorough understanding of all aspects of microbiota development will be necessary for engineering strategies that can modulate it in a beneficial direction. The long-term consequences for human development and health of alterations in the succession pattern that forms the gut microbiota are just beginning to be explored and require much further investigation. Nevertheless, it is clear that gut microbiota development in infancy bears strong associations with the risk for allergic disease. A useful understanding of microbial succession in the gut of infants needs to reveal not only changes in taxonomic composition but also the development of functional capacities through time and how these are related to diet and various environmental factors. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic studies have started to produce insights into the trends of functional repertoire and gene expression change within the first year after birth. This understanding is critical as during this period the most substantial development of the gut microbiota takes place and the relations between gut microbes and host immunity are established. However, further research needs to focus on the impact of diet on these changes and on how diet can be used to counteract the challenges posed by modern lifestyles to microbiota development and reduce the risk of allergic disease.
Systems Mapping of the New Zealand Free and Healthy School Lunch Programme: Perspectives from Lunch Providers
Authors: Chote Brittany , Rees David , Swinburn Boyd , McKelvie-Sebileau Pippa , Glassey Rachael , Tipene-Leach David
Published: October 2022

As part of the COVID-19 economic recovery package, the Aotearoa New Zealand Government rolled out a universal free and healthy lunch programme to the 25% least advantaged schools nationwide. This study explored experiences of school lunch providers in the Hawke’s Bay region. The aim was to create a systems map identifying points of intervention through which the lunch programme could be improved to meet the goal of reducing child food insecurity. Twelve lunch providers were interviewed to generate casual loop diagrams which were examined and integrated to form a single systems map. Seven themes arose during analysis: teacher support, principal support, nutrition guidelines and government support, supply chain, ingredient suppliers, student feedback and food waste. Teacher support was important for getting students to try new foods and eat the nutritious lunches. Principal support was a strong theme impacting opportunities for broader student engagement. This study employed systems science to highlight the importance of support from different stakeholders within the lunch programme to achieve the goal of reduced child food insecurity. Further work is needed to ensure the programme meets the wider goals of the government and community, and to determine the potential broader benefits of the programme.
Study of the Antioxidant Potential of UV-Treated Vegetables
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana , Prosekov Alexander
Published: October 2022

The effect of UV-A irradiation (353 nm, 365 nm, and 400 nm) on the antioxidant properties of fresh vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchinis) was investigated. This type of processing was found to increase the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in vegetables. With a UV irradiation of 360 min at a wavelength of 365 nm, the greatest increase in antioxidant activity occurred in vegetable samples vs. untreated control samples. The total content of phenolic compounds increased by 34–58% and the content of flavonoids by 26–53% for various vegetable varieties. There was an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase up to 86%, peroxidase from 38%, polyphenol oxidase up to 74% depending on the variety of vegetables) after 360 min of exposure (p < 0.05). The results of the conducted studies indicate that post-harvest ultraviolet irradiation of vegetables has the potential to control the antioxidant characteristics of vegetables; however, additional research is needed to form a complete mechanism of this effect and create a technology for vegetable processing.
ERBB1/EGFR and JAK3 Tyrosine Kinases as Potential Therapeutic Targets in High-Risk Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Uckun Fatih M. , Qazi Sanjive
Published: October 2022

Our main objective was to identify abundantly expressed tyrosine kinases in multiple myeloma (MM) as potential therapeutic targets. We first compared the transcriptomes of malignant plasma cells from newly diagnosed MM patients who were risk-categorized based on the patient-specific EMC-92/SKY-92 gene expression signature values vs. normal plasma cells from healthy volunteers using archived datasets from the HOVON65/GMMG-HD4 randomized Phase 3 study evaluating the clinical efficacy of bortezomib induction/maintenance versus classic cytotoxic drugs and thalidomide maintenance. In particular, ERBB1/EGFR was significantly overexpressed in MM cells in comparison to normal control plasma cells, and it was differentially overexpressed in MM cells from high-risk patients. Amplified expression of EGFR/ERBB1 mRNA in MM cells was positively correlated with increased expression levels of mRNAs for several DNA binding proteins and transcription factors with known upregulating activity on EGFR/ERBB1 gene expression. MM patients with the highest ERBB1/EGFR expression level had significantly shorter PFS and OS times than patients with the lowest ERBB1/EGFR expression level. High expression levels of EGFR/ERBB1 were associated with significantly increased hazard ratios for unfavorable PFS and OS outcomes in both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. The impact of high EGFR/ERBB1 expression on the PFS and OS outcomes remained significant even after accounting for the prognostic effects of other covariates. These results regarding the prognostic effect of EGFR/ERBB1 expression were validated using the MMRF-CoMMpass RNAseq dataset generated in patients treated with more recently applied drug combinations included in contemporary induction regimens. Our findings provide new insights regarding the molecular mechanism and potential clinical significance of upregulated EGFR/ERBB1 expression in MM.
Reactive Oxygen and Sulfur Species: Partners in Crime
Authors: Blackstone Neil W.
Published: October 2022

The emergence of complexity requires cooperation, yet selection typically favors defectors that do not cooperate. Such evolutionary conflict can be alleviated by a variety of mechanisms, allowing complexity to emerge. Chemiosmosis is one such mechanism. In syntrophic relationships, the chemiosmotic partner benefits simply from exporting products. Failure to do this can result in highly reduced electron carriers and detrimental amounts of reactive oxygen species. Nevertheless, the role of this mechanism in the history of life (e.g., the origin of eukaryotes from prokaryotes) seems questionable because of much lower atmospheric levels of oxygen and a largely anaerobic ocean. In this context, the role of sulfur should be considered. The last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) was a facultative aerobe. Under anaerobic conditions, LECA likely carried out various forms of anaerobic metabolism. For instance, malate dismutation, in which malate is both oxidized and reduced, allows re-oxidizing NADH. The terminal electron acceptor, fumarate, forms succinate when reduced. When oxygen is present, an excess of succinate can lead to reverse electron flow, forming high levels of reactive oxygen species. Under anaerobic conditions, reactive sulfur species may have formed. Eliminating end products may thus have had a selective advantage even under the low atmospheric oxygen levels of the Proterozoic eon.
Radiosynthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of an 18F-Labeled Triazolopyridopyrazine-Based Inhibitor for Neuroimaging of the Phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A)
Authors: Wenzel Barbara , Fritzsche Stefan R. , Toussaint Magali , Briel Detlef , Kopka Klaus , Brust Peter , Scheunemann Matthias , Deuther-Conrad Winnie
Published: October 2022

The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 2A is an intracellular enzyme which hydrolyzes the secondary messengers cAMP and cGMP and therefore plays an important role in signaling cascades. A high expression in distinct brain areas as well as in cancer cells makes PDE2A an interesting therapeutic and diagnostic target for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases as well as for cancer. Aiming at specific imaging of this enzyme in the brain with positron emission tomography (PET), a new triazolopyridopyrazine-based derivative (11) was identified as a potent PDE2A inhibitor (IC50, PDE2A = 1.99 nM; IC50, PDE10A ~2000 nM) and has been radiofluorinated for biological evaluation. In vitro autoradiographic studies revealed that [18F]11 binds with high affinity and excellent specificity towards PDE2A in the rat brain. For the PDE2A-rich region nucleus caudate and putamen an apparent KD value of 0.24 nM and an apparent Bmax value of 16 pmol/mg protein were estimated. In vivo PET-MR studies in rats showed a moderate brain uptake of [18F]11 with a highest standardized uptake value (SUV) of 0.97. However, no considerable enrichment in PDE2A-specific regions in comparison to a reference region was detectable (SUVcaudate putamen = 0.51 vs. SUVcerebellum = 0.40 at 15 min p.i.). Furthermore, metabolism studies revealed a considerable uptake of radiometabolites of [18F]11 in the brain (66% parent fraction at 30 min p.i.). Altogether, despite the low specificity and the blood–brain barrier crossing of radiometabolites observed in vivo, [18F]11 is a valuable imaging probe for the in vitro investigation of PDE2A in the brain and has potential as a lead compound for further development of a PDE2A-specific PET ligand for neuroimaging.
Lidosomes: Innovative Vesicular Systems Prepared from Lidocaine Surfadrug
Authors: Romeo Martina , Mazzotta Elisabetta , Perrotta Ida Daniela , Muzzalupo Rita
Published: October 2022

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic drug with an amphiphilic structure able to self-associate, under certain conditions, in molecular aggregates playing the role of both carrier and drug. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for obtaining vesicular carriers, called lidosomes. The new formulations were obtained using both lidocaine and lidocaine hydrochloride and different hydration medias (distilled water, acid, and basic aqueous solution). Lidosomes formulations were characterized in terms of size, ζ-potential, drug retained, stability formulation, and ex vivo permeation profile. Moreover, lidosomes were incorporated in two different gel structures: one based on carboxymethylcellulose and one based on pluronic F-127 to achieve suitable properties for a topical application. Results obtained showed that lidocaine showed a better performance to aggregate in vesicular carriers in respect to hydrochloride form. Consequently, only formulations comprised of lidocaine were studied in terms of skin permeation performance and as carriers of another model drug, capsaicin, for a potential combined therapy. Lidocaine, when in form of vesicular aggregates, acted as percutaneous permeation enhancer showing better permeation profiles with respect to drug solutions. Moreover, lidosomes created a significant drug depot into the skin from which the drug was available for a prolonged time, a suitable feature for a successful local therapy.
Cysteamine Eye Drops in Hyaluronic Acid Packaged in Innovative Single-Dose Systems: Stability and Ocular Biopermanence
Authors: Castro-Balado Ana , Bandín-Vilar Enrique , Cuartero-Martínez Andrea , García-Quintanilla Laura , Hermelo-Vidal Gonzalo , García-Otero Xurxo , Rodríguez-Martínez Lorena , Mateos Jesús , Hernández-Blanco Manuela , Aguiar Pablo , Zarra-Ferro Irene , González-Barcia Miguel , Mondelo-García Cristina , Otero-Espinar Francisco J. , Fernández-Ferreiro Anxo
Published: October 2022

Cystinosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of cystine crystals in different tissues and organs causing, among other symptoms, severe ocular manifestations. Cysteamine eye drops are prepared in hospital pharmacy departments to facilitate access to treatment, for which vehicles that provide adequate biopermanence, as well as adaptable containers that maintain its stability, are required. Difficulties related to cysteamine preparation, as well as its tendency to oxidize to cystamine, show the importance of conducting rigorous galenic characterization studies. This work aims to develop and characterize an ophthalmic compounded formulation of cysteamine prepared with hyaluronic acid and packaged in innovative single-dose systems. For this task, the effect of different storage temperatures and the presence/absence of nitrogen on the physicochemical stability of the formulation and its packaging was studied in a scaled manner, until reaching the optimal storage conditions. The results showed that 0.55% cysteamine, prepared with hyaluronic acid and packaged in single-dose containers, is stable for 30 days when stored at −20 °C. In addition, opening vials every 4 h at room temperature after 30 days of freezing maintains the stability of the cysteamine formulation for up to 16 h. Moreover, ocular biopermanence studies were conducted using molecular imaging, concluding that the biopermanence offered by the vehicle is not affected by the freezing process, where a half-life of 31.11 min for a hyaluronic acid formulation stored for 30 days at −20 °C was obtained, compared with 14.63 min for 0.9% sodium chloride eye drops.
Protein Adhesives: Investigation of Factors Affecting Wet Strength of Alkaline Treated Proteins Crosslinked with Glyoxal
Authors: Averina Elena , Konnerth Johannes , van Herwijnen Hendrikus W. G.
Published: October 2022

Proteins obtained as side-products from starch production (potato and corn proteins) were investigated for wood adhesives application. To improve the wet strength of protein-based adhesives, glyoxal was added as a crosslinking agent. The effect of glyoxal on the wet strength of protein-based adhesives was investigated at different pH, protein: glyoxal ratios and solid content. The alkaline pretreatment of proteins was carried out by two different methods which reduced the molecular weight of proteins to different extents. The effect of molecular weight reduction on the wet strength of protein-glyoxal adhesives was also observed. It was found that pH level affects wet strength more significantly compared to solid content and protein-to-crosslinker ratio. Potato and corn proteins crosslinked with glyoxal showed maximal wet strength results in an acidic pH range
The Performance of Nonwoven PLLA Scaffolds of Different Thickness for Stem Cells Seeding and Implantation
Authors: Tenchurin Timur Kh. , Rodina Alla V. , Saprykin Vladimir P. , Gorshkova Lada V. , Mikhutkin Alexey A. , Kamyshinsky Roman A. , Yakovlev Dmitry S. , Vasiliev Alexander L. , Chvalun Sergey N. , Grigoriev Timofey E.
Published: October 2022

The 3D reconstruction of 100 μm- and 600 μm-thick fibrous poly-L/L-lactide scaffolds was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and supported by scanning electron microscopy and showed that the density of the fibers on the side adjacent to the electrode is higher, which can affect cell diffusion, while the pore size is generally the same. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells cultured in a 600 μm-thick scaffold formed colonies and produced conditions for cell differentiation. An in vitro study of stem cells after 7 days revealed that cell proliferation and hepatocyte growth factor release in the 600 μm-thick scaffold were higher than in the 100 μm-thick scaffold. An in vivo study of scaffolds with and without stem cells implanted subcutaneously onto the backs of recipient mice was carried out to test their biodegradation and biocompatibility over a 0–3-week period. The cells seeded onto the 600 μm-thick scaffold promoted significant neovascularization in vivo. After 3 weeks, a significant number of donor cells persisted only on the inside of the 600 μm-thick scaffold. Thus, the use of bulkier matrices allows to prolong the effect of secretion of growth factors by stem cells during implantation. These 600 μm-thick scaffolds could potentially be utilized to repair and regenerate injuries with stem cell co-culture for vascularization of implant.
Efficient Recovery of Solid Waste Units as Substitutes for Raw Materials in Clay Bricks
Authors: Makrygiannis Ioannis , Tsetsekou Athena
Published: October 2022

The advent of new materials and technologies in building materials has changed the way of building. New lighter materials with easier application methods and improved mechanical behaviors, have become necessary for the market. Moreover, the new environmental policy (2022) aims to transform the waste management into sustainable materials management to ensure the long-term protection and improvement of the environment. For the brick and tile industry, raw materials and the additives that compose the product mixture seem to be a key factor in this direction. Furthermore, every product type (solid or perforated brick) requires different additives to achieve the properties that are postulated by the international standards. For the study, the wide range of additives that were used have been assorted into three (3) categories: the inert materials, the lightweight materials, and the industrial remains. Totally, eight (8) different materials were used as additives into ceramic mass, in different proportions each time. Almost all additives used for this research were pore-forming agents. These burn out almost completely before reaching the full-fire temperature, and do not change the fired body. As a result of additives burnt out, the necessary pore volume is formed in the fired brick body, which, if combined with an appropriate percentage of voids, result in raw density readings. The pore structure is significant as long as the ultimate strength of lightweight bricks is acceptable. In this study, additives between 3 and 25% by weight were added to the clay mixture. The extrusion of specimens in solid form was carried out using the Laboratory’s vacuum press. Firstly, the extrusion of specimens from the original raw material was implemented. Secondly, it was made on the material mixed with the additives mentioned above. A series of experimental activities were followed to determine the variations of the mechanical and physical properties as well as their production procedures (extrusion, drying, and firing). According to five (5) key properties measured in the current study and compared with the mixture without additives, it was found that the variation in thermal conductivity improvement is between -11% and 19%. The bending strength of the fired products showed a decrease from 16% to 55% except for the addition of bauxite residue, which increased the strength by 8%. Bigot drying sensitivity decreased from 11% to 27%. The density in two cases increased from 2% to 7% while in the majority the mixtures with the additives showed a decrease in density from 1% to 14%. Finally, the addition of the necessary water for shaping during extrusion showed a variation from a 10% decreased to a 14% increased water.
Kisspeptin Is Upregulated at the Maternal-Fetal Interface of the Preeclamptic-like BPH/5 Mouse and Normalized after Synchronization of Sex Steroid Hormones
Authors: Gomes Viviane C. L. , Woods Ashley K. , Crissman Kassandra R. , Landry Camille A. , Beckers Kalie F. , Gilbert Bryce M. , Ferro Lucas R. , Liu Chin-Chi , Oberhaus Erin L. , Sones Jenny L.
Published: October 2022

Insufficient invasion of conceptus-derived trophoblast cells in the maternal decidua is a key event in the development of early-onset preeclampsia (PE), a subtype of PE associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Kisspeptins, a family of peptides previously shown to inhibit trophoblast cell invasion, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of early-onset PE. However, a role of kisspeptin signaling during the genesis of this syndrome has not been elucidated. Herein, we used the preeclamptic-like BPH/5 mouse model to investigate kisspeptin expression and potential upstream regulatory mechanisms in a PE-like syndrome. Expression of the kisspeptin encoding gene, Kiss1, and the 10-amino-acid kisspeptide (Kp-10), are upregulated in the non-pregnant uterus of BPH/5 females during diestrus and in the maternal-fetal interface during embryonic implantation and decidualization. Correspondingly, the dysregulation of molecular pathways downstream to kisspeptins also occurs in this mouse model. BPH/5 females have abnormal sex steroid hormone profiles during early gestation. In this study, the normalization of circulating concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in pregnant BPH/5 females not only mitigated Kiss1 upregulation, but also rescued the expression of multiple molecules downstream to kisspeptin and ameliorated adverse fetoplacental outcomes. Those findings suggest that uterine Kiss1 upregulation occurs pre-pregnancy and persists during early gestation in a PE-like mouse model. Moreover, this study highlights the role of sex steroid hormones in uteroplacental Kiss1 dysregulation and the improvement of placentation by normalization of E2, P4 and Kiss1.
A Multimodal Differential Evolution Algorithm in Initial Orbit Determination for a Space-Based Too Short Arc
Authors: Xie Hui , Sun Shengli , Xue Tianru , Xu Wenjun , Liu Huikai , Lei Linjian , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2022

Under the too short arc scenario, the evolutionary-based algorithm has more potential than traditional methods in initial orbit determination. However, the underlying multimodal phenomenon in initial orbit determination is ignored by current works. In this paper, we propose a new enhanced differential evolution (DE) algorithm with multimodal property to study the angle-only IOD problem. Specifically, a coarse-to-fine convergence detector is implemented, based on the Boltzmann Entropy, to determine the evolutionary phase of the population, which lays the basis of the balance between the exploration and exploitation ability. A two-layer niching technique clusters the individuals to form promising niches after each convergence detected. The candidate optima from resulting niches are saved as supporting individuals into an external archive for diversifying the population, and a local search within the archive is performed to refine the solutions. In terms of performance validation, the proposed multimodal differential evolution algorithm is evaluated on the CEC2013 multimodal benchmark problems, and it achieved competitive results compared to 11 state-of-the-art algorithms, which present its capability of multimodal optimization. Moreover, several IOD experiments and analyses are carried out on three simulated scenarios of space-based observation. The findings show that, compared to traditional IOD approaches and EA-based IOD algorithms, the proposed algorithm is more successful at finding plausible solutions while improving IOD accuracy.
Local-Scale Horizontal CO2 Flux Estimation Incorporating Differential Absorption Lidar and Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar
Authors: Yue Bin , Yu Saifen , Li Manyi , Wei Tianwen , Yuan Jinlong , Zhang Zhen , Dong Jingjing , Jiang Yue , Yang Yuanjian , Gao Zhiqiu , Xia Haiyun
Published: October 2022

A micro-pulse lidar system incorporating differential absorption lidar (DIAL) and coherent Doppler wind lidar (CDWL) is proposed and demonstrated. Due to the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD), the DIAL channel achieves high sensitivity in CO2 measurement. Meanwhile, the CDWL channel is used to obtain the horizontal wind field. In the process of the optimization and calibration of the DIAL receiver, specifically, mode scrambling and temperature control of the connecting fiber between the telescope and the SNSPD enhance the stability and robustness of the system. Horizontal scanning of the CO2 concentration and the wind field is carried out in a 6 km range over a scanning span of 60° with a radial resolution of 150 m and 15 s. The results show that the hybrid lidar system captures the spatial distribution of CO2 concentration and the wind field simultaneously. The horizontal net CO2 flux in a radius of 6 km is estimated by integrating the CO2 concentration and the wind transport vector, indicating different characteristics of horizontal net CO2 fluxes in an industrial area, a university campus, and a park. During most of the experiment, CO2 flux remained positive in the industrial area, but balances fell to nearly zero on the campus and in the park. The horizontal net fluxes averaged over 24 h in the three areas are 3.5 × 105 ppm·m2·s−1, 0.7 × 105 ppm·m2·s−1, and 0.1 × 105 ppm·m2·s−1.
Spatially Continuous Mapping of Forest Canopy Height in Canada by Combining GEDI and ICESat-2 with PALSAR and Sentinel
Authors: Sothe Camile , Gonsamo Alemu , Lourenço Ricardo B. , Kurz Werner A. , Snider James
Published: October 2022

Continuous large-scale mapping of forest canopy height is crucial for estimating and reporting forest carbon content, analyzing forest degradation and restoration, or to model ecosystem variables such as aboveground biomass. Over the last years, the spaceborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor specifically designed to acquire forest structure information, Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), has been used to extract forest canopy height information over large areas. Yet, GEDI has no spatial coverage for most forested areas in Canada and other high latitude regions. On the other hand, the spaceborne LiDAR called Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) provides a global coverage but was not specially developed to study forested ecosystems. Nonetheless, both spaceborne LiDAR sensors obtain point-based information, making spatially continuous forest canopy height estimation very challenging. This study compared the performance of both spaceborne LiDAR, GEDI and ICESat-2, combined with ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 and Sentinel-1 and -2 data to produce continuous canopy height maps in Canada for the year 2020. A set-aside dataset and airborne LiDAR (ALS) from a national LiDAR campaign were used for accuracy assessment. Both maps overestimated canopy height in relation to ALS data, but GEDI had a better performance than ICESat-2 with a mean difference (MD) of 0.9 m and 2.9 m, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.2 m and 5.2 m, respectively. However, as both GEDI and ALS have no coverage in most of the hemi-boreal forests, ICESat-2 captures the tall canopy heights expected for these forests better than GEDI. PALSAR-2 HV polarization was the most important covariate to predict canopy height, showing the great potential of L-band in comparison to C-band from Sentinel-1 or optical data from Sentinel-2. The approach proposed here can be used operationally to produce annual canopy height maps for areas that lack GEDI and ICESat-2 coverage.
SPA-GAN: SAR Parametric Autofocusing Method with Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Ding Zegang , Wang Ziwen , Wei Yangkai , Li Linghao , Ma Xinnong , Zhang Tianyi , Zeng Tao
Published: October 2022

Traditional synthetic aperture radar (SAR) autofocusing methods are based on the point-scattering model, which assumes the scattering phases of a target to be a constant. However, as for the distributed target, especially the arc-scattering target, the scattering phase changes with the observation angles, i.e., its scattering phase is time-varying. Hence, the compensated phases are a mixture of the time-varying scattering phases and the motion error phases in the traditional autofocusing methods, which causes the distributed target to be overfocused as a point target. To solve the problem, in this paper, we propose a SAR parametric autofocusing method with generative adversarial network (SPA-GAN), which establishes a parametric autofocusing framework to obtain the correct focused SAR image of the distributed targets. First, to analyze the reason for the overfocused phenomenon of the distributed target, the parametric motion error model of the fundamental distributed target, i.e., the arc-scattering target, is established. Then, through estimating the target parameters from the defocused SAR image, SPA-GAN can separate the time-varying scattering phases from the motion error phases with the proposed parametric motion error model. Finally, by adopting the traditional autofocusing method directly, SPA-GAN can obtain the correct focused image. Extensive simulations and practical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Potential Use of Low-Cost Agri-Food Waste as Biosorbents for the Removal of Cd(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sánchez-Ponce Lorena , Díaz-de-Alba Margarita , Casanueva-Marenco María José , Gestoso-Rojas Jesús , Ortega-Iguña Marta , Galindo-Riaño María Dolores , Granado-Castro María Dolores
Published: October 2022

We evaluated the potential use of agri-food waste for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions and its application in different processes (e.g., water remediation, in the production of biomass enriched in nutritionally significant elements, etc.). Biomasses from grape seed, grape pomace, loquat seed, Calabrese broccoli stem, empty pods of carob and broad bean pods, unripe bitter orange peel, kumquat, orange pulp and Canary Island banana pulp were prepared. The percentages and biosorption capacities were evaluated and compared with those refe-renced using Valencia orange peel (Citrus sinensis Valencia late). These studies allow for easily providing added value to different agri-food wastes. The results show that the proposed biomasses were able to retain the studied metal ions and obtained different percentages, being in some cases above 90%. The highest values were obtained using broad bean pod (Pb(II) (91.5%), Cd(II) (61.7%), Co(II) (40.7%) and Ni(II) (39.7%)). Similar values were observed using grape seed, broccoli stem, carob pod and unripe bitter orange peel. Carob pod for biosorption of Cd(II) is also of great interest. These studies suggest that the agri-food residues evaluated can be applied to prepare effective biosorbents of divalent metal ions from aqueous solutions.
Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Acacia Honey Adulteration with Glucose Syrup Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Benković Maja , Jurina Tamara , Longin Lucija , Grbeš Franjo , Valinger Davor , Jurinjak Tušek Ana , Gajdoš Kljusurić Jasenka
Published: October 2022

Honey adulteration with cheap sweeteners such as corn syrup or invert syrup results in honey of lesser quality that can harm the objectives of both manufacturers and consumers. Therefore, there is a growing interest for the development of a fast and simple method for adulteration detection. In this work, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was used for the detection of honey adulteration and changes in the physical and chemical properties of the prepared adulterations. Fifteen (15) acacia honey samples were adulterated with glucose syrup in a range from 10% to 90%. Raw and pre-processed NIR spectra of pure honey samples and prepared adulterations were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling. The results showed that PCA ensures distinct grouping of samples in pure honey samples, honey adulterations, and pure adulteration using NIR spectra after the Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC) method. Furthermore, PLS models developed for the prediction of the added adulterant amount, moisture content, and conductivity can be considered sufficient for screening based on RPD and RER values (1.7401 < RPD < 2.7601; 7.7128 < RER < 8.7157) (RPD of 2.7601; RER of 8.7157) and can be moderately used in practice. The R2validation of the developed ANN models was greater than 0.86 for all outputs examined. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that NIR coupled with ANN modeling can be considered an efficient tool for honey adulteration quantification.
Surface Acidification of BiOI/TiO2 Composite Enhanced Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Benzene
Authors: Zhao Ziwang , Wang Hao , Wang Chunyu , Sun Yuan , Han Hao , Kang Jian , Dong Yanchun , Wang Lei
Published: October 2022

A novel BiOI/TiO2 nano-heterojunction was prepared using hydrothermal and sol-gel methods. The composite material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallinity and response to light of BiOI/TiO2 were controlled by preparation conditions such as the optimal solvent condition and heat treatment temperature. The photocatalytic activity of the BiOI/TiO2 catalyst was examined using benzene as a test molecule. The benzene degradation rate of the composite catalyst under visible light was enhanced compared to pure TiO2, thus reaching 40% of the original benzene concentration, which increased further to >60% after surface acidification. The fluorescence spectra, light current, and electron paramagnetic resonance confirmed that the enhanced activity was attributed to carrier separation by the heterojunction. The acid sites and active chlorine of hydrochloric acidification offer a novel mechanism for photocatalytic reactions.
Adoption Potential of Sustainability-Related Agriculture Technologies for Smallholder Farmers in the Global South
Authors: Hatzenbuehler Patrick , Peña-Lévano Luis
Published: October 2022

This paper describes several sustainability-related agriculture technologies that are being used by farmers in the U.S. and Europe that could plausibly be adopted by smallholder farmers in the Global South. Their unifying attributes are that they do not require capital-intensive complementary technologies and can be used effectively by a single operator. We categorize the technologies related to “soil health and moisture” and “crop production and nutrient management”. After describing the technologies, we discuss several barriers to adoption and strategies to lessen these barriers. Lastly, we propose that there are several food and nutrition security implications of facilitating adoption of the technologies. The main takeaway message of our propositions is that adoption of the technologies would mainly affect food availability and stability, but have little direct impact on utilization. Thus, adoption-enhancing initiatives will need supplementation with other simultaneous ones that facilitate proper utilization (e.g., food safety, food preparation, and nutrition trainings) to achieved nutrition security goals.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Connectedness between Green Industries and Financial Markets in China: Evidence from Time-Frequency Domain with Portfolio Implications
Authors: Deng Jing , Lu Jingxuan , Zheng Yujie , Xing Xiaoyun , Liu Cheng , Qin Tao
Published: October 2022

To achieve sustainable economic growth, a significant amount of private capital must be invested in green industries. However, risk management in the green industry stock market has drawn much attention recently due to the uncertainty and high risk present in this market. By applying the spillover index model of Diebold and Yilmaz, the frequency-domain spillover approach developed by Baruník and Křehlík, and the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model, this paper focuses mainly on the heterogeneity of the volatility spillovers among six green industry equities and other financial assets in China, under various market economy situations. Based on the empirical results obtained in this paper, we find that the green industry stock markets have the least impact on the gold and energy futures markets. Additionally, based on asymmetric analyses, it can be concluded that the green bond market has experienced the smallest shocks from the six green industry stock markets. By utilizing frequency-domain analyses, the energy futures market experiences the least amount of volatility from green stocks. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic affects the interconnectedness of markets. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, energy futures were the most suitable portfolio instrument for green industry stocks. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, however, gold proved to be the most advantageous portfolio asset. The research findings of this paper demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on the selection of the best investment instruments for green industry stocks, which is beneficial for reducing the investment risk of green financial market participants and increasing the demand for green stock markets, while also providing practical advice for environmentally conscious investors and policymakers.
Are There Transit Deserts in Europe? A Study Focusing on Four European Cases through Publicly Available Data
Authors: Chen Yefu , Jiao Junfeng
Published: October 2022

Public transit has been proven as an affordable travel method, while the inequitable distribution is a rising concern among practitioners and researchers. A transit desert, based on the demand and supply concept in measuring the mismatch in allocating the level of public transit service, has proved its ability to be applied in cases across countries. According to this concept, this study investigated transit deserts in four cases in Europe. Results indicate that the public transit system in Grand Paris and Madrid are superior due to a smaller population living in areas where public transit cannot meet the demand. Moreover, we noticed that the spatial distributions of transit deserts were significantly different, and the public transit accessibility of green spaces in Greater London and Madrid requires attention. These findings prove the potentials of the transit desert concept in generally evaluating and comparing the performance of different regional public transit systems which can guide the public transit investments by regional/cross-national agencies.