bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological and Conceptual Progresses in Studies on the Latent Tracks in PADC
Authors: Yamauchi Tomoya , Kanasaki Masato , Barillon Rémi
Published: August 2021

Modified structure along latent tracks and track formation process have been investigated in poly (allyl diglycol carbonate), PADC, which is well recognized as a sensitive etched track detector. This knowledge is essential to develop novel detectors with improved track registration property. The track structures of protons and heavy ions (He, C, Ne, Ar, Fe, Kr and Xe) have been examined by means of FT-IR spectrometry, covering the stopping power region between 1.2 to 12,000 eV/nm. Through a set of experiments on low-LET radiations—such as gamma ray-, multi-step damage process by electron hits was confirmed in the radiation-sensitive parts of the PADC repeat-unit. From this result, we unveiled for the first-time the layered structure in tracks, in relation with the number of secondary electrons. We also proved that the etch pit was formed when at least two repeat-units were destroyed along the track radial direction. To evaluate the number of secondary electrons around the tracks, a series of numerical simulations were performed with Geant4-DNA. Therefore, we are proposing new physical criterions to describe the detection thresholds. Furthermore, we propose a present issue of the definition of detection threshold for semi-relativistic C ions. Additionally, as a possible chemical criterion, formation density of hydroxyl group is suggested to express the response of PADC.
Targeted Gold Nanohybrids Functionalized with Folate-Hydrophobic-Quaternized Pullulan Delivering Camptothecin for Enhancing Hydrophobic Anticancer Drug Efficacy
Authors: Laksee Sakchai , Supachettapun Chamaiporn , Muangsin Nongnuj , Lertsarawut Pattra , Rattanawongwiboon Thitirat , Sricharoen Phitchan , Limchoowong Nunticha , Chutimasakul Threeraphat , Kwamman Tanagorn , Hemvichian Kasinee
Published: August 2021

This study presented a green, facile and efficient approach for a new combination of targeted gold nanohybrids functionalized with folate-hydrophobic-quaternized pullulan delivering hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT-GNHs@FHQ-PUL) to enhance the efficacy, selectivity, and safety of these systems. New formulations of spherical CPT-GNHs@FHQ-PUL obtained by bio-inspired strategy were fully characterized by TEM, EDS, DLS, zeta-potential, UV-vis, XRD, and ATR-FTIR analyses, showing a homogeneous particles size with an average size of approximately 10.97 ± 2.29 nm. CPT was successfully loaded on multifunctional GNHs@FHQ-PUL via intermolecular interactions. Moreover, pH-responsive CPT release from newly formulated-CPT-GNHs@FHQ-PUL exhibited a faster release rate under acidic conditions. The intelligent CPT-GNHs@FHQ-PUL (IC50 = 6.2 μM) displayed a 2.82-time higher cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cells (Chago-k1) than CPT alone (IC50 = 2.2 μM), while simultaneously exhibiting less toxicity toward normal human lung cells (Wi-38). These systems also showed specific uptake by folate receptor-mediated endocytosis, exhibited excellent anticancer activity, induced the death of cells by increasing apoptosis pathway (13.97%), and arrested the cell cycle at the G0-G1 phase. The results of this study showed that the delivery of CPT by smart GNHs@FHQ-PUL systems proved to be a promising strategy for increasing its chemotherapeutic effects.
Between-Item Multidimensional IRT: How Far Can the Estimation Methods Go?
Authors: Garnier-Villarreal Mauricio , Merkle Edgar C. , Magnus Brooke E.
Published: August 2021

Multidimensional item response models are known to be difficult to estimate, with a variety of estimation and modeling strategies being proposed to handle the difficulties. While some previous studies have considered the performance of these estimation methods, they typically include only one or two methods, or a small number of factors. In this paper, we report on a large simulation study of between-item multidimensional IRT estimation methods, considering five different methods, a variety of sample sizes, and up to eight factors. This study provides a comprehensive picture of the methods’ relative performance, as well as each individual method’s strengths and weaknesses. The study results lead us to make recommendations for applied research, related to which estimation methods should be used under various scenarios.
Eco Valley or New Vraja Dham? Competing Emic Interpretations of the Hungarian Krishna Valley
Authors: Farkas Judit
Published: August 2021

One of the reasons for the spread of the Western Hare Krishna movement is that it offers several alternatives for the practice of religion: devotees can be full-fledged members of the church in congregations located in complex urban or in simple rural contexts. An example of the latter is Krishna Valley, where approximately 130 Krishna-devotees live austere lives. My paper presents the interpretations of this settlement concentrating on (multiple) internal (emic) views: On the one hand, I will show how the leadership of the church contextualizes and interprets Krishna Valley and how they wish the inhabitants to conceptualize it. On the other hand, I will also show what Krishna Valley means for its ordinary inhabitants and what interpretations those living there attach to it. When I was gathering material for the current paper, Krishna Valley was in flux. The settlement has always favored following a sustainable lifestyle but—due in part to the strengthening of the Hungarian eco-village movement—it was at this time that the conceptualization of Krishna Valley as an eco-village gained momentum. This was the heyday of the Eco Valley Foundation, which was to strengthen the eco-village aspect of the Valley, and in the communication of Krishna Valley the ecological aspect became paramount, drowning out all other interpretations. Not all inhabitants of the village welcomed this change and in response some began to emphasize the interpretation of Krishna Valley as a sacred place. In the current paper, I will present these two processes and the relationship between them through the lens of the interpretations of the members of the community.
Philosophy and Kabbalah. Elia Benamozegh (1823–1900), a Progressive/Traditional Thinker
Authors: Guetta Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Elia Benamozegh (born—1823 in Livorno and died—1900 in Livorno)—philosopher, biblical exegete, teacher at the Rabbinical College—was an original and fruitful thinker. At a time when the Jewish kabbalah, or esoteric tradition, was considered by the protagonists of Jewish studies as the result of an era of intellectual and religious decadence, Benamozegh indicated it to be the authentic theology of Judaism. In numerous works of varying nature, in Italian, French and Hebrew, the kabbalah is studied by comparing it with the thought of Spinoza and with German idealism (Hegel in particular), and, at a later stage, also with positivism and evolutionism. Benamozegh formulated a pluralistic religious philosophy open to progress by constantly referring to the first phase of Vico’s historicist philosophy and above all to the work of Vincenzo Gioberti. We can read this philosophy as an original and consistent response to the challenges of Modern, secularized thought.
Automated Rain Detection by Dual-Polarization Sentinel-1 Data
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Longépé Nicolas , Mouche Alexis , Husson Romain
Published: August 2021

Rain Signatures on C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images acquired over ocean are common and can dominate the backscattered signal from the ocean surface. In many cases, the inability to decipher between ocean and rain signatures can disturb the analysis of SAR scenes for maritime applications. This study relies on Sentinel-1 SAR acquisitions in the Interferometric Wide swath mode and high-resolution measurements from ground-based weather radar to document the rain impact on the radar backscattered signal in both co- and cross-polarization channels. The dark and bright rain signatures are found in connection with the timeliness of the rain cells. In particular, the bright patches are demonstrated by the hydrometeors (graupels, hails) in the melting layer. In general, the radar backscatter under rain increases with rain rate for a given sea state and decreases when the sea state strengthens. The rain also has a stronger impact on the radar signal in both polarizations when the incidence angle increases. The complementary sensitivity of the SAR signal of rain in both channels is then used to derive a filter to locate the areas in SAR scenes where the signal is not dominated by rain. The filter optimized to match the rain observed by the ground-based weather radar is more efficient when both polarization channels are considered. Case studies are presented to discuss the advantages and limitations of such a filtering approach.
Automated Specification-Based Testing of REST APIs
Authors: Baniaș Ovidiu , Florea Diana , Gyalai Robert , Curiac Daniel-Ioan
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, REpresentational State Transfer Application Programming Interfaces (REST APIs) are widely used in web applications, hence a plethora of test cases are developed to validate the APIs calls. We propose a solution that automates the generation of test cases for REST APIs based on their specifications. In our approach, apart from the automatic generation of test cases, we provide an option for the user to influence the test case generation process. By adding user interaction, we aim to augment the automatic generation of APIs test cases with human testing expertise and specific context. We use the latest version of OpenAPI 3.x and a wide range of coverage metrics to analyze the functionality and performance of the generated test cases, and non-functional metrics to analyze the performance of the APIs. The experiments proved the effectiveness and practicability of our method.
Designing Low-Cost Capacitive-Based Soil Moisture Sensor and Smart Monitoring Unit Operated by Solar Cells for Greenhouse Irrigation Management
Authors: Okasha Abdelaziz M. , Ibrahim Hasnaa G. , Elmetwalli Adel H. , Khedher Khaled Mohamed , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Elsayed Salah
Published: August 2021

Precise and quick estimates of soil moisture content for the purpose of irrigation scheduling are fundamentally important. They can be accomplished through the continuous monitoring of moisture content in the root zone area, which can be accomplished through automatic soil moisture sensors. Commercial soil moisture sensors are still expensive to be used by famers, particularly in developing countries, such as Egypt. This research aimed to design and calibrate a locally manufactured low-cost soil moisture sensor attached to a smart monitoring unit operated by Solar Photo Voltaic Cells (SPVC). The designed sensor was evaluated on clay textured soils in both lab and controlled greenhouse environments. The calibration results demonstrated a strong correlation between sensor readings and soil volumetric water content (θV). Higher soil moisture content was associated with decreased sensor output voltage with an average determination coefficient (R2) of 0.967 and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.014. A sensor-to-sensor variability test was performed yielding a 0.045 coefficient of variation. The results obtained from the real conditions demonstrated that the monitoring system for real-time sensing of soil moisture and environmental conditions inside the greenhouse could be a robust, accurate, and cost-effective tool for irrigation management.
Fault-Tolerant Control of Magnetically-Levitated Rotor with Redundant Structures Based on Improved Generalized Linearized EMFs Model
Authors: Cheng Baixin , Cheng Xin , Song Shao , Deng Shuai , Zhou Rougang , Hu Yefa , Wu Huachun
Published: August 2021

Fault tolerance is one of the effective methods to improve the reliability of magnetic bearings, and the redundant magnetic bearing provides a feasible measure for fault-tolerant control. The linearization and accuracy of the electromagnetic force (EMF) from the redundant structures is crucial for designing fault-tolerant controllers. In the magnetic bearing with a redundant structure, the current distribution matrix W is an important factor that affects the accuracy of EMF. In this paper, we improved the accuracy of the EMF model and took the eight-pole symmetrical radial magnetic bearing as the research object. The corresponding displacement compensation matrices have been calculated for the different coils that fail in the magnetic bearing while the rotor is at the non-equilibrium position. Then, we propose a fault-tolerant control strategy that includes displacement compensation. The rigid body dynamics model of the rotor, supported by magnetic bearings with redundant structures, is established. Moreover, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, we combined the rigid body dynamics model of the rotor with a fault-tolerant control strategy, and the corresponding simulation has been carried out. In the case of disturbance force and some coils fail in magnetic bearing and compared with the fault-tolerant control that absents the displacement compensation factors. The simulations demonstrate the disturbance rejection of magnetically levitated rotor system can be enhanced. The robustness of the rotor has been improved with the fault-tolerant control strategy proposed in this paper.
Landmark-Assisted Compensation of User’s Body Shadowing on RSSI for Improved Indoor Localisation with Chest-Mounted Wearable Device
Authors: Mamun Md Abdulla Al , Anaya David Vera , Wu Fan , Yuce Mehmet Rasit
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, location awareness becomes the key to numerous Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Among the various methods for indoor localisation, received signal strength indicator (RSSI)-based fingerprinting attracts massive attention. However, the RSSI fingerprinting method is susceptible to lower accuracies because of the disturbance triggered by various factors from the indoors that influence the link quality of radio signals. Localisation using body-mounted wearable devices introduces an additional source of error when calculating the RSSI, leading to the deterioration of localisation performance. The broad aim of this study is to mitigate the user’s body shadowing effect on RSSI to improve localisation accuracy. Firstly, this study examines the effect of the user’s body on RSSI. Then, an angle estimation method is proposed by leveraging the concept of landmark. For precise identification of landmarks, an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-aided decision tree-based motion mode classifier is implemented. After that, a compensation model is proposed to correct the RSSI. Finally, the unknown location is estimated using the nearest neighbour method. Results demonstrated that the proposed system can significantly improve the localisation accuracy, where a median localisation accuracy of 1.46 m is achieved after compensating the body effect, which is 2.68 m before the compensation using the classical K-nearest neighbour method. Moreover, the proposed system noticeably outperformed others when comparing its performance with two other related works. The median accuracy is further improved to 0.74 m by applying a proposed weighted K-nearest neighbour algorithm.
Designing a Simple Fiducial Marker for Localization in Spatial Scenes Using Neural Networks
Authors: Košťák Milan , Slabý Antonín
Published: August 2021

The paper describes the process of designing a simple fiducial marker. The marker is meant for use in augmented reality applications. Unlike other systems, it does not encode any information, but it can be used for obtaining the position, rotation, relative size, and projective transformation. Also, the system works well with motion blur and is resistant to the marker’s imperfections, which could theoretically be drawn only by hand. Previous systems put constraints on colors that need to be used to form the marker. The proposed system works with any saturated color, leading to better blending with the surrounding environment. The marker’s final shape is a rectangular area of a solid color with three lines of a different color going from the center to three corners of the rectangle. Precise detection can be achieved using neural networks, given that the training set is very varied and well designed. A detailed literature review was performed, and no such system was found. Therefore, the proposed design is novel for localization in the spatial scene. The testing proved that the system works well both indoor and outdoor, and the detections are precise.
Multiple Dimensions of Gender (Dis)Parity: A County-Scale Analysis of Occupational Attainment in the USA, 2019
Authors: Sharma Madhuri
Published: August 2021

Gender economic parity comprises an integral part of the United Nation’s 17 goals toward attaining sustainable development. Women have historically been confined to feminine occupations associated with lower pay, which have negatively impacted their economic wellbeing. This paper examines gendered dimensions of occupational (dis)parity across US counties and their association with educational attainment. Drawing on five years’ American Community Survey estimates (2015–2019) data from the National Historical Geographic Information System, I conduct descriptive statistical analysis of occupation-based location quotients and education, followed by an in-depth share analysis of 26 gender-based sub-categories of occupations. The correlation analysis provides insights into the multiple dimensions of gendered inequalities. Women’s largest engagements still include sales/office (28.66%), service (21.15%), and education/legal/community-service/arts/media (15.03%)—accounting toward 65% of all employed women in the US. Women majoring in science/engineering and related disciplines are still the lowest, which manifests into their alarmingly lower representations in science/engineering and related occupations. This suggests strategic policy interventions to advance women in STEM education. This analysis, however, also suggests occupational parity for women with a master’s education and above who share almost similar types of relationships with major categories of occupations, even though the coefficients are more favorable for males in managerial jobs.
Experimental Study on the Sustainability Assessment of AWJ Machining of Ti-6Al-4V Using Glass Beads Abrasive Particles
Authors: E. Karkalos Nikolaos , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Kudelski Rafał , Markopoulos Angelos P.
Published: August 2021

Abrasive Waterjet Machining (AWJM) is considered a viable alternative to conventional machining processes, due to its capability of rendering even complex features on parts with high productivity. However, it is currently also important for manufacturing processes to comply with the various aspects of sustainability, by putting emphasis on the environmental dimension apart from the economic. Although AWJM generally is considered an inherently environmentally friendly process, it is required that thorough experimental studies be carried out to evaluate the sustainability of AWJM under various conditions. In the present work, AWJM experiments under various conditions were conducted on a Ti-6Al-4V workpiece in order to determine the optimal conditions leading to a high degree of sustainability in this process based on several indicators. The experiments were carried out using glass beads, which act as an eco-friendly abrasive. After the basic outcome of the experiment was analyzed to determine the correlations between process parameters and depth of penetration, kerf width, and kerf taper angle, sustainability analysis with the aid of Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was conducted. The optimum solution provided a sufficiently high score regarding both the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
Housing Markets and Resource Sector Fluctuations: A Cross-Border Comparative Analysis
Authors: Connell-Variy Theodore , Berggren Björn , McGough Tony
Published: August 2021

Recent research has sought to better understand resource and housing market cycles longitudinally and define clear phases in order to understand interactions between the two over time. This is a necessary step forward in housing market knowledge for this under researched area, particularly in an economically unique context. This paper expands knowledge by undertaking a comparative study of town housing markets in Queensland’s coal mining Bowen Basin and Sweden’s northern municipalities—specifically Gallivare and Kiruna—where a long history of iron ore mining exists. This paper analyses these housing markets using longitudinal data spanning two decades, which includes two resources cycles in two geographically disparate locations. The results indicate that the housing market in Queensland, Australia, is far more volatile than the housing market in the Swedish municipalities. The regional housing market in Sweden’s municipalities tend to be less dependent on resource price and output from mines than their Australian counterparts. Part of the explanation for this is that the Swedish towns examined are less of the traditional mining town known from previous studies, and more a town with mining. Developing and improving understanding of markets over the duration of a cycle is important. Particular value is apparent in the comparison and contrasting of two separate resource regions encompassing resource reliant communities in two different countries. Importantly, the linkage of research regions through resource relationships leads to groundbreaking research which will have practical benefit to multiple economies, housing markets and for policy-makers alike.
Community Detection for Air Traffic Networks and Its Application in Strategic Flight Planning
Authors: Zaoli Silvia , Scaini Giovanni , Castelli Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

An environmentally and economically sustainable air traffic management system must rely on fast models to assess and compare various alternatives and decisions at the different flight planning levels. Due to the numerous interactions between flights, mathematical models to manage the traffic can be computationally time-consuming when considering a large number of flights to be optimised at the same time. Focusing on demand–capacity imbalances, this paper proposes an approach that permits to quickly obtain an approximate but acceptable solution of this problem. The approach consists in partitioning flights into subgroups that influence each other only weakly, solving the problem independently in each subgroup, and then aggregating the solutions. The core of the approach is a method to build a network representing the interactions among flights, and several options for the definition of an interaction are tested. The network is then partitioned with existing community detection algorithms. The results show that applying a strategic flight planning optimisation algorithm on each subgroup independently reduces significantly the computational time with respect to its application on the entire European air traffic network, at the cost of few and small violations of sector capacity constraints, much smaller than those actually observed on the day of operations.
Modelling the Economic, Social and Environmental Components of Natural Resources for Sustainable Management
Authors: Riccioli Francesco , Cozzi Mario
Published: August 2021

The recognition of the multifunctional role of natural areas has resulted in a growing interest in sustainable natural resource management, in order to prevent degradation and depletion, ensuring income-generation activities, sustaining culture and employment, and increasing environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration, hydrogeological protection, biodiversity enhancement, and many others [...]
Collective Driving to Mitigate Climate Change: Collective-Adaptive Cruise Control
Authors: Vasebi Saeed , Hayeri Yeganeh M.
Published: August 2021

The transportation sector is the largest producer of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. Energy-optimal algorithms are proposed to reduce the transportation sector’s fuel consumption and emissions. These algorithms optimize vehicles’ speed to lower energy consumption and emissions. However, recent studies argued that these algorithms could negatively impact traffic flow, create traffic congestions, and increase fuel consumption on the network-level. To overcome this problem, we propose a collective-energy-optimal adaptive cruise control (collective-ACC). Collective-ACC reduces fuel consumption and emissions by directly optimizing vehicles’ trajectories and indirectly by improving traffic flow. Collective-ACC is a bi-objective non-linear integer optimization. This optimization was solved by the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). Collective-ACC was compared with manual driving and self-centered adaptive cruise control (i.e., conventional energy-optimal adaptive cruise controls (self-centered-ACC)) in a traffic simulation. We found that collective-ACC reduced fuel consumption by up to 49% and 42% compared with manual driving and self-centered-ACC, respectively. Collective-ACC also lowered CO2, CO, NOX, and PMX by up to 54%, 70%, 58%, and 64% from manual driving, respectively. Game theory analyses were conducted to investigate how adopting collective-ACC could impact automakers, consumers, and government agencies. We propose policy and business recommendations to accelerate adopting collective-ACC and maximize its environmental benefits.
A Novel Closed-Loop Control Method for Li-Ion Batteries Connected in Series Power Supply Based on the Time Sequences Recalculation Algorithm
Authors: Tan Qiang , Gao Yinghui , Liu Kun , Xu Xuzhe , Sun Yaohong , Yan Ping
Published: August 2021

The charging time of Li-ion batteries connected in series (LBCSs) power supply is the main concern in an electromagnetic propulsion system. However, the capacity loss of a Li-ion battery is inevitable due to the repetitive operation of LBCSs power supply, which leads to the decrease in the average current. Thus, the voltages of symmetrically distributed pulse capacitors of LBCSs power supply will not reach the setting value in the specified time. This paper proposes a novel closed-loop control method to solve the problem. By collecting the pulse capacitor voltage and the circuit current, the time sequences of Li-ion batteries are recalculated in real time in a closed-loop to increase the average current. The time-domain model of the circuit topology of the LBCSs power supply and an innovative closed-loop control method based on the time sequences recalculation algorithm are described first. Then, the circuit model is built in PSIM for simulation analyses. Finally, a series of experiments are conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the method on the megawatt LBCSs power supply platform. Both the simulation and experimental results validate that the proposed method not only shortens the charging time, but also increases the average current. In practical experiments, the charging time is shortened by 4.5% and the average current is increased by 4.8% using the proposed method at the capacity loss of 50 V.
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4Ba Insecticidal ToxinExploits Leu615 in Its C-Terminal Domain to Interact with a Target Receptor—Aedes aegypti Membrane-Bound Alkaline Phosphatase
Authors: Thammasittirong Anon , Thammasittirong Sutticha Na-Ranong , Imtong Chompounoot , Charoenjotivadhanakul Sathapat , Sakdee Somsri , Li Hui-Chun , Okonogi Siriporn , Angsuthanasombat Chanan
Published: August 2021

In addition to the receptor-binding domain (DII), the C-terminal domain (DIII) of three-domain Cry insecticidal δ-endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis has been implicated in target insect specificity, yet its precise mechanistic role remains unclear. Here, the 21 kDa high-purity isolated DIII fragment derived from the Cry4Ba mosquito-specific toxin was achieved via optimized preparative FPLC, allowing direct rendering analyses for binding characteristics toward its target receptor—Aedes aegypti membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase (Aa-mALP). Binding analysis via dotblotting revealed that the Cry4Ba-DIII truncate was capable of specific binding to nitrocellulose-bound Aa-mALP, with a binding signal comparable to its 65 kDa Cry4Ba-R203Q full-length toxin. Further determination of binding affinity via sandwich ELISA revealed that Cry4Ba-DIII exhibited a rather weak binding to Aa-mALP with a dissociation constant (Kd) of ≈1.1 × 10−7 M as compared with the full-length toxin. Intermolecular docking between the Cry4Ba-R203Q active toxin and Aa-mALP suggested that four Cry4Ba-DIII residues, i.e., Glu522, Asn552, Asn576, and Leu615, are potentially involved in such toxin–receptor interactions. Ala substitutions of each residue (E522A, N552A, N576A and L615A) revealed that only the L615A mutant displayed a drastic decrease in biotoxicity against A. aegypti larvae. Additional binding analysis revealed that the L615A-impaired toxin also exhibited a reduction in binding capability to the surface-immobilized Aa-mALP receptor, while two bio-inactive DII-mutant toxins, Y332A and F364A, which almost entirely lost their biotoxicity, apparently retained a higher degree of binding activity. Altogether, our data disclose a functional importance of the C-terminal domain of Cry4Ba for serving as a potential receptor-binding moiety in which DIII-Leu615 could conceivably be exploited for the binding to Aa-mALP, highlighting its contribution to toxin interactions with such a target receptor in mediating larval toxicity.
Phosphoproteomics Identifies Significant Biomarkers Associated with the Proliferation and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Xu Rongfang , Chen Yan , Wang Zijun , Zhang Changxin , Dong Xiaoping , Yan Yujie , Wang Ying , Zeng Yong , Chen Ping
Published: August 2021

The spider peptide toxins HNTX-III and JZTX-I are a specific inhibitor and activator of TTX-S VGSCs, respectively. They play important roles in regulating MAT-LyLu cell metastasis in prostate cancer. In order to identify key biomarkers involved in the regulation of MAT-LyLu cell metastasis, iTRAQ-based quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis was performed on cells treated with HNTX-III, JZTX-I and blank. A total of 554 unique phosphorylated proteins and 1779 distinct phosphorylated proteins were identified, while 55 and 36 phosphorylated proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins in HNTX-III and JZTX-I treated groups compared with control groups. Multiple bioinformatics analysis based on quantitative phosphoproteomics data suggested that the differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins and peptides were significantly associated with the migration and invasion of prostate tumors. Specifically, the toxins HNTX-III and JZTX-I have opposite effects on tumor formation and metastasis by regulating the expression and phosphorylation level of causal proteins. Herein, we highlighted three key proteins EEF2, U2AF2 and FLNC which were down-regulated in HNTX-III treated cells and up-regulated in JZTX-I treated cells. They played significant roles in cancer related physiological and pathological processes. The differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins identified in this study may serve as potential biomarkers for precision medicine for prostate cancer in the near future.
DL-Selenomethionine Alleviates Oxidative Stress Induced by Zearalenone via Nrf2/Keap1 Signaling Pathway in IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Sun Haoyang , Zhang Meiling , Li Jianping , Shan Anshan
Published: August 2021

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a kind of nonsteroidal mycotoxin that is considered a risk affecting the safety of human food and livestock feed that causes oxidative damages in mammalian cells. Selenomethionine (SeMet) was indicated to have antioxidant activity and received great interest in investigating the role of SeMet as a therapeutic agent in oxidation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the hormetic role of DL-SeMet in porcine intestinal epithelial J2 (IPEC-J2) cells against ZEN-induced oxidative stress injury. As a result of this experiment, 30 μg/mL of ZEN was observed with significantly statistical effects in cell viability. Following the dose-dependent manner, 20 μg/mL was chosen for the subsequent experiments. Then, further results in the current study showed that the ZENinduced oxidative stress with subsequent suppression of the expression of antioxidant stress pathway-related genes species. Moreover, SeMet reversed the oxidative damage and cell death of ZEN toxins to some extent, by a Nrf2/Keap1-ARE pathway. The finding of this experiment provided a foundation for further research on the ZEN-caused cell oxidative damage and the cure technology.
The Effect of HBV/HCV in Response to HAART in HIV Patients after 12 Months in Kumba Health District in the South West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Ndifontiayong Adamu Ndongho , Ali Innocent Mbulli , Sokoudjou Jean Baptiste , Ndimumeh Jerimiah Mbogwe , Tume Christopher Bonglavnyuy
Published: August 2021

Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are two among the numerous forms of infections whose clinical degeneration, morbidity–mortality and low immune responsiveness in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are highly evident. Co-infection of HIV with HBV and HCV has been associated with reduced survival, increased risk of progression to liver diseases and increased risk of hepatotoxicity associated with antiretroviral therapy (ARV). We carried out biochemical, immunological, virological and clinical analysis of hepatitis B and C positive HIV patients as well as some HIV positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in Kumba Health District to evaluate the immune response to the ARV therapy and identified risk factors associated with the treatment outcomes. A total of 52 HIV patients, 36 HIV/HBV and 12 HIV/HCV patients were involved in this study. We performed CD4 counts, viral load test, analyzed ALAT/ASAT, albumin, bilirubin, and creatinine and measured the weights of HIV patients, HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV enrolled for not more than one year in Kumba Health District. The results were analyzed to evaluate the immune response and possible risk factors associated with the treatment outcomes. The mean increase in weight in participants of all groups over 12 months (17.12 kg) was greater than the mean increase in CD4 (8.92 cell/mm3). However, the mean decrease in viral loads over a 12 months was also very high (1035.17 copies/mL). There was a significant change in the mean values from baseline for all the three variables (p < 0.0001). HIV disease outcomes following HAART (high active antiretroviral therapy) do not appear to be adversely affected by HBV or HCV co-infection, except for slightly poorer CD4 count responses in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Concerning the renal and liver functions, all the biomarkers witnessed a decrease in patients of all groups in response to HAART over time, with a more rapid decrease in mono-infected patients as compared with those co-infected with HBV but the case was contrary for those co-infected with HCV. Co-infection with HBV or HCV was relatively common among HIV infected participants in Kumba Health District. There were differences in response to HAART between the mono-infected compared with the co-infected, taking into consideration the weight, CD4 count, and viral load. In addition, there was also a variation in the different biomarkers of liver and renal function between mono-infected and co-infected patients.
Essential Quantum Einstein Gravity
Authors: Baldazzi Alessio , Falls Kevin
Published: August 2021

The non-perturbative renormalisation of quantum gravity is investigated allowing for the metric to be reparameterised along the RG flow, such that only the essential couplings constants are renormalised. This allows us to identify a universality class of quantum gravity which is guaranteed to be unitary, since the physical degrees of freedom are those of general relativity without matter and with a vanishing cosmological constant. Considering all diffeomorphism invariant operators with up to four derivatives, only Newton’s constant is essential at the Gaussian infrared fixed point associated to the linearised Einstein–Hilbert action. The other inessential couplings can then be fixed to the values they take at the Gaussian fixed point along the RG flow within this universality class. In the ultraviolet, the corresponding beta function for Newton’s constant vanishes at the interacting Reuter fixed point. The properties of the Reuter fixed point are stable between the Einstein–Hilbert approximation and the approximation including all diffeomorphism invariant four derivative terms in the flow equation. Our results suggest that Newton’s constant is the only relevant essential coupling at the Reuter fixed point. Therefore, we conjecture that quantum Einstein gravity, the ultraviolet completion of Einstein’s theory of general relativity in the asymptotic safety scenario, has no free parameters in the absence of matter and in particular predicts a vanishing cosmological constant.
A Genome-Wide CRISPR/Cas9 Screen Reveals the Requirement of Host Sphingomyelin Synthase 1 for Infection with Pseudorabies Virus Mutant gD–Pass
Authors: Hölper Julia E. , Grey Finn , Baillie John Kenneth , Regan Tim , Parkinson Nicholas J. , Höper Dirk , Thamamongood Thiprampai , Schwemmle Martin , Pannhorst Katrin , Wendt Lisa , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Klupp Barbara G.
Published: August 2021

Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses, which encode up to 300 different proteins including enzymes enabling efficient replication. Nevertheless, they depend on a multitude of host cell proteins for successful propagation. To uncover cellular host factors important for replication of pseudorabies virus (PrV), an alphaherpesvirus of swine, we performed an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 forward screen. To this end, a porcine CRISPR-knockout sgRNA library (SsCRISPRko.v1) targeting 20,598 genes was generated and used to transduce porcine kidney cells. Cells were then infected with either wildtype PrV (PrV-Ka) or a PrV mutant (PrV-gD–Pass) lacking the receptor-binding protein gD, which regained infectivity after serial passaging in cell culture. While no cells survived infection with PrV-Ka, resistant cell colonies were observed after infection with PrV-gD–Pass. In these cells, sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1) was identified as the top hit candidate. Infection efficiency was reduced by up to 90% for PrV-gD–Pass in rabbit RK13-sgms1KO cells compared to wildtype cells accompanied by lower viral progeny titers. Exogenous expression of SMS1 partly reverted the entry defect of PrV-gD–Pass. In contrast, infectivity of PrV-Ka was reduced by 50% on the knockout cells, which could not be restored by exogenous expression of SMS1. These data suggest that SMS1 plays a pivotal role for PrV infection, when the gD-mediated entry pathway is blocked.
Comparison and Evaluation of Real-Time Taqman PCR for Detection and Quantification of Ebolavirus
Authors: Huang Yi , Xiao Shuqi , Yuan Zhiming
Published: August 2021

Given that ebolavirus causes severe and frequently lethal disease, its rapid and accurate detection using available and validated methods is essential for controlling infection. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) has proven to be an invaluable tool for ebolaviruses diagnostics. Many assays with different targets have been developed, but they have not been externally compared or validated, and limits of detection are not uniformly reported. Here we compared and evaluated the sensitivity, reproducibility and specificity of 23 in-house assays under the same conditions. Our results showed that these assays were highly gene- and species- specific when evaluated using in vitro RNA transcripts and viral RNA, and the potential limits of detection were uniformly reported ranging from 102 to 106 in vitro synthesized RNA transcripts copies perμL and 1–100 TCID50/mL. The comparison of these assays indicated that those targeting the more conservative NP gene could be the better option for EVD case definition and quantitative measurement because of its higher sensitivity for the same species. Our analysis could contribute to the standardization of ebolavirus detection and quantification assays, which can offer a better understanding of the meaning of results across laboratories and time points, as well as make them easy to implement, especially under outbreak conditions.
Anti-CD47 Monoclonal Antibody–Drug Conjugate: A Targeted Therapy to Treat Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Si Yingnan , Zhang Ya , Guan Jia-Shiung , Ngo Hanh Giai , Totoro Angela , Singh Ajeet Pal , Chen Kai , Xu Yuanxin , Yang Eddy S. , Zhou Lufang , Liu Runhua , Liu Xiaoguang (Margaret)
Published: August 2021

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are frequently recurrent due to the development of drug resistance post chemotherapy. Both the existing literature and our study found that surface receptor CD47 (cluster of differentiation 47) was upregulated in chemotherapy-treated TNBC cells. The goal of this study was to develop a monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based targeting strategy to treat TNBC after standard treatment. Specifically, a new mAb that targets the extracellular domain of receptor CD47 was developed using hybridoma technology and produced in fed-batch culture. Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and in vivo imaging system (IVIS) showed that the anti-CD47 mAb effectively targeted human and mouse TNBC cells and xenograft models with high specificity. The antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) carrying mertansine was constructed and demonstrated higher potency with reduced IC50 in TNBC cells than did the free drug and significantly inhibited tumor growth post gemcitabine treatment in MDA-MB-231 xenograft NSG model. Finally, whole blood analysis indicated that the anti-CD47 mAb had no general immune toxicity, flow cytometry analysis of lymph nodes revealed an increase of CD69+ NK, CD11c+ DC, and CD4+ T cells, and IHC staining showed tumoral infiltration of macrophage in the 4T1 xenograft BALB/cJ model. This study demonstrated that targeting CD47 with ADC has great potential to treat TNBCs as a targeted therapy.
The Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines in Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplantation Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hou Yi-Chou , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Kuo Ko-Lin
Published: August 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic has posed a huge threat to global health because of its rapid spread and various mutant variants. Critical illness occurs in the elderly and vulnerable individuals, such as those with chronic kidney disease. The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD)and even kidney transplantation (KT) because of the chronic use of immunosuppressive agents. To develop adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2, vaccination against the spike protein is important. Current phase III trials of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have not focused on a specific group of individuals, such as patients with CKD or those undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation. Chronic use of immunosuppressive agents might disturb the immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. On the basis of limited evidence, the immune compromised status of CKD patients might decrease neutralizing antibody development after a single dose of a specific vaccine. Boosting dosage more than the protocol might increase the titer of the neutralizing antibody in CKD patients. Further evidence is needed to understand the factors disturbing the immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and CKD patients should receive the recommended dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine due to their relatively immune compromised status.
Pathological Findings of Canine Idiopathic Pericarditis and Pericardial Mesotheliomas: Correlation with Clinical and Survival Data
Authors: Levi Michela , Parenti Federico , Muscatello Luisa Vera , Battaia Stefano , Santilli Roberto , Perego Manuela , Montinaro Vincenzo , Massari Federico , Sarli Giuseppe , Brunetti Barbara
Published: August 2021

Idiopathic pericarditis (IP) and pericardial mesothelioma (PM) are causes of pericardial effusion in dogs. Pericardiectomy can be a definitive treatment in the case of idiopathic pericardial effusion or a short-term intervention for mesothelioma. The aim of the present study was to investigate which histopathologic parameters are correlated with clinical outcomes in a cohort of dogs that underwent pericardiectomy. The histopathological findings of 22 IPs and 5 PMs were compared with clinical and survival data and the immunohistochemical characterization of immune cells (CD3, CD79α, Iba1). In IP, the mesothelium was lost in 20 cases, reactive in 9, atypical in 3, and mesothelial papillary hyperplasia (MPH) was observed in 4 cases. Numerous macrophages were found in both IPs and PMs especially at the superficial layer of the pericardium. T lymphocytes were observed in mild to moderate numbers and were more numerous than B lymphocytes in both IPs and PMs. MPH was correlated with the quantity of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the superficial layer, inversely related to the thickness of the pericardium, and associated with a longer overall survival. Pericardial fibrosis was present in 19 out of 22 IPs and in all mesotheliomas and was correlated with increased time from initial presentation and pericardiectomy and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the deep zone. Pericardial thickness was correlated with the amount of lymphoplasmacytic and macrophagic infiltrate in the deep zone. Mesothelioma was associated with an increased number of pericardiocentesis procedures before pericardiectomy and with the presence of macrophages in the superficial pericardial layer, edema, fibrin, and hemorrhage. Disease-free interval and overall survival were significantly shorter in patients with mesothelioma compared with IP.
Public Health Issues of Recreational Waters: Perspectives for Innovation and Advanced Management
Authors: Spica Vincenzo Romano
Published: August 2021

This Special Issue offers new perspectives on innovation in managing water for recreational uses, in facilities for sport, playtime, rehabilitation, health, and wellness [...]
A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery State of Health Estimation and Prediction Methods
Authors: Yao Lei , Xu Shiming , Tang Aihua , Zhou Fang , Hou Junjian , Xiao Yanqiu , Fu Zhijun
Published: August 2021

Lithium-ion power batteries have been widely used in transportation due to their advantages of long life, high specific power, and energy. However, the safety problems caused by the inaccurate estimation and prediction of battery health state have attracted wide attention in academic circles. In this paper, the degradation mechanism and main definitions of state of health (SOH) were described by summarizing domestic and foreign literatures. The estimation and prediction methods of lithium-ion power battery SOH were discussed from three aspects: model-based methods, data-driven methods, and fusion technology methods. This review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the current mainstream SOH estimation and prediction methods. This paper believes that more innovative feature parameter extraction methods, multi-algorithm coupling, combined with cloud platform and other technologies will be the development trend of SOH estimation and prediction in the future, which provides a reference for health state estimation and prediction of lithium-ion power battery.