bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer Learning with Attributes for Improving the Landslide Spatial Prediction Performance in Sample-Scarce Area Based on Variational Autoencoder Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Lin Mansheng , Teng Shuai , Chen Gongfa , Bassir David
Published: February 2023

Owing to the complexity of obtaining the landslide inventory data, it is a challenge to establish a landslide spatial prediction model with limited labeled samples. This paper proposed a novel strategy, namely transfer learning with attributes (TLAs), to make good use of existing landslide inventory data, a strategy that is based on a variational autoencoder of a generative adversarial network (VAEGAN) for improving the landslide spatial prediction performance in sample-scarce areas. Different from transfer learning (TL), TLAs are pretraining the model with the data reconstructed by VAEGAN, so that the models learn in advance the landslide attributes of sample-scarce areas. Accordingly, a database containing a total of 986 landslides in three study areas with 14 landslide-influencing factors was established, and each of the three models, i.e., convolutional neural networks (CNNs), bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) and gated recurrent units (GRUs), was respectively selected as the feature extractor of the VAEGAN to reconstruct the data with attributes and the prediction model to generate the landslide susceptibility maps to investigate and validate the proposed TLA strategy. The experimental results showed that the TLA strategy increased the mean value of evaluators, such as the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC), F1-score, precision, recall and accuracy by about 2–7% compared with TL, results that indicated that the generated data have the attribute of specific study areas and the effectiveness of TLA strategy in sample-scare areas.
Soft Mobility Network for the Enhancement and Discovery of the Rural Landscape: Definition of a Masterplan for Alto Ferrarese (Italy)
Authors: Senes Giulio , Parretta Chiara , Fumagalli Natalia , Tassinari Patrizia , Torreggiani Daniele
Published: February 2023

The rural landscape can provide a wide range of cultural ecosystem services to humans through direct and in situ interactions. The benefits provided depend on the quality of the landscape, but also on the real possibility for people to access and enjoy it. One of the best ways is to do it in a “slow” way, namely active and non-motorized, through a soft mobility network. The goals of the study are: (i) to develop a methodology to plan a soft mobility network that enhances existing infrastructures and maximizes the cultural ecosystem services provided by rural landscapes; (ii) to validate the methodology in the Alto Ferrarese territory through defining a soft mobility masterplan at the supra-municipal scale. The method is made up of three phases: analysis, with the inventory of the resources to be connected and the paths that could potentially be used; assessment, with the evaluation of the suitability of the paths to realize the soft mobility network; and planning, with the definition of the masterplan for the study area. The application resulted in a proposed network of 525.2 km, hierarchized in a primary and a secondary network, and proved that the methodology is effective to maximize the use of existing paths (81% of the proposed network), and to connect the elements of interest (98.5% of the resources are within a distance of 500 m, and 86.4% within a distance of 100 m).
Positioning Transclival Tumor-Treating Fields for the Treatment of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas
Authors: Ibn Essayed Walid , Jarvis Casey A. , Bernstock Joshua D. , Slingerland Anna , Albanese John , Friedman Gregory K. , Arnaout Omar , Baird Lissa
Published: February 2023

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) carries an extremely poor prognosis, with 2-year survival rates of <10% despite the maximal radiation therapy. DIPG cells have previously been shown to be sensitive to low-intensity electric fields in vitro. Accordingly, we sought to determine if the endoscopic endonasal (EE) implantation of an electrode array in the clivus would be feasible for the application of tumor-treating fields (TTF) in DIPG. Anatomic constraints are the main limitation in pediatric EE approaches. In our Boston Children’s Hospital’s DIPG cohort, we measured the average intercarotid distance (1.68 ± 0.36 cm), clival width (1.62 ± 0.19 cm), and clival length from the base of the sella (1.43 ± 0.69 cm). Using a linear regression model, we found that only clival length and sphenoid pneumatization were significantly associated with age (R2 = 0.568, p = 0.005 *; R2 = 0.605, p = 0.0002 *). Critically, neither of these parameters represent limitations to the implantation of a device within the dimensions of those currently available. Our findings confirm that the anatomy present within this age group is amenable to the placement of a 2 × 1 cm electrode array in 94% of patients examined. Our work serves to demonstrate the feasibility of implantable transclival devices for the provision of TTFs as a novel adjunctive therapy for DIPG.
Testing the Single and Combined Effect of Kaolin and Spinosad against Bactrocera oleae and Its Natural Antagonist Insects in an Organic Olive Grove
Authors: Vizzarri Veronica , Lombardo Luca , Novellis Carmine , Rizzo Pierluigi , Pellegrino Massimiliano , Cruceli Giuseppe , Godino Gianluca , Zaffina Francesco , Ienco Annamaria
Published: February 2023

The presence and infestation level of Bactrocera oleae was monitored in an organic olive orchard divided into differently treated parcels with kaolin (K), spinosad (S) and with kaolin and spinosad (K + S) in alternate rows. The treatments did not seem to affect olive fruit fly population dynamics, while statistically significant protective effects were recorded against total and harmful infestation, but not against the active one. Eventually, neither kaolin nor spinosad were shown to have a particular detrimental effect against naturally occurring B. oleae parasitoids.
Resonant Actuation Based on Dynamic Characteristics of Bistable Laminates
Authors: Liu Yuting , Zhang Jiaying , Pan Diankun , Wu Zhangming , Wang Qingyun
Published: February 2023

Bistable or multi-stable structures have found broad applications in the fields of adaptive structures, flow control, and energy harvesting devices due to their unique nonlinear characteristics and strong local stability behavior. In this paper, a theoretical model based on the principle of minimum potential energy and the Rayleigh–Ritz method is established to study the dynamic characteristics of a bistable unsymmetric laminate with a fixed center. Numerical results of this theoretical model were obtained and verified by an FEA model using ABAQUS. The nonlinear dynamic characteristics and the structural response under different levels of external excitation were investigated and verified by experiments. The realization conditions of single-well vibration and cross-well vibration of bistable laminates were determined, with which the actuation strategies can be optimized for targeting modal frequencies of bistable laminates.
A Numerical Framework for Entropy Generation Using Second-Order Nanofluid Thin Film Flow over an Expanding Sheet: Error Estimation and Stability Analysis
Authors: Zeeshan  , Attaullah  , Ahammad N. Ameer , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: February 2023

Thin film flow (TFF) problems received a lot of attention in recent times. Some frequent applications of TFF include polymer and metal extraction, elastic sheet drawing, food striating, heat exchanges, and device fluidization. Further improvement and enhancement of TFF need to be examined due to its practical applications. In the current analysis, viscoelastic nanofluid thin film flow through the vertical expanding sheet in the presence of a magnetic field with entropy function has been examined. The governing equations are transformed to first-order ODEs through similarity transformation and then solved numerically by using RK4 along with the shooting technique and ND Solve method. The impact of embedded parameters is discussed using graphs and tables. Physical quantities of interest are also discussed in detail. For the numerical solution, the error estimation and the residue error are calculated for the stability and confirmation of the mathematical model.
Blockchain-Based Practical and Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning with Verifiable Fairness
Authors: Zhang Yitian , Tang Yuming , Zhang Zijian , Li Meng , Li Zhen , Khan Salabat , Chen Huaping , Cheng Guoqiang
Published: February 2023

Federated learning (FL) has been widely used in both academia and industry all around the world. FL has advantages from the perspective of data security, data diversity, real-time continual learning, hardware efficiency, etc. However, it brings new privacy challenges, such as membership inference attacks and data poisoning attacks, when parts of participants are not assumed to be fully honest. Moreover, selfish participants can obtain others’ collaborative data but do not contribute their real local data or even provide fake data. This violates the fairness of FL schemes. Therefore, advanced privacy and fairness techniques have been integrated into FL schemes including blockchain, differential privacy, zero-knowledge proof, etc. However, most of the existing works still have room to enhance the practicality due to our exploration. In this paper, we propose a Blockchain-based Pseudorandom Number Generation (BPNG) protocol based on Verifiable Random Functions (VRFs) to guarantee the fairness for FL schemes. Next, we further propose a Gradient Random Noise Addition (GRNA) protocol based on differential privacy and zero-knowledge proofs to protect data privacy for FL schemes. Finally, we implement both two protocols on Hyperledger Fabric and analyze their performance. Simulation experiments show that the average time that proof generation takes is 18.993 s and the average time of on-chain verification is 2.27 s under our experimental environment settings, which means the scheme is practical in reality.
Biofilm-Forming Bacteria Implicated in Complex Otitis Media in Children in the Post-Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7) Era
Authors: Ioannidis Anastasios , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Vassilaki Niki , Giannakopoulos Polyvios , Hatzaki Despina , Magana Maria , Sachlas Athanasios , Mpekoulis George , Radiotis Alexandros , Tsakanikos Michail , Tzanakaki Georgina , Lebessi Evangelia , Tsolia Maria N.
Published: February 2023

Background: Chronic media with effusion (COME) and recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) are closely related clinical entities that affect childhood. The aims of the study were to investigate the microbiological profile of otitis-prone children in the post-PCV7 era and, to examine the biofilm-forming ability in association with clinical history and outcome during a two-year post-operative follow-up. Methods: In this prospective study, pathogens from patients with COME and RAOM were isolated and studied in vitro for their biofilm-forming ability. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of both the planktonic and the sessile forms were compared. The outcome of the therapeutic method used in each case and patient history were correlated with the pathogens and their ability to form biofilms. Results: Haemophilus influenzae was the leading pathogen (35% in COME and 40% in RAOM), and Streptococcus pneumoniae ranked second (12% in COME and 24% in RAOM). Polymicrobial infections were identified in 5% of COME and 19% of RAOM cases. Of the isolated otopathogens, 94% were positive for biofilm formation. Conclusions: This is the first Greek research studying biofilm formation in complex otitis media-prone children population in the post-PCV7 era. High rates of polymicrobial infections, along with treatment failure in biofilms, may explain the lack of antimicrobial efficacy in otitis-prone children.
Comparative Genomic Analysis and Physiological Properties of Limosilactobacillus fermentum SMFM2017-NK2 with Ability to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ann Sumin , Choi Yukyung , Yoon Yohan
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Latilactobacillus sakei SMFM2017-NK1 (LS1), L. sakei SMFM2017-NK3 (LS2), and Limosilactobacillus fermentum SMFM2017-NK2 (LF) on colitis using an animal model. DSS (dextran sulfate sodium salt) was orally injected into C57BL/6N mice to induce inflammation in the colon for seven days. Colitis mice models were treated with LS1, LS2, and LF, respectively, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) was used as a positive control. During oral administration of lactic acid bacteria, the weights of the mice were measured, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was determined by judging the degree of diarrhea and bloody stool. When comparing the differences between the minimum weight after DSS administration and the maximum weight after lactic acid bacteriaadministration were compared, the LF-treated group showed the highest weight gain at 8.91%. The DAI scores of the LF, LS2, and LGG groups were lower than that of the control group. After sacrifice, mRNA expression levels for proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ) and mediators (iNOS and COX-2) in the colon were measured. LF was selected as a superior strain for anti-inflammation in the colon. It was further analyzed to determine its biochemical characteristics, cytotoxicity, and thermal stability. Catalase and oxidase activities for LF were negative. In cytotoxicity and heat stability tests, the LF group had higher cell viability than the LGG group. The genome of LF was obtained, and 5682 CDS, 114 tRNA, 2 RNA, and 5 repeat regions were predicted. Especially, LF could be distinguished from the other three L. fermentum strains based on taxonomic profiling, specific orthologous genes of the strain, and genomic variants. The results of this study suggest that L. fermentum SMFM2017-NK2 is a novel strain with an anti-inflammatory effect on colitis.
Microbial Biocontrol in the Agri-Food Industry
Authors: Ciani Maurizio
Published: February 2023

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of natural antimicrobial compounds to limit or avoid the use of chemical antimicrobials. Natural antimicrobial compounds can come from plants (essential oils) or from microorganisms (bacteriocins, mycocines, and active peptides). Despite a wide range of possible applications, their exploitation at the industrial level is still limited and needs to be investigated. The actual and possible applications of natural antimicrobial compounds in agri-food are a growing research field. In addition to the use of antimicrobial compounds, microorganisms themselves can be used in the control of spoilage microorganisms along the entire production chain of the agri-food industry. Likewise, the papers collected in this Special Issue indicate the fast development of novelties in this research field.
Genomic Diversity, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Biofilm Formation of Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Horses
Authors: Rühl-Teichner Johanna , Jacobmeyer Lisa , Leidner Ursula , Semmler Torsten , Ewers Christa
Published: February 2023

Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe infections in humans and animals, including horses. The occurrence of dominant international clones (ICs), frequent multidrug resistance, and the capability to form biofilms are considered major factors in the successful spread of A. baumannii in human and veterinary clinical environments. Since little is known about A. baumannii isolates from horses, we studied 78 equine A. baumannii isolates obtained from clinical samples between 2008 and 2020 for their antimicrobial resistance (AMR), clonal distribution, biofilm-associated genes (BAGs), and biofilm-forming capability. Based on whole-genome sequence analyses, ICs, multilocus (ML) and core-genome ML sequence types (STs), and AMR genes were determined. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by microbroth dilution. A crystal violet assay was used for biofilm quantification. Almost 37.2% of the isolates were assigned to IC1 (10.3%), IC2 (20.5%), and IC3 (6.4%). Overall, the isolates revealed high genomic diversity. We identified 51 different STs, including 22 novel STs (ST1723–ST1744), and 34 variants of the intrinsic oxacillinase (OXA), including 8 novel variants (OXA-970 to OXA-977). All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cephalexin, cefpodoxime, and nitrofurantoin. IC1-IC3 isolates were also resistant to gentamicin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. All isolates were susceptible to imipenem. Thirty-one multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates mainly accumulated in the IC1-IC3 groups. In general, these isolates showed less biofilm formation (IC1 = 25.0%, IC2 = 18.4%, IC3 = 15.0%) than the group of non-IC1-IC3 isolates (58.4%). Isolates belonging to the same ICs/STs revealed identical BAG patterns. BAG blp1 was absent in all isolates, whereas bfmR and pgaA were present in all isolates. At the level of the IC groups, the AMR status was negatively correlated with the isolates’ ability to form a biofilm. A considerable portion of equine A. baumannii isolates revealed ICs/STs that are globally present in humans. Both an MDR phenotype and the capability to form biofilms might lead to therapeutic failures in equine medicine, particularly due to the limited availability of licensed drugs.
West Nile, Sindbis and Usutu Viruses: Evidence of Circulation in Mosquitoes and Horses in Tunisia
Authors: M’ghirbi Youmna , Mousson Laurence , Moutailler Sara , Lecollinet Sylvie , Amaral Rayane , Beck Cécile , Aounallah Hajer , Amara Meriem , Chabchoub Ahmed , Rhim Adel , Failloux Anna-Bella , Bouattour Ali
Published: February 2023

Mosquito-borne diseases have a significant impact on humans and animals and this impact is exacerbated by environmental changes. However, in Tunisia, surveillance of the West Nile virus (WNV) is based solely on the surveillance of human neuroinvasive infections and no study has reported mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs), nor has there been any thorough serological investigation of anti-MBV antibodies in horses. This study therefore sought to investigate the presence of MBVs in Tunisia. Among tested mosquito pools, infections by WNV, Usutu virus (USUV), and Sindbis virus (SINV) were identified in Cx. perexiguus. The serosurvey showed that 146 of 369 surveyed horses were positive for flavivirus antibodies using the cELISA test. The microsphere immunoassay (MIA) showed that 74 of 104 flavivirus cELISA-positive horses were positive for WNV, 8 were positive for USUV, 7 were positive for undetermined flaviviruses, and 2 were positive for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Virus neutralization tests and MIA results correlated well. This study is the first to report the detection of WNV, USUV and SINV in Cx. perexiguus in Tunisia. Besides, it has shown that there is a significant circulation of WNV and USUV among horses, which is likely to cause future sporadic outbreaks. An integrated arbovirus surveillance system that includes entomological surveillance as an early alert system is of major epidemiological importance.
Student Health and Social Care Professionals’ Health Literacy Knowledge: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wood Helen , Brand Gabrielle , Clifford Rhonda , Kado Sinead , Lee Kenneth , Seubert Liza
Published: February 2023

Health literacy is essential for shared decision-making and improved health outcomes, and patients with inadequate health literacy often need additional support from health and social care professionals. Despite global calls for developing tertiary-level health literacy education, the extent of this in Australian health and social care professional degrees is unknown. This research explored students’ health literacy knowledge across five health and social care professional disciplines. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to student health and social care professionals enrolled in one of two Australian universities. Questions explored students’ factual and conceptual health literacy knowledge, and responses were inductively themed and reported descriptively. Of the 90 students who participated, the depth of health literacy knowledge was low. Students frequently identified understanding as components of health literacy; however, most students did not identify health information access, appraisal and use. Additionally, students’ knowledge of helping patients with inadequate health literacy was limited. Adjusting patient education to their health literacy level and evaluating patient understanding was poorly understood. Without a solid understanding of fundamental health literacy principles, newly-graduated health and social care professionals will be poorly equipped to facilitate patients’ health literacy-related challenges in the community. Further exploration of health literacy education is urgently recommended to identify areas for improvement.
Holistic Photoprotection, Broad Spectrum (UVA-UVB), and Biological Effective Protection Factors (BEPFs) from Baccharis antioquensis Hydrolysates Polyphenols
Authors: Monsalve-Bustamante Yéssica A. , Figueroa Félix López , Vega Julia , Moreira Bruna Rodrigues , Puertas-Mejía Miguel , Mejía-Giraldo Juan C.
Published: February 2023

Overexposure to solar radiation has become an increasingly worrying problem due to the damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In previous studies, the potential of an extract enriched with glycosylated flavonoids from the endemic Colombian high-mountain plant Baccharis antioquensis as a photoprotector and antioxidant was demonstrated. Therefore, in this work we sought to develop a dermocosmetic formulation with broad-spectrum photoprotection from the hydrolysates and purified polyphenols obtained from this species. Hence, the extraction of its polyphenols with different solvents was evaluated, followed by hydrolysis and purification, in addition to the characterization of its main compounds by HPLC–DAD and HPLC–MS, and evaluation of its photoprotective capacity through the measurement of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), UVA Protection Factor (UVAPF), other Biological Effective Protection Factors (BEPFs), and its safety through the cytotoxicity. In the dry methanolic extract (DME) and purified methanolic extract (PME), flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol were found, which demonstrated antiradical capacity, as well as UVA–UVB photoprotection and prevention of harmful biological effects, such as elastosis, photoaging, immunosuppression, DNA damage, among others, which demonstrates the potential of the ingredients in this type of extract to be applied in photoprotection dermocosmetics.
The Dual Benefit of Plant Essential Oils against Tuta absoluta
Authors: Ben Abdallah Saoussen , Riahi Chaymaa , Vacas Sandra , Navarro-Llopis Vicente , Urbaneja Alberto , Pérez-Hedo Meritxell
Published: February 2023

Plant essential oils (PEOs) are being studied as a potential alternative to synthetic pesticides in agriculture. PEOs have the potential to control pests both directly, by being toxic or repellent to pests, and indirectly, by activating plant’s defense mechanisms. In this study, the effectiveness of five PEOs (Achillea millefolium, Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinallis, Tagetes minuta, and Thymus zygis) on controlling Tuta absoluta and their impact on the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis was examined. The study revelead that PEOs from A. millefolium and A. sativum-sprayed plants significantly reduced the number of T. absoluta-infested leaflets and did not affect the establishment and reproduction of N. tenuis. Additionally, the spraying of A. millefolium and A. sativum increased the expression of defense genes in the plants, triggering the release of herbivory-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), such as C6 green leaf volatiles, monoterpenes, and aldehydes, which can be messengers in tritrophic interactions. The results suggest that PEOs from A. millefolium and A. sativum can provide a dual benefit for controlling arthropod pests, as they can directly exhibit toxicity against these pests while also activating plant defense mechanisms. Overall, this study provides new insights into using PEOs as a sustainable solution for controlling pests and diseases in agriculture, by reducing synthetic pesticides and promoting the use of natural predators.
Health-Promoting Properties and Potential Application in the Food Industry of Citrus medica L. and Citrus × clementina Hort. Ex Tan. Essential Oils and Their Main Constituents
Authors: Tundis Rosa , Xiao Jianbo , Silva Ana Sanches , Carreiró Filipa , Loizzo Monica Rosa
Published: February 2023

Citrus is an important genus in the Rutaceae family, with high medicinal and economic value, and includes important crops such as lemons, orange, grapefruits, limes, etc. The Citrus species is rich sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, dietary fibre, and phytochemicals, mainly including limonoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids. Citrus essential oils (EOs) consist of several biologically active compounds mainly belonging to the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes classes. These compounds have demonstrated several health-promoting properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Citrus EOs are obtained mainly from peels, but also from leaves and flowers, and are widely used as flavouring ingredients in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. This review focused on the composition and biological properties of the EOs of Citrus medica L. and Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan and their main constituents, limonene, γ-terpinene, myrcene, linalool, and sabinene. The potential applications in the food industry have been also described. All the articles available in English or with an abstract in English were extracted from different databases such as PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct.
Cadmium Transport in Maize Root Segments Using a Classical Physiological Approach: Evidence of Influx Largely Exceeding Efflux in Subapical Regions
Authors: Rivetta Alberto , Pesenti Michele , Sacchi Gian Attilio , Nocito Fabio Francesco , Cocucci Maurizio
Published: February 2023

The bidirectional fluxes of cadmium and calcium across the plasma membrane were assessed and compared in subapical maize root segments. This homogeneous material provides a simplified system for investigating ion fluxes in whole organs. The kinetic profile of cadmium influx was characterized by a combination of a saturable rectangular hyperbola (Km = 30.15) and a straight line (k = 0.0013 L h−1 g−1 fresh weight), indicating the presence of multiple transport systems. In contrast, the influx of calcium was described by a simple Michaelis–Menten function (Km = 26.57 µM). The addition of calcium to the medium reduced cadmium influx into the root segments, suggesting a competition between the two ions for the same transport system(s). The efflux of calcium from the root segments was found to be significantly higher than that of cadmium, which was extremely low under the experimental conditions used. This was further confirmed by comparing cadmium and calcium fluxes across the plasma membrane of inside-out vesicles purified from maize root cortical cells. The inability of the root cortical cells to extrude cadmium may have driven the evolution of metal chelators for detoxifying intracellular cadmium ions.
New Insights into the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Properties of Lycium intricatum Bois. (Solanaceae)
Authors: Bendjedou Houaria , Benamar Houari , Bennaceur Malika , Rodrigues Maria João , Pereira Catarina Guerreiro , Trentin Riccardo , Custódio Luísa
Published: February 2023

This work aimed to boost the valorisation of Lycium intricatum Boiss. L. as a source of high added value bioproducts. For that purpose, leaves and root ethanol extracts and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) were prepared and evaluated for radical scavenging activity (RSA) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal chelating potential against copper and iron ions. Extracts were also appraised for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of neurological diseases (acetylcholinesterase: AChE and butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE), type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, α-glucosidase), obesity/acne (lipase), and skin hyperpigmentation/food oxidation (tyrosinase). The total content of phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and hydrolysable tannins (THTC) was evaluated by colorimetric methods, while the phenolic profile was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a diode-array ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV-DAD). Extracts had significant RSA and FRAP, and moderate copper chelation, but no iron chelating capacity. Samples had a higher activity towards α-glucosidase and tyrosinase, especially those from roots, a low capacity to inhibit AChE, and no activity towards BuChE and lipase. The ethyl acetate fraction of roots had the highest TPC and THTC, whereas the ethyl acetate fraction of leaves had the highest flavonoid levels. Gallic, gentisic, ferulic, and trans-cinnamic acids were identified in both organs. The results suggest that L. intricatum is a promising source of bioactive compounds with food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.
A Comparative Analysis of Partial Replacement of Yeast with CO2 Gas Hydrates as Leavening Agents in Baking of Wheat Bread
Authors: Srivastava Shubhangi , Kollemparembil Ann Mary , Zettel Viktoria , Claßen Timo , Mobarak Mohammad , Gatternig Bernhard , Delgado Antonio , Jekle Mario , Hitzmann Bernd
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to examine how CO2 gas hydrates (CO2 GH) are used in baking, notably in the creation of wheat bread, as a leavening agent. CO2 GH were produced with the use of food grade amino acids called promoters. The article emphasizes an interesting approach by using a hybrid combination of yeast and CO2 GH. The current study is based on a comparative evaluation of leavening agents in bread with (1) GH with promoters (20–70% GH) and (2) GH with promoters + yeast as a partial replacement (25–75%). The results obtained are then also compared with those of standard yeast bread along with the effects on wheat bread quality parameters such as volume, specific volume, hardness, moisture content, baking loss, and pore size. The GH bread with promoters had baking losses that were equivalent to the quality of traditional yeast bread. The breads with 60% and 70% GH with promoters had the best outcomes when compared with standard yeast bread. When a combination of CO2 GH with promoters (20–70%) and yeast (25–75%) was used in the study, the best combinations were obtained with 70% GH + 50% yeast and 70% GH + 75% yeast. Additionally, this article clarifies some potential future uses for CO2 GH as leavening agents in the bread industry, with a discussion of potential limitations as well as the cost efficiency of the developed technology. This information could help in the creation of new methods and standards for better CO2 GH selection for usage in other bakery goods.
A Review of the Thermochemical Behaviour of Fluxes in Submerged Arc Welding: Modelling of Gas Phase Reactions
Authors: Coetsee Theresa , De Bruin Frederik
Published: February 2023

This review is focused on the thermochemical behaviour of fluxes in submerged arc welding (SAW). The English-language literature from the 1970s onwards is reviewed. It was recognised early on that the thermochemical behaviour of fluxes sets the weld metal total ppm O and the element transfer extent from the molten flux (slag) to the weld pool. Despite the establishment of this link between the flux-induced oxygen potential and element transfer, it is also well accepted that the slag–metal equilibrium does not control SAW process metallurgy. Instead, the gas phase must be taken into account to better describe SAW process metallurgy equilibrium calculations. This is illustrated in the gas–slag–metal equilibrium simulation model developed by Coetsee. This model provides improved accuracy in predicting the weld metal total ppm O values as compared to the empirical trend of Tuliani et al. Recent works on the application of Al metal powder with alloying metal powders provide new insights into the likely gas phase reactions in the SAW process and the modification of the flux oxygen behaviour via Al additions. Aluminium may lower the partial oxygen pressure in the arc cavity, and aluminium also lowers the partial oxygen pressure at the weld pool–slag interface. The weld metal total ppm O is lowered with the addition of aluminium in SAW, but not to the same extent as would be expected from steelmaking ladle metallurgy de-oxidation practice when using Al as de-oxidiser. This difference indicates that slag–metal equilibrium is not maintained in the SAW process.
Null-Space Minimization of Center of Gravity Displacementof a Redundant Aerial Manipulator
Authors: Vyas Yash , Pasetto Alberto , Ayala-Alfaro Victor , Massella Nicola , Cocuzza Silvio
Published: February 2023

Displacements of the base during trajectory tracking are a common issue in the control of aerial manipulators. These are caused by reaction torques transferred to the base due to the manipulator motion and, in particular, to the motion of its center of gravity. We present a novel approach to reduce base displacements of a kinematically redundant aerial manipulator by using null-space projection in the inverse kinematic control. A secondary objective function minimizes the horizontal displacement of the manipulator center of gravity. We test this algorithm on different trajectories for both three and four degrees of freedom (DOF) manipulators in a simulation environment. The results comparing our algorithm with inverse kinematic control without the null-space projection show up to an 80% reduction in the end-effector position error and an average of about 56% reduction in maximum base displacement. The simulation implementation also runs faster than in real-time in our code implementation. We provide a workspace analysis based on multiple stopping criteria such as excessive base displacement, joint velocities and end-effector position error for the 3 and 4 DOF manipulators. As expected, the 4 DOF manipulator has a larger workspace.
A User-Friendly Nonmotorized Device for Ankle Rehabilitation
Authors: Gonçalves Rogério Sales , Rodrigues Lucas Antônio Oliveira , Humbert René , Carbone Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

The ankle is formed by several joints, and it is the union of the lower leg with the foot. Its main function is to perform dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements. Many people are affected by ankle problems. These problems can be due to simple factors, but they can also be a sign of a more serious impairment that can lead to the need for ankle rehabilitation. Thus, this paper presents a novel, fairly simple nonmotorized device for ankle rehabilitation. The design of the novel device is based on the crank–rocker mechanism, activated by the patient’s upper limb, allowing the execution of the ankle flexion range. The dimensions of the device were found using a differential evolution algorithm considering the ankle movement limits, the link stress, and singularity configurations. Graphic simulations were performed to validate the mathematical model. A prototype was constructed, and the angular ankle movement was verified. The device is easy to operate and low-cost, and in the future, it may be a tool for ankle rehabilitation.
A Review on the Role of Microflow Parameter Measurements for Microfluidics Applications
Authors: Lingadahalli Kotreshappa Sreedevi , Nayak Chempi Gurudas , Krishnan Venkata Santhosh
Published: February 2023

Microfluidics has risen to a new zone of exploration because of its application in numerous fields. The integration of microfluidics and sensor technology bridges gaps in heat transfer areas, the medical field, and the chemical industry at the microscale flow level. This paper reviews the latest work conducted in microfluidics with the help of microflow parameter measurements in microfluidic applications, microflow sensor inventions, novel microflow pathway design, and an assessment of the keyway of fluid behavior in microchannels. The emphasis is on highlighting a significant part of recent research on developing microfluidics applications using the previously explored microflow characteristic measurements. The details of heat transfer, blending, and sorting, along with different medical applications, including drug delivery, inferred that heat transfer is the most explored application domain. Comparing newly evolving microflow sensors will make the sensor selection easy for the user’s required microflow conditions. The effects of microchannel geometry and channel wall parameters on different microflow characteristic measurements are identified. This study will enhance the understanding of the performance of microflow systems by providing new flexibility in microfluidics. The study of microflow parameter measurements is reviewed in more depth, making its way for future microfluidic application developments.
Coupling Environmental Whole Mixture Toxicity Screening with Unbiased RNA-Seq Reveals Site-Specific Biological Responses in Zebrafish
Authors: Rude Christian I. , Tidwell Lane G. , Tilton Susan C. , Waters Katrina M. , Anderson Kim A. , Tanguay Robyn L.
Published: February 2023

Passive sampling device (PSD) extracts paired with developmental toxicity assays in Danio Rerio (zebrafish) are excellent sensors for whole mixture toxicity associated with the bioavailable non-polar organics at environmental sites. We expand this concept by incorporating RNA-Seq in 48-h post fertilization zebrafish statically exposed to PSD extracts from two Portland Harbor Superfund Site locations: river mile 6.5W (RM 6.5W) and river mile 7W (RM 7W). RM 6.5W contained higher concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but the diagnostic ratios of both extracts indicated similar PAH sourcing and composition. Developmental screens determined RM 6.5W to be more toxic with the most sensitive endpoint being a “wavy” notochord malformation. Differential gene expression from exposure to both extracts was largely parallel, although more pronounced for RM 6.5W. When compared to the gene expression associated with individual chemical exposures, PSD extracts produced some gene signatures parallel to PAHs but were more closely matched by oxygenated-PAHs. Additionally, differential expression, reminiscent of the wavy notochord phenotype, was not accounted for by either class of chemical, indicating the potential of other contaminants driving mixture toxicity. These techniques offer a compelling method for non-targeted hazard characterization of whole mixtures in an in vivo vertebrate system without requiring complete chemical characterization.
Truncation of NS1 Protein Enhances T Cell-Mediated Cross-Protection of a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Virus Expressing Wild-Type Nucleoprotein
Authors: Prokopenko Polina , Matyushenko Victoria , Rak Alexandra , Stepanova Ekaterina , Chistyakova Anna , Goshina Arina , Kudryavtsev Igor , Rudenko Larisa , Isakova-Sivak Irina
Published: February 2023

Current seasonal influenza vaccines have suboptimal effectiveness, especially in seasons dominated by viruses that do not match the vaccine. Therefore, finding new approaches to improve the immunogenicity and efficacy of traditional influenza vaccines is of high priority for public health. Licensed live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is a promising platform for designing broadly protective vaccines due to its ability to induce cross-reactive T-cell immunity. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that truncation of the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and the replacement of the nucleoprotein (NP) of the A/Leningrad/17 master donor virus with a recent NP, i.e., switching to 5:3 genome composition, could improve the cross-protective potential of the LAIV virus. We generated a panel of LAIV candidates differing from the classical vaccine by the source of NP gene and/or by the length of NS1 protein. We showed that NS1-modified LAIV viruses had reduced viral replication in the respiratory tract of mice, indicating a more attenuated phenotype compared to the LAIVs with full-length NS1. Most importantly, the LAIV candidate with both NP and NS genes modified induced a robust systemic and lung-localized memory CD8 T-cell response targeting more recent viruses, and better protected immunized mice against lethal challenge with a heterosubtypic influenza virus than the control LAIV variant. Overall, these data indicate that the 5:3 LAIVs with truncated NS1 may be beneficial for protection against heterologous influenza viruses and warrant further preclinical and clinical development.
What Motivates the Vaccination Rift Effect? Psycho-Linguistic Features of Responses to Calls to Get Vaccinated Differ by Source and Recipient Vaccination Status
Authors: Thürmer J. Lukas , McCrea Sean M.
Published: February 2023

Although vaccination provides substantial protection against COVID, many people reject the vaccine despite the opportunity to receive it. Recent research on potential causes of such vaccine hesitancy showed that those unvaccinated rejected calls to get vaccinated when they stemmed from a vaccinated source (i.e., a vaccination rift). To mend this vaccination rift, it is key to understand the underlying motivations and psychological processes. To this end, we used the voluntary free-text responses comprised of 49,259 words from the original Austrian large-scale data-set (N = 1170) to conduct in-depth psycho-linguistic analyses. These findings indicate that vaccinated message sources elicited longer responses using more words per sentence and simpler language writing more about things rather than themselves or addressing others directly. Contrary to common assumptions, expressed emotions or indicators of cognitive processing did not differ between message source conditions, but vaccinated sources led to more achievement-related expressions. Participant vaccination did not moderate the observed effects but had differential main effects on psycho-linguistic response parameters. We conclude that public vaccination campaigns need to take the vaccination status of the message source and other societal rifts into account to bolster recipients’ achievement.
The Polymorphic Membrane Protein G Has a Neutral Effect and the Plasmid Glycoprotein 3 an Antagonistic Effect on the Ability of the Major Outer Membrane Protein to Elicit Protective Immune Responses against a Chlamydia muridarum Respiratory Challenge
Authors: Slepenkin Anatoli , Pal Sukumar , Hoang-Phou Steven , Abisoye-Ogunniyan Abisola , Rasley Amy , D’haeseleer Patrik , Coleman Matthew A. , de la Maza Luis M.
Published: February 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen. The number of chlamydial infections continuous to increase and there is an urgent need for a safe and efficacious vaccine. To assess the ability of the Chlamydia muridarum polymorphic membrane protein G (PmpG) and the plasmid glycoprotein 3 (Pgp3) as single antigens, and in combination with the major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) to induce protection, BALB/c mice were immunized utilizing CpG-1826 and Montanide ISA 720 VG as adjuvants. Following vaccination with MOMP, significant humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were observed, while immunization with PmpG, or Pgp3, elicited weaker immune responses. Weaker immune responses were induced with MOMP+Pgp3 compared with MOMP alone. Following the intranasal challenge with C. muridarum, mice vaccinated with MOMP showed robust protection against body-weight loss, inflammatory responses in the lungs and number of Chlamydia recovered from the lungs. PmpG and Pgp3 elicited weaker protective responses. Mice immunized with MOMP+PmpG, were no better protected than animals vaccinated with MOMP only, while Pgp3 antagonized the protection elicited by MOMP. In conclusion, PmpG and Pgp3 elicited limited protective immune responses in mice against a respiratory challenge with C. muridarum and failed to enhance the protection induced by MOMP alone. The virulence of Pgp3 may result from its antagonistic effect on the immune protection induced by MOMP.
mRNA-Based Vaccine for COVID-19: They Are New but Not Unknown!
Authors: Chavda Vivek P. , Jogi Gargi , Dave Srusti , Patel Bhoomika M. , Vineela Nalla Lakshmi , Koradia Krishna
Published: February 2023

mRNA vaccines take advantage of the mechanism that our cells use to produce proteins. Our cells produce proteins based on the knowledge contained in our DNA; each gene encodes a unique protein. The genetic information is essential, but cells cannot use it until mRNA molecules convert it into instructions for producing specific proteins. mRNA vaccinations provide ready-to-use mRNA instructions for constructing a specific protein. BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) both are newly approved mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines that have shown excellent protection and efficacy. In total, there are five more mRNA-based vaccine candidates for COVID-19 under different phases of clinical development. This review is specifically focused on mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 covering its development, mechanism, and clinical aspects.
Как короновать великого князя? Из истории „коронационной бури“ (1429–1430) и инсигний, предназначавшихся для Витовта
Authors: Полехов Сергей
Published: February 2023

How is a Grand Duke Crowned as King? From the History of the “Coronation Storm”
(1429–1430) and the Insignia Intended for Vytautas

Abstract. The article presents the analysis of a significant aspect regarding problems
with the coronation of Grand Duke Vytautas and his wife Uliana – data from the story behind the rulers’ crowns that has hitherto practically not been noticed is being brought into academic circulation. A number of important historical sources are brought under analysis: inscriptions from the book of expenses of the city of Nuremberg, a description of the Teutonic Order’s legation under the Vogt of Stuhm Klaus von Redwitz to meet with the German Roman king Sigismund of Luxemburg (in 1429), and a previously unknown document regarding the coronation that has survived in manuscript form at the Bavarian State Library (BSB, Clm 22372), which once belonged to Sigismund’s advocate, the Bishop of Augsburg Peter von Schaumberg.
Keywords: Vytautas, Sigismund of Luxemburg, coronation, royal jewels.