bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic Biomes: 10,000 BCE to 2015 CE
Authors: Ellis Erle C. , Beusen Arthur H.W. , Goldewijk Kees Klein
Published: April 2020

Human populations and their use of land have reshaped landscapes for thousands of years, creating the anthropogenic biomes (anthromes) that now cover most of the terrestrial biosphere. Here we introduce the first global reconstruction and mapping of anthromes and their changes across the 12,000-year interval from 10,000 BCE to 2015 CE; the Anthromes 12K dataset. Anthromes were mapped using gridded global estimates of human population density and land use from the History of the Global Environment database (HYDE version 3.2) by a classification procedure similar to that used for prior anthrome maps. Anthromes 12K maps generally agreed with prior anthrome maps for the same time periods, though significant differences were observed, including a substantial reduction in Rangelands anthromes in 2000 CE but with increases before that time. Differences between maps resulted largely from improvements in HYDE’s representation of land use, including pastures and rangelands, compared with the HYDE 3.1 input data used in prior anthromes maps. The larger extent of early land use in Anthromes 12K also agrees more closely with empirical assessments than prior anthrome maps; the result of an evidence-based paradigm shift in characterizing the history of Earth’s transformation through land use, from a mostly recent large-scale conversion of uninhabited wildlands, to a long-term trend of increasingly intensive transformation and use of already inhabited and used landscapes. The spatial history of anthropogenic changes depicted in Anthromes 12K remain to be validated, especially for earlier time periods. Nevertheless, Anthromes 12K is a major advance over all prior anthrome datasets and provides a new platform for assessing the long-term environmental consequences of human transformation of the terrestrial biosphere.
A New Solution to Well-Known Hencky Problem: Improvement of In-Plane Equilibrium Equation
Authors: Li Xue , Sun Jun-Yi , Zhao Zhi-Hang , Li Shou-Zhen , He Xiao-Ting
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the well-known Hencky problem—that is, the problem of axisymmetric deformation of a peripherally fixed and initially flat circular membrane subjected to transverse uniformly distributed loads—is re-solved by simultaneously considering the improvement of the out-of-plane and in-plane equilibrium equations. In which, the so-called small rotation angle assumption of the membrane is given up when establishing the out-of-plane equilibrium equation, and the in-plane equilibrium equation is, for the first time, improved by considering the effect of the deflection on the equilibrium between the radial and circumferential stress. Furthermore, the resulting nonlinear differential equation is successfully solved by using the power series method, and a new closed-form solution of the problem is finally presented. The conducted numerical example indicates that the closed-form solution presented here has a higher computational accuracy in comparison with the existing solutions of the well-known Hencky problem, especially when the deflection of the membrane is relatively large.
Improved Approach for Studying Oscillatory Properties of Fourth-Order Advanced Differential Equations with p-Laplacian Like Operator
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: April 2020

This paper aims to study the oscillatory properties of fourth-order advanced differential equations with p-Laplacian like operator. By using the technique of Riccati transformation and the theory of comparison with first-order delay equations, we will establish some new oscillation criteria for this equation. Some examples are considered to illustrate the main results.
Development of a Resistance Spot Welding Process Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Batista Márcio , Furlanetto Valdir , Duarte Brandi Sérgio
Published: April 2020

For several decades, the electrical resistance spot welding process has been widely used in the manufacturing of sheet metal structures, especially in automotive bodies. During this period there was no significant development for this welding process. However, in recent years, in order to meet the demand for lighter, economical, and low-cost vehicles, the automotive manufacturing industry is undergoing a revolution in the use of high strength steel sheet combinations, chemical compositions, and of different thicknesses. In this context, the present work focuses on the study and development of a new resistant spot welding technology using additive manufacturing (AMSW) in zinc-coated steel sheets, used in the automotive industry. As a comparison, spot welding was also performed by the conventional resistance spot welding process (RSW). The results showed that the spot welding process using additive manufacturing (AMSW), through the optimized parameters, compared to the conventional resistance spot welding process (RSW), was 34.47% higher in relation to the shear tensile stress, as well as 28.57% higher tensile stress with a perpendicular load to the weld spot. The indentation or thermomechanical mark on the surface of the sheet was imperceptible to the visual inspection, producing a smooth face in the spot region.
Effect of Transition Layer on Properties of Tungsten-Tantalum (W-Ta) Laminated Composite
Authors: Yan Zizhi , Xu Gaoyong , Suo Jinping
Published: April 2020

Tungsten has many attractive properties, but its brittleness limits its application. Our team has found that the brittleness of tungsten can be greatly improved by combining the brittle tungsten with tantalum. Furthermore, we found that if a suitable transition layer is added between tungsten and tantalum, the properties of the composite will be further improved. In this paper, we studied the effect of different transition layers on the properties of W-Ta laminated composite to explore a suitable transition layer, which can effectively improve the toughness of the composite and solve the problem of tungsten application. We have prepared four kinds of W-Ta laminated composites with Ni, Ti, Nb, and Mo as transition layers. Ta-W laminated composites were prepared by stacking layers with Ta, transition layer, W alternately and sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The tensile and three-point bending tests were carried to compare the mechanical properties. The tensile fracture morphology and three-point bending crack distribution were observed by SEM. In addition, the diffusion of elements in the transition layer and the influence of element diffusion on the tungsten structure were also studied to clarify the toughening mechanism. The results show that Nb is a satisfying transition layer, which not only improves the strength of W-Ta laminated composite, but also improves the toughness. The tensile test of W/Nb/Ta laminated composite shows a typical plastic fracture mode with an elongation of 13%. Three-point bending test also shows high strength and good toughness. In addition, Voigt model was used to predict the elastic modulus of W-Ta laminated composites and compared with the experimental results.
Effects of Gravity and Non-Perpendicularity during Powder-Fed Directed Energy Deposition of Ni-Based Alloy 718 through Two Types of Coaxial Nozzle
Authors: Ramiro-Castro Pedro , Ortiz Mikel , Alberdi Amaia , Lamikiz Aitzol
Published: April 2020

The consequences of gravity and the nozzle inclination angle in the powder-fed Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process were examined in this study. We also sought to define guidelines and manufacturing strategies, depending on the DED system configuration and the nozzle type. To do so, two nozzle types were used: a continuous coaxial nozzle with a slit of 0.5 mm and a four-stream discrete coaxial nozzle. Although the main effects of the configurations and the nozzles are well-known, their effects on the clad characteristics and the deposition strategy are as yet unclear. In this paper, measurements of a single clad and the effects of different deposition strategies on cladding applications and inclined walls are presented, and the consequences for manufacturing processes are discussed. Based on a complete study of a single clad, working vertically, five different tilted deposition strategies were applied: three to a single clad and two to an inclined wall. The results for both the single clad and the inclined wall reflect a pattern of changes to height, width, area, and efficiency, at both small and large nozzle angles and deposition strategies. The inclined wall presents a maximum horizontal displacement that can be reached per layer, without geometrical distortions. The amount of material per layer has to be adapted to this limitation.
Composition and Predominance of Fusarium Species Causing Fusarium Head Blight in Winter Wheat Grain Depending on Cultivar Susceptibility and Meteorological Factors
Authors: Birr Tim , Hasler Mario , Verreet Joseph-Alexander , Klink Holger
Published: April 2020

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important diseases of wheat, causing yield losses and mycotoxin contamination of harvested grain. A complex of different toxigenic Fusarium species is responsible for FHB and the composition and predominance of species within the FHB complex are determined by meteorological and agronomic factors. In this study, grain of three different susceptible winter wheat cultivars from seven locations in northern Germany were analysed within a five-year survey from 2013 to 2017 by quantifying DNA amounts of different species within the Fusarium community as well as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) concentrations. Several Fusarium species co-occur in wheat grain samples in all years and cultivars. F. graminearum was the most prevalent species, followed by F. culmorum, F. avenaceum and F. poae, while F. tricinctum and F. langsethiae played only a subordinate role in the FHB complex in terms of DNA amounts. In all cultivars, a comparable year-specific quantitative occurrence of the six detected species and mycotoxin concentrations were found, but with decreased DNA amounts and mycotoxin concentrations in the more tolerant cultivars, especially in years with higher disease pressure. In all years, similar percentages of DNA amounts of the six species to the total Fusarium DNA amount of all detected species were found between the three cultivars for each species, with F. graminearum being the most dominant species. Differences in DNA amounts and DON and ZEA concentrations between growing seasons depended mainly on moisture factors during flowering of wheat, while high precipitation and relative humidity were the crucial meteorological factors for infection of wheat grain by Fusarium. Highly positive correlations were found between the meteorological variables precipitation and relative humidity and DNA amounts of F. graminearum, DON and ZEA concentrations during flowering, whereas the corresponding correlations were much weaker several days before (heading) and after flowering (early and late milk stage).
Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines by Metabolites of Streptomycetes—A Potential Alternative to Current Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?
Authors: Hrdý Jiří , Súkeníková Lenka , Petrásková Petra , Novotná Olga , Kahoun David , Petříček Miroslav , Chroňáková Alica , Petříčková Kateřina
Published: April 2020

Current treatment of chronic diseases includes, among others, application of cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, cellular therapies, and immunostimulants. As all the underlying mechanisms of a particular diseases are not always fully clarified, treatment can be inefficient and associated with various, sometimes serious, side effects. Small secondary metabolites produced by various microbes represent an attractive alternative as future anti-inflammatory drug leads. Compared to current drugs, they are cheaper, can often be administered orally, but still can keep a high target-specificity. Some compounds produced by actinomycetes or fungi have already been used as immunomodulators—tacrolimus, sirolimus, and cyclosporine. This work documents strong anti-inflammatory features of another secondary metabolite of streptomycetes—manumycin-type polyketides. We compared the effect of four related compounds: manumycin A, manumycin B, asukamycin, and colabomycin E on activation and survival of human monocyte/macrophage cell line THP-1. The anti-cancer effect of manucycine A has been demonstrated; the immunomodulatory capacities of manumycin A are obvious when using micromolar concentrations. The application of all four compounds in 0.25–5 μM concentrations leads to efficient, concentration-dependent inhibition of IL-1β and TNF expression in THP-1 upon LPS stimulation, while the three latter compounds show a significantly lower pro-apoptotic effect than manumycin A. We have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory capacity of selected manumycin-type polyketides.
Crosstalk between the Type VI Secretion System and the Expression of Class IV Flagellar Genes in the Pseudomonas fluorescens MFE01 Strain
Authors: Bouteiller Mathilde , Gallique Mathias , Bourigault Yvann , Kosta Artemis , Hardouin Julie , Massier Sebastien , Konto-Ghiorghi Yoan , Barbey Corinne , Latour Xavier , Chane Andréa , Feuilloley Marc , Merieau Annabelle
Published: April 2020

Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are contractile bacterial multiprotein nanomachines that enable the injection of toxic effectors into prey cells. The Pseudomonas fluorescens MFE01 strain has T6SS antibacterial activity and can immobilise competitive bacteria through the T6SS. Hcp1 (hemolysin co-regulated protein 1), a constituent of the T6SS inner tube, is involved in such prey cell inhibition of motility. Paradoxically, disruption of the hcp1 or T6SS contractile tail tssC genes results in the loss of the mucoid and motile phenotypes in MFE01. Here, we focused on the relationship between T6SS and flagella-associated motility. Electron microscopy revealed the absence of flagellar filaments for MFE01Δhcp1 and MFE01ΔtssC mutants. Transcriptomic analysis showed a reduction in the transcription of class IV flagellar genes in these T6SS mutants. However, transcription of fliA, the gene encoding the class IV flagellar sigma factor, was unaffected. Over-expression of fliA restored the motile and mucoid phenotypes in both MFE01Δhcp1+fliA, and MFE01ΔtssC+fliA and a fliA mutant displayed the same phenotypes as MFE01Δhcp1 and MFE01ΔtssC. Moreover, the FliA anti-sigma factor FlgM was not secreted in the T6SS mutants, and flgM over-expression reduced both motility and mucoidy. This study provides arguments to unravel the crosstalk between T6SS and motility.
Framework as a Service, FaaS: Personalized Prebiotic Development for Infants with the Elements of Time and Parametric Modelling of In Vitro Fermentation
Authors: Lam Ka-Lung , Cheng Wai-Yin , Yang Fan , Lin Shaoling , You Lijun , Chiou Jiachi , Kwan Hoi-Shan , Cheung Peter Chi-Keung
Published: April 2020

We proposed a framework with parametric modeling to obtain biological relevant parameters from the total probiotic growth pattern and metabolite production curves. The lag phase, maximum increase rate, and maximum capacity were obtained via a 205-h exploratory In vitro fermentation of a library of 13 structural-characterized prebiotic candidates against an exclusively breastfed infant fecal inoculum. We also conducted 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the infant fecal inoculum. Moreover, we introduce a robust composite metabolite-based indicator that reflects the eubiosis/dysbiosis of microbiota to complement the conventional microbial markers. In terms of short-chain fatty acid, we discovered that polymeric beta-glucans from barley demonstrated potential as prebiotic candidates, while alpha-glucans as glycogen showed the least dissolved ammonia production. In terms of total probiotic, beta-glucans from oat and mushroom sclerotia of Pleurotus tuber-regium showed comparable sustainability when compared to alpha-glucans after 48 h. Being classical prebiotic, galacto-oligosaccharides gave the second-highest metabolite-based indicator, followed by lactose. While limited improvement could be made to lactose and oligosaccharides, polymeric beta-glucans from barley avails more capacity for novel prebiotic development, such as structural modification. We anticipate that more similar parallel screening with the element of time and parametric modeling will provide more novel insights.
Evolution and Genetic Diversity of Primate Cytomegaloviruses
Authors: Cagliani Rachele , Forni Diego , Mozzi Alessandra , Sironi Manuela
Published: April 2020

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) infect many mammals, including humans and non–human primates (NHPs). Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important opportunistic pathogen among immunocompromised patients and represents the most common infectious cause of birth defects. HCMV possesses a large genome and very high genetic diversity. NHP–infecting CMVs share with HCMV a similar genomic organization and coding content, as well as the course of viral infection. Recent technological advances have allowed the sequencing of several HCMV strains from clinical samples and provided insight into the diversity of NHP–infecting CMVs. The emerging picture indicates that, with the exclusion of core genes (genes that have orthologs in all herpesviruses), CMV genomes are relatively plastic and diverse in terms of gene content, both at the inter– and at the intra–species level. Such variability most likely underlies the strict species–specificity of these viruses, as well as their ability to persist lifelong and with relatively little damage to their hosts. However, core genes, despite their strong conservation, also represented a target of adaptive evolution and subtle changes in their coding sequence contributed to CMV adaptation to different hosts. Indubitably, important knowledge gaps remain, the most relevant of which concerns the role of viral genetics in HCMV–associated human disease.
Kinetics and New Mechanism of Azoxystrobin Biodegradation by an Ochrobactrum anthropi Strain SH14
Authors: Feng Yanmei , Zhang Wenping , Pang Shimei , Lin Ziqiu , Zhang Yuming , Huang Yaohua , Bhatt Pankaj , Chen Shaohua
Published: April 2020

Azoxystrobin is one of the most popular strobilurin fungicides, widely used in agricultural fields for decades.Extensive use of azoxystrobin poses a major threat to ecosystems. However, little is known about the kinetics and mechanism of azoxystrobin biodegradation. The present study reports a newly isolated bacterial strain, Ochrobactrum anthropi SH14, utilizing azoxystrobin as a sole carbon source, was isolated from contaminated soils. Strain SH14 degraded 86.3% of azoxystrobin (50 μg·mL−1) in a mineral salt medium within five days. Maximum specific degradation rate (qmax), half-saturation constant (Ks), and inhibition constant (Ki) were noted as 0.6122 d−1, 6.8291 μg·mL−1, and 188.4680 μg·mL−1, respectively.Conditions for strain SH14 based azoxystrobin degradation were optimized by response surface methodology. Optimum degradation was determined to be 30.2 °C, pH 7.9, and 1.1 × 107 CFU·mL−1 of inoculum. Strain SH14 degraded azoxystrobin via a novel metabolic pathway with the formation of N-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-acetamide,2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-5,6-dimethyl-pyridine, and 3-quinolinecarboxylic acid,6,8-difluoro-4-hydroxy-ethyl ester as the main intermediate products, which were further transformed without any persistent accumulative product. This is the first report of azoxystrobin degradation pathway in a microorganism. Strain SH14 also degraded other strobilurin fungicides, including kresoxim-methyl (89.4%), pyraclostrobin (88.5%), trifloxystrobin (78.7%), picoxystrobin (76.6%), and fluoxastrobin (57.2%) by following first-order kinetic model. Bioaugmentation of azoxystrobin-contaminated soils with strain SH14 remarkably enhanced the degradation of azoxystrobin, and its half-life was substantially reduced by 95.7 and 65.6 days in sterile and non-sterile soils, respectively, in comparison with the controls without strain SH14. The study presents O. anthropi SH14 for enhanced biodegradation of azoxystrobin and elaborates on the metabolic pathways to eliminate its residual toxicity from the environment.
Antimicrobial Peptides from Rat-Tailed Maggots of the Drone Fly Eristalis tenax Show Potent Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Hirsch Rolf , Wiesner Jochen , Bauer Armin , Marker Alexander , Vogel Heiko , Hammann Peter Eugen , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: April 2020

The spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is an increasing threat to human health, because novel compound classes for the development of antibiotics have not been discovered for decades. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide a much-needed breakthrough because these immunity-related defense molecules protect many eukaryotes against Gram-negative pathogens. Recent concepts in evolutionary immunology predict the presence of potent AMPs in insects that have adapted to survive in habitats with extreme microbial contamination. For example, the saprophagous and coprophagous maggots of the drone fly Eristalis tenax (Diptera) can flourish in polluted aquatic habitats, such as sewage tanks and farmyard liquid manure storage pits. We used next-generation sequencing to screen the E. tenax immunity-related transcriptome for AMPs that are synthesized in response to the injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. We identified 22 AMPs and selected nine for larger-scale synthesis to test their activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Two cecropin-like peptides (EtCec1-a and EtCec2-a) and a diptericin-like peptide (EtDip) displayed strong activity against the pathogens, even under simulated physiological conditions, and also achieved a good therapeutic window. Therefore, these AMPs could be used as leads for the development of novel antibiotics.
New Insights into the Oenological Significance of Candida zemplinina: Impact of Selected Autochthonous Strains on the Volatile Profile of Apulian Wines
Authors: Russo Pasquale , Tufariello Maria , Renna Raffaela , Tristezza Mariana , Taurino Marco , Palombi Lorenzo , Capozzi Vittorio , Rizzello Carlo G. , Grieco Francesco
Published: April 2020

In this investigation, we explored the oenological significance of Candida zemplinina (syn. Starmerella bacillaris) isolates from Apulian grape musts. Moreover, we provide the first evidence of the impact of different C. zemplinina strains on the wine aromatic properties tested as monocultures. We described the diversity of C. zemplinina strains isolated from grapes and the variability of ‘volatile’ phenotypes associated with this intraspecific variability. Thirty-three isolates were characterized at strain level by PCR-based approach and, among these, 16 strains were identified and then tested by microfermentation tests carried out in grape must. Analyzed strains were low producers of acetic acid and hydrogen sulphide, not able to decarboxylate a panel of representative amino acids, whereas they showed fructophilic character and significant glycerol production. Volatile profiles of produced wines were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The Odor Activity Values of all molecules were calculated and 12 compounds showed values above their odor thresholds. Two selected strains (35NC1 and 15PR1) could be considered as possible starter cultures since they were able to positively affect the sensory properties of obtained wine. This report firstly supplies evidence on the strain-specific impact of different C. zemplinina strains on the final aroma of produced wines.
Analysis of Upper-Limb and Trunk Kinematic Variability: Accuracy and Reliability of an RGB-D Sensor
Authors: Scano Alessandro , Mira Robert Mihai , Cerveri Pietro , Molinari Tosatti Lorenzo , Sacco Marco
Published: April 2020

In the field of motion analysis, the gold standard devices are marker-based tracking systems. Despite being very accurate, their cost, stringent working environments, and long preparation time make them unsuitable for small clinics as well as for other scenarios such as industrial application. Since human-centered approaches have been promoted even outside clinical environments, the need for easy-to-use solutions to track human motion is topical. In this context, cost-effective devices, such as RGB-Depth (RBG-D) cameras have been proposed, aiming at a user-centered evaluation in rehabilitation or of workers in industry environment. In this paper, we aimed at comparing marker-based systems and RGB-D cameras for tracking human motion. We used a Vicon system (Vicon Motion Systems, Oxford, UK) as a gold standard for the analysis of accuracy and reliability of the Kinect V2 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) in a variety of gestures in the upper limb workspace—targeting rehabilitation and working applications. The comparison was performed on a group of 15 adult healthy subjects. Each subject had to perform two types of upper-limb movements (point-to-point and exploration) in three workspace sectors (central, right, and left) that might be explored in rehabilitation and industrial working scenarios. The protocol was conceived to test a wide range of the field of view of the RGB-D device. Our results, detailed in the paper, suggest that RGB-D sensors are adequate to track the upper limb for biomechanical assessments, even though relevant limitations can be found in the assessment and reliability of some specific degrees of freedom and gestures with respect to marker-based systems.
Light-Induced Sulfur Transport inside Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Sedelnikova Olga , Gurova Olga , Makarova Anna , Fedorenko Anastasiya , Nikolenko Anton , Plyusnin Pavel , Arenal Raul , Bulusheva Lyubov , Okotrub Alexander
Published: April 2020

Filling of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and extraction of the encapsulated species from their cavities are perspective treatments for tuning the functional properties of SWCNT-based materials. Here, we have investigated sulfur-modified SWCNTs synthesized by the ampoule method. The morphology and chemical states of carbon and sulfur were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, Raman scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies. Successful encapsulation of sulfur inside SWCNTs cavities was demonstrated. The peculiarities of interactions of SWCNTs with encapsulated and external sulfur species were analyzed in details. In particular, the donor–acceptor interaction between encapsulated sulfur and host SWCNT is experimentally demonstrated. The sulfur-filled SWCNTs were continuously irradiated in situ with polychromatic photon beam of high intensity. Comparison of X-ray spectra of the samples before and after the treatment revealed sulfur transport from the interior to the surface of SWCNTs bundles, in particular extraction of sulfur from the SWCNT cavity. These results show that the moderate heating of filled nanotubes could be used to de-encapsulate the guest species tuning the local composition, and hence, the functional properties of SWCNT-based materials.
Development of Polyelectrolyte Complexes for the Delivery of Peptide-Based Subunit Vaccines against Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Zhao Lili , Jin Wanli , Cruz Jazmina Gonzalez , Marasini Nirmal , Khalil Zeinab G. , Capon Robert J. , Hussein Waleed M. , Skwarczynski Mariusz , Toth Istvan
Published: April 2020

Peptide subunit vaccines hold great potential compared to traditional vaccines. However, peptides alone are poorly immunogenic. Therefore, it is of great importance that a vaccine delivery platform and/or adjuvant that enhances the immunogenicity of peptide antigens is developed. Here, we report the development of two different systems for the delivery of lipopeptide subunit vaccine (LCP-1) against group A streptococcus: polymer-coated liposomes and polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). First, LCP-1-loaded and alginate/trimethyl chitosan (TMC)-coated liposomes (Lip-1) and LCP-1/alginate/TMC PECs (PEC-1) were examined for their ability to trigger required immune responses in outbred Swiss mice; PEC-1 induced stronger humoral immune responses than Lip-1. To further assess the adjuvanting effect of anionic polymers in PECs, a series of PECs (PEC-1 to PEC-5) were prepared by mixing LCP-1 with different anionic polymers, namely alginate, chondroitin sulfate, dextran, hyaluronic acid, and heparin, then coated with TMC. All produced PECs had similar particle sizes (around 200 nm) and surface charges (around + 30 mV). Notably, PEC-5, which contained heparin, induced higher antigen-specific systemic IgG and mucosal IgA titers than all other PECs. PEC systems, especially when containing heparin and TMC, could function as a promising platform for peptide-based subunit vaccine delivery for intranasal administration.
Portable Instrument for Hemoglobin Determination Using Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Carbon Dots
Authors: Murru Fabio , Romero Francisco J. , Sánchez-Mudarra Roberto , García Ruiz Francisco J. , Morales Diego P. , Capitán-Vallvey Luis Fermín , Salinas-Castillo Alfonso
Published: April 2020

A portable reconfigurable platform for hemoglobin determination based on inner filter quenching of room-temperature phosphorescent carbon dots (CDs) in the presence of H2O2 is described. The electronic setup consists of a light-emitting diode (LED) as the carbon dot optical exciter and a photodiode as a light-to-current converter integrated in the same instrument. The reconfigurable feature provides adaptability to use the platform as an analytical probe for CDs coming from different batches with some variations in luminescence characteristics. The variables of the reaction were optimized, such as pH, concentration of reagents, and response time; as well as the variables of the portable device, such as LED voltage, photodiode sensitivity, and adjustment of the measuring range by a reconfigurable electronic system. The portable device allowed the determination of hemoglobin with good sensitivity, with a detection limit of 6.2 nM and range up to 125 nM.
Controllable In-Situ Growth of Silver Nanoparticles on Filter Paper for Flexible and Highly Sensitive SERS Sensors for Malachite Green Residue Detection
Authors: Zhang Lingzi , Liu Jun , Zhou Guowei , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: April 2020

In this work, a series of highly flexible and sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates were fabricated by the in-situ growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on polydopamine (PDA) templated filter papers (FPs), based on mussel-inspired surface chemistry. The obtained FP@PDA@AgNPs strips exhibited high sensitivity and reproducibility with Rhodamine 6G (R6G) probe molecules, with a calculated detection limit of approximately 10−10 M. More critically, these FP@PDA@AgNPs strips could be used as outstanding flexible SERS sensors to quickly collect and detect malachite green (MG) residues on fish scales, crab shells and shrimp skins by a swabbing extraction method. The detection limits for MG residues were calculated to be approximately as low as 0.04635 pg/cm2, 0.06952 pg/cm2 and 0.09270 pg/cm2, respectively. This facile and efficient strategy could to be utilized as a universal approach to fabricating a variety of flexible, cheap and portable SERS sensors for surface contamination analysis, and has great potential in the environmental scientific analysis and food safety monitoring fields.
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Lipid and Inflammatory Profile of Healthy Adolescent Boys: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yarparvar Amirhossein , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Djazayery Abolghasem , Abdollahi Zahra , Salehi Forouzan , Heshmat Ramin
Published: April 2020

Background: Deficiency of vitamin D, an anti-inflammatory micronutrient with some favorable effects on lipid profiles, has been found to be highly prevalent in adolescents. We aimed to investigate the effect of a school-based vitamin D supplementation regimen on the correction of vitamin D deficiency as well as lipid and inflammatory profiles of healthy adolescent boys. Methods: In this randomized single-blind placebo-controlled trial, seventy-one healthy adolescent boys (age 17 years old) were recruited from one high school in Tehran, Iran, and randomly assigned to two groups. The supplement group received vitamin D pearls at a dose of 50,000 IU monthly for 6 months, this dose is indeed defined by the Ministry of Health in Iran for a potential national school-based vitamin D supplementation program. The other group was given placebo pearls for the same duration. Before and after the treatment, the serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), retinol, lead (Pb), the lipid profile and the inflammatory biomarkers were measured and compared. Results: Between-groups statistical analysis showed that a dose (50,000 IU/month) vitamin D significantly increased the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) (p < 0.001) and decreased serum levels of PTH (p = 0.003). No significant change was observed in serum levels of retinol and Pb. Between-group analysis revealed that the serum levels of TG (P = 0.001) decreased while an increase in serum levels of HDL (p = 0.021) was observed (p < 0.05). Both the within- and between-group analysis showed that serum tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) concentration declined while serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) increased in response to vitamin D supplementation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A supplementation regimen of (50,000 IU/month) vitamin D in a context with high rates of vitamin deficiency has shown positive impacts on the serum vitamin D, lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy adolescent boys.
Decanal Protects against UVB-Induced Photoaging in Human Dermal Fibroblasts via the cAMP Pathway
Authors: Kang Wesuk , Choi Dabin , Park Taesun
Published: April 2020

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary factor of cutaneous aging, resulting in coarse wrinkles and dryness. In this study, we aimed to test whether decanal, an aromatic compound found mainly in citrus fruits, inhibits UVB-mediated photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts and to explore whether its anti-photoaging effect occurs via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. We found that decanal promotes collagen production dose-dependently. Meanwhile, it also increased the intracellular cAMP levels and decreased the number of molecules involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) pathway, downregulating the collagen genes and upregulating the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes in UVB-exposed dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, it enhanced hyaluronic acid levels and hyaluronic acid synthase mRNA expression. Notably, the beneficial effects of decanal were lost in the presence of a cAMP inhibitor. Our results revealed the potential of decanal for preventing photoaging and suggested that its effects are cAMP-mediated in human dermal fibroblasts.
Specific Dietary (Poly)phenols Are Associated with Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Italian Adults
Authors: Godos Justyna , Ferri Raffaele , Castellano Sabrina , Angelino Donato , Mena Pedro , Del Rio Daniele , Caraci Filippo , Galvano Fabio , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Background: Diet has been the major focus of attention as a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including mental health disorders. A large body of literature supports the hypothesis that there is a bidirectional association between sleep and diet quality, possibly via the modulation of neuro-inflammation, adult neurogenesis and synaptic and neuronal plasticity. In the present study, the association between dietary total, subclasses of and individual (poly)phenols and sleep quality was explored in a cohort of Italian adults. Methods: The demographic and dietary characteristics of 1936 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to assess dietary intake. Data on the (poly)phenol content in foods were retrieved from the Phenol-Explorer database. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was used to measure sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the associations. Results: A significant inverse association between a higher dietary intake of lignans and inadequate sleep quality was found. Additionally, individuals with the highest quartile of hydroxycinnamic acid intake were less likely to have inadequate sleep quality. When individual compounds were taken into consideration, an association with sleep quality was observed for naringenin and apigenin among flavonoids, and for matairesinol among lignans. A secondary analysis was conducted, stratifying the population into normal weight and overweight/obese individuals. The findings in normal weight individuals showed a stronger association between certain classes of, subclasses of and individual compounds and sleep quality. Notably, nearly all individual compounds belonging to the lignan class were inversely associated with inadequate sleep quality. In the overweight/obese individuals, there were no associations between any dietary (poly)phenol class and sleep quality. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a higher dietary intake of certain (poly)phenols may be associated with better sleep quality among adult individuals.
Are Vitamin D3 Tablets and Oil Drops Equally Effective in Raising S-25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations? A Post-Hoc Analysis of an Observational Study on Immunodeficient Patients
Authors: Helde Frankling Maria , Norlin Anna-Carin , Hansen Susanne , Wahren Borgström Emilie , Bergman Peter , Björkhem-Bergman Linda
Published: April 2020

Background: Vitamin D3 supplements are available as tablets or oil drops, but there is no consensus as to whether either of these preparations is more effective than the other. Methods: We compared the effectiveness of tablets versus oil in raising S-25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD) in plasma by re-analyzing data from a previously performed observational study in which immunodeficient patients with S-25-OHD concentrations <75 nmol/L were randomly prescribed vitamin D3 tablets (1600 IU/day) or vitamin D3 oil-drops (1500 IU/day) for twelve months. Tablets and oil were compared for the effect on S-25-OHD concentrations after 3–5 months and antibiotic use. Results: Data on S-25-OHD after ≥ 3 months was available for 137 patients treated with tablets and 69 with oil drops. Both groups exhibited a significant increase in S-25-OHD—oil-drops from 55 to 86 nmol/L and tablets from 52 to 87 nmol/L—with no difference between groups (p = 0.77). In a subgroup of patients without immunoglobulin replacement, vitamin D3 supplementation with oil drops (n = 34) but not with tablets (n = 60) resulted in significantly lower antibiotic administration (p < 0.001 and p = 0.58). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation with tablets and oil drops were equally efficient in raising S-25-OHD concentrations. Only oil drops caused a reduction in antibiotic consumption in immuno-deficient patients who did not receive immunoglobulin replacement.
Paenibacillus alvei MP1 as a Producer of the Proteinaceous Compound with Activity against Important Human Pathogens, Including Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Pajor Magdalena , Xiong Zirui Ray , Worobo Randy W. , Szweda Piotr
Published: April 2020

An emerging need for new classes of antibiotics is, on the one hand, evident as antimicrobial resistance continues to rise. On the other hand, the awareness of the pros and cons of chemically synthesized compounds’ extensive use leads to a search for new metabolites in already known reservoirs. Previous research showed that Paenibacillus strain (P. alvei MP1) recovered from a buckwheat honey sample presented a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Recent investigation has confirmed that P. alvei MP1 (deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession WSQB00000000) produces a proteinaceous, heat-stable compound(s) with the maximum antimicrobial production obtained after 18 h of P. alvei MP1 growth in LB medium at 37 °C with continuous shaking at 200 RPM. The highest activity was found in the 40% ammonium sulfate precipitate, with high activity also remaining in the 50% and 60% ammonium sulfate precipitates. Moderate to high antimicrobial activity that is insensitive to proteases or heat treatment, was confirmed against pathogenic bacteria that included L. monocytogenes FSL – X1-0001 (strain 10403S), S. aureus L1 – 0030 and E. coli O157: H7. Further studies, including de novo sequencing of peptides by mass spectrometry, are in progress.
Mutation of the Carboxy-Terminal Processing Protease in Acinetobacter baumannii Affects Motility, Leads to Loss of Membrane Integrity, and Reduces Virulence
Authors: Roy Rakesh , You Ren-In , Lin Ming-Der , Lin Nien-Tsung
Published: April 2020

Motility plays an essential role in the host–parasite relationship of pathogenic bacteria, and is often associated with virulence. While many pathogenic bacteria use flagella for locomotion, Acinetobacter baumannii strains do not have flagella, but have other features that aid in their motility. To study the genes involved in motility, transposon mutagenesis was performed to construct A. baumannii mutant strains. Mutant strain MR14 was found to have reduced motility, compared to wild-type ATCC 17978. NCBI BLAST analysis revealed that the Tn10 transposon in the MR14 genome is integrated into the gene that encodes for carboxy-terminal processing protease (Ctp). Additionally, MR14 exhibits a mucoidy, sticky phenotype as the result of increased extracellular DNA (eDNA) caused by bacterial autolysis. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed cytoplasmic content leaving the cell and multiple cell membrane depressions, respectively. MR14 showed higher sensitivity to environmental stressors. Mutation of the ctp gene reduced invasion and adhesion of A. baumannii to airway epithelial cells, potentially due to increased hydrophobicity. In the zebrafish model of infection, MR14 increased the survival rate by 40% compared to the wild-type. Taken together, the ctp gene in A. baumannii has a pivotal role in maintaining membrane integrity, adaptation to environmental stress, and controlling virulence.
Mapeamento da produção científica em educação matemática que trata de materiais curriculares educativos
Authors: Lima Reinaldo Feio
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo é um breve recorte da tese de doutorado defendida no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação, da Universidade Federal da Bahia – UFBA, intitulada “Mensagem pedagógica em textos de Materiais Curriculares Educativos”. Este estudo tem por objetivo mostrar um mapeamento da produção científica em Educação Matemática, a partir de teses e dissertações que contemplam pesquisas relacionadas a Materiais Curriculares Educativos, apresentadas no período 2013–2018 em programas de pós-graduação existentes no Brasil. O mapeamento foi realizado na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações – BDTD, considerando as palavras-chave “materiais curriculares” e “materiais curriculares educativos”. Nesta, foram identificadas 06 teses e 06 dissertações. O artigo traz contribuições significativas para compreender os avanços desse campo emergente de pesquisa, destacando a diversidade teórica e metodológica de investigação, os focos temáticos, bem como as lacunas ainda a serem investigadas. Ademais, aponta a necessidade de futuras pesquisas que apresentem novas descobertas e possibilidades para a formação de professores que ensinam Matemática.
Fenton Reagent for Organic Compound Removal in Wastewater
Authors: Austen Vic , Suyitno Cindy , Gah Tesalonica Yakoba Priskadianti Ratu , Sugiarta Philemon , Santoso Shella Permatasari , Edi Soetaredjo Felycia , Foe Kuncoro , Angkawidjaja Artik Elisa , Ju Yi-Hsu , Ismadji Suryadi
Published: April 2020

The improper treatment of wastewater has cost humanity a large amount of access to clean water. Treating wastewater, by definition, means to remove pollutants, either physically or chemically. A chemical method of treating wastewater, the Fenton process, was deemed useful for the job. It includes a solution-based reaction that produces radicals to oxidize and break pollutants down. Variations of the Fenton process, each with their unique method, have been developed to increase the process’s efficacy and efficiency further. Admittedly, however, the information on this subject is relatively few, when compared to other more recent methods of treatment. This paper aims to present and discuss a wide variety of information on the Fenton process and its derivatives, including Electro-Fenton, Sono-Fenton, and Photo-Fenton among others.
Properties and Photocatalytic Behaviour of Vanadia Loaded Titania Supported on MCM-41 Synthesized using Different Surfactants for Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Ooi Yee Khai , Mohd Hatta Mohd Hayrie , Lee Siew Ling
Published: April 2020

An attempt has been carried out to prepare vanadia loaded TiO2 supported on MCM-41(V-TiO2/MCM-41) nanostructured photocatalysts using different surfactants. The surfactants used in the photocatalysts synthesis were dodecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (DTAB), hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) and octadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (STAB) which have varied carbon chains. The effect of crystallinity, surface area and porosity of the MCM-41 support on the physical-chemical properties of synthesized photocatalysts of vanadia loaded TiO2/MCM-41 and their photocatalytic performance were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that the crystallinity of vanadia-TiO2/MCM-41 decreased with increasing of carbon-chain number of the surfactant used. Both surface area and pore volume of V-TiO2 increased significantly from 16.2 m2/g and 0.034 cm3/g to 864.3 m2/g and 0.618 cm3/g, respectively, after being loaded on MCM-41 support which was prepared using CTAB. It was demonstrated that all the V loaded TiO2/MCM-41 materials exhibited remarkable improvement in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under the irradiation of visible light as compared to that of bare TiO2 and V-TiO2. Among these materials, V-TiO2/MCM-41 which was synthesized using CTAB appeared to be the best photocatalyst with 57% of MB removal under visible light irradiation.
Systematic Study on Sensing Capability of Gold(I) Pyrazolate Complex for Vapochromic Chemosensors of Ethanol Vapors
Authors: Rachmadian Almira Praza , Prabowo Matheus Randy , Ghazalli Nur Fatiha , Lintang Hendrik O.
Published: April 2020

Modified gold complexes as dinuclear adducts with silver bridge ions, clusters with other metal ions, and bimetallic sandwiches have shown better sensing capabilities for vapochromic chemosensing of organic vapors than its unmodified structure. Herein, a simple gold(I) complex, synthesized from 4-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-3,5-dimethyl pyrazole ligand, have been shown to have higher sensing capability toward ethanol (EtOH) vapors. Such sensing capability can be possibly achieved when EtOH vapors have enough time to diffuse to the main sensing sites of the sensor. Thus, 80 to 160 µL (with 20 µL increment) of EtOH vapors were exposed to the synthesized gold(I) pyrazolate complex at varied distances of 2.75, 11 and 22 cm for 15 minutes. The complex displayed its sensing capability by quenching at its emission intensity of 600 nm up to 80%, which suggests the possible interaction of the EtOH vapors with the inner sensing site originated from the Au(I)–Au(I) interaction of the complex where it is possible to breakdown the light-emitting capability. Prior to this interaction, there was only a slight blue-shifting of 9 nm away from its emission intensity by the binding of EtOH vapors to the methoxy of benzene ring hence only demonstrating weak sensing capability. These results indicated that sensing capability as shown by the quenching phenomenon at the emission intensity of gold(I) complex is dependent on diffusion time of EtOH vapors.