bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Infection Profiles of Expectant Mothers with COVID-19 and Impacts on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes between the First Two Waves of the Pandemic
Authors: Cuñarro-López Yolanda , Pintado-Recarte Pilar , Hernández-Martín Concepción , Paya-Martínez Pilar , López-Pérez Rocío , Cueto-Hernández Ignacio , Ruiz-Labarta Javier , Cano-Valderrama Óscar , Martínez-Pérez Óscar , Bravo-Arribas Coral , Ortega Miguel A. , De León-Luis Juan Antonio
Published: June 2021

During 2020, Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) incidence fluctuated in two clear waves across the spring and autumn periods. This study was designed to compare the maternal and perinatal clinical outcomes in obstetrics patients with COVID-19 between the two waves of infection in Spain. We conducted an observational, analytical, ambispective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up of mothers with confirmed SARV-CoV-2 infection from different hospitals in our country between March–November 2020. We recruited 1295 pregnant women with SARS-CoV2 infection from 78 hospitals, 846 (65.3%) of whom were diagnosed during the first wave and 449 (34.7%) during the second wave. Our results show that patients developing COVID-19 during the first wave had more symptoms at triage, early in pregnancy with greater rates of COVID-19-related maternal morbidity; caesarean section and preterm birth in the first wave. We register two cases of maternal mortality and only during the first wave. Maternal morbidity events showed a strong link to perinatal mortality events in the first wave compared to the second wave, in which maternal morbidity was more associated with pneumonia. Likewise, maternal morbidity showed a strong correlation with perinatal morbidity events in both waves. We describe the differences between the patients’ profiles and management between the two waves and related to maternal and perinatal outcomes. Differences were also observed in the management of pregnant women with COVID-19. Thus, there were fewer caesarean sections, and maternal and perinatal morbidity events were reduced in the second wave, while the impacts of respiratory symptoms and their severity, including a greater need for maternal treatment, were greater in this last period. Identifying the impact that changes in the profile as well as in the treatment have on maternal–perinatal morbidity and mortality will help improve the well-being of our patients and their newborns.
A Survey on Volatility Fluctuations in the Decentralized Cryptocurrency Financial Assets
Authors: Kyriazis Nikolaos A.
Published: June 2021

This study is an integrated survey of GARCH methodologies applications on 67 empirical papers that focus on cryptocurrencies. More sophisticated GARCH models are found to better explain the fluctuations in the volatility of cryptocurrencies. The main characteristics and the optimal approaches for modeling returns and volatility of cryptocurrencies are under scrutiny. Moreover, emphasis is placed on interconnectedness and hedging and/or diversifying abilities, measurement of profit-making and risk, efficiency and herding behavior. This leads to fruitful results and sheds light on a broad spectrum of aspects. In-depth analysis is provided of the speculative character of digital currencies and the possibility of improvement of the risk–return trade-off in investors’ portfolios. Overall, it is found that the inclusion of Bitcoin in portfolios with conventional assets could significantly improve the risk–return trade-off of investors’ decisions. Results on whether Bitcoin resembles gold are split. The same is true about whether Bitcoins volatility presents larger reactions to positive or negative shocks. Cryptocurrency markets are found not to be efficient. This study provides a roadmap for researchers and investors as well as authorities.
Alantolactone Suppresses Proliferation and the Inflammatory Response in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes and Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Skin Lesions in a Psoriasis-Like Mouse Model
Authors: Chuo Wen-Ho , Tung Yu-Tang , Wu Chao-Liang , Bracci Nicole R. , Chang Yu-Kang , Huang Hung-Yi , Lin Chi-Chien
Published: June 2021

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects 2% to 3% of the world population. Alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, was isolated from Inula helenium and Radix inulae and has several biological effects, including antifungal, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitrypanosomal, and anticancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antipsoriatic potential of alantolactone in vitro and in vivo and to explore its underlying mechanisms. These results showed that alantolactone significantly attenuated IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, IL-1α, and TNF-α (M5) cytokine-induced hyperproliferation in HaCaT keratinocytes. Moreover, M5 cytokines significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8. However, alantolactone attenuated the upregulation of these inflammatory cytokines. In addition, alantolactone was found to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation in HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, alantolactone treatment in mice significantly alleviated the severity of skin lesions (erythema, scaling and epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration) and decreased the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-23) in an IMQ-induced-like mouse model. Therefore, our new findings revealed that alantolactone alleviates psoriatic skin lesions by inhibiting inflammation, making it an attractive candidate for future development as an antipsoriatic agent.
Preparation and Antioxidant Activity of Chitosan Dimers with Different Sequences
Authors: Hao Wentong , Li Kecheng , Ma Yuzhen , Li Rongfeng , Xing Ronge , Yu Huahua , Li Pengcheng
Published: June 2021

As a popular marine saccharide, chitooligosaccharides (COS) has been proven to have good antioxidant activity. Its antioxidant effect is closely related to its degree of polymerization, degree of acetylation and sequence. However, the specific structure–activity relationship remains unclear. In this study, three chitosan dimers with different sequences were obtained by the separation and enzymatic method, and the antioxidant activity of all four chitosan dimers were studied. The effect of COS sequence on its antioxidant activity was revealed for the first time. The amino group at the reducing end plays a vital role in scavenging superoxide radicals and in the reducing power of the chitosan dimer. At the same time, we found that the fully deacetylated chitosan dimer DD showed the strongest DPPH scavenging activity. When the amino groups of the chitosan dimer were acetylated, it showed better activity in scavenging hydroxyl radicals. Research on COS sequences opens up a new path for the study of COS, and is more conducive to the investigation of its mechanism.
The Negative Relationship between Fouling Organisms and the Content of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Cultivated Pacific Oysters, Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Fujibayashi Megumu , Nishimura Osamu , Sakamaki Takashi
Published: June 2021

Bivalves serve as an important aquaculture product, as they are the source of essential fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in our diet. However, their cultivation in the wild can be affected by fouling organisms that, in turn, affect their EPA and DHA content. The effects of fouling organisms on the EPA and DHA contents of cultivated bivalves have not been well documented. We examined the effects of fouling organisms on the EPA and DHA contents and condition index of cultured oysters, Crassostrea gigas, in an aquaculture system. We sampled two-year-old oysters from five sites in Shizugawa Bay, Japan, in August 2014. Most of the fouling organisms were sponges, macroalgae, and Mytilus galloprovincialis. A significant negative relationship existed between the DHA content in C. gigas and the presence of sponges and macroalgae. A lower C. gigas EPA content corresponded to a higher M. galloprovincialis fouling mass and a lower C. gigas condition index. This can be explained by dietary competition between C. gigas and M. galloprovincialis for diatoms, which were the main producer of EPA in our study sites. Our findings indicate that fouling organisms likely reduce the EPA and DHA content in cultivated oysters. Therefore, our results suggest that the current efforts to remove fouling organisms from oyster clusters is an effective strategy to enhance the content of EPA and DHA in oysters.
Gastric Mixed Neuroendocrine Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Western Center Case Series
Authors: Ramos Marcus Fernando Kodama Pertille , Pereira Marina Alessandra , Arabi Arthur Youssif Mota , Mazepa Melissa Mello , Dias Andre Roncon , Ribeiro Ulysses , Zilberstein Bruno , Nahas Sergio Carlos
Published: June 2021

Background: Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) represent a rare tumor composed of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma components. This study reports a case series of gastric MiNEN and discusses issues related to its diagnosis, management, and outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with gastric MiNEN who underwent surgical resection at our service from 2009 to 2020. Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma served as a comparison group. Clinical, pathologic, and surgical characteristics were compared. Results: During the selected period, 5 gastric MiNEN patients and 597 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were included. Among the clinical variables, age, sex, BMI, and laboratory exams were similar between the two groups. Only ASA classification was different (p = 0.015). Pathological variables such as tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and pTNM staging were also similar between both groups. Lastly, early surgical outcomes and long-term survival did not differ between gastric MiNEN and adenocarcinoma patients. Conclusion: A MiNEN is a rare tumor that represents less than 1% of GC patients undergoing curative treatment, and demonstrated clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes similar to gastric adenocarcinoma.
Fatigue Assessment of Selective Laser Melted Ti-6Al-4V: Influence of Speed Manufacturing and Porosity
Authors: Segurajauregi Unai , Álvarez-Vázquez Adrián , Muñiz-Calvente Miguel , Urresti Íker , Naveiras Haydee
Published: June 2021

Additive Manufacturing represents a promising technology as an alternative to the conventional manufacturing process, with rapid and economic product development, as well as a significant weight reduction and a freeform design. Although the mechanical properties of additively manufactured metals, such as the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, are well-established, a complete understanding of the fatigue performance is still a pending aspiration due to its inherent stochastic complexity and the influence of several manufacturing factors. This paper presents a study of the influence of speed manufacturing and porosity in the fatigue behaviour of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy. To this aim, a numerical simulation of the expected porosity at different laser velocities is performed, together with a simulation of the residual stresses. These numerical results are compared with experimental measurements of residual stresses and a qualitative analysis of the porosities. Then, fatigue strength is experimentally obtained for two different laser speeds and fitted by a probabilistic model. As a result, the probabilistic S–N fields for different laser velocities are found to be similar, with scatter bands nearly coincident, drawing the conclusion that this effect is negligible in comparison with other concurrent ones, such as roughness or surface defects from manufacturing conditions, promoting crack initiation and premature fatigue failure.
Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: Genetic, Biologic, and Clinical Aspects with a Central Focus on Epstein–Barr Virus Relation
Authors: Takahara Miki , Kumai Takumi , Kishibe Kan , Nagato Toshihiro , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: June 2021

Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL-NT) has some salient aspects. The lymphoma is commonly seen in Eastern Asia, has progressive necrotic lesions in the nasal cavity, makes midfacial destructive lesions, and shows poor prognosis. The lymphoma cell is originated from either NK- or γδ T-cells, which express CD56. Since the authors first demonstrated the existence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA and EBV oncogenic proteins in lymphoma cells, ENKTL-NT has been recognized as an EBV-associated malignancy. Because the angiocentric and polymorphous lymphoma cells are mixed with inflammatory cells on a necrotic background, the diagnosis of ENKTL-NT requires CD56 immunostaining and EBER in situ hybridization. In addition, serum the EBV DNA level is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of ENKTL-NT. Although ENKTL-NT is refractory lymphoma, the prognosis is improved by the development of therapies such as concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The basic research reveals that a wide variety of intracellular/cell surface molecules, cytokines, chemokines, and micro RNAs are involved in lymphomagenesis, and some of them are related to EBV. Understanding lymphoma behavior introduces new therapeutic strategies, such as the usage of immune checkpoint inhibitors, peptide vaccines, and molecular targeting therapy. This review addresses recent advances in basic and clinical aspects of ENKTL-NT, especially its relation to EBV features.
Vaccines for Protecting Infants from Bacterial Causes of Diarrheal Disease
Authors: Walker Richard , Kaminski Robert W. , Porter Chad , Choy Robert K. M. , White Jessica A. , Fleckenstein James M. , Cassels Fred , Bourgeois Louis
Published: June 2021

The global diarrheal disease burden for Shigella, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Campylobacter is estimated to be 88M, 75M, and 75M cases annually, respectively. A vaccine against this target trio of enteric pathogens could address about one-third of diarrhea cases in children. All three of these pathogens contribute to growth stunting and have demonstrated increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents. Several combinations of antigens are now recognized that could be effective for inducing protective immunity against each of the three target pathogens in a single vaccine for oral administration or parenteral injection. The vaccine combinations proposed here would result in a final product consistent with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) preferred product characteristics for ETEC and Shigella vaccines, and improve the vaccine prospects for support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and widespread uptake by low- and middle-income countries’ (LMIC) public health stakeholders. Broadly protective antigens will enable multi-pathogen vaccines to be efficiently developed and cost-effective. This review describes how emerging discoveries for each pathogen component of the target trio could be used to make vaccines, which could help reduce a major cause of poor health, reduced cognitive development, lost economic productivity, and poverty in many parts of the world.
Fortification of Acidophilus-bifidus-thermophilus (ABT) Fermented Milk with Heat-Treated Industrial Yeast Enhances Its Selected Properties
Authors: Elshaghabee Fouad M. F. , Abd El-Maksoud Ahmed A. , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Alfarraj Saleh , Mohamed Mahmoud S. M.
Published: June 2021

The improvement of milk dairy products’ quality and nutritional value during shelf-life storage is the ultimate goal of many studies worldwide. Therefore, in the present study, prospective beneficial effects of adding two different industrial yeasts, Kluyveromyces lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae pretreated by heating at 85 °C for 10 min to be inactivated, before fermentation on some properties of ABT fermented milk were evaluated. The results of this study showed that the addition of 3% and 5% (w/v) heat-treated yeasts to the milk enhanced the growth of starter culture, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococcus thermophilus, during the fermentation period as well as its viability after 20 days of cold storage at 5 ± 1 °C. Furthermore, levels of lactic and acetic acids were significantly increased from 120.45 ± 0.65 and 457.80 ± 0.70 µg/mL in the control without heat-treated yeast to 145.67 ± 0.77 and 488.32 ± 0.33 µg/mL with 5% supplementation of Sacch. cerevisiae respectively. Moreover, the addition of heat-treated yeasts to ABT fermented milk enhanced the antioxidant capacity by increasing the efficiency of free radical scavenging as well as the proteolytic activity. Taken together, these results suggest promising application of non-viable industrial yeasts as nutrients in the fermentation process of ABT milk to enhance the growth and viability of ABT starter cultures before and after a 20-day cold storage period by improving the fermented milk level of organic acids, antioxidant capacity, and proteolytic activities.
IgE-Induced Mast Cell Activation Is Suppressed by Dihydromyricetin through the Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chang Tsong-Min , Hsiao Tzu-Chih , Yang Ting-Ya , Huang Huey-Chun
Published: June 2021

Mast cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of type 1 allergic reactions by binding to IgE and allergen complexes and initiating the degranulation process, releasing pro-inflammatory mediators. Recently, research has focused on finding a stable and effective anti-allergy compound to prevent or treat anaphylaxis. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid compound with several pharmacological properties, including free radical scavenging, antithrombotic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic inflammatory effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of DHM in the DNP-IgE-sensitized human mast cell line, KU812. The cytokine levels and mast cell degranulation assays were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The possible mechanism of the DHM-mediated anti-allergic signaling pathway was analyzed by western blotting. It was found that treatment with DHM suppressed the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in DNP-IgE-sensitized KU812 cells. The anti-allergic inflammatory properties of DHM were mediated by inhibition of NF-κB activation. In addition, DHM suppressed the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and mast cell-derived tryptase production. Our study shows that DHM could mitigate mast cell activation in allergic diseases.
Analysis of Volatile Molecules Present in the Secretome of the Fungal Pathogen Candida glabrata
Authors: López-Ramos Juan Ernesto , Bautista Elihú , Gutiérrez-Escobedo Guadalupe , Mancilla-Montelongo Gabriela , Castaño Irene , González-Chávez Marco Martín , De Las Peñas Alejandro
Published: June 2021

Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis are the four most common human fungal pathogens isolated that can cause superficial and invasive infections. It has been shown that specific metabolites present in the secretomes of these fungal pathogens are important for their virulence. C. glabrata is the second most common isolate world-wide and has an innate resistance to azoles, xenobiotics and oxidative stress that allows this fungal pathogen to evade the immune response and persist within the host. Here, we analyzed and compared the C. glabrata secretome with those of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In C. glabrata, we identified a different number of metabolites depending on the growth media: 12 in synthetic complete media (SC), 27 in SC-glutamic acid and 23 in rich media (YPD). C. glabrata specific metabolites are 1-dodecene (0.09 ± 0.11%), 2,5-dimethylundecane (1.01 ± 0.19%), 3,7-dimethyldecane (0.14 ± 0.15%), and octadecane (0.4 ± 0.53%). The metabolites that are shared with C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and S. cerevisiae are phenylethanol, which is synthesized from phenylalanine, and eicosane and nonanoic acid (identified as trimethylsilyl ester), which are synthesized from fatty acid metabolism. Phenylethanol is the most abundant metabolite in all fungi tested: 26.36 ± 17.42% (C. glabrata), 46.77 ± 15.58% (C. albicans), 49.76 ± 18.43% (C. tropicalis), 5.72 ± 0.66% (C. parapsilosis.) and 44.58 ± 27.91% (S. cerevisiae). The analysis of C. glabrata’s secretome will allow us to further our understanding of the possible role these metabolites could play in its virulence.
Ellagic Acid Suppresses ApoB Secretion and Enhances ApoA-1 Secretion from Human Hepatoma Cells, HepG2
Authors: Ieda Ayana , Wada Maki , Moriyasu Yuuki , Okuno Yuuko , Zaima Nobuhiro , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: June 2021

The effect of ellagic acid (EA), a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, on the secretion of apolipoproteins from human hepatocytes, HepG2, was investigated. The levels of apoB and apoA-1 secreted in the cell culture medium were determined by sandwich ELISA. EA did not affect cell viability at the tested concentrations (up to 50 µM). EA suppressed the secretion of apoB and enhanced that of apoA-1 from HepG2 cells. However, cellular apoB levels were increased, suggesting that EA inhibited the trafficking of apoB during the process of secretion. In contrast, the increase in the cellular levels of apoA-1 was consistent with its secreted levels. These results indicate that EA inhibits the secretion of apoB from hepatocytes and increases the secretion of apoA-1. Both of these effects are beneficial for lipoprotein metabolism in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. The detailed mechanism underlying these effects of EA on lipoprotein metabolism should be elucidated in the future, but this naturally occurring polyphenolic compound might be antihyperlipidemic. Based on these results, EA is suggested as a candidate food-derived compound for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
Comparative Study of Different Measurement Methods for Characterizing Rheological Properties of Lubrication Layer
Authors: Liu Yu , Jing Rui , Yan Peiyu
Published: June 2021

The lubrication layer plays a governing role in predicting the pumpability of fresh concrete. To determine the effect of measurement methods on the characterization of the rheological properties of the lubrication layer, different measurement systems, including Sliper, tribometer, and the utilization of a mortar rheometer, were employed. The rheological properties and workability of bulk concrete were measured in parallel to investigate the correlation between them and the rheological properties of the lubrication layer. The results show that the measured values of the rheological parameters of the lubrication layer differ due to the systematic deviation between different measurement methods. The results obtained by both tribometer and mortar rheometer were well-correlated, having a linear relationship with the rheological parameters of bulk concrete. The correlation coefficient between results gained with Sliper and rheological parameters of concrete or lubrication layer determined with other methods was not high enough. Addition friction led to the large accidental error and overestimated yield stress obtained with Sliper. The workability of concrete is only suitable for characterizing the rheological properties of bulk concrete.
Densely Functionalized 2-Methylideneazetidines: Evaluation as Antibacterials
Authors: Petrillo Giovanni , Tavani Cinzia , Bianchi Lara , Benzi Alice , Cavalluzzi Maria Maddalena , Salvagno Lara , Quintieri Laura , De Palma Annalisa , Caputo Leonardo , Rosato Antonio , Lentini Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Twenty-two novel, variously substituted nitroazetidines were designed as both sulfonamide and urethane vinylogs possibly endowed with antimicrobial activity. The compounds under study were obtained following a general procedure recently developed, starting from 4-nitropentadienoates deriving from a common β-nitrothiophenic precursor. While being devoid of any activity against fungi and Gram-negative bacteria, most of the title compounds performed as potent antibacterial agents on Gram-positive bacteria (E. faecalis and three strains of S. aureus), with the most potent congener being the 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-nitro-4-(p-tolyl)azetidine 22, which displayed potency close to that of norfloxacin, the reference antibiotic (minimum inhibitory concentration values 4 and 1–2 μg/mL, respectively). Since 22 combines a relatively efficient activity against Gram-positive bacteria and a cytotoxicity on eucharyotic cells only at 4-times higher concentrations (inhibiting concentration on 50% of the cultured eukaryotic cells: 36 ± 10 μM, MIC: 8.6 μM), it may be considered as a promising hit compound for the development of a new series of antibacterials selectively active on Gram-positive pathogens. The relatively concise synthetic route described herein, based on widely available starting materials, could feed further structure–activity relationship studies, thus allowing for the fine investigation and optimization of the toxico-pharmacological profile.
5-(Indol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines as a New Family of TASK-3 Channel Blockers: A Pharmacophore-Based Regioselective Synthesis
Authors: Ramírez David , Mejia-Gutierrez Melissa , Insuasty Braulio , Rinné Susanne , Kiper Aytug K. , Platzk Magdalena , Müller Thomas , Decher Niels , Quiroga Jairo , De-la-Torre Pedro , González Wendy
Published: June 2021

TASK channels belong to the two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels subfamily. These channels modulate cellular excitability, input resistance, and response to synaptic stimulation. TASK-channel inhibition led to membrane depolarization. TASK-3 is expressed in different cancer cell types and neurons. Thus, the discovery of novel TASK-3 inhibitors makes these bioactive compounds very appealing to explore new cancer and neurological therapies. TASK-3 channel blockers are very limited to date, and only a few heterofused compounds have been reported in the literature. In this article, we combined a pharmacophore hypothesis with molecular docking to address for the first time the rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of 5-(indol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines as a novel family of human TASK-3 channel blockers. Representative compounds of the synthesized library were assessed against TASK-3 using Fluorometric imaging plate reader—Membrane Potential assay (FMP). Inhibitory properties were validated using two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) methods. We identified one active hit compound (MM-3b) with our systematic pipeline, exhibiting an IC50 ≈ 30 μM. Molecular docking models suggest that compound MM-3b binds to TASK-3 at the bottom of the selectivity filter in the central cavity, similar to other described TASK-3 blockers such as A1899 and PK-THPP. Our in silico and experimental studies provide a new tool to predict and design novel TASK-3 channel blockers.
Size-Dependent Ion Adsorption in Graphene Oxide Membranes
Authors: Jin Xiaoheng , Wen Xinyue , Lim Sean , Joshi Rakesh
Published: June 2021

Graphene oxide (GO)-based materials have demonstrated promising potential for adsorption and purification applications. Due to its amphiphilic nature, GO offers the possibility of removing various kinds of contaminants, including heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from aqueous environments. Here, we present size-selective ion adsorption in GO-based laminates by directly measuring the weight uptake of slats. Adsorption studies were conducted in graphene oxide purchased from Nisina Materials Japan prepared using a controlled method. We tuned the interlayer spacing of GO membranes via cationic control solutions using intercalation of very small salts ions (i.e., K+, Na+, Cl−) very precisely to facilitate the adsorption of larger ions such as [Fe(CN)6]4− and [Fe(CN)6]3−. This study demonstrates that if the opening of nanocapillaries within the laminates is bigger than the hydrated diameter of ions, the adsorption occurs within the membranes while for smaller opening, with no ion entrance the sorption occurs on the surface of the membranes.
Heatwave Effects on the Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Activity of the Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa under Contrasting Light Regimes
Authors: Costa Monya M. , Silva João , Barrote Isabel , Santos Rui
Published: June 2021

Global climate change, specifically the intensification of marine heatwaves, affect seagrasses. In the Ria Formosa, saturating light intensities may aggravate heatwave effects on seagrasses, particularly during low spring tides. However, the photophysiological and antioxidant responses of seagrasses to such extreme events are poorly known. Here, we evaluated the responses of Cymodocea nodosa exposed at 20 °C and 40 °C and 150 and 450 μmol quanta m−2 s−1. After four-days, we analyzed (a) photosynthetic responses to irradiance, maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ɸPSII); (b) soluble sugars and starch; (c) photosynthetic pigments; (d) antioxidant responses (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC, and antioxidant capacity, TEAC); (d) oxidative damage (malondialdehyde, MDA). After four days at 40 °C, C. nodosa showed relevant changes in photosynthetic pigments, independent of light intensity. Increased TEAC and APX indicated an “investment” in the control of reactive oxygen species levels. Dark respiration and starch concentration increased, but soluble sugar concentrations were not affected, suggesting higher CO2 assimilation. Our results show that C. nodosa adjusts its photophysiological processes to successfully handle thermal stress, even under saturating light, and draws a promising perspective for C. nodosa resilience under climate change scenarios.
Predicting Lifestyle from Positive Selection Data and Genome Properties in Oomycetes
Authors: Gómez-Pérez Daniel , Kemen Eric
Published: June 2021

As evidenced in parasitism, host and niche shifts are a source of genomic and phenotypic diversification. Exemplary is a reduction in the core metabolism as parasites adapt to a particular host, while the accessory genome often maintains a high degree of diversification. However, selective pressures acting on the genome of organisms that have undergone recent lifestyle or host changes have not been fully investigated. Here, we developed a comparative genomics approach to study underlying adaptive trends in oomycetes, a eukaryotic phylum with a wide and diverse range of economically important plant and animal parasitic lifestyles. Our analysis reveals converging evolution on biological processes for oomycetes that have similar lifestyles. Moreover, we find that certain functions, in particular carbohydrate metabolism, transport, and signaling, are important for host and environmental adaptation in oomycetes. Given the high correlation between lifestyle and genome properties in our oomycete dataset, together with the known convergent evolution of fungal and oomycete genomes, we developed a model that predicts plant pathogenic lifestyles with high accuracy based on functional annotations. These insights into how selective pressures correlate with lifestyle may be crucial to better understand host/lifestyle shifts and their impact on the genome.
Transitioning Focus Group Research to a Videoconferencing Environment: A Descriptive Analysis of Interactivity
Authors: Henage Cristine B. , Ferreri Stefanie P. , Schlusser Courtney , Hughes Tamera D. , Armistead Lori T. , Kelley Casey J. , Niznik Joshua D. , Busby-Whitehead Jan , Roberts Ellen
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted face-to-face interactions in healthcare research, with many studies shifting to video-based data collection for qualitative research. This study describes the interactivity achieved in a videoconferencing focus group of seven primary care providers discussing deprescribing opioids and benzodiazepines. Researchers reviewed video footage of a focus group conducted via Zoom and assessed interactivity using Morgan’s framework for focus group communication processes. Two reviewers categorized the type of exchanges as sharing information, comparing experiences, organizing, and conceptualizing the content, as well as validating each other or galvanizing the discussion with “lightning strike” ideas. The conversation dynamics in this focus group included clear examples of interactivity in each of the categories proposed by Morgan (validating, sharing, comparing, organizing, conceptualizing, and lightning strikes) that were observed by two different reviewers with demonstrated high interrater reliability. Conducting focus groups with a skilled moderator using videoconferencing platforms with primary care providers is a viable option that produces sufficient levels of interaction.
X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT) Imaging with a Superfine Pencil Beam X-ray Source
Authors: Romero Ignacio O. , Fang Yile , Lun Michael , Li Changqing
Published: June 2021

X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is a molecular imaging technique that can be used to sense different elements or nanoparticle (NP) agents inside deep samples or tissues. However, XFCT has not been a popular molecular imaging tool because it has limited molecular sensitivity and spatial resolution. We present a benchtop XFCT imaging system in which a superfine pencil-beam X-ray source and a ring of X-ray spectrometers were simulated using GATE (Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission) Monte Carlo software. An accelerated majorization minimization (MM) algorithm with an L1 regularization scheme was used to reconstruct the XFCT image of molybdenum (Mo) NP targets. Good target localization was achieved with a DICE coefficient of 88.737%. The reconstructed signal of the targets was found to be proportional to the target concentrations if detector number, detector placement, and angular projection number are optimized. The MM algorithm performance was compared with the maximum likelihood expectation maximization (ML-EM) and filtered back projection (FBP) algorithms. Our results indicate that the MM algorithm is superior to the ML-EM and FBP algorithms. We found that the MM algorithm was able to reconstruct XFCT targets as small as 0.25 mm in diameter. We also found that measurements with three angular projections and a 20-detector ring are enough to reconstruct the XFCT images.
Image Transmission Based on Spiking Dynamics of Electrically Controlled VCSEL-SA Neuron
Authors: Ni Min , Lin Xiaodong , Tang Xi , Gao Ziye , Xiao Luyao , Wang Jun , Ma Fan , Zheng Qiulan , Deng Tao
Published: June 2021

Based on the spiking dynamics of the electrically controlled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with an embedded saturable absorber (VCSEL-SA), we propose an image transmission system using two unidirectionally coupled VCSEL-SAs and numerically investigate the binary-to-spike (BTS) conversation characteristics and the image transmission performance. The simulation results show that, through electrically injecting the binary data to VCSEL-SA, the BTS conversation can be realized and the conversion rate of BTS highly depends on the injection strength and bias current. Thus, the image transmission can be realized in the proposed system. Moreover, the parameter mismatches between these two VCSEL-SAs have some effects on the image transmission performance, but the encoded images are still successfully decoded even under certain parameter mismatches. In addition, spiking patterns can be also stored and transmitted in the cascaded system with optoelectronic feedback loop.
Recurrent Selection with Sub-Lethal Doses of Mesotrione Reduces Sensitivity in Amaranthus palmeri
Authors: Norsworthy Jason K. , Varanasi Vijay K. , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar , Brabham Chad
Published: June 2021

Amaranthus palmeri, ranked as the most prolific and troublesome weed in North America, has evolved resistance to several herbicide sites of action. Repeated use of any one herbicide, especially at lower than recommended doses, can lead to evolution of weed resistance, and, therefore, a better understanding of the process of resistance evolution is essential for the management of A. palmeri and other difficult-to-control weed species. Amaranthus palmeri rapidly developed resistance to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors such as mesotrione. The objective of this study was to test the potential for low-dose applications of mesotrione to select for reduced susceptibility over multiple generations in an A. palmeri population collected from an agricultural field in 2001. F0 plants from the population were initially treated with sub-lethal mesotrione rates and evaluated for survival three weeks after treatment. All F0 plants were controlled at the 1× rate (x = 105 g ai ha−1). However, 2.5% of the F0 plants survived the 0.5× treatment. The recurrent selection process using plants surviving various mesotrione rates was continued until the F4 generation was reached. Based on the GR50 values, the sensitivity index was determined to be 1.7 for the F4 generation. Compared to F0, HPPD gene expression level in the F3 population increased. Results indicate that after several rounds of recurrent selection, the successive generations of A. palmeri became less responsive to mesotrione, which may explain the reduced sensitivity of this weed to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides. The results have significance in light of the recently released soybean and soon to be released cotton varieties with resistance to HPPD inhibitors.
Four Centuries of Medicinal Mosses and Liverworts in European Ethnopharmacy and Scientific Pharmacy: A Review
Authors: Drobnik Jacek , Stebel Adam
Published: June 2021

(1) Medicinal use of bryophytes dates to ancient times, but it has always been marginal due to their small size, difficult identification, lack of conspicuous organs which would attract attention (flowers, fruits) and insipid taste of the herb. The earliest testimonies of their medical use come from the 1500s. The interest in medicinal bryophytes diminished considerably in the 1880s, except for Sphagnum spp., which became a source of dressing material. The second half of the 20th century saw the revival of the study of bryophyte chemistry. (2) Historical printed sources from 1616 to 1889 were queried. Bryophyte species found were taxonomically identified and presented against the background of their confirmed properties and ecology. The study was supplemented with historical vs. modern ethnomedicinal data. (3) In 26 publications, 28 species were identified. Modern usage was known for 10 of them. Medicinal properties of 16 species were confirmed. (4) Species of wide geographical distribution range were (or are still being) used in local folk medicines. Historical ethnobiological and ethnopharmaceutical uses of them are sometimes convergent with their confirmed properties, mostly external (as antimicrobial or cytotoxic remedies).
Investigation of an Intensified Thermo-Chemical Experimental Set-Up for Hydrogen Production from Biomass: Gasification Process Performance—Part I
Authors: Barisano Donatella , Canneto Giuseppe , Nanna Francesco , Villone Antonio , Fanelli Emanuele , Freda Cesare , Grieco Massimiliano , Cornacchia Giacinto , Braccio Giacobbe , Marcantonio Vera , Bocci Enrico , Foscolo Pier Ugo , Heidenreich Steffen
Published: June 2021

Biomass gasification for energy purposes has several advantages, such as the mitigation of global warming and national energy independency. In the present work, the data from an innovative and intensified steam/oxygen biomass gasification process, integrating a gas filtration step directly inside the reactor, are presented. The produced gas at the outlet of the 1 MWth gasification pilot plant was analysed in terms of its main gaseous products (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane) and contaminants. Experimental test sets were carried out at 0.25–0.28 Equivalence Ratio (ER), 0.4–0.5 Steam/Biomass (S/B), and 780–850 °C gasification temperature. Almond shells were selected as biomass feedstock and supplied to the reactor at approximately 120 and 150 kgdry/h. Based on the collected data, the in-vessel filtration system showed a dust removal efficiency higher than 99%-wt. A gas yield of 1.2 Nm3dry/kgdaf and a producer gas with a dry composition of 27–33%v H2, 23–29%v CO, 31–36%v CO2, 9–11%v CH4, and light hydrocarbons lower than 1%v were also observed. Correspondingly, a Low Heating Value (LHV) of 10.3–10.9 MJ/Nm3dry and a cold gas efficiency (CGE) up to 75% were estimated. Overall, the collected data allowed for the assessment of the preliminary performances of the intensified gasification process and provided the data to validate a simulative model developed through Aspen Plus software.
Digital Twin Application for Model-Based DoE to Rapidly Identify Ideal Process Conditions for Space-Time Yield Optimization
Authors: Bayer Benjamin , Dalmau Diaz Roger , Melcher Michael , Striedner Gerald , Duerkop Mark
Published: June 2021

The fast exploration of a design space and identification of the best process conditions facilitating the highest space-time yield are of great interest for manufacturers. To obtain this information, depending on the design space, a large number of practical experiments must be performed, analyzed, and evaluated. To reduce this experimental effort and increase the process understanding, we evaluated a model-based design of experiments to rapidly identify the optimum process conditions in a design space maximizing space-time yield. From a small initial dataset, hybrid models were implemented and used as digital bioprocess twins, thus obtaining the recommended optimal experiment. In cases where these optimum conditions were not covered by existing data, the experiment was carried out and added to the initial data set, re-training the hybrid model. The procedure was repeated until the model gained certainty about the best process conditions, i.e., no new recommendations. To evaluate this workflow, we utilized different initial data sets and assessed their respective performances. The fastest approach for optimizing the space-time yield in a three-dimensional design space was found with five initial experiments. The digital twin gained certainty after four recommendations, leading to a significantly reduced experimental effort compared to other state-of-the-art approaches. This highlights the benefits of in silico design space exploration for accelerating knowledge-based bioprocess development, and reducing the number of hands-on experiments, time, energy, and raw materials.
Learning Explainable Time-Morphology Patterns for Automatic Arrhythmia Classification from Short Single-Lead ECGs
Authors: Lee Hyeonjeong , Shin Miyoung
Published: June 2021

Automatic detection of abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation (AF), using signals obtained from a single-lead wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) device, is useful for daily cardiac health monitoring. In this study, we propose a novel image-based deep learning framework to classify single-lead ECG recordings of short variable length into several different rhythms associated with arrhythmias. By transforming variable-length 1D ECG signals into fixed-size 2D time-morphology representations and feeding them to the beat–interval–texture convolutional neural network (BIT-CNN) model, we aimed to learn the comprehensible characteristics of beat shape and inter-beat patterns over time for arrhythmia classification. The proposed approach allows feature embedding vectors to provide interpretable time-morphology patterns focused at each step of the learning process. In addition, this method reduces the number of model parameters needed to be trained and aids visual interpretation, while maintaining similar performance to other CNN-based approaches to arrhythmia classification. For experiments, we used the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2017 dataset and achieved an overall F1_NAO of 81.75% and F1_NAOP of 76.87%, which are comparable to those of the state-of-the-art methods for variable-length ECGs.
Application of Ultra Narrow Band Modulation in Enhanced Loran System
Authors: Lyu Boyun , Hua Yu , Yuan Jiangbin , Li Shifeng
Published: June 2021

The Enhanced Loran (eLoran) system is valued for its important role in the positioning, navigation, and timing fields; however, with its current modulation methods, low data rate restricts its development. Ultra narrow band (UNB) modulation is a modulation method with extremely high spectrum utilization. If UNB modulation can be applied to the eLoran system, it will be very helpful. The extended binary phase shift keying modulation in UNB modulation is selected for a detailed study, parameters and application model are designed according to its unique characteristics of signal time and frequency domains, and it is verified through simulation that the application of this modulation not only meets the design constraints of the eLoran system but also does not affect the reception of the respective signals of both parties. Several feasible schemes are compared, analyzed, and selected. Studies have revealed that application of UNB modulation in the eLoran system is feasible, and it will increase the data rate of the system by dozens of times.
An Assessment of the Effect of Progressive Water Absorption on the Interlaminar Strength of Unidirectional Carbon/Epoxy Composites Using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Almudaihesh Faisel , Grigg Stephen , Holford Karen , Pullin Rhys , Eaton Mark
Published: June 2021

Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) in aerospace applications are expected to operate in moist environments where carbon fibres have high resistance to water absorption; however, polymers do not. To develop a truly optimised structure, it is important to understand this degradation process. This study aims to expand the understanding of the role of water absorption on fibrous/polymeric structures, particularly in a matrix-dominant property, namely interlaminar strength. This work used Acoustic Emission (AE), which could be integrated into any Structural Health Monitoring System for aerospace applications, optical strain measurements, and microscopy to provide an assessment of the gradual change in failure mechanisms due to the degradation of a polymer’s structure with increasing water absorption. CFRP specimens were immersed in purified water and kept at a constant temperature of 90 °C for 3, 9, 24 and 43 days. The resulting interlaminar strength was investigated through short-beam strength (SBS) testing. The SBS values decreased as immersion times were increased; the decrease was significant at longer immersion times (up to 24.47%). Failures evolved with increased immersion times, leading to a greater number of delaminations and more intralaminar cracking. Failure modes, such as crushing and multiple delaminations, were observed at longer immersion times, particularly after 24 and 43 days, where a pure interlaminar shear failure did not occur. The observed transition in failure mechanism showed that failure of aged specimens was triggered by a crushing of the upper surface plies leading to progressive delamination at multiple ply interfaces in the upper half of the specimen. The crushing occurred at a load below that required to initiate a pure shear failure and hence represents an under prediction of the true SBS of the sample. This is a common test used to assess environmental degradation of composites and these results show that conservative knockdown factors may be used in design. AE was able to distinguish different material behaviours prior to final fracture for unaged and aged specimens suggesting that it can be integrated into an aerospace asset management system. AE results were validated using optical measurements and microscopy.