bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Plant Gene Encoding One-Heme and Two-Heme Hemoglobins With Extreme Reactivities Toward Diatomic Gases and Nitrite
Authors: Villar Irene , Larrainzar Estíbaliz , Milazzo Lisa , Pérez-Rontomé Carmen , Rubio Maria C. , Smulevich Giulietta , Martínez Jesús I. , Wilson Michael T. , Reeder Brandon , Huertas Raul , Abbruzzetti Stefania , Udvardi Michael , Becana Manuel
Published: November 2020

In plants, symbiotic hemoglobins act as carriers and buffers of O2 in nodules, whereas nonsymbiotic hemoglobins or phytoglobins (Glbs) are ubiquitous in tissues and may perform multiple, but still poorly defined, functions related to O2 and/or nitric oxide (NO). Here, we have identified a Glb gene of the model legume Medicago truncatula with unique properties. The gene, designated MtGlb1-2, generates four alternative splice forms encoding Glbs with one or two heme domains and 215–351 amino acid residues. This is more than double the size of any hemoglobin from plants or other organisms described so far. A combination of molecular, cellular, biochemical, and biophysical methods was used to characterize these novel proteins. RNA-sequencing showed that the four splice variants are expressed in plant tissues. MtGlb1-2 is transcriptionally activated by hypoxia and its expression is further enhanced by an NO source. The gene is preferentially expressed in the meristems and vascular bundles of roots and nodules. Two of the proteins, bearing one or two hemes, were characterized using mutants in the distal histidines of the hemes. The Glbs are extremely reactive toward the physiological ligands O2, NO, and nitrite. They show very high O2 affinities, NO dioxygenase activity (in the presence of O2), and nitrite reductase (NiR) activity (in the absence of O2) compared with the hemoglobins from vertebrates and other plants. We propose that these Glbs act as either NO scavengers or NO producers depending on the O2 tension in the plant tissue, being involved in the fast and fine tuning of NO concentration in the cytosol in response to sudden changes in O2 availability.
Multisensory, Nature-Inspired Recharge Rooms Yield Short-Term Reductions in Perceived Stress Among Frontline Healthcare Workers
Authors: Putrino David , Ripp Jonathan , Herrera Joseph E. , Cortes Mar , Kellner Christopher , Rizk Dahlia , Dams-O’Connor Kristen
Published: November 2020

We are currently facing global healthcare crisis that has placed unprecedented stress on healthcare workers as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is imperative that we develop novel tools to assist healthcare workers in dealing with the significant additional stress and trauma that has arisen as a result of the pandemic. Based in research on the effects of immersive environments on mood, a neuroscience research laboratory was rapidly repurposed using commercially available technologies and materials to create a nature-inspired relaxation space. Frontline healthcare workers were invited to book 15-min experiences in the Recharge Room before, during or after their shifts, where they were exposed to the immersive, multisensory experience 496 Recharge Room users (out of a total of 562) completed a short survey about their experience during an unselected, consecutive 14-day period. Average self-reported stress levels prior to entering the Recharge Room were 4.58/6 (±1.1). After a single 15-min experience in the Recharge Room, the average user-reported stress level was significantly reduced 1.85/6 (±1.2; p < 0.001; paired t-test). Net Promoter Score for the experience was 99.3%. Recharge Rooms such as those described here produce significant short-term reductions in perceived stress, and users find them highly enjoyable. These rooms may be of general utility in high-stress healthcare environments.
The Tower Press for Obtaining Olive Oil: Analysis through Computer-Aided Engineering
Authors: Rojas-Sola José Ignacio , De la Morena-De la Fuente Eduardo , Hermoso-Orzáez Manuel Jesús , Hernández-Díaz David
Published: November 2020

This article analyzes a large tower press used to press crushed olives to obtain olive oil. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method (FEM) of the 3D model of the press under real operating conditions. The tower press has been analyzed in two limit positions: in the rest position, supported on two pillars, and the pressing position, supported on the set of filter discs (basket load) called ‘cargo de capachos’ that contained the previously ground olives. In the first position, static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress was 22.7 MPa, located on the axle of the roller, but this is far from the elastic limit. Moreover, the lowest safety coefficient is 11.16, produced in the contact between the tower and the right pillar and well above the optimal range between 2 and 4. On the other hand, it hardly presents equivalent displacements or deformations that would endanger the operation of the set. The greatest displacement would be in the wooden guide (0.123 mm) and a deformation of 0.027% with respect to its length. These values confirm that, in this position, the tower press was clearly oversized. However, the results obtained regarding the second position are not entirely conclusive. Although the values of the displacements and the equivalent deformations are low, with results similar to those obtained in the first position, with a maximum displacement of 0.1315 mm located in the horizontal beam of the support structure and a maximum equivalent deformation of value 0.385%, located in the contact between the screw and the nut, the same does not happen with the von Mises stress. The software did not obtain a convergent result due to the frustoconical geometry of the bolt that joins the screw and nut, adopting a maximum value of 508.3 MPa. For this point, the safety coefficient is 1.49, which reveals a sizing problem with the proposed solution of resizing the screw thread, giving it more robustness. The rest of the elements work with a safety coefficient above 4.33 so they are also clearly oversized, according to current criteria.
Effects of Light and Autotoxicity on the Reproduction of Bidens pilosa L.: From Laboratory to the Field
Authors: Hsueh Ming-Tung , Fan Chihhao , Lo Hsiao-Feng , Chang Wen-Lian
Published: November 2020

In Taiwan, the good agricultural practices for Bidens pilosa L. (Cobbler’s pegs) had been established due to its pharmacology application. However, the reproduction of this species that may cause phytotoxicity to the subsequent crops has not been investigated extensively. We hypothesized that both the phytotoxicity and canopy shading conditions that were altered by agricultural practices might affect its seed reproduction. Three experiments from laboratory, pot and field were conducted under different light treatments and residue application rates to evaluate the light requirement and phytotoxicity on the germination of Cobbler’s pegs. The results showed that the germination in the laboratory, dark treatments was higher than that of light treatment while it was inhibited in the darkness in the pot experiments (24% of the light treatments). Moreover, some seeds in the pot experiments germinated in the far-red light (FR) pretreated dark treatments. This observation indicated that the germination response of the investigated plant might be a very low fluence response (VLFR). Results also showed that the autotoxicity enhanced the germination reduction in the FR pretreated dark treatment while increasing the residues buried in the field. Accordingly, both autotoxicity and canopy shading may inhibit the reproduction of Cobbler’s pegs, but the application method needs further study.
Ancient Wheat Species (Triticum sphaerococcum Perc. and T. persicum Vav.) in Organic Farming: Influence of Sowing Density on Agronomic Traits, Pests and Diseases Occurrence, and Weed Infestation
Authors: Szczepanek Małgorzata , Lemańczyk Grzegorz , Lamparski Robert , Wilczewski Edward , Graczyk Radomir , Nowak Rafał , Prus Piotr
Published: November 2020

Crop management should be determined to reintroduce ancient wheat. This study aimed to determine: i. the response of the yield of ancient wheat on sowing density; ii. the impact of sowing density on plant health, weed infestation and pest occurrence. Field experiments were carried out in Poland, on three organic farms. The factors were: (1) wheat species: Persian wheat (Triticum persicum Vav.) and Indian dwarf wheat (T. sphaerococcum Perc.), (2) sowing density (400, 500, and 600 grains m−2). Increasing the sowing density of T. sphaerococcum from 400 to 600 grains m−2 increases the grain yield and reduces the pest pressure (Oulema spp. and Aphididae). Sowing densities did not affect the severity of powdery mildew at stem elongation as well as root rot and eyespot at the development of fruit. At the highest sowing density, the leaf area with tan spot symptoms was the highest. The eyespot symptoms occurred more frequently and the damaged plant surface caused by Oulema spp. was larger on T. sphaerococcum. Persian wheat turned out to be more susceptible to weed infestation. Indian dwarf wheat and Persian wheat are useful for organic farming, and the sowing density should be 500 or 600 grains m−2 and 400 grains m−2, respectively.
Foliar Mineral Treatments for The Reduction of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Cracking
Authors: Lopez-Zaplana Alvaro , Bárzana Gloria , Agudelo Agatha , Carvajal Micaela
Published: November 2020

Fruit cracking affects many types of crops and is a major problem since the breakage of the surface of the fruit produces high economic losses. Numerous studies have looked at different ways to prevent this, mainly in melon, but with a low success rate. In this work, a standardisation of the induction of cracking is proposed that involves changes in the irrigation pattern (high conductivity or double irrigation). The prevention of the appearance of cracking was carried out through different foliar mineral treatments. The incidence of cracking was studied in relation to gas exchange variables and the concentrations of minerals in tissues. Our results show a more pronounced increase in cracking with double irrigation. Multiple elements were found to be associated with cracking such as B, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn. Furthermore, foliar application of different microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn) decreased the melon cracking incidence, thus assigning to the appropriate combination of these elements a crucial role in cracking amelioration.
Nitrogen Effects on Yield, Quality and Physiological Characteristics of Giant Rice
Authors: Zhang Jisheng , Tong Tianyi , Potcho Pouwedeou Mouloumdema , Huang Suihua , Ma Lin , Tang Xiangru
Published: November 2020

In China, the quantity of nitrogen fertilizer applied is large, but as a consequence of a high level of loss, its utilization rate is low. Compared to common rice, the new giant rice has interesting characteristics, namely high biological yield and good efficient use of fertilizer. However, it becomes urgent to further consider the appropriate rate of nitrogen fertilizer to be applied. The giant rice varieties Feng5 and Feng6 were set up in a pot experiment and a field experiment under five doses of nitrogen fertilizers, namely, 0 kg·ha−1 (CK), 75 kg·ha−1 (T1), 150 kg·ha−1 (T2), 225 kg·ha−1 (T3) and 300 kg·ha−1 (T4). Parameters such as leaf area index (LAI), lodging index (LI), nitrogen utilization rate, photosynthesis rate and grain yield were measured. The results showed that with the increase of nitrogen dose in a certain range, LAI, plant height, the number of tillers, net photosynthetic rate (NPn), the transpiration rate (Tr), and the grain yield increased while the lodging index (LI), the nitrogen agronomic utilization rate (AE) and nitrogen partial productivity (PFPN) decreased. Additionally, with the increase of nitrogen application, the grain yield index (HI) and nitrogen contribution rate (FCRN) of rice presented a parabolic trend.
Status of Bioactive Compounds from Bran of Pigmented Traditional Rice Varieties and Their Scope in Production of Medicinal Food with Nutraceutical Importance
Authors: Bhat Farhan Mohiuddin , Sommano Sarana Rose , Riar Charanjit Singh , Seesuriyachan Phisit , Chaiyaso Thanongsak , Prom-u-Thai Chanakan
Published: November 2020

Consumption of pigmented rice as a staple food is rapidly increasing due to their healthy prospective and considered as functional food ingredients. Greater interest has been shown in many color rice varieties due to their multiple biological activities. The phenolic compounds have been found to consist of anthocyanidins, ferulic acid, diferulates, anthocyanins and polymeric proanthocyanidins. Anthocyanin is located in the bran layers of the rice kernel, while phenolic acids are mainly present in the bran layers of rice, existing as free, conjugated and bound forms. Keeping in view the several health benefits associated with the functional ingredients, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anticancer effects, pigmented rice is considered as a functional food and food ingredient in many Asian countries. The application and incorporation of bran into food products for the preparation of functional foods is increasing. Within the scope of this review, we highlighted the significant bioactive compounds from pigmented rice varieties and their potentials for medicinal and nutraceutical ingredients. The information provided from this could be of high benefit to the functional food industry and further research advance medicinal products.
Seminal Plasma Triggers the Differential Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1/GR) in the Rabbit Reproductive Tract
Authors: Ruiz-Conca Mateo , Gardela Jaume , Jauregi-Miguel Amaia , Martinez Cristina A. , Rodríguez-Martinez Heriberto , López-Béjar Manel , Alvarez-Rodriguez Manuel
Published: November 2020

Rabbits are interesting as research animal models for reproduction, due to their condition of species of induced ovulation, with the release of endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to coitus. Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, crucial for physiological homeostasis, is mediated through a yet unclear mechanism, by the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR). After mating, the female reproductive tract undergoes dynamic modifications, triggered by gene transcription, a pre-amble for fertilization and pregnancy. This study tested the hypothesis that when ovulation is induced, the expression of NR3C1 is influenced by sperm-free seminal plasma (SP), similarly to after mating (whole semen), along the different segments of the internal reproductive tract of female rabbits. Semen (mating) was compared to vaginal infusion of sperm-free SP (Experiment 1), and changes over time were also evaluated, i.e., 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating, corresponding to specific stages, i.e., ovulation, fertilization, and the interval of early embryo development up to the morula stage (Experiment 2). All does were treated with GnRH to induce ovulation. Samples were retrieved from seven segments of the reproductive tract (from the cervix to infundibulum), at 20 h post-mating or sperm-free SP infusion (Experiment 1) or at 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2). Gene expression of NR3C1 was analyzed by qPCR. Results showed an increase in NR3C1 expression in the infundibulum compared to the other anatomical regions in the absence of spermatozoa when sperm-free SP infusion was performed (Experiment 1). Moreover, during the embryo transport through the oviduct, the distal isthmus was time-course upregulated, especially at 72 h, when morulae are retained in this anatomical region, while it was downregulated in the distal uterus at 68 h (Experiment 2). The overall results suggest that NR3C1, the GC receptor gene, assessed in the reproductive tract of does for the first time, shows differential expression changes during the interval of oviductal and uterine embryo transport that may imply a relevant role of the GC action, not only close to the site of ovulation and fertilization, but also in the endometrium.
Plasmid-Mediated Ampicillin, Quinolone, and Heavy Metal Co-Resistance among ESBL-Producing Isolates from the Yamuna River, New Delhi, India
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Tahir , Mondal Aftab Hossain , Gogry Firdoos Ahmad , Husain Fohad Mabood , Alsalme Ali , Haq Qazi Mohd. Rizwanul
Published: November 2020

Antibiotic resistance is one of the major current global health crises. Because of increasing contamination with antimicrobials, pesticides, and heavy metals, the aquatic environment has become a hotspot for emergence, maintenance, and dissemination of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes among bacteria. The aim of the present study was to determine the co-resistance to quinolones, ampicillin, and heavy metals among the bacterial isolates harboring extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) genes. Among 73 bacterial strains isolated from a highly polluted stretch of the Yamuna River in Delhi, those carrying blaCTX-M, blaTEM, or blaSHV genes were analyzed to detect the genetic determinants of resistance to quinolones, ampicillin, mercury, and arsenic. The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene qnrS was found in 22 isolates; however, the qnrA, B, C, and qnrD genes could not be detected in any of the bacteria. Two variants of CMY, blaCMY-2 and blaCMY-42, were identified among eight and seven strains, respectively. Furthermore, merB, merP, merT, and arsC genes were detected in 40, 40, 44, and 24 bacterial strains, respectively. Co-transfer of different resistance genes was also investigated in a transconjugation experiment. Successful transconjugants had antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes with similar tolerance toward antibiotics and heavy metals as did their donors. This study indicates that the aquatic environment is a major reservoir of bacteria harboring resistance genes to antibiotics and heavy metals and emphasizes the need to study the genetic basis of resistant microorganisms and their public health implications.
Impact of Tigecycline’s MIC in the Outcome of Critically Ill Patients with Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteraemia Treated with Tigecycline Monotherapy—Validation of 2019′s EUCAST Proposed Breakpoint Changes
Authors: Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Bartzavali Christina , Nikolopoulou Alexandra , Kolonitsiou Fevronia , Mplani Virginia , Spiliopoulou Iris , Christofidou Myrto , Fligou Fotini , Marangos Markos
Published: November 2020

Background: Tigecycline is a therapeutic option for carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the tigecycline’s minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the outcome of patients with CP-Kp bacteraemia treated with tigecycline monotherapy. Methods: Patients with monomicrobial bacteraemia due to CP-Kp that received appropriate targeted monotherapy or no appropriate treatment were included. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. MICs of meropenem, tigecycline, and ceftazidime/avibactam were determined by Etest, whereas for colistin, the broth microdilution method was applied. PCR for blaKPC, blaVIM, blaNDM, and blaOXA genes was applied. Results: Among 302 CP-Kp bacteraemias, 32 isolates (10.6%) showed MICs of tigecycline ≤ 0.5 mg/L, whereas 177 (58.6%) showed MICs that were 0.75–2 mg/L. Colistin and aminoglycoside susceptibility was observed in 43.0% and 23.8% of isolates, respectively. The majority of isolates carried blaKPC (249; 82.5%), followed by blaVIM (26; 8.6%), both blaKPC and blaVIM (16; 5.3%), and blaNDM (11; 3.6%). Fifteen patients with tigecycline MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/L and 55 with MIC 0.75–2 mg/L were treated with tigecycline monotherapy; 30-day mortality was 20.0% and 50.9%, respectively (p = 0.042). Mortality of 150 patients that received other antimicrobials was 24.7%; among 82 patients that received no appropriate treatment, mortality was 39.0%. No difference in 30-day mortality was observed between patients that received tigecycline (MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/L) or other antimicrobials. Conclusion: Tigecycline monotherapy was as efficacious as other antimicrobials in the treatment of bloodstream infections due to CP-Kp isolates with a tigecycline’s MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/L.
Impact of Dy2O3 Substitution on the Physical, Structural and Optical Properties of Lithium–Aluminium–Borate Glass System
Authors: Bagi Aljewaw Osama , Karim Muhammad Khalis Abdul , Mohamed Kamari Halimah , Mohd Zaid Mohd Hafiz , Mohd Noor Noramaliza , Che Isa Iza Nurzawani , Abu Mhareb Mohammad Hasan
Published: November 2020

In this study, a series of Li2O-Al2O3-B2O3 glasses doped with various concentrations of Dy2O3 (where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mol%) were prepared by using a conventional melt-quenching technique. The structural, physical and optical properties of the glasses were examined by utilising a variety of techniques instance, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis-NIR spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD spectra demonstrate the amorphous phase of all glasses. Furthermore, the UV-vis-NIR spectrometers have registered optical absorption spectra a numbers of peaks which exist at 1703, 1271, 1095, 902, 841, 802, 669, 458, 393 and 352 nm congruous to the transitions from the ground of state (6H15/2) to different excited states, 6H11/2, 6F11/2 + 6H9/2, 6F9/2 + 6H7/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 4F9/2, 4I15/2, 4F7/2 and 6P7/2, respectively. The spectra of emission exhibit two strong emanation bands at 481 nm and 575 nm in the visible region, which correspond to the transitions 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2. All prepared glass samples doped with Dy2O3 show an increase in the emission intensity with an increase in the concentration of Dy3+. Based on the obtained results, the aforementioned glass samples may have possible applications, such as optical sensor and laser applications.
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Enhance Methanogenesis from Diverse Organic Compounds in Anaerobic Sludge and River Sediments
Authors: Cavaleiro Ana , Salvador Andreia , Martins Gilberto , Oliveira Cláudia , Liu Yuchen , Martins Valdo , Castro Ana , Soares Olívia , Pereira Manuel , Pereira Luciana , Langenhoff Alette , Pereira Maria , Alves M. Madalena
Published: November 2020

Conductive nanomaterials affect anaerobic digestion (AD) processes usually by improving methane production. Nevertheless, their effect on anaerobic communities, and particularly on specific trophic groups such as syntrophic bacteria or methanogens, is not extensively reported. In this work, we evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the activity of two different anaerobic microbial communities: an anaerobic sludge and a river sediment. Methane production by anaerobic sludge was assessed in the presence of different MWCNT concentrations, with direct methanogenic substrates (acetate, hydrogen) and with typical syntrophic substrates (ethanol, butyrate). MWCNT accelerated the initial specific methane production rate (SMPR) from all compounds, with a more pronounced effect on the assays with acetate and butyrate, i.e., 2.1 and 2.6 times, respectively. In the incubations with hydrogen and ethanol, SMPR increased 1.1 and 1.2 times. Experiments with the river sediment were performed in the presence of MWCNT and MWCNT impregnated with 2% iron (MWCNT-Fe). Cumulative methane production was 10.2 and 4.5 times higher in the assays with MWCNT-Fe and MWCNT, respectively, than in the assays without MWCNT. This shows the high potential of MWCNT toward bioenergy production, in waste/wastewater treatment or ex situ bioremediation in anaerobic digesters.
World Ocean Thermocline Weakening and Isothermal Layer Warming
Authors: Chu Peter C. , Fan Chenwu
Published: November 2020

This paper identifies world thermocline weakening and provides an improved estimate of upper ocean warming through replacement of the upper layer with the fixed depth range by the isothermal layer, because the upper ocean isothermal layer (as a whole) exchanges heat with the atmosphere and the deep layer. Thermocline gradient, heat flux across the air–ocean interface, and horizontal heat advection determine the heat stored in the isothermal layer. Among the three processes, the effect of the thermocline gradient clearly shows up when we use the isothermal layer heat content, but it is otherwise when we use the heat content with the fixed depth ranges such as 0–300 m, 0–400 m, 0–700 m, 0–750 m, and 0–2000 m. A strong thermocline gradient exhibits the downward heat transfer from the isothermal layer (non-polar regions), makes the isothermal layer thin, and causes less heat to be stored in it. On the other hand, a weak thermocline gradient makes the isothermal layer thick, and causes more heat to be stored in it. In addition, the uncertainty in estimating upper ocean heat content and warming trends using uncertain fixed depth ranges (0–300 m, 0–400 m, 0–700 m, 0–750 m, or 0–2000 m) will be eliminated by using the isothermal layer. The isothermal layer heat content with the monthly climatology removed (i.e., relative isothermal layer heat content) is calculated for an individual observed temperature profile from three open datasets. The calculated 1,111,647 pairs of (thermocline gradient, relative isothermal layer heat content) worldwide show long-term decreasing of the thermocline gradient and increasing of isothermal layer heat content in the global as well as regional oceans. The global ocean thermocline weakening rate is (−2.11 ± 0.31) × 10−3 (°C m−1 yr−1) and isothermal layer warming rate is (0.142 ± 0.014) (W m−2).
Thermal Exchange and Skid Resistance of Chip Seal with Various Aggregate Types and Morphologies
Authors: Wei Minghua , Wu Shaopeng , Cui Peide , Yang Tianyuan , Lv Yang
Published: November 2020

Steel slag, the by-product of steelmaking, is a desirable alternative material for natural aggregate. However, there are few studies applying steel slag in the preventive maintenance of asphalt pavements, especially chip seal. The main objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of applying steel slag in chip seal and the effect of steel slag on the thermal exchange and aggregate retention properties. Furthermore, the surface features, including texture depth and skid resistance. of chip seal were also evaluated. The results show that the thermal exchange performances of chip seal vary with aggregate types. The ranking of the chip seal samples according to the cooling rate places ferrochromium (FER) slag as the fastest and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag as the slowest, with the basalt (BS) falling in between. The use of FER slag can make the chip seal resume traffic about ten minutes earlier than original samples. The skid resistance and texture depth of FER slag meet the requirements of the specification, although they are less than those of ordinary aggregates. Moreover, FER slag has a better aggregate retention performance than BOF slag and BS due to its spherical particles and alkaline surface. The application of steel slag in chip seal can recycle industrial waste, reduce the consumption of natural resources and promote economic pavement maintenance technology.
Anti-Sebum Efficacy of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Emblica) Toner on Facial Skin
Authors: Timudom Thanaroat , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Tiampasook Pratya , Nacapunchai Duangporn
Published: November 2020

Oily skin is a problem for a large number of people, especially in tropical countries. This condition results in comedones, inflammatory acne, and other aesthetic problems in the skin. Emblica (Phyllanthus emblica L.) has a number of benefits for the skin; for instance, there were some studies that suggested that emblica has skin whitening effects, and anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities; however, its anti-sebum efficacy has not been reported.The objective of this research was to study the anti-sebum efficacy of emblica toner on facial skin. The toner base was formulated, accelerated stability was tested, and preferences were evaluated in 10 volunteers. The toner base with the highest preference score was mixed with emblica extract. Then, the toner base and emblica toners were assessed for skin irritation by a single patch test in 30 volunteers. The anti-sebum efficacy was conducted using the randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face method with unwashed and only-washed skin positions added to the middle of the forehead in the same group of volunteers assessed by a skin sebum measurement, SebumScale®, at 1 h before the test, once after washing, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after applying the toners on forehead and cheek skin. The stable toner base with the highest preference (85.6 ± 1.8%) was mixed with 1%, 2%, and 3% emblica extract. The toners were stable and did not cause any skin irritation. The 3% emblica toner was chosen for efficacy evaluation. The casual sebum levels of the forehead skin and cheek skin were 66.66 ± 7.01 and 56.12 ± 7.75 µg/cm2, respectively. The sebum level of the unwashed skin position changed (5.0 ± 1.66%) insignificantly up to 4 h (p > 0.05). In comparison, the sebum level of the only-washed skin position was recovered to the casual sebum level (99.4 ± 1.23%) within 3 h. Furthermore, the anti-sebum efficacy of the emblica toner (23.5 ± 1.24%) was higher than that of the toner base (12.0 ± 1.52%) (p < 0.05). The anti-sebum efficacy of emblica toner on cheek skin (26.9 ± 1.78%) was higher than that on forehead skin (20.1 ± 1.34%) (p < 0.05). In summary, the model of evaluation of anti-sebum efficacy used in this study has been found to be practical, and the emblica toner is safe and has apparent anti-sebum efficacy on facial skin.
YAG Laser Rod 3D Corrective Process Optimization through Tool Influent Function Shape Inspection
Authors: Prochaska Frantisek , Nejezchleb Karel , Benes Jiri , Matousek Ondrej , Tomka David
Published: November 2020

Due to the increasing demands on the quality of solid-state laser active media production based on yttrium aluminum garnet Y3Al5O12 in the form of rods with precisely machined faces, the possibilities of applying subaperture 3D corrective polishing in this segment of optical production were studied. For the considered laser rod diameters of up to 10 mm, the corrective process had to be optimized to achieve a stable, suitably shaped tool influence function at the full width at half maximum of approximately 1.5 mm, enabling 3D shape corrections with sufficient lateral resolution. For this purpose, a number of experiments were performed using both tools based on a flexible elastic membrane inflated by compressed air and tools with a viscoelastic head, and the effect of the tool-polished surface interaction was studied and analyzed.
Developing a New Hourly Forest Fire Risk Index Based on Catboost in South Korea
Authors: Kang Yoojin , Jang Eunna , Im Jungho , Kwon Chungeun , Kim Sungyong
Published: November 2020

Forest fires can cause enormous damage, such as deforestation and environmental pollution, even with a single occurrence. It takes a lot of effort and long time to restore areas damaged by wildfires. Therefore, it is crucial to know the forest fire risk of a region to appropriately prepare and respond to such disastrous events. The purpose of this study is to develop an hourly forest fire risk index (HFRI) with 1 km spatial resolution using accessibility, fuel, time, and weather factors based on Catboost machine learning over South Korea. HFRI was calculated through an ensemble model that combined an integrated model using all factors and a meteorological model using weather factors only. To confirm the generalized performance of the proposed model, all forest fires that occurred from 2014 to 2019 were validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values through one-year-out cross-validation. The AUC value of HFRI ensemble model was 0.8434, higher than the meteorological model. HFRI was compared with the modified version of Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) used in the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating Systems and Daily Weather Index (DWI), South Korea’s current forest fire risk index. When compared to DWI and the revised FFMC, HFRI enabled a more spatially detailed and seasonally stable forest fire risk simulation. In addition, the feature contribution to the forest fire risk prediction was analyzed through the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value of Catboost. The contributing variables were in the order of relative humidity, elevation, road density, and population density. It was confirmed that the accessibility factors played very important roles in forest fire risk modeling where most forest fires were caused by anthropogenic factors. The interaction between the variables was also examined.
Insights on the Quest for the Structure–Function Relationship of the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier
Authors: Quesñay José Edwin Neciosup , Pollock Naomi L. , Nagampalli Raghavendra Sashi Krishna , Lee Sarah C. , Balakrishnan Vijayakumar , Dias Sandra Martha Gomes , Moraes Isabel , Dafforn Tim R. , Ambrosio Andre Luis Berteli
Published: November 2020

The molecular identity of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) was presented in 2012, forty years after the active transport of cytosolic pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix was first demonstrated. An impressive amount of in vivo and in vitro studies has since revealed an unexpected interplay between one, two, or even three protein subunits defining different functional MPC assemblies in a metabolic-specific context. These have clear implications in cell homeostasis and disease, and on the development of future therapies. Despite intensive efforts by different research groups using state-of-the-art computational tools and experimental techniques, MPCs’ structure-based mechanism remains elusive. Here, we review the current state of knowledge concerning MPCs’ molecular structures by examining both earlier and recent studies and presenting novel data to identify the regulatory, structural, and core transport activities to each of the known MPC subunits. We also discuss the potential application of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies of MPC reconstituted into nanodiscs of synthetic copolymers for solving human MPC2.
The Role of APP O-Glycosylation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Akasaka-Manya Keiko , Manya Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

The number of people with dementia is increasing rapidly due to the increase in the aging population. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of neurodegenerative dementia caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins. Genetic mutations, smoking, and several other factors have been reported as causes of AD, but alterations in glycans have recently been demonstrated to play a role in AD. Amyloid-β (Aβ), a cleaved fragment of APP, is the source of senile plaque, a pathological feature of AD. APP has been reported to undergo N- and O-glycosylation, and several Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAc-Ts) have been shown to have catalytic activity for the transfer of GalNAc to APP. Since O-glycosylation in the proximity of a cleavage site in many proteins has been reported to be involved in protein processing, O-glycans may affect the cleavage of APP during the Aβ production process. In this report, we describe new findings on the O-glycosylation of APP and Aβ production.
Developing Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Motile/Non-Motile Bacteria Treated with Antibiotics Covering Five Bactericidal Mechanisms on the Basis of Bead-Based Optical Diffusometry
Authors: Yang Yao-Tzu , Wang Jhih-Cheng , Chuang Han-Sheng
Published: November 2020

Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is an effective measure in the treatment of infections and the prevention of bacterial drug resistance. However, diverse antibiotic types and bacterial characteristics have formed complicated barriers to rapid diagnosis. To counteract these limitations, we investigated the interactions between antibiotic-treated bacteria and functionalized microbeads in optical diffusometry. The conjugation with bacteria increased the effective microbead complex size, thereby resulting in a temporal diffusivity change. The yielded data were sorted and analyzed to delineate a pattern for the prediction of antimicrobial susceptibility. The outcome showed that a completed rapid AST based on the trend of microbead diffusivity could provide results within 3 h (2 h measurement + 1 h computation). In this research, we studied four bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, and six antibiotics. Despite the different inhibitory effects caused by various antibiotics, similar trends in diffusivity alteration for all susceptible and resistant cases in the last 40 min of the 2-h measurement period were deduced. In addition, the AST results obtained using optical diffusometry showed good agreement with those acquired from the commercial instrument and conventional culture methods. Finally, we conducted a single-blinded clinical test, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the system reached 92.9%, 91.4%, and 91.8%, respectively. Overall, the developed optical diffusometry showcased rapid AST with a small sample volume (20 μL) and low initial bacterial count (105 CFU/mL). This technique provided a promising way to achieve early therapy against microbial diseases in the future.
Surface Modification Techniques for Endothelial Cell Seeding in PDMS Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Akther Fahima , Yakob Shazwani Binte , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Ta Hang T.
Published: November 2020

Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip cell culture techniques have been gaining popularity by offering the possibility of reducing the amount of samples and reagents and greater control over cellular microenvironment. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the commonly used polymer for microfluidic cell culture devices because of the cheap and easy fabrication techniques, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, high gas permeability, and optical transparency. However, the intrinsic hydrophobic nature of PDMS makes cell seeding challenging when applied on PDMS surface. The hydrophobicity of the PDMS surface also allows the non-specific absorption/adsorption of small molecules and biomolecules that might affect the cellular behaviour and functions. Hydrophilic modification of PDMS surface is indispensable for successful cell seeding. This review collates different techniques with their advantages and disadvantages that have been used to improve PDMS hydrophilicity to facilitate endothelial cells seeding in PDMS devices.
Is Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy Feasible for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Kang Chang Moo , Lee Woo Jung
Published: November 2020

Margin-negative radical pancreatectomy is the essential condition to obtain long-term survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. With the investigation for early diagnosis, introduction of potent chemotherapeutic agents, application of neoadjuvnat chemotherapy, advancement of open and laparoscopic surgical techniques, mature perioperative management, and patients’ improved general conditions, survival of the resected pancreatic cancer is expected to be further improved. According to the literatures, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is also thought to be good alternative strategy in managing well-selected resectable pancreatic cancer. LPD with combined vascular resection is also feasible, but only expert surgeons should handle these challenging cases. LPD for pancreatic cancer should be determined based on surgeons’ proficiency to fulfil the goals of the patient’s safety and oncologic principles.
Wnt and Vitamin D at the Crossroads in Solid Cancer
Authors: González-Sancho José Manuel , Larriba María Jesús , Muñoz Alberto
Published: November 2020

Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is common in many types of solid cancers. Likewise, a large proportion of cancer patients have vitamin D deficiency. In line with these observations, Wnt/β-catenin signaling and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active vitamin D metabolite, usually have opposite effects on cancer cell proliferation and phenotype. In recent years, an increasing number of studies performed in a variety of cancer types have revealed a complex crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and 1,25(OH)2D3. Here we review the mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and, conversely, how the activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway may abrogate vitamin D action. The available data suggest that interaction between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the vitamin D system is at the crossroads in solid cancers and may have therapeutic applications.
Exploring the Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Tumor Subclones
Authors: Rampias Theodoros
Published: November 2020

Mutational processes constantly shape the cancer genome and defects in DNA repair pathways of tumor cells facilitate the accumulation of genomic alterations [...]
Sonic Hedgehog Signature in Pediatric Primary Bone Tumors: Effects of the GLI Antagonist GANT61 on Ewing’s Sarcoma Tumor Growth
Authors: Mullard Mathilde , Cadé Marie , Morice Sarah , Dupuy Maryne , Danieau Geoffroy , Amiaud Jérome , Renault Sarah , Lézot Frédéric , Brion Régis , Thepault Rose Anne , Ory Benjamin , Lamoureux François , Corre Isabelle , Brounais-LeRoyer Bénédicte , Rédini Françoise , Verrecchia Franck
Published: November 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) are the most common malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. In many cases, the prognosis remains very poor. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, strongly involved in the development of many cancers, regulate transcription via the transcriptional factors Gli1-3. In this context, RNAseq analysis of OS and ES cell lines reveals an increase of some major compounds of the SHH signaling cascade in ES cells, such as the transcriptional factor Gli1. This increase leads to an augmentation of the transcriptional response of Gli1 in ES cell lines, demonstrating a dysregulation of Gli1 signaling in ES cells and thus the rationale for targeting Gli1 in ES. The use of a preclinical model of ES demonstrates that GANT61, an inhibitor of the transcriptional factor Gli1, reduces ES primary tumor growth. In vitro experiments show that GANT61 decreases the viability of ES cell, mainly through its ability to induce caspase-3/7-dependent cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrates that GANT61 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for inhibiting the progression of primary ES tumors.
Combined Reforming of Clean Biogas over Nanosized Ni–Rh Bimetallic Clusters
Authors: Schiaroli Nicola , Lucarelli Carlo , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Fornasari Giuseppe , Crimaldi Antonio , Vaccari Angelo
Published: November 2020

The combined steam/dry reforming of clean biogas (CH4/CO2 = 50/50 v/v) represents an innovative way to produce synthesis gas (CO + H2) using renewable feeds, avoiding to deplete the fossil resources and increase CO2 pollution. The reaction was carried out to optimize the reaction conditions for the production of a syngas with a H2/CO ratio suitable for the production of methanol or fuels without any further upgrading. Ni-Rh/Mg/Al/O catalysts obtained from hydrotalcite-type precursors showed high performances in terms of clean biogas conversion due to the formation of very active and resistant Ni-Rh bimetallic nanoparticles. Through the utilization of a {Ni10Rh(CO)19}{(CH3CH2)4N}3 cluster as a precursor of the active particles, it was possible to promote the Ni-Rh interaction and thus obtain low metal loading catalysts composed by highly dispersed bimetallic nanoparticles supported on the MgO, MgAl2O4 matrix. The optimization of the catalytic formulation improved the size and the distribution of the active sites, leading to a better catalyst activity and stability, with low carbon deposition with time-on-stream.
Unravelling the Structural Modification (Meso-Nano-) of Cu/ZnO-Al2O3 Catalysts for Methanol Synthesis by the Residual NaNO3 in Hydroxycarbonate Precursors
Authors: Guil-López Rut , Mota Noelia , Llorente Jorge , Millan Elena , Pawelec Bárbara G. , Fierro Jose Luis G. , Navarro Rufino M.
Published: November 2020

The effects of residual NaNO3 on the modification of Cu/ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts have been extensively documented, but the modification mechanism is so far unclear. This work studies in detail the influence of the residual sodium nitrate present in the hydroxycarbonate precursors on their decomposition during calcination and how it affects to the formation and configuration of the final active sites of the Cu/ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts. Different samples with varying sodium content after washing (from 0.01 to 7.3 wt%) were prepared and studied in detail after calcination and reduction steps. The results of this work demonstrated that NaNO3 affects the decomposition mechanism of the hydroxycarbonate precursors during calcination and produces its decarbonation at low temperature. The enhancement of the decarbonation by NaNO3 leads to segregation and crystallization of CuO and ZnO with loss of mesostructure and surface area in the calcined catalysts. The loss of mesostructure in calcined catalysts affects the subsequent reduction step, decreasing the reducibility and damaging the nanostructure of the reduced catalysts forming large Cu particles in poor contact with ZnOx that results in a significant decrease in the intrinsic activity of the copper active sites for methanol synthesis.
Liquid-Phase and Ultrahigh-Frequency-Acoustofluidics-Based Solid-Phase Synthesis of Biotin-Tagged 6′/3′-Sialyl-N-Acetylglucosamine by Sequential One-Pot Multienzyme System
Authors: Gong Mengge , Li Tiechuan , Wu Lina , Zhang Zhenxing , Ren Lishi , Duan Xuexin , Cao Hongzhi , Pei Meishan , Li Jian-Jun , Du Yuguang
Published: November 2020

6′/3′-Sialylated N-acetyllactosamine (6′/3′-SLN) is important for discrimination of the source (human or avian) of influenza virus strains. Biotinylated oligosaccharides have been widely used for analysis and quick detection. The development of efficient strategies to synthesize biotin-tagged 6′/3′-SLN have become necessary. Effective mixing is essential for enzymatic solid-phase oligosaccharide synthesis (SPOS). In the current study, newly developed technology ultrahigh-frequency-acoustofluidics (UHFA), which can provide a powerful source for efficient microfluidic mixing, solid-phase oligosaccharide synthesis and one-pot multienzyme (OPME) system, were used to develop a new strategy for oligosaccharide synthesis. Firstly, biotinylated N-acetylglucosamine was designed and chemically synthesized through traditional approaches. Secondly, biotinylated 6′- and 3′-sialyl-N-acetylglucosamines were prepared in solution through two sequential OPME modules in with a yield of ~95%. Thirdly, 6′-SLN was also prepared through UHFA-based enzymatic solid-phase synthesis on magnetic beads with a yield of 64.4%. The current strategy would be potentially used for synthesis of functional oligosaccharides.
One-Pot Synthesis of B-Aryl Carboranes with Sensitive Functional Groups Using Sequential Cobalt- and Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Anufriev Sergey A. , Shmal’ko Akim V. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Sivaev Igor B.
Published: November 2020

The simple and efficient method was developed for the one-pot synthesis of B-substituted aryl derivatives of ortho-carborane with functional groups sensitive to organolithium and organomagnesium reagents using 9-iodo-ortho-carborane and generated in situ organozinc compounds. The method proposed was used to prepare a series of 9-aryl-ortho-carboranes, including those containing nitrile and ester groups, 9-RC6H4-1,2-C2B10H11 (R = p-Me, p-NMe2, p-OCH2OMe, o-OMe, p-OMe, o-CN, p-CN, o-COOEt, m-COOEt, and p-COOEt). It was demonstrated that the same approach can be used for synthesis of diaryl derivatives of ortho-carborane 9,12-(RC6H4)2-1,2-C2B10H10 (R = H, p-Me). The solid-state structures of 9-RC6H4-1,2-C2B10H11 (R = p-NMe2, p-OCH2OMe, o-OMe, o-CN, p-CN, m-COOEt, and p-COOEt) and 9,12-(p-MeC6H4)2-1,2-C2B10H10 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.