bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), Lemon (Citrus limon L.) Juices as Preventive Agents from Chronic Liver Damage Induced by CCl4: A Biochemical and Histological Study
Authors: Bekkouch Oussama , Dalli Mohammed , Harnafi Mohamed , Touiss Ilham , Mokhtari Imane , Assri Soufiane El , Harnafi Hicham , Choukri Mohammed , Ko Seok-Jae , Kim Bonglee , Amrani Souliman
Published: February 2022

Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Citrus limon L. are well known for their multi-use and for their pharmacological effect in the treatment of many illnesses. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of the ginger and lemon juice extracts and in addition, to evaluate their antioxidant properties and their hepatoprotective effect against the liver damage of Wistar rats induced by the injection of CCl4 to treated animals. The obtained effects were completed by a histological study for better confirmation of the registered pharmacological effects. The ginger juice extract was found to be rich in 4-gingerol, 6-gingediol, and 6-gingerol, while the lemon juice extract chemical composition was highlighted by the presence of eriodyctiol, rutin, hesperidin, and isorhamnetin. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the ginger, lemon juice extracts, and their formulation showed an important antioxidant potential using TAC (total antioxidant capacity), an antiradical activity against the radical DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil), and a ferric reducing power. Finally, the ginger, lemon, and their formulation at different doses were able to prevent CCl4 induced liver damage. Indeed, these different bioactive compounds could be used as alternative agents for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
Saxitoxin Group Toxins Accumulation Induces Antioxidant Responses in Tissues of Mytilus chilensis, Ameghinomya antiqua, and Concholepas concholepas during a Bloom of Alexandrium pacificum
Authors: Oyaneder-Terrazas Javiera , Figueroa Diego , Araneda Oscar F. , García Carlos
Published: February 2022

Saxitoxin (STX) group toxins consist of a set of analogues which are produced by harmful algal blooms (HABs). During a HAB, filter-feeding marine organisms accumulate the dinoflagellates and concentrate the toxins in the tissues. In this study, we analyze the changes in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage in the bivalves Mytilus chilensis and Ameghinomya antiqua, and the gastropod Concholepas concholepas during a bloom of Alexandrium pacificum. The results show that during the exponential phase of the bloom bivalves show an increase in toxicity and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathinoe reductase, p < 0.05), while in the gastropods, increased activity of antioxidant enzymes was associated with the bioaccumulation of toxins through the diet. At the end of the bloom, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes in the visceral and non-visceral tissues was detected in the bivalves, with an increase in oxidative damage (p < 0.05), in which the latter is correlated with the detection of the most toxic analogues of the STX-group (r = 0.988). In conclusion, in areas with high incidence of blooms, shellfish show a high activity of antioxidants, however, during the stages involving the distribution and bioconversion of toxins, there is decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes resulting in oxidative damage.
Adenovirus Fibers as Ultra-Stable Vehicles for Intracellular Nanoparticle and Protein Delivery
Authors: Kokotidou Chrysoula , Tsitouroudi Fani , Nistikakis Georgios , Vasila Marita , Papanikolopoulou Katerina , Kretsovali Androniki , Mitraki Anna
Published: February 2022

Protein-based carriers are promising vehicles for the intracellular delivery of therapeutics. In this study, we designed and studied adenovirus protein fiber constructs with potential applications as carriers for the delivery of protein and nanoparticle cargoes. We used as a basic structural framework the fibrous shaft segment of the adenovirus fiber protein comprising of residues 61–392, connected to the fibritin foldon trimerization motif at the C-terminal end. A fourteen-amino-acid biotinylation sequence was inserted immediately after the N-terminal, His-tagged end of the construct in order to enable the attachment of a biotin moiety in vivo. We report herein that this His-tag biotinylated construct folds into thermally and protease-stable fibrous nanorods that can be internalized into cells and are not cytotoxic. Moreover, they can bind to proteins and nanoparticles through the biotin–streptavidin interaction and mediate their delivery to cells. We demonstrate that streptavidin-conjugated gold nanoparticles can be transported into NIH3T3 fibroblast and HeLa cancer cell lines. Furthermore, two streptavidin-conjugated model proteins, alkaline phosphatase and horseradish peroxidase can be delivered into the cell cytoplasm in their enzymatically active form. This work is aimed at establishing the proof-of-principle for the rational engineering of diverse functionalities onto the initial protein structural framework and the use of adenovirus fiber-based proteins as nanorods for the delivery of nanoparticles and model proteins. These constructs could constitute a stepping stone for the development of multifunctional and modular fibrous nanorod platforms that can be tailored to applications at the sequence level.
HIV-1 Trans Infection via TNTs Is Impeded by Targeting C5aR
Authors: Bertacchi Giulia , Posch Wilfried , Wilflingseder Doris
Published: February 2022

Nonadjacent immune cells communicate through a complex network of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). TNTs can be hijacked by HIV-1, allowing it to spread between connected cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are among the first cells to encounter HIV-1 at mucosal sites, but they are usually efficiently infected only at low levels. However, HIV-1 was demonstrated to productively infect DCs when the virus was complement-opsonized (HIV-C). Such HIV-C-exposed DCs mediated an improved antiviral and T-cell stimulatory capacity. The role of TNTs in combination with complement in enhancing DC infection with HIV-C remains to be addressed. To this aim, we evaluated TNT formation on the surface of DCs or DC/CD4+ T-cell co-cultures incubated with non- or complement-opsonized HIV-1 (HIV, HIV-C) and the role of TNTs or locally produced complement in the infection process using either two different TNT or anaphylatoxin receptor antagonists. We found that HIV-C significantly increased the formation of TNTs between DCs or DC/CD4+ T-cell co-cultures compared to HIV-exposed DCs or co-cultures. While augmented TNT formation in DCs promoted productive infection, as was previously observed, a significant reduction in productive infection was observed in DC/CD4+ T-cell co-cultures, indicating antiviral activity in this setting. As expected, TNT inhibitors significantly decreased infection of HIV-C-loaded-DCs as well as HIV- and HIV-C-infected-DC/CD4+ T-cell co-cultures. Moreover, antagonizing C5aR significantly inhibited TNT formation in DCs as well as DC/CD4+ T-cell co-cultures and lowered the already decreased productive infection in co-cultures. Thus, local complement mobilization via DC stimulation of complement receptors plays a pivotal role in TNT formation, and our findings herein might offer an exciting opportunity for novel therapeutic approaches to inhibit trans infection via C5aR targeting.
Central Nervous System Complications in Cystinosis: The Role of Neuroimaging
Authors: Servais Aude , Boisgontier Jennifer , Saitovitch Ana , Hummel Aurélie , Boddaert Nathalie
Published: February 2022

Despite improvement in the specific treatment, clinical and anatomo-functional central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities of various severities are still observed in cystinosis patients. Patients who develop CNS complications today have a worse compliance to cysteamine treatment. Radiological studies have shown that cortical or central (ventriculomegaly) atrophy is observed in more than two thirds of cystinosis patients’ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlates with the intelligence quotient score. Half of cystinosis patients have marked aspecific white matter hyperintensities. The development of advanced neuroimaging techniques provides new tools to further investigate CNS complications. A recent neuroimaging study using a voxel-based morphometry approach showed that cystinosis patients present a decreased grey matter volume in the left middle frontal gyrus. Diffusion tensor imaging studies have shown white matter microstructure abnormalities in children and adults with cystinosis, respectively in areas of the dorsal visual pathway and within the corpus callosum’s body. Finally, leucocyte cystine levels are associated with decreased resting cerebral blood flow, measured by arterial spin labelling, in the frontal cortex, which could be associated with the neurocognitive deficits described in these patients. These results reinforce the relevance of neuroimaging studies to further understand the mechanisms that underline CNS impairments.
Köbner and Pastia Signs in Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Young Children: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bronz Gabriel , Consolascio Danilo , Bianchetti Mario G. , Rinoldi Pietro O. , Betti Céline , Lava Sebastiano A. G. , Milani Gregorio P.
Published: February 2022

Acute hemorrhagic edema of young children, a benign skin-limited vasculitis, predominantly affects children 2 years of age or younger. The prevalence and clinical features of the Köbner and Pastia signs have never been systematically investigated in this vasculitis. To address this issue, we analyzed the data contained in the Acute Hemorrhagic Edema Bibliographic Database, which incorporates all reports on hemorrhagic edema published after 1969. A total of 339 cases (236 males and 103 females; 11 (8–18) months of age; median and interquartile range) were documented with at least 1 photograph and therefore included in this analysis. The Köbner sign occurred in 24 cases (14 males and 10 females; 11 (7–17) months of age), the Pastia sign in 51 cases (39 males and 12 females; 11 (8–15) months of age), and both Köbner and Pastia signs in 8 cases (7 males and 1 female; 11 (7–17) months of age). The lower legs, thighs, waistline, and groin were the regions that were most commonly affected with the Köbner sign, while the ankle, feet, cubital fossa, and elbow were most affected with the Pastia sign. The Köbner and Pastia signs are clinically relevant; they occur in about every fourth child affected with hemorrhagic edema and do not influence the disease progression.
The Impact of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Bone Minerals and Lean Mass in Children and Adolescents with Motor Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Shuoqi , Yu Wenbing , Li Wei , Wang Juncheng , Gao Lili , Li Shiming
Published: February 2022

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) offers a potential auxiliary treatment method for the rehabilitation of motor disabilities to address a reduction in bone minerals and lean mass caused by motor-disability rehabilitation. The aim of this review was to analyze the efficacy of WBVT in muscle–bone rehabilitation. In order to investigate the potential effect of WBVT on children and adolescents with motor disabilities, a meta-analysis was carried out. From January 2006 to June 2021, studies that met certain criteria were searched for in the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. An analysis of standardized mean differences was performed using the STATA 15.1 software with a 95% confidence interval (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021258538). Eight studies were selected that included 179 male and 139 female children and adolescents suffering from motor disabilities. The results of the meta-analysis showed that WBVT significantly improved femur bone-mineral density ((p < 0.01, z = 2.66), standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% CI) = 0.41 (0.11, 0.72)), total body–bone mineral content ((p < 0.01, z = 3.08), SMD (95% CI) = 0.26 (0.10, 0.43)), and lean mass ((p < 0.01, z = 2.63), SMD (95% CI) = 0.22 (0.06, 0.39)). In addition, there was no significant effect of WBVT on lumbar spine bone mineral density in the disabled children and adolescents ((p = 0.21, z = 1.25), SMD (95% CI) = 0.17 (−0.10, 0.43)). WBVT can improve femur bone density, total body bone mineral content, and lean mass in children and adolescents suffering from motor disabilities, while there is no effect on lumbar-spine bone density. WBVT can be used as a potential program to improve bone minerals in children and adolescents with motor disabilities.
Transport of Magnetic Polyelectrolyte Capsules in Various Environments
Authors: Stavarache Carmen , Vinatoru Mircea , Mason Timothy
Published: February 2022

Microcapsules consisting of eleven layers of polyelectrolyte and one layer of iron oxide nanoparticles were fabricated. Two types of nanoparticles were inserted as one of the layers within the microcapsule’s walls: Fe2O3, ferric oxide, having a mean diameter (Ø) of 50 nm and superparamagnetic Fe3O4 having Ø 15 nm. The microcapsules were suspended in liquid environments at a concentration of 108 caps/mL. The suspensions were pumped through a tube over a permanent magnet, and the accumulation within a minute was more than 90% of the initial concentration. The design of the capsules, the amount of iron embedded in the microcapsule, and the viscosity of the transportation fluid had a rather small influence on the accumulation capacity. Magnetic microcapsules have broad applications from cancer treatment to molecular communication.
A Review of Improvements in Power System Flexibility: Implementation, Operation and Economics
Authors: Salman Umar Taiwo , Shafiq Saifullah , Al-Ismail Fahad S. , Khalid Muhammad
Published: February 2022

This study presents a literature review on the concept of power system flexibility in terms of its definition, indices, algorithms, implementation, economic impacts, operational impacts, and security. Although there are tremendous reviews on this subject in the literature, each paper discusses specific aspects of flexibility. Moreover, the literature is devoid of a comprehensive review of the latest improvements in terms of implementation, operation, and economics, which are addressed by the collections presented in this study. This paper, therefore, surveys some improvements that have been made in recent decades. Furthermore, we highlight the impact of the high penetration of renewable energy and energy storage systems towards enhancing the improvement of power system flexibility.
Waveform and Spectral Characteristics of Supraharmonic Unsymmetrical Conducted EMI of Switched-Mode Power Supplies
Authors: Sandrolini Leonardo , Mariscotti Andrea
Published: February 2022

Switched-mode power supplies (SMPSs) are a relevant and widespread source of unsymmetrical conducted emissions, as they feed various electrical appliances and information technology equipment in office and residential contexts and, despite their low power rating, the limits are the same as those of larger equipment. Given the peculiar emission waveform (mixing impulsive components and switching components), assessment should be carried out with care to select parameters that guarantee both the detection of the maximum level of emissions and a high level of repeatability and reproducibility. A range of cases based on six different SMPS products was considered, exploring both time- and frequency-domain characteristics, and identifying the most relevant phenomena and advisable parameters choices. Typical behavior and suitable settings were exemplified with a range of measured emission records: the Fourier time window length and EMI receiver dwell time were considered, as well as the relevance of loading conditions to include in a comprehensive test program. Such records were made available in a linked dataset to allow for replication of the experiments and foster further findings and discussion.
Joint Optimization of Energy Efficiency and User Outage Using Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning in Ultra-Dense Small Cell Networks
Authors: Kim Eunjin , Jung Bang Chul , Park Chan Yi , Lee Howon
Published: February 2022

With the substantial increase in spatio-temporal mobile traffic, reducing the network-level energy consumption while satisfying various quality-of-service (QoS) requirements has become one of the most important challenges facing six-generation (6G) wireless networks. We herein propose a novel multi-agent distributed Q-learning based outage-aware cell breathing (MAQ-OCB) framework to optimize energy efficiency (EE) and user outage jointly. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed MAQ-OCB can achieve the EE-optimal solution obtained by the exhaustive search algorithm. In addition, MAQ-OCB significantly outperforms conventional algorithms such as no transmission-power-control (No TPC), On-Off, centralized Q-learning based outage-aware cell breathing (C-OCB), and random-action algorithms.
A Novel Cooperative Transmission Scheme in UAV-Assisted Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zang Yue , Peng Yuyang , Park Sangdon , Hai Han , AL-Hazemi Fawaz , Mirza Mohammad Meraj
Published: February 2022

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the efficiency of data transmission within a limited time is critical, especially for sensors designed with small batteries. In this paper, we design a cooperative transmission scheme with an energy-charging function in a WSN where an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is considered for sensory data collection and energy charging. Specially, the sensor nodes are powered by the UAV for their data transmission. In the first phase, the UAV transmits the energy signal to the sensor nodes distributed on the ground. All the energy received by the sensor nodes is used to collect and transmit the sensory data to the UAV. In the second phase, local data transmissions are conducted among the collaborating sensor nodes in one cluster. In the third phase, the cooperative nodes send the collected sensory data to the UAV in the form of cooperative transmission. In the proposed scheme, we discovered that the size of the modulation constellation and the assigned time ratio of each phase were the key factors affecting the data transmission efficiency. In order to achieve the maximum data transmission, the optimal modulation constellation size and the optimal time ratio of each phase were found using the Lagrange multiplier method. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme with the optimal constellation size and the optimal time ratio can outperform the existing scheme in terms of the data transmission efficiency.
The Dual Effect of Rho-Kinase Inhibition on Trabecular Meshwork Cells Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in an In Vitro Model of Glaucoma
Authors: Buffault Juliette , Brignole-Baudouin Françoise , Reboussin Élodie , Kessal Karima , Labbé Antoine , Mélik Parsadaniantz Stéphane , Baudouin Christophe
Published: February 2022

The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main site of drainage of the aqueous humor, and its dysfunction leads to intraocular pressure elevation, which is one of the main risk factors of glaucoma. We aimed to compare the effects on cytoskeleton organization and extracellular matrix (ECM) of latanoprost (LT) and a Rho-kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) on a transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2)-induced glaucoma-like model developed from primary culture of human TM cells (pHTMC). The TGF-β2 stimulated pHTMC were grown and incubated with LT or a ROCKi (Y-27632) for 24 h. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin (FN), and phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC-P) and Cofilin (Cofilin-P) were evaluated using immunofluorescence and Western blot. The architectural modifications were studied in a MatrigelTM 3D culture. TGF-β2 increased the expression of αSMA and FN in pHTMC and modified the cytoskeleton with cross-linked actin network formation. LT did not alter the expression of αSMA but decreased FN deposition. The ROCKi decreased TGF-β2-induced αSMA and FN expression, as well as MLC-P and Cofilin-P, and stimulated the cells to recover a basal cytoskeletal arrangement. In the preliminary 3D study, pHTMC organized in a mesh conformation showed the widening of the TM under the effect of Y-27632. By simultaneously modifying the organization of the cytoskeleton and the ECM, with fibronectin deposition and overexpression, TGF-β2 reproduced the trabecular degeneration described in glaucoma. The ROCKi was able to reverse the TGF-β2-induced cytoskeletal and ECM rearrangements. LT loosened the extracellular matrix but had no action on the stress fibers.
Model Calibration of Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Lung Tumour Dynamics for Anticancer Therapies
Authors: Ghita Maria , Billiet Charlotte , Copot Dana , Verellen Dirk , Ionescu Clara Mihaela
Published: February 2022

Individual curves for tumor growth can be expressed as mathematical models. Herein we exploited a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model to accurately predict the lung growth curves when using data from a clinical study. Our analysis included 19 patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with specific hypofractionated regimens, defined as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The results exhibited the utility of the PKPD model for testing growth hypotheses of the lung tumor against clinical data. The model fitted the observed progression behavior of the lung tumors expressed by measuring the tumor volume of the patients before and after treatment from CT screening. The changes in dynamics were best captured by the parameter identified as the patients’ response to treatment. Median follow-up times for the tumor volume after SBRT were 126 days. These results have proven the use of mathematical modeling in preclinical anticancer investigations as a potential prognostic tool.
Usefulness of Selected Peripheral Blood Counts in Predicting Death in Patients with Severe and Critical COVID-19
Authors: Pluta Michał P. , Zachura Mateusz N. , Winiarska Katarzyna , Kalemba Alicja , Kapłan Cezary , Szczepańska Anna J. , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: February 2022

Background. Immune dysregulation and hypoxemia are two important pathophysiological problems in patients with COVID-19 that affect peripheral blood count parameters. We hypothesized that assessment of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and red blood cell distribution width index (RDW-SD) could predict death in patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Methods. Seventy patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for COVID-19 acute respiratory failure were included in the study. RDW-SD and NLR on the day of ICU admission and peak values during the entire hospitalization were assessed. The primary endpoint was death before ICU discharge. Results. Patients who died had higher NLR on admission (20.3, IQR 15.3–30.2 vs. 11.0, IQR 6.8–16.9; p = 0.003) and higher RDW-SD (48.1 fL; IQR 43.1–50.5 vs. 43.9 fL; IQR 40.9–47.3, p = 0.01) than patients discharged from the ICU. NLR and RDW-SD values on ICU admission accurately predicted death in 76% (AUC = 0.76; 95%CI 0.65–0.86; p = 0.001; cut-off > 14.38) and 72% of cases (AUC = 0.72; 95%CI 0.60–0.82; p = 0.003; cut-off > 44.7 fL), respectively. Multivariable analysis confirmed that NLR > 14.38 on the day of ICU admission was associated with a 12-fold increased risk of death (logOR 12.43; 95%CI 1.61–96.29, p = 0.02), independent of other blood counts, clinical and demographic parameters. Conclusions. Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio determined on the day of ICU admission may be a useful biomarker predicting death in patients with severe and critical COVID-19.
Green Reduction of Graphene Oxide Involving Extracts of Plants from Different Taxonomy Groups
Authors: Perumal Dharshini , Albert Emmellie Laura , Abdullah Che Azurahanim Che
Published: February 2022

Graphene, a remarkable material, is ideal for numerous applications due to its thin and lightweight design. The synthesis of high-quality graphene in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner continues to be a significant challenge. Chemical reduction is considered the most advantageous method for preparing reduced graphene oxide (rGO). However, this process necessitates the use of toxic and harmful substances, which can have a detrimental effect on the environment and human health. Thus, to accomplish the objective, the green synthesis principle has prompted researchers worldwide to develop a simple method for the green reduction of graphene oxide (GO), which is readily accessible, sustainable, economical, renewable, and environmentally friendly. For example, the use of natural materials such as plants is generally considered safe. Furthermore, plants contain reducing and capping agents. The current review focuses on the discovery and application of rGO synthesis using extracts from different plant parts. The review aims to aid current and future researchers in searching for a novel plant extract that acts as a reductant in the green synthesis of rGO, as well as its potential application in a variety of industries.
Strengthening Angel Shark Conservation in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Giovos Ioannis , Katsada Dimitra , Spyridopoulou Roxani Naasan Aga , Poursanidis Dimitrios , Doxa Aggeliki , Katsanevakis Stelios , Kleitou Periklis , Oikonomou Vasiliki , Minasidis Vasileios , Ozturk Ayaka A. , Petza Dimitra , Sini Maria , Yigin Cahide Cigdem , Meyers Eva K. M. , Barker Joanna , Jiménez-Alvarado David , Hood Ali R.
Published: February 2022

Angel sharks are among the most threatened species of sharks globally. Twenty-two species have been identified globally so far, with three species being present in the Mediterranean Sea: Squatina aculeata, Squatina oculata, and Squatina squatina. The Mediterranean populations of all three species have been assessed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to the steep decline of their populations as a result of their historical and current overexploitation by demersal fisheries. Therefore, currently there is an ongoing increasing effort for advancing the conservation of the species in the basin. Recently, in the context of the Regional Action Plan for Mediterranean Angel Sharks, the Aegean Sea and Crete have been identified as critical areas for all three species. This study provides the first predictive distribution map of the three angel shark species in the basin, while critical areas for the conservation of the species were identified through a systematic spatial conservation planning analysis. Our analysis revealed low overlapping between the existing MPA network and critical areas for the distribution of the species primarily in Greece and then Turkey, while 20% of the critical areas for the distribution of the species overlaps with Fisheries Restricted Areas of the region. This highlights the need for creating MPAs focusing on shark conservation within the Mediterranean that are currently completely absent. In addition, we provide policy recommendations that can secure better protection of angel sharks through the enforcement of the current legislations and the engagement of all relevant stakeholders.
The Key Impact on Water Quality of Coral Reefs in Kenting National Park
Authors: Chen Chung-Chi , Hsieh Hung-Yen , Mayfield Anderson B. , Chang Chia-Ming , Wang Jih-Terng , Meng Pei-Jie
Published: February 2022

Southern Taiwan’s Kenting National Park is a popular retreating place for many domestic and international tourists, with increasing tourist numbers potentially over-burdening the coastal ecosystems. To better understand human impacts, a long-term ecological research program was initiated in 2001 to track water quality at 14 coral reef-abutting sites throughout the park since then. Extracting the data from this 20-year survey, we found that increasing in the nutrient levels during the summer rainy season, together with the drops in salinity led by freshwater inputs (land- & rainfall-derived), was the main impact to coral reef ecosystem of Kenting. Cluster analysis further confirmed the nutrient influx was mainly attributed to the local discharge outlets with dense of villages and hotels at upstream. Therefore, more efforts are needed to input to control tourist number, treat waste water discharge and strengthen land protection facilities.
Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) from the Recent Invasion into Hawaii Shares a Genotypic Relationship with Latin American Populations
Authors: Ramírez-Camejo Luis A. , Keith Lisa M. , Matsumoto Tracie , Sugiyama Lionel , Fukada Mach , Brann Mia , Moffitt Ariana , Liu Jingyu , Aime M. Catherine
Published: February 2022

Hawaii has long been one of the last coffee-producing regions of the world free of coffee leaf rust (CLR) disease, which is caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix. However, CLR was detected in coffee farms and feral coffee on the island of Maui in February 2020 and subsequently on other islands of the Hawaiian archipelago. The source of the outbreak in Hawaii is not known, and CLR could have entered Hawaii from more than 50 coffee-producing nations that harbor the pathogen. To determine the source(s) of the Hawaii inoculum, we analyzed a set of eleven simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) generated from Hawaii isolates within a dataset of 434 CLR isolates collected from 17 countries spanning both old and new world populations, and then conducted a minimum spanning network (MSN) analysis to trace the most likely pathway that H. vastatrix could have taken to Hawaii. Forty-two multilocus genotypes (MLGs) of H. vastatrix were found in the global dataset, with all isolates from Hawaii assignable to MLG 10 or derived from it. MLG 10 is widespread in Central America and Jamaica, making this region the most probable source of inoculum for the outbreak in Hawaii. An examination of global weather patterns during the months preceding the introduction of CLR makes it unlikely that the pathogen was windborne to the islands. Likely scenarios for the introduction of CLR to Hawaii are the accidental introduction of spores or infected plant material by travelers or seasonal workers, or improperly fumigated coffee shipments originating from Central America or the Caribbean islands.
An MPC-LQR-LPV Controller with Quadratic Stability Conditions for a Nonlinear Half-Car Active Suspension System with Electro-Hydraulic Actuators
Authors: Rodriguez-Guevara Daniel , Favela-Contreras Antonio , Beltran-Carbajal Francisco , Sotelo Carlos , Sotelo David
Published: February 2022

The active suspension system of a vehicle manipulated using electro-hydraulic actuators is a challenging nonlinear control problem. In this research work, a novel Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) State-Space (SS) model with a fictional input is proposed to represent a nonlinear half-car active suspension system. Four different scheduling parameters are used to embed the nonlinearities of both the suspension and the electro hydraulic actuators to represent its nonlinear behavior. A recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm is used to predict the future behavior of the scheduling parameters along the prediction horizon. A Model Predictive Control-Linear Quadratic Regulator (MPC-LQR) is implemented as the control strategy and, to ensure stability, Quadratic Stability conditions are imposed as Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) constraints. Furthermore, the inclusion of attraction sets to overcome the conservative performance imposed by the Quadratic Stability conditions is included, as well as a terminal set were the switching between the MPC and the LQR controller is made. Simulations results for the half-car active suspension model over a typical road disturbance are tested to show the effectiveness of the proposed MPC-LQR-LPV controller with quadratic stability conditions in terms of comfort and road-holding.
Multi-Stage Multi-Product Production and Inventory Planning for Cold Rolling under Random Yield
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhang Dan , Yang Yang , Wang Gongshu , Su Lijie
Published: February 2022

This paper studies a multi-stage multi-product production and inventory planning problem with random yield derived from the cold rolling process in the steel industry. The cold rolling process has multiple stages, and intermediate inventory buffers are kept between stages to ensure continuous operation. Switching products during the cold rolling process is typically very costly. Backorder costs are incurred for unsatisfied demand while inventory holding costs are incurred for excess inventory. The process also experiences random yield. The objective of the production and inventory planning problem is to minimize the total cost including the switching costs, inventory holding costs, and backorder costs. We propose a stochastic formulation with a nonlinear objective function. Two lower bounds are proposed, which are based on full information relaxation and Jensen’s inequality, respectively. Then, we develop two heuristics from the proposed lower bounds. In addition, we propose a two-stage procedure motivated by newsvendor logic. To verify the performance of the proposed bounds and heuristics, computational tests are conducted on synthetic instances. The results show the efficiency of the proposed bounds and heuristics.
Stem Extract from Momordica cochinchinensis Induces Apoptosis in Chemoresistant Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3)
Authors: Chainumnim Seksom , Saenkham Audchara , Dolsophon Kulvadee , Chainok Kittipong , Suksamrarn Sunit , Tanechpongtamb Wanlaya
Published: February 2022

Natural compounds have been recognized as valuable sources for anticancer drug development. In this work, different parts from Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng were selected to perform cytotoxic screening against human prostate cancer (PC-3) cells. Chromatographic separation and purification were performed for the main constituents of the most effective extract. The content of the fatty acids was determined by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC–FID). Chemical structural elucidation was performed by spectroscopic means. For the mechanism of the apoptotic induction of the most effective extract, the characteristics were evaluated by Hoechst 33342 staining, sub-G1 peak analysis, JC-1 staining, and Western blotting. As a result, extracts from different parts of M. cochinchinensis significantly inhibited cancer cell viability. The most effective stem extract induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells by causing nuclear fragmentation, increasing the sub-G1 peak, and changing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, the stem extract increased the pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and Noxa) mediators while decreasing the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-xL and Mcl-1) mediators. The main constituents of the stem extract are α-spinasterol and ligballinol, as well as some fatty acids. Our results demonstrated that the stem extract of M. cochinchinensis has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in PC-3 cells. These results provide basic knowledge for developing antiproliferative agents for prostate cancer in the future.
Phytochemical Characterizations of Maranthes polyandra (Benth.) Prance
Authors: Ali Nida , Khan Farooq-Ahmad , Salawu Kayode Muritala , Irshad Rimsha , Jabeen Almas , Zhang Chun-Lei , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Liu Xin-Min , Wang Yan
Published: February 2022

Two new ursane-type triterpenoids, named Polyanside A (1) and B (2), along with eleven known compounds (3–13), were isolated and elucidated from Maranthes polyandra (Benth.) Prance. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on chemical evidence and multiple spectroscopic data. Isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activities, and cytotoxicity on a normal human cell line (BJ). None of them showed activity and cytotoxicity. The hexane fraction was analyzed by GC-MS, resulting in the identification of forty-one compounds. This is the first comprehensive study on the phytochemistry of M. polyandra.
Therapeutic Efficacy of 177Lu-Labeled A20FMDV2 Peptides Targeting ανβ6
Authors: Huynh Truc Thao , Sreekumar Sreeja , Mpoy Cedric , Rogers Buck Edward
Published: February 2022

Integrin ανβ6 promotes migration and invasion of cancer cells, and its overexpression often correlates with poor survival. Therefore, targeting ανβ6 with radioactive peptides would be beneficial for cancer imaging and therapy. Previous studies have successfully developed radiotracers based on the peptide A20FMDV2 that showed good binding specificity for ανβ6. However, one concern of these ανβ6 integrin-targeting probes is that their rapid blood clearance and low tumor uptake would preclude them from being used for therapeutic purposes. In this study, albumin binders were used to increase tumor uptake for therapeutic applications while the non-albumin peptide was evaluated as a potential positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. All peptides used the DOTA chelator for radiolabeling with either 68Ga for imaging or 177Lu for therapy. PET imaging with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-(PEG28)2-A20FMDV2 revealed specific tumor uptake in ανβ6-positive tumors. Albumin-binding peptides EB-DOTA-(PEG28)2-A20FMDV2 and IBA-DOTA-(PEG28)2-A20FMDV2 were radiolabeled with 177Lu. Biodistribution studies in normal mice showed longer blood circulation times for the albumin binding peptides compared to the non-albumin peptide. Therapy studies in mice demonstrated that both 177Lu-labeled albumin binding peptides resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition. We believe these are the first studies to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of a radiolabeled peptide targeting an ανβ6-positive tumor.
The Biology of the Genus Ceiba, a Potential Source for Sustainable Production of Natural Fiber
Authors: Gómez-Maqueo Ximena , Gamboa-deBuen Alicia
Published: February 2022

The species of the genus Ceiba produces fruits with fibers with a high content of cellulose. The fiber is used for textiles, cushion filling and for industrial purposes and its characteristics have been studied in some species including Ceiba pentandra (kapok), C. speciosa and C. aesculifolia. The use of the trunk and seeds of Ceiba has also been described for different species. This article presents a review on the biological diversity of the genus Ceiba (Malvaceae). The genus Ceiba has 18 recognized species that are distributed naturally in America and Africa. However, some Ceiba trees have been introduced to various countries, especially in Asia, due to their ornamental interest and potential uses for their fiber. Ecophysiological studies of different Ceiba species have shown that resistance to adverse environmental conditions varies from species to species. Therefore, Ceiba species are considered potentially useful in restoring ecosystems impacted by human activity. The information related to the classification, morphological characteristics, phenology, ecophysiology and distribution of the different species will be extremely relevant for the sustainable production of kapok fiber. Finally, the recent genomic and transcriptomic studies also provide a valuable resource for further genetic improvement and effective use of Ceiba trees.
Application of Allele Specific PCR in Identifying Offspring Genotypes of Bi-Allelic SbeIIb Mutant Lines in Rice
Authors: Jiang Yongqi , Ren Yinhui , Xu Xin , Wang Hao , Wei Cunxu
Published: February 2022

Bi-allelic mutant lines induced by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated (Cas) systems are important genetic materials. It is very important to establish a rapid and cheap method in identifying homozygous mutant plants from offspring segregation populations of bi-allelic mutant lines. In this study, the offspring genotypes of rice bi-allelic starch branching enzyme IIb mutant lines were identified using the allele specific PCR (AS-PCR) method. The target sequences of two alleles were aligned from their 5′ to 3′ ends, and the first different bases were used as the 3′ ends of mismatch primers. Another mismatched base was introduced at the third nucleotide from the 3′ end of mismatch primer. The PCR reaction mixture and amplification program were optimized according to the differences of mutation target sequence and mismatch primers. The offspring plant genotypes of bi-allelic mutant lines could be accurately identified using the amplified DNA fragments by agarose gel electrophoresis. This study could provide a method reference for the rapid screening of homozygous mutant plants from offspring segregation population of heterozygous and bi-allelic mutant lines.
Jasmonate-Dependent Response of the Flower Abscission Zone Cells to Drought in Yellow Lupine
Authors: Kućko Agata , Florkiewicz Aleksandra Bogumiła , Wolska Magdalena , Miętki Jakub , Kapusta Małgorzata , Domagalski Krzysztof , Wilmowicz Emilia
Published: February 2022

Lipid membranes, as primary places of the perception of environmental stimuli, are a source of various oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids—oxylipins—functioning as modulators of many signal transduction pathways, e.g., phytohormonal. Among exogenous factors acting on plant cells, special attention is given to drought, especially in highly sensitive crop species, such as yellow lupine. Here, we used this species to analyze the contribution of lipid-related enzymes and lipid-derived plant hormones in drought-evoked events taking place in a specialized group of cells—the flower abscission zone (AZ)—which is responsible for organ detachment from the plant body. We revealed that water deficits in the soil causes lipid peroxidation in these cells and the upregulation of phospholipase D, lipoxygenase, and, concomitantly, jasmonic acid (JA) strongly accumulates in AZ tissue. Furthermore, we followed key steps in JA conjugation and signaling under stressful conditions by monitoring the level and tissue localization of enzyme providing JA derivatives (JASMONATE RESISTANT1) and the JA receptor (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1). Collectively, drought-triggered AZ activation during the process of flower abscission is closely associated with the lipid modifications, leading to the formation of JA, its conjugation, and induction of signaling pathways.
Enabling Total Process Digital Twin in Sugar Refining through the Integration of Secondary Crystallization Influences
Authors: Vetter Florian Lukas , Strube Jochen
Published: February 2022

Crystallization is the main thermal process resulting in the formation of solid products and, therefore, is widely spread in all kinds of industries, from fine chemicals to foods and drugs. For these high-performance products, a quality by design (QbD) approach is applied to maintain high product purity and steady product parameters. In this QbD-context, especially demanded in the foods and drugs industry, the significance of models to deepen process understanding and moving toward automated operation is steadily rising. To reach these aspired goals, besides major process influences like crystallization temperature, other impacting parameters have to be evaluated and a model describing these influences is sought-after. In this work, the suitability of a population balance-based physico-chemical process model for the production of sugar is investigated. A model overview is given and the resulting model is compared to a statistical DoE scheme. The resulting process model is able to picture the effects of secondary process parameters, alongside temperature or temperature gradients, the influences of seed crystal size and amount, stirrer speed, and additives.
Evaluation Criteria for Trajectories of Robotic Arms
Authors: Dobiš Michal , Dekan Martin , Beňo Peter , Duchoň František , Babinec Andrej
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a complex trajectory evaluation framework with a high potential for use in many industrial applications. The framework focuses on the evaluation of robotic arm trajectories containing only robot states defined in joint space without any time parametrization (velocities or accelerations). The solution presented in this article consists of multiple criteria, mainly based on well-known trajectory metrics. These were slightly modified to allow their application to this type of trajectory. Our framework provides the methodology on how to accurately compare paths generated by randomized-based path planners, with respect to the numerous industrial optimization criteria. Therefore, the selection of the optimal path planner or its configuration for specific applications is much easier. The designed criteria were thoroughly experimentally evaluated using a real industrial robot. The results of these experiments confirmed the correlation between the predicted robot behavior and the behavior of the robot during the trajectory execution.
Efficient Splitting Methods for Solving Tensor Absolute Value Equation
Authors: Ning Jing , Xie Yajun , Yao Jie
Published: February 2022

The tensor absolute value equation is a class of interesting structured multilinear systems. In this article, from the perspective of pure numerical algebra, we first consider a tensor-type successive over-relaxation method (SOR) (called TSOR) and tensor-type accelerated over-relaxation method (AOR) (called TAOR) for solving tensor absolute value equations. Furthermore, one type of preconditioned tensor splitting method is also applied for solving structured multilinear systems. Numerical experiments adequately demonstrate the efficiency of the presented methods.
Palatini f(R) Gravity and Variants of k-/Constant Roll/Warm Inflation within Variation of Strong Coupling Scenario
Authors: AlHallak Mahmoud , AlRakik Amer , Chamoun Nidal , El-Daher Moustafa Sayem
Published: February 2022

We show that upon applying Palatini f(R), characterized by an αR2 term, within a scenario motivated by a temporal variation of strong coupling constant, then one obtains a quadratic kinetic energy. We do not drop this term, but rather study two extreme cases: α<<1 and α>>1. In both cases, one can generate a kinematically-induced inflationary paradigm. In order to fit the Planck 2018 data, the α>>1 case, called k-inflation, requires a fine tuning adjustment with nonvanishing nonminimal coupling to gravity parameter ξ, whereas the α<<1 case, studied in the constant-roll regime, can fit the data for vanishing ξ. The varying strong coupling inflation scenario remains viable when implemented through a warm inflation scenario with or without f(R) gravity.
Progress towards the Elusive Mastitis Vaccines
Authors: Rainard Pascal , Gilbert Florence B. , Martins Rodrigo P. , Germon Pierre , Foucras Gilles
Published: February 2022

Mastitis is a major problem in dairy farming. Vaccine prevention of mammary bacterial infections is of particular interest in helping to deal with this issue, all the more so as antibacterial drug inputs in dairy farms must be reduced. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of current vaccines is not satisfactory. In this review, we examine the possible reasons for the current shortcomings of mastitis vaccines. Some reasons stem from the peculiarities of the mammary gland immunobiology, others from the pathogens adapted to the mammary gland niche. Infection does not induce sterilizing protection, and recurrence is common. Efficacious vaccines will have to elicit immune mechanisms different from and more effective than those induced by infection. We propose focusing our research on a few points pertaining to either the current immune knowledge or vaccinology approaches to get out of the current deadlock. A possible solution is to focus on the contribution of cell-mediated immunity to udder protection based on the interactions of T cells with the mammary epithelium. On the vaccinology side, studies on the orientation of the immune response by adjuvants, the route of vaccine administration and the delivery systems are among the keys to success.