bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Profile of Cytokines, Chemokines, Growth Factors, and Redox Biomarkers in Response to Different Protocols of Treadmill Running in Rats
Authors: Supruniuk Elżbieta , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Zalewska Anna , Górski Jan , Chabowski Adrian
Published: October 2020

Both positive and negative aspects of sport performance are currently considered. The aim of our study was to determine time- and intensity-dependent effects of a single exercise bout on redox and inflammatory status. The experiment was performed on 40 male Wistar rats subjected to treadmill running for 30 min with the speed of 18 m/min (M30) or 28 m/min (F30), or for 2 h with the speed of 18 m/min (M120). Immunoenzymatic and spectrophotometric methods were applied to assess the levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, the antioxidant barrier, redox status, oxidative damage products, nitrosative stress, and their relationships with plasma non-esterified fatty acids. Treadmill running caused a reduction in the content of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) and nitric oxide (M30, M120, F30 groups) as well as macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) (M30, F30 groups). We also demonstrated an increase in catalase activity as well as higher levels of reduced glutathione, advanced oxidation protein products, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (M30, M120, F30 groups), and advanced glycation end products (F30 group). The presented findings showed the activation of antioxidative defense in response to increased reactive oxygen species’ production after a single bout of exercise, but it did not prevent oxidative damage of macromolecules.
Activation of RAS Signalling is Associated with Altered Cell Adhesion in Phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Rossitti Hugo M. , Dutta Ravi Kumar , Larsson Catharina , Ghayee Hans K. , Söderkvist Peter , Gimm Oliver
Published: October 2020

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine catecholamine-producing tumours that may progress into inoperable metastatic disease. Treatment options for metastatic disease are limited, indicating a need for functional studies to identify pharmacologically targetable pathophysiological mechanisms, which require biologically relevant experimental models. Recently, a human progenitor phaeochromocytoma cell line named “hPheo1” was established, but its genotype has not been characterised. Performing exome sequencing analysis, we identified a KIF1B T827I mutation, and the oncogenic NRAS Q61K mutation. While KIF1B mutations are recurring somatic events in PPGLs, NRAS mutations have hitherto not been detected in PPGLs. Therefore, we aimed to assess its implications for the hPheo1 cell line, and possible relevance for the pathophysiology of PPGLs. We found that transient downregulation of NRAS in hPheo1 led to elevated expression of genes associated with cell adhesion, and enhanced adhesion to hPheo1 cells’ extracellular matrix. Analyses of previously published mRNA data from two independent PPGL patient cohorts (212 tissue samples) revealed a subcluster of PPGLs featuring hyperactivated RAS pathway-signalling and under-expression of cell adhesion-related gene expression programs. Thus, we conclude that NRAS activity in hPheo1 decreases adhesion to their own extracellular matrix and mirrors a transcriptomic RAS-signalling-related phenomenon in PPGLs.
The Hydroxytyrosol Induces the Death for Apoptosis of Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Costantini Francesca , Di Sano Caterina , Barbieri Giovanna
Published: October 2020

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and one of the most treatment-refractory malignancies. In metastatic melanoma cell lines, we analysed the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic potentials of a phenolic component of olive oil, the hydroxytyrosol. In particular, through MTS assay, DeadEnd™ Colorimetric TUNEL assay, Annexin V binding and PI uptake, western blot experiment, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, and the cell colony assay, we showed that the hydroxytyrosol treatment remarkably reduces the cell viability inducing the death for apoptosis of melanoma cells. Moreover, we showed that the hydroxytyrosol treatment of melanoma cells leads to a significant increase of p53 and γH2AX expression, a significant decrease of AKT expression and the inhibition of cell colony formation ability. Finally, we propose that the increased amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may be related to the regulation of the pathways involved in the activation of apoptosis and in the inhibition of melanoma growth could be the strategy used by hydroxytyrosol to exert its functions in melanoma. Therefore, for its role in melanoma growth inhibition, the hydroxytyrosol treatment could deeply interfere with melanoma progression as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of this highly invasive tumour.
Comparative Lipidomic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Lactobacillus plantarum APsulloc 331261 Living in Green Tea Leaves Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Hyoseon , Kim Minjung , Myoung Kilsun , Kim Wanil , Ko Jaeyoung , Kim Kwang Pyo , Cho Eun-Gyung
Published: October 2020

Lactobacillus plantarum is a popular probiotic species due to its safe and beneficial effects on humans; therefore, novel L. plantarum strains have been isolated and identified from various dietary products. Given that bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been considered as efficient carriers of bioactive materials and shown to evoke cellular responses effectively, L. plantarum-derived EVs are expected to efficiently elicit health benefits. Herein, we identified L. plantarum APsulloc 331261 living in green tea leaves and isolated EVs from the culture medium. We performed quantitative lipidomic analysis of L. plantarum APsulloc 331261 derived EVs (LEVs) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In comparison to L. plantarum APsulloc 331261, in LEVs, 67 of 320 identified lipid species were significantly increased and 19 species were decreased. In particular, lysophosphatidylserine(18:4) and phosphatidylcholine(32:2) were critically increased, showing over 21-fold enrichment in LEVs. In addition, there was a notable difference between LEVs and the parent cells in the composition of phospholipids. Our results suggest that the lipidomic profile of bacteria-derived EVs is different from that of the parent cells in phospholipid content and composition. Given that lipids are important components of EVs, quantitative and comparative analyses of EV lipids may improve our understanding of vesicle biogenesis and lipid-mediated intercellular communication within or between living organisms.
Characterization of the Synergistic Inhibition of IK(erg) and IK(DR) by Ribociclib, a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitor
Authors: Liu Pin-Yen , Chang Wei-Ting , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: October 2020

Ribociclib (RIB, LE011, Kisqali®), an orally administered inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase-4/6 (CDK-4/6) complex, is clinically effective for the treatment of several malignancies, including advanced breast cancer. However, information regarding the effects of RIB on membrane ion currents is limited. In this study, the addition of RIB to pituitary tumor (GH3) cells decreased the peak amplitude of erg-mediated K+ current (IK(erg)), which was accompanied by a slowed deactivation rate of the current. The IC50 value for RIB-perturbed inhibition of deactivating IK(erg) in these cells was 2.7 μM. In continued presence of μM RIB, neither the subsequent addition of 17β-estradiol (30 μM), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10 μM), or transforming growth factor-β (1 μM) counteracted the inhibition of deactivating IK(erg). Its presence affected the decrease in the degree of voltage-dependent hysteresis for IK(erg) elicitation by long-duration triangular ramp voltage commands. The presence of RIB differentially inhibited the peak or sustained component of delayed rectifier K+ current (IK(DR)) with an effective IC50 of 28.7 or 11.4 μM, respectively, while it concentration-dependently decreased the amplitude of M-type K+ current with IC50 of 13.3 μM. Upon 10-s long membrane depolarization, RIB elicited a decrease in the IK(DR) amplitude, which was concomitant with an accelerated inactivation time course. However, the inability of RIB (10 μM) to modify the magnitude of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current was disclosed. The mean current–voltage relationship of IK(erg) present in HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes was inhibited in the presence of RIB (10 μM). Collectively, the hyperpolarization-activated cation current was observed. RIB-mediated perturbations in ionic currents presented herein are upstream of its suppressive action on cytosolic CDK-4/6 activities and partly participates in its modulatory effects on the functional activities of pituitary tumor cells (e.g., GH3 cells) or cardiac myocytes (e.g., HL-1 cells).
The Bearing Capacity Evaluations of a Spread Footing on Single Thick Stratum or Two-Layered Cohesive Soils
Authors: Chi Chao-Ming , Lin Zheng-Shan
Published: October 2020

Nowadays many countries plan to increase the percentages of renewable energies by developing offshore wind power. Due to the large sizes of offshore foundations, such as spudcan footings of jack-up barges or pile anchors of wind turbines, the affected soil depth range caused by the foundation under loading can be relatively deep, so the affected range may include a single thick layer or stratified soils. This paper utilizes limit analysis and FLAC numerical simulation to investigate the bearing capacity of a footing on single thick stratum or two-layered cohesive soils. Under nature deposition condition, the undrained shear strength of most cohesive soil approximately increases linearly as the depth increases. The closed-form upper bound solutions of fully rough or fully smooth footings on thick cohesive soils are provided, for the purpose of fast evaluations in practical engineering, and the outcomes are within the results from the FLAC simulation and slip circle method. The problems of punch-through shear failure or soil squeezing could be critical for two-layered soils under some conditions, and the associated bearing factors and the failure mechanisms from different methods are demonstrated and discussed in the article.
Altered Interoceptive Perception and the Effects of Interoceptive Analgesia in Musculoskeletal, Primary, and Neuropathic Chronic Pain Conditions
Authors: Di Lernia Daniele , Lacerenza Marco , Ainley Vivien , Riva Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

Chronic pain (CP) severely disrupts the daily life of millions. Interoception (i.e., sensing the physiological condition of the body) plays a pivotal role in the aetiology and maintenance of CP. As pain is inherently an interoceptive signal, interoceptive frameworks provide important, but underutilized, approaches to this condition. Here we first investigated three facets of interoceptive perception in CP, compared with pain-free controls. We then introduce a novel interoceptive treatment and demonstrate its capacity to reduce pain severity in CP, potentially providing complementary analgesic treatments. Study 1 measured interoceptive accuracy, confidence and sensibility in patients (N = 60) with primary, secondary musculoskeletal, and neuropathic CP. Compared with matched controls, CP participants exhibited significantly lower interoceptive accuracy and interoceptive confidence. Pain severity was predicted positively by interoceptive accuracy, anxiety and depression, and negatively by interoceptive confidence. Study 2 tested a promising new interoceptive treatment for CP, in a single-blind between-subjects design (N = 51) with primary, secondary musculoskeletal, and neuropathic CP patients. The treatment specifically activates the C-Tactile system, by means of controlled stimulation of interoceptive unmyelinated afferents, at 3 cm/s with a force of 2.5 mN. This treatment led to significant pain reduction (mean 23%) in the CP treatment group after only 11 min, while CP controls who received comparable but non-interoceptive stimulation reported no change in pain intensity. These studies highlight the importance of interoceptive approaches to CP and demonstrate the potential of this novel method of C-Tactile stimulation to provide complementary analgesic treatments.
4,6-Dinitro-7-(thiazol-2-ylamino)benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole 1-oxide
Authors: Micheletti Gabriele , Telese Dario , Boga Carla
Published: October 2020

4,6-Dinitro-7-(thiazol-2-ylamino)benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole 1-oxide was synthesized by a SNAr reaction between 7-chloro-4,6-dinitrobenzofuroxan and 2-aminothiazole. The structure of the newly synthesized compound (45% yield) was elucidated based on 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, NOESY-1D, ESI-MS, UV-Vis, and FT-IR techniques.
A Critical Review on Crystal Growth Techniques for Scalable Deposition of Photovoltaic Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Abbas Mazhar , Zeng Linxiang , Guo Fei , Rauf Muhammad , Yuan Xiao-Cong , Cai Boyuan
Published: October 2020

Although the efficiency of small-size perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached an incredible level of 25.25%, there is still a substantial loss in performance when switching from small size devices to large-scale solar modules. The large efficiency deficit is primarily associated with the big challenge of coating homogeneous, large-area, high-quality thin films via scalable processes. Here, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the nucleation and crystal growth kinetics, which are the key steps for perovskite film formation. Several thin-film crystallization techniques, including antisolvent, hot-casting, vacuum quenching, and gas blowing, are then summarized to distinguish their applications for scalable fabrication of perovskite thin films. In viewing the essential importance of the film morphology on device performance, several strategies including additive engineering, Lewis acid-based approach, solvent annealing, etc., which are capable of modulating the crystal morphology of perovskite film, are discussed. Finally, we summarize the recent progress in the scalable deposition of large-scale perovskite thin film for high-performance devices.
Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates from the Sea Cucumbers Paracaudina chilensis and Holothuria hilla: Structures and Anticoagulant Activity
Authors: Ustyuzhanina Nadezhda E. , Bilan Maria I. , Dmitrenok Andrey S. , Silchenko Alexandra S. , Grebnev Boris B. , Stonik Valentin A. , Nifantiev Nikolay E. , Usov Anatolii I.
Published: October 2020

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (FCSs) PC and HH were isolated from the sea cucumbers Paracaudina chilensis and Holothuria hilla, respectively. The purification of the polysaccharides was carried out by anion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Sephacel column. The structural characterization of the polysaccharides was performed in terms of monosaccharide and sulfate content, as well as using a series of nondestructive NMR spectroscopic methods. Both polysaccharides were shown to contain a chondroitin core [→3)-β-d-GalNAc (N-acethyl galactosamine)-(1→4)-β-d-GlcA (glucuronic acid)-(1→]n, bearing sulfated fucosyl branches at O-3 of every GlcA residue in the chain. These fucosyl residues were different in their pattern of sulfation: PC contained Fuc2S4S and Fuc4S in a ratio of 2:1, whereas HH included Fuc2S4S, Fuc3S4S, and Fuc4S in a ratio of 1.5:1:1. Moreover, some GalNAc residues in HH were found to contain an unusual disaccharide branch Fuc4S-(1→2)-Fuc3S4S-(1→ at O-6. Sulfated GalNAc4S6S and GalNAc4S units were found in a ratio of 3:2 in PC and 2:1 in HH. Both polysaccharides demonstrated significant anticoagulant activity in a clotting time assay, which is connected with the ability of these FCSs to potentiate the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa in the presence of anti-thrombin III (ATIII) and with the direct inhibition of thrombin in the absence of any cofactors.
Marine-Derived Penicillium purpurogenum Reduces Tumor Size and Ameliorates Inflammation in an Erlich Mice Model
Authors: Teles Amanda Mara , Pontes Leticia Prince Pereira , Guimarães Sulayne Janayna Araújo , Butarelli Ana Luiza , Silva Gabriel Xavier , do Nascimento Flavia Raquel Fernandes , de Barros Bezerra Geusa Felipa , Moragas-Tellis Carla Junqueira , Costa Rui Miguel Gil da , da Silva Marcos Antonio Custódio Neto , Almeida-Souza Fernando , Silva Calabrese Kátia da , Azevedo-Santos Ana Paula Silva , Nascimento Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão
Published: October 2020

Background: This study addresses the antitumoral properties of Penicillium purpurogenum isolated from a polluted lagoon in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Ethyl Acetate Extracellular Extract (EAE) was used. The metabolites were studied using direct infusion mass spectrometry. The solid Ehrlich tumor model was used for antitumor activity. Female Swiss mice were divided into groups (n = 10/group) as follows: The negative control (CTL−), treated with a phosphate buffered solution; the positive control (CTL+), treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg); extract treatments at doses of 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg; animals without tumors or treatments (Sham); and animals without tumors treated with an intermediate dose (EAE20). All treatments were performed intraperitoneally, daily, for 15 days. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and the tumor, lymphoid organs, and serum were used for immunological, histological, and biochemical parameter evaluations. Results: The extract was rich in meroterpenoids. All doses significantly reduced tumor size, and the 20 and 100 mg/kg doses reduced tumor-associated inflammation and tumor necrosis. The extract also reduced the cellular infiltration of lymphoid organs and circulating TNF-α levels. The extract did not induce weight loss or renal and hepatic toxic changes. Conclusions: These results indicate that P. purpurogenum exhibits immunomodulatory and antitumor properties in vivo. Thus, fungal fermentation is a valid biotechnological approach to the production of antitumor agents.
Man-Specific, GalNAc/T/Tn-Specific and Neu5Ac-Specific Seaweed Lectins as Glycan Probes for the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Coronavirus
Authors: Barre Annick , Damme Els J.M. Van , Simplicien Mathias , Benoist Hervé , Rougé Pierre
Published: October 2020

Seaweed lectins, especially high-mannose-specific lectins from red algae, have been identified as potential antiviral agents that are capable of blocking the replication of various enveloped viruses like influenza virus, herpes virus, and HIV-1 in vitro. Their antiviral activity depends on the recognition of glycoprotein receptors on the surface of sensitive host cells—in particular, hemagglutinin for influenza virus or gp120 for HIV-1, which in turn triggers fusion events, allowing the entry of the viral genome into the cells and its subsequent replication. The diversity of glycans present on the S-glycoproteins forming the spikes covering the SARS-CoV-2 envelope, essentially complex type N-glycans and high-mannose type N-glycans, suggests that high-mannose-specific seaweed lectins are particularly well adapted as glycan probes for coronaviruses. This review presents a detailed study of the carbohydrate-binding specificity of high-mannose-specific seaweed lectins, demonstrating their potential to be used as specific glycan probes for coronaviruses, as well as the biomedical interest for both the detection and immobilization of SARS-CoV-2 to avoid shedding of the virus into the environment. The use of these seaweed lectins as replication blockers for SARS-CoV-2 is also discussed.
Evolution in Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 783 Alloy Bolts after Long Term High-Temperature Aging at 700 °C
Authors: Duan Peng , Liu Zongde , Gu Shuchao , Wang Song
Published: October 2020

This paper described systematically the changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 783 alloy after a considerably long time (equivalently 55,000 h, about 76.4 months) of thermal exposure. Based on the Inconel 783 alloy bolts of an intermediate pressure main stop valve used in a 1000 MW ultra-supercritical unit, the evolution of microstructures and mechanical properties were studied after 700 °C aging temperature with different aging times (1000 h, 3000 h and 20,000 h, corresponding to about 1.4 months, 4.2 months and 27.8 months, respectively), using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a universal tensile testing machine and impact testing machine. The results indicated that the bolts aged for 1000 h in two temperatures, showing the second needle β phase, of which the quantity and size obviously increased with aging time. Meanwhile, the characteristics in quantity and shape of the primary β phase changed obviously with the aging time, which transformed to strip the Ni5Al3 and Laves-Nb-rich brittle phase in the matrix after aging for 20,000 h. The size of the γ’ phase grew bigger with aging time, and orientation distributions have been observed obviously at 3000 h aging in 700 °C. Compared with the 650 °C aging temperature, the coarsening of γ’ precipitates and second needle β, the orientation distributions of γ’ were more obvious at the 700 °C aging temperature with aging time, which resulted in the rapid decline in yield strength and tensile strength and obvious increase in the brittleness for Inconel 783 alloy bolts.
Killer Yeasts for the Biological Control of Postharvest Fungal Crop Diseases
Authors: Díaz Mariana Andrea , Pereyra Martina María , Picón-Montenegro Ernesto , Meinhardt Friedhelm , Dib Julián Rafael
Published: October 2020

Every year and all over the world the fungal decay of fresh fruit and vegetables frequently generates substantial economic losses. Synthetic fungicides, traditionally used to efficiently combat the putrefactive agents, emerged, however, as the cause of environmental and human health issues. Given the need to seek for alternatives, several biological approaches were followed, among which those with killer yeasts stand out. Here, after the elaboration of the complex of problems, we explain the hitherto known yeast killer mechanisms and present the implementation of yeasts displaying such phenotype in biocontrol strategies for pre- or postharvest treatments to be aimed at combating postharvest fungal decay in numerous agricultural products.
Comparison between Experience-Based and Household-Undernourishment Food Security Indicators: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Sandoval Luis A. , Carpio Carlos E. , Garcia Manuel
Published: October 2020

Food security is a multi-dimensional concept that requires multiple indicators to measure it correctly; however, single food security indicators are often used individually or interchangeably. The misinterpretation of individual food security indicators can have important implications for policy design and implementation. The general objective of this paper is to show the discrepancies that may arise when using two different food security indicators that operate in the same dimension of the food security concept and yield the same outcome (food security status of the household) in three of the scenarios that they might be used: (1) for measuring the prevalence of food insecurity, (2) for understanding its drivers, and (3) for estimating the potential impact of a policy. The specific objectives of this paper are (1) to measure and compare the prevalence of food insecurity in a country using the Latin America Food Security Scale (ELCSA, by its acronym in Spanish) and the household undernourishment indicator, (2) to compare the factors associated with households’ food security status using the two indicators, and (3) to assess the potential use of the two indicators for ex ante policy analysis. Data for the study comes from the 2011 Survey of Living Standards from Guatemala, which collected all the data for estimating the ELCSA and the household level data required for calculating the household undernourishment indicator. Our results indicate considerable differences in the estimated prevalence of food insecurity at the national and regional levels using the two alternative indicators, with ELCSA resulting in higher estimates. Logistic regression models estimated to assess and identify household food insecurity drivers also found large differences in both the direction and magnitude of factors affecting food insecurity using the alternative food security indicators. Finally, the magnitude of the simulated impact of a cash transfer policy varied depending on the food indicator used.
The Nutritional Impact of Milk Beverages in Reducing Nutrient Inadequacy among Children Aged One to Five Years in the Philippines: A Dietary Modelling Study
Authors: Mak Tsz-Ning , Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , Tassy Marie , Capanzana Mario V. , Offord Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2020

Around half of Filipino children are not consuming any dairy products on a given day, which has shown to be associated with increased risk of inadequate nutrient intakes. The current study applies dietary modelling to assess the nutritional impact of meeting dairy recommendations in reducing nutrient inadequacy in children aged one to five years in the Philippines. Dietary intake data of Filipino children aged one to five years (n = 3864) were analyzed from the 8th National Nutrition Survey 2013. Children who did not meet national dairy recommendations were identified. Two scenarios were applied, based on two types of commonly consumed milk products by the survey participants. In scenario one, one serving of powdered milk was added to the diet of these children. In scenario two, one serving of a young children milk (YCM) or preschool children milk (PCM) was added to the diet of children aged one to two years and three to five years, respectively. Mean nutrient intakes and percentages of children with inadequate intakes were estimated before and after applying modelling scenarios. Scenario one demonstrated improvement in calcium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin A and riboflavin intakes, while in scenario two, further improvement of intakes of a wider range of nutrients including iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C, D, E, thiamin, niacin, vitamins B6, and B12 was observed. In both scenarios, if all children would meet their dairy recommendations, theoretical reductions in population nutrient inadequacy would be observed for all micronutrients, for example, only 20% of children aged one to two years would be inadequate in vitamin A instead of the current 60%, iron inadequacy would see a 5% reduction, and approximately 10% reduction for calcium and 20% reduction for folate. The present study is the first to apply dietary modelling to assess the theoretical impact of meeting dairy recommendations on nutrient inadequacy in children in the Philippines. Dairy consumption should be encouraged as part of the strategy to reduce nutrient inadequacies. Calcium, iron, vitamins D, E, and folate are of concern in the Philippines as the level of inadequacies are extremely high in early years, YCM and PCM can help increase the intake of these nutrients.
An Infrared and Thermal Decomposition Study on Solid Deposits Originating from Heavy-Duty Diesel SCR Urea Injection Fluids
Authors: Tempelman Christiaan , Warning Niels , van Geel Jeffrey , van Bommel Femke , Lamers Kim , Hashish Mahmoud , Schippers Jaap , Gundlach Max , Luijendijk Ezra
Published: October 2020

In this study, we present the effects of time and temperature on the formation of urea deposits and their composition under conditions realistic to mobile heavy-duty SCR applications. To this end, various synthesis times were evaluated (1 h, 4 h and 24 h), as well as temperatures (298–673 K). The formed urea deposits were qualitatively evaluated using ATR FTIR to elucidate their molecular composition. Furthermore, the effect of dry and moist synthesis conditions were evaluated to simulate water rich and deficient exhaust gas composition. This was achieved by conducting the synthesis in open or closed containers to simulate dry and humid conditions, respectively. The findings are presented in this paper in two maps covering dry and moisture conditions. The trend reveals that at low temperatures the deposits mainly consist of urea derived compounds, like biuret and cyanuric acid. Increasing the temperature leads to an increase in more aminated mono-triazine compounds. At the highest synthesis temperature of 673 K, the main constituents are cyamuleric compounds, consisting of fused triazine rings like melem. Humid synthesis conditions hampers the formation of highly aminated compounds up to a synthesis temperature of 573 K, even after a synthesis period of 24 h. Temperatures higher than 573 K, and a long synthesis period of 24 h, results only in minor differences and are observed between samples prepared under dry or humid conditions. The decomposition properties of the synthesized materials are optimal for the samples prepared at 523 K, whereas the lowest decomposition rates were observed for samples prepared at 623 K and 673 K. A humid air gas flow was shown to be beneficial for the decomposition rate under these conditions.
Global-Scale Patterns and Trends in Tropospheric NO2 Concentrations, 2005–2018
Authors: Jamali Sadegh , Klingmyr Daniel , Tagesson Torbern
Published: October 2020

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an important air pollutant with both environmental and epidemiological effects. The main aim of this study is to analyze spatial patterns and temporal trends in tropospheric NO2 concentrations globally using data from the satellite-based Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Additional aims are to compare the satellite data with ground-based observations, and to find the timing and magnitude of greatest breakpoints in tropospheric NO2 concentrations for the time period 2005–2018. The OMI NO2 concentrations showed strong relationships with the ground-based observations, and inter-annual patterns were especially well reproduced. Eastern USA, Western Europe, India, China and Japan were identified as hotspot areas with high concentrations of NO2. The global average trend indicated slightly increasing NO2 concentrations (0.004 × 1015 molecules cm−2 y−1) in 2005–2018. The contribution of different regions to this global trend showed substantial regional differences. Negative trends were observed for most of Eastern USA, Western Europe, Japan and for parts of China, whereas strong, positive trends were seen in India, parts of China and in the Middle East. The years 2005 and 2007 had the highest occurrence of negative breakpoints, but the trends thereafter in general reversed, and the highest tropospheric NO2 concentrations were observed for the years 2017–2018. This indicates that the anthropogenic contribution to air pollution is still a major issue and that further actions are necessary to reduce this contribution, having a substantial impact on human and environmental health.
FDBP-InSAR: An Efficient Algorithm for InSAR Imaging via Frequency Domain Back Projection
Authors: Wei Shunjun , Wu Yue , Liang Jiadian , Liu Shan , Wang Mou , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: October 2020

High-quality focusing with accurate phase-preserving is a significant and challenging step in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) imaging. Compared with conventional frequency-based imaging algorithms, the time-domain back-projection algorithm (TDBPA) can greatly ensure the accuracy of imaging and phase-preserving by point-to-point coherent integration but suffers from huge computational complexity. In this paper, we propose an efficient InSAR imaging method, called a frequency-domain back-projection algorithm (FDBPA), to achieve high-resolution focusing and accurate phase-preserving of InSAR imaging. More specifically, FDBPA is utilized to replace the traditional point-to-point coherent integration of TDBPA with frequency-domain transform. It divides the echo spectrum into uniform grids and transforms the range compression data into the range frequency domain. Phase compensation and non-uniform Fourier transform of the underlying scene are implemented to achieve image focusing in the wavenumber domain. Then, the interferometric phase of the target scene can be preserved by accurate phase compensation of the target’s distance. FDBPA avoids the repetitive calculation of index values and point-to-point coherent integration which reduces the time complexity compared with TDBPA. The characteristics of focusing and phase-preserving of our method are analyzed via simulations and experiments. The results demonstrate the efficiency and high-quality imaging of the FDBPA method. It can improve the imaging efficiency by more than three times, while keeping similar imaging accuracy compared with TDBPA.
Remote Sensing of Mine Site Rehabilitation for Ecological Outcomes: A Global Systematic Review
Authors: McKenna Phillip B. , Lechner Alex M. , Phinn Stuart , Erskine Peter D.
Published: October 2020

The mining industry has been operating across the globe for millennia, but it is only in the last 50 years that remote sensing technology has enabled the visualization, mapping and assessment of mining impacts and landscape recovery. Our review of published literature (1970–2019) found that the number of ecologically focused remote sensing studies conducted on mine site rehabilitation increased gradually, with the greatest proportion of studies published in the 2010–2019 period. Early studies were driven exclusively by Landsat sensors at the regional and landscape scales while in the last decade, multiple earth observation and drone-based sensors across a diverse range of study locations contributed to our increased understanding of vegetation development post-mining. The Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI) was the most common index, and was used in 45% of papers; while research that employed image classification techniques typically used supervised (48%) and manual interpretation methods (37%). Of the 37 publications that conducted error assessments, the average overall mapping accuracy was 84%. In the last decade, new classification methods such as Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) have emerged (10% of studies within the last ten years), along with new platforms and sensors such as drones (15% of studies within the last ten years) and high spatial and/or temporal resolution earth observation satellites. We used the monitoring standards recommended by the International Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) to determine the ecological attributes measured by each study. Most studies (63%) focused on land cover mapping (spatial mosaic); while comparatively fewer studies addressed complex topics such as ecosystem function and resilience, species composition, and absence of threats, which are commonly the focus of field-based rehabilitation monitoring. We propose a new research agenda based on identified knowledge gaps and the ecological monitoring tool recommended by SER, to ensure that future remote sensing approaches are conducted with a greater focus on ecological perspectives, i.e., in terms of final targets and end land-use goals. In particular, given the key rehabilitation requirement of self-sustainability, the demonstration of ecosystem resilience to disturbance and climate change should be a key area for future research.
A Constrained Convex Optimization Approach to Hyperspectral Image Restoration with Hybrid Spatio-Spectral Regularization
Authors: Takeyama Saori , Ono Shunsuke , Kumazawa Itsuo
Published: October 2020

We propose a new constrained optimization approach to hyperspectral (HS) image restoration. Most existing methods restore a desirable HS image by solving some optimization problems, consisting of a regularization term(s) and a data-fidelity term(s). The methods have to handle a regularization term(s) and a data-fidelity term(s) simultaneously in one objective function; therefore, we need to carefully control the hyperparameter(s) that balances these terms. However, the setting of such hyperparameters is often a troublesome task because their suitable values depend strongly on the regularization terms adopted and the noise intensities on a given observation. Our proposed method is formulated as a convex optimization problem, utilizing a novel hybrid regularization technique named Hybrid Spatio-Spectral Total Variation (HSSTV) and incorporating data-fidelity as hard constraints. HSSTV has a strong noise and artifact removal ability while avoiding oversmoothing and spectral distortion, without combining other regularizations such as low-rank modeling-based ones. In addition, the constraint-type data-fidelity enables us to translate the hyperparameters that balance between regularization and data-fidelity to the upper bounds of the degree of data-fidelity that can be set in a much easier manner. We also develop an efficient algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to efficiently solve the optimization problem. We illustrate the advantages of the proposed method over various HS image restoration methods through comprehensive experiments, including state-of-the-art ones.
A Simple, Fast, and Green Oil Sample Preparation Method for Determination of Cannabidioloic Acid and Cannabidiol by HPLC-DAD
Authors: Madej Katarzyna , Kózka Gabriela , Winiarski Maciej , Piekoszewski Wojciech
Published: October 2020

Currently, the medical use of food supplements containing Cannabis sativa has attracted the interest of consumers, as well as the medical and scientific community. With the increasing consumption of these products, there is also a risk of their abuse or discrepancy between the actual and declared contents of active substances by the manufacturer in these products. Thus, the development and elaboration of analytical procedures for determination of appropriate phytocannabinoids seems to be important. This work focuses on the development of a simple, fast and environmentally friendly liquid-liquid extraction method combined with fat freezing from an oil sample to isolate two phytocannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). The extraction method was optimized considering efficacy and repeatability of extraction, as well as minimalizing use of organic reagents and sample amount. Under the optimized conditions, extraction recovery for CBD was 97.3–109% and for CBDA was 69.1–69.5% with precision (RSD, %) 5.0–8.4 and 7.1–10.6, respectively. The evaluated main analytical parameters of the developed high pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for both studied cannabinoids are satisfactory. The usability of the developed method was checked by analysis of real samples of a food supplement–hemp oil enriched with CBD.
A Highly Conserved Epitope (RNNQIPQDF) of Porcine teschovirus Induced a Group-Specific Antiserum: A Bioinformatics-Predicted Model with Pan-PTV Potential
Authors: Tsai Tung-Hsuan , Chang Chia-Yi , Wang Fun-In
Published: October 2020

Porcine teschovirus (PTV) is an OIE-listed pathogen with 13 known PTV serotypes. Heterologous PTV serotypes frequently co-circulate and co-infect with another swine pathogen, causing various symptoms in all age groups, thus highlighting the need for a pan-PTV diagnostic tool. Here, a recombinant protein composed of a highly conserved “RNNQIPQDF” epitope on the GH loop of VP1, predicted in silico, and a tandem repeat of this epitope carrying the pan DR (PADRE) and Toxin B epitopes was constructed to serve as a PTV detection tool. This recombinant GST-PADRE-(RNNQIPQDF)n-Toxin B protein was used as an immunogen, which effectively raised non-neutralizing or undetectable neutralizing antibodies against PTV in mice. The raised antiserum was reactive against all the PTV serotypes (PTV–1–7) tested, but not against members of the closely related genera Sapelovirus and Cardiovirus, and the unrelated virus controls. This potential pan-PTV diagnostic reagent may be used to differentiate naturally infected animals from vaccinated animals that have antibodies against a subunit vaccine that does not contain this epitope or to screen for PTV before further subtyping. To our knowledge, this is the first report that utilized in silico PTV epitope prediction to find a reagent broadly reactive to various PTV serotypes.
Search for promising bacterial strains to create new biological preparations for increasing wheat yield
Authors:   Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), Veselova L. S. , Mirskaya G. V. ,   Agrophysical Research Institute, Ostankova Yu. V. ,   Saint-Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Kuznetsova T. A. ,   Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), Pishchik V. N. ,   Agrophysical Research Institute,   ARRIAM
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to search for promising strains of bacteria to create new biological products. New bacteria were isolated from wheat grains and identified by 16 S rRNA sequencing as Bacillus sp. L1 and Panaebacillus sp. L2. The cytokinin-producing bacteria Bacillussp.L 1 increased the length of the roots of plants by 70 %, the mass of roots by 17 %. N-fixing Panaebacillus sp. L2 increased the root length by 39 % and the mass by 27 %. The results of vegetation experiments on growing wheat of the ‘Leningradskaya 6’ variety under controlled conditions showed an increase in wheat productivity by 15.6 % when inoculated with Bacillus sp. L1 and by 31.2 % when inoculated with Panaebacillus sp. L2. Preliminary results of vegetative experiments indicate that Bacillus sp. L1 and Panaebacillus sp. L2 can be used as an active components of biological products to increase wheat productivity.
Antibiotic activity of strains of the fungus Lecanicillium muscarium against phytopathogens
Authors:   All-Russian institute of plant protection (FSBSI VIZR), Choglokova A.A. , Mitina G.V. ,   All-Russian institute of plant protection (FSBSI VIZR)
Published: October 2020

The aim of the work was the identification of the antibiotic properties of highly virulent strains of the fungus Lecanicillium. Most of the strains were more active against phytopathogenic fungi than bacteria. Strain F 14 showed high antibiotic properties against both fungal and bacterial pathogens. Strain Vl 79 (L. dimorphum) was more active against phytopathogenic fungi, and Vl 61 showed good results against bacteria.
Activation of protective reactions in barley plants during colonization of roots with the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium culmorum in the presence of Pseudomonas fluorescens 2137
Authors:   ARRIAM, Shaposhnikov A.I. , Vishnevskaya N.A. ,   ARRIAM, Shakhnazarova V.Yu. ,   ARRIAM,   St. Petersburg University, Syrova D.S. ,   ARRIAM, Borodina E.V. ,   ARRIAM, Kovaleva O.N. ,   N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, Strunnikova O.K. ,   ARRIAM
Published: October 2020

The expression of the PAL gene, one of the host protection genes, in sterile barley plants and colonized F. culmorum and P. fluorescens 2137 were assessed. The obtained results indicate that strain 2137 may cause a more active protective response (1.5-2.1 fold) in barley than a phytopathogenic fungus.
Influence of a new generation adaptogen and probiotic combination on sheep phagocytosis indicators
Authors:   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition - a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Animal Husbandry - VIZh named after Academician L.K. Ernst”, Belova N.V.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of the lithium ascorbate stress-protector and its complex with a probiotic based on lactobacilli on the phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes. In the course of this research, we found that lithium ascorbate stress-protector combined with probiotic lactobacilli strains reliably increases the phagocytic index of blood by 28.6 % and has a positive effect on the non-specific resistance and immunological status of sheep.
Organizational and economic measures promoting the development of essential oil production in the Republic of Crimea
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Verdysh M.V. , Popova A.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

The main problems that hinder the full functioning of essential oil production in the Republic of Crimea are presented. The necessity of development and implementation of organizational and economic measures contributing to the further development of the production of essential oils and other products has been substantiated.
The impact of copper-containing pesticides on ecological attributes and agricultural value of soils. The need for monitoring and assessment
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Gabechaya V.V. , Andreeva I.V. ,   Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Vasenev I.I. ,   Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Neaman A.A. ,   outhern University of Chile
Published: October 2020

Copper-based pesticides have been used around the world for more than 200 years to control bacterial and fungal diseases in a variety of crops. In our review, we found that copper content from cupric fungicides in vineyard soil surface horizons often exceeds 200 mg/kg. However, there are few studies on copper content in vineyard soils in Russia. The fact of the matter is that soil microorganisms have greater metal sensitivity than plants. Therefore, the use of copper-based pesticides may damage microbial communities in vineyard soils and disrupt litter decomposition processes, thus leading to a long-term deterioration of ecological attributes and agricultural value of soils. It is this fact that makes the need for constant monitoring and assessment of the impact of copper-based pesticides on vineyard soils in Russia so paramount.
Evaluation of consumer properties of collection samples of tomato under conditions of the Republic of Crimea
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Izmailova D.S.
Published: October 2020

The aim of our research was to study the consumer properties of six varieties of tomatoes bred in the Russian federation. The following tasks were solved to achieve the desired goal: research of the commodity characteristics of tomatoes, studying the safety of tomato varieties, and carrying out an organoleptic assessment of the samples under study. We studied six hybrids, namely ‘Mobil’, ‘Bulat’, ‘Dubok’, ‘Rosalina’, ‘Volgogradets’, and ‘Lakomka’ that were cultivated in the Republic of Crimea. Breeding work was carried out on the experimental fields of the FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea” in the Department of Breeding and Seed Growing of Vegetable and Melon Crops. Based on our studies, tomato varieties ‘Rosalina’, ‘Lakomka’ and ‘Bulat’, which are high in quality and excellent in taste, are recommended for cultivation in the Republic of Crimea.
The influence of the level of dietary metabolizable protein on the provision of energy and productive functions in Charolais bulls
Authors:   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition - a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Animal Husbandry - VIZh named after Academician L.K. Ernst”, Lemiasheuski V.O. ,   Sakharov International State Ecological Institute of the Belarusian State University
Published: October 2020

The results of studying the characteristics of the use of substrates in energy metabolism at different levels of metabolizable protein (8.0 g and 8.3 g per 1 MJ of metabolizable energy) in the diets of 9-month-old Charolais meat bulls with an initial live weight of 260 kg are presented. Based on the data obtained on the energy balance and gas-energy metabolism by the mask method, the ratio of the contribution of the metabolizable energy of the diet to body weight gain and heat production of bulls during the period of intensive growth was determined.