bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radular force performance of stylommatophoran gastropods (Mollusca) with distinct body masses
Authors: Krings Wencke , Neumann Charlotte , Neiber Marco T. , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: May 2021

The forces exerted by the animal’s food processing structures can be important parameters when studying trophic specializations to specific food spectra. Even though molluscs represent the second largest animal phylum, exhibiting an incredible biodiversity accompanied by the establishment of distinct ecological niches including the foraging on a variety of ingesta types, only few studies focused on the biomechanical performance of their feeding organs. To lay a keystone for future research in this direction, we investigated the in vivo forces exerted by the molluscan food gathering and processing structure, the radula, for five stylommatophoran species (Gastropoda). The chosen species and individuals have a similar radular morphology and motion, but as they represent different body mass classes, we were enabled to relate the forces to body mass. Radular forces were measured along two axes using force transducers which allowed us to correlate forces with the distinct phases of radular motion. A radular force quotient, AFQ = mean Absolute Force/bodymass0.67, of 4.3 could be determined which can be used further for the prediction of forces generated in Gastropoda. Additionally, some specimens were dissected and the radular musculature mass as well as the radular mass and dimensions were documented. Our results depict the positive correlation between body mass, radular musculature mass, and exerted force. Additionally, it was clearly observed that the radular motion phases, exerting the highest forces during feeding, changed with regard to the ingesta size: all smaller gastropods rather approached the food by a horizontal, sawing-like radular motion leading to the consumption of rather small food particles, whereas larger gastropods rather pulled the ingesta in vertical direction by radula and jaw resulting in the tearing of larger pieces.
Non-dipping pattern of nocturnal blood pressure as a risk factor for macular ischemia in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Noh Gwang Myeong , Lee Haeyoung , Kwak Hyun Duck , Kim Hyun Wong , Lee Sang Joon
Published: May 2021

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is ocular vascular disease affecting approximately 14 million people worldwide, and is closely associated with high blood pressure (BP). Although macular ischemia is a critical factor in the visual prognosis of BRVO, the relationship between macular ischemia and different patterns of nocturnal BP is unknown. Here, we investigated whether a dipping pattern of nocturnal BP is associated with the development of macular ischemia in patients with BRVO. A total of 273 patients were reviewed; of these, 86 (86 eyes) patients were included. All recruited patients had a macular thickness map by optical coherence tomography and underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. According to their dipping patterns, the participants were divided into dipper and non-dipper groups. The non-dipper group had worse visual outcomes at the initial and 6-month visits (P = 0.014 and P = 0.003, respectively). Five of 32 eyes (15.6%) in the dipper group and 32 of 54 (59.3%) in the non-dipper group had macular ischemia. In a multivariate analysis, the night-to-day systolic BP ratio was associated with the degree of macular ischemia (β = − 0.313, P = 0.004). Thus, a non-dipping pattern may be a risk factor for macular ischemia in patients with BRVO.
PmAP2-β depletion enhanced activation of the Toll signaling pathway during yellow head virus infection in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon
Authors: Jatuyosporn Thapanan , Laohawutthichai Pasunee , Supungul Premruethai , Sotelo-Mundo Rogerio R. , Ochoa-Leyva Adrian , Tassanakajon Anchalee , Krusong Kuakarun
Published: May 2021

Yellow head virus (YHV) is a pathogen which causes high mortality in penaeid shrimp. Previous studies suggested that YHV enters shrimp cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This research investigated the roles of clathrin adaptor protein 2 subunit β (AP-2β) from Penaeus monodon during YHV infection. PmAP2-β was continuously up-regulated more than twofold during 6–36 hpi. Suppression of PmAP2-β significantly reduced YHV copy numbers and delayed shrimp mortality. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that knockdown of PmAP2-β significantly enhanced the expression level of PmSpätzle, a signaling ligand in the Toll pathway, by 30-fold at 6 and 12 hpi. Moreover, the expression levels of gene components in the Imd and JAK/STAT signaling pathways under the suppression of PmAP2-β during YHV infection were also investigated. Interestingly, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor isoform 3 (ALFPm3) was up-regulated by 40-fold in PmAP2-β knockdown shrimp upon YHV infection. In addition, silencing of PmAP2-β dramatically enhanced crustinPm1 expression in YHV-infected shrimp. Knockdown of ALFPm3 and crustinPm1 significantly reduced shrimp survival rate. Taken together, this work suggested that PmAP2-β-deficiency promoted the Toll pathway signalings, resulting in elevated levels of ALFPm3 and crustinPm1, the crucial antimicrobial peptides in defence against YHV.
The chemical defensome of five model teleost fish
Authors: Eide Marta , Zhang Xiaokang , Karlsen Odd André , Goldstone Jared V. , Stegeman John , Jonassen Inge , Goksøyr Anders
Published: May 2021

How an organism copes with chemicals is largely determined by the genes and proteins that collectively function to defend against, detoxify and eliminate chemical stressors. This integrative network includes receptors and transcription factors, biotransformation enzymes, transporters, antioxidants, and metal- and heat-responsive genes, and is collectively known as the chemical defensome. Teleost fish is the largest group of vertebrate species and can provide valuable insights into the evolution and functional diversity of defensome genes. We have previously shown that the xenosensing pregnane x receptor (pxr, nr1i2) is lost in many teleost species, including Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), but it is not known if compensatory mechanisms or signaling pathways have evolved in its absence. In this study, we compared the genes comprising the chemical defensome of five fish species that span the teleosteii evolutionary branch often used as model species in toxicological studies and environmental monitoring programs: zebrafish (Danio rerio), medaka (Oryzias latipes), Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), Atlantic cod, and three-spined stickleback. Genome mining revealed evolved differences in the number and composition of defensome genes that can have implication for how these species sense and respond to environmental pollutants, but we did not observe any candidates of compensatory mechanisms or pathways in cod and stickleback in the absence of pxr. The results indicate that knowledge regarding the diversity and function of the defensome will be important for toxicological testing and risk assessment studies.
A microfluidic chip enables fast analysis of water microplastics by optical spectroscopy
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed A. , Erfan Mazen , Sabry Yasser M. , Dris Rachid , Gaspéri Johnny , Barbier Jean-Sébastien , Marty Frédéric , Bouanis Fatima , Luo Shaobo , Nguyen Binh T. T. , Liu Ai-Qun , Tassin Bruno , Bourouina Tarik
Published: May 2021

Microplastics contaminating drinking water is a growing issue that has been the focus of a few recent studies, where a major bottleneck is the time-consuming analysis. In this work, a micro-optofluidic platform is proposed for fast quantification of microplastic particles, the identification of their chemical nature and size, especially in the 1–100 µm size range. Micro-reservoirs ahead of micro-filters are designed to accumulate all trapped solid particles in an ultra-compact area, which enables fast imaging and optical spectroscopy to determine the plastic nature and type. Furthermore, passive size sorting is implemented for splitting the particles according to their size range in different reservoirs. Besides, flow cytometry is used as a reference method for retrieving the size distribution of samples, where chemical nature information is lost. The proof of concept of the micro-optofluidic platform is validated using model samples where standard plastic particles of different size and chemical nature are mixed.
Neuromodulation and neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acids in excitatory synapses of mouse hippocampal slices
Authors: Fernandes Mara Yone D. , Dobrachinski Fernando , Silva Henrique B. , Lopes João Pedro , Gonçalves Francisco Q. , Soares Felix A. A. , Porciúncula Lisiane O. , Andrade Geanne M. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Tomé Angelo R.
Published: May 2021

The increased healthspan afforded by coffee intake provides novel opportunities to identify new therapeutic strategies. Caffeine has been proposed to afford benefits through adenosine A2A receptors, which can control synaptic dysfunction underlying some brain disease. However, decaffeinated coffee and other main components of coffee such as chlorogenic acids, also attenuate brain dysfunction, although it is unknown if they control synaptic function. We now used electrophysiological recordings in mouse hippocampal slices to test if realistic concentrations of chlorogenic acids directly affect synaptic transmission and plasticity. 3-(3,4-dihydroxycinnamoyl)quinic acid (CA, 1–10 μM) and 5-O-(trans-3,4-dihydroxycinnamoyl)-D-quinic acid (NCA, 1–10 μM) were devoid of effect on synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation or long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in Schaffer collaterals-CA1 pyramidal synapses. However, CA and NCA increased the recovery of synaptic transmission upon re-oxygenation following 7 min of oxygen/glucose deprivation, an in vitro ischemia model. Also, CA and NCA attenuated the shift of LTD into LTP observed in hippocampal slices from animals with hippocampal-dependent memory deterioration after exposure to β-amyloid 1–42 (2 nmol, icv), in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings show that chlorogenic acids do not directly affect synaptic transmission and plasticity but can indirectly affect other cellular targets to correct synaptic dysfunction. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of action of chlorogenic acids will allow the design of hitherto unrecognized novel neuroprotective strategies.
Diurnal evolution of urban tree temperature at a city scale
Authors: Vo Thuy Trang , Hu Leiqiu
Published: May 2021

Despite the importance of urban trees’ surface temperature in assessing micro-climate interactions between trees and the surrounding environment, their diurnal evolution has been largely understudied at a city-wide scale due to a lack of effective thermal observations. By downscaling ECOSTRESS land surface temperature imaginary over New York City, we provide the first diurnal analysis of city-scale canopy temperature. Research reveals a remarkable spatial variation of the canopy temperature during daytime up to 5.6 K (standard deviation, STD), while the nighttime STD remains low at 1.7 K. Further, our analysis shows that the greenspace coverage and distance to bluespaces play an important role in cooling the local canopy during daytime, explaining 25.0–41.1% of daytime spatial variation of canopy temperatures while surrounding buildings modulate canopy temperature asymmetrically diurnally: reduced daytime warming and reduced nocturnal cooling. Built on space-borne observations and a flexible yet robust statistical method, our research design can be easily transferable to explore urban trees’ response to local climate across cities, highlighting the potentials of advancing the science and technologies for urban forest management.
A rich gallery of carbon dots based photoluminescent suspensions and powders derived by citric acid/urea
Authors: Stachowska Joanna D. , Murphy Andrew , Mellor Claire , Fernandes Diogo , Gibbons Ella N. , Krysmann Marta J. , Kelarakis Antonios , Burgaz Engin , Moore Joshua , Yeates Stephen G.
Published: May 2021

In this study we demonstrate simple guidelines to generate a diverse range of fluorescent materials in both liquid and solid state by focusing on the most popular C-dots precursors, i.e. the binary systems of citric acid and urea. The pyrolytic treatment of those precursors combined with standard size separation techniques (dialysis and filtration), leads to four distinct families of photoluminescent materials in which the emissive signal predominantly arises from C-dots with embedded fluorophores, cyanuric acid-rich C-dots, a blend of molecular fluorophores and a mixture of C-dots with unbound molecular fluorophores, respectively. Within each one of those families the chemical composition and the optical properties of their members can be fine-tuned by adjusting the molar ratio of the reactants. Apart from generating a variety of aqueous dispersions, our approach leads to highly fluorescent powders derived from precursors comprising excessive amounts of urea that is consumed for the build-up of the carbogenic cores, the molecular fluorophores and the solid diluent matrix that suppresses self-quenching effects.
Spaceflight and hind limb unloading induces an arthritic phenotype in knee articular cartilage and menisci of rodents
Authors: Kwok Andy T. , Mohamed Nequesha S. , Plate Johannes F. , Yammani Raghunatha R. , Rosas Samuel , Bateman Ted A. , Livingston Eric , Moore Joseph E. , Kerr Bethany A. , Lee Jingyun , Furdui Cristina M. , Tan Li , Bouxsein Mary L. , Ferguson Virginia L. , Stodieck Louis S. , Zawieja David C. , Delp Michael D. , Mao Xiao W. , Willey Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2021

Reduced knee weight-bearing from prescription or sedentary lifestyles are associated with cartilage degradation; effects on the meniscus are unclear. Rodents exposed to spaceflight or hind limb unloading (HLU) represent unique opportunities to evaluate this question. This study evaluated arthritic changes in the medial knee compartment that bears the highest loads across the knee after actual and simulated spaceflight, and recovery with subsequent full weight-bearing. Cartilage and meniscal degradation in mice were measured via microCT, histology, and proteomics and/or biochemically after: (1) ~ 35 days on the International Space Station (ISS); (2) 13-days aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis; or (3) 30 days of HLU, followed by a 49-day weight-bearing readaptation with/without exercise. Cartilage degradation post-ISS and HLU occurred at similar spatial locations, the tibial-femoral cartilage-cartilage contact point, with meniscal volume decline. Cartilage and meniscal glycosaminoglycan content were decreased in unloaded mice, with elevated catabolic enzymes (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases), and elevated oxidative stress and catabolic molecular pathway responses in menisci. After the 13-day Shuttle flight, meniscal degradation was observed. During readaptation, recovery of cartilage volume and thickness occurred with exercise. Reduced weight-bearing from either spaceflight or HLU induced an arthritic phenotype in cartilage and menisci, and exercise promoted recovery.
Diagnostic performance and characteristics of anterior nasal collection for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen test: a prospective study
Authors: Takeuchi Yuto , Akashi Yusaku , Kato Daisuke , Kuwahara Miwa , Muramatsu Shino , Ueda Atsuo , Notake Shigeyuki , Nakamura Koji , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Suzuki Hiromichi
Published: May 2021

The clinical utility of antigen test using anterior nasal samples has not been well evaluated. We conducted a prospective study in a drive-through testing site located at a PCR center to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the antigen test QuickNavi-COVID19 Ag using anterior nasal samples and to compare the degrees of coughs or sneezes induction and the severity of pain between anterior nasal collection and nasopharyngeal collection. The study included a total of 862 participants, of which 91.6% were symptomatic. The median duration from symptom onset to sample collection was 2.0 days. Fifty-one participants tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) with nasopharyngeal samples, and all of them were symptomatic. In comparison to the findings of RT-PCR, the antigen test using anterior nasal samples showed 72.5% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 58.3–84.1%) and 100% specificity (95% CI 99.3–100%). Anterior nasal collection was associated with a significantly lower degree of coughs or sneezes induction and the severity of pain in comparison to nasopharyngeal collection (p < 0.001). The antigen test using anterior nasal samples showed moderate sensitivity in symptomatic patients who were at the early stages of the disease course but was less painful and induced fewer coughs or sneezes.
Antibacterial activity and mechanism of plant flavonoids to gram-positive bacteria predicted from their lipophilicities
Authors: Yuan Ganjun , Guan Yingying , Yi Houqin , Lai Shan , Sun Yifei , Cao Seng
Published: May 2021

Antimicrobial resistance seriously threatened human health, and new antimicrobial agents are desperately needed. As one of the largest classes of plant secondary metabolite, flavonoids can be widely found in various parts of the plant, and their antibacterial activities have been increasingly paid attention to. Based on the physicochemical parameters and antibacterial activities of sixty-six flavonoids reported, two regression equations between their ACD/LogP or LogD7.40 and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to gram-positive bacteria were established with the correlation coefficients above 0.93, and then were verified by another sixty-eight flavonoids reported. From these two equations, the MICs of most flavonoids against gram-positive bacteria could be roughly calculated from their ACD/LogP or LogD7.40, and the minimum MIC was predicted as approximately 10.2 or 4.8 μM, more likely falls into the range from 2.6 to 10.2 μM, or from 1.2 to 4.8 μM. Simultaneously, both tendentiously concave regression curves indicated that the lipophilicity is a key factor for flavonoids against gram-positive bacteria. Combined with the literature analyses, the results also suggested that the cell membrane is the main site of flavonoids acting on gram-positive bacteria, and which likely involves the damage of phospholipid bilayers, the inhibition of the respiratory chain or the ATP synthesis, or some others.
Incident Parkinson’s disease in kidney transplantation recipients: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea
Authors: Baek Seon Ha , Park Sehoon , Yu Mi-yeon , Kim Ji Eun , Park Sang Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Yong Chul , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Lee Hajeong
Published: May 2021

This nation-wide population based retrospective cohort study evaluated risk of incident Parkinson’ disease in kidney transplant (KT) recipients in Korea. From Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified incident KT recipients aged ≥ 40 years without any history of Parkinson’s disease between 2007 and 2015. We established two control cohorts without a history of Parkinson’ disease: (1) General population (GP) cohort of insured subjects without a history of kidney disease, (2) end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cohort of incident ESRD subjects, with frequency matched for age, sex, and inclusion year. Parkinson’s disease data were obtained from baseline until December 2017. We followed 8372 KT recipients, ESRD patients, and GP for 45,723, 38,357, and 47,476 patient-years, respectively. Their mean age was 51.2 years and 60.1% were men. During follow-up period, 19 KT recipients, 53 ESRD patients, and 15 GP developed Parkinson’ disease. Risk of incident Parkinson’s disease in KT recipients was similar to that in GP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35 to 2.13, P = 0.75) and significantly lower than that in ESRD patients (adjusted HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.52, P < 0.001). Older age was the strongest predictor for incident Parkinson’s disease in KT recipients.
Incremental value of QT interval for the prediction of obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with chest pain
Authors: Cho Dong-Hyuk , Choi Jimi , Kim Mi-Na , Kim Hee-Dong , Hong Soon Jun , Yu Cheol Woong , Kim Hack-Lyoung , Kim Yong Hyun , Na Jin Oh , Yoon Hyun-Ju , Shin Mi-Seung , Kim Myung-A , Hong Kyung-Soon , Shim Wan Joo , Park Seong-Mi
Published: May 2021

Identification of obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) in patients with chest pain is a clinical challenge. The value of corrected QT interval (QTc) for the prediction of OCAD has yet to be established. We consecutively enrolled 1741 patients with suspected angina. The presence of obstructive OCAD was defined as ≥ 50% diameter stenosis by coronary angiography. The pre-test probability was evaluated by combining QTc prolongation with the CAD Consortium clinical score (CAD2) and the updated Diamond-Forrester (UDF) score. OCAD was detected in 661 patients (38.0%). QTc was longer in patients with OCAD compared with those without OCAD (444 ± 34 vs. 429 ± 28 ms, p < 0.001). QTc was increased by the severity of OCAD (P < 0.001). QTc prolongation was associated with OCAD (odds ratio (OR), 2.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.81–2.85). With QTc, the C-statistics increased significantly from 0.68 (95% CI 0.66–0.71) to 0.76 (95% CI 0.74–0.78) in the CAD2 and from 0.64 (95% CI 0.62–0.67) to 0.74 (95% CI 0.72–0.77) in the UDF score, respectively. QT prolongation predicted the presence of OCAD and the QTc improved model performance to predict OCAD compared with CAD2 or UDF scores in patients with suspected angina.
Clinical and trichoscopic features in 18 cases of Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides with scalp involvement
Authors: Gallo Giuseppe , Pileri Alessandro , Starace Michela , Alessandrini Aurora , Guglielmo Alba , Ribero Simone , Quaglino Pietro , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: May 2021

Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides (FMF) is a rare variant of Mycosis Fungoides involving the scalp leading to alopecia. The clinical and trichoscopic features in 18 patients were analyzed and compared with the reports in the literature. Gender, age, disease stage, site of onset were taken into consideration. Clinical and trichoscopic analyses were performed on each patient. From a clinical point of view, Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides lesions involving the scalp presented as generalized alopecia (27.8%) or patchy-plaque alopecia (72.2%). Trichoscopic analysis revealed six most frequent features: single hair (83.3%), dotted dilated vessels (77.8%), broken-dystrophic hairs (66.7%), vellus hairs (61.1%), spermatozoa-like pattern vessels (55.6%), and yellow dots (55.6%). Additional identified trichoscopic patterns were dilation of follicular openings, scales-crusts, purpuric dots, short hair with split-end, pigtail hairs, perifollicular hyperkeratosis, milky-white globules, black dots, white dots/lines and absence of follicular dots. These trichoscopic features were further correlated to clinical presentations and stage of the disease. The rarity of the disease is a limitation. The relatively high number of patients allowed to identify several clinical and trichoscopic patterns that could be featured as specific or highly suspicious for FMF in order to consider trichoscopy as a complementary diagnostic approach and improve the differential diagnoses between FMF and other scalp disorders.
Neogene hyperaridity in Arabia drove the directions of mammalian dispersal between Africa and Eurasia
Authors: Böhme Madelaine , Spassov Nikolai , Majidifard Mahmoud Reza , Gärtner Andreas , Kirscher Uwe , Marks Michael , Dietzel Christian , Uhlig Gregor , El Atfy Haytham , Begun David R. , Winklhofer Michael
Published: May 2021

The evolution of the present-day African savannah fauna has been substantially influenced by the dispersal of Eurasian ancestors into Africa. The ancestors evolved endemically, together with the autochthonous taxa, into extant Afrotropical clades during the last 5 million years. However, it is unclear why Eurasian ancestors moved into Africa. Here we use sedimentological observations and soluble salt geochemical analyses of samples from a sedimentary sequence in Western Iran to develop a 10-million-year long proxy record of Arabian climate. We identify transient periods of Arabian hyperaridity centred 8.75, 7.78, 7.50 and 6.25 million years ago, out-of-phase with Northern African aridity. We propose that this relationship promoted unidirectional mammalian dispersals into Africa. This was followed by a sustained hyperarid period between 5.6 and 3.3 million years ago which impeded dispersals and allowed African mammalian faunas to endemically diversify into present-day clades. After this, the mid-Piacenzian warmth enabled bi-directional fauna exchange between Africa and Eurasia, which continued during the Pleistocene.
Brucite shows antibacterial activity via establishment of alkaline conditions
Authors: Cho Namjoon , Lee Boyeong , Choi Sunkyung , Kim Jaewhan , Kim Jieun , Yu Jaehyung , Kim Kee K.
Published: May 2021

Brucite, a mineral form of magnesium hydroxide, has been used industrially as a useful refractory insulator.
In search of therapeutic candidates for HIV/AIDS: rational approaches, design strategies, structure–activity relationship and mechanistic insights
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Pooja , Shabu  , Kaur Ramandeep , Lobe Maloba M. M. , Gupta Girish K. , Ntie-Kang Fidele
Published: May 2021

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a serious threat to the health and development of mankind, which has affected about 37.9 million people worldwide.
Origins of Lewis acid acceleration in nickel-catalysed C–H, C–C and C–O bond cleavage
Authors: Gao Han , Hu Lingfei , Hu Yanlei , Lv Xiangying , Wu Yan-Bo , Lu Gang
Published: May 2021

The effects of charge transfer, Pauli repulsion and electrostatics/polarization are identified as dominant factors for Lewis acid accelerations in Ni-catalyzed C–X (X = H, C and O) bond cleavages.
An optimized culture medium to isolate Lactobacillus fermentum strains from the human intestinal tract
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yu Leilei , Tian Fengwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Zhai Qixiao
Published: May 2021

A total of 51 Lactobacillus species were detected in 200 human fecal samples, and a new optimized medium called LFMATA (containing arabinose, vancomycin, gentamicin and streptomycin) for the isolation of L. fermentum strains was developed.
Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice in association with modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Lee Young-Sil , Lee Daeyoung , Park Gun-Seok , Ko Seung-Hyun , Park Juyi , Lee You-Kyung , Kang Jihee
Published: May 2021

Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice in association with modulating the gut microbiota.
First morphological-level insights into the efficiency of green tea catechins and grape seed procyanidins on a transgenic mouse model of celiac disease enteropathy
Authors: Dias Ricardo , Bergamo Paolo , Maurano Francesco , Rotondi Aufiero Vera , Luongo Diomira , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Bessa-Pereira Catarina , Pérez-Gregorio Maria , Rossi Mauro , Freitas Victor
Published: May 2021

The regular intake of green tea catechins and grape seed procyanidins counteracts the gliadin-induced histological and redox status changes in enteropathic DQ8 mice, bringing hope for Celiac Disease patients unavoidably burdened by diet restrictions.
Design, synthesis, crystal structure and anti-plasmodial evaluation of tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Pal Kavita , Raza Md Kausar , Legac Jenny , Ataur Rahman Md. , Manzoor Shoaib , Rosenthal Philip J. , Hoda Nasimul
Published: May 2021

This work reports the design and synthesis of a library of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives and screened for theirin vitroanti-plasmodial and cytotoxic assessment to identify a lead compound in the development of potential antimalarials.
Human carboxylesterases and fluorescent probes to image their activity in live cells
Authors: Singh Anchal , Gao Mingze , Beck Michael W.
Published: May 2021

In this review, drug metabolizing human carboxylesterases and fluorescent probes capable of studying their activity in live cells are discussed.
Proline pre-conditioning of cell monolayers increases post-thaw recovery and viability by distinct mechanisms to other osmolytes
Authors: Bailey Trisha L. , Hernandez-Fernaud Juan Ramon , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: May 2021

Cell cryopreservation is an essential tool for transporting cell-based therapies, and is essential in most areas of biotechnology. Here proline pre-incubation prior to cell monolayer cryopreservation is explored, increasing post-thaw yields.
Meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin silver/Ag nanoparticles/graphene-phase C3N4 with a sandwich-like structure and double-faced active centers via two-step room-temperature photocatalytic synthesis for ractopamine detection
Authors: Weng Xuehua , Ye Huiling , Xie Wenqiang , Ying Meihui , Pan Haibo , Du Min
Published: May 2021

Ag2TPPS4/AgNPs/ng-C3N4 with a sandwich structure was synthesized via two-step photocatalytic synthesis, and the composite with double-faced active sites and a conductor (AgNPs) was applied to the electrochemical detection of ractopamine.
Versatile precursor-dependent copper sulfide nanoparticles as a multifunctional catalyst for the photocatalytic removal of water pollutants and the synthesis of aromatic aldehydes and NH-triazoles
Authors: Agarwal Soniya , Phukan Parmita , Sarma Diganta , Deori Kalyanjyoti
Published: May 2021

Copper sulfide nanoparticles as a multifunctional catalyst in the photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols, degradation and the reduction of water pollutants, and the facile synthesis of the pharmaceutically important moiety NH-1,2,3-triazoles.
Collagenase-loaded pH-sensitive nanocarriers efficiently remodeled tumor stroma matrixes and improved the enrichment of nanomedicines
Authors: Wang Jiading , Wu Qingsi , Wang Yuanfang , Xiang Ling , Feng Jiaxing , Zhou Zhaojie , Fu Qiang , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2021

pH-sensitive nanocarriers deliver collagenase to tumor tissues to remold the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving the efficacy of nanomedicines.
Recent progress in the construction of polymers with advanced chain structures via hybrid, switchable, and cascade chain-growth polymerizations
Authors: Chen Guang , Xia Lei , Wang Fei , Zhang Ze , You Ye-Zi
Published: May 2021

Recent progress of hybrid, switchable, and cascade chain-growth polymerizations for the preparation of polymers with advanced chain structures with diverse compositions has been summarized.
NIR-responsive metal-containing polymer hydrogel for light-controlled microvalve
Authors: Lin Xusheng , Xie Weiwei , Lin Qin , Cai Yuanting , Hua Yuhui , Lin Jianfeng , He Guomei , Chen Jiangxi
Published: May 2021

NIR-responsive metal-containing polymer hydrogel was prepared via the radical copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and an osmium aromatic complex. It has excellent photothermal property and can be used as a light-controlled microvalve.
A non-conjugated photothermal polymer complex absorbing light in visible and infrared windows
Authors: Li Ruiting , Wang Zhen , Tao Xinglei , Lyu Shanzhi , Jia Jichen , Xu Xiao-Qi , Wang Yapei
Published: May 2021

Photothermal polymer complexes fabricated via iodine doped SBS rubber have outstanding photothermal conversion ability in both visible and infrared regions with high thermo-stability up to 381 °C and long-term photo-stability up to 20 months.
New luminescent tetracoordinate boron complexes: an in-depth experimental and theoretical characterisation and their application in OLEDs
Authors: Paramasivam Krishnamoorthy , Fialho Carina B. , Cruz Tiago F. C. , Rodrigues Ana I. , Ferreira Bruno , Gomes Clara S. B. , Vila-Viçosa Diogo , Charas Ana , Esperança José M. S. S. , Vieira Ferreira Luís F. , Calhorda Maria José , Maçanita António L. , Morgado Jorge , Gomes Pedro T.
Published: May 2021

New luminescent 2-iminopyrrolyl boron complexes with different BX2moieties are extensively studiedviacomplementary experimental and theoretical methodologies, including application in OLEDs.
Cork-derived hierarchically porous hydroxyapatite with different stoichiometries for biomedical and environmental applications
Authors: Scalera Francesca , Quarta Alessandra , Tobaldi David M. , Pullar Robert C. , Piccirillo Clara
Published: May 2021

Hierarchically porous hydroxyapatite derived from cork powder shows excellent performance in biomedicine (low cytotoxicity) and environmental remediation (high Pb2+ removal).
Development of a caffeic acid–phthalimide hybrid compound for NADPH oxidase inhibition
Authors: Santos Willian Henrique dos , Yoguim Maurício Ikeda , Daré Regina Gomes , da Silva-Filho Luiz Carlos , Lautenschlager Sueli Oliveira Silva , Ximenes Valdecir Farias
Published: May 2021

The incorporation of the phthalimide moiety into caffeic acid was decisive for its effectiveness as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor.
Amidoxime-functionalized bead cellulose for the decomposition of highly toxic organophosphates
Authors: Janoš Pavel , Tokar Oldřich , Došek Marek , Mazanec Karel , Ryšánek Petr , Kormunda Martin , Henych Jiří , Janoš Pavel
Published: May 2021

Amidoxime-functionalized bead cellulose accelerates the cleavage of phosphoester bonds in toxic organophosphates.
Blue-conversion of organic dyes produces artifacts in multicolor fluorescence imaging
Authors: Kim Do-Hyeon , Chang Yeonho , Park Soyeon , Jeong Min Gyu , Kwon Yonghoon , Zhou Kai , Noh Jungeun , Choi Yun-Kyu , Hong Triet Minh , Chang Young-Tae , Ryu Sung Ho
Published: May 2021

Blue-conversion, a photooxidative conversion leading to the hypsochromic shift of absorption and emission spectra, occurs in popular organic dyes under conventional laser illumination and produces severe artifacts in multicolor fluorescence imaging.
Study on photo-degradation of inverted organic solar cells caused by generation of potential barrier between PEDOT:PSS and PBDB-Ts
Authors: Takahara Akira , Nakano Masahiro , Shahiduzzaman Md. , Karakawa Makoto , Taima Tetsuya , Takahashi Kohshin , Shibata Hajime , Masuda Atsushi
Published: May 2021

We investigated the photo-stability of PBDB-T, which is a widely used donor material for organic solar cells (OSCs), in OSCs. The OSCs based on PBDB-T did not show good stability, which can be originated in the dedoping of PEDOT:PSS by PBDB-T.
Dynamics of drop absorption by a swelling fiber
Authors: Van de Velde Pierre , Protière Suzie , Duprat Camille
Published: May 2021

The time necessary for a drop to be absorbed by a swellable fibre strongly depends on the fibre geometry and drop volume; due to a local saturation below the drop, there is a critical volume above which this time strongly increases.
Tuning the molar mass of P3HT via direct arylation polycondensation yields optimal interaction and high efficiency in nonfullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Liu Yang , Xian Kaihu , Peng Zhongxiang , Gao Mengyuan , Shi Yibo , Deng Yunfeng , Geng Yanhou , Ye Long
Published: May 2021

The application and the molar mass dependence of P3HT via direct arylation polycondensation are explored in fullerene-free solar cells. The medium molar mass batch delivered a top efficiency of ∼10%.
Hierarchical core–shell nanoplatforms constructed from Fe3O4@C and metal–organic frameworks with excellent bilirubin removal performance
Authors: Gan Na , Sun Qiaomei , Zhao Ludan , Zhang Shuangshuang , Suo Zili , Wang Xinlong , Li Hui
Published: May 2021

A novel core–shell nanoplatform based on Fe3O4@C and Uio66-NH2 was prepared. The excellent bilirubin removal performance, good separability, recyclability, cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility offer it great potential in hemoperfusion therapy.
Brittle-layer-tuned microcrack propagation for high-performance stretchable strain sensors
Authors: Han Fei , Su Rui , Teng Lijun , Xie Ruijie , Yu Qianhengyuan , Li Qingsong , Tian Qiong , Li Hanfei , Sun Jing , Zhang Yuan , Li Min , Liu Xu , Ye Huaiyu , Li Guanglin , Zhang Guoqi , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: May 2021

A new strategy of brittle-layer-tuned microcrack propagation is reported to prepare high-performance stretchable strain sensors, which possess high linearity, stretchability, stability, and enhanced sensitivity.
Nanopore sequencing in non-human forensic genetics
Authors: Ogden Rob , Vasiljevic Nina , Prost Stefan
Published: May 2021

The past decade has seen a rapid expansion of non-human forensic genetics coinciding with the development of 2nd and 3rd generation DNA sequencing technologies. Nanopore sequencing is one such technology that offers massively parallel sequencing at a fraction of the capital cost of other sequencing platforms. The application of nanopore sequencing to species identification has already been widely demonstrated in biomonitoring studies and has significant potential for non-human forensic casework, particularly in the area of wildlife forensics. This review examines nanopore sequencing technology and assesses its potential applications, advantages and drawbacks for use in non-human forensics, alongside other next-generation sequencing platforms and as a possible replacement to Sanger sequencing. We assess the specific challenges of sequence error rate and the standardisation of consensus sequence production, before discussing recent progress in the validation of nanopore sequencing for use in forensic casework. We conclude that nanopore sequencing may be able to play a considerable role in the future of non-human forensic genetics, especially for applications to wildlife law enforcement within emerging forensic laboratories.
Sequential network‐flow based power‐flow method for hybrid power systems
Authors: Mohamed Ayman M.O. , El‐Shatshat Ramadan
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a sequential network‐flow graph‐based method for a steady‐state power flow solution in hybrid multi‐terminal power systems. The proposed method is a unique and novel one, which differs from other established methods that involve the use of modified versions of classical power flow methods. The proposed method formulates a power flow problem as a maximum network‐flow problem and solves it using a push‐relabel max‐flow algorithm. The solution procedure solves AC and DC parts sequentially, while accounting for voltage source converter losses using a generalised converter model. The proposed flow‐Augmenting method solves the power flow problem using matrix vector multiplication in its most abstract form, and it is independent of system parameters and network configuration. The proposed formulation is computationally efficient, as it is based on matrix vector multiplication, and is scalable, because the formulation works as a graph‐based method, which, inherently, allows for parallel computation for added computational speed. Further, unlike previously reported methods, the proposed method does not rely on Jacobian matrix formulation or any matrix inversion. This proves to be a strong advantage for the proposed method, as a significant reduction in computational time is observed, as a result. The proposed method is validated on 5‐bus hybrid system and CIGRE B4 DC system.
Consensus‐based distributed control scheme for PCC voltage harmonic mitigation and enhanced power sharing in islanded microgrids
Authors: Pham Minh‐Duc , Lee Hong‐Hee
Published: May 2021

In the islanded microgrid, it is necessary to distribute the harmonic powers correctly among generators and mitigate the voltage harmonics at the point of common coupling (PCC) for effective microgrid operation. These control objectives are hard to satisfy at the same time with only one virtual impedance component. To simultaneously improve the microgrid voltage quality and share the distortion powers, a consensus‐based distributed power‐sharing scheme is proposed along with PCC harmonics mitigation. In the proposed control scheme, the controllable parts of output impedance at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies are separately tuned by simple integral controllers without depending on feeder impedance parameters. Compared to conventional control schemes, the proposed method is less complicated while ensuring a high voltage quality despite sudden changes in load power. A small‐signal state‐space model of the microgrid is analysed to validate the stability of the proposed control scheme, and its effectiveness is verified by experiments with a scaled‐down microgrid system.
Automatic license plate recognition on microprocessors and custom computing platforms: A review
Authors: Akpojotor Princewill , Adetunmbi Adebayo , Alese Boniface , Oluwatope Ayodeji
Published: May 2021

Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) is the process of extracting and recognizing character information within a localized license plate region. Typically, ALPR involves three steps; image capture, image procession and plate recognition. The performance of an ALPR is largely dependent on the quality of the captured image, which is determined by factors such as environmental variation, camera quality and occlusion. Image procession and plate recognition step involves image processing techniques that extract and recognizes license plate and characters, respectively. ALPR systems could be realized on microprocessors (software‐based) or custom computing platforms (hardware‐based). Drawbacks such as portability, power consumption and computational speed limit software‐based ALPR for real‐time deployment. Custom platforms for ALPR consume less power and achieve high processing speed for real‐time capability. However, limited computing resources available within a custom chip make it difficult to implement State‐of‐the‐Art computationally intensive algorithms. Thus, very few literatures discussed ALPR techniques on custom computing platforms. This paper presents a comprehensive review of algorithms and architectures of ALPR on microprocessors and custom computing platforms. Design approaches, performance, gaps, suggestions and trends are discussed.
Comportement d’une fondation superficielle sur sol renforcé par colonnes mixtes : étude expérimentale
Authors: Lambert Serge
Published: May 2021

La colonne mixte ou la colonne à module mixte (CMM®) est un procédé de renforcement de sol alternatif aux deux techniques les plus utilisées en France : les inclusions rigides et les colonnes ballastées. Elle se compose d’une partie supérieure de 1,5 m environ de gravier refoulé et compacté (inclusion souple de type colonne ballastée) qui peut accepter des efforts de cisaillement importants et une partie inférieure rigide (inclusion rigide) qui permet de réduire fortement les tassements. Une étude expérimentale en laboratoire d’une semelle carrée reposant directement sur un groupe de quatre CMM® mises en place dans une argile molle a été réalisée au Laboratoire 3SR (Grenoble) afin d’analyser la réponse de ce système sous différentes charges statiques et dynamiques. Les résultats indiquent une augmentation significative de la portance de la fondation sur colonnes mixtes et une dissipation importante de l’énergie inertielle sismique dans la partie supérieure souple.
Le dépistage néonatal de l’hyperplasie congénitale des glandes surrénales
Authors: Kariyawasam Dulanjalee , Nguyen-Khoa Thao , Gonzalez Briceño Laura , Polak Michel
Published: May 2021

L’hyperplasie congénitale des glandes surrénales (HCS) est une maladie génétique autosomique récessive liée à une anomalie du gène CYP21A2 dans 95 % des cas, avec une incidence entre 1/15 000 et 1/16 000 naissances. Elle est dépistée sur une goutte de sang séché (sur papier buvard), en France depuis 1996, par dosage de la 17-hydroxyprogestérone, ce qui a permis une diminution de la mortalité et de la morbidité liées à l’insuffisance surrénalienne pouvant survenir dès la deuxième semaine après la naissance. La stratégie française de dépistage consiste en un dosage immunologique en deux étapes sur le même papier buvard. Cette stratégie assure une bonne sensibilité, mais la valeur prédictive positive reste médiocre, laissant place à d’autres stratégies telles que l’utilisation de la chromatographie en phase liquide couplée à la spectrométrie de masse.
Empowering ISA95 compliant traditional and smart manufacturing systems with the blockchain technology
Authors: Yalcinkaya Erkan , Maffei Antonio , Akillioglu Hakan , Onori Mauro
Published: May 2021

Technological advancements in the information technology domain such as cloud computing, industrial internet of things (IIoT), machine to machine (M2M) communication, artificial intelligence (AI), etc. have started to profoundly impact and challenge not only the ISA95 compliant traditional (ISA95-CTS) but also the smart manufacturing systems (SMMS). Our literature survey pinpoints that systems scalability, interoperability, information security, and data quality domains are among those where many challenges occur. Blockchain technology (BCT) is a new breed of technology characterized by decentralized verifiability, transparency, data privacy, integrity, high availability, and data protection properties. Although many researchers leveraged BCT to empower various aspects of industrial manufacturing systems, there is no study dedicated to addressing the challenges impacting the manufacturing systems compliant with the ISA95 standard. Thereby, our study aims to fill the identified research gap systematically. This paper thoroughly analyzes the challenges hampering the ISA95-CTS and SMMS and methodically addresses them with corresponding BCT capabilities. Furthermore, this paper also discusses various aspects, including the weaknesses, of BCT convergence to ISA95-CTS and SMMS.
Artificial intelligence: confidence index in Russia and the world, prospects for implementation
Authors: Gruzdeva Lyudmila
Published: May 2021

Artificial intelligence technologies are being implemented in various fields, replacing the human mind with the help of specially designed algorithms. These systems are able to learn in the course of their functioning, free us from routine work, save time and material resources. The article presents the results of research on trust in breakthrough digital technologies as an important condition for their use, including in social life. There was revealed a high demand for «smart» technologies with an insufficient level of knowledge in this area, lack of interest in professional development. The article identifies the factors causing a negative attitude towards innovation. In the current conditions of the pandemic, a tendency has been revealed of an increase in the need for solutions using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, including in ensuring information security.
The digital economy in the management of socio-economic relations in the global economy
Authors: Dakhaeva Fatima , Datsaeva Raisa
Published: May 2021

The continuing complication of social structures and relations, which are increasingly based on modern digital technologies, causing exponential growth in data flows, brings to the fore the question of the formation of the digital economy. The importance of the ongoing processes made it possible to raise the question of the formation of a new type of economy, where relations with regard to the production, processing, storage, transmission, and use of an increasing amount of data acquire dominant importance. The data become the basis for economic analysis, which examines the patterns of functioning of modern socio-economic systems. According to a number of experts, at present, it is important for an economic agent not to possess any resource, but to have data on this resource and the ability to use it to plan its activities.