bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Multiple Financial News Shocks on Tourism Demand Volatility Modelling and Forecasting
Authors: Zhang Yuruixian , Choo Wei Chong , Abdul Aziz Yuhanis , Yee Choy Leong , Wan Cheong Kin , Ho Jen Sim
Published: June 2022

Even though both symmetric and asymmetric conceptions of news impacts are well-established in the disciplines of economics and financial markets, the effects of combining multiple news shocks on the volatility of tourism demand have not yet been delved into or gauged in any tourist destination. This work hypothesises and verifies that the news impact curve (NIC), conditional heteroscedastic volatility models, and multiple news shocks are suitable for forecasting the volatility of the Malaysian tourist industry. Among them, three primarily volatility models (GARCH, EGARCH, and GJRGARCH) are used in conjunction with five financial news shocks (FFNSs), namely the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI), the United States Dollar Index (DXY), the stock performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges (S&P500), Crude Oil (CO), and Gold Price (GP). Among the most significant findings of this study are the demonstration of monthly seasonality using conditional mean equations, asymmetry effects in EGARCH-FFNSs, and GJRGARCH-FFNSs models in conditional variance equations and 50 NICs, and the GARCH-FFNSs model’s evaluation of the persistence influence of news shocks on monthly visitor arrivals in Malaysia. The GJRGARCH-FFNSs model is the best model for Malaysian tourism demand volatility forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, KLCI and Gold Price have the most substantial impact on the number of tourists to Malaysia. In addition, it should be emphasised that the methodological framework utilised in this study can be a useful tool for creating and forecasting the performance of symmetry and asymmetry impacts on tourism demand volatility.
Assessing the Relationship between Landscape and Management within Marinas: The Managers’ Perception
Authors: Martín Ricardo , Yepes Víctor
Published: June 2022

Marinas are maritime features related to nautical tourism. The contemplation of pleasant surroundings acquires great importance in achieving this leisure character. The European Landscape Convention undertakes the necessity of integrating landscape into the planning policies. Thus, the marina’s management decision-making processes should reflect this awareness of the landscape. However, the landscape evaluation has not been appropriately considered despite its importance. This research attempts to introduce an initial framework to evaluate this influence, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the different subjects. For this purpose, the most significant elements of the marina management related to the landscape were rated, both from management and landscape perspectives. Two expert panels from Spain were used: 23 experts evaluated the above elements following the Delphi method, and 17 weighted the main management activities using DHP. Results show that there is a lack of concern for the landscape. Managers tend to consider physical conditions, whereas subjective conditions are relegated to the background. In this respect, this methodology provides the first stage for the landscape/management relationship, helping managers identify the main topics and prioritize related actions.
Toward Identifying Alternatives to Fencing for Forest Restoration: Tube Shelters Outperform Mesh Shelters for Deer Browse Protection of Live Oak, Quercus virginiana
Authors: Thyroff Emily C. , Burney Owen T. , Oliet Juan A. , Redick Caleb H. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: June 2022

Herbivory is a common forest regeneration challenge across ecosystems. While fencing effectively reduces animal browse damage, it can be impractical. Tree shelters are an alternative forest restoration tool to protect seedlings from herbivory that may also provide a favorable microclimate. Yet, regeneration responses to tree shelters often vary among tree species, environmental conditions, and shelter specifications. To restore the once dominant Quercus virginiana (live oak) and its associated conservation values to subtropical U.S. maritime forests, control of animal browsing is critical. We evaluated the effects of tube and mesh tree shelters to exclude animal browse, combined with the use of controlled-release fertilizer to promote Q. virginiana seedling growth. After two growing seasons, mean seedling survival was 83% for protected seedlings, either from tube or mesh shelters, compared to 68% with non-sheltered seedlings. Seedlings in solid-wall tube shelters had significantly less browse incidence compared to both seedlings in mesh shelters and non-sheltered seedlings. Seedlings in tube shelters had greater height and diameter, followed by mesh shelters, and lastly, the no shelter treatment. Fertilizer resulted in higher browsing incidence and greater seedling height and diameter after the first growing season only, with no shelter treatment interactions. Our findings illustrate the efficacy of tree shelters to improve early regeneration success of Q. virginiana and may have application to the restoration of other forest ecosystems.
Destructive and Non-Destructive Evaluation of Fibre-Reinforced Concrete: A Comprehensive Study of Mechanical Properties
Authors: Najm Hadee Mohammed , Nanayakkara Ominda , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri
Published: June 2022

Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and rebound hammer tests are accepted as alternatives to destructive testing to determine the compressive strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and Poisson’s ratio, which are needed for structural design. Although much work has been conducted for plain concrete, the research data for fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) is insufficient. In this regard, this study explains the correlations between compressive strength, rebound hammer, and UPV tests for plain concrete and FRC contains 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00% of 30 mm and 50 mm long steel fibres. A total of 78 concrete cube and beam specimens were tested by direct, semi-direct, and indirect UPV and rebound hammer test methods. The study found that the rebound hammer test is more suitable for measuring the compressive strength of matured FRC than young concrete. The UPV test revealed that the volume fraction does not, but the length of steel fibres does affect the UPV results by the direct test method. The UPV direct method has the highest velocity, approximately two times the indirect velocity in FRC. UPV measurements can be effectively used to determine the dynamic modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of FRC. The dynamic elastic modulus increases while the Poisson’s ratio decreases for the same steel fibre length when at increasing FRC fibre content. The results of this study will be significant for non-destructive evaluations of FRC, while additional recommendations for future studies are presented at the end of the paper.
Effects of Blending Tobacco Lignin with HDPE on Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Menta Venkata Gireesh K. , Tahir Irfan , Abutunis Abdulaziz
Published: June 2022

Depletion of fossil fuels and the detrimental environmental impacts of synthetic plastics have prompted a global interest in bio-based polymers. Lignin is an abundant, unused, and low-value byproduct of pulping and biochemical operations that has the potential to decrease the need for plastics derived from petroleum. Melt blending is one of the easiest strategies for expanding the commercial applications of lignin. Concerns remain, however, regarding the negative effects of lignin on the final composite material’s performance, and the increase in manufacturing costs. This study investigates the effects of blending lignin extracted from tobacco using a novel one-step processing technique on injection molding parameters, and the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). By extruding HDPE pellets and lignin powder, varying blend concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, and 30% wt.) were produced. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy were used to investigate the compatibility of the blend morphology. Results indicated that interfacial interactions were achieved as particles of tobacco lignin were well dispersed and uniformly distributed throughout HDPE. Intermolecular interactions between HDPE and lignin were also discovered through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analyses. The tensile test results showed that increase in lignin content up to 15% wt. had little effect on tensile strength, but at 30% wt., a 19% reduction was observed. With the addition of 5, 10, 15, and 30% wt. of lignin, the tensile modulus increased by 4%, 29%, 25%, and 8%, respectively. TGA results demonstrated that at 15% and 30% wt., tobacco lignin acted as a thermal stabilizer. The processability study revealed that tobacco lignin could be processed easily using injection molding without requiring significant changes to the process parameters. Overall, tobacco lignin showed great promise as a biodegradable HDPE filler.
Effect of Zn and Cu Addition on Mechanical Properties of As-Extruded Mg-3Sn-1Ca Alloy
Authors: Jia Zheng , Yu Bing , Fu Li
Published: June 2022

The effects of Zn and Cu addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the extruded Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy were systematically studied. The effects of the grain size, texture, type and distribution of the second phase on the mechanical properties of the alloy were analyzed. The mechanical test results show that the addition of Zn and Cu elements can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the alloy. The as-extruded Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Zn-1Cu alloy has the best comprehensive mechanical properties, and the UTS, YS and EL are 244 MPa, 159 MPa and 13.4%, respectively. Compared with the Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy, the UTS and EL of the Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Zn alloy are increased by 50 MPa and 132%, respectively. However, the UTS of the TXC311 alloy is increased by 55 MPa, but the ductility of the Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu alloy is far less than that of the Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Zn alloy, which is mainly attributed to the presence of a large amount of hard and brittle Mg2Cu phase in the alloy. Interestingly, the addition of Zn to Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu alloy can improve the elongation of the alloy, which is due to the solid solution strengthening caused by the Zn element and the formation of small MgZnCu phase with Zn element and the consumption of Mg2Cu phase.
Scalable Multi-Party Privacy-Preserving Gradient Tree Boosting over Vertically Partitioned Dataset with Outsourced Computations
Authors: Edemacu Kennedy , Kim Jong Wook
Published: June 2022

Due to privacy concerns, multi-party gradient tree boosting algorithms have become widely popular amongst machine learning researchers and practitioners. However, limited existing works have focused on vertically partitioned datasets, and the few existing works are either not scalable or tend to leak information. Thus, in this work, we propose SSXGB, which is a scalable and acceptably secure multi-party gradient tree boosting framework for vertically partitioned datasets with partially outsourced computations. Specifically, we employ an additive homomorphic encryption (HE) scheme for security. We design two sub-protocols based on the HE scheme to perform non-linear operations associated with gradient tree boosting algorithms. Next, we propose secure training and prediction algorithms under the SSXGB framework. Then, we provide theoretical security and communication analysis for the proposed framework. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the framework with experiments using two real-world datasets.
Analysis of Equilibrium Points in Quantized Hill System
Authors: Ansari Abdullah A. , Alhowaity Sawsan , Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Sahdev Shiv K.
Published: June 2022

In this work, the quantized Hill problem is considered in order for us to study the existence and stability of equilibrium points. In particular, we have studied three different cases which give all whole possible locations in which two points are emerging from the first case and four points from the second case, while the third case does not provide a realistic locations. Hence, we have obtained four new equilibrium points related to the quantum perturbations. Furthermore, the allowed and forbidden regions of motion of the first case are investigated numerically. We demonstrate that the obtained result in the first case is a generalization to the classical one and it can be reduced to the classical result in the absence of quantum perturbation, while the four new points will disappear. The regions of allowed motions decrease as the value of the Jacobian constant increases, and these regions will form three separate areas. Thus, the infinitesimal body can never move from one allowed region to another, and it will be trapped inside one of the possible regions of motion with the relative large values of the Jacobian constant.
Absent Color Indexing: Histogram-Based Identification Using Major and Minor Colors
Authors: Tian Ying , Fang Ming , Kaneko Shun’ichi
Published: June 2022

The color histogram is a statistical behavior for robust pattern search or matching; however, difficulties have arisen in using it to discriminate among similar objects. Our method, called absent color indexing (ABC), describes how to use absent or minor colors as a feature in order to solve problems while robustly recognizing images, even those with similar color features. The proposed approach separates a source color histogram into apparent (AP) and absent (AB) color histograms in order to provide a fair way of focusing on the major and minor contributions together. A threshold for this separation is automatically obtained from the mean color histogram by considering the statistical significance of the absent colors. After these have been separated, an inversion operation is performed to reinforce the weight of AB. In order to balance the contributions of the two histograms, four similarity measures are utilized as candidates for combination with ABC. We tested the performance of ABC in terms of the F-measure using different similarity measures, and the results show that it is able to achieve values greater than 0.95. Experiments on Mondrian random patterns verify the ability of ABC to distinguish similar objects by margin. The results of extensive experiments on real-world images and open databases are presented here in order to demonstrate that the performance of our relatively simple algorithm remained robust even in difficult cases.
Antiviral Cyclopropane Acids from Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Aspergillus sydowii
Authors: Niu Siwen , Huang Shuhuan , Hong Bihong , Huang Qixi , Liu Xiupian , Shao Zongze , Zhang Gaiyun
Published: June 2022

Four novel monocyclic cyclopropane acids, namely, sydocyclopropanes A–D (1–4), along with one known congener hamavellone B (5), were isolated from the Aspergillus sydowii MCCC 3A00324 fungus, which was isolated from the deep-sea sediment. The gross structures of novel compounds were established by detailed analyses of the spectroscopic data (HRESIMS and NMR spectra), and their absolute configurations were resolved on the basis of the quantum chemical calculations of ECD and NMR data, in association with DP4+ probability analyses. Sydocyclopropanes A–D, featuring the 1,1,2,3-tetrasubstituted cyclopropane nucleus with different lengthy alkyl side chains, were discovered in nature for the first time. All compounds exhibited antiviral activities against A/WSN/33 (H1N1), with IC50 values ranging from 26.7 to 77.2 μM, of which compound 1 exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect (IC50 = 26.7 μM).
Liposomes Bearing Non-Bilayer Phospholipid Arrangements Induce Specific IgG Anti-Lipid Antibodies by Activating NK1.1+, CD4+ T Cells in Mice
Authors: Landa-Saldívar Carla , Reséndiz-Mora Albany , Sánchez-Barbosa Sandra , Sotelo-Rodríguez Anahi , Barrera-Aveleida Giovanna , Nevárez-Lechuga Irene , Galarce-Sosa Iván , Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Cruz-Guzmán Oriana del Rocío , Wong-Baeza Isabel , Escobar-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Baeza Isabel , Wong-Baeza Carlos
Published: June 2022

Liposomes are artificial models of cellular membranes that are used as delivery systems for genes, drugs and protein antigens. We have previously used them to study the antigenic properties of their phospholipids. Here, we used them to induce the production of IgG anti-non-bilayer phospholipid arrangements (NPAs) antibodies in mice; these antibodies cause cell lysis and trigger a lupus-like disease in mice. We studied the mechanisms that lead to the production of these antibodies, and provide evidence that NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells respond to NPA-bearing liposomes and deliver the help required for specific B cell activation and antibody class-switching to IgG. We found increased numbers of IL-4-producing NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs of mice administered with NPAs, and these cells also expressed CD40L, which is required for B cell activation. Additionally, we isolated and purified NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells from spleens and determined that they over-expressed 40 genes, which are key players in inflammatory processes and B cell stimulation and have TRAF6 and UNC39B1 as key nodes in their network. These results show that liposomes are membrane models that can be used to analyze the immunogenicity of lipids.
Reliability Analysis of the Welded Bellows for Mechanical Seals Based on Six Sigma
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Ma Chenbo , Sun Jianjun , Zhang Yuyan , Ni Xingya
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the reliability of welded metal bellows used in mechanical seals under specified working conditions. Firstly, considering the working environment of mechanical seals and the structural characteristics of welded metal bellows, a stress relaxation test bench was developed to obtain projectile loss data of welded metal bellows under different compression loads at elevated temperatures. The creep constants for a stress relaxation simulation were derived from the experimental data, and a stress relaxation finite element analysis (FEA) of the bellows was conducted using Workbench under different compression loads. We found that the stress relaxation simulation of welded metal bellows can accurately simulate the relaxation characteristics of welded metal bellows. The reliability of the welded metal bellows was calculated using Six Sigma response surface reliability by taking the material properties and compression load as variable parameters and the residual elasticity of the bellows as the objective function. We concluded that the reliability calculation method of welded metal bellows promotes reliability research into welded metal bellows for mechanical seals.
3,5-T2-an Endogenous Thyroid Hormone Metabolite as Promising Lead Substance in Anti-Steatotic Drug Development?
Authors: Sane Rajas , Wirth Eva K. , Köhrle Josef
Published: June 2022

Thyroid hormones, their metabolites, and synthetic analogues are potential anti-steatotic drug candidates considering that subclinical and manifest hypothyroidism is associated with hepatic lipid accumulation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and its pandemic sequelae. Thyromimetically active compounds stimulate hepatic lipogenesis, fatty acid beta-oxidation, cholesterol metabolism, and metabolic pathways of glucose homeostasis. Many of these effects are mediated by T3 receptor β1-dependent modulation of transcription. However, rapid non-canonical mitochondrial effects have also been reported, especially for the metabolite 3,5-diiodothyronine (3,5-T2), which does not elicit the full spectrum of “thyromimetic” actions inherent to T3. Most preclinical studies in rodent models of obesity and first human clinical trials are promising with respect to the antisteatotic hepatic effects, but potent agents exhibit unwanted thyromimetic effects on the heart and/or suppress feedback regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid-periphery axis and the fine-tuned thyroid hormone system. This narrative review focuses on 3,5-T2 effects on hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism and (non-)canonical mechanisms of action including its mitochondrial targets. Various high fat diet animal models with distinct thyroid hormone status indicate species- and dose-dependent efficiency of 3,5-T2 and its synthetic analogue TRC150094. No convincing evidence has been presented for their clinical use in the prevention or treatment of obesity and related metabolic conditions.
Serum Oxylipin Profiles Identify Potential Biomarkers in Patients with Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Jiang Yi , Tang Xinlong , Wang Yali , Chen Wei , Xue Yunxing , Cao Hailong , Zhang Bomin , Pan Jun , Zhou Qing , Wang Dongjin , Fan Fudong
Published: June 2022

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease with a dismal prognosis. Inflammation plays an important role in AD. Oxylipins are bioactive lipids involved in the modulation of inflammation and may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. This study aims to identify possible metabolites related to AD. A total of 10 type A Aortic dissection (TAAD) patients, 10 type B Aortic dissection (TBAD) patients and 10 healthy controls were included in this study. Over 100 oxylipin species were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Our investigation demonstrated substantial alterations in 91 oxylipins between AD and healthy individuals. Patients with TAAD had 89 entries accessible compared to healthy controls. According to orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), fitness (R2X = 0.362 and R2Y = 0.807, p = 0.03) and predictability (Q2 = 0.517, p = 0.005) are the validation parameters between the two groups. Using multivariate logistic regression, 13-HOTrE and 16(17)-EpDPE were the risk factors in the aortic patients group compared to healthy people (OR = 2.467, 95%CI:1.256–7.245, p = 0.035; OR = 0.015, 95%CI:0.0002–0.3240, p = 0.016, respectively). In KEGG enrichment of differential metabolites, the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway has the most metabolites involved. We established a diagnostic model in distinguishing between AD and healthy people. The AUC was 0.905. Oxylipins were significantly altered in AD patients, suggesting oxylipin profile is expected to exploit a novel, non-invasive, objective diagnosis for AD.
Ore Genesis of the Changkeng–Fuwan Au-Ag Deposit in Central Guangdong, South China: Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and C-H-O-S-Pb-He-Ar Isotopes
Authors: Shi Guangyao , Xue Jianling , Zhu Xiaoqiang , Pang Zhenshan , Wang Xueqiu , Yang Fan , Jepson Gilby , Tao Wen , Zhen Shimin
Published: June 2022

The Changkeng–Fuwan Au-Ag deposit is representative in South China, which is located in the southwest of the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt (QHMB). The Au and Ag orebodies are located in the same altered fracture zone, forming independent gold and silver orebodies respectively, with the characteristics of “upper gold and lower silver” in space. Three metallogenic stages have been identified: the pyrite–quartz–sericite stage, the polymetallic sulfide stage, and the quartz–calcite stage. The fluid inclusions (FIs) from the deposit are the two-phase liquid-rich (type I) and the pure liquid FIs (type II). The microthermometric measurements of type I FIs are characterized by temperatures of 158–282 °C and 146–289 °C and salinities of 0.35–9.88 wt.% NaCl equiv. and 0.18–11.70 wt.% NaCl equiv. The H, O, He, and Ar isotopic data show that the ore-forming fluids of the deposit were derived from a mixture of magmatic and meteoric fluids. The C and O isotopic data suggest that the carbon of the fluid may derive from a magmatic source. The S and Pb isotopic data indicate that the primary source of the metals in the Changkeng–Fuwan deposit may be a magma source. Based on the geological characteristics, FI microthermometry, and isotope data (C, H, O, He, Ar, S, and Pb), we propose that the Changkeng–Fuwan deposit should be classified as a far-source low-temperature magmatic–hydrothermal deposit.
Liquid-Metal-Mediated Electrocatalyst Support Engineering toward Enhanced Water Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Bo Guyue , Li Peng , Fan Yameng , Zhu Qiang , Xia Linlin , Du Yi , Dou Shi Xue , Xu Xun
Published: June 2022

Functional and robust catalyst supports are vital in the catalysis field, and the development of universal and efficient catalyst support is essential but challenging. Traditional catalyst fabrication methods include the carbonization of ordered templates and high−temperature dehydration. All these methods involve complicated meso−structural disordering and allow little control over morphology. To this end, a eutectic GaInSn alloy (EGaInSn) was proposed and employed as an intermediate to fabricate low−dimensional ordered catalyst support materials. Owing to the lower Gibbs free energy of Ga2O3 compared to certain types of metals (e.g., Al, Mn, Ce, etc.), we found that a skinny layer of metal oxides could be formed and exfoliated into a two−dimensional nanosheet at the interface of liquid metal (LM) and water. As such, EGaInSn was herein employed as a reaction matrix to synthesize a range of two−dimensional catalyst supports with large specific surface areas and structural stability. As a proof−of-concept, Al2O3 and MnO were fabricated with the assistance of LM and were used as catalyst supports for loading Ru, demonstrating enhanced structural stability and overall electrocatalytic performance in the oxygen evolution reaction. This work opens an avenue for the development of functional support materials mediated by LM, which would play a substantial role in electrocatalytic reactions and beyond.
Zirconia-Doped Methylated Silica Membranes via Sol-Gel Process: Microstructure and Hydrogen Permselectivity
Authors: Wang Lintao , Yang Jing
Published: June 2022

In order to obtain a steam-stable hydrogen permselectivity membrane, with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the silicon source, zirconium nitrate pentahydrate (Zr(NO3)4·5H2O) as the zirconium source, and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) as the hydrophobic modifier, the methyl-modified ZrO2-SiO2 (ZrO2-MSiO2) membranes were prepared via the sol-gel method. The microstructure and gas permeance of the ZrO2-MSiO2 membranes were studied. The physical-chemical properties of the membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. The hydrogen permselectivity of ZrO2-MSiO2 membranes was evaluated with Zr content, temperature, pressure difference, drying control chemical additive (glycerol) content, and hydrothermal stability as the inferred factors. XRD and pore structure analysis revealed that, as nZr increased, the MSiO2 peak gradually shifted to a higher 2θ value, and the intensity gradually decreased. The study found that the permeation mechanism of H2 and other gases is mainly based on the activation–diffusion mechanism. The separation of H2 is facilitated by an increase in temperature. The ZrO2-MSiO2 membrane with nZr = 0.15 has a better pore structure and a suitable ratio of micropores to mesopores, which improved the gas permselectivities. At 200 °C, the H2 permeance of MSiO2 and ZrO2-MSiO2 membranes was 3.66 × 10−6 and 6.46 × 10−6 mol·m−2·s−1·Pa−1, respectively. Compared with the MSiO2 membrane, the H2/CO2 and H2/N2 permselectivities of the ZrO2-MSiO2 membrane were improved by 79.18% and 26.75%, respectively. The added amount of glycerol as the drying control chemical additive increased from 20% to 30%, the permeance of H2 decreased by 11.55%, and the permselectivities of H2/CO2 and H2/N2 rose by 2.14% and 0.28%, respectively. The final results demonstrate that the ZrO2-MSiO2 membrane possesses excellent hydrothermal stability and regeneration capability.
Controlled Delivery of an Anti-Inflammatory Toxin to Macrophages by Mutagenesis and Nanoparticle Modification
Authors: Harada Ayaka , Tsutsuki Hiroyasu , Zhang Tianli , Yahiro Kinnosuke , Sawa Tomohiro , Niidome Takuro
Published: June 2022

Advances in drug delivery systems (DDSs) have enabled the specific delivery of drugs to target cells. Subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) produced by certain enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and suppresses nitric oxide generation in macrophages. We previously reported that modification of SubAB with poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (SubAB-PLGA NPs) increased intracellular uptake of SubAB and had an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages. However, specific delivery of SubAB to macrophages could not be achieved because its effects on other cell types were not negligible. Therefore, to suppress non-specific SubAB binding, we used low-binding mutant SubABS35A (S35A) in which the 35th serine of the B subunit was mutated to alanine. In a macrophage cell line, PLGA NPs modified with S35A (S35A-PLGA NPs) induced ER stress and had anti-inflammatory effects similar to WT-PLGA NPs. However, in an epithelial cell line, S35A-PLGA NPs induced lower ER stress than WT-PLGA NPs. These results suggest that S35A is selectively delivered to macrophages rather than epithelial cells by modification with PLGA NPs and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Our findings provide a useful technique for protein delivery to macrophages and encourage medical applications of DDSs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Validation of a Standard Luminescence Method for the Fast Determination of the Antimicrobial Activity of Nanoparticles in Escherichia coli
Authors: Marcelo Gonçalo A. , Galhano Joana , Duarte Maria Paula , Capelo-Martínez José Luis , Lodeiro Carlos , Oliveira Elisabete
Published: June 2022

The use of nanoparticles in multiple industries has raised concerned voices about the assessment of their toxicity/antimicrobial activity and the development of standardized handling protocols. Issues emerge during the antimicrobial assaying of multiple cargo, colorimetric, colloidal nanoformulations, as standard protocols often rely on visual evaluations, or optical density (OD) measurements, leading to high variance inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Thus, a fast, luminescence-based assay for the effective assessment of the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles is herein reported, using the bioluminescence of an in-house E. coli ATCC® 8739TM construct with the pMV306G13 + Lux plasmid (E. coli Lux). The new strain’s sensitivity to ofloxacin as a standard antibiotic was confirmed, and the methodology robustness verified against multiple nanoparticles and colorimetric drugs. The reduction of incubation from 24 to only 8 h, and the sole use of luminescence (LUX490) to accurately determine and distinguish MIC50 and MIC90, are two main advantages of the method. By discarding OD measurements, one can avoid turbidity and color interferences when calculating bacterial growth. This approach is an important tool that contributes to the standardization of methods, reducing samples’ background interference and focusing on luminescence as a direct probe for bacterial metabolic activity, growth and, most importantly, the correct assessment of nanomaterials’ antimicrobial activity.
Solution Combustion Synthesis of Hafnium-Doped Indium Oxide Thin Films for Transparent Conductors
Authors: Firmino Rita , Carlos Emanuel , Pinto Joana Vaz , Deuermeier Jonas , Martins Rodrigo , Fortunato Elvira , Barquinha Pedro , Branquinho Rita
Published: June 2022

Indium oxide (In2O3)-based transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) have been widely used and studied for a variety of applications, such as optoelectronic devices. However, some of the more promising dopants (zirconium, hafnium, and tantalum) for this oxide have not received much attention, as studies have mainly focused on tin and zinc, and even fewer have been explored by solution processes. This work focuses on developing solution-combustion-processed hafnium (Hf)-doped In2O3 thin films and evaluating different annealing parameters on TCO’s properties using a low environmental impact solvent. Optimized TCOs were achieved for 0.5 M% Hf-doped In2O3 when produced at 400 °C, showing high transparency in the visible range of the spectrum, a bulk resistivity of 5.73 × 10−2 Ω.cm, a mobility of 6.65 cm2/V.s, and a carrier concentration of 1.72 × 1019 cm−3. Then, these results were improved by using rapid thermal annealing (RTA) for 10 min at 600 °C, reaching a bulk resistivity of 3.95 × 10 −3 Ω.cm, a mobility of 21 cm2/V.s, and a carrier concentration of 7.98 × 1019 cm−3, in air. The present work brings solution-based TCOs a step closer to low-cost optoelectronic applications.
Effects of Postdischarge High-Protein Oral Nutritional Supplements and Resistance Training in Malnourished Surgical Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Patursson Poula , Møller Grith , Thomsen Bjartur Bernhardson , Olsen Eyðfinnur , Mortensen Jann , Andorsdóttir Guðrið , Mohr Magni , Andersen Jens Rikardt
Published: June 2022

The presence of malnutrition is increasingly becoming a postdischarge problem in surgical patients. We aimed to investigate whether oral nutritional supplements combined with resistance training could minimize skeletal muscle atrophy in surgical patients after discharge. This randomized controlled study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, National Hospital of Faroe Islands from 2018 to 2020. A total of 45 patients aged 37–74 years participated and were allocated to one of three groups: diet (DI; n = 13), exercise and diet (EX + DI; n = 16), or control (CON; n = 16). The intervention period lasted 8 weeks. The intervention groups received individual dietary counselling and a protein-rich oral nutritional supplement twice a day containing 22 g of protein/day. Patients in the EX + DI group were assigned to resistance training sessions. Patients in the CON group received standard care. The primary outcome was change in lean body mass (LBM). Secondary outcomes were change in body weight, handgrip strength, quality of life, surgery-related side effects, energy and protein intake, length of stay and one-year mortality. To estimate within-group changes, linear mixed models including group–time interactions as fixed effects and patients as random effects were fitted. Within-group change in LBM was 233, 813 and 78 g in the DI, EX + DI and CON groups, respectively, with no significant between-group difference (p > 0.05). Pain score declined more (p = 0.04) in the EX + DI group compared with the CON group. Body weight, handgrip strength, quality of life and surgery-related side effects did not differ between groups. At the end of study, mean cumulative weight change in the DI and EX + DI groups was 0.4% and 1.6%, respectively, whereas the CON group experienced a weight loss of −0.6%. No significant difference in primary outcome between groups was noted. However, our results indicate some benefits from exercise and nutrition for malnourished surgical patients.
Integrating the Gut Microbiome and Stress-Diathesis to Explore Post-Trauma Recovery: An Updated Model
Authors: Mittinty Manasi , Lee Joshua , Walton David , El-Omar Emad , Elliott James
Published: June 2022

Musculoskeletal conditions of traumatic and non-traumatic origin represent an ongoing health challenge. While the last three decades have seen significant advancement in our understanding of musculoskeletal conditions, the mechanisms of a delayed or lack of recovery are still a mystery. Here, we present an expansion of the integrated stress-diathesis model through the inclusion of the gut microbiome. Connecting the microbiome with known adverse neurobiologic, microbiologic and pathophysiologic sequelae following an injury, trauma or stressful event may help improve our knowledge of the pathogenesis of poor recovery. Such knowledge could provide a foundation for the exploration and development of more effective interventions to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain.
Identification of Three Novel Conidiogenesis-Related Genes in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Miao Qiao , Zhou Zong , Lu Siyi , Li Juan
Published: June 2022

For filamentous fungi, conidiogenesis is the most common reproductive strategy for environmental dispersal, invasion, and proliferation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling conidiation and increasing conidium yield may provide promising applications in commercial development in the future for nematode-trapping fungi. However, the molecular mechanism for regulating conidium production of filamentous fungi is not fully understood. In this study, we characterized three novel conidiogenesis-related genes via gene knockout in A. oligospora. The absence of the genes AoCorA and AoRgsD caused significant increases in conidia production, while the absence of AoXlnR resulted in a decrease in conidiogenesis. Moreover, we characterized the ortholog of AbaA, a well-known conidiogenesis-related gene in Aspergillus nidulans. The deletion of AoAbaA not only completely abolished conidium production but also affected the production of nematode-trapping traps.
Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Chen Jiun-Liang , Huang Tsung-Yu , Hsu Wei-Bin , Lee Chiang-Wen , Chiang Yao-Chang , Chang Pey-Jium , Peng Kuo-Ti
Published: June 2022

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a troublesome clinical issue in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Although methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered to be the most serious pathogen in PJIs, little is known about the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of MRSA clones isolated from PJI patients. A total of 36 MRSA isolates from PJI patients were collected at the Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan from May 2016 to October 2019. All MRSA isolates were subjected to genome typing. The prevalence of Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL), the antibiotic susceptibility profile, and the biofilm formation ability were compared among different MRSA genogroups. Additionally, demographics and clinical manifestations of patients infected with different MRSA genogroups were investigated. Eight sequence types (STs) were identified among 36 isolated from PJIs. According to the incidence of MRSA genotypes in PJIs, in this study, we divided them into four groups, including ST8 (n = 10), ST59 (n = 8), ST239 (n = 11), and other STs (n = 7). For the antibiotic susceptibility testing, we found that all MRSA isolates in the ST239 group were highly resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and levofloxacin. Additionally, ST239 MRSA also had a higher ability to form biofilm than other groups. Importantly, patients with ST239 infection typically had a fever and exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Epidemiological investigations revealed that knee PJIs were mainly attributed to infection with ST59 MRSA and increasing trends for infection with ST8 and other ST types of MRSAs in PJI patients were observed from 2016 to 2019. The identification of MRSA genotypes in PJIs may be helpful for the management of PJIs.
Synthesis, In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity, and In Silico Evaluation of Novel Oxiranyl-Quinoxaline Derivatives
Authors: Montero Vincent , Montana Marc , Khoumeri Omar , Correard Florian , Estève Marie-Anne , Vanelle Patrice
Published: June 2022

The quinoxaline core is a promising scaffold in medicinal chemistry. Multiple quinoxaline derivatives, such as the topoisomerase IIβ inhibitor XK-469 and the tissue transglutaminase 2 inhibitor GK-13, have been evaluated for their antiproliferative activity. Previous work reported that quinoxaline derivatives bearing an oxirane ring present antiproliferative properties against neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-SH and IMR-32. Likewise, quinoxalines with an arylethynyl group displayed promising antineoplastic properties against glioblastoma and lung cancer cell lines, U87-MG and A549 respectively. Here, 40 new quinoxaline derivatives bearing an oxirane ring were synthesized using a tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) strategy and a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. Each reaction with TDAE furnished a pair of diastereoisomers cis and trans. These new compounds formed two series according to the substitution of position 2 on the quinoxaline core, with chlorine or phenylacetylene respectively. Each of these isomers was evaluated for antiproliferative activity against neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-SH and IMR-32 by MTT assay. All cell viability assay results were analyzed using R programming, as well as a statistical comparison between groups of compounds. Our evaluation showed no difference in drug sensitivity between the two neuroblastoma cell lines. Moreover, trans derivatives were observed to display better activities than cis derivatives, leading us to conclude that stereochemistry plays an important role in the antiproliferative activity of these compounds. Further support for this hypothesis is provided by the lack of improvement in antineoplastic activity following the addition of the phenylacetylene moiety, probably due to steric hindrance. As a result, compounds with nitrofuran substituents from the TDAE series demonstrated the highest antiproliferative activity with IC50 = 2.49 ± 1.33 μM and IC50 = 3.96 ± 2.03 μM for compound 11a and IC50 = 5.3 ± 2.12 μM and IC50 = 7.12 ± 1.59 μM for compound 11b against SK-N-SH and IMR-32, respectively. Furthermore, an in silico study was carried out to evaluate the mechanism of action of our lead compounds and predict their pharmacokinetic properties.
Fabrication and Characterization of Tedizolid Phosphate Nanocrystals for Topical Ocular Application: Improved Solubilization and In Vitro Drug Release
Authors: Kalam Mohd Abul , Iqbal Muzaffar , Alshememry Abdullah , Alkholief Musaed , Alshamsan Aws
Published: June 2022

Positively charged NCs of TZP (0.1%, w/v) for ocular use were prepared by the antisolvent precipitation method. TZP is a novel 5-Hydroxymethyl-Oxazolidinone class of antibiotic and is effective against many drug-resistant bacterial infections. Even the phosphate salt of this drug is poorly soluble, therefore the NCs were prepared for its better solubility and ocular availability. P188 was found better stabilizer than PVA for TZP-NCs. Characterization of the NCs including the particle-size, PDI, and ZP by Zeta-sizer, while morphology by SEM indicated that the preparation technique was successful to get the optimal sized (151.6 nm) TZP-NCs with good crystalline morphology. Mannitol (1%, w/v) prevented the crystal growth and provided good stabilization to NC1 during freeze-drying. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the nano-crystallization did not alter the basic molecular structure of TZP. DSC and XRD studies indicated the reduced crystallinity of TZP-NC1, which potentiated its solubility. An increased solubility of TZP-NC1 (25.9 µgmL−1) as compared to pure TZP (18.4 µgmL−1) in STF with SLS. Addition of stearylamine (0.2%, w/v) and BKC (0.01%, w/v) have provided cationic (+29.4 mV) TZP-NCs. Redispersion of freeze-dried NCs in dextrose (5%, w/v) resulted in a clear transparent aqueous suspension of NC1 with osmolarity (298 mOsm·L−1) and viscosity (21.1 cps at 35 °C). Mannitol (cryoprotectant) during freeze-drying could also provide isotonicity to the nano-suspension at redispersion in dextrose solution. In vitro release in STF with SLS has shown relatively higher (78.8%) release of TZP from NC1 as compared to the conventional TZP-AqS (43.4%) at 12 h. TZP-NC1 was physically and chemically stable at three temperatures for 180 days. The above findings suggested that TZP-NC1 would be a promising alternative for ocular delivery of TZP with relatively improved performance.
Analysis of Combination Frequencies Arising from the Ionization of Gases by Multicolor Femtosecond Pulses
Authors: Laryushin Ivan , Romanov Alexander
Published: June 2022

Ionization-induced multiwave mixing is attracting much interest nowadays due to the possibility of generating short pulses of secondary radiation over a very wide spectral range, from terahertz to far ultraviolet. This paper presents an analytical method for calculating the amplitudes of arbitrary spectral components of free electron currents arising under the action of multicolor ionizing laser pulses. We show that this method can be used to obtain the dependences of characteristics of a frequency-tunable third harmonic of the intense component of a three-color pulse obtained in an optical parametric generator. The obtained results are in good agreement with quantum mechanical calculations.
Band Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilization as Drivers of Efficient Management of Nitrogen of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Barłóg Przemysław , Łukowiak Remigiusz , Hlisnikovský Lukáš
Published: June 2022

Increasing the efficiency of nitrogen use (NUE) from mineral fertilizers is one of the most important priorities of modern agriculture. The objectives of the present study were to assess the role of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) rates on maize grain yield (GY), crop residue biomass, NUE indices, N concentration in plants during the growing season, N management indices and to select the most suitable set of NUE indicators. The following factors were tested: band application of di-ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulphate mixture (NPS fertilizer at rates 0, 8.7, 17.4, 26.2 kg ha−1 of P) and different total N rates (0, 60, 120, 180 kg ha−1 of N). In each year of the study, a clear trend of increased GY after NP(S) band application was observed. A particularly positive influence of that factor was confirmed at the lowest level of N fertilization. On average, the highest GY values were obtained for N2P3 and N3P1 treatments. The total N uptake and NUE indices also increased after the band application. In addition, a trend of improved N remobilization efficiency and the N contribution of remobilized N to grain as a result of band application of NP(S) was observed. Among various NUE indices, internal N utilization efficiency (IE) exhibited the strongest, yet negative, correlation with GY, whereas IE was a function of the N harvest index.
Assessing the Heat Tolerance of Meiosis in Spanish Landraces of Tetraploid Wheat Triticum turgidum
Authors: Naranjo Tomás , Cuñado Nieves , Santos Juan Luis
Published: June 2022

Heat stress alters the number and distribution of meiotic crossovers in wild and cultivated plant species. Hence, global warming may have a negative impact on meiosis, fertility, and crop productions. Assessment of germplasm collections to identify heat-tolerant genotypes is a priority for future crop improvement. Durum wheat, Triticum turgidum, is an important cultivated cereal worldwide and given the genetic diversity of the durum wheat Spanish landraces core collection, we decided to analyse the heat stress effect on chiasma formation in a sample of 16 landraces of T. turgidum ssp. turgidum and T. turgidum ssp. durum, from localities with variable climate conditions. Plants of each landrace were grown at 18–22 °C and at 30 °C during the premeiotic temperature-sensitive stage. The number of chiasmata was not affected by heat stress in three genotypes, but decreased by 0.3–2 chiasmata in ten genotypes and more than two chiasmata in the remaining three ones. Both thermotolerant and temperature-sensitive genotypes were found in the two subspecies, and in some of the agroecological zones studied, which supports that genotypes conferring a heat tolerant meiotic phenotype are not dependent on subspecies or geographical origin. Implications of heat adaptive genotypes in future research and breeding are discussed.