bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Reconfiguration Activates Stemness and Immunomodulation of PDLSCs
Authors: Arora Payal , Li Wen , Huang Xiaobin , Yu Wenjing , Huang Ranran , Jiang Qian , Chen Chider
Published: April 2022

Periodontal ligament derived stem cells (PDLSC) are adult multipotent mesenchymal-like stem cells (MSCs) that can induce a promising immunomodulation to interact with immune cells for disease treatment. Metabolic reconfiguration has been shown to be involved in the immunomodulatory activity of MSCs. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, and it remains a challenging to establish a therapeutic avenue to enhance immunomodulation of endogenous stem cells for disease management. In the present study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis explores that curcumin significantly promotes PDLSC function through activation of MSC-related markers and metabolic pathways. In vitro stem cell characterization further confirms that self-renewal and multipotent differentiation capabilities are largely elevated in curcumin treated PDLSCs. Mechanistically, RNA-seq reveals that curcumin activates ERK and mTOR cascades through upregulating growth factor pathways for metabolic reconfiguration toward glycolysis. Interestingly, PDLSCs immunomodulation is significantly increased after curcumin treatment through activation of prostaglandin E2-Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (PGE2-IDO) signaling, whereas inhibition of glycolysis activity by 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) largely blocked immunomodulatory capacity of PDLSCs. Taken together, this study provides a novel pharmacological approach to activate endogenous stem cells through metabolic reprogramming for immunomodulation and tissue regeneration.
Stromal Factors as a Target for Immunotherapy in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
Authors: Fujimura Taku
Published: April 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD1) antibodies (Abs) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) Abs, have been widely administered for not only advanced melanoma, but also various non-melanoma skin cancers. Since profiles of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) play important roles in immunotherapy using ICIs, it is important to evaluate cancer stromal cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as well as stromal extracellular matrix protein, to predict the efficacy of ICIs. This review article focuses particularly on TAMs and related factors. Among TILs, TAMs and their related factors could be the optimal biomarkers for immunotherapy such as anti-PD1 Ab therapy. According to the studies presented, TAM-targeting therapies for advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer will develop in the future.
Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms: Focusing on the Epigenetic Alterations
Authors: Psilopatis Iason , Pergaris Alexandros , Vrettou Kleio , Theocharis Stamatios , Troungos Constantinos
Published: April 2022

Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms (TENs) represent the most common tumors of the thymus gland. Epigenetic alterations are generally involved in initiation and progression of various cancer entities. However, little is known about the role of epigenetic modifications in TENs. In order to identify relevant studies, a literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms thymoma, thymic carcinoma, thymic epithelial neoplasm, epigenetics, DNA methylation, HDAC and miRNA were employed and we were able to identify forty studies focused on TENs and published between 1997 and 2021. Aberrant epigenetic alterations seem to be involved in the tumorigenesis of thymomas and thymic carcinomas, with numerous studies reporting on non-coding RNA clusters and altered gene methylation as possible biomarkers in different types of TENs. Interestingly, Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors have shown potent antitumor effects in clinical trials, thus possibly representing effective epigenetic therapeutic agents in TENs. Additional studies in larger patient cohorts are, nevertheless, needed to verify the clinical utility and safety of novel epigenetic agents in the treatment of patients with TENs.
Required Elements in tRNA for Methylation by the Eukaryotic tRNA (Guanine-N2-) Methyltransferase (Trm11-Trm112 Complex)
Authors: Nishida Yu , Ohmori Shiho , Kakizono Risa , Kawai Kunpei , Namba Miyu , Okada Kazuki , Yamagami Ryota , Hirata Akira , Hori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Trm11 and Trm112 complex (Trm11-Trm112) methylates the 2-amino group of guanosine at position 10 in tRNA and forms N2-methylguanosine. To determine the elements required in tRNA for methylation by Trm11-Trm112, we prepared 60 tRNA transcript variants and tested them for methylation by Trm11-Trm112. The results show that the precursor tRNA is not a substrate for Trm11-Trm112. Furthermore, the CCA terminus is essential for methylation by Trm11-Trm112, and Trm11-Trm112 also only methylates tRNAs with a regular-size variable region. In addition, the G10-C25 base pair is required for methylation by Trm11-Trm112. The data also demonstrated that Trm11-Trm112 recognizes the anticodon-loop and that U38 in tRNAAla acts negatively in terms of methylation. Likewise, the U32-A38 base pair in tRNACys negatively affects methylation. The only exception in our in vitro study was tRNAValAAC1. Our experiments showed that the tRNAValAAC1 transcript was slowly methylated by Trm11-Trm112. However, position 10 in this tRNA was reported to be unmodified G. We purified tRNAValAAC1 from wild-type and trm11 gene deletion strains and confirmed that a portion of tRNAValAAC1 is methylated by Trm11-Trm112 in S. cerevisiae. Thus, our study explains the m2G10 modification pattern of all S. cerevisiae class I tRNAs and elucidates the Trm11-Trm112 binding sites.
Biochemical Functions and Clinical Characterizations of the Sirtuins in Diabetes-Induced Retinal Pathologies
Authors: Taurone Samanta , De Ponte Chiara , Rotili Dante , De Santis Elena , Mai Antonello , Fiorentino Francesco , Scarpa Susanna , Artico Marco , Micera Alessandra
Published: April 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is undoubtedly one of the most prominent causes of blindness worldwide. This pathology is the most frequent microvascular complication arising from diabetes, and its incidence is increasing at a constant pace. To date, the insurgence of DR is thought to be the consequence of the intricate complex of relations connecting inflammation, the generation of free oxygen species, and the consequent oxidative stress determined by protracted hyperglycemia. The sirtuin (SIRT) family comprises 7 histone and non-histone protein deacetylases and mono (ADP-ribosyl) transferases regulating different processes, including metabolism, senescence, DNA maintenance, and cell cycle regulation. These enzymes are involved in the development of various diseases such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular pathologies, metabolic disorders, and cancer. SIRT1, 3, 5, and 6 are key enzymes in DR since they modulate glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. Currently, indirect and direct activators of SIRTs (such as antagomir, glycyrrhizin, and resveratrol) are being developed to modulate the inflammation response arising during DR. In this review, we aim to illustrate the most important inflammatory and metabolic pathways connecting SIRT activity to DR, and to describe the most relevant SIRT activators that might be proposed as new therapeutics to treat DR.
Nitric Oxide Implication in Potato Immunity to Phytophthora infestans via Modifications of Histone H3/H4 Methylation Patterns on Defense Genes
Authors: Drozda Andżelika , Kurpisz Barbara , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Kuźnicki Daniel , Jagodzik Przemysław , Guan Yufeng , Floryszak-Wieczorek Jolanta
Published: April 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential redox-signaling molecule operating in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, evidence on putative NO engagement in plant immunity by affecting defense gene expressions, including histone modifications, is poorly recognized. Exploring the effect of biphasic NO generation regulated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GNSOR) activity after avr Phytophthora infestans inoculation, we showed that the phase of NO decline at 6 h post-inoculation (hpi) was correlated with the rise of defense gene expressions enriched in the TrxG-mediated H3K4me3 active mark in their promoter regions. Here, we report that arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 catalyzing histone H4R3 symmetric dimethylation (H4R3sme2) is necessary to ensure potato resistance to avr P. infestans. Both the pathogen and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) altered the methylation status of H4R3sme2 by transient reduction in the repressive mark in the promoter of defense genes, R3a and HSR203J (a resistance marker), thereby elevating their transcription. In turn, the PRMT5-selective inhibitor repressed R3a expression and attenuated the hypersensitive response to the pathogen. In conclusion, we postulate that lowering the NO level (at 6 hpi) might be decisive for facilitating the pathogen-induced upregulation of stress genes via histone lysine methylation and PRMT5 controlling potato immunity to late blight.
shRNAs Targeting a Common KCNQ1 Variant Could Alleviate Long-QT1 Disease Severity by Inhibiting a Mutant Allele
Authors: Cócera-Ortega Lucía , Wilders Ronald , Kamps Selina C. , Fabrizi Benedetta , Huber Irit , van der Made Ingeborg , van den Bout Anouk , de Vries Dylan K. , Gepstein Lior , Verkerk Arie O. , Pinto Yigal M. , Tijsen Anke J.
Published: April 2022

Long-QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) is caused by mutations in KCNQ1. Patients heterozygous for such a mutation co-assemble both mutant and wild-type KCNQ1-encoded subunits into tetrameric Kv7.1 potassium channels. Here, we investigated whether allele-specific inhibition of mutant KCNQ1 by targeting a common variant can shift the balance towards increased incorporation of the wild-type allele to alleviate the disease in human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). We identified the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1057128 (G/A) in KCNQ1, with a heterozygosity of 27% in the European population. Next, we determined allele-specificity of short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting either allele of this SNP in hiPSC-CMs that carry an LQT1 mutation. Our shRNAs downregulated 60% of the A allele and 40% of the G allele without affecting the non-targeted allele. Suppression of the mutant KCNQ1 allele by 60% decreased the occurrence of arrhythmic events in hiPSC-CMs measured by a voltage-sensitive reporter, while suppression of the wild-type allele increased the occurrence of arrhythmic events. Furthermore, computer simulations based on another LQT1 mutation revealed that 60% suppression of the mutant KCNQ1 allele shortens the prolonged action potential in an adult cardiomyocyte model. We conclude that allele-specific inhibition of a mutant KCNQ1 allele by targeting a common variant may alleviate the disease. This novel approach avoids the need to design shRNAs to target every single mutation and opens up the exciting possibility of treating multiple LQT1-causing mutations with only two shRNAs.
Protein Profiling of WERI-RB1 and Etoposide-Resistant WERI-ETOR Reveals New Insights into Topoisomerase Inhibitor Resistance in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Kakkassery Vinodh , Gemoll Timo , Kraemer Miriam M. , Sauer Thorben , Tura Aysegül , Ranjbar Mahdy , Grisanti Salvatore , Joachim Stephanie C. , Mergler Stefan , Reinhard Jacqueline
Published: April 2022

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the reasons for eye loss in patients with retinoblastoma (RB). RB chemotherapy resistance has been studied in different cell culture models, such as WERI-RB1. In addition, chemotherapy-resistant RB subclones, such as the etoposide-resistant WERI-ETOR cell line have been established to improve the understanding of chemotherapy resistance in RB. The objective of this study was to characterize cell line models of an etoposide-sensitive WERI-RB1 and its etoposide-resistant subclone, WERI-ETOR, by proteomic analysis. Subsequently, quantitative proteomics data served for correlation analysis with known drug perturbation profiles. Methodically, WERI-RB1 and WERI-ETOR were cultured, and prepared for quantitative mass spectrometry (MS). This was carried out in a data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode. The raw SWATH (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra) files were processed using neural networks in a library-free mode along with machine-learning algorithms. Pathway-enrichment analysis was performed using the REACTOME-pathway resource, and correlated to the molecular signature database (MSigDB) hallmark gene set collections for functional annotation. Furthermore, a drug-connectivity analysis using the L1000 database was carried out to associate the mechanism of action (MOA) for different anticancer reagents to WERI-RB1/WERI-ETOR signatures. A total of 4756 proteins were identified across all samples, showing a distinct clustering between the groups. Of these proteins, 64 were significantly altered (q < 0.05 & log2FC |>2|, 22 higher in WERI-ETOR). Pathway analysis revealed the “retinoid metabolism and transport” pathway as an enriched metabolic pathway in WERI-ETOR cells, while the “sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis” pathway was identified in the WERI-RB1 cell line. In addition, this study revealed similar protein signatures of topoisomerase inhibitors in WERI-ETOR cells as well as ATPase inhibitors, acetylcholine receptor antagonists, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors in the WERI-RB1 cell line. In this study, WERI-RB1 and WERI-ETOR were analyzed as a cell line model for chemotherapy resistance in RB using data-independent MS. Analysis of the global proteome identified activation of “sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis” in WERI-RB1, and revealed future potential treatment options for etoposide resistance in RB.
BRCA2 C-Terminal RAD51-Binding Domain Confers Resistance to DNA-Damaging Agents
Authors: Zhu Zida , Kitano Taisuke , Morimatsu Masami , Tanaka Arisa , Morioka Ryo , Lin Xianghui , Orino Koichi , Yoshikawa Yasunaga
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer type 2 susceptibility (BRCA2) protein is crucial for initiating DNA damage repair after chemotherapy with DNA interstrand crosslinking agents or X-ray irradiation, which induces DNA double-strand breaks. BRCA2 contains a C-terminal RAD51-binding domain (CTRBD) that interacts with RAD51 oligomer-containing nucleofilaments. In this study, we investigated CTRBD expression in cells exposed to X-ray irradiation and mitomycin C treatment. Surprisingly, BRCA2 CTRBD expression in HeLa cells increased their resistance to X-ray irradiation and mitomycin C. Under endogenous BRCA2 depletion using shRNA, the sensitivities of the BRCA2-depleted cells with and without the CTRBD did not significantly differ. Thus, the resistance to X-ray irradiation conferred by an exogenous CTRBD required endogenous BRCA2 expression. BRCA2 CTRBD-expressing cells demonstrated effective RAD51 foci formation and increased homologous recombination efficiency, but not nonhomologous end-joining efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report the ability of the BRCA2 functional domain to confer resistance to X-ray irradiation and mitomycin C treatment by increased homologous recombination efficiency. Thus, this peptide may be useful for protecting cells against X-ray irradiation or chemotherapeutic agents.
Machine-Learning-Based Real-Time Multi-Camera Vehicle Tracking and Travel-Time Estimation
Authors: Huang Xiaohui , He Pan , Rangarajan Anand , Ranka Sanjay
Published: April 2022

Travel-time estimation of traffic flow is an important problem with critical implications for traffic congestion analysis. We developed techniques for using intersection videos to identify vehicle trajectories across multiple cameras and analyze corridor travel time. Our approach consists of (1) multi-object single-camera tracking, (2) vehicle re-identification among different cameras, (3) multi-object multi-camera tracking, and (4) travel-time estimation. We evaluated the proposed framework on real intersections in Florida with pan and fisheye cameras. The experimental results demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of our method.
Adhesion as a Focus in Trichoderma–Root Interactions
Authors: Taylor James T. , Harting Rebekka , Shalaby Samer , Kenerley Charles M. , Braus Gerhard H. , Horwitz Benjamin A.
Published: April 2022

Fungal spores, germlings, and mycelia adhere to substrates, including host tissues. The adhesive forces depend on the substrate and on the adhesins, the fungal cell surface proteins. Attachment is often a prerequisite for the invasion of the host, hence its importance. Adhesion visibly precedes colonization of root surfaces and outer cortex layers, but little is known about the molecular details. We propose that by starting from what is already known from other fungi, including yeast and other filamentous pathogens and symbionts, the mechanism and function of Trichoderma adhesion will become accessible. There is a sequence, and perhaps functional, homology to other rhizosphere-competent Sordariomycetes. Specifically, Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne pathogen that establishes itself in the xylem and causes destructive wilt disease. Metarhizium species are best-known as insect pathogens with biocontrol potential, but they also colonize roots. Verticillium orthologs of the yeast Flo8 transcription factor, Som1, and several other relevant genes are already under study for their roles in adhesion. Metarhizium encodes relevant adhesins. Trichoderma virens encodes homologs of Som1, as well as adhesin candidates. These genes should provide exciting leads toward the first step in the establishment of beneficial interactions with roots in the rhizosphere.
A Rapid Detection Method for Fungal Spores from Greenhouse Crops Based on CMOS Image Sensors and Diffraction Fingerprint Feature Processing
Authors: Wang Yafei , Mao Hanping , Xu Guilin , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Yakun
Published: April 2022

The detection and control of fungal spores in greenhouse crops are important for stabilizing and increasing crop yield. At present, the detection of fungal spores mainly adopts the method of combining portable volumetric spore traps and microscope image processing. This method is problematic as it is limited by the small field of view of the microscope and has low efficiency. This study proposes a rapid detection method for fungal spores from greenhouse crops based on CMOS image sensors and diffraction fingerprint feature processing. We built a diffraction fingerprint image acquisition system for fungal spores of greenhouse crops and collected diffraction fingerprint images of three kinds of fungal spores. A total of 13 diffraction fingerprint features were selected for the classification of fungal spores. These 13 characteristic values were divided into 3 categories, main bright fringe, main dark fringe, and center fringe. Then, these three features were calculated to obtain the Peak to Center ratio (PCR), Valley to Center ratio, and Peak to Valley ratio (PVR). Based on these features, logistics regression (LR), K nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) classification models were built. The test results show that the SVM model has a better overall classification performance than the LR, KNN, and RF models. The average accuracy rate of the recognition of three kinds of fungal spores from greenhouse crops under the SVM model was 92.72%, while the accuracy rates of the LR, KNN, and RF models were 84.97%, 87.44%, and 88.72%, respectively. The F1-Score value of the SVM model was higher, and the overall average value reached 89.41%, which was 11.12%, 7.18%, and 5.57% higher than the LR, KNN, and RF models, respectively. Therefore, the method proposed in this study can be used for the remote identification of three fungal spores which can provide a reference for the identification of fungal spores in greenhouse crops and has the advantages of low cost and portability.
An Early Warning System for Currency Crises in Emerging Countries
Authors: Ferdous Lutfa Tilat , Kamal Khnd Md Mostafa , Ahsan Amirul , Hong Thuy Hoang Nhung , Samaduzzaman Munshi
Published: April 2022

In this study we develop an early warning system (EWS) to forecast currency crises in emerging countries in Asia and Latin America, using logit regression on monthly data from 1992 to 2011. We found that macroeconomic and institutional variables are valuable indicators for forecasting crises. Our results show that a low level of export growth, current account surplus/GDP, GDP growth, a high level of real exchange rate growth, import growth, and short-term debt/reserves can explain the advent of a possible currency crisis. We found that a poor law and order scenario and high external conflict can lead to a currency crisis. Additional findings include high government stability and the absence of internal conflict, which contribute to an absence of democracy, ultimately leading to a currency crisis. The policy-makers can consider taking the effective pre-emptive actions to prevent the currency crises occurring in the future.
B2C E-Commerce Customer Churn Prediction Based on K-Means and SVM
Authors: Xiahou Xiancheng , Harada Yoshio
Published: April 2022

Customer churn prediction is very important for e-commerce enterprises to formulate effective customer retention measures and implement successful marketing strategies. According to the characteristics of longitudinal timelines and multidimensional data variables of B2C e-commerce customers’ shopping behaviors, this paper proposes a loss prediction model based on the combination of k-means customer segmentation and support vector machine (SVM) prediction. The method divides customers into three categories and determines the core customer groups. The support vector machine and logistic regression were compared to predict customer churn. The results show that each prediction index after customer segmentation was significantly improved, which proves that k-means clustering segmentation is necessary. The accuracy of the SVM prediction was higher than that of the logistic regression prediction. These research results have significance for customer relationship management of B2C e-commerce enterprises.
Future Directions for Dialysis
Authors: Vanholder Raymond
Published: April 2022

Dialysis is life-saving for an exponentially growing number of kidney failure patients. Yet, the current concept also has several drawbacks, such as high societal cost, incomplete kidney function replacement, dismal outcomes, low quality of life and a considerable ecologic footprint. In spite of many changes over the last fifty years, the original concept remained largely unmodified and the drawbacks did not disappear. In this article, we present a number of alternative solutions that are currently considered or tested which might have a potential impact on uremic toxin concentration, quality of life or environmental footprint that goes beyond what is currently achieved with traditional dialysis. These comprise applications of regenerative medicine; bioartificial kidney; conceptual changes in extracorporeal removal; energy-neutral, water-limiting dialysis; material recycling; keto-analogues; xenobiotics; and preservation of residual kidney function. As metabolism generating uremic toxins also generates beneficial compounds, some of these options may also maintain or restore this balance in contrast to dialysis that likely removes without distinction. All proposed options are also exemplary of how out-of-the-box thinking is needed to disrupt the status quo in treatment of kidney diseases that has now persisted for too long.
Urban Trees in the Arctic City: Case of Nadym
Authors: Sizov Oleg , Fedorov Roman , Pechkina Yulia , Kuklina Vera , Michugin Maxim , Soromotin Andrey
Published: April 2022

Trees in Arctic cities perform not only important provisional and regulating ecosystem services, but also bring predominantly settler population closer to the visual images and household standards of their home southern regions. However, maintenance of green infrastructure in the Arctic has specific difficulties associated with the harsh climatic and environmental conditions. This paper focuses on state and dynamics of vegetation in the city of Nadym, Russia, with a particular focus on native and introduced trees as the main ecosystem service providers and an articulation of local values towards green spaces. The research is based on interdisciplinary approach which includes interviews with local residents, geobotanical survey and analysis of remote sensing data. The results of the study show that maintaining of natural vegetation requires specific measures due to environmental the critical impact of anthropogenic activity. The active introduction of plants from more southern regions is manifested both in the deliberate practice of landscaping the city’s streets and courtyards, and in spontaneous attempts to introduce plants from more southern (not Subarctic) agricultural regions of Russia, which are privately brought by city residents from other regions.
Assessment of the Sustainability Performance of Eco-Engineering Measures in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Mickovski Slobodan B. , Gonzalez-Ollauri Alejandro , Thomson Craig , Gallagher Caroline , Tardio Guillermo
Published: April 2022

Eco-engineering has a crucial role in defining and achieving the sustainability credentials of a civil engineering project. Better eco-engineering practices would help better in reducing the adverse impacts on the environment and society, but also on the financial performance of the project. However, the assessment of the sustainability effects of eco-engineering strategies can be challenging, as the treatment of this topic has been neglected in the scientific literature. The challenges lie in balancing the project delivery objectives with the sustainable design that will ensure appropriate and satisfactory environmental and financial performance and deliver social benefits such as ecosystem services. In order to achieve better practice and advance the knowledge in the field, there is a need for broader analysis of completed eco-engineering projects applied at different spatio-temporal scales. The aim of this study was to critically analyse 23 eco-engineering case studies provided by the ECOMED project partners using a life cycle analysis through a single sustainability framework based on a relatively small set of key performance indicators (KPIs), which reflect the principles of sustainability, and which are not contextual for eco-engineering projects. The objectives of this study are twofold: (i) to highlight areas of best practice and potential enhancement in the application of eco-engineering strategies, and (ii) to propose refinement and enhancement of the existing framework with KPIs contextual to eco-engineering projects. The results of the study suggest that the feasibility, mobilisation, and the long-term stages of an eco-engineering project are the most sustainable project stages, while the award, construction, and monitoring stages could generally benefit from a range of enhancements including benefits stemming from double-loop learning and a common basis for the specification and quantification of the financial resources needed to apply eco-engineering strategies. The outcomes of this study will benefit decision makers and eco-engineering practitioners alike in terms of not only raising the sustainability profile of the projects they are involved in, but also in terms of more efficient and cost-effective application of eco-engineering strategies.
The Role of Task Complexity and Dominant Articulatory Routines in the Acquisition of L3 Spanish
Authors: Patience Matthew , Qian Wenqing
Published: April 2022

Many studies in L3 phonetics and phonology have found that language dominance plays an influential role in determining the source of transfer. However, any effect of language dominance is likely dependent on many factors, including task complexity. As complexity increases, learners should be increasingly likely to rely on the more automatic articulatory routines from their dominant language. We tested this hypothesis by examining the production patterns of L1 Mandarin–L2 English–L3 Spanish speakers acquiring the Spanish tap and trill, performing a less complex word-reading task and a more complex sentence reading task. The results of the former were reported in a previous study, revealing that the speakers transferred the L2 English [ɹ] and [ɾ] to some extent when acquiring the Spanish rhotics. We hypothesized that such transfer would be less prevalent in the same speakers performing the sentence reading task. The results revealed some support for the hypothesis. Transfer of L2 [ɾ] decreased in the sentence reading task, as did transfer of L2 [ɾ] (in trill productions). L2 [ɹ] substitutes did not vary with task. The results highlight that transfer from previous languages is partially dependent on task. Future work should establish when and to what extent language dominance influences the source of transfer.
Mineralogical and Technological Characterization of Zeolites from Basin and Range as Pozzolanic Addition of Cement
Authors: Montesano Giovanna , Cappelletti Piergiulio , Caputo Domenico , Liguori Barbara , Campanile Assunta , Rispoli Concetta
Published: April 2022

The present paper assesses petrographic, mineralogical, chemical, and technological features of different zeolitic tuff samples from various western USA districts of the Basin and Range Province containing mainly erionite, mordenite, clinoptilolite/heulandite and phillipsite. The aim of this characterization is to evaluate the pozzolanic activity of these samples according to European normative UNI-EN 196/5 (Fratini test) to program a possible use as addition for blended cements. Petrographic and mineralogical results show that the two phillipsite-bearing tuffs have a higher theoretical Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) than the other samples; technological characterization shows a pozzolanic behavior for all the samples but higher for the tuff samples containing phillipsite, which shows a higher reactivity with CaO. All the samples could be thus advantageously employed for the preparation of blended cements, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 70–90%.
Amino Surface Modification and Fluorescent Labelling of Porous Hollow Organosilica Particles: Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Al-Khafaji Mohammed A. , Gaál Anikó , Jezsó Bálint , Mihály Judith , Varga Zoltán
Published: April 2022

Surface modification of silica nanoparticles with organic functional groups while maintaining colloidal stability remains a synthetic challenge. This work aimed to prepare highly dispersed porous hollow organosilica particles (pHOPs) with amino surface modification. The amino-surface modification of pHOPs was carried out with 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane (APDEMS) under various reaction parameters, and the optimal pHOP-NH2 sample was selected and labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to achieve fluorescent pHOPs (F-HOPs). The prepared pHOPs were thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, FT-IR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, and microfluidic resistive pulse sensing. The optimal amino surface modification of pHOPs with APDEMS was at pH 10.2, at 60 °C temperature with 10 min reaction time. The positive Zeta potential of pHOP-NH2 in an acidic environment and the appearance of vibrations characteristic to the surface amino groups on the FT-IR spectra prove the successful surface modification. A red-shift in the absorbance spectrum and the appearance of bands characteristic to secondary amines in the FTIR spectrum of F-HOP confirmed the covalent attachment of FITC to pHOP-NH2. This study provides a step-by-step synthetic optimization and characterization of fluorescently labelled organosilica particles to enhance their optical properties and extend their applications.
Influence of Modification on Flow Stress Behavior and Corrosive Properties of a Hypoeutectic Al-Si Alloy
Authors: Du Kai , Song Liying , Huang Shaohui , Yuan Xiaoguang
Published: April 2022

The flow stress behavior and corrosive properties of Al-7Si alloy were studied by thermal compression test, electrochemical test, and electron probe microanalysis. The influences of temperatures, strain rates, strains, and morphology of Si particles on stress-strain curves of Al-7Si alloy were analyzed. The peak stress of unmodified-Al-7Si alloy is higher than that of Sr-modified-Al-7Si alloy at the same deformation conditions, and the phenomenon is obviously relevant to the distribution and morphology of Si particles. The morphology of Si particles of unmodified-undeformed-Al-7Si alloy is a typical thick layer, and that of unmodified-deformed-Al-7Si alloy is broken into relatively small particles and the distribution is relatively even in homogeneous deformation zone II. The distribution of Si particles in Sr-modified-deformed-Al-7Si alloy is obviously more even than undeformed alloy. The effect of a small deformation of 20% on the distribution and morphology of Si particles is obviously smaller than that of a large deformation of 50%. The electrochemical self-corrosion potential of Sr-modified-Al-7Si alloy is higher than that of unmodified-Al-7Si alloy, and it proves that the distribution and morphology of Si particles have a certain influence on the corrosive properties of Al-7Si alloy. That is, the even fine Si particles are more conducive to improving the corrosive properties of Al-7Si alloy.
Use of Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry to Monitor the Effect of Magnetic Field on the Copper Corrosion Rate in Real Time
Authors: Igreja Nascimento Mitre Cirlei , Ferreira Gomes Bruna , Paris Elaine , Silva Lobo Carlos Manuel , Roth Christina , Colnago Luiz Alberto
Published: April 2022

The corrosion of metals is a major problem of modern societies, demanding new technologies and studies to understand and minimize it. Here we evaluated the effect of a magnetic field (B) on the corrosion of copper in aqueous HCl solution under open circuit potential. The corrosion product, Cu2+, is a paramagnetic ion and its concentration in the solution was determined in real time in the corrosion cell by time-domain NMR relaxometry. The results show that the magnetic field (B = 0.23 T) of the time-domain NMR instrument reduces the corrosion rate by almost 50%, in comparison to when the corrosion reaction is performed in the absence of B. Atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction results of the analysis of the corroded surfaces reveal a detectable CuCl phase and an altered morphology when B is present. The protective effect of B was explained by magnetic forces that maintain the Cu2+ in the solution/metal interface for a longer time, hindering the arrival of the new corrosive agents, and leading to the formation of a CuCl phase, which may contribute to the rougher surface. The time-domain NMR method proved to be useful to study the effect of B in the corrosion of other metals or other corrosive liquid media when the reactions produce or consume paramagnetic ions.
A Smoke Detection Model Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Wang Zhong , Wu Lei , Li Tong , Shi Peibei
Published: April 2022

Fast and accurate smoke detection is very important for reducing fire damage. Due to the complexity and changeable nature of smoke scenes, existing smoke detection technology has the problems of a low detection rate and a high false negative rate, and the robustness and generalization ability of the algorithms are not high. Therefore, this paper proposes a smoke detection model based on the improved YOLOv5. First, a large number of real smoke and synthetic smoke images were collected to form a dataset. Different loss functions (GIoU, DIoU, CIoU) were used on three different models of YOLOv5 (YOLOv5s, YOLOv5m, YOLOv5l), and YOLOv5m was used as the baseline model. Then, because of the problem of small numbers of smoke training samples, the mosaic enhancement method was used to randomly crop, scale and arrange nine images to form new images. To solve the problem of inaccurate anchor box prior information in YOLOv5, a dynamic anchor box mechanism is proposed. An anchor box was generated for the training dataset through the k-means++ clustering algorithm. The dynamic anchor box module was added to the model, and the size and position of the anchor box were dynamically updated in the network training process. Aiming at the problem of unbalanced feature maps in different scales of YOLOv5, an attention mechanism is proposed to improve the network detection performance by adding channel attention and spatial attention to the original network structure. Compared with the traditional deep learning algorithm, the detection performance of the improved algorithm in this paper was is 4.4% higher than the mAP of the baseline model, and the detection speed reached 85 FPS, which is obviously better and can meet engineering application requirements.
A Glimpse at Siderophores Production by Anabaena flos-aquae UTEX 1444
Authors: Teta Roberta , Esposito Germana , Kundu Karishma , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Scarpato Silvia , Pollio Antonino , Costantino Valeria
Published: April 2022

In this study, a strain of Anabaena flos-aquae UTEX 1444 was cultivated in six different concentrations of iron (III). Cultures were extracted with organic solvents and analyzed using our dereplication strategy, based on the combined use of high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking. The analysis showed the presence of the siderophores’ family, named synechobactins, only in the zero iron (III) treatment culture. Seven unknown synechobactin variants were present in the extract, and their structures have been determined by a careful HRMS/MS analysis. This study unveils the capability of Anabaena flos-aquae UTEX 1444 to produce a large array of siderophores and may be a suitable model organism for a sustainable scale-up exploitation of such bioactive molecules, for the bioremediation of contaminated ecosystems, as well as in drug discovery.
Wearable Microfluidic Sensor for the Simultaneous and Continuous Monitoring of Local Sweat Rates and Electrolyte Concentrations
Authors: Hashimoto Yuki , Ishihara Takako , Kuwabara Kei , Amano Tatsuro , Togo Hiroyoshi
Published: April 2022

Temperature elevation due to global warming increases the risks of dehydration, which can induce heat-related illness. Proper rehydration with appropriate amounts of water and electrolytes is essential to aid body fluid homeostasis. Wearable sweat sensors which can monitor both the sweat rate and sweat electrolyte concentration may be an effective tool for determining appropriate rehydration. Here, we developed a novel potentially wearable sensor that can monitor both the local sweat rate and sweat electrolyte concentration continuously. The new device includes a system with a short microfluidic pathway that guides the sweat appearing on the skin to a small space in the device to form a quantifiable droplet. The sweat rate is assessed from the time for the droplet to appear and droplet volume, while an integrated electric sensor detects the sodium chloride concentration in each sweat droplet. We demonstrated that this new device could record both the flow rates of artificial sweat and its sodium chloride concentration in ranges of human sweating with an accuracy within ±10%. This is equivalent to the accuracy of commercially available sweat rate meters and sweat ion sensors. The present study provides a new perspective for the design of wearable sensors that can continuously monitor sweat rates and sweat electrolyte concentrations for potential application to a healthcare device.
Microbiome: A Tool for Plant Stress Management in Future Production Systems
Authors: Timmusk Salme , de-Bashan Luz E.
Published: April 2022

Climate change, due to the altered composition of the global atmosphere from the “greenhouse effect”, is one of the biggest challenges to agricultural production systems [...]
Corporate Volunteering as a Current Phenomenon in Corporate Social Responsibility to Support the Career Development and Professional Skills of Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of the Slovak Republic
Authors: Mazanec Jaroslav
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to determine the association between the frequency of participation in corporate volunteering activities as a part of corporate social responsibility and career growth, developing a relationship with colleagues, and developing new experiences and skills in the workplace using correspondence analysis. The total sample consists of 385 respondents. These data were obtained using an online questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that employees, who frequently participate in corporate volunteering activities, have better possibilities for career growth. In addition, they think that corporate volunteering contributes to better relationships among colleagues in the workplace. Finally, the results demonstrate that developing work experience and skills is associated with corporate volunteering. The main benefits of volunteering include gaining a good feeling from the help provided and increasing self-confidence in professional life. Employees prefer outdoor activities to help the environment within the green policy of many companies in the COVID-19 period.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Network Analysis: Unionized Workers’ Perceptions
Authors: Lillo-Viedma Felipe , Severino-González Pedro , Santander-Ramírez Valentin , García Leidy Y. , Guiñez-Cabrera Nataly , Astorga-Bustos Nicolás
Published: April 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept which has been approached from various perspectives and application areas. One of these areas regards how individuals perceive this concept and how their own personal characteristics define a given vision of business responsibility. The present study seeks to explore connections between individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and CSR perception. By using unionized workers as research subjects, analysis techniques applied in Social Media and models based on metric spaces, we explore the attitudes of these subjects towards CSR. Both empirical and theoretical results provide evidence for the existence of a well-behaved relation between sociodemographic aspects and CSR dimensions, which future studies could approach in more depth using techniques based on machine learning.
Digital Atlas of Tactics to Designing Sustainable Factories
Authors: Marchi Lia , Antonini Ernesto
Published: April 2022

For a long time, the design of factories has been profit-driven only, while their detrimental effects on the environment, perceptual-aesthetic interferences with the surroundings, and social disturbances on local communities have been largely neglected. Despite a growing attention towards these topics, literature shows that there is a fundamental knowledge and tool gap on design practices for holistically sustainable factories, and companies are often unaware of both negative and positive effects related to the impact of their sites on the landscape. This paper presents a toolkit that has been developed to support entrepreneurs and designers in devising more sustainable factories through an integrated perspective, which is the great novelty of the approach. The article focuses on one of its tools: a digital atlas of design tactics. These have been mapped in sustainable factories around the world and labelled with an ad hoc faceted classification. Each tactic is then described in an info-sheet, which feeds a web portal. There, the user is assisted in searching for the most suitable tactics and mutual links with other useful strategies. The main potentiality of the atlas is to encourage a holistic design approach by highlighting positive synergies among tactics from different fields.
Description of a Fe/Al Electrocoagulation Method Powered by a Photovoltaic System, for the (Pre-)Treatment of Municipal Wastewater of a Small Community in Northern Greece
Authors: Marmanis D. , Emmanouil C. , Fantidis J. G. , Thysiadou A. , Marmani K.
Published: April 2022

Small and insular communities are sometimes not served by an efficient Wastewater Treatment Plant, and this is a hazard for both the environment and public health. A wastewater treatment apparatus based on the electrocoagulation process (EC) was tested with municipal wastewater from a small community in Northern Greece with a maximum of 6500 population equivalents. COD decrease was assessed under various parameters: current intensity, time duration, pH and use of Fe or Al electrodes. A simulation of meeting the community’s electricity needs with this apparatus was tested through RETScreen software. The results showed a satisfactory COD decrease through electrocoagulation which was affected by all the parameters mentioned; Fe electrodes could efficiently be used at 300 mA for 60 min for 55% COD removal. It was also shown that a photovoltaic panel system covers the electricity needs of the apparatus, thus no external electricity source is needed for its use. This apparatus could be used effectively by this community, so that the running costs are minimal.
Mobilité sociale et trajectoires d’une population strasbourgeoise
Authors: Montlibert Christian de
Published: April 2022

Social mobility and family trajectories in a Strasbourg population

In this article the author investigates the social mobility of various families, starting from the status of the paternal grandfather. The lower classes are far from homogeneous. Social immobility is high there, but downward mobility and movement into subordinates jobs are common. Social inertia hinders plans for advancement. The middle classes are even more heterogenous in their social trajectoiries. In both these social groups the social status of the grandfather is highly influential. Marital choices, school success, and working careers are not independent of these family trajectories. Finally the author shows how the social status of the grandfather has a stronger influence for women than for men.
Etude de deux milieux ruraux en Franche-Comté
Authors: Bulle Sylvaine , Jacques-Jouvenot Dominique
Published: April 2022

Ces deux études, se fondant sur les changements sociaux généralement observables dans nos sociétés, posent le problème de la spécificité du milieu rural selon des modes de comportements qui, soit disparaissent, soit se maintiennent.

Dans la première étude, les traditions populaires d'une vallée des Sous-Vosges Comtoises révèlent une morphologie richement contrastée. Les comportements religieux et spirituels se différencient entre vallées et régions d'altitude, car ils se révèlent soumis à des contraintes sociales et économiques : dans les vallées l'industrialisation a entraîné le déclin des traditions, les villages de montagne ayant maintenu de leur côté, pour l'essentiel, leur caractère rural.

Dans la deuxième étude, dans la Montagne du Jura, les divers aspects de la succession des exploitations agricoles sont mis en relation avec des choix effectués par les paysans dans la perspective d'une transformation de leur mode de vie. Le rapport du paysan avec sa propriété est révélé par un système de valeur qui se développe dans une proportion équivalente à celle de l'ensemble du système de production.

Le changement social dans les deux régions rurales étudiées et saisi dans la dimension respective des systèmes de représentation individuels et collectifs.
Etude comparée des techniques de lavage
Authors: Denis Marie-Noële
Published: April 2022

Une opération aussi traditionnelle et courante que la lessive a généré en Europe et aux Etats-Unis des conceptions techniques différentes en ce qui concerne la machine à laver, aussi bien pour le chauffage, le brassage de l'eau, que plus tard dans les systèmes de programmation. Ces dissemblances se justifient dans des habitudes et des attitudes culturelles différentes qui expliquent aussi le retard considérable pris par l'Europe sur les Etats-Unis, non pas au niveau de l'innovation technique mais de la diffusion de ce type de matériel domestique.