bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations of Cross-Shore Chenier Dynamics in Demak, Indonesia
Authors: Tas Silke A. J. , Maren Dirk S. van , Reniers Ad J. H. M.
Published: November 2020

Cheniers are important for stabilising mud-dominated coastlines. A chenier is a body of wave-reworked, coarse-grained sediment consisting of sand and shells overlying a muddy substrate. In this paper we present and analyse a week of field observations of the dynamics of a single chenier along the coast of Demak, Indonesia. Despite relatively calm hydrodynamics during the one-week observational period, the chenier migrated surprisingly fast in the landward direction. The role of the tide and waves on the cross-shore chenier dynamics is explored using velocity moments as a proxy for the sediment transport. This approach shows that both tide and waves are capable of transporting the sediment of the chenier system. During calm conditions (representative for the south-east monsoon season), the tides generate a landward-directed sediment transport when the chenier crest is high relative to mean sea level. Waves only generate substantial sediment transport (direct, via skewness, and indirect, via stirring) when the chenier is submerged during periods with higher waves. The cross-shore chenier dynamics are very sensitive to the timing of tide and waves: most transport takes place when high water levels coincide with (relatively) high waves.
Risk Management in the System of Financial Stability of the Service Enterprise
Authors: Drobyazko Svetlana , Barwinska-Malajowicz Anna , Slusarczyk Boguslaw , Chubukova Olga , Bielialov Taliat
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the theoretical substantiation and development of methodological approaches and practical recommendations for modeling the assessment of the financial stability of a service sector enterprise. To assess the financial condition of the hotel industry, a visual interpretation of the neural network, a model of self-organizing Kohonen map, was used. It is proven that by the method of Kohonen maps for each service provided by the hotel industry, in a certain period of activity, it is possible to establish certain objective limitations of structural characteristics that will prevent the transition to problem clusters or ensure the transition to better ones. The authors propose an economic and mathematical model of the process of assessing financial stability by calculating the integral indicator of financial stability of the service sector. The types of control maps for each of the coefficients that have a significant impact on the assessment of the financial stability of the enterprise in the service sector were identified. Control maps were constructed for each coefficient, which are part of the integrated indicator of financial stability, and their analysis was carried out for the presence of special reasons for the variability of the process of financial stability assessment. The concept of modeling a system for assessing the financial stability of service enterprises is developed in the article, which is based on the collection of financial data, a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing the financial condition, a study of the controllability of the process of assessing financial stability, building a model of an integral indicator of financial stability, and its program implementation.
A Simulation-Based Planning Tool for Floating Storage and Regasification Units
Authors: Papaleonidas Christos , Androulakis Emmanouil , Lyridis Dimitrios V.
Published: November 2020

The objective of this paper was to propose a functional simulation model for the operation of floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) used for the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The physical operation of an FSRU is decomposed for each critical component of the LNG carrier (LNGC) and the FSRU, in order to construct a realistic model in Simulink. LNG mass balance equations are used to perform flow calculations from the tanks of an LNG carrier to the tanks of the FSRU and from there to shore. The simulation model produces results for cases, when multiple LNG carriers discharge cargoes during a monthly time horizon. This produces an accurate operational profile for the FSRU with information about the volume of LNG inside each of the cargo tanks of the FSRU, LNG cargo discharging and gas send-out rate. Potential practitioners may exploit the proposed planning tool to explore the feasibility of alternative operation scenarios for an FSRU terminal. The simulations can check the system sensitivity to different parameters and support schedule regarding: (i) slots for LNG carrier calls, (ii) LNG inventory fluctuation, and (iii) impact of gas demand and send-out rate changes.
The Technique of Quadruple Fixed Points for Solving Functional Integral Equations under a Measure of Noncompactness
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , Khalil Amal A.
Published: November 2020

Under the idea of a measure of noncompactness, some fixed point results are proposed and a generalization of Darbo’s fixed point theorem is given in this manuscript. Furthermore, some novel quadruple fixed points results via a measure of noncompactness for a general class of functions are presented. Ultimately, the solutions to a system of non-linear functional integral equations by the fixed point results obtained are discussed, and non-trivial examples to illustrate the validity of our study are derived.
Screening for Small Molecule Inhibitors of BMP-Induced Osteoblastic Differentiation from Indonesian Marine Invertebrates
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Ohte Satoshi , Rotinsulu Henki , Wewengkang Defny S. , Sumilat Deiske A. , Abdjul Delfly B. , Maarisit Wilmar , Kapojos Magie M. , Namikoshi Michio , Katagiri Takenobu , Tomoda Hiroshi , Uchida Ryuji
Published: November 2020

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare congenital disorder with heterotopic ossification (HO) in soft tissues. The abnormal activation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling by a mutant activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2) leads to the development of HO in FOP patients, and, thus, BMP signaling inhibitors are promising therapeutic applications for FOP. In the present study, we screened extracts of 188 Indonesian marine invertebrates for small molecular inhibitors of BMP-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a marker of osteoblastic differentiation in a C2C12 cell line stably expressing ALK2(R206H) (C2C12(R206H) cells), and identified five marine sponges with potent ALP inhibitory activities. The activity-guided purification of an EtOH extract of marine sponge Dysidea sp. (No. 256) resulted in the isolation of dysidenin (1), herbasterol (2), and stellettasterol (3) as active components. Compounds 1–3 inhibited ALP activity in C2C12(R206H) cells with IC50 values of 2.3, 4.3, and 4.2 µM, respectively, without any cytotoxicity, even at 18.4–21.4 µM. The direct effects of BMP signaling examined using the Id1WT4F-luciferase reporter assay showed that compounds 1–3 did not decrease the reporter activity, suggesting that they inhibit the downstream of the Smad transcriptional step in BMP signaling.
Neuroprotective Metabolites from Vietnamese Marine Derived Fungi of Aspergillus and Penicillium Genera
Authors: Girich Elena V. , Yurchenko Anton N. , Smetanina Olga F. , Trinh Phan Thi Hoai , Ngoc Ngo Thi Duy , Pivkin Mikhail V. , Popov Roman S. , Pislyagin Evgeny A. , Menchinskaya Ekaterina S. , Chingizova Ekaterina A. , Afiyatullov Shamil S. , Yurchenko Ekaterina A.
Published: November 2020

Low molecular weight secondary metabolites of marine fungi Aspergillus flocculosus, Aspergillus terreus and Penicillium sp. from Van Phong and Nha Trang Bays (Vietnam) were studied and a number of polyketides, bis-indole quinones and terpenoids were isolated. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS techniques. Stereochemistry of some compounds was established based on ECD data. A chemical structure of asterriquinone F (6) was thoroughly described for the first time. Anthraquinone (13) was firstly obtained from a natural source. Neuroprotective influences of the isolated compounds against 6-OHDA, paraquat and rotenone toxicity were investigated. 4-Hydroxyscytalone (1), 4-hydroxy-6-dehydroxyscytalone (2) and demethylcitreoviranol (3) have shown significant increasing of paraquat- and rotenone-treated Neuro-2a cell viability and anti-ROS activity.
Tannery Effluent Treatment by Nanofiltration, Reverse Osmosis and Chitosan Modified Membranes
Authors: Zakmout Asmaa , Sadi Fatma , Portugal Carla A. M. , Crespo João G. , Velizarov Svetlozar
Published: November 2020

The objective of this work is to develop an appropriate technology for environmentally sound membrane-based purification of a tannery effluent assuring, simultaneously, the recovery of chromium, considered as the most hazardous inorganic water pollutant extensively used in leather tanning. A comparison between the permeate fluxes obtained during treatment of a synthetic tannery effluent through nanofiltration (NF270 and NF90 membranes) and reverse osmosis (BW30 and SW30) membranes was first performed. Then, a dedicated polymeric membrane was prepared by coating chitosan (cs) on a polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membrane (cs-PES MFO22) support. The resulting membrane was characterized by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) to confirm the process of surface modification and cross-linking of chitosan with glutaraldehyde. This membrane was found to be highly effective for chromium removal (>99%), which was more than eight times higher in reference to monovalent cations (e.g., Na+ and K+) and more than six times higher in reference to the divalent cations (Mg2+ and Ca2+) studied. The reverse osmosis permeate conforms to local Algerian regulations regarding being discharged directly into the natural environment (in this case, Reghaia Lake) or into urban sewers linked to wastewater biological treatment stations. While the SW30 membrane proved to be the most effective for purification of the tannery effluent, the chitosan modified membrane proved to be appropriate for recovery of chromium from the reverse osmosis concentrate.
Effect of Heat Treatments on the Microstructural Evolution of a Single Crystal High-Entropy Superalloy
Authors: Saito Takuma , Chen Yung-Ta , Takata Yuji , Kawagishi Kyoko , Hsu Wei-Che , Yeh An-Chou , Murakami Hideyuki
Published: November 2020

The effect of solution heat treatment as well as primary and secondary aging treatment conditions on the microstructural evolution of a high-entropy superalloy was investigated. The as-cast sample shows coarsened γ′ precipitates and other extra phases at interdendrite region due to microsegregation. This microsegregation makes γ′ solvus unclear and decreases the solidus. After conducting the solution treatment determined in this study, primary aging conditions showing an aligned cubic γ′ phase at 1050 °C for 4 h and random spherical γ′ precipitates at 950 °C for 20 h in similar size were found. By using both samples, secondary aging conditions showing coarsened secondary γ′ precipitates and γ particles inside the γ′ precipitates at 800 °C for 20 h and fine secondary γ′ precipitates at 850 and 870 °C for 20 h were found.
Flux Coupling and the Objective Functions’ Length in EFMs
Authors: Guil Francisco , Hidalgo José F. , García José M.
Published: November 2020

Structural analysis of constraint-based metabolic network models attempts to find the network’s properties by searching for subsets of suitable modes or Elementary Flux Modes (EFMs). One useful approach is based on Linear Program (LP) techniques, which introduce an objective function to convert the stoichiometric and thermodynamic constraints into a linear program (LP), using additional constraints to generate different nontrivial modes. This work introduces FLFS-FC (Fixed Length Function Sampling with Flux Coupling), a new approach to increase the efficiency of generation of large sets of different EFMs for the network. FLFS-FC is based on the importance of the length of the objective functions used in the associated LP problem and the imposition of additional negative constraints. Our proposal overrides some of the known drawbacks associated with the EFM extraction, such as the appearance of unfeasible problems or multiple repeated solutions arising from different LP problems.
A Routing-Based Repair Method for Digital Microfluidic Biochips Based on an Improved Dijkstra and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zheng Wenbin , Shi Jinlong , Wang Anqi , Fu Ping , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: November 2020

Digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs) are attractive instruments for obtaining modern molecular biology and chemical measurements. Due to the increasingly complex measurements carried out on a DMFB, such chips are more prone to failure. To compensate for the shortcomings of the module-based DMFB, this paper proposes a routing-based fault repair method. The routing-based synthesis methodology ensures a much higher chip utilization factor by removing the virtual modules on the chip, as well as removing the extra electrodes needed as guard cells. In this paper, the routing problem is identified as a dynamic path-planning problem and mixed path design problem under certain constraints, and an improved Dijkstra and improved particle swarm optimization (ID-IPSO) algorithm is proposed. By introducing a cost function into the Dijkstra algorithm, the path-planning problem under dynamic obstacles is solved, and the problem of mixed path design is solved by redefining the position and velocity vectors of the particle swarm optimization. The ID-IPSO routing-based fault repair method is applied to a multibody fluid detection experiment. The proposed design method has a stronger optimization ability than the greedy algorithm. The algorithm is applied to 8×9, 8×8, and 7×8 fault-free chips. The proposed ID-IPSO routing-based chip design method saves 13.9%, 14.3%, and 14.5% of the experiment completion time compared with the greedy algorithm. Compared with a modular fault repair method based on the genetic algorithm, the ID-IPSO routing-based fault repair method has greater advantages and can save 39.3% of the completion time on average in the completion of complex experiments. When the ratio of faulty electrodes is less than 12% and 23%, the modular and ID-IPSO routing-based fault repair methods, respectively, can guarantee a 100% failure repair rate. The utilization rate of the electrodes is 18% higher than that of the modular method, and the average electrode usage time is 17%. Therefore, the ID-IPSO routing-based fault repair method can accommodate more faulty electrodes for the same fault repair rate; the experiment completion time is shorter, the average number of electrodes is lower, and the security performance is better.
Silicon 3D Microdetectors for Microdosimetry in Hadron Therapy
Authors: Guardiola Consuelo , Fleta Celeste , Quirion David , Pellegrini Giulio , Gómez Faustino
Published: November 2020

The present overview describes the evolution of new microdosimeters developed in the National Microelectronics Center in Spain (IMB-CNM, CSIC), ranging from the first ultra-thin 3D diodes (U3DTHINs) to the advanced 3D-cylindrical microdetectors, which have been developed over the last 10 years. In this work, we summarize the design, main manufacture processes, and electrical characterization of these devices. These sensors were specifically customized for use in particle therapy and overcame some of the technological challenges in this domain, namely the low noise capability, well-defined sensitive volume, high spatial resolution, and pile-up robustness. Likewise, both architectures reduce the loss of charge carriers due to trapping effects, the charge collection time, and the voltage required for full depletion compared to planar silicon detectors. In particular, a 3D‒cylindrical architecture with electrodes inserted into the silicon bulk and with a very well‒delimited sensitive volume (SV) mimicked a cell array with shapes and sizes similar to those of mammalian cells for the first time. Experimental tests of the carbon beamlines at the Grand Accélérateur National d’Lourds (GANIL, France) and Centro Nazionale Adroterapia Oncologica (CNAO, Italy) showed the feasibility of the U3DTHINs in hadron therapy beams and the good performance of the 3D‒cylindrical microdetectors for assessing linear energy distributions of clinical beams, with clinical fluence rates of 5 × 107 s−1cm−2 without saturation. The dose-averaged lineal energies showed a generally good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. The results indicated that these devices can be used to characterize the microdosimetric properties in hadron therapy, even though the charge collection efficiency (CCE) and electronic noise may pose limitations on their performance, which is studied and discussed herein. In the last 3D‒cylindrical microdetector generation, we considerably improved the CCE due to the microfabrication enhancements, which have led to shallower and steeper dopant profiles. We also summarize the successive microdosimetric characterizations performed with both devices in proton and carbon beamlines.
PLGA Nanofiber/PDMS Microporous Composite Membrane-Sandwiched Microchip for Drug Testing
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Xindi , Ji Bing , Yang Xingyuan , Zhou Bingpu , Lu Zhanjun , Gao Xinghua
Published: November 2020

Lung-on-a-chip devices could provide new strategies for a biomimetic lung cell microenvironment and construction of lung disease models in vitro, and are expected to greatly promote the development of drug evaluation, toxicological detection, and disease model building. In this study, we developed a novel poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofiber/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microporous composite membrane-sandwiched lung-on-a-chip to perform anti-tumor drug testing. The composite membrane was characterized, and the results showed that it was permeable to molecules and thus could be used to study small-molecule drug diffusion. In addition, the microchip could apply perfusion fluids to simulate blood flow under extremely low fluid shear stress, and could also simulate the spherical-like shape of the alveoli by deformation of the composite membrane. Using this chip, we evaluated the anti-tumor drug efficacy of gefitinib in two kinds of non-small cell lung cancer cells, the lung adenocarcinoma NCI-H1650 cell line and the large cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cell line. We further probed the resistance of NCI-H460 cells to gefitinib under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The established composite membrane-sandwiched lung chip can simulate more biochemical and biophysical factors in the lung physiological and pathological microenvironment, and it has important applications in the personalized treatment of lung tumors. It is expected to play a potential role in clinical diagnosis and drug screening.
Object Detection at Level Crossing Using Deep Learning
Authors: Fayyaz Muhammad Asad Bilal , Johnson Christopher
Published: November 2020

Multiple projects within the rail industry across different regions have been initiated to address the issue of over-population. These expansion plans and upgrade of technologies increases the number of intersections, junctions, and level crossings. A level crossing is where a railway line is crossed by a road or right of way on the level without the use of a tunnel or bridge. Level crossings still pose a significant risk to the public, which often leads to serious accidents between rail, road, and footpath users and the risk is dependent on their unpredictable behavior. For Great Britain, there were three fatalities and 385 near misses at level crossings in 2015–2016. Furthermore, in its annual safety report, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) highlighted the risk of incidents at level crossings during 2016/17 with a further six fatalities at level crossings including four pedestrians and two road vehicles. The relevant authorities have suggested an upgrade of the existing sensing system and the integration of new novel technology at level crossings. The present work addresses this key issue and discusses the current sensing systems along with the relevant algorithms used for post-processing the information. The given information is adequate for a manual operator to make a decision or start an automated operational cycle. Traditional sensors have certain limitations and are often installed as a “single sensor”. The single sensor does not provide sufficient information; hence another sensor is required. The algorithms integrated with these sensing systems rely on the traditional approach, where background pixels are compared with new pixels. Such an approach is not effective in a dynamic and complex environment. The proposed model integrates deep learning technology with the current Vision system (e.g., CCTV to detect and localize an object at a level crossing). The proposed sensing system should be able to detect and localize particular objects (e.g., pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles at level crossing areas.) The radar system is also discussed for a “two out of two” logic interlocking system in case of fail-mechanism. Different techniques to train a deep learning model are discussed along with their respective results. The model achieved an accuracy of about 88% from the MobileNet model for classification and a loss metric of 0.092 for object detection. Some related future work is also discussed.
Thermal Impedance Characterization Using Optical Measurement Assisted by Multi-Physics Simulation for Multi-Chip SiC MOSFET Module
Authors: Kim Min-Ki , Yoon Sang Won
Published: November 2020

In this paper, an approach to determine the thermal impedance of a multi-chip silicon carbide (SiC) power module is proposed, by fusing optical measurement and multi-physics simulations. The tested power module consists of four parallel SiC metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and four parallel SiC Schottky barrier diodes. This study mainly relies on junction temperature measurements performed using fiber optic temperature sensors instead of temperature-sensitive electrical parameters (TESPs). However, the fiber optics provide a relatively slow response compared to other available TSEP measurement methods and cannot detect fast responses. Therefore, the region corresponding to undetected signals is estimated via multi-physics simulations of the power module. This method provides a compensated cooling curve. We analyze the thermal resistance using network identification by deconvolution (NID). The estimated thermal resistance is compared to that obtained via a conventional method, and the difference is 3.8%. The proposed fusion method is accurate and reliable and does not require additional circuits or calibrations.
Tissue Engineering of Oral Mucosa and Salivary Gland: Disease Modeling and Clinical Applications
Authors: Almansoori Akram Abdo , Kim Bongju , Lee Jong-Ho , Tran Simon D.
Published: November 2020

Oral mucosa and salivary gland are composed of complex and dynamic networks of extracellular matrix, multiple cell types, vasculature, and various biochemical agents. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture is commonly used in testing new drugs and experimental therapies. However, 2D cell culture cannot fully replicate the architecture, physiological, and pathological microenvironment of living human oral mucosa and salivary glands. Recent microengineering techniques offer state of the science cell culture models that can recapitulate human organ structures and functions. This narrative review describes emerging in vitro models of oral and salivary gland tissue such as 3D cell culture models, spheroid and organoid models, tissue-on-a-chip, and functional decellularized scaffolds. Clinical applications of these models are also discussed in this review.
Designing Splicing Digital Microfluidics Chips Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane
Authors: Feng Haoqiang , Yi Zichuan , Yang Ruizhi , Qin Xiaofeng , Shen Shitao , Zeng Wenjun , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Zhang Chongfu
Published: November 2020

As a laboratory-on-a-chip application tool, digital microfluidics (DMF) technology is widely used in DNA-based applications, clinical diagnosis, chemical synthesis, and other fields. Additional components (such as heaters, centrifuges, mixers, etc.) are required in practical applications on DMF devices. In this paper, a DMF chip interconnection method based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) was proposed. An open modified slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) membrane was used as the dielectric-hydrophobic layer material, which consisted of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane and silicone oil. Indium tin oxide (ITO) glass was used to manufacture the DMF chip. In order to test the relationship between the splicing gap and droplet moving, the effect of the different electrodes on/off time on the minimum driving voltage when the droplet crossed a splicing gap was investigated. Then, the effects of splicing gaps of different widths, splicing heights, and electrode misalignments were investigated, respectively. The experimental results showed that a driving voltage of 119 V was required for a droplet to cross a splicing gap width of 300 μm when the droplet volume was 10 μL and the electrode on/off time was 600 ms. At the same time, the droplet could climb a height difference of 150 μm with 145 V, and 141 V was required when the electrode misalignment was 1000 μm. Finally, the minimum voltage was not obviously changed, when the same volume droplet with different aqueous solutions crossed the splicing gap, and the droplet could cross different chip types. These splicing solutions show high potential for simultaneous detection of multiple components in human body fluids.
High-Identical Numerical Aperture, Multifocal Microlens Array through Single-Step Multi-Sized Hole Patterning Photolithography
Authors: Lee Joong Hoon , Chang Sehui , Kim Min Seok , Kim Yeong Jae , Kim Hyun Myung , Song Young Min
Published: November 2020

Imaging applications based on microlens arrays (MLAs) have a great potential for the depth sensor, wide field-of-view camera and the reconstructed hologram. However, the narrow depth-of-field remains the challenge for accurate, reliable depth estimation. Multifocal microlens array (Mf-MLAs) is perceived as a major breakthrough, but existing fabrication methods are still hindered by the expensive, low-throughput, and dissimilar numerical aperture (NA) of individual lenses due to the multiple steps in the photolithography process. This paper reports the fabrication method of high NA, Mf-MLAs for the extended depth-of-field using single-step photolithography assisted by chemical wet etching. The various lens parameters of Mf-MLAs are manipulated by the multi-sized hole photomask and the wet etch time. Theoretical and experimental results show that the Mf-MLAs have three types of lens with different focal lengths, while maintaining the uniform and high NA irrespective of the lens type. Additionally, we demonstrate the multi-focal plane image acquisition via Mf-MLAs integrated into a microscope.
Unravelling the Features of Success of VIM-Producing ST111 and ST235 Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Greek Hospital
Authors: Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Verra Aggeliki , Galani Vasiliki , Xitsas Stelios , Bitar Ibrahim , Hrabak Jaroslav , Petinaki Efthymia
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics that contribute to the successful dissemination of VIM-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), belonging to ST111 and ST235, in a Greek hospital. A total of 120 non-repetitive P. aeruginosa, which had meropenem minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) greater than 2 mg/L, were studied. VIM-encoding genes were amplified and sequenced within their integrons. Isolates were typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Six VIM-producers, representative of different integron structures and sequence types (STs), were completely sequenced using Illumina platform. Sixty-one P. aeruginosa were confirmed to produce VIM-type carbapenemases. ST111 dominated (n = 34) among VIM-producers, while 15 VIM-producers belonged to ST235. The blaVIM-like genes were located in three integron types, including In59, In595 and In1760, which were integrated into P. aeruginosa chromosomes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data demonstrated that ST111 and ST235 MBL producers carried several resistance and virulence genes. Additionally, the presence of type I-C and type I-E clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas locus was observed in ST235 and ST395 isolates, respectively. In conclusion, our findings confirmed the clonal spread of ST111 P. aeruginosa, carrying the VIM-2-encoding integron In59, in the University Hospital of Larissa (UHL). In addition, they highlighted the important role of high-risk clones, ST111 and ST235, in the successful dissemination and establishment into hospital settings of clinically important pathogens carrying resistance determinants.
Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in Convalescent Plasma Donors Are Increased in Hospitalized Patients; Subanalyses of a Phase 2 Clinical Study
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Politou Marianna , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Mentis Andreas , Rosati Margherita , Stellas Dimitris , Bear Jenifer , Hu Xintao , Felber Barbara K. , Pappa Vassiliki , Pagoni Maria , Grouzi Elisavet , Labropoulou Stavroula , Charitaki Ioanna , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Moschandreou Dimitra , Bouhla Anthi , Saridakis Stylianos , Korompoki Eleni , Giatra Chara , Bagratuni Tina , Pefanis Angelos , Papageorgiou Sotirios , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Antoniadou Anastasia , Kotanidou Anastasia , Syrigos Konstantinos , Stamoulis Konstantinos , Panayiotakopoulos George , Tsiodras Sotirios , Alexopoulos Leonidas , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Pavlakis George N.
Published: November 2020

We evaluated the antibody responses in 259 potential convalescent plasma donors for Covid-19 patients. Different assays were used: a commercial ELISA detecting antibodies against the recombinant spike protein (S1); a multiplex assay detecting total and specific antibody isotypes against three SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S1, basic nucleocapsid (N) protein and receptor-binding domain (RBD)); and an in-house ELISA detecting antibodies to complete spike, RBD and N in 60 of these donors. Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) were also evaluated in these 60 donors. Analyzed samples were collected at a median time of 62 (14–104) days from the day of first symptoms or positive PCR (for asymptomatic patients). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 88% and 87.8% of donors using the ELISA and the multiplex assay, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that age ≥50 years (p < 0.001) and need for hospitalization (p < 0.001) correlated with higher antibody titers, while asymptomatic status (p < 0.001) and testing >60 days after symptom onset (p = 0.001) correlated with lower titers. Interestingly, pseudotype virus-neutralizing antibodies (PsNAbs) significantly correlated with spike and with RBD antibodies by ELISA. Sera with high PsNAb also showed a strong ability to neutralize active SARS-CoV-2 virus, with hospitalized patients showing higher titers. Therefore, convalescent plasma donors can be selected based on the presence of high RBD antibody titers.
Combinatorial Glycomic Analyses to Direct CAZyme Discovery for the Tailored Degradation of Canola Meal Non-Starch Dietary Polysaccharides
Authors: Low Kristin E. , Xing Xiaohui , Moote Paul E. , Inglis G. Douglas , Venketachalam Sivasankari , Hahn Michael G. , King Marissa L. , Tétard-Jones Catherine Y. , Jones Darryl R. , Willats William G. T. , Slominski Bogdan A. , Abbott D. Wade
Published: November 2020

Canola meal (CM), the protein-rich by-product of canola oil extraction, has shown promise as an alternative feedstuff and protein supplement in poultry diets, yet its use has been limited due to the abundance of plant cell wall fibre, specifically non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and lignin. The addition of exogenous enzymes to promote the digestion of CM NSP in chickens has potential to increase the metabolizable energy of CM. We isolated chicken cecal bacteria from a continuous-flow mini-bioreactor system and selected for those with the ability to metabolize CM NSP. Of 100 isolates identified, Bacteroides spp. and Enterococcus spp. were the most common species with these capabilities. To identify enzymes specifically for the digestion of CM NSP, we used a combination of glycomics techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay characterization of the plant cell wall fractions, glycosidic linkage analysis (methylation-GC-MS analysis) of CM NSP and their fractions, bacterial growth profiles using minimal media supplemented with CM NSP, and the sequencing and de novo annotation of bacterial genomes of high-efficiency CM NSP utilizing bacteria. The SACCHARIS pipeline was used to select plant cell wall active enzymes for recombinant production and characterization. This approach represents a multidisciplinary innovation platform to bioprospect endogenous CAZymes from the intestinal microbiota of herbivorous and omnivorous animals which is adaptable to a variety of applications and dietary polysaccharides.
Chemically Mediated Microbial “Gardening” Capacity of a Seaweed Holobiont Is Dynamic
Authors: Saha Mahasweta , Dove Shawn , Weinberger Florian
Published: November 2020

Terrestrial plants are known to “garden” the microbiota of their rhizosphere via released metabolites (that can attract beneficial microbes and deter pathogenic microbes). Such a “gardening” capacity is also known to be dynamic in plants. Although microbial “gardening” has been recently demonstrated for seaweeds, we do not know whether this capacity is a dynamic property in any aquatic flora like in terrestrial plants. Here, we tested the dynamic microbial “gardening” capacity of seaweeds using the model invasive red seaweed Agarophyton vermiculophyllum. Following an initial extraction of surface-associated metabolites (immediately after field collection), we conducted a long-term mesocosm experiment for 5 months to test the effect of two different salinities (low = 8.5 and medium = 16.5) on the microbial “gardening” capacity of the alga over time. We tested “gardening” capacity of A. vermiculophyllum originating from two different salinity levels (after 5 months treatments) in settlement assays against three disease causing pathogenic bacteria and seven protective bacteria. We also compared the capacity of the alga with field-collected samples. Abiotic factors like low salinity significantly increased the capacity of the alga to deter colonization by pathogenic bacteria while medium salinity significantly decreased the capacity of the alga over time when compared to field-collected samples. However, capacity to attract beneficial bacteria significantly decreased at both tested salinity levels when compared to field-collected samples. Dynamic microbial “gardening” capacity of a seaweed to attract beneficial bacteria and deter pathogenic bacteria is demonstrated for the first time. Such a dynamic capacity as found in the current study could also be applicable to other aquatic host–microbe interactions. Our results may provide an attractive direction of research towards manipulation of salinity and other abiotic factors leading to better defended A. vermiculophyllum towards pathogenic bacteria thereby enhancing sustained production of healthy A. vermiculophyllum in farms.
SARS-CoV-2 Inhibition by Sulfonated Compounds
Authors: Gasbarri Matteo , V’kovski Philip , Torriani Giulia , Thiel Volker , Stellacci Francesco , Tapparel Caroline , Cagno Valeria
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cellular entry, but it might also rely on attachment receptors such as heparan sulfates. Several groups have recently demonstrated an affinity of the SARS-CoV2 spike protein for heparan sulfates and a reduced binding to cells in the presence of heparin or heparinase treatment. Here, we investigated the inhibitory activity of several sulfated and sulfonated molecules, which prevent interaction with heparan sulfates, against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-pseudotyped-SARS-CoV-2 and the authentic SARS-CoV-2. Sulfonated cyclodextrins and nanoparticles that have recently shown broad-spectrum non-toxic virucidal activity against many heparan sulfates binding viruses showed inhibitory activity in the micromolar and nanomolar ranges, respectively. In stark contrast with the mechanisms that these compounds present for these other viruses, the inhibition against SARS-CoV-2 was found to be simply reversible.
Identification of Technogenic Magnetic Particles and Forms of Occurrence of Potentially Toxic Elements Present in Fly Ashes and Soil
Authors: Wawer Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

Solid fossil fuel power plants are the main source of energy in Poland. In 2018, the most important energy carrier was hard coal with a share of 57.9%, followed by lignite with a share of 18.1%. In addition to CO2, NOx and SOx, the combustion of fossil fuels produces dusts containing, among others, potentially toxic elements (PTEs), e.g., Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd. Although the currently operating power plants have efficient filter systems, the total dust emission in Poland in 2017 amounted to 341,000 t, of which approximately 36,000 t was from the power plants. PTEs present in the power plant dust are often accompanied by technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs)—mainly iron oxides and hydroxides formed in high-temperature technological processes as a result of the transformations of iron minerals contained in raw materials and additives. The presence of magnetic iron minerals (e.g., magnetite, hematite, maghemite, metallic iron) in the tested ashes from hard coal and lignite power plants was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) analysis. The sequential extraction analysis showed that most of the analyzed PTEs found in dust after hard coal combustion were mainly related to amorphous and crystalline FeOx or in the residual fraction and in dust after lignite combustion, mainly in the most mobile fractions.
Clay Minerals at the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum: Interpretations, Limits, and Perspectives
Authors: Tateo Fabio
Published: November 2020

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was an “extreme” episode of environmental stress that affected the Earth in the past, and it has numerous affinities concerning the rapid increase in the greenhouse effect. It has left several biological, compositional, and sedimentary facies footprints in sedimentary records. Clay minerals are frequently used to decipher environmental effects because they represent their source areas, essentially in terms of climatic conditions and of transport mechanisms (a more or less fast travel, from the bedrocks to the final site of recovery). Clay mineral variations at the PETM have been studied by several authors in terms of climatic and provenance indicators, but also as tracers of more complicated interplay among different factors requiring integrated interpretation (facies sorting, marine circulation, wind transport, early diagenesis, etc.). Clay minerals were also believed to play a role in the recovery of pre-episode climatic conditions after the PETM exordium, by becoming a sink of atmospheric CO2 that is considered a necessary step to switch off the greenhouse hyperthermal effect. This review aims to consider the use of clay minerals made by different authors to study the effects of the PETM and their possible role as effective (simple) proxy tools for environmental reconstructions.
Molybdenum Isotope Constraints on the Origin of Vanadium Hyper-Enrichments in Ediacaran–Phanerozoic Marine Mudrocks
Authors: Kunert Alexandra , Clarke Johnathan , Kendall Brian
Published: November 2020

Vanadium is an important redox-sensitive trace metal for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Modern organic-rich sediments persistently contain sediment V enrichments <500 μg/g, but many ancient marine organic-rich mudrocks record enrichments >500 μg/g. Previous studies propose that ancient V enrichments of these magnitudes (“V hyper-enrichments”) were deposited from hyper-sulfidic bottom-waters with higher H2S levels (≥10 mM) than observed in modern euxinic basins. To test the importance of hyper-sulfidic conditions for generating V hyper-enrichments, we compare V concentrations with Mo isotope (δ98Mo) compositions from mudrock samples ranging in age from Ediacaran to Pleistocene. In the modern ocean, sediments deposited from strongly euxinic bottom waters ([H2S]aq > 11 μM) closely record global seawater δ98Mo because conversion of molybdate to tri- and tetra-thiomolybdate is quantitative. By contrast, large Mo isotope fractionations occur during Mo adsorption to Fe-Mn particulates or because of incomplete formation of the most sulfidic thiomolybdates in weakly euxinic settings ([H2S]aq < 11 μM), which both favor removal of lighter-mass Mo isotopes to sediments. We find multiple examples when mudrocks with V hyper-enrichments are associated with a wide range of δ98Mo for a single time interval, including values at or below oceanic input δ98Mo (0.3–0.7‰). This observation suggests significant isotopic offset from reasonable seawater values (typically ≥1.0‰). Thus, we conclude that hyper-sulfidic conditions were not responsible for many V hyper-enrichments in Ediacaran–Phanerozoic mudrocks. Instead, sediment V hyper-enrichments can be explained by high Fe-Mn particulate fluxes to weakly euxinic sediments or by moderately restricted euxinic settings with strongly euxinic ([H2S]aq > 11 μM but not necessarily > 10 mM) or weakly euxinic (with slow clastic sedimentation rates and high organic carbon fluxes) bottom waters where vigorous water exchange provides a continuous V supply from the open ocean.
Multistage Magmatism in Ophiolites and Associated Metavolcanites of the Ulan-Sar’dag Mélange (East Sayan, Russia)
Authors: Kiseleva Olga N. , Airiyants Evgeniya V. , Belyanin Dmitriy K. , Zhmodik Sergey M. , Ashchepkov Igor V. , Kovalev Semyon A.
Published: November 2020

We present new whole-rock major and trace element, mineral chemistry, and U-Pb isotope data for the Ulan-Sar’dag mélange, including different lithostratigraphic units: Ophiolitic, mafic rocks and metavolcanites. The Ulan-Sar’dag mélange comprises of a seafloor and island-arc system of remnants of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Detailed studies on the magmatic rocks led to the discovery of a rock association that possesses differing geochemical signatures within the studied area. The Ulan-Sar’dag mélange includes blocks of mantle peridotite, podiform chromitite, cumulate rocks, deep-water siliceous chert, and metavolcanic rocks of the Ilchir suite. The ophiolitic unit shows overturned pseudostratigraphy. The nappe of mantle tectonites is thrusted over the volcanic-sedimentary sequence of the Ilchir suite. The metavolcanic series consist of basic, intermediate, and alkaline rocks. The mantle peridotite and cumulate rocks formed in a supra-subduction zone environment. The mafic and metavolcanic rocks belong to the following geochemical types: (1) Ensimatic island-arc boninites; (2) island-arc calc-alkaline andesitic basalts, andesites, and dacites; (3) tholeiitic basalts of mid-ocean ridges; and (4) oceanic island basalts. U–Pb dating of zircons from the trachyandesite, belonging to the second geochemical type, yielded a date of 833 ± 4 Ma which is interpreted as the crystallization age during mature island-arc and intra-arc rifting stages. The possible influence of later plume magmatic-hydrothermal activities led to the appearance of moderately alkaline igneous rocks (monzogabbro, trachybasalt, trachyandesite, subalkaline gabbro, and metasomatized peridotites) with a significant subduction geochemical fingerprint.
The Chemical Compositions of Essential Oils Derived from Cryptocarya alba and Laurelia sempervirens Possess Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antitumoral Activity Potential
Authors: Touma Jorge , Navarro Myriam , Sepúlveda Betsabet , Pavon Alequis , Corsini Gino , Fernández Katia , Quezada Claudia , Torres Angelo , Larrazabal-Fuentes María José , Paredes Adrian , Neira Ivan , Ferrando Matías , Bruna Flavia , Venegas Alejandro , Bravo Jessica
Published: November 2020

Cryptocarya alba (Peumo; CA) and Laurelia sempervirens (Laurel; LS) are herbs native to the Chilean highlands and have historically been used for medicinal purposes by the Huilliches people. In this work, the essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by GC-MS to determine their composition. The antioxidant capacity (AC) was evaluated in vitro. The cytotoxicity was determined using cell line cultures both non tumoral and tumoral. The toxicity was determined using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against 52 bacteria using the agar disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined. The principal compounds found in C. alba essential oil (CA_EO) were α-terpineol (24.96%) and eucalyptol (21.63%) and were isazafrol (91.9%) in L. sempervirens essential oil (LS_EO). Both EOs showed antioxidant capacity in vitro. Both EO showed antibacterial activity against bacteria using. LS_EO showed more inhibitory effect on these cell lines respect to CA_EO. Both EOs showed toxicity against the nematode C.elegans at 3.12–50 mg/mL. The essential oils of CA and LS have an important bioactive potential in their antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxicity activity. Both essential oils could possibly be used in the field of natural medicine, natural food preservation, cosmetics, sanitation and plaguicides among others.
Prospect on Rare Earth Elements and Metals Fingerprint for the Geographical Discrimination of Commercial Spanish Wines
Authors: Cerutti Claudia , Sánchez Raquel , Sánchez Carlos , Ardini Francisco , Grotti Marco , Todolí José-Luis
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a novel tool for Spanish commercial wine discrimination according to their designation of origin (PDO). A total of 65 commercial wines from different Spanish designation of origin (Alicante, Bullas, Campo de Borja, Jumilla, Castilla la Mancha, Ribeiro, Ribera de Duero, Rioja, Rueda, Utiel-Requena, Valdepeñas and Valencia) were characterized. The rare earth elements (REEs) content was determined by a high-temperature torch integrated sample introduction system (hTISIS) coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The REE content was used to draw characteristic PDOs radar charts. Results indicated that the REEs fingerprint provides a good prospect to discriminate the different Spanish PDOs, except for Alicante, Castilla la Mancha, Jumilla, Utiel-Requena and Valdepeñas. Finally, for those PDOs that were not properly distinguished, a second fingerprint obtained from Ba, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb and V content was used for discrimination purposes.