bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Ubiquitome Analysis under Heat Stress Reveals Diverse Functions of Ubiquitination in Saccharina japonica
Authors: Pengyan Zhang , Fuli Liu , Siqing Chen , Zhourui Liang , Wenjun Wang , Xiutao Sun
Published: November 2020

Ubiquitination is a major post-translational modification involved in nearly all aspects of eukaryotic biology. Previous RNA-Seq studies showed that ubiquitination plays essential roles in the heat tolerance of Saccharina japonica, but to date, large-scale profiling of the ubiquitome in S. japonica has not been reported. To better understand the regulatory roles of ubiquitination in heat responses of S. japonica, we investigated its ubiquitome under normal and heat stress by the combination of affinity enrichment and high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy analysis. Altogether, 3305 lysine ubiquitination sites in 1562 protein groups were identified. After normalization, 152 lysine ubiquitination sites in 106 proteins were significantly upregulated and 208 lysine ubiquitination sites in 131 proteins were significantly downregulated in response to heat stress. Protein annotation and functional analysis suggested that ubiquitination modulates a variety of essential cellular and physiological processes, including but not limited to the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system, ribosome, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. Our results provide a global view of the heat response ubiquitome in S. japonica, and could facilitate future studies on the physiological roles of these ubiquitination-related proteins.
Aspergillus flavus Exploits Maize Kernels Using an “Orphan” Secondary Metabolite Cluster
Authors: Antiga Ludovica , La Starza Sonia Roberta , Miccoli Cecilia , D’Angeli Simone , Scala Valeria , Zaccaria Marco , Shu Xiaomei , Obrian Gregory , Beccaccioli Marzia , Payne Gary A. , Reverberi Massimo
Published: November 2020

Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic cosmopolitan fungus, capable of infecting crops both pre- and post-harvest and exploiting different secondary metabolites, including aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are known carcinogens to animals and humans, but display no clear effect in host plants such as maize. In a previous study, we mined the genome of A. flavus to identify secondary metabolite clusters putatively involving the pathogenesis process in maize. We now focus on cluster 32, encoding for fungal effectors such as salicylate hydroxylase (SalOH), and necrosis- and ethylene-inducing proteins (npp1 domain protein) whose expression is triggered upon kernel contact. In order to understand the role of this genetic cluster in maize kernel infection, mutants of A. flavus, impaired or enhanced in specific functions (e.g., cluster 32 overexpression), were studied for their ability to cause disease. Within this frame, we conducted histological and histochemical experiments to verify the expression of specific genes within the cluster (e.g., SalOH, npp1), the production of salicylate, and the presence of its dehydroxylated form. Results suggest that the initial phase of fungal infection (2 days) of the living tissues of maize kernels (e.g., aleuron) coincides with a significant increase of fungal effectors such as SalOH and Npp1 that appear to be instrumental in eluding host defences and colonising the starch-enriched tissues, and therefore suggest a role of cluster 32 to the onset of infection.
Identification of a Novel Link between the Intermediate Filament Organizer IFO-1 and Cholesterol Metabolism in the Caenorhabditis elegans Intestine
Authors: Coch Richard A. , Geisler Florian , Annibal Andrea , Antebi Adam , Leube Rudolf E.
Published: November 2020

The intestine is an organ essential to organismal nutrient absorption, metabolic control, barrier function and immunoprotection. The Caenorhabditis elegans intestine consists of 20 cells harboring a dense intermediate filament network positioned below the apical plasma membrane that forms a junction-anchored sheath around the intestinal lumen. This evolutionarily conserved arrangement provides mechanical and overall stress-protection, and it serves as an important model for deciphering the role of intestinal architecture in metazoan biology. We recently reported that the loss-of-function mutation of the intestinal intermediate filament organizer IFO-1 perturbs this architecture, leading to reduced body size and reproduction. Here, we demonstrate that the IFO-1 mutation dramatically affects cholesterol metabolism. Mutants showed an increased sensitivity to cholesterol depletion, reduced cholesterol uptake, and cholesterol transfer to the gonads, which is also observed in worms completely lacking an intermediate filament network. Accordingly, we found striking similarities to transcriptome and lipidome profiles of a nuclear hormone receptor (NHR)-8 mutant. NHR-8 is homologous to mammalian LXR (liver X receptor) that serves as a sterol sensor and transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism. Remarkably, increasing exogenous cholesterol partially rescues the developmental retardation in IFO-1 mutants. Our results uncover a novel link of the intestinal intermediate filament cytoskeleton to cholesterol metabolism that contributes to compromised growth and reproduction.
Dietary Mg2+ Intake and the Na+/Mg2+ Exchanger SLC41A1 Influence Components of Mitochondrial Energetics in Murine Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tatarkova Zuzana , de Baaij Jeroen H. F. , Grendar Marian , Aschenbach Jörg R. , Racay Peter , Bos Caro , Sponder Gerhard , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Röntgen Monika , Turcanova Koprusakova Monika , Kolisek Martin
Published: November 2020

Cardiomyocytes are among the most energy-intensive cell types. Interplay between the components of cellular magnesium (Mg) homeostasis and energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes is poorly understood. We have investigated the effects of dietary Mg content and presence/functionality of the Na+/Mg2+ exchanger SLC41A1 on enzymatic functions of selected constituents of the Krebs cycle and complexes of the electron transport chain (ETC). The activities of aconitate hydratase (ACON), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH), and ETC complexes CI–CV have been determined in vitro in mitochondria isolated from hearts of wild-type (WT) and Slc41a1−/− mice fed a diet with either normal or low Mg content. Our data demonstrate that both, the type of Mg diet and the Slc41a1 genotype largely impact on the activities of enzymes of the Krebs cycle and ETC. Moreover, a compensatory effect of Slc41a1−/− genotype on the effect of low Mg diet on activities of the tested Krebs cycle enzymes has been identified. A machine-learning analysis identified activities of ICDH, CI, CIV, and CV as common predictors of the type of Mg diet and of CII as suitable predictor of Slc41a1 genotype. Thus, our data delineate the effect of dietary Mg content and of SLC41A1 functionality on the energy-production in cardiac mitochondria.
Pharmaceutical Excipients and Drug Metabolism: A Mini-Review
Authors: Patel Rahul , Barker James , ElShaer Amr
Published: November 2020

Conclusions from previously reported articles have revealed that many commonly used pharmaceutical excipients, known to be pharmacologically inert, show effects on drug transporters and/or metabolic enzymes. Thus, the pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination) of active pharmaceutical ingredients are possibly altered because of their transport and metabolism modulation from the incorporated excipients. The aim of this review is to present studies on the interaction of various commonly-used excipients on pre-systemic metabolism by CYP450 enzymes. Excipients such as surfactants, polymers, fatty acids and solvents are discussed. Based on all the reported outcomes, the most potent inhibitors were found to be surfactants and the least effective were organic solvents. However, there are many factors that can influence the inhibition of CYP450, for instance type of excipient, concentration of excipient, type of CYP450 isoenzyme, incubation condition, etc. Such evidence will be very useful in dosage form design, so that the right formulation can be designed to maximize drug bioavailability, especially for poorly bioavailable drugs.
In Vivo Pre-Instructed HSCs Robustly Execute Asymmetric Cell Divisions In Vitro
Authors: Girotra Mukul , Trachsel Vincent , Roch Aline , Lutolf Matthias P.
Published: November 2020

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are responsible for life-long production of all mature blood cells. Under homeostasis, HSCs in their native bone marrow niches are believed to undergo asymmetric cell divisions (ACDs), with one daughter cell maintaining HSC identity and the other committing to differentiate into various mature blood cell types. Due to the lack of key niche signals, in vitro HSCs differentiate rapidly, making it challenging to capture and study ACD. To overcome this bottleneck, in this study, we used interferon alpha (IFNα) treatment to ”pre-instruct” HSC fate directly in their native niche, and then systematically studied the fate of dividing HSCs in vitro at the single cell level via time-lapse analysis, as well as multigene and protein expression analysis. Triggering HSCs’ exit from dormancy via IFNα was found to significantly increase the frequency of asynchronous divisions in paired daughter cells (PDCs). Using single-cell gene expression analyses, we identified 12 asymmetrically expressed genes in PDCs. Subsequent immunocytochemistry analysis showed that at least three of the candidates, i.e., Glut1, JAM3 and HK2, were asymmetrically distributed in PDCs. Functional validation of these observations by colony formation assays highlighted the implication of asymmetric distribution of these markers as hallmarks of HSCs, for example, to reliably discriminate committed and self-renewing daughter cells in dividing HSCs. Our data provided evidence for the importance of in vivo instructions in guiding HSC fate, especially ACD, and shed light on putative molecular players involved in this process. Understanding the mechanisms of cell fate decision making should enable the development of improved HSC expansion protocols for therapeutic applications.
Isolation and Characterization of Three Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Genes and Their Transcriptional Regulation in the Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella
Authors: Zhuo Mei-Qin , Lv Wu-Hong , Xu Yi-Huan , Luo Zhi
Published: November 2020

It is important to explore the regulatory mechanism of phosphorus homeostasis in fish, which help avoid the risk of P toxicity and prevent P pollution in aquatic environment. The present study obtained the full-length cDNA sequences and the promoters of three SLC20 members (slc20a1a, slc20a1b and slc20a2) from grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, and explored their responses to inorganic phosphorus (Pi). Grass carp SLC20s proteins possessed conservative domains and amino acid sites relevant with phosphorus transport. The mRNAs of three slc20s appeared in the nine tissues, but their expression levels were tissue-dependent. The binding sites of three transcription factors (SREBP1, NRF2 and VDR) were predicted on the slc20s promoters. The mutation and EMSA analysis indicated that: (1) SREBP1 binding site (−783/−771 bp) negatively but VDR (−260/−253 bp) binding site positively regulated the activities of slc20a1a promoter; (2) SREBP1 (−1187/−1178 bp), NRF2 (−572/−561 bp) and VDR(615/−609 bp) binding sites positively regulated the activities of slc20a1b promoter; (3) SREBP1 (−987/−977 bp), NRF2 (−1469/−1459 bp) and VDR (−1124/−1117 bp) binding sites positively regulated the activities of the slc20a2 promoter. Moreover, Pi incubation significantly reduced the activities of three slc20s promoters, and Pi-induced transcriptional inactivation of slc20s promoters abolished after the mutation of the VDR element but not SREBP1 and NRF2 elements. Pi incubation down-regulated the mRNA levels of three slc20s. For the first time, our study elucidated the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of SLC20s and their responses to Pi, which offered new insights into the Pi homeostatic regulation and provided the basis for reducing phosphorus discharge into the waters.
Neurotransmitter Modulation of Carotid Body Germinal Niche
Authors: Sobrino Verónica , Platero-Luengo Aida , Annese Valentina , Navarro-Guerrero Elena , González-Rodríguez Patricia , López-Barneo José , Pardal Ricardo
Published: November 2020

The carotid body (CB), a neural-crest-derived organ and the main arterial chemoreceptor in mammals, is composed of clusters of cells called glomeruli. Each glomerulus contains neuron-like, O2-sensing glomus cells, which are innervated by sensory fibers of the petrosal ganglion and are located in close contact with a dense network of fenestrated capillaries. In response to hypoxia, glomus cells release transmitters to activate afferent fibers impinging on the respiratory and autonomic centers to induce hyperventilation and sympathetic activation. Glomus cells are embraced by interdigitating processes of sustentacular, glia-like, type II cells. The CB has an extraordinary structural plasticity, unusual for a neural tissue, as it can grow several folds its size in subjects exposed to sustained hypoxia (as for example in high altitude dwellers or in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases). CB growth in hypoxia is mainly due to the generation of new glomeruli and blood vessels. In recent years it has been shown that the adult CB contains a collection of quiescent multipotent stem cells, as well as immature progenitors committed to the neurogenic or the angiogenic lineages. Herein, we review the main properties of the different cell types in the CB germinal niche. We also summarize experimental data suggesting that O2-sensitive glomus cells are the master regulators of CB plasticity. Upon exposure to hypoxia, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators released by glomus cells act as paracrine signals that induce proliferation and differentiation of multipotent stem cells and progenitors, thus causing CB hypertrophy and an increased sensory output. Pharmacological modulation of glomus cell activity might constitute a useful clinical tool to fight pathologies associated with exaggerated sympathetic outflow due to CB overactivation.
Effects of PACAP on Schwann Cells: Focus on Nerve Injury
Authors: Maugeri Grazia , D’Amico Agata Grazia , Musumeci Giuseppe , Reglodi Dora , D’Agata Velia
Published: November 2020

Schwann cells, the most abundant glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, represent the key players able to supply extracellular microenvironment for axonal regrowth and restoration of myelin sheaths on regenerating axons. Following nerve injury, Schwann cells respond adaptively to damage by acquiring a new phenotype. In particular, some of them localize in the distal stump to form the Bungner band, a regeneration track in the distal site of the injured nerve, whereas others produce cytokines involved in recruitment of macrophages infiltrating into the nerve damaged area for axonal and myelin debris clearance. Several neurotrophic factors, including pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), promote survival and axonal elongation of injured neurons. The present review summarizes the evidence existing in the literature demonstrating the autocrine and/or paracrine action exerted by PACAP to promote remyelination and ameliorate the peripheral nerve inflammatory response following nerve injury.
Fatty Acid Profile as an Indicator of Larval Host for Adult Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Wiman Nik G. , Andrews Heather , Rudolph Erica , Lee Jana , Choi Man-Yeon
Published: November 2020

Drosophila suzukii is a severe economic invasive pest of soft-skinned fruit crops. Management typically requires killing gravid adult female flies with insecticides to prevent damage resulting from oviposition and larval development. Fruits from cultivated and uncultivated host plants are used by the flies for reproduction at different times of the year, and knowledge of D. suzukii seasonal host plant use and movement patterns could be better exploited to protect vulnerable crops. Rearing and various marking methodologies for tracking movement patterns of D. suzukii across different landscapes have been used to better understand host use and movement of the pest. In this study, we report on potential to determine larval host for adult D. suzukii using their fatty acid profile or signature, and to use larval diet as an internal marker for adult flies in release-recapture experiments. Fatty acids can pass efficiently through trophic levels unmodified, and insects are constrained in the ability to synthesize fatty acids and may acquire them through diet. In many holometabolous insects, lipids acquired in the larval stage carry over to the adult stage. We tested the ability of a machine learning algorithm to discriminate adult D. suzukii reared from susceptible small fruit crops (blueberry, strawberry, blackberry and raspberry) and laboratory diet based on the fatty acid profile of adult flies. We found that fatty acid components in adult flies were significantly different when flies were reared on different hosts, and the machine learning algorithm was highly successful in correctly classifying flies according to their larval host based on fatty acid profile.
Miocene Diversification and High-Altitude Adaptation of Parnassius Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Revealed by Large-Scale Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Su Chengyong , Xie Tingting , Wang Yunliang , Si Chengcai , Li Luyan , Ma Junye , Li Chunxiang , Sun Xiaoyan , Hao Jiasheng , Yang Qun
Published: November 2020

The early evolutionary pattern and molecular adaptation mechanism of alpine Parnassius butterflies to high altitudes in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are poorly understood up to now, due to difficulties in sampling, limited sequence data, and time calibration issues. Here, we present large-scale transcriptomic datasets of eight representative Parnassius species to reveal the phylogenetic timescale and potential genetic basis for high-altitude adaptation with multiple analytic strategies using 476 orthologous genes. Our phylogenetic results strongly supported that the subgenus Parnassius formed a well-resolved basal clade, and the subgenera Tadumia and Kailasius were closely related in the phylogenetic trees. In addition, molecular dating analyses showed that the Parnassius began to diverge at about 13.0 to 14.3 million years ago (middle Miocene), correlated with their hostplant’s spatiotemporal distributions, as well as geological and palaeoenvironmental changes of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Moreover, the accelerated evolutionary rate, candidate positively selected genes and their potentially functional changes were detected, probably contributed to the high-altitude adaptation of Parnassius species. Overall, our study provided some new insights into the spatiotemporally evolutionary pattern and high altitude adaptation of Parnassius butterflies from the extrinsic and intrinsic view, which will help to address evolution, biodiversity, and conservation questions concerning Parnassius and other butterfly species.
Structural and Magneto-Optical Characterization of La, Nd: Y2O3 Powders Obtained via a Modified EDTA Sol–Gel Process and HIP-Treated Ceramics
Authors: Kruk Andrzej
Published: November 2020

In this study, pure Y2O3, La0.1Y1.9O3 and La0.1Nd0.12Y1.78O3 nanosized powders were successfully synthesized by a modified sol–gel method. Pure and rare-earth ions doped yttria powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods. The powders were sintered by the hot isostatic pressing process. The highest in-line transmittance of 56% was obtained at 800 nm and increased in the IR region. The influence of the lanthanum and neodymium ions on the physicochemical properties of yttria were discussed. The La-Nd-doped material exhibited a Verdet constant over 4000 deg/T·m at 400 nm and low thermal dependence. An interesting evolution of the Verdet constant across the absorption band with high resolution was studied. A study of the optical and magneto-optical properties of yttria doped with Nd3+ and La3+ is discussed in this paper.
Microstructure and Texture Evolution of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr Alloy during Reciprocating Upsetting-Extrusion
Authors: Wu Guoqin , Yu Jianmin , Jia Leichen , Xu Wenlong , Dong Beibei , Zhang Zhimin , Hao Biying
Published: November 2020

Reciprocating Upsetting-Extrusion (RUE) deformation process can significantly refine the grains size and weaken the basal plane texture by applying a large cumulative strain to the alloy, which is of great significance to weaken the anisotropy of magnesium (Mg) alloys and increase the application range. In this paper, the Mg-8.27Gd-3.18Y-0.43Zr (wt %) alloy was subjected to isothermal multi-passes RUE. The microstructure and texture evolution, crystal orientation-dependent deformation mechanism of the alloy after deformation were investigated. The results clearly show that with the increase of RUE process, the grains are significantly refined through continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) mechanisms, the uniformity of the microstructure is improved, and the texture intensity is reduced. At the same time, a large number of particle phases are dynamically precipitated during the deformation process, promoting grain refinement by the particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism. The typical [10-10] fiber texture is produced after one pass due to the basal plane of the deformed grains with a relatively high proportion is gradually parallel to the ED during extrusion process. However, the texture concentration is reduced compared with the traditional extrusion deformation, indicating that the upsetting deformation has a certain delay effect on the subsequent extrusion texture generation. After three or four passes deformation, the grain orientation is randomized due to the continuous progress of the dynamic recrystallization process.
Shear Cap Size Selection Method Based on Parametric Analysis of ACI-318 Code and Eurocode 2 Standard
Authors: Grabski Maciej , Ambroziak Andrzej
Published: November 2020

The scope of the paper is to propose a method for determining the size of shear caps in a slab–column-connections-reinforced concrete structure. Usually, shear heads are used to enhance slab–column connection, especially when the transverse reinforcement does not give the required punching shear load capacity. The dimensions of the shear head should provide the punching shear resistance of the connection inside and outside the enhanced region. The process of selecting the size of the shear head is iterative. The parametric analysis of the ACI 318 code and EC2 standard has the objective of indicating which control perimeter (inside or outside the shear head) has a decisive impact on the punching shear capacity of the connection. Based on the analysis, the authors propose methods for selecting the dimensions of the shear head with practical application examples. The paper is intended to provide scientists, civil engineers, and designers with guidelines to design the process of the slab–column connections with the shear caps.
Influence of Salinity on the Removal of Ni and Zn by Phosphate-Intercalated Nano Montmorillonite (PINM)
Authors: Choi Jiyeon , Septian Ardie , Shin Won Sik
Published: November 2020

The salinity influence on the adsorptions of Ni and Zn onto phosphate-intercalated nano montmorillonite (PINM) were investigated. Single adsorption isotherm models fitted the single adsorption data well. The adsorption capacity of Ni was higher than that of Zn onto PINM at different salinities. The single adsorption parameters from Langmuir model (QmL and bL) were compared with the binary adsorption (QmL* and bL*). The QmL* of Zn was lower than that of Ni. The simultaneous presence of Ni and Zn decreased the adsorption capacities. The single and binary adsorptions onto PINM were affected by the salinity. The competitive Langmuir model (CLM), P-factor, Murali and Aylmore (M−A) models, and ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) were satisfactory in predicting the binary adsorption data; the CLM showed the best fitting results. Our results showed that the PINM can be used as an active Ni and Zn adsorbent for a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in the remediation of saline groundwater.
3D Propolis-Sodium Alginate Scaffolds: Influence on Structural Parameters, Release Mechanisms, Cell Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Aranci Kubra , Uzun Muhammet , Su Sena , Cesur Sumeyye , Ulag Songul , Amin Al , Guncu Mehmet Mucahit , Aksu Burak , Kolayli Sevgi , Ustundag Cem Bulent , Silva Jorge Carvalho , Ficai Denisa , Ficai Anton , Gunduz Oguzhan
Published: November 2020

In this study, the main aim was to fabricate propolis (Ps)-containing wound dressing patches using 3D printing technology. Different combinations and structures of propolis (Ps)-incorporated sodium alginate (SA) scaffolds were developed. The morphological studies showed that the porosity of developed scaffolds was optimized when 20% (v/v) of Ps was added to the solution. The pore sizes decreased by increasing Ps concentration up to a certain level due to its adhesive properties. The mechanical, swelling-degradation (weight loss) behaviors, and Ps release kinetics were highlighted for the scaffold stability. An antimicrobial assay was employed to test and screen antimicrobial behavior of Ps against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The results show that the Ps-added scaffolds have an excellent antibacterial activity because of Ps compounds. An in vitro cytotoxicity test was also applied on the scaffold by using the extract method on the human dermal fibroblasts (HFFF2) cell line. The 3D-printed SA–Ps scaffolds are very useful structures for wound dressing applications.
New Methods Used in Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Monitoring of the First and Newer Generations of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
Authors: Sommerfeld-Klatta Karina , Zielińska-Psuja Barbara , Karaźniewcz-Łada Marta , Główka Franciszek K.
Published: November 2020

The review presents data from the last few years on bioanalytical methods used in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of the 1st–3rd generation and the newest antiepileptic drug (AEDs) cenobamate in patients with various forms of seizures. Chemical classification, structure, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic data and therapeutic ranges for total and free fractions and interactions were collected. The primary data on bioanalytical methods for AEDs determination included biological matrices, sample preparation, dried blood spot (DBS) analysis, column resolution, detection method, validation parameters, and clinical utility. In conclusion, the most frequently described method used in AED analysis is the LC-based technique (HPLC, UHPLC, USLC) combined with highly sensitive mass detection or fluorescence detection. However, less sensitive UV is also used. Capillary electrophoresis and gas chromatography have been rarely applied. Besides the precipitation of proteins or LLE, an automatic SPE is often a sample preparation method. Derivatization was also indicated to improve sensitivity and automate the analysis. The usefulness of the methods for TDM was also highlighted.
Epitope-Based Immunoinformatics Approach on Nucleocapsid Protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2
Authors: Rakib Ahmed , Sami Saad Ahmed , Islam Md. Ashiqul , Ahmed Shahriar , Faiz Farhana Binta , Khanam Bibi Humayra , Marma Kay Kay Shain , Rahman Maksuda , Uddin Mir Muhammad Nasir , Nainu Firzan , Emran Talha Bin , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: November 2020

With an increasing fatality rate, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a promising threat to human health worldwide. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is known as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-2019), as a global pandemic. Additionally, the positive cases are still following an upward trend worldwide and as a corollary, there is a need for a potential vaccine to impede the progression of the disease. Lately, it has been documented that the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for viral replication and interferes with host immune responses. We comparatively analyzed the sequences of N protein of SARS-CoV-2 for the identification of core attributes and analyzed the ancestry through phylogenetic analysis. Subsequently, we predicted the most immunogenic epitope for the T-cell and B-cell. Importantly, our investigation mainly focused on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I potential peptides and NTASWFTAL interacted with most human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that are encoded by MHC class I molecules. Further, molecular docking analysis unveiled that NTASWFTAL possessed a greater affinity towards HLA and also available in a greater range of the population. Our study provides a consolidated base for vaccine design and we hope that this computational analysis will pave the way for designing novel vaccine candidates.
Capsules Rheology in Carreau–Yasuda Fluids
Authors: Coclite Alessandro , Coclite Giuseppe , De Tommasi Domenico
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a Multi Relaxation Time Lattice Boltzmann scheme is used to describe the evolution of a non-Newtonian fluid. Such method is coupled with an Immersed-Boundary technique for the transport of arbitrarily shaped objects navigating the flow. The no-slip boundary conditions on immersed bodies are imposed through a convenient forcing term accounting for the hydrodynamic force generated by the presence of immersed geometries added to momentum equation. Moreover, such forcing term accounts also for the force induced by the shear-dependent viscosity model characterizing the non-Newtonian behavior of the considered fluid. Firstly, the present model is validated against well-known benchmarks, namely the parabolic velocity profile obtained for the flow within two infinite laminae for five values of the viscosity model exponent, n = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5. Then, the flow within a squared lid-driven cavity for Re = 1000 and 5000 (being Re the Reynolds number) is computed as a function of n for a shear-thinning (n < 1) fluid. Indeed, the local decrements in the viscosity field achieved in high-shear zones implies the increment in the local Reynolds number, thus moving the position of near-walls minima towards lateral walls. Moreover, the revolution under shear of neutrally buoyant plain elliptical capsules with different Aspect Ratio (AR = 2 and 3) is analyzed for shear-thinning (n < 1), Newtonian (n = 1), and shear-thickening (n > 1) surrounding fluids. Interestingly, the power law by Huang et al. describing the revolution period of such capsules as a function of the Reynolds number and the existence of a critical value, Rec, after which the tumbling is inhibited in confirmed also for non-Newtonian fluids. Analogously, the equilibrium lateral position yeq of such neutrally buoyant capsules when transported in a plane-Couette flow is studied detailing the variation of yeq as a function of the Reynolds number as well as of the exponent n.
Influence of Nanotopography on Early Bone Healing during Controlled Implant Loading
Authors: de Barros e Lima Bueno Renan , Ponce Katia , Dias Ana , Guadarrama Bello Dainelys , Brunski John , Nanci Antonio
Published: November 2020

Nanoscale surface modifications influence peri-implant cell fate decisions and implant loading generates local tissue deformation, both of which will invariably impact bone healing. The objective of this study is to determine how loading affects healing around implants with nanotopography. Implants with a nanoporous surface were placed in over-sized osteotomies in rat tibiae and held stable by a system that permits controlled loading. Three regimens were applied: (a) no loading, (b) one daily loading session with a force of 1.5N, and (c) two such daily sessions. At 7 days post implantation, animals were sacrificed for histomorphometric and DNA microarray analyses. Implants subjected to no loading or only one daily loading session achieved high bone-implant contact (BIC), bone-implant distance (BID) and bone formation area near the implant (BFAt) values, while those subjected to two daily loading sessions showed less BFAt and BIC and more BID. Gene expression profiles differed between all groups mainly in unidentified genes, and no modulation of genes associated with inflammatory pathways was detected. These results indicate that implants with nanotopography can achieve a high level of bone formation even under micromotion and limit the inflammatory response to the implant surface.
Vitamin D Supplementation Associated to Better Survival in Hospitalized Frail Elderly COVID-19 Patients: The GERIA-COVID Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Annweiler Gaëlle , Corvaisier Mathieu , Gautier Jennifer , Dubée Vincent , Legrand Erick , Sacco Guillaume , Annweiler Cédric
Published: November 2020

Background. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether bolus vitamin D supplementation taken either regularly over the preceding year or after the diagnosis of COVID-19 was effective in improving survival among hospitalized frail elderly COVID-19 patients. Methods. Seventy-seven patients consecutively hospitalized for COVID-19 in a geriatric unit were included. Intervention groups were participants regularly supplemented with vitamin D over the preceding year (Group 1), and those supplemented with vitamin D after COVID-19 diagnosis (Group 2). The comparator group involved participants having received no vitamin D supplements (Group 3). Outcomes were 14-day mortality and highest (worst) score on the ordinal scale for clinical improvement (OSCI) measured during COVID-19 acute phase. Potential confounders were age, gender, functional abilities, undernutrition, cancer, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, glycated hemoglobin, number of acute health issues at admission, hospital use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and pharmacological treatments of respiratory disorders. Results. The three groups (n = 77; mean ± SD, 88 ± 5 years; 49% women) were similar at baseline (except for woman proportion, p = 0.02), as were the treatments used for COVID-19. In Group 1 (n = 29), 93.1% of COVID-19 participants survived at day 14, compared to 81.2% survivors in Group 2 (n = 16) (p = 0.33) and 68.7% survivors in Group 3 (n = 32) (p = 0.02). While considering Group 3 as reference (hazard ratio (HR) = 1), the fully-adjusted HR for 14-day mortality was HR = 0.07 (p = 0.017) for Group 1 and HR = 0.37 (p = 0.28) for Group 2. Group 1 had longer survival time than Group 3 (log-rank p = 0.015), although there was no difference between Groups 2 and 3 (log-rank p = 0.32). Group 1, but not Group 2 (p = 0.40), was associated with lower risk of OSCI score ≥5 compared to Group 3 (odds ratio = 0.08, p = 0.03). Conclusions. Regular bolus vitamin D supplementation was associated with less severe COVID-19 and better survival in frail elderly.
Application of Photo-Identification and Lengthened Deployment Periods to Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) Abundance Estimates of Coral Reef Sharks
Authors: Gore Mauvis , Ormond Rupert , Clarke Chris , Kohler Johanna , Millar Catriona , Brooks Edward
Published: November 2020

Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) are widely used for monitoring relative abundances of fishes, especially sharks, but only the maximum number of individuals seen at any one time (MaxN) is usually recorded. In both the Cayman Islands and the Amirante Islands, Seychelles, we used photo-ID to recognise individual sharks recorded on BRUVS videos. This revealed that for most species the actual numbers of separate individuals (IndN) visiting the BRUVS were significantly higher than MaxN, with, for example, ratios of IndN to MaxN being 1.17 and 1.24 for Caribbean reef, Carcharhinus perezi, and nurse, Ginglymostoma cirratum, sharks in the Cayman Islands, and 2.46 and 1.37 for blacktip reef, C. melanopterus, and grey reef, C. amblyrhynchos, sharks, respectively, in the Amirantes. Further, for most species, increasing the BRUVS deployment period beyond the 60 min normally used increased the observed IndN, with more than twice as many individuals in the Cayman Islands and >1.4 times as many individuals in the Amirantes being recorded after 120 min as after 60 min. For most species, MaxN and IndN rose exponentially with time, so data from different deployment periods cannot reliably be compared using catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) calculated as catch-per-unit-time. In both study areas, the time of first arrival of individuals varied with species from <1 min to >2 h. Individually identifiable sharks were re-sighted after up to 429 days over 10 km away in the Cayman Islands and 814 days over 23 km away in the Amirantes, demonstrating that many individuals range over considerable distances. Analysis of Cayman re-sightings data yielded mean population estimates of 76 ± 23 (SE) and 199 ± 42 (SE) for C. perezi and G. cirratum, respectively. The results demonstrate that, for sharks, the application of both photo-identification and longer deployment periods to BRUVS can improve the precision of abundance estimates and provide knowledge of population size and ranging behaviour.
Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Co-Delivery of DOX/CPT-PEG for Targeting HepG2 Cells
Authors: Martínez-Edo Gabriel , Fornaguera Cristina , Borrós Salvador , Sánchez-García David
Published: November 2020

A pH-triggered mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based nano-vehicle for the dual delivery of doxorubicin (DOX)/camptothecin-PEG (CPT-PEG) has been prepared. To enhance its selectivity, the nanoparticles were decorated with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) to target HepG2 cells. The highly insoluble CPT was derivatized with a reductive-cleavable PEG chain to improve its loading within the MSN. The preparation of these particles consisted of four steps. First, CPT-PEG was loaded within the pores of the MSN. Then, dihydrazide polyethylene glycol chains were introduced onto the surface of an aldehyde-functionalized MSN by means of a hydrazone bond. Afterwards, DOX was covalently attached to the other end of the dihydrazide polyethylene glycol chains. Finally, the resulting nanoparticles were decorated with GA by formation of an imine bond between the amino group of DOX and a benzaldehyde-GA derivative. The system was stable at physiological conditions and the release of both drugs was negligible. However, at acidic pH, a burst release of DOX and a gradual release of CPT-PEG takes place. GA-decorated drug delivery systems (DDS) selectively internalizes into HepG2. In vitro tests demonstrated that this system shows a great cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells. Furthermore, glutathione cleavage of CPT prodrug assures the formation of free CPT leading to a synergistic effect in combination with DOX.
Spiritual Decline as a Predictor of Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Crete Abigail , Anderson Micheline , Scalora Suza , Mistur Elisabeth , Fuller Olivia , Miller Lisa
Published: November 2020

Many college students in the United States arrive on campus with exposure to both traumatic events and typical negative life events, as well as varying levels of emotional wellness. One way that students may seek out help is through spiritually supportive wellness programming. The current study examines the prevalence of and relationship between traumatic life events, typical negative life events, and spiritual growth and decline as predictors of posttraumatic stress in a sample of undergraduates (N = 88) seeking spiritually supportive wellness. Traumatic and typical negative life events and spiritual decline were predictive of posttraumatic stress. Furthermore, a moderation effect was found such that while participants with high trauma exposure and high spiritual decline reported the highest posttraumatic stress, those with high trauma exposure and low spiritual decline reported lower posttraumatic stress, similar to those with low trauma exposure. These results have implications for the role of spiritual decline in the etiology of PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) within emerging adult populations who identify as spiritual that warrant further study.
Integration of Microstrip Slot Array Antenna with Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bai Bowen , Zhang Zheng , Li Xiaoping , Sun Chao , Liu Yanming
Published: November 2020

This paper describes the integration of microstrip slot array antennas with dye-sensitized solar cells that can power array antennas at 5.8 GHz, ensuring normal communications. To appraise the antennas, a 2 × 2 circularly polarized microstrip slot array antenna integrated with dye-sensitized solar cells using a stacked design method was analyzed, fabricated and measured. The size of the entire array is 140 mm × 140 mm, where the size of each solar cell is 35 mm × 35 mm. The results show that the effect of the antenna has a slight influence on the output performance of the solar cells, and the interference of the output current of the solar cells to the antenna feeding system is negligible. The gain of the array antenna increases by 0.12 dB and the axial ratio is reduced to 1.50 dB after the integration of dye-sensitized solar cells. The integration saves a lot of space, and has the ability of self-sustaining power generation, thus providing reliable and long-term communication for various communication systems.
Reconstruction of High-Precision Semantic Map
Authors: Tu Xinyuan , Zhang Jian , Luo Runhao , Wang Kai , Zeng Qingji , Zhou Yu , Yu Yao , Du Sidan
Published: November 2020

We present a real-time Truncated Signed Distance Field (TSDF)-based three-dimensional (3D) semantic reconstruction for LiDAR point cloud, which achieves incremental surface reconstruction and highly accurate semantic segmentation. The high-precise 3D semantic reconstruction in real time on LiDAR data is important but challenging. Lighting Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data with high accuracy is massive for 3D reconstruction. We so propose a line-of-sight algorithm to update implicit surface incrementally. Meanwhile, in order to use more semantic information effectively, an online attention-based spatial and temporal feature fusion method is proposed, which is well integrated into the reconstruction system. We implement parallel computation in the reconstruction and semantic fusion process, which achieves real-time performance. We demonstrate our approach on the CARLA dataset, Apollo dataset, and our dataset. When compared with the state-of-art mapping methods, our method has a great advantage in terms of both quality and speed, which meets the needs of robotic mapping and navigation.
Flexibility Services Based on OpenADR Protocol for DSO Level
Authors: Guerrero Alonso Juan Ignacio , Personal Enrique , García Sebastián , Parejo Antonio , Rossi Mansueto , García Antonio , Delfino Federico , Pérez Ricardo , León Carlos
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, Distribution System Operators are increasing the digitalization of their smart grids, making it possible to measure and manage their state at any time. However, with the massive eruption of change-distributed generation (e.g., renewable resources, electric vehicles), the grid operation have become more complex, requiring specific technologies to balance it. In this sense, the demand-side management is one of its techniques; the demand response is a promising approach for providing Flexibility Services (FSs) and complying with the regulatory directives of the energy market. As a solution, this paper proposes the use of the OpenADR (Open Automated Demand Response) standard protocol in combination with a Decentralized Permissioned Market Place (DPMP) based on Blockchain. On one hand, OpenADR hierarchical architecture based on distributed nodes provides communication between stakeholders, adding monitoring and management services. Further, this architecture is compatible with an aggregator schema that guarantees the compliance with the strictest regulatory framework (i.e., European market). On the other hand, DPMP is included at different levels of this architecture, providing a global solution to Flexibility Service Providers (FSP) that can be adapted depending on the regulation of a specific country. As a proof of concept, this paper shows the result of a real experimental case, which implements a Capacity Bidding Program where the OpenADR protocol is used as a communication method to control and monitor energy consumption. In parallel, the proposed DPMP based on Blockchain makes it possible to manage the incentives of FSs, enabling the integration of local and global markets.
Volatile Gas Sensing through Terahertz Pipe Waveguide
Authors: Lu Ja-Yu , You Borwen , Wang Jiun-You , Jhuo Sheng-Syong , Hung Tun-Yao , Yu Chin-Ping
Published: November 2020

Gas sensing to recognize volatile liquids is successfully conducted through pipe-guided terahertz (THz) radiation in a reflective and label-free manner. The hollow core of a pipe waveguide can efficiently deliver the sensing probe of the THz confined waveguide fields to any place where dangerous vapors exist. Target vapors that naturally diffuse from a sample site into the pipe core can be detected based on strong interaction between the probe and analyte. The power variation of the THz reflectance spectrum in response to various types and densities of vapors are characterized experimentally using a glass pipe. The most sensitive THz frequency of the pipe waveguide can recognize vapors with a resolution at a low part-per-million level. The investigation found that the sensitivity of the pipe-waveguide sensing scheme is dependent on the vapor absorption strength, which is strongly related to the molecular amount and properties including the dipole moment and mass of a gas molecule.
A Predictive Effect of Exchange Rates on Value-Added Free Trade
Authors: Choi Myoung Shik
Published: November 2020

The study investigates a predictive exchange rate effect on value-added trade flows on global value chains. We theoretically review the role of exchange rates on international trade based on insular, open, and global value chained economies. This paper empirically confirms a retro forecasting rule of the exchange rate on exports and trade balance using the value-added data for the period from 1995 to 2015. The first result is that real effective exchange rates have predictive elasticity information for the value-added trade flows. The second is that exchange rates have two practical effects on trade flows. The value-added exchange rate hurts the value-added trade balance due to increased intermediate trades, but the exchange rate has a positive effect on the gross trade balance. We would expect that value-added exports with trade balance can be improved in all sample countries when the value-added exchange rate is increasing. The main contribution is further evidence on distinguishing the currency depreciation on the value-added trade from the depreciation on the gross trade to achieve higher growth.