bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Technologies for Improving Storage Efficiency in Blockchain-Based IIoT Applications
Authors: Akrasi-Mensah Nana Kwadwo , Tchao Eric Tutu , Sikora Axel , Agbemenu Andrew Selasi , Nunoo-Mensah Henry , Ahmed Abdul-Rahman , Welte Dominik , Keelson Eliel
Published: August 2022

Since the inception of blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, researchers have been fascinated with the idea of integrating blockchain technology into other fields, such as health and manufacturing. Despite the benefits of blockchain, which include immutability, transparency, and traceability, certain issues that limit its integration with IIoT still linger. One of these prominent problems is the storage inefficiency of the blockchain. Due to the append-only nature of the blockchain, the growth of the blockchain ledger inevitably leads to high storage requirements for blockchain peers. This poses a challenge for its integration with the IIoT, where high volumes of data are generated at a relatively faster rate than in applications such as financial systems. Therefore, there is a need for blockchain architectures that deal effectively with the rapid growth of the blockchain ledger. This paper discusses the problem of storage inefficiency in existing blockchain systems, how this affects their scalability, and the challenges that this poses to their integration with IIoT. This paper explores existing solutions for improving the storage efficiency of blockchain–IIoT systems, classifying these proposed solutions according to their approaches and providing insight into their effectiveness through a detailed comparative analysis and examination of their long-term sustainability. Potential directions for future research on the enhancement of storage efficiency in blockchain–IIoT systems are also discussed.
A Perceptual Encryption-Based Image Communication System for Deep Learning-Based Tuberculosis Diagnosis Using Healthcare Cloud Services
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , Shin Seokjoo
Published: August 2022

Block-based perceptual encryption (PE) algorithms are becoming popular for multimedia data protection because of their low computational demands and format-compliancy with the JPEG standard. In conventional methods, a colored image as an input is a prerequisite to enable smaller block size for better security. However, in domains such as medical image processing, unavailability of color images makes PE methods inadequate for their secure transmission and storage. Therefore, this study proposes a PE method that is applicable for both color and grayscale images. In the proposed method, efficiency is achieved by considering smaller block size in encryption steps that have negligible effect on the compressibility of an image. The analyses have shown that the proposed system offers better security with only 12% more bitrate requirement as opposed to 113% in conventional methods. As an application of the proposed method, we have considered a smart hospital that avails healthcare cloud services to outsource their deep learning (DL) computations and storage needs. The EfficientNetV2-based model is implemented for automatic tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in chest X-ray images. In addition, we have proposed noise-based data augmentation method to address data deficiency in medical image analysis. As a result, the model accuracy was improved by 10%.
An Effective Orchestration for Fingerprint Presentation Attack Detection
Authors: Lee Youn Kyu , Jeong Jongwook , Kang Dongwoo
Published: August 2022

Fingerprint presentation attack detection has become significant due to a wide-spread usage of fingerprint authentication systems. Well-replicated fingerprints easily spoof the authentication systems because their captured images do not differ from those of genuine fingerprints in general. While a number of techniques have focused on fingerprint presentation attack detection, they suffer from inaccuracy in determining the liveness of fingerprints and performance degradation on unknown types of fingerprints. To address existing limitations, we present a robust fingerprint presentation attack detection method that orchestrates different types of neural networks by incorporating a triangular normalization method. Our method has been evaluated on a public benchmark comprising 13,000 images with five different fake materials. The evaluation exhibited our method’s higher accuracy in determining the liveness of fingerprints as well as better generalization performance on different types of fingerprints compared to existing techniques.
Optimised Sliding Mode Control of a Hexacopter: Simulation and Experiments
Authors: Sun Chaoran , Agha Stephen A. , Mohamed Zaharuddin , Shaheed M. Hasan
Published: August 2022

Hexacopters are a kind of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with six actuators and six degrees-of-freedom motions. The control of a hexacopter drone is a critical challenge. This paper presents a nonlinear dynamical model for a hexacopter and complete control approaches based on sliding mode control theory. Furthermore, this study proposed an effective control tuning method based on an optimisation algorithm. The controller has been improved by the grey wolf optimisation (GWO) algorithm, an iteration algorithm inspired by the social hierarchy and hunting behaviour of grey wolves. The improvement of the controller has been verified both experimentally and in simulations. The performance of the sub-controller for an attitude angle was tested in a test bench, and the whole flight controller was tested in simulation hexacopters, which are highly manoeuvrable, nonlinear aerial vehicles with six independent rotors and capacity for vertical take-off and landing. This article presents a derivation of the nonlinear dynamical model for a hexacopter, which includes the aerodynamic drag, and inertia counter torques. Flight control based on sliding mode control theory, which generally shows good performance on nonlinear systems, is developed and implemented. Given the need to simultaneously tune controller parameters, two nature inspired optimisation routines (GWO and PSO) are applied and compared for effectiveness in controller tuning. Results indicate that GWO-based tuning produces superior outcomes in terms of controller performance. This is in addition to the fact that PSO parameters require tuning rather than random selection of algorithm parameters. A reduced-order physical prototype is presented for the validation of the tuning routine on the roll/pitch control. The results indicate good agreement between simulation and experimental outcomes, with about 10.4% improvement in the tracking performance of roll DOF when GWO is applied to tune the controller.
Flexibility as the Key to Stability: Optimization of Temperature and Gas Feed during Downtime towards Effective Integration of Biomethanation in an Intermittent Energy System
Authors: Jønson Brian , Mortensen Lars , Schmidt Jens , Jeppesen Martin , Bastidas-Oyanedel Juan-Rodrigo
Published: August 2022

Biological methanation is the production of CH4 from CO2 and H2. While this approach to carbon capture utilization have been widely researched in the recent years, there is a gap in the technology. The gap is towards the flexibility in biomethanation, utilizing biological trickling filters (BTF). With the current intermittent energy system, electricity is not a given surplus energy which will interfere with a continuous operation of biomethanation and will result in periods of operational downtime. This study investigated the effect of temperature and H2 supply during downtimes, to optimize the time needed to regain initial performance. Short (6 h), medium (24 h) and long (72 h) downtimes were investigated with combinations of three different temperatures and three different flow rates. The results from these 27 experiments showed that with the optimized parameters, it would take 60 min to reach 98.4% CH4 in the product gas for a short downtime, whereas longer downtimes needed 180 min to reach 91.0% CH4. With these results, the flexibility of biomethanation in BTFs have been proven feasible. This study shows that biomethanation in BTFs can be integrated into any intermittent energy system and thereby is a feasible Power-2-X technology.
Repowering a Coal Power Unit with Small Modular Reactors and Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Bartela Łukasz , Gładysz Paweł , Ochmann Jakub , Qvist Staffan , Sancho Lou Martinez
Published: August 2022

In the first months of 2022, there was a sharp turn in the energy policy of the European Union, initially spurred by increasing energy prices and further escalated by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Further transformation of the energy system will likely be accompanied by the gradual abandonment of natural gas from Russia and an increase of renewable and nuclear energy. Such a transition will not only increase energy security, but also accelerate the pace at which greenhouse gas emissions are reduced in Europe. This could be achieved more effectively if some of the new nuclear energy capacity is optimized to play an increased balancing role in the energy system, thus allowing for deeper market penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources with a reduced need for flexible fossil backup power and storage. A double effect of decarbonization can be achieved by investments in nuclear repowering of coal-fired units, with the replacement of coal boiler islands with nuclear reactor systems. Repowered plants, in turn, operate flexibly via integration with thermal energy storage systems using molten salt. This paper presents the results of a technoeconomic analysis for three cases of nuclear repowering of a 460 MW supercritical coal-fired unit in Poland. The first reference case assumes that three reactors are replacing the existing coal boilers, while the second reference leverages two reactors. The third uses two nuclear reactors equipped with a molten salt thermal energy storage system as a buffer for the heat produced by the reactor system. The analysis of the third case demonstrates how the TES system’s capacity varies from 200 to 1200 MWh, highlighting the possibility of obtaining a high degree of flexibility of the nuclear unit due to TES system without significant drops in the efficiency of electricity production. The economic analysis demonstrates that integration with TES systems may be beneficial if the current levels of daily variation in electricity prices are maintained. For current market conditions, the most attractive investment is a case with two reactors and a TES system capacity of 800 MWh; however, with the increasing price volatility, this grows to a larger capacity of 1000 or 1200 MWh.
A Novel Borehole Cataloguing Method Based on a Drilling Process Monitoring (DPM) System
Authors: Guo Peng , Zhang Zhongjian , Wang Xuefan , Yue Zhongqi , Zhang Maosheng
Published: August 2022

Borehole cataloguing is an important task in geological drilling. Traditional manual cataloguing provides the stratification of underground boreholes based on changes in core lithology. This paper proposes a novel borehole cataloguing method using a drilling process monitoring (DPM) system. This DPM cataloguing method stratifies a borehole according to the drilling speed through the rock. A 102 m borehole was drilled and cored in Baota district, Yan’an city, Shaanxi Province, China. The rock-breaking response parameters of the drill bit displacement, drill rod rotation speed and inlet pipe and outlet pipe oil pressures were monitored throughout the drilling process, and the drilling depth-penetration rate curve during the net drilling process was obtained. The changes in drilling speed show that the DPM cataloguing can identify the depths of the layer interfaces of the borehole and describe the stratification. The interface depth values obtained by DPM have little difference from the interface depth values obtained by manual cataloguing, and the errors are between −0.04% and 4.29%. From the DPM stratification results, the engineering quality evaluation of the rock mass can be realized without coring. DPM is fast, convenient, accurate, can greatly improve the efficiency of existing catalogues, and can be applied to scientific research in any underground space. DPM is a measurement-while-drilling technology. According to DPM data, the operating state of a drilling rig and the parameter changes while drilling can be obtained in situ and in real time throughout the drilling process.
A Method for Estimating On-Field Photovoltaics System Efficiency Using Thermal Imaging and Weather Instrument Data and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Chiang Wei-Hsiang , Wu Han-Sheng , Wu Jong-Shinn , Lin Shiow-Jyu
Published: August 2022

A new approach is proposed for estimating the power efficiency of an on-field solar photovoltaics (PV) system using data from thermal imaging and weather instruments obtained using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This method is specifically designed for the non-intrusive detection of the performance of the PV system in a large-scale solar power plant that could be efficient, manpower saving, operationally safe and comprehensive. In this study, a drone instrumented with a radiometer, a thermometer and an anemometer flew at a height of 1.5 m with a maximum lateral flight speed of 3.6 m/s above the PV modules (60 cells each) with hotspots or with aging but without hotspots. The average temperatures of the PV modules were then calculated through the measured radiation intensity, ambient temperature and wind speed based on the published correlation formula. The experimental correlations were obtained by measuring over 60 aging PV modules without hot-spot damage, and the uncertainties of the estimated efficiencies fell between 2% and 5%. Through the use of 20 hot-spot damaged PV modules when the measured temperatures of the cells were in the range of 80–90 °C, it was found that based on the experimental correlationd, their power efficiencies would be lower than 40% if more than eight cells had hot spots in a PV module. By taking this simple measure, the operator can decide which PV module is damaged and should be replaced immediately. By taking such measures, one can reduce the loading effect of solar PV modules adjacent to them because of the low efficiency and high impedance caused by the damage. We believe the new approach developed in this study could be very cost-effective and time-saving for improving the efficiency of power plant operations.
Detection of Cellulose Particles in Transformer Oil Based on Transport of Intensity Equation
Authors: Pan Hao , Xue Liang , Yang Chuankai , Chu Fenghong , Jiang Youhua , Zhu Hongmei , Li Yue , Xin Lei
Published: August 2022

Cellulose particles are among the aging products of the insulating paper that are used in power transformers. Too many cellulose particles can cause transformer accidents. Traditional research and detection methods that are used for this problem generally focus on the number and length information of cellulose particles, and it is usually difficult to quantitatively describe the spatial shape of cellulose particles. However, the shape of cellulose particles is also one of the factors affecting the safety of transformer insulation. In this paper, we successfully extracted quantitative information of the spatial shape of cellulose particles in transformer oil using an image processing technique and the transport of intensity equation, providing a new novel approach for the study and detection of the shape of cellulose particles in transformer oil.
Investigation of Liquid–Gas Flow in a Horizontal Pipeline Using Gamma-Ray Technique and Modified Cross-Correlation
Authors: Hanus Robert , Zych Marcin , Golijanek-Jędrzejczyk Anna
Published: August 2022

This article presents the application of the radioisotope absorption method in the study of two-phase water–air flow in a horizontal pipe. The measurement principle and the test stand are briefly described. The main part of the article presents the signal analysis methods applied to data obtained from scintillation detectors. Because these signals are mostly stochastic waveforms, they were analyzed statistically using the cross-correlation function (CCF), and methods that are a combination of CCF and differential methods: CCF/ASDF and CCF/AMDF, where ASDF is the average square difference function, and AMDF is the average magnitude difference function. Examples of the results of gas phase velocity measurement for four types of flow are presented. It was found that the CCF/ASDF and CCF/AMDF methods allow more accurate results of measurements of the dispersed phase to be obtained than the CCF method.
A π-Phase-Shifted Fiber Bragg Grating Partial Discharge Sensor toward Power Transformers
Authors: Tian Tian , Zhou Xiu , Wang Sihan , Luo Yan , Li Xiuguang , He Ninghui , Ma Yunlong , Liu Weifeng , Shi Rongbin , Ma Guoming
Published: August 2022

Partial discharge (PD) ultrasonic detection is an early sign of the insolation defects of power transformers. The early diagnosis of PD requires the high sensitivity and reliability of ultrasonic sensing systems. For this purpose, a reformative PD ultrasonic sensing system based on phase-shifted FBG (PS-FBG) was demonstrated. By using PS-FBG as the ultrasonic sensing unit, the ultrasonic sensing system improved the response to the ultrasonic signal and overcame the electromagnetic noise. To compensate for the influence of temperature change on the ultrasonic sensing system, an automatic wavelength scanning demodulating method was carried out. The wavelength spanning strategy was optimized based on the principle of cross-correlation, in order to quicken the spanning. A PD detection test in the transformer oil was conducted, and the result shows that PS-FBG was 17.5 times more sensitive than PZT. Because of the better ultrasonic response, the proposed system was able to achieve the early diagnosis of insolation faults in a power transformer.
CSR Ecological Strategies and Functional Traits of the Co-Existing Species along the Succession in the Tropical Lowland Rain Forest
Authors: Wen Yabo , Chen Chen , He Baohui , Lu Xinghui
Published: August 2022

Trait-based approaches to calculate ecological strategy is important for understanding forest succession dynamics. However, the functional traits and ecological strategy change during succession remain poorly understood. We measured key leaf traits and calculated scores for CSR ecological strategy for 13 co-existing species in different successional stages in tropical lowland rain forests. We analyzed the patterns of functional traits and CSR strategies varied along the succession. The relationship between CSR strategy and environmental factors was examined. Our research results are as follows: (1) In older plots, LDMC was generally lower and SLA was generally higher than younger plots with the succession, the functional traits of the successional co-existing tree species changed, and SLA and LDMC showed significant differences. (2) The co-existing tree species’ strategies shifted from S/CS and CS strategies to CS/CSR and CS strategies along the succession. (3) Ecological strategies are linked to different combinations of environmental factors across the four successional stages. Our study suggests that the co-existing tree species in different succession stages of tropical lowland rain forests have a high degree of resistance and a conservative ecological strategy, which is significantly related to canopy openness, soil water content, and soil nutrients.
Hydrogen Peroxide Activated by Biochar-Supported Sulfidated Nano Zerovalent Iron for Removal of Sulfamethazine: Response Surface Method Approach
Authors: Zhang Tiao , Hu Cui , Li Qian , Chen Chuxin , Hu Jianhui , Xiao Xiaoyu , Li Mi , Zou Xiaoming , Huang Liangliang
Published: August 2022

Biochar (BC)-supported sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI/BC) was prepared using the liquid-phase reduction method for the application of the removal of sulfamethazine (SMZ) from water. The reaction conditions were optimized by the Box–Behnken response surface method (RSM). A model was constructed based on the influence factors of the removal rate, i.e., the carbon-to-iron ratio (C/Fe), iron-sulfur ratio (Fe/S), pH, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and the influence of each factor on the removal efficiency was investigated. The optimal removal process parameters were determined based on theoretical and experimental results. The results showed that the removal efficiency was significantly affected by the C/Fe ratio and pH (p < 0.0001) but relatively weakly affected by the Fe/S ratio (p = 0.0973) and H2O2 concentration (p = 0.022). The optimal removal process parameters were as follows: 0.1 mol/L H2O2, a pH of 3.18, a C/Fe ratio of 0.411, and a Fe/S ratio of 59.75. The removal rate of SMZ by S-nZVI/BC was 100% under these conditions. Therefore, it is feasible to use the Box–Behnken RSM to optimize the removal of emerging pollutants in water bodies by S-nZVI/BC.
Government Trust, Environmental Pollution Perception, and Environmental Governance Satisfaction
Authors: Ruan Haibo , Qiu Li , Chen Jun , Liu Shuo , Ma Zhiyuan
Published: August 2022

Environmental governance is related to the healthy living standard of human beings and the sustainable development of an economic society. It is of great significance to explore the influence of government trust and environmental pollution perception on environmental governance satisfaction to improve the performance of government environmental governance. Based on the CSS2019 survey data, 3872 survey samples were statistically analyzed, and the optimal scale regression model was used to analyze the relationship between government trust, environmental pollution perception, and environmental governance satisfaction. The results showed that 52.27% of the respondents believed that the satisfaction of environmental governance was good, and both government trust and environmental pollution perception had significant positive effects on the satisfaction of environmental governance. The trust level of the central government, district and county governments, and township governments shows a “differential government trust” state, which is pyramidal. However, the impact of government trust on environmental governance satisfaction shows an inverted pyramid structure, and the township government has the largest effect, which is not matched with the distribution of government trust level. The influence effect of air pollution perception is relatively large, and the public is sensitive to air pollution. Government trust has an impact on the satisfaction of environmental governance through the “expectation-response” path. People are close to the township government and have the opportunity to contact and interact with the township government and its staff. They can directly observe the governance performance and share the public goods of environmental governance. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the trust level of township governments, strengthen the control of air pollution and improve the township government’s environmental governance ability.
Impact of COVID-19 on 1000 m Running and Pull-Up Performance among College Men Living in China
Authors: Feng Xiaolu , Qiu Jun , Wang Yangyang , Wen Xinyi , Bai Lili , Yu Hongjun
Published: August 2022

Background: This study aimed to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on fitness performance among Chinese college men during the pandemic period and to explore how fitness changed with a different college grade. Methods: We conducted repeated measures of 1000 m running and pull-up testing on students from one university in China before and after the lockdown. A total of 7107 (age 19.21 ± 1.17 yr.) male students who completed the same 1000 m running and pull-up testing in 2019 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Results: The paired t-test result indicates a reduction in 1000 m running and pull-up performance by 10.91% (95% CI = 0.89, 0.95) and 23.89% (95% CI = −0.36, −0.31), respectively. Interestingly, college men in the 2017 grade (the third-year college men) had more decreases than in the 2019 grade (the first-year college men). The 1000 m running performance was decreased by 14.43% and 6.48% in the third- and the first-year college men, respectively. The pull-up performance was decreased by 39.11 % in the third-year college men while increased by 10.98% in the first-year college men. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown reduced 1000 m running and pull-up performances among Chinese college men. The reduction varies by grade and it seems to be particularly seriously decreased for the third-year college men while being modest for the first-year college men. Public policy was urgently needed to improve Chinese college men’s fitness performance after the lockdown.
Model Test Study on the Enhancement of Ecological Self-Repairing Ability of Surface Slope Soil by New Polymer Composites
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhou Cuiying , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2022

Plant-based ecological protection is one of the effective methods to improve the stability of slope soils. However, plants need a stable growth environment and water supply. Although it has been demonstrated that polymer materials can effectively enhance the stability and water retention of soils, their improvement mechanism and long-term effects are yet to be clear. In this paper, we use a new polymer composite material (ADNB), an optimized compound of nano-aqueous binder (NAB) and super absorption resin (SAR), to conduct outdoor model tests to study the effects of different ADNB ratios on soil compactness, biochemical properties, and plant growth at longer time scales, and to explore its action law and mechanism of enhancing the ecological self-repairing ability of surface slope soil. The results show that ADNB can effectively improve the soil structure, increase the compactness of the soil, increase the organic matter content, microbial population and available nutrient content in the soil, thus promoting plant growth. The adsorption and agglomeration effect of the NAB in ADNB on soil particles and its degradation in natural environment can be observed by SEM. In summary, ADNB can not only effectively enhance the ecological self-repairing ability of surface slope soil, but also has good environmental friendliness and can be completely degraded under natural conditions without additional adverse effects on soil and environment.
Mystery(n) Phenotypic Presentation in Europeans: Report of Three Further Novel Missense RNF213 Variants Leading to Severe Syndromic Forms of Moyamoya Angiopathy and Literature Review
Authors: Santoro Claudia , Mirone Giuseppe , Zanobio Mariateresa , Ranucci Giusy , D’Amico Alessandra , Cicala Domenico , Iascone Maria , Bernardo Pia , Piccolo Vincenzo , Ronchi Andrea , Limongelli Giuseppe , Carotenuto Marco , Nigro Vincenzo , Cinalli Giuseppe , Piluso Giulio
Published: August 2022

Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is a rare cerebral vasculopathy in some cases occurring in children. Incidence is higher in East Asia, where the heterozygous p.Arg4810Lys variant in RNF213 (Mysterin) represents the major susceptibility factor. Rare variants in RNF213 have also been found in European MMA patients with incomplete penetrance and are today a recognized susceptibility factor for other cardiovascular disorders, from extracerebral artery stenosis to hypertension. By whole exome sequencing, we identified three rare and previously unreported missense variants of RNF213 in three children with early onset of bilateral MMA, and subsequently extended clinical and radiological investigations to their carrier relatives. Substitutions all involved highly conserved residues clustered in the C-terminal region of RNF213, mainly in the E3 ligase domain. Probands showed a de novo occurring variant, p.Phe4120Leu (family A), a maternally inherited heterozygous variant, p.Ser4118Cys (family B), and a novel heterozygous variant, p.Glu4867Lys, inherited from the mother, in whom it occurred de novo (family C). Patients from families A and C experienced transient hypertransaminasemia and stenosis of extracerebral arteries. Bilateral MMA was present in the proband’s carrier grandfather from family B. The proband from family C and her carrier mother both exhibited annular figurate erythema. Our data confirm that rare heterozygous variants in RNF213 cause MMA in Europeans as well as in East Asian populations, suggesting that substitutions close to positions 4118–4122 and 4867 of RNF213 could lead to a syndromic form of MMA showing elevated aminotransferases and extracerebral vascular involvement, with the possible association of peculiar skin manifestations.
New Insights into Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NETs) Formation from Porcine Neutrophils in Response to Bacterial Infections
Authors: Bonilla Marta C. , Quiros Oriana N. , Wendt Michael , Hennig-Pauka Isabel , Mörgelin Matthias , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , de Buhr Nicole
Published: August 2022

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A.pp, Gram negative) and Streptococcus (S.) suis (Gram positive) can cause severe diseases in pigs. During infection, neutrophils infiltrate to counteract these pathogens with phagocytosis and/or neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs consist of a DNA-backbone spiked with antimicrobial components. The NET formation mechanisms in porcine neutrophils as a response to both of the pathogens are not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether A.pp (serotype 2, C3656/0271/11) and S. suis (serotype 2, strain 10) induce NETs by NADPH oxidase- or CD18-dependent mechanisms and to characterize phenotypes of NETs in porcine neutrophils. Therefore, we investigated NET induction in porcine neutrophils in the presence and absence of NET inhibitors and quantified NETs after 3 h. Furthermore, NETosis and phagocytosis were investigated by transmission electron microscopy after 30 min to characterize different phenotypes. A.pp and S. suis induce NETs that are mainly ROS-dependent. A.pp induces NETs that are partially CD18-dependent. Thirty minutes after infection, both of the pathogens induced a vesicular NET formation with only slight differences. Interestingly, some neutrophils showed only NET-marker positive phagolysosomes, but no NET-marker positive vesicles. Other neutrophils showed vesicular NETs and only NET-marker negative phagolysosomes. In conclusion, both of the pathogens induce ROS-dependent NETs. Vesicular NETosis and phagocytosis occur in parallel in porcine neutrophils in response to S. suis serotype 2 and A.pp serotype 2.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation in Vascular Insulin Resistance and Dysfunction
Authors: Igbekele Aderonke E. , Jia George , Hill Michael A. , Sowers James R. , Jia Guanghong
Published: August 2022

Systemic insulin resistance is characterized by reduced insulin metabolic signaling and glucose intolerance. Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), the principal receptors for the hormone aldosterone, play an important role in regulating renal sodium handling and blood pressure. Recent studies suggest that MRs also exist in tissues outside the kidney, including vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, perivascular adipose tissue, and immune cells. Risk factors, including excessive salt intake/salt sensitivity, hypertension, and obesity, can lead to the activation of vascular MRs to promote inflammation, oxidative stress, remodeling, and fibrosis, as well as cardiovascular stiffening and microcirculatory impairment. These pathophysiological changes are associated with a diminished ability of insulin to initiate appropriate intracellular signaling events, resulting in a reduced glucose uptake within the microcirculation and related vascular insulin resistance. Therefore, the pharmacological inhibition of MR activation provides a potential therapeutic option for improving vascular function, glucose uptake, and vascular insulin sensitivity. This review highlights recent experimental and clinical data that support the contribution of abnormal MR activation to the development of vascular insulin resistance and dysfunction.
Distribution and Localization of Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 in the Mouse Central Nervous System
Authors: Nakadate Kazuhiko , Kawakami Kiyoharu
Published: August 2022

Mahogunin ring finger 1 (MGRN1), an E3 ubiquitin, is involved in several physiological and neuropathological processes. Although mgrn1 mRNA is widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), detailed information on its cellular and subcellular localization is lacking and its physiological role remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the distribution of MGRN1 in the mouse CNS using a newly produced antibody against MGRN1. We found that the MGRN1 protein was expressed in most neuronal cell bodies. An intense MGRN1 expression was also observed in the neuropil of the gray matter in different regions of the CNS, including the main olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, caudate, putamen, thalamic nuclei, hypothalamic nuclei, medial eminence, superior colliculus, hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and spinal cord. Contrastingly, no MGRN1 expression was observed in glial cells. Double fluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic analyses revealed the intracellular distribution of MGRN1 in pre-synapses and near the outer membrane of the mitochondria in neurons. These findings indicate that MGRN1 is more widely expressed throughout the CNS; additionally, the intracellular expression of MGRN1 suggests that it may play an important role in synaptic and mitochondrial functions.
Synthesis and NLRP3-Inflammasome Inhibitory Activity of the Naturally Occurring Velutone F and of Its Non-Natural Regioisomeric Chalconoids
Authors: De Ventura Tiziano , Perrone Mariasole , Missiroli Sonia , Pinton Paolo , Marchetti Paolo , Strazzabosco Giovanni , Turrin Giulia , Illuminati Davide , Cristofori Virginia , Fantinati Anna , Fabbri Martina , Giorgi Carlotta , Trapella Claudio , Zanirato Vinicio
Published: August 2022

Plant-derived remedies rich in chalcone-based compounds have been known for centuries in the treatment of specific diseases, and nowadays, the fascinating chalcone framework is considered a useful and, above all, abundant natural chemotype. Velutone F, a new chalconoid from Millettia velutina, exhibits a potent effect as an NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor; the search for new natural/non-natural lead compounds as NLRP3 inhibitors is a current topical subject in medicinal chemistry. The details of our work toward the synthesis of velutone F and the unknown non-natural regioisomers are herein reported. We used different synthetic strategies both for the construction of the distinctive benzofuran nucleus (BF) and for the key phenylpropenone system (PhP). Importantly, we have disclosed a facile entry to the velutone F via synthetic routes that can also be useful for preparing non-natural analogs, a prerequisite for extensive SAR studies on the new flavonoid class of NLRP3-inhibitors.
Mutation of OsPIN1b by CRISPR/Cas9 Reveals a Role for Auxin Transport in Modulating Rice Architecture and Root Gravitropism
Authors: Wang Huihui , Ouyang Qiqi , Yang Chong , Zhang Zhuoyan , Hou Dianyun , Liu Hao , Xu Huawei
Published: August 2022

The distribution and content of auxin within plant tissues affect a variety of important growth and developmental processes. Polar auxin transport (PAT), mainly mediated by auxin influx and efflux transporters, plays a vital role in determining auxin maxima and gradients in plants. The auxin efflux carrier PIN-FORMED (PIN) family is one of the major protein families involved in PAT. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome possesses 12 OsPIN genes. However, the detailed functions of OsPIN genes involved in regulating the rice architecture and gravity response are less well understood. In the present study, OsPIN1b was disrupted by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and its roles in modulating rice architecture and root gravitropism were investigated. Tissue-specific analysis showed that OsPIN1b was mainly expressed in roots, stems and sheaths at the seedling stage, and the transcript abundance was progressively decreased during the seedling stages. Expression of OsPIN1b could be quickly and greatly induced by NAA, indicating that OsPIN1b played a vital role in PAT. IAA homeostasis was disturbed in ospin1b mutants, as evidenced by the changed sensitivity of shoot and root to NAA and NPA treatment, respectively. Mutation of OsPIN1b resulted in pleiotropic phenotypes, including decreased growth of shoots and primary roots, reduced adventitious root number in rice seedlings, as well as shorter and narrower leaves, increased leaf angle, more tiller number and decreased plant height and panicle length at the late developmental stage. Moreover, ospin1b mutants displayed a curly root phenotype cultured with tap water regardless of lighting conditions, while nutrient solution culture could partially rescue the curly root phenotype in light and almost completely abolish this phenotype in darkness, indicating the involvement of the integration of light and nutrient signals in root gravitropism regulation. Additionally, amyloplast sedimentation was impaired in the peripheral tiers of the ospin1b root cap columella cell, while it was not the main contributor to the abnormal root gravitropism. These data suggest that OsPIN1b not only plays a vital role in regulating rice architecture but also functions in regulating root gravitropism by the integration of light and nutrient signals.
Bio-Based Degradable Poly(ether-ester)s from Melt-Polymerization of Aromatic Ester and Ether Diols
Authors: Djouonkep Lesly , Tchameni Alain , Selabi Naomie , Tamo Arnaud , Doench Ingo , Cheng Zhengzai , Gauthier Mario , Xie Binqiang , Osorio-Madrazo Anayancy
Published: August 2022

Vanillin, as a promising aromatic aldehyde, possesses worthy structural and bioactive properties useful in the design of novel sustainable polymeric materials. Its versatility and structural similarity to terephthalic acid (TPA) can lead to materials with properties similar to conventional poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). In this perspective, a symmetrical dimethylated dialkoxydivanillic diester monomer (DEMV) derived from vanillin was synthesized via a direct-coupling method. Then, a series of poly(ether-ester)s were synthesized via melt-polymerization incorporating mixtures of phenyl/phenyloxy diols (with hydroxyl side-chains in the 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-positions) and a cyclic diol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The polymers obtained had high molecular weights (Mw = 5.3–7.9 × 104 g.mol−1) and polydispersity index (Đ) values of 1.54–2.88. Thermal analysis showed the polymers are semi-crystalline materials with melting temperatures of 204–240 °C, and tunable glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 98–120 °C. Their 5% decomposition temperature (Td,5%) varied from 430–315 °C, which endows the polymers with a broad processing window, owing to their rigid phenyl rings and trans-CHDM groups. These poly(ether-ester)s displayed remarkable impact strength and satisfactory gas barrier properties, due to the insertion of the cyclic alkyl chain moieties. Ultimately, the synergistic influence of the ester and ether bonds provided better control over the behavior and mechanism of in vitro degradation under passive and enzymatic incubation for 90 days. Regarding the morphology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed considerable surface degradation in the polymer matrices of both polymer series, with weight losses reaching up to 35% in enzymatic degradation, which demonstrates the significant influence of ether bonds for biodegradation.
Energy Substrate Transporters in High-Grade Ovarian Cancer: Gene Expression and Clinical Implications
Authors: Baczewska Marta , Supruniuk Elżbieta , Bojczuk Klaudia , Guzik Paweł , Milewska Patrycja , Konończuk Katarzyna , Dobroch Jakub , Chabowski Adrian , Knapp Paweł
Published: August 2022

Ovarian cancer is a non-homogenous malignancy. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common subtype, and its drug resistance mechanisms remain unclear. Despite the advantages of modern pharmacotherapy, high-grade ovarian cancer is associated with a poor prognosis and research into targeted therapies is in progress. The aim of the study was to assess the dominant energy substrate transport mechanism in ovarian cancer cells and to verify whether genomic aberrations could predict clinical outcomes using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Total RNA was extracted from HGSC frozen tissues, and the expression of selected genes was compared to respective controls. GLUT1, FABPpm, MCT4 and SNAT1 genes were significantly overexpressed in carcinomas compared with controls, while expression of CD36/SR-B2, FATP1, FABP4, GLUT4, ASCT2 and LPL was decreased. No differences were found in FATP4, LAT1, MCT1 and FASN. The transcript content of mitochondrial genes such as PGC-1α, TFAM and COX4/1 was similar between groups, while the β-HAD level declined in ovarian cancer. Additionally, the MCT4 level was reduced and PGC-1α was elevated in cancer tissue from patients with ‘small’ primary tumor and omental invasion accompanied by ascites as compared to patients that exhibited greater tendencies to metastasize to lymph nodes with clear omentum. Based on TCGA, higher FABP4 and LPL and lower TFAM expression indicated poorer overall survival in patients with ovarian cancer. In conclusion, the presented data show that there is no exclusive energy substrate in HGSC. However, this study indicates the advantage of glucose and lactate transport over fatty acids, thereby suggesting potential therapeutic intervention targets to impede ovarian cancer growth.
Valorization of Berries’ Agro-Industrial Waste in the Development of Biodegradable Pectin-Based Films for Fresh Salmon (Salmo salar) Shelf-Life Monitoring
Authors: Romero Janira , Cruz Rui M. S. , Díez-Méndez Alexandra , Albertos Irene
Published: August 2022

The healthy properties of berries are known; however, red fruits are very perishable, generating large losses in production and marketing. Nonetheless, these wastes can be revalued and used. The main objective of this study was the development of biodegradable pectin films with berry agro-industrial waste extracts to monitor salmon shelf-life. The obtained extracts from blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries wastes were evaluated in terms of flavonols, phenols and anthocyanins contents, and antioxidant capacity. Then, pectin films with the extracts of different berries were developed and characterized. The results showed that the blueberry extract film was thicker (0.248 mm), darker (L* = 61.42), and opaquer (17.71%), while the highest density (1.477 g/cm3) was shown by the raspberry films. The results also showed that blueberries were the best for further application due to their composition in bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and color change at different pHs. The salmon samples wrapped in blueberry films showed lower values of pH and deterioration of fish during storage compared to the control and pectin samples. This study contributes to the valorization of berries agro-industrial waste by the development of eco-friendly films that can be used in the future as intelligent food packaging materials contributing to the extension of food shelf-life as a sustainable packaging alternative.
Multiple Roles of m6A RNA Modification in Translational Regulation in Cancer
Authors: Fernandez Rodriguez Guillermo , Cesaro Bianca , Fatica Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Despite its discovery in the early 1970s, m6A modification within mRNA molecules has only powerfully entered the oncology field in recent years. This chemical modification can control all aspects of the maturation of mRNAs, both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Thus, the alteration in expression levels of writers, erasers, and readers may significantly contribute to the alteration of gene expression observed in cancer. In particular, the activation of oncogenic pathways can lead to an alteration of the global rate of mRNA translation or the selective translation of specific mRNAs. In both cases, m6A can play an important role. In this review, we highlight the role of m6A in the regulation of translation by focusing on regulatory mechanisms and cancer-related functions of this novel but still controversial field.
Determination of Thrombogenicity Levels of Various Antiphospholipid Antibodies by a Modified Thrombin Generation Assay in Patients with Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Bradáčová Pavla , Slavík Luděk , Skoumalová Adéla , Úlehlová Jana , Kriegová Eva , Manukyan Gayane , Friedecký David , Piskláková Barbora , Ullrychová Jana , Procházková Jana , Hluší Antonín
Published: August 2022

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a hypercoagulable state accompanied by the presence of heterogeneous antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), which nonspecifically affect hemostasis by the presence of lupus anticoagulans (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), antibodies against β2-glycoprotein-I (anti-β2GPI), but also non-criteria antibodies such as antibodies against β2-glycoprotein-I domain I (anti-DI), anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin (anti-PS/PT), anti-annexin V, and many others. The main target of the antibodies is the activated protein C (APC) system, the elimination of which can manifest itself as a thrombotic complication. The aim of this study was to determine the thrombogenicity of antibodies using a modified protein C-activated thrombin generation assay (TGA) on a group of 175 samples suspected of APS. TGA was measured with/without APC and the ratio of both measurements was evaluated (as for APC resistance), where a cut-off was calculated ≤4.5 (90th percentile) using 21 patients with heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation (FV Leiden heterozygous). Our study demonstrates the well-known fact that multiple positivity of different aPLs is a more severe risk for thrombosis than single positivity. Of the single antibody positivity, LA antibodies are the most serious (p value < 0.01), followed by aCL and their subgroup anti-DI (p value < 0.05). Non-criteria antibodies anti-annexin V and anti-PT/PS has a similar frequency occurrence of thrombogenicity as LA antibodies but without statistical significance or anti-β2GPI1 positivity. The modified TGA test can help us identify patients in all groups who are also at risk for recurrent thrombotic and pregnancy complications; thus, long-term prophylactic treatment is appropriate. For this reason, it is proving increasingly beneficial to include the determination antibodies in combination with modified TGA test.
Glutamatergic and N-Acetylaspartate Metabolites in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Chabert Jonathan , Allauze Etienne , Pereira Bruno , Chassain Carine , De Chazeron Ingrid , Rotgé Jean-Yves , Fossati Philippe , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Samalin Ludovic
Published: August 2022

The exact neurobiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder (BD) remain unknown. However, some neurometabolites could be implicated, including Glutamate (Glu), Glutamine (Gln), Glx, and N-acetylaspartate (NAA). Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) allows one to quantify these metabolites in the human brain. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to compare their levels between BD patients and healthy controls (HC). The main inclusion criteria for inclusion were 1H-MRS studies comparing levels of Glu, Gln, Glx, and NAA in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and hippocampi between patients with BD in clinical remission or a major depressive episode and HC. Thirty-three studies were included. NAA levels were significantly lower in the left white matter PFC (wmPFC) of depressive and remitted BD patients compared to controls and were also significantly higher in the left dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) of depressive BD patients compared to HC. Gln levels were significantly higher in the ACC of remitted BD patients compared to in HC. The decreased levels of NAA of BD patients may be related to the alterations in neuroplasticity and synaptic plasticity found in BD patients and may explain the deep white matter hyperintensities frequently observed via magnetic resonance imagery.