bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hibernation as a Tool for Radiation Protection in Space Exploration
Authors: Puspitasari Anggraeini , Cerri Matteo , Takahashi Akihisa , Yoshida Yukari , Hanamura Kenji , Tinganelli Walter
Published: January 2021

With new and advanced technology, human exploration has reached outside of the Earth’s boundaries. There are plans for reaching Mars and the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and even to build a permanent base on the Moon. However, human beings have evolved on Earth with levels of gravity and radiation that are very different from those that we have to face in space. These issues seem to pose a significant limitation on exploration. Although there are plausible solutions for problems related to the lack of gravity, it is still unclear how to address the radiation problem. Several solutions have been proposed, such as passive or active shielding or the use of specific drugs that could reduce the effects of radiation. Recently, a method that reproduces a mechanism similar to hibernation or torpor, known as synthetic torpor, has started to become possible. Several studies show that hibernators are resistant to acute high-dose-rate radiation exposure. However, the underlying mechanism of how this occurs remains unclear, and further investigation is needed. Whether synthetic hibernation will also protect from the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure is currently unknown. Hibernators can modulate their neuronal firing, adjust their cardiovascular function, regulate their body temperature, preserve their muscles during prolonged inactivity, regulate their immune system, and most importantly, increase their radioresistance during the inactive period. According to recent studies, synthetic hibernation, just like natural hibernation, could mitigate radiation-induced toxicity. In this review, we see what artificial hibernation is and how it could help the next generation of astronauts in future interplanetary missions.
The Core of Gut Life: Firmicutes Profile in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kozhieva Madina , Naumova Natalia , Alikina Tatiana , Boyko Alexey , Vlassov Valentin , Kabilov Marsel R.
Published: January 2021

The multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence rate has been increasing in Russia, but the information about the gut bacteriobiome in the MS-afflicted patients is scarce. Using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, we aimed to analyze the Firmicutes phylum and its taxa in a cohort of Moscow patients with relapsing-remitting MS, assessing the effects of age, BMI, disease modifying therapy (DMT), disability (EDSS), and gender. Among 1252 identified bacterial OTUs, 857 represented Firmicutes. The phylum was the most abundant also in sequence reads, overall averaging 74 ± 13%. The general linear model (GLM) analysis implicated Firmicutes/Clostridia/Clostridiales/Lachospiraceae/Blautia/Blautia wexlerae as increasing with BMI, and only Lachospiraceae/Blautia/Blautia wexlerae as increasing with age. A marked DMT-related decrease in Firmicutes was observed in females at the phylum, class (Clostridia), and order (Clostridiales) levels. The results of our study implicate DMT and gender as factors shaping the fecal Firmicutes assemblages. Together with the gender-dependent differential MS incidence growth rate in the country, the results suggest the likely involvement of gender-specific pathoecological mechanisms underlying the occurrence of the disease, switching between its phenotypes and response to disease-modifying therapies. Overall, the presented profile of Firmicutes can be used as a reference for more detailed research aimed at elucidating the contribution of this core phylum and its lower taxa into the etiology and progression of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Resource Allocation Effect of Green Credit Policy: Based on DID Model
Authors: Zhou Guangyou , Liu Chen , Luo Sumei
Published: January 2021

From the perspective of the policy impact effect, this paper takes green enterprises as the treatment group and polluters as the control group. Firstly, the double difference method (DID) was adopted to study the effect of green credit policy on enterprises from two aspects, namely the amount of loans obtained by enterprises and the financing cost. The study found that in terms of loan volume, the launch of “Green Credit Guidelines” enabled green enterprises to obtain more credit resources than polluters. In terms of financing cost, green credit policy means green enterprises obtain lower financing cost than polluters. The triple difference method is further used to test the impact of green Credit Guidelines on the access to credit resources and financing costs of enterprises. The results show that for enterprises with different property rights, the effect of green credit policy on non-state-owned enterprises is more significant than that of state-owned enterprises. For enterprises in different regions, the policy effect of green credit policy on enterprises in regions with relatively backward economic development levels is more significant than that of enterprises in regions with relatively developed economic development level. From the empirical results, the policy basically realized the original intention of directing credit resources to green enterprises and realized the Pareto improvement of financial resource allocation.
Transferable Utility Cooperative Differential Games with Continuous Updating Using Pontryagin Maximum Principle
Authors: Zhou Jiangjing , Tur Anna , Petrosian Ovanes , Gao Hongwei
Published: January 2021

We consider a class of cooperative differential games with continuous updating making use of the Pontryagin maximum principle. It is assumed that at each moment, players have or use information about the game structure defined in a closed time interval of a fixed duration. Over time, information about the game structure will be updated. The subject of the current paper is to construct players’ cooperative strategies, their cooperative trajectory, the characteristic function, and the cooperative solution for this class of differential games with continuous updating, particularly by using Pontryagin’s maximum principle as the optimality conditions. In order to demonstrate this method’s novelty, we propose to compare cooperative strategies, trajectories, characteristic functions, and corresponding Shapley values for a classic (initial) differential game and a differential game with continuous updating. Our approach provides a means of more profound modeling of conflict controlled processes. In a particular example, we demonstrate that players’ behavior is braver at the beginning of the game with continuous updating because they lack the information for the whole game, and they are “intrinsically time-inconsistent”. In contrast, in the initial model, the players are more cautious, which implies they dare not emit too much pollution at first.
Impacts of Green Synthesis Process on Asymmetric Hybrid PDMS Membrane for Efficient CO2/N2 Separation
Authors: Zhuang Guo-Liang , Wu Chao-Fong , Wey Ming-Yen , Tseng Hui-Hsin
Published: January 2021

The effects of green processes in hybrid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes on CO2 separation have received little attention to date. The effective CO2 separation of the membranes is believed to be controlled by the reaction and curing process. In this study, hybrid PDMS membranes were fabricated on ceramic substrates using the water-in-emulsion method and evaluated for their gas transport properties. The effects of the tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) concentration and curing temperature on the morphology and CO2 separation performance were investigated. The viscosity measurement showed that, at specific reaction times, it is benefit beneficial to fabricate the symmetric hybrid PDMS membranes with a uniform and dense selective layer on the substrate. Moreover, the a high TEOS concentration can decrease the reaction time and obtain create the a fully crosslinked structure, allowing more efficient CO2/N2 separation. The separation performance was furtherly improved with in the membrane prepared at a high curing temperature of 120 °C. The developed membrane shows excellent CO2/N2 separation with a CO2 permeance of 27.7 ± 1.3 GPU and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 10.3 ± 0.3. Moreover, the membrane shows a stable gas separation performance of up to 5 bar of pressure.
Application of Silver-Loaded Composite Track-Etched Membranes for Photocatalytic Decomposition of Methylene Blue under Visible Light
Authors: Mashentseva Anastassiya A. , Barsbay Murat , Aimanova Nurgulim A. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: January 2021

In this study, the use of composite track-etched membranes (TeMs) based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and electrolessly deposited silver microtubes (MTs) for the decomposition of toxic phenothiazine cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), under visible light was investigated. The structure and composition of the composite membranes were elucidated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction technique. Under visible light irradiation, composite membrane with embedded silver MTs (Ag/PET) displayed high photocatalytic efficiency. The effects of various parameters such as initial dye concentration, temperature, and sample exposure time on the photocatalytic degradation process were studied. The decomposition reaction of MB was found to follow the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism and a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The degradation kinetics of MB accelerated with increasing temperature and activation energy, Ea, was calculated to be 20.6 kJ/mol. The reusability of the catalyst was also investigated for 11 consecutive runs without any activation and regeneration procedures. The Ag/PET composite performed at high degradation efficiency of over 68% after 11 consecutive uses.
Imperfections and Modelling of the Weld Bead Profile of Laser Butt Joints in HSLA Steel Thin Plate
Authors: Riofrío Patricio G. , Ferreira José A. M. , Capela Carlos A.
Published: January 2021

In many applications that use high strength steels, structural integrity depends greatly on weld quality. Imperfections and the weld bead geometry are influencing factors on mechanical properties of the welded joints but, especially in the fatigue strength, they cause a great decrease. The proper knowledge of these two factors is important from the nominal stress approach to the fracture mechanics approaches. Studies concerning the profile and imperfections of the weld bead in laser welding for thin plates of high strength steels are scarce. In this work, these two aspects are covered for five series single and double-welded joints, butt joints in a 3 mm thick HSLA steel, welded in a small range of welding parameters. The actual profiles captured with profilometer were modeled with proposed geometric parameters achieving an adequate fit with values of the coefficient of determination ℜ2 greater than 0.9000. Description of imperfections includes the distributions of porosity and undercuts. The evaluation of the weld quality, taking as guide the ISO 13919-1 standard determined B and D levels for the welded series while based on the stress-concentrating effect, showed a greater detriment in those series with undercuts and excessive penetration. The analysis of variance validated the results of the different combinations of laser welding parameters and showed, for the factorial experimental design, a more significant effect of the welding speed.
Overcoming Strength-Ductility Trade-Off at Cryogenic Temperature of Low Carbon Low Alloy Steel via Controlling Retained Austenite Stability
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Xie Zhenjia , Shang Chengjia , Han Gang
Published: January 2021

Stress–strain behavior of a low carbon low alloy multiphase steel with ferrite, tempered bainite, and retained austenite was studied at different cryogenic temperatures. Results indicated that both strength and ductility were enhanced with decreasing tensile testing temperature. The enhancement of both strength and ductility was attributed to the decreased mechanical stability of retained austenite with decreasing temperature, resulting in sufficient transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) effect for increasing work hardening rate.
Performance of a Four-Antigen Staphylococcus aureus Vaccine in Preclinical Models of Invasive S. aureus Disease
Authors: Scully Ingrid L. , Timofeyeva Yekaterina , Illenberger Arthur , Lu Peimin , Liberator Paul A. , Jansen Kathrin U. , Anderson Annaliesa S.
Published: January 2021

A Staphylococcus aureus four-antigen vaccine (SA4Ag) was designed for the prevention of invasive disease in surgical patients. The vaccine is composed of capsular polysaccharide type 5 and type 8 CRM197 conjugates, a clumping factor A mutant (Y338A-ClfA) and manganese transporter subunit C (MntC). S. aureus pathogenicity is characterized by an ability to rapidly adapt to the host environment during infection, which can progress from a local infection to sepsis and invasion of distant organs. To test the protective capacity of the SA4Ag vaccine against progressive disease stages of an invasive S. aureus infection, a deep tissue infection mouse model, a bacteremia mouse model, a pyelonephritis model, and a rat model of infectious endocarditis were utilized. SA4Ag vaccination significantly reduced the bacterial burden in deep tissue infection, in bacteremia, and in the pyelonephritis model. Complete prevention of infection was demonstrated in a clinically relevant endocarditis model. Unfortunately, these positive preclinical findings with SA4Ag did not prove the clinical utility of SA4Ag in the prevention of surgery-associated invasive S. aureus infection.
Radiochemistry, Production Processes, Labeling Methods, and ImmunoPET Imaging Pharmaceuticals of Iodine-124
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Ghosh Arijit
Published: January 2021

Target-specific biomolecules, monoclonal antibodies (mAb), proteins, and protein fragments are known to have high specificity and affinity for receptors associated with tumors and other pathological conditions. However, the large biomolecules have relatively intermediate to long circulation half-lives (>day) and tumor localization times. Combining superior target specificity of mAbs and high sensitivity and resolution of the PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging technique has created a paradigm-shifting imaging modality, ImmunoPET. In addition to metallic PET radionuclides, 124I is an attractive radionuclide for radiolabeling of mAbs as potential immunoPET imaging pharmaceuticals due to its physical properties (decay characteristics and half-life), easy and routine production by cyclotrons, and well-established methodologies for radioiodination. The objective of this report is to provide a comprehensive review of the physical properties of iodine and iodine radionuclides, production processes of 124I, various 124I-labeling methodologies for large biomolecules, mAbs, and the development of 124I-labeled immunoPET imaging pharmaceuticals for various cancer targets in preclinical and clinical environments. A summary of several production processes, including 123Te(d,n)124I, 124Te(d,2n)124I, 121Sb(α,n)124I, 123Sb(α,3n)124I, 123Sb(3He,2n)124I, natSb(α, xn)124I, natSb(3He,n)124I reactions, a detailed overview of the 124Te(p,n)124I reaction (including target selection, preparation, processing, and recovery of 124I), and a fully automated process that can be scaled up for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) production of large quantities of 124I is provided. Direct, using inorganic and organic oxidizing agents and enzyme catalysis, and indirect, using prosthetic groups, 124I-labeling techniques have been discussed. Significant research has been conducted, in more than the last two decades, in the development of 124I-labeled immunoPET imaging pharmaceuticals for target-specific cancer detection. Details of preclinical and clinical evaluations of the potential 124I-labeled immunoPET imaging pharmaceuticals are described here.
Study of Piezoresistive Behavior of Smart Cement Filled with Graphene Oxide
Authors: Guo Rongxin , Suo Yuxia , Xia Haiting , Yang Yang , Ma Qianmin , Yan Feng
Published: January 2021

A cement-based piezoelectric composite, modified by graphene oxide (GO), was prepared to study piezoresistive capacity. The testing confirms that GO is more effective than other carbon nanomaterials at improving piezoresistive sensitivity of cement-based composites, because the content of GO in cement paste was much lower than other carbon nanomaterials used in previously published research. Further investigation indicates that the addition of GO significantly improved the stability and repeatability for piezoresistive capacity of cement paste under cycle loads. Based on experiment results, the piezoresistive sensitivity of this composite depended on GO content, water-to-cement weight ratio (w/c) and water-loss rate, since the highest piezoresistive gauge factor value (GF = 35) was obtained when GO content was 0.05 wt.%, w/c was 0.35 and water-loss rate was 3%. Finally, microstructure analysis confirmed that conductivity and piezoresistivity were achieved through a tunneling effect and by contacting conduction that caused deformation of GO networks in the cement matrix.
Theoretical Analysis of Terahertz Dielectric–Loaded Graphene Waveguide
Authors: Teng Da , Wang Kai
Published: January 2021

The waveguiding of terahertz surface plasmons by a GaAs strip-loaded graphene waveguide is investigated based on the effective-index method and the finite element method. Modal properties of the effective mode index, modal loss, and cut-off characteristics of higher order modes are investigated. By modulating the Fermi level, the modal properties of the fundamental mode could be adjusted. The accuracy of the effective-index method is verified by a comparison between the analytical results and numerical simulations. Besides the modal properties, the crosstalk between the adjacent waveguides, which determines the device integration density, is studied. The findings show that the effective-index method is highly valid for analyzing dielectric-loaded graphene plasmon waveguides in the terahertz region and may have potential applications in subwavelength tunable integrated photonic devices.
Determination of Cobalt Spin-Diffusion Length in Co/Cu Multilayered Heterojunction Nanocylinders Based on Valet–Fert Model
Authors: Mizoguchi Saeko , Hayashida Masamitsu , Ohgai Takeshi
Published: January 2021

Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) nanochannels of diameter, D, of ~50 nm and length, L, of ~60 µm (L/D: approx. 1200 in the aspect ratio), were synthesized and applied as an electrode for the electrochemical growth of Co/Cu multilayered heterojunction nanocylinders. We synthesized numerous Co/Cu multilayered nanocylinders by applying a rectangular pulsed potential deposition method. The Co layer thickness, tCo, ranged from ~8 to 27 nm, and it strongly depended on the pulsed-potential condition for Co layers, ECo. The Cu layer thickness, tCu, was kept at less than 4 nm regardless of ECo. We applied an electrochemical in situ contact technique to connect a Co/Cu multilayered nanocylinder with a sputter-deposited Au thin layer. Current perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) effect reached up to ~23% in a Co/Cu multilayered nanocylinder with ~4760 Co/Cu bilayers (tCu: 4 nm and tCo: 8.6 nm). With a decrease in tCo, (ΔR/Rp)−1 was linearly reduced based on the Valet–Fert equation under the condition of tF > lFsf and tN < lNsf. The cobalt spin-diffusion length, lCosf, was estimated to be ~12.5 nm.
Effects of High Glucose and Lipotoxicity on Diabetic Podocytes
Authors: Nakamichi Ran , Hayashi Kaori , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Glomerular podocytes are highly differentiated cells that cover glomerular capillaries from the outside and have a characteristic morphology with numerous foot processes. The formation of slit membranes between the foot processes serves as a final filtration barrier for urine filtration from the blood. Podocyte damage causes disruption of the slit membrane, subsequent proteinuria and finally glomerulosclerosis, which is a common pathway in various types of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent years, there has been an increase in diabetes, due to rapid lifestyle changes, which is the main cause of CKD. Therefore, understanding the effect of diabetic status on podocytes is of great importance to establish a strategy for preventing CKD progression. In this review, we summarize altered glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic podocytes and also discuss the reversibility of the changes in podocyte phenotype.
Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Predicting Macrolide and Tetracycline Resistance Associated with Bacterial Pathogens of Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Dutta Enakshy , Loy John Dustin , Deal Caitlyn A. , Wynn Emily L. , Clawson Michael L. , Clarke Jennifer , Wang Bing
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an emerging concern that may threaten both animal and public health. Rapid and accurate detection of AMR is essential for prudent drug therapy selection during BRD outbreaks. This study aimed to develop a multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR) to provide culture-independent information regarding the phenotypic AMR status of BRD cases and an alternative to the gold-standard, culture-dependent test. Bovine clinical samples (297 lung and 111 nasal) collected in Nebraska were subjected to qPCR quantification of macrolide (MAC) and tetracycline (TET) resistance genes and gold-standard determinations of AMR of BRD pathogens. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to classify AMR based on the qPCR results. For lung tissues, the qPCR method showed good agreement with the gold-standard test for both MACs and TETs, with a sensitivity of 67–81% and a specificity higher than 80%. For nasal swabs, qPCR results passed validation criteria only for TET resistance detection, with a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 80% and moderate agreement. The culture-independent assay developed here provides the potential for more rapid AMR characterization of BRD cases directly from clinical samples at equivalent accuracy and higher time efficiency compared with the gold-standard, culture-based test.
Red Blood Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Tedizolid Phosphate-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Bacterial-Infection Therapy
Authors: Wu Xinyi , Li Yichen , Raza Faisal , Wang Xuerui , Zhang Shulei , Rong Ruonan , Qiu Mingfeng , Su Jing
Published: January 2021

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) in bacterial infections is developed with the abuse of antibiotics, posing a severe threat to global health. Tedizolid phosphate (TR-701) is an efficient prodrug of tedizolid (TR-700) against gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Herein, a novel drug delivery system: Red blood cell membrane (RBCM) coated TR-701-loaded polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) nanoparticles (RBCM-PLGA-TR-701NPs, RPTR-701Ns) was proposed. The RPTR-701Ns possessed a double-layer core-shell structure with 192.50 ± 5.85 nm in size, an average encapsulation efficiency of 36.63% and a 48 h-sustained release in vitro. Superior bio-compatibility was confirmed with red blood cells (RBCs) and HEK 293 cells. Due to the RBCM coating, RPTR-701Ns on one hand significantly reduced phagocytosis by RAW 264.7 cells as compared to PTR-701Ns, showing an immune escape effect. On the other hand, RPTR-701Ns had an advanced exotoxins neutralization ability, which helped reduce the damage of MRSA exotoxins to RBCs by 17.13%. Furthermore, excellent in vivo bacteria elimination and promoted wound healing were observed of RPTR-701Ns with a MRSA-infected mice model without causing toxicity. In summary, the novel delivery system provides a synergistic antibacterial treatment of both sustained release and bacterial toxins absorption, facilitating the incorporation of TR-701 into modern nanotechnology.
Peptides and Dendrimers: How to Combat Viral and Bacterial Infections
Authors: Falanga Annarita , Del Genio Valentina , Galdiero Stefania
Published: January 2021

The alarming growth of antimicrobial resistance and recent viral pandemic events have enhanced the need for novel approaches through innovative agents that are mainly able to attach to the external layers of bacteria and viruses, causing permanent damage. Antimicrobial molecules are potent broad-spectrum agents with a high potential as novel therapeutics. In this context, antimicrobial peptides, cell penetrating peptides, and antiviral peptides play a major role, and have been suggested as promising solutions. Furthermore, dendrimers are to be considered as suitable macromolecules for the development of advanced nanosystems that are able to complement the typical properties of dendrimers with those of peptides. This review focuses on the description of nanoplatforms constructed with peptides and dendrimers, and their applications.
Uptake of Polyelectrolyte Functionalized Upconversion Nanoparticles by Tau-Aggregated Neuron Cells
Authors: Song Yo Han , De Ranjit , Lee Kang Taek
Published: January 2021

Tauopathy is the aggregation phenomenon of tau proteins and associated with neurodegenerative diseases. It metastasizes via the transfer of tau aggregates to adjacent neuron cells; however, the mechanism has not yet been fully understood. Moreover, if the materials used for designing drug delivery system to treat such neurodegenerative diseases do not undergo biodegradation or exocytosis but remains in cells or tissues, they raise concerns about their possible negative impacts. In this study, the uptake and delivery mechanisms of nano-sized carriers in tau aggregated neuron cells were investigated employing polyelectrolyte-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) of diameter ~100 nm. Investigation through bioimaging was carried out by irradiating the particles with near-infrared light. Here, forskolin and okadaic acid were employed to induce tau aggregation into healthy neuron cells. It was noticed that the tau-aggregated neuron cells, when treated with relatively large sized UCNPs, showed uptake efficiency similar to that of normal neuron cells however their intracellular transport and exocytosis were impacted, and most of the carriers remained accumulated around lysosome. This demonstrates that metastasis mechanisms of tauopathy can get influenced by the size of carriers and are to be considered during their pharmacokinetic studies which is often not addressed in many drug delivery studies.
Therapeutic Approaches for Metastases from Colorectal Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Quiroz-Reyes Adriana G. , Islas Jose F. , Delgado-Gonzalez Paulina , Franco-Villarreal Hector , Garza-Treviño Elsa N.
Published: January 2021

Metastasis is the process of dissemination of a tumor, whereby cells from the primary site dislodge and find their way to other tissues where secondary tumors establish. Metastasis is the primary cause of death related to cancer. This process warrants changes in original tumoral cells and their microenvironment to establish a metastatic niche. Traditionally, cancer therapy has focused on metastasis prevention by systematic treatments or direct surgical re-sectioning. However, metastasis can still occur. More recently, new therapies direct their attention to targeting cancer stem cells. As they propose, these cells could be the orchestrators of the metastatic niche. In this review, we describe conventional and novel developments in cancer therapeutics for liver and lung metastasis. We further discuss the resistance mechanisms of targeted therapy, the advantages, and disadvantages of diverse treatment approaches, and future novel strategies to enhance cancer prognosis.
Haplotype- and SNP-Based GWAS for Growth and Wood Quality Traits in Eucalyptus cladocalyx Trees under Arid Conditions
Authors: Valenzuela Camilo E. , Ballesta Paulina , Ahmar Sunny , Fiaz Sajid , Heidari Parviz , Maldonado Carlos , Mora-Poblete Freddy
Published: January 2021

The agricultural and forestry productivity of Mediterranean ecosystems is strongly threatened by the adverse effects of climate change, including an increase in severe droughts and changes in rainfall distribution. In the present study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype blocks associated with the growth and wood quality of Eucalyptus cladocalyx, a tree species suitable for low-rainfall sites. The study was conducted in a progeny-provenance trial established in an arid site with Mediterranean patterns located in the southern Atacama Desert, Chile. A total of 87 SNPs and 3 haplotype blocks were significantly associated with the 6 traits under study (tree height, diameter at breast height, slenderness coefficient, first bifurcation height, stem straightness, and pilodyn penetration). In addition, 11 loci were identified as pleiotropic through Bayesian multivariate regression and were mainly associated with wood hardness, height, and diameter. In general, the GWAS revealed associations with genes related to primary metabolism and biosynthesis of cell wall components. Additionally, associations coinciding with stress response genes, such as GEM-related 5 and prohibitin-3, were detected. The findings of this study provide valuable information regarding genetic control of morphological traits related to adaptation to arid environments.
Anti-Aging Potential of Extracts from Washingtonia filifera Seeds
Authors: Era Benedetta , Floris Sonia , Sogos Valeria , Porcedda Clara , Piras Alessandra , Medda Rosaria , Fais Antonella , Pintus Francesca
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to test the inhibitory effect of fruit extracts from Washingtonia filifera on skin aging-related enzymes. The pulp extracts did not exert a significant enzyme inhibition while seed extracts from W. filifera exhibit anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. Tyrosinase was mildly inhibited while a stronger effect was observed with respect to elastase and collagenase inhibition. Alcoholic extracts provided better results than aqueous extracts. Among them, methanol extracts showed the prominent enzyme inhibitory activities being IC50 value for elastase and collagenase comparable and even better than the reference compound. The inhibition mode of the most active extracts was investigated by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis. Seed extracts from W. filifera were also investigated for their photo-protective effect by Mansur equation and the antioxidant activity of W. filifera extract was evaluated in oxidative-stressed cells. To evaluate the safety of the extract, the effect on cell viability of human keratinocytes cells was analyzed. Methanol extract presented the best photo-protective effect and exerted an antioxidant activity in a cellular system with no cytotoxic effect. The overall results demonstrate that W. filifera extracts are promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparation.
Functionalization of an Alginate-Based Material by Oxidation and Reductive Amination
Authors: Huamani-Palomino Ronny G. , Córdova Bryan M. , Pichilingue L. Elvis Renzo , Venâncio Tiago , Valderrama Ana C.
Published: January 2021

This research focused on the synthesis of a functional alginate-based material via chemical modification processes with two steps: oxidation and reductive amination. In previous alginate functionalization with a target molecule such as cysteine, the starting material was purified and characterized by UV-Vis, 1H-NMR and HSQC. Additionally, the application of FT-IR techniques during each step of alginate functionalization was very useful, since new bands and spiked signals around the pyranose ring (1200–1000 cm−1) and anomeric region (1000–750 cm−1) region were identified by a second derivative. Additionally, the presence of C1-H1 of β-D-mannuronic acid residue as well as C1-H1 of α-L-guluronic acid residue was observed in the FT-IR spectra, including a band at 858 cm−1 with characteristics of the N-H moiety from cysteine. The possibility of attaching cysteine molecules to an alginate backbone by oxidation and post-reductive amination processes was confirmed through 13C-NMR in solid state; a new peak at 99.2 ppm was observed, owing to a hemiacetal group formed in oxidation alginate. Further, the peak at 31.2 ppm demonstrates the presence of carbon -CH2-SH in functionalized alginate—clear evidence that cysteine was successfully attached to the alginate backbone, with 185 μmol of thiol groups per gram polymer estimated in alginate-based material by UV-Visible. Finally, it was observed that guluronic acid residue of alginate are preferentially more affected than mannuronic acid residue in the functionalization.
Functionalization of Woven Fabrics with PBT Yarns
Authors: Kostajnšek Klara , Dimitrovski Krste , Kadoğlu Hüseyin , Çelik Pinar , Başal Bayraktar Güldemet , Bedez Üte Tuba , Duran Deniz , Ertekin Mustafa , Demšar Andrej , Bizjak Matejka
Published: January 2021

Elasticity and recovery are important for clothing comfort, especially in the manufacture of apparel and sportswear. Recently, yarns containing PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), which are able to develop good elastic properties with high recovery after a finishing process (e.g., thermal treatment), have been used for this purpose. The aim of this work is to give a comprehensive overview of the use of PBT yarns in woven structure, with the aim of improving the elastic properties of cotton-like fabrics. The experimental part was divided into three main sequences to investigate the fabric properties (physical, elastic, UPF, comfort) influenced by (1) PBT-containing yarn structure, (2) weave and fabric structure (basic weaves and complex weaves) with PBT in weft direction, and (3) processing sequence—thermal treatment of PBT yarns or fabrics after weaving. According to the results, PBT-containing yarns have great potential for the production of lightweight elastic fabrics. The advantages of improving the elastic properties of fabrics by incorporating a relatively small amount of PBT yarns into the fabric only in certain areas, thereby minimally affecting the production costs, are demonstrated by a product with partially elastic areas obtained after thermal treatment.
Uniaxial Tensile Creep Behavior of Epoxy-Based Polymer Using Molecular Simulation
Authors: Li Xueliang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Jianzhong , Huang Li , Lv Yong
Published: January 2021

Based on the all-atomic molecular dynamics simulation method, the tensile creep behavior of epoxy-based polymer was discussed. The physical and mechanical properties of the model were characterized, such as glass transition temperature and yield strength. The simulation results are very close to the previous simulation and experimental results, and the correctness of the model is verified. On this basis, the tensile creep behavior and free volume evolution of polymer epoxy resin at different temperatures and stress levels were studied. The model fully predicted the three classical stages of epoxy resin creep (the primary, secondary and tertiary) and the dependent behavior of epoxy resin creep on temperature and stress level at the molecular level, and the creep rate increases with the increase of temperature and stress level. It was found that with the progress of the creep process, the proportion of free volume increases gradually under high stress levels, indicating that the effect of creep behavior on the structure of epoxy resin is that the interaction between atoms becomes weaker and weaker by increasing the distance between atoms, which finally induces creep failure in the material.
Promoting Interfacial Interactions with the Addition of Lignin in Poly(Lactic Acid) Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Patanair Bindu , Saiter-Fourcin Allisson , Thomas Sabu , Thomas Martin George , Parathukkamparambil Pundarikashan Poornima , Gopalan Nair Kalaprasad , Kumar Varsha Krishna , Maria Hanna J. , Delpouve Nicolas
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the calorimetric response of the amorphous phase was examined in hybrid nanocomposites which were prepared thanks to a facile synthetic route, by adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO), Cloisite 30B (C30B), or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to lignin-filled poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The dispersion of both lignin and nanofillers was successful, according to a field-emission scanning-electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. Lignin alone essentially acted as a crystallization retardant for PLA, and the nanocomposites shared this feature, except when MWCNT was used as nanofiller. All systems exhibiting a curtailed crystallization also showed better thermal stability than neat PLA, as assessed from thermogravimetric measurements. As a consequence of favorable interactions between the PLA matrix, lignin, and the nanofillers, homogeneous dispersion or exfoliation was assumed in amorphous samples from the increase of the cooperative rearranging region (CRR) size, being even more remarkable when increasing the lignin content. The amorphous nanocomposites showed a signature of successful filler inclusion, since no rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) was reported at the filler/matrix interface. Finally, the nanocomposites were crystallized up to their maximum extent from the glassy state in nonisothermal conditions. Despite similar degrees of crystallinity and RAF, significant variations in the CRR size were observed among samples, revealing different levels of mobility constraining in the amorphous phase, probably linked to a filler-dimension dependence of space filling.
Responsive Nanostructured Polymer Particles
Authors: Ku Kang Hee
Published: January 2021

Responsive polymer particles with switchable properties are of great importance for designing smart materials in various applications. Recently, the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) and polymer blends within evaporative emulsions has led to advances in the shape-controlled synthesis of polymer particles. Despite extensive recent progress on BCP particles, the responsive shape tuning of BCP particles and their applications have received little attention. This review provides a brief overview of recent approaches to developing non-spherical polymer particles from soft evaporative emulsions based on the physical principles affecting both particle shape and inner structure. Special attention is paid to the stimuli-responsive, shape-changing nanostructured polymer particles, i.e., design of polymers and surfactant pairs, detailed experimental results, and their applications, including the state-of-the-art progress in this field. Finally, the perspectives on current challenges and future directions in this research field are presented, including the development of surfactants with higher reversibility to multiple stimuli and polymers with unique structural functionality, and diversification of polymer architectures.
Optimization of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticle Concentration in Green LED Light Active Dental Photopolymer
Authors: Bukovinszky Katalin , Szalóki Melinda , Csarnovics István , Bonyár Attila , Petrik Péter , Kalas Benjámin , Daróczi Lajos , Kéki Sándor , Kökényesi Sándor , Hegedűs Csaba
Published: January 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) display surface plasmon resonance (SPR) as a result of their irradiation at a targeted light frequency. SPR also results in heat production that increases the temperature of the surrounding environment, affecting polymerization. The aim was to investigate the SPR effect of AuNPs on a dimethacrylate-based photopolymer system. The tested composites were designed to overlap the illumination required for the polymerization and the plasmon effect. The 5 nm-sized dodecanethiol capped AuNPs were applied in different concentrations in the matrix that were irradiated with green light (λ = 532 nm), where the Irgacure 784 photoinitiator also absorbs the light. The plasmonic effect was investigated for the refractive index change by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) supplemented by ellipsometry. Moreover, optical transmission and transmission electron micrographs (TEM), diametral tensile stress (DTS), and confocal Raman spectroscopy was performed to determine the degree of conversion (DC) at 1.0, 1.4, and 2.0 mW/cm2 light intensities. It was found that the optimal conditions were at 0.0208 wt% AuNPs concentration and 1.4 mW/cm2 light intensity at which the refractive index change, DTS, and DC data were all maximal. The study confirmed that AuNPs are applicable to improve the polymerization efficiency of dental composite resin.
In Vitro Anti-Wrinkle and Skin-Moisturizing Effects of Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Sprout and Identification of Its Active Components
Authors: Kim Tae Heon , Kim Woo Jung , Park Soon Yeong , Kim Hoon , Chung Dae Kyun
Published: January 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Oenothera biennis sprout extract (OBS-E) on skin-function improvement in an in vitro system and to identify its pharmaceutically active components. OBS-E showed antioxidant ability in radical scavenging and reducing power assays, significantly inhibited matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -2, and increased the production of type I collagen, indicating its anti-wrinkle activity. Furthermore, OBS-E significantly increased the level of hyaluronic acid (HA) and the expression of moisturizing genes, such as hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3), indicating it is effective in enhancing skin hydration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses showed that OBS-E contained high levels of polyphenolic acids, such as gallic acid and ellagic acid, in addition to flavonoid glycosides, such as luteolin 7-glucuronide and quercetin 3-glucuronide. Our results suggest that these major phytochemicals are likely to play crucial roles in the expression of antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and moisturizing activities of OBS-E.
Discrete-Time Risk Models with Claim Correlated Premiums in a Markovian Environment
Authors: Osatakul Dhiti , Wu Xueyuan
Published: January 2021

In this paper we consider a discrete-time risk model, which allows the premium to be adjusted according to claims experience. This model is inspired by the well-known bonus-malus system in the non-life insurance industry. Two strategies of adjusting periodic premiums are considered: aggregate claims or claim frequency. Recursive formulae are derived to compute the finite-time ruin probabilities, and Lundberg-type upper bounds are also derived to evaluate the ultimate-time ruin probabilities. In addition, we extend the risk model by considering an external Markovian environment in which the claims distributions are governed by an external Markov process so that the periodic premium adjustments vary when the external environment state changes. We then study the joint distribution of premium level and environment state at ruin given ruin occurs. Two numerical examples are provided at the end of this paper to illustrate the impact of the initial external environment state, the initial premium level and the initial surplus on the ruin probability.
Design of a Mechanism with Embedded Suspension to Reconfigure the Agri_q Locomotion Layout
Authors: Visconte Carmen , Cavallone Paride , Carbonari Luca , Botta Andrea , Quaglia Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

The Agri_q is an electric unmanned ground vehicle specifically designed for precision agriculture applications. Since it is expected to traverse on unstructured terrain, especially uneven terrain, or to climb obstacles or slopes, an eight-wheeled locomotion layout, with each pair of wheels supported by a bogie, has been chosen. The wide contact surface between the vehicle and the ground ensures a convenient weight distribution; furthermore, the bogie acts like a filter with respect to ground irregularities, reducing the transmissibility of the oscillations. Nevertheless, this locomotion layout entails a substantial lateral slithering along curved trajectories, which results in an increase of the needed driving torque. Therefore, reducing the number of ground contact points to compare the torque adsorption in different configurations, namely four, six, or eight wheels, could be of interest. This paper presents a reconfiguration mechanism able to modify the Agri_q locomotion layout by lifting one of the two wheels carried by the bogie and to activate, at the same time, a suspension device. The kinematic synthesis of the mechanism and the dynamic characteristics of the Agri_q suspended front module are presented.
Energy-Aware System Design for Autonomous Wireless Sensor Nodes: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kanoun Olfa , Bradai Sonia , Khriji Sabrine , Bouattour Ghada , El Houssaini Dhouha , Ben Ammar Meriam , Naifar Slim , Bouhamed Ayda , Derbel Faouzi , Viehweger Christian
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, wireless sensor networks are becoming increasingly important in several sectors including industry, transportation, environment and medicine. This trend is reinforced by the spread of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in almost all sectors. Autonomous energy supply is thereby an essential aspect as it decides the flexible positioning and easy maintenance, which are decisive for the acceptance of this technology, its wide use and sustainability. Significant improvements made in the last years have shown interesting possibilities for realizing energy-aware wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) by designing manifold and highly efficient energy converters and reducing energy consumption of hardware, software and communication protocols. Using only a few of these techniques or focusing on only one aspect is not sufficient to realize practicable and market relevant solutions. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive review on system design for battery-free and energy-aware WSN, making use of ambient energy or wireless energy transmission. It addresses energy supply strategies and gives a deep insight in energy management methods as well as possibilities for energy saving on node and network level. The aim therefore is to provide deep insight into system design and increase awareness of suitable techniques for realizing battery-free and energy-aware wireless sensor nodes.
Measuring Farm Animal Emotions—Sensor-Based Approaches
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh , Reimert Inonge , Kemp Bas
Published: January 2021

Understanding animal emotions is a key to unlocking methods for improving animal welfare. Currently there are no ‘benchmarks’ or any scientific assessments available for measuring and quantifying the emotional responses of farm animals. Using sensors to collect biometric data as a means of measuring animal emotions is a topic of growing interest in agricultural technology. Here we reviewed several aspects of the use of sensor-based approaches in monitoring animal emotions, beginning with an introduction on animal emotions. Then we reviewed some of the available technological systems for analyzing animal emotions. These systems include a variety of sensors, the algorithms used to process biometric data taken from these sensors, facial expression, and sound analysis. We conclude that a single emotional expression measurement based on either the facial feature of animals or the physiological functions cannot show accurately the farm animal’s emotional changes, and hence compound expression recognition measurement is required. We propose some novel ways to combine sensor technologies through sensor fusion into efficient systems for monitoring and measuring the animals’ compound expression of emotions. Finally, we explore future perspectives in the field, including challenges and opportunities.