bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Fission Governed by Drp1 Regulates Exogenous Fatty Acid Usage and Storage in Hela Cells
Authors: Song Jae-Eun , Alves Tiago C. , Stutz Bernardo , Šestan-Peša Matija , Kilian Nicole , Jin Sungho , Diano Sabrina , Kibbey Richard G. , Horvath Tamas L.
Published: May 2021

In the presence of high abundance of exogenous fatty acids, cells either store fatty acids in lipid droplets or oxidize them in mitochondria. In this study, we aimed to explore a novel and direct role of mitochondrial fission in lipid homeostasis in HeLa cells. We observed the association between mitochondrial morphology and lipid droplet accumulation in response to high exogenous fatty acids. We inhibited mitochondrial fission by silencing dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1) and observed the shift in fatty acid storage-usage balance. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission resulted in an increase in fatty acid content of lipid droplets and a decrease in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Next, we overexpressed carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1), a key mitochondrial protein in fatty acid oxidation, to further examine the relationship between mitochondrial fatty acid usage and mitochondrial morphology. Mitochondrial fission plays a role in distributing exogenous fatty acids. CPT1A controlled the respiratory rate of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation but did not cause a shift in the distribution of fatty acids between mitochondria and lipid droplets. Our data reveals a novel function for mitochondrial fission in balancing exogenous fatty acids between usage and storage, assigning a role for mitochondrial dynamics in control of intracellular fuel utilization and partitioning.
Exploration of Blood Lipoprotein and Lipid Fraction Profiles in Healthy Subjects through Integrated Univariate, Multivariate, and Network Analysis Reveals Association of Lipase Activity and Cholesterol Esterification with Sex and Age
Authors: Balder Yasmijn , Vignoli Alessia , Tenori Leonardo , Luchinat Claudio , Saccenti Edoardo
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigated blood lipoprotein and lipid fraction profiles, quantified using nuclear magnetic resonance, in a cohort of 844 healthy blood donors, integrating standard univariate and multivariate analysis with predictive modeling and network analysis. We observed a strong association of lipoprotein and lipid main fraction profiles with sex and age. Our results suggest an age-dependent remodulation of lipase lipoprotein activity in men and a change in the mechanisms controlling the ratio between esterified and non-esterified cholesterol in both men and women.
Lactic Starter Dose Shapes S. aureus and STEC O26:H11 Growth, and Bacterial Community Patterns in Raw Milk Uncooked Pressed Cheeses
Authors: Piqueras Justine , Chassard Christophe , Callon Cécile , Rifa Etienne , Theil Sébastien , Lebecque Annick , Delbès Céline
Published: May 2021

Adding massive amounts of lactic starters to raw milk to manage the sanitary risk in the cheese-making process could be detrimental to microbial diversity. Adjusting the amount of the lactic starter used could be a key to manage these adverse impacts. In uncooked pressed cheeses, we investigated the impacts of varying the doses of a lactic starter (the recommended one, 1×, a 0.1× lower and a 2× higher) on acidification, growth of Staphylococcus aureus SA15 and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11 F43368, as well as on the bacterial community patterns. We observed a delayed acidification and an increase in the levels of pathogens with the 0.1× dose. This dose was associated with increased richness and evenness of cheese bacterial community and higher relative abundance of potential opportunistic bacteria or desirable species involved in cheese production. No effect of the increased lactic starter dose was observed. Given that sanitary criteria were paramount to our study, the increase in the pathogen levels observed at the 0.1× dose justified proscribing such a reduction in the tested cheese-making process. Despite this, the effects of adjusting the lactic starter dose on the balance of microbial populations of potential interest for cheese production deserve an in-depth evaluation.
Experimental Infection of the Biomphalaria glabrata Vector Snail by Schistosoma mansoni Parasites Drives Snail Microbiota Dysbiosis
Authors: Portet Anaïs , Toulza Eve , Lokmer Ana , Huot Camille , Duval David , Galinier Richard , Gourbal Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Host-parasite interaction can result in a strong alteration of the host-associated microbiota. This dysbiosis can affect the fitness of the host; can modify pathogen interaction and the outcome of diseases. Biomphalaria glabrata is the snail intermediate host of the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, the agent of human schistosomiasis, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Here, we present the first study of the snail bacterial microbiota in response to Schistosoma infection. We examined the interplay between B. glabrata, S. mansoni and host microbiota. Snails were infected and the microbiota composition was analysed by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing approach. We demonstrated that the microbial composition of water did not affect the microbiota composition. Then, we characterised the Biomphalaria bacterial microbiota at the individual scale in both naive and infected snails. Sympatric and allopatric strains of parasites were used for infections and re-infections to analyse the modification or dysbiosis of snail microbiota in different host-parasite co-evolutionary contexts. Concomitantly, using RNAseq, we investigated the link between bacterial microbiota dysbiosis and snail anti-microbial peptide immune response. This work paves the way for a better understanding of snail/schistosome interaction and should have critical consequences in terms of snail control strategies for fighting schistosomiasis disease in the field.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Onosma bourgaei and Onosma trachytricha and in Silico Molecular Docking Analysis of Dominant Compounds
Authors: Istifli Erman Salih
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of methanol (MeOH) extracts from Onosma bourgaei (Boiss.) and O. trachytricha (Boiss.). In addition, the interactions between phytochemicals found in extracts in high amounts and the target enzymes in question were revealed at the molecular scale by performing in silico molecular docking simulations. While the total amount of flavonoid compounds was higher in O. bourgaei, O. trachytricha was richer in phenolics. Chromatographic analysis showed that the major compounds of the extracts were luteolin 7-glucoside, apigenin 7-glucoside and rosmarinic acid. With the exception of the ferrous ion chelating assay, O. trachytricha exhibited higher antioxidant activity than O. bourgaei. O. bourgaei exhibited also slightly higher activity on digestive enzymes. The inhibitory activities of the Onosma species on tyrosinase were almost equal. In addition, the inhibitory activities of the extracts on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were stronger than the activity on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Molecular docking simulations revealed that luteolin 7-glucoside and apigenin 7-glucoside have particularly strong binding affinities against ChEs, tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase when compared with co-crystallized inhibitors. Therefore, it was concluded that the compounds in question could act as effective inhibitors on cholinesterases, tyrosinase and digestive enzymes.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Some Uracil Nucleosides as Promising Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Agents
Authors: Awad Samir Mohamed , Ali Shima Mahmoud , Mansour Yara Essam , Fatahala Samar Said
Published: May 2021

Since herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is so widespread, several antiviral drugs have been developed to treat it, among which are uracil nucleosides. However, there are major problems with the current medications such as severe side-effects and drug resistance. Here we present some newly synthesized cyclic and acyclic uracil nucleosides that showed very promising activity against HSV-1 compared to acyclovir.
Supplementation of Omega 3 during Pregnancy and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Serra Ramón , Peñailillo Reyna , Monteiro Lara J. , Monckeberg Max , Peña Macarena , Moyano Lía , Brunner Camila , Vega Georgina , Choolani Mahesh , Illanes Sebastián E.
Published: May 2021

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal death and long-term consequences for the newborn. This review aims to update the evidence about the potential benefit of pharmacological supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy on the incidence of PTB. The Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Central databases were searched until 28 June 2020 for RCTs in which omega 3 supplementation was used versus placebo to reduce PTB risk. Data from 37 trials were analyzed. We found an 11% reduction in PTB risk (RR(risk ratios), 0.89; 95% CI (confidence intervals), 0.82 to 0.97) in trials using omega 3 supplements versus placebo. Regarding early PTB (ePTB), there was a 27% reduction in the risk of ePTB (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.92). However, after sensitivity analyses, there were no significant differences in PTB and ePTB risk (PTB RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.01, ePTB RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.09). We conclude that omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of PTB and ePTB. More studies are required to determine the effect of omega 3 supplementations during pregnancy and the risk of detrimental fetal outcomes.
Effect of Vitamin K-Mediated PXR Activation on Drug-Metabolizing Gene Expression in Human Intestinal Carcinoma LS180 Cell Line
Authors: Sultana Halima , Kato Ayaka , Ohashi Ai , Takashima Rie , Katsurai Tomoko , Sato Shoko , Monma Masafumi , Ohsaki Yusuke , Goto Tomoko , Komai Michio , Shirakawa Hitoshi
Published: May 2021

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is the key regulator of our defense mechanism against foreign substances such as drugs, dietary nutrients, or environmental pollutants. Because of increased health consciousness, the use of dietary supplements has gradually increased, and most of them can activate PXR. Therefore, an analysis of the interaction between drugs and nutrients is important because altered levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes or transporters can remarkably affect the efficiency of a co-administered drug. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of vitamin K-mediated PXR activation on drug metabolism-related gene expression in intestine-derived LS180 cells via gene expression studies and western blotting analyses. We demonstrated that menaquinone 4 (MK-4), along with other vitamin Ks, including vitamin K1, has the potential to induce MDR1 and CYP3A4 gene expression. We showed that PXR knockdown reversed MK-4-mediated stimulation of these genes, indicating the involvement of PXR in this effect. In addition, we showed that the expression of MDR1 and CYP3A4 genes increased synergistically after 24 h of rifampicin and MK-4 co-treatment. Our study thus elucidates the importance of drug–nutrient interaction mediated via PXR.
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart: MCMV as a Model for HCMV-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Bonavita Cassandra M. , Cardin Rhonda D.
Published: May 2021

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that causes lifelong latent infection and is associated with the exacerbation of chronic inflammatory diseases in seropositive individuals. Of particular impact, HCMV infection is known to worsen many cardiovascular diseases including myocarditis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and transplant vasculopathy. Due to its similarity to HCMV, murine CMV (MCMV) is an appropriate model to understand HCMV-induced pathogenesis in the heart and vasculature. MCMV shares similar sequence homology and recapitulates much of the HCMV pathogenesis, including HCMV-induced cardiovascular diseases. This review provides insight into HCMV-associated cardiovascular diseases and the murine model of MCMV infection, which has been used to study the viral pathogenesis and mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Our new functional studies using echocardiography demonstrate tachycardia and hypertrophy in the mouse, similar to HCMV-induced myocarditis in humans. For the first time, we show long term heart dysfunction and that MCMV reactivates from latency in the heart, which raises the intriguing idea that HCMV latency and frequent virus reactivation perturbs long term cardiovascular function.
Serological Evidence of Backyard Pig Exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Virus during 2016–2017 Epizootic in France
Authors: Hervé Séverine , Schmitz Audrey , Briand François-Xavier , Gorin Stéphane , Quéguiner Stéphane , Niqueux Éric , Paboeuf Frédéric , Scoizec Axelle , Le Bouquin-Leneveu Sophie , Eterradossi Nicolas , Simon Gaëlle
Published: May 2021

In autumn/winter 2016–2017, HPAI-H5N8 viruses belonging to the A/goose/Guandong/1/1996 (Gs/Gd) lineage, clade 2.3.4.4b, were responsible for outbreaks in domestic poultry in Europe, and veterinarians were requested to reinforce surveillance of pigs bred in HPAI-H5Nx confirmed mixed herds. In this context, ten pig herds were visited in southwestern France from December 2016 to May 2017 and serological analyses for influenza A virus (IAV) infections were carried out by ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition assays. In one herd, one backyard pig was shown to have produced antibodies directed against a virus bearing a H5 from clade 2.3.4.4b, suggesting it would have been infected naturally after close contact with HPAI-H5N8 contaminated domestic ducks. Whereas pigs and other mammals, including humans, may have limited sensitivity to HPAI-H5 clade 2.3.4.4b, this information recalls the importance of implementing appropriate biosecurity measures in pig and poultry farms to avoid IAV interspecies transmission, a prerequisite for co-infections and subsequent emergence of new viral genotypes whose impact on both animal and human health cannot be predicted.
Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Controlled Release Viagra® Containing Poloxamer-188 Using Gastroplus™ PBPK Modeling Software for In Vivo Predictions and Pharmacokinetic Assessments
Authors: Arafat Mosab , Sarfraz Muhammad , AbuRuz Salahdein
Published: May 2021

Sildenafil is the active substance in Viagra® tablets, which is approved by the FDA to treat sexual dysfunction in men. Poor solubility and short half-life, however, can limit the span of its effectiveness. Therefore, this study focused on an oral controlled release matrix system with the aim to improve solubility, control the drug release, and sustain the duration of drug activity. The controlled release matrices were prepared with poloxamer-188, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and magnesium stearate. Various formulations of different ratios were developed, evaluated in vitro, and assessed in silico. Poloxamer-188 appeared to have a remarkable influence on the release profile of sildenafil citrate. In general, the rate of drug release decreased as the amount of polymer was gradually increased in the matrix system, achieving a maximum release period over 12 h. The in silico assessment by using the GastroPlus™ PBPK modeling software predicted a significant variation in Cmax, tmax, t1/2, and AUC0-t among the formulations. In conclusion, the combination of polymers in matrix systems can have substantial impact on controlling and modifying the drug release pattern.
Bio-Distribution and Pharmacokinetics of Topically Administered γ-Cyclodextrin Based Eye Drops in Rabbits
Authors: Kallab Martin , Schuetzenberger Kornelia , Hommer Nikolaus , Schäfer Bhavapriya Jasmin , Schmidl Doreen , Bergmeister Helga , Zeitlinger Markus , Tan Aimin , Jansook Phatsawee , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Stefansson Einar , Garhöfer Gerhard
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ocular pharmacokinetics, bio-distribution and local tolerability of γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) based irbesartan 1.5% eye drops and candesartan 0.15% eye drops after single and multiple topical administration in rabbit eyes. In this randomized, controlled study, a total number of 59 New Zealand White albino rabbits were consecutively assigned to two study groups. Group 1 (n = 31) received irbesartan 1.5% and group 2 (n = 28) candesartan 0.15% eye drops. In both groups, single dose and multiple administration pharmacokinetic studies were performed. Rabbits were euthanized at five predefined time points after single-dose administration, whereas multiple-dose animals were dosed for 5 days twice-daily and then euthanized 1 h after the last dose administration. Drug concentration was measured by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the retinal tissue, vitreous humor, aqueous humor, corneal tissue and in venous blood samples. Pharmacokinetic parameters including maximal drug concentration (Cmax), time of maximal drug concentration (Tmax), half-life and AUC were calculated. To assess local tolerability, six additional rabbits received 1.5% irbesartan eye drops twice daily in one eye for 28 days. Tolerability was assessed using a modified Draize test and corneal sensibility by Cochet Bonnet esthesiometry. Both γCD based eye drops were rapidly absorbed and distributed in the anterior and posterior ocular tissues. Within 0.5 h after single administration, the Cmax of irbesartan and candesartan in retinal tissue was 251 ± 142 ng/g and 63 ± 39 ng/g, respectively. In the vitreous humor, a Cmax of 14 ± 16 ng/g for irbesartan was reached 0.5 h after instillation while Cmax was below 2 ng/g for candesartan. For multiple dosing, the observed Cmean in retinal tissue was 338 ± 124 ng/g for irbesartan and 36 ± 10 ng/g for candesartan, whereas mean vitreous humor concentrations were 13 ± 5 ng/g and <2 ng/g, respectively. The highest plasma concentrations of both irbesartan (Cmax 5.64 ± 4.08 ng/mL) and candesartan (Cmax 4.32 ± 1.04 ng/mL) were reached 0.5 h (Tmax) after single administration. Local tolerability was favorable with no remarkable differences between the treated and the control eyes. These results indicate that irbesartan and candesartan in γCD based nanoparticle eye drops can be delivered to the retinal tissue of the rabbit’s eye in pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Moreover, safety and tolerability profiles appear to be favorable in the rabbit animal model.
Anti-Tumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vivo of Apodanthera congestiflora Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: Silvestre Geovana F. G. , Lucena Renally P. , Oliveira Genil D. , Pereira Helimarcos N. , Dias Jhonatta A. B. , Souza Ivone A. , Alves Harley S.
Published: May 2021

This work aimed to carry out a study of Apodanthera congestiflora by investigating its chemical composition and pharmacological potential. From the dichloromethane phase (Dic-Ac) of the A. congestiflora stems, three compounds were identified: cayaponoside C5b (Ac-1), cabenoside C (Ac-2) and fevicordin C2 glucoside (Ac-3), being last identified for the first time as a natural product. These compounds were obtained by chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis of IR, MS and NMR. In the quantification of Dic-Ac, it was possible to observe the presence of 7% of cayaponoside C5b. Dic-Ac showed significant toxicity for in vivo tests, with macroscopic and biochemical changes. The anti-inflammatory activity of Dic-Ac was investigated using the paw edema model. A decrease in inflammatory signs was observed in the first 5 h and the most effective dose in reducing edema with was 7.5 mg kg−1 (66.6%). Anti-tumor activity of Dic-Ac was evaluated by Ehrlich’s carcinoma model, which showed inhibition rate of 78.46% at 15 mg kg−1 dosage. The phytochemical investigation, together with the biological tests carried out in this study, demonstrated that A. congestiflora is a promising species in the search for therapeutics, since it contains substances with high pharmacological potential in its composition.
Development of Pelubiprofen Tromethamine with Improved Gastrointestinal Safety and Absorption
Authors: Park Ji Yeon , Oh Dong Ho , Park Sang-Wook , Chae Bo Ram , Kim Chul Woo , Han Sang Heon , Shin Hyeon Jong , Yeom Soo Bin , Lee Da Yeong , Park Min Kyu , Park Sang-Eun , Park Jun-Bom , Lee Kyung-Tae
Published: May 2021

Pelubiprofen (PEL), which is a commercialized non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events following long-term exposure and has poor water-soluble properties. Here, a new pelubiprofen tromethamine (PEL-T) with improved solubility, permeability, GI safety, and absorption, compared to PEL, has been developed. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results confirmed that the PEL-T was well formed. The powder of PEL-T showed the presence of additional 6H protons at δ 3.66–3.61 in the 1H NMR spectrum, and shifted the sharp endothermic peaks at 129 °C in DSC, and the spectrum of distinct absorption peaks in FT-IR. In addition, compared with PEL, PEL-T showed a significantly improved solubility in various media and an increased permeability coefficient (Kp) in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, compared to PEL oral administration, PEL-T was found to significantly reduce the damaged area in an acute gastric damage rat model. The pharmacokinetic study of the PEL-T powder showed higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 h to the last time point (AUCt) than those of the PEL powder. Taken together, our data suggest that PEL-T is a recommendable candidate with enhanced gastrointestinal safety and better absorption compared with commercial PEL.
Preparation of Activated Carbon/TiO2 Nanohybrids for Photodegradation of Reactive Red-35 Dye Using Sunlight
Authors: Mondol Bappy , Sarker Anupam , Shareque A. M. , Dey Shaikat Chandra , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Das Ajoy Kumar , Shamsuddin Sayed Md. , Molla Md. Ashraful Islam , Sarker Mithun
Published: May 2021

Activated carbon/titanium dioxide (AC/TiO2) nanohybrids were synthesized by a hydrothermal technique using various weight percent of commercial AC and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized nanohybrids were applied to photodegradation of Reactive Red-35 (RR-35) dye in aqueous solution using sunlight. Due to the synergistic effect of adsorption and photodegradation activity, AC/TiO2 nanohybrids were more efficient in treating the aqueous dye solution than that of AC and TiO2. The maximum (95%) RR-35 dye removal from the water was obtained with 20 wt% AC/TiO2 within 30 min at natural pH of 5.6. The possible photodegradation mechanism of RR-35 dye with AC/TiO2 was discussed from the scavenger test. Moreover, AC/TiO2 was found to be suitable for long-term repeated applications through recyclability experiments. Therefore, AC/TiO2 nanohybrid is a promising photocatalyst for treating azo dyes especially RR-35 from water.
Sown Wildflowers Enhance Habitats of Pollinators and Beneficial Arthropods in a Tomato Field Margin
Authors: Kati Vaya , Karamaouna Filitsa , Economou Leonidas , Mylona Photini V. , Samara Maria , Mitroiu Mircea-Dan , Barda Myrto , Edwards Mike , Liberopoulou Sofia
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the capacity of selected plants, sown along a processing tomato field margin in central Greece and natural vegetation, to attract beneficial and Hymenoptera pollinating insects and questioned whether they can distract pollinators from crop flowers. Measurements of flower cover and attracted pollinators and beneficial arthropods were recorded from early-May to mid-July, during the cultivation period of the crop. Flower cover was higher in the sown mixtures compared to natural vegetation and was positively correlated with the number of attracted pollinators. The sown Glebionis coronaria, Coriandrum sativum, Anethum graveolens, and Fagopyrum esculentum attracted mainly wild bees, which were the most abundant pollinating insects. In the natural vegetation, Rapistrum rugosum attracted mainly honeybees, while Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, and Apiaceae species attracted wild bees. Beneficial arthropod abundance and diversity were higher in the sown mixture. Tomato flowers were visited by a small number of wild bees. Their number was not affected by the distance from the field margin, indicating no distraction effect from the sown or natural vegetation flowering plants. Our results suggest that selected flowering plants can improve the field margin habitats for pollinating insects and beneficial arthropods, but more work is needed to elucidate the effect on crop pollination.
Triterpenoids from Vitellaria paradoxa Stem Barks Reduce Nitrite Levels in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Sirignano Carmina , Nadembega Pascal , Poli Ferruccio , Romano Barbara , Lucariello Giuseppe , Rigano Daniela , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio
Published: May 2021

Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn is widely used in African traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy to treat rheumatism, gastric problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. The phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of V. paradoxa stem bark collected in Burkina Faso led to the isolation of eight known and two triterpenes undescribed to date (7 and 10), in the free alcohol form or as acetyl and cinnamyl ester derivatives. The stereostructures of the new compounds were elucidated using HR-ESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR data. The isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory effect on nitrite levels on murine macrophages J774 stimulated with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Among all the compounds tested, lupeol cinnamate (3) and betulinic acid (5) showed a beneficial effect in reducing nitrite levels produced after LPS stimulation.
Accelerated Testing Method for Predicting Long-Term Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Shape Memory Polymer Composites in a Low Earth Orbit Environment
Authors: Jang Joon-Hyeok , Hong Seok-Bin , Kim Jin-Gyun , Goo Nam-Seo , Yu Woong-Ryeol
Published: May 2021

Carbon fiber-reinforced shape memory polymer composites (CF-SMPCs) have been researched as a potential next-generation material for aerospace application, due to their lightweight and self-deployable properties. To this end, the mechanical properties of CF-SMPCs, including long-term durability, must be characterized in aerospace environments. In this study, the storage modulus of CF-SMPCs was investigated in a simulation of a low Earth orbit (LEO) environment involving three harsh conditions: high vacuum, and atomic oxygen (AO) and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. CF-SMPCs in a LEO environment degrade over time due to temperature extremes and matrix erosion by AO. The opposite behavior was observed in our experiments, due to crosslinking induced by AO and UV light exposure in the LEO environment. The effects of the three harsh conditions on the properties of CF-SMPCs were characterized individually, using accelerated tests conducted at various temperatures in a space environment chamber, and were then combined using the time–temperature superposition principle. The long-term mechanical behavior of CF-SMPCs in the LEO environment was then predicted by the linear product of the shift factors obtained from the three accelerated tests. The results also indicated only a slight change in the shape memory performance of the CF-SMPCs.
Interactions in Electrodeposited Poly-3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene—Tungsten Oxide Composite Films Studied with Spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Efremova Aleksandra O. , Tolstopjatova Elena G. , Holze Rudolf , Kondratiev Veniamin V.
Published: May 2021

Cyclic voltammograms and optical absorption spectra of PEDOT/WO3 composite films were recorded in order to identify possible interactions and modes of improved performance of the composite as compared to the single materials. Changes in the shape of redox peaks related to the W(VI)/W(V) couple in the CVs of WO3 and the composite PEDOT/WO3 films indicate electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged tungsten oxide species and the positively charged conducting polymer. Smaller peak separation suggests a more reversible redox process due to the presence of the conducting polymer matrix, accelerating electron transfer between tungsten ions. Electronic absorption spectra of the materials were analyzed with respect to changes of the shapes of the spectra and characteristic band positions. There are no noticeable changes in the position of the electronic absorption bands of the main chromophores in the electronic spectra of the composite film. Obviously, the interactions accelerating the redox performance do not show up in the optical spectra. This suggests that the existing electrostatic interactions in the composite do not significantly change the opto-electronic properties of components of the composite but resulted in the redistribution of fractions of polaron and bipolaron forms in the polymer.
Interface Modification, Water Absorption Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Injection Moulded Short Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Manaia João P. , Manaia Ana
Published: May 2021

The effects of maleic anhydride, stearic acid and water absorption on the physical and flexural properties of injection moulded short hemp fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites were investigated, in order to understand the suitability of these materials for outdoor applications. The water absorption, diffusion mechanisms and kinetics of composites were evaluated by immersing the specimens in distilled water at 23 °C. Flexural fracture surface morphologies were investigated in order to compare the results of flexural tests with qualitative morphological observations. The process of water absorption was found to follow the Fickian mode of diffusion. Flexural properties (Ef and σfm) were affected by the water absorption. The addition of maleic anhydride and stearic acid enhanced the resistance to water absorption of composites and resulted in a slight increase of flexural properties of composites based on a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The reduction in flexural properties induced by the degradation of matrix-fiber interfacial bonding due to water absorbed was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Independent Variation of Reynolds Number, Wall Shear Stress and Flow Velocity for Cleaning Experiments: A Geometrically Flexible Parallel Plate Flow Cell
Authors: Vijayasarathi Lakshmi Narasiman , Spies Bernhard , Nasato Daniel Schiochet , Briesen Heiko , Foerst Petra
Published: May 2021

For a long time, determining the factors influencing the cleaning of technical surfaces in the food and beverage industry has been of significant interest. In this study, an innovative test setup with a newly designed parallel plate flow cell was implemented to assess the cleaning of soluble molecular fouling materials, which allows for the independent variation of flow parameters, such as the Reynolds number, velocity, and wall shear stress. The test setup used fluorescence spectroscopy; it was found to produce reliable measurements of cleaning, and the results were confirmed with the help of another fluorescent tracer. A comparison of cleaning times for both equipment revealed that the cleaning times tend to have a geometrically independent power-law relationship with the wall shear stress and velocity, and they were used to directly correlate the cleaning times of the used soluble fouling material. However, the Reynolds number showed a geometric dependence on cleaning times. Nevertheless, on dividing the Reynolds number with respective channel characteristic lengths, geometric independence was observed, and, therefore, a correlation was obtained. We also suggest that complex fouling materials should still be investigated to elucidate their cleaning mechanisms better and test for parameter influences on complex cleaning mechanisms.
The American Cyrus: How an Ancient King Became a Political Tool for Voter Mobilization
Authors: Trangerud Hanne Amanda
Published: May 2021

During the 2016 presidential election, Evangelical supporters of Donald Trump presented him as a modern version of the ancient King Cyrus of Persia. To many conservative Christians, the comparison offered a justification of voting for a candidate whose character supposedly was at odds with their Christian virtues. Subsequent to his inauguration, the idea of Trump being an American Cyrus continued to develop and circulate. It is the aim of this article to deepen the understanding of Cyrus as a political tool in the West and explain how he ended up as a means to mobilize American voters. With an emphasis on the last 250 years, the article looks at how various personalities have been compared to Cyrus or presented as modern Cyruses. Based on these examples, it develops a typology, arguing that the modern Cyrus can be best understood as different types and subtypes, of which several have been applied to Trump. The article demonstrates how the various subtypes have separate evolutionary lines, which in turn can be attributed to different goals and functions.
Urinary Bladder Metastasis from Gastric Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mitsimponas Nikolaos , Zervopoulos Georgios
Published: May 2021

Bladder metastasis from gastric cancer is a unique clinical entity, which can be revealed infrequently in patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Secondary neoplasms to the bladder are also a less frequent clinical entity representing only 15% of all bladder neoplasms. Gastric cancers consist of an exceptionally small percentage of all secondary bladder neoplasms. Until now only 27 cases were recorded in the international medical literature. The current work analyzes a 65-year old male patient who presented initially with a locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. He was treated with a combination of total gastrectomy and perioperative chemotherapy. Eight months later presented a relapse with bladder metastasis, liver metastasis and peritoneal involvement. Furthermore, in this manuscript, we conducted a review of the recorded cases with bladder metastasis from gastric cancer. In the most of cases the diagnosis of bladder metastasis was metachronous with an average time of presentation in four years after the primary diagnosis of gastric cancer and most of the patients of our review presented with urinary symptoms at the time of diagnosis of bladder metastasis. Concerning the management of the metastatic disease surgical management with total or partial cystectomy was performed in 11% of patients and TUR was performed in 22% of patients. Palliative chemotherapy for the management of metastatic disease was initiated in 46% of patients.
A Method for Optimizing and Spatially Distributing Heating Systems by Coupling an Urban Energy Simulation Platform and an Energy System Model
Authors: Steingrube Annette , Bao Keyu , Wieland Stefan , Lalama Andrés , Kabiro Pithon M. , Coors Volker , Schröter Bastian
Published: May 2021

District heating is seen as an important concept to decarbonize heating systems and meet climate mitigation goals. However, the decision related to where central heating is most viable is dependent on many different aspects, like heating densities or current heating structures. An urban energy simulation platform based on 3D building objects can improve the accuracy of energy demand calculation on building level, but lacks a system perspective. Energy system models help to find economically optimal solutions for entire energy systems, including the optimal amount of centrally supplied heat, but do not usually provide information on building level. Coupling both methods through a novel heating grid disaggregation algorithm, we propose a framework that does three things simultaneously: optimize energy systems that can comprise all demand sectors as well as sector coupling, assess the role of centralized heating in such optimized energy systems, and determine the layouts of supplying district heating grids with a spatial resolution on the street level. The algorithm is tested on two case studies; one, an urban city quarter, and the other, a rural town. In the urban city quarter, district heating is economically feasible in all scenarios. Using heat pumps in addition to CHPs increases the optimal amount of centrally supplied heat. In the rural quarter, central heat pumps guarantee the feasibility of district heating, while standalone CHPs are more expensive than decentral heating technologies.
Analysis of BDS/GPS Signals’ Characteristics and Navigation Accuracy for a Geostationary Satellite
Authors: Wang Meng , Shan Tao , Zhang Wanwei , Huan Hao
Published: May 2021

The utilization of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is becoming an attractive navigation approach for geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. A high-sensitivity receiver compatible with Global Position System (GPS) developed by the United States and BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) developed by China has been used in a GEO satellite named TJS-5 to demonstrate feasibility of real-time navigation. According to inflight data, the GNSS signal characteristics including availability, position dilution of precision (PDOP), carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N0), observations quantity and accuracy are analyzed. The mean number of GPS and GPS + BDS satellites tracked are 7.4 and 11.7 and the mean PDOP of GPS and GPS + BDS are 10.24 and 3.91, respectively. The use of BDS significantly increases the number of available navigation satellites and improves the PDOP. The number of observations with respect to C/N0 is illustrated in detail. The standard deviation of the pseudorange noises are less than 4 m, and the corresponding carrier phase noises are mostly less than 8 mm. We present the navigation performance using only GPS observations and GPS + BDS observations combination at different weights through comparisons with the precision reference orbits. When GPS combined with BDS observations, the root mean square (RMS) of the single-epoch least square position accuracy can improve from 32.1 m to 16.5 m and the corresponding velocity accuracy can improve from 0.238 m/s to 0.165 m/s. The RMS of real-time orbit determination position accuracy is 5.55 m and the corresponding velocity accuracy is 0.697 mm/s when using GPS and BDS combinations. Especially, the position accuracy in x-axis direction reduced from 7.24 m to 4.09 m when combined GPS with BDS observations.
A Strategy of Parallel Seed-Based Image Segmentation Algorithms for Handling Massive Image Tiles over the Spark Platform
Authors: Chen Fang , Wang Ning , Yu Bo , Qin Yuchu , Wang Lei
Published: May 2021

The volume of remote sensing images continues to grow as image sources become more diversified and with increasing spatial and spectral resolution. The handling of such large-volume datasets, which exceed available CPU memory, in a timely and efficient manner is becoming a challenge for single machines. The distributed cluster provides an effective solution with strong calculation power. There has been an increasing number of big data technologies that have been adopted to deal with large images using mature parallel technology. However, since most commercial big data platforms are not specifically developed for the remote sensing field, two main issues exist in processing large images with big data platforms using a distributed cluster. On the one hand, the quantities and categories of official algorithms used to process remote sensing images in big data platforms are limited compared to large amounts of sequential algorithms. On the other hand, the sequential algorithms employed directly to process large images in parallel over a distributed cluster may lead to incomplete objects in the tile edges and the generation of large communication volumes at the shuffle stage. It is, therefore, necessary to explore the distributed strategy and adapt the sequential algorithms over the distributed cluster. In this research, we employed two seed-based image segmentation algorithms to construct a distributed strategy based on the Spark platform. The proposed strategy focuses on modifying the incomplete objects by processing border areas and reducing the communication volume to a reasonable size by limiting the auxiliary bands and the buffer size to a small range during the shuffle stage. We calculated the F-measure and execution time to evaluate the accuracy and execution efficiency. The statistical data reveal that both segmentation algorithms maintained high accuracy, as achieved in the reference image segmented in the sequential way. Moreover, generally the strategy took less execution time compared to significantly larger auxiliary bands and buffer sizes. The proposed strategy can modify incomplete objects, with execution time being twice as fast as the strategies that do not employ communication volume reduction in the distributed cluster.
Cultivating a Safer Organizational Climate in the Public Sector: Mistreatment Intervention Using the Four Pillars of Lifelong Learning
Authors: Itzkovich Yariv , Dolev Niva
Published: May 2021

Workplace mistreatment damages employees and organizations and should be mitigated. Thus, the present study’s primary goal was to develop, employ, and evaluate an intervention program to promote a safer organizational climate in a public sector organization. In this study, UNESCO’s four pillars of lifelong learning were applied to alleviate mistreatment and promote a sustainable and safer climate. Using a qualitative research method, employees were interviewed once before a sequence of two workshops to capture their experiences and perceptions regarding mistreatment, and again a few weeks after completing the intervention to exemine its impact. The first workshop raised an awareness of mistreatment, and the second provided the participants with practical and personal tools to cope with mistreatment. The intervention was found to increase knowledge and understanding and allowed for the acquisition of competencies and tools that enhanced employees’ ability to spend time together, improve their social climate, and flourish personally and professionally. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed.
Technification in Dairy Farms May Reconcile Habitat Conservation in a Brazilian Savanna Region
Authors: dos Santos Juliana Silveira , Miziara Fausto , Fernandes Hayla da Silva , Miranda Renato Cezar , Collevatti Rosane Garcia
Published: May 2021

The assessment of the relationships between farm management systems and nature conservation may help in the design of more efficient strategies to uphold economic benefits and biodiversity conservation. To our knowledge, this is the first work in Brazil to study the relationship between farm conservation status and technification level. Here, we test the hypothesis that dairy farms with higher levels of technification have a higher percentage of natural vegetation and connectivity, and that differences in environment features between farms explain their conservation status. We obtained variables related to the level of technification such as feed, milking, sanitary control and breeding management systems. We show that farmers with a higher level of technification, such as artificial insemination in cattle breeding, tended to conserve a higher percentage of natural vegetation, as well as larger farms with a higher percentage of riparian forest. The adoption of artificial insemination is associated with other technification systems such as a forage diet, milking method and frequency and sanitary control. It is also significantly related to higher milk productivity. Our novel results point to a positive effect of technification on the conservation of natural vegetation, suggesting that economic incentives and programs aimed at increasing technification in cattle breeding may increase dairy production and conservation within the study area. Our findings also show an effect of larger areas of riparian forests, which are protected by Brazilian policy, in the conservation status of dairy farms.
A Conceptual Framework Integrating “Building Back Better” and Post-Earthquake Needs for Recovery and Reconstruction
Authors: Shi Manjiang , Cao Qi , Ran Baisong , Wei Lanyan
Published: May 2021

Global disasters due to earthquakes have become more frequent and intense. Consequently, post-disaster recovery and reconstruction has become the new normal in the social process. Through post-disaster reconstruction, risks can be effectively reduced, resilience can be improved, and long-term stability can be achieved. However, there is a gap between the impact of post-earthquake reconstruction and the needs of the people in the disaster area. Based on the international consensus of “building back better” (BBB) and a post-disaster needs assessment method, this paper proposes a new (N-BBB) conceptual model to empirically analyze recovery after the Changning Ms 6.0 earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. The reliability of the model was verified through factor analysis. The main observations were as follows. People’s needs focus on short-term life and production recovery during post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction. Because of disparities in families, occupations, and communities, differences are observed in the reconstruction time sequence and communities. Through principal component analysis, we found that the N-BBB model constructed in this study could provide strong policy guidance in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction after the Changning Ms 6.0 earthquake, effectively coordinate the “top-down” and “bottom-up” models, and meet the diversified needs of such recovery and reconstruction.
Global and International Logistics
Authors: Shibasaki Ryuichi , Watanabe Daisuke , Kawasaki Tomoya
Published: May 2021

In the present world, with the recent advances in the globalization of trade and economic activity, research on the logistics issue should be approached from more global or international viewpoints, to achieve sustainable economic development [...]
Assessment of the Variability of Air Pollutant Concentrations at Industrial, Traffic and Urban Background Stations in Krakow (Poland) Using Statistical Methods
Authors: Oleniacz Robert , Gorzelnik Tomasz
Published: May 2021

In cities with an extensive air quality monitoring (AQM) system, the results of pollutant concentration measurements obtained in this system can be used not only for current assessments of air pollution, but also for analyzes aimed at better identification of factors influencing the air quality and for tracking trends in changes taking place in this regard. This can be achieved with the use of statistical methods that allow for the assessment of the variability of measurement data observed at stations of various types and for the determination of possible interdependencies between these data. In this article, an analysis of this type was carried out for traffic, urban background and industrial AQM stations in Krakow (Southern Poland) operating in the years 2017–2018 with the use of, i.a., cluster analyzes, as well as dependent samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, taking into account the concentrations of air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), benzene (C6H6) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). On the basis of the conducted analyzes, similarities and differences were shown between the data observed at individual types of stations, and the possibilities of using them to identify the causes of the observed changes and the effects of remedial actions to improve air quality undertaken recently and planned in the future were indicated. It was found that the air concentrations of some substances measured at these stations can be used to assess the emission abatement effects in road transport (NO2, PM10 or C6H6), residential heating (PM10 or SO2), and selective industrial plants (SO2, NO2 or C6H6).